InvestHK unveils Global Fast Track 2024: empowering business connectivity among fintechs, corporates and investors
Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK) announced that the 7th edition of the Global Fast Track (GFT), 2024 is now open for applications until September 20. The programme is open to fintech companies globally and locally, offering opportunities to pitch their cases on international stages and benefit from mentorship and business matchmaking to unleash their potential. The global finalists of the GFT's pitching competition will compete in the grand finale at Hong Kong Fintech Week (HKFW). New features this year will further strengthen Hong Kong's position as the premier international fintech hub.
Global Head of Financial Services, Fintech and Sustainability at InvestHK, Mr King Leung, said, "The Global Fast Track has evolved into a fintech-friendly platform in the past few years. We have helped over 1,000 fintech companies from more than 50 economies to showcase their cutting-edge innovations and expedite their market entry in Hong Kong and beyond. We are thrilled to build on this success and continue to offer unparalleled access to a global network with more than 100 investor and corporate champions, mentors, and industry leaders through GFT 2024."
Mr Leung added, "With the introduction of new features this year, we aim to further unlock the true potential of innovation within the fintech industry and provide a springboard for groundbreaking solutions to make a transformative impact. I look forward to welcoming high-caliber applicants from around the world and the remarkable outcomes that will emerge from this programme."
New features for GFT 2024
1.Unparalleled networking opportunities
These include:
2. Featured verticals for 2024
In addition to the finTech and artificial intelligence tracks that have been a mainstay of GFT, the 2024 edition will introduce three new verticals: ESG/Green Fintech, Blockchain, and Insurance/HealthTech. This expansion aligns with the evolving landscape and emerging trends in the financial services industry.
This year, semi-finalists of each track will be invited to Hong Kong to pitch in person on stage during HKFW, with the grand finale taking place on the second day. This is an unparalleled opportunity for qualified fintech innovators to showcase their profile in front of audiences numbering in the thousands, key corporates and investors looking for fintech solutions and investment opportunities. Previous winners have come from around the world including Canada, France, Israel, Mainland China, South Korea, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the United States.
InvestHK is excited to work alongside Finoverse, the appointed co-organiser of GFT 2024, to scale the programme to new heights. For details of the entire programme of GFT 2024 and the application process, please visit here.
Source: AI-generated images
DH continues to clamp down on illegal waterpipe smoking in no smoking areas
The Tobacco and Alcohol Control Office (TACO) of the Department of Health (DH) continued to clamp down on illegal waterpipe smoking in no smoking areas by conducting another enforcement operation, codenamed "Pipepurge", in Central last night (May 1) and issued a total of five fixed penalty notices (FPNs).
During the operation, officers from TACO (including plainclothes officers) carried out inspections and enforcement action at one bar in Central, and issued a total of five FPNs to persons illegally smoking waterpipes. TACO's investigation is ongoing, and prosecution may also be taken against operators of the bar who are suspected of aiding and abetting smoking offences. TACO will also refer the cases to the Liquor Licensing Board for appropriate follow-up action.
Under the Ordinance, conducting a smoking act in a statutory no smoking area (such as indoor areas of bars or restaurants) is prohibited. Any person doing a smoking act in statutory no smoking areas is liable to a fixed penalty of $1,500. Moreover, where smoking products (including waterpipes) are sold, in bars or otherwise, the restrictions on the promotion and sale of smoking products stipulated in the Ordinance apply. Offenders are liable on summary conviction to a maximum fine of $50,000. Venue managers of statutory no smoking areas are empowered by the Ordinance to request a smoking offender cease the act; if the offender is not co-operative, the manager may contact the Police for assistance.
In addition, under the Criminal Procedure Ordinance, any person who aids, abets, counsels or procures the commission by another person of any offence shall be guilty of the same offence.
"The DH will continue to closely monitor and take stringent enforcement action against illegal waterpipe smoking. Last year (2024), TACO conducted 162 operations against illegal waterpipe smoking activities in no smoking areas. A total of 162 FPNs were issued against smoking offenders, while 89 summonses were issued to staff members and operators of the bars/restaurants for other related offences," the Head of TACO, Dr Fung Ying, said.
Dr Fung reminded the public that waterpipe is a smoking product, and its combustion of fuel (e.g. charcoal) releases carbon monoxide. Exposure to a low concentration of carbon monoxide can lead to a range of symptoms such as dizziness, headache, tiredness and nausea; whereas exposure to a high concentration of carbon monoxide can lead to impaired vision, disturbed co-ordination, unconsciousness, brain damage or even death. People should seek medical attention immediately if they suspect they are developing symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning.
A typical one-hour waterpipe smoking session exposes the user to 100 to 200 times the volume of smoke inhaled from a single conventional cigarette. Moreover, sharing a waterpipe apparatus increases the risk of transmitting infectious diseases, such as tuberculosis.
She cautioned against waterpipe smoking and the use of other smoking products. Smokers should quit smoking as early as possible for their own health and that of others. For more information on the hazards of waterpipe smoking, please visit www.livetobaccofree.hk/pdfs/waterpipe_leaflet_new.pdf.
DH continues to clamp down on illegal waterpipe smoking in no smoking areas Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
