Prof Lee (Ir Prof WB Lee, Emeritus Professor, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University), Michael (Ir Michael Kwok, Chairman, East Asia Region, Arup), distinguished guests, winners of the Hong Kong Most Innovative Knowledge Enterprise (MIKE) Award, ladies and gentlemen,

Good afternoon. It is my great honour to attend the 2024 Hong Kong Most Innovative Knowledge Enterprise (MIKE) Award Presentation Ceremony again this year. I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to the Behaviour and Knowledge Engineering Research Centre of the Hong Kong Polytechnic University and Arup for jointly organising this meaningful event.

The Award not only recognises the achievements of our knowledge-based enterprises, but also fosters a platform for these organisations to showcase their outstanding performance in innovation and to learn from one another . I am truly honoured to present the Award to these remarkable high achievers this afternoon. Your unwavering commitment to implementing best practices in knowledge and intellectual capital management have significantly enhanced your organisational performance and created greater value for your stakeholders.

Today, we are witnessing an unprecedented wave of global digitisation - a digital transformation process that involves enterprises, organisations, and individuals alike. This digital integration has become an intrinsic part of our everyday life, including within our government operations as well as public services. Apart from the Government’s initiatives in supporting AI development shared by my deputy Donald this morning, our award-winning government departments have also been proactively leveraging AI to enhance our public services.

For instance, the Architectural Services Department utilises AI and drones for efficient detection of spalling in deteriorating buildings. Meanwhile, the Hong Kong Police Force’s “HKSOS - RescueAI” expedites search and rescue missions by providing instant actionable rescue intelligence. The Correctional Services Department applies AI and light-sensing technology to monitor the health metrics of individuals in custody requiring medical attention. Furthermore, the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department employs AI and video analytics to ensure safety during water activities. The Fire Services Department adopts AI for identifying human-like objects to enhance operational efficiency in mountain search and rescue operations. Lastly, the Water Supplies Department integrates AI with Building Information Modelling and Geographic Information System to improve the reliability of our water supply systems. All these practical innovation and technology applications illustrate the growing role of technology and the importance of knowledge-based workforce in enhancing public services and our daily life as we stride towards a smarter future.

I wish to thank once again the Behaviour and Knowledge Engineering Research Centre of the Hong Kong Polytechnic University and Arup for providing a valuable platform for idea exchange and experience sharing among knowledge-based enterprises. I look forward to seeing more collaboration opportunities of our industry stakeholders with the Government to drive Hong Kong’s digital transformation and achieve new quality productive forces (新質生產力) through technological empowerment.

I wish the event every success and all of you a most rewarding time. Thank you!

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