Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Development Office stages roving exhibition at universities to showcase Greater Bay Area opportunities

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Development Office stages roving exhibition at universities to showcase Greater Bay Area opportunities 
     A spokesman for the Office said that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government proactively aligns with the 15th Five-Year Plan, deeply engages in the development of the GBA, and better integrates into and serves the overall national development. The Government of the HKSAR attaches great importance to youth development and has continued to introduce a number of policy measures in various areas to support Hong Kong young people in grasping opportunities for internships, employment and entrepreneurship in the GBA, and encourage them to realise their aspirations on a bigger stage.
 
     This year’s roving exhibition kicked off today at Youth Square, the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Baptist University and the Education University of Hong Kong. The exhibition offers rich information including the introduction of policy measures in different areas of the GBA, support programmes and facilitation arrangements for Hong Kong young people, various on-the-ground support services provided by the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Development Promotion Centre as well as diversified channels for obtaining the latest practical information about the GBA, to help young people seize the numerous opportunities in the GBA.
 
     The roving exhibition has received venue support from the eight universities and the Civic Education Resource Centre of Youth Square. Details on the exhibition are as follows:
 

Exhibition period# Open from 9am to 6pm (closed on public holidays).
* Valid staff card, student card or registration is required for entry to the campus. Please refer to the specific regulations of each campus.
Issued at HKT 14:45

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Labour Department highly concerned about fatal work accident that happened in Kai Tak today

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Labour Department highly concerned about fatal work accident that happened in Kai Tak today 
     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 use of mobile cranes for lifting operation at site concerned. 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 being struck or trapped by loads when engaged in unrigging process, the LD reminds employers to (i) ensure that the place supporting the loads is secure; and (ii) formulate proper unrigging methods for detaching lifting gear so as to prevent displacement of the objects in the course of unrigging operations.
 
     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 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 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. 
Issued at HKT 23:58

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LegCo House Committee and Finance Committee elect Chairmen and Deputy Chairmen

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

LegCo House Committee and Finance Committee elect Chairmen and Deputy Chairmen 
     The nomination period for the offices of Chairmen and Deputy Chairmen of the Legislative Council House Committee (HC) and the Finance Committee (FC) for the 2026 session closed at 5pm today (January 12).
 
     There is only one valid nomination each for the offices of Chairmen and Deputy Chairmen of the two Committees, therefore:Issued at HKT 17:42

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Chan kin-por positions suspended

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Government today said the Chief Executive has approved a request from Chan Kin-por to suspend three public positions held by Mr Chan until the work of the independent committee in relation to the fire at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po is completed.

Mr Chan made the request to give himself more time to dedicate to the committee’s work.

The three public positions held by Mr Chan are: Chairman of the Independent Commission Against Corruption Advisory Committee on Corruption; Non-executive Director of the Urban Renewal Authority Board; and Member of the Honours and Non-official Justices of the Peace Selection Committee. He was appointed to these positions by the Chief Executive.

On December 12, the Government established an independent committee to examine the causes of the fire and related issues. It is chaired by David Lok, with Chan Kin-por and Rex Auyeung serving as members.

Mr Chan wrote to the Chief Executive to express his wish to suspend his other public positions. After due consideration, the Chief Executive has agreed to and approved this request.

The Government thanked Mr Chan for accepting appointment as a member of the independent committee. It added that it looks forward to him resuming the abovementioned positions when the independent committee’s work is completed.

Roving GBA youth expo launches

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

A roving exhibition showcasing Greater Bay Area opportunities for students and young people opened today and will be hosted at eight universities and the Civic Education Resource Centre at Youth Square in Chai Wan between now and late March.

Highlighting that the policies of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government align fully with the 15th Five-Year Plan and support the bay area’s development, the Constitutional & Mainland Affairs Bureau said the exhibition offers a wealth of information to assist young people in seizing opportunities in the bay area.

Such information spans policy measures relating to different aspects of the GBA, support programmes and facilitation arrangements for young Hongkongers, support services provided by the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Development Promotion Centre, and the channels for accessing further updates.

Registration or the presentation of a valid staff or student card will be required for entry to the campuses of certain universities hosting the exhibition.

Click here for details.

2 events awarded ‘M’ Mark status

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Major Sports Events Committee has awarded “M” Mark status to the Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon 2026 and the Longines Hong Kong International Horse Show 2026.

The marathon will be held on January 18 while the horse show will be held from January 30 to February 1.

Committee Chairman Wilfred Ng said today that the two events allow local citizens and tourists to experience the allure of sports and highlight Hong Kong’s diverse culture and vibrant energy, strengthening the city’s position as a centre for major international sports events.

He noted that the marathon stands out as one of the city’s most popular running events, which attracts professional and amateur runners from around the world to showcase their competitive spirit against the backdrop of Hong Kong’s unique urban landscape.

The international horse show, to be held at AsiaWorld-Expo, will showcase the elegance and power of equestrianism splendidly, Mr Ng added.

EDB reminds parents to choose primary schools under Central Allocation process for their children

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     The Education Bureau (EDB) today (January 12) reminded parents that children who have joined the Primary One Admission (POA) System for 2026 but have not yet secured a discretionary place can take part in the Central Allocation process for a Primary One (P1) place in a government or aided primary school. Parents concerned should make their choice of schools within the period from January 19 to 25.

Digitalisation of POA
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Major Sports Events Committee awards “M” Mark status to “Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon 2026” and “Longines Hong Kong International Horse Show 2026”

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

The following is issued on behalf of the Major Sports Events Committee:
 
     The Major Sports Events Committee (MSEC) has awarded “M” Mark status to the “Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon 2026” (January 18) and the “Longines Hong Kong International Horse Show 2026” (January 30 to February 1).
      
     The Chairman of the MSEC, Mr Wilfred Ng, said today (January 12), “With the beginning of 2026, more ‘M’ Mark events will follow one after another. Among them, the Hong Kong Marathon stands out as one of the city’s most popular running events. It attracts professional and amateur runners from around the world to showcase their competitive spirit against the backdrop of Hong Kong’s unique urban landscape. As for the Longines Hong Kong International Horse Show to be held at the AsiaWorld-Expo, it will showcase the elegance and power of equestrianism splendidly. These two events allow local citizens and tourists to experience the allure of sports and highlight Hong Kong’s diverse culture and vibrant energy, strengthening Hong Kong’s position as a centre for major international sports events.”
      
     The “M” Mark System aims to encourage and help local National Sports Associations and private or non-government organisations to organise more major international sports events and nurture them into sustainable undertakings. Sports events meeting the assessment criteria will be considered for “M” Mark status by the MSEC. Funding support will also be provided to some events. The “M” Mark System aims to promote the development of major sports events, cultivate a sustainable sporting culture, enhance Hong Kong’s image as a centre for major international sports events and bring tangible economic benefits to the community.
      
     For details of “M” Mark events, please visit www.mevents.org.hk.

Speech by CS at Nobel Heroes Forum: Shaping Science and Future (English only)

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     Following is the speech by the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki, at the Nobel Heroes Forum: Shaping Science and Future today (January 12):

Dr Wong (Chairman of the University of Hong Kong (HKU) Council, Dr Peter Wong), Professor Zhang (President and Vice-Chancellor of the HKU, Professor Zhang Xiang), Mr Turner (Executive Director of Foundation Lindau Nobel Laureate Meetings, Mr Nikolaus Turner), distinguished Nobel Laureates, esteemed scientists, ladies and gentlemen, 
     Our strategy follows a powerful cycle: promoting technology with talent, leading industries with technology, and attracting talent with industries.

Hong Kong Customs extends Free Trade Agreement Transhipment Facilitation Scheme

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Hong Kong Customs extends Free Trade Agreement Transhipment Facilitation Scheme     ​
     Hong Kong Customs implemented the FTA Scheme on December 20, 2015, to provide traders with Customs supervision services and issue the Certificate of Non-manipulation to certify transshipment cargoes that have not undergone any further processing during their stay in Hong Kong. For applications, please visit www.customs.gov.hk/en/service-enforcement-information/trade-facilitation/fta/procedure/index.htmlIssued at HKT 9:00

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