AI Forum Explores Workflow Revolution for Enhanced Government Efficiency at Cyberport Event

Digital Policy Office holds third AI+ Civil Services Technology Forum

The Digital Policy Office (DPO) held the third Technology Forum in its AI+ Civil Services series at Cyberport today (February 4). The forum, themed "Workflow Revolution - Smarter Processes, Greater Efficiency", was held in a hybrid mode and attracted over 900 professionals from nearly 100 government departments, as well as public and private organisations, to jointly explore and promote the use of AI in optimising government processes and improving work efficiency.

Addressing the opening ceremony, the Acting Commissioner for Digital Policy, Mr Daniel Cheung, stated that AI has become a global development driving force. He said that the Government must actively utilise AI in public administration to enhance service efficiency and quality, thereby benefitting more citizens. Mr Cheung also appealed to the Government and industry to work together to strengthen the development of the AI ecosystem and achieve the vision of developing Hong Kong into an international innovation and technology (I&T) centre.

At the forum, a number of government departments, public organisations and technology companies were invited to share and exchange technical insights on the application of AI under the two themes "Document Management and Processing" and "Workflow Management and Automation". Among the sharing sessions, the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department shared its new AI initiatives; Cyberport outlined government AI application in practice; while the Hong Kong Productivity Council and the Hong Kong Applied Science and Technology Research Institute showcased their related AI solutions. The forum also featured a number of booths showcasing latest-use cases from the industry, allowing government colleagues to gain a deeper understanding of how AI can be applied to transform public services.

This forum was organised by the Smart Government Innovation Lab (Smart Lab) under the DPO in collaboration with Hong Kong Cyberport, the Hong Kong Productivity Council and the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation. The Smart Lab has been committed to connecting the Government with the I&T sector, actively fostering close partnerships between local start-ups, small and medium-sized enterprises, and government departments. Through regularly organising promotional activities and technology exchange workshops, the Smart Lab supports and assists government departments in accelerating the introduction of local innovative technology products and solutions to facilitate business matching and achieve mutually beneficial outcomes.

To promote the wider adoption of AI across government departments, the DPO will continue to launch various promotional activities and technology forums. Interested parties are encouraged to stay engaged and participate in the upcoming events. For more details, please visit Smart Lab website (www.smartlab.gov.hk/en/).

Digital Policy Office holds third AI+ Civil Services Technology Forum Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Digital Policy Office holds third AI+ Civil Services Technology Forum Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Digital Policy Office holds third AI+ Civil Services Technology Forum Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Hong Kong Customs detects case of non-registered precious metals and stones dealer carrying out specified transactions

Hong Kong Customs yesterday (February 3) detected a case involving a local company that conducted transactions of jewellery valued at over HK$120,000, without registration under the Dealers in Precious Metals and Stones Regulatory Regime. The owner of the company was arrested.

The investigation is ongoing. The arrested person has been released on bail.

According to the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorist Financing Ordinance (Cap. 615), unless exempted, any person who is seeking to carry on a business of dealing in precious metals and stones and engage in any transaction(s) (whether making or receiving a payment) with a total value at or above HK$120,000 in Hong Kong is required to register with Hong Kong Customs. Any dealer, other than a registrant, who claims to be a registrant, claims to be authorised to carry out, or carries out any cash or non-cash transaction(s) with a total value at or above HK$120,000 is liable to a maximum fine of HK$100,000 and imprisonment for six months upon conviction.

Customs reminds dealers in precious metals and stones that they must obtain the relevant registration before they can carry out any cash or non-cash transaction(s) with a total value at or above HK$120,000.

For the forms, procedures and guidelines to submit applications for registration, please visit the website for Dealers in Precious Metals and Stones Registration System (www.drs.customs.gov.hk) or Customs' webpage (www.customs.gov.hk/en/service-enforcement-information/anti-money-laundering/supervision-of-dealers-in-precious-metals-and-ston/index.html).

Members of the public may report any suspected transactions involving precious metals and stones with a total value at or above HK$120,000 conducted without the required registration to Customs' 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002).

Source: AI-found images