kakase/hk_gov_press_release huggingface dataset:
Chief Executive in Council adopts recommendation on Statutory Minimum Wage rate
11.1.2019

The Chief Executive in Council has adopted the recommendation of the Minimum Wage Commission (MWC) to raise the Statutory Minimum Wage (SMW) rate from its prevailing level of $34.5 per hour to $37.5 per hour, an increase of $3 or 8.7 per cent. The Minimum Wage Ordinance (Amendment of Schedule 3) Notice 2019 will be published in the Government Gazette next Friday (January 18) and tabled in the Legislative Council (LegCo) on January 23. Subject to the approval of LegCo, the revised SMW rate will come into force on May 1, the next Labour Day. The Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Dr Law Chi-kwong, paid warm tribute to the Chairperson of the MWC, Ms Priscilla Wong, and all its members for their hard efforts and sterling contribution in accomplishing the important and challenging mission of reviewing the SMW rate. Dr Law said, "The Government has carefully considered the report of the MWC and is of the view that the MWC has ably discharged its statutory function of reviewing the SMW rate with thorough and balanced deliberation." He added, "Since the SMW came into effect on May 1, 2011, the earnings of low-income employees have continued to improve and the employment market has remained largely stable. The smooth implementation of the SMW has been attributable to the support of the community and co-operation of stakeholders." The full text of the "2018 Report of the Minimum Wage Commission" is available at the MWC's website ( www.mwc.org.hk ). The Government will also publish in the Government Gazette on January 18, and table in LegCo on January 23, the Employment Ordinance (Amendment of Ninth Schedule) Notice 2019. The Notice amends the monthly monetary cap on recording the total number of hours worked. An employer will be exempted from the requirement to record the total number of hours worked by an employee in a wage period if wages payable to the employee for that wage period are not less than $15,300 (currently $14,100) per month. In tandem with the commencement of the revised SMW rate, the revised monetary cap will come into force on the same day on which the revised rate takes effect, that is May 1 this year. Ends/Friday, January 11, 2019 Issued at HKT 14:00 NNNN
CE meets Secretary of CPC Zhaoqing Municipal Committee
10.1.2019

The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, met the Secretary of the CPC Zhaoqing Municipal Committee, Mr Lai Zehua, at the Chief Executive's Office this afternoon (January 10). The Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs, Mr Patrick Nip, was also present. Welcoming Mr Lai's visit to Hong Kong, Mrs Lam said that Hong Kong and Zhaoqing enjoy close ties in economic affairs and trade. Zhaoqing is not only the ancestral hometown of many Hong Kong people, but also a city in which many Hong Kong businessmen invest, with Hong Kong enterprises accounting for more than 80 per cent of its external investment. The commissioning of infrastructure projects such as the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge and the Hong Kong Section of the Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Express Rail Link has made travel and trade between Hong Kong and Zhaoqing more convenient, enabling the two places to explore further co-operation. Noting that both Hong Kong and Zhaoqing are cities in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, Mrs Lam said that Hong Kong is Asia's world city, an international financial, maritime and logistics centre with efficient professional services and a large pool of professional and management talents, while Zhaoqing is rich in natural resources and large in area, with plenty of space for development. She said the development of the Greater Bay Area will bring about new opportunities for Zhaoqing and Hong Kong, and that the two places can complement each other and enhance the development of the Greater Bay Area. She also encouraged young people of the two places to strengthen exchanges, and expressed the hope that the Zhaoqing Municipal Government would consider providing internship programmes for Hong Kong young people to provide them with more opportunities for personal development. Ends/Thursday, January 10, 2019 Issued at HKT 20:09 NNNN
Release of Report of Independent Review Committee on Hong Kong&apos;s Franchised Bus Service
8.1.2019

The Government released today (January 8) the Report of the Independent Review Committee on Hong Kong's Franchised Bus Service which was submitted by the Committee to the Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, on December 31, 2018. In commenting on the release of the Report, Mrs Lam again expressed her deep appreciation to the Committee's Chairman, the Honourable Mr Justice Michael Victor Lunn, and members Mr Rex Auyeung Pak-kuen and Professor Lo Hong-kam for their dedicated work. "I have personally studied the Committee's report which has comprehensively covered the various aspects relating to bus safety. I have asked the Transport and Housing Bureau to oversee actions by the Transport Department and other relevant parties to ensure that the Committee's recommendations are thoroughly examined and expeditiously implemented where appropriate. The Government will take proactive steps in ensuring a safe and reliable franchised bus service in Hong Kong," Mrs Lam said. The Report is released in full, except that, after seeking legal advice, a part of a sentence in the acknowledgement chapter of the Report is redacted to ensure a fair trial of the ongoing criminal proceedings. It can be accessed online at www.irc-bus.gov.hk/eng/report.html . The Government will release the full Report after all relevant criminal legal proceedings have been concluded. Ends/Tuesday, January 8, 2019 Issued at HKT 14:58 NNNN
Transcript of remarks by CE at media session before ExCo meeting
8.1.2019

Following is the transcript of remarks by the Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, at a media session before the Executive Council meeting this morning (January 8): Reporter: About land supply, is the Government intending to actually resume the entire Fanling Golf Course, or at the very least to resume part of it, so that you can actually build housing on it, rather than actually leaving it for recreational use? Chief Executive: The subject of private recreational leases has been the subject of another extensive public consultation conducted by the Home Affairs Bureau, and that particular consultation has not completely concluded. In other words, the Home Affairs Bureau has not even submitted the report to me, so it would be unfair for myself or the Secretary for Development to jump into a conclusion on the whole subject of private recreational leases without taking into account that consultation and that study. And I really hope to steer people away from just focusing on one lease, that is, the Fanling Golf Course. The private recreational leases study concerns all the private recreational leases and at this moment I'm not sure how they are going to approach the subject or present its recommendations, but it would be only fair to tackle the subject in its entirety rather than dealing with one particular site. (Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.) Ends/Tuesday, January 8, 2019 Issued at HKT 12:06 NNNN
CE expresses sorrow over passing of Bishop Michael Yeung
3.1.2019

The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, today (January 3) expressed deep sorrow over the passing of the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Hong Kong, the Most Reverend Michael Yeung. "Bishop Yeung devoted all his life to the Catholic Diocese. Since taking over as the Bishop in 2017, he had led the Diocese to make significant contributions to Hong Kong in areas including medical care, education and welfare services, and guided the Hong Kong Catholics to actively care for and serve the community. "I had known Bishop Yeung, who took charge of the welfare services of Caritas Hong Kong, since my tenure as the Director of Social Welfare. I was greatly inspired by his benevolence and concern for people from all walks of life, especially the young people and the disadvantaged. "Since becoming the Chief Executive, I had met Bishop Yeung several times to listen to his concerns about society and attended together with him the launch ceremony of the new campus of my alma mater, St Francis' Canossian College, at the beginning of last month. "I am deeply saddened by the passing of Bishop Yeung. On behalf of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, I would like to extend my deepest condolences to Bishop Yeung's family and the Catholic community," Mrs Lam said. Ends/Thursday, January 3, 2019 Issued at HKT 19:10 NNNN
Speech by CE at HKSARG&apos;s Celebration of the 40th Anniversary of the Reform and Opening Up of the Country: &apos;Joint Development‧Shared Prosperity&apos; Exhibition
11.12.2018

Following is the speech by the Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, at the opening ceremony of the "HKSARG's Celebration of the 40th Anniversary of the Reform and Opening Up of the Country: 'Joint Development‧Shared Prosperity' Exhibition" today (December 11): Consuls general, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, Welcome to this exhibition celebrating the 40th anniversary of China’s reform and opening up. The exhibition spotlights Hong Kong’s unique position as both an enabler and beneficiary of our country’s miraculous transformation. Forty years ago, Hong Kong's pioneering business community of local and international entrepreneurs were among the first to invest their capital, expertise and ideas in the Mainland, and in the process successfully grew their own business and contributed to Hong Kong’s transition to a service economy. Today, Hong Kong's global outlook and international connectivity will provide the gateway for Mainland enterprises to explore a world of opportunities as they progress to their next stage of development. This exhibition traces the remarkable journey of our country and our city, a journey of exploration and collaboration not just in business and finance, but also in culture, sports and much more. As a Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China under the principle of "One Country, Two Systems", we continue to strengthen the advantages as our country’s premier hub for international business and finance, with new opportunities including the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and the Belt and Road Initiative emerging. With an outward-looking tradition and a cosmopolitan culture, Hong Kong will continue to connect and excel, seizing the many opportunities available to us as our country deepens its reform and opening up. Ladies and gentlemen, anniversaries should look to the future as well as the past. I am confident that, working together, Hong Kong's best has yet to come. Please enjoy the exhibition. Thank you very much. Ends/Tuesday, December 11, 2018 Issued at HKT 19:45 NNNN
Appointment to Law Reform Commission
31.12.2018

The following is issued on behalf of the Law Reform Commission: The Law Reform Commission (LRC) today (December 31) announced that Ms Winnie Tam Wan-chi, SC, has been appointed by the Chief Executive as a new member of the LRC for three years with effect from January 1, 2019. Ms Tam, who is a senior counsel with broad experience in commercial (especially intellectual property) litigation, will replace Mr Eugene Fung, SC, following his completion of two three-year terms as an LRC member. The LRC believes that the substantial expertise and experience of Ms Tam in the legal sector, as well as her diverse experience of public service, would benefit the LRC in law reform. The Secretary for Justice, Ms Teresa Cheng, SC, who is also Chairman of the LRC, thanked Mr Fung for his valuable contribution and advice to the LRC over the years. With this latest appointment, the LRC will comprise the following members: Secretary for Justice (Chairman) Professor Lin Feng Ms Christine Fang Mr Robert Y H Pang, SC Professor Michael Hor Professor Christopher Gane Mr Allan Leung Ms Alexandra Lo Ms Melissa Wu Mr Justice Andrew Cheung Kui-nung Ms Winnie Tam Wan-chi, SC The Chief Justice of the Court of Final Appeal (ex-officio member) The Law Draftsman (ex-officio member) Ends/Monday, December 31, 2018 Issued at HKT 15:00 NNNN
CE receives Report of the Independent Review Committee on Hong Kong&apos;s Franchised Bus Service
31.12.2018

The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, received the Report of the Independent Review Committee on Hong Kong's Franchised Bus Service today (December 31). The Chairman of the Independent Review Committee, the Honourable Mr Justice Michael Victor Lunn, accompanied by members of the Committee Mr Rex Auyeung Pak-kuen and Professor Lo Hong-kam, submitted the Report to the Chief Executive today. The Chief Executive expressed appreciation for the Committee's dedicated efforts in completing the review and submitting the Report within nine months. "The Government attaches importance to safeguarding the safety of franchised bus operation. We are grateful for the Committee's recommendations, which aim to sustain a safe and reliable franchised bus service in Hong Kong," Mrs Lam said. As the Report may contain sensitive commercial information of the franchised bus operators and as charges for manslaughter have been laid against the bus captain involved in the incident, the Government will carefully study the Report and consult the Department of Justice on the manner of the publication of the Report and other relevant matters. The Government will publish the Report in an appropriate manner once a decision is made. Following the occurrence of a fatal franchised bus incident on Tai Po Road in February this year, the Government set up the Independent Review Committee on Hong Kong's Franchised Bus Service in March 2018. The Committee commenced work in late March 2018. Ends/Monday, December 31, 2018 Issued at HKT 12:02 NNNN
Independent Review Committee submits report to Chief Executive
31.12.2018

The following is issued on behalf of the Independent Review Committee on Hong Kong's Franchised Bus Service: Having received oral evidence over a total of 21 days, on and between May 7, 2018, and October 16, 2018, from the representatives of 19 specifically identified interested parties, and that of two expert witnesses, together with a total of over 22,000 pages of their written submissions/reports and those of other parties and the closing submissions of counsel assisting the Committee, the Independent Review Committee on Hong Kong's Franchised Bus Service submitted its report to the Chief Executive today (December 31). Ends/Monday, December 31, 2018 Issued at HKT 12:00 NNNN
Government announces appointment and removal of Director of Audit
31.12.2018

The Central People's Government, on the recommendation and nomination of the Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, has approved the appointment of Mr John Chu Nai-cheung as Director of Audit and the removal of Mr David Sun Tak-kei from the post of Director of Audit with effect from today (December 31). "Mr Sun served the public with devotion during the past six and a half years as Director of Audit. Under his able leadership, the Audit Commission carried out auditing of accounts and value-for-money studies in a highly professional manner, and supported the work of the Public Accounts Committee of the Legislative Council. This has assisted government bureaux and departments as well as public sector organisations in pursuing continuous improvement of their governance and performance," Mrs Lam said. "I respect Mr Sun’s wish to retire and thank him for his efforts in nurturing departmental talents for a seamless succession. On behalf of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government, I convey my heartfelt appreciation to Mr Sun for his contribution to the HKSAR and I wish him a happy retirement," she added. On the appointment of Mr Chu, Mrs Lam said, “Mr Chu has served in the Audit Commission for over 30 years. He is familiar with the work of the department, and has solid professional auditing expertise as well as sound leadership skills. I am confident that Mr Chu is capable of leading the Audit Commission to scale new heights." Following are the biographical notes on Mr Sun and Mr Chu. Mr David Sun Tak-kei ------------------------ Aged 65. Mr Sun was appointed to the post of Director of Audit in July 2012. Before joining the Government, he was Far East Area Chairman of Ernst & Young until he retired in 2010. He is a former President of the Hong Kong Institute of Certified Public Accountants, a former Chairman of the Mandatory Provident Fund Schemes Advisory Committee and a former Chairman of the Council of the City University of Hong Kong. He is a fellow member of the Hong Kong Institute of Certified Public Accountants and a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. Mr John Chu Nai-cheung --------------------------- Aged 58. Mr Chu joined the Accounting Officer Grade in the Treasury in January 1984. He transferred to the Audit Commission in September 1988 for appointment as an Auditor. He was promoted to Principal Auditor in July 2006 and to Assistant Director of Audit in October 2010. He was promoted to Deputy Director of Audit in July 2015. Ends/Monday, December 31, 2018 Issued at HKT 9:52 NNNN
Government appoints Executive Director of Urban Renewal Authority
28.12.2018

The Government announced today (December 28) that the Chief Executive has, on the recommendation of a selection panel, appointed Mr Ben Lui Sau-shun as Executive Director of the Urban Renewal Authority (URA) for a term of three years with effect from January 1, 2019. Mr Lui will assist the Managing Director of the URA in managing the URA's work on building rehabilitation, acquisition and clearance, works and contracts, and legal matters. Mr Lui was selected through an open recruitment exercise for the Executive Director post of the URA. A consultancy firm was appointed by the Government to conduct the exercise and candidates were considered by a selection panel set up by the Development Bureau. The Secretary for Development, Mr Michael Wong, said, "Mr Lui is a professional engineer with extensive experience in implementing large scale development projects and facilities management. We look forward to working closely with him in his new capacity in furthering the important task of urban renewal in Hong Kong. "I would also like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to Mr Pius Cheng, who is retiring upon completion of his term of office, for his invaluable contributions towards the URA in various capacities over the years. Since taking up the position of Executive Director in 2014, with his profound knowledge and extensive experience, Mr Cheng has made significant contributions to the URA's work on urban renewal, in particular building rehabilitation." The selection panel, chaired by the Permanent Secretary for Development (Planning and Lands), comprises the Chairman of the URA, Mr Victor So Hing-woh; the Managing Director of the URA, Mr Wai Chi-sing; the Director of Lands (Official Non-Executive Director of the URA Board); and the Non-Executive Director of the URA Board, Mr Nelson Lam Chi-yuen. Under the existing establishment of the URA, there are two Executive Directors underpinning the Managing Director of the URA in taking forward the work of urban renewal. A brief biography of Mr Ben Lui is set out below: Mr Ben Lui Sau-shun ***************** Mr Lui is an engineer. He was Vice-President, Projects & Facilities (later retitled as Chief Project Development Officer) of the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation from 2011 to 2017. He was Project Director of Kerry Development (China) Limited and Group Director of Projects of Shangri-La International Hotel Management Limited from 2006 to 2011. Ends/Friday, December 28, 2018 Issued at HKT 15:00 NNNN
Appointment of ACAN Chairman and members
28.12.2018

The Government announced today (December 28) that the Chief Executive has re-appointed Dr Ben Cheung Kin-leung as Chairman of the Action Committee Against Narcotics (ACAN) and re-appointed nine members. Seven new members have been appointed. The re-appointments and new appointments are for a two-year term from January 1, 2019 to December 31, 2020. The newly appointed members are Dr Cheung Wai-him, Dr Lam Ho-yi, Mr Clifford Leung Siu-on, Professor Anthony Ng Chi-fai, Mr Poon Hing-fai, Mr Albert Su Yau-on and Professor Tang Wai-kwong. "The new members come from different sectors including the social services, medical, education and business sectors. With their wealth of experience and expertise, we are confident that they will bring new momentum to the work of the ACAN," a spokesman of the Narcotics Division, Security Bureau, said. Among the newly appointed ACAN members, Dr Cheung Wai-him is a psychiatrist; Dr Lam Ho-yi is a senior vice president of a company; Mr Clifford Leung Siu-on and Mr Albert Su Yau-on are senior management of charitable organisations; Professor Anthony Ng Chi-fai and Professor Tang Wai-kwong are university medical professors; and Mr Poon Hing-fai is a secondary school principal. The spokesman also expressed gratitude to the seven outgoing members for their contributions to the work of the ACAN and dedication to the anti-drug cause. They are Professor Cheung Yuet-wah, Dr Susan Fan Yun-sun, Mr Hui Yung-chung, Ms Lisa Lau Man-man, Mr Irons Sze, Dr Tik Chi-yuen and Dr Tse Man-li. The ACAN is the Government's advisory body on anti-drug matters. It was established in 1965. The membership list of the new term of the ACAN is as follows: Chairman ----------- Dr Ben Cheung Kin-leung Members ---------- Mr Chan Man-ho Mr Chan Wing-kin Mr Edwin Cheng Shing-lung Dr Cheung Wai-him Mr Fan Hoi-kit Mr Simon Ip Shing-hing Miss Anna-Mae Koo Mei-jong Dr Lam Ho-yi Dr Lee Tin-yan* Mr Clifford Leung Siu-on Miss Li Ka-yan* Dr Annissa Lui Wai-ling Professor Anthony Ng Chi-fai Mr Poon Hing-fai Mr Albert Su Yau-on Mr Sunny Tan Professor Tang Wai-kwong Ms Susan Yeung Director, Central Narcotics Bureau of Singapore Secretary for Education or his representative Commissioner of Police or his representative Commissioner of Customs and Excise or his representative Director of Health or his representative Director of Social Welfare or his representative Commissioner for Narcotics *appointed through the Member Self-recommendation Scheme for Youth with a term of appointment from June 1, 2018 to May 31, 2020. Ends/Friday, December 28, 2018 Issued at HKT 12:00 NNNN