Government announces Technology Voucher Programme will cease accepting applications
The Innovation and Technology Commission (ITC) announced today (December 13) that the Technology Voucher Programme (TVP) will cease accepting applications after December 31, 2024.
"The Innovation and Technology Fund (ITF) administered by the ITC has been set up for over 20 years. It has made significant contributions to the local innovation and technology development by nurturing numerous research and development (R&D) talent and start-ups, delivering commercialised R&D results, as well as attracting many private investments," an ITC spokesperson said. "To ensure the proper use of public resources and the overall sustainability of the ITF so that it can continue to drive high-quality development of Hong Kong's economy, besides introducing new schemes, the Government must keep pace with the times and continue to refine and consolidate existing schemes under the ITF."
The TVP was launched under the ITF in November 2016 to subsidise local enterprises/organisations in using technological services and solutions on a matching basis. The TVP accepts applications from enterprises/organisations of all industries and does not have pre-defined types of eligible technological services. As of November 30 this year, 37059 TVP applications involving a total funding amount of about $6.6 billion have been approved, which helped enterprises improve productivity, and upgrade or transform their business processes.
The Government considers that the TVP has achieved its original intent. In recent years, the Government has continued to strengthen support measures for different industries, and many bureaux and departments have introduced more targeted funding schemes dedicated to the specific conditions or operational needs of individual industries. In view of this, the Government has decided to cease accepting new TVP applications after December 31 this year.
For enquiries concerning TVP application arrangements, please contact the TVP Secretariat (Tel: 2789 7000; email: tvp-enquiry@hkpc.org).
Fire Services Department Community Emergency Responder Scheme launched
To enhance fire safety awareness and the emergency preparedness of the public, the Fire Services Department (FSD) launched the Fire Services Department Community Emergency Responder (FSDCER) Scheme today (December 14). Participants will receive training on fire prevention and emergency preparedness, as well as cardiopulmonary resuscitation and the use of an automated external defibrillator to help safeguard community safety.
The launching ceremony of the FSDCER Scheme, funded by the Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust, was officiated by the Director of Fire Services, Mr Andy Yeung; the Deputy Director of Fire Services (Public Safety and Corporate Strategy), Mr Derek Armstrong Chan; and newly appointed chairmen of the FSDCER Honorary Presidents' Scheme from the 18 districts, at the Fire and Ambulance Services Academy.
Addressing the ceremony, Mr Yeung said that the FSD launched the Fire Safety Ambassador Scheme as early as 1997. In light of the increasing willingness for the public to save lives during emergencies, the FSD has introduced the new FSDCER Scheme. The Scheme draws on successful experiences from both the Mainland and overseas, aiming to enhance the public's knowledge of emergency preparedness and instil a sense of responsibility and dedication to the community. By participating in the Scheme's trainings and activities, the public can equip themselves with knowledge on fire prevention and emergency responses to handle various emergency situations.
Mr Yeung emphasised that community safety is a shared responsibility of every member of the public. A parent-child scheme has therefore been introduced, with the participants' minimum age expanding from 12 years old to 6 years old, in order to encourage family participation. With the new initiative, children can be nurtured with fire safety awareness and the ability to handle emergency situations from a young age. They will also be instilled with a sense of safety and responsibility towards the community.
The FSDCER Scheme is now open for registration for Hong Kong citizens aged 12 or above, while children aged 6 to 11 can participate as parent-child members. Interested parties can submit their applications online (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/fsd082/en). After fulfilling requirements of online studies, a practice session and an assessment, participants will be appointed as FSDCERs.
Fire Services Department Community Emergency Responder Scheme launched Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Fire Services Department Community Emergency Responder Scheme launched Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Fire Services Department Community Emergency Responder Scheme launched Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
