kakase/hk_gov_press_release huggingface dataset:
CE&apos;s statement on 2022-23 Budget
23.2.2022

The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, today (February 23) issued the following statement on the 2022-23 Budget: The Financial Secretary today delivered the fifth and final Budget of the current-term Government, at a time when Hong Kong is facing the unprecedented challenges posed by the rapid worsening of the fifth wave of the COVID-19 epidemic. The trades affected are under immense pressure and many of the grassroots hard hit. At this difficult time, the 2022-23 Budget is a timely and appropriate Budget that deserves the support of society at large by putting forward the following: (i) supporting an all-out effort to win the fight against the epidemic; (ii) relieving the hardship of Hong Kong's people and its small and medium-sized enterprises; (iii) rendering support to the struggling economy and fostering a post-epidemic economic revival; and (iv) investing for the future by planning ahead for the medium- and long-term development of Hong Kong's economy. With the stable development of our economy over the years and the fiscal prudence exercised by the Government, Hong Kong has adequate financial reserves to tide over the difficult time and retain strength. The series of measures put forward by the Financial Secretary will bring timely relief to enterprises and the public, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises and the grassroots community. In particular, the second round of the electronic consumption voucher scheme to be launched is expected to be welcomed not only by the public, but also by the retail, catering and other consumption-related sectors that stand to benefit from it. I especially subscribe to the continuous commitment by the 2022-23 Budget to talent nurturing, innovation and technology development and the Northern Metropolis, which will enable Hong Kong to grasp the opportunities ahead and scale new heights. With this, coupled with Hong Kong's closer economic integration with the Mainland as underpinned by the National 14th Five-Year Plan promulgated last year, society at large should have every confidence in our city's economic prospects. May I appeal to all sectors of the community to support this Budget and, with the Central Authorities' staunch support, fight the epidemic in concert in order for our people to resume normal lives early. Ends/Wednesday, February 23, 2022 Issued at HKT 18:08 NNNN
CE thanks LegCo for passing Motion of Thanks in respect of 2021 Policy Address
18.2.2022

​The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, expressed her gratitude to the Legislative Council for passing the Motion of Thanks in respect of the 2021 Policy Address today (February 18) and its general agreement with and support for the new direction for Hong Kong's future as outlined in the Policy Address. Nevertheless, she reiterated that fighting the epidemic is the overriding mission at present and stabilisation of the situation is the necessary foundation for Hong Kong to flourish. To this end, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government will leverage the staunch support of the Central Government with unwavering determination and strong faith to fight this uphill battle. Mrs Lam said, "The 2021 Policy Address is the last Policy Address of my five-year term of office. Themed 'Building a Bright Future Together', this Policy Address is premised on the Central Government's double safeguards of the promulgation and implementation of the Hong Kong National Security Law and the improved electoral system of the HKSAR. These have ushered in a new era whereby it is time for us to strive ahead with renewed perseverance and plan for the future of Hong Kong, and also to enrich the new implementation of 'One Country, Two Systems' in Hong Kong at the time of the 25th anniversary of the city's return to the motherland. "I am grateful to Members for offering many valuable views on governance and measures proposed in the 2021 Policy Address during the debate on the Motion of Thanks in the past three days. Members' recognition for the Northern Metropolis Development Strategy and reminders on our execution of such a large-scale plan have deeply encouraged us. We will continue to interact with the legislature down the road to ensure that the Northern Metropolis will take shape early and, together with the Harbour Metropolis, spearhead their respective economic engines and complement each other. "As I mentioned in the closing remarks of the 2021 Policy Address, 'One Country, Two Systems' has already become one of the strengths of the governance system of our country and the Central Government is always the strongest supporter of the HKSAR. Over the past two years or so, Hong Kong has overcome difficulties of varying natures under the leadership and support of the Central Government. Faced with the severe fifth wave of the epidemic, we should be equally confident to leverage the full support of the Central Government to win this fight with concerted efforts against the epidemic." Ends/Friday, February 18, 2022 Issued at HKT 18:40 NNNN
Chief Executive&apos;s Office contract cleaning worker tests preliminarily positive for COVID-19 rapid test
18.2.2022

​The Chief Executive's Office was notified by a service contractor today (February 18) that a cleaning worker for the Office had undergone a rapid test with a result being preliminarily positive for COVID-19. The service contractor said that the worker would return a deep throat saliva specimen for analysis in accordance with the guidelines of the Department of Health as soon as possible. The Chief Executive's Office conducted thorough cleaning and disinfection operations at the workplace concerned in accordance with the advice from the Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health. The contract cleaning worker last went to work this morning. She does not have contact with the public in her daily work, and she had no contact with the Chief Executive. She wore face masks and followed relevant disease prevention measures at work. She has no recent travel history. The Chief Executive's Office will continue to strictly implement various disease prevention measures. Staff members are also reminded to pay attention to personal hygiene and to stay vigilant at all times. They should seek medical advice immediately if they feel unwell and inform the Office accordingly. Ends/Friday, February 18, 2022 Issued at HKT 18:20 NNNN
Announcement by the Chief Executive&apos;s Office
15.2.2022

​The Chief Executive's Office said today (February 15) that a staff member of the Office underwent a rapid test today, and the result was preliminarily positive for COVID-19. The staff member will return a deep throat saliva specimen for analysis in accordance with the guidelines of the Department of Health as soon as possible. The staff member last went to work on February 14. He does not have contact with the public in his daily work, and he had no contact with the Chief Executive. He wore face masks and followed relevant disease prevention measures at work. He has no recent travel history. The Chief Executive's Office has conducted thorough cleaning and disinfection operations at the workplace concerned. Other relevant colleagues have been arranged to undergo COVID-19 testing in accordance with the advice from the Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health. The Chief Executive's Office will continue to strictly implement various disease prevention measures. Staff members are also reminded to pay attention to personal hygiene and to stay vigilant at all times. They should seek medical advice immediately if they feel unwell and inform the Office accordingly. Ends/Tuesday, February 15, 2022 Issued at HKT 18:55 NNNN
CE expresses sorrow over passing of Mrs Christina Lee
13.2.2022

The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, today (February 13) expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Mrs Christina Lee. "A successful person in the commercial sector, Mrs Lee participated in the management of a major local TV station for a long period of time and was held in high regard in the sector. She was committed to philanthropic causes. She helped raise funds for social welfare organisations and also gave staunch support for the medical development of Hong Kong with donations made to a local university's faculty of medicine, benefitting society at large. "I am saddened by the passing of Mrs Lee. On behalf of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, I would like to extend my deepest condolences to her family," Mrs Lam said. Ends/Sunday, February 13, 2022 Issued at HKT 22:58 NNNN
Transcript of remarks by CE at media session before ExCo
8.2.2022

Following is the transcript of remarks by the Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, at a media session before the Executive Council meeting today (February 8): Reporter: No city has ever squashed an outbreak of this size before without a full lockdown. Is that Hong Kong's only option now, and if not, why not? And what other options are there? Chief Executive: Actually I have just spent a few minutes to outline to you the strategy adopted by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government to tackle this latest wave caused by the highly transmissible Omicron. At this moment, we still feel that this is the best strategy for Hong Kong, using all our capacity and our means to ensure that we could achieve the "dynamic zero" target, that is, we should contain the spread of virus as much and as fast as possible. Thank you. (Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.) Ends/Tuesday, February 8, 2022 Issued at HKT 12:10 NNNN
CE delivers Lunar New Year message
31.1.2022

Following is the translation of the Lunar New Year message delivered by the Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, today (January 31): Looking back on the Year of the Ox, we have maintained stability overall as a result of hard work. With the support of the Central Government and the efforts of the whole community, Hong Kong has not only stayed true to its aspirations in the implementation of "One Country, Two Systems" and returned to the right track of "One Country, Two Systems", but has also been fighting the epidemic, boosting the economy and enhancing people's livelihoods. Capitalising on the opportunities presented by the National 14th Five-Year Plan, Hong Kong has been actively integrating into the country's overall development. Leaping into the Year of the Tiger, Hong Kong is set to usher in a brighter future. The tiger is a symbol of quick response, great bravery and strong vitality. These attributes vividly describe the spirit of Hong Kong people, who always make the best of their opportunities and rise to the challenges that come their way. Such a spirit will not only help us get through the epidemic, but will also take Hong Kong into a new era of prosperity as we celebrate the 25th anniversary of Hong Kong's return to the motherland. I wish all Hong Kong citizens a healthy, harmonious and auspicious Year of the Tiger! (The message is available on the Chief Executive's website ( www.ceo.gov.hk/lny_message22/eng/ ).) Ends/Monday, January 31, 2022 Issued at HKT 12:45 NNNN
CE expresses sorrow over passing of Dr Tong Wai-ki
19.1.2022

The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, today (January 19) expressed deep sorrow over the passing of the Chairman of the Hong Kong Taoist Association, Dr Tong Wai-ki. "Dr Tong was held in high regard. Over the years, he had been committed to promoting the Taoist religion and Chinese culture and actively participated in social services and charitable activities, making significant contributions. He was awarded the Silver Bauhinia Star in 2013. "I am deeply saddened by the passing of Dr Tong. On behalf of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, I would like to extend my deepest condolences to his family and the Taoist community," Mrs Lam said. Ends/Wednesday, January 19, 2022 Issued at HKT 13:26 NNNN
CE meets University Grants Committee members
12.1.2022

The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, met members of the University Grants Committee (UGC) today (January 12) in a video conference to exchange views on the latest developments of the higher education sector. This was the second time that this annual meeting between the Chief Executive and the UGC had to be held online because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Secretary for Education, Mr Kevin Yeung, and the Secretary for Innovation and Technology, Mr Alfred Sit, also attended the meeting. The UGC Chairman, Mr Carlson Tong, briefed the Chief Executive on the progress of the UGC's major initiatives, including the Planning Exercise for the 2022-25 triennium, the Research Assessment Exercise 2020 and the renewal of University Accountability Agreements. He thanked the Government for approving the recurrent grants to the eight UGC-funded universities in the 2022-25 triennium as recommended by the UGC following a constructive process with the eight institutions, taking into account the planning parameters promulgated by the Government. Mr Tong also briefed the Chief Executive on the progress of the various initiatives in strengthening the universities’ research capacity under her 2021 Policy Address, including the establishment of a working group by the UGC to review the feasibility of increasing the number of publicly-funded research postgraduate student places. The Research Grants Council of the UGC would also allocate additional funding from the Research Endowment Fund to step up support for research activities in the UGC-funded universities. Mrs Lam expressed her gratitude to the UGC under the leadership of Mr Tong for serving as an effective communication channel between the Government and the UGC-funded universities over the years. In particular, she commended the eight UGC-funded universities for their outstanding performance in the Research Assessment Exercise 2020 announced by the UGC last year, which had since been publicised through local media to stimulate more interest in quality research in local universities. She was pleased to learn that a great majority of non-local students in the UGC-funded universities had returned to campus through efforts made by the institutions. Looking ahead, Mrs Lam said that she was confident that Hong Kong's higher education would go from strength to strength, and other than education and technology, could contribute in areas of raising Hong Kong's international profile through networking with overseas and Mainland institutions, enrollment of more students from overseas and participation in regional or international organisations. This was the fifth annual meeting held by the Chief Executive with the UGC during her term of office and was attended by the Chairman and all local and overseas members. Ends/Wednesday, January 12, 2022 Issued at HKT 22:04 NNNN
CE meets Commander-in-chief of Hong Kong Garrison
10.1.2022

The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, met the Commander-in-chief of the Chinese People's Liberation Army Hong Kong Garrison, Major General Peng Jingtang, at Government House this morning (January 10). The Director of the Chief Executive's Office, Mr Chan Kwok-ki, also attended the meeting. Mrs Lam welcomed Major General Peng's assumption of office in Hong Kong. She said that the Hong Kong Garrison is a symbol of national sovereignty and has been performing its functions and responsibilities in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) in strict accordance with the Basic Law, the Law of the People's Republic of China on the Garrisoning of the HKSAR and other relevant laws. The Hong Kong Garrison has always been well-disciplined and law-abiding, providing staunch support for maintaining the long-term prosperity and stability of the HKSAR. Mrs Lam said that the Hong Kong Garrison has been committed to deepening communication and exchanges with Hong Kong society, participating in charitable activities in the community as well as organising frequently such activities as open days for its military sites, summer camps for youths and tertiary students. Such interaction enhances the understanding of national defence and the armed forces among various sectors of Hong Kong, encouraging the respect and fond regard from members of the public. Mrs Lam said she believes that the Hong Kong Garrison, under the leadership of Major General Peng, will continue to uphold its excellent tradition of contributing to the HKSAR, working with the HKSAR Government to jointly safeguard the sovereignty, security and development interests of the nation and help maintain the long-term prosperity and stability of Hong Kong. Ends/Monday, January 10, 2022 Issued at HKT 19:56 NNNN
CE expresses sorrow over passing of Mr Fong Yun-wah
6.1.2022

The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, today (January 6) expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Mr Fong Yun-wah. "Mr Fong was not only a successful businessman, but also an outstanding and patriotic philanthropist. In addition to making remarkable achievements in the business sector, he was also committed to philanthropic causes, participating in innumerable charitable projects in the Mainland and Hong Kong covering such areas as education, medical services, aerospace technology, elderly and child care services, and community infrastructure. Mr Fong dedicated his life to serving others and contributing to the community. His contributions were widely recognised at home and abroad and he commanded the respect of different sectors. He was awarded the Gold Bauhinia Star in 2018. "I am saddened by the passing of Mr Fong. On behalf of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, I would like to extend my deepest condolences to his family," Mrs Lam said. Ends/Thursday, January 6, 2022 Issued at HKT 21:55 NNNN
CE expresses sorrow over passing of Mr Hilton Cheong-Leen
4.1.2022

The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, today (January 4) expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Mr Hilton Cheong-Leen. "Mr Cheong-Leen had actively participated in public services for a long time. In the last century, he had been a member of the Urban Council for over 30 years and was the first Chinese person to become the Chairman of the Urban Council. He also served as a member of the Legislative Council. He commanded the respect of different sectors. He was committed to community services and was particularly concerned about the development of local education. He actively promoted the construction of schools and implementation of free education, and served in the Hong Kong Council of Early Childhood Education and Services for many years, making significant contributions to society. "I am saddened by the passing of Mr Cheong-Leen. On behalf of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, I would like to extend my deepest condolences to his family," Mrs Lam said. Ends/Tuesday, January 4, 2022 Issued at HKT 19:38 NNNN
Chief Executive determines oaths taken by all Members-elect of Legislative Council valid
3.1.2022

With respect to the oath-taking ceremony held today (January 3) for Members of the seventh Legislative Council (LegCo) of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) of the People's Republic of China (PRC) at the Chamber of the LegCo Complex, the oath administrator, the Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, has determined that the oaths taken by all 90 Members-elect of the LegCo are valid. Article 104 of the Basic Law of the HKSAR of the PRC stipulates that, when assuming office, Members of the LegCo must, in accordance with the law, swear to uphold the Basic Law and swear allegiance to the HKSAR of the PRC. According to the Interpretation of Article 104 of the Basic Law passed by the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress on November 7, 2016, the person administering the oath has the duty to ensure that the oath is taken in a lawful manner. He or she shall determine that an oath taken in compliance with the Interpretation and the requirements under the laws of the HKSAR is valid, and that an oath which is not taken in compliance with the Interpretation and the requirements under the laws of the HKSAR is invalid. If the oath taken is determined as invalid, no arrangement shall be made for retaking the oath. According to the Public Offices (Candidacy and Taking Up Offices) (Miscellaneous Amendments) Ordinance 2021 that was gazetted and came into effect on May 21, 2021, the amended Oaths and Declarations Ordinance (Cap. 11) stipulates that the oath taken by LegCo Members must be administered by the Chief Executive or a person authorised by the Chief Executive. Based on the principles laid down by the Interpretation and the relevant legal provisions, the Chief Executive has determined that the oaths taken by all of the 90 Members-elect of the LegCo are valid. Ends/Monday, January 3, 2022 Issued at HKT 17:17 NNNN
Speech by CE at Opening Ceremony of Business of Design Week 2021
1.12.2021

Following is the video speech by the Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, at the Opening Ceremony of Business of Design Week (BODW) 2021 today (December 1): Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, Good evening. It is my pleasure to welcome you all back to the Business of Design Week 2021. Building on last year's successful experience, this year's BODW is brought to you again in hybrid mode. Other than staging the programmes in a physical format, events, such as the Summit, will also be simulcast live on local television, online and on social media and at partner locations to reach our target audience worldwide amidst the pandemic. Riding on the theme "Global Design Reset", over 80 creative leaders from global top-notch enterprises are joining us to speak on eight main topics, namely Brand Rejuvenation, Connected Health & Wellbeing, Creative Mindset and Innovation Leadership, Culture & The City, Designing an Intelligent Future, Hospitality with Purpose, New Urban Models, and Phygital Reality. These topics are the key to our future development even before COVID-19, and more so as we enter the new normal. We are all looking forward to the keynote session right after this opening ceremony, and we will be learning from our distinguished speakers on how designing for nature is synonymous to designing for success. There is also another exciting keynote session tomorrow on rewilding urban spaces. A series of concurrent events including Fashion Asia Hong Kong, BODW CityProg, deTour and DesignInspire will continue to be presented, enriching the BODW with more public engagement and territory-wide happenings throughout the year. The Hong Kong SAR Government is honoured to be the lead sponsor of BODW again through the CreateSmart Initiative, our dedicated funding scheme for the creative sectors. The current-term Government is highly committed to developing the creative industries as our new economic drivers. With a new $1 billion injection into the CreateSmart Initiative earlier this year, we will continue with our efforts to assist the trade in talent nurturing, capacity building and skill upgrading, with a view to enhancing the long-term competitiveness of our trade under the new normal. Where the situation permits, we will resume external promotion of Hong Kong to explore markets and establish partnerships, and leveraging the immense opportunities brought about by the Belt and Road Initiative and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area development. My heartfelt gratitude goes to the Hong Kong Design Centre, organiser of BODW, as well as the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, co-organiser, the organisers of the concurrent events, and the United Kingdom, the strategic partner again this year, for working with us with joined hands to promote design and creative excellence through the world-class flagship design event. I wish you all another inspirational and rewarding design journey with BODW this year. Thank you. Ends/Wednesday, December 1, 2021 Issued at HKT 20:11 NNNN