Daily Archives: October 25, 2024

Hong Kong International Optical Fair to open in November Focus on advanced technology and sustainable design

Over 700 exhibitors from 17 countries and regions to participate from 6-8 November at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre
Exhibition reflects four prominent market trends: technology, lifestyle, functionality and sustainability
Concurrent Hong Kong International Optometric Symposium to explore latest breakthroughs in myopia control and prevention
Finalists of the 24th Hong Kong Eyewear Design Competition to be unveiled
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 25 October 2024 – The 32nd Hong Kong International Optical Fair, organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) and co-organised by the Hong Kong Optical Manufacturers Association (HKOMA), will take place on 6-8 November at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. Under the theme of Seeing is Believing, the Fair features innovative and state-of-the-art eyewear designs and products, bringing together industry players to facilitate new business opportunities.

Last year’s Hong Kong International Optical Fair was a great success

Buyer Registration link: https://tinyurl.com/mwpzh324
Sophia Chong, Acting Executive Director of the HKTDC emphasised: “This year’s Hong Kong International Optical Fair, a long-standing industry highlight for over 30 years, is more international than ever, attracting more than 700 exhibitors from 17 countries and regions. The fair reflects the dynamic evolution in eyewear design and technology. Exhibitors worldwide are aligning their products with key trends in technology, lifestyle, functionality and sustainability to capture expanded market opportunities. This exhibition, which is truly a feast for the eyes, demonstrates Hong Kong’s advantages as an international trade and procurement centre.”
Hong Kong ranks as the world’s third-largest exporter of eyewear and frames. The total export value of Hong Kong’s eyewear, lenses and frames is estimated to have reached HK$19.9 billion in 2023, signalling substantial growth. The smart eyewear sector has emerged as an industry focal point, with the global market exceeding HK$40 billion in 2023 and projected to surpass HK$100 billion by 2029.
Exhibitors from around the globe, including Europe and Americas, such as France, Germany, the United Kingdom and the United States, as well as Asia such as Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan, and Türkiye in the Middle East, and more, will present their latest offerings at the fair. Prominent Hong Kong brands will also have a significant presence.
This year’s Optical Fair will feature a number of group pavilions, including Mainland China, Japan, Korea and Taiwan, as well as the Visionaries of Style and HKOMA Pavilion; along with pavilions from cities in Mainland China, including Danyang in Jiangsu, Jiaojiang in Zhejiang, Shenzhen in Guangdong and Yingtan in Jiangxi.
The Brand Name Gallery, the focal point of the Fair, will showcase over 200 renowned global brands. Other zones will present a broad spectrum of eyewear products, including Smart Eyewear, Contact Lenses & Accessories, Designer Café pavilion, Sporting & Professional Eyewear, Kids Eyewear & Reading Glasses, Lenses, Frames & Parts, Eyewear Accessories, Diagnostic Instruments, as well as Optometric Instruments, Equipment & Machinery.
The 22nd Hong Kong International Optometric Symposium will be held on 7 November. Jointly organised by the HKTDC, the Hong Kong Optometric Association and The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, this year’s symposium will focus on myopia control and prevention. Scholars from Mainland China, Hong Kong, Australia, and Germany will lead discussions with industry professionals. The symposium is a pre-approved CPD Programme recognised by the Optometrists Board and attendees will receive a Certificate of Attendance. The Fair will also offer talks and seminars on smart eyewear, functional eyewear, sustainability and other advancements in the eyewear industry.
To foster Hong Kong’s creativity and innovation, the HKTDC and HKOMA will run the 24th Hong Kong Eyewear Design Competition under the theme of Be Bold. Results will be announced during the Hong Kong International Optical Fair. Winning and final entries will be on display at The Forum, Hall 1D during the fair period to showcase Hong Kong’s creativity to international buyers.
Under the EXHIBITION+ hybrid model, exhibitors and buyers can meet online through the Click2Match business matching platform in addition to attending the physical fair until 15 November. Buyers can also use the Scan2Match feature of the HKTDC Marketplace App to scan the QR codes of exhibitors and view product materials, bookmark favourites, browse product information and floor plans, as well as engage with exhibitors before and after the fairs to continue their sourcing journey.
Featured Products Exhibitors at the forefront of the industry are unveiling an array of innovative eyewear products in line with technology, lifestyle, functionality and sustainability trends. Some of the highlighted products are:
Technology：

Solos AirGo™ V – Smart Eyewear Equipped with a camera, Solos AirGo™ V is the world’s first smart eyewear with ChatGPT-4 functionality, and provides instant responses to what you see Solos Technology Limited Product Zone: Visionaries of Style Booth: GH-B26

Reform Eyewear Reform features a new patented flexible frame technology that seamlessly adapts to any frame shape, size, colour or material, suitable for both prescription and sunglasses. This innovation offers endless possibilities for eyewear design, while ensuring safety and comfort. Icare (Hong Kong) Company Limited Product Zone: Hong Kong Optical Manufacturers Association Pavilion Booth: 1E-C08

Lifestyle：

Fashion-Forward Yagioka Eyewear The local design brand Big Horn has launched the Yagioka eyewear line, featuring a modern and refined design that is perfect for fashion-forward people. This eyewear design was a finalist for the USA Accessories Council’s Design Excellence Awards 2024. The Panda eyewear series draws inspiration for its colours and shapes from the beloved animal. Crafted with precision and made from high-quality biodegradable materials, it combines functionality with aesthetic appeal. Winky International Limited Product Zone: Brand Name Gallery Booth: GH-R03

Rosie Allan – A Design for Both Parents and Children Established in 2020, Rosie Allan transcends being just a brand; it celebrates family bonds and unforgettable moments. Specialising in 100% handcrafted acetate sunglasses, the matching parent-child collection symbolises love and togetherness. Rosie Allan Pty Ltd Product Zone: Brand Name Gallery Booth: GH-D07

Luxury Jewellery-inspired Handcrafted Eyewear This Japanese brand merges high-end jewellery design with eyewear, utilising premium materials, such as 18K gold and natural diamonds. Each pair is meticulously handcrafted with a commitment to artisanal craftsmanship and is specifically designed for Asian facial features, exuding elegance. Inon Co. Ltd. Product Zone: Japan Pavilion Booth: GH-B12

Functionality:

Nano Vista Children’s Sports Eyewear Crafted exclusively for kids and young athletes, Nano Vista – a Spanish brand – offers eyewear designed for outdoor activities. It is internationally recognised for safety, meets European EN166:2001 standards and is endorsed by top sports federations. Opticon Ltd Product Zone: Brand Name Gallery Booth: GH-C06

Sustainability:

Sustainable Eyewear Frame Solution The eyewear frames are made from BioCell material. BioCell is a cellulose acetate derived from cotton or wood pulp, certified as biodegradable according to ISO 14855 standards. It contains no industry-standard plasticisers and is compatible with polycarbonate lenses. Eleung Limited Product Zone: Hong Kong Optical Manufacturers Association Pavilion Booth: 1E-D14

Eco-Friendly Nylon and PC Lenses Eco-friendly nylon and polycarbonate (PC) lenses are produced using sustainable materials, reducing carbon emissions during the manufacturing process. They feature high abrasion and scratch resistance and have received multiple certifications. Even in low-temperature conditions, they maintain hardness and toughness, providing excellent clarity and optical transmission performance. Mellan Limited Product Zone: Frames & Parts Booth: 1E-C28

Websites:
The 32nd Hong Kong International Optical Fair：https://www.hktdc.com/event/hkopticalfair/en
Event Details of the Hong Kong International Optical Fair: https://www.hktdc.com/event/hkopticalfair/en/intelligence-hub
The 22nd Hong Kong International Optometric Symposium: https://www.hktdc.com/event/hkopticalfair/en/the-22nd-hong-kong-international-optometric-symposium
The HKTDC’s Media Room: http://mediaroom.hktdc.com/en

Fair Details (Physical)

Date:
6 – 8 November (Wednesday to Friday)

Time:
(6 to 7 November) 9:30am – 6:30pm (8 November) 9:30am – 5:00pm

Venue:
Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre

Admission:
For trade visitors aged 18 or above only. Onsite Registration Fee: HK$100 per person (free for e-Badge registration and pre-registered buyers)

Click2Match – Smart Business Matching Platform

Date:
30 October – 15 November

Hashtag: #HKTDC
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About HKTDC
The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is a statutory body established in 1966 to promote, assist and develop Hong Kong’s trade. With 50 offices globally, including 13 in Mainland China, the HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a two-way global investment and business hub. The HKTDC organises international exhibitions, conferences and business missions to create business opportunities for companies, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), in the mainland and international markets. The HKTDC also provides up-to-date market insights and product information via research reports and digital news channels. For more information, please visit: www.hktdc.com/aboutus. Follow us on Twitter @hktdc, LinkedIn.

World Bank Meeting, Washington DC reveals looming labour crisis in developing countries 

By Osman Mubarik Abu 

The ongoing World Bank Group annual meeting in Washington DC, reveals that in the next decade, 1.2 billion young people will require employment, but only 400 million jobs will be available. 

The Co-Founder of the Tudu Center for Leadership and Development, Osman Mubarik Abu, made this revelation to media personnel at the ongoing 2024 World Bank Meeting in Washington DC.

He indicated that available facts from the World Bank predict this claim and further analysed that, per the data, developing countries would be the worst affected in this labour crisis.

He lamented that there is a current skills mismatch between what graduates are being trained in and what the job market is being sort after. 

He appealed to governments and other stakeholders in Africa and Ghana to be specific and immediately start rethinking and reviewing the current curriculum of education to at least mitigate the pending danger ahead of the crisis against the youth graduating from the institutions.

Mr. Osman, who is participating in the World Bank policy forum during the three-day meeting, featuring experts, held discussions on various issues, including transparency in domestic debts and oversight of public debt, the need to use Agro-food systems as an engine for sustainable growth, and job creation.

Key issue that captured a lot of attention was the transition of green technologies and how create more jobs and the future of work for women and men. 

The discussions also focused on sustainable development and the impact of investing in essential public services. 

The World Bank President Ajay Banga joined experts, including the former Prime Minister of Côte d’Ivoire Patrick Achi, to discuss how to create more dignified jobs for young people, particularly from developing countries. 

H.E. Patrick Achi, a former Prime Minister of Côte d’Ivoire, advised developing countries to immediately consider the low hanging fruit in dealing with the issue of education mismatch by “improving upon the quality of education delivery instead of just churing out graduates from the schools”.

More stories here

Related

Is Childproofing The Internet Constitutional? A Tech Law Expert Draws Out The Issues

Mounting pressure to regulate children’s use of technology in the United States raises the question: Is childproofing the internet constitutional?In response to significant political pressure stemming from alarming revelations about youth experience with digital technologies, a wave of state laws have recently passed across the U.S. They address a variety of online harms affecting children, ranging from exposure to pornography and risky content to manipulative design and social media access.
Most of the newly passed state laws have already been challenged, and those challenges are working their way up through the appeals process of the court system. In the 2024-25 term, the U.S. Supreme Court will review the constitutionality of a Texas law that obligates porn sites to block underage users in the case Free Speech Coalition v. Paxton.
The controversy found its way to the highest court after a federal district court determined that the law violated the First Amendment but the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals overturned the lower court decision. The 5th Circuit ruling compared the new law with those banning the sale of pornography magazines to minors in the 1960s, which were ruled constitutional.
While the court considers the Texas law, the U.S. House will be considering the Kids Online Safety Act, known as KOSA, and the Children and Teens Online Privacy Protection Act, referred to as COPPA 2.0, because it updates the 1998 Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act, COPPA. KOSA addresses addictive design features and parental controls, and COPPA limits data collection and use. Senate leaders merged the two into KOSPA, which passed 91-3.
Age-Gating
All these laws demand that platforms treat children differently from adults, and so require platforms to know who is a child and who is an adult. This practice is referred to as age-gating and includes a few methods.
The old COPPA 1.0 added restrictions, responsibilities and liability for sites directed at kids or sites that had knowledge a user was under 13. Most sites avoid the law’s restrictions and requirements by simply including language in their terms of service forbidding those under 13 from creating an account. Others, like Facebook, eventually went further, asking the user to input their age or date of birth. Kids long ago learned to circumvent the virtually meaningless barrier.
The new wave of laws requires more, using one of two age-gating options: inference and verification. To infer age, the platforms make a good guess by using data generated by the user, either through biometric scans of the face or voice or analysis of the data troves the platforms already collect for targeted advertising. Age verification involves relying on evidence already vetted by another institution such as a government ID or credit card.
While the inference method provokes significant privacy concerns, age-gating advocates argue that age verification at the operating system or browser level is effective and doesn’t burden users or put their privacy at risk.
The last time the constitutionality of age-gating the internet came before the Supreme Court, the law did not survive. In 1997, the Supreme Court in Reno v. ACLU invalidated provisions of the Communications Decency Act enacted to protect children from exposure to explicit material online because they lacked the precision required to narrowly target unprotected speech. Congress made some adjustments and tried again with the Children’s Online Protection Act, not to be confused with COPPA, which ultimately failed as well but under a highly fractured court.
3 Questions
While the constitutional analysis, the technology and the associated research are fairly complex, the outcome depends on answers to three main questions.
To limit sharing or accessing content, the government needs to have a good reason. So, the first question to ask is whether the harms to kids are really that bad and whether the challenged law mitigates the harms. Laws sometimes fail this test.
Like in 2011, when the Supreme Court scuttled California’s attempt to prohibit the sale of violent video games to minors, Utah’s efforts to limit children’s access to social media recently stalled after the government could not convince the district court that a compelling link exists between youth mental health problems and social media.
The second question is whether restrictions and obligations related to children place burdens on speakers and seekers who have legitimate rights to share and access information freely. While the 5th Circuit maneuvered around this question by relying on the constitutionality of laws that require showing an ID to access offline pornography, other courts have gotten technical. For instance, Arkansas’s Social Media Safety Act did not survive because the court determined adults would be deterred from creating accounts if it involved producing an ID or biometric scans.
This question may come down to not only the technical reality or potential of age-gating but also user experience research.
The third question is whether alternatives, namely parental controls, work better and leave adult access unhindered. Although some parents and policymakers insist parental controls have not worked to protect children, lower courts considering the new wave of age-gating have found that parental controls remain superior options for addressing online harms to children, just like the Supreme Court did two decades ago.
Nobody knows how the Supreme Court will answer these three questions this time around. So much has changed. The court has changed, the technology has changed, the research has changed, childhood has changed. If age-gating laws are upheld as constitutional, more big changes are likely to follow.
This article is republished from The Conversation, a nonprofit media outlet that uses academic and research content. Read the original article: https://theconversation.com/is-childproofing-the-internet-constitutional…