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

Hong Kong Customs arrests financial manager and administrative manager of beauty company

Hong Kong Customs conducted an enforcement operation today (August 19) to combat unfair trade practices by beauty companies. An investigation was launched into a retailer suspected of engaging in aggressive commercial practices when selling skincare products and beauty devices. During the operation, a financial manager and an administrative manager of the company involved were arrested for suspected violations of the Trade Descriptions Ordinance (the Ordinance). The investigation is ongoing, and the possibility of further arrests is not ruled out.

Hong Kong Customs, Photo source: reference image

Customs once again appeals to customers who suspect they have been subjected to such unfair trade practices to contact Customs as soon as possible.

Customs reminds traders that they must comply with the requirements of the Ordinance, and advises consumers to patronize reputable merchants. Consumers should remain calm before purchasing services or products. If they do not fully understand the product details and prices, or do not wish to make a purchase, they should firmly refuse to sign any sales documents or make any payments.

The beauty company implicated in the case, Photo source: threads image

Under the Ordinance, any trader who uses harassment, coercion, or undue influence to restrict or impair a consumer's freedom of choice or conduct, thereby causing the consumer to make a transactional decision, commits the offense of aggressive commercial practices. Upon conviction, the maximum penalty is a fine of $500,000 and imprisonment for five years.

Customs has always attached great importance to consumer rights protection and has zero tolerance for unfair trade practices, pledging to continue its stringent enforcement action against unscrupulous traders.

Members of the public who encounter unfair trade practices or suspect a trader has violated the Ordinance should report it as soon as possible by calling the Customs' 24-hour hotline at 182 8080, or via the crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or the online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002).

The beauty company implicated in the case, Photo source: threads image