Speech by SITI at Opening Ceremony and Science Symposium of 2026 Future Science Prize Week
Following is the speech by the Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Professor Sun Dong, at the Opening Ceremony and Science Symposium of 2026 Future Science Prize Week today (November 6):
Professor Dennis Lo (President of the Hong Kong Academy of Sciences), Professor Vivian Yam (Co-chair of the Programme Committee of 2026 Future Science Prize Week Professor Yam Wing-wah), Professor Yaghi (2025 Nobel Laureate in Chemistry, Professor Omar Yaghi), distinguished guests and speakers, ladies and gentlemen,
Good morning. I am delighted to join you all today at the Opening Ceremony and Science Symposium of the 2026 Future Science Prize (FSP) Week in Hong Kong.
Over the years, the FSP Week has brought world-renowned scientists to share their scientific discoveries and bring cutting-edge topics to a wider community. I am pleased to witness Hong Kong hosting the Prize Week for the fourth consecutive year. In the fields of chemistry, physics and mathematics, I believe the Symposium today will demonstrate the far-reaching potential of fundamental research, not only in expanding the boundaries of human knowledge, but also in opening up new possibilities for technological innovation.
Hong Kong is working at full steam to advance our innovation and technology (I&T) development. The Government's First Five-Year Plan targets to establish Hong Kong to become an international I&T centre based in the GuangdongHong KongMacao Greater Bay Area, serving the entire country and connected to the world, after 2030. We will continue to consolidate the research strengths of our universities, the State Key Laboratories and InnoHK research clusters, supporting them in conducting basic and applied research for the needs of Hong Kong, our nation and the world. We also encourage real-life application and commercialisation of research outcomes. By exploring the establishment of the Hong Kong Innovation and Technology Application Scenario Promotion Centre, we aim to match the application scenario needs of both public and private sectors, and the innovative technological solutions provided by I&T enterprises, helping companies align with industry standards and go global.
Meanwhile, Hong Kong is steadfast in its vision to develop frontier and future technologies. We will set up a new Task Group on Frontier Technology to plan for the development of technologies covering AI, quantum, aerospace and other emerging areas to explore technology and industry development.
International co-operation and talent attraction also play a part. We are strengthening support for recruitment of R&D (research and development) talent through the Research Talent Hub Scheme. To foster international cooperation and attract top overseas scientists to Hong Kong, we have launched the Frontier Technology Research Support Scheme. Through these efforts, we are building a vibrant and internationally connected research community where scientific talent can pursue their long-term research careers in Hong Kong.
Ladies and gentlemen, scientific discovery often begins with an individual question, but progress depends on curiosity, perseverance and collective efforts of scientists across generations. This is precisely the value of the FSP Week. I hope the discussions over the coming days will stimulate fresh perspectives, foster meaningful research collaboration and inspire further scientific discoveries.
I wish the 2026 Future Science Prize Week every success and all participants a rewarding and fruitful exchange. Thank you.
Speech by SITI at Opening Ceremony and Science Symposium of 2026 Future Science Prize Week Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Two registered minor works contractors and their authorized signatories disciplined
The Registered Contractors' Disciplinary Board has completed two disciplinary inquiries under the Buildings Ordinance (BO) and decided that one of the registered minor works contractors (RMWC) and its authorized signatory (AS) should be disciplined for having been convicted by a court of offences related to building works, and the other RMWC and its AS-cum-director should also be disciplined for having been convicted of relevant offences, and negligent or having misconducted themselves in building works.
The Board's written decisions and orders issued on October 20 were published in the Gazette today (November 6). Details are available at the following links:
Case 1: egazette.gld.gov.hk/pdf?type=egn&year=2026&volume=30&gno=45¬ice_no=7125
Case 2: egazette.gld.gov.hk/pdf?type=egn&year=2026&volume=30&gno=45¬ice_no=7126
The first case involved the alteration of a wall signboard at a shop on Yuen Long On Ning Road. The RMWC and its AS submitted a certificate to the BD in December 2022, certifying that the subject minor works, which were type C minor works under Class III, had been completed. An investigation by the BD revealed that the RMWC and its AS did not register the type and item of the said minor works, yet they had carried out and certified minor works for which they were not registered. The RMWC and its AS were subsequently prosecuted by the BD, and were convicted and fined $12,000 in total at the Tuen Mun Magistrates' Courts in August 2024, pursuant to sections 40(2E) and 40(5) of the BO. In view of the convictions, the BD notified the Board for its consideration of disciplinary action against the RMWC and its AS under the provision of sections 13(1) and 13(3) of the BO.
Upon completion of the disciplinary inquiry, the Board ordered that the RMWC be removed from the register of minor works contractors for two months with effect from the date of the Gazette, and the AS be fined $4,000. Also, the RMWC and its AS were ordered to pay a total of $42,000, being the costs of the Board and the BD for conducting the inquiry.
The second case involved the erection of a wall signboard at the external wall of a building on Shau Kei Wan Road. The RMWC submitted a prescribed form to the BD in July 2022, notifying the commencement of Class II minor works for erecting a wall signboard at the external wall with a display area not larger than 10 square metres; and a certificate to the BD in the same month certifying the completion of the minor works. An investigation by the BD revealed that the display area of the said signboard was larger than 10 sq m, which should have been classified as Class I minor works requiring the appointment of prescribed building professionals to submit prescribed plans and details of works, and a notice of commencement and a certificate of completion of the works. The RMWC and its AS(also being the director of the RMWC) were subsequently prosecuted by the BD, and were convicted and fined $16,000 in total at the Eastern Magistrates' Courts in May 2024, pursuant to sections 40(2A)(c), 40(2A)(e) and 40(6) of the BO. In view of the convictions and that the RMWC and its AS-cum-director had been negligent or had misconducted themselves in building works, the BD notified the Board for its consideration to take disciplinary action against the RMWC and its AS-cum-director under the provisions of sections 13(1) and 13(3) of the BO.
Upon completion of the disciplinary inquiry, the Board ordered that the RMWC be removed from the register of minor works contractors for two months with effect from the date of the Gazette and be fined $4,000, and the AS-cum-director be fined $12,000 in total. Also, the RMWC and its AS-cum-director were ordered to pay a total of $46,300, being the costs of the Board and the BD for conducting the inquiry.
A spokesperson for the BD reiterated that any registered contractor who contravenes the relevant provisions of the BO in carrying out building works, or is convicted by any court of an offence relating to building works, or has been negligent or has misconducted himself in building works, will be subject to enforcement action including criminal prosecution and disciplinary action under the BO.
Source: AI-found images
