Category: MIL-OSI

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

​The Registry of Trade Unions (RTU) of the Labour Department organised the Seminar on National Security for Trade Unions (the Seminar) today (April 18) to enhance the awareness and sense of responsibility of trade unions in safeguarding national security. The Seminar featured exchanges of measures taken by the labour sector to safeguard national security, contributing to the security and development of the country and Hong Kong. Co-organised by the Hong Kong Federation of Trade Unions and the Federation of Hong Kong and Kowloon Labour Unions, the Seminar attracted around 420 participants on-site and online.

The Seminar was officiated by the Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Mr Chris Sun. In his opening remarks, Mr Sun said that the successful conclusion of the eighth-term Legislative Council (LegCo) General Election last year, which fully implemented the principle of “patriots administering Hong Kong” and faithfully upheld the principle of “one country, two systems”, was a crucial realisation of strengthening the national security shield. The voter turnout rate in the functional constituency of the labour sector was nearly 90 per cent, fully reflecting the proactiveness of the labour sector in safeguarding the country and home. As this year marks the beginning of the National 15th Five-Year Plan, it is incumbent upon all sectors of the community to consider and act on how Hong Kong can make full use of its strengths to serve the country’s needs and further integrate into the overall national development. He encouraged the labour sector to seize the opportunities from the National 15th Five-Year Plan, and help contribute Hong Kong’s strengths to the country’s development. 

Mr Sun added that apart from the establishment of solid institutional safeguards, every individual and institution must also have the commitment to national security. The National 15th Five-Year Plan clearly states the need to strengthen national security education and fortify the defensive line in people. According to the Hong Kong National Security Law, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) shall promote national security education through social organisations, including trade unions, to raise the awareness of national security and law-abidingness among Hong Kong residents. He called on the labour sector’s concerted efforts to safeguard national security.

At the Seminar, the President of the Hong Kong Federation of Trade Unions and LegCo Member, Mr Stanley Ng, and the Chairman of the Federation of Hong Kong and Kowloon Labour Unions and LegCo Member, Mr Lam Chun-sing, shared their insights on the labour sector’s role in safeguarding national security.

 The Seminar featured two keynote presentations, including a succinct exposition on how Hong Kong safeguards national security by the former Vice-chairperson of the HKSAR Basic Law Committee of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress and former Secretary for Justice, Dr Elsie Leung, who also shared her valuable insights on national security; and a brief overview on the newly amended Trade Unions Ordinance by the Registrar of Trade Unions, Miss Christine But.

Moreover, the Seminar included a panel discussion session in which four guests, namely, Mr Ng; the General Secretary of the Federation of Hong Kong and Kowloon Labour Unions and LegCo Member, Mr Chau Siu-chung; the President of the Hong Kong Chinese Civil Servants’ Association, Mr Tsoi Koon-lung; and the Chairman of the Hong Kong Civil Servants General Union, Mr Fung Chuen-chung, shared the measures and practical experiences of labour organisations and trade unions in promoting national security education.

The RTU will continue to collaborate with labour organisations and trade unions to promote national security education.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Kuala Lumpur (HKETO Kuala Lumpur) participated in the Malaysia-Hong Kong Industrial Partnership Forum held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, today (April 20). The Forum aims to explore opportunities for strengthening industrial collaboration between Hong Kong and Malaysia.
 
     It featured a panel session titled “Building Competitive Manufacturing through Productivity, Technology and Industry Linkages”, and the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the two co-organisers of the Forum, namely the Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC) and the Federation of Malaysian Manufacturing. The MOU marks an important milestone in fostering industrial collaborations between Hong Kong and Malaysia.
 
     Addressing the Forum, the Director of the HKETO Kuala Lumpur, Mr Owin Fung, highlighted the complementary nature of the two economies, and shared Hong Kong’s advantages and new developments including the Northern Metropolis, the Task Force on Supporting Mainland Enterprises in Going Global, the Economic and Trade Express and the AI+ Initiative that would help drive bilateral investments and collaborations on innovation and technology, stimulating industrial partnerships between the two places.
 
     He also highlighted new industrialisation and smart manufacturing as emerging areas of common interest between Hong Kong and Malaysia, and encouraged collaborations between industries of the two economies. “By fostering industry collaborations, we are cocreating value through technology adoption and innovative business models,” Mr Fung said.
 
     Also speaking at the event, the Deputy Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry of Malaysia, Mr Sim Tze Tzin, noted the close economic relations between Hong Kong and Malaysia, and the potential of industrial partnerships between the two economies in addressing challenges brought by supply chain disruption.
 
     The Forum brought together about 100 industry leaders, policymakers, technology experts, and academia from both Hong Kong and Malaysia. Focusing on enhancing productivity, accelerating technology adoption, and fostering innovation-driven growth within the manufacturing sector, it provided a robust platform for participants to discuss opportunities for industrial collaboration and practical approaches to enhance competitiveness.
 
     After the Forum, the HKPC delegation and representatives from Hong Kong media proceeded to Penang for visits to several Hong Kong-owned manufacturing facilities that serve to showcase success stories of Hong Kong enterprises in Malaysia.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Civil Aid Service (CAS) held the Passing-out Parade for the 92nd Recruits and 14th Tactical Force Secondment Scheme at its headquarters today (April 19). The parade was reviewed by the Director of Health, Dr Ronald Lam.
 
     Speaking at the Parade, Dr Lam said that the Department of Health (DH) has maintained close co-operation with the CAS over the years. Reflecting on history, from severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and human swine influenza to COVID-19, the CAS has provided crucial support in managing quarantine and isolation centres. Last November, the Centre for Health Protection of the DH, along with the CAS and multiple government departments, conducted a public health exercise codenamed “Amethyst” to test the response capabilities in handling Ebola cases and to strengthen interdepartmental arrangements and co-ordination. These exercises and preventive measures are key to enhancing overall epidemic prevention capabilities and ensuring a swift and orderly response in the event of a major infectious disease outbreak.
 
     He said that from a public health perspective, comprehensive emergency preparedness directly affects the lives and health of citizens. The professional training received by CAS members in first aid, search and rescue, crisis management, and epidemic prevention support enables them to take immediate emergency actions at incident scenes. At the community level, they also assist in promoting disaster prevention and health awareness, enhancing the overall resilience of the population. It is this professionalism and selfless dedication that form the solid foundation of urban safety and health, he said.
 
     During the ceremony, Dr Lam presented awards to outstanding recruits. The graduates staged demonstrations of vegetation firefighting and rescue techniques, showcasing the outcomes of their training.
 
     A total of 72 recruits and 50 officers and members from the Tactical Force Secondment Scheme participated in the passing-out parade, with many graduates coming from diverse backgrounds. The CAS Recruit Training Certificate Programme has been recognised under the Hong Kong Qualifications Framework as meeting the accreditation standards at Level 3 by the Hong Kong Council for Accreditation of Academic and Vocational Qualifications. Graduates will be awarded the Certificate in Auxiliary Forces Basic Training (Civil Defence), and will apply their acquired knowledge and skills to serve society.
   
     Recruitment of CAS officers and members is open for application throughout the year. Recruitment details and application forms are available on the CAS website (www.cas.gov.hk/eng/adult_recruitment.html).

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

Hong Kong Customs detected a suspected smuggling case involving an ocean-going vessel on April 13. Large batches of suspected smuggled goods with a total estimated market value of about $20 million were seized.
 
Through intelligence analysis and risk assessment, Customs discovered that criminals intended to use ocean-going vessels to smuggle goods. Strategies were thus formulated to crack down on the related activity.
 
Customs on that day selected a container that was scheduled to be shipped to Australia and declared as carrying laundry baskets for inspection. Upon examination, Customs officers found large batches of suspected smuggled goods, including 810 000 cigarettes, electronic appliances, furniture, pet supplies and toys.
 
An investigation is ongoing. The likelihood of arrests is not ruled out.
 
Being a government department primarily responsible for tackling smuggling activities, Customs has long been combating various smuggling activities at the forefront. Customs will keep up its enforcement action and continue to fiercely combat sea smuggling activities through proactive risk management and intelligence-based enforcement strategies, and carry out targeted anti-smuggling operations at suitable times to disrupt relevant crimes.
 
Smuggling is a serious offence. Under the Import and Export Ordinance, any person found guilty of importing or exporting unmanifested cargo is liable to a maximum fine of $2 million and imprisonment for seven years upon conviction.
 
Under the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance, anyone involved in dealing with, possession of, selling or buying illicit cigarettes commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $2 million and imprisonment for seven years upon conviction.
 
Members of the public may report any suspected smuggling activities to Customs’ 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002/).

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

Following is the speech by the Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, at the LumiVoce Foundation 10th anniversary Gala Dinner today (April 18):

Dr Ying Ying Liu (Founder and Board Co-Chair of LumiVoce Foundation), Clarie (Board Co-Chair of LumiVoce Foundation and Chairman of Organizing Committee of Gala, Ms Clarie Lo), LumiVoce Foundation Board members, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, 
 
Good evening. It gives me great pleasure to join you tonight to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the LumiVoce Foundation.

     Over the past decade, LumiVoce has shown how music and arts can inspire a deep love for wildlife and biodiversity in young people, and how that love can be turned into action for a more sustainable planet.

     By bringing together aesthetic education with social and emotional learning, LumiVoce has pioneered a distinctive education approach in Hong Kong, nurturing not only environmental awareness, but also emotional well-being, especially for children growing up in a fast-paced, high-pressure city.

     Our gathering tonight indeed reminds us of the scale and urgency of the challenge we face. In recent years, the world has experienced some of the hottest years on record, with more frequent extreme weather events. We have only one planet to call home. If humanity is to survive and thrive, we must act together – across borders, sectors and generations – to tackle climate change, and to preserve and restore the biodiversity that underpins our food, our health, our economies, and, above all, the beauty of this planet.
 
      Development and environmental conservation are not mutually exclusive. As President Xi Jinping captured this so compellingly in the saying: “綠水青山就是金山銀山”.

     Across our country, for example, the green transition is turning once-barren land into arable land and vast fields of wind farms and solar panels, alongside ecological restoration that creates new livelihoods for local herders and communities. It is a vivid reminder of the essence of sustainable development: a virtuous cycle in which economic progress, ecology and social well-being advance together.

     The Hong Kong SAR (Hong Kong Special Administrative Region) Government fully shares this belief. Investing in nature, at its heart, is investing in lasting prosperity. As we pursue carbon neutrality, we are seeing the emergence of new industries, technologies and value chains.

     The same is true as we enhance biodiversity and strengthen ecological resilience. Last December, we released Hong Kong’s updated Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan 2035. This is our blueprint to protect and restore ecosystems and wildlife, to mainstream biodiversity across sectors, to build conservation capacity, and to deepen local and cross-boundary partnerships.
 
     Our vision is clear: by strengthening our commitment to biodiversity, Hong Kong will become a more sustainable and liveable city, and a meaningful contributor to the biodiversity goals of our country and the world.

     But above all, the long-term success of any strategy depends on the hearts and minds of the next generation. It is vital that an appreciation of nature, and a love of wildlife and biodiversity, become the values of our children. This nurtures not only their understanding of the planet, but also their character, empathy, compassion and resilience. It helps them grow into caring, responsible and confident global citizens.
 
     Ladies and gentlemen, this is why your support matters so much. I hope LumiVoce will continue your wonderful work – deepening your programmes, extending your reach, and strengthening the partnerships with educators, parents, businesses and community organisations – all in support of our young people.

     Let me also express my sincere gratitude to the many sponsors, donors, partners and volunteers who have stood with LumiVoce over the past decade.

     On your 10th anniversary, may I offer my warmest congratulations. I wish you every success in the years ahead, as you continue to illuminate hearts through art and music, and inspire Hong Kong’s youth to cherish and protect the remarkable biodiversity of our planet.

     Thank you very much.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

Hong Kong Customs on April 4 seized around 5 000 suspected counterfeit goods with a total estimated market value of around $1.4 million at the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge (HZMB) Hong Kong Port.
 
Through risk assessment, Customs on that day intercepted an incoming lorry at the HZMB Hong Kong Port. After inspection, Customs officers found the batch of suspected counterfeit goods inside the cargo compartment of the lorry. A 64-year-old male driver was subsequently arrested.
​
Initial investigation revealed that the batch of suspected counterfeit goods would have been transhipped to overseas regions.
 
The investigation is ongoing, and the arrested man has been released on bail pending further investigation.
 
Customs will continue to take stringent enforcement action against counterfeit goods and smuggling activities through risk assessment and intelligence analysis.
 
Under the Trade Descriptions Ordinance, any person who imports or exports any goods to which a forged trademark is applied commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $500,000 and imprisonment for five years.
 
Members of the public may report any suspected counterfeiting activities to Customs’ 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002/).

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Innovation and Technology Commission (ITC) announced today (April 20) the third batch of 24 projects recommended by the Steering Committee of the Research, Academic, and Industry Sectors One-plus (RAISe+) Scheme for funding support (see Annex). The total Government funding commitment amounts to over $1 billion.
 
The Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Professor Sun Dong, expressed his gratitude to the Steering Committee for vetting the new round of applications and the recommendations made. He said, “The third batch of projects recommended for funding support covers a wide range of innovation and technology (I&T) areas, including health and medical sciences, new materials and new energy, AI and robotics, computer science/information technology, electrical and electronic engineering, and advanced manufacturing, etc. It is a clear testament to Hong Kong’s research and development (R&D) capabilities and vibrant I&T ecosystem. The Government will continue to proactively promote the commercialisation of local R&D outcomes through the RAISe+ Scheme, with the aim to fostering effective collaboration among the Government, industry, academia and research sectors, injecting new momentum into local I&T development, and expediting the development of Hong Kong into an international I&T centre, thereby contributing to high-level technological self-reliance of our country.”

The ITC is following up with the universities concerned on the projects recommended for funding support for their smooth implementation, in order to nurture more I&T projects and start-ups with potential through the Scheme, thereby further driving Hong Kong’s high-quality development.
 
With a funding allocation of $10 billion, the RAISe+ Scheme was launched in 2023 to fund, on a matching basis, research teams from the University Grants Committee-funded universities with good potential to become successful start-ups. Each approved project may receive funding support that ranges from $10 million to $100 million. Assessment criteria of the Scheme include the I&T component of the project, the commercial viability of project outcomes, the technical and management capability of the team, relevance of the project with Government policies or in the overall interest of the community, as well as the financial considerations of the project. In the first two rounds of applications, 49 projects were supported by the Scheme with the total Government funding commitment amounting to over $2 billion.
 
Details of the Scheme are available on its dedicated website (www.itf.gov.hk/en/raiseplus). For enquiries, please contact the Secretariat of the Scheme (Tel: 3543 5904; email: raiseplus@itc.gov.hk).

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Assistant Commissioner of Customs and Excise (Intelligence and Investigation), Mr Wong Ho-yin, witnessed by the Commissioner of Customs and Excise, Mr Chan Tsz-tat, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with JD.com today (April 20) at the Customs Headquarters Building to establish a closer co-operative relationship. 

At the signing ceremony, Mr Chan said that JD.com has close ties with Hong Kong Customs. One of the Group’s subsidiaries in logistics has been accredited as a Hong Kong Authorized Economic Operator, making it a trusted partner of Hong Kong Customs. This also shows JD.com’s commitment to safeguarding supply chain security. Through the signing of the MOU, both sides will establish a closer communication and collaboration mechanism, strengthen compliance promotion, and work together to prevent prohibited or controlled items from entering Hong Kong through online shopping channels, thereby providing more comprehensive protection for consumers.

     The Vice President and Chief Economist of JD.com, Dr Shen Jianguang, also remarked that JD.com adheres to its core philosophy of “achieving success the right way”. The Group firmly believes that only by operating legally, compliantly, and with integrity can it achieve sustainable and healthy development while creating value for society. Looking ahead, JD.com will strengthen its co-operation with Hong Kong Customs, actively co-ordinate with Customs’ regulatory efforts, and work together to maintain a sound import and export order.

Hong Kong Customs will continue to adopt innovative thinking in its development, strengthen co-operation with the industry, and steadfastly uphold the mission of safeguarding the gate of Hong Kong and facilitating legitimate trade.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     Eight incoming male passengers aged 25 to 56 were sentenced from eight to twelve months’ imprisonment and fined $2,000 by the West Kowloon Magistrates’ Courts today (April 18) for importing and dealing with duty-not-paid cigarettes and failing to declare them to Customs officers, in contravention of the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance (DCO). 

     Customs officers intercepted eight incoming passengers at Hong Kong International Airport on April 17 and seized duty-not-paid cigarettes from their personal baggage during customs clearance.