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HONG KONG — Two men were sentenced to extended prison terms Friday after admitting to laundering millions of dollars linked to sophisticated online recruitment and investment scams that targeted Hong Kong residents between May 2023 and January 2024.

The District Court sentenced one local man, 50, to 45 months in prison, and a mainland Chinese man, 34, to 38 months. Both sentences included a 20% enhancement requested by prosecutors, which the court granted, underscoring the severity of their roles as “mule account” holders. The pair collectively facilitated the movement of more than HK$15 million in criminal proceeds.

The arrests followed extensive police investigations into two separate but related fraud rings operating during the nine-month period.

Investment Scams Lead to HK$10 Million Laundering

In one case, the New Territories North Regional Crime Unit for Technology and Financial Crimes led an investigation after four victims reported losing a combined total of approximately HK$12.6 million. The victims were lured into depositing funds through seemingly legitimate websites or applications under the guise of high-return investments. They became suspicious when they were unable to withdraw their promised profits.

Police identified the 50-year-old local man as a key component in the operation. Between July and December 2023, the defendant used his personal bank accounts to process about HK$10 million derived from the scams.

The man was charged with one count of “handling property known or believed to represent proceeds of an indictable offense”—the legal term for money laundering. After pleading guilty, prosecutors sought the enhanced sentence, accepted by the court, resulting in the 45-month term.

Recruitment and Investment Fraud Nets HK$5.2 Million

In the second case, officers from the Border District’s Major Crime Unit investigated five victims who fell prey to separate online recruitment and investment schemes between December 2023 and January 2024. These victims reported cumulative losses of about HK$4.4 million.

The investigation led to the arrest of the 34-year-old mainland Chinese man in May 2024. Police determined he had used five different bank accounts to handle approximately HK$5.2 million in criminal funds between December 2023 and March 2024.

He also pleaded guilty to five counts of the same money laundering offense and, likewise, received a 20% sentence uplift, leading to his 38-month imprisonment.

Senior Superintendent Shin Man-yin of the police’s Financial Intelligence and Investigation Bureau emphasized the need for public vigilance following the sentencings. Authorities warned citizens against facilitating criminal networks by providing access to personal financial tools.

“Do not rent out or sell your personal banking or payment accounts,” Superintendent Shin stated. “These accounts are exploited by fraudsters for money laundering and receiving crime proceeds.”

Under Hong Kong law, individuals who assist fraud syndicates can face charges for obtaining property by deception, which carries a maximum penalty of ten years in prison upon conviction. Furthermore, those who rent out their accounts can be prosecuted under the Organized and Serious Crimes Ordinance (Cap. 455). Money laundering is punishable by up to 14 years in prison and a maximum fine of HK$5 million, underscoring the serious legal risks associated with acting as a financial facilitator for criminals.

Police confirmed they will continue to pursue those who aid fraudulent activities, urging the public to report any suspicious requests regarding their financial accounts immediately.

HONG KONG — A 77-year-old man with dementia, missing for nearly two days, was safely recovered Thursday by Hong Kong search teams after a critical GPS tracking device temporarily failed, complicating an intense, round-the-clock rescue operation on a remote hillside.

The elderly man, a resident of Sau Mau Ping Estate, was reported missing Wednesday evening after leaving his home and last being seen at a shopping center on Sau Ming Road. His worried wife contacted authorities at approximately 7 p.m., noting her husband had managed to call her but was unable to clearly describe his location, raising immediate alarm.

Initial Trace and Signal Dropout

Crucially, the missing man was equipped with a tracking device provided through the “Smart Tracker” program, a joint initiative between the police, the Social Welfare Department, and local non-profits designed to assist individuals with cognitive impairments. Using the device’s data, police initially determined the man’s last known location was on a slope near Fei Ngo Shan (Kowloon Peak), close to a specific temple in the Shun Lee Estate area.

Search and rescue personnel immediately deployed to the rugged terrain at about 2 a.m. Thursday. However, upon arrival, the tracking signal abruptly ceased, likely due to the device’s battery failing or the unit being lost.

“The loss of the GPS signal significantly increased the difficulty of the rescue,” a police spokesperson stated, highlighting the shift from targeted recovery to a broad search effort across difficult, densely forested slopes.

Expanded Search and Successful Recovery

Undeterred, police and fire services personnel launched an extensive ground search. By 4 a.m., the operation had expanded to neighboring hilltops, prompting the deployment of the Government Flying Service. A helicopter was called in to provide aerial surveillance over the Sau Mau Ping and Shun Lee areas, its distinct sound audible throughout the day as teams combed the ground below.

By Thursday afternoon, with the man still unaccounted for, the police department released his details and image to the public, appealing for witness information. The lengthy search concluded successfully around 5 p.m. Thursday when the ground search teams located the missing man. He was reported to be conscious and coherent upon being found.

The Role of the Smart Tracker Program

This incident underscores the double-edged nature of technology in emergency response, where devices provide vital initial leads but are subject to failure. The successful initial location, however, validated the primary benefit of the Smart Tracker program, or “智蹤計劃” (Jī Zōng Jìhuà).

Launched in April 2022, the initiative provides vulnerable individuals, including those with dementia and disabilities, with location-aware devices linked to caregivers’ smartphones. This allows for swift localization when an individual wanders or becomes lost, significantly reducing the duration and danger associated with these events.

While the tracker’s battery life ultimately proved a limitation in this instance, the prompt data retrieved enabled authorities to narrow the search area substantially from the entirety of Hong Kong to a specific hillside area, ultimately facilitating the successful outcome.

Caregivers of elderly relatives or those with cognitive challenges are encouraged to explore programs like the Smart Tracker initiative and to diligently monitor the equipment’s battery status and functionality. This proactive oversight remains the most critical factor in ensuring these crucial safety tools continue to protect vulnerable community members.

HONG KONG — Cyclist Sze Wing Lee, overcoming a devastating performance at the Paris Olympics, dominated the recent National Games, securing three gold medals and marking a profound return to competitive form. Lee, often dubbed the “Hong Kong Cycling Princess,” shared the emotional journey behind her recent victories in an exclusive interview with Stride Life, a publication of The Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC), confirming her laser focus on the upcoming Asian Games and World Cup season.

The triple triumph included golds in the individual road race, the Madison, and the omnium events. Speaking to HKJC Executive Director of Corporate Affairs Tan Zhi-yuan, Lee detailed the symbolic importance of each win. “The first gold in the road race felt like liberation; it confirmed my training direction was correct,” Lee explained. “The Madison gold was the big surprise—a tactical breakthrough my partner and I never planned, which opened up new strategic possibilities. But the omnium gold was the most crucial. Given my disappointing 20th place finish at the Paris Olympics, winning this event, my main discipline, was essential to reaffirm my ability.”

Overcoming the Olympic Low Point

Lee described 2024 as a dispiriting year, particularly after the Paris Games, where she aimed for a top-10 finish but placed 20th in the omnium. Her tearful post-race interview resonated deeply with Hong Kong viewers, highlighting the severe blow to her confidence. Acknowledging the pain, Lee recognized the setback as necessary introspection.

“Everyone fails sometimes,” she remarked, emphasizing the importance of confronting personal shortcomings. “I began a deep self-reflection on what weaknesses needed improvement. The crucial element was mentality—overcoming internal doubts and persevering. I am not ready to give up.”

This period of deliberation transformed into rigorous preparation for the National Games. With an intensified training volume and a new detailed plan from her coaches, Lee executed her resurgence impressively. She credited her robust support system, including her dedicated coaching staff, teammates, and the comprehensive backing provided by the Hong Kong Sports Institute (HKSI), which offers crucial support ranging from nutrition to accommodation.

Father’s Influence and the Pursuit of Excellence

Lee’s fiercely competitive spirit stems partly from her childhood experiences. Diagnosed with hyperactivity and attention deficit disorder, she was enrolled in various sports by her father, progressing from Taekwondo to triathlon, before discovering cycling at age 10. She joined the junior national squad at 14.

She credits her father for instilling a relentless work ethic. “My dad would take me running immediately after work,” she recalled. “He ran faster than I did, but he never slowed down. I had to chase him, and that built my unyielding determination not to lose.”

Despite her recent achievements, Lee remains modest about her popular moniker, the “Cycling Princess,” admitting she doesn’t believe she deserves the term “god of cycling” until she achieves the status of world champions like Wong Kam Po or Sarah Lee Wai Sze.

With winter training commencing, Lee is now fully focused on the Asian Games and the World Cup circuit next year, dismissing any alternative plans for 2026. Her philosophy, forged in the crucible of elite sport, offers a broader life lesson: “When you are in a trough, don’t just dwell on the immediate failure. Reflect and understand yourself, and a new breakthrough will follow. Life is cyclical; a low point inevitably leads to a new peak.”

Unprecedented Support Fuels Success

The athlete’s journey is significantly bolstered by institutional support. The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust has allocated more than HK$750 million to the HKSI over the years for infrastructure, coach training, and athlete development.

Following the National Games, where the Hong Kong team secured a record-breaking 9 golds, 2 silvers, and 8 bronzes, the HKJC’s Outstanding Athletes Award Scheme will distribute HK$11.475 million in prize money. Lee, securing three gold medals, will personally receive HK$2.25 million, a sum she views as vital recognition.

“This cash reward symbolizes the community’s appreciation and recognition of our dedication,” Lee said. “It encourages us to continue pushing our limits and strive for greater success.” The HKJC also provided over HK$500 million to support the organization of the 15th National Games across Hong Kong, Macau, and Guangdong, including extensive volunteer programs and technical support for equestrian events.

Hong Kong, [Current Date] — Authorities in Hong Kong will extend voting time for the upcoming Legislative Council (LegCo) election by two hours, setting a record-long 16-hour voting window in a move officials say aims to boost convenience for the electorate. The modification, announced by the Electoral Affairs Commission, stretches the polling period from 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. on Dec. 7, significantly longer than previous elections.

Chief Secretary for Administration Eric Chan Kwok-ki defended the decision to prolong voting hours during recent media appearances, emphasizing that the adjustment is purely a logistical measure to accommodate voters. However, Mr. Chan cautioned against assuming the extended hours would automatically translate into a higher turnout, noting he has no forecast for whether participation will surpass the 30.2% recorded in the last election cycle.

Logistics Adjustments Mark New Election Phase

The Dec. 7 LegCo election marks the first time Hong Kong will implement this extended timeline. Election officials have also introduced several other logistical changes, including specialized polling stations designated for certain groups. These tailored arrangements include separate stations for civil servants and ethnic minority voters, alongside the establishment of two dedicated polling centers located near the border crossing points.

The government is actively encouraging residents to participate in the election, framed as demonstrating support for the governing administration. These efforts come after a significant overhaul of Hong Kong’s electoral system, which mandated changes to candidate vetting and constituencies.

Officials Rely on Trust for Civil Servant Reimbursement

One notable measure aimed at facilitating civil service participation involves changes to transportation expense claims. Mr. Chan confirmed that civil servants will be permitted to seek reimbursement for transport costs without needing to provide proof that they actually cast a ballot. This non-verification policy pivots on official trust.

Responding to concerns about potential abuse of the system, Mr. Chan stated his confidence that civil servants would not falsely claim expenses. He asserted that any instances of fraudulent claims would constitute a legal violation and would be met with appropriate disciplinary action.

“The decision to lengthen the voting time is about making it convenient for those who wish to vote,” Mr. Chan explained in a televised interview. He dismissed the notion that a longer polling period inherently equals higher turnout, arguing that extending it indefinitely would not logically guarantee maximum participation.

Interpreting Voter Engagement Efforts

While Mr. Chan stressed that civil servants are not compelled to vote, he highlighted that their participation is viewed as an act of public support for the Special Administrative Region Government. The raft of measures introduced by the administration—from streamlined reimbursement to specialized polling stations—is clearly intended to overcome historical barriers to voting and increase the overall participation rate.

The focus on logistical ease and targeted voter groups underscores the government’s dual objective: ensuring procedural simplicity while simultaneously encouraging the city’s large public sector workforce to lead by example. The ultimate impact of the 16-hour voting window on overall turnout will be closely watched by political analysts, who view the election as a key indicator of public engagement under the newly revised electoral framework.

The extended access to polling stations on Dec. 7 provides a substantial opportunity for residents whose busy work schedules often precluded participation in shorter voting windows. As the election approaches, public attention will remain focused on whether these administrative efforts translate into a meaningful uplift in voter turnout or remain purely a matter of logistical convenience.

A 67-year-old man died Wednesday evening after being pulled unresponsive from the Morrison Hill Swimming Pool in Wan Chai, Hong Kong, following a mid-afternoon drowning accident. The victim, identified only by the surname Mak, was rescued by lifeguards but succumbed to his injuries hours later at Ruttonjee Hospital, underscoring the critical risks associated with aquatic safety even in supervised environments.

The incident occurred just after 2 p.m. on November 20. Lifeguards quickly noticed Mr. Mak in distress and retrieved him from the water, finding him unconscious, according to initial reports. Emergency medical personnel rapidly transported the man to Ruttonjee Hospital, where initial aggressive resuscitation efforts briefly stabilized his condition, restoring some level of consciousness. Tragically, his recovery was short-lived, and he was pronounced dead at 6:53 p.m. that same evening.

Focus on Aquatic Safety and Response Time

The leisure facility, located on Morrison Hill, is a publicly managed swimming venue in operation year-round, known for hosting both recreational swimmers and aquatic training programs. The death of a mature patron raises immediate questions regarding the specifics of the incident and the protocols implemented by pool management during emergencies.

While the precise cause of the medical emergency preceding the drowning remains under investigation—whether it was a sudden physiological event, such as a heart attack, or primarily a drowning—safety experts consistently emphasize the importance of immediate, professional intervention.

Mr. Mak’s case highlights the narrow window available for saving drowning victims. Brain damage can begin after just four minutes without oxygen, making the swift actions of certified lifeguards absolutely essential. The initial response time at the Morrison Hill facility appears to have been rapid, given the immediate retrieval of the swimmer. Unfortunately, even immediate rescue does not guarantee a successful outcome, particularly for older individuals whose underlying health conditions may complicate resuscitation.

Community Impact and Preventive Measures

This tragedy serves as a stark reminder to the public, particularly older adults, about the inherent risks of swimming. Drowning prevention groups often advise seniors to:

• Swim with a companion: Never swim alone, even in a lane pool.
• Know your limits: Avoid strenuous activity if feeling unwell or fatigued.
• Stay hydrated: Dehydration can contribute to cramping and sudden illness.

Local authorities, including the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD), which oversees public pools in Hong Kong, are expected to conduct a thorough review of the incident and the staff response. Typically, such investigations assess lifeguard numbers, training certifications, the accessibility of emergency equipment (like defibrillators), and the adherence to established safety guidelines.

Police have classified the case as a death by drowning, and a comprehensive autopsy will likely be performed to determine if any pre-existing health issues contributed to the accident. The passing of the patron has sent a somber note through the Wan Chai community and reinforced the need for unwavering vigilance regarding aquatic safety standards across the territory. The official inquiry’s findings and any subsequently mandated changes will guide future efforts to prevent similar heartbreaking incidents.

A Hong Kong police constable appeared in court today, charged with careless driving following a fatal incident in May where his operational vehicle struck and killed a 60-year-old Vietnamese man in Mong Kok. The accused officer, 46-year-old Chau Wai-kit, attended Kowloon City Magistrates’ Court for the first mention of the case, which stems from the collision that occurred at a busy intersection and resulted in the immediate death of the pedestrian involved.

The incident took place on May 29, 2025, when the government vehicle Chau was operating reportedly collided with the victim at the junction of Nathan Road southbound and Prince Edward Road West. Subsequent reports indicated the man became trapped underneath the car and was pronounced dead shortly after. Constable Chau, identified in court documents as a police officer, faces one count of careless driving on a road.

During the brief session presided over by Magistrate Tsang Chung-yiu, Chau was not asked to enter a plea. Representing the prosecution, the government lawyer requested an adjournment to allow the police force ample time to conduct further inquiries into the circumstances of the fatal crash.

Magistrate Tsang granted the prosecution’s application, adjourning the proceedings until January 29, 2026. The substantial delay is intended to facilitate comprehensive forensic and technical examinations required for complex traffic investigations.

Bail Conditions Set Amid Ongoing Investigation

Constable Chau was granted bail under specific conditions. He was released on a recognizance of HK$10,000 and is ordered to reside at the address previously reported to the court.

Careless driving, punishable under the Road Traffic Ordinance (Cap. 374), is defined as driving a vehicle without due care and attention, falling below the standard expected of a competent and careful driver. While less severe than dangerous driving, a conviction can still carry a substantial fine, potential driving disqualification, and even imprisonment, depending on the severity of the outcome.

The tragic death of the elderly man has brought renewed scrutiny to the conduct of officers operating official vehicles, particularly in densely populated urban areas like Mong Kok. Advocacy groups frequently highlight the need for enhanced driver safety training for government personnel, given the heightened risks associated with high-speed or congested urban maneuvers.

The court filings registered the case under number KCCC3085/2025. This judicial process will determine the criminal liability of the officer, separate from any parallel internal disciplinary proceedings the police force may initiate. The next hearing, scheduled for early next year, is expected to confirm whether the prosecution is ready to proceed with a trial or if additional steps are necessary. Family members of the deceased victim were not immediately visible at the courthouse.

Key Legal Context

• Charge: Careless Driving
• Maximum Penalty: Variable (includes fines, disqualification, or imprisonment).
• Next Hearing: January 29, 2026.
• Bail: HK$10,000, residing at stated address.

HONG KONG—Authorities have intercepted a sophisticated cross-border smuggling operation, seizing an estimated HK$65 million (approximately US$8.3 million) worth of counterfeit goods hidden within legitimate e-commerce shipments during the recent “Double 11” shopping festival period.

Customs officials, operating under the specialized intelligence-led initiative codenamed “Double Sticks,” conducted a targeted enforcement action between October 20 and November 14, resulting in 29 separate arrests and the confiscation of approximately 120,000 suspected fake items. The operation highlights the increasing challenge authorities face as criminals exploit the massive logistical volumes and high-speed transactions associated with global online shopping events, particularly those around the world’s largest digital sale.

Criminals Exploit E-Commerce Boom

The crackdown was a direct response to syndicates attempting to capitalize on the shopping frenzy and the resulting surge in international logistics traffic. According to Liao Wai-kit, Senior Investigation Officer of the Customs and Excise Department’s Task Force on Cross-boundary Counterfeit Activities, criminals leverage the inherent complexity and anonymity of online transactions to camouflage illegal shipments among genuine consumer products moving through Hong Kong’s transit hubs.

“We continually monitor the evolving trends and patterns of cross-border smuggling to formulate effective strategies,” Mr. Liao stated. “The massive scale of the ‘Double 11’ shopping festival provides an ideal cover.”

After an initial investigation, officials determined that all seized counterfeit items were destined for transatlantic markets, specifically North America, Europe, and the Middle East, confirming Hong Kong’s role as a major transit point for global illicit trade.

Focus on High-Value and Trendy Items

The variety of seized items indicates that smugglers are meticulously catering to promotional-driven consumer demand across diverse demographics. Analysts noted several defining characteristics of the contraband:

• Diverse Product Mix: Confiscated items included a wide array of products, such as apparel, footwear, luxury handbags and watches, and high-demand electronic gadgets. This breadth reflects the criminals’ strategy of supplying goods sought after by various consumer segments during the promotional period.
• Targeting of Electronics: A significant portion of the haul involved electronic products and accessories, often comprising new models like wireless earphones. These smaller, high-value items are easily concealed within larger shipments, simplifying transportation and enhancing profit margins compared to bulkier appliances.
• High-Fidelity Luxury Fakes: Investigators also discovered highly realistic replicas of prestigious luxury brands. These high-end forgeries are specifically designed to target wealthier consumers looking for discounted branded goods, enabling criminals to achieve substantial profits by manipulating the perceived quality of the fake products.

Criminals banking on consumers’ desire to acquire branded goods at significantly reduced prices during peak promotional times drive an aggressive supply chain.

Industry Cooperation and Legal Consequences

The success of Operation Double Sticks was attributed partly to enhanced collaboration with major logistics platforms that manage cross-border e-commerce flow, including increased inspections at high-risk transit centers. Officials conducted focused checks at logistics facilities handling transshipment cargo across various districts.

Customs authorities issued a stern warning to the local logistics sector, urging vigilance regarding the contents of client shipments. Industry partners are encouraged to promptly report any suspected intellectual property infringement activities.

Under the Trade Descriptions Ordinance, importing, exporting, selling, or possessing counterfeit goods for trade purposes carries severe penalties. Conviction can result in a maximum fine of HK$500,000 and five years of imprisonment.

Consumers are advised to only purchase branded items from reputable, authorized retailers. The public can report suspected intellectual property crimes via the Customs 24-hour hotline at 1828080. Customs vow to maintain relentless enforcement operations based on sophisticated intelligence to protect intellectual property rights across all levels of commercial activity.

HONG KONG—A clinical trial conducted by researchers at the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) Faculty of Medicine has demonstrated that a novel procedure, balloon pericardiotomy, drastically reduces the recurrence of malignant pericardial effusion in late-stage cancer patients. The technique slashes the recurrence rate to just 12%, an 80% improvement over traditional drainage methods, minimizing the need for repeated hospitalizations and invasive procedures.

The findings, published today, Oct. 21, in the European Heart Journal, mark a significant advance in palliative care for cancer patients dealing with this life-threatening complication.

Malignant pericardial effusion, the buildup of fluid around the heart caused by tumor growth, can lead to cardiac tamponade, a condition where pressure prevents the heart from filling properly. Traditionally, treatment involves pericardiocentesis, a needle drainage procedure. While effective initially, this method has a high failure rate, with recurrence often exceeding 60%, severely diminishing the quality of life for those already battling advanced disease.

Improving Patient Outcomes and Reducing Hospital Stays

Professor Lin Chen, the Yeung Family Foundation Professor of Oncology at CUHK’s Department of Clinical Oncology, highlighted the critical need for a better solution.

“We estimate that 100 to 150 late-stage cancer patients in Hong Kong undergo drainage for malignant pericardial effusion annually,” Professor Chen noted. “The high recurrence rate forces these patients to return to the hospital repeatedly for needle aspirations, often staying several days at a time. This increases infection risks and profoundly impacts their daily lives.”

The CUHK study, a randomized clinical trial conducted between 2020 and 2024 across four local hospitals, enrolled 50 patients aged 18 or older with malignant tumors and significant pericardial fluid accumulation. Half of the cohort received the balloon pericardiotomy procedure, while the control group received traditional pericardiocentesis.

Within six months, the difference was stark: the recurrence rate for the balloon pericardiotomy group was only 12%, significantly lower than the control group. Furthermore, the risk of developing cardiac tamponade was reduced to just 4%, translating to only one patient in the innovation group experiencing the complication, approximately one-tenth the rate seen in the control group.

A Less-Invasive Alternative to Surgery

Balloon pericardiotomy involves inserting a catheter with a balloon into the pericardial sac. The balloon is then inflated, creating a small window in the pericardium, which allows fluid to drain permanently into adjacent tissues for natural absorption.

Assistant Professor Kwong-ming Tam of the Department of Medicine and Therapeutics stated that while other studies have suggested the feasibility of the procedure, this trial provides the first robust, randomized evidence confirming its superiority over needle drainage in preventing recurrence.

For years, the most durable treatment for effusions involved complex cardiothoracic surgery, such as pericardial window creation, which requires general anesthesia, extended hospital stays, and chest tube placement. Dr. Hung-leung Wong, Chief of Cardiothoracic Surgery at CUHK’s Department of Surgery, emphasized the benefits of the new technique.

“The percutaneous balloon pericardiotomy offers a minimally invasive approach that significantly shortens hospital stays, substantially improving the overall quality of life for these individuals,” Dr. Wong said.

Hope for Late-Stage Patients

One patient, a woman identified only as Ms. Lai, shared her experience after being diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer and severe effusion in 2020. Constantly short of breath and frequenting the emergency room, she underwent the balloon procedure.

“My recovery was excellent,” Ms. Lai reported. “Not only did the fluid not come back, but I felt physically lighter and much more energized. I haven’t had trouble breathing since the operation.”

While the initial results are promising, Dr. Ping-yin Yan, the study’s principal investigator and Yeung Family Foundation Professor of Cardiology, emphasized that the technique is still in its research phase within Hong Kong’s public hospitals.

The CUHK team plans to expand clinical research and is seeking international collaborations—including trials in Taiwan, Spain, and Thailand—to train more physicians and identify patients who would most benefit from balloon pericardiotomy, solidifying its place as a standard-of-care intervention globally.

BEIJING and HONG KONG – China’s top scientific institutions today announced the results of their prestigious 2024 academic elections, naming prominent figures from global research hubs, including two senior administrators at leading Hong Kong universities, as new foreign members. The selections underscore a strategic push by Beijing to integrate international expertise into its core engineering and scientific advisory bodies.

The Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) and the Chinese Academy of Engineering (CAE) released their lists of newly elected academics on November 21. Among the notable additions to the CAE were Professor Shen Zu-jun, Vice-President of the University of Hong Kong (HKU), and Professor Guo Yike, Chief Vice-President of the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST). Both were inducted as foreign members into the CAE’s Division of Information and Electronic Engineering.

Expanding Global Reach in Engineering and AI

The new cohort significantly expands the global footprint of both academies. CAS elected 73 new domestic members and 27 foreign members, while CAE added 71 domestic members and 24 foreign members.

The election of Professors Shen and Guo highlights the growing importance of the fields they specialize in: artificial intelligence (AI) and data science.

Professor Guo, a British national, is internationally recognized for his work in data science and artificial intelligence. He plays a pivotal role in shaping HKUST’s research agenda. Professor Shen, an American national, specializes in the intricate areas of AI and supply chain optimization, a field made critically relevant by recent global logistics disruptions. Both academics were born in mainland China before pursuing advanced studies in the United States and the United Kingdom, illustrating a common academic path that bridges Eastern and Western scientific communities.

Their appointments come at a time when competition in technology and fundamental research is intensifying globally, particularly in areas like semiconductors, data management, and automated systems.

Roles of China’s Elite Academies

The CAS and CAE are China’s national non-profit organizations that serve as the highest academic bodies in science and technology. Academicians and foreign members are elected for life and act as high-level scientific and technical advisors to the Chinese government.

“These appointments are rarely purely academic; they are strategic endorsements of specific research directions,” said Dr. Lin Wei, an independent political scientist specializing in China’s science policy. “By bringing in top minds from institutions in Hong Kong, the UK, and the US, particularly in AI-related fields, Beijing is ensuring its engineering policy remains informed by global best practices and cutting-edge research.”

The induction of senior HKU and HKUST leaders also reinforces the academic connections between Hong Kong’s specialized research ecosystem and the mainland’s massive scientific infrastructure. Amid efforts by mainland authorities to integrate the Greater Bay Area, these individuals are poised to facilitate greater scientific collaboration and resource sharing.

Implications for Future Research

The expertise provided by the new foreign members is expected to influence strategic national technological initiatives. For instance, Professor Shen’s specialization in optimizing complex logistics systems could inform national efforts to build resilient supply chains, while Professor Guo’s data science background will likely assist China’s rapidly growing big data and smart city projects.

The newly elected foreign members will officially commence their advisory roles immediately, contributing their global perspectives to the nation’s most pressing scientific and engineering challenges. Future collaborations supported by such high-level appointments are anticipated to focus heavily on developing sustainable urban infrastructure and next-generation information technology.

HONG KONG — Authorities have charged two men with manslaughter following a deadly construction accident last year in which a massive section of scaffolding plunged from the 19th floor of a Kai Tak building site, killing two workers and injuring three others.

The arrests mark a significant escalation in the investigation, which was originally classified as an industrial accident. On Tuesday, police announced the case had been reclassified as manslaughter, leading to the apprehension of a 48-year-old scaffolding site foreman and a 58-year-old scaffolding worker on Monday in Ngau Tau Kok and Tseung Kwan O. The two men face a combined two counts of manslaughter and appeared in Kwun Tong Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday morning.

Details of the Fatal Collapse

The incident occurred on February 20 of last year at the VINCITY construction site, located at 2 Shing Fu Street in Kai Tak, at approximately 4:56 p.m. A giant bamboo scaffold, reportedly measuring about 15 by 8 meters, detached from the building’s 19th floor and crashed to the ground below.

The tragedy unfolded as one female worker was operating on the exterior scaffolding, performing metal panel and glass installation. Simultaneously, four other workers were walking along the ground level when they were struck by the debris.

Two female workers—a 68-year-old woman identified by the surname Wong and a 54-year-old woman surnamed Lam—suffered extensive injuries and were pronounced dead after being rushed to United Christian Hospital. Both victims were reported to be primary financial providers for their families, including the 68-year-old, who was a single mother. Three other workers sustained non-fatal injuries.

Shifting Legal Focus to Criminal Negligence

The initial probe was handled by local police as a standard industrial accident. However, the reclassification of the case to manslaughter indicates that investigators believe the collapse resulted not from mere chance, but from potential criminal negligence related to the planning, oversight, or construction of the temporary structure.

The Eastern Kowloon Regional Crime Unit, responsible for the ongoing active investigation, has been focusing on determining the direct causes of the structural failure. Preliminary assessments by industry experts immediately following the incident suggested that the scaffold may have lacked sufficient structural ties, known locally as “pull and tie” anchor points, necessary to secure the temporary bamboo structure to the main building.

Safety regulations in Hong Kong mandate stringent inspections of erected scaffolding. A Legislative Council member stated shortly after the event that completed scaffolding must be inspected at least once every two weeks. The focus of the criminal case is likely to center on whether these required safety checks, maintenance standards, and structural integrity protocols were adequately followed by the site management and contractors.

The case underscores the persistent scrutiny of construction safety standards in Hong Kong, a city heavily reliant on high-rise construction and traditional bamboo scaffolding. Industry observers will closely watch the court proceedings, as the outcome could set a significant precedent for holding supervisors criminally accountable for lethal workplace failures, forcing contractors to prioritize safety protocols over operational expediency.