Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority: 
 
     The Hospital Authority (HA) announced today (April 20) that, following the digitalisation of medical certificates (commonly known as sick leave certificates) and attendance certificates, maternity/sick leave certificates and maternity leave certificates issued by the HA will also adopt a digital signature with an electronic version starting from April 24 this year. These digital certificates will replace the traditional, manually signed paper certificates.
 
     Same as the manually signed traditional certificate, the digital signature on the electronic maternity/sick leave certificate issued by a doctor, and the maternity leave certificate issued by a midwife, holds the same legal effect. The digitally signed certificates will include name of patient, proof of pregnancy, the expected date of confinement and recommended sick leave, etc.
 
     All electronic certificates, including medical certificates, maternity/sick leave certificates, maternity leave certificates, and attendance certificates, display an encrypted QR code that allows verification of the electronic certificate (see Annex 1). They are automatically stored in the “Records” feature of the HA’s mobile application HA Go (see Annex 2 and Annex 3). The electronic certificates could be used for sick leave application or proof of consultation. Patients can print out the certificates where necessary. For the patient issued with an attendance certificate, the electronic version will also be stored in HA Go.
 
     The spokesperson for the HA said that the digitalisation of medical certificates issued by the HA for sick leave, maternity leave, and attendance marks an important milestone in the development of smart hospitals. In addition to streamlining the process of telehealth services and enhancing patient satisfaction, the digitalisation of certificates also reduces the risk of losing paper certificates, facilitates patient access, and improves the overall patient experience. While printed copies of electronic certificates will still be available for patients at this stage, the HA encourages patients to opt for electronic certificates in the future.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Innovation and Technology Commission (ITC) announced today (April 20) the third batch of 24 projects recommended by the Steering Committee of the Research, Academic, and Industry Sectors One-plus (RAISe+) Scheme for funding support (see Annex). The total Government funding commitment amounts to over $1 billion.
 
The Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Professor Sun Dong, expressed his gratitude to the Steering Committee for vetting the new round of applications and the recommendations made. He said, “The third batch of projects recommended for funding support covers a wide range of innovation and technology (I&T) areas, including health and medical sciences, new materials and new energy, AI and robotics, computer science/information technology, electrical and electronic engineering, and advanced manufacturing, etc. It is a clear testament to Hong Kong’s research and development (R&D) capabilities and vibrant I&T ecosystem. The Government will continue to proactively promote the commercialisation of local R&D outcomes through the RAISe+ Scheme, with the aim to fostering effective collaboration among the Government, industry, academia and research sectors, injecting new momentum into local I&T development, and expediting the development of Hong Kong into an international I&T centre, thereby contributing to high-level technological self-reliance of our country.”

The ITC is following up with the universities concerned on the projects recommended for funding support for their smooth implementation, in order to nurture more I&T projects and start-ups with potential through the Scheme, thereby further driving Hong Kong’s high-quality development.
 
With a funding allocation of $10 billion, the RAISe+ Scheme was launched in 2023 to fund, on a matching basis, research teams from the University Grants Committee-funded universities with good potential to become successful start-ups. Each approved project may receive funding support that ranges from $10 million to $100 million. Assessment criteria of the Scheme include the I&T component of the project, the commercial viability of project outcomes, the technical and management capability of the team, relevance of the project with Government policies or in the overall interest of the community, as well as the financial considerations of the project. In the first two rounds of applications, 49 projects were supported by the Scheme with the total Government funding commitment amounting to over $2 billion.
 
Details of the Scheme are available on its dedicated website (www.itf.gov.hk/en/raiseplus). For enquiries, please contact the Secretariat of the Scheme (Tel: 3543 5904; email: raiseplus@itc.gov.hk).

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

​To promote the National Security Education Day, the Auxiliary Medical Service (AMS) held an open day at its headquarters in Ho Man Tin today (April 19). The event aimed to enable members of the public to learn about the work of the AMS in safeguarding national security, to enhance public awareness of national security, and to further deepen their understanding of the daily operations and services provided by the AMS.

Addressing the opening ceremony, the Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr Christopher Hui, said that safeguarding national security is the common responsibility of all. National security is not confined to single area; it is closely linked to finance, public health, and everyday community life. Among the 20 major fields of national security, biosecurity is closely related to the work of the AMS. The AMS provides various services to the public, including non-emergency ambulance transfer services, first aid coverage during large-scale public events, as well as duty at country parks and cycling tracks. The AMS spares no effort in safeguarding the safety and health of the general public. He would like to express his heartfelt gratitude to the members of the AMS for their unwavering dedication and commitment to protecting the public.

The Commissioner of the AMS, Dr Ronald Lam, said that this year marks the beginning of the country’s 15th Five-Year Plan, and the theme of this year’s National Security Education Day is “Proactively Align with the 15th Five-Year Plan  Follow a Holistic Approach to Development and Security”. The AMS has been strengthening members’ and cadet corps’ understanding of national security through various channels. In the past year, the AMS organised the “Together, We Set a New Record” event, setting a Guinness World Record for “Most pairs of people applying arm slings simultaneously”, to promote the importance of first aid knowledge to the public. He expressed gratitude to all sectors for their support to the AMS, and added that the AMS will spare no effort in safeguarding national security and contribute to building a healthy and safe Hong Kong.

The open day featured a variety of engaging activities, including national security-themed game booths, first aid demonstrations, band foot drills, medical and health seminars, health screenings, as well as displays of ambulances and first aid bicycles. Through these activities, members of the public could gain a deeper understanding of the daily work of the AMS, access more health information, learn about developments in the healthcare sector, and at the same time enhance their awareness of national security.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, Miss Alice Mak, today (April 19) attended the Ancestor Worship Ceremony of the Yellow Emperor in the Year of Bingwu 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. Under the theme “Same Root, Same Ancestor, Same Origin; Peace, Harmony and Amity”, the Ancestor Worship Ceremony of the Yellow Emperor aims to promote the outstanding traditional Chinese culture.

Miss Mak expressed deepest gratitude for being invited to attend the Ancestor Worship Ceremony of the Yellow Emperor again. Miss Mak added that the culture of the Yellow Emperor symbolizes the same root of Chinese civilisation, with the profound historical and cultural heritage of Zhengzhou, the event is especially meaningful. By attending the event, Hong Kong compatriots can further enhance the sense of national identity, and promote the national feelings and cultural cohesion of Chinese people.

During her visit to Zhengzhou, Miss Mak met with the Secretary of the CPC Henan Provincial Committee and Director of the Standing Committee of the Henan Provincial People’s Congress, Mr Liu Ning; the Deputy Secretary of the CPC Henan Provincial Committee and Governor of Henan Province, Mr Wang Kai; and Secretary of Party Leadership Group and Chairperson, Mr Kong Changsheng.

Miss Mak also met with Hong Kong students studying in Zhengzhou to learn about their studies and daily lives on the Mainland. She encouraged young people to grasp the opportunities to study on the Mainland to gain a deeper understanding of the swift and high quality development of the country, equip themselves 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

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     To support National Security Education Day, the Immigration Service Institute of Training and Development (ISITD) held an open day today (April 18), drawing the participation of over 2 500 citizens. Through activities such as exhibitions, guided tours of training facilities, interactive experiences and booth games, the open day aimed to showcase the Immigration Department (ImmD)’s unwavering commitment to fending off national security risks and firmly guarding the country’s southern gateway, raise public awareness of national security, and strengthen public sense of national identity.
 
     The open day featured a rich programme, with many thematic exhibitions and interactive booths set up to introduce the public to the technologies used by the ImmD in areas such as the detection of forged documents, counter-terrorism operations, management of detention centres and tactical equipment. The ISITD also opened training facilities, including the mock immigration clearance hall and the mock courtroom, so that members of the public could gain a deeper understanding of the ImmD’s work in safeguarding national security.
 
     In addition, the Immigration Department Youth Leaders Corps (IDYL) set up a game booth with the theme “food security”, one of the 20 major fields of national security. Apart from sharing the crops harvested during their earlier farming experiences in local farm and the Chaoshan region, IDYL members also illustrated in a fun and engaging manner to the public the important concept that “food is closely related to the fate of the country and the livelihood of the people”, thereby enhancing public awareness of food security.
 
     The Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki, attended the open day. Accompanied by directorate officers of the ImmD, he toured the exhibition booths and interacted with the public. He also encouraged members of the Immigration Service to continue to uphold their mission and remain steadfast in safeguarding national security.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     Eight incoming male passengers aged 25 to 56 were sentenced from eight to twelve months’ imprisonment and fined $2,000 by the West Kowloon Magistrates’ Courts today (April 18) for importing and dealing with duty-not-paid cigarettes and failing to declare them to Customs officers, in contravention of the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance (DCO). 

     Customs officers intercepted eight incoming passengers at Hong Kong International Airport on April 17 and seized duty-not-paid cigarettes from their personal baggage during customs clearance. 

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

Following is the speech by the Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, at the LumiVoce Foundation 10th anniversary Gala Dinner today (April 18):

Dr Ying Ying Liu (Founder and Board Co-Chair of LumiVoce Foundation), Clarie (Board Co-Chair of LumiVoce Foundation and Chairman of Organizing Committee of Gala, Ms Clarie Lo), LumiVoce Foundation Board members, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, 
 
Good evening. It gives me great pleasure to join you tonight to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the LumiVoce Foundation.

     Over the past decade, LumiVoce has shown how music and arts can inspire a deep love for wildlife and biodiversity in young people, and how that love can be turned into action for a more sustainable planet.

     By bringing together aesthetic education with social and emotional learning, LumiVoce has pioneered a distinctive education approach in Hong Kong, nurturing not only environmental awareness, but also emotional well-being, especially for children growing up in a fast-paced, high-pressure city.

     Our gathering tonight indeed reminds us of the scale and urgency of the challenge we face. In recent years, the world has experienced some of the hottest years on record, with more frequent extreme weather events. We have only one planet to call home. If humanity is to survive and thrive, we must act together – across borders, sectors and generations – to tackle climate change, and to preserve and restore the biodiversity that underpins our food, our health, our economies, and, above all, the beauty of this planet.
 
      Development and environmental conservation are not mutually exclusive. As President Xi Jinping captured this so compellingly in the saying: “綠水青山就是金山銀山”.

     Across our country, for example, the green transition is turning once-barren land into arable land and vast fields of wind farms and solar panels, alongside ecological restoration that creates new livelihoods for local herders and communities. It is a vivid reminder of the essence of sustainable development: a virtuous cycle in which economic progress, ecology and social well-being advance together.

     The Hong Kong SAR (Hong Kong Special Administrative Region) Government fully shares this belief. Investing in nature, at its heart, is investing in lasting prosperity. As we pursue carbon neutrality, we are seeing the emergence of new industries, technologies and value chains.

     The same is true as we enhance biodiversity and strengthen ecological resilience. Last December, we released Hong Kong’s updated Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan 2035. This is our blueprint to protect and restore ecosystems and wildlife, to mainstream biodiversity across sectors, to build conservation capacity, and to deepen local and cross-boundary partnerships.
 
     Our vision is clear: by strengthening our commitment to biodiversity, Hong Kong will become a more sustainable and liveable city, and a meaningful contributor to the biodiversity goals of our country and the world.

     But above all, the long-term success of any strategy depends on the hearts and minds of the next generation. It is vital that an appreciation of nature, and a love of wildlife and biodiversity, become the values of our children. This nurtures not only their understanding of the planet, but also their character, empathy, compassion and resilience. It helps them grow into caring, responsible and confident global citizens.
 
     Ladies and gentlemen, this is why your support matters so much. I hope LumiVoce will continue your wonderful work – deepening your programmes, extending your reach, and strengthening the partnerships with educators, parents, businesses and community organisations – all in support of our young people.

     Let me also express my sincere gratitude to the many sponsors, donors, partners and volunteers who have stood with LumiVoce over the past decade.

     On your 10th anniversary, may I offer my warmest congratulations. I wish you every success in the years ahead, as you continue to illuminate hearts through art and music, and inspire Hong Kong’s youth to cherish and protect the remarkable biodiversity of our planet.

     Thank you very much.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Acting Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, Mr Clarence Leung, together with the Commissioner for Youth, Mr Eric Chan, officiated at the International Youth Exchange Sharing Session cum YDC Youth Ambassadors Programme 2025-2026 Annual Ceremony today (April 18).  
 
The guests attending the event were Deputy Commissioner of the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (OCMFA), Mr Li Yongsheng; the Director-General of the International Department of the OCMFA, Mr Wang Jian; the Deputy Division Chief of the Department of Youth Affairs of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Mr Chen Guanxing; the Vice-Chairman of the Youth Development Commission (YDC), Mr Kenneth Leung; and YDC members. They listened to the sharing by several YDC Youth Ambassadors and participants of the HYAB Funding Scheme for International Youth Exchange regarding their exchange experiences and learning outcomes. 
 
Addressing the ceremony, Mr Leung stated that the Home and Youth Affairs Bureau (HYAB) and the YDC collaborate to actively promote international youth exchange, enabling young people to broaden their international horizons and enhance their understanding of the development of the world. The HYAB Funding Scheme for International Youth Exchange 2025-26 has funded a total of about 90 international exchange projects, benefitting around 2 400 young people. These projects cover more than 40 countries, many of which are located in regions along the Belt and Road. In addition to learning about the history and culture of different places around the world, young people also have the opportunity to visit the official Chinese Government organisations, large-scale enterprises or research institutions, etc. to deepen their understanding of the participation, contribution and influence of the country in international affairs.
 
Mr Chan said that the YDC Youth Ambassadors Programme Annual Ceremony was of great significance, as it served to review the fruitful achievements of the YDC Youth Ambassadors Programme 2025 and mark the official commencement of the new cohort of Youth Ambassadors Cadets. He encouraged the youth participants from both cohorts to shine in their respective fields and contribute to Hong Kong and the country.

The YDC Youth Ambassadors Programme is a flagship youth talent development programme co-organised by the HYAB and the YDC with an aim to identify and groom a cadre of young talents with a sense of responsibility, and with aspirations and potential, as well as with a passion to serve society, and who are willing to strive for the betterment of the country and Hong Kong. Centred on the theme “Youth Leading the Future”, this year’s programme aims at empowering young people to cultivate a holistic outlook and seizing the future development opportunities of Hong Kong through comprehensive training and unique exposure opportunities. The programme also encourages young people to actively engage in public affairs and participate in local and overseas exchanges, as well as promote the positive image of Hong Kong’s young people through social media.
 
For more information on the YDC Youth Ambassadors Programme and the HYAB Funding Scheme for International Youth Exchange, please visit the YDC webpage (www.ydc.gov.hk).

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) today (April 18) is investigating a local measles case epidemiological linked to an earlier measles case. The CHP reminds members of the public that vaccination is the most effective way to prevent measles.

     The case involves a 30-year-old male who developed myalgia on April 14; a fever and a sore throat on April 15, and a rash on April 17. He attended a private clinic in Mong Kok on April 17 due to persistent symptoms, and was admitted to Caritas Medical Centre for treatment arranged by the CHP on the same day. His clinical specimen was tested positive today for the measles virus upon nucleic acid testing. The patient is isolated for treatment and is in stable condition.

     An epidemiological investigation revealed that the patient works at the airport. On April 3, he had worked at the same workplace with the measles case announced on April 6. As the patient is a close contact of the previous airport case, the CHP has earlier reminded the organisation’s medical service provider to pay attention to the possible occurrence of measles case among the close contacts. Thereafter, the organisation’s medical service provider reported the suspected case to the CHP for follow up on April 17. The patient was uncertain whether he had received measles vaccination. As he lives alone and had no travel history during the incubation period, the CHP is of the view that the patient was probably infected at the workplace.

     During the patient’s communicable period (since April 13), in addition to visiting a private clinic on April 17, he worked at the airport from April 13 to 15. The CHP has been carrying out contact tracing in the private clinic that the patient had visited and his workplace to identify any close contacts and high risk individuals. As of 5pm today, a total of 100 individuals who stayed in the same clinic with the patient and 162 relevant staff at his workplace were identified as close contacts. The CHP had set up a health booth today from 3pm to 8pm at the airport to provide assessment and vaccination for close contacts working at the airport. The health booth will continue to operate from 9am to 6pm tomorrow (April 19) and April 20. The CHP has inspected the environment at the patient’s workplace at the airport and given health advice on site today. The CHP will continue to put the close contacts under medical surveillance.

     The CHP will continue to investigate and follow up on the case.

     “Measles outbreaks are currently occurring in many regions around the world. North America (including the United States, Canada and Mexico) and Southeast Asia (including Indonesia, Cambodia and the Philippines) have seen persistent measles outbreaks in recent years due to low vaccination coverage rates. In the first three months of this year, about 1 700 cases have been recorded in the United States, a figure far higher than during the same period last year. In Europe, the number of measles cases in the United Kingdom and Italy has increased recently, with 371 and 84 cases recorded respectively since January this year. In Asia, the incidence of measles remains high in the Philippines, Indonesia and Cambodia. Japan has also seen a substantial rise in cases this year, with 236 cases recorded as of the end of March, which is higher than in the same period for the past six years. Singapore and Australia have reported 27 and 89 measles cases respectively this year, also higher than in the same period last year. Most of the overseas cases have affected people who were not vaccinated against measles or had an unknown vaccination status, which highlights the importance of maintaining a high vaccination rate and herd immunity within the community,” said the Controller of the CHP, Dr Edwin Tsui.

     In response to the global rise in measles cases and the risk of imported cases, the CHP has sent a letter to all doctors in Hong Kong to inform them of the latest situation regarding measles and urged them to remain vigilant and report any suspected cases. At the same time, the CHP has also sent letters to foreign domestic helper agencies and the aviation industry, encouraging foreign domestic helpers and airport staff to receive the measles vaccine to protect their health and prevent the spread of the virus in the community.

     The incubation period of measles (i.e. the time from infection to onset of illness) is seven to 21 days. Symptoms include fever, skin rash, cough, runny nose and red eyes. If travellers returning from places with high incidence or outbreak of measles develop symptoms of measles (e.g. fever and rash), they should seek medical advice immediately and avoid contact with non-immune persons, especially pregnant women and infants under one year old. They should also report their symptoms and prior travel history to healthcare workers so that appropriate infection control measures can be implemented at the healthcare facilities to prevent any potential spread.

     “Under the Hong Kong Childhood Immunisation Programme, the overall immunisation coverage in Hong Kong has been maintained at a very high level through the immunisation services provided by the DH’s Maternal and Child Health Centres and School Immunisation Teams. As evidenced by the findings on vaccination coverage of primary school students and the territory-wide immunisation surveys conducted regularly by the DH, the two-dose measles vaccination coverage has remained consistently high, well above 95 per cent, and the local seroprevalence rates of measles virus antibodies reflect that most people in Hong Kong are immune to measles. However, Hong Kong, as a city with a high volume of international travel, still faces the potential risk of importation of the measles virus and its further spread in the local community. Hence, a small number of people who have not completed a measles vaccination (such as non-local-born people including new immigrants, foreign domestic helpers, overseas employees and people coming to Hong Kong for further studies) are still at risk of being infected and spreading measles to other people who do not have immunity against measles, such as children under 1 year old who have not yet received the first dose of the measles vaccine,” Dr Tsui said.

     People born before 1967 could be considered to have acquired immunity to measles through natural infection, as measles was endemic in many parts of the world and in Hong Kong at that time. People born in or after 1967 who have not yet completed the two doses of measles vaccination, or whose measles vaccination history is unknown, should consult their family doctors as soon as possible to complete the vaccination and ensure adequate protection against measles.

     Besides being vaccinated against measles, members of the public should take the following measures to prevent infection: