kakase/hk_gov_press_release huggingface dataset:
Re-appointment to Constitution and Basic Law Promotion Steering Committee (30.12.2022)
30.12.2022

The Government today (December 30) announced the re-appointment of four incumbent non-official members to the Constitution and Basic Law Promotion Steering Committee (CBLPSC) for a term of two years with effect from January 1, 2023. The four re-appointed incumbent members are Ms Teresa Au Pui-yee, Dr Wendy Hong Wen, Mr Chris Ip Ngo-tung and Ms Melissa Kaye Pang. The Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki, being the Chairman of the CBLPSC, said, "The Constitution and the Basic Law together form the constitutional basis and order of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), where ensuring the steadfast and successful implementation of 'one country, two systems' is crucial. On the day of release of 'The Chief Executive's 2022 Policy Address', the Basic Law Promotion Steering Committee was renamed the Constitution and Basic Law Promotion Steering Committee to underline the great importance that the current-term Government attaches to the work involved and its determination to take it forward. "I look forward to the continued collaboration with members of the CBLPSC to formulate and implement an overall strategy for promoting the Constitution, the Basic Law and the Hong Kong National Security Law, and to co-ordinate the efforts of government departments and non-governmental organisations in rolling out various publicity and education programmes and activities. Our aim is to enable the public to have a comprehensive, accurate and in-depth understanding of the constitutional basis and order of the HKSAR and raise their self-awareness of safeguarding national security, with a view to maintaining Hong Kong's lasting prosperity and stability." Following is the membership list of the CBLPSC with effect from January 1, 2023: Chairperson -------------- Chief Secretary for Administration Non-official Members ------------------------ Ms Teresa Au Pui-yee Mrs Viola Chan Man Yee-wai Miss Debbie Cheung Sui-ki Mr Stanley Choi Tak-shing Miss Fang Xin Dr Wendy Hong Wen Mr Chris Ip Ngo-tung Mr Kwok Wing-keung Mr Vincent Lam Tak-hing Mr Lee Luen-fai Mr Rex Mok Chung-fai Ms Melissa Kaye Pang Mr Perry Suen Pang Mr Henry Tong Sau-chai Ms Carol Wong Mr Eric Yeung Chuen-sing Mr Yu Tai-wai Official Members ------------------- Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs Secretary for the Civil Service Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development Secretary for Education Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs Secretary for Security Solicitor General, Department of Justice Director of Home Affairs Director of Information Services Director-General of Trade and Industry Ends/Friday, December 30, 2022 Issued at HKT 17:00 NNNN
Appointments to new-term Commission on Poverty (30.12.2022)
30.12.2022

The Government today (December 30) announced appointments to the Commission on Poverty (CoP) for a term of one and a half years from January 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024. The Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki, being the Chairperson of the CoP, expressed his gratitude to all members of the current-term CoP for their efforts and contributions. He welcomed members of the new-term CoP, and looked forward to close collaboration with them to steadfastly implement the current-term Government's strategy of targeted poverty alleviation with resources directed to those most in need. "The Strive and Rise Programme I lead is the first initiative under the current-term Government's strategy of targeted poverty alleviation. Through collaboration among the Government, the business sector and the community, it focuses on supporting junior secondary school students from underprivileged families, particularly those living in sub-divided units. As announced by the Chief Executive in the 2022 Policy Address, the CoP will be restructured to study and identify other target groups for poverty alleviation. The Government will work with the new-term CoP steadfastly to best take forward targeted poverty alleviation," he said. The membership of the new-term CoP is as follows: Chairperson ------------- Chief Secretary for Administration Non-official members ----------------------- Professor Terence Chong Mr Howard Hung Wing-yip Mr Jian Yi Mr Terence Lau Chun-kai Dr Kevin Lau Chung-hang Ms Alice Lau Oi-sze Dr Jane Lee Ching-yee Ms Christina Maisenne Lee Ms Josephine Lee Yuk-chi Mr James Li Tsz-shu Miss Loretta Lo Yee-hang Ms Nikki Ng Mien-hua Dr Loletta So Kit-ying Mr So Ping-fai Miss Sze Lai-shan Professor Simon Wong Kit-lung Ms Grace Yu Ho-wun Ms Jessie Yu Sau-chu Ex-officio members --------------------- Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs Secretary for Labour and Welfare (Chairperson of Community Care Fund Task Force) Secretary for Education Secretary for Health The terms of reference of the CoP are available on its website ( www.povertyrelief.gov.hk ). Ends/Friday, December 30, 2022 Issued at HKT 12:00 NNNN
Appointments to Commission on Children (30.12.2022)
30.12.2022

The Government today (December 30) announced the re-appointment of 11 incumbent non-official members and the appointment of 11 new non-official members to the Commission on Children (CoC). The 11 new members are Ms Karin Ann, Mr Chan Kin-ping, Miss Anna May Chan Mei-lan, Ms Heidi Hui Sim-kiu, Ms Lee Yuen-sum, Ms Cindy Pun Siu-fung, Dr Tang Chun-pan, Dr Rizwan Ullah, Ms Donna Wong Chui-ling, Miss Koby Wong Lok-yin and Ms Wong May-kwan. The appointment of these 22 members will take effect from January 1, 2023, to May 31, 2024. The Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki, being the Chairperson of the CoC, welcomed members of the new term of the CoC. He looked forward to working with them closely to safeguard the well-being of children and build a pro-child and inclusive Hong Kong. He also expressed his appreciation to the outgoing members for their efforts and contributions to the CoC during their term of service. The CoC was established on June 1, 2018. Its major functions are to develop policies, set strategies and priorities related to the development and advancement of children, oversee the implementation of relevant policies and services, promote children's rights and fund public educational projects. The membership list of the CoC with effect from January 1, 2023, is as follows: Chairperson ------------- Chief Secretary for Administration Vice-chairperson ------------------ Secretary for Labour and Welfare Non-official members ---------------------- Ms Karin Ann Mr Peter Au Yeung Wai-hong Mr Chan Kin-ping Miss Anna May Chan Mei-lan Miss Kelly Cheng Hui-kiu Mr Chow Wai-chung Ms Kathy Chung Lai-kam Ms Heidi Hui Sim-kiu Dr Patrick Ip Dr Sanly Kam Shau-wan Ms Lee Yuen-sum Ms Shalini Mahtani Mr Kenny Ng Kwan-lim Ms Cindy Pun Siu-fung Dr Tang Chun-pan Dr Sandra Tsang Kit-man Dr Rizwan Ullah Mr Gary Wong Chi-him Ms Donna Wong Chui-ling Dr Lilian Wong Hiu-lei Miss Koby Wong Lok-yin Ms Wong May-kwan Ex-officio members -------------------- Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism Secretary for Education Secretary for Health Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs Commissioner of Police Director of Health Director of Home Affairs Director of Social Welfare Chairperson of Family Council Chairperson of Women's Commission The terms of reference of the CoC are available on the website of the CoC ( www.coc.gov.hk ). Ends/Friday, December 30, 2022 Issued at HKT 11:30 NNNN
Youth Development Commission convenes 12th meeting (28.12.2022)
28.12.2022

The Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki, chaired the 12th meeting of the Youth Development Commission (YDC) today (December 28). Members discussed the details of the Youth Development Blueprint (the Blueprint), and how the YDC could complement the implementation and execution of the Blueprint. Members supported that the Blueprint outlined the overall vision and guiding principles for Hong Kong's long-term youth development work in future, and put forward over 160 specific actions and measures at this initial stage having regard to the development stages of youths to cater for the needs of young people at different stages and with different backgrounds. Members will work with the Home and Youth Affairs Bureau to brief stakeholders on the details of the Blueprint. The YDC will also strengthen its cross-bureaux and cross-sectoral co-ordination role to complement the implementation and execution of the Blueprint through making good use of the mechanism of setting up action groups under the YDC. Mr Chan said, "The Blueprint is the very first major document formulated by the Government to promote youth development. It has laid a solid foundation for continuously promoting long-term youth development work. I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude on behalf of the Government to the YDC members for their valuable views and suggestions in the preparation of the Blueprint. "We all share the same vision, which is to nurture a new generation of young people with an affection for our country and Hong Kong, and equipped with global perspective, an aspiring mind-set and positive thinking. The Government looks forward to working with the YDC and different sectors of society to implement the various specific actions and measures in the Blueprint. We strive to be young people's confidant, advocate and guide for future. As highlighted in the theme of the Blueprint, the objective is to 'Inspire Our Youths, Brighten Our Future'." Ends/Wednesday, December 28, 2022 Issued at HKT 19:00 NNNN
Political Assistant to DCS tests positive for COVID-19 (26.12.2022)
26.12.2022

The Political Assistant to the Deputy Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Ken Yip, has tested positive for COVID-19 through a rapid antigen test today (December 26). He is undergoing isolation in accordance with the guidelines of the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH). Mr Yip last went to work on December 23. He wore masks and followed relevant disease prevention measures at work, including conducting daily rapid antigen tests. He has no recent travel history. The Deputy Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Cheuk Wing-hing, has been taking polymerase chain reaction-based nucleic acid tests or rapid antigen tests every day and the results are negative. A spokesman for the DCS' Office said that thorough cleaning and disinfection operations at the office concerned will be conducted and disease prevention measures will continue to be implemented vigorously. Ends/Monday, December 26, 2022 Issued at HKT 14:28 NNNN
CSO alerts public to deceptive advertisements purported to be interviews with CS (23.12.2022)
23.12.2022

The Chief Secretary for Administration's Office (CSO) today (December 23) strongly clarified that, as regards the deceptive advertisements and webpages found on online news portals and in social media recently that carry the name and news photos of the Chief Secretary for Administration (CS), and lure users to click on for taking them to suspicious transaction platforms allegedly involving virtual currency bitcoins, the CSO has never issued or authorised such advertisements. The CS has never conducted the so-called interviews as claimed by such advertisements, and the remarks in the advertisements are all fictitious. The CSO appealed to members of the public for heightened vigilance against online deceptive advertisements purported to be interviews with the CS. It urged them not to visit any suspicious websites via those advertisements or provide personal information to unknown websites. The CSO has reported the incident to the Police for follow-up investigation. Ends/Friday, December 23, 2022 Issued at HKT 12:52 NNNN
Transcript of remarks by DCS at media session (17.12.2022)
17.12.2022

Following is the transcript of remarks by the Deputy Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Cheuk Wing-hing, at a media session after attending radio programmes today (December 17): Reporter: Mr Cheuk, some suggested that making fine for illegal shop extensions, accumulative one, has a higher deterrent effect. Will the Government consider doing so? Deputy Chief Secretary for Administration: I think our current proposal of fining $6,000 for each contravention of that particular offence carries some deterrent effect. For the repeated offenders, if they repeat the offence on the same day, they can get not just one fixed penalty, but several fixed penalties, so the cost of non-compliance can be very high. I would like to add that even before we raise the fixed penalty level, because of our joint operations carried out by the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department and the Hong Kong Police, we are achieving some deterrent effect. In addition to issuing fixed penalty, the other thing that we are doing is to remove the goods that are placed in public places that caused obstruction. That will also add to the non-compliance cost of the offending shop operators. I think the current proposal, to our mind, should be able to achieve the purpose that we want to achieve. (Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.) Ends/Saturday, December 17, 2022 Issued at HKT 12:12 NNNN
Staff member of CS&#39;s Office tests positive for COVID-19 (14.12.2022)
14.12.2022

A spokesperson for the Chief Secretary for Administration's Office today (December 14) said that a staff member of the office had tested positive for COVID-19 through a rapid antigen test. The staff member is the Senior Personal Assistant to the Chief Secretary for Administration. She wore masks and followed relevant disease prevention measures at work in the office. She has no recent travel history. She last went to work on December 13. The Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki, has been taking COVID-19 rapid antigen tests on a daily basis and the results have all been negative. The spokesperson said that thorough cleaning and disinfection operations have been conducted at the office concerned and that disease prevention measures would continue to be implemented vigorously. Ends/Wednesday, December 14, 2022 Issued at HKT 11:15 NNNN
Civil Aid Service holds &quot;Celebration of the 25th Anniversary of the Establishment of HKSAR and CAS 70th Anniversary Parade&quot; (27.11.2022)
27.11.2022

The Civil Aid Service (CAS) held the "Celebration of the 25th Anniversary of the Establishment of HKSAR and CAS 70th Anniversary Parade" today (November 27) at the Hong Kong Police College. The Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki, officiated at the ceremony and acted as the reviewing officer for the Parade. Other guests included Legislative Council members, representatives from government bureaux, departments and organisations, as well as approximately 800 serving and retired CAS officers and members. The Parade featured an impressive line-up of squads from CAS Hong Kong, Kowloon and New Territories Regions, as well as the CAS Tactical Force, Support Force, Training and Development Force and Cadet Corps, which were backed up by its Administration Force. In order to demonstrate national identity and patriotic sentiment for the motherland, the CAS has fully adopted from today the Chinese-style foot drill that requires exacting standards, and demonstrated the drill's protocols for the first time in the Parade. The parade members performed synchronised movements in uniformity with sonorous and vigorous steps, which fully displayed the CAS team spirit. The full adoption of the Chinese-style foot drill has represented an important milestone for the CAS, embodying the essence of keeping abreast of new developments in contemporary times. As an auxiliary force under the Security Bureau, the CAS has been honouring the pledge of "Provide Emergency Relief, Serve the Community", and has been rendering immediate assistance during emergencies to protect Hong Kong citizens. Taking COVID-19 as an example, the CAS has remained steadfast on the front line of the anti-epidemic operations by rapidly assisting in setting up a number of community isolation facilities and managing quarantine hotels. In addition, the CAS is committed to discharging duties related to typhoon rescues, fighting hill fires and searching for missing persons in mountaineering accidents. Looking forward to the future, the CAS will step up efforts to nurture more talents committed to serving the community, and will continue to safeguard the prosperity and stability of Hong Kong. Ends/Sunday, November 27, 2022 Issued at HKT 20:18 NNNN
Social enterprise mascot Bloomy the Tree makes his official debut (24.11.2022)
24.11.2022

The Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki, unveiled the new social enterprise (SE) mascot, Bloomy the Tree, at the opening ceremony of the Social Enterprise Summit 2022 today (November 24). As an SE KOL (key opinion leader), Bloomy the Tree will strive to enhance public awareness of SEs by introducing and promoting them through a multi-pronged approach. The Under Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, Mr Clarence Leung, and the Director of Home Affairs, Mrs Alice Cheung, were also present at the opening ceremony. They expressed the hope that Bloomy the Tree could attract people of different ages to understand and support SEs. The Home Affairs Department (HAD) created Bloomy the Tree with the concept that he was developed from a tiny seed into a growing tree with the support and care of the general public. He strives to give back to society and helps all SEs to grow from strength to strength, bringing joy, hope and opportunities to the socially disadvantaged. Bloomy the Tree will promote the philosophy of SEs through innovative thinking and assist in building a caring and vibrant society for the socially disadvantaged and the general public. In addition, the HAD launched the SE Tree Mark programme to assist the general public in identifying and supporting SEs in Hong Kong. Members of the public can easily recognise SEs when they see the SE Tree Mark logo at these shops, thereby encouraging them to patronise and support SEs. The HAD will continue to provide up-to-date information on SEs through its dedicated social media platforms. A series of publicity activities, including new Announcements in the Public Interest, will also be launched to enhance public awareness of SEs. Members of the public are most welcome to "like" and follow the following Facebook and Instagram pages for the latest updates on SEs and Bloomy the Tree: - Facebook: www.facebook.com/sehk.gov.hk - Instagram: www.instagram.com/social_enterprise_hk Let's support social enterprises and help them bloom! Ends/Thursday, November 24, 2022 Issued at HKT 18:43 NNNN
DCS views removal of abandoned signboards (15.11.2022)
15.11.2022

The Deputy Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Cheuk Wing-hing, accompanied by the Director of Buildings, Ms Clarice Yu, went to Mong Kok this morning (November 15) to see signboard removal works to learn more about the work of the Buildings Department (BD) in handling dangerous and abandoned signboards. Following up on a public report received earlier, the BD issued Dangerous Structure Removal Notices (DSRNs) to the signboard owners of four abandoned signboards attached to the external wall of a building at Sai Yeung Choi Street South. Since the DSRNs were not complied with upon expiry, the BD arranged for removal of the signboards today. The removal works were carried out at 8.30am to avoid disruption to traffic or inconvenience to the shops nearby and pedestrians as far as possible. Apart from acting on public reports, the BD has stepped up its enforcement action against dangerous and abandoned signboards in recent years by conducting Planned Sign Surveys (PSS) in districts with high pedestrian and vehicular flows. It will focus its effort on removing these signboards in the districts selected to ensure public safety. The department has just completed a PSS in Sham Shui Po in late October with about 300 DSRNs issued, and over 700 dangerous or abandoned signboards removed or repaired. The PSS in Tsuen Wan is ongoing and it is anticipated that about 140 DSRNs will be issued, involving some 200 dangerous or abandoned signboards. The BD stressed that if a signboard is abandoned or has become dangerous, irrespective of whether it is legal or not, a DSRN under the Public Health and Municipal Services Ordinance (Cap. 132) will be issued to the signboard owner concerned. If the DSRN is not complied with, the BD will arrange for removing the signboard and recover the costs from the signboard owner. The department estimates that there will be no less than 1 700 dangerous/abandoned signboards removed/repaired this year and at least 1 800 next year. Ends/Tuesday, November 15, 2022 Issued at HKT 11:49 NNNN
CS took initiative to meet with Consul General of the Republic of Korea in Hong Kong (14.11.2022)
14.11.2022

The Chief Secretary for Administration of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), Mr Chan Kwok-ki, today (November 14) took the initiative to meet with the Consul General of the Republic of Korea in Hong Kong on the playing of a song closely associated with the widespread violent protests and "Hong Kong independence" in 2019 by the time that the National Anthem of the People's Republic of China should be played at the final between Hong Kong and South Korea of the Asia Rugby Sevens Series' second leg held in Incheon, South Korea. He reiterated that the HKSAR Government strongly deplores and opposes the incident and requested the Korean side to comprehensively look into the incident and responsibilities involved. Mr Chan stressed that the national anthem is the symbol and sign of a nation and must be respected on all occasions, and that organisers of international sports competitions bear the responsibility to ensure the proper and correct playing of national anthems during every competition. He said that although Asia Rugby has explained that the incident was due to a human error from a junior member of the local organiser and has apologised for it, the HKSAR Government raises strong objection to the association for its inability, as an experienced organiser of sports competitions and together with the local organiser, to prevent the incident from happening. He added that while Asia Rugby has confirmed that the recording of the national anthem submitted by the coach of the Hong Kong Team was the correct one, a song closely associated with the widespread violent protests and "Hong Kong independence" in 2019 ended up being played during the competition and the HKSAR Government unequivocally finds it totally unacceptable. On whether the incident involved any conspiracy to breach the National Anthem Ordinance or any other legislation of Hong Kong, the Police will conduct an investigation with follow-up action taken seriously in accordance with the law. Meanwhile, the HKSAR Government has requested the Hong Kong Rugby Union to deal with the matter seriously by launching a full and in-depth investigation, together with submission of a detailed report, and also ensuring that no similar incidents will happen again. It will also write to Asia Rugby, requesting it to further investigate the incident and responsibilities involved and give an account thereof. Ends/Monday, November 14, 2022 Issued at HKT 21:50 NNNN
Appointment of members to Fight Crime Committee (1.11.2022)
1.11.2022

The Government announced today (November 1) the appointment of Mr Yeung Ka-shing and Dr Stanley Yim Yuk-lun as members to the Fight Crime Committee. Their term of appointment is from November 1, 2022, to March 31, 2024. The Chief Secretary for Administration and Chairman of the Committee, Mr Chan Kwok-ki, welcomed the two new members and said he looked forward to working with them closely. The Fight Crime Committee is responsible for drawing up plans to reduce crime, co-ordinating efforts in fighting crime and monitoring the results, and determining ways in which the public can be encouraged to contribute to the fight against crime. Ends/Tuesday, November 1, 2022 Issued at HKT 17:34 NNNN