Month: July 2025

Posted on

Alice Mak meets Sichuan officials

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

On the final day of a visit encompassing Beijing and Sichuan, Secretary for Home & Youth Affairs Alice Mak today called on Sichuan officials and visited the Shabanqiao community in Chengdu.

In the morning, Miss Mak called on Director of the Hong Kong & Macao Affairs Office of the Sichuan Provincial People’s Government Zhang Tao.

Miss Mak briefed Ms Zhang on youth development, women’s development and district governance in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. She also learned about Sichuan’s work in related areas.

She also expressed her hope for greater co-operation and exchange between the two places.

Miss Mak also visited the Shabanqiao community in Chengdu to gained insights into community governance there.

She returned to Hong Kong this afternoon.

Posted on

Food and Drugs (Composition and Labelling) (Amendment) Regulation 2025 gazetted

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Food and Drugs (Composition and Labelling) (Amendment) Regulation 2025 gazetted
Through legislative amendments, mini-cup konjac-containing jelly confectionery with a height or width not exceeding 45 millimetres will be prohibited for sale in the market. In addition, other konjac jelly products must be labelled with choking warning statements on their packaging to remind consumers to exercise caution while eating. 

A Government spokesman said, “While konjac itself is a safe food additive, the smooth and slippery surface and firm texture of konjac jellies may pose a choking risk if not consumed properly. This risk is particularly high for children and the elderly. The Government has been promoting health education messages on the prevention of food choking through various channels, such as advising consumers to avoid slurping mini-cup konjac-containing jelly confectionery directly.”
“Caution: Do not swallow whole. Elderly and children must consume under supervision.
注意：勿一口吞食，長者及兒童須在監護下食用。”
The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) will continue to enhance health education on choking prevention, including issuing letters to schools, organising seminars, and sharing information on social media. In addition, the CFS will arrange technical meetings with the trade and issue user guidelines in due course to facilitate the trade’s understanding of and compliance with the new requirements.
Issued at HKT 16:00

NNNN

Posted on

Draft Tsuen Wan Outline Zoning Plan approved

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Draft Tsuen Wan Outline Zoning Plan approved 
     “The approved OZP provides a statutory land use planning framework to guide the development and redevelopment within the Tsuen Wan area”, a spokesman for the Town Planning Board said today (July 18). 
 
The planning scheme area, covering about 743.48 hectares, includes Tsuen Wan Valley and its adjoining areas and forms part of the Tsuen Wan New Town. The area extends from Wo Yi Hop Road in the east to Yau Kom Tau in the west.
 
The approved OZP has incorporated amendments shown on the draft Tsuen Wan OZP No. S/TW/38, which mainly involve (i) rezoning a site at the junction of Wing Shun Street and Texaco Road from “Government, Institution or Community (9)” to “Residential (Group A) 22” for private residential development; and (ii) rezoning a site at the junction of Ma Tau Pa Road and Texaco Road from “Comprehensive Development Area (1)” to “Commercial (7)” to facilitate redevelopment of the existing industrial buildings for commercial uses.
 
The Notes and Explanatory Statement of the OZP have been amended to reflect the above amendments. Opportunity is also taken to update the general information of various land use zonings and the planning circumstances, where appropriate.
 
The approved Tsuen Wan OZP No. S/TW/39 is available for public inspection during office hours at (i) the Secretariat of the Town Planning Board, (ii) the Planning Enquiry Counters, (iii) the Tsuen Wan and West Kowloon District Planning Office, (iv) the Tsuen Wan District Office and (v) the Tsuen Wan Rural Committee.
 
Copies of the approved OZP are available for sale at the Map Publications Centre in North Point. The electronic version of the OZP can be viewed at the Town Planning Board’s website (www.tpb.gov.hkIssued at HKT 16:00

NNNN

Posted on

Exam date provisionally set

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Government announced today that the sitting of the Common Recruitment Examination (CRE) has been tentatively scheduled for September 27.

 

The CRE application process will open tomorrow and close at 11.59pm on August 1. Prospective applicants for civil service posts at the degree or professional level can apply.

 

The next round of recruitment exercises for the posts of Administrative Officer (AO), Executive Officer II (EOII), Assistant Labour Officer II (ALOII), Assistant Trade Officer II (ATOII) and Management Services Officer II (MSOII) will begin in September.

 

The Civil Service Bureau iterated that those who plan to apply for civil service posts at the degree or professional level in the near future must have the requisite CRE results and are advised to take part in this round of examination.

 

The pool of eligible candidates for civil service jobs requiring an undergraduate degree has been expanded to students in their third year of undergraduate studies in a four-year curriculum.

 

This means that those eligible to sit the examination include holders of a degree, or a professional qualification meeting the entry requirements of the posts, and university students graduating in the 2025-26 or 2026-27 academic year.

 

Details about the upcoming CRE will be uploaded to the bureau’s webpage tomorrow.

 

Candidates who are interested in applying for the above vacancies but have not attained a pass result in the Basic Law & National Security Law Test (BLNST) must separately apply and obtain a pass result before the specified date, ie November 29, in order to be considered for appointment.

 

Additionally, for the convenience of those studying or residing outside Hong Kong, the CRE and the paper-based BLNST are tentatively scheduled to be held on November 29 in Beijing, Shanghai, London, New York, Toronto, Vancouver and Sydney. Applications will open later this year.

 

Call the Civil Service Examinations Unit at 2537 6429 or email it for enquiries.

Posted on

Speech by SCST at completion ceremony of Hong Kong Maritime Museum Jockey Club Anchor Plaza (English only)

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Speech by SCST at completion ceremony of Hong Kong Maritime Museum Jockey Club Anchor Plaza (English only) 
Mr Hext (Chairman of the Hong Kong Maritime Museum, Mr Richard Hext), Mr Hunsworth (Steward of the Hong Kong Jockey Club, Mr Nicholas D Hunsworth), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
 
Good morning. As they say, weathering choppy waters is perhaps the trick of the trade of the maritime industry. So, here we are, a trail to our professionalism. It is my great pleasure to join you all today at the completion ceremony of the Hong Kong Maritime Museum Jockey Club Anchor Plaza. Even despite the weather, it is worth taking a good look at our anchor and hearing what Richard will have to say later, introducing what the Anchor’s importance is.  
 
Founded in 2005, the Hong Kong Maritime Museum has long been preserving and promoting the unique maritime history and culture of Hong Kong. As it approaches its 20th anniversary this year, the Maritime Museum’s journey has been remarkable. From its origins at Murray House in Stanley to its current home at Central Pier No. 8, the Museum has evolved into a cultural treasure, showcasing an impressive collection of maritime heritage, welcoming around 100 000 visitors every year, and establishing itself as a vital maritime landmark in Hong Kong over the past two decades. I am also glad to know that the Hong Kong Maritime Museum has been increasingly popular among tourists, with over 20 000 visitors from the Mainland of China and overseas recorded just last year.
 
Today, I am delighted to witness the completion of the Hong Kong Maritime Museum Jockey Club Anchor Plaza, one of the Chief Executive’s Community Projects. This milestone, achieved after years of dedicated efforts, represents an exciting new chapter in the development of the Museum. Featuring a striking anchor about 7 metres high and a ship-like pavilion, the Anchor Plaza will provide a brand-new public learning space, inviting visitors to explore Hong Kong’s maritime culture while adding yet another vibrant attraction to the iconic Victoria Harbour. I believe that the Anchor Plaza will draw more people to come and appreciate Hong Kong’s unique history and culture as a port city.
 
The next part of my speech is actually to give you an idea of what we give to have the museum and the support to the arts and culture scenes. But I think you would rather hear from Richard the story of the Anchor than listen to my speech. So I’m sure when I issue it as the press release, you will be able to learn about it.
 
As you are all aware, the Government has been sparing no effort in fostering the development of arts and culture in recent years. Museums play an important role in preserving and disseminating cultural heritage. Apart from continuously improving public museum services, the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau and the Leisure and Cultural Services Department have been actively providing robust support for private institutions like the Hong Kong Maritime Museum. From thematic exhibitions like “Across Victoria Harbour” that revisit the past of Hong Kong, to the upcoming 2025 Forum for Asia-Pacific Maritime Culture to be held at the Museum, the Hong Kong Maritime Museum has played an integral role in enriching Hong Kong’s cultural landscape and fostering international cultural exchange that complements the Government’s work in a truly meaningful way.
 
In addition to support from the Government, the successful completion of the great Anchor Plaza and the remarkable achievements of the Museum would not be possible without the dedication of the Hong Kong Maritime Museum team and the unwavering support from the Hong Kong Jockey Club, other patrons of the Museum, and the wider community. I would like to take this opportunity to express my sincere gratitude to everyone who has contributed to this project and to the ongoing growth of the Hong Kong Maritime Museum. Let’s join hands to make lasting contributions to the cultural development of Hong Kong.
 
Let me wish the completion ceremony and the future of the Hong Kong Maritime Museum to weather through the choppy weather like right now, and I wish everybody a good day. Thank you.
Issued at HKT 15:10

NNNN

Posted on

HYAB invites organisations to operate youth facilities

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

HYAB invites organisations to operate youth facilities 
As announced in “The Chief Executive’s 2024 Policy Address”, the HYAB will set up a physical platform for interaction for Youth Link members in the Nam Cheong District Community Centre and the adjacent Tung Chau Street Temporary Market, which includes youth facilities such as multifunction areas, a youth culture and creativity bazaar, and small-scale performance spaces. The goal is to provide a gathering place for ongoing interaction among Youth Link members and establish a base for implementing the Youth Development Blueprint measures to encourage communication and collaboration among the Government, the Youth Development Commission and young people participating in various youth development programmes.
 
In addition, to strengthen support for unleashing the potential of young people, the HYAB will convert part of the Youth Square to establish a new interactive space for young people to gather for exchanges, to develop personal potential and participate in different activities. The HYAB will roll out the Good Stories of Hong Kong Youth Programme by reserving part of the Youth Square for setting up a video studio for young people to produce video clippings to promote good stories of Hong Kong youths, and providing relevant training on the production and filming of video clippings.

The operating organisations of the youth facilities are required to organise on-site events during the operation period. Activities may include workshops, cultural performances, collaborative projects, seminars and youth-led initiatives. The operating organisations are also required to manage the facilities and food and beverage corners.
 
Details of the projects, the application criteria and the briefing sessions are set out in the invitation of proposals, which is available on the HYAB website (www.hyab.gov.hk 
The deadline for application is 5pm on August 19.
Issued at HKT 15:00

NNNN

Posted on

Hong Kong House at Echigo-Tsumari Art Field 2025 to stage in Tsunan, Japan, from tomorrow (with photos)

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     The Hong Kong House at the Echigo-Tsumari Art Field 2025 – The Whispers of Stone, organised by the Art Promotion Office (APO) of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department, will be staged in Tsunan, Niigata Prefecture, Japan, from tomorrow (July 19) until November 9. This year’s Hong Kong artists of the exhibition, Chris Cheung and Sim Shum, create a whimsical space using water stones as a medium, alongside sound, light and painting, combining the ancient legend of “The Talking Stone of Weiyu” about “speaking stones” from the Spring and Autumn period. The exhibition intertwines the themes of nature and humanity in an art space of sight and sound, offering audiences an immersive sensory experience of the environment.
 
     The Echigo-Tsumari Art Triennale, held every three years, is one of the world’s largest international outdoor art festivals. With the support of the Tsunan Town Government and in collaboration with the Echigo-Tsumari Art Triennale Executive Committee and the NPO Echigo-Tsumari Satoyama Collaborative Organization, the APO has launched the Hong Kong House in Tsunan, Niigata Prefecture, Japan, since 2018, serving as a platform for artist residencies, exchanges and exhibitions.
 
     Cheung and Shum were deeply touched by the uniquely shaped water stones of the Shinano River in Echigo-Tsumari, and their art works whisper the stories found in the lyrics of folk songs from the two places, diffusing emotions and memories. They referenced Morse code to develop a language system for the water stones and created the ink art work “The Ode of Stone” and the light installation “The Shades of Stones”, facilitating interaction with audiences. The other two installations, “The Book of Stones” and “The Blessings of Stone” draw inspiration from the Japanese garden design concept “Suikinkutsu” and sacred stones.
 
     The artists will also organise workshops to guide participants in creating a light installation, projecting their inner thoughts into the space through light and shadows.
 
     In addition, the activity collaborator, Make A Difference Institute, will organise a community-based food culture project “Minna no Tsukemono”, inviting participants to taste preserved foods from around the world.
 
     For details of the exhibition, please visit the APO’s website www.apo.hk/en/web/apo/there_hkh2025_the_whispers_of_stone.html, or Hong Kong House’s Facebook at www.facebook.com/apo.hkhouse and Instagram at www.instagram.com/hongkonghouse.

                          

Posted on

Appointment of supervisory committee to conduct investigation into alleged misconduct of District Council member

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     The Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs (SHYA), Miss Alice Mak, appointed a supervisory committee today (July 18) to investigate alleged misconduct of Tuen Mun District Council (DC) member Mr Kenneth Yip Kat-kong.
  
     The Chairman and three members of the Tuen Mun DC initiated an investigation into Mr Yip’s alleged misconduct pursuant to the District Councils Ordinance (Cap. 547) on July 15. The SHYA appointed a supervisory committee according to the Ordinance to conduct the investigation, and the five committee members are Mr Li Tak-hong, Ms Luparker Wong Shuk-fan, Mr Ng King-wah, Ms Janus Lau Yuen-yee, and Mr Lau Kar-wah. The supervisory committee will establish whether the facts on which the allegation is based are true; give its opinion on whether the established facts constitute grounds for imposing a sanction under section 72D of the Ordinance; and if there is ground for imposing a sanction, give its opinion on the appropriate sanction to be imposed on the DC member concerned. After completing the investigation, the supervisory committee will submit a report to the SHYA for consideration. The SHYA will make a decision after considering the report and announce such a decision in due course.
 
     Miss Mak said, “The Government places strong emphasis on the conduct and integrity of DC members, and they should conduct themselves in a manner that is in line with public expectations and commensurate with the reputation of the DC and its members. Under the Ordinance, the Government may investigate DC members’ misconduct and impose sanctions according to the performance monitoring mechanism for DC members to ensure that every DC member upholds their duties faithfully to serve the people.”
 
     Miss Mak continued, “The five members of the supervisory committee include one person who is not a DC member and four DC members from districts other than Tuen Mun. They have diverse backgrounds and rich district experience. The supervisory committee will handle the investigation in a robust, fair, just, impartial, independent and objective manner in accordance with the established mechanism.”
 
     The supervisory committee was appointed pursuant to section 72C of the Ordinance. In order to avoid impacting the impartiality of the supervisory committee’s investigation, the Home and Youth Affairs Bureau will not comment on the case during the supervisory committee’s investigation.

Posted on

SHYA continues visit to Sichuan (with photos)

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

The Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, Miss Alice Mak, continued her visit to Sichuan today (July 18). She first called on leaders of the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office (HKMAO) of the Sichuan Provincial People’s Government, and visited the Shabanqiao community in Chengdu to learn about community governance.

In the morning, Miss Mak called on the Director of the HKMAO of the Sichuan Provincial People’s Government, Ms Zhang Tao. Miss Mak introduced the latest developments and work in youth development, district governance, and women’s development of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and learned about Sichuan Province’s work experience in related areas. She expressed her hope for more opportunities to co-operate and exchange between the two places.

Miss Mak also visited the Shabanqiao community in Chengdu. The Shabanqiao community is committed to providing services that improve people’s livelihoods and focus on serving citizens. She also gained insights into their community governance experience.
 
Miss Mak concluded her visit and returned to Hong Kong this afternoon.