Corporate News

HKSTP and CSD sign MOU to promote sustainable development of "Smart Prison"

11 Jul 2023

Key Takeaways

The Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP) and the Correctional Services Department (CSD) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to support the sustainable development of "Smart Prison".
The MOU sets out a collaboration framework for HKSTP and the CSD to jointly explore innovative solutions in three aspects over the next three years, including the identification and matching of market-proven innovative solutions, as well as arranging regular meetings and exchanges between the CSD and the innovation and technology industry and academia to create more collaboration opportunities.
The framework also entails the setup of a "Penal Lab" in correctional facilities, where tailor-made innovative solutions by the innovation and technology industry can be tested in an actual operating environment, facilitating the trial implementation of innovation and technology products.

(Hong Kong, 11 July 2023) - The Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP) and the Correctional Services Department (CSD) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) today (July 11) to deepen their co-operation, which will inject new impetus into the sustainable development of "Smart Prison".

The MOU sets out a collaboration framework for HKSTP and the CSD to jointly explore innovative solutions in three aspects over the next three years, including the identification and matching of market-proven innovative solutions by the HKSTP to address the operational needs of the CSD and challenges faced by the Department, as well as arranging regular meetings and exchanges between the CSD and the innovation and technology industry and academia to create more collaboration opportunities. The framework also entails the setup of a "Penal Lab" in correctional facilities, where tailor-made innovative solutions by the innovation and technology industry can be tested in an actual operating environment, facilitating the trial implementation of innovation and technology products.

The MOU was signed by the Deputy Commissioner of Correctional Services (Operations and Strategic Development), Mr Ng Chiu-kok, and the Chief Executive Officer of the HKSTP, Mr Albert Wong, and witnessed by the Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Professor Sun Dong; the Commissioner of Correctional Services, Mr Wong Kwok-hing; and the Chairman of the HKSTP, Dr Sunny Chai.

Speaking at the ceremony, the Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Professor Sun said that the Government is committed to promoting the development of innovation and technology and building smart government, and encouraging government departments to use appropriate technologies to enhance governance and efficiency. The signing of the MOU between the CSD and HKSTP today has served as a good example for all government departments to follow. Professor Sun said that he looks forward to the development of more technology application solutions by different government departments and various industries in future, which will bring convenience to the public and facilitate business, adding impetus for the speedy promotion of the development of innovation and technology and Smart City.

The Chairman of the HKSTP, Dr Sunny Chai, said that the HKSTP is pleased to sign an MOU with the CSD to further explore and promote technology adoption in various areas and nurture innovation and technology talent. The HKSTP will continue to collaborate with park companies to incorporate smart elements for the modernisation of correctional facilities, address operational needs of the CSD and challenges with innovative solutions, while providing innovation and technology companies with potential pilot production opportunities, creating win-win situations.

The Commissioner of Correctional Services, Mr Wong Kwok-hing, said that the CSD has been firmly supporting the Government's policies in promoting the Smart City and the development of innovation and technology, and has incorporated the "Smart Prison" initiative into its strategic development plan, striving to modernise correctional facilities with the use of innovative technologies. He expressed confidence that with the HKSTP's capabilities and experience, coupled with the CSD's determination to promote the application of innovation and technology and high-quality development, the collaboration will generate more "smart" proposals to strengthen the operational efficacy and service quality of the Department.

Photo 1: Mr Albert Wong, CEO of HKSTP (left, front row), and Mr Ng Chiu-kok, Deputy Commissioner of Correctional Services (Operations and Strategic Development) (right, front row), signed the MOU. Professor Sun Dong, Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry (middle, back row), Dr Sunny Chai, Chairman of HKSTP (left, back row), and Mr Wong Kwok-hing, the Commissioner of Correctional Services (right, back row), attended and witnessed the signing ceremony.

Photo 2: HKSTP and CSD signed an MOU today to deepen their co-operation. From left to right: Mr Eric Or, Head of Partnerships of HKSTP, and Mr Ng Chiu-kok, Deputy Commissioner of Correctional Services (Operations and Strategic Development).

Photos 3-4: HKSTP partner companies demonstrated their technological applications at the event today.

Appendix

Introductions of I&T ventures participating in the co-operation and their R&D products

HKSTP partner company	R&D product name and introduction
HongKong Kairuipu Medical Technology Co. Limited	Smart Health Sensing System To strengthen the health monitoring of persons in custody (PICs) with medical needs in centre hospitals, Smart Health Sensing System enables continuous monitoring of the vital signs of concerned PICs. The system can assist correctional officers to monitor the real-time heart rate and breathing rate of PICs with medical needs through a contactless sensing device installed underneath the mattresses of designated beds. Correctional officers can take immediate actions against any irregularity with a view to protect the safety and health of these PICs.
SenseTime Group Limited	Facial Recognition Tracking System Facial Recognition Tracking System enables tracing and tracking of the real time locations and movement of persons in custody (PICs) by analyzing CCTV video footages. With facial recognition and artificial intelligence, each PIC’s real time location and route of movement can be automatically traced and tracked at specific locations without the need for wearable devices. The system can fully utilize existing CCTV system and assist correctional officers in the daily monitoring of PICs. It can also expedite the response to emergency situations and the investigation of any incident.
RV Automation Technology Company Limited	Robotic Monitoring System 2.0 To enhance management efficiency and ensure the safety of persons in custody (PICs), the Department has introduced robots to assist correctional officers in patrolling. With the system, correctional officers can monitor the conditions of PICs at cells remotely through a mobile tablet or the display monitor at workstation. As the second generation of robotic monitoring system, it also allows instant communication between correctional officers and PICs, and thus correctional officers could respond timely to any irregularity. Apart from improving the stability of the system, new feature such as thermal detection has also been included to enhance the system performance and functionality.
Fano Labs Limited	Integrated Intelligent Communication System for PIC The "Integrated Intelligent Communication System for PIC" is a tailor-designed self-service telephone communication system operating in conjunction with telephone kiosks, display monitors, voice recognition technology and keywords spotting function. The system encourages persons in custody (PICs) to stay in contact with their relatives and friends and to enhance the effectiveness of their rehabilitation. Besides, correctional officers will no longer be required to escort PICs to designated locations to make phone calls which could reduce human resources pressure of internal escort and that of handling the communication requests of PICs.