The Immigration Department (ImmD) and the Hong Kong Applied Science and Technology Research Institute (ASTRI) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Tuesday (April 30) to explore an innovative proposal for the application of technologies in four areas, i.e. Innovative Immigration Control Operation, Biometric Identification and Authentication, Artificial Intelligence Assisted Immigration Application and Collaborative Robotics Technology, with a view to providing quality and efficient public services.

The MOU was jointly signed by the Director of Immigration, Mr. Benson Kwok, and the Chief Executive Officer of ASTRI, Dr Denis Yip, witnessed by the Secretary for Security, Mr. Tang Ping-keung, and the Board Chairman of ASTRI, Mr. Sunny Lee.

In his speech, Mr. Kwok stated that the ImmD has been actively adopting advanced technologies and innovative thinking in various business areas to enhance service quality and efficiency. The collaboration with ASTRI this time will support the research and development of local innovation and technology, and pursue the goal of developing Hong Kong into a Smart City. It is of paramount importance to facilitate Hong Kong's transformation into an international innovation and technology center under the National 14th Five-Year Plan, enabling the public and visitors from around the world to experience the benefits of innovative technologies.

In appreciation of the ImmD's decision to cooperate with ASTRI to support technology research in Hong Kong, Mr. Lee stressed that the collaboration would set an example for neighboring smart cities to expedite the adoption of innovative solutions that enhance public convenience.