kakase/hk_gov_press_release huggingface dataset:
HKSAR Young People to Work at the United Nations
23.12.2019

The Launch Ceremony of the First Batch of HKSAR Junior Professional Officers Recommended by the Central Government of the PRC to the United Nations was held today (December 23) at the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (OCMFA) to mark the occasion of five Hong Kong young people taking up positions in different agencies of the United Nations (UN). With the support of the Central People’s Government and the assistance of the OCMFA, five young public officers from the Administration Wing, Hong Kong Observatory and Electrical and Mechanical Services Department of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), as well as the Independent Commission Against Corruption have been recommended by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to participate in the UN Junior Professional Officer (JPO) Programme. The UN is composed of sovereign states and participants of the programme must be sent by member states. This is the first time that the HKSAR has taken part in the JPO Programme. It is a major breakthrough for Hong Kong’s conduct of external affairs and for young people from Hong Kong to enter the international arena. The five Hong Kong young people will be working in the UN offices in New York, United States, Geneva, Switzerland, and Vienna, Austria as Chinese personnel. They are expected to report duty to the UN next year for a two-year tenure. The HKSAR Government attaches great importance to youth development and is committed to facilitating young people to widen their horizons outside Hong Kong. The HKSAR Government has seconded civil servants to work in international organisations. Hong Kong young public officers being recommended by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to work in different UN agencies on the occasion of the 70th Anniversary of the Founding of the People's Republic of China carries special significance. The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, said during the ceremony that, “under the ‘one country, two systems’ principle, we enjoy the unique advantages of being backed by the Motherland and open to the world. Based on the principle of ‘one country’, Hong Kong young public officers can enter the UN as Chinese personnel, shouldering the international obligations and sharing the glory of the rising international status of our country. Owing to the advantages under ‘two systems’, Hong Kong as Asia’s World City has nurtured young talents with global vision and multicultural exchange capability.” The Chief Executive encouraged the five young people to work in the UN agencies with passion for making contributions to the world. At the same time, the HKSAR Government will continue to proactively develop external affairs in accordance with the Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China. Ends/Monday, December 23, 2019 Issued at HKT 21:05 NNNN
Appointments to Standing Commission on Civil Service Salaries and Conditions of Service and Standing Committee on Disciplined Services Salaries and Conditions of Service
23.12.2019

The Government announced today (December 23) that the Chief Executive has made appointments and re-appointments to the Standing Commission on Civil Service Salaries and Conditions of Service (SCCS) and the Standing Committee on Disciplined Services Salaries and Conditions of Service (SCDS). The Chief Executive has appointed Mrs Betty Yuen So Siu-mai and Mr Chan Chun-ying as members, and re-appointed Mrs Edith Chan Ngan Man-ling and Mr Lee Luen-fai as members of the SCCS. The Chief Executive has appointed Mr Tony Tse Wai-chuen as member and re-appointed Ms Dilys Chau Suet-fung and Professor Chong Tai-leung as members of the SCDS. The above appointments will be for a term of two years from January 1, 2020, to December 31, 2021. The Government expresses its gratitude and appreciation to retiring SCCS members Mr Ignatius Chan Tze-ching and Mr Tony Tse Wai-chuen for their invaluable contribution to the work of the SCCS. The SCCS tenders advice to the Chief Executive on matters concerning pay and conditions of service of non-directorate civilian civil servants and is currently chaired by Dr Pang Yiu-kai. Other serving members are Ms Christina Maisenne Lee, Mr Dick Lee Ming-kwai, Ms Angela Lee Wai-yin, Ms Elaine Lo Yuen-man, Dr Miranda Lou Lai-wah and Mr Joseph Luc Ngai. The SCDS advises the Chief Executive on issues relating to the salaries and conditions of service of the disciplined services and is currently chaired by Dr Chui Hong-sheung. Other serving members are Mr Wilfred Wong Kam-pui, Mr Victor Lam Hoi-cheung, Ms Margaret Cheng Wai-ching, Mr Mac Chan Ho-ting, Ms Ivy Cheung Wing-han, Ms Quince Chong Wai-yan, Mr Alan Lui Siu-lun, Ms Melissa Kaye Pang and Mr Philip Tsai Wing-chung. Ends/Monday, December 23, 2019 Issued at HKT 16:30 NNNN
Appointments to Hong Kong Council for Testing and Certification announced
20.12.2019

The Government today (December 20) announced that the Chief Executive has re-appointed Professor Albert Yu Cheung-hoi as the Chairman of the Hong Kong Council for Testing and Certification for two years with effect from January 1, 2020. The Chief Executive has also appointed six new members, namely Mr Patrick Lee Sai-yin, Dr Ann Leung, Mr Kenneth Leung Yuk-wai, Dr Wingco Lo Kam-wing, Ms Fanny Tang Wai-fan and Professor Wong Wing-tak, and re-appointed nine incumbent members for the same two-year term. The Secretary for Innovation and Technology, Mr Nicholas W Yang, said, "Professor Yu and other Council members have contributed greatly to fostering the development of the testing and certification industry over the past years. We believe that under the chairmanship of Professor Yu, the Council will continue to enhance the professional standing of the industry and provide effective support for its long-term growth." Mr Yang also thanked the seven outgoing members for their valuable contributions to the Council's work. They are Mr Felix Chan King-wa, Mr Raymond Chan Wai-fung, Professor Ho Kin-chung, Mr Marvin Hsu Tsun-fai, Mr Andy Ko Kwok-on, Dr Li Hung-wing and Ms Agnes Nardi Kar-wai. The membership of the Council for the new term is as follows: Professor Albert Yu Cheung-hoi (Chairman) Mr Raymond Chan Kin-sek Mr Ho Chi-shing Mr Kenneth Lam Kar-kin Ms Stephanie Lam Yuen-shan Mr Patrick Lee Sai-yin* Dr Ann Leung* Mr Kenneth Leung Yuk-wai* Dr Wingco Lo Kam-wing* Ms Fanny Tang Wai-fan* Ms Karen Tang Mui-fun Ms Pearl Tse Pui-pui Mr Basil Wai Siu-bong Professor Wong Wing-tak* Mr Harry Yeung Chi-wah Dr Raymond Yung Wai-hung Executive Director of the Hong Kong Productivity Council or representative Executive Director of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council or representative Executive Director of the Vocational Training Council or representative Government Chemist or representative Commissioner for Innovation and Technology or representative * Newly appointed members The Hong Kong Council for Testing and Certification was established in September 2009 to advise the Government on the overall development strategy of the testing and certification industry. Ends/Friday, December 20, 2019 Issued at HKT 14:30 NNNN
Re-appointments of members of Standing Committee on Judicial Salaries and Conditions of Service
19.12.2019

A Government spokesman announced today (December 19) that the Chief Executive has re-appointed Mr Alfred Chan Wing-kin, Mr Jat Sew-tong and Mr Dieter Yih as members of the Standing Committee on Judicial Salaries and Conditions of Service (Judicial Committee). The three appointees will serve for a period of two years with effect from January 1, 2020. The Judicial Committee is tasked to advise and make recommendations to the Chief Executive on matters concerning the salary and conditions of service of judges and judicial officers. Other members of the Judicial Committee are Professor Wong Yuk-shan (Chairman), Mr T C Chan, Ms May Tan Siew-boi and Ms Melissa Wu. Ends/Thursday, December 19, 2019 Issued at HKT 11:00 NNNN
CE shocked and saddened by serious traffic accident on Fanling Highway
18.12.2019

The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, was shocked and saddened by the serious bus accident on the Fanling Highway in which multiple passengers were killed or injured this afternoon (December 18). Noting that the rescue operation is under way, Mrs Lam has instructed relevant departments including the Social Welfare Department and the Home Affairs Department, together with the Hospital Authority, to provide all appropriate assistance to the injured people as well as family members of the victims. Mrs Lam also expressed her condolences and sympathy to all of them. Ends/Wednesday, December 18, 2019 Issued at HKT 18:55 NNNN
CE to visit Macao
17.12.2019

The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, will lead a Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government delegation to Macao from December 19 to 20 to attend the 20th Anniversary Celebration of Macao's Return to the Motherland and the Inauguration Ceremony of the Fifth-term Government of the Macao Special Administrative Region. Members of the HKSAR Government delegation include the Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan; the Secretary for Justice, Ms Teresa Cheng, SC; the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Edward Yau; the Secretary for Security, Mr John Lee; the Secretary for Food and Health, Professor Sophia Chan; the Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs, Mr Patrick Nip; and the Director of the Chief Executive's Office, Mr Chan Kwok-ki. Mrs Lam will return to Hong Kong in the morning on December 20. During her absence, the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Matthew Cheung Kin-chung, will be the Acting Chief Executive. Ends/Tuesday, December 17, 2019 Issued at HKT 18:09 NNNN
Judicial appointment
17.12.2019

The following is issued on behalf of the Judiciary: The Judiciary today (December 17) announced the appointment of Ms Linda Chan Ching-fan, SC, as Judge of the Court of First Instance of the High Court. The appointment will take effect from December 18, 2019. The appointment is made by the Chief Executive on the recommendation of the Judicial Officers Recommendation Commission. Ms Chan, SC, who now holds office as Recorder of the Court of First Instance of the High Court, will cease to be Recorder with effect from the same date (December 18). The biographical note of Ms Chan, SC, is as follows: Ms Linda Chan Ching-fan, SC, was born in 1969 in Hong Kong. She obtained a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from the Chinese University of Hong Kong in 1992. She further obtained LL.M. from the University of Hong Kong in 1998. She completed the Common Professional Examination from the Manchester Metropolitan University in the United Kingdom and was admitted to the Honourable Society of Middle Temple in the United Kingdom in 1995. She completed the Bar Finals Examination of the General Council of the Bar, England and Wales and was called to the Bar of England and Wales and to the Hong Kong Bar in 1996. She has been in private practice since 1998. She was appointed as Senior Counsel in 2011. She was appointed as Deputy Judge of the Court of First Instance of the High Court for periods in 2013 and 2014. She has been appointed as Recorder of the Court of First Instance of the High Court since 2015. The appointment of Judges of the Court of First Instance of the High Court is now complete for this year. Six appointments have been made. The appointments of Mr Justice Tony Poon Siu-tung, Madam Justice Marlene Ng May-ling and Mr Justice Lee Wan-tang took effect on January 14, 2019. The appointments of Mr Justice Russell Adam Coleman and Mr Justice Keith Yeung Kar-hung took effect on April 2, 2019, and July 29, 2019, respectively. Ms Linda Chan Ching-fan, SC, will be appointed on December 18, 2019. Ends/Tuesday, December 17, 2019 Issued at HKT 16:00 NNNN
Transcript of remarks by Acting CE at media session before ExCo meeting
17.12.2019

Following is the transcript of remarks by the Acting Chief Executive, Mr Matthew Cheung Kin-chung, at a media session before the Executive Council meeting this morning (December 17): Reporter: About the new Mainland checkpoint on the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge, why didn't the Hong Kong Government announce such an arrangement to the public beforehand? And have actually the Mainland authorities informed the Hong Kong Government about this? And the second question is concerning the remarks given by Law Chi-kwong yesterday, saying that the independent review committee would not be able to compel witnesses to give evidence, so how can the Hong Kong Government convince the public that the committee is just and fair? Thank you. Acting Chief Executive: The first question relates to operational matters, security matters on the Mainland and Macao. It's beyond Hong Kong's control. In fact, it's not Hong Kong’s purview. As it is operational matter on the part of the Mainland authorities, so I am not prepared to comment on that. But it's perfectly justified for them to exercise jurisdiction within their own territory. It's entirely legal and justified. The second question about this independent review committee, we’ve repeatedly said that it's meant to take a macro view of what happened actually in the lead up to the social events, and in fact the circumstances surrounding the current crisis we are facing - the why's and the what's and so on . In the process, to identity the deep-seated social conflicts, fundamental social conflicts, embedded in community for a long, long time, for example, wealth gap, and also land, housing supply, youth mobility, upward mobility of youngsters and so and so forth. So it's a host, a basket of problems we’re tackling. Now this is a mammoth exercise, and calls for independent, so called, high level, high powered, research committee, to head up the whole task. That's why we are identifying suitable candidates to head the committee, and as well as to really to join the committee as well. It's going to be a mammoth task, but it's a very important task that we will pursue, that we need to pursue in earnest. (Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.) Ends/Tuesday, December 17, 2019 Issued at HKT 12:16 NNNN
Transcript of remarks by CE at media session in Beijing
16.12.2019

Following is the transcript of remarks by the Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, at a media session in Beijing to conclude her duty visit this afternoon (December 16): Reporter: Mrs Lam, in your meeting with President Xi, did you discuss the topic about national security or a cabinet reshuffle or even the possibility of establishing a commission of inquiry with President Xi or Mr Li Keqiang? And secondly, you know, meeting with the two state leaders, they basically said Hong Kong has yet to overcome difficulties and repeated that violence has to end. Does it mean that Beijing leaders are of the view that in the past months you have made very little progress in improving Hong Kong's situation? Chief Executive: On your first question, I'm afraid I cannot disclose the details of my meetings with the two leaders. The purpose of my duty report is to give our leaders a full account of what has happened in Hong Kong in the last 12 months. This year is a rather special one because in the last six months, Hong Kong has been haunted by this social unrest, disturbances and violent acts, so I spent a bit more time to give them an account of where things stand, and in their opening remarks, they also made comments in particular on this phenomenon. As you will notice from the opening remarks of the two leaders, they did endorse the efforts made by the Hong Kong SAR Government and by myself in trying to end the violence that we have seen. They have also said that this is unprecedented. What we are now facing is a situation that has never happened in Hong Kong after reunification. Given the severity of the situation and the difficulties that we are facing, I can say that the leaders are fully appreciative of the efforts needed in order to achieve the objective. It is particularly worthwhile to highlight that in his opening remarks President Xi Jinping also mentioned that he very much hoped that all sectors in Hong Kong society will join hands in order to achieve this objective of ending the violence and return Hong Kong to a normal situation. That has also been my appeal over the last few months and I hope very much that Hong Kong people will help the SAR Government and support the Police in achieving this mission. (Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.) Ends/Monday, December 16, 2019 Issued at HKT 21:52 NNNN
Appointments of non-permanent judge from another common law jurisdiction of the Court of Final Appeal and the Chief Judge of the High Court
13.12.2019

The following is issued on behalf of the Judiciary: The Chief Executive has, on the recommendation of the Judicial Officers Recommendation Commission and with the endorsement of the Legislative Council, made the following appointments: Non-permanent judge from another common law jurisdiction of the Court of Final Appeal: (for a term of three years commencing December 18, 2019) The Right Honourable Lord Jonathan Sumption Chief Judge of the High Court: (with effect from December 18, 2019) The Honourable Mr Justice Jeremy Poon Shiu-chor, Justice of Appeal of the Court of Appeal of the High Court Ends/Friday, December 13, 2019 Issued at HKT 16:00 NNNN
Appointments to the Liquor Licensing Board
13.12.2019

The Government announced today (December 13) that the Chief Executive had made appointments to the Liquor Licensing Board for a term of two years from January 1, 2020, to December 31, 2021. Dr James Wong Kong-tin and Ms Winnie Fan Chui-wah have been re-appointed as the Chairman and Vice-Chairman. Eight other serving members have been re-appointed and one new member, Miss Eviana Leung Bon-yuen, has been appointed. The Secretary for Food and Health, Professor Sophia Chan, expressed gratitude to the outgoing member, Ms Irene Lau Mi-chun, for her valuable contribution to and staunch support for the Board. The membership list of the Liquor Licensing Board with effect from January 1, 2020, is as follows: Chairman Dr James Wong Kong-tin Vice-Chairman Ms Winnie Fan Chui-wah Members Mr Edmond Chung Kong-mo Mrs Tennessy Lee Hui Mei-sheung Miss Lau Wan-ching Miss Eviana Leung Bon-yuen Ms Kenny Lee Kwun-yee Ms Jessica Li Tsau-ha Mr Lo Kin-tak Dr Benny Lo Kwan-ching Mr Tam Siu-sing The main responsibility of the Board is to decide whether to grant applications to issue, renew, transfer or amend liquor licences. Ends/Friday, December 13, 2019 Issued at HKT 11:00 NNNN
11th Asia Cultural Co-operation Forum promotes cultural co-operation in Asian economies
12.12.2019

The highlight of the 11th Asia Cultural Co-operation Forum (ACCF), the Ministerial Panel, was held this morning (December 12). Cultural ministers and senior officials of nine Asian countries came together in Hong Kong to attend the panel discussion session and exchanged ideas and shared views on boosting cultural co-operation to promote the development of culture and the arts. The Director of the Palace Museum, Dr Wang Xudong, addressed today's panel discussion session while other participating cultural ministers and senior officials from Singapore, Cambodia, the Maldives, Bangladesh, Korea, Japan, Thailand and Myanmar also took turns to speak. Among the participating countries, the Maldives and Bangladesh have joined the ACCF for the first time. Cultural representatives from Mainland provinces and Macao also attended the panel discussion session. The ACCF is being held today and tomorrow (December 13) with a wide range of activities. The ACCF was launched in 2003 by the Home Affairs Bureau with an aim of fostering regional cultural co-operation, sharing good practices and promoting culture and the arts. The Secretary for Home Affairs, Mr Lau Kong-wah, said in his opening speech at the panel discussion session that this year's ACCF marks the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China and reflects Hong Kong's strategic location at the heart of Asia. He pointed out that Hong Kong has been and will continue to be an important place for bringing together cities and countries, providing a hub for different cultures to meet, influence one another and evolve. Mr Lau added that while Hong Kong has been facing unprecedented difficulties in the past few months, we will remain resilient to overcome all challenges ahead. He expressed the belief that arts and culture transcend boundaries and differences, noting that co-operation and mutual support will always prevail in strengthening people-to-people bonds and building inclusive societies. The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, hosted a Gala Lunch for the delegations and local cultural leaders. This year, performing groups were invited to give performances together with local musicians during the Gala Lunch of the ACCF for the first time, in order to let guests have a taste of the cultures of different places. The performers came from European and Asian cities with vibrant cultural scenes including Yogyakarta, Indonesia; Matera, Italy; and Incheon, Korea. The Permanent Secretary for Home Affairs, Mrs Cherry Tse, signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Cultural Co-operation with the Secretary of State, Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts of Cambodia, Mr Som Sokun, with a view to strengthening cultural co-operation and exchanges between Hong Kong and Cambodia. In the afternoon, the participating delegations visited the Hong Kong Museum of Art, which reopened in November. The delegations will visit the Xiqu Centre and Tai Kwun tomorrow. Ends/Thursday, December 12, 2019 Issued at HKT 22:02 NNNN
CE to go on duty visit to Beijing
10.12.2019

The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, will pay a duty visit to Beijing from December 14 to 17 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 Matthew Cheung Kin-chung, will be the Acting Chief Executive. Ends/Tuesday, December 10, 2019 Issued at HKT 17:21 NNNN