Government announces first batch of preapproved solutions under Future Innovative Logistics Acceleration Scheme
The Government today (September 1) announced the first batch of three preapproved information technology (IT) onboarding solutions under the Future Innovative Logistics Acceleration Scheme (FILAS). Eligible third-party logistics service providers (3PLs) may apply for funding support starting from today for subscribing to or using these preapproved solutions.
A spokesman for the Transport and Logistics Bureau said, "Digitalisation is one of the most important development directions for the logistics industry to maintain its competitiveness. With the availability of preapproved solutions under FILAS, of which its efficacy in facilitating the use of logistics data platforms and bridging 3PLs' digital divide has been recognised through rigorous technical assessment, we hope that 3PLs will seize the opportunity to digitalise their businesses and explore the benefits brought by the use of logistics data platforms, including greater logistics transparency, more efficient supply chain management and trade financing opportunities."
Launched on June 1, 2026, under the Pilot Subsidy Scheme for Third-party Logistics Service Providers (Pilot Scheme), FILAS aims to spur the development of IT onboarding solutions that facilitate the use of logistics data platforms operated by the Government or public organisations, including the Port Community System (PCS) and the HKIA Cargo Data Platform (HKIA Cargo), by logistics enterprises, with a view to promoting digitalisation of the industry.
Solution providers were earlier invited to apply for their IT onboarding solution to be listed on a white list of preapproved solutions under FILAS (white list). The 26 applications received subsequently went through an assessment sequentially by the Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC) as the Secretariat of the Pilot Scheme, and the operators of the PCS and HKIA Cargo (namely the Logistics and Supply Chain MultiTech R&D Centre and the Airport Authority Hong Kong, respectively), based on their compatibility with the respective logistics data platforms, functionality, usability, security and project management plan, among others. The three highest-scoring solutions were considered and endorsed by the Management Committee of the Pilot Scheme as the first batch of preapproved solutions for inclusion on the white list.
Same as the Pilot Scheme, applicant enterprises for FILAS must be non-listed enterprises registered in Hong Kong under the Business Registration Ordinance (Cap. 310) with substantive business operations related to either inbound or outbound third-party logistics services in Hong Kong, and funding support will be provided based on the subsidy ratio of 2 (Government) to 1 (enterprise). Each eligible enterprise may receive funding support of up to $2 million under the Pilot Scheme (including FILAS).
The white list of preapproved solutions and the application materials for 3PLs for FILAS are available on the Pilot Scheme's dedicated website (tplsp.hkpc.org). Interested 3PLs may contact HKPC for enquiries and submission of applications (Tel: 2788 6077; email: tplsp_sec@hkpc.org).
Source: AI-found images
Pig farm at Lin Fa Tei in Pat Heung, Yuen Long, convicted of illegal livestock waste discharge
The owner of a pig farm at Lin Fa Tei in Pat Heung, Yuen Long, was convicted of violating the Waste Disposal (Livestock Waste) Regulations by discharging improperly treated livestock waste into a nearby watercourse, and was fined $12,000 by the Fanling Magistrates' Courts today (September 1). The owner concerned has previously been convicted of the same unlawful act and this is a repeated case.
During a previous surprise inspection in Yuen Long, Environmental Protection Department (EPD) staff found that brownish-yellow wastewater carrying an odour of pig manure was being discharged from the pig farm concerned into a nearby watercourse, causing serious pollution of the downstream water quality of the Kam Tin River. EPD staff immediately collected wastewater samples for analysis. Given the concealed location of the wastewater discharge point, it was difficult to determine its position by visual inspection. The EPD staff applied smart technology to assist in positioning, including using a drone for aerial detection with image analysis, with a view to confirming that the wastewater discharge originated from a plant-covered pond within the concerned pig farm. Since the analysis results of the wastewater samples indicated exceedance of the legal discharge standards, the EPD subsequently instigated prosecution against the pig farm owner involved in the case in accordance with the Waste Disposal (Livestock Waste) Regulations, and notified the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department of the case for follow-up action.
An EPD spokesman said that the department is highly concerned about illegal wastewater discharge from livestock farms along the Kam Tin River. Livestock waste without proper treatment contains high concentrations of pollutants. Its discharge into rivers not only causes serious water pollution, but also an odour nuisance. According to the abovementioned Regulations, liquid livestock waste generated by livestock farms must be properly treated to meet the statutory requirements before discharge. Offenders are liable to a maximum fine of $50,000 and a fine of $5,000 for each day on which the offence continues. Operators and staff of livestock farms must strictly comply with the law, properly operate and maintain wastewater treatment facilities for livestock waste, and must not, for the sake of convenience, discharge untreated livestock waste into nearby rivers or water bodies. Any contravention will be subject to prosecution.
This case marks the second successful prosecution in recent times, following the EPD's announcement on August 20, 2026, of a similar conviction involving illegal discharge from a pig farm at Sheung Che in Pat Heung, Yuen Long. It reaffirms the Department's "zero-tolerance" enforcement stance against illegal discharge of livestock waste. The EPD spokesman reiterated that the Department will continue to combat any illegal wastewater discharge activity by surprise inspections, smart technology applications and interdepartmental collaboration to safeguard environmental health and river water quality.
Pig farm at Lin Fa Tei in Pat Heung, Yuen Long, convicted of illegal livestock waste discharge Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
