kakase/hk_gov_press_release huggingface dataset:
Scheme on Corporate Summer Internship on the Mainland and Overseas 2024 officially kicks off (11.6.2024)
11.6.2024

The Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki; the Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, Miss Alice Mak; the Permanent Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, Ms Shirley Lam, and representatives of participating corporates today (June 11) officiated at the kick off ceremony of the Scheme on Corporate Summer Internship on the Mainland and Overseas 2024. Speaking at the ceremony, Mr Chan said that the Scheme has been well regarded since its launch in 2018, and has benefitted over 700 Hong Kong youth so far. He described the Scheme as highlighting Hong Kong's distinctive advantages of enjoying strong support of the motherland and being closely connected to the world. It has provided local youth with opportunities to widen their horizons outside Hong Kong and gain first-hand understanding of the history, culture and social developments of different places. Mr Chan expressed sincere gratitude to the participating corporates for providing internship placements and comprehensive training and support for the interns. He also encouraged the interns to proactively learn, exchange ideas, and equip themselves during the internship, and at the same time unleash their full potential and talent. Mr Chan added that the Government would continue to rally the support of the business sector as well as other sectors in society to open up more development opportunities for young people, nurture more young talent for Hong Kong, promote high-quality socioeconomic development and attain more achievements. A record high of 25 corporates are participating in the Scheme this year (refer to the Annex for the list of participating corporates). They provide internship placements covering multiple industries, including financial services, innovation and technology, logistics, property development, construction, retail, hospitality, public utilities, etc, spanning different Mainland provinces and cities, and seven overseas countries (Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, the Philippines, Australia, Singapore and Indonesia). The recruited interns will depart from June onwards to undertake internship placements of no less than six weeks. Ends/Tuesday, June 11, 2024 Issued at HKT 18:54 NNNN
Appointments to Commission on Children (31.5.2024)
31.5.2024

The Government announced today (May 31) the reappointment of 13 incumbent non-official members and the appointment of five new non-official members to the Commission on Children (CoC). The new members are Professor Eric Chui Wing-hong, Dr Kevin Lau Chung-hang, Ms Yolanda Ng Yuen-ting, Mr Tony Tse Tsz-fung and Ms Grace Yu Ho-wun. Their appointments will take effect on June 1, 2024, for a term of two years. The Chief Secretary for Administration and Chairperson of the CoC, Mr Chan Kwok-ki, welcomed the appointments. He looked forward to the members' valuable advice on policy initiatives related to children's development and advancement, and the members' close co-operation with the Government to safeguard children's rights and well-being to enable children to grow up healthily and happily. He also expressed his appreciation to the outgoing members for their efforts and contributions to the CoC. The major functions of the CoC are to develop policies, set strategies and priorities related to the development and advancement of children, oversee the implementation of relevant policies and services, promote children's rights and fund public educational projects. The membership list of the CoC with effect from June 1, 2024, is as follows: Chairperson ------------- Chief Secretary for Administration Vice-chairperson ------------------ Secretary for Labour and Welfare Non-official members ---------------------- Ms Karin Ann Mr Chan Kin-ping Miss Anna May Chan Mei-lan Mrs Jennifer Cheng Yu Ngar-wing Professor Eric Chui Wing-hong Ms Kathy Chung Lai-kam Ms Heidi Hui Sim-kiu Dr Kevin Lau Chung-hang Ms Joyce Lee Yuen-sum Ms Winona Lo Oi-ling Ms Yolanda Ng Yuen-ting Ms Cindy Pun Siu-fung Dr Tang Chun-pan Mr Tony Tse Tsz-fung Mr Alan Tsoi Ka-lun Dr Rizwan Ullah Mr Gary Wong Chi-him Ms Donna Wong Chui-ling Miss Koby Wong Lok-yin Ms Wong May-kwan Ms Grace Yu Ho-wun Ex-officio members -------------------- Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism Secretary for Education Secretary for Health Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs Commissioner of Police Director of Health Director of Home Affairs Director of Social Welfare Chairperson of Family Council Chairperson of Women's Commission Ends/Friday, May 31, 2024 Issued at HKT 12:00 NNNN
Commission on Children convenes 21st meeting (30.5.2024)
30.5.2024

The Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki, today (May 30) chaired the 21st meeting of the Commission on Children. At the meeting, members were updated by government representatives on the latest developments and the skeleton document of the Mandated Reporter Guide under the mandatory reporting regime for suspected child abuse cases. The Guide is being formulated by the professional consultative panels formed by representatives of the social welfare, education and healthcare sectors based on the case scenarios, questions and views collected from the relevant sectors. It aims to facilitate early identification, reporting and intervention of child abuse cases by mandated reporters to achieve the policy objective of child protection. In addition, members were briefed by the Child Fatality Review Panel on its sixth report. The report covers child death cases that took place within the period between 2019 and 2021 and reported to the Coroner's Court. It has been uploaded to the website of the Social Welfare Department ( www.swd.gov.hk ). Members offered views on the recommendations regarding preventive strategies, etc in the report in the hope of preventing avoidable child fatalities. Ends/Thursday, May 30, 2024 Issued at HKT 18:15 NNNN
Transcript of remarks by DCS and SEE at media session (27.5.2024)
27.5.2024

Following is the transcript of remarks by the Deputy Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Cheuk Wing-hing, and the Secretary for Environment and Ecology, Mr Tse Chin-wan, at a media session after attending a joint meeting of the Legislative Council Panel on Environmental Affairs and Panel on Food Safety and Environmental Hygiene today (May 27): Reporter: How will the Government handle the $170 million spent on the charging scheme? And under what circumstances will the Government implement the scheme or even give up the scheme? Deputy Chief Secretary for Administration: The secretary can answer this question. Secretary for Environment and Ecology: I think as of now the Government has spent $80 million in the project in promoting, preparing and implementing the waste charging scheme, including the manufacture, production of bags and also the setting up of the distribution system, storage, etc. Since we are planning to use these designated bags for promotion and educational purpose, the bags will still be used. Therefore, it will not be wasted. (Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.) Ends/Monday, May 27, 2024 Issued at HKT 19:58 NNNN
Care Teams in Southern District - First Anniversary and Healthy Life Launching Ceremony held (10.5.2024)
10.5.2024

​The Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki, and the Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, Miss Alice Mak, today (May 10) officiated at the Care Teams in Southern District - First Anniversary and Healthy Life Launching Ceremony to celebrate the first anniversary of the District Services and Community Care Teams (Care Teams) in the Southern District. Speaking at the ceremony, Mr Chan said the Care Teams in the Southern District have effectively cared for the community and achieved "thinking what people think" and "addressing people's pressing needs" over the past year. Besides visiting and contacting some 11 000 elderly households and other households in need, the Care Teams handled over 1 000 requests for assistance and organised more than 300 diverse activities covering around 30 000 beneficiaries. Meanwhile, the Care Teams provided full support to the Government during emergency situations. For instance, during the heavy rainstorm last September, Shek O residents were affected by landslides and road collapse on Shek O Road. The Care Teams swiftly deployed considerable manpower to offer assistance to the residents, demonstrating their outstanding emergency response capabilities. Other officiating guests included the Permanent Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, Ms Shirley Lam; the Under Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, Mr Clarence Leung; the Director of Home Affairs, Mrs Alice Cheung; the Director-General and the Deputy Director-General of the Hong Kong Island Sub-office of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Mr Xue Hui-jun and Mr Wang Hui; and the District Officer (Southern), Mr Francis Cheng. The Care Teams in the Southern District will continue to uphold their belief in serving the community with heart, embody the "We Care We Serve" spirit, and care for residents in need in order to build a better Southern District. Ends/Friday, May 10, 2024 Issued at HKT 13:26 NNNN
Hong Kong Customs fully supports National Security Education Day (14.4.2024)
14.4.2024

Hong Kong Customs has been playing an important role in safeguarding national security and is giving its full support to National Security Education Day organised by the Committee for Safeguarding National Security of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. The department held the Hong Kong Customs College Open Day today (April 14) to promote national security education to members of the public through a series of interactive activities and allow them to learn about the department's work on safeguarding nation security from multiple perspectives. The open day featured a wide range of activities, including an exhibition on national security education to enhance public understanding of national security and introduce Customs' work in safeguarding national security. Specially-made sweet buns and milk tea carrying the message of safeguarding national security were distributed to visitors. In addition, game booths were set up to introduce the department's responsibility to perform its gatekeeping role in an interactive manner. Visitors not only enjoyed the performances by members of the Customs and Excise Department Band, Guards of Honour, Dragon and Lion Dance Team, Detector Dog Team as well as schools and youth groups from various districts, but also watched the National Security Cup 3x3 Basketball Tournament. Other programmes included the display of vehicle X-ray inspection system, guided tours to the Professional Development Training Block, the experience of the Cave Automatic Virtual Environment System and the display of firearms and weapons. The Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki, the Secretary for Security, Mr Tang Ping-keung, and the Under Secretary for Security, Mr Michael Cheuk, also attended the event. Moreover, Guards of Honour will participate in the flag raising ceremony held by the Security Bureau and its disciplinary forces and auxiliary services at the Hong Kong Police College tomorrow (April 15). The Commissioner of Customs and Excise, Ms Louise Ho; the Deputy Commissioner (Management and Strategic Development), Mr Chan Tsz-tat; and the Deputy Commissioner (Control and Enforcement), Mr Mark Woo, will attend the ceremony. Ends/Sunday, April 14, 2024 Issued at HKT 21:58 NNNN
GFS Open Day promotes National Security Education Day (13.4.2024)
13.4.2024

​To promote the National Security Education Day, the Government Flying Service (GFS) held an open day today (April 13) at the GFS Kai Tak Division, taking the opportunity to raise public awareness of national security and deepen their understanding of the GFS's services, as well as its work and achievements in safeguarding national security. The open day featured interactive exhibition boards, national security-themed game booths, as well as virtual-reality and augmented-reality games to give members of the public a better understanding of GFS operations. The Hong Kong Air Cadet Corps, a uniformed youth group newly subvented by the GFS, performed a Chinese-style foot drill and gave a pipe band performance during the open day, which marked the first official event they participated in. As a concluding performance, a search-and-rescue flight demonstration was performed by a helicopter simulating a marine rescue operation, illustrating emergency response efforts by the GFS during life-saving missions. More than 1 600 visitors joined the GFS Open Day. The Deputy Chief Secretary, Mr Cheuk Wing-hing, the Secretary for Security, Mr Tang Ping-keung, and the Under Secretary for Security, Mr Michael Cheuk also toured the open day and recognised the efforts and contributions by the GFS in safeguarding national security. "We are delighted with the enthusiastic support from the public, and hope to deepen public understanding of national security and the GFS through community engagement during the open day. The event showcased the dedication of the GFS in safeguarding national security. The GFS remains steadfast in its mission of providing life-saving, emergency responses and aerial supports, contributing to safeguarding national security, and maintaining Hong Kong's long-term prosperity and stability," said the Controller of the GFS, Captain West Wu. Ends/Saturday, April 13, 2024 Issued at HKT 21:50 NNNN
Deputy Chief Secretary for Administration hosts briefing session on MSW Charging Demonstration Scheme (9.4.2024)
9.4.2024

The Deputy Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Cheuk Wing-hing, together with the Secretary for Environment and Ecology, Mr Tse Chin-wan, and the Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, Miss Alice Mak, today (April 9) held a briefing session on the Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) Charging Demonstration Scheme for District Council (DC) members to introduce the background, objectives and details of the survey. Mr Cheuk said that MSW charging directly affects the daily lives of 7 million citizens, and therefore the Government must act cautiously and assess the process and practical operations of MSW charging, involving different participants in various scenarios, as well as understanding the issues or difficulties faced by the stakeholders and participants. A survey on the MSW Charging Demonstration Scheme will be conducted anonymously at 14 selected premises in the third week after the commencement of the demonstration scheme. It aims to collect opinions and trial experiences from different stakeholders, including residents, cleaning workers, property management and business operators, in order for the Government to have a comprehensive understanding of the implementation status of the MSW charging and the readiness of relevant groups, and make practical arrangements and decisions. He said, "Respective DC members were invited to participate in the survey. It is hoped that they can collect opinions from members of the public more effectively, independently and objectively than government personnel, and reflect them to the Government faithfully. This is an important and honourable mission to DC members as it realised the purpose of reforming the DC to ensure effective communication between the Government and members of the public." An interdepartmental task force, led by the Deputy Chief Secretary for Administration, is responsible for overseeing and reviewing every aspect of the MSW Charging Demonstration Scheme. As decided in previous meetings, the Home and Youth Affairs Bureau (HYAB)/Home Affairs Department, and the Environment and Ecology Bureau/Environmental Protection Department will jointly conduct an opinion survey. The HYAB will arrange for relevant DC members to conduct face-to-face interviews with selected respondents at selected premises. The MSW Charging Demonstration Scheme commenced on April 1 in 14 locations, covering public and private residential buildings, restaurants, residential care homes, shopping malls and government buildings. An interdepartmental committee led by the Deputy Chief Secretary for Administration will summarise the results of the demonstration scheme and report them to the Legislative Council in May to June this year. Ends/Tuesday, April 9, 2024 Issued at HKT 18:38 NNNN
Government announces appointment to Fight Crime Committee (28.3.2024)
28.3.2024

The Government announced today (March 28) the appointment of Mr Stanley Li Sai-wing, Mr Chan Man-chau, Mr George Lau Ka-keung and Dr Lau Sin-ting as members to the Fight Crime Committee, and the reappointment of 12 members, namely Dr Eugene Chan Kin-keung, Mr Chan Siu-tong, Dr Eric Cheng Kam-chung, Mr Chong Chong-yip, Ms Melody Kwok Sze-wai, Mr Matthew Lam Kin-hong, Mr Victor Pang Wing-seng, Mr Siu Chor-kee, Mr Roland Wong Ka-yeung, Mr Wong Wing-lik, Mr Yeung Ka-shing and Dr Stanley Yim Yuk-lun. Their term of appointment commences on April 1, 2024. The Chief Secretary for Administration and Chairman of the Committee, Mr Chan Kwok-ki, thanked the outgoing members, Mr Ronick Chan Chun-ying, Dr Frankie Ngan Man-yu, Dr Joseph Lee and Mr Rex Mok Chung-fai, for their contributions and dedications to the Committee. He also welcomed the four new members and looked forward to closely working with all members of the new term. The Fight Crime Committee is responsible for drawing up plans to reduce crime, co-ordinating efforts in fighting crime and monitoring the results, and determining ways in which the public can be encouraged to contribute to the fight against crime. Ends/Thursday, March 28, 2024 Issued at HKT 11:00 NNNN
CS to attend Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference in Hainan (25.3.2024)
25.3.2024

The Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki, will depart for Hainan tomorrow evening (March 26) to attend the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference 2024. Mr Chan will return to Hong Kong on March 28. During Mr Chan's absence, the Deputy Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Cheuk Wing-hing, will be the Acting Chief Secretary for Administration. Ends/Monday, March 25, 2024 Issued at HKT 18:00 NNNN
Commission on Children convenes 20th meeting and supports further safeguarding physical and mental health of children on various fronts (22.3.2024)
22.3.2024

The Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki, today (March 22) chaired the 20th meeting of the Commission on Children. At the meeting, members were briefed by government representatives on the measures taken to foster a sporting culture among children and future work direction. The Government had early on collected data on the physical fitness of Hong Kong citizens (including children aged between 7 and 16) under the Territory-wide Physical Fitness Survey for the Community to understand their latest physical fitness conditions. The survey results provide benchmarking data for the Government to develop community-based sports training courses and recreational activities and plan public play spaces for fostering the sporting culture among children. The Education Bureau will continue to strengthen students' physical development through the sports curriculum and physical activities within and beyond the classroom holistically. The Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau, together with the Leisure and Cultural Services Department, will continue to promote a sports culture by organising a wide range of school-based and community-level sports activities. Members welcomed the various measures implemented by the Government and hoped that they could reinforce children's interest in sports and improve their physical fitness. Also, members were briefed by government representatives on the proposed arrangements of expanding the scope of the Sexual Conviction Record Check Scheme to further strengthen the protection of children and mentally incapacitated persons. Considering the recommendations made by the Review of Sexual Offences Sub-committee under the Law Reform Commission, the Government consulted members on expanding the scope of the Scheme in phases to cover existing employees, self-employed persons and volunteers. The Government will actively expedite the enhancement of the Scheme while ensuring that there is sufficient capacity to process applications made under the Scheme, thereby further reducing the risks of children and mentally incapacitated persons being sexually abused. Ends/Friday, March 22, 2024 Issued at HKT 18:00 NNNN
Hong Kong Customs holds Inauguration Ceremony of WCO Regional Dog Training Centre (6.3.2024)
6.3.2024

Hong Kong Customs held an inauguration ceremony of the World Customs Organization (WCO) Regional Dog Training Centre (RDTC) today (March 6). The ceremony was officiated by the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki; the Commissioner of Customs and Excise, Ms Louise Ho; and the WCO Director for Compliance and Facilitation, Mr Pranab Kumar Das. About 150 guests, including around 100 delegation members from the Mainland and overseas Customs Administrations attending the 6th WCO Global Canine Forum, and 50 guests comprising officials of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), representatives of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the HKSAR, Consuls-General, foreign Customs attachés and local working partners, attended the inauguration ceremony. The participants also visited the newly established RDTC at the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge (Hong Kong Port), where they had the opportunity to watch detector dog demonstrations, tour the kennels and facilities for canine breeding and training, and interact with eight 3-month-old puppies that were bred in collaboration with the Fire Services Department. ​ As an RDTC, Hong Kong Customs will continue to promote co-operation and development in the international canine training field, and work together with the WCO to enhance the overall capabilities of global detector dog teams. Ends/Wednesday, March 6, 2024 Issued at HKT 22:11 NNNN