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Brussels ETO supports Hong Kong films at Sitges International Fantastic Film Festival of Catalonia (with photos)

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Brussels (Brussels ETO) supported the 58th Sitges International Fantastic Film Festival of Catalonia held from October 9 to 19 (Sitges time). 

     The festival featured six Hong Kong films namely “She Has No Name”, “Cesium Fallout”, “Another World”, “Dangerous Encounter – 1st Kind”, “Hard Boiled” and “Sons of the Neon Night”.

     To celebrate Hong Kong cinema, Brussels ETO hosted a reception on October 16. The event brought together around 100 guests from the film, cultural, media and business sectors. Among the attendees was renowned Hong Kong director Peter Chan, whose latest film “She Has No Name” was screened on the same day.

     In his welcoming speech, Deputy Representative of Brussels ETO Mr Kasper Ng said that Hong Kong has one of the largest and most dynamic film industries in the world.

     “The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government is committed to supporting our film industry through the Film Development Fund and other initiatives. We also host the Hong Kong International Film and TV Market (FILMART) in March every year, which is Asia’s largest film and entertainment content marketplace. FILMART this year showcased a wide variety of cross-media and cross-industry contents from over 760 exhibitors and attracted more than 7 600 industry practitioners from 42 countries and regions. These initiatives not only support cultural exchange but also amplify the global reach of Hong Kong cinema, opening new doors for collaboration and storytelling,” added Mr Ng.

     Mr Ng also encouraged the audience to visit Hong Kong and experience its arts and cultural scene as well as the blend of history, creativity and modernity offered by the city.

     Founded in 1968, the Sitges – International Fantastic Film Festival of Catalonia is the world’s leading fantasy film festival. It screens films related to the fantastic genre, including action and adventure movies and black comedies, with a special emphasis on thrillers.

        

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15 families commended

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Home & Youth Affairs Bureau today gave awards to 15 families in a presentation ceremony for the Hong Kong Excellent Family Awards.

 

The awards promote family values and traditional virtues in the community and among younger generations.

 

Deputy Chief Secretary Cheuk Wing-hing and Secretary for Home & Youth Affairs Alice Mak officiated at the ceremony.

 

In a speech, Mr Cheuk said the awardees’ experiences can inspire the wider community to uphold family values and the sanctity of family bonds.

 

He highlighted that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government, responding to national policies, strives to promote a family-friendly society and the healthy development of families in Hong Kong.

 

Miss Mak, meanwhile, expressed her gratitude to members of the public for sharing their family experiences and their insights on family relationships.

 

She said the stories of each family are unique, and that others can learn from the virtues of excellent families, helping to nurture family bonds from generation to generation.

 

Under the theme “Fostering Stable Family Relationships for Building Good Family Values and Virtues”, the event drew participation from approximately 1,200 families.

 

The adjudication panel selected 10 recipients of the “Excellent Families Award” and five recipients of the “Passage of Good Family Values & Virtues Award”. At the presentation ceremony, the winners shared their experiences and insights on fostering strong family bonds, a positive family culture and values, and good family traditions and virtues.

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64th round of computer ballot registration for submitting applications for Northbound Travel for Hong Kong Vehicles to be open October 20 to 23

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

64th round of computer ballot registration for submitting applications for Northbound Travel for Hong Kong Vehicles to be open October 20 to 23 
Eligible applicants for the scheme can register for computer balloting through the designated website (www.hzmbqfs.gov.hkIssued at HKT 10:00

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District governance: Cameras boost security

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Whether at busy intersections or tranquil street corners, Hong Kong has silent sentinels safeguarding citizens.

Through the SmartView initiative, the Police Force has to date installed more than 4,500 closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras in public places with high crime rates and pedestrian flows, aiding crime prevention and detection.

Since its launch, SmartView has demonstrated remarkable effectiveness, assisting the force in detecting more than 480 criminal cases and leading to the arrests of more than 840 individuals.

Emergency relief

Besides combating crime, SmartView has been invaluable during typhoons and extreme weather conditions.

It provides real-time monitoring of high-risk locations such as areas vulnerable to flooding and public transport interchanges, allowing Police to put precautionary arrangements in place.  

For example, during the recent Super Typhoon Ragasa, Police closely monitored the storm’s impact on the city from their Command & Control Centre, located at Wan Chai Police Headquarters.

Operations Wing Senior Superintendent of Police Leung Ming-leung explained that during the post-typhoon recovery phase, Police used SmartView’s cameras to assess the road conditions on major routes and at public transport hubs. This enabled them to quickly deploy personnel and resources, helping the community restore normalcy as swiftly as possible.

“We also shared the SmartView video feeds with the Drainage Services Department to assist them in monitoring flooding conditions in the city,” he added.

The force hopes that as SmartView continues to develop and improve, footage can be shared with other government departments at times of need in the future.

Enhancing efficiency

In addition, the force is committed to leveraging other innovations to enhance the efficiency of SmartView. This includes introducing automatic number plate recognition technology in July.

This new function has strengthened the force’s capabilities in dealing with suspicious and wanted vehicles.

SmartView also supports people-counting technology, which employs a large language model to provide precise estimates. Police have deployed this function at multiple large-scale events, including the recent National Day fireworks display, where it was found to be highly effective.

Expanding coverage

As a city-wide initiative under the steer of the Task Force on District Governance, SmartView cameras are mainly installed on lampposts, smart lampposts and government buildings. Starting from late July this year, the force has also mounted cameras on Police vehicles as mobile CCTV units.

The force is now looking to expand its range of installation platforms, and will install the first traffic light-mounted camera before the end of this year.

To further enhance the efficiency and coverage of SmartView, it also plans to gradually integrate CCTV cameras installed by other government departments and public organisations, such as those at the Kai Tak Sports Park.

To date, over 5,000 such cameras have been connected to SmartView.

In terms of collaboration with other departments, the force’s target for this year is to integrate cameras from 10 public housing estates managed by the Housing Department, three cross-harbour tunnels managed by the Transport Department, seven venues related to the National Games that are managed by the Leisure & Cultural Services Department, and four immigration control points.

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No. 3 alarm fire in Central (3)

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

No. 3 alarm fire in Central (3)          
     Four persons were injured or felt unwell and were sent to Queen Mary Hospital for treatment respectively.
Issued at HKT 23:05

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InnoCarnival 2025 opens

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Acting Financial Secretary Michael Wong officiated today at the opening ceremony of the InnoCarnival 2025, which showcases local innovation and technology (I&T) achievements.

Mr Wong said that the Government will continue to leverage Hong Kong’s strengths to promote I&T development through policy guidance, financial support and talent cultivation, thereby reinforcing Hong Kong’s position as an international I&T centre.

He expressed hope that the carnival will encourage members of the public to explore and experience the many benefits that I&T brings to society, and offer their support its ongoing development.

Under the theme “I&T Unlocks Your Dream”, the carnival runs from today to next Sunday at the Science Park in Sha Tin.

Organised by the Innovation & Technology Commission, it is supported by about 50 programme partners, including local universities, research and development centres and platforms, government departments, and other organisations.

Booths hosted by partners showcase various I&T achievements, as well as interactive games. The programme includes about 150 workshops and more than 10 webinars covering various popular subjects such as artificial intelligence and ecology, with the aim of demonstrating the interface between I&T and people’s daily lives.

 

All activities at the carnival are free of charge, although some require pre-registration.

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Police hold Anti-Crime Elite Games (with photos)

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Police hold Anti-Crime Elite Games  
Speaking at the kick-off ceremony, the Commissioner of Police, Mr Chow Yat-ming, stated that given the complex and ever-changing crime landscape, collaborative efforts from all stakeholders, not just the Police, are required to effectively prevent and combat crime, as well as safeguard the growth of young people.
 
In the first eight months of this year, the number of youths arrested for criminal offenses has continued to improve, showing a 10 per cent decrease compared to the same period last year, totalling 1 742 individuals. Notably, arrests related to money laundering and deception have seen declines of 50 per cent and 32.4 per cent respectively. However, arrests related to serious drug offences and indecent assaults have increased by 45.2 per cent and 33.3 per cent.
 
Mr Chow stated that etomidate has become the most commonly abused drug among different age groups, followed by cannabis and cocaine. He emphasised that drug abuse remains drug abuse, regardless of the circumstances. It is not a trendy activity, and one should not mistakenly believe that trying it once is harmless. In addition to continuing to strengthen law enforcement, including targeting online drug trafficking, the Police will continue to nurture young anti-drug leaders through the Leadership Institute on Narcotics (L.I.O.N.), promoting a drug-free culture in communities, schools and families.
 
In regard to child protection, the Police are concerned about issues such as children being sexually extorted or defrauded online, and even being sexually assaulted. In the first eight months of this year, 57 cases of “online child sexual grooming” were recorded. Mr Chow appealed to schools and parents to collaborate in equipping young people with self-protection awareness and helping them understand the risks of the virtual world. The Mandatory Reporting of Child Abuse Ordinance will come into effect on January 20, 2026. The Police have been proactively launching publicity and educational initiatives to help professionals understand their roles and responsibilities, with a view to establishing an effective safety net to protect children from abuse and ensuring the timely handling of child abuse cases.
 
A total of 28 379 deception cases were recorded in the first eight months of this year, while the monetary loss decreased by 14.5 per cent year-on-year to $5.02 billion. Mr Chow stated that the Police, along with various stakeholders, have adopted a comprehensive strategy to combat and prevent deception cases, which gradually shows results. However, the number of cases remains high, with some involving significant financial losses. The Police constantly refine their strategies, including strengthening efforts to dismantle the fraud industry chain, enhance anti-scam publicity, and foster international co-operation. Additionally, the Police will launch an optimised version of the Scameter+, featuring automatic updates to the fraud database and real-time AI detection and reporting to expedite warnings to the public.
 
In the first eight months of this year, there were 270 phone scam cases involving post-secondary students, with losses over $100 million. In the new academic year, the Police have strengthened anti-scam publicity targeting post-secondary students, including co-ordinating with institutions to encourage new students to complete online learning modules and organising over 30 seminars and activities. The Police will continue to work closely with the banking industry and the Hong Kong Monetary Authority to promote anti-scam awareness and implement various anti-deception measures.
 
Mr Chow also reminded members of the public to heed the Police’s anti-money laundering warnings and always remember not to be greedy for bargains, as well as not to rent, lend or sell their personal bank accounts. The Police will collaborate with the Department of Justice to expedite prosecutions of money laundering cases and apply to the courts for enhanced penalties. In the first eight months of this year, 122 individuals convicted of money laundering have had their sentences increased by the courts, with sentence durations extended by over 30 per cent at maximum. In 2024, 44 convicted individuals had their sentences increased by the courts.
 
Mr Chow expressed sincere gratitude to community leaders from the Hong Kong Shine Tak Foundation and the L.I.O.N. for their support to the Anti-Crime Elite Games, as well as the participation of various public and private organisations and schools, that contributed to the building of a safer community and safeguarding the next generation of Hong Kong.
 
Other officiating guests at the kick-off ceremony included the Chairman of the Hong Kong Shine Tak Foundation, Mr Lam Kwok-hing; the Principal President of L.I.O.N., Mr Kerry Wong; the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Operations), Mr Yip Wan-lung; the Director of Crime and Security, Mr Chan Tung, etc.
 
In addition to game booths, the two-day event also features music performance, dancing, magic shows, Police Pipe Band parades and demonstrations by the Police Dog Unit. The participating units from the Crime Wing include the Narcotics Bureau, the Family Conflict and Sexual Violence Policy Unit, the Commercial Crime Bureau, the Cyber Security and Technology Crime Bureau, as well as the Financial Intelligence and Investigation Bureau. For details, please visit the Anti-Crime Elite Games webpage (www.police.gov.hk/ppp_en/04_crime_matters/adcc/aceg2025.htmlIssued at HKT 20:08

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FSD holds Save Lives x Emergency Response Ceremony cum Carnival (with photos)

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

The Fire Services Department (FSD) held the Save Lives x Emergency Response Ceremony cum Carnival at The Wai in Tai Wai today (October 18). The event aimed to appeal to the public to save lives in emergencies through various activities, including commendations for organisations and members of the public and an introduction to the FSD Community Emergency Responder (FSDCER) Scheme, as well as interactive experiences, game booths and drama performances.

In his remarks, the Director of Fire Services, Mr Andy Yeung, said that there are about 8 000 cases of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest in Hong Kong each year, an average of about 22 cases per day. The chance of saving lives is significantly higher if members of the public can perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and use an automated external defibrillator (AED) in a timely manner. Mr Yeung showed his appreciation for the enthusiastic response from all sectors to the FSD’s AED Anywhere for Anyone (AAA) Programme. The number of AEDs available for public use has grown from around 1 000 in 2021 to over 3 700 to date, installed by more than 370 organisations across the city. This year, the FSD has also focused on installing AEDs in common areas of public housing estates to expand AED coverage.

Mr Yeung conferred the Big Heart Award – Social Responsibility Award to 26 organisations in recognition of their contribution to promoting the AAA Programme. The Assistant Director (Ambulance) of the FSD, Mr Henry Kwok, presented the Save Heart Award to 21 members of the public who courageously assisted individuals in cardiac arrest during emergencies.

To strengthen community efforts in promoting CPR and AED usage, the FSD established the Resuscitation Alliance (RA) in collaboration with organisations that provide related training or emergency services. With the Scout Association of Hong Kong and the Hong Kong Girl Guides Association joining the RA today, the number of RA member organisations has increased to 11. As of June this year, over 230 000 members of the public have completed training offered by the RA, meaning one in every 32 people in Hong Kong has pledged to offer aid if encountering a person suffering cardiac arrest. Since early 2025, over 20 members of the RA have assisted in saving lives in cardiac arrest cases.

The FSD has provided training under the FSDCER Scheme to over 1 600 volunteer leaders of the 15th National Games to enhance public safety during the Games period.

The FSD this year will set up 10 CPR & AED Self-learning Kiosks across the community. Through self-learning with the aid of high-fidelity patient simulators designated for CPR training, AED simulators and interactive virtual scenarios, members of the public can practice and receive an instant evaluation powered by artificial intelligence. Public members of all ages participated in self-learning sessions at the experience zone set up at the event venue today.

The event was organised by the FSD and co-organised by 10 RA member organisations, namely the Auxiliary Medical Service, the Civil Aid Service, the Hospital Authority, the Hong Kong College of Cardiology, the Hong Kong Red Cross, the Hong Kong St John Ambulance, the Resuscitation Council of Hong Kong, the Sudden Arrhythmia Death Syndromes (SADS) Hong Kong Foundation, the Scout Association of Hong Kong, and the Hong Kong Girl Guides Association. The event was funded by The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust as a key initiative under the Hong Kong Fire Services Department Disaster Management Programme. The FSDCER Scheme and the CPR & AED Self-learning Kiosks are also funded by The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust.