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Sydney ETO supports 28th Australian Dragon Boat Championships (with photos)

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, Sydney (Sydney ETO) is supporting the 28th Australian Dragon Boat Championships (AusChamps) being held in Penrith, Australia, from April 26 to May 1 to promote Hong Kong’s vibrant sports culture and rich dragon boat racing tradition.
 
     Organised annually by the Australian Dragon Boat Federation since 1996, the AusChamps has attracted more than 2 500 paddlers from across Australia to compete for national titles. This year’s event is extended to six days for the first time, making it the largest edition to date. Two of the 2,000-metre races were named the “HKETO Premier Open Standard” and the “HKETO Premier Open Small Boat”, with the Director of the Sydney ETO, Mr Ricky Chong, presenting medals to the winning teams yesterday (April 26).
 
     Speaking at the Welcome Function, Mr Chong remarked that Sydney ETO has been proud to support dragon boat events in Australia over the years, including the AusChamps and the Sydney Lunar New Year Dragon Boat Festival. These collaborations are a testament to the strong and enduring ties between Hong Kong and Australia, built on mutual respect, shared values and a passion for community spirit.
 
     Mr Chong highlighted that under the National 14th Five-Year Tourism Development Plan, sports have been identified as a key component of tourism. Apart from dragon boat races, much more is happening in Hong Kong’s sports scene. He introduced a series of mega sports events to be held at the newly opened Kai Tak Sports Park in Hong Kong, including the Volleyball Nations League in June, the Hong Kong Football Festival in July and the Ultimate Tennis Showdown Hong Kong in October, and invited guests to experience the vibrancy and diversity of Hong Kong through these world-class events and many other attractions.
 
     Sydney ETO will continue to support cultural and sports exchanges to further strengthen the ties between Hong Kong and Australia, and showcase Hong Kong as a dynamic centre for international cultural exchange.

     

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1. Fostering National Security Awareness through Learning English; 2. Should parents let their children go to school under inclement weather conditions?

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

National security education (NSE) is an important component of values education. It is inseparable from national education and an indispensable part of the school curriculum in Hong Kong. To support schools in integrating NSE elements into and connecting them naturally with the English Language curriculum, the Curriculum Development Institute of the Education Bureau (EDB) has newly developed the English Language Resource Kit on National Security Education at the Primary Level and the English Language Resource Materials on National Security Education at the Secondary Level. The resources not only enhance primary and secondary students’ language skills, but also guide students to understand the importance of safeguarding national security.https://www.edb.gov.hk/NSE_elepri https://www.edb.gov.hk/NSE_elesec_1 

For other information on English Language learning and the Campaign on “Promoting Positive Values and Attitudes through English Sayings of Wisdom (SOW) 2023/24”, please visit the webpage of the English Language Education Section (https://www.edb.gov.hk/ele) and its SOW webpage (https://www.edb.gov.hk/sow).

 

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“Smart Parent Net” Recommendation:Fostering National Security Awareness through Learning English

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

National security education (NSE) is an important component of values education. It is inseparable from national education and an indispensable part of the school curriculum in Hong Kong. To support schools in integrating NSE elements into and connecting them naturally with the English Language curriculum, the Curriculum Development Institute of the Education Bureau (EDB) has newly developed the English Language Resource Kit on National Security Education at the Primary Level and the English Language Resource Materials on National Security Education at the Secondary Level. The resources not only enhance primary and secondary students’ language skills, but also guide students to understand the importance of safeguarding national security.

The English Language Resource Kit on National Security Education at the Primary Level features four learning topics, covering the major fields of cultural security, ecological security, food security and outer space security. Through engaging in viewing, reading and multifarious English activities, students can learn about the folk dances of different ethnic groups and the achievements in aerospace technology of the country, as well as the sustained efforts of the country in conserving endangered wildlife animals and stabilising food supply. Students can also reflect on how to contribute to safeguarding national security in their daily lives, thus cultivating in them a sense of belonging to the country and enhancing their awareness of safeguarding national security.

The English Language Resource Materials on National Security Education at the Secondary Level feature a series of learning and teaching resources covering the major fields of artificial intelligence security, nuclear security, resource security and food security. The resource materials aim to heighten students’ self-awareness of national security and develop their sense of responsibility for safeguarding national security. In addition to reading, writing and speaking activities, suggestions on cross-curricular and life-wide learning activities are also provided to enrich students’ English learning experiences, enhance their understanding of the developments of the country and the significance of safeguarding national security, and foster their sense of national identity.

Schools are encouraged to select and use the learning and teaching resources to cater for students’ needs, interests and abilities, enable students to learn and apply English across various themes, as well as develop in them an awareness of and a sense of responsibility for safeguarding national security. Besides, parents are encouraged to read the texts and view the videos recommended in the resources together with their children to not only increase their exposure to English beyond the classroom, but also enhance their understanding of the richness and beauty of the Chinese culture as well as the latest developments of the country. The resources can be accessed through the following webpages of the EDB:

For other information on English Language learning and the Campaign on “Promoting Positive Values and Attitudes through English Sayings of Wisdom (SOW) 2023/24”, please visit the webpage of the English Language Education Section (https://www.edb.gov.hk/ele) and its SOW webpage (https://www.edb.gov.hk/sow).

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LCQ20: Strengthening Physical Education and Arts Education in schools

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

LCQ20: Strengthening Physical Education and Arts Education in schools 
     It has been reported that according to the figures from the Education Bureau, a total of 31 suspected fatal student suicide cases were recorded from January to November last year, which was the highest in the past five years, and even represented an increase of more than one-fold as compared to the 14 cases in the whole year of 2018. There are views that while robust Physical Education (PE) and Arts Education (AE) are conducive to the physical and mental health of primary and secondary students, there is still much room for improvement in PE and AE locally. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
 
(1) whether the relevant government departments will review the overall effectiveness of local PE and AE; if so, of the details (including the method and mechanism of the review, as well as the specific timetable); if not, the reasons for that;
 
(2) whether the relevant government departments will conduct a survey based on the situation of all students in Hong Kong to make an analysis of the number of PE and AE lessons as well as the time for extra-curricular activities needed in a week for most students in order to relieve their stress and enable them to keep a healthy body, and based on the outcome of the analysis, set indicators for implementation in all schools in Hong Kong; if not, of the reasons for that; and
 
(3) as it is learnt that the Education Bureau of Shenzhen Municipality has put into practice since January 1 this year the Implementation Opinions of Shenzhen on Strengthening and Improving the Work on Physical Exercise in Schools, which proposes that schools offering compulsory education should provide one PE lesson per day, while senior secondary schools (including secondary vocational schools) should provide three PE lessons per week, and that PE activities during recess in primary and secondary schools should last no less than 30 minutes per day, whether the relevant government departments will consider drawing reference from the practices in the Shenzhen Municipality and require schools to provide one PE lesson per day and incorporate activities such as physical activities between lessons, and require that activities between lessons should last no less than 30 minutes, so as to increase the time students spend on exercise every day?
 
Reply:
 
President,
 
     The Education Bureau (EDB) has attached great importance to students’ physical and mental well-being. Establishing a healthy lifestyle is one of the seven learning goals of the school curriculum and relevant learning elements have been integrated into some subjects. The EDB has all along been committed to supporting schools in the promotion of school Physical Education (PE) and Arts Education (AE) through the life-wide learning approach, including providing curriculum guides, developing learning and teaching resources, offering training for teachers, and organising territory-wide physical and aesthetic learning activities or assisting schools in flexibly arranging activities, fully supporting schools in planning and implementing PE and AE within and beyond the classroom. The EDB’s strategies to support schools in the implementation of PE and AE and the related details are set out in Paper No. CB(4)123/2024(03) 
     Our reply to the question raised by the Hon Stanley Ng is as follows:
 
(1) and (2) In terms of curriculum, schools have to plan their PE and AE curricula according to the requirements in the respective curriculum guides, including the provision of PE, Music and Visual Arts lessons, taking into account their school contexts as well as the needs, interests and abilities of students, etc. Currently, primary and secondary schools should arrange at least two PE lessons per week (i.e. approximately 80 minutes per week) for students, while those taking the PE elective subject for the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education have the opportunity to learn sports theory and engage in sports training for around 250 hours in total. As for AE, the Music and Visual Arts subjects are generally offered in schools. The respective curriculum guides of the two subjects specify that schools must arrange for students no less than 9 per cent of the lesson time (primary level), 8 per cent to 10 per cent of the lesson time (junior secondary level), 250 hours (as senior secondary elective subjects) and no less than 10 per cent of the lesson time at the senior secondary level for Other Learning Experiences related to arts. The EDB will review the implementation of the curriculum from time to time and update the relevant content in a timely manner to facilitate the development of school PE and AE through a life-wide learning approach. 
 
     The EDB announced the updated Primary Education Curriculum Guide in September 2022. Schools are encouraged to make good use of flexible lesson time and organise students’ learning time within and beyond the classroom, thereby enriching their diverse learning experiences and promoting a balanced development. The EDB has also issued the circular titled “Developing an Active and Healthy Lifestyle Through Promoting Physical Activities” (Note 1) in February, 2024 to provide strategies, specific recommendations as well as information on relevant curriculum resources and support measures to schools, and guide students to integrate the habit of exercising into daily lives beyond PE lessons.
 
     On the other hand, the EDB has been supporting or organising major PE and AE student activities to allow students with different talents and interests to unleash their potential. For instance, the EDB subsidises organisations such as the Schools Sports Federation of Hong Kong, China and the Hong Kong Schools Music and Speech Association to organise various primary and secondary inter-school sports competitions, music festival, speech festival and dance festival every year, among others. The EDB has also launched the “Active Students, Active People” Campaign (also known as “ASAP” Campaign) and MVPA60 (Note 2) Award Scheme to encourage students to develop a habit of regular participation in physical activities as soon as possible. Moreover, the EDB has been collaborating with various departments, tertiary institutions, organisations and groups to promote a variety of PE and AE activities. For instance, the Leisure and Cultural Services Department’s (LCSD) School Sports Programme and iSmart Fitness Scheme have been well-received by schools, allowing students of primary, secondary and special schools in Hong Kong to participate regularly in diverse sports activities during leisure time, fostering a sporting culture on school campuses, developing an active and healthy lifestyle, enhancing the standard of sports performance among students, and helping identify student athletes with potential for further training. The scheme on A Journey on Learning the Arts for Senior Secondary Students launched by the EDB and supported by the LCSD and various arts groups aims at encouraging secondary school students to participate in and appreciate arts programmes in authentic contexts outside the classroom, including performances of Chinese and Western music, Chinese operas, dramas and dances as well as visual arts exhibitions and film shows. Some of these programmes also include activities such as guided tours or seminars.
 
     Different departments of the EDB regularly review the implementation and effectiveness of the PE and AE curricula in schools through inspections, curriculum visits and school visits, looking into aspects including whether the PE and AE curriculum guides have been implemented effectively with a view to helping students acquire relevant knowledge, generic skills, values and attitudes, and providing feedback to schools in a timely manner.
 
     Schools are generally making good use of in-house and external resources to arrange school PE and AE activities for students within and beyond the classroom according to their interests and abilities. For instance, having regard to school contexts, a variety of PE and AE activities may be arranged for students before morning assemblies, during recess or lunch break, and after school hours; organising PE and AE-related extra-curricular activities; conducting sports days, swimming galas, music competitions, school team and orchestra trainings; arranging students to participate in various off-campus PE and AE competitions and art appreciation, to increase opportunities for students to engage in PE and AE activities.
 
     Rather than setting hard indicators, schools are currently allowed to plan the learning and teaching within and beyond the classroom flexibly according to their own circumstances so that schools can better cater for learner diversity and facilitate students’ development needs as a whole. Such arrangement has been running smoothly and is widely supported by the educator sector.
 
     On the other hand, to promote mental health in schools in a more comprehensive and systematic manner, the EDB has recently launched the 4Rs Mental Health Charter (the Charter) in April. It calls for all schools to join the Charter, thereby working together to set practical and feasible goals and take concrete actions to promote students’ physical and psychological health. The 4Rs in the Charter cover four elements and objectives for promoting mental health, including “Rest”, helping students cultivate healthy habits from an early age as well as including having enough rest, adequate sleep and leisure activities; and “Relaxation”, teaching students to take the time to relax, take care of their mental health and practise self-compassion, as well as encouraging them to do more exercise, such as arranging morning exercises/exercises between lessons for students, providing appropriate sports equipment for students to use, and participating in different activities under the EDB’s ASAP Campaign, to cultivate the habit of regular exercise among students. We firmly believe that schools participating in the Charter, through implementing various measures and organising activities for the promotion of student mental health, will help students develop healthy living habits, provide more opportunities for them to relax and reduce stress, help them build positive interpersonal relationships, and enhance their well-being and resilience, thereby enhancing an overall healthy culture in schools. 
 
(3) The education systems, curriculum frameworks, teaching and assessment policies in different regions are developed based on factors such as their unique social culture, background, physical environment, history and economy. In formulating the PE curriculum in Hong Kong, the EDB and the Curriculum Development Council have taken into account students’ development needs as a whole and have sought to balance the diverse expectations of Hong Kong society regarding student learning. Currently, primary and secondary schools are providing at least two PE lessons per week for students in accordance with the curriculum guides and, through a wide range of physical activities, foster students’ interest in sports, develop their motor skills and improve their physical fitness. These initiatives aim to develop students’ habit of doing regular exercise and cultivate their positive values and attitudes.
 
     To effectively increase students’ physical activity level, offering subject lessons alone is not adequate. In fact, many schools currently make arrangements for students to participate in different types and levels of physical activities within and beyond the classroom apart from PE lessons by, for example, arranging morning exercise/exercise between class periods before, during and after school, and setting up an exercise corner during recess/lunch break. The EDB has issued the EDBC No. 5/2024 titled “Developing an Active and Healthy Lifestyle Through Promoting Physical Activities” in February 2024 to provide strategies, specific recommendations as well as information on relevant curriculum resources and support measures to schools to help increase students’ physical activity level, with a view to achieving the World Health Organization’s recommendation that children and adolescents aged 5 to 17 should accumulate at least an average of 60 minutes daily of moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activities (i.e. MVPA60) across the week as well as the direction for the development of the PE curriculum. Besides, in line with the development of the PE curriculum, the EDB provides a one-off grant of $150,000 (Note 3) for each public sector school and schools under the Direct Subsidy Scheme in the 2023/24 school year. Schools may deploy the grant to organise or subsidise students to participate in diversified PE activities, purchase or upgrade PE/sports equipment in schools, etc, to create a better sports ambience and further promote MVPA60, thereby increasing the daily exercise time of students and helping them develop a healthy lifestyle.
 
Note 1: applications.edb.gov.hk/circular/upload/EDBC/EDBC24005E.pdfNote 2: An accumulation of at least an average of 60 minutes daily of moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activities across the week
Note 3: applications.edb.gov.hk/circular/upload/EDBCM/EDBCM24073e.pdfIssued at HKT 12:25

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Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi addresses participants during 15th tranche of Rozgar Mela held simultaneously at 47 locations nationwide through Video Conferencing

Source: Government of India

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi addresses participants during 15th tranche of Rozgar Mela held simultaneously at 47 locations nationwide through Video Conferencing

Over 51,000 appointment letters distributed to newly-inducted youth in various government departments and organisations

Posted On: 26 APR 2025 8:50PM by PIB Delhi

The 15th edition of the Rozgar Mela, a flagship initiative dedicated to enhancing employment opportunities across India, was held on April 26th, 2025.

Addressing the event via videoconferencing, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi distributed over 51,000 appointment letters to newly-inducted youth in various government departments and organisations.

Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister emphasized that the youth are undeniably the bedrock of a nation’s progress and prestige. He remarked that wherever young people actively engage in the process of nation-building, those countries not only accelerate along the path of development but also carve out a distinct and respected identity on the global stage. Highlighting the government’s unwavering commitment to empowering the youth, he spoke of various mission-driven initiatives such as Skill India, Make in India, and Digital India, which aim to create abundant employment and self-employment opportunities.

He bestowed upon the newly appointed recruits a guiding mantra — “Nagarik Parmo Dharma” — urging them to adopt it as a lifelong principle. Concluding his address, the Prime Minister extended his heartfelt congratulations to all the selected candidates and their families.

Union Minister for Railways Shri Ashwini Vaishnav and Minister of State, Dr. Jitendra Kumar handed over appointment letters to 25 candidates. Total 185 candidates received appointment letters today including 31 women. So far, the Rozgar Mela initiative has facilitated the onboarding of more than ten lakh of young professionals into public service, acting as a catalyst for transforming aspirations into meaningful careers.

The newly-appointed individuals will assume different roles ranging from administrative and technical positions to field-level operational duties, reflecting a broad spectrum of government functions. These appointments are expected to significantly enhance the delivery of public services, improve governance outcomes, and bring fresh energy and innovation to the government workforce. Aimed at not just job creation, but also at creating opportunities for professional growth, Rozgar Mela aligns with the vision of Viksit Bharat@2047 — a future-ready India built on the pillars of employment, empowerment, and efficiency.

Held simultaneously at 47 locations nationwide, this edition of the Rozgar Mela facilitated large-scale recruitments across multiple Ministries and Departments of the Central Government. All of these 47 locations across the country were connected with the Mela during the Prime Minister’s address through Video Conferencing mode.

The Rozgar mela in Delhi, hosted by CBIC was held at the National Media Centre, Delhi. The dignitaries that attended the occasion included Chief Guest, Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw, Union minister of Railways, Information & Broadcasting and Electronics and Information & Technology, Guest of Honour Dr. Jitendra Kumar, Minister of State (Independent charge), Ms. Rachna Shah, Secretary, DoPT, Shri Sanjay Kumar Aggarwal, Chairman, CBIC, among others.

A total of 185 appointment letters were distributed to the new appointees at this location placing them in key sectors, including the Ministry of Home Affairs, Department of Revenue, Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, and Ministry of External Affairs, among others—strengthening the administrative machinery while empowering the next generation of public servants.

Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw expressed his joy in handing over appointment letters to the newly recruited youth. In his address, the Minister underscored the government’s steadfast commitment to building robust infrastructure and fostering opportunities that enable young citizens to become self-reliant and future-ready. He urged the new recruits to embrace the guiding principle of “Rashtra Pratham, Sadaiva Pratham” — placing the nation first, always — as a compass throughout their careers dedicated to public service and nation-building.

In his welcome address, Dr. Jitendra Kumar highlighted the remarkable inclusivity reflected in the 15th tranche of the Rozgar Mela, under which more than 51000 appointment letters are being distributed. He noted that approximately 28% of the new recruits are women, around 26.4% belong to the Other Backward Classes (OBC), about 13.9% are from the Scheduled Castes (SC), and 7.8% represent the Scheduled Tribes (ST). These figures, he emphasized, are a testament to the government’s continued commitment to ensuring diversity, equity, and equal opportunity in its recruitment processes.

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NB/KMN

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Two Odia Talents to Shine at Waves 2025 Animation Film Competition Finals

Source: Government of India

Two Odia Talents to Shine at Waves 2025 Animation Film Competition Finals

Bhagyashree Satpathy from Jajpur and Rishav Mohanty from Bhubaneswar to showcase their creative talent

Posted On: 26 APR 2025 8:19PM by PIB Bhubaneshwar

 

 

The World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit (WAVES 2025), set to take place in Mumbai from May 1 to 4, will serve as a prestigious platform for India’s emerging creative talents. Among the 42 finalists selected from across the country for the Animation Filmmaker Competition under WAVES, two young talents from Odisha, Bhagyashree Satpathy of Jajpur and Rishav Mohanty of Bhubaneswar have made their mark.

 

Bhagyashree Satpathy, a 22-year-old filmmaker and animation artist from Dharmasala, Jajpur, is currently pursuing her studies at the National Institute of Design (NID), Ahmedabad. Deeply inspired by Indian mythology and regional folklore, Bhagyashree’s work reimagines traditional narratives with contemporary themes and a bold visual language. Her finalist project, “Pasa”, is a concept series that blends mythology with psychological drama, exploring manipulation, gender, and control. Bhagyashree has previously directed notable works such as Happy Birthday Tara and a documentary film based on Maa Kalijai of Chilika Lake, Odisha.

 

Joining her is fellow NID Ahmedabad student, Rishav Mohanty from Bhubaneswar, who has earned his place in the finals with his animation documentary film titled “Khatti”. His work reflects a deep understanding of storytelling and visual narrative, highlighting the potential of animation as a medium for authentic and engaging documentation.

 

At Waves 2025, the finalists will pitch their projects before an esteemed panel of international judges and top personalities from the global entertainment industry. The competition offers a significant opportunity: the top three winners will each receive a cash prize of ₹5 lakh. Moreover, the event underscores the immense economic potential of India’s animation and VFX industry, where a single animated feature film can generate employment for 100 to 300 professionals.

 

WAVES 2025 not only seeks to celebrate India’s creative talents but also aims to encourage international collaborations and promote India as a global hub for animation and entertainment.

With their unique storytelling styles and innovative concepts, Bhagyashree Satpathy and Rishav Mohanty are poised to make Odisha proud on the national stage.

 

 

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P.S/Swadhin

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Akashvani Bags Six Honours at India Audio Summit and Awards 2025

Source: Government of India

Akashvani Bags Six Honours at India Audio Summit and Awards 2025    

‘Nai Soch Nai Kahani – A Radio Journey With Smriti Irani’ was named the Series of the Year

‘Public Speak’ awarded the best audio streaming programme in Health and Fitness category

Posted On: 26 APR 2025 5:42PM by PIB Mumbai

: Mumbai, 26th April, 2025

Akashvani won a total of six awards in various categories at the India Audio Summit and Awards, IASA 2025. The third edition of the awards, which recognise excellence in radio and audio content production, was held in Mumbai on 25th April, 2025.

 

Director General of Akashvani Dr Pragya Paliwal Gaur graced the India Audio Summit and Awards 2025 as the guest of honour. Addressing the gathering, Dr Gaur highlighted the revolution in the audio industry and how Akashvani, as India’s Public Service Broadcaster, is committed to its mission to ‘Inform, Educate and Entertain’ the people of the country by upholding their interest. She underscored that Akashvani stands firmly for credibility and acts as a beacon in a noisy world.

Among the top accolades, former Union Minister Smriti Irani’s programme Nai Soch Nai Kahani – A Radio Journey with Smriti Irani was named Series of the Year on radio. The 13-episode series celebrated the incredible tales of grit and determination of women in particular. The series culminated with an exclusive interview with the President of India Droupadi Murmu, which was recorded in the President’s House last year.

The News Services Division’s popular weekly phone-in show Public Speak was recognised as the Best Produced Audio Streaming Programme in the Health and Fitness category. Other award-winning programmes include Chhayageet, which won in the Best Late Night Show category; Ujale Unki Yadon Ke, named Best Celebrity Show on Air; and Safarcast, which clinched the award for Best Travel Show. Akashvani also bagged the award for the Best Interstitial, showcasing its creative excellence in short-form audio content.

About India Audio Summit and Awards

India Audio Summit and Awards is a pioneering initiative dedicated to recognizing and honouring exceptional audio excellence across India’s vibrant landscape. This platform seeks out and celebrates the most captivating and ground- breaking audio content, showcased on diverse platforms, from the realm of audiobooks to podcasts, radio, audio advertising and cutting-edge technology. The celebration embodies a rigorous evaluation process, ensuring a fair and unbiased forum for acknowledging trailblazing achievements.

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EC/PK

 

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Information Expo on Multiple Pathways 2024; “Smart Parent Net” Recommendation: (Video)家長教室: 管教劇場 – 讚賞(Chinese version only)

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

The Study Subsidy Scheme for Designated Professions/Sectors (SSSDP) will subsidise a total of 2 330 places under 32 sub-degree programmes offered by eight post-secondary institutions, including Caritas Bianchi College of Careers, HKCT Institute of Higher Education, HKU SPACE Po Leung Kuk Stanley Ho Community College, Hong Kong College of Technology, Hong Kong Metropolitan University (including Li Ka Shing School of Professional and Continuing Education), Saint Francis University, Tung Wah College and YMCA College of Careers, for the cohort to be admitted in the 2024/25 academic year. The programmes and number of subsidised places, which fall under six disciplines with keen manpower demand, namely Architecture and Engineering, Computer Science, Creative Industries, Health Care, Sports and Recreation, and Tourism and Hospitality, are determined by the Education Bureau in consultation with relevant policy bureaux and departments.

In the 2024/25 academic year, the annual subsidy amounts for non-laboratory-based programmes and laboratory-based programmes are up to about $22,000 and $39,000 respectively. The subsidy amounts are applicable to both new and continuing eligible students. The subsidy is tenable for the normal duration of the programmes concerned. Subsidised students will pay a tuition fee with the subsidy applied. Students in need may still apply for student financial assistance from the Student Finance Office of the Working Family and Student Financial Assistance Agency in respect of the actual amount of tuition fee payable.

The subsidised places are allocated according to existing admission arrangement of the self-financing sub-degree programmes, i.e., through direct admission by institutions. Students can apply for admission to the designated sub-degree programmes directly through the institutions concerned. Local students who have attained (a) Level 2 or above in five subjects, including English Language and Chinese Language, in the HKDSE Examination; (b) Diploma of Applied Education / Diploma Yi Jin; or (c) Diploma of Foundation Studies awarded by the Vocational Training Council are eligible for the subsidy for sub-degree programmes under SSSDP. The participating institutions are allowed to admit local students with other relevant qualifications, subject to a ceiling of 50% of the subsidised places of the designated programmes.

For details of the SSSDP, please visit www.cspe.edu.hk/sssdp.

 

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Study Subsidy Scheme for Designated Professions/Sectors – Sub-degree programmes; Public Voting for the Most Popular Award of the “Biliteracy and Trilingualism Campaign: One-minute Video Production Competition”

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

The Study Subsidy Scheme for Designated Professions/Sectors (SSSDP) will subsidise a total of 2 330 places under 32 sub-degree programmes offered by eight post-secondary institutions, including Caritas Bianchi College of Careers, HKCT Institute of Higher Education, HKU SPACE Po Leung Kuk Stanley Ho Community College, Hong Kong College of Technology, Hong Kong Metropolitan University (including Li Ka Shing School of Professional and Continuing Education), Saint Francis University, Tung Wah College and YMCA College of Careers, for the cohort to be admitted in the 2024/25 academic year. The programmes and number of subsidised places, which fall under six disciplines with keen manpower demand, namely Architecture and Engineering, Computer Science, Creative Industries, Health Care, Sports and Recreation, and Tourism and Hospitality, are determined by the Education Bureau in consultation with relevant policy bureaux and departments.

In the 2024/25 academic year, the annual subsidy amounts for non-laboratory-based programmes and laboratory-based programmes are up to about $22,000 and $39,000 respectively. The subsidy amounts are applicable to both new and continuing eligible students. The subsidy is tenable for the normal duration of the programmes concerned. Subsidised students will pay a tuition fee with the subsidy applied. Students in need may still apply for student financial assistance from the Student Finance Office of the Working Family and Student Financial Assistance Agency in respect of the actual amount of tuition fee payable.

The subsidised places are allocated according to existing admission arrangement of the self-financing sub-degree programmes, i.e., through direct admission by institutions. Students can apply for admission to the designated sub-degree programmes directly through the institutions concerned. Local students who have attained (a) Level 2 or above in five subjects, including English Language and Chinese Language, in the HKDSE Examination; (b) Diploma of Applied Education / Diploma Yi Jin; or (c) Diploma of Foundation Studies awarded by the Vocational Training Council are eligible for the subsidy for sub-degree programmes under SSSDP. The participating institutions are allowed to admit local students with other relevant qualifications, subject to a ceiling of 50% of the subsidised places of the designated programmes.

For details of the SSSDP, please visit www.cspe.edu.hk/sssdp.

 

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Fatal traffic accident in Sheung Shui

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Police are investigating a fatal traffic accident happened in Sheung Shui tonight (April 26) in which a man died.

At 7.25pm, a light goods vehicle driven by a 51-year-old man was travelling along Lung Ma Road towards Queens Hill Estate. When approaching the junction of Lung Ma Road and Lung Chun Road, the light goods vehicle reportedly went out of control and knocked down a 77-year-old man after running onto the pavement.

Sustaining serious head injuries, the man was rushed to North District Hospital in unconscious state and was certified dead at 8.31pm.

The driver was arrested for dangerous driving causing death and is being detained for enquiries.

Investigation by the Special Investigation Team of Traffic, New Territories North is underway.

Anyone who witnessed the accident or has any information to offer is urged to contact the investigating officers on 3661 3800.