Category: MIL-OSI

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

Following is the speech by the Permanent Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Ms Vivian Sum, at the opening ceremony of the Hong Kong Performing Arts Expo 2026 today (October 9):

郭永紅部長 (Director General of the Department of Publicity, Cultural and Sports Affairs of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Mr Guo Yonghong), Kenneth (Chairman of the Hong Kong Arts Development Council, Mr Kenneth Fok), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

Good evening. On behalf of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government, I am pleased to welcome you all to the opening ceremony of the Hong Kong Performing Arts Expo (HKPAX) 2026.

Two years ago, we launched the inaugural HKPAX with a clear vision to establish Hong Kong as a premier hub for performing arts exchanges and collaboration. Today, I am truly delighted to see that vision taking root and bearing fruit. The inaugural HKPAX not only successfully built a global platform for deepening international cultural exchanges and co-operation, it also effectively facilitated numerous touring agreements and collaborative projects between local and international organisations.

This year, HKPAX returns with renewed momentum under the theme “Passion in Motion”. In alignment with the National 15th Five-Year Plan Outline and Hong Kong’s First Five-Year Plan, this edition empowers Hong Kong to harness its distinctive role as a “super connector” and expedites Hong Kong’s development into an East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchanges. By hosting HKPAX, not only are we expanding the global reach of our mega arts and cultural events; we are also contributing to fortifying our nation’s status as a cultural powerhouse.

A highlight of this year’s edition is the Hong Kong Chapter, which is a dedicated platform for local artists and art groups to showcase their artistic visions and latest creations. Another highlight is one of this year’s main venues, the East Kowloon Cultural Centre. Commissioned last year, this new venue specialises in performances that integrate arts and technology, reflecting our strategic focus on “Arts Tech”.

     HKPAX even extends beyond the theatre doors and spreads into the community. Just before the kick-off this evening, we have already rolled out an exciting four-day programme featuring free public performances at the iconic Hong Kong Cultural Centre Piazza, attracting locals and tourists alike.

The Government remains steadfast in strengthening our cultural ecosystem, nurturing creative talent, fostering artistic innovation and boosting international engagement. Backed by the unmatched advantage of “one country, two systems”, we will continue to leverage our extensive international connections to enhance our cultural soft power and tell the good stories of China and Hong Kong.

As we look among ourselves on this occasion, we see so many distinguished artists, representatives of arts organisations, presenters and industry leaders from every corner of the world. Your presence affirms the growing stature of HKPAX as a vital nexus for exchanges, dialogue and partnership within the international performing arts community. As you immerse yourselves in our rich line-up of programmes, I suggest you also take the opportunity to join the Greater Bay Area Performing Arts Tour to explore new horizons for touring and collaboration while experiencing the dynamic cultural landscape of Macao and Zhuhai.

In closing, I sincerely thank the Hong Kong Arts Development Council, all participating artists and arts groups, sponsors and partner organisations, and every individual involved for their dedication and hard work that have made this second edition of the Expo possible.

​I wish HKPAX 2026 every success. May our shared passion continue to inspire, connect and transform. Enjoy the extraordinary programmes and the vitality of our city beyond the Expo.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     To echo World Mental Health Day 2026, the Department of Health (DH) today (October 9) launched a three-day mental health promotion event, the Mental Recharge Station, at MOSTown in Ma On Shan. Featuring free interactive experiences, games and workshops, the event encourages members of the public to pay more attention to mental health and listen more to those around them, so that everyone, including those in need, can find a “mental recharge station” where they can share. The DH appealed to members of the public to join the event over the weekend and work together to build an inclusive and caring community that better safeguards mental health.
 
     The World Federation for Mental Health designates October 10 every year as World Mental Health Day to raise awareness of mental health issues and mobilise efforts to support people experiencing emotional or mental health distress. This year’s theme is “Lived Experiences Heard: Real Voices, Real Change”, highlighting the importance of listening attentively to the personal experiences and needs of people experiencing emotional or mental health distress. It also seeks to promote understanding, dispel misconceptions and stigma and help them access appropriate support in the community.
 
     The Director of Health, Dr Ronald Lam said, “Mental health is an integral part of overall health. The Chief Executive has recently announced the First Five-Year Plan for Economic and Social Development of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (2026-2030) and the 2026 Policy Address, which clearly set out the need to strengthen community psychological and mental health support and implement 11 measures to promote mental health. We will make every effort to implement the relevant objectives and continuously enhance public awareness and overall mental health.”
 
     He emphasised, “Mental wellbeing is an essential part of overall health. Everyone may experience stress, changes in mood or psychological distress at different stages of life. While many people make a conscious effort to exercise regularly and watch their diet to maintain their physical health, they often neglect to look after their psychological wellbeing and emotions. Members of the public are encouraged to give equal importance to mental and physical health. In addition to developing healthy lifestyle habits and adopting positive emotional management practices, they should also show greater care for those around them. If family members, friends, colleagues or classmates experience sustained emotional distress, they can express concern and listen patiently, avoid criticism, dismissive remarks or stigmatising words or actions, and encourage those concerned to seek professional help early, such as through the ‘18111 – Mental Health Support Hotline’.”
 
     The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government attaches great importance to public mental health. Through an integrated and multidisciplinary approach, the Government has strengthened mental health promotion, prevention, early identification, timely intervention and support services. The HKSAR Government launched the “18111 – Mental Health Support Hotline” in December 2023, providing 24-hour one-stop emotional and mental health support and referral services. To further enhance the convenience and comprehensiveness of the service, four new functions were introduced in November last year, namely WhatsApp support, multi-language support, scheduled callback, and additional optional services. From its launch to September 30 this year, the hotline’s professional staff have handled nearly approximately 352 900 calls and 6 250 WhatsApp messages, providing immediate support.
 
     On the promotion and prevention front, the DH and the Advisory Committee on Mental Health jointly implement the “Shall We Talk” mental health promotion and public education initiative. Through a one-stop thematic website (shallwetalk.hk), media and social media platforms, as well as school and community activities, the initiative disseminates relevant health messages and enhances public understanding of mental health. As at the end of September this year, the thematic website had recorded more than 4.4 million visits, while activities for primary and secondary schools and tertiary institutions had reached more than 100 000 students. The Government also promotes mental health in the workplace through the Mental Health Workplace Charter to foster a positive workplace culture of care, inclusion, active listening and communication, and create an inclusive and supportive working environment for employees experiencing emotional distress.
 
     In addition, the Government launched the Healthy Mind Pilot Project (Pilot Project) in August 2024 to offer free initial mental health assessments at the community level and provide evidence-based psychological intervention for people experiencing mild to moderate psychological distress, so as to achieve early identification and early intervention to prevent further deterioration. The Pilot Project aims to detect people with psychological distress at an early stage and enhance their ability in managing their mental wellness through low-intensity psychological intervention. Those assessed as high-risk cases will be referred to relevant district professional service partners for multidisciplinary support services, so that they can receive more comprehensive and professional care and support in the community.
 
     The Government will continue to work with different sectors of the community and stakeholders to strengthen mental health promotion, eliminate public stigma surrounding mental health and encourage people with mental health needs to seek help early, with a view to building a mental health-friendly community.
 
     The Mental Recharge Station will be held from today until October 11 (Sunday) from noon to 8pm daily. For more information on the Mental Recharge Station and mental health, please visit the “Shall We Talk” thematic website.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Film Development Council (HKFDC):
 
     Two local films supported by the Film Development Fund (FDF), namely “Bird of Paradise” and “Good Trip”, will hold their local premieres on October 10 and October 13 respectively, showcasing the creative achievements of emerging Hong Kong filmmakers and the effectiveness of the FDF in nurturing film talent.
 
     “Bird of Paradise” is a winning film project in the Higher Education Institution Group of the 7th First Feature Film Initiative (FFFI) funded by the Government. Produced by Saville Chan, and directed and written by Joey Wu, the film stars Catherine Chau, Elaine Jin, Chan Charm-man, Yeung Nga-man and Jayden Cheung. It tells the story of a middle-aged housewife pursuing her dreams while shouldering family responsibilities. The film was selected for screening at the 28th Shanghai International Film Festival, the 25th New York Asian Film Festival and the 9th Malaysian International Film Festival, and will be officially released in Hong Kong on October 23.
 
     Another FDF-supported film, “Good Trip”, has received funding support under the Directors’ Succession Scheme (DSS). Produced by Mabel Cheung, co-directed by Wong Hoi and Norris Wong, written by Norris Wong, and starring Nick Cheung and Chung Suet-ying, the film follows an art assistant who juggles responsibilities on the film set and at the hospital while caring for her father. The father and daughter embark on an unexpected road trip. The film will be officially released in Hong Kong on October 15.
 
     The Chairman of the HKFDC, Dr Wilfred Wong, said that “Bird of Paradise” is a heartwarming and inspiring film that demonstrates a woman’s courage and perseverance in pursuing self-fulfillment, fully reflecting the creativity and insight of a new generation of filmmakers. “Good Trip” delicately captures the rapport and genuine affection between a father and daughter. The film’s touching story, humorous dialogue, coupled with classic elements of Hong Kong cinema, is expected to resonate strongly with audiences.
 
     Dr Wong added that the FDF has been nurturing local film talent through various funding schemes and injecting new momentum into the industry. Since its launch, the FFFI has completed eight editions, supporting 30 winning teams in producing their films and incubating 32 new directors. Meanwhile, the DSS enables emerging directors to gain practical experience through collaboration with veteran film practitioners. Dr Wong said he was pleased to see the Government’s continued support for the development of the film industry through the FDF and its efforts to nurture more outstanding film talent for the long-term and sustainable development of Hong Kong cinema.
 
     For more information about the FFFI and the DSS, please visit the HKFDC’s website at www.fdc.gov.hk/en/applications_detail.php?id=2022042210252142851 and www.fdc.gov.hk/en/dss/index.html.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

　　The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, today (October 9) expressed his gratitude to the Legislative Council (LegCo) for passing and supporting the motion on the First Five-Year Plan for Economic and Social Development of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) (2026-2030) and the Motion of Thanks in respect of the Chief Executive’s 2026 Policy Address.
 
　　Mr Lee said, “The HKSAR Government formulated Hong Kong’s First Five-Year Plan, which proactively aligns with the National 15th Five-Year Plan, leading Hong Kong in better seizing development opportunities and better integrating into and serving the overall national development. This is of great significance. Hong Kong’s First Five-Year Plan is a forward-looking, strategic, and directional guiding document, while the 2026 Policy Address serves as an annual action plan on the implementation of the Five-Year Plan. The two documents are closely interconnected, and during the formulation process, opinions from all sectors were widely gathered. This year’s Policy Address is entitled ‘A Strategic Vision for a Bright New Era, Driving Reform and Boosting Development, Unleashing Opportunities and Enhancing Livelihood’. It sets out wide-ranging policy measures across various fields to take forward the initiatives for the first year in line with our five-year blueprint, which creates more development opportunities, enables the public to share economic dividends, and enhances social well-being.
　　
“I express my gratitude to LegCo Members for engaging in in-depth discussions and offering diverse views during the debate on Hong Kong’s First Five-Year Plan and the Policy Address for three consecutive days. Their discussions covered areas including advancing the development of the ‘four centres and one hub’; leveraging Hong Kong’s international advantages; expediting the development of the Northern Metropolis; deepening the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and participating in high-quality co-operation under the Belt and Road Initiative; enhancing social well-being in a tangible way; as well as adopting a holistic approach to development and security. The Government will carefully analyse and study all views to ensure more effective implementation of relevant measures.
 
“My team and I will continue to work closely with the LegCo to ensure positive interaction between the executive authorities and the legislature, with mutual checks and balances and complementarity. I firmly believe that, under the principles of an executive-led system and ‘patriots administering Hong Kong’, the executive authorities and the legislature will continue to pool their strengths and work together to lead the community in better developing the economy and improving people’s livelihood.”

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department announced today (October 9) that in view of a notification from the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) about outbreaks of highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza in the Rural Municipality of Woodlands in the Province of Manitoba and the County of Vermilion River in the Province of Alberta in Canada, the CFS has instructed the trade to suspend the import of poultry meat and products (including poultry eggs) from the above-mentioned areas with immediate effect to protect public health in Hong Kong. 

A CFS spokesman said that according to the Census and Statistics Department, no poultry meat or eggs were imported into Hong Kong from Canada in the first six months of this year. 

“The CFS has contacted the Canadian authority over the issue and will closely monitor information issued by the WOAH and the relevant authorities on the avian influenza outbreaks. Appropriate action will be taken in response to the development of the situation,” the spokesman said. 

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Accountancy Designated body No. of nomination forms received from designated bodies today Cumulative total Association of Hong Kong Accounting Advisors Limited 0 0   Chinese medicine Designated body No. of nomination forms received from designated bodies today Cumulative total WFCMS (Hong Kong) Council Members Association Limited 0 0   Legal Designated body No. of nomination forms received from designated bodies today Cumulative total China Law Society’s HK Council Members Association 0 1 (9 nominees in total)   Sports, performing arts, culture and publication Designated body No. of nomination forms received from designated bodies today Cumulative total Sports Federation & Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China 1 (3 nominees in total) 1 (3 nominees in total) China Federation of Literary and Art Circles Hong Kong Member Association Limited 0 0 Hong Kong Publishing Federation Limited 0 0   Technology and innovation Designated body No. of nomination forms received from designated bodies today Cumulative total The Greater Bay Area Association of Academicians 0 0   Religious Designated body No. of nomination forms received from designated bodies today Cumulative total Catholic Diocese of Hong Kong 0 0 Chinese Muslim Cultural and Fraternal Association 0 0 Hong Kong Christian Council 0 0 The Hong Kong Taoist Association 1 (10 nominees in total) 1 (10 nominees in total) The Confucian Academy 0 0 The Hong Kong Buddhist Association 0 0   Representatives of associations of Hong Kong residents in the Mainland Designated body No. of nomination forms received from designated bodies today Cumulative total Mainland China (Shenzhen) Consultant Services Centre, The Hong Kong Federation of Trade Unions 0 0 Mainland China (Guangzhou) Consultant Services Centre, The Hong Kong Federation of Trade Unions 0 0 Mainland China (Dongguan) Consultant Services Centre, The Hong Kong Federation of Trade Unions 1 (1 nominee in total) 1 (1 nominee in total) Mainland China (Zhongshan) Consultant Services Centre, The Hong Kong Federation of Trade Unions 0 0 Mainland China (Huizhou) Consultant Services Centre, The Hong Kong Federation of Trade Unions 1 (1 nominee in total) 1 (1 nominee in total) Mainland China (Fujian, Xiamen) Consultant Services Centre, The Hong Kong Federation of Trade Unions 0 0 Hong Kong Chamber of Commerce in China 0 0 Hong Kong Chamber of Commerce in China—Tianjin 0 0 Hong Kong Chamber of Commerce in China—Shanghai 0 0 Hong Kong Chamber of Commerce in China—Zhejiang 0 0 Hong Kong Chamber of Commerce in China—Guangdong 0 1 (1 nominee in total) Hong Kong Chamber of Commerce in China—Fujian 0 0 Hong Kong Chamber of Commerce in China—Guangxi 0 0 Hong Kong Chamber of Commerce in China—Sichuan 1 (1 nominee in total) 1 (1 nominee in total) Hong Kong Chamber of Commerce in China—Wuhan 0 0 Hong Kong Chamber of Commerce in China—Liaoning 0 0 Hong Kong Chamber of Commerce in China—Shandong 0 0 Hong Kong Professionals (Beijing) Association 0 0 Shanghai Hong Kong Association 0 1 (1 nominee in total) Guangzhou Tianhe Hong Kong and Macau Youth Association 0 0 Hong Kong Association of China Business 0 1 (1 nominee in total) Hong Kong Chamber of Commerce, Qianhai, Shenzhen 0 0 Hong Kong and Macau Entrepreneurs Branch, Chongqing Overseas Association 0 0 Fujian Federation of Overseas Chinese Entrepreneurs 0 0 Hong Kong and Macao Youth Innovation and Entrepreneurship Federation in Zhongkai Huizhou 0 1 (1 nominee in total) The Hong Kong Fellowship in Huadu Guangzhou 0 1 (1 nominee in total) The Hong Kong Fellowship in Chancheng Foshan 0 0   Total: 5 (16 nominees in total) 11 (30 nominees in total)

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Hong Kong Police College today (October 9) signed a second-phase Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Caritas Institute of Community Education (CICE), the Hong Kong College of Technology (HKCT) and the Hong Kong Institute of Technology (HKIT) to jointly organise the full-time “Diploma of Applied Education (DAE) – Police Cadet Training” Programme for the three academic years from 2027/28 to 2029/2030, with a view to providing practical knowledge and preparatory training for persons interested in joining the Force. Students who successfully complete the programme and pass the Police Constable selection process may commence foundation training at the Police College upon graduation.

Witnessed by the Assistant Commissioner of Police (Personnel), Dr Law Yuet-wing; the Director of the Hong Kong Police College, Ms Cheng Lai-ki, and the Secretary-General and Acting Head of the Diploma of Applied Education of the Federation for Self-financing Tertiary Education, Dr Ma Chee-keung, the Senior Superintendent of Police, School of Foundation Training, Ms Tsang Chiu-tong, signed the second-phase MOU with the Principal of the CICE, Dr Wong Man-wai, the Vice President of the HKCT, Ms Li Wai-chi, and the President of the HKIT, Dr Shi Mei-chun.

The “Diploma of Applied Education (DAE) – Police Cadet Training” Programme  lasts one year with a total of 600 contact hours. The three education institutions will be responsible for 420 contact hours, consisting of 300 contact hours of core courses (Chinese Language, English Language and Mathematics) and two 60-hour complementary courses. The Hong Kong Police College will be responsible for the 180-hour “Police Cadet Training” elective cluster, which comprises three courses, namely “Police Studies”, “Police Recruit Preparatory Training” and “Physical and Mindset Development”.

Students who successfully complete the DAE programme would obtain qualification deemed comparable to the attainment of Level 2 standard in five subjects including Chinese and English Languages in the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education Examination, which meets the academic entry requirements for Police Constable. The Hong Kong Police College will conduct the Police Constable selection process during the programme to facilitate admission of selected candidates, who may commence Recruit Police Constable foundation training upon graduation. 

Applicants of the programme must be i) Secondary 6 school leavers or ii) aged 21 or above, who are interested in joining the Force. To join the Hong Kong Police Force, one must also be a permanent resident of Hong Kong. The first round of application will open in December 2026. To apply, please make online registration at the programme website (www.dae.edu.hk/daepublic/dae_enrollmentguide.aspx).

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region