kakase/hk_gov_press_release huggingface dataset:
Chief Executive&apos;s Office&apos;s response to media enquiries
6.1.2018

In response to media enquiries on alleged unauthorised building works in a property owned by the Secretary for Justice, a spokesman of the Chief Executive's Office said: On the alleged unauthorised building works in her property, the Secretary for Justice reported to the Chief Executive yesterday afternoon (January 5). The Secretary for Justice has undertaken to fully assist in the Buildings Department's investigation and, if the allegation is true, make rectifications as soon as possible. The Chief Executive has advised the Secretary for Justice to give an open account as soon as possible to allay public concern. Ends/Saturday, January 6, 2018 Issued at HKT 12:50 NNNN
Secretary for Justice sworn in
6.1.2018

The Secretary for Justice, Ms Teresa Cheng, SC (left), is sworn in by the Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam today (January 6). The Secretary for Justice, Ms Teresa Cheng, SC (left), signs the oaths after her swearing-in today (January 6). Ends/Saturday, January 6, 2018 Issued at HKT 12:12 NNNN
Transcript of remarks at media session on appointment and removal of Secretary for Justice
5.1.2018

The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam; the Secretary for Justice, Mr Rimsky Yuen, SC; and the Secretary for Justice (designate), Ms Teresa Cheng, SC, met the media this morning (January 5). Following is the transcript of remarks of the question-and-answer session: Reporter: Mrs Lam, how difficult was it for you to find the successor, and do you think Ms Cheng is tough enough to handle controversial issues like the legislation of Article 23? And a question for Mr Yuen, if you were to name one thing you've done during your term as SJ that you regret most, what would it be? Thank you. Chief Executive: Well, I would not comment or disclose on the process of approaching potential candidates in forming my team. I have said this half a year ago and I am saying this again. I have every confidence that Teresa, with her long service in both the legal sector and the non-legal sector, will be able to fully discharge the duties of the Secretary for Justice. I cannot answer the latter question on behalf of him. Secretary for Justice: Thank you for your questions. I think in the course of the past five and a half years or so, of course I have made various decisions and done various aspects of work. There are bound to be differences of opinion in relation to all those matters. But I think in all those cases, hand on heart, I can tell you that on each and every occasion, the ultimate decision was made in accordance with the law. We understand that people would have perhaps very divergent views. In my post, my belief has all along been that we have to stick to legal principles even though we know that some people may not like our decisions, because otherwise there would be situations where one would be acting contrary to the rule of law if one were not acting strictly according to legal principles. (Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.) Ends/Friday, January 5, 2018 Issued at HKT 12:56 NNNN
Opening remarks by CE at media session on appointment and removal of Secretary for Justice
5.1.2018

The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam; the Secretary for Justice, Mr Rimsky Yuen, SC; and the Secretary for Justice (designate), Ms Teresa Cheng, SC, met the media this morning (January 5). Following are the opening remarks by Mrs Lam: The Central People's Government, on my recommendation and nomination, approved the appointment of Ms Teresa Cheng Yeuk-wah, SC, as the Secretary for Justice, and the removal of Mr Rimsky Yuen Kwok-keung, SC, from the post of Secretary for Justice with effect from January 6, 2018. I wish to take this opportunity to thank Mr Yuen for his sterling contributions to the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government in his five-and-a-half years as Secretary for Justice. He has been a pillar of strength in upholding the rule of law in Hong Kong. His commitment to the Country and to Hong Kong is in full display and he is passionate about his work. He commands the full respect and admiration of all the Politically Appointed Officials as well as civil servants within and outside the Department of Justice. To me, Rimsky is a great working partner, but I respect his decision to leave the service for personal reasons. I wish him all the best in his future endeavours. I am sure he will continue to serve the public in other capacities. I am very grateful to Ms Teresa Cheng for accepting my invitation and nomination to succeed as Secretary for Justice. Ms Cheng is a seasoned Senior Counsel with rich experience in international arbitration and mediation. She is a high achiever in the legal profession. Although she was in private practice over the years, she has been very active in public service. Through her chairmanship and membership of a range of important committees of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government, she is well versed in government. I have every confidence that she will make a very competent Secretary for Justice. Ends/Friday, January 5, 2018 Issued at HKT 12:30 NNNN
CE meets Financial Services Development Council members
5.1.2018

The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, met with the Chairman of the Financial Services Development Council (FSDC), Mrs Laura M Cha, and council members today (January 5) to exchange views on the development of Hong Kong's financial services industry. The meeting was followed by a lunch hosted by the Chief Executive at Government House for members of the FSDC and its five committees. The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government established the FSDC in 2013 as a high-level, cross-sectoral advisory body to engage the industry in formulating proposals to promote the further development of Hong Kong's financial services industry and to map out the strategic direction for development. Members of the FSDC are appointed by the Chief Executive. Mrs Lam said she highly appreciated the efforts made by the FSDC in the past five years, including their in-depth research, practical recommendations and proactive promotion work for the various sectors of the Hong Kong financial services industry. She said that financial services is a very important pillar of Hong Kong's economy that fits in perfectly with "what our country needs is what Hong Kong can provide" and will stand to benefit considerably from the Belt and Road Initiative and the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Bay Area. To seize those opportunities, the Financial Leaders Forum chaired by the Financial Secretary has started its work and will set the policy directions. The Government will also allocate more resources to the FSDC to further enhance its role in promoting market development. She said she looked forward to the FSDC's continued contribution in providing valuable advice to the Government for strengthening Hong Kong's status as an international financial centre. Ends/Friday, January 5, 2018 Issued at HKT 15:53 NNNN
Speech by CE at Opening Ceremony of 2017 FIA Formula E Hong Kong E-Prix
2.12.2017

Following is the speech by the Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, at the Opening Ceremony of the 2017 FIA Formula E Hong Kong E-Prix in Central today (December 2): Ladies and gentlemen, Good afternoon. What a beautiful day! It gives me great pleasure to join you today to kick-start the Hong Kong E-Prix, the opening event of the 2017-18 FIA Formula E season, and I'm delighted to be doing so on this purpose-built racetrack here at Central Harbourfront – the fast-beating heart of Hong Kong, Asia's world city. Thanks to the overwhelming success of last year's inaugural Hong Kong E-Prix, the Government and people of Hong Kong embrace this event. Today's season-opening race has attracted major media attention. I'm told there are more than 500 media organisations on hand. And the live broadcasts will showcase our dazzling skyline and vibrant harbour for all the world to see. My thanks to Formula Electric Racing (Hong Kong) Limited, the organiser of this event, as well as the FIA Formula E Championship, the Hong Kong Automobile Association and all the sponsors and partners responsible for bringing this electric weekend to thrilling life. My thanks, as well, to our Tourism Commission and the Hong Kong Tourism Board, as well as colleagues in many other government departments, for their essential commitment and expert support. I wish you all a memorable weekend at the race track, and on the streets, of Hong Kong. Thank you. Ends/Saturday, December 2, 2017 Issued at HKT 14:36 NNNN
Appointment of Chairman of Council of City University of Hong Kong
29.12.2017

The Government today (December 29) announced that the Chief Executive had appointed Mr Lester Garson Huang as Chairman of the Council of City University of Hong Kong (CityU) for a term of three years with effect from January 1, 2018. The Secretary for Education, Mr Kevin Yeung, welcomed Mr Huang's appointment as the CityU Council Chairman. "Mr Huang has been devoted to public service particularly in the field of education. He is currently the Chairman of the Standing Committee on Language Education and Research and a member of the Education Commission. He has previously served on the Councils of the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology and the University of Hong Kong as members. With his wealth of experience in the higher education sector in Hong Kong, I am confident that Mr Huang will be able to lead CityU to scale new heights in the years to come," Mr Yeung said. Mr Yeung also paid tribute to Mr Herman Hu Shao-ming, the outgoing CityU Council Chairman, for his contribution to the development of CityU during his chairmanship. Ends/Friday, December 29, 2017 Issued at HKT 8:53 NNNN
Inter-departmental exercise to test Government&apos;s response capabilities on Daya Bay Contingency Plan
20.12.2017

A two-day inter-departmental exercise based on the Daya Bay Contingency Plan (DBCP) and codenamed "Checkerboard II" commenced today (December 20) to test the response capabilities of the Government in dealing with serious nuclear incidents. The Chief Executive, the Chief Secretary for Administration and a number of Principal Officials, together with representatives from some 30 bureaux, departments and organisations, participated in today's exercise. They took actions and interacted in response to a simulated nuclear accident, demonstrating judgement, efficiency and knowledge in responding to an emergency. The starting scenario of the exercise on the first day simulated a chain of equipment fault events at the Guangdong Daya Bay Nuclear Power Station (GNPS), leading to a potential off-site emergency situation involving a release of radioactive materials. The subsequent simulated plots and government’s response actions are as follows: Upon notification of the incident in the exercise this morning, the Government soon activated the DBCP and the Emergency and Monitoring and Support Centre (EMSC) under the Security Bureau, and informed the public of the emergency situation through the media. The Hong Kong Observatory (HKO), Department of Health and relevant government departments immediately conducted environmental radiation monitoring and assessment and provided timely updates on the situation. In a simulated response to the incident, the Chief Executive's Steering Group convened a meeting and deliberated on recommendations made by the Implementation Task Force led by the Secretary for Security. Among the recommendations were precautionary evacuation of the area of Hong Kong within 20 kilometers of the GNPS, stepped-up radiation monitoring, and enhanced monitoring of imported food from the Mainland and locally produced food as well as fresh water and sea water. In the exercise, the Chief Executive and the Chief Secretary for Administration, accompanied by the Secretary for Security, inspected the operation of the EMSC in co-ordinating with relevant bureaux and departments to handle the nuclear emergency, and learned more about the latest situation. Also, the capability of adopting appropriate precautionary measures was tested. About 100 villagers and visitors in Tung Ping Chau were evacuated by the Police. The Government Flying Service also deployed a helicopter to convey police reinforcements to sweep the island. Two police launches swiftly transported the evacuees to Ma Liu Shui Ferry Pier for radiation monitoring to ensure they were not contaminated. The exercise continued in the afternoon. Ends/Wednesday, December 20, 2017 Issued at HKT 18:33 NNNN
Appointments to Hong Kong Council for Testing and Certification
20.12.2017

The Government today (December 20) announced that the Chief Executive has re-appointed Professor Albert Yu Cheung-hoi as the Chairman of the Hong Kong Council for Testing and Certification from January 1, 2018, to December 31, 2019. The Chief Executive has also appointed six new Council members, namely Mr Kenneth Lam Kar-kin, Ms Stephanie Lam Yuen-shan, Dr Li Hung-wing, Ms Karen Tang Mui-fun, Ms Pearl Tse Pui-pui and Mr Basil Wai Siu-bong, and re-appointed 10 Council members for the same period. The Secretary for Innovation and Technology, Mr Nicholas W Yang, said, "Professor Yu and other Council members have contributed greatly to facilitating the development of the testing and certification industry in the past two years. We believe that under the chairmanship of Professor Yu, the Council will continue to explore more business opportunities, thereby supporting the long-term growth of the industry." Mr Yang also thanked the five members whose terms will expire on December 31 this year for their valuable contributions to the Council's work. They are Dr Priscilla Choy Wai-fun, Dr Aaron Shum Wan-lung, Mr John Tong Shing-jing, Professor Vivian Yam Wing-wah and Mr Mickey Yu Kwok-wai. ​The membership of the Council for the period of January 1, 2018, to December 31, 2019, is as follows: Professor Albert Yu Cheung-hoi (Chairman) Mr Raymond Chan Kin-sek Mr Felix Chan King-wa Mr Raymond Chan Wai-fung Mr Ho Chi-shing Professor Ho Kin-chung Mr Marvin Hsu Tsun-fai Mr Andy Ko Kwok-on Mr Kenneth Lam Kar-kin* Ms Stephanie Lam Yuen-shan* Dr Li Hung-wing* Ms Agnes Nardi Kar-wai Ms Karen Tang Mui-fun* Ms Pearl Tse Pui-pui* Mr Basil Wai Siu-bong* Mr Harry Yeung Chi-wah Dr Raymond Yung Wai-hung Executive Director of the Hong Kong Productivity Council or representative Executive Director of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council or representative Executive Director of the Vocational Training Council or representative Government Chemist or representative Commissioner for Innovation and Technology or representative *Newly appointed Council Members The HKCTC was established in September 2009 to advise the Government on the overall development strategy of the testing and certification industry. Ends/Wednesday, December 20, 2017 Issued at HKT 14:30 NNNN
Judicial appointments
20.12.2017

The following is issued on behalf of the Judiciary: The Judiciary today (December 20) announced the appointment of Mr Dick Ho Chin-pang and Mr So Wai-tak as Principal Magistrates. The appointments will take effect from December 21, 2017. The appointments are made by the Chief Executive on the recommendation of the Judicial Officers Recommendation Commission. The biographical notes of the appointees are as follows: Mr Dick Ho Chin-pang Mr Ho was born in Hong Kong in 1962. He obtained LL.B. from the University of London in 1994 and P.C.LL. from the University of Hong Kong in 1995. He was admitted as a solicitor in Hong Kong in 1997. He was in private practice before joining the Department of Justice as Government Counsel in 1998. He was appointed as a Permanent Magistrate in 2009. Mr So Wai-tak Mr So was born in Hong Kong in 1972. He obtained LL.B. and P.C.LL. from the University of Hong Kong in 1996 and 1997 respectively. He was called to the Bar in Hong Kong in 1997. He was in private practice between 1998 and 2009. He was appointed as a Permanent Magistrate in 2009. Ends/Wednesday, December 20, 2017 Issued at HKT 16:00 NNNN
Appointment of Hong Kong, China&apos;s representatives to ABAC
20.12.2017

The Government today (December 20) announced that the Chief Executive has appointed Ms Marjorie Yang as Hong Kong, China (HKC)'s representative, and Mr Nicholas Ho as alternate representative, to the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Business Advisory Council (ABAC), until the end of 2019. Ms Marjorie Yang is the Chairman of Esquel Group, and Mr Nicholas Ho is the Deputy Managing Director of hpa (Ho & Partners Architects Engineers & Development Consultants Limited). Meanwhile, Mr Anthony Nightingale and Dr Adrian Cheng will be retiring from ABAC as HKC's representative and alternate representative respectively. "I am grateful to Ms Yang and Mr Ho for agreeing to represent Hong Kong, China in ABAC. I am sure they will inject further impetus into the work of ABAC with their enthusiasm and wealth of business experience. "I would like to express our deep appreciation to Mr Nightingale for his wise counsel and significant contributions throughout his tenure at ABAC. I am also thankful for the support of Dr Cheng during his tenure," the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Edward Yau, said. ABAC was established in 1996 as a permanent business advisory body to provide advice to APEC on business sector priorities. Hong Kong, China has appointed three representatives and two alternate representatives to ABAC. Currently, the Chairman of Lan Kwai Fong Group, Dr Allan Zeman, and the Chairman of Sunwah Group, Dr Jonathan Choi, are the other two representatives. The Chairman and Managing Director of Wheelock and Company Limited, Mr Douglas Woo, is the other alternate representative. Ends/Wednesday, December 20, 2017 Issued at HKT 17:00 NNNN
Appointments to Standing Commission on Civil Service Salaries and Conditions of Service and Standing Committee on Disciplined Services Salaries and Conditions of Service
20.12.2017

The Government announced today (December 20) that the Chief Executive has made appointments and re-appointments to the Standing Commission on Civil Service Salaries and Conditions of Service (SCCS) and the Standing Committee on Disciplined Services Salaries and Conditions of Service (SCDS). The Chief Executive has re-appointed Mr Ignatius Chan Tze-ching, Mr Lee Luen-fai and Mr Tony Tse Wai-chuen as members of the SCCS for a term of two years from January 1, 2018 to December 31, 2019, and Mr Wilfred Wong Kam-pui as a member of the SCCS for a term of one year from January 1, 2018 to December 31, 2018. The Chief Executive has also appointed Mrs Edith Chan Ngan Man-ling as a member of the SCCS for a term of two years from January 1, 2018 to December 31, 2019. As for the SCDS, the Chief Executive has re-appointed Dr Chui Hong-sheung and Ms Dilys Chau Suet-fung, and appointed Professor Chong Tai-leung as members of the SCDS for a term of two years from January 1, 2018 to December 31, 2019. Dr Chui is also re-appointed as Chairman of the General Disciplined Services Sub-Committee of the SCDS for the same period. The Chief Executive has also appointed Ms Margaret Cheng Wai-ching, an incumbent member of the SCDS, as Chairman of the Police Sub-Committee of the SCDS for a term of one year from January 1, 2018 to December 31, 2018. The Government expresses gratitude and appreciation to retiring SCCS member Professor Suen Wing-chuen and former SCDS member Dr Raymond So Wai-man for their invaluable contributions to the work of the SCCS and the SCDS. The SCCS tenders advice to the Chief Executive on matters concerning pay and conditions of service of non-directorate civilian civil servants. It is currently chaired by Dr Wilfred Wong Ying-wai. Other serving members are Mr Dick Lee Ming-kwai, Ms Angela Lee Wai-yin, Mr Joseph Lo Kin-ching, Ms Elaine Lo Yuen-man and Dr Carrie Willis Yau Sheung-mui. The SCDS advises the Chief Executive on issues relating to salaries and conditions of service of the disciplined services and is currently chaired by Ms Teresa Ko Yuk-yin. Other serving members are Ms Ivy Cheung Wing-han, Ms Quince Chong Wai-yan, Mr Victor Lam Hoi-cheung, Ms Melissa Kaye Pang, Mr Philip Tsai Wing-chung and Mr Thomas Jefferson Wu. The secretariat support for both the SCCS and the SCDS is provided by the Joint Secretariat for the Advisory Bodies on Civil Service and Judicial Salaries and Conditions of Service. Ends/Wednesday, December 20, 2017 Issued at HKT 15:30 NNNN
CE to proceed on leave
18.12.2017

The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, will be away from Hong Kong on vacation from December 22 to 26. During Mrs Lam's absence, the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Matthew Cheung Kin-chung, will be the Acting Chief Executive. Ends/Monday, December 18, 2017 Issued at HKT 16:55 NNNN
67 companies honoured at Hong Kong Awards for Industries
18.12.2017

Sixty-seven companies were honoured today (December 18) at the 2017 Hong Kong Awards for Industries (HKAI) presentation ceremony, at which the Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, officiated. The Grand Award winners were i.Tech Dynamic Global Distribution Limited (consumer product design), Dunwell Engineering Company Limited (equipment and machinery design), DBS Bank (Hong Kong) Limited (customer service), Black & Veatch Hong Kong Limited (innovation and creativity), ABUS Hardware (Hong Kong) Limited (productivity and quality), ASM Pacific Technology Limited (technological achievement) and Luen Fung Commercial Holdings Limited (upgrading and transformation). A total of 233 entries were received in the 2017 HKAI. The winners were decided by the final judging panels chaired by Professor Joseph Sung. The HKAI was launched in 2005 by merging the former Hong Kong Awards for Industry and the former Hong Kong Awards for Services, established in 1989 and 1997 respectively. The HKAI aims to recognise the outstanding achievements of Hong Kong enterprises in pursuit of high technology and high value-added activities, and to commend excellence in various aspects of their performance. The 2017 HKAI covered seven categories, namely the consumer product design category organised by the Federation of Hong Kong Industries, the equipment and machinery design category organised by the Chinese Manufacturers' Association of Hong Kong, the customer service category organised by the Hong Kong Retail Management Association, the innovation and creativity category organised by the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce, the productivity and quality category organised by the Hong Kong Productivity Council, the technological achievement category organised by the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation, and the upgrading and transformation category organised by the Hong Kong Young Industrialists Council. Ends/Monday, December 18, 2017 Issued at HKT 19:40 NNNN