Appointments to Small and Medium Enterprises Committee
The Government today (December 27) announced appointments to the new term of the Small and Medium Enterprises Committee (SMEC) for a period of two years with effect from January 1, 2025.
The SMEC comprises 27 members in the new term, with Mr Emil Yu Chen-on as the Chairman. Other non-official members mainly come from different trade, industry and professional sectors as well as small and medium enterprise (SME) practitioners.
The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Algernon Yau, thanked the new Chairman and members for accepting the appointments. Mr Yau said, "SMEs are the backbone of Hong Kong's economy. Over the years, the SMEC has provided a lot of constructive advice to the Government, and made significant contributions in supporting the development of SMEs. I am confident that the SMEC, under the chairmanship of Mr Yu, will continue to offer valuable advice and suggestions, and assist the Government in formulating policies conducive to the development of SMEs, further bolstering Hong Kong's economy."
Mr Yau added, "I would like to thank the outgoing Chairman, Mr Michael Hui Wah-kit, and other outgoing members for their valuable contributions during their tenure. Under Mr Hui’s distinguished leadership, the SMEC has served as a bridge between the Government and SMEs, effectively facilitating the development of SMEs in Hong Kong."
The SMEC advises the Chief Executive on issues affecting the development of SMEs in Hong Kong, and suggests measures to support and facilitate their development and growth.
The 2025-2026 membership of the SMEC is as follows:
Mr Emil Yu Chen-on (Chairman)
Non-official members
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Mr Bryant Chan Wan-sing
Mr Jason Felix Chiu Tsz-kiu
Professor Chong Tai-leung
Ms Amy Chow
Mr Danny Ho Sin-fai
Ms Candy Hui Wing-ka
Ms Melody Ip Ying-ying
Mr Andrew Kwok Chi-wah
Ms Shirley Kwok Ho-yee
Mr Michael Lai Cheuk-pun
Ms Elaine Shiu Yin-ning
Ms Winnie Tung Mei-yee
Dr Ellis Wong Wai-hung
Mr Ernest Wong Yiu-kit
Ms Tzena Wong Yuan-chin
Mr Andrew Chan Shiu-shan (newly appointed)
Mr Simon Hui Nga-yin (newly appointed)
Mr Stanley Lee Kei-chuen (newly appointed)
Dr Miranda Lou Lai-wah (newly appointed)
Ms Jaclyn Ngan Ming-yun (newly appointed)
Mr Kevin Orr Ka-yeung (newly appointed)
Representative of Hong Kong Productivity Council
Representative of Hong Kong Trade Development Council
Representative of Vocational Training Council
Official members
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Director-General of Trade and Industry
Deputy Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development
Hong Kong Customs holds graduation parade for Customs Youth Leader Corps Winter Training Camp 2024 and "YES Buddy" AI Robot Launching Ceremony
Hong Kong Customs held a graduation parade for the Customs Youth Leader Corps Winter Training Camp 2024 and "YES Buddy" AI Robot Launching Ceremony at the Hong Kong Customs College today (December 27).
During the graduation parade, 60 members of the Customs Youth Leader Corps (CYLC) and 22 in-service Customs personnel who were former CYLC members demonstrated the exceptional discipline and demeanour of the disciplined services through their uniform Chinese-style foot drill. The flag-raising ceremony was conducted by the Foot Drill and Flag Party of the CYLC, the first youth group under the Security Bureau to perform the Chinese-style rifle foot drill, fully reflecting the steadfast commitment of Customs in nurturing patriotism among young people.
The Executive Director of the Executive Committee of Customs YES, Dr Eugene Chan, in his speech said that Customs YES continuously promotes youth development by organising activities such as national education, community services, Customs work experience, career orientation and discipline trainings with an aim to nurture youth leaders with a sense of responsibility, national identity and a global horizon. He also encouraged members to maintain the excellent qualities of the CYLC, namely courage, perseverance and integrity, in the future to contribute to the country and Hong Kong.
During the four-day training camp, participants underwent training on the Chinese-style foot drill, physical fitness and leadership to enhance their team spirit and leadership capabilities. They also visited the Customs Airport Command and the headquarters of the Government Flying Service, and gained a deeper understanding on their work through briefings and a helicopter flight experience.
Following the graduation parade, the Commissioner of Customs and Excise, Ms Louise Ho, Dr Chan and the Director of the Executive Committee of Customs YES, Dr Mark Mak, officiated at the "YES Buddy" AI Robot Launching Ceremony. "YES Buddy" is the first 5G AI publicity robot of Customs. Led by Dr Mak and his team, members from the Innovation & Nurture: Customs YES Robotics Workshop took part in the design of the robot's appearance, functions and programming, embodying the creativity and practice of this innovation and technology learning.
Integrated with artificial intelligence, natural language processing and machine learning technologies, "YES Buddy" can give instant responses to public inquiries about customs work and Customs YES, as well as providing information on membership application matters and activities. Its database also covers knowledge on national security. In the future, "YES Buddy" will serve as a Customs YES ambassador to visit schools and youth gathering places to promote customs work and Customs YES activities, as well as encourage member recruitment and national security education.
Hong Kong Customs will continue to promote Customs YES with a view to fostering the all-round development of young people and nurturing a new generation of youth with an affection for the country and Hong Kong, with global perspectives and positive thinking.
Hong Kong Customs holds graduation parade for Customs Youth Leader Corps Winter Training Camp 2024 and "YES Buddy" AI Robot Launching Ceremony Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Hong Kong Customs holds graduation parade for Customs Youth Leader Corps Winter Training Camp 2024 and "YES Buddy" AI Robot Launching Ceremony Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Hong Kong Customs holds graduation parade for Customs Youth Leader Corps Winter Training Camp 2024 and "YES Buddy" AI Robot Launching Ceremony Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Hong Kong Customs holds graduation parade for Customs Youth Leader Corps Winter Training Camp 2024 and "YES Buddy" AI Robot Launching Ceremony Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Hong Kong Customs holds graduation parade for Customs Youth Leader Corps Winter Training Camp 2024 and "YES Buddy" AI Robot Launching Ceremony Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Hong Kong Customs holds graduation parade for Customs Youth Leader Corps Winter Training Camp 2024 and "YES Buddy" AI Robot Launching Ceremony Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Hong Kong Customs holds graduation parade for Customs Youth Leader Corps Winter Training Camp 2024 and "YES Buddy" AI Robot Launching Ceremony Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
