CUHK and MicroSigX Launch Innovative Test for Early Autism Diagnosis

Opening remarks by SITI at "CUHK and MicroSigX partner to launch breakthrough test aiding early autism diagnosis"

Following are the opening remarks by the Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Professor Sun Dong, at the "CUHK and MicroSigX partner to launch breakthrough test aiding early autism diagnosis" today (December 17):

Professor Chan (Choh-Ming Li Professor of Medicine and Therapeutics of thethe Faculty of Medicine of the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Professor Francis Chan), Professor Ng (Associate Dean (Research) of the Faculty of Medicine of the Chinese University of Hong Kong and Croucher Professor of Medical Sciences, Professor Siew Ng), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

Good morning. I am pleased to join the Faculty of Medicine of CUHK (Chinese University of Hong Kong) at the launch of its groundbreaking innovation in early detection of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Congratulations to CUHK Faculty of Medicine and MicroSigX on your achievements, which once again exemplify the fruitful outcomes of our collaborative efforts in innovation and technology (I&T).

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government is firmly committed to developing Hong Kong into an international I&T centre. This vision builds on our flourishing life and health technology research, underpinned by the close collaboration among the Government, industry, academia, and research sectors. We have been channeling more funding support into our universities for commercialising their research and development (R&D) outcomes through various initiatives such as the Research, Academic and Industry Sectors One-plus Scheme launched in 2023. The Scheme has been well received by universities as well as the industry sector. Since its inception, a total of 49 projects were supported in the first two rounds, covering various technological fields including health and medical sciences, new materials and new energy, artificial intelligence and robotics, etc, with the total funding amounting to over $2 billion.

Another major I&T initiative of the Government to develop Hong Kong into an international I&T centre is the InnoHK Research Clusters. InnoHK leverages Hong Kong's advantages as an international city to promote global I&T co-operation and bring together leading researchers from around the world to conduct R&D in collaboration with local universities. The Government has encouraged the research centres under InnoHK to further increase the adoption rate of R&D projects, promote recognition in the industry and accelerate technology transfer and commercialisation of R&D outcomes. It is worth noting that MicroSigX's technology is in part underpinned by the research conducted at Microbiota I-Center, a research centre established under InnoHK. We are happy to see that our research centres under InnoHK are turning upstream R&D into real application and products in the market.

Today's pilot initiative not only marks a milestone in commercialisation of research and development outcomes, but also benefits the underprivileged local families by providing free tests to those in need with the assistance of non-governmental organisations. This is exactly our ultimate goal in promoting I&T: harnessing technological breakthroughs to benefit our society as a whole. We genuinely hope that advances in technology will bring meaningful benefits for society at large and improve people's quality of life.

The Government will continue to provide robust policy and support to enhance the overall I&T ecosystem in Hong Kong and develop Hong Kong into an international I&T centre. Let us work hand in hand to realise this vision. Thank you.

Opening remarks by SITI at "CUHK and MicroSigX partner to launch breakthrough test aiding early autism diagnosis" Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Advisory Committee on Development of International Aviation Superhub holds first meeting

The Advisory Committee on Development of International Aviation Superhub (ACDIAS), chaired by the Secretary for Transport and Logistics, Ms Mable Chan, convened its first meeting today (December 17), signifying a pivotal advancement in enhancing Hong Kong's position as an international aviation superhub.

Ms Chan said at the meeting, "With steadfast national support and strong global connectivity, Hong Kong stands as an international aviation superhub. The transition to a three-runway system enables us to achieve unprecedented growth and forge new global partnerships. The establishment of the ACDIAS demonstrates our commitment to enhancing our aviation network, improving intermodal connections within the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) and developing a skilled workforce. We will leverage Hong Kong's advantages and opportunities of enjoying strong support of the motherland while being closely connected to the world, proactively aligning with the national 15th Five-Year-Plan. I hope that with members' collective wisdom and insights, Hong Kong will continue to thrive as a leading aviation superhub."

As outlined in the Chief Executive's 2025 Policy Address, the Government is dedicated to bolstering Hong Kong's position as an international aviation hub through multipronged strategies, including accelerating the expansion of the aviation network, enhancing intermodal connectivity in the GBA, advancing the development of the Airport City, and reinforcing Hong Kong's status as the world's leading air cargo hub. The ACDIAS indicated support to the policy directions of the Government, offering suggestions on how the unique advantages of Hong Kong under the "one country, two systems" principle should be leveraged.

Among others, members considered that intermodal connectivity in the GBA would be conducive to the sustainable growth of Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA). To this end, the Government has been working closely with the aviation industry to strengthen the intermodal network of HKIA and the attractiveness of Hong Kong as a transfer hub in the GBA, such as providing more incentive for transfer passengers by expanding the scope of exemption from the airport passenger departure tax with effect from October 1 this year. Members also noted the positive feedback received from the market since the announcement of the Airport Authority Hong Kong's brand SKYTOPIA early this year, and advised on ways to maximise the associated socioeconomic benefits.

The ACDIAS has been established to provide high-level advice to the Government in charting the future course of the development of Hong Kong's aviation industry. It comprises members from a broad spectrum of sectors including aviation, business and finance, innovation and technology, logistics and transport, academia, and tourism, as well as representatives from relevant government bureaux and departments.

Advisory Committee on Development of International Aviation Superhub holds first meeting Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Advisory Committee on Development of International Aviation Superhub holds first meeting Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Advisory Committee on Development of International Aviation Superhub holds first meeting Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases