MIL Asia Pacific Publishing Engine

CJ concludes visit to Canberra, Australia  
     Chief Justice Andrew Cheung of the Court of Final Appeal today (June 16) concluded his visit to Canberra, Australia.
      
     At the invitation of Chief Justice of Australia Stephen Gageler, Chief Justice Cheung and Mr Justice Roberto Ribeiro, Permanent Judge of the Court of Final Appeal, attended a ceremonial sitting at the High Court of Australia on June 15, held in honour of the late Sir Anthony Mason, Chief Justice of Australia from 1987 to 1995. The sitting was attended by members of Sir Anthony’s family, government officials and dignitaries, as well as serving and retired senior judges.
      
     Sir Anthony served as a Non-Permanent Judge of the Court of Final Appeal from 1997 to 2015, for a total of 18 years. During his tenure, Sir Anthony made an immeasurable contribution to establishing the Court’s reputation as Hong Kong’s apex court under its new constitutional order, and to securing the confidence and trust of the community it serves. In recognition of his contributions to Hong Kong, he was awarded the Grand Bauhinia Medal in 2013.
      
     During their visit to Canberra, Chief Justice Cheung and Mr Justice Ribeiro had informal exchanges with Chief Justice Gageler, other senior judges in Australia, and Chief Justice Helen Winkelmann of New Zealand, who also attended the ceremonial sitting, reaffirming the longstanding professional ties with these common law jurisdictions.
Issued at HKT 15:00

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“Summer of Light: Cinema in Motion” takes families to magical cinematic world  
     During the event, SWHCC will be transformed into a magical world under the sea, where three ticketed parent-child workshops will be held. Led by dance artist Liz Tsui, the “Moving Body: Chase the Dancing Screen” workshop invites participants to spend dreamlike family time together with body movement games, alongside the scenes from the animation “The House of the Heart” by artist Florence Lee. In the “Glow in Motion: Sea World Light Painting” workshop, artist Grace Hoop will guide participants to transform into mysterious sea creatures by freezing the light trails that they create in the dark with body movements and glowing objects in photographs. The “Storytelling Time: Adventure with Image Treasure Box” workshop, led by art educators Nixon Wong and Lo Ngan-ting, blends storytelling with shifting images to encourage parents and children to explore through their senses to unleash their imagination and creativity while deepening their connection with each other.
 
     Three art experience activities with free admission will also be available. Children can express their imagination at the “Magical Creatures Fan Mask Making” zone by applying colourful cartoons of funny sea creatures onto transparent fans and experience the playful interaction with torchlight. In addition, a collection of captivating animated short films will be screened in the “Film Zone with Selected Short Films” on a loop. Admission is free. The “Magical Portal Photo Spot” will also be available on the G/F and 2/F of SWHCC for families to take photos and become part of the magical world under the sea. 
 
     Each child participating in the workshops is required to be accompanied by a parent or an adult. “Moving Body: Chase the Dancing Screen” and “Storytelling Time: Adventure with Image Treasure Box” are priced at $120 for parents and adults and $60 for children. “Glow in Motion: Sea World Light Painting” is priced at $180 for parents and adults and $120 for children. Tickets are now available at URBTIX (www.urbtix.hkIssued at HKT 14:30

Hong Kong Customs seizes suspected smuggled silver worth about $2.2 million      ​
     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.hkIssued at HKT 11:30

Chinese Culture Festival 2026 to focus on Luoyang by presenting Hong Kong debut of Luoyang Yu Opera Troupe with classic play and excerpts in July  
　　Yu opera, also known as Henan “Bangzi”, is a prominent branch of the clapper opera (“bangzi”) vocal system. Prevalent in Henan Province, it has evolved into various local singing styles, including the Xiangfu style, Eastern Henan style, Western Henan style and Shahe style. The genre has produced many great masters through the ages. Of these, Ma Jinfeng, one of the “Five Divas” in Yu opera, created the distinctive “shuaidan” (military-leading female) role type, which tactfully fuses the stylised movements of “qingyi” (virtuous female), “wusheng” (martial male) and “daomadan” (sword-wielding and horse-riding female). Her rich, mellow voice and bold, dashing stage presence have won her the epithet “Peony of Luoyang”.
 
　　Details of the two performances are as follows:
 
“Mu Guiying Takes Command”
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Date and time: July 17 (Friday), 7.30pm
 
　　This play is a signature masterpiece of Ma Jinfeng, which was subsequently adapted into a Peking opera version by the legendary Mei Lanfang and became popular nationwide. The storyline follows Mu Guiying, past 50, who once again dons her armour and takes command of the army in a time of national peril. Led by Guan Meili, this performance revives the splendour of the Ma-school “shuaidan” style, offering an awe-inspiring stage presence in a crimson warrior robe as a commanding war marshal. Her passionate singing in the iconic aria “Three Cannon Blasts Beyond the Command Gate” is majestic and powerful, fully projecting Mu’s devotion and determination to protect the country. Sharing the stage are Wang Hui as Dowager She, with a robust and poised vocal style, and Jia Wenlong as the Song Emperor, portraying the ruler with stately grace. For her spectacular performance in this play, Guan Meili was honoured with the Leading Role Award at the 33rd Shanghai Magnolia Stage Performance Awards. Marking her Hong Kong debut with this definitive Ma-school classic, this rare showcase promises to be an unmissable performance for all Chinese opera enthusiasts.
 
Excerpts
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Date and time: July 18 (Saturday), 7.30pm
 
　　This programme features a selection of five excerpts from representative classics, showcasing the fascinating diversity of Yu opera’s stylistic schools. Chinese opera lovers will be treated to the delicate and nuanced delivery of the female lead’s singing in the Ma-school masterpiece “Emotional Outpouring at the South Camp” from “The Spear as a Token of Love”, as well as the classic comedy “At the Imperial Court” from “Demanding Justice from the Emperor”, which skilfully fuses the distinctive traits of “podan” (shrewish female), “caidan” (female clown) and “qingyi” (virtuous female) roles. Furthermore, “Interrogating the Husband”, a representative work of the Yan (Liping) school, meticulously details the emotional struggles of a “guimendan” (young female role). “The Ingenious County Magistrate” is a delightful comic play featuring a “wenchou” (clown role) as its protagonist, using lively gestures drawn from everyday life to portray a witty and upright inner beauty. Finally, the Chang (Xiangyu) school classic “Setting Off for Battle” from “Five Generations of Loyal Generals” raises the sense of loyalty towards family and country of the Yang family’s women warriors to a powerful climax through impassioned, stirring singing.
 
　　Established in 2010, the Luoyang Yu Opera Troupe traces its lineage to the Luoyang City Yu Opera Troupe founded in the 1950s and the Second Luoyang City Yu Opera Troupe formed in the late 1980s. Representing the distinctive artistic style of the Ma school, the troupe enjoys a stellar reputation nationwide. Its signature productions – including “Mu Guiying Takes Command”, “Demanding Justice from the Emperor”, “The Spear as a Token of Love” and “Luoyang Bridge” – have been highly popular with audiences and have been adapted into films. Among these, “Mu Guiying Takes Command” received the National Outstanding Traditional Opera Script Award and several first prizes at the first Henan Provincial Drama Festival.
 
　　The two performances will be held at the Auditorium of Ko Shan Theatre New Wing (KSTNW). Lyrics and dialogue are with Chinese and English surtitles. Tickets priced at $190, $290 and $390 are now available at URBTIX (www.urbtix.hk 
　　A meet-the-artists session entitled “On the Development and Dissemination of Yu Opera – A Legacy from Luoyang, Henan” (in Putonghua) will be held at 7.30pm on July 16 (Thursday) at AC2, Level 4, Administration Building, Hong Kong Cultural Centre. The speakers include Guan Meili, Wang Hui, Jia Wenlong, Bo Qing, Chen Dahua and Liu Yalin, while Chinese opera researcher Giovanna Wu will be the moderator. Admission is free, and online registration is required (www.lcsd.gov.hk/CE/CulturalService/Programme/en/chinese_opera/programs_1963.html#tab_13_0 
　　The programme will also feature two sessions under the “Chinese Culture for All: A Special Performance Series” to be held at 10.30am and noon on July 17 (Friday) at the Auditorium of the KSTNW, with free admission specially for local primary and secondary school students. Artists of the troupe will perform Yu opera excerpts including “Huarong Pass” from “The Righteous and the Loyal” and “On the Way to Battle” from “Hua Mulan”, accompanied by easy-to-follow demonstrations and guided appreciation, allowing students to gain a close understanding of Yu opera. Interested schools can call 2268 7325 for details. This session is sponsored by the Chamber of Young Snow. 
 
　　The CCF, presented by the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau and organised by the Chinese Culture Promotion Office under the LCSD, aims to promote Chinese culture and enhance the public’s sense of national identity and cultural confidence, thereby facilitating patriotic education. It also aims to attract top-notch artists and arts groups from the Chinese Mainland and other parts of the world for exchanges in Chinese arts and culture. The CCF 2026 is held from June to September. It hosts various forms of distinctive stage programmes and related extension activities, film screenings, thematic exhibitions, talks, workshops, as well as community and school activities, affording the public and visitors more opportunities to appreciate and experience the beauty of fine traditional Chinese culture. For more information, please visit www.ccf.gov.hkIssued at HKT 11:00

Auction of traditional vehicle registration marks to be held on July 4     
(1) Successful bidders are required to produce the following documents for completion of registration and payment procedures immediately after the successful bidding:
(i) the identity document of the successful bidder;
(ii) the identity document of the purchaser if it is different from the successful bidder;
(iii) a copy of the Certificate of Incorporation if the purchaser is a body corporate; and
(iv) a crossed cheque made payable to “The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region” or “The Government of the HKSAR”. (For an auctioned mark paid for by cheque, the first three working days after the date of auction will be required for cheque clearance confirmation before processing of the application for mark assignment can be completed.) Successful bidders can also pay through the Easy Pay System (EPS). Payment by post-dated cheques, cash or other methods will not be accepted. 
(4) The display of a vehicle registration mark on a motor vehicle should be in compliance with the requirements stipulated in Schedule 4 to the Road Traffic (Registration and Licensing of Vehicles) Regulations.Issued at HKT 14:35

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Speech by SJ at PCPD 30th Anniversary Privacy Protection Summit (English only) 
Commissioner Chung (Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data, Ms Ada Chung), Deputy Commissioner Li of the OCMFA (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 (HKSAR) Mr Li Yongsheng), Director Liu of the LOCPG (Director-General of the Department of Law of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the HKSAR, Mr Liu Chunhua), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
               
     A very good morning. It is my great pleasure to join you today for the Office of the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data(PCPD)’s 30th Anniversary Privacy Protection Summit. 
 
     The Summit, an open session of the 65th Asia Pacific Privacy Authorities Forum, brings together some 400 privacy regulators, data-protection experts, industry leaders and academics from Hong Kong, the Chinese Mainland and the Asia-Pacific region. You’re here to share perspectives on privacy protection, at a time when digital transformation and artificial intelligence are reshaping societies and economies around the world.
 
     Hong Kong, a key regional hub for the free and orderly flow of information, data, and technology, has a long tradition of rigorously upholding privacy standards. 
 
     The Office of the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data was established in 1996 as an independent privacy authority – the earliest of its kind in Asia. Over the past three decades, it has served as a steadfast guardian of personal data privacy. Through concerted enforcement and practical compliance guidance, it has created a privacy-conscious culture in Hong Kong.
 
     Today, in the dawning of the age of artificial intelligence, we continue to ensure that AI is, as mentioned in the Chief Executive’s latest Policy Address, “steered by safety and driven by application.”
 
     The Hong Kong Artificial Intelligence Research and Development Institute, which comes into full operation later this year, will drive our innovative AI research and development, as well as its industrial applications.
 
     No less important, it will establish AI standards, building cross-sector and inter-regional AI collaboration platforms to promote AI’s standardisation and safe application. The HKSAR Government is, in short, determined to promote the safe and ethical use of AI.
 
     And, as Ada just mentioned, the Hong Kong International Data Privacy Academy officially opens today. The Academy will provide data protection training programmes for organisations, privacy-protection practitioners and others in Hong Kong, the Chinese Mainland and around the world.
 
     The National 15th Five-Year Plan puts a central priority on accelerating innovation. Its Digital China Initiative is designed to empower economic and social progress through digital and intelligent technologies and the expansion of AI+ applications.
 
     But the Plan is also committed to combating data misuse, deep fakes and privacy leaks. It emphasises the importance of privacy protection and cross-border law enforcement co-operation.
 
     As announced by the Chief Executive recently, Hong Kong will unveil its First Five-Year Plan later this year. It will align with the National 15th Five-Year Plan, driving Hong Kong’s deeper integration into the overall national development.
 
     The theme of this Summit, “Protecting Privacy, Embracing Innovation”, smartly captures the vision and goals of the HKSAR Government and our country. Hong Kong is fast emerging as a smart city, powered by emerging technologies, AI very much included. 
 
     Over the years, the Office of the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data has performed not only as a regulator, but also as an enabler of responsible innovation.
 
     Public confidence in the privacy and security of new technologies is crucial to their adoption. And the work of the Office is pivotal in instilling public confidence that technology can – and must – be used in an ethical and meaningful way. 
 
     The HKSAR Government is committed to supporting the Office as Hong Kong’s trusted privacy regulator, and to ensuring it has all the necessary means to rise above the globalised reality of privacy threats. 
 
     Of course, no jurisdiction can tackle these challenges alone. Collaboration is essential. It’s through events such as this Summit, and the Asia Pacific Privacy Authorities Forum which it is part of, that partnerships are created, best practices exchanged, and emerging trends in privacy regulation addressed.
 
     Ladies and gentlemen, I wish you all a very rewarding Summit and a productive Forum. 
 
     And my congratulations, once again, to the Office of the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data, on its landmark 30th anniversary. 
 
     Thank you very much.
Issued at HKT 12:15

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Film Development Fund-financed “Dog Day Evening” premieres locally 
     The local premiere of the film “Dog Day Evening”, which has funding support from the Film Production Financing Scheme (Relaxation Plan) under the Film Development Fund (FDF), will be held this evening (June 16).
      
     “Dog Day Evening” is directed and written by Mak Tin-shu, produced by Alvin Lam and Lau Ho-leung, and stars Michael Ning, Mak Pui-tung, Rachel Leung and Yukki Tai. The story follows the lead character who storms into the customer service department of a television office building to terminate his pay television subscription by taking hostages to force the staff to process his service termination application.
   
     The film was nominated for the Asian New Talent section of the Golden Goblet Awards at the 28th Shanghai International Film Festival. It held its world premiere on June 12 at the Festival, and will be theatrically released in Hong Kong on June 18.

     The Chairman of the HKFDC, Dr Wilfred Wong, said that the creative team of “Dog Day Evening” and a cast of new-generation actors together delivered a comedy rich in dark humour, which audiences would resonate with and reflect on, showcasing the creativity of the young Hong Kong filmmakers. The HKFDC will continue to nurture more new film talent through the FDF to foster the long-term development of the local film industry.
Issued at HKT 12:12

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