Category: MIL-OSI

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

     The spokesperson for Princess Margaret Hospital (PMH) made the following announcement today (July 25):
 
     Regarding an earlier announcement on Vancomycin Resistant Enterococci (VRE) confirmed cases in an Orthopaedics and Traumatology ward of PMH, following a contact tracing investigation, one more patient in the ward, an 83-year-old male, was identified as a carrier of VRE. The patient concerned is now being treated in isolation in PMH and is in stable condition.
 
     In addition, regarding an earlier announcement on a cluster of patients confirmed as carriers of Carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE) in a medicine and geriatrics ward of PMH, following a contact tracing investigation, one more patient in the ward, a 59-year-old male, was identified as a carrier of CPE. The asymptomatic patient is now being treated in isolation and is in stable condition.
 
     The hospital will enhance infection control measures and closely monitor the situation of the wards concerned. The cases have been reported to the Hospital Authority Head Office and the Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health for necessary follow-up.
 

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) and relevant central ministries held the eighth Joint Conference on Advancing Hong Kong’s Full Participation in and Contribution to the Belt and Road Initiative (B&RI) in Beijing today (July 25).
 
     Vice Chairman of the NDRC Mr Zhou Haibing attended the conference with Mainland officials led by him, including representatives from the NDRC, the Hong Kong and Macao Work Office of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council, the Supreme People’s Court, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Science and Technology, the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Commerce, the Ministry of Transport, the People’s Bank of China, the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission of the State Council, the National Financial Regulatory Administration, and the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the HKSAR.
 
     The Secretary for Justice, Mr Paul Lam, SC, in his capacity as chairperson of the Working Group on Belt and Road (B&R) Development under the Steering Group on Integration into National Development, led HKSAR Government officials to attend the conference. They included the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Algernon Yau, who was also the Hong Kong-side Convenor of the Joint Conference, and representatives from the Commerce and Economic Development Bureau (CEDB), the Department of Justice, the Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau, the Innovation, Technology and Industry Bureau, the Development Bureau, the Environment and Ecology Bureau, the Belt and Road Office of the CEDB, and the Office of the Government of the HKSAR in Beijing. The Chairman of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, Professor Frederick Ma, and a representative from the Airport Authority Hong Kong also attended the meeting.
 
     Mr Lam said that the HKSAR Government has been taking forward B&R co-operation to go deeper and deliver outcomes, thereby fully participating in and contributing to the B&RI under the continued guidance of the eight major steps the country has been taking to support high-quality B&R co-operation, with a view to facilitating Hong Kong’s active integration into overall national development. With the country’s support, Hong Kong will continue to deepen international exchanges and co-operation and will actively utilise its own advantages to exert a greater role in the country’s high-level opening up to the world.
 
     He pointed out that over the past year, the HKSAR Government has actively served as a proponent for institutional openness through Hong Kong’s strengths as a platform for two-way opening up; a pioneer for co-operation in new fields through strengths in education, science and technology and talent; and a facilitator for people-to-people bonds through strengths as a melting pot of diversified cultures. The HKSAR Government has been exploring emerging markets such as the Middle East, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and other B&R countries, while making full use of Hong Kong’s professional services aligned with international standards, thereby building Hong Kong as the gateway between the country and the world and highlighting Hong Kong’s role as the premier B&R functional platform. He expressed gratitude to the Central Government for the staunch support of hosting the International Organization for Mediation headquarters in Hong Kong, which will help strengthen Hong Kong’s roles as an international dispute resolution services centre and a capital for international mediation.
 
     Mr Yau stated in the meeting that the HKSAR Government will fully capitalise on the 10th Belt and Road Summit to showcase Hong Kong’s important roles as an active participant and the premier B&R functional platform to the Mainland and overseas. He reported on Hong Kong’s progress in carrying out B&R work, including the CEDB’s ongoing pursuit of the early accession of Hong Kong to the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, the pursuit of early conclusion of ongoing negotiations for free trade and investment agreements, and actively following up on the plan to establish Economic and Trade Offices in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, to fully take forward the economic and trade relations between Hong Kong and B&R countries.
 
     The meeting also focused its discussion on the seven work proposals on further promoting the B&RI that the HKSAR Government put forward for consideration by central ministries, covering capacity building, deepening exchanges and co-operations with B&R countries, legal and dispute resolution services, cross-boundary financing, and the expansion of international co-operation and ties in innovation and technology. Representatives of relevant Joint Conference Mainland ministries introduced their respective work in supporting Hong Kong’s participation in and contribution to the B&RI and provided feedback on the HKSAR Government’s work proposals. The HKSAR Government is grateful for the support expressed by relevant central ministries at the meeting on various work proposals and will actively follow up with them.
 
     In addition, the meeting noted the HKSAR Government’s key areas and major work in its future participation and contribution to the B&RI, including leveraging Hong Kong’s role as a B&R functional platform to explore business opportunities and facilitating business matching and participation in B&R projects. The HKSAR Government will continue to consolidate Hong Kong’s unique advantage of connecting with the Mainland and the rest of the world under “one country, two systems”, seize the enormous opportunities brought about by national development, strengthen and deepen exchanges and co-operations with B&R countries, and give full play to its role as a “super connector” and “super value-adder”.
 
     The Arrangement between the NDRC and the HKSAR Government for Advancing Hong Kong’s Full Participation in and Contribution to the B&RI, signed between the HKSAR Government and the NDRC in 2017, provides the direction and a blueprint for Hong Kong’s full participation in and contribution to the B&RI, as well as sets up the Joint Conference mechanism to discuss relevant matters, with meetings convened at least once a year.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

As the first-term service agreements for the District Services and Community Care Teams are coming to an end between late September and mid-October 2025, after reviewing the Care Teams’ service outcomes and resource utilisation, the Home and Youth Affairs Bureau (HYAB) today (July 25) announced the arrangements for the services in the second term of the Care Teams.

Since the full launch in the third quarter of 2023, Care Teams have been providing caring services to residents in various sub-districts in accordance with their service agreements. As a key component of the Government’s efforts to enhance district governance, Care Teams, together with the District Councils and the “three district committees”, form a well-defined and synergistic “troika” governance structure. By consolidating community resources, Care Teams deliver diversified caring and support services to enhance people’s sense of well-being and fulfilment, while continuously strengthening the collaboration mechanism with the District Councils and the “three district committees” to comprehensively enhance service effectiveness through co-ordinated efforts.

The Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs (SHYA), Miss Alice Mak, said, “Care Teams in all sub-districts have nearly completed their services in accordance with the key performance indicators (KPIs). Some teams have even exceeded the requirements. In terms of resource utilisation, Care Teams adhere to the principle of making optimal use of community and government resources, consolidating community efforts to promote diverse caring services and activities. We are confident that all 452 Care Teams will meet or even surpass the KPIs by the end of the first-term service period.”

Miss Mak added, “Care Teams have established a solid service foundation in the community. The second-term services will be optimised in three key directions: seamless continuity, tailored to district needs, and deeper and broader services. To ensure uninterrupted services and leverage the established service networks from the first term, the Government will invite the current operating organisations to consider continuing their services in the sub-districts.”

Miss Mak continued, “The HYAB has assessed the service coverage and demographic changes in each sub-district and will make appropriate refinements to the service boundaries. Sha Ta (North District), due to its extensive coverage, will be split into two sub-districts to enhance service efficiency. Meanwhile, Sheung Shui Rural (North District) and Hang Hau West (Sai Kung District) will each add a new team in response to continued population growth. In addition, the boundaries of six sub-district clusters will be fine-tuned to better align services with local needs. With these adjustments, the total number of Care Teams will increase from 452 to 455.”

Miss Mak noted, “The Government expects Care Teams to fully utilise the additional resources to deepen and broaden their services. The Home Affairs Department will work closely with relevant government departments to provide training for Care Team members and volunteers, covering practical skills such as emergency response, communication skills and health support, enabling them to better equip themselves to serve and care for the community.”

District Offices will first invite existing operating organisations to submit proposed project plans for the second term. For the three new sub-districts and any individual teams unable to continue their services for various reasons, District Offices will invite the previously shortlisted organisations to submit proposals. All proposed project plans and related forms must reach the respective District Offices by August 15, 2025 (Friday).

The proposed project plans will be reviewed by the District Assessment and Coordinating Panels on Care Teams led by the District Officers. The results will then be submitted to the Territory-wide Assessment and Steering Group on Care Teams chaired by the SHYA for final approval.
​
As announced by the Chief Executive in the 2024 Policy Address, the Government will regularise Care Teams and increase funding by 50 per cent in the next term of service in support of their work. By the end of the second quarter of 2025, Care Teams have visited about 530 000 elderly households and other households in need, provided about 76 000 times of basic home or other support services, and organised about 38 000 district-level activities. The performance of Care Teams has been witnessed by the community. During emergencies and incidents (including the fire at New Lucky House in Jordan, the massive power cut in Wong Tai Sin, and the emergency water outage in Tung Chung), Care Teams have swiftly mobilised members and volunteers to attend to the needs of affected individuals and provide them with appropriate assistance. Care Teams have also achieved remarkable results in assisting in policy promotion, including collaboration with the Police to promote anti-fraud messages and supporting the Department of Health in disseminating messages about disease prevention.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The International Arts Carnival (IAC), organised by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department, will present an innovative performance, “Sounds of Sports”, in early August. Led by acclaimed pianist Phoebus Chan, this unique production lines up a stellar cast of Hong Kong musicians and elite athletes to deliver a highly creative and playful show that will transform the concert hall into a dynamic sports arena and blend music and sports in an exciting fusion.
 
     In this specially arranged music production, audiences will have an exciting face-to-face encounter with a Hong Kong table tennis star and experience the lightning-fast pace of rugby passes, feeling as if they are right on the field. Meanwhile, with the guidance of musicians, the audience will learn how to officiate fencing matches and gain insights into the techniques of Hong Kong’s fencing heroes. Chan will take on a high-level challenge by running at high speed while performing the theme song of “Mission: Impossible” on the piano. Together they will conjure a delightful show filled with laughter and excitement, which should not be missed.
 
     The production features an exceptional lineup of musicians, including pianist Chan, erhu musician Chan Pik-sum, jazz drummer Lawrence Tsui, cellist Pun Chak-yin and shakuhachi player Sunny Yeung. They will collaborate with elite athletes, namely karate experts Lee Chun-ho and Hinx Tang, rugby player Salom Yiu, fencer Lawrence Ng, table tennis player Venus Ng, and wushu athletes Kwan Ning-wai and Lau Po-yan. Together they will interpret the unique charm of various sports through vivid music.
 
     “Sounds of Sports” will be staged at 3pm on August 2 and 3 at the Tsuen Wan Town Hall Auditorium. Tickets priced at $160, $240 and $300 are now available at URBTIX (www.urbtix.hk). For telephone bookings, please call 3166 1288, or use the mobile ticketing app “URBTIX”.
 
     For programme enquiries and concessionary schemes, please call 2370 1044 or visit the IAC website (www.hkiac.gov.hk).
 
     This year’s IAC will run from July 11 to August 17, featuring a wide array of fun-filled educational programmes by overseas, Mainland and local art groups and artists. In addition to martial arts, acrobatics, dance, music, theatre and multimedia, the IAC will also offer film screenings, parent-child workshops, an online programme, an outreach performance and an exhibition.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     The Environmental Protection Department (EPD) announced today (July 25) that, along with technological advancements, the GREEN$ Electronic Participation Incentive Scheme (GREEN$ ePIS) will be fully digitised on April 1, 2026. The digitalisation will enhance the connections of GREEN$ ePIS with more reward platforms and gift redemption locations in the market. Members of the public will no longer be required to visit GREEN@COMMUNITY to redeem a limited selection of around 10 types of gifts. Instead, they can redeem their favourite or required gifts at more than 500 supermarkets and retail stores, as well as free MTR tickets and local ecotours, through the GREEN$ mobile app.

     The EPD spokesperson said, “Among the approximately 1.06 million current users of GREEN$ ePIS, about 920 000 users (i.e. 87 per cent), are already using the mobile app, allowing them to transition seamlessly to full digitisation. To encourage physical card users to switch to the GREEN$ mobile app promptly and enjoy the benefits of digitalisation, the EPD will launch a summer promotion to offer an extra 50 GREEN$ points to those who return their physical cards and switch to the use of the GREEN$ mobile app during the period from August 1 to September 30, 2025.”

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Chief Executive John Lee today met Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance & Economic Management of Vanuatu Johnny Koanapo Rasou to discuss issues of mutual interest.

Welcoming Mr Rasou and his delegation to Hong Kong to attend economic and trade co-operation events, Mr Lee said the city is leveraging its advantages under the “one country, two systems” principle of connecting the Mainland and the world, and is actively deepening international co-operation.

The Chief Executive said that apart from strengthening traditional markets, Hong Kong will further explore emerging markets comprising Belt & Road countries and expand economic and trade networks with countries of the Global South countries including Vanuatu.

He added that as a functional platform for the Belt & Road Initiative, Hong Kong boasts a highly internationalised, market-oriented, and business-friendly environment, making it an ideal place for companies to expand global operations.

Mr Lee welcomed enterprises from Vanuatu to leverage the city’s role as a “super connector” and “super value-adder” to explore overseas and Mainland markets, enhancing trade and business exchanges. 

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The total number of District Services & Community Care Teams will be increased from 452 to 455 when the teams enter into second-term services, the Home & Youth Affairs Bureau announced today.

The first-term service agreements for the District Services & Community Care Teams will conclude between late September and mid-October.

Secretary for Home & Youth Affairs Alice Mak said the Government is confident that all 452 care teams will meet or even surpass the key performance indicators by the end of the first-term service period.

The second-term services will be optimised in the three key directions of “seamless continuity, tailored to district needs, and deeper and broader services”, she added.

Following an assessment of the service coverage and demographic changes in each sub-district, the bureau will make appropriate refinements to the service boundaries.

Specifically, Sha Ta (North District) will be split into two sub-districts, while Sheung Shui Rural (North District) and Hang Hau West (Sai Kung District) will each add a new team. The boundaries of six sub-district clusters will also be fine-tuned.

These adjustments will bring the total number of care teams from 452 to 455.

District offices will first invite existing operating organisations to submit proposed project plans for the second term. For the three new sub-districts as well as individual teams unable to continue their services, district offices will invite the previously shortlisted organisations to submit proposals.

All proposed project plans and related forms must reach the respective district offices by August 15.

By the end of the second quarter this year, the care teams visited about 530,000 elderly or other needy households, provided about 76,000 times of basic home or other support services, and organised about 38,000 district-level activities.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

The National Security Department of the Hong Kong Police Force today (July 25) announced that 19 persons suspected of committing offences under the Law of the People’s Republic of China on Safeguarding National Security in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (Hong Kong National Security Law) by organising, establishing, or participating in, outside Hong Kong, a subversive organisation named the “Hong Kong Parliament” have been put on wanted list, with reward in respect of each wanted person being offered.  The court has, upon application by Police, issued arrest warrants against the following persons at large:

(1) Nine persons including male Yuan Gong-yi, male Ho Leung-mau Victor, male Fok Ka-chi, male Choi Ming-da, female Chan Lai-chun, male Feng Chongyi, female Gong Sasha, male Ng Man-yan and male Tsang Wai-fan, who organised, outside the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), election for the “Hong Kong Parliament” to establish the so-called “Hong Kong Parliament”; and

(2) Ten persons including female Chin Po-fun, male Ha Hoi-chun Paul, male Hau Chung-yu, male Ho Wing-yau, male Keung Ka-wai, male Lam Tony, female Ng Agnes, male Wong Chun-wah, male Wong Sau-wo and female Zhang Xinyan, who participated as candidates in the “Hong Kong Parliament” election and, upon being elected, took an oath to serve as so-called “members of the Hong Kong Parliament”.

The “Hong Kong Parliament” aims to subvert state power; its objectives include promoting “self-determination”, promulgating the so-called “Hong Kong Constitution”, and overthrowing or undermining the basic system of the People’s Republic of China established by the Constitution of the People’s Republic of China or overthrowing the body of the central power of People’s Republic of China or the body of power of the HKSAR with unlawful means, thereby suspected of committing the offence of “Subversion” contrary to Article 22 of the Hong Kong National Security Law.  Thus, Police applied to the court for arrest warrants in accordance with the law and put the persons on wanted list. The legal basis and basic facts for putting the persons on the wanted list are in the Annex.

Amongst the aforementioned fugitives, Yuan Gong-yi, Ho Leung-mau Victor, Fok Ka-chi and Choi Ming-da have been put on wanted list with a reward of HK$1 million each for suspected of committing offences endangering national security.  The Secretary for Security has also exercised powers conferred by section 89 of the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance, in June and December 2024, to specify Yuan Gong-yi, Fok Ka-chi and Choi Ming-da as absconders and to specify the measures to be applied against them by notices published in Gazette.  Police will continue to make every effort to bring all the wanted persons to justice.

For the remaining 15 wanted persons, a reward of HK$200,000 in respect of each of them is being offered by Police to any member of the public, who can provide information on the wanted persons or related cases. The investigation is ongoing, and further persons will be put on wanted list with rewards offered if necessary.

Police reiterated that “endangering national security is a very serious offence, and such acts or activities may lead to extremely serious consequences.  According to Article 37 of the Hong Kong National Security Law, this Law shall apply to a person who is a permanent resident of the HKSAR or an incorporated or unincorporated body such as a company or an organisation which is set up in the HKSAR if the person or the body commits an offence under the Hong Kong National Security Law outside the HKSAR.  Additionally, Article 38 of the Hong Kong National Security Law stipulates that this Law shall apply to offences under this Law committed against the HSKAR from outside the HKSAR by a person who is not a permanent resident of the HKSAR. Therefore, the Hong Kong Police Force has the responsibility to pursue, in accordance with the law, persons suspected of committing offences under the Hong Kong National Security Law outside Hong Kong.”

“According to Article 33 of the Hong Kong National Security Law, if an offender voluntarily discontinues the commission of the offence; voluntarily surrenders himself or herself and gives a truthful account of the offence; or reports on the offence committed by other person or provides material information which assists in solving other criminal case, a lighter penalty may be imposed, or the penalty may be reduced.  The above wanted persons are urged to surrender to Hong Kong Police over their roles in engaging in endangering national security activities, so as to rectify their mistakes.”

Police also pointed out that no matter in what ways, including through the internet, it is illegal for any person to aid, abet or provide pecuniary or other financial assistance or property to other persons for participating in any illegal activities related to the “Hong Kong Parliament” or to commit other offences endangering national security. Police urge members of the public to abide by the law and Police will strictly enforce the law.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region