kakase/hk_gov_press_release huggingface dataset:
HKSAR Government District Officers continue duty visit to Zhejiang Province (with photos)
20.4.2024

âThe delegation of the District Officers (DOs) of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government for a study programme on district governance continued its duty visit to Zhejiang Province today (April 20) to gather a deeper understanding of the implementation of modernisation with Chinese characteristics and district governance matters in Zhejiang. The delegation is led by the Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, Miss Alice Mak and the members include the Permanent Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, Ms Shirley Lam; the Director of Home Affairs, Mrs Alice Cheung, and the 18 DOs. The delegation arrived in Hangzhou from Beijing yesterday (April 19) and was received by Deputy Director of the Department of Hong Kong and Macao Affairs of the People's Government of Zhejiang Province Mr Yao Guowen with a welcoming dinner. Miss Mak expressed gratitude to Mr Yao for taking the time to meet with the delegation. She said that Zhejiang was the origin of the "Fengqiao Experience" and had long promoted the concept of relying on its people to resolve problems. Zhejiang people are encouraged to "speak up, discuss and take charge", and creatively resolve social disputes and problems, which can serve as a valuable reference for Hong Kong. She hoped that there would be closer exchanges and co-operation between the two places in relation to district governance work in the future. The delegates visited the Fengqiao Experience Exhibition Hall in Zhuji City today. Through various exhibits, the delegation learned about the development of the "Fengqiao Experience" and the social governance experience of being people-centric while systematically preventing and resolving conflicts. They also visited the Convenient Service Centre in Fengqiao Town to understand how the "Fengqiao Experience" had been put into practice in the local community. The delegation also toured the community of Dongsheng and exchanged views with community members on the experience of grassroots governance, understanding how the "Fengqiao Experience" had been extended to urban communities through the co-ordination of different community organisations to participate in local governance and provision of convenient services to the residents. The delegation also visited the Yuequan Secondary School in Pujiang County to learn about the "Pujiang Experience" and ways to improve the relationship between government officials and the public for strengthening and enhancing district governance through a feature film and photo exhibition. The delegates also visited the historic Xinguang Village, which has been revitalised as a local tourism place. The delegation will continue its duty visit to Zhejiang Province tomorrow (April 21) and return to Hong Kong in the afternoon.
HKSAR Government District Officers complete study programme in Beijing (with photo)
19.4.2024

ããThe delegation of the District Officers (DOs) of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government led by the Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, Miss Alice Mak, completed its study programme on district governance at the National Academy of Governance (NAG) this morning (April 19). ããDeputy Director of the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council Mr Wang Linggui, gave a lecture to the delegation on the implementation of modernisation with Chinese characteristics in Zhejiang. At the closing ceremony, Mr Wang said that the Central Government attaches great importance to the study programme on district governance for the DOs and hoped that the delegation will continue to exchange experiences with each other and work better in carrying out district work. Subsequently, the Vice President of the NAG, Mr Gong Weibin, presented the Certificates of Completion of the NAG to the delegation, and congratulated the delegation for completing its study programme and encouraged its members to apply learning outcomes to their work. ããMiss Mak expressed gratitude to the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council and the NAG for the programme's meticulous arrangements. She trusted that the delegation members will be able to convert their learnings into practical results to strengthen and enhance district governance, serve the people, improve people's livelihood, and assist the Government to achieve good district governance and strengthen people's sense of fulfilment and happiness. ããThe delegation departed for Zhejiang Province for a duty visit this afternoon, to obtain a deeper understanding of the local experience of district governance there.
HKSAR Government District Officers continue study programme on district governance (with photos)
18.4.2024

The delegation of the District Officers (DOs) of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR)Government continued its study programme in Beijing on district governance today (April 18). The delegation is led by the Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, Miss Alice Mak, and was received by the Deputy Director of the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council Mr Wang Linggui in the afternoon. Mr Wang met with the members of the delegation. He said that the HKSAR Government completed the enactment of legislation on Article 23 of the Basic Law laying down the foundation for a more stable development of the society and leading Hong Kong to acquire new development opportunities. He encouraged members of the delegation to continue placing people first, keep up the good district works with diligence and responsibility, and fully support the administration of the HKSAR Government in accordance with the law and enhance the efficacy of district governance. Miss Mak outlined to Mr Wang the objectives and desired learning outcomes of the study programme. She said this was the first time that the HKSAR Government arranged for all DOs to study at the National Academy of Governance (NAG) after improving district governance. At this important phase of advancing from stability to prosperity, it is of paramount significance for the DOs of the HKSAR Government to receive training at the NAG, which enables them to better understand the background theories of grassroots governance, and to raise the implementation of district works to a higher level. This morning, the delegation received a lecture on Xi Jinping's Philosophy on Grassroots Governance, delivered by the Vice President of the NAG, Mr Gong Weibin. The delegation also visited the Museum of the Communist Party of China, obtaining a deeper understanding of the 100-year history of the Communist Party of China. The delegation will continue its study programme in Beijing tomorrow morning (April 19) and depart for Zhejiang Province for a duty visit in the afternoon.
District Officers of the HKSAR Government commenced study programme on district governance (with photos)
17.4.2024

The Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, Miss Alice Mak, led a delegation of the District Officers (DOs) of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government to Beijing for a study programme on district governance today (April 17), and commenced the study programme on district governance at the National Academy of Governance (NAG) in the afternoon. Miss Mak said at the opening ceremony of the study programme that the HKSAR Government attaches great importance to district governance with a view to enhancing people's sense of happiness and contentment. Under the improved district governance system, the 18 DOs, being both the representatives of the HKSAR Government at the district level and the Chairmen of the District Councils (DCs), shoulder the important responsibility of enhancing district governance. At the beginning of the seventh-term DCs, it is a great opportunity to receive training at the NAG and it is hoped that the members of the delegation can put the knowledge they learnt into practice in their future work. Subsequently, the Executive Vice President of the NAG, Mr Xie Chuntao, gave lecture to the delegation on the Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era. The delegation is led by Miss Mak and the members include the Permanent Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, Ms Shirley Lam, the Director of Home Affairs, Mrs Alice Cheung, and the 18 DOs. The delegation will continue its study programme and duty visit in Beijing tomorrow (April 18).
Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs to lead District Officers to Mainland for study and duty visit
16.4.2024

ããThe Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, Miss Alice Mak, will lead a delegation of 18 District Officers (DOs) to Beijing and Zhejiang Province tomorrow (April 17) for a study programme and duty visit on district governance. ããThe Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government attaches great importance to district governance. Under the improved district governance system, DOs are also the Chairmen of District Councils and shoulder the important responsibility of enhancing district governance. The study programme aims to enable DOs to have an in-depth and continuous understanding of the national policies and developments, and at the same time to learn from the experience in district governance on the Mainland for their reference in future work. The delegation is led by Miss Mak and the members include the Permanent Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, Ms Shirley Lam, the Director of Home Affairs, Mrs Alice Cheung, and the 18 DOs. Upon their arrival in Beijing, the delegation will commence its study programme at the National Academy of Governance. The delegation will proceed to Zhejiang Province for duty visit on April 19 to gain insights into the local experience of district governance there, and return to Hong Kong on April 21. ããDuring the absence of Miss Mak, the Under Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, Mr Clarence Leung, will act as the Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs.
Transcript of remarks by SHYA at media session
13.4.2024

Following is the transcript of remarks by the Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, Miss Alice Mak, at a media session after attending the Kowloon City Songkran Festival 2024 ceremony today (April 13): Reporter: Is this permanent that the water fight would no long be available on that side, from now on only be on this side? Do you notice that there is fewer people coming when compare with last year? Do you think it is a departure from tradition for not having gun fight moving from that side? Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs: In fact that is the tradition of the Kowloon City District to organise events on Songkran, the first day of the Thai New Year. To enhance the scale of the whole event, we have extended the stalls from not only in this playground but also to South Wall Road. What we are going to do is to enhance the scale, and through the process, I am grateful to Thai CG (Consul-General)'s suggestions and opinions on how to enhance this scale and let more Hong Kong people to enjoy the atmosphere. As you can see, residents here are playing happily so I think this is the goal and aim for us to enhance the scale of the event and this is only part of the events. Thai CG has assisted us in inviting many different performers from Thailand to perform during the event to let us know and experience the Thai culture. I think this is a very good way to see collaboration between Hong Kong and Thailand. (Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)
Transcript of remarks by SHYA at media session
10.4.2024

Following is the transcript of remarks by the Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, Miss Alice Mak, at a media session after visiting residents affected by the No. 3 alarm fire in Jordan at the Henry G. Leong Yaumatei Community Centre temporary shelter today (April 10): Reporter: How many people are in need of alternative accommodations? Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs: Currently, there are over a hundred affected residents in the shelter. The Home Affairs Department is trying our very best to provide assistance to all these affected residents and visitors. (Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)
SHYA learns about development opportunities of Hong Kong Youth in Greater Bay Area in Guangzhou and Foshan (with photos)
2.3.2024

The Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, Miss Alice Mak, today (March 2) continued her visit to Guangzhou and Foshan. She learned about the entrepreneurial support and incubation services for Hong Kong young people in the Greater Bay Area (GBA) provided by local innovation and entrepreneurial bases and the development opportunities of Hong Kong Youth in the GBA. Accompanied by the Commissioner for Youth, Mr Eric Chan, Miss Mak visited two member bases of the Alliance of Hong Kong Youth Innovation and Entrepreneurial Bases in the Greater Bay Area, including "Timetable" of the Tianhe Hong Kong and Macao Youth Association, and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Technology Exhibition and Exchange Center of Gungho Space. During the visit, representatives of the bases introduced the facilities in the bases and their support for young entrepreneurs, and explained how the bases can enable young people grasp the latest developments and facilitation measures in Mainland GBA cities. Hong Kong youth start-up teams also shared with Miss Mak their experiences in pursuing entrepreneurship in the GBA. Miss Mak emphasised that the Government attaches great importance to youth development, and is committed to promoting youth innovation and entrepreneurship, especially in encouraging young entrepreneurs to leverage the GBA as an entry point to develop their businesses. The establishment of the Alliance is one of the key tasks under the Guangdong-Hong Kong task force on youth employment, entrepreneurship and internship. The Home and Youth Affairs Bureau, the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the People's Government of Guangdong Province and the Human Resources and Social Security Department of Guangdong Province are the leading parties of the Alliance, which aims to provide youth entrepreneurs with more assistance. Miss Mak said that since the establishment of the Alliance in December last year, about 60 representative organisations from various sectors in Hong Kong and other cities of the GBA joined the Alliance. Besides innovation and entrepreneurial bases, members of the Alliance including government and public organisations, non-governmental organisations and social organisations, post-secondary institutions and scientific research institutes, professional organisations and venture funds, jointly promote Hong Kong youth entrepreneurship in the GBA. At the end of her visit today, Miss Mak will leave Guangzhou and Foshan and return to Hong Kong in the afternoon.
SHYA to visit Guangzhou and Foshan
29.2.2024

The Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, Miss Alice Mak, will depart for an official visit to Guangzhou and Foshan tomorrow (March 1). The Commissioner for Youth, Mr Eric Chan, will join the visit. Miss Mak will call on the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the People's Government of Guangdong Province and the Human Resources and Social Security Department of Guangdong Province to exchange views on youth development between the two places. She will also visit member bases of the Alliance of Hong Kong Youth Innovation and Entrepreneurial Bases in the Greater Bay Area and attend a sharing session regarding Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area youth innovation and entrepreneurship. Moreover, she will lead members of the Youth Link, who are participating in exchange activities in Guangzhou, to exchange views with local representatives of Hong Kong's chambers of commerce. Miss Mak will return to Hong Kong on March 2. During her absence, the Under Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, Mr Clarence Leung, will act as the Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs.
Transcript of remarks by SHYA at media session
7.2.2024

âFollowing is the transcript of remarks by the Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, Miss Alice Mak, at a media session at Lam Tsuen, Tai Po, today (February 7) after attending year-end caring visits in 18 districts: Reporter: Miss Mak, some English questions from the South China Morning Post. With the different Day and Night Vibes activities held by the Government, how confident are you able to boost the local economy especially when a lot of Hong Kongers are potentially going to Mainland China or travelling overseas during the holiday season? Thank you. Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs: Thank you. The purpose of organising various activities during the Chinese New Year is to provide an opportunity for our residents to enjoy the festive experience in the community. We hope that with all these activities, our residents can experience the festive atmosphere. We can also enjoy the different kinds of special cuisine, Chinese traditional cuisine, or other activities. I think this is a good opportunity for Hong Kong people, our residents, to get together during this festive season to enjoy the joyful Chinese New Year. (Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)
YDC Youth Ambassadors Programme 2024 officially launched (with photos)
27.1.2024

âThe Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, Miss Alice Mak, officiated at the kick-off ceremony for the YDC Youth Ambassadors Programme 2024 today (January 27). The Programme is a flagship youth talent development programme co-organised by the Home and Youth Affairs Bureau (HYAB) and the Youth Development Commission (YDC). The Programme aims at identifying and grooming a cadre of young talent with a sense of responsibility, and with aspirations and potential, as well as a passion to serve society, and who are willing to strive for the betterment of the country and Hong Kong. Sixty Youth Ambassador (YA) Cadets will join a multifaceted training programme centered on the theme "Gen S: Empowering a Sustainable Future", enhancing their understanding of the concepts and application of "sustainability" and "sustainable development" in various sectors and industries, laying a solid foundation for them to engage in public policy discussions, community building and public affairs in the future. Addressing the ceremony, Miss Mak said, "Hong Kong will prosper only when its young people thrive." She pointed out that the future of young people is the future of Hong Kong, and Hong Kong is a place full of opportunities where people with different abilities and ambitions can unleash their strengths and pursue their dreams. She encouraged the YA Cadets to understand more about the youth development work by the HYAB and the YDC, including the various youth-related measures stated in the Youth Development Blueprint, which help address the needs of young people in different development stages. Miss Mak said she hoped that the YDC Youth Ambassadors Programme could identify and nurture more young talent with a sense of responsibility and aspirations. She said that she has full confidence in the future of Hong Kong and the young people of Hong Kong. The YA Cadets could unleash their full potential, further integrate into the overall development of the country, contribute to Hong Kong and the country, and tell the good stories of Hong Kong. Other officiating guests included the Under Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, Mr Clarence Leung; the Vice-Chairman of the YDC, Mr Kenneth Leung; and the Commissioner for Youth, Mr Eric Chan. Members of the YDC also attended the ceremony. The YDC Youth Ambassadors Programme offers unique training and exposure opportunities to participants and enhances their understanding of public affairs. For more information on the YDC Youth Ambassadors Programme 2024, please visit the YDC's webpage ( www.ydc.gov.hk/ya ).
Transcript of remarks by SHYA at media session
10.1.2024

Following is the transcript of remarks by the Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, Miss Alice Mak, at a media session after attending the Legislative Council meeting today (January 10): Reporter: About the Care Teams, what's your comment, because some teams stopped operation because they didn't have a seat in the District Council? Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs: It is always a challenging task for the Care Team members to serve the community. As we can see that they have resources, but resources are always limited. We can't always have unlimited resources, right? With limited resources, Care Team members will have to think about how to solicit resources in the community and how to mobilise more volunteers to serve the community. It is always a challenging task for the Care Team members and I think they should have our respect and support. I hope through this incident, people will understand more about challenges or problems faced by the Care Team members and give them more support and assistance. I must say that for anyone who has failed in any elections, it shouldn't be a factor for someone to consider whether they should still serve the community and serve in the Care Teams. I can see several candidates who have lost in the District Council Elections still insist to serve the community. They still insist to join and participate in the service of the Care Teams, and deliver very high-quality community services to our community. So I pay tribute to those who serve the community and do not ask for their own social status and anything for themselves. They just give their unconditional support and service to the community. (Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)
Transcript of remarks by SHYA at media session
6.1.2024

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 (January 6): Reporter: Some District Councils have been proposing measures such as night markets, check-in spots. How much would these help the local economy and also how would you respond to scholars comments that these ideas are somewhat similar and would lead to an overlap of resources? Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs: When you visit the community, what we always listen and get views from residents are that they want more activities and district-based events to be held in the community. They want to see a vibrant and energetic community. I think this is also a way to enhance the sense of belongings of our residents in the community. That is why the seventh term District Councils in their first meetings, they have proposed different ideas in organising various district-based activities in different districts. They are aiming to provide chances and opportunities for our residents to gather together to enjoy the festive atmosphere and boost up district-based economy. I think this will definitely help stimulate consumption in the district and help the business in the community. Some may say that the nature of the activities are somewhat similar, but when you look into the list of activities, some are already well-established ones or have a long history of organising such activities in the community, like the traditional dragon dances during the Tin Hau festival or some traditional ceremonies during traditional festivals. The aim of the District Councils in organising these activities is to enhance publicity and to organise such activities in a more systematic and well established way, so that the community will learn about the already well-organised activities in various districts. As you can see from the list, some activities fall into the period of some traditional festive activities' timing, and they are quite similar, but this will not hinder the participation from the community, rather, we can provide more chances and information about all these activities for our residents from different districts to choose a more convenient place or a more well-organised place to go. We are providing more choices for our residents and these activities themselves are not mutually exclusive. We are not saying that when some districts have already organised an activity or event, the other districts could not organise similar ones. We want to have an inclusive list and provide more alternatives and activities for our residents to enjoy during various festivals. (Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)