kakase/hk_gov_press_release huggingface dataset:
Speech by CE at 3rd Asian Youth Athletics Championships opening ceremony
15.3.2019

Following is the speech by the Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, at the opening ceremony for the 3rd Asian Youth Athletics Championships today (March 15): Mr Kondrat (Vice President of Asian Athletics Association, Mr Alexey Kondrat), Mr Moh (President of Hong Kong Amateur Athletic Association (HKAAA), Mr Alex Moh), Mr Kwan (Chairman of HKAAA, Mr Kwan Kee), athletes, ladies and gentlemen, Good morning. It gives me great pleasure to join you today for the opening ceremony of the third Asian Youth Athletics Championships. This year’s event features over 400 young athletes – 16 and 17 years of age – from 29 Asian countries and regions competing in 40 events. I'm delighted to welcome you all to Hong Kong for this prestigious, three-day international Championships. In terms of the number of athletes participating, this year's event is the biggest ever; but what excites me the most is the growing size of the Hong Kong team. At the first and the second Championships in 2015 and 2017, Hong Kong sent 13 and 26 young athletes to compete. This year, I am glad to note, we have a team of 62. It shows that we have many good young athletes in the city and our younger generations are passionate about sports, which can only be very good news. The benefits of sports are well documented. Being involved in sports helps develop our physical and mental strengths as well as our character. It teaches us the importance of teamwork, leadership and discipline. It increases our confidence and reduces our stress. And, above all, it brings us a lot of joy. That's why my Government has worked hard to develop sports in Hong Kong. We have injected resources to boost support for our athletes and our national sports associations. We are also investing substantially in sports venues and sports grounds. That includes the 28-hectare Kai Tak Sports Park, the construction of which has just begun. It will include a 50 000-seat main stadium and an athletics stadium with a seating capacity of 5 000, allowing Hong Kong to host more regional and international athletics events in the future. But for now, Hong Kong is proud to host this year's Asian Youth Athletics Championships. I'm grateful to the Hong Kong Amateur Athletic Association for its vision in making this international tournament possible and successful. My thanks, as well, to the enormous support the Championships has received from its many supporting organisations and sponsors. For the young athletes here, I wish each and every one of you good luck and record results at the Championships. More importantly, as you are about to hit your physical peak in the coming years, I wish you all the best in your continued pursuit of athletic excellence and a very happy stay in Hong Kong. Thank you very much. Ends/Friday, March 15, 2019 Issued at HKT 15:38 NNNN
Speech by CE at Opening Ceremony of 2019 FIA Formula E Hong Kong E-Prix
10.3.2019

Following is the speech by the Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, at the Opening Ceremony of the 2019 FIA Formula E Hong Kong E-Prix in Central today (March 10): Ladies and gentlemen, Good afternoon. It gives me great pleasure to join you for the opening ceremony of the HKT Hong Kong E-Prix today, the fifth race in the FIA Formula E Championship that circles the world, embracing 13 cities across five continents. I'm delighted to be speaking here at the starting grid, on the track, at the Central Harbourfront circuit. This is Hong Kong's third season to host the E-Prix, the world's only electric street racing series. It's an electrifying event, and I'm delighted to note that the world is watching. I understand that hundreds of media representatives are here, covering this thrilling spectacle, that the race will be broadcast live in over 100 countries, reaching millions of sports fans around the world. In short, today's E-Prix will surely heighten Hong Kong's standing as the sports and international capital of Asia. With our storied harbour and skyline in the background, Hong Kong's reputation as one of the world's must-see and must-visit cities is sure to be reinforced. On top of the race, an E-Village has been set up at the Harbourfront. Bigger in scale than in previous years, the E-Village will rev up the live music and entertainment, fine food, drinks and good times for the visitors and members of the public. For that, I'm grateful to Formula Electric Operations and Formula Electric Racing (Hong Kong), the event organiser, as well as the FIA (Federation Internationale de l'Automobile), the Hong Kong Automobile Association and all the many race sponsors and partners. My thanks, as well, to our Tourism Commission, the Hong Kong Tourism Board and other Government departments for their invaluable contributions. Ladies and gentlemen, today's weather may not be perfect, but I wish you all a very memorable day. Thank you very much. Ends/Sunday, March 10, 2019 Issued at HKT 17:23 NNNN
Speech by CE at the reception to celebrate 70th anniversary of founding of the People&apos;s Republic of China and International Women&apos;s Day 2019
8.3.2019

Following is the speech by the Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, at the reception to celebrate the 70th anniversary of founding of the People's Republic of China and International Women's Day 2019 today (March 8): I am very pleased to join you all at this meaningful reception. This year marks the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China. Over the past decades, we have witnessed our country's remarkable achievements in economic and social development. People's livelihoods as well as women's status have been significantly improved. Today, China is the world's second largest economy with significant influence in the international community, of which Chinese people have every reason to be very proud. Today we also celebrate the annual International Women's Day. Since being elected, I have been fully aware of my responsibility that goes with being the first female Chief Executive of the Hong Kong SAR. In this regard, I am pleased to say that we are making some good progress in putting in place the initiatives announced in my Policy Address last October. These include, among others, the proposal to enhance maternity leave from 10 weeks to 14 weeks so that mothers will have more time to spend with and take care of their newborn babies. The additional four weeks' statutory maternity leave pay would be borne by the Government in full. We plan to introduce the legislative amendments to the Legislative Council by the end of this year. The statutory paternity leave has also been increased from 3 days to 5 days, which came into effect on January 18 this year. Moreover, legislative amendments to prohibit direct and indirect discrimination on the ground of breastfeeding have been introduced to the Legislative Council. We are also working in full force to implement the various measures to enhance child care services, including improvement of manning ratios, formulation of service planning ratio, strengthening of training and increase in subsidy level. In view of the challenges such as ageing population and keen competition for talent around the world, it is imperative that women are empowered and enabled to fully utilise their talent and develop their potentials, unhindered by traditional stereotypes or other barriers. My Government will do all we can towards that target, and look forward to your continued support. I wish you all a very enjoyable evening. Thank you very much. Ends/Friday, March 8, 2019 Issued at HKT 21:08 NNNN
CE expresses sorrow over passing of Dr Tao Ho
30.3.2019

The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, today (March 30) expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Dr Tao Ho. "A distinguished architect held in high regard in his sector, Dr Ho's name and works are world renowned. His achievements in the fields of design and art are also remarkable. He was the designer and one of the founders of the Hong Kong Arts Centre and made significant contributions to the work on the design of the regional flag and regional emblem of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), which are the symbols of the city after its return to the motherland," Mrs Lam said. "I was grieved to learn of Dr Ho's passing. On behalf of the HKSAR Government, I would like to extend my deepest condolences to his family," she said. Ends/Saturday, March 30, 2019 Issued at HKT 23:59 NNNN
President of Panama to visit Hong Kong
30.3.2019

The President of Panama, Mr Juan Carlos Varela Rodriguez, will arrive in Hong Kong on April 2 for a two-day official visit. The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, will meet with Mr Varela Rodriguez on April 2 at Government House. Ends/Saturday, March 30, 2019 Issued at HKT 16:00 NNNN
Appointment of HA members for 2019/20 announced
29.3.2019

The Chief Executive has re-appointed 14 serving members and appointed four new members to the Hong Kong Housing Authority (HA) from April 1 for two years, the Government announced today (March 29). A spokesman for the Transport and Housing Bureau said, "We are grateful to the four new members for accepting the appointment and the existing members for agreeing to continue their service with the HA for another term." The re-appointed members are: Mr Cheung Tat-tong Dr Lo Wai-kwok Mr Alan Lui Siu-lun Mr Horace Cheung Kwok-kwan Mr Kwok Wai-keung Mr Dennis Kwok Wing-hang Professor Joseph Lee Kok-long Mr Wilson Or Chong-shing Professor Chan Ka-lok Ms Melissa Kaye Pang Miss Vena Cheng Wei-yan Dr Miranda Lou Lai-wah Mr Shiu Ka-fai Mr Andrew Wan Siu-kin The new members are: Mr Anthony Chiu Kwok-wai Dr Billy Mak Sui-choi Mr Lau Chun-kong Ms Clara Chan Yuen-shan Two serving members will retire from the HA on April 1. "We wish to thank the retiring members for their remarkable contribution over the past years," the spokesman said. The retiring members are: Ms Serena Lau Sze-wan Mr Wan Man-yee The membership list of the HA for 2019/20 is below: Chairman ------------- Secretary for Transport and Housing Vice-chairman ------------------- Director of Housing Non-official members (26) ----------------------------- Ms Tennessy Hui Mei-sheung Mr Stanley Wong Yuen-fai Mr Chua Hoi-wai Ms So Ching Mr Cheung Tat-tong Dr Lo Wai-kwok Mr Alan Lui Siu-lun Mr Horace Cheung Kwok-kwan Mr Kwok Wai-keung Mr Dennis Kwok Wing-hang Professor Joseph Lee Kok-long Mr Wilson Or Chong-shing Professor Chan Ka-lok Ms Melissa Kaye Pang Miss Vena Cheng Wei-yan Dr Miranda Lou Lai-wah Mr Shiu Ka-fai Mr Andrew Wan Siu-kin Dr Johnnie Casire Chan Chi-kau Mr Raymond Chan Yuk-ming Ms Cleresa Wong Pie-yue Ms Cissy Chan Ching-sze Mr Anthony Chiu Kwok-wai Dr Billy Mak Sui-choi Mr Lau Chun-kong Ms Clara Chan Yuen-shan Official members ----------------------- Permanent Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury (Treasury) Director of Lands Ends/Friday, March 29, 2019 Issued at HKT 14:30 NNNN
Government announces appointments to Communications Authority
29.3.2019

The Government today (March 29) announced that the Chief Executive has re-appointed Ms Winnie Tam Wan-chi as the chairperson of the Communications Authority (CA) for a term of two years from April 1, 2019, to March 31, 2021. The Chief Executive has also appointed two new members, Professor Vincent Lau Kin-nang and Mr Simon Wong Kwong-yeung, to the CA, and re-appointed the Permanent Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development (Communications and Creative Industries) as the Vice-chairperson, and Mr Stephen Hung Wan-shun, Mrs Yvonne Law Shing Mo-han and Mr Benjamin Tang Kwok-bun as members, all for a term of two years from April 1, 2019, to March 31, 2021. Commenting on the appointments, the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Edward Yau, said, "I am pleased that Ms Tam has been re-appointed as the chairperson of the CA. With her rich experience and professional background, I am confident that she will continue to lead the CA to rise to the challenges ahead in the broadcasting and telecommunications sectors." Mr Yau welcomed the two new members to the CA, who come from the academic and research and development sectors respectively, saying that their rich experience and areas of expertise will be valuable to the CA's work. He also thanked outgoing members Mr Thomas Lo Sui-sing and Professor Xu Yan for their contributions to the CA. Brief profiles of the newly-appointed non-official members are as follows: Professor Vincent Lau ------------------------- Professor Vincent Lau is the Chair Professor of the Department of Electronic and Computer Engineering of the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology. He is currently a member of the Telecommunications Regulatory Affairs Advisory Committee which advises the Director-General of Communications on all economic and technical regulatory issues related to the development of telecommunications in Hong Kong. Mr Simon Wong ------------------ Mr Simon Wong is the Chief Executive Officer of the Logistics and Supply Chain MultiTech R&D Centre. He is currently a member of the Assessment Panel of the Innovation and Technology Fund for Better Living, the Enterprise Support Assessment Panel and the Hong Kong Logistics Development Council. Membership of the CA from April 1, 2019 will be as follows: Chairperson --------------- Ms Winnie Tam Wan-chi Vice-chairperson ------------------- Permanent Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development (Communications and Creative Industries) Non-official members ------------------------ Ms Karen Chan Ka-yin Mr Stephen Hung Wan-shun Professor Vincent Lau Kin-nang Mrs Yvonne Law Shing Mo-han Mr Hubert Ng Ching-wah Dr Anthony William Seeto Yiu-wai Mr Benjamin Tang Kwok-bun Mr Simon Wong Kwong-yeung Professor Ray Yep Kin-man Official member ------------------ Director-General of Communications Ends/Friday, March 29, 2019 Issued at HKT 11:01 NNNN
Appointments to Advisory Council on Food and Environmental Hygiene announced
29.3.2019

​The Government announced today (March 29) that the Chief Executive has re-appointed Professor Lo Yuk-lam as the Chairman of the Advisory Council on Food and Environmental Hygiene. At the same time, seven new members have been appointed and nine serving members have been re-appointed to the Council. All appointments will take effect from April 1, 2019, for a term of two years. Professor Lo, an expert in the field of biotechnology, has been serving on the Council as Chairman since 2015. Brief descriptions of the new members follow: Dr Chen Xueping is the Chief Technology Officer of an international biotechnology company. Mr Cheung Ki-tang is an elected Kwun Tong District Councillor. Dr Chiu Man-ying is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biology, Hong Kong Baptist University. Ms Sandy Keung Yurk-nam is the founder and executive chef of two restaurants. Dr Lucy Shum Wan-cheong is the Chief Veterinarian of a veterinary services company. Dr So Tsz-him is a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Clinical Oncology, University of Hong Kong. Professor Wong Man-sau is a Professor in the Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, Hong Kong Polytechnic University. The Secretary for Food and Health, Professor Sophia Chan, welcomed the re-appointments and new appointments. "In the past few years, the Council has provided valuable advice to the Government on a wide range of important issues including mosquito and rodent control measures, use of modern technologies in enhancing environmental hygiene, promotion of green burial and promotion of a reduced salt and sugar diet," she said. Professor Chan also expressed gratitude to the outgoing members, Dr Doris Au Wai-ting, Mr Abraham Chan Yu-ling, Mrs Vivien Chen Chou Mei-mei, Dr Chung Shan-shan, Ms Josephine Kea Chi-shun, Mrs Jenny Lam Wan Mei-fong and Professor Kenneth Leung Mei-yee, for their contributions to the work of the Council over the years. The Council is a non-statutory body established on April 1, 2000, to advise the Government on food and environmental hygiene issues. The Council comprises a Chairman, 16 non-official members and four ex-officio members. The membership of the Council with effect from April 1, 2019, is as follows: Chairman ----------- Professor Lo Yuk-lam Members ---------- Professor Felix Chan Hon-wai Mr Chan Wai-ming Dr Chen Xueping Mr Cheung Ki-tang Dr Chiu Man-ying Professor Chiu Siu-wai Ms Sandy Keung Yurk-nam Mr Stephen Leung Kwok-keung Professor Leo Poon Lit-man Dr Lucy Shum Wan-cheong Dr So Tsz-him Mr Simon Tam Hop-sing Mr Richard Tsang Lap-ki Professor Wong Man-sau Professor Wong Wing-tak Professor Samuel Wong Yeung-shan Ex-officio members ---------------------- Secretary for Food and Health (with Permanent Secretary for Food and Health (Food) as her alternate) Director of Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Director of Food and Environmental Hygiene Director of Health Ends/Friday, March 29, 2019 Issued at HKT 11:10 NNNN
Appointment to Pensions Appeal Panel and Appeal Panel on Government&apos;s Voluntary Contributions under Civil Service Provident Fund Scheme
29.3.2019

The Government announced today (March 29) that the Chief Executive has re-appointed Mr Walter Chan Kar-lok as convenor-cum-member of the Pensions Appeal Panel (PAP) and the Appeal Panel on Government's Voluntary Contributions under the Civil Service Provident Fund Scheme (APGVC) for a term of three years with effect from April 8, 2019. As a statutory body established under the Pension Benefits Ordinance, the PAP is responsible for advising the Chief Executive on petitions made by civil servants against decisions to cancel, suspend, reduce or refuse to grant pension benefits. On the other hand, the APGVC is an administrative panel set up to tender advice to the Chief Executive on representations made by civil servants against decisions to forfeit or recover their accrued benefits attributable to government voluntary contributions under the Civil Service Provident Fund Scheme. The other two members of the appeal panels are Mr Henry Wu King-cheong and Miss Elaine Chan Wing-yi. Ends/Friday, March 29, 2019 Issued at HKT 11:00 NNNN
CE meets Auditor General of National Audit Office
26.3.2019

The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, met the Auditor General of National Audit Office (NAO), Ms Hu Zejun, at Government House this afternoon (March 26). The Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs, Mr Patrick Nip, and the Director of Audit, Mr John Chu, also attended the meeting. Mrs Lam welcomed Ms Hu's visit to Hong Kong, noting that it is the first time for the Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) to receive the NAO Auditor General in Hong Kong and that both of them are the first woman to take up their respective positions, making the meeting exceptionally meaningful. Mrs Lam said that, with the rising national power and international influence of the country, the status of the NAO in international auditing has been further consolidated. Thanking the NAO for allowing members of the Audit Commission of the HKSAR to participate in the meetings of the International Organization of Supreme Audit Institutions and the Asian Organization of Supreme Audit Institutions as members of the delegation of the People's Republic of China after Hong Kong's return to the motherland, she expressed the hope that the NAO will continue its support for the HKSAR's work and provide more opportunities for it to contribute in international affairs. She also expressed the hope that the two places will further strengthen exchanges and co-operation in the field of auditing in the future. Ends/Tuesday, March 26, 2019 Issued at HKT 22:28 NNNN
Release of Interim Report of Commission of Inquiry into the Construction Works at and near the Hung Hom Station Extension under the Shatin to Central Link Project
26.3.2019

The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, received on February 25 the Interim Report submitted by the Commission of Inquiry into the Construction Works at and near the Hung Hom Station Extension under the Shatin to Central Link Project (the Commission). The Government released today (March 26) the Interim Report in redacted form. In commenting on the release of the Interim Report, Mrs Lam again expressed her deep appreciation to the Chairman and Commissioner of the Commission, Mr Michael Hartmann, and the Commissioner of the Commission, Professor Peter Hansford, for their dedicated work. "I have personally studied the Commission's Interim Report. The Commission's determinations have understandably assuaged our concern during the past few months about the structural safety of the relevant construction works. Nevertheless, as the Commission has pointed out, the entire episode has not yet drawn to a close. There are a number of ongoing collateral investigations. Moreover, there remain extensive public concerns. We consider it appropriate to exercise particular caution. I have therefore accepted the advice of the Secretary for Transport and Housing and his professional colleagues, including the advice of the Expert Adviser Team comprising three retired senior government officers, that the MTR Corporation Limited should continue to implement its proposed Holistic Assessment Strategy for the Hung Hom Station Extension, with a view to completing it as expeditiously as possible," Mrs Lam said. The Government's redaction of parts of the Interim Report is based on legal consideration to avoid any prejudice (actual or perceived) to any ongoing criminal investigations and any potential prosecutions of any criminal offences in the future (if so decided to be justified after the relevant investigations). The Government understands that the public would like to see the Interim Report in full, and the redactions to the Interim Report have been kept to a minimum as permitted by law. The Government will release the Interim Report in full after the relevant criminal investigations and criminal prosecutions (if any) have been concluded. This is to safeguard the fairness of the criminal justice system, in accordance with the public interest. The Interim Report in redacted form has been uploaded to the GovHK website ( www.gov.hk/en/theme/coi-hh/ ). Ends/Tuesday, March 26, 2019 Issued at HKT 15:32 NNNN