Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The third edition of Hong Kong Fashion Fest today (September 2) unveiled two flagship programmes, CENTRESTAGE and “Future Threads: Menswear’s New Waves Between Italy and Hong Kong”, showcasing the latest achievements in global fashion convergence and cross-cultural design exchanges, further highlighting Hong Kong’s position as an East-meets-West centre for international arts and cultural exchanges and an international fashion trading hub.
 
     Presented by the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, and spearheaded and sponsored by the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency under the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau, this edition of Hong Kong Fashion Fest, for the first time, combines with CENTRESTAGE, the international fashion showcase and trade platform organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, with a view to generating stronger synergies. Meanwhile, Hong Kong Fashion Fest also continues its collaboration with Milan Fashion Week organiser Camera Nazionale della Moda Italiana (CNMI) in “Future Threads”.
 
     As Asia’s annual fashion extravaganza, CENTRESTAGE marks its 11th edition this year. The four-day event opens today at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. The Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Miss Rosanna Law, officiating at the opening fashion show, CENTRESTAGE ELITES featuring the first solo show of Hong Kong multidisciplinary designer and visual artist Kit Wan, joined members of the Hong Kong fashion industry in witnessing the local designer take to both the local and international stage. The opening show presented over 30 new looks by Wan’s studio, and reflected the city’s vibrant cross-disciplinary fashion scene.
 
     Another flagship programme, “Future Thread”, organised by the Hong Kong Design Centre in partnership with CNMI, brings together creations by 10 emerging menswear designers from Italy and Hong Kong. The Under Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Mr Raistlin Lau, attended the opening ceremony today. The exhibition runs from September 3 to 13 at Fashion Walk in Causeway Bay. Curated by CNMI’s International New Talent and Brands Ambassador, Ms Sara Sozzani Maino, the exhibition offers an exclusive preview of Spring/Summer 2027 menswear collections and explores how a new generation of designers from two geographies is reshaping contemporary menswear, presenting a distinguished intercultural menswear event.
 
     The third edition of Hong Kong Fashion Fest will feature a series of events at various landmarks across Hong Kong over the next two weeks. For details of the two flagship programmes, please refer to the official social media channels (www.instagram.com/centrestage_hktdc/ and www.instagram.com/hkdesigncentre/). For more information on the Hong Kong Fashion Fest, please visit the official website www.hongkongfashionfest.com and follow the official social media channels.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The following is issued on behalf of the Legislative Council Secretariat:

     The delegation of the Legislative Council (LegCo) Panel on Transport began its four-day duty visit in Beijing today (September 2) to study the experience of road traffic planning in Beijing’s new development areas (NDAs) and road maintenance, with a view to advancing transport planning in Hong Kong’s NDAs, including the Northern Metropolis.

     Upon arriving in Beijing in the afternoon, the delegation visited the Beijing Transport Institute and received a briefing on its research and decision-support experience in urban transport planning and traffic operation monitoring. Both sides also exchanged views on transport planning in NDAs. The delegation hopes to draw on Beijing’s experience in transport development planning to offer recommendations to the Government, with a view to optimising and refining transport planning of the Northern Metropolis.

     The delegation also met with the representatives of the Beijing Urban Road Maintenance and Management Center to learn about local road maintenance experience and smart maintenance technologies. Members noted that the Center co-ordinates the planning, budgeting and management of major road maintenance projects in the city, including routine inspections and repairs of damaged road surfaces, and emergency drainage repair works during adverse weather. During the exchange, both sides discussed how to apply advanced technologies to effectively extend the service life of roads, thereby minimising traffic disruptions and enhancing road safety on busy expressways.

     The delegation will continue its duty visit in Beijing tomorrow (September 3).

     A total of 13 members and non-members of the Panel on Transport participate in the duty visit. The Secretary for Transport and Logistics, Ms Mable Chan, also leads a government delegation to join the duty visit.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

​The Assistant Commissioner of Customs and Excise (Intelligence and Investigation), Mr Wong Ho-yin, witnessed by the Commissioner of Customs and Excise, Mr Chan Tsz-tat, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with PDD Holdings today (September 2) at the Customs Headquarters Building to establish a closer co-operative relationship.
 
At the signing ceremony, Mr Chan said that the National 15th Five-Year Plan supports the development of new forms and models of business, including cross-boundary e-commerce, and promotes regulatory innovation in customs clearance. The signing of the MOU with PDD Holdings is an important step in this direction to strengthen co-operation between the Government and the cross-boundary e-commerce platform. Both sides will establish a closer communication and collaboration mechanism, strengthen compliance promotion, and assist the platform and its merchants in understanding Hong Kong’s relevant legislation and import control requirements, with a view to preventing prohibited items from entering Hong Kong through online shopping channels, thereby providing more comprehensive protection for consumers.
 
The Senior Vice President of PDD Holdings, Mr Liao Yongdi, said that the group attached great importance to compliant development in cross-boundary e-commerce. The group would leverage technologies, including big data and AI, to strengthen management of goods, merchants and transaction processes, with a view to reducing compliance risks. He added that PDD Holdings looked forward to establishing a long-term communication mechanism with Hong Kong Customs to enhance collaboration and follow up on relevant matters in a timely manner, thereby providing Hong Kong consumers with a safer and more reliable online shopping experience.
 
Hong Kong Customs will continue to uphold the department’s duties and mission of safeguarding the country’s gateway and fostering development, deepen collaboration with the trade, and facilitate legitimate trade.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

​The Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Miss Rosanna Law, expressed sorrow over the passing of veteran Hong Kong actor and dancer Lau Siu-ming, and extended her condolences to his family.

Mr Lau was a distinguished figure in Hong Kong’s performing arts sector. He began his career as a dancer, actively performing on stage in his early years, and later transitioned into television and film, where he appeared in numerous popular productions beloved by audience. His nuanced acting and versatile image left a precious artistic legacy in Hong Kong’s film and television culture. In 2007, he was conferred Honorary Fellowship of the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts in recognition of his contributions to the performing arts sector.

Beyond his artistic achievements, Mr Lau was also dedicated to promoting local cultural and artistic development. He was the founder and advisor of several dance and arts groups, and served as a member of the “Art Form Panel (Dance and Multi-arts)” under the Leisure and Cultural Services Department, offering valuable advice on nurturing new artistic talent and expanding audience. His professionalism and passion made significant contributions to the sustainable development of Hong Kong’s cultural sector.

Miss Law said, “Ming Sir devoted his life to dance and the performing arts. His talent and dedication will always be remembered. We deeply mourn his passing and pay the highest tribute to his outstanding artistic achievements.”

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

Hong Kong Customs today (September 2) conducted a follow-up operation against a beauty company suspected of engaging in aggressive commercial practices in the sale of skincare products and beauty devices. Following the arrests of a financial manager and an administrative manager of the company involved earlier, Customs officers today arrested a 22-year-old local female saleswoman of the company, who was suspected of violating the Trade Descriptions Ordinance (the Ordinance). The investigation is ongoing, and the possibility of further arrests is not ruled out.

Customs has received a total of 38 reports of the beauty company concerned to date, involving an aggregate amount of about $3 million.

Customs once again appeals to customers who suspect they have been subjected to such unfair trade practices to contact Customs as soon as possible.

Customs reminds traders that they must comply with the requirements of the Ordinance, and advises consumers to patronize reputable merchants. Consumers should remain calm before purchasing services or products. If they do not fully understand the product details and prices, or do not wish to make a purchase, they should firmly refuse to sign any sales documents or make any payments.

Under the Ordinance, any trader who uses harassment, coercion, or undue influence to restrict or impair a consumer’s freedom of choice or conduct, thereby causing the consumer to make a transactional decision, commits the offense of aggressive commercial practices. Upon conviction, the maximum penalty is a fine of $500,000 and imprisonment for five years.

Customs has always attached great importance to consumer rights protection and has zero tolerance for unfair trade practices, pledging to continue its stringent enforcement action against unscrupulous traders.

Members of the public who encounter unfair trade practices or suspect a trader has violated the Ordinance should report it as soon as possible by calling the Customs’ 24-hour hotline at 182 8080, or via the crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or the online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002).

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) said today (September 2) that it is investigating two confirmed Mpox (also known as Monkeypox) cases, and strongly urged high-risk target groups to receive Mpox vaccinations. Meanwhile, the public is advised to be vigilant and avoid close physical contact with individuals suspected of contracting Mpox.

     The first case involves a 38-year-old male. He developed ulcers on his genital area on August 19. As his symptoms persisted, he sought medical treatment at a social hygiene service clinic (SocHS) under the DH on August 31. According to information provided by the patient, he had sexual contact with his male partner in Hong Kong during the incubation period.
 
     The second case involves a 34-year-old male. He developed a fever on August 27 and sore throat on August 29. He sought medical attention at the Accident and Emergency Department of Caritas Medical Centre on the same day and was admitted for treatment. He further developed rashes on various parts of his body, including his face, neck, trunk, limbs, buttock and genital area, on September 1. According to information provided by the patient, he had high-risk exposure with three male strangers in Hong Kong during the incubation period.
 
     Both of their clinical specimens were tested positive for monkeypox virus upon laboratory testing by the CHP’s Public Health Laboratory Services Branch. The CHP has arranged them to receive isolation treatment at hospitals. They are currently in stable condition. No epidemiological linkages between these cases or confirmed Mpox cases earlier recorded in Hong Kong have been identified so far. The CHP is continuing an epidemiological investigation of the cases, and will endeavour to contact individuals who had high-risk contact with the patients and report the cases to the World Health Organization.

     Since 2022, Hong Kong has recorded a total of 99 Mpox cases (79 local cases and 20 imported cases), including the above-mentioned cases. All patients were males. Epidemiological investigations revealed that most cases had high-risk sexual behaviour, including having sex with strangers or having sex without wearing condoms.
 
     The Mpox vaccine can prevent infection and severe disease. The DH provides Mpox vaccination services for high-risk groups. The following high-risk target groups are eligible for Mpox vaccinations on a voluntary basis:
 

1. individuals with high-risk sexual practices, e.g. having multiple sexual partners, sex workers, or having a history of sexually transmitted infection within the past 12 months;
2. healthcare workers responsible for caring for patients with confirmed Mpox;
3. laboratory personnel handling zoonotic pox viruses; and
4. animal care personnel with high risk of exposure in case of Mpox occurrences in animals in Hong Kong.

 
     High-risk target groups can receive Mpox walk-in vaccinations at any of the DH’s SocHS (namely Chai Wan SocHS, Wan Chai Male SocHS, Wan Chai Female SocHS, Yau Ma Tei Male SocHS, Yau Ma Tei Female SocHS, Yung Fung Shee SocHS, Fanling SocHS and Tuen Mun SocHS) and the DH’s Yau Ma Tei Integrated Treatment Centre, without prior appointments.

     Meanwhile, the DH’s Kowloon Bay Integrated Treatment Centre and the Hospital Authority’s Special Medical Clinics at Queen Elizabeth Hospital and Princess Margaret Hospital also provide Mpox vaccination services for their clients.

     Mpox is not transmitted through respiratory droplets or aerosols in general, and transmission would not occur through social contact. The CHP reminds the public, especially those at higher risks of exposure, to take precautions and avoid close physical contact with persons or animals suspected of being infected. They should seek medical attention as soon as possible if they experience relevant symptoms, including rash, fever, chills, swollen lymph nodes, exhaustion, muscle pain, and severe headaches. They should not engage in activities with others that may involve contact with skin rash or body fluids.

     For more details, please visit the CHP’s webpages on Mpox and Mpox Vaccination Programme. 

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Agriculture, Fisheries & Conservation Department (AFCD) today said the claim that its enforcement officers “identify a dog as a fighting dog at a glance” is entirely unfounded.

It clarified that the criteria adopted for identifying such dogs aligns with common international practice for identifying fighting dog types, adding that this meets scientific and professional standards and takes into full consideration the actual safety risks posed by the dog.

The department issued an explanatory note in light of recent suspected cases of fighting dogs being kept illegally. These case have aroused public concern and given rise to some misconceptions in the community.

Under the Dogs & Cats Ordinance and related regulations, importation, breeding, and unlicensed keeping of fighting dogs are prohibited.

A police officer or authorised AFCD officer who has reasonable grounds to suspect unlawful possession of a dog – for instance, an unlicensed fighting dog – has the authority to seize and detain the dog until it can be identified and for follow-up action to be taken. 

Generally speaking, officers will take a dog away for inspection and observation with the owner’s consent. Where the dog concerned does not pose an immediate danger and the owner is able to implement appropriate precautionary measures, the AFCD may allow the owner to bring the dog to an Animal Management Centre.

The AFCD urged members of the public to understand and co-operate with its enforcement actions to jointly maintain community safety.

As to the criteria for identifying fighting dogs, the AFCD said that before classifying a dog as a fighting dog, its veterinary officers will carefully observe a dog’s physical characteristics and proportions, its body structure, and other related features to assess whether it truly possesses the high-risk traits characteristic of fighting dog types.

Regarding suggestions that genetic testing should be used to identify such dogs, the AFCD said this is not the optimal method, as dogs carrying genes from fighting dog types do not necessarily develop all the physical characteristics and features of fighting dogs.

The current internationally common practice involves an identification standard that assesses dogs’ physicality and characteristics.

The AFCD said it will continue to monitor technological developments and study the latest genetic testing methods, with a view to considering the possibility of using these as auxiliary identification tools in the future.

Dog owners may consult a registered veterinarian or contact the AFCD for assistance if they are uncertain as to whether their pets fall into the fighting dog category.

As long as strict regulatory conditions are met, current legislation allows owners to continue keeping neutered fighting dogs, the AFCD added.