Month: November 2025

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     Local young guzheng virtuosi Grammy Yeung will grace the stage this early December as the grand finale of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department’s (LCSD) “Hong Kong Artists” Series. In this recital, Yeung will collaborate with esteemed artists of both Chinese and Western instruments, presenting a curated programme of classic and contemporary guzheng compositions, which include a world premiere work by renowned local composer Professor Chan Hing-yan. Through her exquisite artistry, Yeung will reveal the multifaceted expression of guzheng. This highly anticipated collaboration is not to be missed by music lovers.
 
     In the first half of the recital, Yeung will open with the Henan zhang piece “Song of the Homebound Fishermen”, performed with huqin artist Chan Pik-sum. She then will take the stage alone with the modern solo “The Ballad of Lotus Flower”, followed by “Qin River on My Mind”, a piece infused with Shaanxi tongzhou bangzi music elements, alongside celebrated pianist Colleen Lee. Subsequently, the three musicians will combine with percussionist Abby Chan to present the world premiere of Professor Chan’s new commissioned work “Three Realms of Awakening” – a three-movement pieces feature guzheng in dialogue with erhu, piano and percussion, showcasing the sublime harmony of Eastern and Western soundscapes with different perspectives in Buddhist iconography.
 
     The second half will feature two guzheng duets with Yeung’s guzheng teacher Chin King, including “Sound of Emerald”, which is inspired by tea-picking motifs, and “Suo-Ma”, enhanced with percussion. In addition, Yeung will present the delicate Cantonese tune “Lament in Autumn” on a steel-string guzheng accompanied by Chan Pik-sum on the yehu. A highlight follows as Yeung will collaborate with Lee in the Hong Kong premiere of “A Tender Dream”, a guzheng-piano duet that gracefully transforms jazz melodies into Eastern poetic tones, weaving an elegant cross-cultural dialogue. The recital will conclude with the duo performing “Calming Storms and Waves”, ending the evening on a profoundly expansive and reflective note.
 
     Yeung is currently the Education University of Hong Kong’s guest instrumental tutor. She holds a master’s degree in music (zheng) from the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts and is a music major graduate from the University of Hong Kong. Yeung received a gold medal in the 6th International Zheng Contest (Professional Youth Group), and was featured as one of the finalists in the Young Music Makers 2017 of RTHK 4. She was also invited to perform in Bali, Singapore and Macao, and has held various solo recitals at Tai Kwun, the Hong Kong Museum of Art, the Hong Kong Palace Museum and universities in Hong Kong.
 
     The “Hong Kong Artists” Series: Guzheng Recital by Grammy Yeung will be staged at 8pm on December 1 (Monday) at the Theatre of Hong Kong City Hall. Tickets priced at $200 and $240 are now available at URBTIX (www.urbtix.hk). For telephone bookings, please call 3166 1288. Package discounts will be available for purchasing different recitals under the “Hong Kong Artists” Series 2025 (including the Vocal Recital by Viola Cheung on November 13). For discount schemes and programme enquiries, please call 2268 7321 or visit www.lcsd.gov.hk/CE/CulturalService/Programme/en/music/programs_1838.html.
 
     The “Hong Kong Artists” Series of the LCSD aims to provide a platform for local artists to showcase their remarkable talent. In addition to individual performances, it also encourages cross-genre works to highlight their unique styles. This year’s series introduces 12 distinguished musicians in seven stunning programmes, featuring violin, piano, cello, guzheng and vocal arts. Among them, a cross-genre performance of music and painting was staged to showcase Hong Kong’s unique cultural character, embracing diversity and innovation. For more information, please visit www.lcsd.gov.hk/CE/CulturalService/Programme/en/music/groups_1823.html.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     Following is the speech by the Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Professor Sun Dong, at the Hong Kong Institute for Astronomy and Astrophysics (HKIAA) Inauguration Ceremony & the First HKIAA Symposium today (November 3):

Professor Zhang Xiang (President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Hong Kong), Professor Zhang Bing (Founding Director of the HKIAA and Chair of Astrophysics, Department of Physics of the University of Hong Kong), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, 

     Good morning. It is my great pleasure to witness the inauguration of the Hong Kong Institute for Astronomy and Astrophysics today. On behalf of the HKSAR (Hong Kong Special Administrative Region) Government, I would like to extend my warm congratulations to the University of Hong Kong for reaching this significant milestone.

     Hong Kong has always been a place where curiosity meets opportunity. With the establishment of the HKIAA, we are taking a vital and visionary step to position our Hong Kong at the forefront of astrophysical research and technological innovation. Astronomy and astrophysics study the stars, planets, galaxies, and the universe itself, seeking answers to fundamental questions about dark matter, dark energy, black holes, the origins of the universe, and even the possibility of life beyond Earth. Addressing these profound mysteries requires brilliant ideas, advanced technology for developing state-of-the-art telescopes, and fruitful collaboration among scientists from diverse backgrounds.

     The HKIAA will serve as a dynamic platform where scientists, researchers and students from around the world can collaborate on frontier projects that expand our understanding of the cosmos. It will strengthen Hong Kong’s role as a global hub for scientific excellence, attracting top talent and fostering partnerships with leading international institutions. It will also create unique opportunities to promote collaboration on emerging industries between Hong Kong and the Mainland, especially within the Greater Bay Area.

     Astronomy and astrophysics are deeply intertwined with the aerospace industry. The former inspires the scientific vision and theoretical foundation, while the latter provides the engineering solutions such as satellites, telescopes and probes, that make explorations possible. To promote the development of aerospace science and technology, and support space economy, the Hong Kong Space Robotics and Energy Centre has been set up under the InnoHK research clusters to support the country’s Chang’e-8 mission. The Innovation and Technology Support Programme Special Call on Aerospace Technology has also allocated funding of more than $100 million to support six R&D (research and development) projects of universities.

     The establishment of HKIAA aligns with the Government’s vision to cultivate a thriving I&T (innovation and technology) ecosystem and provides academic and R&D support to building a robust space economy in Hong Kong. It is not just an academic study, it is about igniting the spark of innovation here on Earth. I am confident that the HKIAA will become a beacon of knowledge and discovery, illuminating the path toward a brighter and more innovative Hong Kong.

     Last but not least, December 7 is a big day for Hong Kong. Please call on your family, friends and colleagues to vote at the Legislative Council General Election together, to create a brighter future for Hong Kong. Let us embrace this new chapter with enthusiasm and chart a bold course towards the stars.

     May I wish the first HKIAA Symposium a great success. Thank you.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     Following is the speech by the Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, at the Hong Kong Fintech Week x StartmeupHK Festival today (November 3):

Honourable Deputy Governor Lu Lei (Deputy Governor of the People’s Bank of China, Mr Lu Lei), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, 

     Good morning. A warm welcome to this year’s Hong Kong FinTech Week and StartmeupHK Festival, running concurrently for the very first time – as we enter a new era of innovation.

     This strategic alliance, on the 10th anniversary of both flagship events, creates an unparalleled opportunity to amplify innovation, technology and global collaboration on an unprecedented scale.

     Your presence this week is equally unprecedented. This year’s event is the largest fintech gathering in Hong Kong’s history, bringing together more than 37 000 executives, 800 speakers and 700 exhibitors from over 100 economies. Networking never looked so good.

     Hong Kong is made for collaboration. Built for innovation, for companies, entrepreneurs, investors and professionals like you – each and every one of you here today and throughout this eventful week. 

     Our unique positioning is well recognised by the world. In September, Hong Kong placed third, overall, and tops in Asia, in the Global Financial Centres Index. The Index also named Hong Kong’s fintech hub number one, globally.

     Not surprising, given that Hong Kong is now home to more than 1 200 fintech companies, up 10 per cent from last year. Given, too, that our fintech sector is expected to exceed US$600 billion in total revenue by 2032, with a cheering growth rate exceeding 28 per cent a year.

     More good news. In September, the Shenzhen-Hong Kong-Guangzhou innovation cluster finished first in the World Intellectual Property Organisation’s top 100 innovation clusters – after placing second, overall, the previous five years. 

     It helps, too, that we continue to attract talented professionals. Indeed, Hong Kong placed fourth, globally, and first in Asia, in the World Talent Ranking. That’s up from ninth last year, and 16th the year before. And, let me add, Hong Kong finished number one in Asia, and world’s best in the percentage of science graduates. 

     In this year’s World Investment Report, released by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, our city moved up to third place, overall, in foreign direct investment inflows. 

     And, as you know, it’s been a banner year for initial public offerings (IPO) here in Hong Kong. In the first nine months of the year, IPO fundraising had surpassed US$23 billion, underlining and bold-facing Hong Kong’s revitalised status, as the world’s premier listing and capital-raising venue.

     These and other international kudos reflect Hong Kong’s status as a “super connector” and “super value-adder”. We help to link the markets from China, our country, with those around the globe. We help start-ups go from local prototypes to global success. 

     Under the “one country, two systems” principle, Hong Kong draws opportunities from both our country and the world. This dual advantage drives our connectivity and development.

     From January 2023 to September 2025, Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK), our dedicated investment promotion agency, has helped more than 1 400 overseas and Mainland companies establish or expand their businesses in Hong Kong. They have brought in more than US$24 billion in foreign direct investment, creating some 20 000 jobs within the first year of their operation or expansion.

     This week, we are welcoming more than 30 Mainland and international delegations here for Fintech Week and the StartmeupHK Festival. Tomorrow, the Global Financial Leaders’ Investment Summit returns, bringing together some 300 global financial leaders, including over 100 group chairmen or CEOs.

     Hong Kong’s role in connecting Mainland and international markets has never been clearer. 

     In my recent Policy Address, delivered in September, I introduced a series of initiatives to drive growth and strengthen Hong Kong’s competitiveness. 

     To cement our status as an international financial centre, we will deepen the equity market and expand world-class bond currency markets, while advancing the insurance and asset and wealth management sectors. 

     In equities, we will support technology companies from the Mainland in fundraising, encourage overseas enterprises to pursue secondary listings here, and welcome the return of China Concept Stock companies from overseas markets, with Hong Kong as their preferred destination.
 
     We are committed to enhancing bond market infrastructure, establishing connections with overseas markets such as Switzerland and the United Arab Emirates.

     Hong Kong is proud to be the world’s largest offshore Renminbi hub. We will continue to support its growing use in our economy. The Hong Kong Monetary Authority will make use of the Currency Swap Agreement with the People’s Bank of China to give companies longer-term Renminbi financing for trade, operations and capital expenditure.

     To strengthen asset and wealth management, we will enhance preferential tax regimes for funds, single-family offices and carried interest. The Capital Investment Entrant Scheme will also be relaxed to encourage more investors.

     In fintech, our Monetary Authority’s Project Ensemble is exploring tokenisation in conventional finance, while applying the supervisory sandbox to boost innovation under prudent risk management.

    We are also accelerating the transformation of innovation and technology, focusing on key sectors such as artificial intelligence (AI), life and health sciences, new energy and aerospace. 

     From building AI research clusters and enabling cross-boundary clinical trials to advancing hydrogen infrastructure, our goal is to help emerging industries scale and thrive.

     At the same time, we are strengthening collaboration with the Mainland to build a green and sustainable finance market supporting long-term development.

     We are committed to contributing to national development while deepening international exchanges and co-operation.

     The GoGlobal Task Force, announced in my latest Policy Address, was launched last month. It is designed to help Mainland businesses expand overseas using Hong Kong as their springboard. Working with InvestHK, our Economic and Trade Offices, the Trade Development Council and other governmental agencies, GoGlobal will smooth the way for Mainland companies to find foreign markets and global capital. Plenty of opportunities there for all concerned.

     In short, ladies and gentlemen, the future is bright for Hong Kong and the companies, investors and talent that work with Hong Kong.

     This year’s anniversary editions of Hong Kong FinTech Week and the StartmeupHK Festival will give you a jump-start on the promising future of co-operation. This flagship event, very much like Hong Kong, connects you with a world of promising opportunities, together with the latest insights, intelligence and innovative technology.

     The main conference, today and tomorrow, features 11 targeted forums ranging from health and Insurtech to digital finance and assets, blockchain, AI, a China-Global Innovation Forum and more. And the international exhibition area spotlights finance, fintech and other advanced technology.

     I am grateful to the organisers – the Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau, and Invest HK, among others – together with our many supporters, for staging this vital global gathering over the past 10 years. A decade of success.

     And while you’re here, with us, I urge you to invest some time exploring Hong Kong, the world’s rising East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange – and good times.

     I wish you all a rewarding week and the best of fintech, start-ups and investment in the coming year.

     Thank you.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Transport Department (TD) today (November 3) reminded members of the public that, starting from January 25, 2026, all public transport and commercial vehicles’ seated passengers must wear seat belts. From the same day onwards, all drivers must not use more than two mobile telecommunications devices (MTDs) during driving. Both new requirements aim to further enhance road, passenger and driving safety.

(1) Extending requirements for mandatory fitting and wearing of seat belts

     All passenger’s seats in public and private buses (including franchised buses and student service vehicles (SSVs)); rear passenger’s seats in private light buses (including SSVs) and goods vehicles (GVs); and driver’s seats and all passenger’s seats of special purpose vehicles (SPVs) must be equipped with seat belts for these vehicles first registered from January 25, 2026. From the same day, passengers occupying the seats of these vehicles (whether newly registered or not), where seat belts are fitted, will be required to wear them. Any vehicle owner, driver or passenger breaching the seat belt-fitting or wearing requirements will be liable to a maximum fine of $5,000 and imprisonment for up to three months.

     Of note, any driver who still operates the vehicle with a passenger aged under 15 seated in the rear seat of a GV or the passenger’s seat of an SPV without wearing a seat belt will be subject to a maximum fine of $2,000. All passengers seated in the seats shall be responsible for wearing the seat belts.

     In addition, to strike a balance between enhancing protection for students and addressing the trade’s operational needs, existing SSVs must retrofit seat belts and safer seats on all passenger seats before December 31, 2028. From that day onwards, vehicles failing to meet such requirement will no longer be permitted to carry students. As for franchised buses, all newly procured buses have been equipped with seat belts on every seat since July 2018 and operators have retrofitted seat belts on all upper deck seats of about 1 900 existing buses.

     A spokesman for the TD said, “Wearing seat belts offers effective protection to passengers in an accident. Studies show that it will reduce the risk of death and serious injury of drivers and passengers in head-on collisions by about 40 per cent and 70 per cent respectively. Further, the full implementation of the fitting of seat belts in SSVs helps cultivate the habit of wearing seat belts from an early age, thereby strengthening students’ awareness of road safety.”

(2) Tightening use of MTDs during driving

     Driving attentively is key to road safety. Balancing considerations including the transport trades’ needs and technological advancements, from January 25, 2026, any driver must not place more than two MTDs (i.e. mobile phones, tablet computers or laptop computers) in front of them during driving. The diagonal length of their screen must not exceed 19 centimetres. The MTDs must not obstruct the driver’s view of the road and traffic as well as any mirror, device or camera-monitor fitted for viewing the roads.

     Drivers contravening the new requirements may be liable to a maximum fine of $2,000, the spokesman added.

     The TD will work with the Police, relevant departments, the Road Safety Council and public transport operators to step up publicity and public education for drivers and passengers on the legal requirements. The TD will also conduct publicity works for transport trades gradually. Members of the public may refer to the TD’s webpage on seat belts (www.td.gov.hk/en/road_safety/sb) and the use of MTDs during driving (www.td.gov.hk/en/road_safety/mtd) or the Agent T Facebook page (www.facebook.com/AgentT.hk), or call the hotline 2804 2600 for details.

     Following the passage by the Legislative Council, the Road Traffic (Construction and Maintenance of Vehicles) (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulation 2025, the Road Traffic (Safety Equipment) (Amendment) Regulation 2025 and the Road Traffic (Traffic Control) (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulation 2025 will come into effect on January 25, 2026.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Labour Department (LD) is highly concerned about a fatal work accident that happened at a construction site in Sau Mau Ping this afternoon (November 2), in which a male worker, while erecting a bamboo scaffold on the external wall of a building under construction, fell from height. He was certified dead at the scene. The LD is saddened by the death of the worker and expresses its deepest sympathy to his family.

     The LD’s spokesman said, “We commenced an immediate on-site investigation as soon as we were notified of the accident and have issued suspension notices to the contractors concerned, suspending the erection, alteration, dismantling and use of bamboo scaffolds on the external walls of the buildings in the site. The contractors cannot resume the work process until the LD is satisfied that suitable measures to abate the relevant risks have been taken.”

     The spokesman added, “We will complete the investigation as soon as possible to identify the cause of the accident, ascertain the liability of the duty holders and recommend improvement measures. We will take actions pursuant to the law if there is any violation of the work safety legislation.”

       To prevent workers from falling from height while engaged in scaffolding work, the LD reminds employers to take suitable safety measures, including providing every scaffolder with a suitable safety harness that is attached continuously to a suitable and secure anchor point, an independent lifeline or a fall arresting system, and ensuring the proper use of the safety equipment by the workers concerned throughout the work. 

     The general duty provisions of the Occupational Safety and Health Ordinance require employers to provide safe working environments, plant and systems of work for their employees. Those who contravene the relevant provisions are liable to a maximum fine of $10 million and imprisonment for two years.

     In regard to today’s accident, the LD will issue a Work Safety Alert through its mobile application “OSH 2.0”, website and email, giving a brief account of the accident concerned to duty holders, workers’ unions, professional bodies of safety practitioners and others, and reminding the industry of the importance of following safety precautionary measures to prevent a recurrence of similar accidents.

     The LD will also remind the employer concerned of the liability for employees’ compensation under the Employees’ Compensation Ordinance, assist family members of the deceased to claim employees’ compensation and closely follow up on the case. For those with financial difficulties, the LD will assist them to apply for appropriate emergency funds. Subject to the needs and wishes of the family members of the deceased, the LD will also liaise with the Social Welfare Department for financial or other assistance.

     For the sake of securing the safety and health of employees at work, the LD appeals to employers to provide plant and systems of work that are safe and without risks to health. Employees should also co-operate with their employers, adopt all safety measures and use personal protective equipment provided properly to avoid endangering their own work safety and that of other workers.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Tokyo (Tokyo ETO), together with Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK), facilitated the participation of Japanese fintech companies in Hong Kong FinTech Week x StartmeupHK Festival 2025 to be held from tomorrow (November 3) to November 7, where they will engage with global stakeholders to learn about the latest developments and opportunities in Hong Kong’s innovation and technology ecosystem.
 
     More than 100 members of the Japanese delegation, including senior representatives from Japan’s government and business sectors, will attend Hong Kong FinTech Week x StartmeupHK Festival 2025 and take part in a series of exchange activities in Hong Kong and Shenzhen, including a Greater Bay Area tour. The Chief Advisor for International Finance of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, Mr Hiromi Yamaoka, and the Head of Finolab of Japan, Mr Makoto Shibata, will also serve as speakers at the main forum.
 
     Eight Japanese companies will exhibit at the Japan Pavilion, showcasing their latest business developments to leading fintech innovators, start-up entrepreneurs, investors, and other industry stakeholders from around the world to explore new business opportunities. In addition, with the co-ordination of Tokyo ETO and InvestHK, members of the delegation will meet with senior representatives of Cyberport and join a series of keynote sessions, panel discussions, and investor matching activities at the Cyberport Venture Capital Forum 2025, as well as attend the Elevator Pitch International Competition 2025 organised by Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation, fostering exchanges and collaboration among enterprises.
 
     Marking its 10th anniversary, the Hong Kong FinTech Week and StartmeupHK Festival not only celebrate a decade of Hong Kong’s innovation journey but also highlight the deep integration of technology and economic growth, serving as an iconic symbol of Hong Kong’s forward-looking development. Last year’s event attracted over 37 000 participants from more than 100 economies, featuring over 800 speakers and 700 sponsors and exhibitors, underscoring its global scale and influence.
 
     Tokyo ETO will continue to strengthen Japanese enterprises’ understanding of Hong Kong’s latest policy initiatives and business opportunities, encouraging overseas companies to leverage Hong Kong’s global advantages to expand their business worldwide. At the same time, Tokyo ETO will support the Task Force on Supporting Mainland Enterprises in Going Global launched earlier, supporting Mainland companies in expanding their overseas business, with a view to underlining Hong Kong’s dual roles in “going global and attracting foreign investment”.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Transport Department today (November 2) reminded members of the public that the 65th round of computer ballot registration for submitting applications for Northbound Travel for Hong Kong Vehicles (the scheme) will be open from 10am tomorrow (November 3) to 11.59pm on November 6, and the ballot result will be announced on November 7.
 
Eligible applicants for the scheme can register for computer balloting through the designated website (www.hzmbqfs.gov.hk). Successful balloting applicants are required to submit applications for the scheme within the designated application period.
 

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, met the media in Gyeongju, Korea, this afternoon (November 1) after attending the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders’ Meeting and other related activities. Following are Mr Lee’s remarks:

Reporter: Good afternoon, Mr Lee. How were your encounters with President Xi Jinping during the APEC summit? Was there any important message on Hong Kong? With Shenzhen being the host city for next year’s APEC summit, any plans and expectations as to how Hong Kong can co-operate or facilitate with the summit? During this time, how would you capitalise on the outcomes that you have made during your time in Gyeongju? Thank you.

Chief Executive: President Xi cares very much about Hong Kong. And I was very glad that I could make use of this opportunity to report to him the latest social and economic developments of Hong Kong. We also very slightly touched on the political situation that we’re facing. I feel all along the sincere care of President Xi  for Hong Kong and his staunch support for Hong Kong. I am very grateful for that. He is a very affectionate leader. Each and every time he will be encouraging me to continue to do my job well, so I sincerely thank President Xi for that.

I’m of course very motivated to know that APEC 2026 will be held in our country – in Shenzhen. We’re thrilled, particularly when Shenzhen is our very neighbouring city. Our relationship is very close. The Hong Kong SAR (Special Administrative Region) Government will do all our best to support and co-operate with all the possible arrangements that will be of help to the overall launching of the meeting. I believe that of course the Central Government will take into consideration the whole arrangement of different setups of the APEC conference, and also will make reference to the guidelines that is laid down by APEC in respect of the arrangement for the meeting. The Hong Kong Government is fully prepared and will be very excited to be able to take any part to support the arrangement and the successful conduct of the APEC conference.

You asked about the achievements of my attendance at this APEC conference. We have made achievements in several areas. Through the participation in the APEC meeting, we contributed to the promotion of free trade and economic integration. First of all, the APEC economies jointly adopted and issued the Leaders’ Declaration, which is very important, because its emphasis on economic co-operation, connectivity and also the building of resilient supply chains. The Declaration addresses the importance of shared opportunities and challenges facing us, and important goal of “Connect”, “Innovate” and “Prosper”.

The second achievement is that, through the participation in these APEC meetings and activities, we further strengthened our ties with the host country – Korea. Different Secretaries of the Hong Kong SAR Government have attended APEC meetings in the two weeks prior to the actual summit, including the Financial Secretary, the Secretary for Justice, and also the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development. Korea is the fifth-largest trading partner of Hong Kong. And the trade has been increasing in the rate of 20 per cent year-on-year. On tourism, we welcomed , in 2024, 850 000 visitors from Korea. This is double the figure of the previous year. With the Kai Tak Sports Park opened, we have been welcoming a lot of K-pop performances, and we look forward to welcoming more Korean visitors as we have more exceptional performances. We signed an MOU (Memorandum of Understanding) with the Busan Asian Film School in September to allow Hong Kong filmmakers to participate in an eight-month training course in Busan. Also, the number of flights between Hong Kong and Busan has increased by about 70 per cent year-on-year in October this year, pursuing the increase in the number of exchanges both ways. We also opened up a new flight route to Daegu in June this year.

The third achievement is that we have strengthened relations and exchanges with various ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) countries. I had a bilateral meeting with the Prime Minister of Singapore, Mr Lawrence Wong. We touched on a wide range of issues that the immediate results of the discussions is that there will be a Hong Kong delegation comprising Permanent Secretaries to visit Singapore. This will be the second visit after the last visit in 2023 by Permanent Secretaries from the Singaporean Government. Also, I discussed with the President of Indonesia, and we agreed to explore the possibility of Indonesian cultural and arts delegations visiting Hong Kong to perform. In regards to the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (ETO) which we want to set up in Malaysia, I’m glad to be informed that, in the discussion with the Prime Minister of Malaysia, both of us are very keen and optimistic that the ETO will be in operation before the end of this year in Kuala Lumpur.

The fourth achievement is that we have deepened exchanges and co-operation with the Middle East. I met with the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, and we talked about various issues. He indicated that Hong Kong is a very attractive place for investments, certainly one of the focus areas. And one important thing is Hong Kong is a bridge to Mainland cities, so he has indicated that he will be paying a lot of attention to the Hong Kong market. We welcomed that very much.

The fifth achievement is that we have strengthened exchanges with the international organisation of IMF (International Monetary Fund). I met with the Managing Director, and I first of all talked about Hong Kong’s strengths as an international financial centre. In fact, the IMF did an article for consultation a year before, and confirmed Hong Kong’s position as the one of the world’s three major international financial centres and recognising the resilience and strengths that are in our regime.

We will capitalise on the visit on this occasion, so that we will continue to strengthen ties with different economies and also follow up some of the issues that we brought up in the discussion.

(Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the remarks.)

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Fire Services Department (FSD) held the Winter Disaster and Emergency Preparedness Promotional Months launching ceremony and Fire Services Department Community Emergency Responder (FSDCER) award ceremony at New Town Plaza in Sha Tin today (November 1). The event officially commenced a series of winter disaster preparedness promotional activities, while a number of organisations actively promoting the FSDCER scheme in the community were commended.

This year, three techniques on emergency preparedness, namely “seal the door and wait for rescue”, “put on fire escape hoods for protection”, and “detection and early warning”, are featured areas of the Promotional Months. Members of the public are encouraged to learn skills of sealing door gaps with adhesive tapes and wearing fire escape hoods to filter smoke and hazardous gases, so as to stay safe when waiting for rescue at home in cases of infeasible fire evacuation. They can also install stand-alone fire detectors to receive early alert and make a timely escape when a fire breaks out. At the event, the FSD targeted to enhance public awareness of disaster and emergency preparedness through door-sealing demonstrations, fire escape hood and stand-alone fire detector displays, interactive exhibition areas, booth games, and more.

Speaking at the ceremony, the Deputy Director of Fire Services (Public Safety and Corporate Strategy), Mr Wong Ka-wing, expressed his gratitude to the 18 District Fire Safety Committees for strengthening community efforts in promoting disaster and emergency preparedness education. Under the co-ordination of the Fire Services Department Community Collaboration Network, all districts have successfully met the target set in key performance indicators (KPIs) for public safety strategy and made a remarkable achievement. The KPIs concerned include efforts in promoting fire safety information to residents of buildings with potential risks of fire hazards, assisting residents to install stand-alone fire detectors, and distributing “The Three Treasures for Fire Protection”.

Mr Wong said that over 6 500 citizens from various age groups and sectors have received training under the FSDCER scheme to grasp basic skills on firefighting, self-rescue and first aid. He thanked community groups and organisations for arranging their staff members to receive training, in support of the scheme. At the event, 17 organisations were presented with certificates at the FSDCER award ceremony in recognition of their contribution to promoting disaster preparedness across public and private sectors.

Mr Wong emphasised that voting is a civic responsibility for every voter. He called on the public to cherish and cast their votes in the Legislative Council General Election on December 7, electing competent representatives to help turn Hong Kong into an even better home for everyone.

Throughout the promotional months, the FSD will collaborate with various District Offices, District Fire Safety Committees, and community partners to host a range of disaster and emergency preparedness events including carnivals, fire station open days and publicity events at shopping malls. The FSD’s mobile publicity vehicle will also tour the city to disseminate disaster and emergency preparedness messages to the public. Latest information of the activities will be available at the FSD’s social media platforms and the Hong Kong Fire Services Department Mobile Application.

The Winter Disaster and Emergency Preparedness Promotional Months is one of the key initiatives under the Fire Services Department’s Disaster Management Programme funded by the Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust, with an aim to enhance the community’s resilience to disasters. The FSDCER Scheme is also funded by the Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

Police today (November 1) appealed to the public for information on a woman who went missing in Tsing Yi.

Kam Lai-fan, aged 67, went missing after she was last seen at the Tsing Yi Promenade yesterday (October 31) morning. Her family then made a report to Police.

She is about 1.6 metres tall, 50 kilograms in weight and of medium build. She has a square face with yellow complexion and short black hair. She was last seen wearing a red long-sleeved jacket, a pink short-sleeved T-shirt, black trousers, black shoes and carrying a red backpack.

Anyone who knows the whereabouts of the missing woman or may have seen her is urged to contact the Regional Missing Persons Unit of New Territories South on 3661 1176 or email to rmpu-nts-2@police.gov.hk, or contact any police station.