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Panel of Advisors to Committee on Education, Technology and Talents convenes third engagement session  
     This year marks the beginning of the National 15th Five-Year Plan. The Hong Kong Government will proactively align with the vast opportunities brought by the National 15th Five-Year Plan, and draw up Hong Kong’s first five-year plan at full speed. At the engagement session, the Panel of Advisors pointed out that a forward-looking and strategic medium-to-long-term plan could further strengthen policy synergy, driving the integration of education, technology, and talent, and facilitating Hong Kong’s better integration into and service of the overall national development.
 
     During the engagement session, the Panel of Advisors put forward various suggestions regarding the development of innovation and technology (I&T), education and talent in the five-year plan. The Panel of Advisors supported the Government in accelerating the development of the Hong Kong Park of the Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Co-operation Zone and the San Tin Technopole. The Panel of Advisors also recommended attracting more quality technology enterprises from the Chinese Mainland and overseas to establish a presence in the parks. This would create a cluster effect, conducive to building a comprehensive I&T industry chain for providing development opportunities for incoming and local I&T talent.
 
     The Panel of Advisors fully recognised that the current-term Government has achieved significant success in its talent initiatives. It supported the Government’s continued efforts to expand Hong Kong’s talent pool through local training and recruiting global elites, while seizing the opportunities brought about by technological advancements at the same time, strengthening the professional development of teachers, enhancing the effectiveness of nurturing local talent to inject new impetus into Hong Kong’s high-quality development continually. Participants of the meeting also attached great importance to nurturing diversified talent to meet the needs of Hong Kong’s economic and I&T development, and exchanged views on the development strategies for Vocational and Professional Education and Training, as well as that for skills training. The Panel of Advisors also explored the development of local industries, education, and the labour market in response to the rapid rise of artificial intelligence technology.
 
     Mr Chan expressed gratitude for the valuable suggestions raised during the engagement session, which would provide an important reference for the Government in formulating the five-year plan more comprehensively. Mr Chan also briefed the Panel of Advisors on the insights gained by the Working Group on Planning and Construction of the University Town during its earlier visits to the Mainland, Korea, Germany and Switzerland to study local higher education and I&T infrastructure. CETT will continue to maintain close communication and co-operation with the Panel of Advisors to formulate strategies for developing Hong Kong into an international I&T centre and international hub for high-calibre talent.
 
     The Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Mr Chris Sun; the Under Secretary for Education, Dr Jeff Sze; Permanent Secretaries or representatives of the Innovation, Technology and Industry Bureau, Education Bureau and Labour and Welfare Bureau attended the engagement session today.  
Issued at HKT 20:02

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Speech by CE at Opening Ceremony of Chinese Culture Festival 2026 (with video) 
　　Let me now say a few words to our English-speaking friends.
 
　　Good evening. I am delighted to welcome you to the Opening Reception of the Chinese Culture Festival 2026. Let us savour the timeless charm of Chinese culture together.
 
　　Chinese culture is distinguished by its long history, vast scope and profound depth. Hong Kong is rooted in Chinese culture and enjoys a global vision. Under the “one country, two systems” principle, our city connects closely with both the Mainland and the world. We have wide-ranging experience in cultural exchanges. And we are determined to better integrate into national development, extending the reach of Chinese culture, presenting a credible and appealing China to the world, while telling the good stories of our country and Hong Kong.
 
　　To do this effectively requires sustained effort – it is not a short-term task. The HKSAR Government has formulated the Blueprint for Arts and Culture and Creative Industries Development. It has set up the Chinese Culture Promotion Office, dedicated to bringing culture into our community and enhancing our people’s sense of national identity, belonging and pride.
 
　　The Chinese Culture Festival, one of our annual flagship projects, features performances, exhibitions and outreach activities. It makes fine use of Hong Kong’s international network, allowing local citizens and overseas visitors alike to experience the historical spirit and contemporary flair of Chinese civilisation.
 
　　The past two editions of the Festival were warmly received, attracting over 1.8 million participants. And the “Chinese Culture for All: A Special Performance Series” benefited more than 15 000 teachers, students and community members, infusing patriotic education with a lively and dynamic presentation.
 
　　”Legends” is the theme of this year’s Festival, presenting a rewarding variety of programmes related to Chinese mythology and folktales.
 
　　Tonight’s opening programme, the dance drama “Lady White Snake”, is masterfully produced by the Shanghai Grand Theatre. Drawing from the beloved legend “The Legend of the White Snake”, it fuses Western ballet with Chinese classical dance, weaving modern vision with timeless beauty.
 
　　Beyond tonight’s performance, this year’s Chinese Culture Festival presents an inviting selection of Chinese operas and original local works, along with themed exhibitions and community outreach activities. Together, they allow you to appreciate the boundless diversity of Chinese culture.
 
　　The Chinese Culture Festival promises to become a cultural bridge connecting Hong Kong with the Mainland, while reaching out to the world.
 
　　I wish this year’s Chinese Culture Festival great success and its audiences unforgettable performances from beginning to the final curtain call. Thank you.
Issued at HKT 20:00

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Appointments to Council on Human Reproductive Technology announced 
     Established in 2001 under the Human Reproductive Technology Ordinance, the Council on Human Reproductive Technology is tasked with regulating reproductive technology activities, including regulating the provision of reproductive technology procedures and embryo research, in Hong Kong through a licensing system, and formulating the Code of Practice for the relevant sectors.————–
Professor Raymond Liang Hin-suen————————-
Professor Wong Man-sau———–
Mr Philip Chiu Kwok-leung 
Ms Eva Choi Doi-kwan
Professor Chow Ka-ming
Mr James Mathew Fong
Dr Go Wing-wa
Ms Iris Hsu Mei-kuen
Mr Frederick Hui Cheuk-kit
Dr May Lam Mei-ling
Ms Lau Tsz-on
Dr Leung Kwok-yin
Reverend Leung Yuen-yiu
Mr Jeffrey Lo Cheuk-fei
Mr Ng Chak-hang
Professor Ernest Ng Hung-yu
Reverend Ng Sui-lung
Ms Ng Wing-wing
Dr Charas Ong Yeu-theng
Ms Vanessa Wan Lai-shan
Professor Dennis Wong Sing-wing
Ms Yip Lai-wa
Principal Assistant Secretary, Health Bureau
Assistant Director, Department of Health
Assistant Director, Home Affairs Department
Chief Social Work Officer, Social Welfare Department
Issued at HKT 11:00

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Marine parks 30th anniversary “Together We Treasure, Together We Explore” series celebration events (with photos/video)      
     From now until December this year, the AFCD will organise a wide range of marine parks 30th anniversary celebration events under the theme of “Together We Treasure, Together We Explore”. Through roving exhibitions, ecotours, workshops and various experiential activities, the AFCD will introduce Hong Kong’s rich marine biodiversity and years of conservation achievements to the public, and encourage the public to experience the natural beauty of marine parks and actively participate in marine conservation.
      
     The “Marine Parks 30th Anniversary” Roving Exhibition showcases the history and conservation journey of marine parks and marine reserve over the years. It also promotes responsible marine life appreciation practices and sustainable marine recreational activities. The exhibition features information panels, interactive installations such as virtual reality experiences, photo spots, and marine conservation booths. On weekends, free public workshops such as marine wildlife illustration, coral reef clay-making, seashell upcycling, and fishing net weaving experiences will be held to bring marine conservation education closer to the community.
      
     In addition, the AFCD, in collaboration with partner organisations, will launch various ecotours, including glass-bottom boat tours in Hoi Ha Wan Marine Park, coral-safe snorkelling tours, and Chinese White Dolphin tours. All activities are free of charge. Through hands-on experiences, the public will be encouraged to explore and cherish the ocean in a friendly, responsible, and sustainable manner.
      
     For details of the events and registration, please visit the marine parks 30th anniversary webpage
     (www.afcd.gov.hk/english/country/cou_vis/cou_vis_mar/cou_vis_mar_wha/cou_vis_mar_cel.html      
     Since the establishment of the first batch of marine parks and the marine reserve in 1996, the AFCD has been committed to implementing various conservation measures. Currently, Hong Kong has designated eight marine parks and one marine reserve, covering a total area of 8 517 hectares, which are crucial for maintaining the marine biodiversity of Hong Kong waters. The marine parks in the eastern waters of Hong Kong are renowned for their coral communities, particularly Hoi Ha Wan Marine Park and Tung Ping Chau Marine Park, where Hong Kong’s overall coral diversity surpasses that of the Caribbean. In the western waters, the North Lantau Marine Park, the Brothers Marine Park, together with the Sha Chau and Lung Kwu Chau Marine Park, and the Guangdong Pearl River Estuary Chinese White Dolphin National Nature Reserve form a network of protected areas for conserving Chinese White Dolphins. Over the past 30 years, these marine protected areas have played a vital role in nature conservation, public education, and scientific research, effectively preserving and sustaining precious marine ecological resources.
Issued at HKT 17:20

Immigration Department repatriates 35 Vietnamese illegal immigrants and overstayers to Vietnam  
     The ImmD has been committed to promptly removing unsubstantiated non-refoulement claimants from Hong Kong to maintain effective immigration control and safeguard the public interest. Under the updated removal policy effective from December 7, 2022, the ImmD may generally proceed with the removal of a claimant whose judicial review case has been dismissed by the Court of First Instance of the High Court, thereby enhancing the efficiency of and efforts in removing unsubstantiated claimants.
 
     The ImmD will continue to explore different feasible solutions to expedite the repatriation of unsubstantiated non-refoulement claimants, and will actively co-ordinate with relevant authorities to optimise repatriation routes and the operation process. The ImmD will actively maintain close liaison with governments of major source countries of non-refoulement claimants, airline companies and other government departments to repatriate unsubstantiated non-refoulement claimants from Hong Kong as soon as practicable through all appropriate measures.
Issued at HKT 15:58

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CFS announces results of seasonal food surveillance on rice dumplings (with photo)————————
* Buy rice dumplings from reliable outlets;
* When purchasing non-prepackaged rice dumplings, choose those that are securely wrapped in wrapping leaves; and
* When purchasing prepackaged rice dumplings, check the expiry date and whether the packaging is intact.—————————–
* Buy wrapping leaves from reliable suppliers and avoid leaves that are unnaturally bright green or with chemical odours;
* Wash hands and utensils thoroughly before and after handling food; and
* Handle raw and cooked food separately to avoid cross-contamination.—————————————
* Consume rice dumplings as soon as possible and avoid prolonged storage;
* Both the glutinous rice and the stuffing should be well covered until the rice dumplings are unwrapped. Do not come into direct contact with the strings upon cooking to prevent contamination at all times.
* Store rice dumplings at 4 degrees Celsius or below, or store them properly according to the instructions on the package if they are not consumed or cooked immediately;
* Keep cooked rice dumplings that are not consumed immediately in a covered container and put them in the upper compartment of the refrigerator. Keep raw food in the lower compartment to prevent cross-contamination;
* Reheat rice dumplings thoroughly until the core temperature reaches 75 degrees C or above before consumption;
* Do not reheat rice dumplings more than once; and
* Consume reheated rice dumplings as soon as possible.—————————-
* Wash hands with running water and liquid soap, and rub for at least 20 seconds before consumption; and
* Reduce seasonings such as soy sauce or granulated sugar during consumption.Issued at HKT 15:00

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