Speech by SLW at opening ceremony of Mark Six 50th Anniversary Exhibition

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     Following is the speech by the Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Mr Chris Sun, at the opening ceremony of the Mark Six 50th Anniversary Exhibition this afternoon (April 30):

Winfried (Chief Executive Officer of the Hong Kong Jockey Club, Mr Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges); Adrian (Chairman of the Betting and Lotteries Commission, Mr Adrian Yip); Raymond (Executive Director, Corporate Affairs of the Hong Kong Jockey Club, Mr Raymond Tam), Gabriel (Executive Director, Charities and Community of the Hong Kong Jockey Club, Dr Gabriel Leung), Edward (Director of Social Welfare, Mr Edward To), dear legislators, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

“Immersive Hong Kong” roving exhibition opens in Wuhan

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Information Services Department of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government is hosting the “Immersive Hong Kong” roving exhibition in Wuhan, Hubei Province, showcasing Hong Kong’s diversity and latest developments through interactive art technology. The opening ceremony of the exhibition was held today (April 30).
 
     Co-organised with the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Wuhan, the exhibition, themed “Hong Kong – Where the World Looks Ahead”, invites visitors from Wuhan and across Hubei Province to explore the unique opportunities and potential for tourism, education, business and investment in Hong Kong.

     The Hong Kong/Hubei co-operation mechanism established by Hubei Province and the HKSAR is the first high-level government co-operation mechanism set up between the HKSAR and a province in the central region of the Chinese Mainland. Over the years, the two sides have maintained meaningful exchanges and close co-operation, leveraging their complementary advantages and fostering robust economic and trade ties. As the provincial capital of Hubei, Wuhan also serves as a key node city of the Belt and Road Initiative.
     
     The six thematic zones at the Wuhan stop are “Financial Bridgehead”, “I&T Brain Bank”, “Blossoming Creativity”, “Diversity and Greenery” and “Buzzing Sports Action”, along with the newly added “Events Capital”, which highlights Hong Kong’s mega-event economy. Each zone presents virtual scenes representing the city, offering visitors an immersive experience. Through multi-interactive art projections, light boxes, naked-eye 3D displays and 3D animations, the exhibition showcases the distinctive appeal of Hong Kong.

     Visitors may also enjoy Hong Kong’s vibrant and colourful skyline, illustrated by Hong Kong artist Messy Desk (Jane Lee), at a photo corner in the venue. Promotional videos and digital panels presenting information about the city, as well as insights from Chinese Mainland companies about their experiences in Hong Kong, are also on display, highlighting why the city is one of the most desirable places to visit, study, live, work and invest.

     During the exhibition, visitors can take part in an interactive game, “Snap a cool shot @Immersive Hong Kong”, with exciting prizes on offer. Prizes include two pairs of round-trip business or economy class air tickets from Wuhan to Hong Kong sponsored by Cathay Pacific, and sets of six giant panda figurines. Visitors playing digital interactive games at the exhibition can also receive souvenirs.

     The exhibition is being held at Wuhan Xintiandi, a large-scale shopping centre in Wuhan by a Hong Kong developer, until May 10. Admission is free.

     Wuhan is the ninth stop of the roving exhibition, following successful events in eight cities on the Chinese Mainland, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, and the Middle East between July 2023 and October 2025.

     Supporting organisations of the exhibition include the Belt and Road Office of the Commerce and Economic Development Bureau, Hong Kong Talent Engage, Cathay Pacific, the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, the Hong Kong Tourism Board and Kai Tak Sports Park.

     More information on the exhibition is available from the dedicated page on the Brand Hong Kong website.

        

Cluster of Vancomycin Resistant Enterococci cases in North District Hospital

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

The spokesperson for North District Hospital (NDH) made the following announcement today (April 30):
 
     A 79-year-old male patient in a convalescent and rehabilitation mixed ward of NDH was confirmed to be infected with Vancomycin Resistant Enterococci (VRE) on April 28. In accordance with prevailing infection control guidelines, the hospital has conducted contact tracing. Three more male patients and one female patient (aged from 74 to 94) were found to be VRE carriers. All patients have no signs of infection. A 94-year-old female passed away due to her underlying illness. The remaining four male patients are in stable condition, and are currently being treated in isolation in NDH.
 
     The following enhanced infection control measures have already been adopted in the ward concerned:
 

  1. Isolation of VRE cases and application of stringent contact precautions;
  2. Enhanced environmental cleaning and disinfection; and
  3. Enhanced hand hygiene for staff and patients.

 
     The hospital will continue applying the enhanced infection control measures and closely monitor the situation of the ward concerned. The cases have been reported to the Hospital Authority Head Office and the Centre for Health Protection for necessary follow-up.

457 more residents return to units

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The phased return of residents to Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po entered its 11th day today, with the reopening of five low-zone floors of Wang Tai House and 10 middle-zone floors of Wang Kin House.

Supported by the “one social worker per household” service, 457 residents from 117 households returned to their units – exceeding the 437 individuals initially registered. The Government described the access arrangements as orderly and smooth.

Residents spent an average of two hours and 25 minutes on-site, from a minimum of 14 minutes to a maximum of three hours and 40 minutes. Approximately 77% of residents completed their visits in under three hours, while 27% stayed for less than two hours and 4% left within an hour.

Regarding movement, 123 individuals from 65 households made multiple trips to their units. Among them, 55 people from 25 households made one additional trip, 48 people from 26 households made two more, 15 people from 11 households made three extra, three people from two households made four additional, and two people from the same household made five or more trips.

The integrated enquiry counter today handled nine requests for Police assistance, as well as one case involving physical discomfort.

The nine cases requesting Police assistance were related to suspected property loss such as watches, jewellery, cash and gold. In one case, the unit concerned was severely damaged and residents believed after investigation that the property might have been destroyed by fire. In another five cases, there were no signs of ransacking in the units, and the residents could not provide details on the property concerned. For the remaining three cases, Police will make further investigations. 

Mona Lisa exhibition to open

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Hong Kong Heritage Museum (HKHM) is staging the Meet Mona Lisa & Portraying the Renaissance exhibition from May 1 to July 27 to take visitors on an immersive digital journey to explore the famous Mona Lisa painting and showcase a selection of Renaissance art treasures from various French and Italian cultural institutions. Admission is free.

Addressing the opening ceremony today, Secretary for Culture, Sports & Tourism Rosanna Law said the exhibition is undoubtedly a highlight programme of this year’s French May Arts Festival.

“Through the immersive digital journey specially curated by the Louvre and the Grand Palais Immersif, alongside the outstanding artworks on loan from exceptional museums and art institutions, we can step inside the frame and breathe new life into classical heritage,” she added.

The first section of the exhibition “Meet Mona Lisa”, is centred on the Leonardo da Vinci masterpiece, condensing the extraordinary journey of the portrait spanning more than 500 years into six chapters, Mona Lisa herself narrates the captivating stories behind her mysterious smile in a monologue.

Meanwhile, the second section “Portraying the Renaissance” highlights a selection of Renaissance art treasures from several renowned museums and cultural institutions, including the Musée national de la Renaissance and the Pinacoteca Ambrosiana, in diverse forms of art such as paintings, prints, sculptures, decorative art, and everyday objects.

Most exhibits are being shown in Hong Kong for the first time, including four precious Leonardo da Vinci manuscripts, and works by other Renaissance period artists such as The Virgin and Child with the Infant Saint John the Baptist by Luca Penni, The Crucifixion by Noël Bellemare, and Michelangelo Buonarroti’s The Rebellious Slave (plaster reproduction cast using moulds).

Exhibits from the HKHM collection and paintings by Chinese Mainland artist Xu Lei that echo Renaissance art are also on display.

Furthermore, the museum lobby features a giant five-metre animated installation that blends Hong Kong-style neon elements with classic art symbols to create a unique Hong Kong version of the Mona Lisa.

E-cigarette ban won’t deter tourists

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The ban on the possession of alternative smoking products (ASPs) in public places came into effect today. In a press statement, the Department of Health rejected claims that the new measure will discourage tourists from visiting Hong Kong, and stressed that such claims completely overlook the fact that the importation and sale of e-cigarettes and heat sticks have already been banned for four years.

Pointing out that rumour-mongers are spreading false information, misleading the public and visitors, causing unnecessary alarm and damaging Hong Kong’s reputation, the department urged all sectors to work with the Government to convey accurate information to tourists and prevent misleading messages from damaging Hong Kong’s image as a healthy travel destination.

Since April 30, 2022, Hong Kong has prohibited the import, sale and possession of ASPs for commercial purposes, meaning that in the past four years, all inbound travellers have been legally barred from bringing those items into the city, and such items have not been available for purchase locally.

The new ban simply extends regulation to cover possession in public places, without imposing additional restrictions in practice on tourists, the department explained.

It also pointed out that the number of tourists visiting Hong Kong have continued to rise from 2023 to 2025, demonstrating that public health protection and tourism development can co-exist.

Additionally, the department’s Tobacco & Alcohol Control Office has adopted a multipronged publicity approach to spread relevant information to tourists, including giving out promotional leaflets, displaying information on large electronic screens on the Mainland side of ports, and co-ordinating with airlines to make in-flight announcements. It also conducts promotional activities on social media, at boundary control points and at major tourist attractions to remind citizens and visitors to comply with the law.

According to the extended ban, any person who possesses e-cigarette capsules, e-liquids, heat sticks or other specified ASPs in public places will be liable for a fixed penalty of $3,000. If the possession exceeds the specified quantity or involves a commercial purpose, an offender is liable to a fine of $50,000 and imprisonment for six months.

Appointments to Cantonese Opera Advisory Committee announced

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Appointments to Cantonese Opera Advisory Committee announced     
Professor Lui Yu-hon (Chairman)
Ms Susanna Cheng Wing-mui
Mr Cheung Kin-yip*
Ms Cheung Man-wai
Ms Choi Wai-shan (Mitche Choi)*
Mr Andrew Fung Hau-chung
Mr Nick Ip Ka-po
Mr Ko Wing-hei
Mr Li Qiuyuan
Professor Qin Rong
Mr Seto Yok (Loong Koon-tin)
Professor Tsui Lik-hang*
Mr Vong Seng-pan
Ms Janet Wong Kit-fong*
Mr Maurice Lee Wai-man (Chairman of the Cantonese Opera Development Fund Advisory Committee)
Representative of the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts
Representative of the Hong Kong Arts Development Council
Representative of the Hong Kong Tourism Board
Representative of the West Kowloon Cultural District Authority
Representative of the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau
Representative of the Education Bureau
Representative of the Leisure and Cultural Services DepartmentIssued at HKT 12:13

NNNN

New private driving instructor’s licences open for applications from May 11

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

New private driving instructor’s licences open for applications from May 11 

PDI group     A spokesman for the TD said, “Following the completion of the periodic review on the issue of new PDI licences, including a detailed review of learner drivers’ demand for driver training from PDIs, the issuance of new licences according to the mechanism aims to ensure an adequate supply of PDIs to meet the demand for driver training, while sustaining market competition.”

     Applicants should note the following:
      For enquiries, please call the TD’s hotline at 2804 2600.
Issued at HKT 10:00

NNNN

Approved Kam Tin North Outline Zoning Plan referred back for amendment

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Town Planning Board announced today (April 30) that the Secretary for Development has referred the approved Kam Tin North Outline Zoning Plan (OZP) to the Board for amendment to reflect the latest land use proposals.  

The OZP incorporating the respective amendments will be exhibited for public inspection under the provisions of the Town Planning Ordinance.

The Kam Tin North OZP was last approved by the Chief Executive in Council in December 2023.

Government sells Kwun Tong site for purpose of electric vehicle fast charging station

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Government sells Kwun Tong site for purpose of electric vehicle fast charging station           
     A spokesperson for the Environment and Ecology Bureau (EEB) said, “To promote the green transformation of vehicles and to achieve zero vehicular emissions before 2050, the Government announced in February this year the Updated Version of the Hong Kong Roadmap on Popularisation of Electric Vehicles which outlines the updated strategies and measures adopted by the Government to promote the popularisation of EVs, including a multipronged approach and leveraging market forces through policy guidance to build the public charging network with fast chargers as the backbone, thereby fully supporting the adoption of EVs in Hong Kong. The Government put forth through open tender five petrol filling station (PFS) sites in Kowloon Bay, Fo Tan, Tai Po, Tsing Yi and Tseung Kwan O for FCS purposes. The area for retail use in the site of this sale is larger than that of a conventional PFS, allowing operators more flexibility to use such area to meet the needs of EV drivers. The Government will, subject to actual market needs, select suitable PFS sites for conversion into FCSs in a timely manner.”
           
     New Kowloon Inland Lot No. 6677 has a site area of 1 022.1 square metres and is designated for EV FCS purposes. Land sale documents, including the forms of tender, tender notice, conditions of sale and sale plan of the lot, are now available on the Lands Department (LandsD) website (www.landsd.gov.hk           
     The spokesperson continued, “In order to encourage owners of taxis and public light buses to expedite the adoption of electric taxis (e-taxis) and electric public light buses (e-PLBs), a charging ceiling price mechanism will be established for e-taxis and e-PLBs at designated FCSs. The operators of designated FCSs cannot charge a price that is higher than the ceiling price to be announced by the Environmental Protection Department (EPD) on a monthly basis. The charging price for other EVs will be determined by the market. For details about the calculation of charging ceiling prices for e-taxis and e-PLBs, please refer to the EEB website (
www.eeb.gov.hk/en/resources_publications/guidelines/index.html           
     Details of the charging ceiling price will be posted at designated FCSs when they are in operation and announced regularly on the EPD website (
www.epd.gov.hkIssued at HKT 11:00

NNNN