RGC Hosts Workshop to Enhance Research Funding for Local Self-financing Degree Sector in Hong Kong

Research Grants Council hosts workshop and poster session to drive research excellence across local self-financing degree sector

The following is issued on behalf of the University Grants Committee:

The Research Grants Council (RGC) today (November 11) held a workshop and poster session on the Competitive Research Funding Schemes for the Local Self-financing (SF) Degree Sector at the Technological and Higher Education Institute of Hong Kong, bringing together more than 200 academics from across the sector.

Organised for academic and research staff of the SF sector, the workshop provides a valuable platform for participants to exchange insights and experiences on research innovations and achievements. It also serves to strengthen partnerships between the RGC and the SF sector, promote cross-institutional collaboration and interaction, and facilitate the sharing of successful research practices among participating institutions.

Speaking at the workshop's opening session, the Chairman of the RGC, Professor Timothy W. Tong said, "This year marks a defining milestone as Hong Kong actively implements the First Five-Year Plan for Economic and Social Development of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (2026-2030) alongside the commencement of the National 15th Five-Year Plan. The RGC is fully committed to working hand-in-hand with our higher education institutions to drive the development of Hong Kong into an international higher education hub as a strategic priority. In achieving our vision, the RGC is rigorously building a robust pipeline of research talent and strengthening our research support for them. By leveraging high impact research outcomes and nurturing young talent, the RGC is building a vibrant innovation ecosystem in sustaining the development of research excellence for Hong Kong."

The workshop featured faculty members who had successfully secured funding under the Competitive Research Funding Schemes for the Local SF Degree Sector, sharing their first-hand experiences and insights into preparing competitive research proposals. In addition, the Chairman of the Assessment Panel for Competitive Research Funding Schemes for the Local SF Degree Sector, Professor Julie Li, together with panel members, provided observations and feedback on proposals submitted under the latest funding exercise. Concurrently, a poster session was organised to showcase the research achievements and societal impact of completed projects funded under the Faculty Development Scheme (FDS).

"Looking ahead, the RGC will remain steadfast in optimising our funding schemes to support the SF sector for greater academic excellence, in championing inter-institutional synergy, and translating research outcomes into tangible benefits for society," said Professor Tong.

The Competitive Research Funding Schemes for the Local SF Degree Sector aim at developing and raising the research capability of SF institutions and their faculty members. Since the launch of the research funding schemes in 2013, the RGC has funded close to 1100 projects with a total amount of more than $1 billion.

Details of the funding schemes are available on the RGC website:

FDS:

www.ugc.edu.hk/eng/rgc/funding_opport/fds/index.html;

Institutional Development Scheme (IDS) Collaborative Research Grant: www.ugc.edu.hk/eng/rgc/funding_opport/ids_crg/index.html;

IDS Research Infrastructure Grant:

ww.ugc.edu.hk/eng/rgc/funding_opport/ids_rig/index.html; and

Inter-Institutional Development Scheme:

www.ugc.edu.hk/eng/rgc/funding_opport/iids/index.htm

Research Grants Council hosts workshop and poster session to drive research excellence across local self-financing degree sector Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Research Grants Council hosts workshop and poster session to drive research excellence across local self-financing degree sector Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Hong Kong Customs operation combats frozen meat smuggling

Hong Kong Customs recently mounted an operation against the smuggling of frozen meat, and detected a suspected frozen meat and food smuggling case on November 3, with approximately 570 kilograms of suspected smuggled frozen meat and 500kg of suspected smuggled foodstuff seized. The total estimated market value was about $140,000, and nine persons were arrested.

Through intelligence analysis and in-depth investigations,Hong Kong Customs suspected that some persons were illegally importing frozen meat into Hong Kong from the Mainland side of Chung Ying Street in Sha Tau Kok, and distributing it to different markets and residences in urban areas afterwards. Customs officers subsequently took action on November 3 and intercepted three vehicles delivering frozen meat and foodstuff to fresh provision shops and residences in urban areas, seizing a batch of suspected smuggled frozen meat and foodstuff, including seafood, vegetables and fruits, and prepackaged food.

During the operation, Hong Kong Customs arrested eight males and one female, comprising a man suspected of illegally importing frozen meat and foodstuff into Hong Kong, four male vehicle drivers who delivered the goods to urban areas, a male fresh provision shop owner and three recipients (two males and one female). The arrestees, aged between 23 and 58, have been released on bail pending further investigation.

Under the Import and Export Ordinance, any person found guilty of importing or exporting unmanifested cargo is liable to a maximum fine of $2 million and imprisonment for seven years upon conviction.

Under the Import and Export (General) Regulations, it is an offence to import frozen or chilled meat into Hong Kong without an import licence issued by the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD). An offender shall be liable on conviction to a maximum fine of $2 million and imprisonment for seven years.

According to the Imported Game, Meat, Poultry and Eggs Regulations (Cap. 132AK), it is an offence to bring any game, meat, poultry or eggs into Hong Kong without a health certificate issued by an issuing entity of the place of origin and/or without prior written permission granted by the FEHD. An offender shall be liable on conviction to a maximum fine of $50,000 and to imprisonment for six months.

Under the Food Business Regulation (Cap. 132X), it is an offence for any person to be in possession of meat from an illegal source for sale. If there is sufficient evidence, the FEHD will initiate prosecution. An offender is liable to a maximum fine of $50,000 and imprisonment for six months. In addition, under the FEHD's Demerit Points System for licensed food premises, if a licensee is convicted of possessing meat for sale that comes from a slaughterhouse not approved by the FEHD or from other unapproved sources, their licence will be cancelled.

Members of the public may report any suspected smuggling 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 operation combats frozen meat smuggling Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Hong Kong Customs operation combats frozen meat smuggling Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases