'AI City Brain' is for emergency services: govt

The government announced a new integrated city management system called AI City Brain on Thursday. Officials stated that the first phase of the system will be completed by the first quarter of 2028, with the full system taking six to nine years to mature. The primary aim of AI City Brain is to enhance day-to-day city management and emergency response, not for crime detection or surveillance.

Chief Secretary Eric Chan, who will lead the task force responsible for the initiative, revealed that HK$200 million has been allocated for the first phase of the system's development. However, Chan noted that the total budget remains uncertain due to potential advancements in technology and potential price reductions. By the third quarter of 2028, the system is expected to connect with the 1823 Contact Centre and emergency service databases.

Chan reiterated that AI City Brain is not intended for crime detection, emphasizing it is solely for city management. He highlighted the importance of integrating separate computer systems into a unified system, with AI functions, to predict potential disasters or accidents. During a press conference, Secretary for Security Chris Tang mentioned that over 100 system trials, stress tests, and drills have been conducted at the new Huanggang port, addressing issues like Wi-Fi connectivity and slippery driveways at the public transport interchange.