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

DH investigates case of severe paediatric influenza A infection

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (July 26) investigating a severe paediatric influenza A infection case. The CHP urged the public to maintain good personal and environmental hygiene at all times to prevent influenza and other respiratory illnesses.

The case involves a 6-year-old girl with good past health who presented with a cough since July 20. She developed a fever, runny nose, sore throat and tiredness on July 23 and was brought to seek medical attention at a private clinic. As her symptoms persisted, she was taken to the Accident and Emergency Department of Prince of Wales Hospital on July 24, and was admitted to the paediatric intensive care unit for treatment. Her respiratory specimen collected by the hospital on July 24 tested positive for influenza A (H1) virus. Her clinical diagnosis was influenza A infection complicated with shock. The patient remains hospitalised in stable condition and is transferred to a general ward.

The CHP's preliminary investigation revealed that the girl had received the 2025/26 seasonal influenza vaccination. As the patient travelled to Japan during the incubation period (July 16 to 19), the CHP classified the case as an imported case. The CHP will continue to investigate the case. One of the girl's household contacts developed mild upper respiratory symptoms and tested negative for influenza virus. The CHP will continue to investigate the case.

Since Hong Kong entered the influenza season in late June, the influenza activity has continued to increase. Based on historical surveillance data, the CHP expects the influenza activity to rise steadily for some time after the start of the influenza season before reaching its peak and is expected to remain high in the coming weeks.

The CHP reminded members of the public, especially children, the elderly and those with underlying illnesses, to seek medical advice promptly for early treatment if they present with fever and respiratory symptoms. As the health condition of children with influenza can deteriorate rapidly, parents must pay close attention to their condition, and visit an accident and emergency department immediately if the child's condition deteriorates with symptoms such as shortness of breath, wheezing, blue lips, chest pain, confusion, a persistent fever or convulsions.

In addition, the public should maintain good personal and environmental hygiene at all times to prevent contracting influenza and other respiratory illnesses. Given that Hong Kong is currently in the influenza season and the COVID-19 activity has significantly increased, high-risk individuals should wear surgical masks when staying in crowded places; the general public is also advised to wear a surgical mask when taking public transport or staying in crowded places. People with respiratory symptoms, even if mild, should wear a surgical mask and seek medical advice promptly. They should also consider whether to attend work or school. If symptomatic individuals live with high-risk or immunocompromised persons, they should also wear a surgical mask at home to minimise the risk of cross-infection. They should also ensure proper ventilation indoors and enhance the cleaning and disinfection of the household environment.

Members of the public may refer to the CHP'sCOVID-19 & Flu Express,Seasonal Influenza Webpage,COVID-19 Vaccination Programme Webpage, andVaccination Schemes Webpage, for the latest information.

Source: AI-found images