Month: May 2025

Distinctive arts on offer at LCSD parks (with photo) 
     The 27th phase of the Arts Fun Fair at Kowloon Park runs from June 1 until May 31 next year, and will be open from 1pm to 7pm on Sundays and public holidays at the park’s Loggia. There will be 13 stalls displaying and selling craftworks including floral artworks and ornaments, as well as art services including painting and calligraphy.
 
     The Arts Fun Fair aims at enhancing public interest in the arts and enriching the arts atmosphere in Hong Kong. It will also make the park more appealing and enjoyable for park visitors, a spokesman for the LCSD said.
 
     “The Arts Fun Fair at Kowloon Park has been well received by the general public. In addition to the fair, other specialised facilities in the park, such as the Sculpture Walk, the Water Garden and the Maze Garden, also win the hearts of visitors enjoying fun-filled weekends,” the spokesman said.
 
     In addition to the fun fair at Kowloon Park, the Arts Corner at Hong Kong Park has also commenced.
 
     The 25th phase of the Hong Kong Park’s Arts Corner 
     For enquiries, please call 2724 3344 (Kowloon Park) or 2521 5041 (Hong Kong Park).
Issued at HKT 13:00

Speech by CE at Signing Ceremony of the Convention on the Establishment of the International Organization for Mediation 
Honourable Minister Wang Yi (Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Minister of Foreign Affairs), Your Excellencies, ministers and officials from around the world, honourable representatives of international organisations, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
 
Good morning. I am delighted to join you on this historic occasion: to celebrate with you the signing of the Convention on the Establishment of the International Organization for Mediation.
 
Gathered here today, in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China, are high-level representatives of over 80 countries from Asia, Africa, Latin America and Europe; and from the United Nations and about 20 international organisations. A very warm welcome to Hong Kong!
 
It is a privilege for us to host this signing ceremony, and to serve as the IOMed headquarters, once the Convention enters into force.
 
This singular occasion is made possible by the ongoing and dedicated efforts of China, our country, in working with around 20 states, since late 2022, to establish an intergovernmental organisation devoted to mediation. After five rounds of intensive negotiation since 2023, co-ordinated by the IOMed Preparatory Office, the negotiating states concluded the very Convention signed today.
 
The IOMed will become the world’s first intergovernmental international legal organisation dedicated to resolving international disputes through mediation. It also reflects our shared confidence in mediation as a peaceful means to maintain international peace and security, as stipulated in the Charter of the United Nations.
 
The IOMed will provide a pathway for countries – regardless of culture, language and legal system – to resolve international disputes based on mutual respect and understanding. This is increasingly important amid mounting geopolitical tensions. When protectionism threatens to derail the international trade order, and when unilateralism looms over global supply chains, it is dialogue – not division – that restores balance.
 
China has long championed equity and unity. The Chinese virtue of “和而不同”, meaning “harmony in diversity”, is deeply rooted in our community and culture. This value of mutual respect in spite of differences also sits at the heart of mediation, the IOMed, and a world that seeks co-operation over conflict.
 
Despite geopolitical turbulence, Hong Kong builds bridges, not walls. Under our unique “one country, two systems” principle, Hong Kong is the only world city that enjoys both the China advantage and the global advantage. With the support of the National 14th Five-Year Plan, Hong Kong has risen as an international legal and dispute resolution services centre in the Asia-Pacific region.
 
We are the only common law jurisdiction in China, and the only jurisdiction in the world with a bilingual common law system in both Chinese and English. We have a long tradition of the rule of law, and our courts exercise their judicial power independently. Hong Kong’s Court of Final Appeal, which is vested with the power of final adjudication, has on its bench eminent jurists from both Hong Kong and overseas common law jurisdictions.
 
Our robust, efficient and well-respected legal system is supported by world-class legal and dispute resolution professionals. Often bilingual or even multilingual, they are well-versed in international rules and practices, and help to position Hong Kong as a preferred venue for dispute resolution.
 
In this year’s International Arbitration Survey, Hong Kong is the most preferred seat of arbitration in the Asia-Pacific region, and shares second place globally with another jurisdiction. Our economy also came first in “business legislation” and “international trade” in the World Competitiveness Yearbook. In the latest Business Ready Report published by the World Bank Group, Hong Kong ranks eighth in “dispute resolution” among the 50 economies covered.
 
All this underscores Hong Kong’s effectiveness as a “super connector” and “super value-adder” among many economies. We contribute to cross-border investment and economic activity through our top-notch professional services. Our “one country, two systems” advantages make us well-placed to be the headquarters of the important institution of the IOMed.
 
The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government is devoted to supporting the IOMed’s provision of friendly, flexible, economical and efficient mediation services. We actively promote a vibrant culture of mediation. In fact, it is a general policy to incorporate a mediation clause in all government contracts. We are also enhancing the system on local accreditation and disciplinary matters of the mediation profession.
 
And we go all out to build bridges with the world. Hong Kong will actively promote the IOMed’s valuable work in settling international disputes through mediation, and advocate mediation as a global tool for peace and justice across borders.
 
Ladies and gentlemen, the establishment of the IOMed’s headquarters in Hong Kong is a great honour for our city. The headquarters, as you may know, will be based in the building that once housed the Wan Chai Police Station, just a stone’s throw away from here. Built in 1932, this iconic building has a long association with law and order in Hong Kong. From its prime downtown location, it has also witnessed the transformation of our city that has long treasured unity. In its new role as the IOMed headquarters, the building will play a vital part in the future of Hong Kong as a centre for international legal and dispute resolution services.
 
We are working to complete the conversion of the building for its new mission. I’m happy to say that it could open its doors as early as the end of this year. We look forward not only to welcoming its new occupants, but also to supporting them in building new bridges for a more connected, peaceful and prosperous future through mediation.
 
I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the Central Government for its staunch support of Hong Kong, allowing Hong Kong the honour of housing the IOMed headquarters here. My sincere gratitude also goes to the international community, for placing your trust and confidence in our city. Let’s renew our commitment to peace, justice and the rule of law. Let’s cultivate a mediation culture together. Let’s build a strong IOMed for a global community of shared future founded on peace and prosperity. Please enjoy the day and enjoy Hong Kong. Thank you.
Issued at HKT 11:50

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Government to further reduce emission allowances of power plants 
     The Tenth TM, which is issued under the Air Pollution Control Ordinance (the Ordinance), reduces the annual emission allowances of sulphur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx) and respirable suspended particulates (RSPs) from the electricity sector from 2030 onwards at 2 302 tonnes, 8 350 tonnes and 317 tonnes respectively. This represents further tightening by 19 per cent, 25 per cent and 14 per cent respectively when compared with the emission allowances for the electricity sector for 2026 set under the Ninth TM.
 
     A spokesperson for the Environment and Ecology Bureau (EEB) said, “In setting the new emission allowances, we have taken into account factors such as local electricity demand, the gas-fired electricity generation of the two power companies (including the progress of constructing new gas-fired units for replacement of coal-fired units), the emission performance of existing generating units, the estimated import of nuclear power and clean energy, and the projected electricity intake from renewable energy sources. The Government has also been requiring the two power companies to adopt the best practicable means in their plants’ design and operational management to minimise emissions of air pollutants.”
　　  
     The Hongkong Electric Company Limited is building a new gas-fired generating unit for operation in 2029, while an existing coal-fired generating unit will be decommissioned correspondingly by then. As for CLP Power Hong Kong Limited (CLP), driven by major infrastructure developments (such as the Northern Metropolis), the electricity demand in 2030-2031 is forecasted to be about 9 per cent higher than the forecast made in the Ninth TM. CLP plans to increase the output of its existing gas-fired generating units to meet the additional electricity demand, and will import more zero-carbon energy from the Mainland. These measures can further reduce the two power companies’ reliance on coal-fired power generation, thereby reducing pollutant emissions.

　　The spokesperson added, “Hong Kong’s air quality has been improving continuously in recent years. The ambient concentrations of SO2, nitrogen dioxide and RSPs recorded in 2024 had been reduced by 45 per cent to 88 per cent when compared with that in 2004. The number of hours of reduced visibility observed had also been greatly reduced by 82 per cent from its peak in 2004. The significant improvement is also attributable to the Government’s efforts in implementing measures to reduce air pollutant emissions from power plants. As emissions from the electricity sector accounted for 61 per cent, 27 per cent and 13 per cent of the territory-wide emissions of SO2, NOx and RSPs respectively in 2022, the tightened emission allowances for power plants will help further improve the air quality in Hong Kong and the PRD region.　　 
　　The Tenth TM will be tabled at the Legislative Council on June 4 for commencement by the end of 2025. In accordance with the Ordinance, the new set of emission allowances will come into effect on January 1, 2030.
Issued at HKT 11:30

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Private Columbaria (Amendment) Ordinance 2025 comes into force 
With a pragmatic and sympathetic approach, the Government introduced the Private Columbaria Ordinance (Cap. 630) in 2017 to establish a licensing regime for the regulation of private columbaria, including new operators and “pre-cut-off columbaria” (i.e. those that were in operation and had ashes interred in them before the announcement of the proposal to establish a licensing regime at 8am on June 18, 2014), and progressively rectified violations of requirements from the operation of private columbaria in the past.
 
One of the primary purposes of the Amendment Ordinance is to provide “pre-cut-off columbaria” an additional option to make new applications for exemption. “Pre-cut-off columbaria” that successfully obtain an exemption through the new application can retain niches they sold before the enactment of the Ordinance. It enables them to continue operating at their current scale, avoids social disruption from large-scale ash disposal, and at the same time, minimises their impact on the neighbourhood.
 
A spokesperson for the Environment and Ecology Bureau said, “The Private Columbaria Licensing Board will specify the time limit for making new applications for exemption by ‘pre-cut-off columbaria’. The Private Columbaria Affairs Office of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) will, through case managers, individually notify relevant ‘pre-cut-off columbaria’ and provide them with targeted assistance to enable them to make appropriate decisions as to the way forward for their operations.”
 
To strengthen the protection of consumers’ interests and foster the public’s confidence in the operation of private columbaria in compliance with requirements, the Amendment Ordinance enhances enforcement-related provisions for greater deterrent effect. It includes the introduction of new offences prohibiting the sale of niches not covered in the approved plans or sale of interment rights exceeding the approved ash interment capacity (i.e. “overselling niches”), or keeping ashes other than in niches covered in the approved plans (i.e. “over-placing ashes”). Relevant penalties have also been increased.
 
Additionally, the Amendment Ordinance enhances the operation of the Private Columbaria Appeal Board, requiring the Appeal Board to only receive and consider new materials not previously provided to the Licensing Board upon special grounds being shown. It ensures the adoption of a consistent standard by appeal panels and makes the arrangement clearer to members of the Appeal Board and appellants. The Appeal Board has updated its Rules on Practice and Procedure. The Amendment Ordinance also clearly stipulates the arrangement for eligible masons’ workshops that meet certain conditions to keep ashes temporarily for operational reasons, and the industry has been notified.
 
Members of the public and the trade may visit the dedicated website “Regulation of Private Columbaria” of the FEHD (www.fehd.gov.hk/rpc/Issued at HKT 10:00

CE meets senior officials from foreign governments attending Signing Ceremony of the Convention on the Establishment of the International Organization for Mediation  
Mr Lee met respectively with the Federal Councillor and Head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs of Switzerland, Mr Ignazio Cassis; the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Pakistan, Mr Mohammad Ishaq Dar; the Minister for Justice and Attorney General of Papua New Guinea, Mr Pila Niningi; and the Deputy Prime Minister of Laos, Mr Saleumxay Kommasith, today, welcoming them to attend the Signing Ceremony of the Convention on the Establishment of the International Organization for Mediation (IOMed). Mr Lee said that upon its establishment, the IOMed will provide friendly, flexible, economical and efficient mediation services for international disputes. Hong Kong is encouraged to contribute to and serve the successful establishment and operation of the IOMed.
 
On economic and trade co-operation, Mr Lee said the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government attaches great importance on strengthening bilateral economic and trade relations with different countries. In the face of emerging unilateralism and protectionism, the HKSAR Government will remain steadfast in maintaining Hong Kong’s status as a free port and pursuing free trade policies, ensuring the free flow of goods, capital and information, and attracting enterprises from around the world to trading and investment opportunities in Hong Kong.
 
Mr Lee added that Hong Kong, as an international financial, shipping and trade centre, is the only city that enjoys both the China advantage and the global advantage. He welcomed enterprises from all countries to leverage Hong Kong’s platform to explore overseas and Mainland markets.
Issued at HKT 19:35

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SCED attends Asia-Pacific Telecommunity Ministerial Meeting in Japan  
     Speaking at a discussion session, Mr Yau shared with participating ministers Hong Kong’s latest efforts in building sustainable and accessible information and communications technology infrastructure, as well as its commitment to a more inclusive and resilient digital future.
 
     Mr Yau said that since the full liberalisation of its telecommunications market in 2003, Hong Kong’s telecommunications sector has become one of the most advanced, open, and dynamic markets globally. Hong Kong leads the world in mobile voice affordability, ranks second globally in mobile broadband affordability and seventh in fixed broadband affordability. Hong Kong’s 5G availability also ranks first in the Asia-Pacific region.
 
     Mr Yau highlighted that Hong Kong’s robust infrastructure provides a strong foundation for sustainable telecommunications development, including future 6G deployment and other cutting-edge services. The 6G Global Summit held in Hong Kong earlier this month, first held in the Asia-Pacific region, also fostered ideas and rallied regional support for 6G development.
 
     Turning to innovation and technology (I&T), Mr Yau said that Hong Kong promulgated the Hong Kong I&T Development Blueprint in 2022, setting out clear development directions and major strategies including accelerating the development of new digital infrastructure.
 
     He added that artificial intelligence opens up vast new opportunities for global economic development and scientific research. Hong Kong has been pursuing an all-round strategy to develop the AI ecosystem on various fronts, such as the launch of the AI Supercomputing Centre by Cyberport to meet the strong local demand for high-performance computing power.
 
     Mr Yau said that Hong Kong will continue to work hand in hand with fellow members and stakeholders to advance sustainable infrastructure and promote eco-friendly information and communications technology for a connected future.
 
     In addition to attending the APT meeting, Mr Yau also took the opportunity to meet with Japanese political and business leaders during his stay in Tokyo. Mr Yau today paid a courtesy call on the Chairman of the Japan-Hong Kong Parliamentarian League, Ms Jimi Hanako, a Member of the House of Councillors, to give her an update on Hong Kong’s latest economic and trade developments.
 
     Upon arrival yesterday (May 29), Mr Yau paid a courtesy call on the State Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, Mr Miyaji Takuma. Recognising the close bilateral relations between the two places, Mr Yau updated him on the robust economic developments in Hong Kong on various fronts under the “one country, two systems” principle, and solicited Japan’s support for Hong Kong’s early accession to the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership. Mr Yau also met with representatives of Keizai Doyukai (Japan Association of Corporate Executives) to promote Hong Kong’s business advantages and investment opportunities.
 
     Mr Yau will return to Hong Kong tomorrow (May 31) after the APT Ministerial Meeting concludes.
Issued at HKT 17:30

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Remuneration package for Members of Eighth-Term LegCo 
A Government spokesman said today (May 30) that the Independent Commission had conducted a thorough review on the remuneration package for Members of the Eighth-Term LegCo. The Independent Commission had adopted a holistic approach and taken into account a host of factors before arriving at its recommendations.
 
Factors that the Independent Commission had considered include:

(a) the role and functions of LegCo Members;
(b) the objective to enable a broad spectrum of quality individuals from different sectors of the community to serve the public in the capacity of LegCo Members vis-a-vis other pursuits;
(c) the provision of a remuneration package that is adequate for LegCo Members to discharge their core duties;
(d) views of LegCo Members;
(e) utilisation rates of the allowances currently available to Members;
(f) the economic situation of Hong Kong; and
(g) market rates of salaries and rentals.
 
Concerning the proposals put forward by the LegCo Subcommittee on Members’ Remuneration and Operating Expenses Reimbursement (LegCo Subcommittee) to the Independent Commission in July last year, the Independent Commission considers the proposals to adopt a weighted index as the basis for annual adjustment to Members’ Office Operation Expenses Reimbursement (OOER) and abolish the one-third reduction in the monthly remuneration for LegCo Members who also serve on the Executive Council (ExCo) (Dual Members) reasonable. However, in the face of the economic situation and the pressure on public finances, including the Government proposing in the 2025-26 Budget to reinforce the fiscal consolidation programme to strictly contain public expenditure, the Independent Commission recognises that it may not be a suitable time to implement changes in the remuneration package for LegCo Members which may lead to additional financial implications.   
 
The Independent Commission has also reviewed other components of the remuneration package, including the monthly remuneration for the LegCo President, the President’s Deputy and other LegCo Members, end-of-service gratuity and medical allowance, as well as the OOER, Entertainment and Travelling Expenses Reimbursement (ETER), Setting Up and Information Technology Expenses Reimbursement (SUITER) and Winding Up Expenses Reimbursement (WUER). The Independent Commission considers the current levels adequate and recommends that status quo be maintained for these items. The Independent Commission therefore recommends that the existing remuneration package of the Seventh-Term LegCo be adopted for Members of the Eighth-Term LegCo. 
 
“The Government expresses its gratitude towards the Independent Commission for its dedicated efforts in and valuable advice on reviewing the remuneration package for Members of the Eighth-Term LegCo, as well as to the LegCo Subcommittee for making proposals to the Independent Commission.
 
     “On the proposal to abolish the one-third reduction in the monthly remuneration for Dual Members, the Government accepts the observations of the Independent Commission that as a matter of principle, a Dual Member is performing two roles and does not devote lesser time in LegCo as compared with their counterparts, and should be entitled to both honoraria in full. The Government also acknowledges the contributions and dedication of Dual Members to society, particularly in balancing their dual roles in both the ExCo and LegCo to assist the Government in gathering public opinions and explaining policies,” the spokesman said. 
 
In accordance with the said decision, the remuneration package for Members of the Eighth-Term LegCo (based on the rate effective from October 1, 2024) (Note 1) will comprise:(b) end-of-service gratuity at 15 per cent of the total remuneration for the term (payable at term end per term);
(c) medical allowance at $37,890 per annum;
(d) OOER at $2,984,860 per annum;
(e) ETER at $238,400 per annum (Note 3);
(f) SUITER at $375,000 per term (Note 4); and
(g) WUER (being 1/12 of the annual OOER plus actual severance payments per term).
 
Based on the remuneration package effective from October 1, 2024, the total funding for the remuneration package for Members of the Eighth-Term LegCo is estimated to be about $1.76 billion, or about $19.7 million per Member per term.  Implementing the results of the current review will not bring about additional financial implications.
 
The Independent Commission is chaired by Mr Carlson Tong and comprises Mr Kevin Lam, Ms Winnie Tam, Mr Philip Tsai, Professor Alexander Wai and Ms Winnie Wong as members. It advises the Chief Executive, among others, on the remuneration package for LegCo Members. The Independent Commission started a comprehensive review of the remuneration package for Members of the Eighth-Term LegCo in mid-2024 and completed it in May 2025. The Independent Commission’s Review Report is available at www.admwing.gov.hk/pdf/IC Report_Eng.pdf 
Note 1: The existing mechanism whereby Members’ monthly remuneration, medical allowance, OOER, ETER and the LegCo President’s additional entertainment allowance will be adjusted in October each year in accordance with movements of the Consumer Price Index (C) will be maintained.
 
Note 2: The existing arrangement that the monthly remuneration for the LegCo President, the President’s Deputy and Dual Members will be fixed at 200 per cent, 150 per cent and two-thirds of the monthly remuneration of their fellow LegCo Members respectively will be maintained.
 
Note 3: The LegCo President is entitled to an additional President’s Entertainment Allowance at $238,630 per annum.
 
Note 4: For Members who have claimed setting up expenses in the previous term, they can claim $262,500 in the new term.
Issued at HKT 17:15

Findings of investigation into death of PMH doctor released 
On February 10, 2025, the CHP received a notification from PMH that three doctors in its oncology department had developed acute gastroenteritis symptoms and one of them unfortunately passed away on February 7. PMH’s preliminary investigation revealed that a stool sample from one of the doctors, who had mild symptoms, tested positive for Shiga toxin genes by nucleic acid testing. Therefore, it was suspected that the cluster might be associated with Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) infection. The CHP immediately conducted a comprehensive epidemiological investigation of the suspected cluster. A team of experts from the Department of Microbiology of the HKU, led by Professor Yuen, also assisted in the investigation.
 
The CHP’s investigation revealed that the bacterial culture of the stool sample from the doctor suspected of having an STEC infection but with mild symptoms did not grow any viable STEC bacteria. Samples from the other two doctors, including the deceased doctor, were negative for STEC. The CHP collected 34 environmental samples and 27 food samples from the oncology department and relevant food premises at PMH, all of which were negative for STEC. The CHP also enhanced surveillance on the staff of the oncology department of PMH, and no other related cases were detected. Based on the available information, the CHP confirmed that there was no STEC outbreak in the oncology department of PMH and that there was no linkage between the illnesses of the three doctors.
 
The pathology department of PMH has conducted an autopsy and pathological examination on the cause of death of the deceased doctor. However, the post-mortem examination could not determine the exact cause of the pathological changes that led to his death. Experts from the Department of Microbiology of the HKU have detected group C rotavirus (a known rotavirus) in various tissue samples of the deceased using nucleic acid testing. However, the virus was not detected in the stool samples of the other two doctors. The experts were of the view that the initial acute gastroenteritis in the deceased was caused by group C rotavirus. The direct relationship between group C rotavirus and the cause of death was uncertain, while other contributing factors could not be ruled out.

Rotavirus is a gastroenteritis virus commonly found in children and is classified into groups A, B and C, etc. Group A is the most common (accounting for over 90 per cent of rotavirus infections worldwide), mainly affecting children under the age of 5. Scientific studies indicate that group C may infect adults and older children more frequently, with milder symptoms compared to groups A and B. According to the statistics of the Hospital Authority, there have been no deaths from rotavirus infection in public hospitals in the past 10 years. Preventive measures for rotavirus infection are similar to those for other viral gastroenteritis. It is important to maintain good personal, food and environmental hygiene.
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Separately, Escherichia coli (E. coli) is a bacterium commonly found in the intestines of humans and warm-blooded animals. Most strains of E. coli are harmless. Some strains, however, such as STEC, can produce strong toxins and cause severe foodborne disease. Generally, STEC infections are often associated with consuming contaminated food or water, such as raw or undercooked meat, contaminated fruits and vegetables, or unpasteurised dairy products. Meanwhile, the bacteria can also be transmitted from person-to-person through the faecal-oral route. Preventive measures for STEC infection are similar to those recommended for other foodborne diseases.
Issued at HKT 17:00

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