kakase/hk_gov_press_release huggingface dataset:
Hong Kong to enter era of full digital TV broadcast tomorrow
30.11.2020

Hong Kong will end analogue TV services at 11.59pm tonight (November 30) and will enter an era of full digital TV broadcast tomorrow (December 1). "It is a worldwide trend to implement full digital TV broadcast. Not only does digital TV outperform analogue TV in terms of audio and picture quality, it also allows valuable spectrum resources to be utilised more effectively. Spectrum vacated can be used for various purposes, including high value-added mobile telecommunications services, such as 5G, and to enhance network capacity and relieve congested data traffic at indoor mobile hotspots, such as MTR stations. The switch to full digital broadcast helps support Hong Kong's overall telecommunications services and smart city development," the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Edward Yau, said. A vast majority of the Hong Kong population are ready for full digital TV broadcast. According to the survey findings in October this year, only 2.2 per cent (around 58 000) of households were still using analogue TVs. Among those only less than 10 per cent of households indicated that they had not switched to digital TV owing to financial reasons. Households still using analogue TVs will only need to add a digital TV receiver in order to keep accessing local free TV programmes. A digital TV set-top box costs as low as several hundred dollars, while a digital TV set with basic features costs just a little more than $1,000. The government has engaged the Hong Kong Council of Social Service to launch the Community Care Fund Digital Television Assistance Programme. It will continue to run until July 15, 2021 to help analogue TV households with financial needs to obtain digital TV receivers. More than 20 000 eligible households have already benefited from the programme since its introduction in January this year. For details, please visit the dedicated website ( digitaltv.hkcss.org.hk/en) or call 2922 9230.
LCQ20: Work of dedicated team to review governance and management of RTHK
21.10.2020

Following is a question by the Hon Charles Mok and a written reply by the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Edward Yau, in the Legislative Council today (October 21): Question: In the middle of this year, the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development announced the establishment of a dedicated team to review the governance and management of Radio Television Hong Kong (RTHK). Some members of the public are concerned about whether the authorities will, through the dedicated team, require RTHK to practise self-censorship in personnel management and programme production, thus undermining editorial independence and the public's right to know, affecting the public interest, and tarnishing Hong Kong's image as a free and open society. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council: (1) of the number of meetings convened by the dedicated team to date since the commencement of its work in mid-July this year, as well as the agendas of and attendees at each of the meetings; (2) whether it will make public the work and minutes of meetings of the dedicated team; if so, when these will be made public; and (3) whether it will enhance the transparency of the work of the dedicated team (e.g. by seeking public views or holding online public hearings) to enable various stakeholders to monitor the work of the dedicated team and directly give their views to the dedicated team, so that the viewpoints of RTHK staff and listeners/audiences can be effectively reflected in the reports and recommendations submitted by the team; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that? Reply: President, Our consolidated reply to the various parts of the question raised by the Member is as follows: (1) to (3) The dedicated team established by the Commerce and Economic Development Bureau (CEDB) started its work on July 15, 2020, to review the governance and management of the Radio Television Hong Kong (RTHK) and provide recommendations on its overall management systems, processes and practices, with a view to ensuring full compliance with the Charter of RTHK, the codes of practice on programming standards issued by the Communications Authority, and all applicable Government rules and regulations. The dedicated team, in the course of the review, frequently meets and communicates in writing with the relevant officers of RTHK, with a view to understanding the operational needs of the department. One of the deputy directors of the dedicated team is an Assistant Director of Broadcasting, who is familiar with RTHK's operation and capable of assisting the dedicated team to understand the actual situation of the department. As the review is on internal governance and management matters of a government department, it does not involve soliciting opinion from audience/listeners. The dedicated team will also not take part in any programme production nor editorial decisions of RTHK. The review is expected to be completed in about six months, and the dedicated team will submit a report to the CEDB.
SCED speaks on RTHK
28.9.2020

Following is the transcript of remarks by the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Edward Yau, on matters relating to the Radio Television Hong Kong (RTHK) at a media session after attending a meeting of the Finance Committee of the Legislative Council today (September 28): Reporter: Have you asked RTHK to review the investigation or to extend the probation period of the journalist, Nabela? And if so, what is the reason for that? Do you think it is appropriate for RTHK to extend the probation of a civil servant for 120 days, because this seems unprecedented? Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development: I think what you are talking about is a staff matter that falls within a government department. Under the existing arrangement, it is a matter for the department to handle, as all government departments have their policy (mechanism) to establish performance, promotion and other staffing matters. This is entirely a matter for the department, so it's inappropriate for me to comment. (Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)
Public consultation on re-assignment of spectrum in 2.5/2.6 GHz band launched
23.9.2020

The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development (SCED) and the Communications Authority (CA) today (September 23) jointly launched a public consultation on the proposed arrangements for the re-assignment of 90 MHz of spectrum in the 2.5/2.6 GHz band for the provision of public mobile services as well as the associated spectrum utilisation fee (SUF). The 90 MHz of spectrum in the 2.5/2.6 GHz band is currently assigned to three mobile network operators for the provision of fourth generation mobile (4G) services, which are the most popular mobile services in Hong Kong and are expected to be prevailing in the foreseeable future. The existing assignments will expire in March 2024. Apart from the good radio propagation characteristics of the 2.5/2.6 GHz band in providing wide area coverage and its wide bandwidth in supporting high transmission capacity, the band can also be re-farmed to meet future demand for fifth generation mobile (5G) services. "As there are likely to be competing demands for the spectrum, the CA proposes to re-assign it by way of auction. Prospective spectrum assignees may deploy the acquired spectrum in a technology neutral manner, including for the provision of 4G and 5G services," a spokesman for the CA said. Similar to other spectrum assigned for public mobile services where there are competing demands, it is proposed that the SUF should reflect the full market value and will be determined through auction, with the auction reserve prices to be set by the SCED nearer the time. "The auctioning of spectrum will ensure that such a scarce public resource be put into the hands of those who value it the most and will consequently put it to the most efficient use, thereby benefitting the general public at large," a spokesman for the Commerce and Economic Development Bureau (CEDB) said. Views and comments from the industry and other interested parties are welcome on or before October 20, 2020. After taking into account the views and comments received, the SCED and the CA target to make their respective decisions in the first quarter of 2021, thereby giving a three-year advance notice to the incumbent spectrum assignees before the expiry of the existing assignments. The consultation paper can be downloaded from the websites of the CEDB ( www.cedb.gov.hk/ccib/eng/paper/pdf/cp20200923_e.pdf ) and the CA ( www.coms-auth.hk/filemanager/en/content_711/cp20200923.pdf ).
SCED attends webinar to share insights on global trade after COVID-19 pandemic (with photo)
9.9.2020

The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Edward Yau, attended a webinar entitled "Global trade in transition? The world after COVID-19" today (September 9) to share his insights on global trade after the COVID-19 pandemic. Organised by The Economist Events and supported by Brand Hong Kong, the webinar today brought together officials, an academic and an entrepreneur to share their views on the future of globalisation after COVID-19 and its impact on Asian trade. Mr Yau talked about the unprecedented challenges posed to free and unimpeded trade in the last couple of years aside from the COVID-19 pandemic, including the rise of protectionist measures and the failure of the multilateral trading system. He stressed that trade should not be blamed for the problems of globalisation. Free trade instead is the solution as is its impetus to bring back the economic momentum, citing the speed and scale of vaccine developments premised on the global market. He called for the removal of trade barriers and greater collaboration to fight against the pandemic, the common enemy of all. Noting that trade captures more than the lion's share of Hong Kong's economy, Mr Yau said that Hong Kong remains committed to free trade and will continue to strengthen free and open trade alliances with trading partners through the signing of high-standard free trade agreements and active participation in regional trade cooperation. Noting the impasse that the World Trade Organization (WTO) is facing, Mr Yau said it is still the most important organisation in guarding the multilateral trading system and free trade. Amid the present challenges, it is high time all WTO members, particularly the key players, contribute to mending fences and overcome the limitation of the WTO. Other panellists of the webinar were the Deputy Director-General of the Directorate General for Trade of the European Commission, Ms Helena K&ouml;nig; Associate Professor of Economics of the London School of Economics and Political Science, Dr Keyu Jin; and Vice President of Xiaomi and the Managing Director of Xiaomi India, Mr Manu Kumar Jain.
Public consultations on assignment of spectrum in 600/700 MHz bands and re-assignment of spectrum in 850 MHz band launched
19.8.2020

The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development (SCED) and the Communications Authority (CA) today (August 19) jointly launched two public consultation exercises on arrangements for the assignment of spectrum in the 600 MHz and 700 MHz bands and the re-assignment of spectrum in the 850 MHz band as well as the associated spectrum utilisation fee (SUF). The spectrum will be used for the provision of public mobile services. A spokesman for the CA said that a total of 155 MHz of spectrum in the sub-1 GHz band is proposed to be made available to the industry. It includes 70 MHz of spectrum in each of the 600 MHz and 700 MHz bands made possible after the switching off of analogue television services on November 30, 2020 and the subsequent migration of digital television channels as well as 15 MHz of spectrum in the 850 MHz band due for re-assignment in November 2023. The 85 MHz of spectrum in the 700 MHz and the 850 MHz bands can be deployed in both indoor and outdoor locations for the provision of public mobile services; while the 70 MHz of spectrum in the 600 MHz band is designated for indoor use to enhance the mobile services provided at indoor hotspots, such as shopping malls and confined areas like premises inside the Mass Transit Railway. "The superb radio propagation characteristics of the sub-1 GHz band spectrum enable operators to enhance mobile coverage in both indoor and outdoor areas in a very cost-effective manner and also underpin the Internet of Things and other 5G applications," the spokesman said. As there are likely to be competing demands for the spectrum, the CA proposes to assign it by way of auction. Prospective spectrum assignees may deploy the acquired spectrum in a technology neutral manner, including for the provision of 5G services. As for the related SUF, similar to other spectrum assigned for public mobile services where there are competing demands, it is proposed that it should reflect the full market value. The SUF will be determined through auction, with the auction reserve prices to be set by the SCED nearer the time. "The auctioning of spectrum will ensure that such a scarce public resource be put into the hands of those who value it the most and will consequently put it to the most efficient use, thereby benefiting the general public at large," a spokesman for the Commerce and Economic Development Bureau (CEDB) said. Views and comments from the industry and other interested parties are welcome on or before September 15, 2020. After taking into account the views and comments received, the SCED and the CA target to make their respective decisions in the first quarter of 2021. The respective consultation papers on the 600 MHz and 700 MHz bands and on the 850 MHz band can be downloaded from the websites of the CEDB ( www.cedb.gov.hk/ccib/eng/paper/pdf/cp20200819_01_e.pdf and www.cedb.gov.hk/ccib/eng/paper/pdf/cp20200819_02_e.pdf ) and the CA ( www.coms-auth.hk/filemanager/en/content_711/cp20200819_1.pdf and www.coms-auth.hk/filemanager/en/content_711/cp20200819_2.pdf ).
SCED speaks to the media on US sanction
8.8.2020

Following is the transcript of remarks by the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Edward Yau, at a media session after attending a radio programme this morning (August 8): Reporter: What do you make of the US sanction announced last night? What will the Hong Kong Government do in response? Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development: I think the latest sanction introduced by the US Government on Hong Kong is unreasonable and barbarous, and in the long run will inflict the wound towards US' interest in Hong Kong too. As you have seen, I do not find any valid reason for this blatant interference of Hong Kong affairs by a foreign country. I do not think this is necessary or in a civilised manner to do so. Looking at the wider interest between Hong Kong and the US, such imposition of unreasonable measures would send a very wrong signal to the US investment in Hong Kong. Ultimately, I think the toll will be back to the US, and of course, it will definitely hurt the Hong Kong-US relations. (Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)
Public consultation on assignment arrangements of additional spectrum in 4.9 GHz band launched
22.7.2020

The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development (SCED) and the Communications Authority (CA) today (July 22) jointly launched a public consultation on the arrangements for assignment of an additional 80 MHz of spectrum in the 4.9 GHz band (4.80 - 4.96 GHz) and the spectrum utilisation fee (SUF) for the provision of public mobile services. "Following the launch of 5G services in April 2020, it is part of our continued efforts to supply additional 5G spectrum to the market, signifying our strong commitment to supporting long-term 5G development in Hong Kong," a spokesman for the CA said. "The 4.9 GHz band, with good radio propagation characteristics, is suitable for providing wide area coverage. It can also be deployed at all indoor and outdoor locations in Hong Kong," the spokesman added. As there are likely to be competing demands for the additional spectrum, the CA proposes to assign the spectrum by way of auction. As for the related SUF, similar to other spectrum assigned for public mobile services where there are competing demands, it is proposed that the use of the additional spectrum should be subject to an SUF that reflects the full market value. The SUF should be determined by auction with the auction reserve price to be set by the SCED nearer the time. A spokesman for the Commerce and Economic Development Bureau (CEDB) said, "The auctioning of spectrum will ensure that such a scarce public resource can be put into the hands of the operators who value it most and will consequently put it to the most efficient use for the benefit of the public at large." Views and comments from the industry and other interested parties are welcome on or before August 18, 2020. After taking into account the views and comments received, the SCED and the CA target to make their decisions in the first quarter of 2021. The consultation paper can be downloaded from the websites of the CEDB ( www.cedb.gov.hk/ccib/eng/paper/pdf/cp20200722_e.pdf ) and the CA ( www.coms-auth.hk/filemanager/en/content_711/cp20200722.pdf ). In 2019, the CA already made available 380 MHz of mid-band spectrum and 4 100 MHz of high-band spectrum for the provision of 5G services, including an earlier batch of 80 MHz of spectrum in the 4.9 GHz band.
SCED congratulates film director Ann Hui on Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement at Venice International Film Festival
21.7.2020

The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Edward Yau, today (July 21) congratulated renowned Hong Kong film director Ann Hui for receiving the Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement award at the 77th Venice International Film Festival. She is the first Chinese female film director to be bestowed the honour. "Ann Hui is a pioneer of Hong Kong and Asian cinemas of our time. The award is in recognition of her exceptional contribution to the film industry. We take pride in her achievement in successfully showcasing to international audiences the top-notch, exquisite and sensational Hong Kong film productions through her unique film language and visual style," Mr Yau said. The Venice International Film Festival is one of the largest international festivals. Its 77th edition will be held in Venice, Italy in September this year. Previous lifetime achievement awardees include Hong Kong director John Woo. Mr Yau said that the local film industry has been facing acute challenges in the past year. To re-energise Hong Kong films, the Government has earmarked around $260 million under the Film Development Fund to implement five major measures to increase the number of local film productions, nurture young directors and scriptwriting talents and enhance professional training to add value to the industry, with a view to providing multi-pronged support for the trade to go through this difficult period.
New District Officer for Kowloon City assumes office (with photo)
12.7.2020

Miss Alice Choi will assume the post of District Officer (Kowloon City) tomorrow (July 13), succeeding Mr Franco Kwok. Miss Choi joined the Administrative Service in 2001. She has served in various bureaux and departments including the Home Affairs Department; the former Education and Manpower Bureau; the Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau; the Constitutional and Mainland Affairs Bureau; the Housing Department; and the Commerce and Economic Development Bureau. She was the Principal Assistant Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development (Commerce and Industry) before taking up the new post.
Trade Marks (Amendment) Ordinance 2020 gazetted
19.6.2020

The Trade Marks (Amendment) Ordinance 2020 (the Amendment Ordinance) was gazetted today (June 19), providing a basis in Hong Kong Law for the application of the Protocol Relating to the Madrid Agreement Concerning the International Registration of Marks (Madrid Protocol) in Hong Kong. At present, the Madrid Protocol has 106 contracting parties including China and many other major trading partners of Hong Kong. It allows trade mark owners to apply for registration of trade marks in the register of the International Bureau of the World Intellectual Property Organization, and to seek extension of protection of trade marks in multiple jurisdictions by a one-stop application process through such registration, thus greatly simplifying the registration process for trade mark owners. The Madrid Protocol has yet to be applied to Hong Kong. "The implementation of the Madrid Protocol in Hong Kong is one of the key measures to enhance the local intellectual property regime. It will not only enable businesses to save time and costs in seeking trade mark protection in multiple jurisdictions and managing their trade mark registrations, but can also reinforce our position as an ideal place of conducting commercial activities and intellectual property trading," a spokesman for the Commerce and Economic Development Bureau said. The Amendment Ordinance also confers powers on the Customs and Excise Department to enforce the criminal provisions under the Trade Marks Ordinance (Cap. 559), and makes technical amendments to some existing provisions of the Trade Marks Ordinance for enhancing Hong Kong's trade mark application and registration system. Following the enactment of the Amendment Ordinance, the Government will press ahead with relevant preparatory work for the implementation of the Madrid Protocol, including preparing subsidiary legislation to provide for the relevant procedural details, setting up a dedicated information technology system and obtaining the agreement of the Central People's Government to seek application of the Madrid Protocol to Hong Kong. Subject to the progress of this preparatory work, the Government aims to implement the Madrid Protocol in Hong Kong as soon as possible. The Amendment Ordinance came into operation today, except Section 5 and Part 4 of the Amendment Ordinance concerning trade mark rights acquired in Hong Kong under the Madrid Protocol, which shall come into operation on a day to be appointed by the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development by notice published in the Gazette after completing the relevant preparatory work.