Secretary for Innovation and Technology and Commissioner for Innovation and Technology Visit “VaxMobile” Practical Use of HKPC’s R&D Achievement for Anti-Epidemic Fight

(Hong Kong, 6 April 2022) As the COVID-19 outbreak continues in Hong Kong, Mr Alfred Sit, Secretary for Innovation and Technology, and Ms Rebecca Pun, Commissioner for Innovation and Technology, visited the S.K.H. St. James’ Primary School in Wanchai today (6 April) to learn about the operation of the “VaxMobile” health truck, an electric vehicle that was transformed into a mobile vaccination station. Jointly developed by the Automotive Platforms and Application Systems R&D Centre (APAS) of the Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC) and local vehicle manufacturer Shui Cheong Motors, the “VaxMobile” is the first Hong Kong-developed Zero Emission Low Platform Electric Vehicle with Swappable Battery Function. In order to further promote vaccination services, “VaxMobile” has joined the frontline anti-epidemic ranks since early March this year, visiting many schools, residential homes for the elderly and housing estates to help citizens, the elderly and students in various districts across the city to receive their COVID-19 vaccines. In the future, more ‘VaxMobile’ will come into service to fight the epidemic together with Hong Kong citizens.

Mr Alfred Sit, Secretary for Innovation and Technology, said, “Since the start of the epidemic, the government has been actively mobilising manpower and resources from all walks of life to join in the fight against the epidemic, in which technology plays a key role in combatting the epidemic. Many elderly with limited mobility and children may have encountered difficulties in vaccination. The ‘VaxMobile’, which was transformed from an electric vehicle into a mobile vaccination station, just solves the above pain points through technology. Flexible and highly mobile, ‘VaxMobile’ can quickly provide vaccination outreach services to different locations in Hong Kong, Kowloon and the New Territories. Designed with a low floor, which is not only convenient for wheelchair users and children to get on and off, it also has three negative air pressure rooms to prevent infection risks, and is equipped with a pure electric zero-emission design, enabling it to fight the epidemic and support environmental protection at the same time. This research and development (R&D), which specifically caters for Hong Kong's unique and narrow road environment, is used by the industry and can help fight the epidemic, marking an important milestone in Hong Kong’s technology research.”

Ms Rebecca Pun, Commissioner for Innovation and Technology, said, “The Innovation and Technology Commission has been supporting local innovation and technology (I&T) R&D, promoting the commercialisation of R&D results and the application of technology in all sectors of society. It is really encouraging that thanks to the unremitting efforts of HKPC, its industry partners and medical teams, the ‘VaxMobile’ project we have funded this time can be quickly and successfully applied to vaccination services and frontline anti-epidemic work which once again manifests the spirit of solidarity and mutual assistance of Hong Kong people. We sincerely hope that ‘VaxMobile’ can exert its maximum effect, increase the vaccination rate, especially among the elderly and children, and establish a protective barrier for Hong Kong as soon as possible.”

Mr Willy Lin, Chairman of HKPC, said, “HKPC is committed to strengthening cooperation between the government, industry, academic and research sectors, so that R&D results can be implemented, so as to meet social needs and assist the frontline in fighting the epidemic. The ‘Low Platform Electric Vehicle with Swappable Battery Function’ jointly developed by APAS and Shui Cheong Motors was originally a R&D project to promote the wider use of electric vehicles in Hong Kong. It is only through careful analysis and quick action by the R&D team and the industry that it can be converted into a ‘VaxMobile’ immediately to cooperate with the government's vaccination outreach program, truly benefiting the elderly and children in various districts and the society. As there are thousands of technologies in the world, it is HKPC's goal is to introduce suitable technologies to enterprises, promote and apply them to the community. We are not trying to study high-end rocket science. For us, the most important thing is that the industry can use it satisfactorily and appropriately. Fighting the epidemic together requires the joint efforts of all and HKPC is delighted to be a part of it. In the future, we will continue to provide comprehensive technical support, funding scheme matching, and R&D talent training to assist enterprises in enhancing their competitiveness in all aspects and promote Hong Kong to become an international I&T centre.”

For video footage of the first Hong Kong’s developed zero emission low platform ‘VaxMobile’ with swappable battery function, please visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZkAViOLaKww

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Mr Alfred Sit, Secretary for Innovation and Technology (second from right); Ms Rebecca Pun, Commissioner for Innovation and Technology (second from left); Ms Kimmy Lai, Founder of ADORE (first from right), and Mr Willy Lin, Chairman of HKPC (first from left), visited “VaxMobile”, an electric vehicle that was transformed into a mobile vaccination station.

Mr Alfred Sit, Secretary for Innovation and Technology (first from right), and Ms Rebecca Pun, Commissioner for Innovation and Technology (first from left), learnt about the equipment onboard the “VaxMobile”.

Mr Alfred Sit, Secretary for Innovation and Technology (first from right); and Ms Rebecca Pun, Commissioner for Innovation and Technology (third from right), pose for a photo with a family who have completed the vaccination.