kakase/hk_gov_press_release huggingface dataset:
CE thanks members of public for co-operating with compulsory testing operations
1.2.2021

The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, today (February 1) thanked the vast majority of the members of the public for co-operating with the compulsory measures adopted by the Government to prevent and control the spread of the epidemic, emphasising that the Government will take stringent enforcement action against offenders. "All the compulsory measures taken by the Government amid the epidemic are necessary and with legal basis. It is an offence to breach the rules and penalties are clear. Regardless of whether members of the public are required to undergo compulsory virus tests or commercial or personal activities are subject to restriction, we hope that we can have the full co-operation of the public in order to achieve the expected results," Mrs Lam said. "I noticed that the vast majority of the relevant citizens were fully co-operative during the four compulsory testing operations at the 'restricted areas' and in the relevant law enforcement actions in the past week. The operation at Blocks 5 and 7 of Laguna City completed this morning is an example, with no residents found to have not undergone compulsory tests. In the other law enforcement operations conducted at three 'restricted areas' in Jordan, Yau Ma Tei and North Point earlier, about 200, 14 and 15 residents respectively were identified as having violated the compulsory testing requirement. "I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to members of the public for their understanding and co-operation. Various government departments will continue to take stock of their experience for the benefit of the operations, with a view to minimising inconvenience caused to the residents and suppressing the epidemic effectively as soon as possible, so that economic activities and people's daily lives can return to normal gradually," Mrs Lam said. Regarding a public officer who was injured in an attack while taking part in the operation to enforce a "restriction-testing declaration" last night, Mrs Lam sent her regards to the officer and condemned the assailant's violent behaviour. "Hong Kong is governed by the rule of law. Violent acts are totally unacceptable. Testing programmes implemented by the Government are intended to safeguard public health, and inconvenience caused to the public is minimised as far as possible. Members of the public may raise their questions or express their views through various means. They should not pick on the working staff or even resort to violence," Mrs Lam said. Various government departments will proactively enforce the anti-epidemic regulations, including verifying the testing certification of residents at the entrances and exits of buildings subject to compulsory testing, conducting inspections on premises to check whether there is illegal operation or violation of relevant requirements, and taking enforcement action in public places in relation to regulations on mask wearing, group gatherings and more. Ends/Monday, February 1, 2021 Issued at HKT 16:45 NNNN
CE expresses deep sorrow over passing of DDSW Mr Lam Ka-tai
30.1.2021

The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, today (January 30) expressed utmost sorrow over the passing of the Deputy Director of Social Welfare (Services), Mr Lam Ka-tai. "I worked with Ka-tai while I was the Director of Social Welfare from 2000 to 2003. I was deeply impressed by his enthusiasm for work, care for senior citizens and the disadvantaged groups and upholding of the profession of social workers. Modest and dedicated, he was willing to listen and resolved problems proactively, earning him the respect of the social welfare sector and the love of colleagues of the department. "Ka-tai dearly loved his mother and was sincere to people, showing respect and care to senior citizens as if they were his own family members. During my tenure as the Director of Social Welfare, he and I joined hands to handle a request for assistance from an elderly man, Uncle Fook, who needed urgent help. In the past decade or so, Ka-tai would accompany me to visit Uncle Fook during the Lunar New Year holidays and he also showed care for Uncle Fook's daily life in other times until he passed away not long ago. A role model for civil servants, Ka-tai continued to serve with his full passion and enthusiasm in the social welfare sector over the past 30 years or so. "I am deeply shocked and saddened by the passing of Ka-tai. I extend my deepest condolences to his family and will provide all necessary assistance for his funeral arrangements. "With Ka-tai's departure, we have lost a best friend and best colleague. It is also a tremendous loss for the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. Nevertheless, he and his spirit of serving the community will always be in our hearts. "Ka-tai, may you rest in peace. You will be sorely missed, always," Mrs Lam said. Ends/Saturday, January 30, 2021 Issued at HKT 14:30 NNNN
CE reports to state leaders on work
27.1.2021

The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, today (January 27) was arranged to conduct the annual reporting of work to President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Keqiang separately via video conferencing, during which she reported to them the latest economic, social and political situation in Hong Kong. Mrs Lam expressed gratitude to the state leaders for fully acknowledging the work of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government in the past year, and for the care and support from the Central Government to Hong Kong on the prevention and control of the COVID-19 epidemic, economic development and improvement of people's livelihoods. She pointed out that Hong Kong experienced a challenging year in which the city's economy and livelihoods were hard hit by the epidemic, but that the city essentially functioned normally with the financial system remaining stable. She said that the top priority of the HKSAR Government at present is to curb the epidemic to protect people's health and restore economic activities. Mrs Lam reported to the state leaders that since the implementation of the National Security Law on June 30 last year, street violence has significantly subsided and calm has been restored in society, and that the HKSAR Government will fully implement the National Security Law to prevent and stop acts that endanger national security. Thanking President Xi for his warm regards to her and other HKSAR Government officials who have been sanctioned by the US Government unreasonably, she, on behalf of each of the government officials, reiterated that they will continue to discharge their duty to safeguard national security without fear. Mrs Lam also reported on the series of measures involving the Central Government's support as set out in her 2020 Policy Address. She said that in the opening year of the country's 14th Five-Year Plan, she will lead her team to leverage the unique advantages of Hong Kong to better integrate into the overall development of the nation through its participation in the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, thereby advancing the economy and improving livelihoods. Ends/Wednesday, January 27, 2021 Issued at HKT 22:20 NNNN
CE meets University Grants Committee members
14.1.2021

The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, met members of the University Grants Committee (UGC) today (January 14) in a video conference to exchange views on the latest developments of the higher education sector. The UGC Chairman, Mr Carlson Tong, briefed the Chief Executive on the concerted efforts by the UGC and the universities to fight the COVID-19 pandemic and adapt to the "new normal" with an online teaching and learning environment when most face-to-face classes are suspended. Specifically, the UGC had allocated additional funding for the strategic development of virtual teaching and learning, research projects related to COVID-19 and other novel infectious diseases, as well as support services for students in need. The UGC has worked closely with all universities to address various challenges throughout the pandemic together with the implementation of a number of major initiatives, including the Planning Exercise for the 2022-25 triennium, the Research Assessment Exercise 2020 and the Targeted Taught Postgraduate Programmes Fellowships Scheme. The Chief Executive expressed her gratitude to Mr Tong and all UGC members for the tremendous efforts they have made during an unprecedented challenging environment brought by the COVID-19 pandemic. She said this was her fourth annual meeting with the UGC and she was pleased to note sterling progress made on each and every initiative announced in her previous Policy Addresses to promote Hong Kong's higher education sector. She was particularly grateful to the research and expert support given to the Government by UGC-funded institutions in the enduring battle against the pandemic. Mrs Lam said that significant developments would take place during the year 2021. These include discussions between the UGC and the Government on the 2022-25 triennium funding and the outcome of the Research Assessment Exercise 2020. She also briefed UGC members on the Global STEM Professorship Scheme she announced in the 2020 Policy Address and looked to members for their support, in particular overseas members, in identifying suitable talents to come to teach and conduct research in UGC-funded institutions. Mrs Lam remarked that the city's quality universities represented Hong Kong's strengths in national, regional and global contexts, and she was appreciative of the vision and commitment of some institutions planning to set up a new campus in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. The Government would continue to render support to such endeavours. Mr Tong thanked the Chief Executive for her tremendous support for UGC-funded universities over the past few years. The UGC would continue to spare no efforts in performing its role as a bridge between the Government and universities, and would provide expert advice to the Government on the funding and strategic development of higher education in Hong Kong. Ends/Thursday, January 14, 2021 Issued at HKT 18:40 NNNN
CE congratulates CJ on his assumption of office
11.1.2021

The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, today (January 11) congratulated the Chief Justice of the Court of Final Appeal, Mr Andrew Cheung Kui-nung, on his assumption of office, and pledged her continued support for the Judiciary. "The rule of law is the cornerstone of Hong Kong's success, and judicial independence is the linchpin in upholding the rule of law. The Basic Law clearly stipulates that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) shall enjoy independent judicial power, including that of final adjudication. Our courts shall exercise judicial power independently, free from any interference." "As the Chief Executive responsible to both the Central People's Government and the HKSAR, I will continue to steadfastly safeguard judicial independence. As I mentioned in my 2020 Policy Address, there is no conflict between an executive-led system and an independent Judiciary." "The Government has all along been giving full support to the Judiciary to ensure its effective operation. Over the past decade, the Government has acceded to the Judiciary's requests for funding and staffing resources in full. The Government has also made progress in the relocation of the High Court Building and the construction of a new District Court Complex to address the long-term accommodation needs of courts since announcement of these two major capital works projects in the 2017 Policy Address. The Government will continue to provide all the needed support." "I congratulate Chief Justice Cheung on his assumption of office today. I am confident that, under Chief Justice Cheung's leadership, the Judiciary will continue to be a bulwark of the 'One Country, Two Systems' policy and our judges will continue to safeguard the law and administer justice without fear or favour," Mrs Lam said. Ends/Monday, January 11, 2021 Issued at HKT 13:56 NNNN
Advisory Panel on COVID-19 Vaccines held its first meeting
30.12.2020

The Chief Executive has appointed the Advisory Panel on COVID-19 Vaccines (Advisory Panel) (membership list at Annex). The Advisory Panel, chaired by convenor Professor Wallace Lau Chak-sing, held its first meeting today (December 30). Before the meeting, the Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, met with members of the Advisory Panel and conveyed her gratitude to the members for providing expert and objective advice for approving vaccines. The Advisory Panel is set up in accordance with the Prevention and Control of Disease (Use of Vaccines) Regulation (Cap. 599K) (the Regulation). The Regulation provides the legal framework for bringing in COVID-19 vaccines which satisfy the criteria of safety, efficacy and quality for emergency use under the present state of public health emergency. The Regulation empowers the Secretary for Food and Health to, based on the objective clinical data of a COVID-19 vaccine, with reference to the expert advice of the Advisory Panel and having regard to the approval given by a regulatory authority in a place outside Hong Kong that performs the function of approving pharmaceutical products (including emergency use), authorise and allow the specified use of the relevant COVID-19 vaccine in Hong Kong under the emergency situation, including vaccination programmes conducted by the Government. Professor Wallace Lau Chak-sing is the convenor of the Advisory Panel and members of the Advisory Panel have rich experience in the areas of public health, infectious diseases, immunology, drug regulation and clinical care. The Advisory Panel was briefed by the secretariat on the various relevant statutory requirements under the Regulation at the meeting today, including the factors which the Secretary for Food and Health must consider before authorising a COVID-19 vaccine for emergency use, and the role of the Advisory Panel. The meeting also discussed the modus operandi of the Advisory Panel, including the guidance for application for authorisation of vaccines and the information that must be submitted by the applicant. The guidance on the information that must be submitted by the applicant will be uploaded to the website of the Food and Health Bureau for reference ( www.fhb.gov.hk/en/our_work/health/rr3.html ). A spokesman for the Food and Health Bureau said, "The Government thanks the expert advisors for accepting the appointment and participating in the work of the emergency use of COVID-19 vaccines in Hong Kong. The Government will strive for the early supply of vaccines to Hong Kong and ensure that the vaccines concerned satisfy the relevant requirements and procedures, as well as obtain emergency use approval in accordance with the Regulation, with a view to ensuring safety, efficacy and quality of vaccines. Our work will be premised on openness and transparency to enable members of the public to access the relevant information on vaccines." Ends/Wednesday, December 30, 2020 Issued at HKT 22:24 NNNN
CE tours New Territories North, the boundary and other areas
27.12.2020

The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, today (December 27), accompanied by the Secretary for Security, Mr John Lee, and the Secretary for Development, Mr Michael Wong, visited the headquarters of the Government Flying Service (GFS) and took a helicopter tour to view sites related to various development plans that she outlined in the 2020 Policy Address. Mrs Lam and the other officials first visited the GFS headquarters and were briefed by the Controller of the GFS, Captain Wu Wai-hung, on the establishment and daily work of the GFS and the performance of the new generation of helicopters it has purchased. Commending the GFS for its professionalism and bravery, given that it provides services to various government departments and bears the vital responsibility to save lives in emergencies, Mrs Lam noted that the GFS has handled nearly 2 500 cases covering provision of air ambulance service, search and rescue and firefighting operations in the first 11 months of this year with distinguished performance. She encouraged the GFS to continue to rise to the challenges and overcome difficulties to provide the best services for members of the public. During the visit, Mrs Lam also learned more from Captain Wu about the flight distance and time required to travel between Hong Kong and different cities in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) by helicopter. As mentioned by Mrs Lam in the 2020 Policy Address earlier, the Civil Aviation Administration of China has agreed to commence preparation for the provision of cross-boundary commercial helicopter services between Guangdong and Hong Kong, which will enhance the international business environment in the GBA. Mrs Lam and the other officials then took a helicopter ride to have an aerial view of the reclamation works of the Three Runway System of Hong Kong International Airport and in Tung Chung, land use planning of Tuen Mun West, Lung Kwu Tan, the development of boundary control points (especially Huanggang/Lok Ma Chau Control Point and Lo Wu Control Point), the alignment of the Northern Link and more to learn more about the present situations of these areas. "Every land development project set out in the 2020 Policy Address is vital to the future of Hong Kong. As long as society can set aside disputes and forge a consensus, these development blueprints can all be realised to boost Hong Kong’s economic growth and create a more liveable city. In particular, along with the integration of Hong Kong into the overall development of the country and the enhancement of collaboration with Shenzhen, we will fully consider how to leverage the geographical advantages of the border area and the sites near cross-boundary infrastructure to grasp the various opportunities brought about by the GBA development," Mrs Lam said. Ends/Sunday, December 27, 2020 Issued at HKT 23:38 NNNN
Politically appointed officials swear to uphold Basic Law and swear allegiance to HKSAR
16.12.2020

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government held an oath-taking ceremony for Under Secretaries and Political Assistants at the Central Government Offices today (December 16). Witnessed by the Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, all the 12 Under Secretaries and 14 Political Assistants swore to uphold the Basic Law of the HKSAR of the People's Republic of China (PRC) and swore allegiance to the HKSAR of the PRC. According to the Basic Law, all public servants of the HKSAR Government must be dedicated to their duties and be responsible to the Government of the HKSAR. Under Secretaries and Political Assistants are politically appointed officials and shall be bound by and collectively responsible for the decisions by the Government. They are responsible for assisting Secretaries of Department and Directors of Bureau in undertaking the full range of political work and Under Secretaries will deputise for the relevant Directors of Bureau during the latter's temporary absence. As key members of the HKSAR's governing team, it is incumbent upon Under Secretaries and Political Assistants to uphold the Basic Law and bear allegiance to the HKSAR. "The taking of the oath to uphold the Basic Law and bear allegiance to the HKSAR by the Under Secretaries and Political Assistants is of great significance. They made a solemn promise on their responsibilities, genuinely showing to the community their loyalty and commitment to the Basic Law and the HKSAR and thereby boosting the confidence of the public in the politically appointed officials," a Government spokesman said. Further to the taking of the oath by politically appointed officials, the Civil Service Bureau (CSB) issued a circular in October this year, requiring all civil servants joining the HKSAR Government on or after July 1 this year to take an oath or sign a declaration as one of the conditions for appointment. The CSB will also promulgate shortly the details of arrangements for requiring serving civil servants to sign the declaration. The oath-taking ceremony for Permanent Secretaries and Heads of Department will be held on December 18. Ends/Wednesday, December 16, 2020 Issued at HKT 13:54 NNNN
Tenth meeting of Chief Executive&apos;s Council of Advisers on Innovation and Strategic Development held
8.12.2020

The Chief Executive's Council of Advisers on Innovation and Strategic Development (the Council) held its 10th meeting online today (December 8) to discuss the 2020 Policy Address delivered by the Chief Executive on November 25, 2020. Members acknowledged the efforts put into the 2020 Policy Address against the tough circumstances and commended it as a comprehensive and visionary blueprint that has charted a future course for Hong Kong. Members pointed out that the COVID-19 epidemic was the most pressing issue at present, and they looked to the Government to lead the community in fighting this epidemic, stressing on the need to step up epidemic control measures decisively and ensure early and sufficient supply of vaccines. On future economic development, members agreed that Hong Kong should leverage its unique advantages under the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area development in all aspects, including innovation and technology, professional services, education, etc. Members expressed deep appreciation for the strong support given by the Central People's Government during the Chief Executive's trip to Beijing and reiterated the importance of Hong Kong working closely with Guangdong. On co-operation between Hong Kong and Shenzhen, members agreed with the Chief Executive's vision of a "twin-city" growth engine development model. Many members spoke on the importance of engaging the international community and gave many suggestions on how the HKSAR Government could mount an effective public relations campaign. They supported the Government's efforts to strengthen external promotion, to recruit talents and to seek to join the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership. Members also offered valuable views on the approach to deliver messages for key target audience such as investors, the business community and overseas talents. The Council is a high-level body to give advice on Hong Kong's strategic positioning in the global and regional contexts and directions of economic development, provide guidance on evidence-based research and studies on related issues, and advise on stakeholder engagement and public participation in the policy formulation and consensus building process. Ends/Tuesday, December 8, 2020 Issued at HKT 22:47 NNNN