Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

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Mainland University Study Subsidy Scheme Opens for New Applications; “Smart Parent Net” Recommendation: Parent-child code – 接納與引導(Chinese version only)

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

The Mainland University Study Subsidy Scheme (MUSSS) aims to support Hong Kong students in pursuing undergraduate studies on the Mainland and ensure that no students will be deprived of post-secondary education opportunity due to a lack of means. MUSSS comprises two components: “means-tested subsidy” (eligible students who have passed a means test will receive either a full-rate subsidy or a half-rate subsidy, depending on their needs) and “non-means-tested subsidy”. The subsidy is granted on a yearly basis, and the subsidised period is the normal duration of the undergraduate programme pursued by the student concerned in a designated Mainland institution. Eligible applicants can only receive either a means-tested subsidy or a non-means-tested subsidy in the same academic year. MUSSS is not subject to any quota.

For the 2024/25 academic year, there are 197 designated Mainland institutions. The means-tested subsidy and the non-means-tested subsidy will be disbursed to eligible students based on the distance between the location of their institutions and Hong Kong, which will be grouped under three categories, category (I) for distances less than 450 km, category (II) for distances between 450 km and 1 000 km as well as category (III) for distances over 1 000 km. Details of the subsidy rates under the different categories will be announced later.(a) having right of abode Note(1)(b) having received and completed senior secondary education in Hong Kong Note(2)(c) pursuing undergraduate studies in any of the 197 designated Mainland institutions in the 2024/25 academic year.(a) having right of abode Note(1)(b) having received and completed senior secondary education in Hong Kong Note(2)(c) pursuing undergraduate studies in any of the 197 designated Mainland institutions in the 2024/25 academic year; and
(d)(1) attained “3322” Note(3)(d)(2) pursuing studies in Huaqiao University through “Pilot Scheme on the Articulation of Hong Kong Sub-degree Graduates to Huaqiao University”; OR
(d)(3) admitted to a Mainland institution through the “School Principal Nomination Scheme” under the “Scheme for Admission of Hong Kong Students to Mainland Higher Education Institutions”.(1) A student who is expected to receive his/her right of abode within the 2024/25 academic year may also apply.(2) To also cover schools for Hong Kong children on the Mainland listed under the HKDSE Participating School List published by the Hong Kong Examinations and Assessment Authority. For the 2024/25 academic year, HKDSE graduates from Shenzhen Hong Kong Pui Kiu College Longhua Xinyi School and Affiliated School of JNU for Hong Kong and Macao Students are eligible to apply provided that they also fulfill other criteria listed under “Eligibility” of MUSSS.(3) Applicable to HKDSE results obtained on or before 2023.(4) Citizenship and Social Development subject replaced the original Liberal Studies subject in the 2024 HKDSE. The scoring criteria for the Citizenship and Social Development subject is “Attained” and “Not Attained”, with “A” representing “Attained”. The HKDSE results obtained in 2024 or later have been revised to “332A”.

Eligible students are required to submit their applications via the MUSSS Electronic Application Platform (https://musss.edb.gov.hk) or send the completed application forms and relevant supporting documents by post to EDB on or before 13 September 2024.

Details of MUSSS (including the list of designated Mainland institutions) are available at the EDB website (http://www.edb.gov.hk/musss).

Enquiries should be directed to 2827 1112 or musss@edb.gov.hk.

 

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National Industrial Corridor Development Corporation (NICDC) honoured with Udyog Vikas Award

Source: Government of India

National Industrial Corridor Development Corporation (NICDC) honoured with Udyog Vikas Award

Palakkad Industrial Smart City to reshape Kerala’s industrial landscape: Union Minister for State for Heavy Industries, Public Enterprises, and Steel, Shri Bhupathi Raju Srinivasa Varma

Union Government committed to developing Greenfield Industrial Smart Cities across India

Posted On: 26 APR 2025 10:57AM by PIB Delhi

National Industrial Corridor Development Corporation (NICDC) was honoured with the Udyog Vikas Award during the Udyog Vikas event organised by Janmabhumi Daily, a leading news daily in the state of Kerala. The event was graced by the presence of the Minister of State for Heavy Industries, Public Enterprises, and Steel, Shri Bhupathi Raju Srinivasa Varma who highlighted the Union Government’s steadfast commitment to developing state-of-the-art Greenfield Industrial Smart Cities across India.

During his address, Shri Varma lauded the transformational potential of the Integrated Manufacturing Cluster (IMC) at Palakkad, stating that the project is poised to reshape the infrastructure and industrial landscape of Kerala and the broader southern region of the country.

The event also featured a technical session focusing on the National Industrial Corridor Development Programme, providing in-depth insights into the strategic vision, planning, and progress of the upcoming Palakkad Industrial Smart City. A dedicated session by NICDC Logistics Data Services Ltd. (NLDSL) further elaborated on the innovative digital solutions being deployed through the Logistics Data Bank (LDB) and Unified Logistics Interface Platform (ULIP).

The Palakkad Industrial Smart City, spanning 1,710 acres across Pudussery Central, Pudussery West, and Kannambra, represents a major milestone in Kerala’s industrial development. Strategically located 21 km from Palakkad city, 120 km from Cochin, and 50 km from Coimbatore, the project offers seamless interstate connectivity and significant logistical advantages, positioning it as a key industrial gateway for South India. With robust multi-modal connectivity via road, rail, and air, the city is designed to attract high-quality investments and drive regional employment and innovation.

Key project milestones include:

  1. 81% of required land already in possession.
  2. Environmental clearances for all land parcels granted on January 01, 2025.
  3. Letter of Award issued to Project Management and Construction Consultant.
  4. Finalization of EPC tender documents in progress.

The event also showcased NLDSL’s contributions to transforming India’s logistics ecosystem. Since its inception in September 2022, ULIP has integrated 43 systems from 11 ministries, connected through 129 APIs and more than 1,800 data fields, empowering over 1,300 registered companies and enabling more than 100 crore API transactions. This technology-driven platform exemplifies Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision for a unified, efficient, and transparent logistics network in India.

NICDC’s recognition at the Udyog Vikas event underlines its vital role in catalyzing India’s industrial transformation and enhancing the country’s competitiveness in the global manufacturing and logistics arena.

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Abhishik Dayal/ Abhijith Narayanan/ Ishita Biswas

(Release ID: 2124461) Visitor Counter : 101

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“Raising societal awareness about manuscripts is essential: Dr. Sachchidanand Joshi

Source: Government of India

“Raising societal awareness about manuscripts is essential:  Dr. Sachchidanand Joshi

IGNCA Launches Essential Book on the Preservation and Interpretation of India’s Manuscript Heritage

Posted On: 25 APR 2025 9:00PM by PIB Delhi

The Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA), through its Kalānidhi Division, organised the release and discussion of the significant book ‘ Pandulipi evam Samikshit Patha- Sampadan’ (Abhinav Paramarsh ke Sath)” authored by Prof. Vasantkumar M. Bhatt. The event was presided over by Dr. Sachchidanand Joshi, Member Secretary, IGNCA, with Prof. Ramesh Chandra Bhardwaj, former Vice Chancellor of Maharshi Valmiki Sanskrit University, as the Chief Guest.

Alongside the author, the programme featured remarks from Prof. Ramesh Chandra Gaur, Head of the Kalānidhi Division and Dean (Administration); Dr. Kirtikant Sharma, co-editor of the volume; and Prof. Shiv Shankar Mishra, Head of the Research Department at Shri Lal Bahadur Shastri National Sanskrit University. This publication offers a significant study of India’s manuscript tradition, diverse methodologies of textual editing, and the contemporary relevance of critically edited texts. The panel discussion held alongside the release reflected deeply on the need to preserve, study, and reinterpret India’s knowledge systems. The event saw enthusiastic participation from research scholars, academicians, Sanskrit experts, and distinguished figures from the fields of art and culture.

Dr. Sachchidanand Joshi, while speaking at the occasion, emphasised the need to bring manuscriptology into wider discourse beyond academic circles and described the published volume as a much-needed and pertinent contribution to the field. He noted that manuscripts are not merely archival records but living repositories of civilisational knowledge that must be actively studied, interpreted, and shared. He informed the audience about the ‘Gyan Bharatam’ initiative of the Government of India, under which efforts are being made to integrate traditional knowledge systems-particularly manuscripts-into contemporary educational and cultural frameworks. Since its inception, IGNCA has been a key institution in manuscriptology, undertaking wide-ranging and major works that extend beyond national borders. Dr. Joshi highlighted that IGNCA has led efforts in preserving manuscripts from India, Thailand, Vietnam, Mongolia and others. He underlined that such vast undertakings cannot be sustained by a single institution alone and called for collaborative engagement from scholars, technologists, and cultural practitioners. Subsequently, he highlighted the need for greater societal awareness about manuscripts, stressing that the responsibility extends beyond one institution.

He also mentioned IGNCA’s manuscript reading courses, aimed at building capacity and sparking interest among students and researchers.“These texts must not remain with conservators alone; their meaning must be accessible to all,” he stated. Through these courses, the Centre seeks to both conserve and cultivate a community engaged with these rich traditions.

Praising the book, Prof. Ramesh Chandra Bhardwaj said, “This book is so important that it will shape the future of the country, as millions of manuscripts lie in India, and it is the youth who will carry forward the task of preserving them. This is the book that will provide the youth with vision, and they will do much work in this field going forward. Therefore, we must dedicate this book to society and the nation as an exemplary work.” He further emphasised that this book serves as a foundational text in the field, bridging the gap in both Sanskrit scholarship and the broader study of manuscripts. On this occasion, Prof. Vasantkumar M. Bhatt, while discussing the book, elaborated on the process of textual editing of manuscripts in India. He mentioned that earlier, before writing a commentary on any text, our commentators would gather manuscripts from different regions. He emphasised that the foundational text should be edited with thoughtful deliberations, ensuring it is placed in the right context, thereby facilitating a deeper understanding and meaningful engagement with its content. Dr. Kirtikant Sharma and Professor Shiv Shankar Mishra also shared their views on the occasion.

Earlier, Prof. Ramesh Chandra Gaur delivered the welcome address, setting the tone for the event. He expressed his gratitude to all attendees and highlighted the significance of the book launch in the context of manuscript studies.

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Sunil Kumar Tiwari

pibculture[at]gmail[dot]com

(Release ID: 2124463) Visitor Counter : 40

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Final Call for Parents’ Talks on “Choices of Primary Schools”

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

The Education Bureau (EDB) will be organising four parents’ talks on Primary One Admission (POA) in September 2024. The talks will be conducted in Cantonese and are free of charge. Parents are welcome to join.

Each talk will be divided into two parts. In the first part, guest speakers will share with the audience how parents can help children grow up healthily and happily through Home-School Co-operation. In the second part, representatives from the EDB School Places Allocation Section will explain the mechanism and procedure of the POA 2025. The details of each talks are as follows:EDB Parents’ Talk webpageOnline Application (Chinese version only)

 

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Study Subsidy Scheme for Designated Professions/Sectors – Undergraduate (including Top-up Degree) Programmes

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region 3

The Study Subsidy Scheme for Designated Professions/Sectors (SSSDP) will subsidise a total of 4 916 places in 55 undergraduate programmes, covering 3 365 places in 55 first-year-first-degree (FYFD) programmes and 1 551 places in 44 top-up degree (TUD) programmes of eight post-secondary institutions (including Hong Kong Chu Hai College, Hong Kong Metropolitan University, Hong Kong Shue Yan University, Saint Francis University, The Hang Seng University of Hong Kong, Tung Wah College, UOW College Hong Kong and Vocational Training Council – Technological and Higher Education Institute of Hong Kong) for the cohort to be admitted in the 2025/26 academic year.

The programmes and number of subsidised places, which fall under ten disciplines with keen manpower demand, namely architecture and engineering, computer science, creative industries, financial technology, health care, insurance, logistics, sports and recreation, testing and certification, and tourism and hospitality, are determined by the Education Bureau in consultation with relevant policy bureaux and departments. The programmes include the eight applied degrees introduced under the Pilot Project on the Development of Applied Degree Programmes, which will receive additional subsidies, with a view to further strengthening the vocational and professional education and training progression pathway at the post-secondary level.

In the 2025/26 academic year, the annual subsidy amounts for non-laboratory-based programmes and laboratory-based programmes are up to $46,780 and $81,450 respectively. For applied degree programmes, with the additional annual subsidies, the total annual subsidy amounts will be up to $89,620 for laboratory-based applied degree programmes and $51,880 for non-laboratory-based applied degree programmes. The subsidy amounts are applicable to both new and continuing eligible students. The subsidy is tenable for the normal duration of the programmes concerned. Subsidised students will pay a tuition fee with the subsidy applied. Students in need may still apply for student financial assistance from the Student Finance Office of the Working Family and Student Financial Assistance Agency in respect of the actual amount of tuition fee payable.

Allocation of the subsidised first-year intake of the FYFD programmes will mainly go through the Joint University Programmes Admissions System (JUPAS); participating institutions are allowed to admit non-JUPAS local students via direct admission of no more than 20% of the subsidised places of each designated programme, and the non-JUPAS admission may take place in parallel with JUPAS admission. Non-JUPAS local applicants should refer to the relevant institutions’ websites for their admission arrangements including the commencement date and deadline of the application.

The subsidised places of the TUD programmes are allocated according to existing admission arrangements of the self-financing TUD programmes, i.e. through direct admission by institutions.

For details of the SSSDP, please visit www.cspe.edu.hk/sssdp .

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LCQ20: Planning for vacant kindergarten premises

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region 3

LCQ20: Planning for vacant kindergarten premises 
Question:
 
     It has been reported that nearly 80 kindergartens in Hong Kong have ceased operation in the past four years, and some of the premises of these kindergartens are located in public housing estates or government properties. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
 
(1) of the statistics on kindergartens ceasing operation in the past five years, including geographical distribution, floor areas of the involved premises, and whether the premises concerned are government properties (including those of the Hong Kong Housing Authority); if the premises concerned are government properties, of their current or planned uses;
 
(2) given the persistent low birth rate and population ageing in Hong Kong, whether the Government will consider converting some of the vacant kindergarten premises in its possession to elderly homes or other elderly facilities; if not, of the reasons for that; and
 
(3) given that the Government had announced in the 2019-20 Budget that it would allocate $20 billion to purchase properties for accommodating welfare facilities, but as of March 31, 2023, the Social Welfare Department had only used about $150 million of that funding for such purposes, and there are views that the measure is obviously ineffective, whether the Government will first make good use of the aforesaid vacant kindergarten premises for welfare purposes and consider reallocating all or part of the aforesaid funding for other purposes?
 
Reply:
 
President,
 
     Kindergartens (KGs) in Hong Kong are all along privately run with diverse modes of operation. Individual school sponsoring bodies (SSBs) or operators may, having regard to their different development targets and circumstances, consider setting up KGs at a variety of premises, such as self-owned premises, privately-leased premises or premises in public housing estates. Every year, there may be new registrations of KGs in different districts, or some KGs may decide to cease operation owing to a variety of factors (such as profitability and tenancy matters).
 
     Having consulted the Housing Bureau and the Labour and Welfare Bureau, the consolidated reply to the three parts of the question is as follows:
 
(1) The number of KGs which ceased operation in the past five school years is tabulated at Annex 1. The number of vacant KG premises located in non-domestic premises under the Hong Kong Housing Authority (HA) upon termination of the tenancy and surrender of the premises is tabulated at Annex 2.
 
     If the tenant of a KG premises located in a public housing estate ceases to operate the KG during the tenancy period or decides not to renew the tenancy upon expiry, the HA will notify and invite the Education Bureau (EDB) to consider whether there is a need to nominate new non-profit-making KG SSBs or operators to rent the relevant units. Factors to be considered include the supply of and demand for KG places in the areas concerned, whether the floor area, location and building condition of the vacant KG premises are suitable for reallocation for KG development. Upon confirmation that the vacant KG premises are not required for EDB Kindergarten Premises Allocation Exercise through which SSBs or operators are nominated to rent the vacant units at a concessionary rate (approximately half of the market rent), the HA will offer such vacant units for lease at market rent through open tender for other organisations to operate KGs. If the units cannot be leased out through open tender for KG operation, the HA will consider converting the units for other uses (including welfare purposes) so as to make good use of resources. Any proposed change of use of the units will be subject to the outcome of feasibility studies, including whether it is in compliance with the Buildings Ordinance (Cap. 123) and relevant regulations, land use restrictions, planning restrictions, environmental factors and views of residents or stakeholders.
 
(2) To address the increasing demand for elderly services arising from an ageing population, the Social Welfare Department (SWD) increases the supply of subsidised residential care places through a multi-pronged approach, such as liaising with relevant departments to identify suitable sites for the construction of new contract residential care homes for the elderly (RCHEs), or converting vacant government premises/school sites into RCHEs. Nonetheless, KG premises are not suitable for the provision of RCHEs as their settings and facilities are generally speaking not designed for providing residential care services for frail elderly persons.
 
(3) The Government has all along been adopting a multi-pronged approach to identify suitable sites or premises for the provision of welfare services to meet their acute demand.
 
     The SWD has been maintaining close contact with relevant departments to identify suitable sites in the development or redevelopment of public housing estates and urban renewal projects for providing welfare facilities. The Government also endeavours to increase the provision of welfare facilities as appropriate through the Land Sale Programmes and the Special Scheme on Privately Owned Sites for Welfare Uses. In addition, the Government will make the best use of available government accommodation including vacant school premises and explore whether they are suitable for conversion into welfare facilities.
 
     In parallel, the SWD identifies suitable premises for purchase in the private market for welfare purpose. As at end-November 2024, the SWD has spent about $240 million for the purchase of five premises for operating a Parents/Relatives Resource Centre, a Support Centre for Persons with Autism and a neighbourhood elderly centre, and for providing on-site pre-school rehabilitation services. The progress of purchasing premises depends on the availability of suitable properties in the market and various external factors, including whether the properties for sale have fire safety and barrier-free access facilities, whether the size and location meet operational requirements, whether the surrounding land uses are compatible with welfare uses, and whether the selling prices fall within the acceptable price range determined by the Government Property Agency (GPA) with reference to market value. The SWD and the GPA will continue to identify and purchase premises for the provision of welfare facilities in accordance with the ambit of the funds approved by the Finance Committee of the Legislative Council.
Issued at HKT 14:25

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“Smart Parent Net” Recommendation:(Video) Learning Support from Non-Chinese Speaking Parents

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region 3

Non-Chinese-speaking parents face many challenges when supporting their children’s learning. Ms. Sukhwant’s son Harry shared his difficulties in choosing subjects and learning Chinese. Ms. Venkatesh discussed the challenges she and her daughter face in learning Chinese. Both Ms. Sukhwant and Ms. Venkatesh believe that actively participating in their children’s education and understanding their needs is crucial.

[embedded content]

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The Department of Health will launch the “Primary Dental Co-care Pilot Scheme for Adolescents” (PDCC) on March 20

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Programme BackgroundFor eligible person aged below 16, a substitute decision maker (SDM) should register eHealth for him/her.

Co-payment

The Government will provide a partial subsidy of $200 annually. The Scheme Participant is required to pay the co-payment fee determined by the dentist upon enrolment to the Programme. The Government recommended $200 as the co-payment fee additionally charged by the dentist. The Scheme Participant should pay the co-payment fee directly to his/ her dentist.

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The Central Allocation Stage of the Primary One Admission (POA) will commence soon

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

The Central Allocation Stage of the Primary One Admission 2025 Cycle will commence soon.  Parents whose children (including children who intend to commute daily to schools in Hong Kong) have not secured a discretionary place should make their choice of schools within the period from January 13 to January 19.

In line with the Smart Government strategy, the Education Bureau (EDB) has fully implemented digitalisation of the POA.  Parents who have registered as POA e-Platform (ePOA) users and have bound their account to “iAM Smart+” may submit the Choice of Schools Form for Central Allocation from January 13 to January 19 through the ePOA.  Please refer to the related videos and Parent’s Guide on the EDB homepage (www.edb.gov.hk/en/edu-system/primary-secondary/spa-systems/primary-1-admission/poa_eplatform/index.html) for details of the procedures for activating and logging in an ePOA account and for making school choices for the Central Allocation of POA via the e-Platform. The EDB has also prepared a new promotional video to let parents better understand the functions and advantages of the ePOA.  Parents may view the video through the link (www.youtube.com/watch?v=b6FDp75y13s).

The EDB will send letters to parents on January 8 inviting them to make their choice of schools.  To cater for the needs of different parents, parents can still submit the Choice of Schools Form in paper form by visiting the designated Central Allocation Centre at the suggested time slot (i.e. 9.30am to 12.30pm or 1.30pm to 4.30pm on January 18 (Saturday) or 9.30am to 12.30pm on January 19 (Sunday)) stated in the letter.

Parents who are ePOA users may choose to submit the Central Allocation Application via the ePOA or in paper form to the Central Allocation Centre but should not submit duplicate applications. Parents who have not yet received the letter by January 13 should call the School Places Allocation Section of the EDB (Hotline: 2832 7700) as soon as possible.

Only one parent of an applicant child is required to complete the school choice-making procedures.  Parents are advised not to take their children to the Central Allocation Centre where possible.  Parents who cannot make school choices within the suggested time slot can go to the designated Central Allocation Centre from 1.30pm to 4.30pm on January 19.  The Choice of Schools Form will be sent together with the letter to parents who submitted a paper Application Form at the Discretionary Places stage for filling in advance.

In the event of adverse weather or other special conditions on any day during the period of making school choices, please pay heed to radio or television announcements on the relevant special arrangements.

For individual parents who are unable to use the ePOA or go to the Central Allocation Centre to make school choices, they can authorise in writing a representative to bring the completed Choice of Schools Form and their signed Letter of Authorisation to proceed with the related procedures.

To apply for POA 2025 after January 19, parents need to complete necessary procedures with the School Places Allocation Section, which will separately arrange P1 places for the applicant children in June.

Parents who have recently moved their residence or have such plans in the near future are required to inform the School Places Allocation Section as soon as possible so that they can make school choices in the POA School Net where their new home is located.  Parents should fill in the actual residential address of their child. If they provide a false address for securing a P1 place, the POA application of their child will be rendered void and the P1 place allocated will be withdrawn.

The EDB has put in place a monitoring mechanism to verify the residential addresses of applicant children as given by the parents.  Random checks have also been stepped up.  The public may call the School Places Allocation Section to report suspected cases of using a false address for POA application.  The EDB will take action against false address cases.

For information about the procedures for Central Allocation, please call the EDB’s 24-hour automatic telephone enquiry service at 2891 0088.

For parents who have already activated their ePOA account via “iAM Smart” or “iAM Smart+”, they will receive their Central Allocation results through the ePOA from 10am on June 4.  Parents who wish to receive the allocation results via SMS on June 4 may choose such an option in the Choice of Schools Form.  In addition, the allocation results will be sent to parents by post from June 4 to 5. 

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“Smart Parent Net” Recommendation: (Video) 人工智能如何幫助學生學習？(Chinese version only); SCOLAR Biliteracy and Trilingualism Campaign 2025 – “One-minute Video Production Competition” Open for Registration

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Since its establishment, the Standing Committee on Language Education and Research (SCOLAR) has been committed to enabling the people of Hong Kong to become biliterate and trilingual.  To further raise the public’s attention and interest in biliteracy and trilingualism, SCOLAR continues to launch the “Biliteracy and Trilingualism Campaign” (the Campaign) this year and organise a series of activities for schools and the community in collaboration with our programme partners, with an aim of encouraging students to develop their language proficiency beyond classroom and creating a social atmosphere that promotes the effective use of biliteracy and trilingualism.