Hong Kong Customs seizes eggs of suspected scheduled endangered bird species
Hong Kong Customs detected a case involving a passenger smuggling endangered species at Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) on June 27 and seized 777 eggs of suspected scheduled endangered bird species, with an estimated market value of about $10.9 million.
A 27-year-old Chinese male passenger arrived in Hong Kong from Thailand on June 27. He was intercepted for Customs clearance at the arrival hall of HKIA. Customs officers found the batch of bird eggs concealed in metal boxes inside his carry-on baggage. Upon inspection by officers of the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD), the bird eggs were suspected to be endangered species listed in the Appendices of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora and regulated under the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance (Cap. 586) in Hong Kong.
The case has been handed over to the AFCD for follow-up action. Hong Kong Customs reminds the public not to carry controlled items into and out of Hong Kong.
Under the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance, any person importing, exporting or possessing specimens of endangered species not in accordance with the Ordinance commits an offence and will be liable to a maximum fine of $10 million and imprisonment for 10 years upon conviction with the specimens forfeited.
Members of the public may report any suspected smuggling activities 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/).
Hong Kong Customs seizes eggs of suspected scheduled endangered bird species Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Water Supplies Department signs MOU with South China University of Technology
The Water Supplies Department (WSD) and the South China University of Technology (SCUT) signed a two-year Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in Guangzhou today (June 29) to strengthen collaboration in areas such as innovative water supply technologies, engineering design methods and AI.
The MOU was signed by the Director of Water Supplies, Mr Roger Wong, and Vice-President of the SCUT Professor Lin Yiwen. Under the MOU, both parties will engage in reciprocal visits, technical exchanges and information sharing, as well as explore and promote relevant research projects and co-organise conferences and seminars.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Mr Wong said that in addressing the challenges of global climate change and pressures on water demand arising from urban development, water resources management must keep pace with the times by continuously adopting innovative technologies. Leveraging the strong cross-disciplinary research capabilities of the SCUT, this collaboration will inject powerful impetus into the WSD's digital transformation. Currently, both parties are collaborating to develop an AI model capable of predicting the remaining useful life of water mains for implementing predictive maintenance, thereby facilitating early repairs to prevent water main bursts. In the future, both parties will deepen co-operation across three core areas: the research and application of water supply technologies, equipment and materials; innovative water supply engineering design methods and construction techniques; and the development and practical application of AI models. He further expressed the hope to leverage Hong Kong's unique advantages by deeply integrating "industry-academia-research" to accelerate the adoption of research outcomes by the industry and their expansion into international markets, jointly building a sustainable smart water ecosystem.
Mr Wong further stated that the collaboration between both parties aligns with the forward-looking blueprint set out in the National 15th Five-Year Plan, which emphasises the promotion of deep integration of AI with technological innovation, industrial development and social governance. He emphasised that through the empowerment of "digital intelligence", the deepened application of data and intelligent technologies in areas such as water supply diversion planning, water quality monitoring and leakage prediction would not only enhance operational efficiency, but also ensure stable and reliable water supply services, improve the service experience for citizens, and effectively meet public expectations for a stable water supply, thereby leveraging the advantages of smart technologies to improve people's livelihood.
The Chancellor of the SCUT, Professor Tang Hongwu,stated that the collaboration between the SCUT and the WSD rests on a solid foundation and holds broad prospects. He looks forward to drawing upon the WSD's successful experience to jointly explore the efficient operation of the dual systems of seawater for flushing and fresh water supplies, and to promote the advanced experience of dual water supply networks to cities on the Mainland. Through the sharing of cutting-edge research findings and technical exchanges, the two parties aim to jointly protect precious water resources, strengthen the efficient utilisation of water resources and drive innovative breakthroughs in smart water technologies.
During the visit, Mr Wong toured the International Campus of the SCUT and exchanged views with Professor Tang, Professor Lin and other leaders of the university. In their meeting, both parties had in-depth discussions on a "water-secure future" and advancing "digital water" initiatives.
Located in Guangzhou, the SCUT is a key national university directly affiliated with the Ministry of Education, designated under the National "Project 985", "Project 211" and the "Double First-Class" initiatives. It is one of the Mainland's "Four Leading Institutes of Technology", with its science, engineering and architecture schools being among the "Eight Historic Schools of Architecture", enjoying a prestigious international reputation.
Today, Mr Wong also led a delegation of 20 operational staff from the water treatment works of the WSD to visit the Huangge Smart Water Treatment Works and the Lanhe Smart Water Treatment Works of the Nansha Water Company under Guangdong Water Co Ltd in Guangzhou to participate in practical training. They also jointly witnessed the plaque-unveiling ceremony for the establishment of the Smart Water Treatment Works Practical Training Base at the Huangge Water Treatment Works. The milestone establishment of this practical training base not only establishes a professional exchange platform for the smart operation and management of water treatment works in both places, but will also provide systematic professional training for operational staff. This will help further enhance the operational efficiency of water supply and deepen the collaboration between Guangdong and Hong Kong in the realm of smart water management.
Water Supplies Department signs MOU with South China University of Technology Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Water Supplies Department signs MOU with South China University of Technology Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
