Hong Kong Teams Shine at 2026 Open Data Challenge in Shanghai, Winning Three Awards

Acting Commissioner for Digital Policy visits Shanghai

The Acting Commissioner for Digital Policy, Mr Daniel Cheung, attended the Awards Presentation Ceremony of the Hong Kong/Shanghai Co-operation Open Data Challenge (HSODC) 2026 in Shanghai today (August 25) as a Grand Award judge and extended his congratulations to the Hong Kong teams for winning three awards.

Addressing the ceremony, Mr Cheung said, "The competition has become an important platform for Hong Kong and Shanghai to advance open data innovation and deepen exchanges in digital technology. It not only fully leverages the multiplier effect of data elements, but also demonstrates the strategic value of data collaboration." He also conveyed his heartfelt congratulations to the winning teams and encouraged all participants to keep striving for breakthroughs in data innovation, thereby jointly creating a new chapter of digital economy co-operation between Hong Kong and Shanghai.

The Final Judging and the Awards Presentation Ceremony were held in Shanghai yesterday (August 24) and today respectively. The Hong Kong delegation, comprising 12 teams from various enterprises, organisations and institutions, excelled with outstanding performances. Among them, the Lands Department/AECOM Asia Company Limited/China Energy Engineering Group Guangdong Electric Power Design Institute Co, Ltd garnered the Grand Award and the Best Smart Environment Award with their solution "Underground Utilities Information System", while FAITH (Frankie and Apple Intelligence Technology HK) claimed the Best Smart Mobility Award with their solution "Cross-border Self-drive Transportation Trusted Data Service Platform (HK Drive Safe)". Some outstanding entries may be nominated to compete for the Asia Pacific Information and Communications Technology Alliance Awards to further demonstrate Hong Kong's innovation and technology (I&T) strengths on the regional stage.

Jointly steered by the Digital Policy Office (DPO) of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government and the Shanghai Municipal Bureau of Data, the HSODC 2026 marks the fourth consecutive year of collaboration between the two cities. Themed "Co-creating a Data Industry Platform for the Two Cities", this year's competition leveraged open data from both cities to align with emerging urban development needs. Focusing on four key areas, namely smart mobility, smart living, smart environment, and smart economy, the contestants created innovative projects and developed frontier applications to foster synergy in the digital economy development of both cities. With more international elements incorporated this year, some Hong Kong and Shanghai teams explored global application scenarios, thereby promoting the global advancement of digital technologies and innovation capabilities of the two cities.

In addition, Mr Cheung called on the Shanghai Municipal Bureau of Data today and co-chaired the 2026 mid-term meeting of the Working Group on Shanghai and Hong Kong Digital Co-operation with the Director of the Shanghai Municipal Bureau of Data, Dr Shao Jun. Both sides had a detailed exchange on collaboration in cross-boundary connections of public services, integration of artificial intelligence into public services, technical integration of cross-boundary identity authentication of enterprises, as well as enhancement of service capabilities for digital enterprises going global. Mr Cheung expressed his gratitude for the efforts of the Working Group members. He said that he looks forward to both sides seizing national development opportunities during the 15th Five-Year Plan period, continuing to deepen co-operation in the digital economy between Hong Kong and Shanghai, and thereby promoting the digital economy of the two places to a new level.

Mr Cheung concluded his two-day visit today and returned to Hong Kong in the evening.

Acting Commissioner for Digital Policy visits Shanghai Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Acting Commissioner for Digital Policy visits Shanghai Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Acting Commissioner for Digital Policy visits Shanghai Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Acting Commissioner for Digital Policy visits Shanghai Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Acting Commissioner for Digital Policy visits Shanghai Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Acting Commissioner for Digital Policy visits Shanghai Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Acting Commissioner for Digital Policy visits Shanghai Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Hong Kong Customs seizes suspected cannabis buds worth about $8.2 million at airport

Hong Kong Customs yesterday (August 24) detected a drug trafficking case involving baggage concealment at Hong Kong International Airport. About 35 kilograms of suspected cannabis buds with an estimated market value of about $8.2 million were seized.

A 19-year-old British male transit passenger arrived in Hong Kong from Bangkok, Thailand, and planned to take a flight to London, the United Kingdom, yesterday. During Customs clearance, the suspected cannabis buds, weighing about 35kg in total, were found in 64 bags inside his two check-in suitcases. The male was subsequently arrested.

The arrested person has been charged with one count of trafficking in a dangerous drug. The case will be brought up at the West Kowloon Magistrates' Courts tomorrow (August 26).

Customs will continue to step up enforcement against drug trafficking activities through intelligence analysis. The department also reminds members of the public to stay alert and not participate in drug trafficking activities for monetary return. They must not accept hiring or delegation from another party to carry controlled items into and out of Hong Kong. They are also reminded not to carry unknown items for other people.

Customs will continue to apply a risk assessment approach and focus on selecting passengers from high-risk regions for clearance to combat transnational drug trafficking activities.

Under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, trafficking in a dangerous drug is a serious offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $5 million and life imprisonment.

Members of the public may report any suspected drug trafficking 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 suspected cannabis buds worth about $8.2 million at airport Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Hong Kong Customs seizes suspected cannabis buds worth about $8.2 million at airport Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases