MIL Asia Pacific Publishing Engine

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The new policy of allowing dogs to enter food premises has been implemented for two weeks since July 9, marking the halfway point of the one-month adaptation period. A spokesman for the Government said today (July 25) that public acceptance of the new policy has been increasing progressively and the overall operation has been smooth and stable. The number of permitted food premises has also grown steadily, rising from 940 at the start of implementation on July 9 to over 970 at present. This indicates that the vast majority of permitted food premises have chosen to continue participating, reflecting an overall stable situation.

The spokesman pointed out that the first phase of the new measure sets a quota of 1 000 food premises, and establishing a waiting list mechanism is an important part of the Government’s policy design. As early as June 26, the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) has already placed unsuccessful applicant food premises on a waiting list according to their ballot order. If an approved food premises withdraws its permission, its quota is swiftly reallocated to applicants on the waiting list in that order. The preset waiting list mechanism is operating quickly and in an orderly manner, catering to the choices of different operators. Upon completion of the replacement procedures, the information of the newly added food premises will be promptly uploaded to the FEHD’s dedicated webpage.

The spokesman added that restaurants make various commercial decisions every day, and the turnover of permitted food premises is a normal market adjustment and a continuous process of refinement, enabling resources to be allocated more effectively and matching supply and demand more accurately. The aim of the policy is to provide choices – giving options to food premises, as well as offering different choices to members of the public with different preferences and needs.

It is worth noting that despite some food premises have withdrawn, even more waitlisted applicants are eager to take up the released quotas. Since the implementation of the new policy, the Government is pleased to see active co-operation from both the public and the trade.

As the adaptation period reaches its midpoint, the FEHD’s 90-member dedicated team continues to provide support to permitted food premises while carrying out publicity and educational work. Dedicated officers have been proactively inspecting food premises across various districts over recent days to observe the implementation status and make every effort to assist the trade in complying with relevant requirements.

The spokesman stressed that during the remaining half-month of the adaptation period, the Government will continue to adopt an “advice before enforcement” approach in handling non-compliance cases. However, this does not mean a relaxation of regulatory oversight. Should serious non-compliance cases or situations affecting environmental hygiene or food safety be detected, the FEHD will definitely take decisive enforcement action to ensure public safety and fairness of the policy.

The Government appeals to persons-in-charge and frontline staff of permitted food premises to continue earnestly fulfilling licensing conditions and legal requirements, while stepping up supervision and reminders for customers bringing dogs. At the same time, members of the public bringing dogs should properly control their dogs and respect other customers, working together to maintain a comfortable and harmonious dining environment and promote pet inclusivity.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

TV/radio announcers, please broadcast the following as soon as possible:
 
As a typhoon is approaching Hong Kong, for safety reasons, the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department urges members of the public to avoid visiting country parks. Those who are currently in country parks should, depending on the actual circumstances, immediately leave or take shelter at a safe place.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Hong Kong Observatory (HKO) will issue Tropical Cyclone Warning Signal No.8 (T8) at 10.10pm tonight (July 25), and will issue the “Pre-No.8 Special Announcement” within about two hours before T8 is expected to take effect. When the HKO issues “Pre-No.8 Special Announcement”, classes of all schools, including evening schools, will then be suspended. Schools should implement contingency measures to ensure the safety of students.  They should ensure that conditions are safe before allowing students to return home.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

Following is the speech by the Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Professor Sun Dong, at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Workshop on New Concepts and Approaches of AI Literacy Enhancement Actions for the Public in Chengdu today (July 25):

王京濤主任 (Deputy Director of the Cyberspace Administration of China, Mr Wang Jingtao), 鄭莉部長 (Member of the Standing Committee and Director General of the Publicity Department of the Communist Party of China Sichuan Provincial Committee, Ms Zheng Li), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

Good afternoon. AI is reshaping the global landscape of technology, industry, and social development at an unprecedented pace. It is essential to enhance public AI literacy so that our citizens can navigate this digital era safely and confidently. It is my pleasure to share with you how Hong Kong, China (HKC), enhances AI literacy for the public at today’s workshop.

HKC is fully committed to fostering AI literacy across all sectors of society. Through the “AI for All” Inclusive Programme, we are adopting a tiered and collaborative model to support the needs of different segments of the community. Tier 1, Basics for All, promotes AI awareness and responsible use of AI for students, parents, the elderly and underprivileged groups. Tier 2, Professional Empowerment, equips university students, young researchers and professionals by translating their knowledge into practical skills and employability. Tier 3, Practical Enhancement, supports working professionals and small and medium-sized enterprises in strengthening efficiency and competitiveness through applied AI knowledge.

To further broaden public understanding, we launched an eight-episode TV series, “AI Masters Series”, this year on free television channels at prime time, bringing AI education into every household. Throughout the series, we invited leading AI experts and industry leaders to share their insights through a lively and engaging approach to present complex technological knowledge as easy-to-understand content, thereby enhancing public awareness of the safe application, future trends and opportunities of AI, making AI a natural part of our social fabric.

Emerging technologies bring vast opportunities, yet the convergence of AI, governance and cybersecurity has become one of the defining challenges of our time. HKC has responded decisively by launching the Ethical AI Framework and the Hong Kong Generative AI Technical and Application Guideline to provide guidance for projects to develop and apply AI technologies in a responsible and ethical manner.

We are also advancing AI-related cybersecurity initiatives to further promote safe AI applications and deepen public awareness. For example, the Secure AI@Work Enablement Campaign boosts the safe application of AI technologies in the workplace. We will also hold the Cyber Attack and Defence Elite Training and Tournament next month, offering free training and simulated practical exercises to nurture cybersecurity talents and strengthen their capability to leverage AI in countering cyber threats.

In parallel, we are equipping our government workforce for the future. This year, we are rolling out online foundation AI training courses for all civil servants. Covering core concepts, guidelines, usage principles and ethical consideration, these courses enable civil servants to apply AI in a more effective and secure manner, with the ultimate goal of delivering more quality and responsive public services to our citizens.

Widespread understanding and secure adoption of AI lay the foundation for an AI-ready society. Through deepening exchanges and strengthening collaboration, let us build an AI-literate Asia-Pacific community where every citizen is empowered to grow and thrive in this AI era. Thank you.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

According to the Environmental Protection Department (EPD)’s forecast, the health risk category of Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) at some air quality monitoring stations may reach the “Serious” level later today (July 25).
      
     The EPD has recorded higher-than-normal air pollution levels in some areas since yesterday (July 24) afternoon. Under the influence of the outer subsiding air of tropical cyclone Noul, the weather in Hong Kong today is fine and very hot with moderate northwesterly winds. Weak winds are unfavourable for pollutant dispersion. The intense sunshine enhances photochemical smog activity, leading to the rapid formation of ozone and fine particulates in the Pearl River Delta region. The high ozone level also promotes the formation of nitrogen dioxide.
      
According to the Hong Kong Observatory, there will be heavy squally showers with windy conditions tomorrow (July 26). It is expected that air quality in Hong Kong will improve by then.
      
With a health risk category in the “Very High” range or above, children, the elderly and persons with existing heart or respiratory illnesses are advised to reduce physical exertion and outdoor activities to a minimum or avoid such activities. The general public is advised to reduce, or reduce to a minimum, outdoor physical exertion, and to reduce time outdoors, especially in areas with heavy traffic. As health effects of air pollutants may vary for individuals, persons who are in doubt or experience discomfort should seek advice from healthcare professionals. The public may visit the Centre for Health Protection’s website (www.chp.gov.hk/en/content/9/460/3557.html) for more information on health effects of air pollution and relevant health advice.

The Education Bureau (EDB) urges all schools to visit the EDB website for appropriate measures to safeguard students’ health and take note of changes in the index. The relevant hyperlink is as follows: www.edb.gov.hk/en/sch-admin/admin/about-activities/sch-activities-guidelines/index.html.

When the air quality health risk category is at the “Very High” level, employers of outdoor workers performing heavy manual work are advised to assess the risk of outdoor work and take appropriate preventive measures to protect the health of their employees, such as reducing outdoor physical exertion and the time of their stay outdoors, especially in areas with heavy traffic. At the “Serious” level, employers of all outdoor workers are advised to assess the risk of outdoor work and take appropriate preventive measures to protect the health of their employees.

Members of the public can check the current AQHI readings on the EPD’s website (www.aqhi.gov.hk/en.html).

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

Attention duty announcers, radio and TV stations:

Please broadcast the following as soon as possible and repeat it at suitable intervals:

Following the issuing of Tropical Cyclone Warning Signal No. 3, the Home Affairs Department has activated a round-the-clock hotline, 2572 8427, for public enquiries on the tropical cyclone.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

As the Strong Wind Signal No. 3 is now in force, the Labour Department (LD) today (July 25) reminded employers to make prior work arrangements for employees during and after tropical cyclone warnings, rainstorm warnings and extreme conditions. These arrangements not only can ensure the safety of employees and smooth operation of organisations, but also are conducive to maintaining good labour relations.

Formulate work arrangements

In drawing up and implementing the work arrangements and contingency measures for periods during and after tropical cyclone warnings and rainstorm warnings, employers should give prime consideration to employees’ safety and the feasibility of employees travelling to and from their workplaces. To avoid unnecessary disputes between employers and employees, employers should ensure that all employees are informed of and agree to the relevant work arrangements in advance. The work arrangements should cover the following areas:

* arrangements in respect of reporting for duty;
* arrangements in respect of early release from work; 
* arrangements in respect of work resumption (e.g. the number of hours within which employees should resume duty after the relevant warning signal is cancelled or when the extreme conditions come to an end, and when safety and traffic conditions allow);
* arrangements in respect of remote work (if applicable);
*arrangements regarding wages and allowances (e.g. calculation of wages and allowances in respect of reporting for duty); and
* arrangements for staff required to report for duty in times of adverse weather and extreme conditions.

“Employers should conduct an early and realistic assessment of whether there is any need for staff to report for duty at workplaces when a tropical cyclone warning, rainstorm warning or extreme conditions are in force. In making the assessment, employers should take into account the safety of employees, the business nature, operational needs and urgency of service of their organisations, with due regard to the manpower requirements, staffing establishment and circumstances of individual employees, and keep the number of staff required to report for duty at workplaces to the minimum,” said a spokesman for the LD.
     
Work arrangements in times of adverse weather and extreme conditions

When a Pre-No. 8 Special Announcement is issued by the Hong Kong Observatory during working hours, within two hours before the Tropical Cyclone Warning Signal No. 8 (T8) is expected to take effect, employers should release employees from workplaces or from work by batches, or arrange for them to work remotely according to the agreed work arrangements. To ensure the safety of employees and enable them to arrive home before the suspension of public transport services, employees who have mobility problems (for example, pregnant or disabled employees), employees who rely on transport services which are prone to being affected by adverse weather conditions (for example, ferry services) to get home, and those who work or live in remote areas (for example, outlying islands) should be given priority to leave. Other employees should be released from workplaces or from work by batches according to their travelling distance or the time required for returning home.

If an Amber, Red or Black Rainstorm Warning Signal is issued within working hours, employees working indoors should continue to work as usual unless it is dangerous to do so. Supervisors of employees working outdoors or in exposed areas should suspend outdoor duties as soon as practicable. They should arrange for their employees to take shelter temporarily and resume duty only when weather conditions permit. If the Black Rainstorm Warning Signal is still in force at the end of working hours, employees should stay in a safe place until the heavy rain has passed. Employers should also make available to employees a suitable area in the workplace as temporary shelter from wind and rain.
    
If it is necessary for employees to report for duty at workplaces under adverse weather or extreme conditions, employers should discuss and agree with them in advance on the duty arrangements and contingency measures. If public transport is suspended or only maintains a limited service when T8 or higher, the Black Rainstorm Warning Signal or extreme conditions are in force, employers should provide safe transport services for employees travelling to and from workplaces, or grant them an additional travelling allowance.

The spokesman reminded employers to observe the statutory liabilities and requirements under the Employment Ordinance, Occupational Safety and Health Ordinance, Factories and Industrial Undertakings Ordinance, Employees’ Compensation Ordinance and Minimum Wage Ordinance.

Comply with requirements of legislation

“Tropical cyclones and rainstorms are natural calamities. If employees are not required to report for duty, or are released from workplaces early, or are unable to report for duty at workplaces or resume work on time, etc due to adverse weather, extreme conditions or other environmental factors beyond their control, employers should not deduct their wages, good attendance bonus, or allowances, nor require employees to compensate subsequently for the loss of working hours in response to the aforementioned situations, or reduce employees’ entitlements to annual leave, statutory holidays or rest days under the Employment Ordinance to compensate for the loss of working hours resulting from the issuance of adverse weather warnings or the extreme conditions announcement. Even if employers know in advance that a tropical cyclone may soon affect Hong Kong, they should not make last-minute changes to employees’ leave arrangements in order to offset the loss of working hours resulting from the issuance of T8 or higher, the Black Rainstorm Warning Signal and other severe weather warnings, or the extreme conditions announcement,” the spokesman said.
  
Employers have an obligation to provide and maintain a safe working environment for their employees under the Occupational Safety and Health Ordinance and the Factories and Industrial Undertakings Ordinance. If employees are required to work in times of tropical cyclone warnings, rainstorm warnings or extreme conditions, employers should ensure that the risks at work are reduced as far as reasonably practicable. 

Moreover, under the Employees’ Compensation Ordinance, employers are liable to pay compensation for injuries or deaths incurred when employees are travelling by a direct route from their residence to their workplace, or from their workplace back to their residence after work, four hours before or after working hours on a day when T8 or higher, a Red or Black Rainstorm Warning Signal or extreme conditions are in force.

The LD’s latest revised “Code of Practice in Times of Adverse Weather and ‘Extreme Conditions'” sets out the relevant guidelines in a reader-friendly and concise manner, reiterating the three major principles for formulating work arrangements under adverse weather and extreme conditions, including formulating work arrangements in advance, giving prime consideration to employees’ safety, and complying with requirements of labour legislation, and incorporating corporate examples for reference. The booklet can be obtained from branch offices of the Labour Relations Division or downloaded from the department’s webpage (www.labour.gov.hk/eng/public/wcp/Rainstorm.pdf). 

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

Attention duty announcers, radio and TV stations:

Please broadcast the following special announcement immediately, and repeat it at frequent intervals:

“The Social Welfare Department announces that as Tropical Cyclone Warning Signal No. 8 or above is now hoisted, all welfare services units of the department, services units providing after school care programmes for primary school children and elderly services centres will not open to the public. After the No. 8 signal is cancelled, those centres and units that normally operate on Sundays and public holidays will resume normal operation in two hours, if the weather and conditions permit.”