Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
EPD launches Packaging Reduction Charter with over 100 businesses pledging to reduce packaging
To assist businesses in packaging reduction and management, the EPD has published the Practical Guides on Packaging Reduction and Management (Practical Guides) for eight specific sectors (Note) on its website. The EPD has also conducted briefing sessions for relevant trades and will closely monitor their progress in packaging reduction.Issued at HKT 18:20
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FEHD launches multifunctional portal to assist public with after-death arrangements
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) today (March 31) launched the Platform for Cemeteries and Crematoria Services (service platform) (app.fehd.gov.hk/ccsp). This one-stop portal provides online services for all cemeteries and crematoria facilities under the FEHD’s management, streamlining the electronic application process and offering personalised services to further facilitate the handling of after-death arrangements for members of the public.
Starting today, members of the public can submit applications for all cemeteries and crematoria services managed by the FEHD via the service platform, including cremation services, allocation of public niches, cemetery services, green burial, cremation or keeping services for abortus, free memorial sails and the establishment of the Internet Memorial Service Website (Advanced Planning Version). The service platform features a key function that allows members of the public to create an integrated service account to manage after-death arrangements for multiple deceased individuals, reducing cumbersome procedures. Users can also manage multiple applications for the same deceased in a single account and track the application progress of each service at a glance.
The service platform also supports multiple electronic payment methods, saving time for the public by eliminating the need to visit cemetery and crematorium offices in person for applications and fee payments.
Applicants must register and complete authentication on the service platform before applying for cemetery and crematorium services. The FEHD encourages the use of the “iAM Smart” electronic identity verification, which automatically fills in parts of the online forms to expedite the application process.
To facilitate the public in registering as users of the service platform and understanding how to handle after-death arrangements through the new system, the FEHD has produced a series of demonstration videos and pamphlets. For details, please visit the following website: www.fehd.gov.hk/english/cc/platform_for_cemeteries_and_crematoria_services.html.
Survey shows awareness of intellectual property rights protection remains high
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Survey shows awareness of intellectual property rights protection remains high
The Director of Intellectual Property, Mr David Wong, said, “The IP system has always been an important driving force for innovation and creativity. The survey results, which show that the awareness of IP rights protection remains high among the general public, notably the widespread public recognition of statutory protection of copyright, trade marks and patents, are encouraging.”
Similar to the results of the last survey, this survey showed that over 60 per cent of the respondents were of the view that with Hong Kong being a regional IP trading centre, the protection of IP rights could facilitate the development of local arts, culture and creative industries as well as local innovation and technology, promote IP-related professional services in Hong Kong, attract foreign investment and strengthen the competitiveness of Hong Kong.
The survey also showed that 90 per cent of the respondents had seldom or never bought pirated or counterfeit goods in the past year. The major reasons cited were “quality of genuine goods is guaranteed (38.8 per cent)”, “no need to buy or not interested in pirated or counterfeit goods” (36.9 per cent), and “respect and support IP rights/support genuine goods/immoral or wrong to infringe IP rights” (16.9 per cent).
In terms of the attitude towards IP rights protection, over 80 per cent of the respondents agreed that “it is morally wrong to browse or use the content on unauthorised websites or mobile apps knowing that it is an infringement of IP rights” (83.0 per cent), and that “it is morally wrong to buy pirated or counterfeit goods knowing that it is an infringement of IP rights” (85.9 per cent). Both percentages are similar to the results of the last survey, indicating that the respondents maintain a very positive attitude towards IP rights protection.
“Public education is crucial in promoting IP rights protection. The Government will continue to enhance public awareness of protecting and respecting IP rights, especially among the younger generation, through various educational and promotional activities,” Mr Wong said.
To encourage the purchase of genuine goods, the “No Fakes Pledge” Scheme has been rolled out by the IPD alongside a number of retail and industry associations. “No Fakes” logos are displayed to help distinguish merchants that sell genuine goods. The survey revealed that 77.6 per cent of the respondents had heard of the Scheme, among which, most (75.0 per cent) considered the Scheme helpful in building confidence among consumers and tourists to shop in Hong Kong, and strengthening Hong Kong’s reputation as a “shopping paradise”.
Similar surveys have been commissioned by the IPD regularly since 1999, with the previous round conducted in 2022. The report of the latest survey is available on the IPD’s websiteIssued at HKT 17:30
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After-death services portal launched
Source: Hong Kong Information Services
The Food & Environmental Hygiene Department today launched a one-stop online portal to assist the public in handling after-death arrangements by streamlining the electronic application process and offering personalised services.
Starting today, members of the public can submit applications for all cemeteries and crematoria services managed by the department via the Platform for Cemeteries & Crematoria Services.
The applications include cremation services, allocation of public niches, cemetery services, green burial, cremation or keeping services for abortus, free memorial sails and the establishment of the Internet Memorial Service Website (Advanced Planning Version).
The service platform allows members of the public to create an integrated service account to manage after-death arrangements for multiple deceased individuals, reducing cumbersome procedures.
Users can also manage multiple applications for the same deceased in a single account and track the application progress of each service at a glance.
The platform also supports multiple electronic payment methods.
Applicants must register and complete authentication on the service platform before applying for cemetery and crematorium services. The department encourages the use of the iAM Smart electronic identity verification.
Click here for details.
Officials attend cultural ceremony
Source: Hong Kong Information Services
Secretary for Home & Youth Affairs Alice Mak and Secretary for Commerce & Economic Development Algernon Yau today attended the “Ancestor Worship Ceremony of the Yellow Emperor in the Year of Yisi” in Zhengzhou, Henan.
The Yellow Emperor, born in Zhengzhou, is regarded as the cultural ancestor of the Chinese nation. The ceremony is a significant cultural event held annually in Henan.
Miss Mak remarked that by attending an event of such cultural value, Hong Kong compatriots can enhance their sense of national identity.
During her visit to Zhengzhou, Miss Mak met CPC Central Committee Hong Kong & Macao Work Office and State Council Hong Kong & Macao Affairs Office Executive Deputy Director Zhou Ji; Secretary of CPC Henan Provincial Committee and Director of Henan Provincial People’s Congress Standing Committee Liu Ning; and CPC Henan Provincial Committee Deputy Secretary and Governor of Henan Province & Secretary of Party Leadership Group Wang Kai.
Additionally, Miss Mak met Hong Kong students studying in Zhengzhou to learn about their lives on the Mainland. She encouraged young people to grasp the opportunities open to them, gain a deeper understanding of China’s development, and contribute to the country and to Hong Kong.
The home affairs chief was due to return to Hong Kong this afternoon.
Rosanna Law to visit Beijing
Source: Hong Kong Information Services
Secretary for Culture, Sports & Tourism Rosanna Law will depart Hong Kong tomorrow evening on a visit to Beijing, where she will meet various officials.
Miss Law will call on the State Council Hong Kong & Macao Affairs Office, the Ministry of Culture & Tourism, the General Administration of Sport of China, and the China Film Administration. She will also meet officials from other cultural institutions.
The culture chief will return to Hong Kong on Friday. During her absence, Under Secretary for Culture, Sports & Tourism Raistlin Lau will be Acting Secretary.
CE marks water supply milestone
Source: Hong Kong Information Services
The governments of Guangdong and Hong Kong today held a ceremony to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the supply of Dongjiang water to Hong Kong.
Speaking at the ceremony, Chief Executive John Lee said the country has been providing the city with a reliable and stable supply of Dongjiang water, which accounts for about 70% to 80% of Hong Kong’s fresh water consumption.
“Dongjiang water supports the sustainable economic development of Hong Kong, and nourishes the citizens, allowing them to live and work in a better place.”
It is not only a water engineering project, but also an epitome of the strong blood ties between the country and Hong Kong, he added.
A lighting ceremony for the Dancing Water Drops Exhibition was also held at the event. The exhibition will run until June 13 at Tamar Park and the Central & Western District Promenade (Central Section).
Additionally, a series of celebration activities have been held since September last year, including a roving exhibition, thematic talks and Mainland study tours. Upcoming activities include the International Water Pioneers Summit scheduled for tomorrow.
Patient support scheme extended
Source: Hong Kong Information Services
The “Pilot Scheme for Supporting Patients of the Hospital Authority in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area” will be extended for one year till March 31, 2026, the Health Bureau announced today.
Currently, the scheme is applicable to the University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital (HKU-SZH).
The bureau explained that the extension aims to enable eligible patients of the Hospital Authority (HA) to choose to receive subsidised consultation services at designated collaborating healthcare institutions in the Greater Bay Area.
It added that an enhancement measure will be implemented in order to provide more targeted healthcare support to patients.
From tomorrow, for participating patients to utilise the subsidy under the pilot scheme, they are required to attend consultations at the service departments of the HKU-SZH that correspond with the HA’s outpatient service categories for which they have follow-up appointments.
Secretary for Health Prof Lo Chung-mau said: “The Government has long been taking forward collaborations on medical and health aspects in the bay area in accordance with the principles of complementarity and mutual benefits. The HA will continue to explore more in-depth healthcare collaborations with suitable organisations and enhance the efficiency of public healthcare services with a view to shortening patients’ waiting time.”
The scope of subsidised consultation services under the scheme will continue to cover outpatient services provided by the HA. Meanwhile, episodic illnesses, inpatient or day inpatient as well as accident and emergency services are not included.
Eligible patients who wish to continue participating in the pilot scheme may make appointments through the existing channels whereby the HKU-SZH will make appointments at the departments that correspond with the HA’s outpatient service categories for which they have follow-up appointments. They should also complete a declaration to confirm continued participation at the HKU-SZH.
Patients who wish to cease participation and return to Hong Kong for follow-up consultations at the HA’s outpatient clinics may approach the HKU-SZH which will make referral for them to arrange follow-up appointments at the HA’s corresponding outpatient clinics according to their clinical needs.
For eligible patients who have not participated in the pilot scheme before, or those who have joined the scheme but need to have their personal data updated, they may submit an application to the HKU-SZH from tomorrow onwards.
For enquiries, call the HA at 2300 7070 or the HKU-SZH at (86) 0755 86913101.
Seniors care scheme extended
Source: Hong Kong Information Services
The Social Welfare Department today announced the extension of the “District Services & Community Care Teams – Scheme on Supporting Elderly & Carers” to all 18 districts for a period of 12 months starting tomorrow, with a view to providing support and care to elderly people and carers in need.
Addressing the launch ceremony, Deputy Chief Secretary Cheuk Wing-hing said that all 452 Community Care Teams across the city will help identify elderly people and carers in need through visits and contacts in the coming 12 months. Apart from sending care and providing assistance, the care teams will also refer those in need to social welfare service units for suitable support.
Piloted in Tsuen Wan District and Southern District in the first quarter of 2024, the Scheme on Supporting Elderly & Carers has made great achievements. By the end of February this year, 36 care teams in the two districts had visited or contacted over 7,200 singleton/doubleton elderly, carers of elderly, or carers of people with disabilities, making over 1,200 referrals for welfare services. Moreover, over 300 senior citizens and people with disabilities received subsidies for the installation of emergency alarm systems through referrals made by the care teams.
Mr Cheuk said that with the extension of the scheme to 18 districts, care teams are expected to reach over 60,000 households in need. He also expressed hope that members of the care teams would go beyond serving as care ambassadors in the community by strengthening collaboration with other stakeholders.
In addition to encouraging carers to use the Designated Hotline for Carer Support (182 183) and the Information Gateway for Carers, care teams will enhance communication with the hotline to arrange visits or contacts for the carers in need, he added.
At the ceremony today, the Deputy Chief Secretary presented certificates of appointment to the care teams of 18 districts, and presided at a pledging ceremony to start the extension of the scheme. The care teams of Yau Tsim Mong and Sham Shui Po Districts then conducted home visits to households.
The Social Welfare Department will arrange training for the care teams, covering communication skills, information on local social welfare services and referral procedures. It will also maintain close communication with the care teams and provide assistance to ensure a smooth implementation of the scheme.
Northern Metropolis plans received
Source: Hong Kong Information Services
The invitation for the expressions of interest for the three pilot areas of large-scale land disposal in Northern Metropolis closed today, with the Development Bureau receiving a total of 22 submissions.
The three pilot areas are the Hung Shui Kiu/Ha Tsuen New Development Area, Fanling North New Development Area and San Tin Technopole.
The enterprises/organisations making the submissions include local and Mainland developers, contractors, conglomerates and an e-commerce logistics company.
The bureau will immediately consolidate and analyse the collected feedback to determine the area, development parameters, works requirements and financial arrangements for the pilot areas to finalise the tender details and conditions.
As the feedback involves commercially sensitive information from individual enterprises, the bureau said relevant views will be duly reflected in the tender conditions in due course as appropriate.
The bureau added that it will take forward the three pilot areas at full steam, with a view to commencing the tendering work progressively from the second half of this year to next year.