Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

At its meeting today (July 4), the Land and Development Advisory Committee (LDAC) was briefed by the Government on the preliminary development proposal of sites around Hung Hom Station and its waterfront areas, and the proposed scheme to be launched jointly by the Development Bureau (DEVB) and the Education Bureau (EDB) to encourage the market to convert commercial buildings into student hostels.
 
Members generally welcomed the Government’s proposal to transform the sites around Hung Hom Station and its waterfront areas into a new harbourfront landmark through replanning, thereby enriching the public and tourists’ enjoyment of the Victoria Harbour. While agreeing that commercial elements such as retail and dining should be provided in the development, Members suggested that land use flexibility should be maximised to allow the future developer(s) to adjust the mix of different types of commercial use in the future having regard to the prevailing market environment. 
 
Members appreciated that the proposal would improve the pedestrian connectivity in both the north-south (from hinterland to waterfront) and east-west (between Hung Hom and Tsim Sha Tsui East) directions, but suggested further studies be conducted to explore further strengthening connectivity, say with other developed areas of Hung Hom and Tsim Sha Tsui East that were currently outside the scope of the study, and to incorporate innovative urban design elements. On the utilisation of water body, Members were in support of the idea of providing yacht berthing facilities at the water body adjacent to the former Hung Hom Freight Yard site to address the shortage of berths. Members also recommended the Government consider the need for formulating more facilitating measures to complement the development proposal to better promote yacht tourism and facilitate the development of the yacht industry, and to ensure that the general public would be able to enjoy the harborfront. 
 
The Government will take into account Members’ recommendations and the feedback received during the consultation period to be ended in early July when refining the proposal and finalising the detailed development parameters. The aim is to commence the relevant statutory procedures in the second half of 2026.
 
On the Government’s proposal to streamline development control procedures to encourage conversion of commercial buildings into student hostels, Members welcomed the proposed facilitation measures to boost the supply of hostel accommodation to enable Hong Kong to better grasp opportunities ahead to reinforce its position as an international post-secondary education hub. These measures include expanding the definition of ‘Hotel’ use under the planning regime to cover eligible student hostels under the proposed scheme; and providing concessions for eligible student hostels converted from commercial buildings with regard to plot ratio, site coverage, and exempted gross floor area, etc. Members considered the proposed scheme timely and relevant, and would leverage market forces through streamlining development procedures to boost hostel supply in the short run on the one hand, and facilitating more effective use of the commercial building stock currently in the market on the other.
 
The Government will continue to brief the trade and stakeholders on the proposed scheme, which is expected to be rolled out in mid-July this year.
 
In addition, Members were briefed by the Lands Department on the latest measures to enhance transparency and provide more certainty with regard to the processing of applications for lease modifications, land exchange, private treaty grant and other land transactions. Members welcomed the Lands Department’s initiative to set out time targets for certain key steps in the processing of land transactions.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department today (July 4) said that subsequent to yesterday’s announcement that kinds of prepackaged turkey bacon originated from the United States (US) might have been contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, a follow-up investigation showed that an importer had imported one of the affected products. The CFS urged the public not to consume the product. The trade should stop using or selling the affected batch of the product immediately if they possess it.

Product details are as follows:

Product name: Oscar Mayer Turkey Bacon Original
Place of origin: US
Pack size (Universal Product Code/Lot number) and use-by dates: 
(1) 12oz (071871548601/RS40), July 18 to August 2, 2025;
(2) 36oz (071871548748/RS19, RS40 and RS42), July 23 to September 4, 2025; and
(3) 48oz (071871548793/RS19, RS40 and RS42), July 18 to September 4, 2025

     “The CFS has been closely following up on the notice issued by United States Department of Agriculture indicating that the above-mentioned product might have been contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes and is being recalled. Upon learning of the incident, the CFS immediately followed up on the incident, and learnt during the follow-up investigation that an importer (Etak International Limited) had imported one of the concerned products (pack size: 12oz; use-by date: July 26, 2025).”

The importer concerned has stopped sales and removed from shelves the affected product, and has initiated a recall according to the CFS’s instructions. Members of the public may call its hotline at 2526 2371 during office hours for enquiries about the recall of the product concerned.

     “Listeria monocytogenes can be easily destroyed by cooking but can survive and multiply at refrigerator temperature. Most healthy individuals do not develop symptoms or only have mild symptoms like fever, muscle pain, headache, nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea when infected. However, severe complications such as septicaemia, meningitis or even death may occur in newborns, the elderly and those with a weaker immune system. Although infected pregnant women may just experience mild symptoms generally, the infection of Listeria monocytogenes may cause miscarriage, infant death, preterm birth, or severe infection in newborns,” the spokesman said.

“In order to reduce the risk of listeriosis, susceptible populations such as pregnant women should consume freshly prepared hot food where possible, reheat chilled food until it is hot all the way through, and avoid high-risk foods, including ready-to-eat food such as cold cuts, cold smoked seafood, soft cheeses, salads, etc, or cook them thoroughly before consumption, even if they are presented as part of a dish.”

     The CFS will alert the trade to the incident, and will continue to follow up and take appropriate action. The investigation is ongoing.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The following is issued on behalf of the Chief Executive’s Award for Teaching Excellence Steering Committee:

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, today (July 4) officiated and presented the Award for Teaching Excellence to 12 teachers, the Award for Budding Teachers to two teachers, and the Award for Education Innovation to three teachers at the Award Presentation Ceremony of the Chief Executive’s Award for Teaching Excellence (CEATE) (2024/2025), while 12 teachers received the Certificate of Merit from the Secretary for Education, Dr Choi Yuk-lin.

     At the ceremony, the Chairman of the CEATE Steering Committee, Mr Dieter Yih, commended the awarded teachers, who not only possess solid subject knowledge and outstanding teaching capabilities but also make good use of diverse learning and teaching strategies with the integration of innovative technologies and e-learning tools to successfully create an excellent learning environment and a highly interactive learning atmosphere. They inspire students to strive for progress and effectively enhance students’ self-learning capabilities. He also encouraged all the awarded teachers to uphold their professionalism, continue to pursue excellence and perfection, and nurture a new generation of youth who are committed, talented, ethical, and dedicated to the country and Hong Kong.

There were 239 nominations received from secondary schools, primary schools, kindergartens and special schools for the CEATE (2024/2025), covering themes of “Chinese Language Education Key Learning Area (KLA)”, “Mathematics Education KLA”, “Values Education”, the Award for Budding Teachers, and the Award for Education Innovation. Assessment of nominations for the themes and awards was based on distinct assessment criteria focusing on teachers’ professional performance in different domains. After assessment, five nominations (comprising 12 teachers) were presented with the Award for Teaching Excellence, along with four nominations (comprising 12 teachers) presented with the Certificate of Merit, two nominations (comprising two teachers) presented with the Award for Budding Teachers, and one nomination (comprising three teachers) presented with the Award for Education Innovation. Please visit the CEATE website (www.ate.gov.hk) for the list of the awarded teachers.
      
Other officiating guests at today’s ceremony included the Permanent Secretary for Education, Ms May Chan; the Chairman of the Education Commission, Dr David Wong; the Chairperson of the Curriculum Development Council, Professor Isabella Poon; the Chairman of the Hong Kong Examinations and Assessment Authority, Professor Paul Lam; and the Chairman of the CEATE Assessment Working Group (2024/2025), Professor Lo Ming-tung.
      
Sharing activities involving the CEATE-awarded teachers are being rolled out gradually to disseminate excellent teaching practices. Details will be announced on the CEATE website and the EDB Training Calendar. 
      
The CEATE (2025/2026) will cover three themes and two awards, namely “Physical Education KLA”, “STEAM Education”, “Curriculum Leadership”, the Award for Budding Teachers, and the Award for Education Innovation. Nominations will be accepted from July 7 to October 3. Related details will be uploaded to the CEATE website from July 7.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

A flagship event of the first ​Digital Education Week, the International Summit on the Use of AI in Learning & Teaching Languages & Other Subjects (AIinLT), was launched today.

The AIinLT is co-organised by the Education Bureau, the Standing Committee on Language Education & Research, Polytechnic University (PolyU) Department of English & Communication and Hong Kong Education City, providing a valuable and practical platform for teachers, researchers, and others in the education sector to learn and share insights regarding the use of AI (artificial intelligence) in their respective fields of education.

Officiating at the opening ceremony, Secretary for Education Choi Yuk-lin said that the country placed great importance on advancing digital education.

She noted that the bureau implements digital education through four major focus areas, including enhancing students’ digital literacy and skills; strengthening professional training in digital education for teachers; optimising digital education infrastructure; and expanding cross-boundary and international collaboration.

Ms Choi also called for collaboration among all stakeholders, such as the Government, educational institutions, educators, and the community, to optimise resources, share best practices, and maximise the impact of digital education.

She also emphasised the irreplaceable role of human connections in learning, encouraging attendees to harness AI wisely to empower individuals, strengthen communities and build a smarter, more connected world of learning.

The AIinLT is taking place at PolyU for four consecutive days starting today. The first two days feature keynote speeches, a panel discussion, paper presentations and teaching demonstrations.

The following two days will include a post-summit workshop series covering a wide range of topics, along with a technology showcase where leading EdTech providers will demonstrate the latest AI hardware and software solutions, offering educators firsthand exposure to cutting edge-innovations.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Education Bureau today held a gala celebrating the fifth anniversary of the implementation of the Hong Kong National Security Law and the 28th anniversary of Hong Kong’s Return to the motherland.

The “Love Our Home, Treasure Our Country” Joint School National Education Activities Gala showcased the fruitful achievements of the school year.

Deputy Chief Secretary Cheuk Wing-hing and Secretary for Education Choi Yuk-lin officiated at the event. Around 2,000 representatives from school sponsoring bodies, school councils, school head associations, schools and parent-teacher associations attended.

Mr Cheuk said that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government has consistently promoted mainstream values centred on patriotism and love for Hong Kong, which align with the principle of “one country, two systems”.

In April last year, the Working Group on Patriotic Education, chaired by the Chief Secretary, was established to deepen public understanding and appreciation of our nation and the richness of Chinese culture, and to systematically integrate patriotic education into the national education framework.

The Deputy Chief Secretary noted that the “Love Our Home, Treasure Our Country 3.0” joint school national education series is a fine example of how the education sector has responded positively to this initiative and worked together to promote patriotic education.

He hoped students would turn the knowledge and experiences gained from the “Love Our Home, Treasure Our Country” activities into positive values and meaningful actions – actively practising the spirit of patriotism and love for Hong Kong.

Mr Cheuk also hoped they would aspire to become a new generation of idealistic, courageous individuals with a strong Hong Kong spirit and national pride, contributing their youthful passion and strength to the cause of national unity and solidarity.

This school year’s “Love Our Home, Treasure Our Country” joint school national education activities had a total attendance exceeding 40,000. Apart from teachers and students, some activities also invited parents, experts from different sectors and members of the public to enhance understanding of national education among different stakeholders.

The activities included Chinese cultural experiences, learning of intangible cultural heritage skills, visual arts and innovation exhibitions, competitions, and enquiry-based studies on themes aligned with national policies.

Today’s gala marked the grand finale of the “Love Our Home, Treasure Our Country 3.0” series. About 300 students participated in the performances, including the flag-raising ceremony and Chinese-style foot drill by joint school flag guards, music, dance, dragon and flag dance as well as Cantonese opera performance, all showcasing their fruitful learning achievements.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

​Regarding the fire incident in an industrial building at 21 Ma Tau Wai Road, Hung Hom, yesterday (July 3), it was suspected that the unit concerned had been subdivided for illegal domestic use. The Buildings Department (BD) was very concerned about this matter, and launched an investigation immediately. If any unlawful act is found, the BD will consider instigating prosecution against the relevant persons.

     “The design, approval of building plans and construction of industrial buildings are intended solely for industrial use. Since the units in industrial buildings are used for industrial activities, including the storage of dangerous and flammable items, illegal conversion of industrial buildings to domestic use poses serious safety risks to users.  No one should reside in industrial buildings.  Persons involved in sales and rental activities, such as prospective buyers and tenants as well as estate agents, should check the approved use of the units. An industrial unit should not be used for domestic purposes,” a spokesman for the BD said.

Following the fire incident yesterday, the BD has deployed its staff to carry out a site inspection. Officers at the scene found that the unit concerned was subdivided into a number of smaller units, and some of them were illegally used for domestic purposes. The BD has served statutory orders in accordance with section 25 (2) and section 26(1) of the Buildings Ordinance (BO) to order the owner to discontinue the use of the unit for domestic purposes and rectify the dangerous situation.  The BD will continue its investigation. If anyone is found in contravention of the BO, the BD will follow up seriously, including considering prosecution against the relevant persons. In addition, the BD will include the building in its large-scale operation against domestic use in industrial buildings and will arrange to inspect the other units of the building in phases.

Failure to comply with a discontinuation order served under section 25(2) or a repair order served under section 26(1) of the BO without reasonable excuse are serious offences. Upon conviction, the offender is liable to a maximum fine at level 5 (currently $50,000) and imprisonment for one year, and a further fine of $5,000 for each day that the offence continues.

To ascertain the approved use of the premises, apart from obtaining independent professional advice, members of the public may obtain relevant information by checking the occupation permit and approved building plans of the building via the Building Records Access and Viewing On-line system of the BD if they are in doubt.

The Government is finalising the proposals to amend the BO and drafting the legislative amendments, including criminalising the subdivision of units in industrial buildings for domestic uses to enhance deterrence. The Government aims to submit the amendment bill to the Legislative Council in the first half of 2026.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government today said that the statement made by former non-permanent judge of the Court of Final Appeal (CFA) Brenda Hale on the Hong Kong National Security Law (HKNSL) and the rule of law and independent judicial power in Hong Kong is far from the truth, particularly her assertion that “the National Security Law has taken over the Basic Law” is absolutely incorrect and contrary to the facts.

In a statement, the Hong Kong SAR Government noted that any claims the security law overrides the Basic Law are incorrect.  Article 1 of the HKNSL clearly states that the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress (NPCSC) enacts the security law in accordance with the Constitution, the Basic Law, and the NPC’s decision on establishing and improving the legal system and enforcement mechanisms for safeguarding national security in Hong Kong.

The HKNSL, promulgated and implemented in Hong Kong on June 30, 2020 has plugged the loopholes in the legal system and enforcement mechanisms for safeguarding the city’s national security. The security law and other laws safeguarding national security in Hong Kong firmly adhere to the principle of the rule of law while protecting the rights and freedoms enjoyed under the Basic Law in accordance with the law, the statement added.

The statement noted that the judicial system of Hong Kong is protected by the Basic Law. According to Articles 2, 19 and 85 of the Basic Law, the Hong Kong SAR shall be vested with independent judicial power, including that of final adjudication, and the courts shall exercise judicial power independently, free from any interference.

All judges and judicial officers abide by the Judicial Oath and administer justice in full accordance with the law without fear or favour, self-interest or deceit. When adjudicating cases of offences endangering national security, as in any other cases, judges remain independent and impartial in performing judicial duties, free from any interference, the statement said.

The implementation of the security law over the past five years has proven that the courts have handled all the cases involving the HKNSL strictly in accordance with the above principle, it added.

“The NPCSC’s authority to interpret the Basic Law and national laws that apply in Hong Kong is a fundamental aspect of the “one country, two systems” principle and has been recognised in the jurisprudence of the city.

“It is therefore entirely in line with the ‘one country, two systems’ principle that the general power to interpret the HKNSL being a piece of national law, as stipulated in Article 65 thereof, is also vested in the NPCSC.”

The interpretation given by the NPCSC on Articles 14 and 47 of the HKNSL in December 2022 does not and did not directly deal with any specific judicial proceedings or cases. Rather, it clarifies the meaning of the relevant legal provisions and the basis for application of the HKNSL.

It does not in any way impair the independent judicial power and the power of final adjudication of the courts as guaranteed by the Basic Law. It is for the Hong Kong SAR to resolve specific cases and issues by itself.

The Hong Kong SAR Government said that the long-time presence of esteemed judges from overseas appointed or reappointed as the CFA’s non-permanent judges participating in hearings of the Court as well as after the enactment of the security law, is conducive to the international legal environment and development of the jurisprudence of common law in Hong Kong.

There are currently six non-permanent judges from the UK, Australia and New Zealand in the CFA.

Brenda Hale was appointed as a non-permanent judge of the Court in 2018, but has never been involved in the hearing of any cases.

She indicated to the Judiciary in June 2021 that for personal reasons, she would not wish to have her appointment extended for another term upon the expiry of her then appointment, which differs from her current statement.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

​The Education Bureau (EDB) today (July 4) held the Celebration of the 5th Anniversary of the Implementation of the Hong Kong National Security Law cum the 28th Anniversary of Hong Kong’s Return to the Motherland “Love Our Home, Treasure Our Country” Joint School National Education Activities Gala to showcase the fruitful achievements of the school year.

The Deputy Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Cheuk Wing-hing, and the Secretary for Education, Dr Choi Yuk-lin, officiated at the event. Around 2 000 representatives from school sponsoring bodies, school councils, school head associations, schools and parent-teacher associations attended.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Chief Executive John Lee today presented the Award for Teaching Excellence to 12 teachers, while 12 other teachers received the Certificate of Merit from Secretary for Education Choi Yuk-lin.

 

Additionally, Mr Lee presented the Award for Budding Teachers to two teachers, and the Award for Education Innovation to three teachers.

 

There were 239 nominations received for such recognition, with themes covering Chinese language education, mathematics education, values education, etc.

 

The award’s themes in the coming year will be Physical Education Key Learning Area, STEAM Education, Curriculum Leadership, Award for Budding Teachers, and Award for Education Innovation.

 

Nominations will be accepted from July 7 to October 3.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     A woman who went missing in Yau Ma Tei has been located.

     Lui Hoi-yan, aged 48, went missing after she was last seen in Yau Ma Tei on April 9. Her family made a report to Police on July 2.

     The woman was located in Nam Cheong Estate, Sham Shui Po this afternoon (July 4). She sustained no injuries and no suspicious circumstances were detected.