Month: May 2025

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Established more than half a century ago, the Hong Kong Air Cadet Corps (HKACC) has long been a foundation for the development of local aviation talent. Until recently, however, training was carried out at borrowed school and community centre facilities.

HKACC Commanding Officer Chan Mang-lang highlighted the challenges faced over the years. “Venue limitations restricted our ability to hold training activities according to our needs or introduce professional equipment like flight simulators.”

Renovation project 

To improve its training environment, in 2018 the corps began looking for a suitable location to establish a new headquarters and training centre. Ultimately, in 2023, it chose a vacant school on Shiu Fai Terrace in Wan Chai.

HKACC Deputy Officer Commanding Operations Group Martin Choi explained that the original school had 12 classrooms and an assembly hall, meaning the refit could be accomplished without major renovations, allowing for time and cost savings.

After over a year of refurbishments, the new headquarters officially opened in March. Classrooms were transformed into multi-purpose rooms, conference rooms and other facilities, providing cadets with ample training and learning areas. The corps also added several small flight simulators and a helicopter simulator.

“As Hong Kong integrates into the Greater Bay Area’s aerospace developments, the new headquarters equip the youth with cutting-edge facilities to explore aviation careers,” said Mr Choi. “These professional facilities could enhance the cadets’ technical skills. In future, we will also introduce one-to-one fixed-wing aircraft simulators for cadets.”

Overcoming challenges

As a youth uniformed group, foot drill training is vital for the corps. The original playground has been converted into a parade ground for Chinese-style foot drills and a flag-raising training zone. During reconstruction, however, technical challenges arose when it came to installing flagpoles.

Due to the lack of road access, which prevented large machinery from entering the site, the contractor opted to use manual labour and small machines to lift and install three steel sections for the 15m main flagpole and the two 13m flagpoles on either side of it.

Building pride

The new headquarters also features a national education corner aimed at strengthening young people’s national identity and pride through showcasing the country’s achievements and development.

HKACC No. 402 Squadron Non-commissioned Officer-in-charge Lui Wai-fung, who joined the corps five years ago, outlined that the new training centre offers numerous opportunities for training and growth, as well as increasing cadets’ sense of belonging.

Vital support

From April 2024, the corps has been supported and funded by the Government Flying Service (GFS), which also assisted in establishing the new headquarters.

GFS Air Crewman Officer III Nicholas Choi stated that the service participated in site selection meetings led by the Security Bureau and the Development Bureau to ensure that the facilities at the new headquarters would meet  the corps’ future development needs. Having offered technical and professional advice to assist the corps in setting up its flight simulation equipment and teaching facilities, it also provides ongoing virtual reality and flight simulator training for cadets. In addition, it hosts cadets at GFS headquarters on enriching educational field trips.

Bright prospects

GFS Acting Senior Pilot Martin Yu explained that on such visits, “when the cadets enter the hangar, they may actually have a quick touch on the helicopters, so they are usually very happy and become more interested in our daily job for GFS and aviation on the whole.”

Mr Yu also revealed that over 10% of current flight personnel in the GFS are former cadets, and said he hopes this percentage can rise even further in the future.

“Apart from that, many cadets has become a professional in aviation industry, including in many different streams, like the air traffic controllers, like in the maintenance industry, in the aviation, as well as a pilot.”

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government today strongly condemned US senators who requested a review, through a so-called bill, that includes a number of judges and the Department of Justice’s prosecutors in a so-called list of sanctions, in an attempt to intimidate Hong Kong SAR personnel who safeguard national security.
 
In a press statement, the Hong Kong SAR Government made it clear that safeguarding national security falls within the internal affairs of a sovereign jurisdiction, and the implementation of the National Security Law is free from any intervention.
 
It further pointed out that the US politicians, however, insisted on turning a blind eye to facts and even clamoured for so-called sanctions against the Hong Kong SAR personnel and judges who dutifully safeguard national security.
 
Stressing that it despises any so-called sanctions and shall never be intimidated, the Hong Kong SAR Government said the city shall continue to resolutely discharge the responsibility of safeguarding national security. It also strongly urged the US politicians concerned to discern facts from fallacies, stop acting against the international law and basic norms of international relations, and stop interfering in Hong Kong matters, which are purely China’s internal affairs.
 
Separately, the Hong Kong SAR Government said its law enforcement agencies have been taking enforcement actions based on evidence and strictly in accordance with the law in respect of the acts of the people or entities concerned, which have nothing to do with their political stance, background or occupation.
 
It also emphasised that the Department of Justice is in charge of criminal prosecutions of the Hong Kong SAR makes all its prosecutorial decisions on an objective analysis of all admissible evidence and applicable laws.
 
Furthermore, the Hong Kong SAR Government noted that the Judiciary exercises judicial power independently in accordance with the law, and everyone charged with a criminal offence has the right to a fair hearing.

It explained that the courts decide cases strictly in accordance with the evidence and all applicable laws, and cases will never be handled any differently owing to the professions, political beliefs or backgrounds of the persons involved. Additionally, the prosecution has the burden to prove beyond reasonable doubt the commission of an offence before a defendant may be convicted by the court.
 
The Hong Kong SAR Government stressed that any attempt to interfere with Hong Kong’s judicial proceedings by means of political power is a reprehensible act undermining the city’s rule of law. Making any statement with the intent to interfere with or obstruct the course of justice, or engaging in conduct with the same intent, is very likely to constitute the offence of criminal contempt of court or the offence of perverting the course of justice.
 
Furthermore, it elucidated that it will, as always, resolutely, fully and faithfully implement the National Security Law, the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance and other relevant laws safeguarding national security in the Hong Kong SAR, to effectively prevent, suppress and impose punishment for acts and activities endangering national security in accordance with the law.

The Hong Kong SAR Government added that it will uphold the rights and freedoms of Hong Kong people in accordance with the law, so as to ensure the steadfast and successful implementation of “one country, two systems”.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government today (May 17) strongly condemned those United States (US) senators who requested a review, through a so-called “bill”, of including a number of judges, and prosecutors of the Department of Justice (DoJ), in a so-called list of “sanctions” in an attempt to intimidate the HKSAR personnel concerned who safeguard national security.

A spokesman for the HKSAR Government said, “It is clear that safeguarding national security falls within the internal affairs of a sovereign jurisdiction, so the implementation of the Hong Kong National Security Law (HKNSL) is free from any intervention. However, those US politicians insist on turning a blind eye to all these facts, and even clamour for so-called ‘sanctions’ against the HKSAR personnel and judges who dutifully safeguard national security. The HKSAR despises any so-called ‘sanctions’ and shall never be intimidated. It shall continue to resolutely discharge the responsibility of safeguarding national security. The HKSAR Government strongly urges the US politicians concerned to discern facts from fallacies, and immediately stop acting against the international law and basic norms of international relations and interfering in Hong Kong matters, which are purely China’s internal affairs.”

The spokesman pointed out, “Nearly five years having passed since the implementation of the HKNSL, the HKSAR law enforcement agencies have been taking law enforcement actions based on evidence and strictly in accordance with the law in respect of the acts of the persons or entities concerned, which have nothing to do with their political stance, background or occupation. The DoJ of the HKSAR is in charge of criminal prosecutions under Article 63 of the Basic Law, with all its prosecutorial decisions made on an objective analysis of all admissible evidence and applicable laws.”

     “The Judiciary of the HKSAR exercises judicial power independently in accordance with the law, and everyone charged with a criminal offence has the right to a fair hearing. The courts decide cases strictly in accordance with the evidence and all applicable laws. Cases will never be handled any differently owing to the professions, political beliefs or backgrounds of the persons involved. The prosecution has the burden to prove beyond reasonable doubt the commission of an offence before a defendant may be convicted by the court.”

     “The judicial system of the HKSAR has always been highly regarded by international communities. Any attempt by any country, organisation, or individual to interfere with the judicial proceedings in the HKSAR by means of political power is a reprehensible act undermining the rule of law of the HKSAR. Making any statement with the intent to interfere with or obstruct the course of justice, or engaging in conduct with the same intent, is very likely to constitute the offence of criminal contempt of court or the offence of perverting the course of justice.”

The spokesman reiterated, “The HKSAR steadfastly safeguards national sovereignty, security and development interests, and fully and faithfully lives up to this top priority of the ‘one country, two systems’ principle. The HKSAR Government will, as always, resolutely, fully and faithfully implement the HKNSL, the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance and other relevant laws safeguarding national security in the HKSAR, to effectively prevent, suppress and impose punishment for acts and activities endangering national security in accordance with the law, whilst upholding the rights and freedoms of Hong Kong people in accordance with the law, so as to ensure the steadfast and successful implementation of the principle of ‘one country, two systems’.”

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Secretary for the Civil Service Ingrid Yeung, Permanent Secretary for the Civil Service Clement Leung and Commissioner for Digital Policy Tony Wong today joined the Civil Service Bureau Volunteer Team and the Digital Policy Office Volunteer Team to take part in a volunteer service under the “Smart Silver” Digital Inclusion Programme for Elders at the Hong Kong Sheng Kung Hui Lok Man Alice Kwok Integrated Service Centre.
 
With the help of the volunteers, the elderly learnt how to use the “iAM Smart” mobile app to access useful information such as weather conditions, the use of Scameter, and the waiting time at accident and emergency departments of hospitals.
 
The senior citizens also did physical exercises using an artificial intelligence application developed by the service centre for people with knee problems in the community. In addition, the elderly played games for sensory integration training and cognitive training to help enhance their responsive abilities.
 
Mrs Yeung encouraged civil servants to make use of their knowledge, skills and life experience to contribute to the community in their spare time, as well as to demonstrate civil servants’ care for society and dedication to serving the community.
 
In 2024, civil service volunteer teams organised or participated in around 2,040 volunteer activities, while the attendance of participating volunteers and hours of volunteer service were about 23,500 and over 111,700 respectively, representing an increase of more than 400 volunteer activities and 22,400 hours of service, or 25% for both figures when compared with those of 2023.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Secretary for Housing Winnie Ho will depart for a visit to Paris, France, tomorrow.
 
The trip, as part of the Housing · I&T initiative, aims to strengthen co-operation and exchanges between Hong Kong and France in areas such as innovative construction technologies, synergistic public housing developments, green buildings, smart public housing management and well-being design.
 
During her time in Paris, Ms Ho will visit local social housing projects, eco-districts, smart construction technology centres and sustainable urban developments.
 
She will also meet government officials, industry representatives and several organisations to share Hong Kong’s experiences and efforts in enhancing the quantity, speed, efficiency and quality of public housing construction by adopting innovative construction technologies and artificial intelligence.
 
Ms Ho will return to Hong Kong on May 23. During her absence, Under Secretary for Housing Victor Tai will be Acting Secretary.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Secretary for Health Prof Lo Chung-mau will depart tomorrow for Geneva, Switzerland, where he will attend the World Health Organization’s 78th World Health Assembly on May 19 as a member of the Chinese delegation.
 
Director of Health Dr Ronald Lam will accompany Prof Lo to Switzerland.
 
The theme of this year’s assembly is “One World for Health”. Key discussions will cover universal health coverage, prevention and control of non-communicable diseases, antimicrobial resistance, health emergency preparedness and response, mental health and social connection, standardisation of medical devices nomenclature, and the International Health Regulations.
 
Additionally, Prof Lo will take the opportunity to exchange views on public health-related issues with senior officials of the World Health Organization and other member states.
 
Prof Lo and Dr Lam will return to Hong Kong on May 22. During Prof Lo’s absence, Under Secretary for Health Dr Libby Lee will be Acting Secretary.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Secretary for Constitutional & Mainland Affairs Erick Tsang and Commissioner for Development of Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Maisie Chan visited Hungary to promote development opportunities of the Greater Bay Area (GBA).
 
After arriving in Budapest yesterday, Mr Tsang called on Chinese Ambassador to Hungary Gong Tao.
 
Today, he met State Secretary for Bilateral Relations at the Hungarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Trade Boglárka Illés, and Hungarian National Assembly Deputy Speaker Lajos Oláh to share views on issues relating to the promotion of exchange and collaboration between Hong Kong and Hungary.
 
Mr Tsang also attended the “Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area – Europe (Hungary) Economic & Trade Cooperation Exchange Conference” jointly organised by the People’s Government of Guangdong Province, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government and the Macao Special Administrative Region Government to promote business opportunities brought about by the GBA to the European business community, and Hong Kong’s position as a GBA international entry point and roles as a “super connector” and “super value-adder”.
 
Speaking at the conference, he encouraged enterprises and talent to capitalise on Hong Kong’s unique advantages of having the staunch support of China and being closely connected to the world by establishing a foothold in the city and tapping into the huge market of the GBA, and to turn challenges into opportunities under the current international situation.
 
Under “one country, two systems”, Hong Kong would maintain its status as a free port, implement a free trade policy, maintain the free flow of capital, goods, people and information, and firmly support a rules-based multilateral trading system, he emphasised.
 
Mr Tsang will depart for Cairo, Egypt, tomorrow to attend the “Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area – Africa (Egypt) Economic & Trade Cooperation Exchange Conference”.
 
He will return to Hong Kong on May 19.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK) announced today (May 17) that Fashion Momentum Group (FMG), a Chinese fast-fashion retailer, has established its regional headquarters and first outlet of URBAN REVIVO in Hong Kong as part of its global strategy to oversee the Group’s corporate treasury function, retail business and global markets expansion.
      
     The Acting Director-General of Investment Promotion at InvestHK, Mr Arnold Lau, said, “Hong Kong as an international business hub and financial centre has solidified its reputation as a leading global hub for supply chain management. Brands like URBAN REVIVO can leverage Hong Kong’s strategic location and extensive international resources to expand their international retail networks efficiently. We wish URBAN REVIVO every success in Hong Kong and beyond.”
      
     The Chief Executive Officer of International Business at URBAN REVIVO, Ms Vivian Chen, said that the Group started to work with InvestHK on the launch since last year, and was introduced to various international brands and merchandisers, giving them the confidence to establish a presence in the city.
      
     “Hong Kong opens us to a diverse customer profile with an open and friendly business environment featuring zero tariffs and effective infrastructure. The city serves as a bridge between the Mainland and the global market. It’s an ideal place for our global expansion,” she said, adding “Hong Kong, as a key hub for international fashion exchanges with a vibrant professional services sector, enables for us the further internationalisation of our global operations. We are looking forward to accelerating our growth into both developed and high-potential markets.”
      
     Founded in 2006, FMG offers a diverse range of fashion via various brands. Catering to fashion-conscious consumers worldwide, URBAN REVIVO has become a go-to destination for trendsetters, delivering fresh and exciting collections each season. With design centres in London and Guangzhou, the Group combines a unique brand identity with global fashion expertise to consistently captivate its audience.
      
     For more information about URBAN REVIVO, please visit: urbanrevivo.com.
      
     To obtain a copy of the photos, please visit www.flickr.com/photos/investhk/albums/72177720326111303.