Initiatives for preventing and combatting deception cases
Anti-deception education and the Anti-Deception Coordination Centre
Mr CHAN Chun-ying said that according to a survey conducted by an international network company, 73% of persons working from home had not received any training on cyber security. He asked whether consideration would be given to cooperating with the business sector to raise employees’ awareness of cyber security. CSP CSTCB said that the Police had been launching various public education activities, such as phishing drill exercises, talks, online seminars, various promotional campaigns, etc, to raise cyber security awareness in the business sector as well as members of the public.
Other issues
Mr CHAN Chun-ying was concerned about the handling of cross-boundary scam syndicates upon the termination of juridical assistance and surrender of fugitive offender arrangements between Hong Kong and some jurisdictions since the “anti-extradition amendment bill” incidents in 2019. US for S expressed regret over the matter and said that such kind of bilateral arrangements sought to effectively fight cross-boundary crimes and if failed to operate, it would only be beneficial to criminals. US for S stressed that such unfair treatment would not undermine the Government’s determination to safeguard national security. As usual, the Government would continue to cooperate and conduct joint operations with other members under the International Criminal Police Organization (“the INTERPOL”) to fight cross border crimes. Notably, ADCC had set up the “International Stop-Payment Mechanism” with the INTERPOL in 2019 to combat cross-border deception, and had successfully intercepted HK$50 million in 45 deception cases.
Enhancement of services by the Immigration Department through better use of digital technology in the epidemic
Contactless e-Channel
Mr CHAN Chun-ying was concerned about the reliability of the facial recognition technology and relevant back-up arrangement in case of system failure. Chief Systems Manager (Technology Services), ImmD said that the current facial recognition technology was mature with reliability rate over 99%.
Other issues
Mr CHAN Chun-ying asked whether consideration would be given to promoting the use of other Government mobile apps, such as “iAM Smart” and “eHealth”, when members of the public were processing formalities at Immigration Offices. AD(IS)/ImmD said that relevant department had liaised with ImmD for such purpose when “iAM Smart” was launched. ImmD would implement such arrangement to facilitate members of the public when the COVID-19 situation improved.
Developing the Fire and Ambulance Services Academy as a regional training centre for emergency rescue and a local platform for community emergency preparedness education
Training provided by the Fire and Ambulance Services Academy and public education work
Mr CHAN Chun-ying asked whether consideration would be given to inviting Mainland experts to conduct training on national affairs at FASA.
AgAD(HQ)/FSD responded that FASA had been arranging exchange programmes and experience sharing sessions with the Mainland counterparts on various aspects, including national affairs. These activities were believed to be beneficial to both parties. Among the training facilities in FASA, AgAD(HQ)/FSD highlighted the Compartment Fire Behaviour Training Simulator, which was the largest of its kind in the world and usually one of the specified training items for Mainland counterparts when they visited FASA. Besides, FASA had strengthened the training on national affairs and the Basic Law for all new recruits at the 26-week-foundation training period. Regular assessment was conducted to ensure the understanding of relevant knowledge.
Mr CHAN Chun-ying was concerned about the role of FASA when there were drills/trainings jointly conducted by FSD and the Police. US for S said that FSD and the Police had all along been working closely. During the “black violence” incidents, particularly, FSD had provided several training sessions to the Police on first-aid knowledge and the application of fire-extinguishers. The training sessions were mainly conducted at FASA or some police stations.