Hong Kong's Innovation Chief Begins Sydney Visit to Boost Tech Collaboration with Australia

SITI commences visit to Australia

The Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Professor Sun Dong, began his visit to Sydney, Australia, today (June 22, Sydney time). The visit aims to further deepen exchange and collaboration between Hong Kong and Australia in innovation and technology (I&T).

In the morning, Professor Sun met with the Minister for Better Regulation and Fair Trading, Minister for Industry and Trade, Minister for Innovation, Science and Technology, Minister for Building and Minister for Corrections of New South Wales (NSW), Australia, Mr Anoulack Chanthivong, and exchanged views on issues of mutual concern including I&T, transformation of research and development outcomes, development of start-ups, talent nurturing, and industrial collaboration between Hong Kong and NSW. NSW has a solid foundation in higher education, scientific research and an innovation ecosystem, while Hong Kong, with its unique advantages under the principle of "one country, two systems", is an important bridge connecting the Chinese Mainland and the world in areas such as innovation, scientific research collaboration, emerging industries and talent exchange. There is potential for further co-operation in various areas between the two places.

Professor Sun visited the University of Sydney in the afternoon and met with the Vice-President (External Relations), Ms Kirsten Andrews, and the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research-Enterprise), Professor Julie Cairney, as well as several professors from the university specialising in AI, digital health, biomedical engineering, data science, and life and health technologies. They engaged in in-depth discussions on collaboration between Hong Kong and Australia in I&T, healthcare technology, scientific research collaboration, transformation of research outcomes, and talent exchange. The University of Sydney is Australia's first university and a globally leading research-intensive university.

Professor Sun also called on the Consul-General of the People's Republic of China in Sydney, Mr Wang Yu, to introduce Hong Kong's strategic positioning as an international I&T centre, and pointed out that under the National 15th Five-Year Plan, Hong Kong will actively expand co-operation with international I&T partners, including Australia, and continuously enhance its innovation capabilities and international competitiveness.

Professor Sun met with a group of Chinese Mainland scholars and scientists from different universities in Sydney. They exchanged views on strengthening academic, scientific and research collaboration and talent exchanges between Hong Kong and Australia. Professor Sun said that Hong Kong is in a golden age of I&T development and is committed to building an international hub for high-calibre talent. He welcomed Australian scientific research talent to participate in the innovation development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and the country through Hong Kong.

After concluding his visit that day, Professor Sun travelled to Melbourne in the evening to continue his visit.

SITI commences visit to Australia Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

SITI commences visit to Australia Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

SITI commences visit to Australia Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

SITI commences visit to Australia Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

SITI commences visit to Australia Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

SITI commences visit to Australia Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Woman sentenced to two months' imprisonment for illegally importing alternative smoking products

A woman was sentenced today (June 22) at the West Kowloon Magistrates' Courts to two months' imprisonment for illegally importing 18 000 alternative smoking products. The Department of Health (DH) welcomed the verdict and reminded members of the public and visitors not to bring alternative smoking products such as e-cigarettes, heated tobacco products or herbal cigarettes into Hong Kong, and not to use any alternative smoking products.

The Tobacco and Alcohol Control Office (TACO) of the DH was notified by Hong Kong Customs on June 19 that 18 000 alternative smoking products had been intercepted in the luggage of the aforesaid woman arriving from Japan. TACO immediately arrested and prosecuted the individual.

Since the amendments to theTobacco Control Legislation (Amendment) Ordinance 2025, which conferred arrest powers on TACO inspectors,took effect on September 19, 2025, TACO has prosecuted 26 cases involving the importation of large quantities of alternative smoking products. Twenty-nine persons have been convicted and sentenced to prison terms ranging from four weeks to eight months.

According to the Import and Export Ordinance (Cap. 60), a person who imports alternative smoking products, including electronic smoking products, heated tobacco products and herbal cigarettes, commits an offence and isliable on summary conviction to a fine of $500,000 and imprisonment for two years; or liable on conviction on indictment to a fine of $2 million and imprisonment for seven years.

Under the Smoking (Public Health) Ordinance (Cap. 371), no person may promote, manufacture, sell, or possess for commercial purposes alternative smoking products. An offender is liable to a fine of $50,000 and imprisonment for six months.

TACO will continue to closely monitor and enforce the law to combat related offences.

In addition, the DH also cautions the public that alternative smoking products are addictive and are not effective smoking cessation tools. E-cigarettes may increase the risk of cancer, respiratory diseases, and cardiovascular diseases. Smokers are urged to quit smoking as early as possible for their own health and that of others. For assistance, please call the DH's Integrated Smoking Cessation Hotline on 1833 183, or visitwww.livetobaccofree.hkfor information on quitting.

Source: AI-found images