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Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     The 2025 Honours and Awards Presentation Ceremony was held at the ballroom of Government House today (November 15). The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, presented honours and awards to 405 recipients at the Ceremony.
      
     Among the recipients, three received the Grand Bauhinia Medal; 19 received the Gold Bauhinia Star; 26 received the Silver Bauhinia Star; 11 received the Distinguished Service Medal for the disciplined services and the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC); 43 received the Bronze Bauhinia Star; two received the Medal for Bravery (Bronze); 44 received the Meritorious Service Medal for the disciplined services and the ICAC; 107 received the Medal of Honour; 74 received the Chief Executive’s Commendation for Community Service; and 76 received the Chief Executive’s Commendation for Government/Public Service.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Electoral Affairs Commission will introduce Designated Polling Stations for electors with specific needs, and extend polling hours, under new polling arrangements for the 2025 Legislative Council General Election.

EAC Chairman David Lok outlined the new arrangements at a press conference today, explaining that they will facilitate the casting of votes and address the actual needs of electors.

The Registration & Electoral Office (REO) will set up 10 “Civil Servant Designated Polling Stations” for civil servants, seven “Hospital Authority Healthcare Staff Designated Polling Stations” near the seven largest hospitals, and two “Ethnic Minorities Designated Polling Stations” in the proximity of Wan Chai Khalsa Diwan Sikh Temple and Kowloon Masjid.

Mr Lok said: “In recent years, we have heard views from different sectors of the community, including the Legislative Council, that electors who have to work on the polling day, due to their job nature, working hours and duty arrangements, etc, may not have sufficient time to, before or after work, or during meal breaks, travel to and from their allocated polling stations to cast their votes. These electors are therefore not able to exercise their right to vote.”

In addition, to better enable residents of residential care homes for the elderly (RCHEs) and residential care homes for persons with disabilities (RCHDs) to cast their votes of their own will in a familiar, safe and reassuring environment, the REO will set up “Outreach Polling Stations for Residential Care Homes” to serve 11 RCHEs and four RCHDs.

Moreover, in view of successful arrangements for the 2023 District Council Ordinary Election, Near Boundary Polling Stations (NBPSs) will be set up in Sheung Shui, as well as at the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge Passenger Clearance Building and Hong Kong International Airport. This will allow electors travelling to and from the Mainland and overseas, and those on duty at these places on the day of the election, to easily cast their votes

Regarding polling hours, the poll will start an hour earlier than in previous elections, at 7.30am, and end one hour later, at 11.30pm. This adds up to a total of 16 hours for votes to be cast.

Mr Lok also conducted a briefing for election candidates on the arrangements, the guidelines on election-related activities, and other important points. to ensure that the poll is conducted in an open, honest and fair manner.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

The following is issued on behalf of the University Grants Committee:

     Echoing the 15th National Games, the 12th National Games for Persons with Disabilities and the 9th National Special Olympic Games, the Research Grants Council (RGC) will organise a series of sports and STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics)-related public lectures in November. Admission is free on a first-come, first-served basis. All are welcome.

     Two lectures titled “Secrets of Exercise: Healthy Aging and the Best Exercise Method” and “Sports Narratives: Equestrian Through the Ages and Athlete Entrepreneurship” will be held on November 22 (Saturday) and November 23 (Sunday). Both lectures will be conducted in Cantonese. Details are as follows:

“Secrets of Exercise: Healthy Aging and the Best Exercise Method”
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     The first session, “Role of Exercise in Healthy Aging”, features Assistant Professor of the Department of Sports and Health Sciences of Hong Kong Baptist University Professor Jiao Jiao. Drawing on scientific principles and the Eastern and Western exercise concepts, the lecture will discuss how engaging sports can support physical health, cognitive function, well-being, and longevity in older adults, creating a new era of wellness for the silver-haired group.

     In the second session, “What is the Best Exercise Approach for Enhancing Health?”, Professor and Head of the Division of Kinesiology at School of Public Health, and Assistant Dean of the Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine of the University of Hong Kong, Professor Parco Siu, will bridge the gap between the World Health Organization’s recommendations and practical implementation, and introduce the best exercise approach for enhancing health.

Date: November 22 (Saturday)
Time: 2.30pm to 4.30pm
Venue: Lecture Hall, 1/F, Hong Kong Science Museum
Live Broadcast: Facebook page (www.facebook.com/hkscm) or YouTube channel (www.youtube.com/user/hksciencemuseum) of the Hong Kong Science Museum
 
“Sports Narratives: Equestrian Through the Ages and Athlete Entrepreneurship”
—————————————————————————————–
     The first session of the lecture, “The History of Equestrian Sports in Hong Kong and Singapore”, will be presented by Assistant Professor of the Division of Humanities of the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Professor Liz Chee. The lecture will focus on the history of equestrian sports in Hong Kong and Singapore, exploring why horse-racing, which originated from the British colonial era, has followed divergent trajectories in the two regions. The lecture will also cover other forms of equestrian activities.
      
     In the second session, “From Sports to Startups: Athletes Navigating in Entrepreneurial Ecosystems”, Senior Lecturer of the Department of Management of the Chinese University of Hong Kong Dr Frank Ng, will examine from an entrepreneurial ecosystem perspective the opportunities available to athletes outside the competitive arenas. He will introduce the unique qualities athletes possess for entrepreneurship, as well as the challenges within the entrepreneurial ecosystem and corresponding strategies.

Date: November 23 (Sunday)
Time: 3pm to 5pm
Venue: Lecture Theatre, G/F, Hong Kong Central Library
Live Broadcast: YouTube channel of the Hong Kong Public Libraries (www.youtube.com/channel/UCJUipdvSACZjO1ldoO3YQBA)
 
     The RGC has been regularly organising public lectures since 2009, featuring various distinguished scholars as speakers. These lectures aim to promote research knowledge from Hong Kong’s tertiary institutions and raise public awareness of the significance and value of local research work.

     For enquiries, please call 2524 3987 or visit the University Grants Committee webpage (www.ugc.edu.hk/eng/rgc/about/events/lectures/lectures.html). Additionally, members of the public can register for the RGC’s email subscription service at www.ugc.edu.hk/eng/rgc/about/subscribe to receive regular updates.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     The Labour Department (LD) is highly concerned about a fatal work accident that happened at a carpark in Kwai Chung yesterday afternoon (November 14), in which a male worker was pressed by gypsum boards that suddenly toppled while he was handling a pile of vertically placed gypsum boards. He was certified dead later in hospital. The LD is saddened by the death of the worker and expresses its deepest sympathy to his family.

     The LD’s spokesman said, “We commenced an immediate on-site investigation as soon as we were notified of the accident and have issued a suspension notice to the employer concerned, suspending the handling of gypsum boards at the workplace concerned. The employer cannot resume the work process until the LD is satisfied that suitable measures to abate the relevant risks have been taken.”

     The spokesman added, “We will complete the investigation as soon as possible to identify the cause of the accident, ascertain the liability of the duty holders and recommend improvement measures. We will take actions pursuant to the law if there is any violation of the work safety legislation.”
      
     To prevent employees at work from being pressed by suddenly toppled articles, the LD reminds employers to ensure the articles are stored, stacked or supported in a safe manner, and to select suitable mechanical aids and methods to prevent the articles from toppling. 

     The general duty provisions of the Occupational Safety and Health Ordinance require employers to provide safe working environments, plant and systems of work for their employees. Those who contravene the relevant provisions are liable to a maximum fine of $10 million and imprisonment for two years on conviction on indictment; or $3 million and imprisonment for six months on summary conviction.

     In regard to yesterday’s accident, the LD will issue a Work Safety Alert through its mobile application “OSH 2.0”, website and email, giving a brief account of the accident concerned to duty holders, workers’ unions, professional bodies of safety practitioners and others, and reminding the industry of the importance of following safety precautionary measures to prevent a recurrence of similar accidents.

     The LD will also remind the employer concerned of the liability for employees’ compensation under the Employees’ Compensation Ordinance, assist family members of the deceased to claim employees’ compensation and closely follow up on the case. For those with financial difficulties, the LD will assist them to apply for appropriate emergency funds. Subject to the needs and wishes of family members of the deceased, the LD will also liaise with the Social Welfare Department for financial or other assistance.

     For the sake of securing the safety and health of employees at work, the LD appeals to employers to provide plant and systems of work that are safe and without risks to health. Employees should co-operate with their employers, adopt all safety measures and use personal protective equipment provided properly to avoid endangering their own work safety and that of other workers.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) today (November 14) reported the latest situation of chikungunya fever (CF) and dengue fever (DF).

Chikungunya fever
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     As of 5pm today, one new imported CF case has been recorded.

     The case involves a 27-year-old female living in Tuen Mun District. Initial investigation revealed that she travelled to Cuba and Mexico between October 27 and November 10. She developed a fever, rash and joint pain from November 12 and attended the Accident and Emergency Department at Tuen Mun Hospital yesterday (November 13). She was admitted for treatment in a mosquito-free environment. Her blood sample tested positive for chikungunya virus upon laboratory testing. She is currently in stable condition. The patient’s household contact, who accompanied her to Cuba and Mexico, is currently asymptomatic and under medical surveillance. 

     Since the patient stayed in Central America during her incubation period, the CHP considered that she was infected overseas. The case is classified as imported. The CHP’s epidemiological investigation is ongoing, and it will report the case to the relevant health authorities.

     Hong Kong has recorded a total of 62 confirmed CF cases this year. Four of these cases were local, and the rest were imported.

     Regarding the 68-year-old female confirmed with CF yesterday (November 13), the CHP is conducting the genome analysis. The CHP urged the residents in the vicinity of Tung Hei Court in Shau Kei Wan, where the patient resides, to seek medical advice or contact the CHP immediately if they present with a fever, rash or joint pain since October 15. The CHP officers and the Eastern District Services & Community Care Teams have already reached out to the local residents, reminding them to be aware of relevant symptoms and maintain good environmental hygiene in their households.

     The CHP collaborated with the Eastern District Services & Community Care Teams to distribute leaflets on CF prevention and questionnaire surveys to about 3 000 households in the affected areas in the vicinity of Tung Hei Court to remind residents to monitor for relevant symptoms and maintain good environmental hygiene at home.

     This afternoon, the CHP also collaborated with the Eastern District Office to organise a health talk at the Kwan Kai Ming Memorial Chung Hok Elderly Centre of Women’s Welfare Club Western District Hong Kong on G/F, Hing Hong House, Hing Tung Estate. The aim is to enhance public understanding of this mosquito-borne disease and encourage active participation in prevention efforts to protect both oneself and others.

     As of 5pm today, the CHP has conducted assessments for over 1 900 individuals residing or working in higher-risk district through the health consultation booth on 2/F, Hing Tung Shopping Centre, its inquiry hotline (2125 2373), questionnaire surveys and door-to-door visits at Tung Hei Court. Two individuals with mild symptoms have also been arranged to undergo blood tests. 

Dengue fever
—————

     From November 7 to yesterday (November 13), the CHP recorded one imported DF case. The patient had travelled to the Philippines during the incubation period.

     As of yesterday, 53 imported DF cases have been recorded so far this year. A total of 161 cases of DF were recorded in 2024, including 156 imported and five local cases.

     According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the global incidence of DF has markedly increased over the past two decades, posing a substantial public health challenge. In 2024, the WHO recorded over 14 million cases, which was a record number. From January to July 2025, over 4 million cases and over 3 000 DF-related deaths have been reported in 97 countries/territories.

     DF is prevalent in many neighbouring tourist destinations. Indonesia, India, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam have each recorded over 40 000 cases so far this year. Singapore has also recorded over 3 500 cases. Meanwhile, according to the Guangdong Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Guangdong Province has recorded 3 209 locally infected cases so far this year. A total of 196 cases were recorded in a week between October 27 and November 2, with the highest number of cases recorded in Chaozhou, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Shantou and Foshan.

     Detailed information on the latest DF situation in Hong Kong, as well as neighbouring and overseas countries and areas, has been uploaded to the CHP’s website.

Continuously strengthening prevention and control
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     The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) and relevant departments have comprehensively enhanced the mosquito control operations in Hong Kong since July this year, and this has continued. Among these, the FEHD has conducted vector investigations and targeted mosquito control operations against the imported and local cases. In light of the local case, the FEHD has immediately conducted follow-up actions, including:
 

• carrying out intensive fogging in scrubby areas within a 250-metre radius of the relevant locations to kill adult mosquitoes;
• carrying out inspections of the locations, removing stagnant water, applying insecticides and disposing of abandoned water containers every week with a view to preventing mosquito breeding; and
• enhancing public education efforts through organising health talks, setting up mobile education stations, and distributing publicity leaflets.

     The abovementioned measures will be continued. Furthermore, the Government will further enhance the mosquito control efforts in addition to the existing measures.

Preventive measures taken by the public
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     Members of the public should use DEET-containing insect repellents or other effective active ingredients properly to prevent mosquito bites, but the following precautions should be taken when using them:
 

• read the label instructions carefully first;
• apply right before entering an area with a risk of mosquito bites;
• apply on exposed skin and clothing;
• use DEET of up to 30 per cent for pregnant women and up to 10 per cent for children (For children who travel to countries or areas where mosquito-borne diseases are endemic or epidemic and where exposure is likely, those aged 2 months or above can use DEET-containing insect repellents with a DEET concentration of up to 30 per cent);
• apply sunscreen first, then insect repellent;
• reapply only when needed and follow the instructions; and
• in addition to DEET, there are other insect repellents available on the market containing different active ingredients, such as IR3535 and picaridin. When using any insect repellent, the public should follow the usage instructions and precautions on the product label.

     The FEHD also appeals to members of the public to continue to stay alert and work together to carry out mosquito prevention and control measures early, including inspecting their homes and surroundings to remove potential breeding grounds, changing water in vases and scrubbing their inner surfaces, removing water in saucers under potted plants at least once a week, and properly disposing of containers such as empty cans and lunch boxes. The FEHD also advises members of the public and property management agencies to keep drains free of blockage and level all defective ground surfaces to prevent the accumulation of water. They should also scrub all drains and surface sewers with an alkaline detergent at least once a week to remove any mosquito eggs.

     The public should call 1823 in case of mosquito problems, and may visit the following pages for more information: the CF page of the CHP and the Travel Health Service, the latest Travel Health News, tips for using insect repellents, and the CHP Facebook Page, Instagram Account and YouTube Channel, and also the Mosquito Prevention and Control dedicated page of the FEHD. 

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The following is issued on behalf of the Electoral Affairs Commission:
 
     The Chairman of the Electoral Affairs Commission (EAC), Mr Justice David Lok, conducted a briefing tonight (November 14) for the candidates of the 2025 Legislative Council General Election (LCGE) on the electoral arrangements, the guidelines on election-related activities and important points to note in running their electioneering campaigns to ensure that the election will be conducted in an open, honest and fair manner.
 
     “The eighth-term LCGE will be held on December 7. A total of 161 nomination forms, with 51 from geographical constituencies (GCs); 60 from functional constituencies (FCs); and 50 from the Election Committee constituency (ECC), were received by the Returning Officers (ROs) during the nomination period that ended on November 6. The Candidate Eligibility Review Committee has published notices in the Gazette earlier to announce that all 161 candidates are validly nominated. Polls will be conducted for all constituencies, in which there are contested elections for all 90 seats of the Legislative Council,” Mr Justice Lok said at the briefing.
 
     Mr Justice Lok said that the ROs have determined the order of the names of candidates appearing on a ballot paper by drawing lots on November 7. The candidate numbers are also listed on the Gazette notices published on November 10.
 
     “The EAC will strive to ensure that the election will be conducted in an open, honest and fair manner as in the past. I would also like to appeal to eligible electors to vote proactively on December 7,” he said.
 
     At the briefing, Mr Justice Lok highlighted the arrangements and points to note of the election that are related to the candidates.
 
New facilitation measures
 
     The duration of polling hours for the 2025 LCGE will be extended by two hours to 16 hours, running from 7.30am and 11.30pm.
 
     In view of the successful experience of the 2023 District Council Ordinary Election, apart from setting up NBPSs in Sheung Shui, the REO will also set up NBPSs at the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge Passenger Clearance Building and Hong Kong International Airport respectively in this election, so that electors who will travel to and from the Mainland and overseas, and those on duty at the two places on the polling day can cast their votes conveniently.
 
Moreover, Designated Polling Stations and Outreach Polling Stations will be introduced in this election in the form of a pilot scheme to enable specific groups of electors to exercise their voting rights and make the election arrangements more humane and considerate.
 
     Candidates and their election agents and polling agents can also observe the voting process at the Designated Polling Stations and Outreach Polling Stations, same as other polling stations.
 
No canvassing zone and no staying zone
 
     A certain area outside each polling station will be designated as a no canvassing zone to ensure that electors can gain access to the polling stations without interference. A no staying zone will also be designated in the vicinity of the entrance and exit of a polling station. No one is allowed to stay in the no staying zone or canvass for votes or conduct “de-facto canvassing” such as making hand gestures and greetings in the no canvassing zone.
 
Counting and announcement of results
 
     After the close of poll, a majority of the Ordinary Polling Stations and Near Boundary Polling Stations will be changed to counting stations immediately for the counting of GC votes. For small polling stations of which less than 500 electors are assigned to vote, Dedicated Polling Stations, Designated Polling Stations and Outreach Polling Stations, the GC ballot papers will be delivered to specific ballot paper sorting stations and main counting stations for sorting by GCs. The sorted ballot papers will then be mixed with ballot papers from the same GC. The ballot boxes of all FCs and the ECC will be delivered to the Central Counting Station at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC) for counting.
 
     For the GCs, upon completion of the count, the Presiding Officer of each counting station will make known the counting results to the candidates or their agents present. Upon verification of the counting results of all counting stations in a GC, the Registration and Electoral Office (REO) will notify the RO at the Central Counting Station at HKCEC of the overall counting result for the RO to sign and declare the election results at the Media Centre. As for the FCs and ECC, once the counting of votes is completed and the election results are verified by the Statistical Information Centre, the ROs will notify the present candidates and their agents of the counting results, and sign and declare the election results at the counting zone of the Central Counting Station. The election results will be announced again by the ROs on stage of the Media Centre later and all elected candidates will be invited to receive applause on the stage.
 
     The election results will also be displayed outside the Media Centre and published via press releases and the election website (www.elections.gov.hk).
 
Digitalisation of electoral forms

Electronic versions for most electoral forms are introduced for the election. Candidates may submit the relevant electoral forms via the REO e-Form Upload Platform and the Central Platform for Election Advertisements. Candidates can also utilise the newly established Central e-Form Services and fill in web-based electoral forms using the “e-ME” form-filling function of “iAM Smart”. However, some of the forms, such as the Return and Declaration of Election Expenses and Election Donations (Election Return), or forms with statutory declaration, are still required under the existing laws or other requirements to be submitted in paper form.

Mr Justice Lok reminded the candidates that once the electronic forms are submitted through the platforms concerned, notifications of confirmation will be issued by the respective platforms via email or mobile phone SMS message. With the receipt of the notifications, there is no need to submit the forms using other means again.

Election expenses and donations

To ensure candidates are contesting on a level playing field, a maximum limit of election expenses is set for each constituency. It will be an offence if candidates and their election expense agents incur election expenses in excess of the prescribed maximum limit, be it a very small amount, and they will be subject to criminal liability.

Election meetings
 
     An election meeting is a meeting held to promote or prejudice the election of a particular candidate or particular candidates. Expenses incurred are considered as election expenses. Candidates should note that if they wish to hold election campaigns or election meetings in government premises, they must obtain prior approval from the relevant government departments.

Election advertisements

     According to the law, an election advertisement is an advertisement used for the purpose of promoting or prejudicing the election of a candidate. Candidates must upload the electronic copies of the election advertisements and the permission, consent of support, etc, onto the REO’s Central Platform or the candidate’s platform for public inspection within three working days after the publication of the election advertisements. Candidates may also submit the relevant materials to the ROs. It is an offence if a candidate fails to comply with the requirement.
 
At the briefing, a representative from the Independent Commission Against Corruption also briefed the candidates about the Elections (Corrupt and Illegal Conduct) Ordinance and the points to note regarding election expenses and election donations to enhance their understanding of the acts that may constitute corrupt or illegal conducts, whereas a representative from Hongkong Post provided to the candidates a brief overview of the arrangements for free postage service for election mail.
 
     Information on the election is available on the election website (www.elections.gov.hk). The video of the candidate briefing will also be uploaded to the election website and the YouTube channel of RTHK (www.youtube.com/@RTHK) later (search “2025 Legislative Council General Election Briefing Session for Candidates” to watch).

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     Following is the speech by the Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, at Belgian King’s Day Reception today (November 14):
 
Consul General Lomastro (Consul General of Belgium in Hong Kong, Mr David Lomastro), Deputy Commissioner Hua You (Deputy Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region), Ambassador Harvey Rouse (Head of the European Union Office to Hong Kong and Macao), Consuls-General, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
 
     Good evening.
 
     It is my pleasure to join you in celebrating Belgium’s King’s Day — a day to honour His Majesty King Philippe.
 
     I’m also delighted to take this opportunity to address the Belgian community here in Hong Kong, and extend my warm regards to the Consul General, who has been with us since August 2022.
 
     Back in 2022, Hong Kong — like much of the world — was just beginning to emerge from the shadow of the pandemic. We have come a long way since then.
 
     Over the past few years, despite various challenges, Hong Kong has remained firmly anchored in the core principles that define us under the “one country, two systems” framework: common law and the rule of law, free port status allowing free flow of capital, talent, goods and information, and a low and simple tax regime. Equally unwavering is our openness to international businesses and talent — a key strength that enables us to serve as the bridge between the Chinese Mainland and the rest of the world.

     In a global landscape increasingly marked by unilateralism, protectionism and uncertainty, we believe that staying true to these values is the best way to navigate shifting terrain and seize emerging opportunities.
 
     This year has been a promising one for Hong Kong. Our financial markets have been among the world’s top performers — not just in equities and IPOs, but also in bond issuance, asset and wealth management, green and sustainable finance, and digital assets. These developments reflect the confidence that international investors continue to have in Hong Kong as a global financial hub and a destination for opportunities.
 
     Our economy is also showing solid momentum. Just earlier today, we revised our GDP growth forecast for the year to 3.2 per cent, driven by strong exports and a remarkable surge in tourism. The number of international visitors has grown by around 16 per cent, and we are seeing a steady return and growth of global flight connections — including, as the Consul General mentioned, the welcome resumption of direct flights between Hong Kong and Brussels.

     Looking ahead, Hong Kong is well-positioned to create even more opportunities for global investors — including those from Belgium and across Europe. The recent Fourth Plenary Session of the CPC Central Committee laid out the country’s development roadmap under the upcoming 15th Five-Year Plan, reaffirming China’s commitment to high-level, two-way opening up.

     In essence, China is welcoming more foreign investments and businesses, while at the same time encouraging Mainland enterprises to go global, to reconfigure their supply chain and industry chain, and to open up new markets.

     For Belgian and European businesses, Hong Kong offers a familiar and trusted platform from which to explore the vast opportunities on the Chinese Mainland and across Asia, especially in the dynamic Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.

     But Hong Kong is more than just a financial and trading hub. We are building a new engine of growth powered by innovation and technology which offers great collaboration opportunities with Belgian companies and institutions.

     The Northern Metropolis is the carrier of this vision, and we are fast-tracking the development of this new land of opportunity.

     A key highlight for Belgium businesses is the Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science and Technology Co-operation Zone along the Shenzhen River. There will be many policies breakthrough in this zone — for example, the seamless cross-boundary flow of people, capital, goods, data and even biosamples. For instance, clinical trial institutions from both sides are now working together in the zone to accelerate clinical trials, streamline approval process, and shorten time-to-market for new drugs and medical devices developed there. I believe this is particularly attractive for Belgium’s world-class pharmaceutical companies.

     Sustainability is another key area of common interest between Hong Kong and Belgium. We are the sustainable finance hub of Asia, and I look forward to Belgian and Hong Kong institutions to work together to provide leadership on the path to net-zero emissions.

     Meanwhile, art, culture and entertainment are also vital pillars of our collaboration and exchange.
 
     That spirit is on full display during the Belgian Days in Hong Kong, starting from today as the Consul General mentioned. Ten days of food, beer, fun, film, art and exhibitions — and yes, even a chocolate festival. Very much my kind of festival.

     Residents and visitors alike will no doubt savour every moment, and for that, I thank the Consulate for bringing this wonderful experience to life.

     Before I close, for all Hong Kong residents here, I encourage you to vote at the Legislative Council Election on December 7. It is important for our future.

     Thank you very much.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Commissioner for Digital Policy, Mr Tony Wong, visited the Technical Operation Centre of the 15th National Games (NG) in Hong Kong and various competition venues including those for fencing, basketball, track cycling, rugby sevens and triathlon for two consecutive days (November 13 and 14). Mr Wong saw for himself the operation of the information systems and various technological installations at these venues and reminded colleagues that the peak competition schedules this weekend will pose a major challenge to the information systems and technical support work. He encouraged colleagues to continue demonstrating professionalism to ensure the smooth and stable running of all competition events.
 
     The Digital Policy Office (DPO) has set up a dedicated team to fully launch the preparation work for the 15th NG since early 2024 and has closely co-operated with the Sports Information Center of the General Administration of Sport of China and the technology task force from the Chinese Mainland. The DPO is committed to providing precise, stable, and efficient core information and technology systems for the 15th NG, including sensor technology, scoring systems, detection devices, and arbitration camera systems, as well as the setup of network infrastructure to ensure the fairness and smooth operation of the competition events. For the NG, the DPO has deployed over 3 200 devices and more than 20 information systems, mobilising over 400 technical personnel across various venues. A Technical Operation Centre has also been set up for 24-hour real-time monitoring and centralised command to support all the competition events held at the Hong Kong competition zone. The DPO has also maintained close co-ordination with the responsible units in both Guangdong Province and Macao, demonstrating resource integration and joint operations with a strong team spirit.
 
     During his inspection of the fencing venue, Mr Wong highlighted that sensor technology and scoring systems are particularly important for fencing competitions, which demand extremely high precision. Colleagues are required to conduct repeated testing to ensure the systems can provide instant feedback to safeguard the absolute fairness and accuracy of the competition results. He expressed his appreciation for the on-site technical team’s dedication to ensuring system stability and real-time responsiveness, and operating seamlessly in sync with the pace of the competitions.
 
     Mr Wong conducted a key inspection of the track cycling finishing line at the Hong Kong Velodrome to assess the operational efficiency of the timing and testing equipment, pointing out that the equipment accurately captures the athletes’ finishing times. Equipped with high-precision photo-electronic timers and lap time recording devices for athletes, the equipment is crucial for determining race results and monitoring. The entire system, using high-end technology sensor devices and intelligent algorithms, ensures zero error in judgements.
 
     The area of the rugby sevens match field is vast, which results in a massive cabling project and the transmission of images from multiple cameras. These cameras are indispensable equipment in the refereeing system supporting officiating and replay reviews. Mr Wong expressed his gratitude to the working team for their professional dedication as well as hard work in overcoming the complex cabling challenges to ensure that video surveillance covered the entire match field.
 
     During his visit to the triathlon competition venue which involves an extensive coverage area and a very high standard of technical requirements, Mr Wong was briefed by colleagues on the integration of drone operations into the referee system, which provides real-time Ultra HD aerial images and multi-angle views, effectively assisting the referee team in making accurate judgements. This exemplifies how innovation and technology can enhance the fairness of the competition, demonstrating the advanced value of technology in empowering sports.
 
     Mr Wong also paid a special visit to the technical operations centre to learn about the system monitoring arrangements and operational mechanisms during the competitions. He acknowledged the team’s professional attitude in ensuring the smooth flow of competition information and operation, and commended their close collaboration with leading cybersecurity experts in Chinese Mainland introduced specially by the DPO for the NG and their outstanding performance with zero incidents despite facing various complex and ever-changing cyber challenges during the high-pressure competition period. He then encouraged the team to strictly adhere to the principle of “respond instantly, recover rapidly”, and remain highly vigilant and be prepared at all times to deal with any kind of emergencies that may arise during the event. He emphasised that rapid response and effective co-ordination are key to ensuring “zero interruption” to the Games, adding that close teamwork is the only way to guarantee the smooth running of the event.
 
     The DPO will release a series of short videos during the events through its Facebook page (www.facebook.com/digitalpolicyhk). Members of the public are invited to watch and learn more about how information technology supports this national large-scale event.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The 15th National Games (NG) of the People’s Republic of China The Hong Kong Jockey Club Trophy Rugby Sevens Competition concluded today (November 14) at Kai Tak Stadium of the Kai Tak Sports Park. Hong Kong hosted both men’s and women’s events, with over 230 athletes from a total of 16 teams from the Mainland and Hong Kong participating. Among them, the Hong Kong team won the gold medal in the men’s group. The winning teams are as follows:

Men’s group:

Gold	Hong Kong team
Silver	Shandong team
Bronze	Beijing team

Women’s group:

Gold	Jiangsu team
Silver	Shandong team
Bronze	Sichuan team

     The final competition events in Hong Kong – fencing and triathlon – will commence tomorrow (November 15). The fencing competition will take place from November 15 to 20 at the Kai Tak Arena. There will be 12 events in total, including men’s and women’s individual and team foil, épée, and sabre competitions. A total of 317 athletes from 39 provinces, cities, and organisations will compete for medals, with Hong Kong sending 12 male and 12 female athletes. Two gold medals will be awarded each day.

     The triathlon event will be held on November 15 and 16 at the Central Harbourfront and Victoria Harbour. The event comprises men’s individual, women’s individual, and mixed relay events, with three gold medals to be awarded. Around 90 athletes from the Mainland, Hong Kong, and Macao will participate, with Hong Kong sending 3 male and 3 female athletes. The women’s individual and men’s individual races are scheduled for 8am and 10.45am respectively on November 15, while the mixed relay race, featuring 15 teams, will take place at 2pm on November 16. The starting point of the races is located at the waterfront of the Wan Chai Temporary Promenade. Athletes will first complete the swimming segment, followed by the cycling segment, and finally the running segment.
 
     Individual athletes will complete a 1.5km swim, a 37.8km bike ride and a 10km run. In the mixed relay, each team consists of four athletes (two men and two women), with each athlete requiring to complete a 0.3km swim, an 6.6km bike ride and a 1.8km run. A ticket office is located outside the Central Harbourfront Event Space. The public can purchase tickets there to have a close sight of the game in the venue. The ticket office will operate one hour before the event starts on event days until ticket verification ceases for that day’s event (i.e. 30 minutes before the scheduled finish time). Tickets are sold at Hong Kong dollar prices and accept various electronic payment methods. Real-name registration for ticket sales is adopted and please prepare identity document for ticket purchase and before entering the venue. Spectators who purchased tickets for their family members or friends using their own accounts via the 15th NG official ticketing platform should transfer the tickets to their family members or friends 24 hours prior to the start of the relevant session. Each person should carry their own e-tickets to facilitate verification and multiple entries/exits.
 
     At the competition venues of the fencing and triathlon events, there will also be competition villages with various game booths, including digital interactive games, booth games and art workshops themed around the competition events hosted by Hong Kong competition region. The competition village for fencing event will be open between November 15 and 20 from 11am to 9pm, while the competition village for triathlon will be open on November 15 from 9am to 2pm and on November 16 from 1pm to 5pm. Members of the public are welcome to participate in the activities, and purchase tickets to watch the competitions and cheer for athletes in person.
 
     To facilitate the holding of the triathlon event, from November 12 to 16, special traffic and transport arrangements will be implemented in phases on the following road sections in Central and Wan Chai districts.

1. Road closures
 
(i) From 10am on November 12 to 6pm on November 16, the section of Expo Drive between Legislative Council Road and Expo Drive Central will be temporarily closed;
 
(ii) From 4am to 7am on November 14, intermittent road closures will be implemented by the Police in the vicinities of Central Harbourfront and Wan Chai North (including Lung Wo Road, Yiu Sing Street, Lung Hop Street, and Lung Tat Path); and
 
(iii) From midnight to 2pm on November 15 and from 6am to 6pm on November 16, road closure measures will be implemented in the road sections mentioned in (ii) above. Affected motorists should divert via Fleming Road, Connaught Road Central, Harcourt Road or Gloucester Road as appropriate.
 
2. Public transport arrangements
 
     Since temporary road closures and traffic control measures will be implemented at the Central Harbourfront and in the vicinity of Wan Chai North, three franchised bus routes (Citybus route Nos. H1S, H2 and H3) passing through Lung Wo Road will be diverted from the start of service on November 15 and 16. The bus stop located at the opposite side of Two International Finance Centre on Man Yiu Street will also be temporarily suspended due to the road closures. The relevant bus routes and bus stops will resume normal operation after the roads reopen. The bus companies will display notices to advise affected passengers of the suspended bus stops and temporary diversion arrangements.
 
     In view of the restricted zones set up at waters off Wan Chai during the competition, services of the ferry route travelling between Wan Chai and Tsim Sha Tsui are expected to be temporarily adjusted from around 7.50am to 8.20am and from around 10.35am to 11.05am on November 15, and from around 1.50pm to 2.10pm on November 16, subject to actual circumstances. The route of Water Taxi departing at 1.55pm on November 16 from Tsim Sha Tsui East to Central will not stop at Wan Chai.
 
     Members of the public are advised to make use of public transport services as far as possible to avoid traffic congestion and unnecessary delays. During the event, the Transport Department (TD) and the Police will closely monitor the traffic situation. The Police may adjust the traffic arrangements subject to the prevailing crowd and traffic conditions in the areas. Members of the public should pay attention to the latest traffic news through radio, television or the “HKeMobility” mobile application.
 
     For details of the special traffic and transport arrangements for the triathlon event, members of the public may refer to the TD’s relevant notices (www.td.gov.hk/en/traffic_notices/index_id_83698.html), its mobile application “HKeMobility”, and passenger notices issued by the relevant public transport operators.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

In view of the latest situation in Saudi Arabia, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government today (November 14) removed the Amber Outbound Travel Alert (OTA) for Saudi Arabia as a whole, while maintaining the Amber OTA for Saudi Arabia’s border regions with Yemen only.
 
A Government spokesman said, “We review the situation of the countries covered by the OTA system from time to time and make corresponding adjustments to the OTA level.”
 
Residents can obtain the latest OTA information on the Security Bureau’s OTA webpage (www.sb.gov.hk/eng/ota). The Security Bureau will also issue updates when necessary through the media, the Security Bureau’s mobile app and the OTA webpage.
 
Hong Kong residents who need assistance when travelling outside Hong Kong may call the 24-hour hotline of the Assistance to Hong Kong Residents Unit of the Immigration Department (ImmD) at (852) 1868, call the 1868 hotline using network data or use the 1868 Chatbot via the ImmD mobile application, send a message to the 1868 WhatsApp assistance hotline or the 1868 WeChat assistance hotline, or submit the Online Assistance Request Form.

Before travelling abroad, Hong Kong residents are encouraged to use the online Registration of Outbound Travel Information service (www.gov.hk/roti) of the ImmD to register their contact details and itinerary. The information provided allows the ImmD to disseminate practical information to them through appropriate means, including SMS on mobile phones, when necessary.