Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Attention TV/radio announcers:

Please broadcast the following as soon as possible:

     Here is an item of interest to swimmers.

     The Leisure and Cultural Services Department announced today (July 10) that due to inclement weather, red flags have been hoisted at Pui O Beach in Islands District and Clear Water Bay Second Beach in Sai Kung District. Beachgoers are advised not to swim at these beaches.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

To help Taiwan’s machine tool industry proactively respond to evolving international regulations, the Bureau of Standards, Metrology and Inspection (BSMI) officially launched the Local Inspection, Certification, and Calibration Service Platform for Machine Tools on July 1. By integrating the resources of public research institutions, the platform serves as a centralized hub that offers up-to-date information on safety and performance testing requirements, as well as relevant technical standards, for key export products in major global markets. This initiative aims to help businesses stay informed of regulatory changes in real time.

In addition to the online portal, BSMI has conducted a comprehensive assessment of domestic calibration and certification capacities. The platform provides consultation services and facilitates demand matching between enterprises and service providers, enabling local testing and certification. These efforts help reduce certification timelines and lower testing costs, thereby enhancing the global competitiveness of Taiwan’s machine tool sector.

BSMI further explained that, in light of India’s recent regulatory changes for mechanical products, they invited the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) in April to brief local machine tool manufacturers on new compliance requirements and application procedures. The seminar focuses on key updates to the European Union’s new Machinery Regulation (EU 2023/1230).

A senior expert from TUV SUD Taiwan, a subsidiary of the renowned German certification body, has been invited to elaborate on the regulation’s major changes. These include strengthened risk assessment requirements, expanded oversight of AI and automated equipment, and clearer responsibilities for manufacturers. The objective is to equip domestic manufacturers with a deeper understanding of the new framework and support early compliance preparation.

With the EU set to fully implement the new Machinery Regulation by 2027, BSMI will continue to organize technical regulatory briefings targeting major export markets. In addition, BSMI also plans to further integrate testing and certification resources, offer consultation and matchmaking services, and promote international cooperation to strengthen Taiwan’s local testing capabilities and export competitiveness.

For more information on machine tool Inspecting, certification, and calibration services, please visit the Local Inspection, Certification, and Calibration Service Platform for Machine Tools at: http://taiwaninspect.pmc.org.tw

Responsible Division: Metrology Administration Division
Contact Person: Chang, Chao-Ching, Deputy Director
Tel. (O):+886-2396-7149
Email:hush.chang@bsmi.gov.tw

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

A local man was convicted and sentenced to imprisonment for 20 months at the District Court today (July 9) for illegal possession of local wild and endangered turtles. The case marks the first time that the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) has successfully applied to the court under the Organized and Serious Crimes Ordinance (Cap. 455) for enhanced sentencing for the charge of illegal possession of endangered species.

A spokesman for the AFCD said that the offender was active on social media platforms and instant messenger groups, posting messages about poaching wild animals online and offering regulated species of unknown origin for sale through these groups. In July 2023, the AFCD and the Police mounted a joint operation and seized 29 endangered turtles from the offender’s residential premises in Tai Po District, including 14 big-headed turtles (Platysternon megacephalum) listed in the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) Appendix I; two yellow-margined box turtles (Cuora flavomarginata), four Southeast Asian box turtles (Cuora amboinensis), two giant Asian pond turtles (Heosemys grandis) and four wattle-necked softshell turtles (Palea steindachneri), listed in CITES Appendix II; and three Reeve’s turtles (Mauremys reevesii) listed in CITES Appendix III. All the turtles are listed as “Endangered” or “Critically Endangered” on the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List of Threatened Species, and regulated under the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance (Cap. 586). Scientific testing confirmed that all seized big-headed turtles were taken from the wild in Hong Kong and are protected under the Wild Animals Protection Ordinance (Cap. 170).

The man was prosecuted on three charges for illegal possession of Appendix I and Appendix II endangered species, as well as illegal possession of live protected wild animals taken in Hong Kong. The offender was convicted today at the District Court. The AFCD applied to the court for an enhanced sentence under the Organized and Serious Crimes Ordinance. The application was accepted by the court, and the sentence was increased by 25 per cent. The defendant was sentenced to immediate imprisonment for 20 months.

The spokesman added, “Illegal possession of endangered species is a serious offence. Any person who contravenes the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance is liable to a maximum fine of $10 million and imprisonment for 10 years, and the specimens will also be forfeited upon conviction. In addition, the Wild Animals Protection Ordinance also stipulates that unless otherwise permitted, no one shall hunt, wilfully disturb, buy, sell, export, offer for sale or export, possess or control protected wild animals (including all wild chelonians). Offenders are liable to a maximum fine of $100,000 and imprisonment for one year upon conviction.”

The spokesman added that the Government is committed to combating illegal hunting of and trading in wild animals to protect local wild species and endangered species. The AFCD will remain vigilant and continue to monitor information on various platforms and social media, and proactively take enforcement action against illegal trade in endangered species.

Members of the public may call 1823 to report any suspected irregularities to the AFCD and visit the AFCD website at www.cites.hk regarding the control of endangered species in Hong Kong.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     Following is a question by Professor the Hon Lau Chi-pang and a reply by the Secretary for Education, Dr Choi Yuk-lin, in the Legislative Council today (July 9):
 
Question:
 
It has been reported that every year around Ching Ming Festival, a large number of members of the public travel north with their children to pay tribute to their ancestors and visit their ancestral hometowns. On raising students’ awareness of their hometowns and ancestral origins, will the Government inform this Council:
 
(1) given that in the reply to my question in 2022, the Government has indicated that it would keep in view the suggestions from various sectors of society for follow-up action regarding the suggestion of adding the item on “native place” back to the Student Information Form of students of kindergartens, primary schools and secondary schools, of the progress of the relevant work, including whether it will explicitly require students to fill in the correct information about their native places; if so, of the specific implementation timetable; if not, the reasons for that;
 
(2) whether the Education Bureau will consider incorporating the element of “exploring one’s roots” into the teaching according to the students’ native places, so as to raise their awareness of their hometowns and ancestral origins; if so, of the specific plans; if not, the reasons for that; and
 
(3) as there are views that the activities under the Government’s Clansmen Culture Promotion Scheme are all organised by clansmen associations, it is difficult for such activities to cover the student level, whether the Government will consider launching clansmen cultural activities targeted at students; if so, of the specific plan; if not, the reasons for that?
 
Reply:
 
President,
 
The Education Bureau (EDB) attaches great importance to nurturing students’ sense of nationhood, encouraging schools to implement national education through a “multipronged and co-ordinated” approach and organising diversified student activities in a manner of “organic integration and natural connection”, with a view to enhancing students’ understanding of the same cultural roots the Mainland and Hong Kong share. A number of related learning elements have been incorporated into the curricula of primary and secondary levels. For instance, Primary Humanities covers the concepts of family members, family names, native places and hometowns, etc. It helps students understand the history and development of their hometowns, so as to enhance their awareness of their ancestral origins and foster the affection for their native places and clansmen. Junior Secondary History includes the topics on the development of various local Chinese organisations, including clansmen associations, to help students learn about the services and contributions of relevant organisations, promoting the virtues of philanthropy and mutual support.
 
“We treasure our historical legacy and never forget our roots”. Filial piety and fraternal duty are important values in Chinese culture. Enhancing students’ understanding to their native places and ancestral origins contributes to cultivation of their inheritance of Chinese culture, national identity and sense of belonging to the country.
 
In fact, the understanding of nowadays primary and secondary school students on their native places or family backgrounds and histories is not solely derived from school education or classroom learning. It is more shaped by the students’ life experiences, such as tomb sweeping and visits to relatives in the hometown as aforementioned, family gatherings, or travelling to hometown, etc. In addition to the diversified learning activities organised by schools, such as hometown cuisine sharing sessions and tours for students to explore their roots, many school sponsoring bodies and schools in Hong Kong are named after clansmen associations or hometowns. As a result, students are generally familiar with the concept of “native places” and the sentiments associated with it.
 
Our reply to the question raised by Professor the Hon Lau Chi-pang is as follows:
 
(1) and (2) There are still different opinions and views in society on requiring students to fill in their “native place” in the personal information column of the student handbook. Some believe that requiring students to fill in their “native place” in the personal information on the Student Information Form is conducive to “native place” education and cultivating students’ affection for home and country. At the same time, some pointed out that the “native place” column in the Student Information Form is a type of personal information. When collecting the data, schools must comply with the requirements of the Personal Data (Privacy) Ordinance, clearly stating the purpose of collection. Data collection must also be appropriate and commensurate with the objectives. It is learnt that more and more schools have resumed adding the “native place” column to the Student Information Form currently.
 
In fact, by understanding their native places, students can trace their family histories, learn about the cultural characteristics of different regions, and gain a more comprehensive understanding of the country, as well as the multicultural nature of the world. However, the implementation strategies can be flexible and varied according to the school situation. Requiring students to report their “native places” in the personal information section of the student handbook is just one such way. Enforcing a unified and mandatory implementation method would not contribute to increasing the effectiveness of learning and teaching.
 
To enhance students’ understanding of the same cultural roots the Mainland and Hong Kong share, it is considered that the implementation strategies should be comprehensive. A more effective approach would be integrating the curricula of secondary and primary schools for students to learn within and beyond the classroom in a co-ordinated way. For instance, the Primary Humanities curriculum covers the learning content of family names, native places, hometowns, etc. Teachers incorporate the learning element of “exploring one’s roots” to inspire students to gain a deeper understanding of their native places, and deepen their understanding of their hometowns and ancestral origins. This also enables students to acquire knowledge of the scenic spots and specialty products of their hometowns, learning to show concern over the development and changes in their hometowns.
 
Schools incorporating related learning element in a multipronged way is a practice worth promoting. For example, at the teacher professional conference of the Primary Humanities recently, teachers shared their open lessons titled “My Family: Learn About Family Names, Native Places and Hometowns” and exchanged their experiences. Some schools choose their students’ native places as the destinations of sister school exchanges and in the Mainland exchange programmes, so as to allow students to learn about the country’s development through life experience. These are common practices.
 
Some schools include a “native place” field in the Student Information Form, which enables teachers to understand the backgrounds and needs of students and devise suitable learning activities to better cater for learner diversity and improve the effectiveness of learning and teaching. This is also an effective practice.

However, we also understand that some schools, for various reasons such as diverse opinion among stakeholders over collection of personal data or inapplicability to ethnic minority students, etc, have not included the “native place” field in the Student Information Form.
 
The EDB understands that school contexts vary and will not rigidly require all secondary schools, primary schools and kindergartens to add the “native place” field to the Student Information Form. Hong Kong is a diverse and inclusive society and there are students of different ethnicities studying together in campus. Individuals from different cultural backgrounds engage with and respect on each other. Therefore, we encourage schools to enhance communication with stakeholders to gain parents’ understanding and support. At the same time, schools should deliver education on “native places” in a multipronged approach, with a view to helping students develop an understanding of their connection to their families and hometowns, recognise their cultural roots, and cultivate respect for and understanding of the cultures of different regions.
 
(3) To deepen the public’s understanding of and sense of belonging to their hometowns, thereby fostering the spirit of loving the country, Hong Kong and their hometowns, the Chief Executive launched in his 2023 Policy Address the
“Clansmen Culture Promotion Scheme” (the Scheme) for a period of three years, for application by clansmen associations to subsidise their organisation of activities to promote and preserve hometown culture, unite clansmen in Hong Kong and facilitate exchanges between Hong Kong and the Mainland. There is no restriction on the form of the activities, as long as they are non-profit-making in nature and in line with the objectives of the Scheme. Clansmen associations applying for the subsidy may, having regard to their needs, explore collaboration with other event organisers, including schools, in organising the activities. Taking a project approved under the first year of the Scheme as an example, the Federation of Hong Kong Guangdong Community Organisations conducted the “Guangdong Intangible Cultural Heritage in Schools” programme at the end of last year to host cultural workshops in various primary and secondary schools. Nearly 1 000 students and parents were engaged. 
 
In conclusion, to cultivate students’ sense of belonging to their hometowns, we must adopt a “multipronged and co-ordinated” approach that integrates learning within and beyond the classroom, linking curriculum with real-life experiences. Education on “native places” is an important element. Enhancing students’ awareness of their native places and ancestral origins involves more than school education. It also needs the efforts and co-ordination on all fronts such as public education, family education and even the social atmosphere. It requires the concerted efforts and enhanced collaboration of different stakeholders in society to advance this initiative. Various departments of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government, including the Home and Youth Affairs Bureau and the EDB, will continue to be responsible for the relevant promotional work, and explore practicable measures by listening to the views of different stakeholders, including relevant organisations, community groups, schools and parents, so as to forge a consensus among different sectors and create a conductive atmosphere. We will collaborate closely with various stakeholders to cultivate in the young people the spirit of “treasuring their historical legacy and never forgetting their roots”.
 
Thank you, President.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, continued his visit to Seoul, Korea, today (July 9). He attended a seminar on the development of capital markets in Hong Kong and Korea, as well as a business luncheon cohosted by the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (Tokyo) and the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry. He also held several meetings respectively with the Chairman of the Financial Services Commission of Korea, Mr Kim Byung-hwan, and leaders in the investment sector to exchange views on the landscapes and developments of the financial markets and investment circles, and to promote further collaboration between the two markets.

In the morning, Mr Chan attended and delivered a keynote speech at the Hong Kong-Korea Capital Markets Conference, organised by CSOP Asset Management. Conference participants included the Chairman of the Korea Financial Investment Association, Mr Seo Yoo-seok, as well as representatives from local pension funds, insurance companies, brokerage firms and other institutional investors and financial institutions.

In his speech, Mr Chan highlighted that Hong Kong’s financial market has shown strong resilience over the past two years, with continued capital inflows, a robust stock market and a significant increase in bank deposits. Amid profound changes in the global political and economic environment, Hong Kong is regarded as a safe harbour for global capital, characterised by transparent, stable and predictable policies, and its efficient connectivity with China and other Asian markets.

He emphasised that China’s technological innovation is advancing rapidly, with more leading-edge Mainland technology companies choosing to list in Hong Kong. International investors are sharing in the dividends of China’s technology development through Hong Kong’s capital market, presenting opportunities for Korean investors as well. At the same time, Hong Kong is actively enhancing mutual market access with the Mainland and strengthening ties with other financial markets. In the space of exchange-traded products, Hong Kong has attracted participants from around the world. He expressed hope for more reciprocal arrangements with Korea to further deepen co-operation in these areas. Mr Chan also shared Hong Kong’s strategies and initiatives in developing digital assets, including licensing regimes for digital asset platforms and stablecoins.

At noon, Mr Chan attended the Korea–Hong Kong Business Luncheon, cohosted by the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (Tokyo) and the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The event was attended by over 150 leaders from the financial, commercial, trade, innovation and technology, and tourism sectors. Seoul’s Deputy Mayor for Economy, Mr Joo Yong-tae, also attended.

At the luncheon, Mr Chan noted that Hong Kong’s economy is steadily recovering after the pandemic, with visitor numbers continuing to increase. In the first half of this year alone, Hong Kong welcomed over half a million Korean visitors, a year-on-year growth of 25 per cent. He also highlighted the sustained confidence of international enterprises in Hong Kong, with the number of foreign and Mainland companies reaching a record high in 2024. The number of Korean companies grew by 9 per cent in particular. Hong Kong ranks among the top three in international financial centres and global competitiveness. Since the implementation of the Hong Kong National Security Law, the city has maintained a safe and stable environment, further strengthening international investors’ confidence in doing business in Hong Kong.

Mr Chan also mentioned that Hong Kong serves as the international gateway to the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, connecting to a consumer market of about 87 million people. The entire Greater Bay Area is developing into a region with both financial and innovation strengths. For Korean enterprises, Hong Kong’s unique advantage of connecting with both the Mainland and the world can create new opportunities in finance, innovation and technology, digital economy, film and entertainment, and more. He welcomed Korean businesses to develop in Hong Kong.

In the afternoon, Mr Chan met with the Chairman of the Financial Services Commission, Mr Kim Byung-hwan, to exchange views on financial development and regulatory issues of mutual interest. He also held discussions with representatives from the Korea Venture Capital Association and the private equity sector to learn about Korea’s industry ecosystem and asset allocation strategies, while introducing investment opportunities in Hong Kong across the stock market and the innovation and technology landscape.

Mr Chan will continue his visit to Seoul tomorrow (July 10) and return to Hong Kong in the evening.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki, chaired a meeting of the steering committee on handling extreme weather yesterday (July 9) to holistically review and steer cross-departmental overall preparations and response plans for typhoons and rainstorms, and to make advance preparations for the forecast adverse weather conditions, such as rainstorms and squally thunderstorms, in the coming two days. The Deputy Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Cheuk Wing-hing; the Secretary for Environment and Ecology, Mr Tse Chin-wan, the Secretary for the Civil Service, Mrs Ingrid Yeung, and representatives from relevant bureaux and departments also attended the meeting.

Over the past year, under the Chief Executive’s instruction, Mr Chan has been directing various bureaux and departments to implement and enhance response measures in four areas, namely advance preparations, enhanced early warning, decisive emergency response and speedy recovery, with a view to protecting people’s safety as first priority, as well as minimising the damage and impact of extreme weather.

According to the present forecast, Tropical Cyclone Danas, now over Fujian, will enter Guangdong today (July 10), and weaken gradually. The active southwest monsoon to its south will generally affect the vicinity of the Pearl River Estuary today and tomorrow (July 11). There will be torrential rain and squally thunderstorms over the territory. The weather may be relatively severe by then. The public are advised to pay attention to the latest weather forecast and warnings from the Observatory.

In response to the possible adverse weather conditions, Mr Chan co-ordinated the advance preparatory work of relevant departments in the meeting, which includes:

• The Drainage Services Department had made special arrangement to inspect and carry out necessary clearance last night at about 240 locations which are prone to flooding because of blockages. The “just-in-time” arrangement will continue, with 180 emergency response teams to conduct inspection and clearance of drainage channels in different districts across the territory.
• The Highways Department will inspect again the flood warning systems installed at road tunnels and pedestrian subways with a higher risk of flooding today, such as Kwun Tong Road Underpass, some pedestrian subways along Shing Mun River in Sha Tin, Lam Tsuen River in Tai Po and Tai Po River, to ensure normal operation. The Highways Department has also reminded relevant staff members and contractors to pay close attention to the weather conditions in order to make advance preparations for the activation of the Emergency Control Centres when necessary.
• District Offices have immediately initiated relevant response measures, including co-ordinating with other departments and organisations to enhance preparedness. They will also mobilise District Council members, members of “the three committees” and Care Teams to disseminate the latest weather information to residents in flood-prone areas, reminding them to make necessary preparations.
• The Emergency Monitoring and Support Centre (EMSC) of the Security Bureau will be fully activated from 5pm today to monitor the situation in the city. Utilising the Common Operational Picture, the EMSC will conduct real-time citywide monitoring, and integrate updates from various departments to swiftly assess risks and formulate response plans and measures. Various emergency response teams, including the Fire Services Department, the Hong Kong Police Force, the Civil Aid Service and the Auxiliary Medical Service, have completed all necessary preparatory work and are on standby, so as to handle possible emergencies during heavy rainstorms and high wind, and to provide assistance to those in need.
• The Emergency Transport Co-ordination Centre of the Transport Department will continue to operate round-the-clock. It will also closely monitor traffic and transport conditions with public transport agencies, and disseminate emergency traffic information and public transport service arrangements to the public in a timely manner.

The Education Bureau will closely monitor the weather conditions and announce the arrangements for schools and Primary Six students’ registration with their allocated secondary schools under the Secondary School Places Allocation as early as necessary to facilitate parents and students to make early preparations.

The Labour Department reminded employers to make prior work arrangements for employees during rainstorm warnings and extreme conditions as early as possible, including arrangements on reporting for duty, release from work, resumption of work and remote work (if applicable). In drawing up and implementing the arrangements, employers should give prime consideration to employees’ safety and the feasibility of employees travelling to and from their workplaces, etc. Employers should also give consideration as much as possible to the different situations and actual difficulties faced by individual employees, and adopt a sympathetic and flexible approach.

The Government departments will continue to serve with dedication and make advance preparations on all fronts to safeguard the lives and property of the public as well as public safety. The Government urges the public to stay alert and stay away from dangerous places such as rivers and slopes in adverse weather conditions, refrain from water sports, and continue to pay attention to the latest news released by the Government.