kakase/hk_gov_press_release huggingface dataset:
立法会六题：应对呼吸道感染疾病高峰期的措施
17.1.2024

以下是今日（一月十七日）在立法会会议上梁毓伟议员的提问和医务卫生局局长卢宠茂教授的答覆∶ 问题： 据报，近月呼吸道感染个案数目上升，除常见的流行性感冒及新冠病毒外，鼻病毒、肺炎支原体、腺病毒及呼吸道合胞病毒的感染个案亦告增加，有患者更同时感染三至四种病毒，该情况对儿童及长者健康尤其构成威胁。就此，政府可否告知本会： （一）过去六个月，每月各类呼吸道病毒的活跃程度、学校及院舍呈报呼吸道感染疾病爆发的宗数和感染人数，以及因呼吸道感染疾病入住公立医院的数字为何； （二）鉴于据悉，截至本月一日，六个月大至未满六岁的儿童及65岁或以上人士两个群组接种季节性流感疫苗的比率仍未达百分之五十，当局有何措施加强向该等群组推广，以及会否订下接种目标，以降低季节性流感爆发的影响；及 （三）鉴于有意见认为，呼吸道感染在每年二月至三月进入高峰期，加上今年二月适逢农历新年假期，令呼吸道感染的风险增加，医务卫生局有否向其他政策局及政府部门发出指引，协助它们在公共防疫层面预防呼吸道感染大规模爆发及应对有关情况？ 答覆： 主席： 香港已踏入解除「口罩令」后首个冬季。虽然这个冬天不太冷，但各种呼吸道感染疾病开始飙升，卫生署卫生防护中心亦已宣布，今年一月十一日开始，香港进入流感季节，预期为期八至十二周，并可能出现流感与新冠相叠加同时传播。卫生署、医院管理局（医管局）和基层医疗健康办事处已早作准备，就呼吸道感染疾病防控落实具体措施，并于去年十月向立法会卫生事务委员会汇报。卫生防护中心和医管局过去两个月共举行三次记者招待会，呼吁及协助市民提高警觉。 除医务卫生局和医疗卫生系统主导防控外，社会各界必须携手合作应对。「预防胜于治疗」，与其救火，不如防火，疫苗是重要的「防火墙」。我特别在此呼吁尚未接种流感疫苗的市民尽快接种，高风险群组亦应适时接种新冠疫苗加强剂。现有供应的所有新冠疫苗，包括灭活（即科兴疫苗）、信使核糖核酸原始株或二价疫苗，即mRNA疫苗，以及将于明日（一月十八日）扩展至所有高风险优先组别人士使用的XBB新冠疫苗均能有效预防重症及死亡。 市民亦要注意良好个人和环境卫生。出门到人多挤迫的地方时，特别是高危人群或出现病征的人士，应佩戴外科口罩；出现病征的人士更应考虑留在家中及按情况寻求适当的医治。由于院舍院友属高风险群组，政府一直对院舍员工和访客继续戴上外科口罩作指引，指引至今仍生效，而院舍亦有遵从。在公营医疗机构的病人护理区域内，病人、访客以至员工亦须佩戴外科口罩。 就梁议员的提问，我现综合回覆如下： （一）数据 卫生防护中心一直密切监测本地呼吸道传染病的情况。过去六个月，香港各种呼吸道传染病的活跃状况各有不同。新冠病毒的活跃水平十二月中开始从低位上升。季节性流感方面，去年八月至十月，我们面对夏季流感活跃季节，不过回落至低水平后，十二月上旬开始攀升。新冠和季节性流感的活跃状况、过去六个月呼吸道感染在学校及院舍的爆发情况，以至每周感染呼吸道疾病入院人次分别载列于附件一至附件三。 （二）疫苗 二○二三／二四年度季节性流感疫苗接种计划至今接种超过173万剂，较去年度同期增加超过20%。高风险群组，特别是长者和儿童，接种率比往年显著增加。安老院舍有80%长者已接种季节性流感疫苗；社区长者已接近50%；儿童亦已超过50%，较上季增加约40%。 政府亦已为高风险群组推出针对性措施∶ 儿童方面，卫生防护中心透过教育局、家长教师会和地区学校协会邀请更多学校参与外展疫苗接种，并联络未有参与的学校，提供针对性协助。 居于社区的长者方面，卫生署长者健康外展分队向长者和其照顾者宣传预防流感和新冠。14间指定长者健康中心为会员和所有年满65岁或以上的长者提供流感疫苗接种。 安老及残疾人士院舍院友方面，卫生署以「选择退出」机制为院友进行外展疫苗接种；社会福利署亦敦促院舍积极安排到诊医生为院友按时接种疫苗；而卫生防护中心亦于去年十二月推出新一轮院舍外展疫苗接种服务特别计划，实行「疫苗送上门」。 另外，地区康健中心于去年十月起举办超过200场活动，推广疫苗接种，向市民提供参与疫苗资助计划的私家医生名单，协助预约，同时与私家医生合作在中心提供疫苗注射。 至于接种率目标，目前相关科学委员会并未建议就季节性流感疫苗接种率订定目标。不过，高风险群组接种率越高，预防流感引发重症的效果便越好。本年度流感疫苗接种计划的接种率较去年同期显著上升超过20%，政府会继续积极推广。 （三）防控 卫生防护中心一直与不同部门和持份者合作，做好呼吸道感染疾病风险防控。有关措施包括∶ （i）制定预防和应对季节性流感和新冠等的健康指引，供各界包括学校、院舍、雇主和雇员等参考； （ii）于去年十一月发布安老及残疾人士院舍预防流感和新冠的指引； （iii）于去年年底发信予学校、院舍和医疗机构等，提醒他们采取预防措施，通报爆发个案，以尽快进行流行病学调查； （iv）共举办三次记者会呼吁及协助市民提高警觉；以及 （v）通过其他部门向市民发放预防和应对呼吸道传染病的最新信息，例如将资讯传达给区议会和持份者，包括「关爱队」（「地区服务及关爱队伍」）。 另外，医管局已制定阶段性应变计划，评估服务需求，调动人手和资源应对；其中包括向儿科病人提供全面呼吸道致病原检测、为较高风险病人进行新冠入院筛查，以及确保储备的抗病毒药物足够等。 应对呼吸道感染疾病高峰期，医务卫生局和医疗卫生界已积极做好主导防控。市民务必加强个人防护，做好自己健康第一负责人。 多谢主席。
立法会七题：牙齿卫生员
17.1.2024

以下是今日（一月十七日）在立法会会议上周浩鼎议员的提问和医务卫生局局长卢宠茂教授的书面答覆∶ 问题： 关于牙齿卫生员，政府可否告知本会： （一）过去五年，每年在本港登记成为牙齿卫生员的人数为何； （二）过去五年，每年从香港大学专业进修学院与菲腊牙科医院合办的牙科卫生护理高级文凭课程毕业的人数，以及当中登记成为牙齿卫生员的人数为何； （三）当局有否计划修改《牙医注册条例》（第156章）及相关附属法例，以放宽牙齿卫生员须按同时在场工作的注册牙医的指示担当指定工作的规定，让他们可独立进行及处理部分牙科保健的工作（例如洗牙、刮牙及拍摄口腔X光照片），从而腾出牙医人手应付公众对牙科服务的需求；如有，详情为何；如否，原因为何；及 （四）当局有否计划增加牙齿卫生员的数目；如有，详情为何；如否，原因为何？ 答覆： 主席： 行政长官在二○二二年《施政报告》中，宣布全面检视政府提供或资助的牙科服务，并于二○二二年十二月成立「口腔健康及牙科护理工作小组」（工作小组）。检讨内容包括口腔健康及牙科护理的政策方针、推展策略、服务范畴和提供模式，亦会研究本港现有牙科服务项目和配套、基层牙科服务和牙科专业人力资源等范畴。参考工作小组早前提出的初步建议，行政长官在二○二三年《施政报告》中宣布一系列措施，提出增加牙科护理专业人力资源，包括向立法会提交《牙医注册条例》（第156章）的修订草案，革新牙医和牙科辅助人员（包括牙齿卫生员及牙科治疗师）的规管架构，并由二○二三／二四学年起逐步增加牙科辅助人员的培训学额，以配合加强不同年龄层和目标群组的牙科护理服务的需要。 目前，香港有两类牙科辅助人员会为病人提供牙科护理服务，即牙齿卫生员和牙科治疗师。牙齿卫生员可在公营或私营界别工作，并按照时刻在处所内的牙医指示，进行预防牙科护理（如教育、谘询、风险评估、定期检查、施用氟化物、洗牙）。牙科治疗师只受聘于卫生署，提供学童牙科保健服务。牙科治疗师可按照时刻在处所内的牙医指示，进行预防牙科护理及基本牙科治疗（如牙齿修补、拔牙）。 就周浩鼎议员的提问，现回覆如下： （一）及（二）根据香港牙医管理委员会资料，截至二○二三年十二月，按《牙科辅助人员（牙齿卫生员）规例》（第156B章）登记为牙齿卫生员的总登记人数共有612名。 过去五年，每年经菲腊牙科医院与香港大学专业进修学院合办的两年制牙科卫生护理高级文凭课程毕业或持有非本地资格，在本港新登记成为牙齿卫生员的人数如下： 年份 新登记成为牙齿卫生员人数 2019 23 2020 2 2021 34 2022 27 2023 54 注：因新冠疫情导致课程延误，于二○一九／二○至二○二一／二二学年的牙科卫生护理高级文凭课程毕业生的登记年份均顺延一年。 至于牙科治疗师，现时并非法定须登记或注册的牙科辅助人员，而目前所有牙科治疗师职位均属于卫生署辖下学童牙科保健服务部。截至二○二三年十二月，卫生署共有237名牙科治疗师。现时，修毕菲腊牙科医院与卫生署和香港大学专业进修学院合办的一年制牙科治疗高等文凭课程（或持同等学历）符合投考牙科治疗师的专业资格。 过去五个学年，牙科卫生护理高级文凭课程和牙科治疗高等文凭课程的毕业人数分别如下： 学年 毕业人数 牙科卫生护理 高级文凭课程 牙科治疗 高等文凭课程 2018/19 22 10 2019/20 33 10 2020/21 27 9 2021/22 28 12 2022/23 26 10 （三）工作小组刚于二○二三年十二月发表中期报告，认为单靠牙医人手不足以应付加强牙科护理服务的需要，牙科辅助人员可以在牙科护理服务方面担当更大角色，并建议探讨让牙科辅助人员负责提供更多基层牙科护理服务。政府正研究容许牙齿卫生员和牙科治疗师在没有牙医在场下，进行预防牙科护理（如教育、谘询、风险评估、定期检查、施用氟化物），以及容许牙科治疗师按照时刻在处所内的牙医指示，进行基本牙科治疗（如牙齿修补、拔牙）。 政府计划于今年上半年向立法会提交《牙医注册条例》的修订草案，包括适当调整牙科辅助人员的工作范围，将牙齿卫生员和牙科治疗师均纳入法定注册制度，提升对牙科辅助人员的规范化专业培训及管理，由香港牙医管理委员会负责规管，以确立他们的专业地位，并确保病人安全及服务质素。政府亦会在加强培训及专业发展途径后，适时放宽牙科治疗师在公营或私营界别工作，配合他们在牙科护理服务担当的角色。 （四）为加强本地培训，除了增加现有的牙科卫生护理高级文凭课程和牙科治疗高等文凭课程的学额外，政府正与职业训练局商讨开办新课程。牙齿卫生员和牙科治疗师的培训学额将由二○二三／二四学年的95名增加近一倍至二○二四／二五学年的185名。
医务卫生局局长就公营医疗服务收费谈话内容（只有中文）
13.1.2024

以下是医务卫生局局长卢宠茂教授今日（一月十三日）上午出席电台节目后会见传媒有关公营医疗服务收费的谈话内容： 记者：想问急症室收费一事，有意见指不少低收入家庭本身有政府津贴，不论加价加多少都会照样到急症室，如何可以解决滥用问题？另一群都是低收入人士，但没有津贴，如果加价，对他们来说负担会否大了？政府会否为他们提供一些津贴或补助？另一方面，有些前线医护担心今次调整有机会令他们成为「磨心」，会否担心影响医患关系？ 医务卫生局局长：在公营医疗服务中，一直都有机制照顾一些需要支援的弱势社群，也会针对低收入人士提供一些豁免和减免。有三类人士会得到豁免，包括接受综援人士、75岁或以上接受长者生活津贴人士和使用「长者院舍照顾服务券计划」的人士。除这三类获豁免人士，一些低收入人士的家庭状况如果符合一些条件，都可以申请减免。医院的医务社工、社署（社会福利署）的社工，以及一些指定机构会作出评估，从而照顾他们的需要，确保他们不会因为经济原因得不到这个服务，我们是有一个机制照顾（他们）的。 至于第二方面，提到分流问题，其实分流不是今日提出的新方案。分流是一九九七／一九九八年度起已经执行，到现在已经有26年的历史，一直行之有效。我们的医护人员会有一个标准，所有负责分流站的同事都受过培训。他们是根据一些标准、病人的临床维生指标、征状和检查作出评估。现时其实已经正在执行，只不过现时主要影响轮候时间。确实单纯以轮候时间来控制服务有很多弊处，包括有些病人领筹后离开（急症室），亦有太多病人在急症室轮候，其实正正是对医护人员造成很大压力，亦对整个急症室的资源造成很大影响。我们的医护人员亦要照顾这些等候期间的人，所以这不是一个理想的安排。我要强调，分流是专业、有标准的，亦是现在已经执行的。只不过我们在现有的制度下考虑调整收费的同时，针对特别是第一、二类病人，一般已经直接作处理和抢救，是我们要重点帮助的病人，亦是急症室应该做的。在此我们看到有一个可能减价的空间，帮助这些真真正正需要急症室服务的人，从而引导市民正确使用急症室服务。 记者：急症室收费调高会否是一个阻吓性的收费，例如约300、400元？另外，现时在流感和新冠疫情下，欧洲国家如西班牙打算在医疗机构重推口罩令，香港会否考虑？ 医务卫生局局长：先答第二条问题。我们一直以来在医疗机构和一些重点处所，包括院舍，一直有指引要配戴口罩。在医疗机构内的临床位置，我们都强调医护人员和访客都要戴口罩，所以我们不需要作一个改变。我们一直都在做预防。 至于收费调整，我们要调整多少是合适呢？公营医疗收费调整方面有一个机制，每两年会检讨一次，其实这个是绝对有需要，亦需要讨论。上一次真真正正作出调整已经是二○一七年、七年前的事了，所以每两年作一次检讨是要做的。今年我们特别看到有需要，检讨的同时要考虑作调整。我们面对人手短缺、医疗资源有限，我们亦面对人口老化。人手短缺、人口老化，而同一时间政府亦推出了《基层医疗健康蓝图》，我们希望用好基层医疗、用好私营市场的家庭医生，做到「一人一家庭医生」，多点预防、早点发现、早点治疗。 如果我们不是「全盘棋」了解医疗系统，政府在基层医疗健康的投入也许不能达到效果。现时投入在基层医疗的资源加了很多，一些评论认为政府在医疗方面应加大投入，其实基层医疗发展正正反映到政府很重视市民的健康。我们在重视市民健康的同时，必须用好我们的资源。因为医疗资源是有限的，用有限的医疗资源应付无止境、无限的需求，这个最终会失败。我们要一个可持续的医疗系统，必须适时检讨各方面的医疗需要，而收费是其中一个有效控制需求的手段，是必须要检讨的。
Government promulgates Performance Monitoring Guidelines for Members of District Councils and District Council Standing Orders
18.12.2023

âThe Government promulgated the Performance Monitoring Guidelines for Members of the District Councils and the District Council Standing Orders Model Text today (December 18) to further improve the accountability of members of the District Councils (DCs), increase the transparency of their work, and enhance the procedures of the DCs and their committees, so as to ensure executive-led governance. The Guidelines set out the standard of performance required of DC members, including setting up offices, meeting members of the public, so that the DCs can best undertake their advisory and service functions. The Guidelines also set out a list of negative behaviours, including obstructing DC members in conducting meetings, insulting other DC members and public officials, preventing others from leaving or attending meetings, failing to declare interests. The Guidelines set out in detail the investigation procedures, appeals mechanism and relevant sanctions for DC members that have performed poorly or committed prohibited acts, to ensure every DC member upholds their duty faithfully and serves the people. The Standing Orders regulate the procedures for the DCs and their committees. The Standing Orders were revised to reflect the latest amendments to the District Councils Ordinance, including stipulating that the DC chairmanship is taken up by District Officers, the DC Chairman is responsible for appointing committees, appointing Chairmen and Vice-Chairmen of committees, Chairman of working groups, co-opted members. Moreover, the Standing Orders include that DC members must observe order at meetings, and especially must not act or behave in a way to disrupt meeting proceedings. The Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, Miss Alice Mak, said, "DC members must proactively fulfil their duties and responsibilities, and connect to and serve the people, reflect their opinions and support the Government's implementation of policies and must not be lazy and sloppy in their work. I hope the incoming DC members will adhere to the Guidelines and Standing Orders in carrying out their work, work hard for the people, resolve people's problems and address their demands. The concrete deliverables will enable the people to feel the fresh air of the new term of DCs, thereby increasing their sense of happiness and contentment." The Guidelines and Standing Order have been uploaded to the DC Members' Reference Corner ( www.had.gov.hk/en/public_services/district_administration/DC_Members_Reference_Corner.htm ) of the Home Affairs Department's website. They will also be uploaded to the DC website once the incoming DCs take office.
Engagement session on "The Chief Executive's 2023 Policy Address" for ethnic minorities (with photos)
27.11.2023

The Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, Miss Alice Mak, attended the engagement session on "The Chief Executive's 2023 Policy Address" for representatives of ethnic minorities (EMs) and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) providing services to EMs held at the Central Government Offices today (November 27). She introduced the policy measures related to the Home and Youth Affairs Bureau (HYAB) in the Policy Address to the participants. She also engaged in interactive discussions with the participants and listened to their views, and introduced the significance of the first District Council Election after improving the district governance system. During the engagement session, Miss Mak introduced the key initiatives in the Policy Address on supporting EMs to integrate into the community. She emphasised that the Government attached great importance to the needs of EMs and had been striving to support their integration into the community so as to enable them to unleash their potential. She said that the Home Affairs Department would set up two additional support service centres for EMs (EM centres), bringing the total number of EM centres to 10; and invite each of the 10 EM centres to set up one EM Care Team to proactively reach out to EM households, understanding their needs and introducing to them public services. Miss Mak said that the Government was committed to building a caring and inclusive society and would continue to provide services and support to facilitate EMs' integration into the local community and access to public services. Members of the Committee on the Promotion of Racial Harmony and representatives of the NGOs operating the EM centres were invited to the engagement session. These NGOs are Hong Kong Christian Service, Hong Kong Community Network, Hong Kong Lutheran Social Service, International Social Service Hong Kong Branch, New Home Association, Neighbourhood Advice-Action Council and Yuen Long Town Hall. The participants welcomed the new initiatives in the Policy Address to enhance support to EMs and provided valuable advice and suggestions. Miss Mak expressed her gratitude to the participants for their continuous support for racial harmony and reiterated the emphasis the Government had placed on supporting the EMs. The 2023 District Council Ordinary Election is approaching. Miss Mak took the opportunity to explain again to the participants the significance of the Election and to call on the participants and their families to cast their votes on December 10 to elect capable District Council members who are committed to serving the public. She also appealed to the participants to join the activities organised by the District Council, in order to unite the efforts of all parties in building a caring and inclusive society.
Engagement session on "The Chief Executive's 2023 Policy Address" for District Services and Community Care Teams (with photos)
21.11.2023

âThe Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, Miss Alice Mak, attended the engagement session on "The Chief Executive's 2023 Policy Address" organised for District Services and Community Care Teams (Care Teams) today (November 21). She introduced the policy measures related to the Home and Youth Affairs Bureau in the Policy Address to around 60 representatives of Care Teams. She also engaged in discussions with the participants and listened to their views. During the engagement session, Miss Mak introduced the policies related to the home and youth affairs, and emphasised that Care Teams are service teams that support the Government's district work and play an important role in improving district governance. Therefore, Care Teams should fully understand the contents of the Policy Address and, under the instructions of District Officers who are the commanders of all Care Teams in their respective districts, help publicise government policies in the community so that the public can better understand the Government's governing tenets and the development directions of Hong Kong. Care Team representatives attending the engagement session were enthusiastic. They actively shared their experiences in contacting residents in their sub-districts and providing caring services to members of the public. They all welcomed the new initiative in the Policy Address that a management application would be developed with regard to the operation of Care Teams to facilitate their handling of daily work, which would help improve work efficiency. Miss Mak expressed her gratitude to the Care Teams for their support for the Government's district work and commitment to serving the community. She called on Care Teams to make their best efforts in establishing district networks, and caring for and serving residents in their sub-districts in accordance with the key performance indicators. As the 2023 District Council Ordinary Election is approaching, Miss Mak called on the participants and their families to cast their votes on December 10 to elect district councilors who are committed to serving the public. She also appealed to the participants to join the activities organised by the District Councils in order to unite the efforts of all parties in building a caring and inclusive society.
Women Sector Dialogue on "The Chief Executive's 2023 Policy Address" (with photo)
8.11.2023

The Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, Miss Alice Mak, and the Permanent Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, Ms Shirley Lam, attended the Women Sector Dialogue on "The Chief Executive's 2023 Policy Address" today (November 8). They introduced the policy measures related to the Home and Youth Affairs Bureau (HYAB) featured in the Policy Address to representatives of local women's organisations and members of the Women's Commission, and listened to the opinions of the participants. During the dialogue, Miss Mak introduced the key initiatives related to the facilitation of family and women's development in the Policy Address. She pointed out that the Government attaches great importance to the support of women's development. Following the allocation of additional funding to establish the Women Empowerment Fund last year, the HYAB will set up a dedicated Women Affairs Team and designate the post of Commissioner for Women Affairs to steer work related to women's affairs. The HYAB's key initiatives in the aspect of family and women's development for the coming year include launching a one-stop family and women information portal; organising the first Family and Women Development Summit; introducing a maintenance mediation pilot scheme through the Community Care Fund, launching a new five-year Funding Scheme on the Promotion of Family Education, etc. Participants attending the dialogue responded positively to the relevant measures. In particular, the designation of the post of Commissioner for Women Affairs responds to the aspiration of the women sector. Participants also actively shared their views on taking forward various initiatives in relation to the promotion of women matters and facilitation of family education, and more.
Transcript of remarks by SHYA at media session
5.11.2023

Following is the transcript of remarks by the Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, Miss Alice Mak, at a media session after attending a radio programme today (November 5): Reporter: Miss Mak, can you recap in English how is Care Teams' (District Services and Community Care Teams) function affected as some of its members are going to join the District Council election? Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs: So far around 460 Care Team members declared that they will involve in the election-related activities, either they are candidates running in the election, or they are the election agents of those candidates. And they have already acted according to our guidelines and declaration mechanism, so they have already declared to the District Officers. Their services will suspend for a period of time during this election. This reflected that we have a very effective declaration mechanism to ensure that all Care Team members observed our mechanism, so that the election can be carried out in a fair and proper manner. During this period, we still have more than 4 000 Care Team members providing services in our districts. Our Care Team services will not be affected by the temporary suspension of certain members, that is less than 10 per cent of total number of our Care Team members. And also the mobilisation ability of Care Teams is the main concern. When organisations applied for being a Care Team, they need to show their capabilities in local and cross district mobilisation. This is reflected during the rainstorm in September. We can see that the Care Team in Shek O could not discharge their duties because of the temporary suspension of the land transport. So Care Teams from other districts went to help them. This is the proof of the mobilisation capability of the Care Teams, ensuring that the service of the Cares Teams will not be affected just because of the temporary suspension of certain members. (Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)
Youth Dialogue on "The Chief Executive's 2023 Policy Address" (with photos)
4.11.2023

The Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, Miss Alice Mak; the Under Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, Mr Clarence Leung; and the Commissioner for Youth, Mr Eric Chan, attended the Youth Dialogue on "The Chief Executive's 2023 Policy Address" organised for members of the Youth Link today (November 4). They introduced the policy measures related to the Home and Youth Affairs Bureau (HYAB), which were recently announced in the Policy Address, to over 40 young people. They engaged in interactive discussions with the youth and listened to the opinions of the young people. During the dialogue, Miss Mak introduced the key initiatives on sustaining youth development and building a caring and inclusive community. She emphasised that the Government attaches great importance to young people and has always been committed to providing young people with an enabling environment, so that they can unleash their full potential in society and contribute to Hong Kong, the country and the world. She said the HYAB will engage young people through activities under the Youth Link and communicate with more young people on a continuous and regular basis. Responses from the young people attending the dialogue were overwhelming. They actively shared their views on taking forward the initiatives relating to the Youth Development Blueprint, mental health and promotion of fertility, etc. as mentioned in the Policy Address. They also expressed their views on how to support young people to take part in public affairs and develop diverse talents. Some participants pointed out that the dedicated chapter on youth in the Policy Address reflected that the Government places great importance on youth development. The Youth Link, launched by the HYAB in September this year, aims to connect young people who have participated in youth programmes organised by the Government. It will provide young people with more opportunities to develop diverse talents and serve the community and will strengthen their communication and mutual trust with the Government.
Transcript of remarks by SHYA at media session
17.10.2023

Following is the transcript of remarks by the Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, Miss Alice Mak, at a media session after attending the flag raising ceremony in celebration of the 74th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China at Kowloon Masjid and Islamic Centre by Hong Kong Muslims today (October 17): Reporter: Why was the decision made now to put a Chinese flag at the mosque? Was it a decision made by the Islamic board of trustees or was it a decision implemented on them by the Beijing or Hong Kong Government? Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs: This is the intention and initiative of the Islamic community in Hong Kong and we can see from this flag raising ceremony that other than organising a flag raising ceremony, they have also organised flag raising teams in the Islamic schools. They also help us nurture the new generation which embraces the national pride and honour, so I think this is a good sign to show inclusiveness in our community. Every member of the community has their own way to show respect and share the honour and pride of our nation. Reporter: Obviously the Beijing Government has come up with quite a lot of scrutiny for the way it treats Muslim especially Uyghur Muslims in the Xinjiang region. And obviously a lot of the Hong Kong Muslims community could be quite offended when they see the Chinese flag outside the mosque, so I don't quite understand why that would be and are you worried that it could cause a divide in the community? Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs: Please stop listening to any rumours that are trying to damage the relationship between our country and religions. Those are rumours and ungrounded rumours. We can see from the building of the flag raising platform and also their act of organising the flag raising ceremony and flag raising teams. We can see that this is the inclusiveness and mutual respect in our community among different religions and this is very crucial to the harmony of our community. Thank you. (Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)