kakase/hk_gov_press_release huggingface dataset:
Speech by CE at SCMP&apos;s 7th Spirit of Hong Kong Awards presentation dinner
12.9.2019

Following is the speech by the Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, at the SCMP's 7th Spirit of Hong Kong Awards presentation dinner today (September 12): Gary (The Chief Executive Officer of the South China Morning Post, Mr Gary Liu), judges and nominators, awardees, ladies and gentlemen, Good evening. I’m delighted to be here, once again, for the “Spirit of Hong Kong Awards” ceremony. Now in its seventh year, the Awards honours those who have made a profound difference for the people and the community of Hong Kong. And the wonder of it is how modestly, yet how resolutely, they do so, day after day, year after year. This year’s Awards recognises creative excellence and peerless dedication in the areas of community, culture, innovation, perseverance and teamwork, as well as the People’s Choice award. It also includes a brand new category – the Spirit of Youth Award. It’s presented to Hong Kong youth who have embraced their role as a socially responsible citizen or who have shown exceptional community commitment or courage. Such role models, and the community spirit they personify, have never been more vital, never been more needed. The past few months have been a singularly difficult and challenging time for the people of Hong Kong, young and old. The reasons for this are complex and deeply rooted in our political, economic and social systems. It’s essential that we respond to and resolve, as best we can, these issues and the discontent they have incited. That’s why, last week, I announced my Government’s “four actions” and our commitment to initiating wide-ranging, direct dialogue with members of the public. The first such dialogue hopefully will be held later this month. For the moment, however, I know we look forward to hearing from this year’s remarkable winners. They were chosen from some 100 nominees, each of them imbued with the incandescent and inextinguishable spirit of Hong Kong. My thanks to the organiser of the Spirit of Hong Kong Awards, the South China Morning Post, for its inspiring creation and its longstanding community leadership. My thanks, too, to this year’s nominators. They come from every sector of our society. I’m grateful also to the Spirit of Hong Kong’s esteemed panel of judges and its chairlady, Anna Wu. Ladies and gentlemen, I know you will enjoy this very special evening. And I count on you to champion the spirit of Hong Kong to all those around you, in this year of opportunity and challenge for all of us. Thank you very much. Ends/Thursday, September 12, 2019 Issued at HKT 20:35 NNNN
Hong Kong National Day delegation list
30.9.2019

The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, will lead a delegation of more than 240 people from various sectors in the community to participate in activities to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China in Beijing. The delegation list (in alphabetical order by surname) is at Annex. Ends/Monday, September 30, 2019 Issued at HKT 10:07 NNNN
Chief Executive to lead delegation to attend National Day celebration activities in Beijing
29.9.2019

The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, will lead a delegation comprising more than 240 members from various sectors of the community to Beijing tomorrow (September 30) to participate in activities to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China. Mrs Lam will return to Hong Kong in the evening of October 1 via Shenzhen. During her absence, the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Matthew Cheung Kin-chung, will be the Acting Chief Executive. Ends/Sunday, September 29, 2019 Issued at HKT 12:00 NNNN
Arrangements for first Community Dialogue session
25.9.2019

The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, together with the Secretary for Home Affairs, Mr Lau Kong-wah; the Secretary for Food and Health, Professor Sophia Chan; the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Edward Yau; and the Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs, Mr Patrick Nip, will attend the first Community Dialogue session to be held tomorrow evening (September 26), a Government spokesman said. Participants will be invited to express their views by drawing ballots. The speaking time for each participant will be set at about three minutes with a view to allowing more participants to express their views. The Chief Executive and the attending officials may provide an integrated response after a few participants have raised their views and questions. To facilitate a more interactive exchange between the Chief Executive and officials and the participants, the arrangement for responding to questions may be adjusted suitably. The spokesman reminded participants of the Community Dialogue to allow sufficient time for security checks and observe the Venue Charter. Ends/Wednesday, September 25, 2019 Issued at HKT 19:49 NNNN
CE to visit Nansha
25.9.2019

The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, will depart for Nansha, Guangzhou, tomorrow morning (September 26) to attend the Major Project of Guangzhou Nansha Demonstration Zone for Comprehensive Cooperation at the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Groundbreaking Ceremony for the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (Guangzhou) and the Pearl Science Park of the Chinese Academy of Sciences. The Secretary for Education, Mr Kevin Yeung; the Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs, Mr Patrick Nip; and the Director of the Chief Executive's Office, Mr Chan Kwok-ki, will join the visit. Mrs Lam will return to Hong Kong in the afternoon of the same day. Ends/Wednesday, September 25, 2019 Issued at HKT 11:52 NNNN
CE expresses sorrow over passing of Dr Tsang Hin-chi
20.9.2019

The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, today (September 20) expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Dr Tsang Hin-chi. "Dr Tsang was a successful entrepreneur and committed to contributing to the country. Fully supporting the nation's reform and opening-up, he organised Chinese at home and abroad to set up factories in the Mainland in earlier years. He was a member of the Standing Committee of the 8th to 10th National People's Congress, contributing to the advancement of the country. He was also devoted to charities, donating generously to support the development of education, aerospace, sports, science and technology as well as healthcare in the Mainland. He was one of the four Hong Kong people, among 100 Chinese, awarded the medals of reform pioneers by the country last year to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the reform and opening-up. "Dr Tsang had been taking an active part in public services over the years. He was a member of the Basic Law Consultative Committee, Hong Kong Affairs Adviser and a member of the Preparatory Committee for the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), making significant contributions to Hong Kong's smooth transition. He was among the first batch of people awarded the Grand Bauhinia Medal in 1997. "I am saddened by the passing of Dr Tsang. On behalf of the HKSAR Government, I would like to extend my deepest condolences to his family," Mrs Lam said. Ends/Friday, September 20, 2019 Issued at HKT 23:02 NNNN
Appointments to Insurance Authority
20.9.2019

The Government announced today (September 20) that the Chief Executive has appointed three new Non-Executive Directors to serve on the Insurance Authority (IA). They are Dr Clement Chen Cheng-jen, Ms Agnes Choi Heung-kwan and Ms Theresa Ng Choi-yuk, whose term of appointment will run from October 28, 2019, to December 27, 2021, both dates inclusive. The Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, said, "The three appointees are distinguished representatives from the business, insurance and banking sectors. We welcome them to the IA and are confident that they will provide invaluable contribution to the work of the IA." Dr Chen is the Executive Director of Tai Hing Cotton Mill Limited, Chairman of the Council and the Court of the Hong Kong Baptist University and former Chairman of the Vocational Training Council. Ms Choi is a veteran practitioner who filled key management roles in many leading insurance companies and is currently Asia Ambassador of the International Union of Marine Insurance. Ms Ng has held a number of senior positions in retail and private banking, and is now a lay member of the Council of the Hong Kong Institute of Certified Public Accountants. The membership list of the IA with effect from October 28, 2019, is provided below: Chairman Dr Moses Cheng Mo-chi Non-Executive Directors Mr Samuel Chan Ka-yan Professor Chan Wai-sum Dr Clement Chen Cheng-jen Ms Chitty Cheung Fung-ting Ms Agnes Choi Heung-kwan Mr Kenneth Kwok Tsun-wa Mr Ma Ho-fai Ms Theresa Ng Choi-yuk Mr James Wong Chien-kuo Professor Anna Wong Wai-kwan Mr Stephen Yiu Kin-wah Executive Directors Mr Clement Cheung Wan-ching Ms Carol Hui Mei-ying Mr Simon Lam Sui-kong Mr Stephen Po Wai-kwong Mr Raymond Tam Wai-man Ends/Friday, September 20, 2019 Issued at HKT 16:00 NNNN
First Community Dialogue opens for registration
19.9.2019

The Government announced today (September 19) that the Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, together with some Principal Officials, will attend the first Community Dialogue session from 7pm to 9pm at the Queen Elizabeth Stadium, Wan Chai, on September 26 (Thursday). The session will be an open dialogue platform aimed at reaching out to the public to invite people from all walks of life to express their views to the Government, so as to fathom the discontent in society and to look for solutions. Interested participants may submit their registration forms online at eform.one.gov.hk/form/had056/en/ or at Home Affairs Enquiry Centres (see Annex) from today (September 19) to noon on September 23 (Monday). The session has an admission quota of 150 places. Should the number of registrants exceed the quota, places will be allocated by computer lot drawing. Successful applicants will be notified on or before September 24 (Tuesday). Ends/Thursday, September 19, 2019 Issued at HKT 16:48 NNNN
CE visits nursery school providing pre-school rehabilitation services
17.9.2019

The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, visited a nursery school providing pre-school rehabilitation services in Causeway Bay this afternoon (September 17). Accompanied by the Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Dr Law Chi-kwong, and the Director of Social Welfare, Ms Carol Yip, Mrs Lam was briefed by the school principal on its day child care and education services. The school offers six training and care service places for children with special needs under the Integrated Programme in Kindergarten-cum-Child Care Centre, while 11 pupils are receiving On-site Pre-school Rehabilitation Services (OPRS) in the school. The school also provides extended hours service and occasional child care service for parents in need. Mrs Lam toured the integrated education classroom and saw how children with special needs receive training under OPRS. She also met tutors and parents of children with special needs to learn more about the effectiveness of the service. "I proposed in the 2017 Policy Address to regularise OPRS in the 2018/19 school year and increase the number of service places from 3 000 to 7 000 incrementally. The pledge will be realised next month, enabling more pre-school children with special needs to receive necessary training early in their prime learning period," Mrs Lam said. With the increase in the number of places to 7 000 for OPRS next month, the number of non-governmental organisations operating the service will be increased from 18 to 21 while the number of kindergartens and kindergarten-cum-child care centres providing OPRS will be raised from 709 to 852, covering more than 80 per cent of kindergartens and kindergarten-cum-child care centres in Hong Kong. The Government will continue to review the demand for pre-school rehabilitation services as well as the manpower supply of relevant allied health professionals to achieve the policy objective of "zero waiting time". There is a dire need for children in pre-primary education who have special needs, such as those with autism, hyperactivity disorder, language disorder or dyslexia, to be provided with pre-school rehabilitation services as early as possible. In late 2015, the Government launched the Pilot Scheme on OPRS, under which multi-disciplinary teams visit schools to provide services for children with special needs. These teams comprise occupational therapists, physiotherapists, speech therapists, psychologists, social workers and special child care workers. "Children are our future. The Government will continue to allocate substantial resources and roll out measures to create the best environment conducive to the growth of children," Mrs Lam said. Ends/Tuesday, September 17, 2019 Issued at HKT 20:53 NNNN
Statement by CE
13.9.2019

With regard to recent protests staged by some groups at the Court of Final Appeal on court rulings, the Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, today (September 13) made the following statement: The rule of law and judicial independence are Hong Kong's core values as well as the cornerstones of its success. They have been protected by the Basic Law since the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and are well recognised by international communities. Both the rule of law and judicial independence should be safeguarded by all people in Hong Kong. Anyone who takes different views on the court rulings should not exert pressure on the judges or the courts by any means, or even launch personal attacks to avoid affecting the courts from making judgments impartially according to the legal grounds. Ends/Friday, September 13, 2019 Issued at HKT 21:57 NNNN
CE&apos;s Office clarifies media report
13.9.2019

Regarding a news report today (September 13) suggesting that the Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, held a secret meeting with representatives of state-owned enterprises this Wednesday (September 11) to discuss their development plans in Hong Kong, the Chief Executive's Office clarified that the content of the report deviates from facts and is unfounded. From time to time, the Chief Executive meets with enterprise representatives and people who come to Hong Kong to participate in business activities, and during this year's Belt and Road Summit, Mrs Lam also met with representatives from overseas countries. This is part of the daily work of the Chief Executive and government officials. The Chief Executive's Office expressed regret over the unfounded report. Ends/Friday, September 13, 2019 Issued at HKT 20:22 NNNN
CE meets Union Minister for Investment and Foreign Economic Relations and Chairman of Myanmar Investment Commission
12.9.2019

The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, met the Union Minister for Investment and Foreign Economic Relations and Chairman of the Myanmar Investment Commission, U Thaung Tun, at the Chief Executive's Office this morning (September 12). Mrs Lam welcomed U Thaung Tun's visit to Hong Kong again to attend the fourth Belt and Road Summit held yesterday and today. The Summit is jointly organised by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council. Mrs Lam expressed her gratitude to U Thaung Tun for attending the Summit for two consecutive years to share his insights with other participants. Noting that Hong Kong and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), including Myanmar, lie in the Belt and Road, she said that Myanmar enterprises may leverage Hong Kong's advantages as an international financial, transportation and trade centre to explore the Belt and Road as well as global markets. She added that Hong Kong is actively assisting other regions in capacity building and is very willing to share Hong Kong's experience in city management and training of talents with Myanmar. She said that the parts relating to Hong Kong and some ASEAN member states including Myanmar under the Free Trade Agreement between Hong Kong and ASEAN have taken effect and Hong Kong is actively negotiating an Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement with Myanmar. Mrs Lam highlighted the extension of the Tourist Visa Exemption Pilot Scheme of Myanmar, which grants visa-free access to HKSAR passport holders, for one year until September next year, and said she believes that the relations between the two places will be further enhanced and more areas for co-operation between both sides will be explored. Ends/Thursday, September 12, 2019 Issued at HKT 18:02 NNNN
CoI into Construction Works at and near Hung Hom Station Extension under Shatin to Central Link Project to submit its final report by March 31, 2020
10.9.2019

The following is issued on behalf of 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 of Inquiry into the Construction Works at and near the Hung Hom Station Extension under the Shatin to Central Link Project will submit a final report on its findings and recommendations to the Chief Executive on or before March 31, 2020, upon approval of a further extension of time by the Chief Executive in Council today (September 10). On February 19, 2019, the Chief Executive in Council expanded the terms of reference of the Commission to inquire also into the problems concerning the construction works at the North Approach Tunnels, the South Approach Tunnels and the Hung Hom Stabling Sidings under the Shatin to Central Link Project, and extended the date of submission of the Commission's final report to August 30, 2019. Subsequently, having regard to the work progress and work plan at the time, the Commission requested an extension of time to submit its final report to the Chief Executive by November 29, 2019, which was approved by the Chief Executive in Council on July 2, 2019. Since then, there have been developments that have impacted the progress of the inquiry. The "Final Report on Holistic Assessment Strategy for the Hung Hom Station Extension" and the "Final Verification Study Report on As-Constructed Conditions of the North Approach Tunnels, South Approach Tunnels and Hung Hom Stabling Sidings", produced by the MTR Corporation Limited and accepted by the Government, have raised new and important issues that have to be addressed. Due also to the availability issues of various parties involved in the inquiry which caused difficulties to the scheduling of further hearings, the Commission has requested a further extension of time to submit its final report to the Chief Executive by March 31, 2020. The Commission plans to resume substantive hearing on September 23, 2019, and finish all expert evidence and, if necessary, further factual evidence as well as all closing submissions by mid-February 2020. Ends/Tuesday, September 10, 2019 Issued at HKT 16:10 NNNN
Extension of time for Commission of Inquiry to submit final report
10.9.2019

The Chief Executive in Council approved today (September 10), at the request of the Commission of Inquiry into the Construction Works at and near the Hung Hom Station Extension under the Shatin to Central Link (SCL) Project, an extension of time for the Commission to submit its final report to the Chief Executive by March 31, 2020. The Commission was appointed by the Chief Executive in Council on July 10, 2018, with Mr Michael Hartmann as Chairman and Commissioner and Professor Peter Hansford as Commissioner, to inquire into the facts and circumstances surrounding the steel reinforcement fixing works and any other works which raise concerns about public safety in respect of the diaphragm wall and platform slab construction works at the Hung Hom Station Extension under the SCL Project implemented by the MTR Corporation Limited (MTRCL) and to make recommendations on suitable measures with a view to promoting public safety and assurance on quality of works. The Chief Executive in Council approved on February 19, 2019, an expansion of the terms of reference of the Commission to inquire into irregularities concerning the construction works at the North Approach Tunnels, the South Approach Tunnels and the Hung Hom Stabling Sidings under the SCL Project, and subsequently on July 2, 2019, an extension of time for the Commission to submit its final report to the Chief Executive to November 29, 2019. The expanded terms of reference of the Commission are in the Annex. The assessment and verification reports on the construction works at and near the Hung Hom Station Extension under the SCL Project, produced by the MTRCL and accepted by the Government, were submitted to the Commission on July 18, 2019. In the light of its latest work plan, in particular the need to conduct hearings on the new issues arising from the MTRCL's reports, the Commission expects to complete its final report for submission to the Chief Executive by March 31, 2020. It has accordingly requested an extension of time for submitting the report. Ends/Tuesday, September 10, 2019 Issued at HKT 16:00 NNNN
Transcript of remarks by CE at media session in Nanning
6.9.2019

Following is the transcript of remarks by the Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, at a media session in Nanning this afternoon (September 6) after attending the 2019 Pan-Pearl River Delta Regional Co-operation Chief Executive Joint Conference: Reporter: Many suggest that the crux of the ongoing social unrest is actually about the city's relations with Mainland China, especially the social and economic integration being regarded as undermining Hong Kong's identity. So how would the further co-operation as you mentioned help Hong Kong restore peace and resolve the deep-down conflicts across the border? Does that mean the Government will not change its direction in pushing ahead integration policies even under the growing anti-Mainland sentiment? And, vice versa, do you find it more difficult, and more obstacles, to work with Mainland cities given the growing hostility shared among Mainlanders against Hong Kong people? Chief Executive: Hong Kong has been reunited with China for 22 years, and over the years, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region has benefited significantly from the opening up and continuous reform of the Mainland economy. I believe that this should continue for the mutual benefits of Hong Kong and Mainland, and also for the people on both sides. As far as how we are going to take Hong Kong out of the current deadlock, I announced a couple of days ago I have offered four actions in order to do so, but this will require the joint efforts of everyone in society because if we are to stop violence and to return to law and order, then we need everyone in Hong Kong to speak loudly against the violence that we do not want to condone or to see. Each of these four actions will be taken up by myself and my team, especially in effectively communicating with the people of Hong Kong to identify some of those fundamental deep-seated problems. I don't want us to rush into a particular social issue being the cause of the current disturbance. We should look deeply and discuss with each other in order to identify those problems so that we can find the right solutions. (Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.) Ends/Friday, September 6, 2019 Issued at HKT 17:32 NNNN
Response to media enquiries by CE&apos;s Office
5.9.2019

In response to media enquiries yesterday (September 4), the Chief Executive's Office confirmed that the Secretary for Security will withdraw the Bill concerning the Fugitive Offenders Ordinance in accordance with Rule 64 of the Legislative Council Rules of Procedure by an announcement made in the Council when the Council resumes. There will be no voting or debate. Ends/Thursday, September 5, 2019 Issued at HKT 0:07 NNNN