Digital Policy Office holds second "AI+ Civil Service: Empowering Public Services Transformation through AI Tools" Series technology forum
The Digital Policy Office (DPO) held today (October 6) the second technology forum under the "AI+ Civil Service: Empowering Public Services Transformation through AI Tools" Series. Themed "Deepening Data and Information Insights to Transform Citizen Services", the forum attracted over 600 representatives from nearly 100 government departments, public and private organisations that participated online and offline to explore how AI, data and information could be harnessed to enhance the quality and efficiency of public services.
The Acting Commissioner for Digital Policy, Mr Daniel Cheung, said in his opening address that to implement Hong Kong's First Five-Year Plan and the 2026 Policy Address, the DPO accords priority to advancing "AI+ Civil Service" initiatives. Through reforming public administration with AI technology, deepening the development and utilisation of data resources, and promoting data sharing within the Government, as well as expediting the implementation of government AI projects, the DPO endeavours to enhance the efficacy of public administration.
Mr Cheung said that the smart use of AI and data not only helps government departments enhance their efficiency in processing information and completing various routine tasks, but more importantly, makes public services easier for the public to access, understand, and use.
Mr Cheung said that the AI Efficacy Enhancement Team, led by the Deputy Chief Secretary for Administration, had so far facilitated and implemented the first batch of 30 efficacy enhancement projects involving 13 departments. The DPO will continue to provide shared AI resources and support to government departments, assisting them in adopting AI safely and effectively. The DPO is also taking forward the "iAM Smart" AI Assistant project and AI Agents pilot run within the Government.
Mr Cheung added that, while promoting the application of AI, it is necessary to ensure proper access management, information security and human oversight so that the technology can deliver benefits in safe and controllable manner.
The forum was organised by the Smart Government Innovation Lab (Smart Lab) under the DPO in collaboration with the Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC), Hong Kong Cyberport Management Company Limited and the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP). Representatives from the Government, relevant organisations and technology companies were invited to share their practical experiences in adopting AI in civil service and public services. An AI expert from the Shanghai Municipal Bureau of Data shared online the practical experience in "AI+ Civil Service", while the HKPC and the HKSTP introduced the latest developments in AI technology and application solutions. The forum also showcased AI solutions from the industry to facilitate exchanges between the Government and the sector.
For more details, please visit the Smart Lab website (www.smartlab.gov.hk/en/).
The second technology forum under the "AI+ Civil Service: Empowering Public Services Transformation through AI Tools" Series was held today (October 6). Photo shows the Acting Commissioner for Digital Policy, Mr Daniel Cheung (first row, centre), with guests at the forum. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
The second technology forum under the "AI+ Civil Service: Empowering Public Services Transformation through AI Tools" Series was held today (October 6). Photo shows the Acting Commissioner for Digital Policy, Mr Daniel Cheung (first right) and the guests interacting with an industry representative. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
The Acting Commissioner for Digital Policy, Mr Daniel Cheung, speaks at the second technology forum under the "AI+ Civil Service: Empowering Public Services Transformation through AI Tools" Series today (October 6). Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Traffic and transport arrangements for redeveloped Huanggang Port
The Transport Department (TD) said today (October 7) that, to facilitate the redeveloped Huanggang Port coming into operation to provide 24-hour services, traffic and public transport arrangements will be implemented accordingly to provide members of the public and visitors with a convenient and smooth travel experience. The public should use other land and rail boundary control points (BCPs) based on their needs and not rush to the new port for crossing the boundary.
Franchised buses, green minibuses and cross-boundary coaches
The Huanggang Port will be served by seven franchised bus routes (including one overnight route), six green minibus (GMB) routes (including three overnight routes), and five short-haul cross-boundary coach (CBC) routes operating round the clock, carrying passengers directly to various districts across the city. Among them, the franchised bus routes will pass through nine MTR stations and four bus-bus interchanges, providing convenient interchanges with railways or buses to different districts. Cross-boundary travellers should plan their journeys early, pay attention to the daytime and overnight service hours of various routes, and choose suitable ones for travelling to and from the new port.
Route
Destination
Service areas
Franchised bus daytime routes
KMB B10
Kwai Tsui Estate Public Transport Interchange
Tai Lam Tunnel Bus-Bus Interchange, Tsing Yi, Kwai Fong
KMB B11
Tin Fu Bus Terminus
San Tin Public Transport Interchange, Yuen Long Town Centre, Tin Shui Wai
NLB B12
Wu Kai Sha Station Public Transport Interchange
San Tin Public Transport Interchange, Tai Po (Kwong Fuk Bus-Bus Interchange), Science Park, Ma On Shan
Citybus B13
Siu Sai Wan (Island Resort)
San Tin Public Transport Interchange, Tai Lam Tunnel Bus-Bus Interchange, Western Harbour Crossing Bus-Bus Interchange, Sheung Wan, Central, North Point, Sai Wan Ho, Chai Wan
Citybus B14
Kai Tak (Olympic Avenue)
Tai Lam Tunnel Bus-Bus Interchange, Kai Tak Sports Park
*Provides daily service during morning and evening peaks at initial launch
Citybus B15
Castle Peak Bay
Hung Shui Kiu, Tuen Mun Town Centre, Tuen Mun Station, Tuen Mun South
*Provides daytime service on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays
Franchised bus overnight route
KMB NB73
Sha Tin Town Centre
San Tin Public Transport Interchange, Sheung Shui Station, Tai Po (Kwong Fuk Bus-Bus Interchange), Sha Tin Town Centre
GMB daytime routes
44B
Tuen Mun Station
Leung King Estate, Tuen Mun Hospital
44B1
Tuen Mun Ferry Pier
Tuen Mun Town Centre, Hung Kiu
78
Pat Heung Road (near Tai Lam Tunnel Bus-Bus Interchange)
Tai Lam Tunnel Bus-Bus Interchange, Kam Sheung Road Station
GMB overnight routes
79S
Tin Shui Wai (Grandeur Terrace)
Long Ping Station, Yuen Long Town Centre
N44B
Tuen Mun Ferry Pier
Tuen Mun Town Centre, Leung King Estate, Tuen Mun Hospital, Tuen Mun Station
616S
Mong Kok (Sai Yeung Choi Street South)
Mong Kok, Kowloon Tong
Short-haul CBC routes (24-hour operation)
*Some stopping points will only be in use during specific hours
Mong Kok
Arran Street (outside Golden Plaza)
Cheung Sha Wan, Lai Chi Kok
Yau Tsim
Austin Road Cross Boundary Coach Terminus
Tsim Sha Tsui (China Hong Kong City), Jordan
Kwun Tong
Lam Tin Station Public Transport Interchange
Kwun Tong (Millennium City), Kowloon Bay Station, Diamond Hill Station
Wan Chai
Exhibition Centre Station Public Transport Interchange
Wan Chai (near Southorn Centre), Sheung Wan
Tsuen Wan
Tsuen Wan Discovery Park Public Transport Interchange/Tsuen Wan Station Public Transport Interchange (overnight service)
Tsuen Wan Town Centre, Tsuen Wan West Station
The TD has arranged dedicated public transport lanes leading directly to San Sham Road from Fanling Highway and San Tin Highway for use by franchised buses, GMBs and CBCs to the new port, bypassing San Tin Interchange and thereby enhancing the efficiency of travelling to and from the port. A public transport buffer area has also been set up near the port building. Public transport operators (PTOs) will arrange backup vehicles in the buffer area, which can proceed to the port to pick up passengers within a short time to strengthen service frequencies when necessary, aiming to expedite the dispersal of passenger flows during peak periods.
Taxis
To ensure smooth overall traffic at the port, drivers of vacant urban and New Territories taxis as well as pre-booked fleet taxis must first obtain a queue ticket at the public transport buffer area, and then proceed to respective taxi stands or the designated taxi fleet pick-up area at the port's public transport interchange (PTI) to pick up passengers in order.
As for fleet taxis, a pre-booked fleet taxi waiting area set up inside the port building features a service station and a display panel for fleet taxi arrival information. Passengers who have pre-booked a fleet taxi should first register at the service station by showing the vehicle registration mark to the fleet taxi ambassadors. The ambassadors will dynamically deploy taxis waiting at the public transport buffer area to the dedicated pick-up area to ensure passengers can board quickly and smoothly.
The Huanggang Port PTI also provides convenient facilities for passenger queueing and boarding. Service ambassadors and PTO personnel will assist passengers at major locations in choosing suitable services and boarding in an orderly manner. Additional traffic signs and road markings have been installed at the PTI and on major connecting roads such as the Lok Ma Chau Bridge.
A spokesman for the TD said, "We will closely monitor passenger demand jointly with PTOs and step up or adjust services as necessary. Passengers should refer to PTOs' notices, websites, mobile apps or heed onboard broadcasts to understand route details, stop locations and service hours.
"During the initial stage of commissioning of the Huanggang Port, traffic in the vicinity may be relatively busy. Members of the public are urged to use other land and rail BCPs based on their needs for travelling between Shenzhen and Hong Kong, and not to rush to the new port for crossing the boundary. Cross-boundary travellers who need to use the Huanggang Port should plan their journeys in advance and allow sufficient time to adapt to the new arrangements. The TD's Emergency Transport Co-ordination Centre will closely monitor traffic and public transport conditions of the new port," the spokesman added.
The TD has briefed the Traffic and Transport Committees under relevant District Councils as well as the local and cross-boundary transport trades on the traffic and transport arrangements. Members of the public and visitors may visit the TD's designated webpage "Access to Huanggang Port" for details, or heed the latest traffic news via the TD's website (www.td.gov.hk), the HKeMobility mobile app as well as radio and television broadcasts.
The Transport Department (TD) said today (October 7) that, to facilitate the redeveloped Huanggang Port coming into operation to provide 24-hour services, traffic and public transport arrangements will be implemented accordingly to provide members of the public and visitors with a convenient and smooth travel experience. The public should use other land and rail boundary control points based on their needs and not rush to the new port for crossing the boundary. Photo shows the Deputy Commissioner for Transport/Transport Services and Management, Ms Candy Kwok (second left); the Assistant Commissioner for Transport/New Territories, Miss Amy Tse (second right); the Principal Transport Officer/New Territories of the TD, Ms Vivian Kwan (first right); and the Chief Traffic Engineer/New Territories West of the TD, Ms Vilian Sum (first left). Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
