Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

The Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) has officially launched the 2025 Household Appliances Subsidy Program. Citizens can receive an NT$3,000 subsidy per unit when replacing outdated air conditioners or refrigerators with new ones of Tier-1 efficiency. However, due to a partial budget freeze imposed by the Legislative Yuan, the program is expected that subsidies for 600,000 units will be reduced this year, and the application period has been shortened to the end of October. Should the allocated funds be exhausted before the deadline, applications will close early. Citizens who need the subsidy are encouraged to seize the opportunity, replace their outdated appliances and complete the application process as early as possible.

Between 2023 and 2024, the subsidy program facilitated the replacement of 3.22 million air conditioners and refrigerators, saving approximately 1.93 billion kWh annually. With an estimated 4.08 million outdated appliances still in use nationwide, the government aims to accelerate replacement and achieve deep energy saving goals. Over the next two years, the program will continue, with NT$6.8 billion allocated for 2025 to support the replacement of 2.07 million units.

The Energy Administration noted that the 2025 subsidy fund has been reduced by NT$1.92 billion due to the budget freeze of 20%, which limits the number of subsidized units to 1.47 million, leaving an estimated 500,000 households unable to benefit. The subsidy eligibility period covers purchases made between January 1, 2023, and October 31, 2025. Citizens are encouraged to notice that, applications will be accepted until October 31, 2025, or until the budget is fully utilized.

Application process is same as before, citizens purchasing efficient household appliances during the eligibility period and recycling their outdated units are eligible for the subsidy. Applicants must prepare copies of their ID card, bankbook cover, electricity bill, uniform invoice, product warranty card, and the recycling receipt for the discarded appliance, and submit their applications online via the official website (https://save3000.moeaea.gov.tw) or by post to P.O. Box 8-17, Banqiao Post Office.

The Energy Administration stated that over the past two years, more than 80% of applicants have applied for subsidies online. To enhance the convenience of online applications, OCR (Optical Character Recognition) technology will continue to be used this year to streamline data entry and reduce processing time. Citizens are encouraged to take advantage of the 24/7 online application service, allowing them to submit their applications easily from home. This not only saves time and effort but also contributes to energy conservation and carbon reduction.

Citizen’s application cases will be processed for funding disbursement sequentially after the announcement of the 2025 budget by the Presidential Office. Moreover, Citizens purchasing efficient air conditioners and refrigerators may also apply for a commodity tax refund from the Ministry of Finance, with a maximum rebate of NT$2,000 per unit. Namely, households replacing outdated air conditioners or refrigerators with new efficient ones may receive up to NT$5,000 in total from saving energy.

For detailed information on subsidy regulations, citizens are encouraged to visit the dedicated subsidy website. For assistance with the application process, applicants may use the online customer service chatbot or call the subsidy hotline at (02) 2955-9666 to speak with professional customer service staff.

Spokesperson for Energy Administration, Ministry of Economic Affairs: Deputy Director General, Chih-Wei Wu
Contact Phone Number: 02-2775-7750, 0922-339-410
Email Address: cwwu@moeaea.gov.tw

Contact Person: Director, Shu-Fang Kao
Contact Phone Number: 02-2775-7773, 0918-400-668
Email Address: sfkao@moeaea.gov.tw

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Music Office’s Hong Kong Youth Symphonic Band will hold its annual concert, “Echoes of the Harmony: An American Tapestry”, on May 1.

The symphonic band will perform the jazz-infused The Fast Lane from the Cinnamon Concerto, with Music Office instructor Lau Tsz-kit as saxophone soloist.

Other programme highlights include The Nine, inspired by a historical event and conveying compassion and unity, and Machu Picchu: City in the Sky, which portrays the mystery and grandeur of the Inca Empire’s “golden city”.

Tickets for the show, which will be held at 3pm on May 1 at the Cultural Centre, are now available at URBTIX.

Call 3166 1288 for telephone bookings, and 2796 1003 or 3842 7784 for enquiries.

Formed in 1978 with the aim of nurturing young musicians and arousing greater interest in symphonic band music in the city, the band currently has around 60 members and recruits annually by open audition.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government today issued a strong condemnation of the US for including central authorities and Hong Kong SAR officials on a “sanctions list”.

In a statement, it said the move was a despicable attempt to intimidate officials and amounted to barbarity.

The Hong Kong SAR Government stressed that it will make every effort to protect the legitimate rights and interests of all personnel, and that its officials will continue to resolutely discharge their duty of safeguarding national security.

It said that the reason absconders from Hong Kong who are at large in countries such as the US, the UK and Australia have had arrest warrants issued against them by Hong Kong courts is not because they have “exercised their freedom of speech”, but because they continue to engage in activities endangering national security. It explained that these activities include inciting secession and requesting that foreign countries impose “sanctions” or engage in other hostile activities against the People’s Republic of China and the Hong Kong SAR.

The statement outlined that it is necessary for the Hong Kong SAR to take all lawful measures to combat such acts. It said such measures are aimed at combating, deterring and preventing acts of abscondment, and at procuring the return of the absconded persons to Hong Kong to face judicial proceedings.

Moreover, it stressed that all the measures align with human rights requirements, adding that countries including the US, the UK and Canada would impose similar measures on wanted criminals.

The Hong Kong SAR Government said that in an attempt to mislead the public the US had deliberately smeared Hong Kong and spread irresponsible remarks about measures and actions taken in accordance with the law.

It also stated that the US has disregarded the non-interference principle of international law, choosing instead to interfere with other countries’ internal affairs, groom agents, instigate colour revolutions, and create social unrest and multiple humanitarian disasters through economic and military coercion, causing suffering to people in many countries.

The Hong Kong SAR Government said that with China’s central authorities enacting Hong Kong’s National Security Law and the Hong Kong SAR implementing Article 23 of its Basic Law, the legal regime in safeguarding national security in Hong Kong has been strengthened, prevented the US from succeeding in its aims.

It added that false accusations by the US against Hong Kong SAR personnel involved in safeguarding national security dutifully, faithfully and in accordance with the law, and the imposition of “sanctions” in the guise of defending human rights and democracy, constitute a demonstration of shameless hypocrisy.

The Hong Kong SAR Government emphasised that it has a responsibility to pursue those who suspected of committing offences endangering national security and absconding overseas.

It added that Hong Kong law enforcement agencies’ actions are evidence-based and are taken in strict accordance with the law in respect of acts committed by people or entities, having nothing to do with their political views, background or occupation. In addition, it said, the Department of Justice makes prosecutorial decisions based on an objective analysis of all admissible evidence and applicable laws.

Source: Government of Singapore

Singapore, 1 April 2025 – The Northeast Monsoon conditions prevailing over the region since mid-November 2024 are expected to gradually weaken and end, with inter-monsoon conditions setting in during the first fortnight of April 2025. The inter-monsoon period usually lasts to May, and is characterised by light and variable winds and higher lightning activity.

2        Moderate to heavy thundery showers are expected over parts of the island in the afternoon on most days. The showers may extend into the evening on a few of these days. In addition, Sumatra squalls may bring widespread thundery showers and gusty winds on one or two mornings. The total rainfall for the first fortnight of April 2025 is forecast to be above average over most parts of the island.

3        The daily maximum temperatures are likely to range between 33 degrees Celsius and 34 degrees Celsius on most days and reach around 35 degrees Celsius on a few days.

4        For updates of the daily weather forecast, please visit the MSS website (www.weather.gov.sg), NEA website (www.nea.gov.sg), or download the myENV app.

 REVIEW OF THE PAST TWO WEEKS (17 – 31 MARCH 2025)

5        Northeast Monsoon conditions prevailed over Singapore and the surrounding region in the second fortnight of March 2025. During the period, the low-level winds blew mainly from the northwest or northeast.

6        The second fortnight of March 2025 was very wet. Moderate to heavy thundery showers affected parts of the island on most days. On 19 – 20 March 2025, a surge of north-easterly winds (or monsoon surge[1]) over the South China Sea brought spells of moderate to heavy showers over Singapore and the surrounding region. This was the third wet monsoon surge during this Northeast Monsoon season. The daily total rainfall of 216.8 mm recorded at Kallang on 20 March 2025 was the highest rainfall recorded for the second fortnight of March 2025.

 7        Based on the rainfall averaged across the island-wide stations with long-term data since 1980, March 2025 is the wettest March on record. The monthly total rainfall of 482.9 mm surpassed the previous record of 451.0 mm set in 2004.

 8        The daily maximum temperatures in the second fortnight of March 2025 were between 32 degrees Celsius and 34 degrees Celsius on most days. During the monsoon surge on 19 – 20 March 2025, the daily minimum temperatures ranged from about 22 degrees Celsius to 24 degrees Celsius, while daily maximum temperatures ranged from about 24 degrees Celsius to 28 degrees Celsius. The lowest daily minimum temperature for the second fortnight of March 2025 was 21.9 degrees Celsius, recorded at Tuas South during the surge on 20 March 2025.

 9        Well-above average rainfall was received across the island in the second fortnight of March 2025 with Changi registering rainfall of 570 per cent above average.

CLIMATE STATION STATISTICS

Long-term Statistics for April   (Climatological reference period: 1991-2020)
Average daily maximum temperature:	32.4	°C
Average daily minimum temperature:	25.3	°C
Average monthly temperature:	28.2	°C
Average rainfall:	164.3	mm
Average number of rain days:	15
Historical Extremes for April   (Rainfall since 1869 and temperature since 1929)
Highest monthly mean daily maximum temperature:	33.9	°C (1983)
Lowest monthly mean daily minimum temperature:	23.1	°C (1934)
Highest monthly rainfall ever recorded:	454.9	mm (1900)
Lowest monthly rainfall ever recorded:	16.6	mm (1977)

METEOROLOGICAL SERVICE SINGAPORE

1 Apr 2025

~~ End ~~

For more information, please submit your enquiries electronically via the Online Feedback Form or myENV mobile application.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) today (April 1) strongly condemns the United States (US) for including six Central Authorities and HKSAR officials in a so-called “sanctions” list in an attempt to intimidate the relevant officials safeguarding national security. It, once again, clearly exposed the US’ barbarity under its hegemony, which is exactly the same as its recent tactics in bullying and coercing various countries and regions. The HKSAR despises such so-called “sanctions” and is not intimidated by such despicable behaviour. The HKSAR officials will continue to resolutely discharge the duty of safeguarding national security. The HKSAR Government will make every effort to protect the legitimate rights and interests of all personnel. 

A spokesman for the HKSAR Government pointed out, “The specified absconders mentioned in the US statement are wanted and have arrest warrants issued by the court against them not because they ‘exercised their freedom of speech’, but because they have been at large in the US, the United Kingdom (UK) and Australia, etc. and continue to blatantly engage in activities endangering national security, including inciting secession and requesting foreign countries to impose ‘sanctions’ or blockade and engage in other hostile activities against the People’s Republic of China and the HKSAR. The US, however, gives cover for them who have committed these evil deeds. It is therefore necessary for the HKSAR to take all lawful measures in accordance with the law, including measures specified under section 89 of the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance, to strongly combat such acts. The specified measures aim at addressing, combating, deterring and preventing acts of abscondment by suspects, and procuring the return of the absconded persons to Hong Kong to face judicial proceedings. All specified measures align with human rights requirements; and quite a number of countries including the US, the UK and Canada would also impose such measures on wanted criminals. The US deliberately smeared and spread irresponsible remarks on the measures and actions taken by the HKSAR Government in accordance with the law in an attempt to mislead the public. The HKSAR Government strongly disapproves of such acts.”

The spokesman also pointed out, “The fact is that the US has been ignoring the non-interference principle under international law, interfering with other countries’ internal affairs, grooming agents, instigating ‘colour revolutions’, creating social unrest and multiple humanitarian disasters through economic and military coercion, causing suffering to people in many countries. With the Central Authorities having enacted the Hong Kong National Security Law and the HKSAR having completed the legislative exercise to implement Article 23 of the Basic Law, Hong Kong has strengthened the legal regime in safeguarding national security and prevented the US from succeeding. The false accusation thereafter against the HKSAR personnel safeguarding national security dutifully, faithfully and in accordance with the law and, on top of that, the imposition of the so-called ‘sanctions’ in the guise of defending human rights and democracy indeed constitute a demonstration of shameless hypocrisy with double standards on the part of the US.

“The HKSAR Government has the responsibility to pursue, in accordance with the law, those who are suspected to have committed offences endangering national security and absconded overseas. The HKSAR law enforcement agencies have been taking law enforcement actions based on evidence and strictly in accordance with the law in respect of the acts of the persons or entities concerned, which have nothing to do with their political stance, background or occupation. The Department of Justice of the HKSAR is in charge of criminal prosecutions under Article 63 of the Basic Law, with all its prosecutorial decisions made on an objective analysis of all admissible evidence and applicable laws.”

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

In connection with a murder and wounding case happened in Yuen Long on January 22, Police further arrested a 27-year-old man, a 24-year-old man and a 36-year-old man for murder and wounding with intent, and a 35-year-old man for assisting offenders in Yau Ma Tei yesterday (March 30).

In the murder and wounding case, a 24-year-old man died and a 28-year-old man was injured.

The 27-year-old man, the 24-year-old man and the 36-year-old man have been laid holding charges of one count of murder and one count of wounding with intent respectively; while the 35-year-old man has been laid a holding charge of one count of assisting offenders. The case will be mentioned at Fanling Magistrates’ Courts tomorrow morning (April 1).

Police had arrested another 14 men and two women, aged between 18 and 42, in suspected connection with the case earlier, for offences such as murder, wounding, assisting offenders and trafficking in dangerous drug.

For the ten men who had been charged earlier, the case was mentioned at Tuen Mun Magistrates’ Courts and Fanling Magistrates’ Courts on January 25 and 27, February 18 and March 29 respectively. The other four men and two women were released on bail and are required to report back to Police in late April.

Active investigation by the Regional Crime Unit of New Territories North is under way. Anyone who witnessed the case or has any information to offer is urged to contact the investigating officers on 3661 3356.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     The Government announced today (March 31) its financial results for the 11 months ended February 28, 2025.

     Expenditure and revenue from April 2024 to February 2025 amounted to HK$670.3 billion and HK$475.7 billion respectively, resulting in a deficit of HK$92.3 billion after taking into account HK$124.3 billion received from issuance of Government Bonds and repayment of HK$22 billion principal on Government Bonds.

     The fiscal reserves stood at HK$642.3 billion as at February 28, 2025.

     Detailed figures are shown in Tables 1 and 2.

TABLE 1. CONSOLIDATED ACCOUNT (Note 1)
 

	Month ended February 28, 2025 HK$ million	11 months ended February 28, 2025 HK$ million
Revenue	34,681.8	475,731.0
Expenditure	(73,142.6)	(670,328.6)
Deficit before issuance and repayment of Government Bonds	(38,460.8)	(194,597.6)
Proceeds received from issuance of Government Bonds	6,125.4	124,269.5
Repayment of Government Bonds*	(46.4)	(21,953.7)
Deficit after issuance and repayment of Government Bonds	(32,381.8)	(92,281.8)
Financing
Domestic
Banking Sector (Note 2)	32,004.1	89,515.2
Non-Banking Sector	377.7	2,766.6
External	–	–
Total	32,381.8	92,281.8
* Being repayment of principal on Government Bonds and does not include the associated interest and other expenses.

Government Debts as at February 28, 2025 (Note 3)
    HK$291,839 million
Debts Guaranteed by Government as at February 28, 2025 (Note 4)
    HK$128,207 million

TABLE 2. FISCAL RESERVES
 

	Month ended February 28, 2025 HK$ million	11 months ended February 28, 2025 HK$ million
Fiscal Reserves at start of period	674,685.4	734,585.4
Consolidated Deficit after issuance and repayment of Government Bonds	(32,381.8)	(92,281.8)
Fiscal Reserves at end of period (Note 5)	642,303.6	642,303.6

Notes:

1. This Account consolidates the General Revenue Account and the following eight Funds: Capital Works Reserve Fund, Capital Investment Fund, Civil Service Pension Reserve Fund, Disaster Relief Fund, Innovation and Technology Fund, Land Fund, Loan Fund and Lotteries Fund. It excludes the Bond Fund, the balance of which is not part of the fiscal reserves. The Bond Fund balance as at February 28, 2025, was HK$226,359 million.

2. Includes transactions with the Exchange Fund and resident banks.

3. The Government Debts, with proceeds credited to the Capital Works Reserve Fund, comprise:

(i) the Green Bonds (equivalent to HK$192,627 million as at February 28, 2025) issued under the Government Sustainable Bond Programme. They were denominated in US dollars (US$9,950 million with maturity from January 2026 to January 2053), euros (4,580 million euros with maturity from February 2026 to November 2041), Renminbi (RMB34,000 million with maturity from June 2025 to July 2054) and Hong Kong dollars (HK$42,000 million with maturity from May 2025 to October 2026);

(ii) the Infrastructure Bonds (equivalent to HK$44,381 million as at February 28, 2025) issued under the Infrastructure Bond Programme. They were denominated in Renminbi (RMB10,000 million with maturity from December 2025 to November 2034) and Hong Kong dollars (HK$33,730 million with maturity from November 2025 to December 2039); and

(iii) the Silver Bonds with nominal value of HK$54,831 million (with maturity in October 2027 and may be redeemed before maturity upon request from bond holders) issued under the Infrastructure Bond Programme.

     They do not include the outstanding bonds with nominal value of HK$176,454 million and alternative bonds with nominal value of US$1,000 million (equivalent to HK$7,777 million as at February 28, 2025) issued under the Government Bond Programme with proceeds credited to the Bond Fund. Of these bonds under the Government Bond Programme (including Silver Bonds with nominal value of HK$96,454 million, which may be redeemed before maturity upon request from bond holders), bonds with nominal value of HK$75,148 million will mature within the period from March 2025 to February 2026 and the rest within the period from March 2026 to May 2042.

4. Includes guarantees provided under the SME Loan Guarantee Scheme launched in 2001, the Special Loan Guarantee Scheme launched in 2008, the SME Financing Guarantee Scheme launched in 2012, and the Loan Guarantee Scheme for Cross-boundary Passenger Transport Trade, the Loan Guarantee Scheme for Battery Electric Taxis and the Loan Guarantee Scheme for Travel Sector launched in 2023.

5. Includes HK$249,768 million, being the balance of the Land Fund held in the name of “Future Fund”, for long-term investments up to December 31, 2030. The Future Fund also includes HK$4,800 million, being one-third of the actual surplus in 2015-16 as top-up.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     The Census and Statistics Department (C&SD) released the latest figures on retail sales today (March 31).

     The value of total retail sales in February 2025, provisionally estimated at $29.4 billion, decreased by 13.0% compared with the same month in 2024. The revised estimate of the value of total retail sales in January 2025 decreased by 3.1% compared with a year earlier. For the first two months of 2025 taken together, it was provisionally estimated that the value of total retail sales decreased by 7.8% compared with the same period in 2024.

     Of the total retail sales value in February 2025, online sales accounted for 7.8%. The value of online retail sales in that month, provisionally estimated at $2.3 billion, decreased by 7.3% compared with the same month in 2024. The revised estimate of online retail sales in January 2025 increased by 2.8% compared with a year earlier.  For the first two months of 2025 taken together, it was provisionally estimated that the value of online retail sales decreased by 2.4% compared with the same period in 2024.

     After netting out the effect of price changes over the same period, the provisional estimate of the volume of total retail sales in February 2025 decreased by 15.0% compared with a year earlier. The revised estimate of the volume of total retail sales in January 2025 decreased by 5.1% compared with a year earlier. For the first two months of 2025 taken together, the provisional estimate of the total retail sales decreased by 9.9% in volume compared with the same period in 2024.

     In interpreting these figures, it should be noted that retail sales tend to show greater volatility in the first two months of a year due to the timing of the Chinese New Year. Consumer spending in the local market normally attains a seasonal high before the Festival. As the Chinese New Year fell on January 29 this year but on February 10 last year, it is more appropriate to analyse the retail sales figures for January and February taken together in making year-on-year comparison.

     Analysed by broad type of retail outlet in descending order of the provisional estimate of the value of sales and comparing the combined total sales for January and February 2025 with the same period a year earlier, the value of sales of other consumer goods not elsewhere classified decreased by 2.0%. This was followed by sales of jewellery, watches and clocks, and valuable gifts (-15.8% in value); commodities in supermarkets (-4.4%); wearing apparel (-5.4%); electrical goods and other consumer durable goods not elsewhere classified (-5.3%); commodities in department stores (-9.9%); fuels (-8.5%); motor vehicles and parts (-49.9%); footwear, allied products and other clothing accessories (-12.3%); books, newspapers, stationery and gifts (-10.9%); furniture and fixtures (-25.6%); Chinese drugs and herbs (-9.1%); and optical shops (-7.6%).

     On the other hand, the value of sales of food, alcoholic drinks and tobacco increased by 0.7% in the first two months of 2025 over the same period a year earlier.  This was followed by sales of medicines and cosmetics (+0.6% in value).

     Based on the seasonally adjusted series, the provisional estimate of the value of total retail sales decreased by 2.0% in the three months ending February 2025 compared with the preceding three-month period, while the provisional estimate of the volume of total retail sales decreased by 4.0%.

Commentary

     A government spokesman said that the value of total retail sales increased further in February 2025 over the preceding month on a seasonally adjusted comparison. The year-on-year decline in the value of total retail sales in February 2025 widened, partly due to the earlier arrival of Chinese New Year in late January this year as compared to mid-February last year.  Taking the first two months of 2025 together to remove this effect, the value of total retail sales saw a narrower decline on a year-on-year basis than December 2024. 

     Looking ahead, the spokesman said that the various measures by the Central Government to boost the Mainland economy and benefit Hong Kong, the SAR Government’s proactive efforts to promote tourism and mega events, and the sustained increases in employment earnings in local labour market, would benefit the retail sector, though it would continue to face challenge from the change in consumption patterns of visitors and residents.

Further information

     Table 1 presents the revised figures on value index and value of retail sales for all retail outlets and by broad type of retail outlet for January 2025 as well as the provisional figures for February 2025. The provisional figures on the value of retail sales for all retail outlets and by broad type of retail outlet as well as the corresponding year-on-year changes for the first two months of 2025 taken together are also shown.

     Table 2 presents the revised figures on value of online retail sales for January 2025 as well as the provisional figures for February 2025. The provisional figures on year-on-year changes for the first two months of 2025 taken together are also shown.

     Table 3 presents the revised figures on volume index of retail sales for all retail outlets and by broad type of retail outlet for January 2025 as well as the provisional figures for February 2025. The provisional figures on year-on-year changes for the first two months of 2025 taken together are also shown.

     Table 4 shows the movements of the value and volume of total retail sales in terms of the year-on-year rate of change for a month compared with the same month in the preceding year based on the original series, and in terms of the rate of change for a three-month period compared with the preceding three-month period based on the seasonally adjusted series.

     The classification of retail establishments follows the Hong Kong Standard Industrial Classification (HSIC) Version 2.0, which is used in various economic surveys for classifying economic units into different industry classes.

     These retail sales statistics measure the sales receipts in respect of goods sold by local retail establishments and are primarily intended for gauging the short-term business performance of the local retail sector. Data on retail sales are collected from local retail establishments through the Monthly Survey of Retail Sales (MRS). Local retail establishments with and without physical shops are covered in MRS and their sales, both through conventional shops and online channels, are included in the retail sales statistics.

     The retail sales statistics cover consumer spending on goods but not on services (such as those on housing, catering, medical care and health services, transport and communication, financial services, education and entertainment) which account for over 50% of the overall consumer spending. Moreover, they include spending on goods in Hong Kong by visitors but exclude spending outside Hong Kong by Hong Kong residents.  Hence they should not be regarded as indicators for measuring overall consumer spending.

     Users interested in the trend of overall consumer spending should refer to the data series of private consumption expenditure (PCE), which is a major component of the Gross Domestic Product published at quarterly intervals. Compiled from a wide range of data sources, PCE covers consumer spending on both goods (including goods purchased from all channels) and services by Hong Kong residents whether locally or abroad. Please refer to the C&SD publication “Gross Domestic Product by Expenditure Component” for more details.

     More detailed statistics are given in the “Report on Monthly Survey of Retail Sales”. Users can browse and download this publication at the website of the C&SD (www.censtatd.gov.hk/en/EIndexbySubject.html?pcode=B1080003&scode=530).

     Users who have enquiries about the survey results may contact the Distribution Services Statistics Section of C&SD (Tel: 3903 7400; E-mail : mrs@censtatd.gov.hk).

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

The Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, Miss Alice Mak, today (March 31) attended the Ancestor Worship Ceremony of the Yellow Emperor in the Year of Yisi in Zhengzhou in Henan Province on behalf of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government.　

The Yellow Emperor is the cultural ancestor of the Chinese nation, while Zhengzhou is the Yellow Emperor’s birthplace. The Ancestor Worship Ceremony of the Yellow Emperor, jointly organised by the People’s Government of Henan Province, the Henan Provincial Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference and the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, among others, is a significant event held annually in Henan Province to promote traditional Chinese culture.

Miss Mak expressed deepest gratitude for being invited to attend the Ancestor Worship Ceremony of the Yellow Emperor. Miss Mak added that Zhengzhou is one of the eight great ancient capitals of China and one of the important origins of the Chinese civilisation with profound historical and cultural heritage. By attending the meaningful event, Hong Kong compatriots can enhance their sense of national identity.

During her visit to Zhengzhou, Miss Mak met with the Executive Deputy Director of the Hong Kong and Macao Work Office of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council, Mr Zhou Ji; the Secretary of the CPC Henan Provincial Committee and Director of the Standing Committee of the Henan Provincial People’s Congress, Mr Liu Ning; and the Deputy Secretary of the CPC Henan Provincial Committee, Governor of Henan Province and Secretary of Party Leadership Group, Mr Wang Kai.
 
     Moreover, Miss Mak met with Hong Kong students studying in Zhengzhou to learn about their lives on the Mainland. She encouraged young people to grasp the opportunities to study and exchange on the Mainland to gain a deeper understanding of the development of the country and contribute to the country and Hong Kong.
 
Miss Mak will conclude her visit and return to Hong Kong this afternoon.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     The Correctional Services Department (CSD) invited more than 300 teachers and students from 10 secondary schools to attend a “Creation and Rehabilitation” drama and music performance by persons in custody (PICs) under the Rehabilitation Pioneer Project at Stanley Prison today (March 31). The Secretary for Security, Mr Tang Ping-keung, officiated at the opening ceremony of the performance.
 
     During the performance, PICs staged for the students a drama featuring the story of a teenager who was lured by his peers to take the “space oil drug”. The teenager eventually became addicted to it and engaged in drug trafficking in school. His friend was also lured by him to take drugs, and later had a traffic accident under the influence of drugs, which made the teenager regretful. The CSD hopes that through the drama, students can understand the harm caused by drugs and the heavy price of drug trafficking so that they can become law-abiding and drug-free citizens.
 
Speaking at the event, Mr Tang said that the Government published in the Gazette on February 14 the listing of etomidate, the main component of the “space oil drug”, as a dangerous drug. Possession, vaping or drug trafficking can make one liable for very serious criminal punishment. The Government will continue to adopt a zero-tolerance attitude towards dangerous drugs and use multipronged strategies to combat drugs. The Government has also co-organised various activities with schools to prevent the spread of the “space oil drug” among young people. He hoped that, through the drama and interactive sessions, students can understand the dangers of emerging drugs and stay away from drugs at all times.
 
This year marks the 60th anniversary of the Action Committee Against Narcotics (ACAN). ACAN was invited to set up booths inside the venue to disseminate to students anti-drug messages, information on criminal liabilities for drug offences, how to seek help, and so on.
 
During the sharing session, a PIC who was addicted to drugs and imprisoned for trafficking in dangerous drugs shared his experience with the students, hoping that they can learn from it and recognise the harmful effects of drugs and reminding them to be law abiding and stay away from drugs.
 
Jointly organised by the CSD and the Catholic Diocese of Hong Kong Lay Prison Evangelical Organisation, the “Creation and Rehabilitation” Programme has been implemented at Stanley Prison since 2011. The Programme integrates arts therapy into rehabilitation services and assists PICs in self-exploration and self-understanding through a series of creative workshops. In addition, the Programme provides opportunities for young people to visit correctional institutions and meet PICs in person so as to understand the heavy price of committing crimes and the importance of abiding by the law. At the same time, through the creation and performance by PICs, students can deepen their understanding of diversified rehabilitation programmes of the CSD, thereby recognising the importance of rehabilitation and the significance of social harmony.