Health risk category for Air Quality Health Index may reach "Serious" level
According to the Environmental Protection Department (EPD)'s forecast, the health risk category of Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) at some air quality monitoring stations may reach the "Serious" level later today (July 25).
The EPD has recorded higher-than-normal air pollution levels in some areas since yesterday (July 24) afternoon. Under the influence of the outer subsiding air of tropical cyclone Noul, the weather in Hong Kong today is fine and very hot with moderate northwesterly winds. Weak winds are unfavourable for pollutant dispersion. The intense sunshine enhances photochemical smog activity, leading to the rapid formation of ozone and fine particulates in the Pearl River Delta region. The high ozone level also promotes the formation of nitrogen dioxide.
According to the Hong Kong Observatory, there will be heavy squally showers with windy conditions tomorrow (July 26). It is expected that air quality in Hong Kong will improve by then.
With a health risk category in the "Very High" range or above, children, the elderly and persons with existing heart or respiratory illnesses are advised to reduce physical exertion and outdoor activities to a minimum or avoid such activities. The general public is advised to reduce, or reduce to a minimum, outdoor physical exertion, and to reduce time outdoors, especially in areas with heavy traffic. As health effects of air pollutants may vary for individuals, persons who are in doubt or experience discomfort should seek advice from healthcare professionals. The public may visit the Centre for Health Protection's website (www.chp.gov.hk/en/content/9/460/3557.html) for more information on health effects of air pollution and relevant health advice.
The Education Bureau (EDB) urges all schools to visit the EDB website for appropriate measures to safeguard students' health and take note of changes in the index. The relevant hyperlink is as follows: www.edb.gov.hk/en/sch-admin/admin/about-activities/sch-activities-guidelines/index.html.
When the air quality health risk category is at the "Very High" level, employers of outdoor workers performing heavy manual work are advised to assess the risk of outdoor work and take appropriate preventive measures to protect the health of their employees, such as reducing outdoor physical exertion and the time of their stay outdoors, especially in areas with heavy traffic. At the "Serious" level, employers of all outdoor workers are advised to assess the risk of outdoor work and take appropriate preventive measures to protect the health of their employees.
Members of the public can check the current AQHI readings on the EPD's website (www.aqhi.gov.hk/en.html).
Source: AI-found images
Speech by SITI at Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Workshop on New Concepts and Approaches of AI Literacy Enhancement Actions for Public in Chengdu
Following is the speech by the Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Professor Sun Dong, at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Workshop on New Concepts and Approaches of AI Literacy Enhancement Actions for the Public in Chengdu today (July 25):
(Deputy Director of the Cyberspace Administration of China, Mr Wang Jingtao), (Member of the Standing Committee and Director General of the Publicity Department of the Communist Party of China Sichuan Provincial Committee, Ms Zheng Li), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
Good afternoon. AI is reshaping the global landscape of technology, industry, and social development at an unprecedented pace. It is essential to enhance public AI literacy so that our citizens can navigate this digital era safely and confidently. It is my pleasure to share with you how Hong Kong, China (HKC), enhances AI literacy for the public at today's workshop.
HKC is fully committed to fostering AI literacy across all sectors of society. Through the "AI for All" Inclusive Programme, we are adopting a tiered and collaborative model to support the needs of different segments of the community. Tier 1, Basics for All, promotes AI awareness and responsible use of AI for students, parents, the elderly and underprivileged groups. Tier 2, Professional Empowerment, equips university students, young researchers and professionals by translating their knowledge into practical skills and employability. Tier 3, Practical Enhancement, supports working professionals and small and medium-sized enterprises in strengthening efficiency and competitiveness through applied AI knowledge.
To further broaden public understanding, we launched an eight-episode TV series, "AI Masters Series", this year on free television channels at prime time, bringing AI education into every household. Throughout the series, we invited leading AI experts and industry leaders to share their insights through a lively and engaging approach to present complex technological knowledge as easy-to-understand content, thereby enhancing public awareness of the safe application, future trends and opportunities of AI, making AI a natural part of our social fabric.
Emerging technologies bring vast opportunities, yet the convergence of AI, governance and cybersecurity has become one of the defining challenges of our time. HKC has responded decisively by launching the Ethical AI Framework and the Hong Kong Generative AI Technical and Application Guideline to provide guidance for projects to develop and apply AI technologies in a responsible and ethical manner.
We are also advancing AI-related cybersecurity initiatives to further promote safe AI applications and deepen public awareness. For example, the Secure AI@Work Enablement Campaign boosts the safe application of AI technologies in the workplace. We will also hold the Cyber Attack and Defence Elite Training and Tournament next month, offering free training and simulated practical exercises to nurture cybersecurity talents and strengthen their capability to leverage AI in countering cyber threats.
In parallel, we are equipping our government workforce for the future. This year, we are rolling out online foundation AI training courses for all civil servants. Covering core concepts, guidelines, usage principles and ethical consideration, these courses enable civil servants to apply AI in a more effective and secure manner, with the ultimate goal of delivering more quality and responsive public services to our citizens.
Widespread understanding and secure adoption of AI lay the foundation for an AI-ready society. Through deepening exchanges and strengthening collaboration, let us build an AI-literate Asia-Pacific community where every citizen is empowered to grow and thrive in this AI era. Thank you.
Speech by SITI at Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Workshop on New Concepts and Approaches of AI Literacy Enhancement Actions for Public in Chengdu Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
