Speech by STL at rollout ceremony of Port Community System
Following is the speech by the Secretary for Transport and Logistics, Ms Mable Chan, at the rollout ceremony of the Port Community System today (January 16):
Recognising that some of our guests are non-Chinese speaking, I would also like to extend our warm welcome to you all in English as well. Today marks a pivotal moment in Hong Kong's journey towards a smarter, more connected future as an international maritime centre, as our Port Community System (PCS) is finally in place for full roll-out for the industry's use.
In the face of global transformation in the digital world, port digitalisation is a strategic imperative. The PCS is our foundational digital infrastructure, designed to integrate multimodal transport information and enhance transparency. Its core mission is to connect transport information, trade flows with capital flows, thereby solidifying Hong Kong's multifaceted role as an international financial, trade and maritime centre.
Looking ahead, we will unlock even greater value from the PCS. We will collaborate with the Customs and Excise Department to develop a dedicated module on the PCS platform. As the first phase, the PCS will help digitise the cargo detention notification process, thereby providing industry players with faster and more transparent information. This marks a concrete step towards a "Smart Customs" vision, enhancing customs clearance efficiency through digital collaboration.
Furthermore, LSCM (Logistics and Supply Chain MultiTech R&D Centre) and my bureau will sign a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding with FUNDel Limited, a local fintech start-up that connects e-commerce merchants, logistics companies, and financial institutions to collaborate in catalysing the development of innovative financial products by leveraging the trusted logistics data within the PCS. I look forward to the success of this collaboration; this is the first step, and I look forward to seeing more, which will help transform data potential into tangible financial benefits, particularly for our SMEs.
The PCS system that we roll out formally today signifies the shared vision for our port in three "i's": that is intelligent, interconnected, and indispensable to global trade. A port where data does not only track cargo but fuels growth, unlocks finance, and builds trust within our industry.
Indeed, maritime and port are closely entwined with logistics, and so is the PCS, which covers sea, land and air. Hence, I am very delighted to announce two more achievements on logistics development on this momentous day. First, we will announce the findings of the planning study on the development of a modern logistics cluster in Hung Shui Kiu/Ha Tsuen New Development Area later today. Our aim is to leverage the transport network under planning in the area and Hong Kong's edge in sea, land and air cargo transport, and create a market-enabling environment through introducing market-oriented provisions and development terms as well as innovative measures to answer the industry's needs. Together, we hope to build a smart and green modern logistics cluster in our pivotal and strategic location in Hung Shui Kiu and Ha Tsuen New Development Area. We will invite expressions of interest from the industries to attract major enterprises to lead the cluster's development based on an enterprise-oriented development principle. Second, we are also releasing today an ESG data collection toolkit that will help the trade, especially the SMEs, the frontline industry practitioners, to effectively collect and record ESG data, so as to enable them to better comply with international and global ESG compliance requirements. Thank you very much.
(Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the speech.)
Ms Mable Chan, the Secretary for Transport and Logistics, Photo source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Hong Kong Police Force and Korean National Police Agency sign MOU to strengthen co-operation
The Commissioner of Police, Mr Chow Yat-ming, led a delegation of the Hong Kong Police Force (HKPF) to Seoul, Korea, from July 28 to 29, where they visited various local police units and signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Korean National Police Agency (KNPA) to deepen strategic partnership and strengthen co-operation in combating cross-border crime and professional training.
The delegation visited the Police Human Resources Development Institute and the Korean National Police University on July 28 to learn about the latest developments in police training, leadership development, and professional education by the Korean police, and to exchange experiences on talent cultivation and modern policing management.
On July 29, the delegation met with the Acting Commissioner General of the Korean National Police Agency, Mr Yoo Jae-sung, to share insights on law enforcement issues of mutual concern and to explore opportunities for further deepening collaboration. Following the meeting, Mr Chow and Mr Yoo, representing the HKPF and the KNPA respectively, signed an MOU to establish a co-operation framework to strengthen joint efforts against cross-border crimes, including drug trafficking, human trafficking, cybercrime, and money laundering, while fostering intelligence exchange, capacity building, and professional training. The MOU will further enhance both sides' capability to address the challenges posed by regional and international crime.
The HKPF and the KNPA signed an MOU in 2015 and have since maintained close co-operation in areas including anti-deception efforts, large-scale event management, and police capacity building. The signing of the new agreement underscores both sides' commitment to deepening collaboration in addressing emerging crime trends. Beyond enhancing public safety and crime-fighting capabilities in both jurisdictions, the agreement will leverage the partners' networks to build a broader platform for law enforcement co-operation across the Asia-Pacific region.
In the afternoon, the delegation visited the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency and the cybercrime investigation unit to learn about the latest local policing work and developments, as well as the most up-to-date strategies for combating technology crimes and addressing emerging cyber threats. The two sides also shared experiences on leveraging innovative technologies to enhance law enforcement effectiveness. The delegation concluded its visit and departed for Hong Kong in the evening.
The Commissioner of Police, Mr Chow Yat-ming led a delegation of the Hong Kong Police Force to Seoul, Korea, from July 28 to 29. Photo shows Mr Chow (third left), and the delegation visiting the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency on July 29 to learn about the local policing work and developments, as well as the most up-to-date strategies for combating technology crimes and addressing emerging cyber threats. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
The Commissioner of Police, Mr Chow Yat-ming led a delegation of the Hong Kong Police Force to Seoul, Korea, from July 28 to 29. Photo shows Mr Chow (middle), and the delegation visiting the Korean National Police University on July 28 to learn about the latest developments in police training and professional education by the Korean police. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
The Commissioner of Police, Mr Chow Yat-ming, led a delegation of the Hong Kong Police Force to Seoul, Korea. On July 29, Mr Chow (first right) met with the Acting Commissioner General of the Korean National Police Agency, Mr Yoo Jae-sung (first left), to exchange insights on law enforcement issues of mutual concern. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
The Commissioner of Police, Mr Chow Yat-ming led a delegation of the Hong Kong Police Force to Seoul, Korea, from July 28 to 29. Photo shows Mr Chow (front row, third left), and the delegation visiting the Police Human Resources Development Institute on July 28 to learn about the latest developments in police training and professional education by the Korean police. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
The Commissioner of Police, Mr Chow Yat-ming, led a delegation of the Hong Kong Police Force to Seoul, Korea, from July 28 to 29. Photo shows Mr Chow (right), with the Acting Commissioner General of the Korean National Police Agency, Mr Yoo Jae-sung (left), after the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on July 29. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
