Legislative Council Subcommittee Explores AI and Robotics at Yuen Long Barrage and Nullah Improvement Schemes Project for Enhanced Safety and Efficiency

LegCo Subcommittee on Matters Relating to the Development of Artificial Intelligence and Robotics visits construction site of Yuen Long Barrage and Nullah Improvement Schemes Project

The following is issued on behalf of the Legislative Council Secretariat:

The Legislative Council Subcommittee on Matters Relating to the Development of Artificial Intelligence and Robotics visited the construction site of Yuen Long Barrage and Nullah Improvement Schemes Project today (June 25) to gain a deeper understanding of the application of artificial intelligence and robotic technology in the construction industry.

Members first received a briefing on the project and the application of innovative technologies to enhance project quality and site safety from representatives of the Government. Members noted that the project, commenced in 2023, aims to tackle flooding risks posed by climate change and to improve the water quality of the Yuen Long Nullah through the construction of an automatic flood barrier and other electrical and mechanical facilities, a dry weather flow interception system, and the revitalization of the nullah.

Members then visited the Smart Site Safety System Control Centre, which leverages artificial intelligence to proactively detect potential hazards during construction and issue real-time alerts, effectively safeguarding worker safety by preventing industrial accidents caused by falling from heights and lifting mishaps.

Afterwards, Members observed demonstrations of the remote-controlled tower crane system and welding robots respectively to understand how the technologies enable operators to control the cranes remotely from a ground-level control room, reducing risks of working at height; while a single worker can control multiple welding robots to complete standard processes, boosting welding efficiency and enhancing the working environment.

Members also visited the All-in-One Training Centre to experience firsthand the use of immersive technologies in training, such as virtual reality and augmented reality, which simulate potential dangers and accident scenarios at construction sites in order to raise workers’ safety awareness. During the visit, Members also exchanged views with representatives of the government on the extensive use of innovative technologies in construction sites, and encouraged the administration to proactively promote the adoption of artificial intelligence and robotic technology in the construction industry, so as to raise the quality, safety and productivity of projects.

A total of 16 members and non-members of the Subcommittee on Matters Relating to the Development of Artificial Intelligence and Robotics participated in the visit.

The Legislative Council Subcommittee on Matters Relating to the Development of Artificial Intelligence and Robotics visits the construction site of Yuen Long Barrage and Nullah Improvement Schemes Project today (June 25). Photo shows Members observing the demonstration of welding robots. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Legislative Council (LegCo) Subcommittee on Matters Relating to the Development of Artificial Intelligence and Robotics visits the construction site of Yuen Long Barrage and Nullah Improvement Schemes Project today (June 25). Photo shows the Chairman of the Subcommittee on Matters Relating to the Development of Artificial Intelligence and Robotics, Dr Johnny Ng (front row, eighth left), Deputy Chairman, Mr Ken Lee (front row, tenth left), and other LegCo Members posing for a group photo with the Under Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Ms Lillian Cheong (front row, ninth left), the Head of Project Strategy and Governance Office of the Development Bureau, Mr Joseph Lo (front row, third right), and representatives of the Government. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Legislative Council Subcommittee on Matters Relating to the Development of Artificial Intelligence and Robotics visits the construction site of Yuen Long Barrage and Nullah Improvement Schemes Project today (June 25). Photo shows Members visiting the Smart Site Safety System Control Centre. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Speech by SITI at Award Presentation Ceremony of Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union Asia-Pacific Robot Contest 2026

Following is the speech by the Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Professor Sun Dong, at the Award Presentation Ceremony of Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union Asia-Pacific Robot Contest (ABU Robocon) 2026 today (August 23):

Mr Ahmed Nadeem (Secretary General of the ABU), Angelina (Director of Broadcasting, Ms Angelina Kwan), Cordelia (Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation, Ms Cordelia Chung), esteemed judges, brilliant young innovators, ladies and gentlemen,

Good evening. It is my honour to join you today at the ABU Asia-Pacific Robot Contest 2026 as Hong Kong proudly hosts this flagship competition again after 14 years.

This year's theme, "Kung Fu Quest", perfectly blended traditional martial arts with cutting-edge technologies in robotics. Thank you and congratulations to all participants, for letting us witness agility, precision, and strategy reimagined through your brilliant engineering. The robots you built showhow technological innovation can bridge culture and modernity, while your passion and teamwork embody perseverance that defines both martial arts and scientific discovery.

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government is fully committed to developing Hong Kong into an international I&T (innovation and technology) centre. We are enhancing the I&T ecosystem across the full spectrum, from upstream basic research, to midstream and downstream industry development. Seeing your incredible creations today reinforces our confidence in the future. Bright young talents like you would provide impetus to I&T development, and we spare no effort in providing support to turn your boldest ideas into reality. Through innovation hubs like the Hong Kong Science and Technology Park, we offer comprehensive incubation, mentorship and business-matching support. Wherever you come from, Hong Kong is an ideal place to unlock your potentials, to groom your passions and to realise your aspirations.

To all our participants tonight, you are all champions in my eyes. Carry this "Kung Fu" spirit of discipline and continuous self-improvement into your future journeys. Keep questioning the impossible, and never stop innovating!

Finally, I wish you all a memorable evening and all overseas participants an enjoyable stay in Hong Kong. Thank you.

The Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Professor Sun Dong, speaks at the Award Presentation Ceremony of the Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union Asia-Pacific Robot Contest 2026 today (August 23). Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases