World's top Forensic Scientists choose Hong Kong

The intriguing world of forensic science will come under the magnifying glass when more than 1,000 of the world's leading practitioners gather in Hong Kong to attend the 2005 International Association of Forensic Science (IAFS) World Meeting, the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) said Tuesday, 22 October.

Hong Kong was awarded the decision to host the 2005 conference after a tightly contested bidding procedure with Britain, Singapore and Turkey. This will be only the second time the triennial conference has been staged in Asia in the event's 45-year history. The previous 16 have been held in the US (three), Canada (two), Great Britain (three), Continental Europe (six), Australia and Japan (one each).

Hong Kong Tourism Board Executive Director Ms Clara Chong said winning the IAFS 2005 bid reinforced Hong Kong's strength as the premier regional convention and exhibition host for staging conferences, exhibitions, meeting and incentive gatherings, and endorsed Hong Kong's status as a centre for advanced forensic capabilities.

"We not only have superb convention facilities but also excellent supporting infrastructure and so many other attractions for delegates to enjoy, all within such convenient reach," Ms Chong said, noting that Hong Kong's proximity to the Mainland had provided a key competitive edge during the bidding procedure. "Logistically, we hope that hosting the conference in Hong Kong will make it easier and more accessible for Mainland delegates to attend, as well as delegates from other countries within the region."

Ms Chong said the HKTB was pleased that the combined efforts of trade partners and the support from Government departments had resulted in Hong Kong's bid being successful. The HKTB had played a role in helping Hong Kong plan its strategy to lobby for the conference and provided material and logistical support during the bidding procedure.

The HKTB assisted with the preparation of the bid proposal, supplied audio/visual materials for the presentation and assisted with the travel and itinerary arrangements to Hong Kong of past IAFS president, Professor Eric Baccino. During IAFS 2002 the HKTB supplied decorative materials and giveaway items for the Hong Kong booth. The Information Services Department, Security Bureau and Hong Kong Police also endorsed the bidding procedure and provided strategic help in making Hong Kong's bid successful.

Assistant Government Chemist Mr S C Leung, from the Forensic Science Division of the Government Laboratory, said the fact that Hong Kong had been chosen to host the conference underpinned the fact that forensic science in Hong Kong is well-developed and matches international standards.

"Hong Kong is widely recognised for its strengths in carrying out Chinese handwriting comparisons, DNA databasing, DNA profiling and quality management," said Mr Leung, who is also president of the IAFS.

"Now that China is a member of the World Trade Organization, Hong Kong will be able to act as a catalyst to introduce forensic sciences in the Mainland to the rest of the world," Mr Leung added. As the conference was being held in Hong Kong, Mainland delegates would find it easy to attend and there could be new opportunities to increase trade in both forensic knowledge and equipment.

Mr Leung, who is Chairman of the IAFS 2005 Organising Committee, said forensic science had a broad range of applications. It is most commonly used to investigate criminal cases involving a victim, such as assault, robbery, kidnapping, rape or murder.

Dr Philip Beh, Clinical Assistant Professor (Forensic Pathology) of the Faculty of Medicine at Hong Kong University and Vice President of the International Association of Forensic Sciences, said the Conference would highlight the prevailing standards in forensic science as well as provide a forum for introducing new techniques and tools. "All participants will have a great opportunity to learn and to exchange experiences," Dr Beh said.

Dr Beh, who initiated the bid for IAFS 2005, said that in choosing Hong Kong as the host, the IAFS Council of Past Presidents had confirmed that in their view, Hong Kong forensic sciences were of a high international standard. "Hosting this conference in Hong Kong will hopefully trigger the development of even more areas of forensic specialisation and help to highlight the importance of this field in the safeguarding and provision of justice for all in the criminal justice system," he said.

Mr Leung said the joint efforts of the HKTB and the support of a number of Government departments had worked together as a cohesive team to successfully secure an important conference for Hong Kong.

Ms Chong said it was a great honour for Hong Kong to be chosen as the venue for the conference, as the IAFS was the only worldwide association to bring together people working in forensic science. "The decision by IAFS to choose Hong Kong is important as the conference and meetings business makes a valuable contribution to Hong Kong's economy and convention delegates are among the highest yield customers," Ms Chong said.