CS officiates at EMSTF 30th Anniversary Commemorative Ceremony
The Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki, today (August 3) officiated at the 30th Anniversary Commemorative Ceremony of the Electrical and Mechanical Services Trading Fund (EMSTF).
Held at the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD) Headquarters Building, the ceremony was themed "Intelligent E&M Co-creating Tomorrow", symbolising the EMSTF’s continuous efforts in driving innovation and technology development and enhancing service quality to forge a better future.
Addressing the ceremony, Mr Chan said that over the past three decades since its establishment, the EMSTF has developed from being primarily responsible for maintaining electrical and mechanical (E&M) equipment into the "guardian of E&M facilities" and "innovation facilitator" for various government departments. It has always played a pioneering role in actively promoting the digital and smart transformation of public services. He encouraged the EMSTF to continue embracing innovation and striving for excellence, assisting government departments in accelerating the adoption of innovative technologies so that members of the public can enjoy higher-quality and more convenient services, while injecting sustained momentum into Hong Kong's high-quality development.
The Director of Electrical and Mechanical Services and General Manager of the EMSTF, Mr Poon Kwok-ying, said in his speech that the EMSTF will enhance service quality and efficiency through smart E&M technologies, lead industry transformation with I&T, and work closely with various client departments to implement various innovative ideas, achieving higher-quality public services.
Afterwards, accompanied by Mr Poon, the guests toured the exhibition to learn about the solutions developed by the EMSD's engineering teams to address daily operational challenges. These solutions include the application of new technologies such as artificial intelligence, drones, robotics, and the Internet of Things to strengthen governance, enhance productivity and work safety.
Also attending the ceremony were the Secretary for Development, Ms Bernadette Linn; the Acting Secretary for Environment and Ecology, Miss Diane Wong; the Deputy Director-General of the Social Development Department of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Mr Ye Shuiqiu; and the Permanent Secretary for Development (Works), Mr Ricky Lau.
CS officiates at EMSTF 30th Anniversary Commemorative Ceremony Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
CS officiates at EMSTF 30th Anniversary Commemorative Ceremony Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
CS officiates at EMSTF 30th Anniversary Commemorative Ceremony Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
DH investigates case of severe paediatric influenza A infection
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (August 3) investigating a severe paediatric influenza A infection case. The CHP urged the public to maintain good personal and environmental hygiene at all times to prevent influenza and other respiratory illnesses.
The case involves a 7-year-old boy with good past health. He developed a cough and runny nose on July 27, and a fever on August 1. His condition deteriorated today, with decreased responsiveness. He was taken to the Accident and Emergency Department of Princess Margaret Hospital and was admitted to the paediatric intensive care unit for treatment. His respiratory specimen tested positive for influenza A (H3) virus. His clinical diagnosis was influenza A infection complicated with shock and encephalopathy. He remains hospitalised and is in critical condition.
The CHP's preliminary investigation revealed that the boy had received the 2025/26 seasonal influenza vaccination. He had no travel history during the incubation period. One of his household contacts recently developed upper respiratory symptoms and tested positive for influenza virus via a rapid antigen test. However, the household contact's condition was mild and did not require hospitalisation. The household contact has since recovered. The CHP will continue to investigate the case.
"Hong Kong entered the influenza season in late June. The latest surveillance data revealed that the percentage of respiratory specimens testing positive for seasonal influenza viruses was 10.65 per cent and the influenza admission rate in public hospitals was 0.67 cases per 10 000 population last week. Both indicators increased last week. The predominant influenza viruses detected were influenza A (H3) (48 per cent), followed by influenza A (H1) (41 per cent) and influenza B (11 per cent). We expect the level of influenza activity to remain high in the coming weeks," said the Controller of the CHP, Dr Edwin Tsui.
"The World Health Organization has already announced its recommendations for the composition of influenza vaccines for the 2026-2027 season in the northern hemisphere. Vaccine manufacturers are currently producing vaccines in accordance with the recommendations for use by the end of the year. The Government is actively making preparations for the 2026/27 Seasonal Influenza Vaccination programmes. Details will be announced in due course. In addition, influenza and COVID-19 activities are at a high level currently, I urge members of the public, especially children, the elderly and high-risk groups such as those with underlying illnesses or compromised immune systems, to seek medical attention and treatment as soon as possible if they develop a fever or respiratory symptoms, as their condition may deteriorate rapidly. This will help reduce the risk of complications. If you live with members of high-risk groups, you should wear a surgical mask at home and seek medical attention as soon as possible if you develop respiratory symptoms to reduce the risk of infecting them. Other effective ways to reduce the spread of the disease include maintaining household hygiene, frequently cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces, practising good hand hygiene, and ensuring proper indoor air circulation," he added.
Dr Tsui also reminded parents that the health condition of children with influenza can deteriorate rapidly. Parents must pay close attention to their condition, and visit an accident and emergency department immediately if the child's condition deteriorates with symptoms such as shortness of breath, wheezing, blue lips, chest pain, confusion, a persistent fever or convulsions.
Members of the public may refer to the CHP'sCOVID-19 & Flu Express,Seasonal Influenza Webpage andCOVID-19 Vaccination Programme Webpage, for the latest information.
Source: AI-found images
