Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
In response to and support of the 10th National Security Education Day, the Fire Services Department (FSD) will organise an open day at the Fire and Ambulance Services Academy in Tseung Kwan O on April 13 (Sunday), with an opportunity to deepen the public’s understanding about the Constitution, the Basic Law and the Hong Kong National Security Law, as well as the FSD’s work on national security, public safety, public order and personnel training.
The open day will feature a range of activities, including introduction of the department’s efforts in safeguarding national security, fire appliances parade, firefighting and rescue demonstrations, displays of training facilities, equipment and special vehicles, an exhibition on fire safety education, game booths, a recruitment experience area, as well as a demonstration of Fire Services working dogs. The Fire and Ambulance Services Education Centre cum Museum will also be open to the public on the day.
The open day will be held from 9am to 5pm. A ticket is required for admission (children aged 3 or below do not need an admission ticket).
Members of the public who are interested can apply for a maximum of four admission tickets from today (March 31) to April 2 through the latest version of the Hong Kong Fire Services Department Mobile Application, which can be downloaded from Apple App Store, Google Play and Huawei AppGallery for free. The tickets will be allocated by computer ballot, and successful applicants will receive a notification through the Application on April 3.
Visitors are advised to use public transportation as no parking spaces will be provided at the Academy. The open day will be cancelled if Tropical Cyclone Warning Signal No. 8 or above, or the Red/Black Rainstorm Warning Signal is still in force at 7am on the event day. Visitors should visit the FSD’s website (www.hkfsd.gov.hk) regularly for the latest information. For enquiries, please call 2411 8773.
Applications for the Clansmen Culture Promotion Scheme will be accepted from tomorrow to April 30 to provide funding subsidies for clansmen associations to organise activities promoting hometown culture, the Home Affairs Department announced.
The Chief Executive announced in his 2023 Policy Address the launch of the three-year scheme with $30 million earmarked for applications by clansmen associations. The scheme for 2024-25 was launched in April last year and has been successfully completed.
Funding of $10 million is earmarked for the continuation of the scheme for 2025-26, so that clansmen associations can apply for subsidies to organise activities to facilitate patriotic education and promote the spirit of loving the country, Hong Kong and hometowns.
Any locally registered clansmen associations with a good reputation and track record, and with experience in organising relevant activities can apply.
They may use the subsidies to organise activities to promote and preserve hometown culture, unite clansmen in Hong Kong, and facilitate exchanges between the two places.
There is no restriction on the form of the events. As long as the activities are non-profit-making and align with the objectives of the scheme, the associations can make applications under the Scheme.
The funding ceiling for each activity is $200,000 in general.
For enquiries, send an email to the Home Affairs Department.
He thanked various departments for their concerted efforts and co-operation over the past two years.
Based on reviews by those departments, hygiene conditions at 94% of the hygiene black spots previously listed were judged to have improved markedly and were considered for removal from the list.
However, 64 such spots have not yet recorded continuous improvement over two years, and have therefore been kept on the black spot list for now.
Mr Cheuk stressed that the Government’s work in tackling hygiene black spots is ongoing, adding that departments will keep up their efforts and closely monitor hygiene conditions at these locations. He said that prompt actions will be taken at any spots where circumstances change.
In support of National Security Education Day, the Fire Services Department will hold an open day at the Fire & Ambulance Services Academy in Tseung Kwan O on April 13. Citizens can apply for admission tickets from today until Wednesday.
Activities will include an introduction to the department’s efforts in safeguarding national security, a fire appliances parade, firefighting and rescue demonstrations, and displays of training facilities, equipment and special vehicles.
The event will also feature an exhibition on fire safety education, game booths, a recruitment area, and a demonstration involving Fire Services working dogs.
The Fire & Ambulance Services Education Centre & Museum will also be open to the public on the day.
The open day will be held from 9am to 5pm. People can apply for a maximum of four admission tickets by using the latest version of the Fire Services Department mobile application, which can be downloaded from the Apple App Store, Google Play or Huawei AppGallery for free.
Tickets will be allocated by computer ballot and successful applicants will receive a notification through the mobile app this Thursday. Children aged three or below do not require a ticket.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Algernon Yau; the Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, Miss Alice Mak; and the Under Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Mr Raistlin Lau, will depart for Zhengzhou in Henan Province tomorrow (March 30), to attend the Ancestor Worship Ceremony of the Yellow Emperor in the Year of Yisi on behalf of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government.
They will return to Hong Kong on March 31. During the absence of Mr Yau and Miss Mak, the Under Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Dr Bernard Chan, and the Under Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, Mr Clarence Leung, will act as the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development and the Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs respectively.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Film festival returns to Dubai showcasing Hong Kong’s cinematic brilliance Presented by the Asian Film Awards Academy, the week-long film festival kicked off the “Hong Kong Film Gala Presentation” with eight Hong Kong films of different genres from March 22 to 28 (Dubai time), at Cinema Akil at Alserkal Avenue in Dubai to showcase Hong Kong’s vibrant and diverse film culture to local audiences.
In the light of the Ramadan period, the Dubai ETO kicked off the film festival with a unique Iftar-style opening reception, where local audiences and members of the Hong Kong community gathered to share Middle East and Asian delicacies and celebrate the spirits of friendship and harmony during Ramadan, strengthening people-to-people bonds and cultural exchange between the two places. The Iftar dinner was followed by the screening of the opening film “An Abandoned Team”, as film enthusiasts interacted with director Thomas Lee to explore themes of loneliness, redemption, and the unexpected bond between a man and a stray dog portrayed in the drama.
The festival also showcased other genres including gripping thrillers and thought-provoking narratives, with the screening of “Blossoms Under Somewhere”, “Montages of a Modern Motherhood”, “Last Song for You”, “Cesium Fallout”, “Papa”, “The Last Dance” and the classic film “The Bride with White Hair”, which offered viewers a nostalgic glimpse into the iconic martial arts fantasy world.
Director Oliver Siu Kuen Chan from “Montages of a Modern Motherhood”, and actress Sheena Chan from “Blossoms Under Somewhere” also travelled to Dubai to attend the opening reception of the film festival as well as post-screening sharing sessions to interact with local film enthusiasts. Veteran film critic Patrick Suen also shared valuable insights into the featured films.
Speaking at the opening reception to over 100 guests, the Deputy Director of the Dubai ETO, Mr Leo Poon, highlighted the unique charm of Hong Kong cinema, as well as the measures of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government in supporting the cultural and creative industries.
“The Government is committed to promoting the development of cultural and creative sectors. A total of over $1.3 billion has been approved by the Film Development Fund to support more than 120 film projects which have won more than 180 awards, a testament to our film industry’s excellence. This January, the Government also launched the Film Production Financing Scheme 2.0, with the goal of continuing to provide subsidies and incentives to film productions with budgets of up to $25 million, thereby boosting the sector’s long-term growth. With these efforts, we look forward to bringing more of the best from Hong Kong’s creative industry to this region,” said Mr Poon.
The Dubai ETO will continue to collaborate with partners in the region to promote Hong Kong’s creative and cultural industries through its regular offerings as well as novel events. Issued at HKT 7:00
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The Commissioner of Police, Mr Siu Chak-yee, inspected the passing-out parade for 29 probationary inspectors and 158 recruit police constables at the Hong Kong Police College today (March 29) and witnessed the graduates becoming members of the Force, ready to shoulder the noble mission of safeguarding national security and protecting the lives and property of citizens.
Speaking at the ceremony, Mr Siu encouraged the graduates to embrace their responsibilities as law enforcers who adhere to the principles of “Law, Reason, and Empathy”. He explained that “Law” represents the legal framework, emphasising the importance of impartiality and fairness in law enforcement while also requiring officers to set an example of lawfulness themselves. “Reason” highlights the significance of understanding through communication to reduce unnecessary misunderstandings and conflicts, thereby enhancing professionalism in handling incidents. “Empathy” encourages officers to put themselves in the shoes of others, considering the underlying reasons behind citizens’ requests for assistance.
He shared several stories about how citizens praised Force members for their professionalism and efficiency in assisting them in distress, exemplifying understanding and care for individuals in need. He encouraged the graduates to demonstrate professionalism in their duties, and to strive for continuous improvement by leveraging the public trust they have earned while prioritising the well-being of citizens. He stressed that professional police officers should not only focus on “completing the tasks”, but more importantly, aim “to excel in their duties”.
Reflecting on his 36-year career in the Force, Mr Siu said that his aspiration was to uphold justice and maintain law and order. He stated that it was not just a job for him, but a passion that brought him immense satisfaction. He felt fortunate to be part of the Force and considered working alongside with colleagues – sharing both hardship and joy – is a source of great fulfillment and a life without regrets.
He firmly believed that with the dedication and professionalism of his police colleagues, along with the support of stakeholders and the general public, Hong Kong’s law and order will continue to improve, allowing citizens to live and work in a better community.
In conclusion, he inspired the graduates with the words, “Work is exciting because of the challenges, life is fulfilling because of the efforts”, urging them to uphold their aspirations of joining the Force and to continue the over 180-year tradition of excellence of the Police Force. He also encouraged them to embody the core values of “Honour, Duty and Loyalty”, that is to be loyal to the mission of the Force; sincere in protecting citizens; brave and courageous in protecting citizens in any conditions, thereby ensuring Hong Kong remains one of the safest and most stable cities in the world.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
​The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) announced today (March 29) that a sample of prepackaged pasteurised double cream imported from the United Kingdom (UK) was detected with total bacterial count exceeding the legal limit. The CFS urged the public not to consume the affected batch of the product. The trade should stop using or selling the batch of the product concerned immediately if they possess it.
Product details are as follows:
Product name: British Double Cream 300ml
Brand: Marks & Spencer
Place of origin: UK
Importer: Alf Retail Hong Kong Limited
Packing: 300ml per pack
Use-by date: March 29, 2025
A spokesman for the CFS said, “The CFS collected the above-mentioned sample at the import level for testing under its routine Food Surveillance Programme. The test result showed that the total bacterial count for the sample was 394 800 per millilitre. According to the Milk Regulation (Cap. 132AQ), milk after heat treatment by means of pasteurisation should not contain more than 30 000 bacteria per millilitre.”
The CFS has informed the importer concerned of the irregularity, and has temporarily suspended the permission to import for sale of the product concerned granted earlier to the importer. The importer concerned has stopped selling and removed from shelves the affected batch of the product upon the CFS’s instructions and has initiated a recall. Enquiries about the recall can be made to the importer’s hotline at 3656 2253 during office hours.
The spokesman said that the total bacterial counts exceeding the legal limit indicated that the hygienic conditions were unsatisfactory, but did not mean it would lead to food poisoning.
The CFS will inform the British authorities of the incident, and will continue to follow up on the case and take appropriate action.
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 (March 29) that the red tide off Silverstrand Beach in Sai Kung District has dissipated and the water quality of the beach is suitable for swimming.
However, due to big waves, the red flag has been hoisted at the Silverstrand Beach. Beachgoers are advised not to swim at the beach.
Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah inaugurates and lays foundation stones for various projects worth over ₹800 crore of the central and state governments in Patna, Bihar Bihar, with its fertile land, water, and other natural resources, will benefit the most from the cooperative sector
The opposition governments completely ruined the cooperative sector in Bihar during their tenure
The government under the leadership of PM Modi will restart the 30 closed sugar mills in Bihar
From 1990 to 2005, the opposition ran an industry of murder, kidnapping, extortion, robbery, and looting in Bihar, which completely destroyed the state
Under the opposition’s rule in Bihar, there were caste massacres and government-sponsored corruption, and the fodder scam tarnished the state’s reputation both in the country and internationally
The opposition’s tenure will forever be remembered in Bihar’s history as the “Jungle Raj,” and it ended with our government
Between 2004 and 2014, the central government provided ₹2.8 lakh crore to Bihar, while the Modi government has allocated ₹9.23 lakh crore to Bihar in the past 10 years
Posted On: 30 MAR 2025 4:20PM by PIB Delhi
Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah, today inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for various Central and State Government projects worth over Rs 800 crore in Patna, Bihar. The event was attended by several dignitaries, including Bihar Chief Minister Shri Nitish Kumar and Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Shri Nityanand Rai.
In his address, Shri Amit Shah said that several schemes related to the cooperative sector and other departments were inaugurated and their foundation stones laid today. He highlighted that over the past 10 years, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has undertaken numerous initiatives for the welfare of crores of poor people across the country. Shri Shah criticized previous opposition governments for neglecting the poor, whereas Prime Minister Modi has provided for to meet the essential needs such as housing, electricity, gas, drinking water, toilets, medicines, and 5 kg of free food grains. He emphasized that under PM Modi’s leadership, 80 crore people receive 5 kg of free food grains per person per month, 4 crore people have been given houses, 11 crore gas connections have been distributed, over 12 crore toilets have been built, and free medical treatment of up to Rs 5 lakh has been made available.
Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah, said that Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi established the Ministry of Cooperation after 75 years of independence to boost the rural economy, benefiting farmers, women, dairy, fisheries, and agriculture-related activities. He pointed out that for decades, no government prioritized strengthening the cooperative sector. Shri Shah emphasized that Bihar, with its abundant land, water, and natural resources, stands to gain significantly from the cooperative sector in the coming years. He criticized previous opposition governments for neglecting cooperation in Bihar, leading to the decline of the sector and the closure of hundreds of sugar mills. He noted that Bihar once contributed over 30% of the country’s sugar production, but under opposition rule, this share dropped to less than 6%. He assured that the Modi government is committed to reviving the state’s closed sugar mills.
Shri Amit Shah stated that the Modi government has undertaken significant efforts to strengthen Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS). He highlighted that a Makhana Board has been established in Bihar and announced plans to revive the Maize Research Centre with an investment of Rs 1,000 crore, along with introducing various schemes to support maize farmers. He emphasized that the Government of India is now purchasing the entire maize, pulses, wheat, and rice from farmers at the Minimum Support Price (MSP). Shri Shah also noted Bihar’s leading position in agricultural production, ranking first in litchi, mushroom, and makhana production; second in maize; third in lentil and honey; fifth in moong and sugarcane; and sixth in wheat and rice production. Shri Shah stressed that Bihar has immense potential for agricultural and cooperative sector development, which will be fully harnessed. He assured that the government is committed to reviving all 30 closed sugar mills in the state with full dedication and effort.
Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation said that PACS is now doing various types of work, they have been computerized, and through them, a plan is being implemented to strengthen district-level banks across Bihar. He mentioned that between 1990 and 2005, the opposition governments ran an industry of murder, kidnapping, extortion, robbery, and looting in Bihar, which completely ruined the state. Shri Shah said that during the rule of the opposition governments in Bihar, there were caste massacres, government-sponsored corruption, and the state was defamed in the country and the world due to the fodder scam. He said that the opposition government will always be remembered in Bihar’s history as the “Jungle Raj.”
Shri Amit Shah said that during the 10-year tenure of the Nitish government in Bihar, roads, electricity, and tap water have reached every village. He mentioned that Prime Minister Modi has worked for the welfare of the poor in Bihar by providing homes, toilets, water, medicines, and ration. He said that during the 10-year tenure of the previous central government, Bihar was given Rs. 2.8 lakh crore, whereas during the 10 years of the Modi government, Bihar has been allocated Rs. 9.23 lakh crore. Shri Shah highlighted that Bihar has received projects worth Rs. 4 lakh crore for roads and bridges, Rs. 1 lakh crore for railway projects, and Rs. 2,000 crore for airport projects. He stated that with Rs. 8,000 crore, seven major bridges are being constructed in Bihar, and with Rs. 31,000 crore, a 5,000-kilometer-long railway line is being built, with the first-ever farmer’s train also starting from Bihar. He added that the Modi government has set up the Makhana Board in Bihar, and with the help of the central government, 766 other projects, including the Barauni fertilizer plant, have been initiated in the state. He emphasized that our government has a 20-year track record of development, and the era of ‘Jungle Raj’ has now ended here.
The schemes inaugurated and laid the foundation stone by the Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah in Bihar today include the foundation stone laying of a project costing Rs. 83.16 crore to develop a storage capacity of sixty-two thousand five hundred metric tonnes in a total of twenty-five PACS under the world’s largest food storage scheme. Apart from this, the foundation stone was laid for the construction of a total of 133 police buildings of the Home Department, which cost Rs. 181.14 crores. The foundation stone was also laid today for three projects of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, which cost Rs. 109.16 crores. Moreover, a hostel constructed at Deep Narayan Singh Regional Cooperative Management Institute, Patna at a cost of Rs. 27.29 crore was inaugurated. Makhana processing cum marketing center constructed at a cost of Rs. 46 lakh under the Integrated Cooperative Development Project and a total of 11 warehouses constructed at a cost of Rs. 2.27 crore were also inaugurated today. Along with this, a total of five drinking water supply schemes costing Rs. 421.41 crore were also inaugurated today under the AMRUT-1 project of the Urban Housing and Development Department.