kakase/hk_gov_press_release huggingface dataset:
CE reviews Immigration Department&apos;s Passing-out Parade cum 60th Anniversary Grand Parade
30.12.2021

The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, attended the Passing-out Parade cum 60th Anniversary Grand Parade of the Immigration Department (ImmD) today (December 30) to review 171 officers on parade, including 45 Immigration Officers and 126 Immigration Assistants. As the first disciplined service to introduce Chinese-style footdrill, the ImmD adopted a totally Chinese style for the flag raising ceremony and the footdrill performance of the 60th Anniversary Grand Parade. In the Chinese-style footdrill performance, the parade marched in step and lined up to form the numerals "1961" to represent the year of establishment of the ImmD, the abbreviation for the department "IMMD", and the Chinese numerals "60" to symbolise the ImmD's 60 years of serving the Hong Kong community. In addition, the youth were also engaged in the parade. Members of the Immigration Department Youth Leaders Corps (IDYL) marched into the venue in the Chinese-style footdrill performance, holding the national, regional and departmental flags, which were taken over by the Flag Party to perform a Chinese-style flag raising ceremony, with the Immigration Band playing the national anthem live and guests rising to sing. In her speech, Mrs Carrie Lam said despite the many challenges over the years, the ImmD remained dauntless and forged ahead bravely, tiding over one difficulty after another with positive attitude and professionalism. She also commended the ImmD for its remarkable achievements in the past six decades, repeatedly winning great acclaim from citizens and visitors. For instance, the Next Generation Electronic Passport System was given the Award of the Year at the Hong Kong ICT Awards 2021 in recognition of the ImmD's efforts and contributions in harnessing information technology to provide quality public service experience for the community. She also appreciated the ImmD's incorporation of an element of youth engagement in the parade, which reflected its active role in promoting youth training and its dedication to nurturing new blood who had positive energy and had aspirations for serving the community and to ensure passing on the baton to the new generation. Lastly, Mrs Carrie Lam called on passing-out officers to stay true to their original aspirations and founding mission, ride out difficulties, and serve Hong Kong and contribute to the motherland with all their efforts. She hoped that the ImmD would continue to uphold the principles of putting people first and striving for excellence, and make sustained efforts to expand its scope of services and enhance the existing services in support of the sustainable development of the country as well as Hong Kong. Ends/Thursday, December 30, 2021 Issued at HKT 21:35 NNNN
CE to go on duty visit to Beijing
20.12.2021

The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, will pay a duty visit to Beijing from tonight (December 20) to December 23 to brief state leaders on the latest economic, social and political situation in Hong Kong. The Director of the Chief Executive's Office, Mr Chan Kwok-ki, will join the visit. During Mrs Lam's absence, the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr John Lee, will be the Acting Chief Executive. Ends/Monday, December 20, 2021 Issued at HKT 9:00 NNNN
CE&apos;s Office condemns intimidation
13.12.2021

The Central Government Offices received an intimidating letter addressed to the Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, today (December 13). A spokesman for the Chief Executive's Office condemned the act. During routine checks of incoming mail by personnel of the Central Government Offices this morning, a blade was found in an envelope addressed to the Chief Executive with an intimidating letter. A report was made to the Police. "Hong Kong is a society which observes the rule of law. It will not tolerate such illegal acts as violence and intimidation. If unlawful means is used with an aim to exert influence on the discharge of duty of an officer, no matter whether it involves the Chief Executive or other public officers, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government will take the case seriously and spare no effort in bringing the culprit to justice to safeguard the safety of public officers and public peace," the spokesman for the Chief Executive's Office said. Ends/Monday, December 13, 2021 Issued at HKT 20:57 NNNN
CE&apos;s statement on remarks by Director of Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of State Council
6.12.2021

The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, made the following statement today (December 6) in response to the remarks by the Director of the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council and Vice-Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, Mr Xia Baolong, today at the launching ceremony of the Hong Kong Chronicles - "Hong Kong's participation in the country's reform and opening up" and signing ceremony of the memorandum of co-operation of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Chronicles: I sincerely thank the Director of the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council and Vice-Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, Mr Xia Baolong, for expounding on the four characteristics of the Legislative Council elections following the improvement of the electoral system of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), namely broad representation, political inclusiveness, balanced participation and fair competition, today in view of the upcoming 2021 Legislative Council General Election of the HKSAR, following his remarks on the important principle of "patriots administering Hong Kong" at the symposium on July 16 this year marking the first anniversary of enacting the National Security Law. Over the past few years, the chaos in the HKSAR legislature brought about by the inability to ensure "patriots administering Hong Kong" was clearly seen in Hong Kong society. The legislature was paralysed, the governance of the HKSAR Government was disrupted, economic developments were affected and even national security was endangered, posing risks to social stability. People who love Hong Kong and call the city their home do not want to see the recurrence of the situation. The improvement to the electoral system aims to implement the fundamental principle of "patriots administering Hong Kong", ensuring that members of the Legislative Council are patriotic and act in the interests of the country's development and the long-term prosperity and stability of Hong Kong. On the basis of patriotism, candidates of the seventh-term Legislative Council come from across the political spectrum and are diverse and broadly representative. The HKSAR Government hopes to work together and co-operate sincerely with members of the new term of the Legislative Council to promote various policies and initiatives to develop the economy and improve livelihoods, ushering in a new era of good governance in Hong Kong. I appeal again to the registered voters to cast their votes on December 19 for Hong Kong's future. Ends/Monday, December 6, 2021 Issued at HKT 17:02 NNNN
CE to visit Wuhan
25.11.2021

​The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, will visit Wuhan in Hubei Province from November 28 to December 1. Mrs Lam will lead a delegation of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government and depart for Wuhan via Shenzhen on November 28 to attend the High-Level Meeting cum First Plenary of the Hong Kong-Hubei Co-operation Conference the following day. The Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr John Lee; the Secretary for Innovation and Technology, Mr Alfred Sit; the Secretary for Home Affairs, Mr Caspar Tsui; and the Under Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs, Mr Clement Woo, will join the visit. While in Wuhan, Mrs Lam will meet with leaders of Hubei Province and Wuhan as well as conduct visits to facilities and enterprises there. Mrs Lam will return to Hong Kong via Shenzhen on December 1. During Mrs Lam and Mr Lee's absence, the Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, will be the Acting Chief Executive. Mr Lee will be the Acting Chief Executive from his arrival in Hong Kong on November 30 until the return of Mrs Lam. The Executive Council will be on recess on November 30. Ends/Thursday, November 25, 2021 Issued at HKT 11:48 NNNN
CE thanks Professor Keiji Fukuda for his contributions in anti-epidemic works
25.11.2021

The Government was notified by Professor Keiji Fukuda that he will return to the United States for retirement upon his departure from the School of Public Health of the University of Hong Kong by the end of this year. He will thus resign from the expert advisory panel under the Steering Committee cum Command Centre in relation to the Novel Coronavirus (EAP) and the Advisory Panel on COVID-19 Vaccines (Advisory Panel) with effect from December 1. The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, said today (November 25), "With his rich experience and expertise in public health, Professor Fukuda offered a wealth of invaluable professional advice which is constructive to the Government's effort in combatting the epidemic during the past two years. He also shared his experience gained during his days in the World Health Organization and effectively supported the Government to deal with the epidemic situation based on science and theories. I express my heartfelt gratitude to Professor Fukuda for his significant contribution in our fight against the epidemic in Hong Kong and wish him a happy retirement.” ​ Professor Gabriel Leung, Professor Yuen Kwok-yung and Professor David Hui of the EAP will continue to advise the Government in the areas of public health, epidemiology and clinical aspect upon the departure of Professor Fukuda. As for the Advisory Panel, the updated membership list is in the Annex. Ends/Thursday, November 25, 2021 Issued at HKT 11:00 NNNN
CE officiates at third day of 2021 Honours and Awards Presentation Ceremony
22.11.2021

The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, presented the Chief Executive's Commendation for Government/Public Service to 316 recipients on the third day of the 2021 Honours and Awards Presentation Ceremony at Government House today (November 22). Lists of Honours and Awards recipients were announced on July 1 ( www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202107/01/P2021063000579.htm?fontSize=3 ) and November 15 ( www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202111/15/P2021111400711.htm ). Ends/Monday, November 22, 2021 Issued at HKT 18:20 NNNN
CE officiates at second day of 2021 Honours and Awards Presentation Ceremony
21.11.2021

The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, presented honours and awards to 232 recipients on the second day of the 2021 Honours and Awards Presentation Ceremony at Government House today (November 21). Among the recipients, 80 received the Medal of Honour and 152 received the Chief Executive's Commendation for Community Service. Lists of Honours and Awards recipients were announced on July 1 ( www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202107/01/P2021063000579.htm ) and November 15 ( www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202111/15/P2021111400711.htm ). Ends/Sunday, November 21, 2021 Issued at HKT 18:10 NNNN
CE officiates at first day of 2021 Honours and Awards Presentation Ceremony
20.11.2021

The 2021 Honours and Awards Presentation Ceremony is being held at the ballroom of Government House starting from today (November 20) for three consecutive days. The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, presented honours and awards to 157 recipients on the first day of the Ceremony. Among the recipients, 7 received the Grand Bauhinia Medal, 18 received the Gold Bauhinia Star, 1 received the Medal for Bravery (Gold) posthumously (received by family member), 21 received the Silver Bauhinia Star, 4 received the Medal for Bravery (Silver), 17 received the Distinguished Service Medal for the disciplined services and the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC), 39 received the Bronze Bauhinia Star, and 4 received the Medal for Bravery (Bronze). In addition, 46 recipients received the Meritorious Service Medal for the disciplined services and the ICAC. Lists of Honours and Awards recipients were announced on July 1 ( www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202107/01/P2021063000579.htm ) and November 15 ( www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202111/15/P2021111400711.htm ). Ends/Saturday, November 20, 2021 Issued at HKT 17:15 NNNN
Post-office engagements for former politically appointed official Mr Matthew Cheung
11.11.2021

The Advisory Committee on Post-office Employment for Former Chief Executives and Politically Appointed Officials has advised on the proposed engagements of Mr Matthew Cheung, former Chief Secretary for Administration, after his departure from the Government on June 25, 2021. The Advisory Committee considers that, subject to the observance of certain restrictions it has advised, Mr Cheung's proposed engagements would not give rise to any potential conflict of interest. The Advisory Committee also does not anticipate adverse public perception to arise from the proposed engagements. The Advisory Committee considers and advises on the post-office employment or appointments for former politically appointed officials. In considering each case, the Advisory Committee has regard to the information provided by the former politically appointed official concerned, the assessments by relevant government bureaux or offices, and the criteria for advice as stipulated in the guidance notes on post-office employment for politically appointed officials. Details of the above-mentioned case are available at the Advisory Committee's website ( www.ceo.gov.hk/poo/eng/index.htm ). The membership of the Advisory Committee is as follows: Professor Liu Pak-wai (Chairman) Mr Cheng Yan-kee Mr Simon Ip Sik-on Mrs Margaret Leung Ko May-yee Ms Lo Wing-sze Ends/Thursday, November 11, 2021 Issued at HKT 16:10 NNNN
CE receives third dose of COVID-19 vaccine
11.11.2021

The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, today (November 11) received her third dose of the Sinovac vaccine at the Community Vaccination Centre at Java Road Sports Centre and inspected the operation of the centre with the Secretary for the Civil Service, Mr Patrick Nip, and the Secretary for Food and Health, Professor Sophia Chan, who are responsible for co-ordinating the COVID-19 Vaccination Programme. Mr Nip and Professor Chan also received their third doses of the Sinovac vaccine today. The Government, after taking reference from experts' recommendations, announced on November 3 that eligible persons under certain groups, i.e. immunocompromised patients and persons with a higher risk of infection, including elderly people aged 60 or above and persons with chronic illnesses, can receive a third dose of a COVID-19 vaccine free of charge starting from today. Members of the public may choose to take the Sinovac vaccine or the Fosun/BioNTech vaccine according to their own circumstances. Details of the third-dose COVID-19 vaccination arrangements are available at the designated website of the COVID-19 Vaccination Programme ( www.covidvaccine.gov.hk ). After receiving their vaccine doses, Mrs Lam, Mr Nip and Professor Chan inspected the operation of the vaccination centre. They thanked the staff members for their hard work to contribute to the anti-epidemic efforts. They also chatted with members of the public who were there to get vaccinated. Mrs Lam said she was pleased to note that some eligible persons were receiving their third vaccine dose at the first opportunity and that they were satisfied with the vaccination arrangements. "With COVID-19 continuing to ravage the world, members of the public should get vaccinated as soon as possible to protect themselves, their family members and friends as well as the community. The more people get vaccinated, the greater the hope Hong Kong can emerge from the epidemic, and the sooner people can get back to their normal life, including the resumption of quarantine-free travel with the Mainland. I appeal to members of the public to take the first and second doses of COVID-19 vaccines as soon as possible and urge eligible persons under certain groups to receive their third dose of a vaccine on time," Mrs Lam said. Ends/Thursday, November 11, 2021 Issued at HKT 14:23 NNNN
Transcript of remarks by CE at media session before ExCo
9.11.2021

Following is the transcript of remarks by the Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, at a media session before the Executive Council meeting today (November 9): Reporter: Thank you Chief Executive. My question is, last night the US Fed (Federal Reserve) expressed concern about the fragility of the Chinese real estate sector, and there's a report today that the HKMA (Hong Kong Monetary Authority) is asking banks to report on their exposure to the Chinese property sector. How vulnerable are Hong Kong banks to credit risks from the Chinese property sector and what steps is Hong Kong taking to limit the fallout in the event of a crisis? Chief Executive: I cannot comment on the work done by the Hong Kong Monetary Authority because I do not possess the information, but I can reply to you that Hong Kong's banking system is highly robust. If you look at the liquidity ratios and all these other standards, we are well above international standards, so you can be assured that our banking system will continue to be able to serve Hong Kong's economy. Thank you. Reporter: Recently some people on the Internet called for voters to boycott the upcoming Legislative Council elections. What's your take on that? Thank you. Chief Executive: My response is to act in accordance with the law. In Hong Kong's legislation, we have a piece of legislation called Elections (Corrupt and Illegal Conduct) Ordinance. Any activities in public that will incite other people to either not cast a vote or to cast an invalid vote could also breach the law, but, of course, at the end of the day, one has to look into the evidence. So, I will forewarn that people should not try to breach the law by inciting, promoting activities that will undermine the integrity of a public election. If we notice that there is any sort of that activity, the law enforcement bodies will take very robust actions. (Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.) Ends/Tuesday, November 9, 2021 Issued at HKT 13:21 NNNN
Speech by CE at Shaw Prize Award Ceremony 2021
28.10.2021

Following is the video speech by the Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, at the Shaw Prize Award Ceremony 2021 held online this evening (October 28): Raymond (Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Shaw Prize Foundation, Mr Raymond Chan), Professor Shu (Chairman of the Board of Adjudicators of the Shaw Prize, Professor Frank Shu), Shaw Laureates, ladies and gentlemen, Welcome to the 2021 Shaw Prize award ceremony. For today's Awards, which is the 18th edition, my thanks to the Shaw Prize Foundation and its visionary management and mandate. I am grateful, as well, to the Board of Adjudicators and the selection committees. The Board and the selection committees for the three disciplines – Life Science and Medicine, Astronomy and Mathematical Sciences – have this year selected five Shaw Laureates. I am honoured to congratulate them for their groundbreaking contributions, and for advancing our understanding of life, the world we inhabit and the universe that surrounds us. The COVID-19 pandemic that has ravaged the world for over 18 months has again reminded us of the importance of basic research in sciences, global co-operation and solidarity. Scientists in many parts of the world have raced against time to enhance our testing capacity and produce vaccines to keep people safe. For Hong Kong, the commitment and investment we have made in innovation and technology in recent years has also paid off, as reflected in the many applications adopted in our fight against the pandemic. Looking ahead, especially in light of the support given by the Central Authorities in the nation's 14th Five-Year Plan for Hong Kong to develop as an international innovation and technology (I&T) hub, the Government will continue to accord policy priority to press ahead with Hong Kong's science and technology development. Since talent is a key part of that endeavour, we have recently launched the Global STEM Professorship Scheme to resource our universities to recruit international scholars for I&T-related teaching and research. I am glad that the feedback from the universities has been very positive. My congratulations to this year's Shaw Prize Laureates. I applaud your seminal accomplishments, and your continuing progress in building a better world through scientific research and development. Thank you. Ends/Thursday, October 28, 2021 Issued at HKT 18:31 NNNN
Acting CE and Principal Officials call on public to receive seasonal influenza vaccination early
20.10.2021

The Acting Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, together with a number of Principal Officials and Under Secretaries received seasonal influenza vaccination (SIV) today (October 20) and called on the public to receive SIV early to get prepared for the coming winter influenza season. Mr Lee said, "Influenza can cause not only serious illnesses in high-risk individuals but also infection in healthy persons. Vaccination is one of the most effective ways to prevent seasonal influenza and its complications. More evidence indicates that a person who contracts influenza and COVID-19 at the same time would have a higher risk of serious complications and death, and influenza vaccination may reduce the likelihood of hospitalisation and the length of stay. As such, receiving SIV and getting COVID-19 vaccination are both important. I call on members of the public, especially the high-risk groups including elderly people, to receive SIV early for additional protection to their personal health." The Secretary for Food and Health, Professor Sophia Chan, was also present today to show her support. She said, "Based on past epidemiological patterns, the winter influenza season usually starts in January. However, the exact time of arrival cannot be predicted. As it takes about two weeks to develop antibodies, I appeal to the public to receive vaccination early. Influenza vaccines are safe and effective. Except those with known contraindications, all persons aged six months or above are recommended to receive SIV." The recommended interval between administration of SIV and COVID-19 vaccines (Comirnaty or CoronaVac) is at least 14 days. Elderly people who are fit for SIV are also fit for COVID-19 vaccination. They should receive COVID-19 vaccination early as long as they are not suffering from acute illnesses. The Government continues to provide free or subsidised SIV for eligible groups under the Government Vaccination Programme, Vaccination Subsidy Scheme, Seasonal Influenza Vaccination School Outreach and Residential Care Home Vaccination Programme in 2021/22. Eligible persons include residents of residential care homes for the elderly and persons with disabilities as well as those in residential child care centres, children aged six months to under 12 years, persons aged 50 or above, pregnant women, persons with intellectual disability and recipients of Disability Allowance. For more information, members of the public may visit the website of the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health ( www.chp.gov.hk/en/features/17980.html ) or call the CHP at 2125 2125 during office hours. Apart from vaccination, maintaining good personal and environmental hygiene, in particular the proper use of surgical masks, performing hand hygiene at all times, maintaining a balanced diet, having regular exercise, not smoking and avoiding alcohol consumption are also effective in preventing infection from seasonal influenza. Ends/Wednesday, October 20, 2021 Issued at HKT 14:45 NNNN