Month: October 2025

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Leisure and Cultural Services Department will launch a vocal lecture series entitled “The Human Voice in 4 Parts” on four consecutive Wednesdays in January next year. Curated and hosted by voice pedagogue Chan Siu-kwan, each of the four lectures will feature one of the four main voice types (namely bass, alto, soprano and tenor) in Western classical music. Accompanied by selected excepts from Western opera works, the speaker will examine the roles portrayed by each voice type, and introduce the respective iconic legends along with their vocal features, guiding audiences to understand and appreciate the unique charm of different voice types.

     Details of each lecture are as follows:

Lecture 1: Bass
———————–
Date: January 7 (Wednesday)

     Two of the lowest male voice types are the bass and the baritone. In this lecture, drawing on performance excerpts of renowned singers such as baritone Dmitri Hvorostovsky and bass Boris Christoff, the speaker will analyse the moments when these two voice types assign to take the leading male roles in opera. 

Lecture 2: Alto
———————–
Date: January 14 (Wednesday)

     The speaker will examine why mezzo-sopranos and altos are often cast as supporting roles such as mothers, ladies-in-waiting or villainesses in opera, alongside the moments when these two voice types assume leading roles. This lecture will also introduce the “castrati”, a dark chapter in music history, and the countertenors. 

Lecture 3: Soprano
———————–
Date: January 21 (Wednesday)

     Through a selection of compelling excerpts, the speaker will explore why female leads in opera are predominantly performed by sopranos. Recordings of celebrated performances by divas such as Maria Callas and Joan Sutherland will be presented to illustrate what composers expect of the prima donna. 

Lecture 4: Tenor
———————–
Date: January 28 (Wednesday)

     In the Romantic period, male leads in opera are mainly dominated by tenors. By featuring treasured recordings of Nicolai Gedda and Luciano Pavarotti, who was hailed as the “King of High-Cs”, among others, this lecture will delve into the unique charm of the tenor voice. 

     Chan is an eminent vocalist and expert in choral singing in Hong Kong. She currently teaches voice at the music departments of the Chinese University of Hong Kong and the Hong Kong Baptist University. She also serves as the vocal advisor of the Hong Kong Children’s Choir. Chan often gives vocal masterclasses, and conducts vocal workshops for singers and choir conductors, in addition to serving as adjudicator in singing competitions. 

     All lectures will be conducted in Cantonese and will start at 7.30pm at the Lecture Hall of the Hong Kong Space Museum. Each lecture will run for about one hour and 30 minutes. Tickets priced at $80 (for each lecture, with free seating) are now available at URBTIX (www.urbtix.hk). For telephone bookings and concessionary schemes, please call 3166 1288. For programme enquiries, please call 2268 7321 or visit www.lcsd.gov.hk/CE/CulturalService/Programme/en/music/programs_1924.html.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Strive and Rise Programme has started recruiting 4 000 mentees for the fourth cohort today (October 27).

     Secondary One to Secondary Four students from underprivileged families, particularly those living in subdivided units, may submit applications through the Programme’s mobile application starting today and approach their schools or the non-governmental organisations that assist the Government in implementing the Programme (see Annex) for enquiries if they are interested. Applications will close on November 16.

     The Programme is formulated and implemented by an interdepartmental task force led by the Chief Secretary for Administration. Through tripartite collaboration among the Government, the business sector and the community, the Programme provides focused support for Secondary One to Secondary Four students from underprivileged families, particularly those living in subdivided units. The Programme comprises three key elements, including mentorship, personal development plans and financial support. Through a one-year intensive foundation training that includes mentorship and a structured programme covering orientation, basic training, mentor-mentee interaction, diverse group activities, Mainland study and exchange tours, etc, the Programme will help mentees broaden their horizons, reinforce self-confidence, develop a positive outlook on life, explore more possibilities for personal development, set goals for the future and strive for upward mobility. 

     In addition, each mentee will be provided with start-up financial support of $5,000 under the Programme. Mentors will assist and guide mentees in developing positive financial planning concepts and implementing their personal development plans. Upon successful completion of the Programme, a scholarship of $5,000 will be awarded to the mentees for their personal pursuits by applying the financial planning concepts that they have learned. 

     Upon successful completion of the one-year intensive foundation training of the Programme, mentees will automatically become members of the Alumni Club where they will continue to expand their social network and horizons by participating in diverse activities and job tasting/internship programmes.

     For more information about the application details of the fourth cohort and the mobile application of the Programme, please visit the designated website: www.striveandrise.gov.hk.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The following is issued on behalf of the Office of The Ombudsman:

     The Ombudsman, Mr Jack Chan, today (October 27) announced the launch of a full investigation into the Joint Office for Investigation of Water Seepage Complaints (JO)’s handling of water seepage cases.

     The causes of water seepage are complex. It may result from defective building structures or installations, or from a lack of proper maintenance. If the seepage poses a nuisance, public health hazard or a potential risk to building safety, the Government may consider exercising its statutory powers to intervene. To enhance efficiency in handling reports of water seepage, the Government has established the JO to provide the public with a one-stop service. The objective is to expedite investigations for identifying the source of seepage more effectively, and improve the success rate in resolving seepage problems.

     The Office noted from complaint handling that unauthorised building works (UBWs) on a flat roof of an upper flat have caused water seepage in the lower flat. However, the JO did not conduct an investigation into the seepage problem in a timely manner. Although the Buildings Department (BD) issued a removal order over a year ago, the UBWs have yet to be demolished, resulting in the continued seepage problem.

     Mr Chan said, “It is Hong Kong people’s common hope that they should be able to enjoy a well-maintained and comfortable living environment, but water seepage problems undoubtedly cause much inconvenience and distress to affected residents. According to government statistics, in 2022, 2023 and 2024 the number of complaints about water seepage in buildings received by the JO was 39 555, 45 033 and 47 299 respectively. Also, complaints from the public regarding unresolved seepage problems are common. In addition, there is information indicating that the BD did not promptly enforce compliance with removal orders issued against UBWs, resulting in persistent seepage problems potentially caused by the UBWs. In this light, I have decided to launch a full investigation into the JO’s handling of water seepage cases, including the BD’s procedures for handling UBWs that may lead to water seepage, to identify areas for improvement and to put forward appropriate recommendations. We are also very concerned about the overall operation of the JO and will launch a series of reviews to probe deeply into the JO’s investigation operation process and effectiveness, including the JO’s monitoring of its consultants.”

     The Ombudsman welcomes views from members of the public on this topic. Written submissions should reach the Office by November 27, 2025:

     Address: 30/F, China Merchants Tower, Shun Tak Centre, 168-200 Connaught Road Central, Hong Kong
     Fax:        2882 8149
     Email:    cid-jo@ombudsman.hk

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Government announced today (October 27) that the Chief Executive has re-appointed Ms Margaret Cheng Wai-ching and Ms Quince Chong Wai-yan as members of the Civil Service Training Advisory Board (CSTAB) for a term of two years from November 1, 2025. 

Welcoming the re-appointments, the Secretary for the Civil Service, Mrs Ingrid Yeung, said, “With Ms Cheng’s and Ms Chong’s respective expertise in human resource management and corporate communications, along with the wealth of experience of other members, I am confident that the CSTAB will continue to provide diverse perspectives and strategic advice on the training and development of civil servants. This will provide invaluable support for nurturing governance talent and further enhancing the capabilities of the civil service, thereby contributing to Hong Kong’s long-term development.”

The CSTAB gives guidance on training for the civil service and the long-term development strategy of the Civil Service College. The board comprises academics, human resource management experts and professionals with rich experience in administration.

The membership of the board is as follows:

Chairman
———–
Professor Wong Yuk-shan
 

Vice-Chairman
—————-
Secretary for the Civil Service
 

Non-official Members
———————–
Ms Margaret Cheng Wai-ching 
Ms Quince Chong Wai-yan
Mr Albert Chow Hing-pong
Ms Renee Ho Hang-yin
Mrs Ann Kung Yeung Yun-chi 
Mr Lee Luen-fai 
Professor Richard Wong Yue-chim 
Dr Denis Yip Shing-fai
 

Ex-officio Members
———————
Permanent Secretary for the Civil Service or representative
Permanent Secretary for Development (Works) or representative
Permanent Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry or representative
Permanent Secretary for Security or representative

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Communications Authority (CA) today (October 27) launched the new Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) (Private) Licence in support of the development of low-altitude economy (LAE).  
 
     A spokesperson for CA said, “As announced in the 2025 Policy Address, the Government will enhance core infrastructure facilities, including by designating spectrum, to advance Hong Kong as a major hub for low-altitude innovative applications. Under the UAS (Private) Licence regime, licensees will be assigned with the 1430 – 1444 MHz band (1.4 GHz band) as the dedicated spectrum for establishing, maintaining and operating radiocommunications installation for UAS operations. It offers an additional communications solution to UAS operators beyond the current use of wireless local area networks and 4G or 5G mobile network for data transmission and control, enhancing support for the safe and efficient operation of UAS and fully supporting the development of the LAE ecosystem in terms of communications networks.”
 
     The UAS (Private) Licence is now open for application to organisations participating in the LAE Regulatory Sandbox pilot projects. Interested parties can submit their application together with the relevant information to CA, including information of the UAS they operate, the approval from the Civil Aviation Department on specific flight paths and details of the radio base stations anticipated to be installed. CA will rigorously review the applications based on the submitted information and closely monitor the use of the dedicated UAS spectrum to ensure compliance with licence conditions and effective utilisation of spectrum resources.
 
     For details of the UAS (Private) Licence, including application eligibility, procedures and technical requirements, please refer to the Office of the Communications Authority (OFCA)’s thematic webpage. For enquiries, please contact OFCA at 2961 6333.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, will depart for Riyadh, Saudi Arabia in the afternoon today (October 27) to begin an official visit. The visit aims to promote collaboration between Hong Kong and Chinese Mainland enterprises in going global and seizing new business opportunities together. It also seeks to strengthen Hong Kong’s ties with the Middle East in areas such as trade, finance, and innovation and technology, while promoting Hong Kong’s unique advantages and telling the good stories of Hong Kong and China.

Mr Chan will lead a delegation of around 40 members, comprising representatives from financial institutions, as well as founders and executives of enterprises engaged in artificial intelligence, biomedical technology, e-commerce, green energy, construction technology and other sectors, from both Hong Kong and the Chinese Mainland. Members of the delegation also include representatives from the Office for Attracting Strategic Enterprises, Invest Hong Kong, the Hong Kong Investment Corporation Limited, and the Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited. The Hong Kong Trade Development Council is assisting in organising the programme.

During the visit, the delegation will attend the ninth edition of the Future Investment Initiative, where Mr Chan will take part in a panel discussion and deliver speeches at various luncheons and dinners to update participants on Hong Kong’s latest developments and emerging opportunities. He will also meet with local government officials, public institutions, business leaders and corporate and financial executives. Delegation members will participate in business matching activities with local enterprises.

Mr Chan will return to Hong Kong at noon on October 31. During his absence, the Deputy Financial Secretary, Mr Michael Wong, will act as Financial Secretary.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Transport Department (TD) today (October 27) reminded candidates and those interested in sitting the Taxi Written Test that the Test has been further enhanced, and will be applicable from November 3, encouraging newcomers to join the taxi industry.

     The new Written Test (for fresh candidates or repeaters) comprises Part A “Taxi Operation” and Part B “Road Users’ Code”. Part A “Taxi Operation” will include new questions relating to the series of new measures introduced for enhancing taxi service quality (e.g. taxi fleet regime and the Taxi-Driver-Offence Points system). The questions on prominent locations and route identification have been substantially reduced and simplified in consideration of the development of navigation technology. Part B “Road Users’ Code” will include knowledge on road traffic regulations and safe driving. The Written Test is conducted in the form of multiple-choice questions, and the total number of questions has been adjusted from 90 to 75, while the passing criteria and time allowed for each part remain unchanged. To score an overall pass result, a candidate must meet the passing criteria in both Parts A and B.

     A spokesman for the TD said, “The further enhanced Taxi Written Test will better align with the practical needs of the taxi trade while maintaining the level of assessment, ensuring that taxi drivers possess the necessary professional knowledge and qualities. We hope that more newcomers will be attracted to join the taxi industry to foster the healthy development of the taxi trade in the long run. Furthermore, following the passage of the bill on ride-hailing service, taxi driving licence holders can apply for a ride-hailing vehicle driving permit in future without having to sit an additional test.”

     The TD has issued letters to the taxi trade introducing the scope of the new Written Test, and distributed the updated Guide to Taxi Written Test and Taxi Operation Booklet to candidates concerned. Candidates can refer to the TD’s website and book a Taxi Written Test online via GovHK.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Director of Audit, Professor Nelson Lam, departs for Egypt today (October 27) for the 25th Congress of the International Organization of Supreme Audit Institutions. Senior Auditor of the Audit Commission Mr Toby Cheung will also join him on the trip.
      
     At the invitation of the National Audit Office of the People’s Republic of China (CNAO), Professor Lam and Mr Cheung will take part in the said event as members of the People’s Republic of China Delegation led by the Auditor General of CNAO, Mr Hou Kai. Hosted by the Accountability State Authority of Egypt, the Congress will be held from October 27 to 31 in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt, with the themes “The Role of Supreme Audit Institutions in Auditing Central Banks and Government Activities during Financial and Economic Crises” and “Using Artificial Intelligence Techniques in Auditing”.

     Professor Lam and Mr Cheung will return to Hong Kong on November 1.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Secretary for Justice Paul Lam will depart for Beijing this evening to attend a session on the rule of law in finance at the “Annual Conference of Financial Street Forum 2025” tomorrow.

Mr Lam will deliver a keynote speech on innovation, transformation, and the restructuring of financial development within the framework of the rule of law. He will share his views on the advantages of Hong Kong’s legal and financial systems, and ways to deepen Hong Kong-Beijing co-operation, with a view to enhancing foreign-related rule of law.

Mr Lam will return to Hong Kong tomorrow afternoon. During his absence, Deputy Secretary for Justice Cheung Kwok-kwan will be Acting Secretary.