Chief Secretary Chan Kwok-ki addressed the opening ceremony of the reprovisioned Chung Ying Street Checkpoint in Sha Tau Kok today.

A pilot scheme for facial recognition technology has been introduced at the new checkpoint, enabling people living or working at Chung Ying Street to access the area unimpeded through “contactless channels” without having to stop and produce their Closed Area Permit (CAP) or use their fingerprint to verify their identity.

Addressing the opening ceremony, Mr Chan noted that to facilitate entry to and exit from Chung Ying Street, the Government has replaced the former checkpoint made up of marquees with a permanent structure, and for the first time introduced facial recognition technology, allowing people living and working on Chung Ying Street to be the first to use “contactless channels” for unimpeded access.

He said the Government will continue to explore the application of relevant technology to complement the future opening of Chung Ying Street for tourism, adding that in the future, holders of valid CAPs for access to Chung Ying Street may, upon prior enrolment, pass through the checkpoint via “contactless channels”.

The Chief Secretary pointed out that in adopting the pilot scheme, the Government hopes to replace the current mode of manual inspections through applying innovative technology to assist users of the checkpoint, enhance its capacity and highlight Hong Kong's high-quality digital technology as an international metropolis.

Mr Chan also thanked the various government departments and organisations for their joint efforts in the successful completion of the reprovision project, providing better facilities for Chung Ying Street, an area rich in unique historical and cultural value.

The checkpoint's design has integrated historical and modern elements, showcasing the characteristics of Hong Kong's traditional train stations.

Its exterior wall is decorated with copper plate engravings featuring a historical train, preserving the history of the branch line. Multiple energy-saving designs have also been incorporated in the checkpoint.