Commissioner for Transport Explores AI Innovations for Smart Mobility at Hong Kong Productivity Council Visit

C for T visits Hong Kong Productivity Council to promote smart mobility

The Commissioner for Transport, Miss Winnie Tse, today (August 28) visited the Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC) to learn more about how its experiences in artificial intelligence (AI) and innovative technology applications can assist in promoting smart mobility.

Miss Tse and officials first met with the Chairman of the HKPC, Mr Sunny Tan, and the Executive Director, Mr Mohamed Butt, and were updated on the latest development directions and the HKPC's work as the Secretariat of the Smart Traffic Fund (STF) of the Transport Department (TD). As of end-July, the STF had approved a total of 92 projects, involving subsidies of about $638 million covering road and vehicle safety, driving behaviour, traffic flow forecast and management, and autonomous vehicles.

"The HKPC has been committed to addressing the pain points of enterprises, promoting dual innovation and organic integration of technologies and industries. STF projects have also successfully resolved various traffic, transport and logistics issues. I look forward to the HKPC team continuing to strengthen engagement with the STF applicants, including enterprises and research institutions, to expedite the commercialisation of research and development solutions, and deliver quality and added value. This will deepen the integration of digital technologies and AI with traffic and transport systems, providing travel convenience, enhancing safety and efficiency, and promoting smart mobility with the TD," Miss Tse said.

In addition, she toured the HKPC's Centre of Advanced Power and Autonomous Systems to understand the applications of new technology and AI in vehicle and road safety to strengthen the resilience of traffic networks and public transport.

The Commissioner for Transport, Miss Winnie Tse, today (August 28) visited the Hong Kong Productivity Council to learn more about how its experiences in artificial intelligence and innovative technology applications can assist in promoting smart mobility. Photos shows (from seventh left) the Deputy Commissioner for Transport/Planning and Technical Services and Chairperson of the Management Committee on Smart Traffic Fund (STF), Mr Patrick Ho; Miss Tse; the Assistant Commissioner for Transport/Technical Services, Mr Alex Au, and staff of the STF Secretariat. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Commissioner for Transport, Miss Winnie Tse, today (August 28) visited the Hong Kong Productivity Council to learn more about how its experiences in artificial intelligence and innovative technology applications can assist in promoting smart mobility. Photo shows Miss Tse (front row, centre), accompanied by the Deputy Commissioner for Transport/Planning and Technical Services and Chairperson of the Management Committee on Smart Traffic Fund (STF), Mr Patrick Ho (front row, left), observing demonstrations of two STF projects, namely door-mounted monitoring devices for public light buses on the left and a monitoring system for crane height and position on the right. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Commissioner for Transport, Miss Winnie Tse, today (August 28) visited the Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC) to learn more about how its experiences in artificial intelligence and innovative technology applications can assist in promoting smart mobility. Photo shows Miss Tse (second right), accompanied by the Deputy Commissioner for Transport/Planning and Technical Services, Mr Patrick Ho (third right), and the Assistant Commissioner for Transport/Technical Services, Mr Alex Au (first right), meeting with the Executive Director of the HKPC, Mr Mohamed Butt (third left), and the directorate on the latest development directions. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Hong Kong Customs seizes suspected cannabis buds worth about $7.5 million at airport

Hong Kong Customs today (August 28) detected a drug trafficking case involving baggage concealment at Hong Kong International Airport. About 32 kilograms of suspected cannabis buds with an estimated market value of about $7.5 million were seized.

A 42-year-old British male transit passenger arrived in Hong Kong from Bangkok, Thailand, and planned to take a flight to London, the United Kingdom, today. During Customs clearance, the suspected cannabis buds, weighing about 32kg in total, were found in 29 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 Kowloon City Magistrates' Courts tomorrow (August 29).

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 $7.5 million at airport Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases