DSD wins eight awards at International Exhibition of Inventions of Geneva
The Drainage Services Department (DSD) achieved outstanding results at the 50th International Exhibition of Inventions of Geneva, winning one gold medal with the congratulations of jury, one gold medal, four silver medals and two bronze medals.
The Director of Drainage Services, Mr Ringo Mok, said today (April 16), "The DSD won a total of eight awards at the 50th International Exhibition of Inventions of Geneva. Among them, an in-house developed project - the Mosaic Model Map (M³) received a gold medal with the congratulations of jury. Additionally, the Flood Alert System for Tomorrow (FAST), which received a silver medal, was the first collaborative achievement between the DSD and the Pearl River Water Resources Research Institute of the Pearl River Water Resources Commission in an international competition. These accomplishments underscore the department's commitment to research and the application of innovative technologies, driving the development of a smart city."
The International Exhibition of Inventions of Geneva is one of the most significant global annual events on inventions. Around 1 050 inventions from 35 countries and regions were evaluated by an international jury of specialists.
The DSD's winning projects are:
Gold medal with the congratulations of jury
Mosaic Model Map (M³) - Real-time territorial flood risk visualisation system leveraging Hydraulic Model Pre-run, Scenario Mapping and Mosaic Compilation technologies
Gold medal
The Smart Structural Integrity Monitoring System
Silver medals
CRISmart - CRISPR-based Smartphone Microbial Assay for Rapid Testing
Flood Alert System for Tomorrow (FAST) - Intelligent Flood Alert and Emergency Response System
MAESTRO - Machinery Analysis & Early System Trouble Resolution Operator
Automated Software for Drainage Network Detailed Design
Bronze medals
MoShark Water Surface Mowing Robot - Wireless AI-powered Remote-controlled River Cleaning Robot
RAPID - Real-time Alert Platform for Inundation Detection
DSD wins eight awards at International Exhibition of Inventions of Geneva Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
DSD wins eight awards at International Exhibition of Inventions of Geneva Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
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
