kakase/hk_gov_press_release huggingface dataset:
CE visits MiC Display Centre
15.3.2019

The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, accompanied by the Secretary for Development, Mr Michael Wong, visited the MiC (Modular Integrated Construction) Display Centre at the Zero Carbon Building complex in Kowloon Bay this afternoon (March 15). Mrs Lam was briefed by the Chairman of the Construction Industry Council, Mr Chan Ka-kui, and other representatives of the Construction Industry Council on MiC and the design and construction process of the display centre. She then toured various sample show flats in the centre. The two-storey display centre, with a gross floor area of more than 3,000 square feet, was the first building constructed with MiC modules. With the concept of "factory assembly followed by on-site installation", each module, with internal partitioning, plumbing, electrical wiring and interior fittings as well as furniture and electrical appliances, was assembled at off-site prefabrication yards outside Hong Kong before being transported to and installed at the site like building blocks. Consisting of 10 modules, the display centre showcases five sample units including one-bedroom and three-bedroom residential flats, a hostel unit, an elderly home unit and a hotel room to illustrate how the versatile construction technique of MiC is applicable to a number of different building types. "I proposed in the Policy Address in 2018 that the construction industry should embrace innovation to increase construction productivity, enhance regulation and quality assurance, improve site safety and reduce environmental impact. By adopting MiC, most of the labour-intensive and time-consuming construction processes can be accomplished in off-site prefabrication yards, meeting the above-mentioned requirements. The technique should be able to be adopted more widely in Hong Kong," Mrs Lam said. The Government has been leading by example in piloting the MiC technique in public projects, including the Disciplined Services Quarters for the Fire Services Department at Pak Shing Kok, Tseung Kwan O, and the Wong Chuk Hang student hostel project of the University of Hong Kong. Ends/Friday, March 15, 2019 Issued at HKT 20:00 NNNN
Appointments to Independent Commission on Remuneration for Members of the ExCo and the Legislature, and Officials under the Political Appointment System of the HKSAR
15.3.2019

The Government announced today (March 15) that the Chief Executive appointed Mr Carlson Tong as Chairman, and Mr Philip Tsai Wing-chung and Ms Winnie Wong Tsz-shun as members, of the Independent Commission on Remuneration for Members of the Executive Council and the Legislature, and Officials under the Political Appointment System of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region for a period of three years with effect from April 1, 2019. "We would like to thank the outgoing Chairman, Mr Nicky Lo Kar-chun, and outgoing member Mr Andrew Fung Hau-chung for their invaluable contributions to the work of the Independent Commission over the years," a Government spokesman said. The Independent Commission advises the Government on matters relating to the systems of remuneration for Members of the Executive Council and the Legislative Council, as well as those for officials under the Political Appointment System. Other members of the Independent Commission are Professor Leonard Cheng Kwok-hon, Ms Lau Ka-shi and Ms Elaine Lo Yuen-man. Ends/Friday, March 15, 2019 Issued at HKT 15:00 NNNN
CE meets members of National Assembly of France
13.3.2019

The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, accompanied by the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Edward Yau, met with the President of the France-China Friendship Group of the National Assembly of France, Mr Buon Huong Tan, Vice Presidents of the National Assembly Ms Carole Bureau-Bonnard and Mr Hugues Renson, and three members of the National Assembly at Government House this afternoon (March 13). The Consul General of France in Hong Kong and Macau, Mr Alexandre Giorgini, also attended the meeting. Mrs Lam said she was pleased to meet again with Mr Tan and members of the National Assembly. She welcomed their visit after making the invitation during her trip to France last June, so that they could learn about Hong Kong's latest developments. Mrs Lam said her visit to France last year was a great success. Aside from meeting the France-China Friendship Group of the National Assembly of France, she also called on the French Prime Minister, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and people from different sectors to highlight Hong Kong's advantages and development opportunities, thus laying the foundation for further collaboration between Hong Kong and France. She said she believed that the visits and exchanges made in Hong Kong by members of the National Assembly in the coming few days would help strengthen the links between the two places and offer co-operation in further areas. Noting that one of the major events in her trip to France last year was to attend the joint promotion seminar on the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area co-organised by the governments of Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao, Mrs Lam said she was pleased to learn that people from the French political and business sectors had a strong interest in this key national development strategy. Pointing out that the Outline Development Plan for the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area was promulgated last month, she said Hong Kong will play a vital role, especially in leveraging its advantages to establish an international innovation and technology (I&T) hub in the Greater Bay Area. Adding that France has some of the world's top universities and a solid foundation in scientific research, she expressed the hope that Hong Kong would continue to strengthen co-operation with France in I&T to jointly seize the huge opportunities presented by the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. In addition, she said that Hong Kong is striving to strengthen its role as a cultural hub and she looks forward to enhancing co-operation in culture and arts with France. Ends/Wednesday, March 13, 2019 Issued at HKT 19:30 NNNN
Appointments to Standing Committee on Directorate Salaries and Conditions of Service
13.3.2019

The Government announced today (March 13) that the Chief Executive has re-appointed Dr Pang Yiu-kai as Chairman of the Standing Committee on Directorate Salaries and Conditions of Service (the Directorate Committee) and Dr Clement Chen Cheng-jen and Mr Ivan Sze Wing-hang as members, and has appointed Ms Karen Chan Ka-yin as a member, for a term of two years from April 1, 2019, to March 31, 2021. The Government expressed its gratitude and appreciation to retiring member Mrs Betty Yuen So Siu-mai for her invaluable contributions to the work of the Directorate Committee. The Directorate Committee tenders advice to the Chief Executive on matters relating to the structure, pay and conditions of service of directorate ranks in the civil service. Other serving members are Mrs Ann Kung Yeung Yun-chi and Mr Peter Sit Kien-ping. Ends/Wednesday, March 13, 2019 Issued at HKT 16:00 NNNN
CE expresses sorrow over passing of Mr Peter Wong
12.3.2019

The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, today (March 12) expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Mr Peter Wong. "Mr Wong was a patriotic entrepreneur who had been investing actively in the Mainland since the beginning of the reform and opening up of the country, contributing to the development of the nation and promoting the development of Hong Kong's commerce and trade in the Mainland. He had long been a Hong Kong deputy to the National People's Congress, having taken up the role in 1993, and took part in national affairs and was actively involved in the preparatory work for Hong Kong's return to the motherland. He was enthusiastic in serving the community, making significant contributions to such areas as education, youth development and cultural exchanges in the Mainland and Hong Kong. He was awarded the Bronze Bauhinia Star in 2003. "I was grieved to learn of his sudden passing. On behalf of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government, I would like to extend my deepest condolences to his family," Mrs Lam said. Ends/Tuesday, March 12, 2019 Issued at HKT 11:35 NNNN
Government House open to the public on March 17
10.3.2019

Government House will be open to the public on March 17 (Sunday) from 10am to 5pm. Visitors will be able to view the well-nurtured flowers and trees in the garden and the landscaped area of Government House, and see the places where the Chief Executive holds official functions and receives dignitaries. They can enjoy musical performances by the Hong Kong Police Band and student ensembles as well as puppet shows. There will also be guided tours by the Antiquities and Monuments Office on the history and architectural features of the distinguished building. "Display boards and QR codes will be set up along the visitors' route to share details of the history, architecture and important moments of Government House. Visitors may use their smartphones or other mobile devices with suitable software for browsing information about Government House. Photo props will also be provided at two specific locations for photo shoots," a government spokesman said. "Due to above-normal temperatures in the past winter, the azaleas which used to flourish in the garden at Government House every March in the past have already had their full bloom this year. However, there will still be plenty of flowers and other plants for visitors to enjoy. In addition, as on the last open day, a set of souvenir chops themed on the architectural features of Government House will be available at specific locations along the visitors' route for stamping. There will also be a new set of chops featuring the flowers at Government House." (A photo of one of the souvenir chops is attached for reference.) The spokesman added that as a large number of visitors are anticipated on the day, queuing outside Government House may be stopped before 5pm so that those waiting in the queue can be admitted in time. Visitors will enter the garden through the east gate on Upper Albert Road and leave through the main gate of Government House. The visitors' routing is one-way only. They are encouraged to arrive by public transport or on foot. Water dispensers will also be available at the venue. To care for the environment, no disposable cups will be provided. Visitors are welcome to bring their own bottles. Visitors may visit the brand new website of Government House ( www.ceo.gov.hk/gh/eng ) for details of the open day. Government House is a declared monument under the Antiquities and Monuments Ordinance. Ends/Sunday, March 10, 2019 Issued at HKT 14:12 NNNN
CDF marks 10th anniversary and guides over 17 000 grassroots children to plan for their future
9.3.2019

The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, today (March 9) officiated at the Child Development Fund (CDF) 10th Anniversary Ceremony and reviewed its achievements in the last decade. Over 800 children and their mentors and family members as well as representatives of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and schools attended the ceremony. Accompanied by the Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Dr Law Chi-kwong, and the Permanent Secretary for Labour and Welfare and Chairperson of the Steering Committee on the CDF, Ms Chang King-yiu, Mrs Lam joined members of the Steering Committee to host the launch ceremony for new project batches. The 37 new projects, comprising 27 seventh-batch projects operated by NGOs and 10 fifth-batch school-based projects, include three key components, namely personal development plans, mentorships and targeted savings, to help guide over 2 500 grassroots children and youths in total. Including the new projects, the CDF has so far launched 193 projects, bringing the cumulative number of participants to over 17 000. In addition, Mrs Lam presented long service awards to volunteer mentors, project operators and supporting organisations at the ceremony to give recognition to their continued participation in and support for CDF projects in the last decade. A graduation ceremony was also held for some 3 300 project graduates under fifth-batch projects operated by NGOs and second-batch school-based projects. Dr Law and Ms Chang delivered certificates of recognition to project operators, outstanding mentors, strategic partners and supporting organisations following their project completion. Awards of the "#Thank You Mentor" Video Contest in which graduates sent their regards to mentors via videos were presented. Graduates also staged music and magic performances and shared details of their experience in past activities at the graduation ceremony. The CDF celebrated its 10th anniversary in 2018, which included a series of experiential programmes in collaboration with public and private organisations to broaden the horizons of grassroots children and youths. Programmes held include athletics training, a virtual reality game on money management, internships in information and communications technology, robotics workshops, simulation of working on board aircraft, and the 10th anniversary signature programme "Dream Cruises", which took grassroots children on a cruise journey. Ends/Saturday, March 9, 2019 Issued at HKT 13:24 NNNN
Opening ceremony of Eastern District Cultural Square under Signature Project Scheme held
9.3.2019

The opening ceremony of the Eastern District Cultural Square under the Signature Project Scheme (SPS) of Eastern District was held at Tam Kung Temple Road in Shau Kei Wan today (March 9). To enhance district administration, the Government earmarked a provision of $100 million for each District Council under the SPS for the implementation of signature projects upon its endorsement, so as to better address local needs. The Cultural Square is situated at the junction of Tam Kung Temple Road, Tung Hei Road and Oi Lai Street, and is adjacent to the Aldrich Bay Promenade. Equipped with a covered main stage and a small stage, the Cultural Square can accommodate over 600 spectators, and has more than 2 000 square metres of greening space. It links up with the Aldrich Bay Promenade, thereby expanding the leisure area of the promenade. It will also help revitalise the surrounding areas and enhance accessibility for the area near the Tam Kung Temple in Shau Kei Wan. The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam; the Acting Secretary for Home Affairs, Mr Jack Chan; and other guests officiated at the plaque unveiling ceremony of the Cultural Square, marking its official opening and the commencement of a two-day event featuring a variety show and a carnival. Speaking at the opening ceremony, Mr Chan said that the SPS demonstrates the great importance that the Government attaches to district aspirations and provides support for district work. The Cultural Square will create a new harbourfront area for Eastern District and enhance the cultural atmosphere of the community, he said, adding that it will become an important venue for cultural performances and recreation in the district. Mr Chan also commended the contributions of the Eastern District Council (EDC), the Eastern District Office, the Leisure and Cultural Services Department, the Architectural Services Department and other departments concerned in implementing the project. Other officiating guests included the Chairman of the EDC, Mr Wong Kin-pan; the Director of Home Affairs, Miss Janice Tse; the Director of Leisure and Cultural Services, Ms Michelle Li; the Director of Architectural Services, Mrs Sylvia Lam; the District Officer (Eastern), Mr Simon Chan; the Vice-Chairman of the EDC, Mr Chiu Chi-keung; the Chairman of the Steering Group on the Signature Project of Eastern District under the EDC, Mr Kung Pak-cheung; and the Vice-Chairman of the Steering Group on the Signature Project of Eastern District, Mr Leung Kwok-hung. Ends/Saturday, March 9, 2019 Issued at HKT 11:48 NNNN
Women&apos;s Commission celebrates 70th anniversary of founding of People&apos;s Republic of China and International Women&apos;s Day 2019
8.3.2019

The following is issued on behalf of the Women's Commission: The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, today (March 8) officiated at the reception to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China (PRC) and International Women's Day (IWD) 2019 hosted by the Women's Commission (WoC). The reception was attended by representatives from local women's groups, non-governmental organisations, the business sector and members of the WoC's Gender Focal Point Network. To celebrate the 70th anniversary of the founding of the PRC and IWD, thematic panels were set up at the reception this year to review women's development in the country and the participation of Hong Kong women. The Government established the WoC in 2001 as a high-level central forum to make recommendations to the Government on policies and issues that are of concern to women. The WoC has been sparing no efforts to enable Hong Kong women to fully realise their due status, rights and opportunities in all aspects of life. Also officiating at the reception were the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the PRC in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), Mr Xie Feng; the Deputy Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the HKSAR, Mr He Jing; the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Matthew Cheung Kin-chung; the Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Dr Law Chi-kwong; the Permanent Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Ms Chang King-yiu; and the Chairperson of the WoC, Ms Chan Yuen-han. Ends/Friday, March 8, 2019 Issued at HKT 18:47 NNNN
CE visits Tsinghua University and Central Academy of Fine Arts in Beijing
6.3.2019

The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, today (March 6) visited Tsinghua University and the Central Academy of Fine Arts (CAFA) in Beijing and exchanged views with students. In the morning, Mrs Lam, accompanied by the Director of the Chief Executive's Office, Mr Chan Kwok-ki, visited Tsinghua University and met with the Party Secretary of Tsinghua University, Professor Chen Xu. She delivered a speech to over 300 teachers and students and answered questions from the students. Among those attending the session were dozens of young Hong Kong people studying in Tsinghua University. Mrs Lam spoke with the students about her exchange experience in Tsinghua University during her university years and briefed them on the latest developments in Hong Kong. She said the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government will leverage Hong Kong's advantages under "One Country, Two Systems" and the city's traditional strengths to enhance the city's competitiveness through boosting its external relations, consolidating the traditional industries and developing the emerging industries. She said that Hong Kong has been focusing on advancing the development of innovation and technology (I&T) and that with the support of the Central Government and measures to enhance Hong Kong's own I&T capabilities, the city will contribute to the development of an I&T hub in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. In the afternoon, Mrs Lam and other officials visited the CAFA. Accompanied by the Party Secretary of the CAFA, Mr Gao Hong, and the President of the CAFA, Mr Fan Di'an, they visited the museum of the academy's history and the classrooms of the School of Chinese Painting and the School of Plastic Arts. Mrs Lam also viewed the artwork by Hong Kong students of the CAFA and spoke with them at a session. Mrs Lam said she was pleased that through the support of the Ministry of Education, the CAFA will participate in the Scheme for Admission of Hong Kong Students to Mainland Higher Education Institutions in the 2019/20 school year so that Hong Kong students will be able to submit applications to this prestigious art school with their results in the Hong Kong Diploma Secondary Education Examination and in accordance with the other requirements, providing a valuable opportunity for students who wish to develop careers in fine arts. Mrs Lam expressed her gratitude to the CAFA for its support for Hong Kong students as well as its efforts in promoting arts and cultural exchanges between Hong Kong and the Mainland all along. Mrs Lam and the other officials also visited the People's Daily New Media Tower in the afternoon and attended a dinner hosted by the Business and Professionals Alliance for Hong Kong in the evening. Mrs Lam will return to Hong Kong tomorrow morning (March 7). Ends/Wednesday, March 6, 2019 Issued at HKT 20:47 NNNN
Transcript of remarks by CE at media session in Beijing
1.3.2019

Following is the transcript of remarks by the Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, at a media session in Beijing after attending the second plenary meeting of the Leading Group for the Development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area this afternoon (March 1): Reporter: Mrs Lam, I mean on the Greater Bay Area, how exactly are Hong Kong people going to benefit from the new policies, such as the taxation relaxation one, and when is the earliest that, you know, some policies can be implemented? Secondly, during your visit to Beijing, would you discuss with state leaders on other issues such as national security or note your report on the ban for Hong Kong National Party? Thank you. Chief Executive: As you know, the purpose of this trip to Beijing is two-fold. One is to attend the second plenary meeting of the Greater Bay Area leading group, and the meeting has just taken place and I'm here to reveal to you some of the good measures endorsed by the leading group. Second is to attend the opening session of the National People's Congress. I will have a working meeting with the HKMAO (Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council) Director Zhang Xiaoming tomorrow, but I do not expect to go into the details of those topical issues in Hong Kong. As far as the measures that would bring benefit to Hong Kong and Macao residents, I am very pleased that at the second plenary meeting this afternoon, the leading group under the chairmanship of Vice Premier Han Zheng has endorsed a total of eight very concrete measures, and these are the first batch of measures that we are ready to announce. I can assure you that in the year 2019 there will be other measures that will be announced with the same objective in mind. Each and every of these eight measures will bring benefits to the people of Hong Kong, whether it is in the definition of 183 days - now it is very clear that for day return trips into the Greater Bay Area, since it does not last longer than 24 hours, it is not a day in the definition of the tax policy, so Hong Kong people, whether they are scientists, researchers, teachers or entrepreneurs, will feel more comfortable to cross the border to do work in the Greater Bay Area. Another tax measure is to provide actual tax subsidies so that those talents who are being invited to work in the Greater Bay Area do not need to pay the higher personal tax in the Mainland. Each and every of these measures will bring benefits to Hong Kong. The timing is determined by the readiness of the necessary processes, and if it requires application, once the application procedure is ready, it will be put into place. They are very concrete measures. There is no question of these measures not being able to be implemented. I suspect they will be brought into effect very soon. (Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.) Ends/Friday, March 1, 2019 Issued at HKT 23:41 NNNN