The New Customs AI Ambassador “XiaoHui”

The New Customs AI Ambassador “XiaoHui”

“XiaoHui” was first introduced as part of the Customs and Excise Department’s initiative to make information on Customs declarations, duty-free concessions, and controlled items more accessible. Today, the enhanced “XiaoHui” functions not only as an AI Ambassador but also as an intelligent digital assistant, providing service across various Customs clearance channels at sea, land and air control points, as well as official online platforms.

Powered by advanced generative AI (GenAI), large language model (LLM) and a Customs-developed Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) knowledge base, the enhanced “XiaoHui” answers public enquiries in Cantonese, Putonghua, and English, delivering clear, context-aware responses instantly.

Enhancing the Customs Clearance Experience for Travellers and Trade

For travellers and the general public, “XiaoHui” acts as a reliable, 24/7 smart guide to provide customs clearance guidelines, duty-free concessions, prohibited articles etc. before they embark on their journeys. For the logistics sector, “XiaoHui” helps to clarify document requirements, inspection arrangements etc. for cargo import and export. This proactive assistance ensures a smoother, more efficient, and hassle-free customs clearance for travellers and cargo alike.

User-Centric Service and Convenience

From a public service perspective, the upgrade of “XiaoHui” delivers tangible benefits for everyday users:

• Instant Access to Information: Travellers can quickly confirm whether everyday items, such as medicines or food products, require a license or declaration before their trip, while traders can confirm licensing, documentation, and declaration requirements at an early stage.
• Intuitive and Multilingual Interaction: Through multi-language processing, users can ask questions in their preferred language (Cantonese, Putonghua, or English) without navigating complex official documents.
• Warmer Public Engagement: The introduction of an appealing digital human image provides a more approachable, human-like interaction, making the process of seeking Customs advice more welcoming for members of the public.

Maturing Digital Government

The evolution of “XiaoHui” highlights the growing maturity of Hong Kong’s digital government efforts. For a city renowned as a logistics hub and world-class travel destination, the upgraded “XiaoHui” signals Hong Kong’s successful shift from digital pilot programs to vital everyday infrastructure—simplifying regulatory compliance, boosting public confidence, and ensuring a more user-friendly and efficient smart Customs experience.

Please click here to visit “XiaoHui”.

[Acknowledgement to the Customs and Excise Department for providing material for the story.]