Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Candidate Eligibility Review Committee (CERC) today announced that the nomination of 100 candidates for the Election Committee (EC) Subsector By-elections and 10 nominations for EC members have been determined as valid. In addition, the CERC also determined eight registrations of ex-officio EC members as valid.

As regards the 93 vacancies in the EC membership to be returned by the 2025 EC Subsector By-elections, the Returning Officers (ROs) received a total of 101 nomination forms for candidates by the close of nominations.

Upon review, the CERC has determined 100 candidates as validly nominated. One candidate had passed away during the nomination period. The CERC thus determined his nomination as invalid in accordance with relevant electoral law.

As for the 10 members to be returned through supplementary nominations by designated bodies, the ROs received a total of eight nomination forms submitted by designated bodies, involving 11 nominees.

The CERC has determined 10 nominations, according to the priorities indicated by the designated bodies, are sufficient for filling the number of seats assigned to the subsectors.

Meanwhile, the Registration & Electoral Office (REO) has received eight registrations for ex-officio members. Upon review, the CERC has determined that these eight registrations are valid.

The subsectors involved engineering, medical and health services, social welfare, as well as architectural, surveying, planning & landscape.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Secretary for Health Prof Lo Chung-mau will lead a delegation to Singapore tomorrow to meet health authorities there, with a view to strengthening exchanges and co-operation between the two places in healthcare-related areas.

Additionally, the delegation will meet with local regulatory authorities for drugs and medical devices, clinical research institutions, as well as pharmaceutical companies. The Department of Health will also sign a memorandum of understanding with Singapore’s Health Sciences Authority.

Director of Health Dr Ronald Lam intends to participate in the delegation. Prof Lo and the delegates will return to Hong Kong on August 14. During his absence, Under Secretary for Health Dr Cecilia Fan will be Acting Secretary.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Leisure & Cultural Services Department will present a cello recital by Alex Lau on September 9.

The emerging young cellist will collaborate with Japanese pianist Naoko Sonoda to perform an exquisite selection of cello sonatas spanning different eras, showcasing his outstanding talent and superb technique.

In the first half of the recital, the duo will perform Beethoven’s Cello Sonata No. 4 in C, Op. 102, No. 1 and Brahms’ Cello Sonata in F, Op. 99.

The second half will feature two works from the mid-20th century, beginning with Mr Lau’s solo interpretation of Ligeti’s Sonata for Solo Cello, culminating in a rendition of Prokofiev’s Cello Sonata in C, Op. 119 with Ms Sonoda.

Tickets for the show, which will be held at 8pm on September 9 at City Hall, are now available at URBTIX.

The cello recital is part of the “Hong Kong Artists” Series. Other programmes in the series include a vocal recital by Viola Cheung on November 13 and a Guzheng recital by Grammy Yeung on December 1.

Package discounts are available for the recitals under the “Hong Kong Artists” Series. Call 2268 7321 for enquiries.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Deputy Director of Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation, Mr Patrick Lai, attended the tenth Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Food Security Ministerial Meeting held yesterday (August 9) and today (August 10) in Incheon, Korea, to discuss and exchange views with representatives of other member economies on various topics such as adoption of digital technologies, sharing of knowledge on advanced technologies in agriculture, driving innovation in agri-food systems and enhancing resilience and sustainability of food supply chains.
 
The Meeting, themed “Driving Innovation in Agri-food Systems for Shared Prosperity”, aims at fostering a more connected, innovative, and prosperous Asia-Pacific region. All member economies reaffirmed their commitment to promoting co-operation among APEC member economies and fostering solidarity to strengthen food security through productive, sustainable, resilient and innovative agri-food systems for the prosperity of all our people and future generations.

Speaking at the Meeting, Mr Lai said that the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) will continue to collaborate with member economies to promote sustainable agriculture and development of innovative agri-food systems in the Asia-Pacific region. Additionally, he introduced the visions and work targets for the modernisation and sustainable development of the agricultural industry as outlined in the Blueprint for the Sustainable Development of Agriculture and Fisheries, which was formulated jointly by the HKSAR Government and the trade. At the Meeting, he also reaffirmed the unwavering commitment of the HKSAR Government to development of innovative agri-food systems and regional collaboration, and underscored the necessity of collaborative efforts among member economies to address the pressing environmental challenges including extreme weather events and natural disasters which continue to undermine food supply chains, in particular for small-scale producers and to build a resilient and sustainable food supply system. 

Mr Lai remarked that the HKSAR Government will actively collaborate with APEC partners on promoting sustainable and advanced production methods to enhance productivity and competitiveness of farmers, and will continue to maintain close communication and co-operation with APEC member economies on topics related to innovation in agri-food systems and the promotion of sustainable agricultural development.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The annual Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival in New York (HKDBF-NY) marked its 35th anniversary with a vibrant celebration of sport, culture, and community at Meadow Lake, in Flushing Meadows Corona Park over the weekend (August 9 and 10, New York time).
      
     Launched by the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in New York (New York ETO), the festival has grown from humble beginnings into one of the largest and most iconic events of its kind in the United States. Today, it stands as a much-anticipated fixture on New York’s cultural and sporting calendar, inspiring similar celebrations across the country and showcasing the enduring appeal and rich heritage of dragon boat racing.
      
     At the festival’s opening ceremony, the Director of the New York ETO, Ms Maisie Ho, highlighted the unique role of the event in fostering tradition, athleticism, and cross-cultural connection.
      
     “The festival celebrates cultural heritage, community spirit, and the enduring legacy of dragon boat racing. It also strengthens the ties between Hong Kong and the East Coast of the United States, fostering deeper cultural exchange and friendship,” Ms Ho said.
      
     “With its exhilarating races and vibrant cultural showcases, the festival captures the dynamic energy shared by both Hong Kong and New York.”
      
     Ms Ho also expressed her appreciation for the support and participation of organisations, including Invest Hong Kong, the Hong Kong Monetary Authority, the Hong Kong Association of New York, and alumni associations of various Hong Kong universities.
      
     She added that the New York ETO remains committed to promoting Hong Kong’s creativity and cultural vibrancy through arts, films, and community events like the dragon boat festival – furthering its role as a unique East-meets-West hub for international cultural exchange.
      
     Festivities for this year’s HKDBF-NY began on July 30 with a traditional “awakening ceremony” in Central Park. Ms Ho, New York City Parks Commissioner Ms Iris Rodriguez-Rosa, and representatives of the festival’s major sponsors participated in the symbolic eye-dotting ritual, “awakening” the dragons and bringing good fortune to the racers. On August 8, the festival’s organising committee was honoured to ring the closing bell at the New York Stock Exchange, further cementing the festival’s significance in the city’s cultural and business life.
      
     The two-day event drew over 180 teams from across the United States, competing in thrilling dragon boat races. Beyond the races, attendees enjoyed an array of festivities, including a lively Hong Kong Food Street, cultural performances, martial arts demonstrations, and live music – making the festival a true celebration of tradition and multicultural unity.