The EMSTF has long been providing government departments and public organisations with operation, maintenance and project management services for the E&M systems in transport infrastructure and a wide variety of E&M facilities. It is our duty to support our clients in providing uninterrupted services to the public.
The EMSD assisted the Transport Department in repairing damaged traffic lights and controllers to ensure road safety.
The EMSD took part in the repair works of the facilities of the Legislative Council Complex that were severely damaged in the public order events taken place last year, so as to expedite the resumption of the operation of the Legislative Council.
We co-ordinated with various government departments to conduct emergency repair works at the Cross-Harbour Tunnel Administration Building and the toll plaza of the Cross-Harbour Tunnel in November last year. The repair works were swiftly completed within 100 hours.
The new reception offices for ambulances and light vehicles are spacious and well lit. Clients can also see the vehicles parked outside through the offices’ glass windows. With customer service being one of our high priorities, we have set up in the reception offices a waiting lounge, where clients are welcome to take a rest.
We procured for the Highways Department two bridge inspection vehicles in order to facilitate the inspection and maintenance of different bridge structures, such as suspension bridges and cable-stayed bridges, guaranteeing work safety and raising the inspection and maintenance efficiency.
We monitor the operation of lift’s critical parts and predict component faults using a non-invasive optical fibre sensing technology. If abnormalities are detected, the system would immediately issue an early fault warning, thereby ensuring the safety and reliability of lift operation.
As “Innovation Facilitator” for government departments in Hong Kong since April 2019, the EMSD kept up the momentum in promoting innovation and technology (I&T) in the public sector in 2019/20. We signed several memoranda of co-operation during the year. Strategic partnerships with various universities and research institutions were formed to support the application of I&T in government departments and the use of our E&M InnoPortal, with a view to enhancing services and work efficiency.
The EMSD signed memoranda of co-operation with the Guangdong Provincial Association for Science and Technology, the Guangdong Productivity Centre and the Guangdong Academy of Sciences respectively in August 2019 to enhance I&T exchange and co-operation between Guangdong and Hong Kong.
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The enriched E&M InnoZone showcases our I&T collaborations with local universities and research institutions, covering the application of Internet of Things (IoT), automation, artificial intelligence and other technologies.
We have launched several smart trial projects, including smart facial recognition system, smart carpark, and smart washroom management system.
The Environment Bureau and the EMSD jointly organised the Green I&T Day in August 2019 to showcase Hong Kong’s I&T achievements in relation to energy conservation and renewable energy. The event aimed to promote the application of new green technologies to various sectors in the community.
We set up communication interface between the lifts and passage doors at the Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital and its delivery robot, thereby ensuring the robot’s delivery by allowing the robot to ride lifts and open doors automatically and smoothly. The robot can deliver objects such as bed linens to a designated area via a pre-set route so as to reduce the manpower demand.
The first Regional Digital Control Centre at the EMSD Headquarters offers various services, such as remote equipment monitoring, fault alert, energy management, etc., to enhance operational efficiency and energy efficiency of our clients’ E&M assets.
Our colleagues are demonstrating the use of a Geographic Information System-based Digital Documentation System at the West Kowloon Government Offices. With the use of positioning technology, the system enables prompt and accurate retrieval of technical information in a building, thereby enhancing the efficiency of maintenance work.
We develop the pilot project, Smart Drainage — Flood Monitoring System, which uses the technology of IoT and new type of sensors, with the Drainage Services Department to monitor real-time water level status at different storm surge spots and overtopping wave spots.
The IoT-based Sailing Information Display System leverages IoT technologies to update passengers on the departure time and destination, and display specific information of the China Ferry Terminal such as the weather conditions. It also collects information about the operating status of the nearby E&M equipment for remote monitoring.
The EMSTF plays a key role in operating and maintaining the E&M facilities of many government departments and public organisations, and we enthusiastically support all our clients in their continuous improvement of public services. Also, we have helped clients implement many energy efficiency projects, significantly reducing electricity consumption.
We installed high efficiency seawater-cooled chillers, using refrigerant with low global warming potential, in the Queensway Government Offices to enhance the reliability of air-conditioning supply and energy efficiency performance, and reduce greenhouse gas emission.
We carried out design, management and installation work for the solar photovoltaic (PV) system on the rooftop of Tin Sum Police Station, Shatin. The PV system provides renewable power to meet the electricity needs of the venue.
We installed the solar lamp poles at Kai Tak Runway Park. Powered by solar energy for lighting at night, the solar lamp poles largely optimise energy use.
We assisted the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department in using mobile soak tanks in their cooked food centres. Our colleagues put the greasy oil filter into the tank, which is connected to an ultrasound generator. The filter is then cleaned thoroughly through super-high-frequency ultrasonic scrubbing.
We are developing an artificial intelligence-based video analytics technology for cremation system in order to optimise the cremation process, reduce fuel consumption and air pollutant emission, and enhance cremation efficiency.
We conduct installation, testing and commissioning for the Automatic Vehicle Clearance Support System at the Liantang/Heung Yuen Wai Boundary Control Point to prepare for its commissioning.
We assist the Transport Department to install and test the new generation parking meter system, one of the initiatives set out in the Smart City Blueprint for Hong Kong. The system supports multiple payment means, including remote payment through mobile applications, and is equipped with occupancy sensors to provide real-time information about parking space availability.
The EMSTF met with unprecedented challenges as public order events and the COVID-19 pandemic affected Hong Kong. Our support units have sought innovative ways to minimise impacts on the EMSTF’s normal operation while also continuing to implement the EMSTF’s second Five-year Strategic Plan. Our works centre around five aspects: capacity building, quality service, innovation and technology (I&T), caring for staff, and a creative work culture.
Stepping into the second year of the second Five-year Strategic Plan, we are actively implementing the three main strategies of “E&M Digitisation”, “Excellent Work Team” and “Technology•Innovation”, to deliver excellent E&M service to clients.
http://bit.ly/emsd_sdc
The Skill Development Centre was put into operation in February 2020, providing the Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Training Base and the Electrical Installations Training Base, which meet the standards required for venues of the WorldSkills Competition, as well as featuring a Digital Training Centre equipped with advanced digital technology training facilities to boost technical skills of trainees.
After the setting up of Guangzhou-Hong Kong E&M Talent Training Bases, the training and exchange of E&M talents in both places can be strengthened. Our technician trainees have the opportunities to learn from and share views with their counterparts from the Mainland of China, and accumulate diversified experiences to better equip themselves.
The “E&M GO! 2019” orientation ceremony organised by the EMSD and the trade in September, with the theme of “Engagement•Connect”, was officiated by the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Matthew Cheung and attended by more than 700 young E&M trainees.
With the theme of “Innovative Training”, the Quality and Safety Day 2019 aimed to promote innovative training facilities and methods, and recognise the efforts of staff in sharing of best practices so as to enhance the quality and safety of E&M services.
The EMSD established strategic partnerships with five local universities and seven technological research institutions by signing the Memorandum of Co-operation for E&M InnoPortal in June 2019.
I&T Day x Sensor Hub Workshop attracted many participants from various government departments and institutions to discuss the development of Internet of Things and related technologies in Hong Kong, and to provide a matching platform for government departments and companies from the Hong Kong Science Park, promoting co-operation on innovative technology.
The EMSD mobile apps E&M Connect and E&M Trade App were launched in December 2019, providing latest updates to EMSD staff and enhancing communications. Members of the public and the trade can also access various electronic services and obtain the EMSD news anytime and anywhere, bringing convenience to life.
The first round of selection for the Engineering Graduate Training Scheme of the EMSD was affected by the epidemic in early 2020, the EMSD hence decided to conduct remote assessments by introducing an information-secured online interview system and more than 400 candidates were successfully interviewed online by the end of April.
To promote a caring culture in the EMSD and boost staff’s sense of belonging, we organised a series of engagement activities in April 2019, such as fruit day and bring family to work day.
The “Good People, Good Deeds Commendation Scheme” was launched in June 2019 to encourage nomination of staff who have performed good deeds, and recognise colleagues for their dedicated service to the community. Awards were finally presented to the five entries with the highest votes.
To help colleagues relieve stress, we held a series of “EM Staff Chill-out” activities, including Lunch Concerts, stretching classes and Virtual Reality video game experience session, which attracted over 1500 colleagues.
The EMSD values a lot work-life balance among staff and therefore, a series of activities beneficial to mental and physical health were held, such as the workshop on stress management and psychotherapy, for participants to relieve their tension both physically and mentally.
The E² CAFÉ, which was officially opened in January 2020, not only provides EMSD staff and visitors with craft beverages and light refreshments, but also creates employment opportunities for the disadvantaged, fulfilling corporate social responsibility.
To tie in with the anti-epidemic measures, the EMSD has installed fever screening systems at major entrances of the headquarters. The security personnel monitors and checks the body temperatures of people entering the building through the infrared thermal images.
In November 2019, a renovation project was launched at the piazza of EMSD Headquarters Building, featuring enhancement of landscape design, greening of external walls and installation of renewable energy facilities. The new look of piazza will integrate the community with nature.