Towngas, CMHK, StarFive and Xinsheng sign MOU to enhance smart gas services with cutting-edge technology and improved information security

The Hong Kong and China Gas Company Limited (Towngas), China Mobile Hong Kong Company Limited (CMHK), Shanghai StarFive Semiconductor Co., Ltd. (StarFive), and Xinsheng Technology Co., Ltd. (Xinsheng) have signed a strategic memorandum of understanding to collaborate on Internet of Things (IoT), Chinese-developed RISC-V chips, and information security technologies. The partnership aims to improve gas meter reading efficiency and explore innovative technologies in smart gas equipment applications.   Through this collaboration, Towngas, which serves over two million users in Hong Kong, will incorporate the “TGSE CHIP” – jointly developed by Towngas subsidiary Towngas Lifestyle and StarFive – into its smart gas meters. Combined with Xinsheng’s 4G module and CMHK’s 4G network, this integration will enhance Hong Kong’s smart gas management capabilities, improve meter reading efficiency and data security, and contribute to smart city building and the development of new quality productive forces.   This strategic four-party collaboration stems from TGSE CHIP’s successful application in mainland smart gas scenarios. Since its launch in November 2022, mainland sales of the TGSE CHIP have exceeded 3.85 million units by the end of 2024. This cooperation marks the first introduction of mainland RISC-V chip technology to Hong Kong.   Mr Peter Wong Wai-yee, Managing Director of Towngas, noted that with the TGSE CHIP having gained strong trust among the Group’s mainland customers, Hong Kong’s smart gas meters will be progressively upgraded with this chip to improve meter reading efficiency while enhancing user data security. Mr Wong expects the TGSE CHIP to expand into more smart kitchen and smart home applications, delivering a safer, smarter, and better living experience for customers.   Mr Ling Hao, Chairman of CMHK, highlighted CMHK’s recent focus on upgrading network connectivity, computing power services, AI capabilities and developing innovative product service systems. The collaboration with Towngas integrates IoT SIM cards, communication chips and modules, the OneNET IoT device management platform, and information security technologies. Combined with Cat.1 technology running directly on 4G networks and premium network resources, this establishes a secure connectivity foundation for wireless gas meter reading.   Mr Xu Tao, Chairman and CEO of StarFive, noted that as China’s leader in RISC-V technology and ecosystems, StarFive provides robust RISC-V hardware foundations for the TGSE CHIP and is working with partners to build smarter, more secure, and cost-effective smart gas solutions, continuously supporting the digital transformation of Hong Kong’s gas industry. Looking ahead, StarFive will continue to deepen its RISC-V technology development, explore more innovative solutions, inject continuous momentum into Hong Kong’s smart city development, and help Hong Kong move towards a smarter and more efficient future.   Mr Jiang Wenlong, Chairman of China Mobile IoT and Xinsheng, stated that they focus on developing innovative IoT chip technologies for diverse applications. The TGSE CHIP solution launched with Towngas uses Xinsheng’s advanced RISC-V architecture communication chip “CM8610”. This chip combines high performance, low power consumption, and strong connectivity, meeting gas meter requirements for remote monitoring, meter reading, and data analysis while enabling safer, more convenient, and more efficient smart services.   Looking ahead to 2025, the collaborative effort and application of leading technologies in smart gas infrastructure will bring significant innovations to urban infrastructure, enhance gas industry efficiency and sustainability, and promote local technological innovation and industrial upgrading, injecting new momentum into Hong Kong’s development as a world-class smart city.   About The Hong Kong and China Gas Company Limited (Towngas) Established in 1862, Towngas is the public utility with the longest history in Hong Kong and one of the city’s largest energy suppliers, operating at world-class standards of corporate management and operations. For generations, Towngas has provided safe and reliable energy solutions to the general public, leading the way in the Greater China energy sector.   In 1994, Towngas expanded into the gas supply market of the Chinese mainland, and now operates over 900 projects across 29 provincial regions. In recent years, Towngas has been actively developing clean energy solutions, including hydrogen energy, marine green methanol, and sustainable aviation fuel, supporting Hong Kong’s goal of achieving carbon neutrality before 2050 and China’s national “30-60” dual carbon goals.   About China Mobile Hong Kong Company Limited China Mobile Hong Kong Company Limited (“CMHK”) is the wholly-owned subsidiary of China Mobile Limited (HKEx: 941), which is listed on the Fortune Global 500. CMHK was incepted in January 1997 and was the first mobile network operator to launch PCS services in Hong Kong.   As the world’s leading mobile network brand with the largest customer base*, The Company offers innovative and comprehensive communications services, including voice, data, IDD and international roaming through 5G, 4G LTE and 3GHSPA and other technologies. The Company is committed to the development of 5G with new technologies such as artificial intelligence, internet of things, cloud computing and big data, integrating 5G applications in different industries, promoting the construction and development of smart city groups in Greater Bay Area.   * China Mobile (Hong Kong) Limited is a wholly-owned subsidiary of China Mobile Limited. As of 31 December 2023, China Mobile Limited had the largest number of mobile network subscribers in the world.   About Xinsheng Technology Co., Ltd. Xinsheng Technology Co., Ltd. is a subsidiary of China Mobile IoT Company Limited. In 2020, Xinsheng was registered and established. Xinsheng’s mission is driving the interconnection of all things and accelerate the transformation of social digital intelligence. Xinsheng’s vision is being the most innovative IoT chip and application leader. Focusing on the localization of IoT chips, Xinsheng Technology Co., Ltd. has currently formed a “SIM chip + Communication chip + MCU chip” product system and a “chips + solutions” two-wheel drive business layout, aiming to promote competitiveness and contribute to the national intelligent development.   About Shanghai StarFive Semiconductor Co., Ltd. Founded in 2018, StarFive is a Chinese local high-tech company with independent intellectual properties, providing world-leading RISC-V products and solutions, including CPU IPs, SoCs, development boards, and more, positioning itself as a leader in China’s RISC-V hardware and software ecosystem.   StarFive is rooted in China with a broad view of the world. Its RISC-V products have become indispensable core components of devices and applications worldwide, such as cloud computers, tablets, desktop computers, laptops, smart homes, and smart energy. StarFive will create more value for global developers and customers by leading the RISC-V development and driving industry innovation.   - END -   Press photos: Photo 1 Witnessed by Mr Peter Wong Wai-yee (centre, back row), Managing Director of Towngas; Mr Ling Hao (2nd from right, back row), Chairman of CMHK; Mr Alan Chan Ying-lung (2nd from left, back row), Executive Director and Chief Investment Officer of Towngas; Mr Xu Tao (1st from left, back row), Chairman and CEO of StarFive; Mr Yang Jun (1st from right, back row), Chief Operating Officer – Extended Business of Towngas; and Mr Jiang Wenlong, Chairman of China Mobile IoT and Xinsheng (participating online), the MOU is signed by Mr Don Cheng Hill-kwong (2nd from left, front row), Chief Operating Officer – Hong Kong Business and Head of Sustainable Green Energy Hub of Towngas; Mr Lei Liqun (2nd from right, front row), Director & Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer of CMHK; Ms Dong Binjie (1st from left, front row), Executive Vice President of StarFive; and Mr Li Ning, Marketing Director of Xinsheng (1st from right, front row).   Photo 2: Mr Peter Wong Wai-yee, Managing Director of Towngas, points out that the TGSE CHIP will expand into smart kitchen and smart home applications, bringing customers a safer, smarter, and better living experience. Photo 3: Mr Ling Hao, Chairman of CMHK, remarks that the collaboration with Towngas establishes a secure connectivity foundation for wireless gas meter reading. Photo 4: Mr Xu Tao, Chairman and CEO of StarFive, states that StarFive provides robust RISC-V hardware foundations for the TGSE CHIP and works with partners to build smarter, more secure, and cost-effective smart gas solutions. Photo 5: Mr Jiang Wenlong, Chairman of China Mobile IoT and Xinsheng, states that they focus on developing innovative IoT chip technologies, with this collaboration meeting gas meter requirements for remote monitoring, meter reading, and data analysis. Photo 6: Group photo (from left): Ms Kathy Pan Yonghua, Senior Vice President (Strategic Development) – Extended Business of Towngas; Ms Dong Binjie, Executive Vice President of StarFive; Mr Xu Tao, Chairman and CEO of StarFive; Mr Alan Chan Ying-lung, Executive Director and Chief Investment Officer of Towngas; Mr Don Cheng Hill-kwong, Chief Operating Officer – Hong Kong Business and Head of Sustainable Green Energy Hub of Towngas; Mr Peter Wong Wai-yee, Managing Director of Towngas; Mr Ling Hao, Chairman of CMHK; Mr Lei Liqun, Director & Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer of CMHK; Mr Li Ning, Marketing Director of Xinsheng; and Mr Yang Jun, Chief Operating Officer – Extended Business of Towngas. Photo 7: Through this collaboration, Towngas will incorporate the TGSE CHIP – jointly developed by Towngas Lifestyle and StarFive – into its smart gas meters, combined with Xinsheng’s 4G module and CMHK’s 4G network, to enhance Hong Kong’s smart gas management capabilities.   For media enquiries, please contact: The Hong Kong and China Gas Company Limited Ms Kara Kwong Assistant Corporate Affairs Manager Tel: 2963 3497 / 6698 3357 Email: [email protected] China Mobile Hong Kong Company Limited Ms Carol Hung Assistant Corporate Communication Manager Tel: 3974 3501 Email: [email protected]