The Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Dr Law Chi-kwong, visited the Logistics and Supply Chain MultiTech R&D Centre (LSCM) this morning (August 27) to learn more about the application of technology in improving elderly services. The Under Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Mr Caspar Tsui, also joined the visit.

     Accompanied by the Chief Executive Officer of the LSCM, Mr Simon Wong, Dr Law toured its office in Cyberport. The LSCM was founded with funding from the Innovation and Technology Fund. He said he was glad to note that the LSCM, in collaboration with non-governmental organisations and social enterprises, had developed tracking and positioning systems using radio frequency identification technology to enable carers to monitor the location of elderly persons and dementia patients and prevent them from getting lost. They also discussed new initiatives using robotics and artificial intelligence in elderly care.

     To cope with the challenges of an ageing population, Dr Law said that gerontechnology would help improve the quality of life of elderly persons and at the same time enhance the effectiveness of elderly services, thereby relieving the burden and pressure on carers and care staff. The Government has set up the $1 billion Innovation and Technology Fund for Application in Elderly and Rehabilitation Care to subsidise elderly and rehabilitation service units to procure, rent or try out technology products. The Fund will be launched in the fourth quarter of 2018.

     In addition, the Government and the Hong Kong Council of Social Service will hold the second Gerontech and Innovation Expo cum Summit from November 22 to 25 this year to showcase innovative technology products around the world and get stakeholders together to share their experiences and exchange views, so as to explore the further use of technology in improving the lives of elderly people.

Ends/Monday, August 27, 2018
Issued at HKT 15:33

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