Hong Kong Police Force and Korean National Police Agency sign MOU to strengthen co-operation

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Commissioner of Police, Mr Chow Yat-ming, led a delegation of the Hong Kong Police Force (HKPF) to Seoul, Korea, from July 28 to 29, where they visited various local police units and signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Korean National Police Agency (KNPA) to deepen strategic partnership and strengthen co-operation in combating cross-border crime and professional training.
 
     The delegation visited the Police Human Resources Development Institute and the Korean National Police University on July 28 to learn about the latest developments in police training, leadership development, and professional education by the Korean police, and to exchange experiences on talent cultivation and modern policing management.
 
     On July 29, the delegation met with the Acting Commissioner General of the Korean National Police Agency, Mr Yoo Jae-sung, to share insights on law enforcement issues of mutual concern and to explore opportunities for further deepening collaboration. Following the meeting, Mr Chow and Mr Yoo, representing the HKPF and the KNPA respectively, signed an MOU to establish a co-operation framework to strengthen joint efforts against cross-border crimes, including drug trafficking, human trafficking, cybercrime, and money laundering, while fostering intelligence exchange, capacity building, and professional training. The MOU will further enhance both sides’ capability to address the challenges posed by regional and international crime.
 
     The HKPF and the KNPA signed an MOU in 2015 and have since maintained close co-operation in areas including anti-deception efforts, large-scale event management, and police capacity building. The signing of the new agreement underscores both sides’ commitment to deepening collaboration in addressing emerging crime trends. Beyond enhancing public safety and crime-fighting capabilities in both jurisdictions, the agreement will leverage the partners’ networks to build a broader platform for law enforcement co-operation across the Asia-Pacific region.
 
     In the afternoon, the delegation visited the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency and the cybercrime investigation unit to learn about the latest local policing work and developments, as well as the most up-to-date strategies for combating technology crimes and addressing emerging cyber threats. The two sides also shared experiences on leveraging innovative technologies to enhance law enforcement effectiveness. The delegation concluded its visit and departed for Hong Kong in the evening.

              

Award-winning Spanish dance performance “PLAY” ignites sheer joy of play

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Award-winning Spanish dance performance “PLAY” ignites sheer joy of play  
     Everyday games and toys are reinvented through dance in this playground: swan-shaped floaties will perform “Swan Lake” ballet, pillows several times larger than a human will engage in a pillow fight, gigantic cat’s cradles will form countless patterns, and there will even be a tap dance performed by a mischievous troupe of fluffy dogs, ensuring an endless stream of dazzling surprises. 
 
     The production has swept the awards for Best Costume Design, Best Lighting Design and Best Original Score, and was named a finalist for Best Family Show at the 2020 MAX Awards in Spain. Designed for nothing but sheer joy, it invites all fun-loving children-at-heart to join the celebration.
 
     “PLAY” will be held at 3pm on August 8 and 9, and 7.30pm on August 8 at the Auditorium, Yuen Long Theatre. This programme is recommended for audience members aged 4 and above. Tickets priced at $220, $280 and $350 are now available at URBTIX (www.urbtix.hk 
     A meet-the-artist session will be held after the performance on August 9 for the audience to exchange views with the performers. In addition, parent-child dance workshops (in English with Cantonese interpretation) will be held at 11am and 5pm on August 9 at the Dance Studio of Yuen Long Theatre, where participants will learn a short dance piece through games, improvisation and physical contact. The workshops will close with an enjoyable group drawing exercise and are suitable for children aged 5 to 11 and their families. Tickets are priced at $120 for children and $180 for parents.
 
     For programme enquiries and concessionary schemes, please call 2370 1044 or visit
www.hkiac.gov.hkIssued at HKT 18:30

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Operational event at Taipingling Nuclear Power Station

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Operational event at Taipingling Nuclear Power Station 
     Severe Typhoon Noul made landfall at Pinghai Town, Huidong County, Guangdong Province, at 3.50am on July 26, with the landing point approximately 25 kilometres from the TPLNPS. TPLNPS had activated its typhoon emergency response and completed all emergency preparedness measures before the typhoon’s landfall. Due to the impact of the severe typhoon, two 500kV transmission lines of the power grid experienced sudden faults and tripped in succession at 4.39am. TPLNPS strictly followed the standardised operating procedures for unit control, and Unit 1 was switched to house-load mode for stable operation. Following emergency repairs, the transmission lines were restored to normal, and Unit 1 was successfully reconnected to the grid at 6.20am. 
 
     During the entire period affected by Typhoon Noul, the Unit of TPLNPS remained in a safe condition, the three safety barriers remained intact, and there was no release of radioactive substances. This deviation did not affect the safety of the Unit, the health of the workers, the nearby public or the environment. In accordance with the International Nuclear and Radiological Event Scale and the relevant nuclear safety regulations, this event falls under the category of “other event” that the operator of TPLNPS considers reportable, and was classified as a Level 0 deviation on July 27.
 
     CGN Huizhou Nuclear Power Co Ltd has reported the relevant situation to the nuclear safety regulatory authority in a timely manner, and will conduct internal experience feedback. It has also released the details of this event on its website (www.hznpc.com.cnIssued at HKT 18:28

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Latest situation of Hung Shing Yeh Beach and Cheung Chau Tung Wan Beach

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

Attention TV/radio announcers:

Please broadcast the following as soon as possible:

     Here is an item of interest to swimmers.

     The Leisure and Cultural Services Department announced today (July 30) that the shark prevention nets at Hung Shing Yeh Beach and Cheung Chau Tung Wan Beach in Islands District have been repaired, and the beaches are reopened.

     The beaches were temporarily closed earlier for shark prevention net maintenance work.

Latest situation of Silver Mine Bay Beach and Pui O Beach

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

Attention TV/radio announcers:
 
Please broadcast the following as soon as possible:
 
     Here is an item of interest to swimmers.
 
     The Leisure and Cultural Services Department announced today (July 30) that the shark prevention nets at Silver Mine Bay Beach and Pui O Beach in Islands District have been repaired, and the beaches are reopened. The beaches were temporarily closed earlier for shark prevention net maintenance work.
 
     However, according to the Beach Water Quality Forecast System of the Environmental Protection Department (www.epd.gov.hk/epd/english/environmentinhk/water/beach_quality/forecast_system.html), the Beach Water Quality Forecast Index for Silver Mine Bay Beach and Pui O Beach is 4, which means the predicted water quality at these beaches is “Very Poor” due to potential transient water quality fluctuations caused by heavy rain. Red flags have been hoisted, and beachgoers are advised not to enter the water to safeguard their health.

Suspected red tide sighted at Silverstrand Beach

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

Attention TV and radio announcers:

Please broadcast the following as soon as possible:

     Here is an item of interest to swimmers.

     The Leisure and Cultural Services Department announced today (July 30) that due to the sighting of a suspected red tide, the red flag has been hoisted at Silverstrand Beach in Sai Kung District. Beachgoers are advised not to swim at the beach until further notice.

Speech by SCED at BOC Life 11th Golden Age Expo and Summit Grand Opening (English only)

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     Following is the speech by the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Algernon Yau, at the BOC Life 11th Golden Age Expo and Summit Grand Opening this morning (July 30):
 
Dr Roy Chung (Honorary President of the Golden Age Foundation, the Founder and Chairman of the Bright Future Charitable Foundation), Professor Rebecca Choy Yung (Founder and Chair of Golden Age Foundation), Mr Wilson Tang (Chief Executive Officer of the BOC Group Life Assurance Company Limited), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
 
     Good morning. It is my great honour to join you today for the grand opening of the 11th Golden Age Expo and Summit. A very warm welcome to our friends from Hong Kong and around the world. This gathering of brilliant minds is a powerful testament to the immense potential and global significance of the silver economy. The development of the silver economy is a shared mission. It requires concerted efforts of the Government, business community, social organisations, and every one of us. This Summit provides exactly an excellent forum for dialogue, partnership, and collaboration.
 
     This year’s theme, “Connect.Collaborate.Co-innovate”, perfectly captures the spirit we need, in order to embrace the opportunities arising from our ageing population. It could not be more timely. Like many advanced economies, Hong Kong’s demographic is changing rapidly. Our population is ageing, and this presents not only a challenge, but also a profound opportunity. The National 15th Five-Year Plan highlights the importance of actively responding to population ageing by developing the silver economy, enriching the supply of age-friendly products and elderly services, and strengthening the financial and policy support for elderly care. These strategic directions provide important guidance for Hong Kong as we continue to develop a vibrant and sustainable silver economy.
 
     The silver economy encompasses all economic activities that meet the needs of our older population. It is a dynamic and growing market, driven by the needs, aspirations, and considerable purchasing power of our older generation. It is also a catalyst for innovation, job creation, and inclusive growth, creating value for our senior citizens while supporting sustainable economic development.
 
     Recognising this potential, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government has established a high-level Working Group on Promoting Silver Economy to drive cross-sectoral co-operation and formulate a comprehensive strategy. Since last year, the Working Group has rolled out 30 measures with fruitful results across five key areas, namely boosting “silver consumption”, developing the “silver industry”, promoting “quality assurance of silver products”, enhancing “silver financial and security arrangements”, and unleashing “silver productivity”. Today, I wish to highlight two of these areas. 
 
     First, on boosting “silver consumption”, it is essential to address the needs of the silver population. My Bureau has worked closely with the industry to increase silver elements at various exhibitions, bringing together a wider range of products and services closely related to the elderly’s daily life. Now, there are more dining options for seniors with swallowing difficulties in several major chain restaurants and food companies. The sales channels for this kind of care food have also become more developed. More suppliers of silver products are now capitalising on e-commerce marketing. In addition, the Hong Kong Consumer Council has launched the “Smart Seniors” Consumer eHub in January this year, providing a one-stop, elder-friendly information platform that helps seniors better protect their consumer rights. 
 
     Second, consumer confidence depends on quality assurance. That is why promoting “quality assurance of silver products” is fundamental. We encourage the industry to leverage Hong Kong’s strengths in testing technology and professional certification to ensure the delivery of high-quality silver products and services. There is now a Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) Standard for care food helping the industry improve the quality of soft meals and expand sales in the GBA.
 
     The Golden Age Expo and Summit is an ideal platform to turn our policies into action. It is more than an exhibition. It brings together ideas, innovation, investment and collaboration to unlock new opportunities for the silver economy. The Golden Age represents not just a stage of life, but also a golden opportunity for Hong Kong’s future development. Looking ahead, the HKSAR Government will continue to promote the silver economy. Together with the expertise, creativity and commitment of all of you, we can respond to the needs of our elderly more effectively, while giving a boost to our local economy.
 
     I wish the 11th Golden Age Expo and Summit every success, and for those travelling to Hong Kong to attend, a wonderful stay. Thank you.

Red flag hoisted at Ting Kau Beach

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

Attention TV/radio announcers:

Please broadcast the following as soon as possible:
 
     Here is an item of interest to swimmers.
 
     The Leisure and Cultural Services Department announced today (July 30) that according to the Beach Water Quality Forecast System of the Environmental Protection Department (www.epd.gov.hk/epd/english/environmentinhk/water/beach_quality/forecast_system.html), the Beach Water Quality Forecast Index for Ting Kau Beach in Tsuen Wan District is 4, which means the predicted water quality at this beach is “Very Poor” due to potential transient water quality fluctuations caused by heavy rain. The red flag has been hoisted, and beachgoers are advised not to enter the water to safeguard their health.

HKMA’s Response to US Fed’s Interest Rate Decision

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority:

The Federal Open Market Committee of the United States Federal Reserve (the Fed) announced earlier today (July 30, Hong Kong time) its decision to keep the target range for the federal funds rate unchanged at 3.5-3.75 per cent.
 
The policy decision is in line with market expectations. The statement released after the meeting indicated that economic activity was expanding at a solid pace and the labour market was stable, but inflation has remained elevated, reflecting that the Committee is watchful over the outlook on inflation. 
 
Hong Kong’s monetary and financial markets have continued to operate in an orderly manner. Under the Linked Exchange Rate System, Hong Kong dollar interbank rates generally track the US dollar counterparts, while shorter-tenor interbank rates tend to be also influenced by the supply and demand of Hong Kong dollar funding in the local market such as seasonal factors and capital market activities.
 
US interest rate adjustments will depend on developments in inflation, labour market, and other economic data, and may influence the interest rate environment in Hong Kong. The public should carefully manage interest rate risks when making decisions about property purchase, investment or borrowing. The HKMA will continue to closely monitor market developments and maintain monetary and financial stability.

Ministry of Finance issues Renminbi Sovereign Bonds through Central Moneymarkets Unit of Hong Kong Monetary Authority

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority:
 
     The Ministry of Finance will issue Renminbi Sovereign Bonds through the Central Moneymarkets Unit of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA). Please find attached the tender notice and the tender information memorandum of the Renminbi Sovereign Bonds to be issued by the Ministry of Finance. Please also find attached the tender-related information provided by the Issuing and Lodging Agent through the HKMA.