kakase/hk_gov_press_release huggingface dataset:
CE meets Minister of State for the Foreign and Commonwealth Office of the UK
24.8.2017

The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, met the visiting Minister of State for the Foreign and Commonwealth Office of the United Kingdom (UK), Mr Mark Field, this afternoon (August 24). Extending her welcome to Mr Field on his first visit to Hong Kong since assuming the position, Mrs Lam said the occasion was a timely one as it is celebrating the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) and she would be making her first official visit as the Chief Executive to the UK the following month. Mrs Lam said that Hong Kong has overcome challenges and successfully implemented the unprecedented "one country, two systems" in the past two decades. She reiterated that the rule of law and the independence of the Judiciary are as robust as ever and highlighted that eight overseas non-permanent judges in the Court of Final Appeal are distinguished judges from the UK. She added that as the Chief Executive of the HKSAR, she would faithfully discharge her constitutional duties to safeguard these essential core values. Mrs Lam also shared with Mr Field her vision for Hong Kong's future development under the Belt and Road Initiative and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Bay Area development, as well as her pledge to give the young people in Hong Kong greater opportunities to participate in public affairs. She noted that there are many sectors in which Hong Kong and the UK could explore new or further collaboration, and said she looked forward to strengthening the strong ties between the two places in the future. Ends/Thursday, August 24, 2017 Issued at HKT 20:28 NNNN
CE to visit Tianjin
24.8.2017

The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, will visit Tianjin from August 26 to 28. The Secretary for Home Affairs, Mr Lau Kong-wah, and the Director of the Chief Executive's Office, Mr Chan Kwok-ki, will also join the visit. While in Tianjin, Mrs Lam and the other officials will attend the opening ceremony of the 13th National Games, visit Hong Kong athletes at the Athletes' Village and watch an event in which the Hong Kong team takes part to cheer for the Hong Kong athletes. She will also meet with leaders of the Tianjin Municipal Government and conduct visit activities. Mrs Lam will return to Hong Kong on August 28. During her absence, the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Matthew Cheung Kin-chung, will be Acting Chief Executive. Ends/Thursday, August 24, 2017 Issued at HKT 14:47 NNNN
CE visits Shanghai and Hangzhou
23.8.2017

The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, continued her visit to Shanghai today (August 23). 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, Mrs Lam called on the Secretary of the CPC Shanghai Municipal Committee, Mr Han Zheng, and Mayor of Shanghai, Mr Ying Yong, and had a breakfast meeting with them. During the meeting, Mrs Lam expressed her gratitude to the Shanghai Municipal Government for its staunch support over the years to the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), especially to the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Shanghai of the HKSAR Government for their work in Shanghai. As both Hong Kong and Shanghai are important windows for the country to open up, she said that closer co-operation of the two places could help Mainland companies to "go global" and bring about opportunities for the development of Hong Kong and Shanghai. She believed that both places could leverage on their own advantages to jointly promote the Belt and Road Initiative. Mrs Lam and the other officials then took the high-speed train to Hangzhou. Upon arrival, she called on the Governor of Zhejiang Province, Mr Yuan Jiajun, and attended a lunch hosted by him. Mrs Lam remarked that Zhejiang Province has been developing rapidly and its achievements in terms of e-commerce and innovation and technology have been remarkable. Noting that Hong Kong and Zhejiang already have close ties in economic and trade, she hoped that the two places could enhance co-operation in areas ranging from infrastructure to innovation and technology, services industry, culture and youth. In the afternoon, Mrs Lam and the other officials met with over 40 representatives of Hong Kong organisations and students living there to learn about their everyday lives. Mrs Lam and the other officials then visited a museum on silk culture showcasing embroidered costumes and accessories of different eras and characteristics, which has a collection of over a thousand modern and contemporary artefacts. Before concluding her visit, Mrs Lam and the other officials went to the Headquarters of the Alibaba Group and were briefed by its Executive Chairman, Mr Ma Yun on the latest development of the Group. Mrs Lam pointed out that the HKSAR Government attaches importance to innovation and technology and would strive to develop Hong Kong into a smart city. Mr Ma expressed support for the initiative and the Group would be keen to participate and assist Hong Kong in its development in the relevant areas. Mrs Lam will return to Hong Kong tomorrow morning. Ends/Wednesday, August 23, 2017 Issued at HKT 22:58 NNNN
Acting CE visits Emergency Monitoring and Support Centre to learn more about typhoon measures
23.8.2017

The Acting Chief Executive, Mr Matthew Cheung Kin-chung, visited the Emergency Monitoring and Support Centre (EMSC) of the Security Bureau to be briefed about the measures that were put in place in response to Typhoon Hato's threat at the time when Hurricane Signal No. 10 was hoisted today (August 23). The EMSC has been activated to co-ordinate the resources and emergency response operations across various departments. "The current-term Government has all along stressed the importance of serving the public in collaborative spirits. We will continue to monitor closely the impact of the typhoon and take appropriate actions in response to it," he said. He also expressed his appreciation to civil servant colleagues and staff members in other organisations for their dedication to their jobs during inclement weather to ensure that Hong Kong continues to be safe and orderly. Ends/Wednesday, August 23, 2017 Issued at HKT 12:17 NNNN
CE visits Shanghai
22.8.2017

The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, began her visit to Shanghai today (August 22). 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, Mrs Lam met with about 60 representatives of Hong Kong organisations and students living there to learn about their everyday lives, work and study after arriving in Shanghai at noon. Mrs Lam told them that the economic development of the country, its opening-up policy and the Belt and Road Initiative have provided more opportunities for Hong Kong people in the Mainland. The HKSAR Government would, through its offices in the Mainland, continue to provide assistance to Hong Kong people in the Mainland, and follow up with relevant central ministries to implement concrete measures to help Hong Kong people study, work and live in the Mainland. Mrs Lam and the other officials then visited the Shanghai DreamCenter's exhibition hall. The DreamCenter is a large-scale development project featuring a commercial complex; leisure, culture and entertainment facilities; premium food, beverage and retail outlets as well as international performing arts venues. The project also involves the participation of Hong Kong’s business sector and is expected to be completed by the end of next year at the earliest. In the evening, Mrs Lam and the other officials attended the Celebration of the 20th Anniversary of the Establishment of HKSAR Gala Banquet organised by the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Shanghai (SHETO) of the HKSAR Government. With over 200 participants, the banquet was attended by officials from the eastern part of the Mainland including Shanghai and the four provinces of Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Anhui and Shandong, which the SHETO serves, as well as Hong Kong people living in the region. Speaking at the banquet, Mrs Lam pointed out that with its close links and frequent contacts with Shanghai and the four provinces, Hong Kong has maintained very close ties and co-operation with them in areas ranging from economic and trade activities to culture, education and youth exchanges. "Hong Kong is a service-oriented business hub with a rich pool of professional talents from all over the world as well as an international financial, trading and shipping centre, while Shanghai is the economic, financial, trading and shipping centre in the Mainland. I believe that both places can give full play to their own strengths and complement each other to become the key cities along the Belt and Road. Hong Kong and the four provinces can also leverage on their own advantages in various industries and areas for mutual benefits," she said. Mrs Lam will continue her visit tomorrow. Ends/Tuesday, August 22, 2017 Issued at HKT 21:49 NNNN
Appointment of Under Secretary and Political Assistants
22.8.2017

The Chief Executive's Office announced today (August 22) that the Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, on the recommendations of the Appointment Committee, has appointed one Under Secretary and two Political Assistants of the fifth term of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government. The newly appointed Under Secretary and Political Assistants are the Under Secretary for Home Affairs, Mr Jack Chan Jick-chi; the Political Assistant to the Chief Secretary for Administration, Ms Siu Ka-yi; and the Political Assistant to the Secretary for Education, Mr Jeff Sze Chun-fai. Mr Chan and Mr Sze will assume office tomorrow (August 23), while Ms Siu will assume office on September 1. The Chief Executive has appointed 11 Under Secretaries and 10 Political Assistants so far. The Government will announce the appointments of the remaining Under Secretary and Political Assistants separately. Following are biographical notes on the new appointees: Mr Jack Chan Jick-chi ------------------------ Aged 56. Mr Chan has been Deputy Director of Home Affairs since February 2011. Mr Chan joined the Government's Administrative Service in 1983 and rose to his present rank of Administrative Officer Staff Grade B in 2011. He has served in various bureaux and departments including the former Municipal Services Branch; Police Headquarters; the former Survey Office; the former City and New Territories Administration; the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in San Francisco; the former Civil Service Branch; the former Security Branch; the University Grants Committee; the former Works Branch; the former Environment, Transport and Works Branch; the Development Bureau; the Home Affairs Bureau; and the Home Affairs Department. Ms Siu Ka-yi -------------- Aged 34. Ms Siu graduated from the Chu Hai College of Higher Education, majoring in Journalism and Communication. Following continuing education she completed a Master's Degree in Social Policy and Social Development from the Hong Kong Polytechnic University. She is a member of the Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong. From 2012 to 2017, Ms Siu served as a member of the Central and Western District Council. Mr Jeff Sze Chun-fai ---------------------- Aged 31. Mr Sze was Political Assistant to the Secretary for Education from November 2012 to June 2017. Prior to joining the Government, Mr Sze served as a school teacher at HKUGA College and as the Executive Director of Savantas Policy Institute. He joined the New People's Party in 2011. Ends/Tuesday, August 22, 2017 Issued at HKT 16:00 NNNN
CE visits Macau
18.8.2017

The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie 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, today (August 18) visited Macau and paid a courtesy call on the Chief Executive of the Macau Special Administrative Region, Mr Chui Sai-on. Mrs Lam and Mr Chui introduced to each other the latest situations in Hong Kong and Macau in different areas including the economy, education, innovation and technology, as well as culture and creative industries. Noting that Hong Kong and Macau have frequent contacts and close ties in various areas, Mrs Lam said she expected there would be room for further co-operation between the two places in view of the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Bay Area and the commissioning of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge in the future. Mrs Lam then visited 10 Fantasia to learn about the development of Macau's cultural and creative industries. Launched in 2008, 10 Fantasia is a building complex which showcases and promotes Macau's cultural and creative industries, providing a platform for the development of art groups and artists in Macau. Mrs Lam returned to Hong Kong in the afternoon. Ends/Friday, August 18, 2017 Issued at HKT 19:30 NNNN
CE to visit Shanghai and Hangzhou
18.8.2017

The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, will visit Shanghai and Hangzhou from August 22 to 23. The Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs, Mr Patrick Nip, and the Director of the Chief Executive's Office, Mr Chan Kwok-ki, will also join the visit. Mrs Lam will depart for Shanghai on August 22 to deliver an address at the Celebration of the 20th Anniversary of the Establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Gala Banquet. The following day, she will meet with leaders of the Shanghai Municipal Government and then go to Hangzhou for a meeting with leaders of Zhejiang Province as well as other visit programmes. Mrs Lam will return to Hong Kong in the evening on August 23. During her absence, the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Matthew Cheung Kin-chung, will be Acting Chief Executive. Ends/Friday, August 18, 2017 Issued at HKT 14:45 NNNN
CE expresses sorrow at passing of Professor Sir David Todd
17.8.2017

The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, today (August 17) expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Professor Sir David Todd. "Devoting all his life to medicine and education, Professor Sir David Todd had been the head of the Department of Medicine of the University of Hong Kong for a long period of time. He was also the founding president of the Hong Kong College of Physicians and founding president of the Hong Kong Academy of Medicine. On the public service front, he served as the founding chairman of the Research Grants Council of the University Grants Committee and a member of the Hospital Authority Board, making significant contributions to society. I had known Professor Sir David Todd since my early years in the Government working on public health matters and his insightfulness on the medical developments in Hong Kong and his passion for education left a deep impression on me," said Mrs Lam. "On behalf of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government, I would like to extend my deepest condolences to his family," she said. Ends/Thursday, August 17, 2017 Issued at HKT 17:32 NNNN
CE welcomes proactive study by Independent Police Complaints Council
2.7.2019

The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, today (July 2) welcomed the Independent Police Complaints Council (IPCC) Chairman's plan to proactively undertake a detailed study on the recent large-scale public order events pursuant to its statutory functions as set out in the IPCC Ordinance (Cap. 604). "I am in full support of the study and have pledged that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government will render full co-operation in the course of the IPCC's work and will ensure that sufficient resources are provided to the IPCC secretariat. "In view of the huge public interest involved in the study, I have requested the IPCC to consider submitting the study report, together with any recommendations, to me within six months, and making public the report as soon as practicable," Mrs Lam said. Ends/Tuesday, July 2, 2019 Issued at HKT 17:45 NNNN
2019 Honours List
1.7.2019

The 2019 Honours List is published in the Government Gazette today (July 1). This is the 22nd full Honours List since 1997. The Chief Executive has awarded a total of 399 persons in this year's Honours List, including: Award Number ----- ------- (a) Grand Bauhinia Medal (GBM) 2 (b) Gold Bauhinia Star (GBS) 11 (c) Silver Bauhinia Star (SBS) 23 (d) Medal for Bravery (Silver) (MBS) 3 (e) Distinguished Service Medals 16 for the disciplined services and the ICAC (f) Bronze Bauhinia Star (BBS) 41 (g) Medal for Bravery (Bronze) (MBB) 7 (h) Meritorious Service Medals for 46 the disciplined services and the ICAC (i) Medal of Honour (MH) 96 (j) Chief Executive's Commendation 113 for Community Service (k) Chief Executive's Commendation 41 for Government/Public Service ------ 399 The Honours recipients are from different walks of life. They are given an honour or award in recognition of their significant contributions to Hong Kong or for their dedicated public and community service. The presentation ceremony for the awards is tentatively scheduled for early November 2019. The citations of the award recipients of the 2019 Honours List are provided in the Appendix. Ends/Monday, July 1, 2019 Issued at HKT 0:01 NNNN
Appointments to Board of Ocean Park Corporation announced
28.6.2019

The Government announced today (June 28) that the Chief Executive has appointed and re-appointed the following persons to the Board of the Ocean Park Corporation (OPC) for a period of two years from July 1, 2019, to June 30, 2021. New appointments ---------------------- Mrs Bonnie Woo Chan Tak-chi Mr Enoch Lam Tin-sing Mr Paulo Pong Kin-yee Ms Stephanie Poon Re-appointments --------------------- Ms Joanne Cheung Shui-lin Ms Maureen Fung Sau-yim Professor Kenneth Leung Mei-yee Permanent Secretary for Development (Works) (or representative) Commissioner for Tourism (or representative) "We are grateful to the re-appointed OPC Board members for their hard work in taking forward the development of Ocean Park and also welcome the four new members, namely Mrs Bonnie Woo Chan Tak-chi, Mr Enoch Lam Tin-sing, Mr Paulo Pong Kin-yee and Ms Stephanie Poon, for joining the Board. We are sure that, with the devotion and wide-ranging expertise of the Board members, Ocean Park will continue to grow as a world-class leading marine-themed recreational and educational park," a spokesman for the Commerce and Economic Development Bureau said. "We would also like to express our gratitude to the outgoing members, Professor Eric Yim Chi-ming and Mr Ma Lee-tak, for their invaluable contribution to the Board over the past years," the spokesman added. The OPC is a statutory body established under the Ocean Park Corporation Ordinance to manage Ocean Park as a public recreational and educational park. Ends/Friday, June 28, 2019 Issued at HKT 11:00 NNNN
CE meets with Police Force Council Staff Associations
27.6.2019

The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, met with the chairmen and vice-chairmen of four Police Force Council Staff Associations at Government House today (June 27). The Secretary for Security, Mr John Lee, and the Commissioner of Police, Mr Lo Wai-chung, also attended the meeting. The Police Force Council Staff Associations include the Superintendents' Association, the Hong Kong Police Inspectors' Association, the Overseas Inspectors' Association and the Junior Police Officers' Association. Mrs Lam expressed her heartfelt thanks to members of the force for fulfilling their duties with dedication during the disputes and clashes in society caused by the legislative amendment exercise, striking a balance between the public's freedom of expression and social order, and maintaining law and order in Hong Kong. She said she understands that members of the force and their family members have been put under pressure and that a small number of people even provoked the Police intentionally, which is not acceptable. She praised the force for its distinguished professionalism and restraint all along during this difficult time, carrying out law enforcement impartially against illegal activities and continuing to serve the community. Mrs Lam said that she and her governing team will continue to give their full support for the force. Apart from meeting with the Police Force Council Staff Associations today, Mrs Lam met with representatives of the education and religious sectors, senior civil servants and members of other sectors at Government House in the past few days to exchange views on the current social situation. She also met with a number of foreign consuls and representatives to explain to them the latest situation. Ends/Thursday, June 27, 2019 Issued at HKT 20:09 NNNN
Decision on 2019-20 civil service pay adjustment
19.6.2019

The Civil Service Bureau announced today (June 19) that the Chief Executive-in-Council (CE-in-Council) has decided that civil service pay for 2019-20 should be adjusted as follows, taking retrospective effect from April 1 this year: (a) a pay increase of 4.75 per cent for civil servants in the upper salary band and the directorate, subject to the pay points referred to in (i) and (ii) below the dollar values of which should be as specified: (i) Master Pay Scale (MPS) 34 at $74,515 and MPS 35 at $75,265; and (ii) General Disciplined Services (Officer) Pay Scale (GDS(O)) 20 and Police Pay Scale (PPS) 36 at $74,390, and GDS(O) 21 and PPS 37 at $75,135; and (b) a pay increase of 5.26 per cent for civil servants in the lower and middle salary bands. In arriving at this decision, the CE-in-Council has thoroughly considered the staff side's response to the pay offers and all the relevant factors under the established annual civil service pay adjustment mechanism, including: * the net pay trend indicators; * the state of Hong Kong's economy; * changes in the cost of living; * the Government's fiscal position; * the pay claims of the staff side; and * civil service morale. The Government will submit the 2019-20 civil service pay adjustment proposal to the Finance Committee of the Legislative Council for consideration as soon as possible. Ends/Wednesday, June 19, 2019 Issued at HKT 17:56 NNNN