kakase/hk_gov_press_release huggingface dataset:
Mainland and Hong Kong sign framework agreement to further exchange and collaborate on archaeology and built heritage (with photo)
16.11.2022

The Secretary for Development, Ms Bernadette Linn, and the Administrator of the National Cultural Heritage Administration, Mr Li Qun, today (November 16) signed a framework agreement to further promote cultural heritage exchange and collaboration on archaeology and built heritage between the Mainland and Hong Kong. The framework agreement aims to establish a mechanism to facilitate regular exchange and collaboration between the Mainland and Hong Kong in the area of archaeology and built heritage to implement joint projects and jointly carry out the Outline Development Plan for the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area in building a cultural Greater Bay Area. It also seeks to support the development of Hong Kong as an East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange, and to deepen the understanding of the public in the Mainland and Hong Kong on the history of the Chinese nation to enhance their national pride and patriotism. Under the framework agreement, the National Cultural Heritage Administration and the Development Bureau will strengthen collaboration and exchange in various aspects, including archaeology and archaeological heritage protection; research in built heritage conservation technology, philosophy and adaptive reuse; sharing of information on built heritage resources and experience in accessioning of data on cultural heritage; and application of advanced technology on heritage and traditional skills. The two parties will step up the development of tourist heritage trails in the Greater Bay Area, and enhance exchanges of exhibitions, development of creative cultural heritage products and talent nurturing. Activities for youth will also be organised and education and publicity programmes launched.
Building Safety Symposium held as finale of Building Safety Week 2022 (with photos)
28.10.2022

More than 600 building professionals, members of the building management sector, government officials and academics exchanged views on the topic of "Innovation and Technologies for Building Safety" in the Building Safety Symposium organised by the Buildings Department today (October 28). Speaking at the symposium, the Secretary for Development, Ms Bernadette Linn, said that the Government has been committed to promoting wider use of innovative technologies in different stages and aspects of building developments. They include developing the Common Spatial Data Infrastructure, which can facilitate city planning and design of the built environment; actively promoting wider adoption of building information modelling by the industry; developing the Electronic Submission Hub to enable paperless submission of building plans; and promoting digitisation of public works projects and extensive use of modular integrated construction to enhance site safety. Ms Linn pointed out that in order to meet the challenges of ageing buildings, the Government would continue to make good use of innovative technologies in its roles as the facilitator, promoter and guardian. While committing resources, it would also encourage the industry to adopt various innovative technologies to enhance safety and promote the importance of building maintenance among the community. The Director of Buildings, Ms Clarice Yu, in her closing remarks said that the Building Safety Symposium provided a good opportunity for the industry to add value and exchange views. The experience shared by the speakers on innovative design and construction methods, as well as digital supervision of works and the use of big data, would lead to further discussion and sharing of insights among the participants. She said she anticipated that, with the joint effort of the Government and the industry in adopting innovative technologies in building design, construction and repair, buildings in Hong Kong will become safer, more environmentally friendly and more liveable. In the symposium, a number of local experts gave presentations the following topics: Innovative Building Design, Construction and Supervision; Application of Technologies for Enhancing Building Safety; Fire Engineering and Safety Management for Mega Projects; Big Data and GIS Application: A New Era of Promotion of Building Rehabilitation and Preventive Maintenance; and Challenges of Drainage Disrepair in a Dense Urban Environment. In addition to the speeches mentioned above, the symposium also featured two panel discussion sessions. Held at the Xiqu Centre today, the Building Safety Symposium was the closing event of Building Safety Week 2022. Over the past week, the Building Safety Carnival and the Buildings Department Inno Tech Open Day were staged to let members of the public experience the convenience and advancement in the building industry brought about by innovative technologies.
Transcript of remarks by SDEV at media session (English only)
23.10.2022

Following is the transcript of remarks by the Secretary for Development, Ms Bernadette Linn, at a media session after attending a radio programme today (October 23): Reporter: Secretary, the government plans to provide more than 3,000 hectares of "spade-ready sites" in 10 years. Are you confident that it can be enough to meet the demand and is there any KPI (key performance indicator) to assess the progress? Secretary for Development: First of all, I think our release of the 10-year forecast of these "spade-ready sites" is already a KPI in itself because it's a very solemn release of a forecast and the government team will try our best to really proceed with the conclusion of the relevant studies and get the land formed in time. And of course if individual parcels cannot be formed in time since we are going to release the forecast on an annual basis, we will have to account for any particular delay in individual projects, so no doubt about it, that is already in itself a KPI. Reporter: And you mentioned that the government doesn't rule out the possibility to develop country parks for more lands, so how to strike a balance between development and conserving these green belts or country parks? Secretary for Development: First of all, at this very moment, we are still focusing on the delivery of the more than 200 hectares of green belt parcels we have identified. As the next step, we will have to start detailed technical studies in today's 200-odd hectares already identified and get the planning process started in about two years' time. So that is quite a lot of hard work in front of us but as we have said before, we have never ruled out the study of individual land parcels at the fringe of country parks. And I want to make it very clear here, we are not talking about the development of the entire country parks of a full-blown review of all the country parks' land in Hong Kong, we are just talking about the possibility of looking into individual land parcels, probably at the fringe of certain country park areas. And we will do that at an appropriate time but meanwhile we need to focus on rolling out and commencing the detailed studies on the green belt parcels we have identified.
Development Bureau officer tests positive for COVID-19
8.10.2022

A spokesman for the Development Bureau today (October 8) said a staff member of the Bureau had tested positive for COVID-19 through a rapid antigen test. The officer is the Press Secretary to the Secretary for Development. She wore masks and followed relevant disease prevention measures at work. She has no recent travel history and last went to work on October 3. The Secretary for Development, Ms Bernadette Linn, has been taking COVID-19 rapid tests every day and the results are all negative.
Transcript of remarks by SDEV on quarterly land sale programme for October to December 2022 (with video)
29.9.2022

Following is the transcript of remarks by the Secretary for Development, Ms Bernadette Linn, at a media session today (September 29) on the quarterly land sale programme for October to December 2022: Reporter: Is it because the market is expected to be weak, so the Government isn't really rolling out many sites for the third quarter? Also, when looking into the land sales revenue in the first five months, there is still some way after the estimated revenue of $120 billion. So how can the upcoming sites catch up? Secretary for Development: First of all, I think, on the contrary, we are quite aggressive in the third quarter of this year. As you will see from the number of flats covered by the different, various sources, it's actually the highest so far among the first three quarters. So we are not holding back because of the current market situation. As regards the land sale revenue, of course we have to make proper valuations, taking into account the current market situation. And we will sell only when the tender bids received exceed our reserve price. And of course there will be pressure on our ability to reach the original estimate of $120 billion as the Financial Secretary has already forecast, given the current market situation. But I think we have to go back to our objective. Our objective is to increase land supply in a stable and steady manner and we do our proper valuation. So, if indeed the land sale revenue is a bit below our target, this is a reality that we have to accept. But what is important is that we do proper market valuations. (Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)
CEDD holds New Territories Cycle Track Network CT60+ Cycling Rewards (with photos)
17.9.2022

The Civil Engineering and Development Department (CEDD) is holding the New Territories Cycle Track Network CT60+ Cycling Rewards from today (September 17) to December 17 to promote the New Territories Cycle Track Network (NTCTN) and celebrate the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. The Secretary for Development, Ms Bernadette Linn; the Permanent Secretary for Development (Works), Mr Ricky Lau; the Director of Civil Engineering and Development, Mr Michael Fong; and cyclists Wong Kam-po and Ma Wing-yu officiated at the kick-off ceremony at Tsuen Wan waterfront cycling entry/exit hub today. Speaking at the ceremony, Ms Linn said that the Government has been committed to the implementation of the some 82 kilometre NTCTN, which is for leisure and recreational use by the public and to improve their quality of life. In order to make the cycle tracks more attractive, the CEDD project team accorded priority to scenic places with historical and cultural attractions and ecological value during the site selection. Running from east to west in the New Territories, the NTCTN covers a wide area. The some 60km-long backbone section connecting Tuen Mun and Ma On Shan through Yuen Long, Sheung Shui, Fanling, Tai Po and Sha Tin was opened in 2020. Another backbone section of about 22km running from Tsuen Wan to Tuen Mun will be rolled out in phases, among which the 2km Tsuen Wan waterfront cycle track was opened last year. During the event period, 15 "check-in spots" will be set up in two phases along the Tsuen Wan waterfront section and the backbone section between Tuen Mun and Ma On Shan. The public may use mobile phones to scan QR codes at the "check-in spots" and collect "check-in" records for redemption of souvenirs. After scanning the QR codes, they can also take photos using augmented reality filters with the mascots of the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department, the Drainage Services Department, the Environmental Protection Department, the Fire Services Department, the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department, the Department of Health, the Hong Kong Observatory, the Water Supplies Department and the Road Safety Council. For details of the event, please visit www.ntctn.hk .
"Art Unbound, Inclusion Absolute - Heritage for All Drawing Competition" concludes successfully (with photos)
15.9.2022

Organised by the Antiquities and Monuments Office (AMO), the award presentation ceremony of the "Art Unbound, Inclusion Absolute - Heritage for All Drawing Competition" was held today (September 15). The competition encouraged people with disabilities to unleash their creativity and show new perspectives for appreciating historic buildings through their drawings. It also sought to enhance public awareness and interest in historic buildings, and to promote social inclusion. Speaking at the ceremony, the Secretary for Development, Ms Bernadette Linn, said that the drawing competition that integrated heritage and drawing was a new attempt to put social inclusion into action. The AMO will continue to put heritage conservation and art together in various ways to promote inclusion in the community. The Former Kowloon British School, the Hong Kong Observatory, the Former Kowloon-Canton Railway Clock Tower and the Hong Kong Heritage Discovery Centre were the selected themes of the competition. The 130 entries, each in a different style, depicted the unique features of one of the four historic buildings. To enhance the participants' understanding of these historic buildings, and to arouse public interest in antiquities and monuments, the AMO offered online guided tours in the form of short videos on the competition webpage, elaborating on the historical and architectural merits of the buildings. The Chairman of the Antiquities Advisory Board, Mr Douglas So, who was also an adjudicator of the competition, said that the drawings, each with their own characteristics in ideas, composition and layers, are of a very high standard. They guided the adjudicators to appreciate the characteristics of the four historic buildings and their surrounding urban landscape. In addition to the adjudicators' selection of the champion, first runner-up and second runner-up based on the criteria of creativity, expression and artistry, some 2 800 members of the public cast their votes to select five pieces of "My Favourite Online Artwork". The list of awardees and winning entries are available on the competition webpage ( amo-artinclusion.etnet.com.hk/2022/en/index.php ). The winning and shortlisted works will be on display at the Hong Kong Heritage Discovery Centre from tomorrow (September 16) to November 16. Admission is free. For details, please visit AMO's website ( www.amo.gov.hk/en/news/index_id_114.html?year=2022 ).
DSD holds Mid-Autumn Lighting Festival at revitalised rivers (with photos)
5.9.2022

The Drainage Services Department (DSD) is holding a Mid-Autumn Lighting Festival themed "Beauty of the Moon" and "River Revitalisation" at Jordan Valley Channel and Kai Tak River from today (September 5) to September 18, to celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival and the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. The Secretary for Development, Ms Bernadette Linn, accompanied by the Permanent Secretary for Development (Works), Mr Ricky Lau, and the Director of Drainage Services, Ms Alice Pang, officiated at the lighting ceremony. Ms Linn also visited the Jordan Valley Channel and a works site of the Revitalisation of Tsui Ping River Project to learn about the DSD's river revitalisation work. Ms Linn noted the DSD's efforts in the implementation of river revitalisation projects to enhance the drainage capacity of rivers, and the introduction of innovative ideas into works design so as to enrich the ecological and scenic value of the rivers, and develop them into public spaces. The Jordan Valley Channel was revitalised with the concept of rivers in the city under the Revitalisation Works of Jordan Valley Nullah, incorporating design elements such as enhancing biodiversity, greening the channel, increasing public open space, promoting a water-friendly culture and more. The Revitalisation of Tsui Ping River Project, which is under construction, also integrates landscaping and ecological elements to create a green river corridor in the area to beautify the community. The lighting festival features giant moon lanterns at the Jordan Valley Channel and Kai Tak River as well as bird-shaped lanterns along the river banks to create a festive atmosphere and show the biodiversity element of river revitalisation. An arch walkway at the Jordan Valley Channel is also decorated with lighting and gingko leaves. For the details of the Mid-Autumn Lighting Festival, please visit the website of the DSD ( www.dsd.gov.hk/EN/What_s_New/What_s_New/news30812.html )
Construction Safety Week 2022 promotes construction safety culture (with photos)
29.8.2022

Construction Safety Week (CSW) 2022, co-organised by the Development Bureau and the Construction Industry Council (CIC), is being held from today (August 29) to September 2. Under the theme of "Safety 2.0", an array of events will be held including the Construction Safety Week Conference, visits to construction sites with exemplary safety performance and the award presentation ceremony of the 28th Considerate Contractors Site Award Scheme. Speaking at the kick-off ceremony, the Secretary for Development, Ms Bernadette Linn, said that the Government has aimed to revamp the culture of site safety in recent years. The Government has allocated resources for various initiatives and proactively promotes the use of modern construction methods and innovative technologies to enhance construction safety and safety management culture. The Development Bureau has piloted the Smart Site Safety system in public works contracts, using smart devices to monitor sites and prevent accidents. The bureau has also been working with the industry to promote design for safety with a view to early identification of safety risks in project design. She noted that it is the vision of the bureau to nurture a safety community in the industry that cares for all and puts workers' lives first. She appealed to stakeholders of the industry to make concerted efforts for the transformation of the site safety culture and to make construction sites even safer. The Chairman of the CIC, Mr Thomas Ho, said that the current site safety culture requires a transformation to "Safety 2.0". He called on all stakeholders in the industry to promote design for safety, productivity and sustainability, and the use of the modular integrated construction (MiC) method, with a view to minimising site safety risks. He said he hoped the construction industry will work together to achieve zero accidents in Hong Kong. The Construction Safety Week Conference commenced right after the kick-off ceremony. Experts spoke with the audience on improving construction safety performance through applying modern methods of construction, and the implementation of "Safety 2.0" in enhancing the site safety performance in Hong Kong. An exhibition displaying the application of modern methods of construction and innovative products was also held at the venue. CSW, first launched in 2012, aims to promote a zero-accident site environment and a caring environment in the construction industry. The campaign has received support from various sectors of the community including professional groups, organisations, trade associations and labour unions. Details of this year's CSW are available at www.safetyweek.hk .
DSD holds Relocation of Sha Tin Sewage Treatment Works to Caverns - Community Liaison Centre Open Day (with photos)
27.8.2022

The Drainage Services Department (DSD) is holding Relocation of Sha Tin Sewage Treatment Works to Caverns - Community Liaison Centre Open Day today and tomorrow (August 27 and 28). Aside from showcasing the latest developments of the Relocation of Sha Tin Sewage Treatment Works to Caverns project, the event is being held to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. The Secretary for Development, Ms Bernadette Linn, accompanied by the Director of Drainage Services, Ms Alice Pang, joined the public at the Open Day today and showed support for colleagues. Ms Linn then visited the works site in the cavern to learn about the progress and challenges of the works. The Relocation of Sha Tin Sewage Treatment Works to Caverns project is the largest cavern project in Hong Kong. Upon completion of the project, the environment of the existing Sha Tin Sewage Treatment Works and its surroundings will be enhanced, and about 28 hectares of land will be released. The DSD has applied innovative technologies and equipment in the project to enhance the efficiency and quality of the works, and to reduce the environmental impact and safety risks. The Open Day features exhibitions and game booths. DSD engineers are introducing cavern project highlights and the drill-and-blast construction method. Members of the public can also use the Immersive Cave Automatic Virtual Environmental System to view construction in the cavern, and learn about the cavern project and the work of the DSD in sewage treatment and flood prevention. In addition, members of the public can enjoy the sustainability design elements through touring the rain garden and the greening back garden of the Community Liaison Centre. For the details of the Open Day, please visit the website of the DSD ( www.dsd.gov.hk/EN/What_s_New/What_s_New/news30811.html ).
Handover ceremony of Penny's Bay and Kai Tak Community Isolation Facilities held today (with photos)
21.6.2022

The Secretary for Development, Mr Michael Wong; the Secretary for Food and Health, Professor Sophia Chan; and the Secretary for Security, Mr Tang Ping-keung, this afternoon (June 21) attended the handover ceremony of the Penny's Bay and Kai Tak Community Isolation Facilities (CIFs) constructed with Mainland support. Mr Wong, Professor Chan and Mr Tang inspected the units and facilities of the Kai Tak CIF with Deputy Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (LOCPG) Mr Yin Zonghua, the Deputy Director-General of the Department of Exchange and Cooperation of the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council, Mr Liu Wenda, and the Chairman of the contractor, China State Construction International Holdings Limited, Mr Yan Jianguo, to learn about the operation of the facilities as well as the challenges encountered during construction. Also joining the inspection were the Director of Architectural Services, Ms Winnie Ho; the Head of Emergency Response and Programme Management Branch of the Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health, Dr Heston Kwong; and the Chief Executive of the Hospital Authority, Dr Tony Ko. The construction of the Penny's Bay and Kai Tak CIFs commenced on February 19 and have been delivered in batches. The two CIFs, providing around 10 000 units in total, have been completed and handed over today. Mr Wong said the Central Government will always be Hong Kong's strongest backer. He once again expressed gratitude to the Central Government for its guidance and staunch support, the LOCPG for its guidance and intensive co-ordination, various government departments for their full co-operation and the construction team for racing against time and working around the clock to enable the projects to be handed over in phases in a timely manner, enhancing the anti-epidemic capabilities of Hong Kong. Both the Penny's Bay and Kai Tak CIFs adopted the Modular Integrated Construction method which has been actively promoted by the current-term Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government in its construction, greatly reducing the overall construction time. Each block of the Penny's Bay CIF has two storeys, and the Kai Tak CIF has four storeys with lifts installed. Each unit is fitted with an individual toilet and bathroom. Given the large scale of the two CIFs, they are well equipped to allow the HKSAR Government to cater for anti-epidemic needs. These two CIFs also provide various connecting units and accessible units to meet the needs of different families and persons with disabilities.