ITC Collaborates with ICAC to Combat Fraud in Government Technology Funding

ITC and ICAC join efforts in combating fraud under Technology Voucher Programme

The Innovation and Technology Commission (ITC) today (January 30) joined the press briefing held by the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) on the enforcement operations against fraud involving government technology funding.

On the joint efforts with the ICAC in combating fraud under the Technology Voucher Programme (TVP), an ITC spokesperson said, "The ITC and the Hong Kong Productivity Council, which serves as the Secretariat of the TVP, have long been rigorously reviewing the information submitted by applicants to ensure the eligibility of the applications and that the project deliverables conform to relevant requirements. The current case demonstrates the high level of vigilance perceived by members of the ITC and the Secretariat, who proactively reported the concerned cases to law enforcement agencies when there was suspicion during the vetting procedures, and worked hand in hand with the ICAC during the investigation process. With the assistance of the ITC and the Secretariat, the ICAC successfully cracked the case and brought the criminal syndicate to justice."

The TVP was launched in 2016 to subsidise local enterprises/organisations in using technological services and solutions on a matching basis, to improve productivity, upgrade or transform their business processes. The Hong Kong Productivity Council serves as the TVP's Secretariat. As the TVP had achieved its original objectives, it had ceased to accept new applications after December 31, 2024.

The ITC and the Secretariat will continue to handle remaining projects and tasks under the TVP following the most rigorous standard to ensure that the project deliverables conform to relevant requirements, and stay highly vigilant for immediate referral of any suspicious cases to law enforcement agencies for follow-up.

Source: AI-found images

Announcement on Road Traffic (Safety Equipment) (Amendment) Regulation 2025

The Transport and Logistics Bureau (TLB) announced today (January 30) that it noted public discussions on the scope of application of the Road Traffic (Safety Equipment) (Amendment) Regulation 2025. Having consulted the Department of Justice, it is considered that there are technical deficiencies in those legal provisions which state the requirement on passengers to wear seat belts on franchised and non-franchised buses. Those provisions do not fully reflect the legislative intent, which is to extend the statutory requirement for the wearing of seat belts to all vehicle seats, thereby providing better protection for passengers.

The TLB will promptly repeal the relevant provisions (i.e., Section 8D and related provisions (if applicable)) of the Road Traffic (Safety Equipment) Regulations (Chapter 374F)by way of publishing in the Gazette as subsidiary legislation. Upon repealing, there will be no statutory requirement for passengers to wear seat belts on franchised or non-franchised buses; for the period leading up to the repeal of relevant provisions, the Government will not enforce the provision. The statutory requirement for the wearing of seat belts on other types of vehicles (including private cars, taxis, goods vehicles, light buses, special purpose vehicles, student service vehicles) will remain in effect.

As the next step, we will gather opinions from various stakeholders, and consider how best to ensure road safety while addressing the concerns raised during the implementation of new requirements. We will further consult the Legislative Council after optimising the arrangements, and reintroducing them at an appropriate time. Meanwhile, we will continue to enhance publicity and education efforts to encourage the voluntary habit of wearing seat belts.

Source: AI-found images