Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Special traffic arrangements for flag raising ceremonies to celebrate 28th anniversary of establishment of HKSAR
Police announced today (June 27) that it will implement the following special traffic arrangements in phases from June 29 to July 1 to facilitate the holding of the flag raising ceremonies in Central, Wan Chai North and Tin Hau to mark the celebration of the 28th anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.- Expo Drive Central;
– Expo Drive East; and
– The slip road leading from the Central-Wan Chai Bypass Tunnel (CWBT) to Expo Drive.- Lung Tat Path.- Traffic turning right from northbound Lung Hop Street can only enter eastbound CWBT via eastbound Lung Wo Road.- Traffic along westbound Lung Wo Road will be diverted via southbound Tim Wa Avenue.- All metered, motorcycle and disabled parking spaces on Tung Lo Wan Road between Causeway Road and Lin Fa Kung Street West will be suspended from 10pm on June 29 to 8am on June 30.Issued at HKT 17:54
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Employers, contractors and employees should be aware of electrical safety at work during rainstorms
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Employers, contractors and employees should be aware of electrical safety at work during rainstormsIssued at HKT 0:56
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Speech by FS at HKAPA 40th Anniversary Celebration Banquet (English only) (with photos)
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Speech by FS at HKAPA 40th Anniversary Celebration Banquet (English only)
Charles (Yang) (Council Chairman of the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts (HKAPA), Mr Charles Yang), Professor Anna Chan (Director of the HKAPA), 張志華副主任 (Deputy Director-General of the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the People’s Government of Guangdong Province Mr Zhang Zhihua), 林枬副部長 (Deputy Director-General of the Department of Publicity, Cultural and Sports Affairs of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Mr Lin Nan), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
Good evening. It is both an honour and a privilege to join you tonight in celebrating the 40th anniversary of the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts.
Allow me to begin by extending my warmest congratulations to the Academy. For four decades, you have stood as a pillar of performing arts education and creative innovation in Hong Kong, shaping the artistic landscape of our city and beyond.
Since its founding in 1984, the Academy has played a vital role in nurturing generations of world-class talent in performing arts and arts technology. From drama to music, and from dance to film and television, your graduates have brought to life a rich tapestry of performances and productions that have captivated audiences, enriched our cultural fabric, and deepened public appreciation for arts and culture.
The many acclaimed film makers nurtured by the Academy is a compelling example. Their works and productions have defined Hong Kong cinema and extended its influence far beyond the territory, being recognised as a cultural force across the region and around the world.
Today, the global entertainment industry is massive and rapidly evolving. It is also a multi-billion dollar business. In recent years, we have seen the rise of cultural powerhouses from this part of the world like Korea. And the Mainland is emerging as an important player as well. Despite changing market trends and challenges, Hong Kong producers continue to shine. The recent success of local productions, such as “Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In” 《九龍城寨之圍城》and “The Last Dance” 《破·地獄》, stands as a testament to the enduring strength of our creative industries. It tells that we can capture the hearts of local, Mainland and international audiences with quality productions. It is the innovative spirit, artistic excellence, and a bold embrace of new technologies that will drive the future of the industry.
Meanwhile, for performing arts, our unique connectivity with the Greater Bay Area, together with world-class performing venues offers unparalleled opportunities for our arts groups and performers. Opportunities to expand their reach, build their brands, and step confidently onto the regional and global stage. Seizing these opportunities requires not only talent and capital, but also vision, passion and an unwavering commitment to excellence.
In fact, a flourishing arts and creative sector is not only a powerful engine of economic growth, but also an important pillar of soft power.
In a world increasingly marked by fragmentation and conflicts, we must ask ourselves: do we need more confrontation, or more dialogue? More isolation, or greater understanding? I believe the answer is clear to all of us. And in this connection, arts and culture are a profound and irreplaceable means of fostering mutual understanding, empathy and unison.
Hong Kong is uniquely positioned to contribute to this global dialogue. With our openness, diversity and international character, there is no better place than Hong Kong to be an East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange. And through your work – your performances, your productions, your stories – I am sure the perspectives of Hong Kong, and of our country, will be better shared by the world.
In advancing these strategic goals, the Academy has been, and will continue to be, an important partner.
That is why, in the 2022 Policy Address, the Government entrusted the Academy with an important new mission: to deepen its role in talent development for the Greater Bay Area, and to broaden its educational footprint through the establishment of a new campus in the Northern Metropolis. This initiative reflects both our confidence in the Academy’s capabilities and our shared aspiration to elevate performing arts across the region.
As the Academy looks to the future, let us remember: talent is the key to our continued success – and indeed the success of any institution, industry and society.
I have every confidence that the Academy will remain true to its founding mission, and continue to cultivate the next generation of artists not only with skills and creativity but also with vision, heart and passion.
And I have every confidence too, that the Academy will rise to the challenges and capture the opportunities ahead, strengthen its international presence, and flourish as a premier performing arts institution – not only in Asia, but on the world stage.
On this note, I wish the entire Academy community – your dedicated faculty, talented students and accomplished alumni – every success as you continue your pursuit of artistic excellence with passion, purpose, and pride.
Once again, my heartfelt congratulations to the Academy. May you continue to inspire, innovate and illuminate. And may the next chapter of your journey be even more brilliant than the last. Thank you.
Issued at HKT 21:38
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Immigration Department holds launching ceremony of illustrated book on consular protection and outbound travel safety and exhibition on 20th anniversary of 1868 Assistance Hotline (with photos)
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Immigration Department holds launching ceremony of illustrated book on consular protection and outbound travel safety and exhibition on 20th anniversary of 1868 Assistance Hotline Issued at HKT 21:27
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Tang dynasty artefacts go on display
Source: Hong Kong Information Services
The opening ceremony of the “Tang Vogue Beyond the Horizons: A Golden Era of Multicultural Integration & Openness” exhibition, which will run at the Heritage Discovery Centre from tomorrow, was held today.
The exhibition is jointly organised by the Development Bureau and the National Cultural Heritage Administration.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Secretary for Development Bernadette Linn said that as one of the celebration activities of the 28th anniversary of Hong Kong’s return to the motherland, this is the largest joint exhibition, in terms of profile, scale and quantity of artefacts on display, since the signing of the Framework Agreement on Deepening Exchange & Cooperation in the Field of Heritage Architecture & Archaeology between the bureau and the National Cultural Heritage Administration in 2022.
She highlighted that the exhibition marks a move towards a higher level of mutual co-operation, and she is looking forward that the exhibition can showcase the culture of the majestic Tang dynasty to members of the public and friends from all over the world.
Among the key exhibits are two paintings, namely the “Scroll depicting Emperor Minghuang playing polo”, which is a Song dynasty depiction of Emperor Xuanzong of Tang playing polo with his concubines on horseback; and the hanging scroll of Li Bai’s “Chun Ye Yan Tao Li Yuan Xu” on cut silk depicting the refined life of Tang dynasty literati.
These paintings will only be displayed during the first two months.
The exhibition also displays significant Tang dynasty artefacts unearthed at Chek Lap Kok, Tung Chung and San Tau on Lantau Island in Hong Kong, including ceramic ware, iron weapons, bronze belt ornaments, silver chai hairpin, glass ring and fragment of silver piece, to illustrate the role of Hong Kong in the Maritime Silk Road.
The exhibition will run from tomorrow to December 31 with free admission.
Click here for details.
Digital asset consultation begins
Source: Hong Kong Information Services
The Financial Services & the Treasury Bureau (FSTB) and the Securities & Futures Commission (SFC) today launched a joint public consultation on the legislative proposals for establishing licensing regimes for digital asset (DA) dealing and custodian service providers.
The public consultation will last until August 29.
Under the proposed licensing regime for DA dealing service providers, any person who carries on a business of providing DA dealing services in Hong Kong will have to be licensed by or registered with the SFC.
Also, irrespective of whether the relevant DA dealing services are provided through a physical outlet and/or other platforms, both simple dealing services and more complex services will fall under the scope of the licensing regime.
In addition, licensed or registered providers of DA dealing services will need to meet fit-and-proper criteria and comply with a range of regulatory requirements.
The licensing regime will be fully implemented on the date the relevant statutory provisions come into effect.
Meanwhile, under the proposed licensing regime for DA custodian service providers, any person carrying on a business in Hong Kong of providing DA custodian services will have to be licensed by or registered with the SFC.
Licensed or registered providers of DA custodian services will also need to meet fit-and-proper criteria and comply with a range of regulatory requirements.
Secretary for Financial Services & the Treasury Christopher Hui said the Government is striving to build Hong Kong into a premier global hub for DAs, adding that upholding investor protection is of utmost concern.
“The proposed licensing regimes will lay a solid foundation for us to establish a comprehensive regulatory framework for DAs with investor and customer protection at its core.
“The move will also help realise our vision to build Hong Kong’s DA ecosystem into a highly trusted one that will flourish sustainably and responsibly in a risk-managed manner, thereby delivering concrete benefits to the real economy and financial markets.”
The public and stakeholders can submit their views by post to the FSTB at 24/F, Central Government Offices, 2 Tim Mei Avenue, Tamar, Hong Kong.
They can also send their views on the licensing regime for DA trading service providers or the licensing regime for DA custodian service providers by email.
Language campaign concludes
Source: Hong Kong Information Services
The Education Bureau and the Standing Committee on Language Education & Research (SCOLAR) today held the “Closing & Award Presentation Ceremony of the Biliteracy & Trilingualism Campaign 2025”.
The ceremony was attended by around 400 people, including guests from the business sector, the arts and cultural sector, and community organisations, as well as teachers, parents and students. The awards celebrated efforts to promote biliteracy and trilingualism in Hong Kong over the past six months.
Officiating at the event, Secretary for Education Choi Yuk-lin said that as an international metropolis where East meets West, Hong Kong requires a large pool of biliterate and trilingual talent to fulfill its role as a “super connector”.
She added that languages are crucial to the city’s status as an international education hub in the Asia-Pacific region and beyond, and emphasised that biliteracy and trilingualism are essential for the city’s development of the “eight centres” outlined in the National 14th Five-Year Plan, and for seizing opportunities arising from the Belt & Road Initiative and the development of the Greater Bay Area.
“Under the ‘one country, two systems’, biliteracy and trilingualism stands as one of the advantages of education in Hong Kong,” she said.
The education chief outlined that over the years, the bureau and SCOLAR have worked together to promote biliteracy and trilingualism. Measures introduced in recent years have allowed teachers to improve their Putonghua proficiency with help from the Language Fund.
Additionally, a one-off grant has been provided to schools for the promotion of self-directed language learning of English and Putonghua by students.
Ms Choi said that through the collective efforts, Hong Kong’s language and talent capital can be strengthened, enabling the city to fully leverage its advantages of enjoying the strong support of the motherland while being closely connected to the world.
The results of a one-minute video production competition were presented. The award-winning works were produced by students who integrated different creative elements.
The event also gave the winners the opportunity to share their insights with attendees.
Govt receives railway incident reports
Source: Hong Kong Information Services
The Government today said it has received detailed investigation reports from the Mass Transit Railway Corporation (MTRC) on three railway incidents, and will closely monitor the company in implementing the improvement measures set out in the reports.
In relation to the East Rail Line engineering train incidents on February 5 and April 27, and the Tseung Kwan O Line incident on May 22, the Government has instructed the MTRC to strengthen its railway system maintenance and incident handling capacity to enhance the railway network’s overall resilience.
At the Government’s request, the MTRC has also formulated an action plan on incident prevention and handling, that covers a one-off special inspection of targeted critical assets and a series of mid- to long-term measures.
The measures include strengthening the monitoring and risk management of railway assets; formulating plans for extreme scenarios, and reinforcing drills and trainings under different scenarios; and enhancing free shuttle bus arrangements.
Secretary for Transport & Logistics Mable Chan said the MTR is the major mode of commuting for Hong Kong people, and the MTRC must proactively address potential issues before they arise.
She urged the company to enhance its railway system safety and accelerate the application of innovative technologies to realise predictive maintenance, in order to fortify the railway system’s overall resilience.
“I look forward to the continued effort of the MTRCL management in motivating staff at all levels to work together to implement the measures set out in the action plan.
“The management should also leverage the wisdom of frontline staff and strengthen the sense of accountability of staff from different ranks.”
The Transport & Logistics Bureau and related government departments will closely monitor the MTRC in implementing the improvement measures set out in the reports.
Traffic accident aid scheme updated
Source: Hong Kong Information Services
Starting June 28, the Injury Grant and the Interim Maintenance Grant of the Traffic Accident Victims Assistance Scheme will be merged into the Compassionate Grant (CG), the Social Welfare Department announced today.
An applicant eligible for the CG will receive $330 per day for a maximum of 60 days of sick leave.
Subject to meeting other criteria, a CG applicant must obtain certification from a registered medical practitioner, including a registered Chinese medicine practitioner, that his/her injury requires hospitalisation for no less than seven days or sick leave for at least seven days. An applicant can only apply for CG once within two years.
The revised arrangements will apply to applications involving traffic accidents that happen at or after midnight on June 28. Victims of traffic accidents that happened before that time can still apply for the Injury Grant and the Interim Maintenance Grant.
The arrangements for the other three grants under the Traffic Accident Victims Assistance Scheme, ie the Burial Grant, Death Grant and Disability Grant, will remain unchanged.
The Social Welfare Department explained that the Government has no intention of altering the original policy intent of the scheme. It said the revised arrangements, approved by the Legislative Council Finance Committee today, aim to enhance the scheme so that it can provide modest but timely relief to victims of traffic accidents in a sustainable manner, help victims overcome short-term financial difficulties, ensure proper use of public resources, and prevent abuse and fraudulent behaviour.
For individuals with financial difficulties or other welfare needs, the department said it will provide them with appropriate support, including referring them to apply for the Comprehensive Social Security Assistance or other assistance.
Temporary closure of Leung Tin Sports Centre next Monday
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Temporary closure of Leung Tin Sports Centre next MondayIssued at HKT 18:10
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