kakase/hk_gov_press_release huggingface dataset:
Appointments to Copyright Tribunal announced
16.11.2018

The Government today (November 16) announced that the Chief Executive has re-appointed Mr Albert Wong Kwai-huen as Chairman and Ms Grace Chu Hing-wah and Mr Kenneth Wong Wing-yan as members of the Copyright Tribunal for a two-year term with effect from December 1, 2018. The Chief Executive has also appointed Ms Loretta Fong Wan-huen as a new member of the tribunal for a two-year term with effect from February 1, 2019. "We would like to express our gratitude to the outgoing member Ms Chan Ching-chu for her service to the tribunal over the past years," a Government spokesman said. The Copyright Tribunal is a quasi-judicial body established under the Copyright Ordinance. It adjudicates on disputes concerning the terms and conditions of copyright licensing schemes devised by licensing bodies. It consists of a chairman, a deputy chairman and seven members. The full membership of the Copyright Tribunal, with effect from February 1, 2019, is as follows: Mr Albert Wong Kwai-huen (Chairman) Mr Kenny Wong Kam-shan (Deputy Chairman) Dr Sunny Chai Ngai-chiu Ms Grace Chu Hing-wah Professor Michael Siu Kin-wai Mr Kenneth Wong Wing-yan Mr Alan Yip Chi-wing Mr Cheung Ka-li Ms Loretta Fong Wan-huen Ends/Friday, November 16, 2018 Issued at HKT 11:00 NNNN
Appointments to Council of Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts
16.11.2018

​The Chief Executive has appointed Ms Stella Lau Yin-ling as a member of the Council of the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts for the period from November 15, 2018 to December 31, 2019. The Chief Executive has also appointed the following persons as members of the Council of the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts for a period of two years from January 1, 2019: Mrs Helen Chan Mr Nick Ho Lik-ko Mr Charles Yang Chuen-liang (re-appointed) Serving members of the Council include: Professor Stephen Chow Chun-kay (Chairman) Dr Frankie Yeung Wai-shing (Deputy Chairman) Ms Yvonne Shing Mo-han (Treasurer) Mr Ronnie Cheng Kay-yen (appointment expires on December 31, 2018) Mrs Eva Cheng Li Kam-fun Ms Winnie Cheung Chi-woon (appointment expires on December 31, 2018) Professor Gillian Ann Choa Ms Maisy Ho Chiu-ha Mr Leon Ko Sai-tseung Ms Anna Kwong Sum-yee Mr Frank Lee King-ting Ms Emily Mok Fung-yee Mr Douglas So Cheung-tak Director of the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts (ex-officio) Secretary for Home Affairs or his representative Secretary for Education or his representative The above appointments were published in the Government Gazette today (November 16). Ends/Friday, November 16, 2018 Issued at HKT 11:00 NNNN
Appointment of Commissioner of Civil Aid Service
16.11.2018

The Government announced today (November 16) that the Chief Executive, in exercise of her authority under the Civil Aid Service Ordinance (Cap 518), has appointed Mr Lo Yan-lai as the Commissioner of the Civil Aid Service (CAS) for a two-year term from January 1, 2019 to December 31, 2020. The Secretary for Security, Mr John Lee, welcomed the appointment of Mr Lo. "Mr Lo joined the CAS as a volunteer member in 1981 and was promoted to Deputy Commissioner in 2016. He is deeply committed to the Service and has profound experience in its work. I am confident that the CAS will continue to provide quality and reliable auxiliary emergency services to the community under his leadership." Mr Lee said. He also thanked the outgoing Commissioner, Dr Ernest Lee, who has served in the position for the past 10 years, for his valuable contribution. "During the past decade, Dr Lee has led the CAS to take part in many prominent rescue operations and major events. Under his leadership, the CAS has continued to excel and reach new heights," he added. The CAS is an auxiliary emergency service financed by the government. It is formed by over 3 700 volunteer members from all walks of life. It also has a CAS Cadet Corps which comprises more than 4 000 young people aged 12 to 17. Ends/Friday, November 16, 2018 Issued at HKT 9:59 NNNN
Transcript of CE&apos;s remarks at media session before ExCo meeting
13.11.2018

Following is the transcript of remarks by the Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, at a media session before the Executive Council meeting this morning (November 13): Reporter: During President Xi's speech yesterday, there was this mention of, there were earlier reports saying that, he mentioned that the city needs to be self-conscious when it comes to protecting national security. How would the SAR Government interpret that and how would that affect the way how your Government Administration and the policy direction? Chief Executive: What the President said about that particular issue, in a way, was no different from what I said in my Policy Address. Unfortunately, I only have a Chinese version in front of me. My Chinese version, paragraph 8 and paragraph 33, attempted to address that particular issue. Paragraph 8 describes the relationship between the Central Authorities and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, and I've said therein that for any advocacy of independence of Hong Kong, for any acts that would undermine the national sovereignty, security and development, of course the Government will not tolerate. So that is very much in line with that self-awareness to protect national security. And when it comes to specifically about enactment of local legislation to put into effect Basic Law Article 23, I said in paragraph 33 that although I said previously that we will have to treat this issue very prudently because of previous controversies, that doesn't mean that we will take no action when we have some local existing legislation that could address any acts undermining national security or advocating independence of Hong Kong. And the action taken by the Secretary for Security is a good indication of that determination and self-awareness. Reporter: Mrs Lam, if the Government did not pressure Tai Kwun over the Ma Jian cancellation, do you take some personal responsibility for this atmosphere of self-censorship watchdogs warned your red line policy would create? Chief Executive: First of all, I said categorically that the Government had absolutely no involvement in this Tai Kwun incident. I said this once again. I only came to know about this when it was reported in the media, that’s point number one. Point number two, by definition, you are referring to self-censorship, so how could the Government be involved in any self-censorship exercised by the individual entities. And thirdly, under the Basic Law, we safeguard freedoms – freedom of expression, freedom of journalism and freedom of gathering, and as the Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, I take that constitutional obligation very seriously, so I would defend those freedoms in a very responsible manner. (Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.) Ends/Tuesday, November 13, 2018 Issued at HKT 13:36 NNNN
CE to attend APEC meetings in Papua New Guinea
12.11.2018

The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, will depart for Papua New Guinea in the evening on November 15 to attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) 2018 Economic Leaders' Meeting and other related meetings in Port Moresby. The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Edward Yau, will accompany the Chief Executive and take part in some of the meetings. The theme of this year's APEC meeting is "Harnessing Inclusive Opportunities, Embracing the Digital Future", with discussions focusing on how APEC embraces new challenges in the digital age under three priorities, namely improving connectivity and deepening regional economic integration, promoting sustainable and inclusive growth, and strengthening inclusive growth through structural reform. Before attending the APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting on November 18, Mrs Lam will attend the Women Political Leaders Roundtable, a discussion session of the APEC CEO Summit, the Dialogue with APEC Business Advisory Council, the Informal Dialogue with Pacific Island Leaders and the Gala Dinner hosted by the organiser for participating leaders on November 17. Mrs Lam will leave Papua New Guinea on November 19 and return to Hong Kong the next day. During her absence, the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Matthew Cheung Kin-chung, will be Acting Chief Executive. Ends/Monday, November 12, 2018 Issued at HKT 18:15 NNNN
Transcript of remarks by CE at media session in Beijing
12.11.2018

Following is the transcript of remarks by the Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, at a media session in Beijing this afternoon (November 12): Reporter: Mrs Lam, this morning when President Xi talked about the irreplaceable role that Hong Kong played in the past and will still play in the future, what exactly do you think he was talking about? And does Hong Kong need Article 23 legislation or even a new Chief Secretary to achieve that? Chief Executive: First of all, we have not touched on at all the two issues that you have raised. As far as President Xi's remark on the very important role of Hong Kong throughout the four decades of the country's reform and opening up, of course everybody in the delegation was very excited and very gratified that our contribution over the years has been fully recognised by the leaders, and I think this really covers a wide range of areas. It's not just in terms of bringing in more investment to the Mainland. It's also in terms of bringing new experience and professional expertise, in terms of city management and other issues, and more recently also in terms of higher education collaboration and science and technology. We have made that contribution, which is well recognised by the Central Authorities, and it is even more comforting to hear from President Xi that he is very assuring that we will continue to play that very significant role. So I have received very positive feedback during lunch that members of the delegation were all very encouraged by those very positive remarks. (Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.) Ends/Monday, November 12, 2018 Issued at HKT 17:16 NNNN
State leaders meet CE and Hong Kong delegation in Beijing
12.11.2018

President Xi Jinping and the Vice Premier of the State Council, Mr Han Zheng, met the Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, and the Hong Kong delegation led by her in celebration of the 40th anniversary of the reform and opening up of the country in Beijing today (November 12). In the morning, President Xi met Mrs Lam; the Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan; the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Edward Yau; the Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs, Mr Patrick Nip; the Director of the Chief Executive's Office, Mr Chan Kwok-ki; and other members of the delegation at the Great Hall of the People and delivered an important address. In her speech, Mrs Lam expressed her gratitude to President Xi for meeting the delegation and for his concern and support for Hong Kong and the importance he attached to the city. She said that the delegation comprised members of various sectors of the community who had leveraged their own strengths to meet the country's needs during the past 40 years, contributing to the reform and opening up and at the same time bringing benefits to themselves. She said that as the doors of the country's reform and opening up will be opened wider and wider, Hong Kong's role as the gateway and the hub connecting to the world will become even more prominent and the city's advantages under "one country, two systems" will be even more notable. Hong Kong should proactively participate in the country's overall development and seek opportunities for more development and advancement through the Belt and Road Initiative and the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, she said. Mrs Lam and members of the delegation then attended a lunch hosted by Mr Han. They concluded the visit in the afternoon and returned to Hong Kong. Ends/Monday, November 12, 2018 Issued at HKT 16:47 NNNN
CE leads delegation to Shenzhen in celebration of 40th anniversary of country&apos;s reform and opening up
10.11.2018

The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, led a delegation comprising over 160 members to visit Shenzhen today (November 10) to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the reform and opening up of the country. They visited the Shenzhen Reform and Opening-up Exhibition Hall as well as the Qianhai Exhibition Hall and the Qianhai Stone Park. The delegation comprises members of various sectors of the community who have made profound contributions to the reform and opening up of the country and to Hong Kong, with the Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), Mr Wang Zhimin, as the advisor. The Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan; the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Edward Yau; the Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs, Mr Patrick Nip; and the Director of the Chief Executive's Office, Mr Chan Kwok-ki, also joined the visit. In the morning, Mrs Lam and members of the delegation departed for the Shenzhen Reform and Opening-up Exhibition Hall by land transport to view the "Great Tides Surge Along the Pearl River – 40 Years of Reform and Opening-up in Guangdong" exhibition to learn the rise of Shenzhen and the development of its surrounding areas as well as the history, remarkable achievements and valuable experiences of Guangdong's reform and opening up. Mrs Lam and members of the delegation then attended a lunch hosted by the Shenzhen Municipal Government. In her speech at the lunch, she said that Hong Kong and Shenzhen have been in close co-operation in the past 40 years at various levels and in different areas covering commerce, investment, trade, logistics, professional services, arts and culture and youth development. She added that Hong Kong, which is still the largest source of external investment in Shenzhen and has close to 60 000 enterprises there, has been making significant contributions to the development of Shenzhen. She expressed the hope that Hong Kong and Shenzhen will further enhance collaboration in the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and the establishment of the international innovation and technology centre and complement each other, taking their co-operation to new heights. Later, Mrs Lam and members of the delegation visited the Qianhai Exhibition Hall to understand Qianhai's past development and future planning. They also paid a visit to the Qianhai Stone Park where President Xi Jinping delivered an important speech in 2012 calling for the continuation of reform and opening up, and he visited it to see the changes in the development of Qianhai during his inspection tour in Qianhai in October this year. Mrs Lam and members of the delegation departed Shenzhen in the afternoon and will start their visit to Beijing tomorrow (November 11). Ends/Saturday, November 10, 2018 Issued at HKT 19:21 NNNN
HKSAR delegation in celebration of 40th anniversary of country&apos;s reform and opening up to commence visit tomorrow
9.11.2018

To celebrate the 40th anniversary of the reform and opening up of the country, the Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, will lead a Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) delegation to visit Shenzhen and Beijing from tomorrow (November 10) to November 12. The delegation comprises over 160 members from various sectors of the community who have made significant contributions to the country's reform and opening up and to Hong Kong. The HKSAR delegation list is at Annex. On arrival at Shenzhen tomorrow, the delegation will visit the Shenzhen Reform and Opening-up Exhibition Hall and meet with officials of the Shenzhen Municipal Government. In the afternoon, the delegation will head for Qianhai to visit the Qianhai Exhibition Hall and the park of the Qianhai Monument. After that, they will depart for Beijing. On November 11, the delegation will attend a seminar in Beijing co-organised by the National Development and Reform Commission and the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council on the participation of Hong Kong and Macao in the reform and opening up of the country in the past 40 years, as well as visiting the Palace Museum. On November 12, the delegation will be received by the state leaders. It will return to Hong Kong in the afternoon. Ends/Friday, November 9, 2018 Issued at HKT 19:59 NNNN
CE meets Secretary of CPC Sichuan Provincial Committee
7.11.2018

The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, met the Secretary of the CPC Sichuan Provincial Committee, Mr Peng Qinghua, at Government House this evening (November 7). Mrs Lam welcomed the visit to Hong Kong by Mr Peng and his delegation to attend a series of events of the second Sichuan‧Hong Kong‧Macao Cooperation Week. She said this year's Cooperation Week is the first large-scale event of Sichuan Province and Hong Kong to enhance co-operation in various areas between the two places since she and Mr Peng co-chaired the First Plenary of the Hong Kong-Sichuan Co-operation Conference in Sichuan in May this year. Noting that the Cooperation Week covers a wide variety of events, Mrs Lam said she and Mr Peng attended a promotional conference on logistics co-operation between Sichuan and Hong Kong and added that she was pleased to witness the signing of a framework agreement on enhancing development of logistics channels between the governments of both sides to strengthen co-operation in areas including transport development, logistics business and related talent and technology. She said she and Mr Peng will also attend an economic and trade co-operation forum of the Cooperation Week and the opening ceremony of Sichuan Week 2018 of Ocean Park tomorrow morning, and she wished the Cooperation Week every success. Mrs Lam said the recent commissioning of the Hong Kong Section of the Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Express Rail Link and the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge, as well as the upcoming opening of the new land-based Liantang/Heung Yuen Wai Boundary Control Point, will strengthen Hong Kong's participation in the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and its future overall advancement. Mrs Lam said she has learnt about Sichuan's new airport construction and infrastructure development for a sea-land channel and expressed the hope that both places would leverage on each other's geographical advantages to explore further co-operation between Sichuan and Hong Kong in areas including airport management, air transport and logistics, nurture of related talent and e-commerce. Ends/Wednesday, November 7, 2018 Issued at HKT 20:41 NNNN
CE witnesses launch of Shanghai Hong Kong University Alliance
6.11.2018

The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, in Shanghai today (November 6) attended the launch ceremony of the Shanghai Hong Kong University Alliance (SHUA) at Fudan University and joined an exchange session with students. She also visited the Shanghai Symphony Hall and met with Hong Kong people living in Shanghai. In the morning, Mrs Lam, accompanied by the Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs, Mr Patrick Nip, and the Director of the Chief Executive's Office, Mr Chan Kwok-ki, attended the launch ceremony of the SHUA at Fudan University and witnessed the establishment of the alliance by 16 higher education institutions from Shanghai and Hong Kong. Speaking at the ceremony, she said that exchanges between the higher education institutions in Shanghai and Hong Kong have continued to be enhanced in recent years and the areas of co-operation have become increasingly diversified, with more than 30 per cent of the Hong Kong students who joined exchange programmes in the Mainland last year choosing Shanghai as the destination. She said that the SHUA will effectively intensify co-operation among the universities from both sides in areas such as teaching, research, transformation of technological achievements and student exchanges, providing high-quality education and technology support in both places as well as contributing to innovation in higher education and the country. Later, Mrs Lam attended an exchange session with students from the two places. In her speech, she introduced to the students the vision and actions of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government, including making good use of Hong Kong's advantages under "one country, two systems" and the city's traditional strengths to boost its external relations, consolidate the traditional industries, develop the emerging industries and enhance the people's quality of life. Mrs Lam and the other officials then visited the Shanghai Symphony Hall and watched a rehearsal. The hall, which came into operation in 2014, was built with unique technology to overcome the noise and vibration caused by nearby railways and is equipped with advanced design and facilities. She said that Hong Kong will hold Festival Hong Kong 2019 - A Cultural Extravaganza@Shanghai next year with the participation of a number of major Hong Kong performing arts groups. The series of exciting activities in the inaugural Festival Hong Kong will commence with a performance by the Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra at the Shanghai Symphony Hall. Next, Mrs Lam and the other officials met with more than 50 representatives of Hong Kong organisations and students living in Shanghai. She updated them on the latest developments in Hong Kong and learned about their everyday lives, work and study. Mrs Lam and the other officials concluded the trip today and returned to Hong Kong in the evening. Ends/Tuesday, November 6, 2018 Issued at HKT 18:07 NNNN