Category: MIL-OSI

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, Miss Alice Mak, today (April 19) attended the Ancestor Worship Ceremony of the Yellow Emperor in the Year of Bingwu in Zhengzhou in Henan Province on behalf of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government.
 
The Yellow Emperor is the cultural ancestor of the Chinese nation, while Zhengzhou is the Yellow Emperor’s birthplace. The Ancestor Worship Ceremony of the Yellow Emperor, jointly organised by the People’s Government of Henan Province, the Henan Provincial Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference and the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, among others, is a significant event held annually in Henan Province. Under the theme “Same Root, Same Ancestor, Same Origin; Peace, Harmony and Amity”, the Ancestor Worship Ceremony of the Yellow Emperor aims to promote the outstanding traditional Chinese culture.

Miss Mak expressed deepest gratitude for being invited to attend the Ancestor Worship Ceremony of the Yellow Emperor again. Miss Mak added that the culture of the Yellow Emperor symbolizes the same root of Chinese civilisation, with the profound historical and cultural heritage of Zhengzhou, the event is especially meaningful. By attending the event, Hong Kong compatriots can further enhance the sense of national identity, and promote the national feelings and cultural cohesion of Chinese people.

During her visit to Zhengzhou, Miss Mak met with the Secretary of the CPC Henan Provincial Committee and Director of the Standing Committee of the Henan Provincial People’s Congress, Mr Liu Ning; the Deputy Secretary of the CPC Henan Provincial Committee and Governor of Henan Province, Mr Wang Kai; and Secretary of Party Leadership Group and Chairperson, Mr Kong Changsheng.

Miss Mak also met with Hong Kong students studying in Zhengzhou to learn about their studies and daily lives on the Mainland. She encouraged young people to grasp the opportunities to study on the Mainland to gain a deeper understanding of the swift and high quality development of the country, equip themselves and contribute to the country and Hong Kong.

Miss Mak will conclude her visit and return to Hong Kong this afternoon.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Acting Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, Mr Clarence Leung, together with the Commissioner for Youth, Mr Eric Chan, officiated at the International Youth Exchange Sharing Session cum YDC Youth Ambassadors Programme 2025-2026 Annual Ceremony today (April 18).  
 
The guests attending the event were Deputy Commissioner of the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (OCMFA), Mr Li Yongsheng; the Director-General of the International Department of the OCMFA, Mr Wang Jian; the Deputy Division Chief of the Department of Youth Affairs of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Mr Chen Guanxing; the Vice-Chairman of the Youth Development Commission (YDC), Mr Kenneth Leung; and YDC members. They listened to the sharing by several YDC Youth Ambassadors and participants of the HYAB Funding Scheme for International Youth Exchange regarding their exchange experiences and learning outcomes. 
 
Addressing the ceremony, Mr Leung stated that the Home and Youth Affairs Bureau (HYAB) and the YDC collaborate to actively promote international youth exchange, enabling young people to broaden their international horizons and enhance their understanding of the development of the world. The HYAB Funding Scheme for International Youth Exchange 2025-26 has funded a total of about 90 international exchange projects, benefitting around 2 400 young people. These projects cover more than 40 countries, many of which are located in regions along the Belt and Road. In addition to learning about the history and culture of different places around the world, young people also have the opportunity to visit the official Chinese Government organisations, large-scale enterprises or research institutions, etc. to deepen their understanding of the participation, contribution and influence of the country in international affairs.
 
Mr Chan said that the YDC Youth Ambassadors Programme Annual Ceremony was of great significance, as it served to review the fruitful achievements of the YDC Youth Ambassadors Programme 2025 and mark the official commencement of the new cohort of Youth Ambassadors Cadets. He encouraged the youth participants from both cohorts to shine in their respective fields and contribute to Hong Kong and the country.

The YDC Youth Ambassadors Programme is a flagship youth talent development programme co-organised by the HYAB and the YDC with an aim to identify and groom a cadre of young talents with a sense of responsibility, and with aspirations and potential, as well as with a passion to serve society, and who are willing to strive for the betterment of the country and Hong Kong. Centred on the theme “Youth Leading the Future”, this year’s programme aims at empowering young people to cultivate a holistic outlook and seizing the future development opportunities of Hong Kong through comprehensive training and unique exposure opportunities. The programme also encourages young people to actively engage in public affairs and participate in local and overseas exchanges, as well as promote the positive image of Hong Kong’s young people through social media.
 
For more information on the YDC Youth Ambassadors Programme and the HYAB Funding Scheme for International Youth Exchange, please visit the YDC webpage (www.ydc.gov.hk).

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki, will lead the research task force set up by the Working Group on Planning and Construction (WG) of the University Town under the Committee on Development of the Northern Metropolis to visit Korea tomorrow (April 21). The delegation will conduct site visits to local higher education infrastructure and exchange views with university experts and scholars on their successful experiences and development strategies to efficiently advance the construction of the Northern Metropolis University Town.
 
     Members of the delegation led by Mr Chan include the Secretary for Education, Dr Choi Yuk-lin, the Director of the Northern Metropolis Co-ordination Office, Ms Linda So, and other representatives of the WG.
 
     The delegation will visit Sejong, Daejeon, Seoul, and Incheon to inspect local higher education campuses and university towns, and exchange views with officials and representatives from higher education institutions on the operation and development of the campuses, as well as their industry-education collaboration. The delegation will also visit local research institutes to exchange views on issues such as nurturing top-tier scientific research talent.
 
     Mr Chan will return to Hong Kong on April 24. During his absence, the Deputy Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Cheuk Wing-hing, will be the Acting Chief Secretary for Administration. Dr Choi has commenced her visit to Korea today (April 20) to promote the “Study in Hong Kong” brand and will return to Hong Kong on April 24. During her absence, the Under Secretary for Education, Dr Sze Chun-fai, will be the Acting Secretary for Education.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

​To promote the National Security Education Day, the Auxiliary Medical Service (AMS) held an open day at its headquarters in Ho Man Tin today (April 19). The event aimed to enable members of the public to learn about the work of the AMS in safeguarding national security, to enhance public awareness of national security, and to further deepen their understanding of the daily operations and services provided by the AMS.

Addressing the opening ceremony, the Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr Christopher Hui, said that safeguarding national security is the common responsibility of all. National security is not confined to single area; it is closely linked to finance, public health, and everyday community life. Among the 20 major fields of national security, biosecurity is closely related to the work of the AMS. The AMS provides various services to the public, including non-emergency ambulance transfer services, first aid coverage during large-scale public events, as well as duty at country parks and cycling tracks. The AMS spares no effort in safeguarding the safety and health of the general public. He would like to express his heartfelt gratitude to the members of the AMS for their unwavering dedication and commitment to protecting the public.

The Commissioner of the AMS, Dr Ronald Lam, said that this year marks the beginning of the country’s 15th Five-Year Plan, and the theme of this year’s National Security Education Day is “Proactively Align with the 15th Five-Year Plan  Follow a Holistic Approach to Development and Security”. The AMS has been strengthening members’ and cadet corps’ understanding of national security through various channels. In the past year, the AMS organised the “Together, We Set a New Record” event, setting a Guinness World Record for “Most pairs of people applying arm slings simultaneously”, to promote the importance of first aid knowledge to the public. He expressed gratitude to all sectors for their support to the AMS, and added that the AMS will spare no effort in safeguarding national security and contribute to building a healthy and safe Hong Kong.

The open day featured a variety of engaging activities, including national security-themed game booths, first aid demonstrations, band foot drills, medical and health seminars, health screenings, as well as displays of ambulances and first aid bicycles. Through these activities, members of the public could gain a deeper understanding of the daily work of the AMS, access more health information, learn about developments in the healthcare sector, and at the same time enhance their awareness of national security.

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.