Based on data from the Social Welfare Department, the demand for the short-term food assistance program has been steadily rising since January 2020, coinciding with the ongoing pandemic. During the first 11 months of 2021, a total of 20,638 applications were received for the program, reflecting a 6.2% increase compared to the same period in 2020. The number of individuals benefiting from the program reached 61,865, with a total of 3.64 million meals provided. These figures indicate a significant increase of over 20% in beneficiaries and 9% in meals compared to the corresponding period of the previous year.

• Source: HK01

Food Angel's Automated Food Dispenser Service (AFDS) is a pioneering initiative in Hong Kong that offers 24/7 meal assistance to elderly individuals in need and underprivileged families through self-service food dispensers. Multiple dispensers are installed, offering a variety of food items to cater to different dietary requirements and enabling flexible collection of meals.

• Source: Food Angel ,HK01

• Source: Food Angel

The Water Supplies Department has established a comprehensive and extensive water quality monitoring system that encompasses various examinations, including physical, chemical, bacteriological, biological, and radiological assessments. This monitoring regime covers the Hong Kong Drinking Water Standards (HKDWS) as well as additional parameters for water quality surveillance and operational monitoring.

• Source: Water Supplies Department

Shanghai Alumni Primary School, merit of the primary school sector, Samsung Solve For Tomorrow 2022 designed “Sewage detection app + boat”. It is a water quality testing device. The boat is made of low-cost and environmental-friendly materials and has water quality sensors. Users can control the small boat to test water quality in different waters through a mobile app, with real-time detection results uploaded to the ThingSpeak platform. The app can show real-time water quality detection using graphics.

In 2021, the government unveiled the "Hong Kong Climate Action Plan 2050," which outlined the objective of phasing out coal for daily electricity generation by 2035 or earlier. The plan sets a target to increase the share of renewable energy in the power generation mix to 7.5% to 10%, with the ultimate goal of achieving net-zero emissions in electricity generation by 2050.

• Source: am730

The Hong Kong Urban Renewal Authority has integrated Pavegen's intelligent flooring technology into a shared community within a mixed-use high-rise building located in Central district. This innovative addition enables citizens to engage in a smart and environmentally friendly lifestyle. As pedestrians walk on the specially designed flooring, the weight of their footsteps is converted into real-time data and triggers an interactive light display. Simultaneously, the kinetic energy generated by the footsteps rotates the generators embedded within the flooring, generating electricity.

• Source: Hong Kong Economic Times

• Source: Pavegen

The Hong Kong government has raised the statutory minimum wage from HK$37.5 to HK$40, effective from 2023. The labor sector views this standard as disconnected from the local cost of living and market conditions. Additionally, self-employed individuals find it challenging to protect their rights, and the recurrence of industrial accidents reflects the urgent need for increased labor rights and protections in Hong Kong.

• Source: Wen Wei Po

Compathnion utilizes an "Smart Site Safety System" to enhance safety at construction sites and provide protection for workers. It combines device positioning, smart devices, central data systems, and customized software to create a centralized data center tailored to the specific environment, scale, and needs of each construction site. For instance, it uses smartwatches to notify workers and prevent them from entering hazardous areas, reducing the chances of accidents. In the event that a worker gets injured and trapped, the system can instantly locate their position, minimizing search time and enabling timely rescue efforts.

• Source: IT Pro Magazine

The Faculty of Business and Economics at the University of Hong Kong, in collaboration with the Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC), conducted the "Reindustrialization Study 2021." The study unveiled that 52% of the surveyed companies have intentions to relocate or expand their production lines in Hong Kong. However, it also highlighted several obstacles, including inadequate space for implementing automated production lines, limited unloading area capacity, and low ceiling heights. These challenges pose barriers to the advancement of automated production lines and hinder industrial growth in the region.

• Source: HK01

The HKPC has also launched the "New Industrialization Development Centre" to foster sustainable smart manufacturing and drive enterprises and industrial chains towards smart production and green development through advanced technologies such as the industrial Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence, and data analytics. This initiative aims to reduce land and production costs while enhancing the sustainable development capabilities of Hong Kong's industries.

• Source: Hong Kong Economic Times

To effectively enhance the efficiency of logistics warehouses, many local companies have developed robotic technologies and implemented warehouse automation. Local manufacturer RV Automation Technology has developed a highly compatible robotic control system that integrates artificial intelligence technology. It utilizes a single platform to coordinate and control robots from different manufacturers, leading to cost savings in training and operations.

• Source: PC Market

Discrimination based on race, gender, or other characteristics has a negative impact on individuals and the entire community. According to the 2021 Population Census, ethnic minorities account for 8.4% of the total population in Hong Kong. A survey conducted by Lingnan University and the Catholic Diocesan Pastoral Centre for Workers revealed that during the pandemic, discrimination against South Asian ethnic minorities became more apparent. Approximately half of the surveyed minority delivery workers reported experiencing incidents where people refused to share the same elevator with them and even subjected them to derogatory remarks such as "virus" and "dirty," further marginalizing these minority groups. Therefore, it is crucial to respect the diversity of the local population and create a more inclusive and equitable community.

• Source: Hong Kong Free Press

Roadside air pollution in Hong Kong is primarily caused by emissions from diesel vehicles, particularly trucks, buses, and minibuses. According to the Clean Air Network's analysis of the Environmental Protection Department's air quality data in 2021, roadside nitrogen dioxide levels exceeded Hong Kong's air quality objectives by nearly twice the limit. It was also found to exceed the World Health Organization guidelines by more than six times. Exposure to high levels of nitrogen oxides can cause damage to the human respiratory system.

• Source: HK01

Cellular Vehicle-to-Everything Technology refers to the communication system between vehicles, pedestrians, road infrastructure, and networks. It provides real-time traffic monitoring, accident management, and data for route planning, aiming to improve traffic efficiency, optimize traffic flow, reduce congestion, minimize exhaust emissions, and address road air pollution issues. In recent years, Hong Kong has also extensively studied the application of C-V2X technology on its roads. In 2021, it initiated the world's largest C-V2X highway test and plans to collaborate with Smart City Shenzhen to establish a roadmap for C-V2X interconnectivity. This collaboration aims to provide residents of both regions with safer and more efficient travel options.

• Source: Hong Kong Applied Science and Technology Research Institute

During the pandemic, the volume of online shopping deliveries has increased, leading to a significant rise in plastic packaging waste. According to a report by Oceana, the global e-commerce industry used nearly 1.3 billion kilograms of plastic packaging in 2020. It is projected that this number will almost double to approximately 3.2 billion kilograms by 2026.

• Source: ET Net

St. Stephen's Girls' College, champion of the secondary school sector, Samsung Solve for Tomorrow 2022 designed "Reusable Package Box". It helps courier companies and online stores wrap and deliver goods while reducing the environmental impact. The “Reusable Package Box”, designed for reuse multiple times, has an inflatable layer inside the box for protection. It takes 28 seconds to inflate the layer, which is faster than the conventional 82 seconds. There is a transparent plastic bag outside the box for storing the recipient's information that can be conveniently and quickly removed to protect privacy.

The interior and exterior of the "Reusable Package Box" is coated with a nano-needle antibacterial layer. The coating price is affordable, and the coating is highly viscous, allowing you to use water for easy cleaning. You can fold the "Reusable Package Box " for easy storage. Recipients can also return the boxes to a collection box and scan a barcode to collect the deposit. The collection box can be connected to the cloud to inform the courier company or online store to collect the boxes promptly.

The Environmental Protection Department has announced that greenhouse gas emissions in Hong Kong reached 34.7 million tons of carbon dioxide equivalent in 2021, indicating a rise of approximately 2.7% compared to the previous year. This increase in greenhouse gas emissions aggravates the greenhouse effect and contributes to extreme weather events, resulting in significant harm to local ecosystems and the global climate.

St. Stephen's Girls' College, the champion of the secondary school sector in the Samsung Solve for Tomorrow 2020 competition, has designed "Intelligent Recycling." This innovative solution consists of recycling bins equipped with intelligent identification systems. Users can simply scan the items, and the system will accurately differentiate between plastic bottles, aluminum cans, wastepaper, glass, and other recyclable materials. With the help of a robotic arm, the system automatically places the items into the corresponding recycling bin. Through user feedback, the system engages in machine learning, gradually improving the accuracy of the database and enhancing the precision of automatic sorting. Additionally, "Smart Recycling" incorporates an automatic cleaning function to handle leftover beverages and rinse aluminum cans, plastic bottles, and glass bottles, thereby achieving the goal of clean recycling.

CCC Kei Wan Primary School (Aldrich Bay), champion of primary school sector, Samsung Solve for Tomorrow 2020, designed the "Smart Energy-Saving Glass Window." Many buildings in Hong Kong feature glass curtain walls, which allow sunlight to penetrate but also lead to the accumulation of heat indoors. This often results in the extensive use of energy for air conditioning to cool the space. The "Smart Energy-saving Glass Window" improves upon the conventional heat-insulating film used on glass windows. It incorporates a light sensor to detect the intensity of outdoor light and activates a motor hidden within the window frame. This motor adjusts a heat-insulating film with varying degrees of transparency, automatically regulating the tint of the film to control the intensity of indoor light and temperature. As a result, it reduces the need for air conditioning, achieving energy-saving and carbon reduction goals.

Coral reefs are highly productive ecosystems that provide support for approximately one-third of the ocean's species. In the summer of 2022, coral bleaching was observed in up to 95% of the surveyed locations in Hong Kong. The Hong Kong Coral Bleaching Survey, conducted by the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department, Hong Kong Baptist University, and The Chinese University of Hong Kong, revealed that out of the 19 surveyed sites, 18 experienced coral bleaching. Experts estimate that without timely action, 70% to 90% of the world's coral reefs could potentially vanish by 2050.

• Source: World Wide Fund for Nature

To restore marine ecosystems, the technology startup archiReef has developed a "non-toxic structure" that integrates design and technology. This structure is made of 3D-printed terracotta, which gradually decomposes over time through natural erosion. As a result, coral can attach and thrive on its surface, thereby attracting fish for habitation. This innovative technology not only alleviates the burden on marine ecosystems but also creates an optimal growth environment for coral, contributing to the preservation of marine ecosystem balance.

• Source: Hong Kong Economic Journal

• Source: Archireef

The decline in overwintering Black-faced Spoonbills in Hong Kong is a cause for concern. The Black-faced Spoonbill is an endangered species, with approximately one-fifth of its global population choosing to spend their winters in Mai Po and Deep Bay. Despite reaching a record high global population of 6,603 Black-faced Spoonbills in the year 2022/23, the number in Deep Bay (including Hong Kong and Shenzhen) has decreased by 20% compared to the previous year, dropping to 299 individuals. This represents the second-lowest number observed in the past decade.

Fung Kai No.1 Secondary School, 2nd Runner up of secondary school sector, Samsung Solve for Tomorrow 2022 designed “Beach Cleanup AI Vehicle”. It is designed to clean up beaches more efficiently and accurately. The device comes with a mechanical arm with a 360-degree rotatable base, providing flexibility when collecting rubbish. It detects rubbish using a camera, and the robotic arm can take the garbage and place it in the collection box more accurately. Its setting can be modified and placed where rubbish is.

Research conducted by the Research Centre for Sustainable Hong Kong at City University of Hong Kong indicates that promoting the concept of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) can enhance the representation and participation of different groups within society and organizations. This approach ensures that everyone receives fair treatment and contributes to the sustainable development of both society and businesses.
The "State of World Population 2023" report highlights the serious issue of an aging population in Hong Kong. According to the report, the population aged 65 and above accounts for 21%, approximately 1.54 million people, which means that one out of every five Hong Kong residents is aged 65 or above. After three years of the pandemic, the aging population faces various challenges, especially in eldercare, support services, and employment. Severe manpower shortages and inadequate collaboration between healthcare and social services make it difficult to meet the health and welfare needs of the elderly.

Kwong Ming School, champion of the primary school sector, Samsung Solve for Tomorrow 2021, designed “AI Shoes for the Elderly”. “AI Shoes for the Elderly” is a pair of smart shoes explicitly designed for the elders and work with an all-rounded app. A camera is embedded in the front of the shoes to identify obstacles ahead. The shoes can alert the wearer by sending voice prompts when there is an obstacle. If the wearer falls, the AI smart shoes will send a message to his or her family through the mobile app. Family members can also use the app's voice function to send voice messages at any time and check the wearer’s location. The shoe box has a wireless charging function and automatically charges shoes when placed inside the box.

Despite the recent impact of the pandemic on Hong Kong, the "Dataset on Hong Kong Innovation Activities Statistics" published by the Census and Statistics Department reveals a 5% growth in local research and development (R&D) expenditure in 2021. This growth reflects the government's significant investment in infrastructure development, promotion of scientific research, talent cultivation, and industry support to establish Hong Kong as an international innovation and technology hub, as well as strengthen cooperation with international institutions.

According to the IMD Smart City Index 2023, Hong Kong has improved its ranking to 19th, surpassing its previous position of 33rd in 2021. This signifies continuous improvement or stability, highlighting remarkable progress in Hong Kong's smart city initiatives across environmental, economic, governmental, and societal aspects. Through the implementation of the "Hong Kong Smart City Blueprint," various departments have utilized advanced technologies like artificial intelligence, blockchain, and big data analytics to implement 100 digital initiatives. These efforts aim to enhance the quality of life, provide greater convenience, and establish Hong Kong as a world-class smart city.

• Source: IMD Smart City Index 2023

The HKSAR government has recently prioritized the launch of the InnoHK project, aiming to develop Hong Kong into a global research collaboration center. Presently, there are 28 research laboratories established by internationally renowned universities and research institutions. The project also involves the creation of innovative platforms in the Hong Kong Science Park, namely Health@InnoHK and AIR@InnoHK, which focus on collaborative research in medical technology, artificial intelligence, and robotics. These initiatives facilitate research collaboration, technology development, and economic growth between Hong Kong and renowned international institutions.