Hong Kong Polytechnic University bags 9 international invention awards

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has won 9 prizes at the 46th International Exhibition of Inventions of Geneva. Held from 11 to 15 April, the Exhibition has attracted 823 exhibitors from 40 countries/regions, showcasing around 1,000 new products. Under the patronage of the Swiss Federal Government, the State and the City of Geneva as well as the World Intellectual Property Organization, it is the biggest event of its kind globally.

According to the press release by PolyU, these breakthroughs not only expand the boundaries of knowledge, but also enhance the well-being of our society on different fronts as they cover a wide range of application areas.

“PolyU is committed to making the world a better place through research, innovation and knowledge transfer,” remarked Dr Miranda Lou, Executive Vice President of PolyU.

“These awards manifest the fruition of the tireless efforts of our research experts. We take great pride in their contribution in technological advancement, which doubtlessly deserves international recognition,” she added.

Among these breakthroughs, the Defocus Incorporated Multiple Segments (DIMS) Spectacle Lens for Myopia Control was awarded the Grand Prize, Grand Award and Gold Medal with the Congratulations of Jury. The Grand Prize is considered the top honour of the event.

According to the press release by the International Exhibition of Inventions of Geneva, the multi-segment spectacle lens for myopia control were developed by Professor Carly Sy Lam and Professor Chi Ho To. The lenses comprising several microlens segments that constantly defocus the short-sighted vision of myopia sufferers, enabling them to see clearly. The device has been shown to slow the progression of myopia in children by 60%, and even stopped it altogether in 20% of the subjects tested.

Myopia affects countless people around the world, but in some regions it almost endemic. In several Asian countries, nearly 80% of the population are short-sighted. The glasses developed by Prof Sy Lam and Prof To are composed of hundreds of micro-lenses whose action employs the natural homeostatic mechanism that regulates the size of the eyeball based on the physical characteristics of optical input. The clinical results indicate a spectacular slowing of the disease. Apart from reducing the myopia itself, the DIMS glasses also significantly reduce the overall risk of associated diseases, such as retinal detachment and glaucoma.

Other winning projects from PolyU at the Exhibition are:

(1) Intelligent 3D Stereoscopic Imaging System on Plenoptic Camera

The innovation won Gold Medal with the Congratulations of Jury. Led by Ir Prof Wing Bun Lee from the Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, the intelligent 3D imaging system with internal reflection unit can capture multiple angles of an object at the same time, generating a high-quality 3D image or video with depth map information after image processing.

(2) Scalable All-Textile Energy Harvesters for Electric Power Generation

The project won Gold Medal with the Congratulations of Jury. Led by Dr Bingang Xu from the Institute of Textiles and Clothing, this novel textile can harvest ambient mechanical energy for electric power generation.

The textile is super-flexible, tailorable, washable and can be fabricated by existing machines .It can be used as wearable power sources for portable and wearable devices, e.g. hearing aid, fitness tracker, wearable sensor, etc.

(3) Automated System for Surface Pitting Analysis on Airplane Jet Engine

The project led by Dr Stephen O’Brien from Aviation Services Research Centre (ASRC) won Gold Medal. Pitting is surface defect found on critical jet engine components of complex shapes and different sizes. It is currently detected by naked-eye inspection. Such task takes up significant man-hours and embodies errors in accuracy and
reliability.

The newly-developed automated system by PolyU’s ASRC employs robotics, artificial intelligence (AI) and deep learning, image processing, 3D scanning, optical metrology, and non-destructive testing technologies to identify and measure corrosive pitting such that precise information such as pitting position, depth and diameter can be obtained.

This system can be used together with the automated surface defect removal system developed by ASRC. When a surface defect is identified, the removal system may execute artisan level workmanship to repair the defects. This enables automation of jet engine maintenance procedures and significantly shortens the process from the 4-hour manual method to 1.5 hours, enhancing the quality, reliability and accuracy of work; and cuts down operation costs. It can thus substantially reduce the turnover time for aircraft maintenance and airplane turnaround time.

In future, ASRC will apply deep learning defect detection in other areas such as Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) images or fuselage inspection to further realize automation in aircraft maintenance. In the perceptive of Big Data and Industry 4.0, this kind of automation enables information collection and pattern analysis of defects, leading to better engine part design in future.

(4) eNightLog – Night-time Monitoring System for Caring Elderly with Dementia

The project led by Ir Prof Yongping Zheng from Department of Biomedical Engineering won the Gold Medal. Equipped with event sequence tracking, different kinds of remote sensing and imaging technologies, this system performs intelligent night-time monitoring of dementia patients in a non-restraint approach. In case of unusual incident, the system will send an alert message to the caregiver immediately, expediting the incident handling process. PolyU will install over 100 units of eNightlog in local elderly health centres in Hong Kong.

(5) Micro-embossing Equipment for Precision Optical Microstructures

The project led by Dr Lihua Li from the Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering won the Gold Medal. The novel micro-embossing equipment with graphite-like carbon film can produce micron-level micro-structural optical components in glass using self-developed heating technology and innovative mould design. The equipment enables rapid and accurate impression of small aspheric lens and fine optical microstructures such as micro-lens array.

(6) Sprayable Smart Sensing Network Coating for Structural Health Monitoring

This project led by Prof Zhongqing Su, Department of Mechanical Engineering, won the Gold Medal. The new breed of nanocomposites can be sprayed directly onto engineering structures, forming smart sensing network coatings for in-situ structural health monitoring and damage detection purposes. Due to its low fabrication cost, large quantities of sensors can be deployed in a sensor network, paving the way for a new era of structural health monitoring.

On 13 April, the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Berlin (HKETO Berlin), together with the Hong Kong Federation of Invention and Innovation (HKFII), hosted a reception at the 46th International Exhibition of Inventions Geneva to support the exhibitors from Hong Kong.

Representing a city with strong focus on innovation, HKFII brought a delegation of more than 100 people from Hong Kong, and showcased a total of 98 projects in the exhibition. These projects ranged from microbial technology that turns food waste to biodegradable plastic bags to lip password for access control.

Other than PolyU, other exhibition projects from Hong Kong were also awarded with a total of 25 gold medals with the congratulations of the jury, 47 gold medals and 26 silver medals.

“Hong Kong has strong research and development capabilities and talent, excellent technological infrastructure, world-class universities and academics, a sound legal system and a robust intellectual property protection regime,” highlighted by the Director of the HKETO Berlin, Ms Betty Ho, at the reception.

Given Hong Kong’s favourable location in the heart of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Bay Area, Ms Ho added that the city would continue to step up collaboration in innovation and technology with the talent pools from other economies and capture the unprecedented opportunities together.

Singapore’s Retail Jobs Transformation Map

Dr Tan See Leng, Minister for Manpower and Second Minister for Trade and Industry launched the Jobs Transformation Map (JTM) for Retail as a guiding resource to help retail companies plan and ensure that their workforce is equipped with the necessary skill sets to meet evolving business needs.

Following the release of the Retail Industry Transformation Map (ITM) 2025 in October last year, Enterprise Singapore (ESG) and Workforce Singapore (WSG) collaborated with the Ministry of Manpower to create the JTM, which was supported by SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG).

Singapore National Employers Federation (SNEF), in collaboration with the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC), has been designated as a programme partner for the Jobs Skills Integrator for Retail (JSIT-R).

The JSIT-R is a dedicated intermediary that offers retailers end-to-end solutions for workforce transformation, staff training, and job matching services. When engaging with retailers, the JSIT-R will consult the JTM.

Retail trade associations and chambers (TACs) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with SNEF and NTUC to demonstrate their support for the JSIT-R and the implementation of the JTM. TACs are committed to reaching out to and collaborating with over 1,100 member companies and other retailers to accelerate employment transformation for their workforce of about 94,000 employees.

To ensure that the Retail sector can continue to attract and retain talent while also creating quality jobs, a study was conducted to identify future industry trends as well as anticipate how future job roles and required skill sets must change to create new opportunities and meet evolving business needs.

Four major trends and opportunities have been identified:

Shifts in consumer needs as a result of changes in lifestyle, preferences, and awareness;
Emergence of new retail models (e.g., omnichannel, customer-centric retail experience, and innovative business model) that enable enhanced brand and shopping experiences;
Using data analytics and improvements in retail technology to increase productivity and efficiency;
Create a resilient and agile supply chain to improve inventory management and enable more fulfilling alternatives in an increasingly complicated and turbulent supply chain environment.

The JTM analysis highlighted existing work roles that are likely to change somewhat or significantly, such as sales associates and store managers. Changes such as new technology and shifting consumer needs will transform these jobs.

A fundamental recommendation in the JTM report for adapting to these trends and technology improvements is to transform the workforce through human capital development programmes that include training, job redesign, and skills-based career progression pathways.

Such efforts would allow employees to focus on more value-added work and plan their evolution, which would help the growth of businesses.

Some emerging job roles include Sustainability Specialist, Product Innovator, Customer Experience Manager, Customer Intelligence Analyst, Omni-channel Manager, Digital Marketer, Digital Transformation Manager, UI/UX Designer and Full Stack Developer.

Further, retailers can stay competitive in a continuously changing industry by utilising data analytics and developments in retail technology. It helps them to provide personalised experiences, optimise operations, and boost customer satisfaction, resulting in higher profitability and long-term success.

The utilisation of data analytics and improvements in retail technology is critical for merchants looking to increase productivity and efficiency. Retailers can obtain important insights into customer behaviour, preferences, and market trends by leveraging the power of data analytics.

This data enables them to make data-driven decisions, improve inventory management, personalise marketing efforts, and improve overall operational efficiency.

Hong Kong Advancing Autonomous Driving and C-V2X Tech

The Hong Kong Applied Science and Technology Research Institute (ASTRI) and a driverless vehicle company, established by a Chinese multinational technology corporation, have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaboratively advance the implementation of autonomous driving and C-V2X technology in various scenarios within Hong Kong. The partnership also aims to explore opportunities for cooperation in developing High-Definition Maps (HD Maps), thereby enhancing Hong Kong’s smart mobility ecosystem.

The Vice President of Communication Technologies at ASTRI and the Head of Business Development at the driverless vehicle company signed the agreement. The signing was witnessed by the Chief Operating Officer of ASTRI and the Head of the international arm of the company.

As part of this collaboration, the two parties will extend the implementation of C-V2X technology to additional scenarios. The driverless vehicle company will provide support to ASTRI in the research and development of roadside infrastructure. Specifically, the company will deploy its Operating System of Intelligent Road Side (Smart Road Air OS) at the Sha Tin Smart Mobility Public Testing Route, aiding ASTRI in its endeavours.

This partnership capitalises on the tech company’s expertise in developing C-V2X infrastructure, autonomous driving software, and intelligent transportation operations, along with ASTRI’s strong research and development capabilities in 5G communication technology, AI, smart mobility, C-V2X technology, and road-testing experience. By merging these strengths, the collaboration aims to expedite the deployment of C-V2X technology across various scenarios in Hong Kong.

To address the distinctive urban environment of Hong Kong, both parties will additionally explore opportunities for cooperation in the development of High-Definition Maps (HD Maps). These efforts will focus on enhancing the technology and usability of HD maps through experimental projects. By collaborating on this aspect, the aim is to create more accurate and comprehensive mapping solutions that cater to the specific needs of Hong Kong’s urban landscape.

ASTRI has been actively involved in the research and development of C-V2X technology since 2015. With support from the Smart Transportation Fund of the Transport Department, ASTRI launched one of the world’s largest C-V2X public road tests in Hong Kong in 2021. This extensive test covered a 14km route from Hong Kong Science Park to Sha Tin town centre, allowing for the study and testing of C-V2X technology in various real-world scenarios on Hong Kong’s roads. The focus was not only on the technology itself but also on the necessary network and infrastructure.

Currently, the second phase of C-V2X public road tests is underway. The primary objective is to enhance road and pedestrian safety while improving traffic efficiency. This is achieved through the efficient, accurate, and rapid sharing of information leveraging one of ASTRI’s Hero Technologies: a high-speed, reliable, and low-latency 5G network solution.

In addition, the establishment of the “Smart Mobility (C-V2X) Technology Alliance” in April 2023 further enhances Hong Kong’s smart mobility ecosystem. This alliance promotes collaboration among the government, industry, academia, and research institutions, fostering cooperation on smart mobility and related technologies. The ultimate goal is to accelerate the implementation of C-V2X technology and infrastructure in Hong Kong, positioning the city as a model for smart cities.

Meanwhile, the company serves as a pilot unit for the state’s transportation sector. Its intelligent transportation business, along with its affiliated companies, is dedicated to spearheading the modernization of China’s intelligent transportation systems.

Their mission is to develop a world-class, integrated transportation system that aligns with the high-quality standards of being safe, convenient, efficient, green, and economical. Their efforts are in line with the overarching goal of achieving a transportation system that prioritizes people’s satisfaction, provides robust protection, and sets a global benchmark in terms of excellence.

The Association for Operating Systems of Intelligent Road Side was established in Beijing on 17 May 2023. This association introduced the Operating System of Intelligent Road Side (Smart Road Air OS 1.0) to the industry. The company, as one of the key technology contributors, will continue to adhere to the guiding principle of “Open Capabilities, Shared Resources, Accelerating Innovations, Sustainable Success.”

The company aims to foster the development of the smart transportation industry through an efficient, innovative, and mutually beneficial open-source association. By actively participating in this association, the company seeks to promote collaboration, encourage the sharing of resources and capabilities, and drive accelerated innovation within the smart transportation sector.

Fast-Track to 5G: VinaPhone Launches High-Speed Service

The Vietnam Post and Telecommunications Group (VNPT) has announced their plan to introduce the VinaPhone 5G service during the Da Nang International Fireworks Festival (DIFF 2023), which is scheduled for 2 June to 8 July.

The purpose of this initiative is to enable visitors to spread the festive atmosphere and experience by live-streaming fireworks performances at the highest transmission speed of up to 2.2Gbps, which is ten times faster on average compared to the existing 4G network.

Throughout the festival, festival-goers will have convenient access to the VinaPhone 5G service at various locations, including Dragon Bridge, Bach Dang Street, Tran Hung Dao Street, and the surrounding areas. Individuals can also utilise VinaPhone 5G for an array of online experiences such as streaming movies, listening to music, or participating in online conferences.

According to VNPT, the inclusion of the VinaPhone 5G service at the Da Nang International Fireworks Festival (DIFF) holds significance as it commemorates the 27^th anniversary of the establishment of the VinaPhone network (26 June 1996 – 26 June 2023). This marks the first time VinaPhone 5G service is being introduced at DIFF. Apart from providing customers with a high-speed internet experience, the 5G service also serves to showcase advanced telecommunications technology to international visitors and festival attendees.

To avail themselves of the VinaPhone 5G service, individuals possessing 5G-enabled devices will need to activate the 5G feature on their phones. They can do this by texting “DK 5G” to the number 888 to access it.

In April, the Ministry of Information and Communications (MIC) announced an auction for frequencies within the 2300-2400 MHz waveband. This initiative was designed to facilitate the progress of network operators in deploying and enhancing their 4G and 5G technologies. The starting price set for this waveband was VND 12.88 billion (US$ 548,481) per MHz per annum, and each company had the opportunity to bid for up to 30 MHz. The companies are allowed to use the wavebands for 15 years for 4G and 5G purposes.

The auction was open to not only mobile service providers but also other telecommunication companies that met the specified requirements. Consequently, the auction allowed for the entry of new players utilising 4G and 5G technologies into the mobile market. Even companies without existing licenses for telecom services were allowed to apply to MIC for evaluation and consideration of their eligibility to participate in the auction. This inclusiveness enabled a wider range of entities to join the telecommunications sector potentially.

As OpenGov Asia reported, upon successfully winning the auction and paying the fees in full and on time, the businesses were awarded licenses to use frequencies and offer telecommunication services. These companies, which participated in the auction for the usage rights of radio frequencies within the 2300-2400 MHz waveband, gained the ability to establish networks and provide telecommunication services employing either IMT-Advanced (4G) or IMT-2020 (5G) technologies.

Recently, at the 31^st meeting of the Asia Pacific Telecommunity (APT) Wireless Group, Vietnam’s Deputy Minister of Information and Communications, Pham Duc Long, discussed the management of potential frequency bands for 6G technology, the effective management of broadband satellite beams, expanding wireless internet coverage through band extensions, and the advancements and implications of 5G technology.

He said that the world is currently confronted with a range of complex issues in the era of wireless devices. APT, in response, is committed to collaborating with member countries to address these problems and effectively overcome the associated challenges.

Decoding Machine Learning to Simplify Complex Model Interpretation

Machine-learning models are utilised in the real world to assist radiologists in identifying potential diseases in X-rays; however, these models are intricate and their prediction process remains elusive even to their creators. To address this, researchers employ saliency methods, techniques that seek to offer insights into the model’s behaviour and elucidate its decision-making procedure.

Researchers from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and a multinational technology company have collaboratively developed a tool with a new method to assist users in selecting the most suitable saliency method for their specific requirements. Therefore, they introduced saliency cards, providing standardised documentation summarising how a particular process of saliency operates, including its strengths, weaknesses, and explanations to aid users in correctly interpreting the method’s outputs.

The Co-lead Author, Angie Boggust, a graduate student in electrical engineering and computer science at MIT and a member of the Visualization Group of the MIT Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory (CSAIL), expresses the team’s aspiration that users equipped with this knowledge will be able to consciously select a suitable saliency method based on the specific machine-learning model being employed and the task it aims to accomplish.

Boggust explains that saliency cards are purposefully crafted to provide a concise and easily understandable overview of a saliency method while highlighting the essential attributes most relevant to human users. These cards are intended to be accessible to a wide range of individuals, including machine-learning researchers and even those unfamiliar with the field and seeking guidance in selecting a saliency method for the first time.

Choosing the “wrong” saliency method can have serious consequences. For instance, one saliency method known as integrated gradients compares the importance of features in an image to a meaningless reference point. Features with the highest priority compared to this reference point are considered the most meaningful for the model’s prediction. If an unsuitable saliency method is chosen, it can lead to incorrect or misleading interpretations of the model’s behaviour and predictions. Therefore, selecting a saliency method appropriate for the specific task requirements is crucial to avoid these consequences.

Saliency cards can assist users in avoiding choosing “the wrong method” by reducing the operational details of a saliency method into ten user-centric attributes. The attributes encompass the methodology for calculating saliency, the connection between the saliency method and the model, and how users interpret the outputs generated by the method.

The saliency cards can also serve as a valuable resource for scientists by revealing areas where further research is needed. For instance, the researchers from MIT encountered a challenge in finding a saliency method that was both computationally efficient and applicable to any machine-learning model. This highlights a gap in the research space that warrants further exploration and development.

In the future, the researchers aim to delve into the less-explored attributes of saliency methods and potentially create task-specific saliency techniques. They also seek to enhance their understanding of how individuals perceive saliency method outputs, with the potential for developing improved visualisations. Furthermore, they have made their work accessible through a public repository, inviting feedback from others that will contribute to future advancements.

Boggust is optimistic, envisioning these saliency cards as dynamic documents that will evolve as new saliency methods and evaluations emerge. Ultimately, this marks just the beginning of a broader discussion regarding the attributes of saliency methods and their relevance to different tasks. Boggust believes that in the future, there will be other researchers who will further develop this discovery.

Equipping Philippine Government Employees with Cybersecurity Skills

In conjunction with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), a giant technology company will award 500 Cybersecurity Career Certificate scholarships to qualified government employees, equipping them with the necessary skill set to identify and mitigate common cybersecurity risks, threats, and vulnerabilities.

Even without prior experience, qualified government employees will be able to acquire the skills necessary for an entry-level position in cybersecurity through the 3–6-month self-paced programme.

Ivan John Uy, DICT Secretary stated that the Cybersecurity Career Certificate will help the Filipino workforce become more globally competitive. This will also empower them with the skills necessary to withstand cyber-attacks and create a safer, more secure online environment.

The DICT acknowledged the generous effort to aid the Philippines in its digital transformation voyage and anticipates additional opportunities for cooperation.

In collaboration with DICT Regional Offices, the ICT Literacy and Competency Development Bureau (ILCDB) is responsible for the evaluation, nomination, distribution, and monitoring of these accounts to qualified recipients of the Career Certificate Scholarship.

According to the International Information System Security Certification Consortium’s (ISC2) Workforce Study, there is a global shortage of 3,4 million cybersecurity professionals. Currently, there are only 202 Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)-certified cybersecurity professionals in the Philippines.

It is essential to create more opportunities for Filipinos to acquire the necessary digital skills and pursue the cybersecurity field competitively. The institution is committed to working closely with local collaborators from the public and private sectors to assist in the development of the country’s next generation of cybersecurity professionals and experts. Interested candidates can contact ILCDB via email at ilcdb@dict.gov.ph.

The Cybersecurity Certificate is a wholly online programme that equips learners with the necessary skills for an entry-level position in cybersecurity, regardless of prior experience. Python, Linux, SQL, Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) tools, and Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS) will be utilised.

Participants will gain knowledge regarding Programming for cybersecurity tasks, frameworks, and controls that inform security operations, utilising security information and event management (SIEM) tools for cybersecurity, detecting and responding to incidents using an intrusion detection system, and performing packet capture and analysis.

Cybersecurity education for government employees is of the utmost importance. Local, regional, and national government institutions handle and store a vast quantity of sensitive and confidential information.

This includes citizen data, national security secrets, financial records, and systems vital to the nation’s infrastructure. Without adequate cybersecurity measures, these priceless assets are susceptible to cyber threats and attacks.

Government employees play a crucial role in protecting these assets and the nation’s security. By studying cybersecurity, individuals acquire the knowledge and skills required to identify potential risks, mitigate vulnerabilities, and respond effectively to cyber incidents.

This includes being aware of the most recent cyber threats, recognising social engineering techniques, and instituting secure data handling and network access practices.

In addition, cybercriminals frequently target government employees due to the valuable information they possess. By training government personnel about cybersecurity, they become more resilient to these risks, lowering the likelihood of successful assaults and data breaches. Hence, cybersecurity expertise is necessary for effective policymaking and governance.

Government officials comprehend the implications and repercussions of cybersecurity-related decisions to create effective laws, regulations, and guidelines. Governments can improve their overall cybersecurity posture and protect critical infrastructure, essential services, and citizen data if they have personnel that is well-informed and knowledgeable about cybersecurity.

Ground-breaking ‘Signal Radar’ Solution Revolutionises Search and Rescue

The Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP) has collaborated with the Hong Kong Police Force (HKPF) and a partner company to enhance emergency rescue capabilities through an innovative solution called “Signal Radar.” This achievement was made possible by leveraging the extensive ecosystem of HKSTP, which comprises more than 1,400 companies within its parks, enabling effective solution scouting.

The ground-breaking solution, known as “Signal Radar,” harnesses local innovative technology to aid rescue teams in locating and saving lives, even in the most remote and difficult terrains. Developed in collaboration between the HKPF and a partner company, this solution, without explicitly mentioning the name, enables rescuers to effectively detect SOS signals generated by the “HKSOS” application.

By operating independently of mobile network coverage, the “Signal Radar” solution surpasses other wireless technologies in its category by detecting signals over significantly longer distances. Its remarkable capability extends to detecting SOS signals even in intricate terrains. Whether in densely forested areas or out at sea, the solution can accurately transmit the GPS coordinates of individuals in distress to rescue teams.

Hong Kong, with its more than 60 islands and 40% of the land designated as country parks, presents formidable challenges to rescuers due to its mountainous terrain. The Hong Kong Police Force (HKPF) reports a staggering 370% increase in search and rescue missions over the past four years. In response to these limitations and growing demands, the “Signal Radar” solution has been specifically designed to address these challenges. It is believed that this solution has the potential to enhance rescue capabilities, enabling responders to seize the crucial “golden window” for saving lives.

The implementation of the partnering company’s patented technology in the “Signal Radar” solution marks the first time it has been used for a search and rescue application. This innovative solution has garnered international acclaim for its pioneering capabilities, as evidenced by its receipt of the Gold Medal award in the “Security, Search & Alarm” category at the prestigious 48th International Exhibition of Inventions in Geneva in April 2023, along with the Congratulations of the Jury. The unique attributes of this solution are expected to generate significant interest not only in Hong Kong but also in regions and countries worldwide that confront comparable challenging rescue conditions and scenarios.

The Senior Superintendent of Police from the Digital Policing Services Bureau of the HKPF emphasised that the adoption of new technologies in policing and the promotion of innovation and technology are strategic priorities for the HKPF. They highlighted the importance of collaborating and partnering with industry and academia to achieve these objectives. Notably, the HKPF stands out as the largest government department to have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with HKSTP, demonstrating its commitment to fostering innovation and technology advancement.

The Vice President of Business Development from the partnering tech company expressed gratitude for the support received from HKSTP and the privilege of working with the HKPF to develop a significant and innovative solution aimed at saving lives. They eagerly anticipate the implementation of this locally developed solution in search and rescue operations, with the expectation that it will have a positive societal impact both locally and globally.

The Head of Partnerships at the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation stated that the collaboration between the HKPF and the partner company goes beyond simply adopting a technology. The HKPF actively participated in the co-creation of a solution tailored to their specific needs and applications.

This approach holds significance in expediting the introduction of innovative solutions to the market. The aim is for this collaboration to set a precedent that encourages increased cooperation in innovation and technology between corporations, government departments, and startups.

In September 2022, the HKPF and HKSTP formalised their collaboration by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The MoU outlined their joint efforts to explore innovative solutions in five specific areas: Search and Rescue Operations, Natural Language Processing (NLP), Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Simultaneous Localisation and Mapping (SLAM), and Augmented Reality (AR).

The successful development of the award-winning “Signal Radar” solution, created through the collaboration between the HKPF and the partnering company, represents the first milestone achieved under this MoU. As part of their ongoing partnership, HKSTP has already facilitated the connection of over 40 tech ventures with the HKPF, aiming to drive innovation, promote technology commercialisation, and foster the implementation of technology within the innovation and technology sector.

Mission LiFE: MeitY Transfers Novel Li-ion Battery Recycling Tech

As part of the “Promote Circularity Campaign,” the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has transferred cost-effective Li-ion battery recycling technology to nine recycling industries and start-ups under the Mission LiFE initiative.

The novelty of the indigenously developed technology could process assorted types of discarded Li-ion batteries, recovering more than 95% lithium, cobalt, manganese, and nickel contents in the form of their corresponding oxides/carbonates of about 98% purity. The recycling procedure involves leaching followed by a hierarchical selective extraction of the metal values using a solvent extraction process. These secondary raw materials hold great potential for reuse in battery manufacturing or other potential applications.

This technology was developed by MeitY through the Centre of Excellence on E-waste Management established at the Centre for Materials for Electronics Technology (C-MET) in Hyderabad. The development took place in collaboration with the government of Telangana and an industry partner based in Hyderabad.

The CEO of the National Institute of Transforming India (NITI Aayog) highlighted the significance of the Centre of Excellence (CoE) model in promoting translational research and innovation through partnerships with the industry right from the problem-solving stage. The transfer of Li-ion battery recycling technology to nine local industries by MeitY demonstrates its commendable efforts in this regard, he said.

Out of the 11 chosen verticals of the circular economy by NITI Aayog, MeitY stands out as a frontrunner in showcasing the outcomes of technology development. This is particularly significant as the country is still limited in comparison to a few major economies in this domain. MeitY’s advancements in technology development within the circular economy demonstrate India’s commitment to embracing sustainable practices and contributing to global efforts in this field.

Alkesh Kumar Sharma, the Secretary of MeitY, expressed his appreciation for the Centre of Excellence (CoE) on E-waste Management at C-MET, Hyderabad, for their achievement in developing low-cost technology for local recycling industries and start-ups. He acknowledged the special efforts made by the government of Telangana and the private player in nurturing a unique concept in the country and facilitating translational research for commercialisation.

Furthermore, he commended the C-MET scientists for their venture into niche technology development, such as the production of hafnium metal sponge from effluents, a resource that is only available in a limited number of countries.

The initiative was launched under the Mission LiFE project. Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment), envisioned by the Prime Minister at the Climate Change Conference (COP26), emphasises mindful and deliberate utilisation instead of mindless and wasteful consumption. More than 100,000 LiFE-related events have taken place across India mobilising over 1.7 million individuals to take pro-planet actions. These include cleanliness drives, bicycle rallies, plantation drives, LiFE marathons, plastic collection drives, composting workshops, and taking a LiFE pledge. Many schools and colleges are also undertaking cultural competitions such as street plays, essays, paintings, and youth parliaments.

Recently, under the project, the government has introduced the Electronics Repair Services Outsourcing (ERSO) Pilot initiative. It aims to validate certain transformational policy and process changes to make the country the repair capital of the world. By facilitating affordable and dependable repairs for ICT products on a global scale, the ERSO initiative will significantly contribute to extending the lifespan of devices worldwide.

June 6, 2023

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Hong Kong Polytechnic University bags 9 international invention awards

Singapore’s Retail Jobs Transformation Map

Hong Kong Advancing Autonomous Driving and C-V2X Tech

Fast-Track to 5G: VinaPhone Launches High-Speed Service

Decoding Machine Learning to Simplify Complex Model Interpretation

Equipping Philippine Government Employees with Cybersecurity Skills

Ground-breaking ‘Signal Radar’ Solution Revolutionises Search and Rescue

Mission LiFE: MeitY Transfers Novel Li-ion Battery Recycling Tech

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