Hong Kong Customs detects suspected case of illegal importing of animals

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

Hong Kong Customs yesterday (November 21) detected a suspected case of illegal importing of animals at the Lo Wu Control Point. Two suspected illegally imported kittens with an estimated market value of about $20,000 were seized.

Customs officers yesterday intercepted an incoming 61-year-old male passenger at the Arrival Hall of the said Control Point. Upon examination, two kittens were seized from his carrier bag, and he wassubsequently arrested.

The case has been handed over to the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department for follow-up investigation.

Customs reminds the public that importing animals into Hong Kong without a valid permit is an offence.

Under the Rabies Regulation, any person found guilty of illegally importing animals, carcasses or animal products is liable to a maximum fine of $50,000 and imprisonment for one year.

Missing man in Aberdeen located

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     A man who went missing in Aberdeen has been located.

     Chan Ho-yin, aged 38, went missing after he left his residence in Ap Lei Chau Estate on November 15 noon. His family made a report to Police on November 17.

     The man was located on Heung Yip Road in the small hours today (November 22). He sustained no injuries and no suspicious circumstances were detected.

Speech by SCST at opening ceremony and show of “VIRTUOSE: The Artistry of Couture 2025” (English only)

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Speech by SCST at opening ceremony and show of “VIRTUOSE: The Artistry of Couture 2025” (English only) 
Mr Kevin Yeung (Chairman of the Hong Kong Fashion Designers Association), Consuls-General, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
 
     Good afternoon. On behalf of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR), I would like to extend a warm welcome to all of you at the opening of “VIRTUOSE: The Artistry of Couture 2025”.
      
     Couture originated in late 19th century Paris, representing the highest level of design and craftsmanship in fashion. It transforms the most exquisite fabrics into breathtaking masterpieces. Given its rich heritage and enduring influence, we have chosen a couture-themed event as the opening of our second Hong Kong Fashion Fest.
      
     Often perceived as a solemn and traditional art form, couture carries a legacy of elegance and prestige. However, today’s event offers a fresh perspective, reinterpreting couture through international collaboration and youthful creativity. The upcoming fashion show will feature an exceptional lineup of visionary international designers – Caroline Hu from Hong Kong, Zhaoyi Yu from the Chinese Mainland, Tomo Koizumi from Japan, and Peet Dullaert from France. Notably, the average age of these designers is only 33, yet they have already received prestigious awards and showcased their outstanding designs on the runways of international fashion weeks. They represent a vibrant new force shaping the future of global couture.  
      
     With their exceptional craftsmanship, 40 remarkable pieces will soon be showcased against the iconic backdrop of Victoria Harbour. I’m truly excited to witness this stunning display of creativity and artistry.
      
     The excitement does not end today. In the coming days, guests can look forward to trunk shows and a fireside chat with the designers, fostering dialogue with potential couture clients and offering insights into the inspiration behind each piece.
      
     As announced in “The Chief Executive’s 2025 Policy Address”, the Hong Kong SAR Government will continue to advance our annual flagship event – the Hong Kong Fashion Fest – to develop Hong Kong into a fashion design hub in Asia. Building on last year’s success, I am pleased to note that the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency has initiated and driven new crossover projects with two renowned Fashion Weeks – Paris and Milan – to jointly promote digital fashion and sustainable fashion in the second edition of the Hong Kong Fashion Fest. This achievement reaffirms our goal of promoting Hong Kong’s fashion and textile design brands and enhancing Hong Kong’s position as a premier destination for hosting major cultural and creative events.
      
     From today until December 7, seven flagship projects covering couture, digital fashion, denim culture, sustainability, cross-disciplinary collaboration and industry exchanges will be brilliantly showcased in Hong Kong, an East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange.
      
     I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the Hong Kong Fashion Designers Association for organising this spectacular event, as well as to all the designers for your invaluable presence and contribution.
      
     Ladies and gentlemen, for those of you from the local community, may I also take this opportunity to encourage you to cast your vote in the 2025 Legislative Council General Election on December 7 to help build an even better Hong Kong.
      
     Now, without further ado, please enjoy the fashion show and the wonderful programmes of the Hong Kong Fashion Fest for the rest of the week. Thank you very much.
Issued at HKT 16:05

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HKMoA, Conservation Office and Faculty of Arts of University of Hong Kong launch post-doctoral research fellowship in scientific analysis of Chinese paintings

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Hong Kong Museum of Art (HKMoA), the Conservation Office of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) and the Faculty of Arts of the University of Hong Kong (HKU) announced today (November 22) the launch of a post-doctoral research fellowship project entitled “Scientific Analysis of Chinese Paintings”. This pioneering partnership, first of its kind in Hong Kong, aims to recruit global talent for expanding cultural heritage conservation.

Supported by funds provided by Professor Douglas So, this project, a collaboration among an academic university, a public museum, a dedicated team of conservation experts and a private funding donor, demonstrates a shared commitment to advancing cultural and scientific excellence.

One top postdoctoral fellow will be engaged to undertake a three-year research fellowship project with the designated Chinese painting collections, namely the Xubaizhai, Chih Lo Lou and Jingguanlou Collections of the HKMoA as the subject of study. The fellow will be an affiliate of the Faculty of Arts of the HKU’s Society of Fellows in the Humanities and will work closely with Professor Marc Walton of the Master of Arts in Museum Studies Programme of the Faculty of Arts of the HKU and the Conservation Office of the LCSD on research projects. The research will encompass the characterisation of painting materials for dating, provenance analysis, and material analysis for conservation and preservation purposes. By bridging the gap between conservation, scientific analysis, and curatorial exploration, this fellowship will contribute to a deeper understanding and appreciation of the rich Chinese cultural heritage.

The recruitment advertisement will be posted on the HKU Careers website (jobs.hku.hk/en/listing) in due course.

  

Hong Kong Fashion Fest kicks off its second edition today

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     Presented by the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, spearheaded and sponsored by the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA) under the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau (CSTB), the second edition of Hong Kong Fashion Fest opened today (November 22) with the launch programme “VIRTUOSE: The Artistry of Couture 2025” (VIRTUOSE) held at Central Pier No. 4.

     Organised by the Hong Kong Fashion Designers Association (HKFDA), VIRTUOSE aims to highlight the different facets of craftsmanship through an haute couture runway and showcase programme, inviting emerging local, Mainland and overseas haute couture designers to use Hong Kong as a stage for the international fashion community.

     Speaking at the ceremony, the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Miss Rosanna Law, said that couture represents the highest level of design and craftsmanship in fashion, transforming the most exquisite fabrics into breathtaking masterpieces. Given its rich heritage and enduring influence, CCIDA has chosen couture as the theme for the opening of the second edition of the Hong Kong Fashion Fest.

     The runway brings together four new-generation couture designers, namely, Peet Dullaert, Tomo Koizumi, Zhaoyi Yu and Caroline Hu, whose forty looks are presented on the dazzling stage set against the Victoria Harbour. Their outstanding works have shone at international fashion weeks; through global collaborations and their own creative talent, they are shaping the future of couture worldwide. The four designers will also host time-limited trunk shows and fireside chats, engaging industry professionals in in-depth discussions and sharing their creative journeys as well as the insight into future trends and development of couture.

     Highlights of the runway show will be available for replay on the official social media channels of Hong Kong Fashion Fest, the HKFDA and VIRTUOSE. For more information on Hong Kong Fashion Fest, please visit www.hongkongfashionfest.com.

           

Woman arrested on suspicion of illegally selling topical product with undeclared controlled drug ingredients

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Department of Health (DH) today (November 24) carried out an enforcement operation with the Police against the suspected illegal sale of a topical product containing undeclared controlled medicines (see photo) at a beauty parlour in Yuen Long. During the operation, a 48-year old woman was arrested on suspicion of the illegal sale of Part 1 poison and an unregistered pharmaceutical product.

Following up on a case referred by the Hospital Authority, the DH earlier purchased a sample of a product called Rong Shi Gao Fu Kang Medical Antipyretic Gel from a beauty parlour on Wang Yip Street South in Yuen Long for analysis. Test results from the Government Laboratory revealed that the product sample contained clobetasol propionate and miconazole, which are Part 1 poisons under the Pharmacy and Poisons Ordinance (Cap. 138) (the Ordinance). The product is also suspected to be an unregistered pharmaceutical product.

The DH urged members of the public who have purchased the product concerned to stop using it immediately and reminded the public not to buy or use products of doubtful composition or from unknown sources. The DH will continue to investigate the incident and take appropriate follow-up actions.

Clobetasol propionate is a steroid substance for treating inflammation. Inappropriate application of steroids could cause skin problems and systemic side effects such as moon face, high blood pressure, high blood sugar, adrenal insufficiency and osteoporosis. Products containing clobetasol propionate are prescription medicines that should be used under a doctor’s directions and be supplied in the premises of an Authorized Seller of Poisons (i.e. a pharmacy) under the supervision of a registered pharmacist upon a doctor’s prescription. Miconazole is used for the treatment of fungal infections with side effects including local irritation and sensitivity reactions. Topical products containing miconazole should be supplied in a pharmacy under the supervision of a registered pharmacist.

According to the Ordinance, all pharmaceutical products must be registered with the Pharmacy and Poisons Board of Hong Kong before they can be sold in the market. Illegal sale or possession of unregistered pharmaceutical products or Part 1 poisons are criminal offences. The maximum penalty on conviction of each offence is a fine of $100,000 and two years’ imprisonment.

The DH reminded members of the public That all registered pharmaceutical products should carry a Hong Kong registration number on the package in the format of “HK-XXXXX”. The safety, quality and efficacy of unregistered pharmaceutical products are not guaranteed.

People who have purchased the product concerned should stop using it immediately and consult healthcare professionals if in doubt or feeling unwell after use. They may submit the product to the Drug Office of the DH at Room 1804-06, 18/F, Wing On Kowloon Centre, 345 Nathan Road, Kowloon, during office hours for disposal.

Research Grants Council hosts Workshop and Poster Session on Competitive Research Funding Schemes for Local Self-financing Degree Sector

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Research Grants Council hosts Workshop and Poster Session on Competitive Research Funding Schemes for Local Self-financing Degree Sector  
     The Research Grants Council (RGC) today (November 24) held a Workshop and Poster Session on the Competitive Research Funding Schemes for the Local Self-financing (SF) Degree Sector at Hong Kong Metropolitan University, which brought together more than 200 academics. 
 
     The Workshop was organised for academic and research staff from the SF sector and serves as an invaluable platform for experience sharing and professional exchanges on research innovations and achievements, and an occasion for fostering a stronger partnership between the RGC and the SF sector, as well as a promotion of cross-institutional collaborations in the SF sector and successful practices. 
 
     Speaking at the Workshop’s opening session, the Chairman of the RGC, Professor Timothy W. Tong, said, “As key players of the Hong Kong academic research community, the SF institutions have been playing an important role in building Hong Kong as a post-secondary education hub. The sector has leveraged various funding schemes to advance research projects with high novelty, making impactful contributions to knowledge advancement. These projects cover a wide range of research topics highly relevant to our daily lives, and I am delighted that they have promoted both research excellence and the vibrant development of the research ecosystem, contributing to the betterment of Hong Kong society.”
 
     Faculty members who had successfully obtained research grants under the Competitive Research Funding Schemes for the Local SF Degree Sector were invited to share their experiences in preparing competitive research proposals. The Chairman of the Assessment Panel of the Schemes, Professor Julie Li, together with members of the Panel, also shared their observations and views on research proposals in the latest round of the exercise. Running alongside the workshop, a poster session was organised to showcase the notable achievements of completed Faculty Development Scheme (FDS) projects and the impact of their research outcomes.
 
     “Looking ahead, the RGC will continue to provide robust support for research and development of the SF sector. Specifically, we will refine arrangements to further enhance the SF institutions’ research capacity in their strategic areas, as well as encourage wider collaborations with other Hong Kong universities,” 
     The Competitive Research Funding Schemes for the Local SF Degree Sector aim at developing and enhancing the research capability of the SF institutions and their faculty members. Since the launch of the research funding schemes in 2013, the RGC has funded over 930 projects with a total amount of more than $923 million.
 
     Details of the funding schemes are available on the RGC website:
 
FDS:
www.ugc.edu.hk/eng/rgc/funding_opport/fds/index.html 
Institutional Development Scheme (IDS) Collaborative Research Grant:
www.ugc.edu.hk/eng/rgc/funding_opport/ids_crg/index.html 
IDS Research Infrastructure Grant:
www.ugc.edu.hk/eng/rgc/funding_opport/ids_rig/index.html 
Inter-Institutional Development Scheme:
www.ugc.edu.hk/eng/rgc/funding_opport/iids/index.htmlIssued at HKT 19:08

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Appeal for information on missing woman in Tin Sum

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

Police today (November 24) appealed to the public for information on a woman who went missing in Tin Sum.

Wong Sui-man, aged 57, went missing after she was last seen in a shopping mall in Sha Kok Estate on November 22 afternoon. Her family made a report to Police yesterday (November 23).
     
She is about 1.55 metres tall, around 60 kilograms in weight and of medium build. She has a square face with yellow complexion and short black hair. She was last seen wearing a black long-sleeved jacket, black trousers and purple shoes.

Anyone who knows the whereabouts of the missing woman or may have seen her is urged to contact the Regional Missing Persons Unit of New Territories South on 3661 1173 or 9078 1880 or email to rmpu-nts-2@police.gov.hk, or contact any police station.

  

Hong Kong SAR Government, General Administration of Sport of China, People’s Government of Guangdong Province and Macao SAR Government sign agreement on strengthening of sports co-operation and promotion of integrated development

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Hong Kong SAR Government, General Administration of Sport of China, People’s Government of Guangdong Province and Macao SAR Government sign agreement on strengthening of sports co-operation and promotion of integrated developmentIssued at HKT 8:00

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Government’s response to MCHK’s review of its earlier decision to permanently stay inquiry

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

In relation to the Medical Council of Hong Kong (MCHK)’s decision to revoke its earlier decision to permanently stay an inquiry upon review, the Government today (November 22) issues the following statement:
 
The Government noted and welcomed the decision of the inquiry panel under the MCHK to revoke its decision to permanently stay the disciplinary proceedings and restart inquiry.  The Government will continue to take note of the progress of the case and hopes the inquiry proceeds smoothly.
 
Meanwhile, at the request of the Secretary for Health, the MCHK is reviewing the mechanism for handling complaint investigations and disciplinary inquiries and will put forth improvement recommendations and justifications.  The Government will examine the report submitted by the MCHK and introduce a bill to amend the Medical Registration Ordinance in the first half of 2026 soon after the new term of the Legislative Council commences, with a view to strengthening the public accountability of the MCHK and enhancing its complaints handling mechanism.
 
The Health Bureau expressed its regards to the patient and parents involved again and will follow up with relevant government departments on the patient’s medical and welfare needs.