Speech by SITI at Green is Action: GreenTech Hub 1st Anniversary
Following is the speech by the Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Professor Sun Dong, at the Green is Action: GreenTech Hub 1st Anniversary today (March 24):
Sunny (Chairman of the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation, Dr Sunny Chai), Terry (Chief Executive Officer of the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation, Mr Terry Wong), GreenTech Hub partners and tech ventures, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
Good afternoon. It is my honour to join you today and witness the first anniversary of the GreenTech Hub at InnoCentre.
The National 15th Five-Year Plan indicated clear support for Hong Kong to develop into an international I&T centre. Indeed, with our solid basic research capabilities and the growing awareness of a more green and sustainable future, Hong Kong possesses unique advantages in fostering the development of green technology. As a 2025-26 Budget initiative, the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTPC) has developed the InnoCentre into a GreenTech Hub. There are over 230 green tech start-ups in the HKSTPC's ecosystem at present, with some equipped with globally competitive technologies and that have successfully tapped into Mainland and overseas markets. Over the past year, there were also plenty of business matching, networking activities and visits organised to facilitate green technology commercialisation and exchanges of thoughts.
I wish to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to the HKSTPC and our academic, corporate and industry partners for your support of the GreenTech Hub, making it an effective platform to advance regional and global collaboration on green technology. With the joint efforts by all of us, I believe the GreenTech Hub will continue to support green tech enterprises and accelerate the transfer of innovative R&D breakthroughs into impactful solutions, thereby driving us towards a more sustainable future.
Being one of the I&T flagships in Hong Kong, the HKSTPC has long been providing comprehensive support for start-ups. Through the Incubation Programme, the HKSTPC provides each I&T start-up, including those in the green technology sector, with up to $1.29 million in funding. Apart from financial subsidy, the Programme also offers a range of practical support which is essential to the growth of start-ups, such as R&D guidance, mentorship, and investor matching services. Through building a vibrant ecosystem for green tech, we not only address environmental challenges but also create new job opportunities and drive economic growth.
Ladies and gentlemen, the anniversary of the GreenTech Hub today is just the beginning. In collaboration with our three major I&T parks, the Government will continue to invest in I&T infrastructure and foster the development of strategic industries, with a view to enhancing the overall I&T ecosystem and promoting interactive development of the upstream, midstream and downstream sectors
Green is action. Together, let us propel Hong Kong into a greener, more sustainable future. Thank you.
The Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Professor Sun Dong, speaks at the celebration ceremony for the "Green is Action: GreenTech Hub 1st Anniversary" Showcase today (March 24). Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
CHP investigates confirmed Mpox case
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) said today (May 26) that it is investigating a confirmed Mpox (also known as Monkeypox) case, and urged the public to be vigilant and avoid close physical contact with persons suspected of contracting Mpox. Meanwhile, high-risk target groups are advised to receive Mpox vaccinations.
Latest case information
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The case involves a 44-year-old male. He developed itchiness and a skin rash at his lower body from May 13 onwards and attended the Wan Chai Male Social Hygiene Clinic (SocHS) of the DHon May 18. The CHP subsequently arranged for him to receive isolation treatment at Princess Margaret Hospital. The patient is currently in stable condition.
According to information provided by the patient, he has not been vaccinated against Mpox and had high-risk exposure in a hotel in Hong Kong during the incubation period. No epidemiological linkages between this case and confirmed Mpox cases recorded in Hong Kong earlier could be identified so far. The CHP is continuing its epidemiological investigations of the case, will endeavour to contact individuals who had high-risk contact with him and will report the case to the World Health Organization.
Follow-up on the "Hutong" cases in Mong Kok
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In addition, the CHP continues to follow up on the two cases announced yesterday (May 25), and urges anyone who visited the premises on Shanghai Street on or after May 1, especially those who hadsexual contact with strangers there, to call the CHP's designated Mpox telephone hotline (2125 2373) as soon as possible, so that the CHP can provide health assessments and advice.The hotline operates daily from 9am to 6pm. As of 6pm today, the CHP has successfully contacted 140 persons who visited the premises on or after May 1. All are asymptomatic. The CHP has provided them with health education and will put them under medical surveillance. As investigations are still ongoing, the premises will be closed for 21 days starting from today.
Since 2022, Hong Kong has recorded a total of 87 Mpox cases (70 local cases and 17 imported cases), including the above-mentioned case. All patients were males. Epidemiological investigations revealed that most cases had history of high-risk sexual behaviour, including having sex with strangers or having sex without wearing condoms.
Mpox vaccine
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Mpox vaccine can prevent infection and severe disease. The DH provides Mpox vaccination services for highrisk groups. The following high-risk target groups are eligible for Mpox vaccinations on a voluntary basis:
individuals with high-risk sexual practices, e.g. having multiple sexual partners, sex workers, or having a history of sexually transmitted infection within the past 12 months;
healthcare workersresponsible forcaring forpatients with confirmed Mpox;
laboratory personnel working with zoonotic pox viruses; and
animal care personnel with high risk of exposure in caseof Mpox occurrences in animals in Hong Kong.
High-risk target groups can receive Mpox walk-in vaccinations at any of the DH's SocHS (namely Chai Wan SocHS, Wan Chai Male SocHS, Wan Chai Female SocHS, Yau Ma Tei Male SocHS, Yau Ma Tei Female SocHS, Yung Fung Shee SocHS, Fanling SocHS and Tuen Mun SocHS) and the DH's Yau Ma Tei Integrated Treatment Centre.
Meanwhile, the DH's Kowloon Bay Integrated Treatment Centre and the Hospital Authority's Special Medical Clinics at Queen Elizabeth Hospital and Princess Margaret Hospital also provide Mpox vaccination services for their clients.
Mpox is not transmitted through respiratory droplets or aerosols in general, and transmission would not occur through social contact. The CHP reminds the public, especially those at higher risks of exposure, to take precautions and avoid close physical contact with persons or animals suspected of infection. They should seek medical attention as soon as possible if they experience relevant symptoms, including rash, fever, chills, swollen lymph nodes, exhaustion, muscle pain, and severe headaches. They should not engage in activities with others that may involve contact with skin rash or body fluids.
For more details, please visit the CHP's page onMpoxandMpox Vaccination Programme.
Source: AI-found images
