Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

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HKMA and HKAB launch “Smart Seniors Anti-Scam Ambassador Programme”

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority:

The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) and the Hong Kong Association of Banks (HKAB) today (June 23) jointly organised the launch ceremony for the “Smart Seniors Anti-Scam Ambassador Programme” at Nga Yin Association Neighbourhood Elderly Centre of the Neighbourhood Advice-Action Council to kick start the anti-scam publicity programme for the elderly in the second half of the year.

The HKMA and the banking industry have been conducting anti-scam education and publicity through various channels. The “Smart Seniors Anti-Scam Ambassador Programme” aims to enhance the anti-scam awareness of the elderly. Through visits to elderly centres across all 18 districts in Hong Kong, the programme encourages the elderly to become anti-scam ambassadors and share scam prevention messages with their family and friends.

At the launch ceremony, the HKMA introduced “Money Safe” and other anti-scam measures. With the support of the banking industry, 14 banks (see Annex) will implement interim “Money Safe” measures for the elderly and other customers (Note) by the end of June to provide extra protection to bank deposits. All retail banks will fully implement “Money Safe” by the end of this year.

Two promotional videos themed after vintage Cantonese movies were debuted at the event. The videos deploy the mnemonic “Three Anti-Scam Tactics” – “Keep Calm, Give Nothing, Verify and Seek Help”, and remind the elderly that scams are often old tricks in new disguises.

     Deputy Chief Executive of the HKMA Mr Arthur Yuen said, “The HKMA attaches great importance to scam prevention work for the elderly. Through the ‘Smart Seniors Anti-Scam Ambassador Programme’, we hope to reach out to the community and convey anti-scam messages to more seniors through the elderly ambassadors. We also encourage the elderly to make good use of ‘Money Safe’ and various anti-scam measures provided by banks to better protect themselves.”

     The Chairperson of the HKAB, Ms Mary Huen, said, “Strengthening consumer and investor protection is a top priority for the HKAB. The banking industry has been working closely with the HKMA on anti-fraud efforts and actively implementing measures to ensure the smooth launch of ‘Money Safe’. Earlier this year, we established a dedicated ‘Anti-Fraud Education Taskforce’ to co-ordinate diverse outreach activities and educational programmes targeting various vulnerable groups within the community. We expect over 100 relevant activities will be arranged throughout the year to comprehensively enhance public awareness of fraud prevention.”

Note: During the interim period, some banks only offer “Money Safe” to customers aged 65 or above and service details (such as applicable account types) may also vary among banks. Please contact individual banks for details.

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Overseas study scholarships open

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Sir Edward Youde Memorial Fund Council is inviting applications for its overseas fellowships and scholarships for the 2026-27 academic year.

 

The fellowships and scholarships aim to encourage outstanding students to pursue further studies at reputable institutions overseas.

 

Successful candidates are expected to contribute to Hong Kong and be ready to give back to the community upon graduation.

 

The fellowships are for studies leading to postgraduate degrees either by research or coursework. The maximum value of a fellowship is $300,000 per year, tenable for up to three years for a doctoral degree or two years for a master’s degree.

 

The scholarships are for studies leading to undergraduate degrees with a maximum value of a scholarship $280,000 per year, tenable for up to three years.

 

Applicants are responsible for fulfilling all application procedures and admission requirements of the academic institutions of their choice.

 

The application period will end on September 5 and shortlisted applicants will be invited to attend interviews in Hong Kong. The first round of interviews is scheduled for December this year or January next year.

 

Application forms and guidance notes for the applications are available on the Working Family & Student Financial Assistance Agency’s Student Finance Office website.

 

Applications have to be completed and submitted online at the GovHK website.

 

Call 2150 6097 or 2150 6098 for enquiries.

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EPD convictions in May

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

EPD convictions in May 
     Five of the convictions were under the Air Pollution Control Ordinance, two of the convictions were under the Environmental Impact Assessment Ordinance, four were under the Noise Control Ordinance, seven were under the Public Cleansing and Prevention of Nuisances Regulation, 16 were under the Waste Disposal Ordinance and two were under the Water Pollution Control Ordinance.
 
     A company was fined $30,000, which was the heaviest fine in May, for importing controlled waste without a permit.
Issued at HKT 15:00

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Over 700 job vacancies to be offered at Talent-Wise Inclusive Job Fair

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Over 700 job vacancies to be offered at Talent-Wise Inclusive Job Fair    
More than 40 organisations ranging from small and medium-sized enterprises to large-scale corporations will participate in the two-day job fair, offering over 700 job vacancies from various industries, including those of information technology, finance, transport, catering, hotel, property management and social services, providing employment opportunities to various types of persons with disabilities.
 
Over 20 organisations will set up booths and conduct recruitment each day. A wide variety of positions will be offered, including systems analyst, accounting assistant, clerk, technician, marketing assistant, customer service officer, room attendant, warehouse worker, railway technical trainee, automotive mechanic apprentice, graphic designer, library material maintenance assistant, cook, waiter, multi-skilled cleaner, property service assistant, laundry steam presser, hair therapist, beauty salon assistant and receptionist, etc. Job seekers can visit the LD’s Interactive Selective Placement Service Website (www.jobs.gov.hk/isps    
Job seekers can submit applications during the event and may be able to attend on-the-spot interviews. They can also make enquiries on and register for the employment services provided for persons with disabilities by the LD’s Selective Placement Division at its counter inside the venue.
    
The job fair will be held from 10.30am to 5pm at G/F, TungPo of TWGHs in San Po Kong, Kowloon (accessible via Kai Tak Station or Diamond Hill Station of MTR). Admission is free, with final admission time at 4.30pm each day.
Issued at HKT 15:00

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Public consultation on enhancing regulation of licensed money lenders launched today

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Public consultation on enhancing regulation of licensed money lenders launched today 
     The Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr Christopher Hui, said, “The Government has been closely monitoring the market situation in the money lending sector to continuously review and enhance the prevailing regulatory measures, so as to induce more responsible lending behaviour among money lenders. We have proposed a number of measures in the consultation paper, with a view to stepping up efforts in addressing the issue of excessive borrowing and better protecting the public interest.”
 
     The consultation paper sets out key features of various proposed measures, including enhancing regulation of unsecured personal loans, strengthening protection for loan referees, optimising and improving the affordability assessment on borrowers in respect of unsecured personal loans, strengthening the complaint handling process, stepping up publicity and education, and enhancing the regulatory regime of money lenders.
 
     Members of the public are invited to give views on the proposals in the consultation paper. The FSTB will fully consider the comments received when finalising the proposals.
 
     The consultation paper is available on the webpage of the FSTB at www.fstb.gov.hk/fsb/en/publication/consult/consult-moneyLendersRegulation.html 
     Members of the public may submit views to the FSTB by email money-lenders-consult@fstb.gov.hkIssued at HKT 15:00

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IAC presents deep-sea adventure in exciting and hilarious Korean multimedia theatre performance “Waiting!” in August (with photos)

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

IAC presents deep-sea adventure in exciting and hilarious Korean multimedia theatre performance “Waiting!” in August  
     The story of “Waiting!” begins with a young girl, Bada, who longs to reunite with her fisherman father and unexpectedly embarks on an exciting and hilarious deep-sea adventure. After setting out alone to find her dad, Bada is swallowed by a whale, which takes her to its dark belly where she dances with various glowing underwater creatures.
 
     Using cardboard props and blacklight effects, the programme is set against the backdrop of a magnificent ship and vast ocean. With lively and humorous performances by the cast, the amazing show is full of fun and imagination without the need for words.
 
     Korean art group HADDANGSE, established in 2008, dedicates itself to creating imaginative and community-oriented theatrical works. The group emphasises audience participation, inviting viewers to become co-creators of the performance and experience the magic of immersive theatre. “Waiting!” has won the 2024 International Association of Theatre & Performing Arts for Children & Young People Seoul Children’s Theatre Grand Prize and Best Director Award.
 
     “Waiting!” will be staged at 7.30pm on August 1, 11am and 3pm on August 2, and 3pm on August 3 at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre Studio Theatre. Tickets priced at $280 and $340 are now available at URBTIX (www.urbtix.hk 
     For programme enquiries and concessionary schemes, please call 2370 1044 or visit the IAC website (www.hkiac.gov.hk 
     This year’s IAC will run from July 11 to August 17, featuring a wide array of fun-filled educational programmes by overseas, Mainland and local art groups and artists. In addition to martial arts, acrobatics, dance, music, theatre and multimedia, the IAC will also offer film screenings, parent-child workshops, an online programme, an outreach performance and an exhibition.
Issued at HKT 15:00

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Projects jointly funded by Guangdong-Hong Kong and Shenzhen-Hong Kong under Mainland-Hong Kong Technology Cooperation Funding Scheme open for application

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Projects jointly funded by Guangdong-Hong Kong and Shenzhen-Hong Kong under Mainland-Hong Kong Technology Cooperation Funding Scheme open for application 
     All applications must fit the specific themes/topics, and be submitted simultaneously by the Hong Kong and Mainland applicant organisations to the ITC and relevant Mainland authorities respectively.
 
     To facilitate participating institutes and companies in submitting funding applications, the Mainland-Hong Kong Joint Funding Scheme and the Guangdong-Hong Kong Technology Cooperation Funding Scheme have been merged as the MHKTCFS to support and encourage collaboration among universities, research institutes and technology enterprises in Hong Kong and Mainland China. There are three categories of projects under the MHKTCFS:
Application details for projects jointly funded by the Mainland and Hong Kong will be announced in due course.
 
     Further information on the MHKTCFS is available on the ITF website (www.itf.gov.hk/en/funding-programmes/supporting-research/mhktcfs/index.htmlIssued at HKT 14:30

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2 institutions join voucher plan

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Elderly Health Care Voucher Greater Bay Area Pilot Scheme has been extended to include the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University (FIFAH-SYSU) and Zhuhai People’s Hospital (ZHPH) in Zhuhai from June 26, the Government announced today.

 

Together with the two additional service points, a total of 11 service points in the bay area will be allowed to use Elderly Health Care Vouchers (EHCVs), benefitting more than 1.78 million eligible Hong Kong seniors.

 

EHCVs are applicable for outpatient healthcare services provided by 16 designated departments at the FIFAH-SYSU, and those provided by 15 designated ZHPH departments.

     

The arrangements for shared use of EHCVs between spouses and the EHCV Pilot Reward Scheme are also applicable to the two Zhuhai hospitals.

 

Eligible people have to register with the eHealth system. The “Cross-boundary Health Record” and “Personal Folder” functions of the eHealth mobile application will also be extended to the two hospitals from June 26, to facilitate Hong Kong citizens in using their electronic health records across the boundary.

 

Call 2838 2311 for enquiries on the EHCV Scheme.