New Chamber Spurs Precision Testing

Precision timing, acoustic testing and medical technology may serve different sectors, but they all rely on the same imperative: exactness.

Hong Kong’s professional testing and certification (T&C) services offer just that.

The Innovation & Technology Commission’s Standards & Calibration Laboratory (SCL) provides services including calibration of power measurements for electrical networks, as well as medical laboratory instruments, where precision is vital. Through its rigorous metrological standards, the SCL safeguards many aspects of everyday life in the community.

A brand-new free-field acoustic anechoic chamber at the SCL was installed last year when the laboratory moved into the Tseung Kwan O Government Offices.

The chamber suppresses echoes to create an extremely quiet environment for research on architectural and environmental acoustics and for the calibration of high‑precision acoustic instruments.

Exceptional accuracy    

“The chamber’s inner walls are fitted with specially shaped sound‑absorbing materials to largely reduce echoes, providing an absolutely quiet testing environment,” said Andrew Au, an electronics engineer at the commission.

The facility helps local testing and certification bodies calibrate their equipment and deliver more reliable acoustic performance tests.

The SCL also houses an atomic clock system, which operates at the exact caesium frequency, working in tandem with the global positioning system to ensure a level of precision comparable to international standards.       

“The system can output highly precise frequency signals, providing a reliable and consistent reference for various measurement tasks such as network transmission, audio-visual synchronisation and industrial automation,” said Alvis Au Yeung, another electronics engineer at the commission.

Ensuring trust

To enforce testing standards for products and services requires the involvement of testing and certification bodies and a strict accreditation system.

That responsibility falls to the Hong Kong Accreditation Service (HKAS), which is also under the commission.

The HKAS provides accreditation service to local laboratories, certification bodies and inspection bodies, and grants accreditation to those that meet standards through three voluntary accreditation schemes: the Hong Kong Laboratory Accreditation Scheme, the Hong Kong Certification Body Accreditation Scheme and the Hong Kong Inspection Body Accreditation Scheme.

“Accreditation demonstrates that a testing, inspection or certification body possesses the professional competency to carry out the specific conformity assessment activities within its scope,” said Senior Accreditation Officer Fiona Chan.

The HKAS also sits on international bodies and signs multilateral recognition arrangements, meaning that reports and certificates from HKAS‑accredited organisations are recognised by more than 120 economies. This helps to reduce trade barriers under the “tested once, accepted everywhere” principle.

Industry support    

To develop Hong Kong as a regional testing and certification hub, the Hong Kong Council for Testing & Certification (HKCTC), which is supported by the commission, also plays a vital role in seizing global opportunities.

“We participate in local and overseas trade fairs and support the industry in seizing opportunities such as Greater Bay Area development, the Mainland & Hong Kong Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement, emerging sectors and industrial upgrading,” said Innovation & Technology Commission Manager (Testing & Certification) Henry Chan.

He added that talent is critical. The council’s Testing & Certification Manpower Development Award Scheme encourages T&C bodies to invest in talent training, and commends outstanding practitioners.   

Tripartite drive

“With the SCL establishing precise metrological standards, the international recognition of T&C bodies accredited by the HKAS, and the HKCTC leading the strategic development of the industry, these three pillars not only provide safety and confidence for citizens, but also collectively reinforce the branding of ‘Tested in Hong Kong, Certified in Hong Kong’.”