Hong Kong should put brakes on driverless technology push: industry veterans
Hong Kong needs to take a more cautious approach to implementing
driverless technology , particularly on crowded roads, industry leaders have warned.
Secretary for Transport and Logistics Mable Chan last week discussed the city's efforts to
step up trials on self-driving vehicles, with plans to officially introduce passenger services and commercial applications, such as ride-hailing, within one to two years.
Such services have already existed in mainland China for at least six years.
Chan told a
Legislative Council meeting on Wednesday that testing had reached level four of highly automated driving, aligned with national and global standards and indicating that the city matched the mainland and other parts of the world on the technology.
The Society of Automotive Engineers has defined international standards for autonomous vehicles using a six-tier system, with zero meaning no automation and level five, full automation. The system has been widely adopted globally by the automotive industry and regulatory bodies.
Lawmaker Gary Zhang Xinyu said Hong Kong could catch up with the mainland in terms of self-driving technology, pointing to the city's strong road infrastructure and progressive regulations as attractive to foreign companies in the field.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
South China Morning Post
an hour ago
- South China Morning Post
Hong Kong AI creator's mental health system for athletes inspired by Simone Biles
Hong Kong entrepreneur Jonathon Wan Kwok-keun is no stranger to overcoming mental setbacks - when he was 18 and swimming near Ocean Beach, San Francisco, he was pulled under by a current, lost consciousness, and needed a nearby surfer to save his life. Now 51, Wan does not remember much about that day in a city he has called home since 1991. But the mental scars remained, and he did not swim again for nearly two decades. More than 30 years later, Wan overcame his fear and completed the Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon twice, as well as dozens of Ironman races and marathons. His experience also led to him co-founding a system that uses smart wearables and AI tools to analyse athletes and provide early warning signs of mental and physical deterioration, helping coaches and clinicians know when to intervene and what to do. 'For the athlete or the coach, they will be able to see, for example, if you're above or below a certain threshold,' Wan said. 'And there are recommended actions that you should take, for example, breathing, yoga, stretching, an ice bath or take a little walk. 'It is guided by professionals, ice baths are awesome, but do you know how long or how often you need it? That's why we need coaches and professionals to do a little hand holding.'
South China Morning Post
an hour ago
- South China Morning Post
Global mediation body a chance for Hong Kong to prove sceptics wrong
The establishment of the International Organisation for Mediation in Hong Kong marks a significant milestone. This initiative presents an opportunity for the city to cement its status as a global mediation hub, fostering peaceful dialogue and dispute resolution in a rapidly evolving world. Success, however, depends on the local leadership's ability to build trust and demonstrate a commitment to internationally recognised legal standards. The global body's presence in Hong Kong could offer a diplomatic pathway for complex disputes, including territorial disputes or other sensitive matters related to major national interests around the world. Effective mediation requires neutrality, voluntary participation and credibility, principles that Hong Kong must emphasise to ensure broad acceptance of its role. Such credibility is not assured by institutional declarations alone. No matter how often Hong Kong commits to internationally recognised norms, scepticism may remain, particularly given persistent perceptions that political influence has weakened judicial independence International parties will inevitably weigh their options when considering choice of venue . Why should good lawyers and big multinational companies forego other established venues with impeccable reputation for Hong Kong? A respected legal framework is essential to building confidence among stakeholders. To achieve this, Hong Kong's leadership must engage with legal communities around the world, assuring businesses, policymakers and practitioners that the organisation will uphold impartiality and effectiveness. Trust in mediation depends on strong governance, and Hong Kong's role in this domain must be reinforced through institutional integrity.
South China Morning Post
2 hours ago
- South China Morning Post
Saudi ETF opens door to Islamic opportunity in Hong Kong
Hong Kong has long wanted to promote Islamic finance, but progress has been slow. Now, though, the time is more auspicious as the city seeks to diversify its financial services and business beyond Western or developed economies. Advertisement At the same time, countries in the Middle East are moving quickly to form new business links with China. The latest fruit of this partnership is Asia's first exchange-traded fund (ETF) tracking Saudi Arabia's Islamic government bonds, or sukuk. Its debut will introduce local investors to a global market for Islamic financial products that is expected to be worth US$7.7 trillion by 2033. Global interest in sharia-sanctioned financial products has been growing. Non-Muslim investors in places such as Malaysia and Indonesia, for example, have diversified into Islamic bonds, Islamic insurance, and profit-sharing schemes and 'financing at cost plus a mark-up' that comply with religious stricture. Hong Kong's Saudi sukuk ETF, which can trade in both Hong Kong and US dollars, is a milestone. It will be the first time investors in Asia can tap into Saudi Arabia's sharia-compliant bonds through the city's stock exchange. Advertisement The kingdom's Saudi Vision 2030 to modernise its economy is estimated to need US$3 trillion in investments. Though first-day trading turnover was modest at below HK$600,000 (US$77,000), it is expected to generate greater interest among investors.
