Hong Kong Science Museum’s new exhibition to showcase country’s sports achievements and sports science (with photos)

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

In support of the 2025 National Games, the Hong Kong Science Museum (HKScM) will launch the “Bank of China (Hong Kong) Presents: National Development and Achievements Series – Approaching Perfection: The Intersection of Sports and Science” exhibition from tomorrow (October 24) to February 25 next year. The exhibition presents the history of the National Games and the competition events to be held in Hong Kong in the 2025 National Games. It offers a scientific perspective of various sports disciplines and the keys to success, seeking to deepen members of the public’s understanding of sports science.
 
Addressing the opening ceremony today (October 23), the Deputy Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Cheuk Wing-hing, said that the 15th National Games, the 12th National Games for Persons with Disabilities and the 9th National Special Olympic Games, cohosted by Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao for the first time, will be launched in November and December respectively this year. This is the first time for Hong Kong to be a cohost of a national sports event. Relevant government departments will strive to stage a “simple, safe and wonderful” Games with concerted efforts and active preparation, and encourage members of the public to join in various ways, and ignite their passion for sports.
 
Mr Cheuk said that the exhibition aims to showcase the country’s remarkable sports achievements, demonstrate how innovative technologies assist athletes to scale new heights, and encourage the public to develop a healthy and active lifestyle. It is also the second exhibition of the National Development and Achievements Series. Members of the public can better understand the country’s remarkable accomplishments in sports development while participating in this major sports event.
 
Other officiating guests included Deputy Chief Executive of Bank of China (Hong Kong) Mr Stephen Chan Man; the Under Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Mr Raistlin Lau; the Chairperson of the Science Sub-committee of the Museum Advisory Committee, Professor Alexander Wai; the Director of Leisure and Cultural Services, Ms Manda Chan; Deputy Head of the National Games Coordination Office (Hong Kong) Ms Cora Ho; and the Museum Director of the HKScM, Mr Patrick Lau. Tenpin bowling athlete Wu Siu-hong, fencing athlete Nicholas Edward Choi, swimming athlete Stephanie Au and wushu athlete Juanita Mok also attended the ceremony.
 
Featuring more than 20 interactive exhibits, the exhibition invites visitors to experience the essence and enjoyment of various sports, such as the spin of rugby, the jumps of beach volleyball, the speed of track cycling, the precision of golf, the attacks of fencing, and the defence of basketball. Visitors can also take part in the fitness tests in the “Sports for Wellness” zone to better understand their own physical condition. In addition, the exhibition covers sports psychology, sports medicine, sports nutrition, etc, enabling members of the public to understand the concept of sports comprehensively and learn how to integrate sports into everyday life.
 
The exhibition also presents Hong Kong athletes’ medals and equipment, including the track-cycling gear of Lee Wai-sze and the gold medal won by Wu Siu-hong at the IBF World Bowling Championships, which highlight athletes’ relentless efforts and pursuit of excellence in the spirit of sportsmanship.
 
The HKScM will invite athletes to share their experiences in their personal journeys, and will organise a series of educational programmes, including talks, workshops, and scientific demonstrations. There will be free Cantonese guided tours of the exhibition every Saturday and Sunday (with three sessions daily) from November 8 to February 22, 2026.
 
The exhibition is presented by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department as the second edition of the National Development and Achievements Series. It is organised by the HKScM, and exclusively sponsored by Bank of China (Hong Kong). Details of the exhibition and activities are available at the HKScM website hk.science.museum/en/web/scm/exhibition/sports2025.html

                                            

Shek Mun Columbarium and Garden of Remembrance commissioned

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) today (October 23) reminds grave sweepers to pay attention to special traffic and transport arrangements that will be implemented during the Chung Yeung Festival. The FEHD also reminds the public that the newly commissioned Shek Mun Columbarium and Garden of Remembrance in Sha Tin has established a “smoke-free worship” environment. The burning of joss sticks and paper offerings is strictly prohibited throughout the premises. The public is encouraged to pay tribute with fresh flowers instead of traditional offerings.

     The newly constructed Shek Mun Columbarium and Garden of Remembrance at On Hing Lane, Shek Mun in Sha Tin commenced operations on September 26. With an area of about 24 000 square metres, the facility provides approximately 40 000 niches, a Garden of Remembrance for ash scattering covering about 3 110 square metres in area, and a Garden of Forever Love with 300 spaces for the placement of abortuses under 24 weeks of gestation. The services are now open for public application.

     To ensure effective enforcement of the “smoke-free worship” requirement, the FEHD has introduced robots equipped with artificial intelligence to serve as “Smoke-free Ambassadors” and “Service Ambassadors”. “Smoke-Free Ambassadors” conduct daily patrols and will immediately alert staff and issue real-time broadcast warning messages to visitors upon detecting smoke or flames. Meanwhile, “Service Ambassadors” deliver mobile customer service and broadcasting information to visitors.

     The architectural design of the Shek Mun Columbarium and Garden of Remembrance fully utilises the natural terrain and environmental features of the site. Plants and trees are arranged as natural barriers through landscape design, allowing the facilities to blend harmoniously with the surroundings, creating a tranquil, solemn and people-oriented environment that is both comfortable and convenient for the public.

     The columbarium building adopts sustainable architectural design principles, incorporating natural lighting to minimise the impact on the natural landscape. The design features include a piazza, solar panels, a green rooftop and a rainwater recycling system for irrigation. The facility is also equipped with various energy-efficient installations and renewable energy technologies. Auxiliary facilities such as crutch hooks at service counters, baby care rooms, and barrier-free facilities are provided to cater to the diverse needs of visitors.

     The FEHD has long been committed to promoting green burials and encouraging environmentally friendly handling of cremated ashes. The Shek Mun Garden of Remembrance features ash scattering lawns themed with various flowers and trees to create a natural landscape, complemented by commemorative plaques that offer visitors a serene and peaceful environment to mourn their beloved ones. The site also includes farewell and memorial facilities, such as a ceremonial room adorned with floral installations themed on “Four Seasons”, allowing families to conduct simple remembrance rituals prior to ash scattering. Additionally, the Serenity Pond, a Chinese-style imitation of a stone-textured water feature located beside the Garden of Remembrance and Garden of Forever Love, is piloting a memorial experience named “Connect by Folding”. Family members and friends may write blessings for the deceased on flower-shaped paper, fold them, and place them into the water as a symbolic gesture to express remembrance and affection for the deceased.

     For more information about the Shek Mun Columbarium and Garden of Remembrance, please visit the FEHD webpage www.fehd.gov.hk.

     Furthermore, the FEHD officially commissioned a Garden of Remembrance at the Sandy Ridge Cemetery yesterday (October 22), designated for the scattering of ashes from unclaimed bodies. Four pebble-paved trenches allow FEHD staff to scatter unclaimed ashes in a dignified manner. Commemorative plaques inscribed with the corresponding year and memorial facilities are also provided for public tribute and remembrance. 

HKETO Jakarta presents Hong Kong cinema at Jakarta Film Week (with photos)

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     With the support of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Jakarta (HKETO Jakarta), the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA) and the Film Development Fund, the Hong Kong Film Gala Presentation – Jakarta opened today (October 23) at Jakarta Film Week, showcasing the diversity and creativity of Hong Kong cinema.

     The Hong Kong Film Gala Presentation – Jakarta, organised by the Asian Film Awards Academy, features screenings of four Hong Kong movies and four short films in a wide range of genres including action, suspense, family and music, offering Indonesian audiences a multifaceted view of Hong Kong’s vibrant film industry. The selection includes the animated film “Another World”, “Possession Street”, “Band Four” and “Stuntman”, as well as short films “Sweet, Sour, and Bitter…”, “Once Upon a Time There Was a Mountain”, “Bric-A-Brac” and “Sound of Silence”.
 
     Speaking at the Hong Kong Night reception this evening, the Director-General of HKETO Jakarta, Miss Libera Cheng, said that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government is committed to supporting the development of Hong Kong’s film industry and has further deepened international exchanges and co-operation in recent years, supporting the industry’s participation in renowned film festivals worldwide and further strengthening Hong Kong’s role as an East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange.

     Miss Cheng said, “The Film Development Fund has supported over 120 films that involved more than 110 new directors and producers. As highlighted in the 2025 Policy Address, CCIDA will enhance publicity, exchanges, and business matching overseas and on the Mainland, and will continue to work closely with the industry to foster the sustainable growth of Hong Kong’s film market.”

     The reception was attended by director Jack Lai of “Possession Street”; director Albert Leung of “Stuntman”; film score composer Day Tai of “Band Four”; art director Delon Siu of “Sweet, Sour, and Bitter…”; and Festival Director of Jakarta Film Week, Ms Rina Damayanti, together with over 100 guests from creative communities across different countries.

     The Hong Kong Film Gala Presentation – Jakarta is being held from October 23 to 26. In addition to the film screenings, Tai will conduct a masterclass to share his creative journey and professional insights with industry players and local audiences. Other filmmakers will join respective post-screening talks and panel discussions to interact with film enthusiasts. More details of the Hong Kong Film Gala Presentation are available at www.afa-academy.com/20251017_en/.

        

Nation’s sports success showcased

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

In support of the 2025 National Games, the Science Museum will launch an exhibition presenting the history of the National Games and the competition events to be held in Hong Kong in the 2025 National Games from tomorrow to February 25 next year.

Addressing the opening ceremony today, Deputy Chief Secretary Cheuk Wing-hing said that the 15th National Games, the 12th National Games for Persons with Disabilities and the 9th National Special Olympic Games, cohosted by Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macau for the first time, will be launched in November and December respectively this year.

He highlighted that this is the first time for Hong Kong to be a cohost of a national sports event. Relevant government departments will strive to stage a simple, safe and wonderful games with concerted efforts and active preparation, and encourage the public to join in various ways, and ignite their passion for sports.

Mr Cheuk said that the exhibition aims to showcase the country’s remarkable sports achievements, demonstrate how innovative technologies assist athletes to scale new heights, and encourage the public to develop a healthy and active lifestyle. People can better understand the country’s remarkable accomplishments in sports development while participating in this major sports event.

It is the second exhibition of the National Development & Achievements Series.

Featuring more than 20 interactive exhibits, visitors can experience the essence and enjoyment of various sports, such as the spin of rugby, the jumps of beach volleyball, the speed of track cycling, the precision of golf, the attacks of fencing and the defence of basketball. Visitors can also take part in the fitness tests to better understand their own physical condition.

The exhibition covers sports psychology, sports medicine, sports nutrition, etc, enabling members of the public to understand the concept of sports comprehensively and learn how to integrate sports into everyday life.

It also presents Hong Kong athletes’ medals and equipment, highlighting their relentless efforts and pursuit of excellence in the spirit of sportsmanship.

The museum will invite athletes to share their experiences in their personal journeys, and will organise a series of educational programmes, including talks, workshops and scientific demonstrations.

There will be free Cantonese guided tours of the exhibition every Saturday and Sunday from November 8, 2025 to February 22, 2026.

HK delegation visits Beijing, Hebei

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

A Hong Kong Special Administrative Region delegation led by Financial Secretary Paul Chan visited the Beijing Municipal Administrative Center and the Xiong’an New Area in Hebei today, to study the development experiences of major new areas on the Mainland, with a view to advancing the Northern Metropolis’ planning, construction and investment promotion.

The Beijing Municipal Administrative Center and the Xiong’an New Area are the new “two wings” established in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei co-ordinated development strategy.

This morning, the delegation visited the centre’s planning exhibition hall, the Yunhe Business District and the Beijing Library to learn about the planning, industry development, business environment, canal-side development and conservation, as well as the construction of public cultural facilities there.

Accompanied by Beijing Municipal Government Party Leadership Group member and Beijing Vice Mayor Tang Wenhong, the delegates also toured Renmin University of China’s Tongzhou campus, where they found out more about its campus planning and smart campus management.

In the afternoon, the delegation proceeded to the Xiong’an New Area to tour the “comprehensive service centre of Xiong’an’s start-up area” and the “command centre of Xiong’an Intercity Railway Station along the east-west axis” to better understand relevant planning and construction.

In the company of Party Leadership Group member and Vice-Governor of the People’s Government of Hebei Province Zhao Dachun, they also visited a construction site at the Xiong’an campus of the University of Science & Technology Beijing.

Upon arriving in Beijing yesterday, the Hong Kong delegation visited the Liangma River in Chaoyang District to study the Liangma River restoration and improvement project, the development of the local night and waterfront economy, and the Blue Harbor Pier cruise.

The group led by the Financial Secretary will continue the Xiong’an New Area visit tomorrow.

Nomination preparation inspected

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Electoral Affairs Commission Chairman David Lok today visited the Returning Officer’s office at the Central Government Offices, Tamar, to inspect the procedures for receiving nomination forms and the preparatory work ahead of the 2025 Legislative Council General Election’s nomination period.

The 2025 election will be held on December 7 and its nomination period will run from tomorrow to November 6.

Mr Lok said that preparatory work and various arrangements for the election’s nomination period at relevant Returning Officers’ offices are all ready, adding that the staff members will receive nomination forms in accordance with the established procedures to ensure smooth operation of the nomination period.

A total of 90 members, with 20 from geographical constituencies, 30 from functional constituencies and 40 from the Election Committee constituency, will be returned in this election.

The nomination forms are available at the two offices of the Registration & Electoral Office at 8/F, Treasury Building, 3 Tonkin Street West, Cheung Sha Wan, and Unit 2301-03, 23/F, Millennium City 6, 392 Kwun Tong Road, Kwun Tong or at the relevant Returning Officers’ offices. The nomination forms may also be obtained from district offices or downloaded online.

Call 2891 1001 or visit the election website for enquiries.

CE congratulates plenary session

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Chief Executive John Lee today extended his warmest congratulations on the victorious conclusion of the Fourth Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China.

The session adopted the Recommendations of the CPC Central Committee for Formulating the 15th Five-Year Plan for Economic & Social Development. Mr Lee said that the session holds great significance, as this year marks the conclusion of the 14th Five-Year Plan period and the preparatory year for the 15th Five-Year Plan.

The session’s communique stated that the session gave a highly positive assessment of the country’s major achievements in development during the 14th Five-Year Plan period and outlined the main goals for economic and social development during the 15th Five-Year Plan period.

The session emphasised the need to unite in a concerted endeavour to accomplish the 15th Five-Year Plan; to promote the long-term prosperity and stability of Hong Kong and Macau; to promote the peaceful development of cross-strait relations and the cause of national reunification; and to contribute to the building of a global community of shared future.

The session also pointed out that thoroughly studying and implementing the spirit of the session is a major political task for the entire party and the country, both at present and in the near future.

Mr Lee was deeply inspired and encouraged by the victorious conclusion of the session.

He noted that despite the accelerating global changes unseen in a century during the 14th Five-Year Plan period, the country has solidly strived for high-quality development, achieving groundbreaking progress, transformative changes and historic accomplishments in economic and social development. Furthermore, the country has further deepened reform comprehensively, making impressive achievements that drew global attention.

The recommendations for the 15th Five-Year Plan adopted at the Fourth Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee will provide a top-level design and strategic blueprint for the country’s development over the next five years and are of great significance and impact to Hong Kong.

Mr Lee said: “Under the ‘one country, two systems’ principle, Hong Kong enjoys the unique advantage of having the strong support of the country while being closely connected to the world. During the 14th Five-Year Plan period, Hong Kong has been actively integrating into national development and playing an important role as a super connector and super value-adder for the world.

“The 15th Five-Year Plan period is crucial for the nation in building a great country and moving toward national rejuvenation on all fronts through Chinese modernisation. It also coincides with a critical period when the implementation of ‘one country, two systems’ enters a new stage and Hong Kong accelerates its progression from governance to prosperity.

“In the face of profound and complex changes in the circumstances for development, where strategic opportunities coexist with risks and challenges with increasing uncertainties and unpredictable factors, Hong Kong will identify and focus on its advantageous positioning in the country’s development blueprint, proactively align with the chapters on Hong Kong and Macau in the 15th Five-Year Plan, seize the significant opportunities brought about by the country’s development, and leverage its own unique advantages in national development.

“All sectors of the Hong Kong community should earnestly study and implement the spirit of the Fourth Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee, give full play to the strength and value of ‘patriots administering Hong Kong’ and, in the nation’s continuous progress of building a great country and moving toward national rejuvenation on all fronts through Chinese modernisation, fulfil Hong Kong’s responsibilities, seize Hong Kong’s opportunities and make Hong Kong’s contributions,” Mr Lee added.

CHP urges public to promptly receive seasonal influenza vaccination as four severe paediatric influenza infection cases were recorded within four days

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

CHP urges public to promptly receive seasonal influenza vaccination as four severe paediatric influenza infection cases were recorded within four days 
  ”Based on the current level of influenza activity and trend analysis, the local influenza activity is expected to remain at a relatively high level over the next few weeks. Furthermore, viruses tend to become more active when temperatures drop. The winter influenza season in Hong Kong typically occurs between January and March. The current summer influenza season may overlap with the upcoming winter influenza season, which could lead to more hospitalisations due to influenza infection than in previous years. I urge all persons aged 6 months or above, except those with known contraindications, who have not yet received the SIV, to act promptly, particularly those high-risk groups such as the elderly, children, and adults with underlying illnesses and immunosuppression. Members of the public may also contact their family doctors to arrange for vaccinations,” he added.
 
  Members of the public, especially children, the elderly and those with underlying illnesses, should seek medical advice promptly if presented with fever and respiratory symptoms, for early treatment. As children with influenza can deteriorate rapidly, parents must pay close attention to their children’s condition. They should go to the Accident and Emergency Department immediately if the child’s condition deteriorates, for example if they develop symptoms such as shortness of breath, wheezing, blue lips, chest pain, confusion, a persistent fever or convulsions. 
     In addition to issuing timely reminders to healthcare professionals and schools based on the latest seasonal influenza development, the CHP also uploads the latest seasonal influenza information on its website weekly. Members of the public can visit the CHP’s seasonal influenzaIssued at HKT 20:44

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SJ attends APEC meeting in Korea

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Secretary for Justice Paul Lam today attended two discussion sessions at the 2025 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Structural Reform Ministerial Meeting in Incheon, Korea.

In the morning, Mr Lam met Indonesian Deputy Minister of Trade Dyah Roro Esti Widya Putri, before the ministerial meeting. They discussed capacity building on online dispute resolution and other matters of mutual interest.

Mr Lam then attended the third and fourth discussion sessions of the ministerial meeting.

Apart from discussing how structural reform can promote prosperity for all, Mr Lam also introduced Hong Kong, China’s measures in housing, labour, healthcare, and support for the development of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises.

Furthermore, he elaborated on Hong Kong, China’s vision of further improving people’s livelihoods and building a fair and just society through legislation, updating laws, and developing the economy through reforms.

In the afternoon, Mr Lam visited the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL) Regional Centre for Asia & the Pacific, and met its Head Athita Komindr.

The Sixth UNCITRAL Asia Pacific Judicial Summit, a biennial flagship event jointly organised by UNCITRAL and the Department of Justice (DoJ), will be held in Hong Kong during Hong Kong Legal Week in December.

The summit will explore topics related to the application of digital economy, virtual assets, artificial intelligence and other relevant subjects in the judicial field.

Mr Lam wrapped up the day’s engagements with a courtesy call to Ambassador Extraordinary & Plenipotentiary of the People’s Republic of China to the Republic of Korea Dai Bing in the evening.

The justice chief briefed Mr Dai on the co-operation between the DoJ and the Korean Ministry of Justice, and the way forward for strengthening the overseas promotion of the advantages of Hong Kong’s legal services.