Hong Kong Fashion Fest kicks off its second edition today

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     Presented by the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, spearheaded and sponsored by the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA) under the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau (CSTB), the second edition of Hong Kong Fashion Fest opened today (November 22) with the launch programme “VIRTUOSE: The Artistry of Couture 2025” (VIRTUOSE) held at Central Pier No. 4.

     Organised by the Hong Kong Fashion Designers Association (HKFDA), VIRTUOSE aims to highlight the different facets of craftsmanship through an haute couture runway and showcase programme, inviting emerging local, Mainland and overseas haute couture designers to use Hong Kong as a stage for the international fashion community.

     Speaking at the ceremony, the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Miss Rosanna Law, said that couture represents the highest level of design and craftsmanship in fashion, transforming the most exquisite fabrics into breathtaking masterpieces. Given its rich heritage and enduring influence, CCIDA has chosen couture as the theme for the opening of the second edition of the Hong Kong Fashion Fest.

     The runway brings together four new-generation couture designers, namely, Peet Dullaert, Tomo Koizumi, Zhaoyi Yu and Caroline Hu, whose forty looks are presented on the dazzling stage set against the Victoria Harbour. Their outstanding works have shone at international fashion weeks; through global collaborations and their own creative talent, they are shaping the future of couture worldwide. The four designers will also host time-limited trunk shows and fireside chats, engaging industry professionals in in-depth discussions and sharing their creative journeys as well as the insight into future trends and development of couture.

     Highlights of the runway show will be available for replay on the official social media channels of Hong Kong Fashion Fest, the HKFDA and VIRTUOSE. For more information on Hong Kong Fashion Fest, please visit www.hongkongfashionfest.com.

           

Woman arrested on suspicion of illegally selling topical product with undeclared controlled drug ingredients

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Department of Health (DH) today (November 24) carried out an enforcement operation with the Police against the suspected illegal sale of a topical product containing undeclared controlled medicines (see photo) at a beauty parlour in Yuen Long. During the operation, a 48-year old woman was arrested on suspicion of the illegal sale of Part 1 poison and an unregistered pharmaceutical product.

Following up on a case referred by the Hospital Authority, the DH earlier purchased a sample of a product called Rong Shi Gao Fu Kang Medical Antipyretic Gel from a beauty parlour on Wang Yip Street South in Yuen Long for analysis. Test results from the Government Laboratory revealed that the product sample contained clobetasol propionate and miconazole, which are Part 1 poisons under the Pharmacy and Poisons Ordinance (Cap. 138) (the Ordinance). The product is also suspected to be an unregistered pharmaceutical product.

The DH urged members of the public who have purchased the product concerned to stop using it immediately and reminded the public not to buy or use products of doubtful composition or from unknown sources. The DH will continue to investigate the incident and take appropriate follow-up actions.

Clobetasol propionate is a steroid substance for treating inflammation. Inappropriate application of steroids could cause skin problems and systemic side effects such as moon face, high blood pressure, high blood sugar, adrenal insufficiency and osteoporosis. Products containing clobetasol propionate are prescription medicines that should be used under a doctor’s directions and be supplied in the premises of an Authorized Seller of Poisons (i.e. a pharmacy) under the supervision of a registered pharmacist upon a doctor’s prescription. Miconazole is used for the treatment of fungal infections with side effects including local irritation and sensitivity reactions. Topical products containing miconazole should be supplied in a pharmacy under the supervision of a registered pharmacist.

According to the Ordinance, all pharmaceutical products must be registered with the Pharmacy and Poisons Board of Hong Kong before they can be sold in the market. Illegal sale or possession of unregistered pharmaceutical products or Part 1 poisons are criminal offences. The maximum penalty on conviction of each offence is a fine of $100,000 and two years’ imprisonment.

The DH reminded members of the public That all registered pharmaceutical products should carry a Hong Kong registration number on the package in the format of “HK-XXXXX”. The safety, quality and efficacy of unregistered pharmaceutical products are not guaranteed.

People who have purchased the product concerned should stop using it immediately and consult healthcare professionals if in doubt or feeling unwell after use. They may submit the product to the Drug Office of the DH at Room 1804-06, 18/F, Wing On Kowloon Centre, 345 Nathan Road, Kowloon, during office hours for disposal.

Research Grants Council hosts Workshop and Poster Session on Competitive Research Funding Schemes for Local Self-financing Degree Sector

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Research Grants Council hosts Workshop and Poster Session on Competitive Research Funding Schemes for Local Self-financing Degree Sector  
     The Research Grants Council (RGC) today (November 24) held a Workshop and Poster Session on the Competitive Research Funding Schemes for the Local Self-financing (SF) Degree Sector at Hong Kong Metropolitan University, which brought together more than 200 academics. 
 
     The Workshop was organised for academic and research staff from the SF sector and serves as an invaluable platform for experience sharing and professional exchanges on research innovations and achievements, and an occasion for fostering a stronger partnership between the RGC and the SF sector, as well as a promotion of cross-institutional collaborations in the SF sector and successful practices. 
 
     Speaking at the Workshop’s opening session, the Chairman of the RGC, Professor Timothy W. Tong, said, “As key players of the Hong Kong academic research community, the SF institutions have been playing an important role in building Hong Kong as a post-secondary education hub. The sector has leveraged various funding schemes to advance research projects with high novelty, making impactful contributions to knowledge advancement. These projects cover a wide range of research topics highly relevant to our daily lives, and I am delighted that they have promoted both research excellence and the vibrant development of the research ecosystem, contributing to the betterment of Hong Kong society.”
 
     Faculty members who had successfully obtained research grants under the Competitive Research Funding Schemes for the Local SF Degree Sector were invited to share their experiences in preparing competitive research proposals. The Chairman of the Assessment Panel of the Schemes, Professor Julie Li, together with members of the Panel, also shared their observations and views on research proposals in the latest round of the exercise. Running alongside the workshop, a poster session was organised to showcase the notable achievements of completed Faculty Development Scheme (FDS) projects and the impact of their research outcomes.
 
     “Looking ahead, the RGC will continue to provide robust support for research and development of the SF sector. Specifically, we will refine arrangements to further enhance the SF institutions’ research capacity in their strategic areas, as well as encourage wider collaborations with other Hong Kong universities,” 
     The Competitive Research Funding Schemes for the Local SF Degree Sector aim at developing and enhancing the research capability of the SF institutions and their faculty members. Since the launch of the research funding schemes in 2013, the RGC has funded over 930 projects with a total amount of more than $923 million.
 
     Details of the funding schemes are available on the RGC website:
 
FDS:
www.ugc.edu.hk/eng/rgc/funding_opport/fds/index.html 
Institutional Development Scheme (IDS) Collaborative Research Grant:
www.ugc.edu.hk/eng/rgc/funding_opport/ids_crg/index.html 
IDS Research Infrastructure Grant:
www.ugc.edu.hk/eng/rgc/funding_opport/ids_rig/index.html 
Inter-Institutional Development Scheme:
www.ugc.edu.hk/eng/rgc/funding_opport/iids/index.htmlIssued at HKT 19:08

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Appeal for information on missing woman in Tin Sum

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

Police today (November 24) appealed to the public for information on a woman who went missing in Tin Sum.

Wong Sui-man, aged 57, went missing after she was last seen in a shopping mall in Sha Kok Estate on November 22 afternoon. Her family made a report to Police yesterday (November 23).
     
She is about 1.55 metres tall, around 60 kilograms in weight and of medium build. She has a square face with yellow complexion and short black hair. She was last seen wearing a black long-sleeved jacket, black trousers and purple shoes.

Anyone who knows the whereabouts of the missing woman or may have seen her is urged to contact the Regional Missing Persons Unit of New Territories South on 3661 1173 or 9078 1880 or email to rmpu-nts-2@police.gov.hk, or contact any police station.

  

Hong Kong SAR Government, General Administration of Sport of China, People’s Government of Guangdong Province and Macao SAR Government sign agreement on strengthening of sports co-operation and promotion of integrated development

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Hong Kong SAR Government, General Administration of Sport of China, People’s Government of Guangdong Province and Macao SAR Government sign agreement on strengthening of sports co-operation and promotion of integrated developmentIssued at HKT 8:00

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DSD deeply saddened by passing of contractor’s staff member

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Director of Drainage Services, Mr Ringo Mok, was deeply saddened by the passing of a staff member of its contractor in an accident that happened at the construction site of the Provision of Village Sewerage in Wo Mei, Sai Kung, on November 22. He expressed his deepest condolences and has requested the contractor to provide appropriate assistance to the deceased’s family.
 
     At about 10am, a worker was found unconscious while installing mechanical and electrical equipment at level B1. He was sent to Tseung Kwan O Hospital and was certified dead at about 8pm.
 
     The DSD has requested the contractor and its sub-contractor to suspend the related works and conduct a safety check. The contractor has also been instructed to conduct a thorough investigation into the cause of the accident. The DSD will render full assistance to relevant departments in their investigations.

Labour Department highly concerned about fatal work accident that happened in Sai Kung yesterday

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Labour Department highly concerned about fatal work accident that happened in Sai Kung yesterday           
     To prevent workers from being entangled or injured by the cutting drills of concrete core drilling machines, the LD reminds employers to provide effective guarding to all dangerous parts (including cutting drills), and to ensure that workers do not wear loose clothing or accessories while operating the drilling machine. Issued at HKT 8:59

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Government’s response to MCHK’s review of its earlier decision to permanently stay inquiry

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

In relation to the Medical Council of Hong Kong (MCHK)’s decision to revoke its earlier decision to permanently stay an inquiry upon review, the Government today (November 22) issues the following statement:
 
The Government noted and welcomed the decision of the inquiry panel under the MCHK to revoke its decision to permanently stay the disciplinary proceedings and restart inquiry.  The Government will continue to take note of the progress of the case and hopes the inquiry proceeds smoothly.
 
Meanwhile, at the request of the Secretary for Health, the MCHK is reviewing the mechanism for handling complaint investigations and disciplinary inquiries and will put forth improvement recommendations and justifications.  The Government will examine the report submitted by the MCHK and introduce a bill to amend the Medical Registration Ordinance in the first half of 2026 soon after the new term of the Legislative Council commences, with a view to strengthening the public accountability of the MCHK and enhancing its complaints handling mechanism.
 
The Health Bureau expressed its regards to the patient and parents involved again and will follow up with relevant government departments on the patient’s medical and welfare needs.

Speech by STL at MTR Corporation presents: “The Formless Way: Memorialising 85 years since Bruce Lee’s birth” exhibition opening ceremony

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

Following is the speech by the Secretary for Transport and Logistics, Ms Mable Chan, at the MTR Corporation presents: “The Formless Way: Memorialising 85 years since Bruce Lee’s birth” exhibition opening ceremony today (November 24):

CEO Kam (Chief Executive Officer of the MTR Corporation Limited, Dr Jacob Kam), Shannon (Co-founder and President of the Bruce Lee Foundation, daughter of Bruce Lee, Miss Shannon Lee), Donnie (actor Donnie Yen), media friends and participating citizens,

     Now, I would like to say a few words in English. Shannon, it is such a great honour to see you here. Today, not only do we commemorate the extraordinary life of Mr Bruce Lee, but also acknowledge the enduring legacy that continues to inspire generations across the globe. Bruce Lee was more than a martial artist; he was a philosopher, a cultural bridge, and a visionary who reshaped how the world perceives strength, discipline, and identity.

Shannon, your presence here today reminds us that his spirit lives on not only in the films he left behind for us, but also in the work you have done and carried forward all the years with such dedication and passion. Through the Bruce Lee Foundation and your tireless advocacy, you have ensured that your father’s teachings remain accessible, relevant, and transformative across audiences. You embody the resilience and passion that your father championed, and we are deeply grateful for your commitment to preserving his message of self‑expression, harmony, and empowerment. All these spirits are much treasured in Hong Kong and that we need to carry forward in this city we all love.

As we walk through this exhibition, we celebrate Bruce Lee’s artistry and philosophy. Moreover, we honour you and the Lee family for continuing his mission. Thank you again for being here.

Import of poultry meat and products from areas in UK, Japan and Germany suspended

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department announced today (November 24) that in view of notifications from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs of the United Kingdom (UK), the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries of Japan and the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) respectively about outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza in the Bangor Townland Area of Northern Ireland in the UK and Miyazaki Prefecture in Japan, and an outbreak of highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza in the District of Coesfeld of the State of Nordrhein-Westfalen in Germany, the CFS has instructed the trade to suspend the import of poultry meat and products (including poultry eggs) from the above-mentioned areas with immediate effect to protect public health in Hong Kong.

A CFS spokesman said that according to the Census and Statistics Department, Hong Kong imported about 770 tonnes of chilled and frozen poultry meat and about 1.17 million poultry eggs from the UK; about 1 540 tonnes of frozen poultry meat and about 219.73 million poultry eggs from Japan; and about 60 tonnes of frozen poultry meat from Germany in the first nine months of this year.

“The CFS has contacted the British, Japanese and German authorities over the issues and will closely monitor information issued by the WOAH and the relevant authorities on the avian influenza outbreaks. Appropriate action will be taken in response to the development of the situation,” the spokesman said.