In December 2020, the Government launched the Hong Kong Smart City Blueprint 2.0, with the Government-Wide Internet of Things Network (GWIN) included as one of the smart city infrastructures, so as to drive smart city development. In fact, the EMSD initiated a pilot project in Sha Tin District to install gateways for the GWIN back in early 2019. By mid-2020, we actively promoted the use of GWIN for real-time monitoring of E&M equipment to our clients. As at the end of 2023, the number of GWIN gateways exceeded 500, with network coverage spanning across Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, the New Territories and the outlying islands.
The GWIN employs Long Range (LoRa) wide area network transmission technology characterised by low power consumption and long-distance transmission capabilities. Leveraging the GWIN in conjunction with different sensors, the EMSD assists clients in implementing various innovative projects, including smart toilets, provision of parking vacancy information and location tracking of hikers at remote areas, which not only optimises facility management but also enhances the quality of public services. In addition to facilitating the E&M digitalisation, the GWIN also supports smart city management by Internet of Things (IoT) applications, such as the smart drainage system, the Smart Site Safety System, the people counting system for Lunar New Year fairs, etc.
These I&T solutions have been successfully implemented, exemplifying the two key strategies of “Providing Customer-oriented Innovative Services” and “Strengthening Innovative Collaboration between Stakeholders” outlined in the third Five-year Strategic Plan of the Electrical and Mechanical Services Trading Fund. Some of the projects have even been recognised with awards and they include the Drone-based LoRa Network for Location Tracking in Remote Areas, which received the silver medal at the International Exhibition of Inventions of Geneva 2022, as well as the Smart Toilet Management System and the LoRa Mesh Technology for Extending the IoT Network Coverage to the Rural Areas, which were awarded the silver and bronze medals respectively at the International Exhibition of Inventions of Geneva 2023.
We will continue to expand the network coverage of GWIN and collect real-time operational data with a view to effectively assisting client departments in implementing E&M equipment digitalisation, thereby enhancing the quality of public services.
For details about the third Five-year Strategic Plan, please visit the thematic website at http://5yearplan.emsd.gov.hk and subscribe to our e-newsletter for updates.
