Latest news with #Poon
South China Morning Post
10 hours ago
- Health
- South China Morning Post
Who created AI app MediSafe? Hong Kong student and US software firm stake claims
Two Hong Kong government departments have launched an investigation into an award-winning medication prescription app invented by a student that had already been in use by a clinic three years earlier, the Post has learned. Advertisement The Digital Policy Office and Education Bureau said they were studying the mobile app that a student surnamed Poon, from St Paul's Co-educational College in Mid-Levels, submitted in competitions as her invention. Poon declined to respond to online accusations calling her 'a fake inventor', but told the Post she was going through the verification process with competition organisers. Her father, Ronnie Poon Tung-ping, is one of two doctors at a specialist clinic in Central that commissioned a US-based artificial intelligence (AI) software development agency to create the app in 2022, which was subsequently deployed. The investigations were launched after the incident came to light on June 13, prompted by City University student Hailey Cheng, who raised concerns on social media platform Threads about the research and development culture in secondary schools' STEM education and competitions, as well as the privacy of patients using the MediSafe app. Advertisement MediSafe, a medication management system designed to prevent prescription errors through AI-driven verification of patient information, has won at least six awards since August last year. The honours include a silver medal in the 50th International Exhibition of Inventions, Geneva, in 2025, a prestigious globally recognised accolade.
The Sun
20 hours ago
- Business
- The Sun
Carbon tax approach to achieving green future
PETALING JAYA: A carbon tax does not have to hurt the average Malaysian, but it could force polluters to clean up their act. That is the message from experts as the country prepares to roll out the levy by 2026. Taylor's University research cluster lead for innovative management practices Prof Dr Poon Wai Ching said the carbon tax should not be viewed simply as a revenue-raising measure but also as a vital tool in steering Malaysia toward a more sustainable, low-carbon future. 'It reduces greenhouse gas emissions by assigning a monetary cost to emitting carbon dioxide,' she said. 'For instance, if a company emits 10,000 tonnes of CO₂ and the tax is RM10 per tonne, it would owe RM100,000, putting real financial pressure on businesses to invest in cleaner technologies and energy efficiency.' The policy is expected to initially target high-emission sectors such as iron, steel and energy. Revenue generated could be channelled into green research, innovation and sustainable infrastructure, including climate adaptation projects and circular economy initiatives. Poon added that although Malaysia has long been aligned with global climate frameworks like the Kyoto Protocol and Paris Agreement, recent shifts in international trade dynamics have intensified the need for action. 'One key factor is the EU's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism, which will tax imports based on their carbon content,' she said. 'If Malaysia doesn't act, we risk losing competitiveness in global trade.' She also stressed the importance of revenue recycling – using income from the carbon tax to benefit the wider public, such as by supporting low-income communities, subsidising green technologies and strengthening national sustainable development goals. While the carbon tax underscores Malaysia's commitment to achieving net-zero emissions, Poon said the recent rationalisation of RON95 fuel subsidies helps ease the public into the idea of paying closer to the true environmental cost of energy. 'It makes the shift to carbon pricing smoother over time,' she added. Poon also pointed out that 37 countries have introduced carbon tax frameworks, including Singapore and European nations such as Finland, Sweden, Norway and Denmark. She said Malaysia could draw valuable lessons from these international models by adopting a phased approach, ensuring transparent pricing and protecting vulnerable communities. 'If businesses adopt sustainable and circular economy strategies now, they can boost their ESG (environmental, social and governance) performance and tap into regional growth opportunities,' she said. Universiti Teknologi Mara Malaysian Institute of Transport head of legal and quality Dr Siti Ayu Jalil said the transport and logistics sector, which contributed 5% to Malaysia's GDP in 2024, will face both short-term and long-term challenges under the new policy. 'In the short term, the carbon tax and fuel subsidy cuts will raise operational costs in freight, haulage and ride-hailing services. This may lead to higher prices for essential goods, especially in Sabah and Sarawak, where transport distances are greater,' she said. Over time, the carbon tax will become a fixed cost for businesses, incentivising them to adopt low-emission fleets such as electric and hybrid trucks and to shift towards rail and maritime transport, she added. Green certifications may also become essential to stay competitive, she said. To support the transition, Siti Ayu called for targeted government incentives, including grants and tax breaks for low-emission vehicles, as well as expanded EV charging infrastructure. She also recommended increased investment in freight rail and urban logistics hubs to reduce urban congestion and emissions. 'Part of the carbon tax revenue should be used to fund research and innovation in sustainable transport technology,' she added. 'This includes adopting digital solutions like GPS-based tracking and AI-driven route optimisation to reduce fuel consumption.' Siti Ayu also underscored the importance of protecting low-income groups and rural populations from the knock-on effects of rising transport costs. She proposed targeted cash transfers and rebates for B40 and M40 households, continued support for public transport passes such as My50 and My100 and the reintroduction of My30 to ensure affordable unlimited travel. In rural areas, she suggested logistics subsidies for essential goods such as food and medicine to prevent price surges. 'Reform is unavoidable. Malaysia must do its part in combatting climate change and aligning with the UN Sustainable Development Goals. This is not just a tax. It's a path to a climate-resilient, productive and fair future,' said Siti Ayu.
HKFP
4 days ago
- Business
- HKFP
Complaints about food delivery apps more than doubled in first 5 months of 2025, Consumer Council says
Hong Kong's Consumer Council saw over 970 complaints related to food delivery platforms in the first five months this year, a 130 per cent increase from the previous year. The city's consumer watchdog said at a press conference on Monday that it received 971 complaints by food delivery platform users from January until the end of May this year. In contrast, it received 421 reports in the same period last year. Jack Poon, the council's chairperson of the digital economy and information technology committee, said a total of 310 complaints, around one-third of the overall number this year, were related to delayed deliveries or undelivered food. There was also a sharp rise in complaints about order cancellations, from 47 reports in the first five months of last year to 272 this year, he said. Poon said he believed the overall jump in reports was due to more people using food delivery platforms, as companies were pushing promotions to attract customers. 'Complaints have risen maybe [because] of the [competitive] situation,' he said in Cantonese. Poon also described three complaints received by the watchdog. In one case, a customer who ordered food from a delivery platform only received their order after a one-hour delay. The platform at first declined to issue him a HK$120 coupon promised under its compensation policy, and only did so after the Consumer Council intervened. In another case, a customer who selected the 'self-pickup' option arrived at the listed address only to find it did not exist. After the complaint was filed, the restaurant told the council that it only operated online and had no physical outlet. Another complainant reported to the council that they placed a wrong order and asked for cancellation and a refund within one minute, but the request was refused by the platform, saying the food had already been prepared. The Consumer Council urged food delivery platforms to enhance their transparency to allow customers to know when the food has been made, picked up by the courier and is en route to the delivery location. Hong Kong's food delivery landscape is dominated by Singapore-based company Foodpanda and Keeta, a platform backed by Chinese retail giant Meituan. Deliveroo announced its exit in March after nine years of operation in the city, saying it had entered a deal with Foodpanda to support its couriers and purchase some of its assets.
RTHK
28-05-2025
- General
- RTHK
Federation urges engaging youths in rural conservation
Federation urges engaging youths in rural conservation The Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups says more than 90 percent of young respondents view countryside conservation as vital for sustainable urban-rural development. Photo: RTHK The Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups called on Wednesday for authorities to launch rural festivals and cultural exchange programmes aimed at deepening young people's engagement with countryside conservation efforts. This push follows a survey conducted by the federation that took in 534 residents aged 15 to 34. Its findings revealed support for preserving rural areas, with more than 90 percent of respondents agreeing that countryside conservation is vital for sustainable urban-rural development. "We can really feature the distinctive cultural and landscape features of Hong Kong countryside with a big event and these big events would boost diverse participation by the general public and they would see how countryside conservation has been happening,' said John Poon, deputy convener of youth development and engagement group. "No matter [whether it's] on the cultural side, economic side or environmental side, we hope that could really boost and raise public awareness and build a broad base of community engagement." He also suggested the government create a blueprint for sustainable urban-rural development and provide opportunities for young people to join the Advisory Committee on the Northern Metropolis, enabling them to share their insights on the city's future development. The study also found that approximately two thirds of the respondents think that countryside conservation is vital to local economic development. 'There are people who have been doing countryside conservation and cultural development," Poon said. "They can make use of the cultural heritage as well as some of the economic projects, which can be small and micro, but in the meantime, it can allow the village, the countryside to sustain itself with a little bit of economic development." "We also see that a lot of you believe this could be one of ... their employment options. "They can go back to the countryside and they could see some employment opportunities and avenues for them to contribute and they can have a stable job." Poon added that promoting awareness of countryside conservation not only addresses environmental concerns but also opens a window of opportunity for youths to explore Hong Kong's history and heritage.
Los Angeles Times
01-05-2025
- Business
- Los Angeles Times
LMU Welcomes Thomas Poon, Ph.D., as its 17th University President
Loyola Marymount University, the West Coast's largest Catholic university and one of the top private universities in California and the U.S., is set to welcome its 17th president, Thomas Poon, Ph.D., effective June 1, 2025. 'I've been deeply inspired by the university's mission, students and place in the world since I was lucky enough to join as provost in 2017,' said Poon. 'Since then that inspiration and appreciation for LMU has only grown.' The transition comes at a time of increasing opportunity. Even in a city accustomed to a huge spotlight, Los Angeles is preparing for a series of outsize and international events: the 2026 World Cup; the return of the Super Bowl in 2026; and the 2028 Olympics – all opportunities for LMU to demonstrate its large impact and mission on a global stage. Poon succeeds President Timothy Law Snyder, Ph.D., and he seeks to continue building on a decade of growth and increased visibility for the school under Snyder's leadership. The appointment underscores Poon's deep understanding of LMU and his commitment to its mission. He began his career as a science educator and has served as LMU's executive vice president and provost since 2017. His extensive involvement across LMU's programs – including business analytics, educational leadership and computer science, while also helping to increase research and creative work support by more than 80% – positions him to lead a university already deeply woven into Los Angeles' position as the world's creative capital. The university generates $1.4 billion in economic impact nationwide and supports over 10,000 jobs, including $462 million annually in L.A. County. Poon has served alongside 16 university presidents throughout his academic career, giving him an innate understanding of collegiate leadership. These partnerships, combined with his tenure as provost and as interim president at LMU, create Poon's signature leadership style, which is based largely on collaboration. 'My time as provost has given me exposure to so many things. I rarely said 'no' to an assignment because it allowed me to expand my focus, understand what matters most to students, parents, and faculty, and how to better understand each of them,' said Poon. His approach reflects his Jesuit education, and the methodology of a leader profoundly committed to LMU's blend of Catholic, Jesuit and Marymount traditions. 'That mix is what makes us LMU,' he added. As Poon steps into the role of leader, he envisions LMU's future as an 'acceleration' rather than a departure, aiming to elevate the university from what he described as 'excellence to preeminence.' At a time of sociopolitical and economic uncertainty, Poon sees this moment as an opportunity. 'With higher education under pressure – from affordability to relevance – LMU stands out because we're values-driven, globally engaged and rooted in a community that supports one another,' he said. Poon hopes that nurturing students with a values-based education and a sense of global stewardship will create the next generation of thoughtful, empathetic leaders, a concept he termed 'transcendent education' – that is, one extending beyond a classroom to encompass global experiences, real-world engagement and ethical formation. 'Our students don't just leave informed; they leave transformed,' said Poon. He expresses admiration for LMU students' drive and multifaceted engagement, 'Their interests are so varied,' he noted. 'I've never been at a place where the students do so much.' LMU's future – especially its near future – is 'incredibly exciting for LMU,' said Poon. While the university is already embedded in the creative, cultural and economic sectors of the city, the president-elect emphasizes the importance of the university's role on the global stage, viewing Los Angeles' upcoming large-scale events as 'once-in-a-generation opportunities' for student engagement and university visibility. To that, Poon seeks to strengthen existing partnerships with organizations like the Los Angeles Rams, the Archdiocese of Los Angeles and L.A.'s myriad tech and entertainment businesses – LMU's School of Film is a top-five program in a nationwide ranking. 'These are all global events that will spotlight our community,' he said. 'It's a perfect time for LMU to extend our reach beyond the bluff to tell our mission-driven story to a global audience.' This continued prominence is just one aspiration for Poon. The ultimate achievement for the president is creating meaningful stewards of society through a 'whole person education,' where the LMU graduate demonstrates both their values and societal impact. Guided by the Jesuit principle of cura apostolica – 'care for the work' – and ambition for empowerment, he seeks to ensure LMU's long-term success and ability to innovate. Ultimately, Poon says that the university's goals are to continue to offer respect and humanity to all. 'Our faith and shared values call us to uphold the dignity of every person. This is what we've always done and will continue to do – if we didn't, we wouldn't be LMU anymore.'
