kakase/hk_gov_press_release huggingface dataset:
CE and three Principal Officials meet and exchange views with MSSY appointees
21.5.2022

The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam; the Secretary for Innovation and Technology, Mr Alfred Sit; the Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr Christopher Hui; and the Acting Secretary for Home Affairs, Mr Jack Chan, today (May 21) met and exchanged views with 70 appointees appointed to government advisory committees through the Member Self-recommendation Scheme for Youth (MSSY) at the Government House, the Cyberport, the Central Government Offices and the Youth Square respectively. During the exchange, they learnt about the appointees' experience in participating in the work of the committees. To provide more opportunities for young people to participate in policy discussions, the current-term Government launched the Pilot Member Self-recommendation Scheme for Youth in late October 2017 for young people aged between 18 and 35 and committed to serve the community to self-nominate themselves to join the Government's advisory and statutory bodies (ASBs). From 2018 onwards, the Scheme has been regularised and extended to cover more advisory boards and committees. Every recruitment under the MSSY has seen overwhelming response. So far, five phases of the MSSY have been launched with over 8 200 applications being received. The application of the latest MSSY Phase V ended in mid-March this year and the relevant assessment is now underway. In addition to the seats open for recruitment under the MSSY, the Government has invited those applicants attending the interviews to authorise the Home Affairs Bureau to include their personal particulars in the Central Personality Index database so that relevant bureaux and departments may retrieve the information for reference during their selection of candidates for appointment as members of ASBs. Since the implementation of the MSSY, about 480 posts are held by young people who have been appointed to ASBs directly or indirectly through the Scheme. With the concerted effort of Directors of Bureaux and Secretaries of Departments, the ratio of youth members in these bodies has increased from 7.8 per cent in end-2017 when the MSSY launched, to 15.4 per cent in end-2021. The target of 15 per cent set by the current-term Government has been successfully achieved. Mrs Lam said, "Young people are the most energetic and creative demographic in our society who possess the greatest potential to drive the community forward. We are pleased to talk to several dozen youth members appointed to government advisory committees under the MSSY today. We are impressed by these young people from all walks of life for their enthusiasm to inject new ideas during policy making, and their commitment to promote a stable development of the society. "I hope the MSSY will continue to attract talents through regularly offering seats of committees on policy areas of greater interests and concerns to young people, thus enabling more young people with a commitment to serve the community to join the Scheme and to realise their full potential." Ends/Saturday, May 21, 2022 Issued at HKT 14:52 NNNN
Transcript of remarks by CE at media session before ExCo
10.5.2022

Following is the transcript of remarks by the Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, at a media session before the Executive Council meeting today (May 10): Reporter: Thank you, Mrs Lam. Last week (Chief Executive-elect) John Lee said that his role is to remove the obstacles to satisfy the requirements for re-opening the border, specifically with the Mainland. What are specifically the requirements to re-open the border and what specifically are the obstacles? Thank you. Chief Executive: As you may recall, in September last year, following a very long period of zero local cases - for almost four months, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government had been discussing with the Mainland authorities resuming quarantine-free travel into the Mainland. The then Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr John Lee, was responsible for leading the HKSAR Government delegation to discuss with the Mainland authorities, and some officials from the Central People's Government also arrived in Hong Kong to look at our anti-epidemic work so that they had a better idea of our strategy. One of the prerequisites then was that Hong Kong had to achieve no local infections for a while. So the first thing is that, for any resumption of quarantine-free travel with the Mainland, we'll have to reaffirm whether this is still the prerequisite. And that's why I said in my last report - as you know I issued a monthly report on HKSAR Government's anti-epidemic work - at the very beginning of the report I said that Hong Kong still has to strictly adhere to a strategy to try to reduce the importation of cases, enhance its hotel quarantine and also the flight suspension mechanism, but at the same time, also need to have some sort of social distancing measures to prevent a rebound. These measures exactly are to create the necessary preconditions for resuming quarantine-free travel into the Mainland. The first thing we need to do, if it happens within my term, or John has to do if it happens within the beginning of his term, is to engage with the Mainland authorities and to understand whether what we discussed last September to December still stand as the prerequisites for the resumption of travel. (Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.) Ends/Tuesday, May 10, 2022 Issued at HKT 13:19 NNNN
CE&apos;s statement on sixth-term CE Election result
8.5.2022

Following is a statement by the Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, today (May 8) on the result of the sixth-term Chief Executive Election: The sixth-term Chief Executive Election has just been concluded smoothly. I extend my sincere congratulations to Mr John Lee on his successful election and later today, I will submit a report of the election result to the Central People's Government. The present-term government and I will ensure a seamless transition with the Chief Executive-elect. We will render all the support needed for the assumption of office by the new term of government. Ends/Sunday, May 8, 2022 Issued at HKT 12:36 NNNN
CE inspects preparatory work of electoral staff for Chief Executive Election
7.5.2022

The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, accompanied by the Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs, Mr Erick Tsang Kwok-wai, and the Chairman of the Electoral Affairs Commission, Mr Justice Barnabas Fung Wah, inspected this morning (May 7) the final stage of preparatory work of the main polling station and central counting station for the Chief Executive Election at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, including the set-up of main polling station, epidemic prevention measures, security arrangements and counting procedures. She also gave encouragement to electoral staff participating in rehearsal sessions there. Speaking to the electoral staff on-site, Mrs Lam said, "The 2022 Chief Executive Election was the third major election under the improved electoral system. It is vital that all electoral staff are well versed in their duties and procedures to ensure the smooth conduct of this election. I hope that every colleague will be fully committed to making this a historic election for Hong Kong." She said that the Central Government's improvement to the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region's electoral system has provided a robust safeguard for fully implementing the principle of "patriots administering Hong Kong". The Election Committee Subsector Ordinary Elections and the Legislative Council General Election were conducted last year on September 19 and December 19 respectively. The Government will, as in the past, spare no effort to ensure the 2022 Chief Executive Election will be conducted in a fair, open and honest manner efficiently and orderly. She also appealed to members of the Election Committee to cast their votes in the 2022 Chief Executive Election tomorrow (May 8). Ends/Saturday, May 7, 2022 Issued at HKT 13:47 NNNN
CE visits The Pokfulam Farm under Revitalising Historic Buildings Through Partnership Scheme
22.4.2022

The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, today (April 22) visited The Pokfulam Farm which had lately commenced a trial operation to learn about the revitalisation of the Old Dairy Farm Senior Staff Quarters, a Grade 1 Historic Building, under Batch IV of the Revitalising Historic Buildings Through Partnership Scheme (Revitalisation Scheme), and the services provided by the project to the community. Mrs Lam, accompanied by the Secretary for Development, Mr Michael Wong, visited The Pokfulam Farm. She was briefed by the representatives of Caritas - Hong Kong, responsible for taking forward the project, on the project background, particularly how the architectural features of the historic building (including the original circular ventilation windows and the fireplace) had been preserved during the revitalisation process while complying with the Fire Safety Ordinance and the prevailing requirements on barrier-free access, and how the visitor experience could be enhanced by way of design that fit into the landscape. She also talked to the residents of Pok Fu Lam Village and understood that they had been in close co-operation with Caritas - Hong Kong and took an active part in the project, ranging from planning, information-gathering to its operation, in connecting the culture and history of the Old Dairy Farm with Pok Fu Lam Village. Mrs Lam said, "Buildings bear witness to changes of the times and reflect the trajectory of urban development. I am delighted to see that The Pokfulam Farm, with a history of over 130 years, has become another successful revitalisation project under the Revitalisation Scheme to shoulder the mission of preserving Hong Kong's legacy and keeping its history alive. "The Government has all along been striving to make Hong Kong a more livable and charming city, striking a balance between development and conservation. Launched in 2008, the Revitalisation Scheme has played an integral role in this progress. Up till now, six batches of the Revitalisation Scheme have been successfully launched, involving a total of 22 Government-owned declared monuments and graded historic buildings. With the joint efforts of the Government and the community, we have been transforming declared monuments or historic buildings into unique cultural landmarks one after another, injecting new life into such old buildings and bringing economic and social benefits to society." Mrs Lam expressed her sincere gratitude to the Advisory Committee on Built Heritage Conservation for assisting the Government in assessing project proposals over the years, and the non-profit organisations for their hard work in running various revitalisation projects, and added that the support of the general public for the projects had been the key driver for heritage conservation. She keenly looked forward to seeing more declared monuments and historic buildings undergoing revitalisation under the Revitalisation Scheme so as to pass on Hong Kong's unique and diversified culture in the years to come. Ends/Friday, April 22, 2022 Issued at HKT 19:36 NNNN
CE expresses sorrow over passing of Dr Robin Chan Yau-hing
20.4.2022

The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, today (April 20) expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Dr Robin Chan Yau-hing. "Dr Chan was an esteemed entrepreneur and philanthropist. Over the years, he had been promoting the steady development of Hong Kong's insurance industry, commanding the respect of the business sector. Under his steer, his conglomerate had been dedicated to charitable causes by shouldering social responsibilities as well as providing financial and other support to social-purpose organisations and social enterprises in Hong Kong. Also, he wholeheartedly promoted the exchange and cohesion among the overseas Chinese, championed the Chinese culture and fostered the unity of clansmen, with dedicated and meritorious contributions made to the community. Dr Chan was awarded the Grand Bauhinia Medal in 2018 by the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR). "In 2012, Dr Chan gave me a copy of his biography and I read it in detail. The stories about his growth and business career, as well as his deeds in serving the nation and the overseas Chinese, were deeply admirable. The passing of Dr Chan is a great loss to the overseas Chinese and the business community. "I am saddened by the passing of Dr Chan. On behalf of the Government of the HKSAR, I would like to extend my deepest condolences to his family," Mrs Lam said. Ends/Wednesday, April 20, 2022 Issued at HKT 12:56 NNNN
CE appeals to people aged 60 or above to get fourth COVID-19 vaccine dose
14.4.2022

The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, today (April 14) received her fourth dose of the Sinovac vaccine at the Community Vaccination Centre in the Hong Kong Central Library. She appealed to members of the public aged 60 or above who had received three doses of the COVID-19 vaccine to receive the fourth dose in a timely manner. Mrs Lam, in the company of the Secretary for the Civil Service, Mr Patrick Nip, who is responsible for co-ordinating the COVID-19 Vaccination Programme, and the Secretary for Food and Health, Professor Sophia Chan, inspected the operation of the vaccination centre after she received her jab. Mrs Lam thanked the healthcare workers and staff members of the centre for meticulously providing vaccination services to the public. She also talked to members of the public who went there to get vaccinated and was pleased to learn about their positive response to the Government's call to get vaccinated in a timely manner. Professor Chan also received her fourth dose of the Sinovac vaccine at the centre. The Government announced last Friday (April 8) that, after considering experts' recommendations, persons aged 60 or above who had received three doses of the Sinovac or BioNTech vaccines could receive the fourth vaccine dose at least three months after their last dose. Eligible persons could receive the vaccine using same-day tickets distributed at Community Vaccination Centres or Hospital COVID-19 Vaccination Stations at public hospitals, or starting today, make appointments for receiving the fourth dose via the online booking system. "Currently, the first-dose vaccination rates of the age group of 3 to 11 and that of 70 or above account for some 60 per cent and some 70 per cent respectively of the relevant populations, far lower than those of the other age groups. The Government has been stepping up efforts to boost the vaccination rates of children and the elderly, as a matter of priority, to reduce their risk of hospitalisation, serious complication or even death upon infection," said Mrs Lam. "As the protection conferred by the vaccine may wane with time, I appeal to persons aged 60 or above who have received three doses of the COVID-19 vaccine to receive the fourth dose in a timely manner; those who have yet to be vaccinated to act now and receive vaccination; and those who have received vaccination to arrange for receiving the second and third doses in a timely manner. As schools in Hong Kong will resume face-to-face classes in a gradual and orderly manner starting next week, I call on parents to arrange vaccination for their children early to protect them and enable them to fully embrace the school life." With the days-long Easter holidays starting tomorrow (April 15), Mrs Lam appealed to members of the public to stay vigilant and continue to join hands with the Government in stablising the epidemic situation by observing social distancing measures strictly, avoiding going out unnecessarily and refraining from group gatherings. Ends/Thursday, April 14, 2022 Issued at HKT 18:28 NNNN
Government announces removal of Principal Official
8.4.2022

In accordance with the relevant provisions of the Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China, the State Council, on the recommendation of the Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Mrs Carrie Lam, decided on April 7, 2022, to remove Mr John Lee from the post of Chief Secretary for Administration. Ends/Friday, April 8, 2022 Issued at HKT 10:40 NNNN
CE receives CS&apos; resignation
6.4.2022

The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, today (April 6) received the resignation tendered by the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr John Lee, and has submitted it to the Central People's Government in accordance with Article 48(5) of the Basic Law. Mr Lee will proceed on leave with immediate effect. Ends/Wednesday, April 6, 2022 Issued at HKT 15:00 NNNN
Transcript of remarks of press conference on anti-epidemic measures
4.4.2022

The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, held a press conference on anti-epidemic measures this morning (April 4). Following is the transcript of remarks of the press conference: Reporter: So what made you not decide to run for the election? How do Beijing and you, yourself, evaluate your performance so far? And how do you think about, you know, John Lee running for being the next CE (Chief Executive)? Thank you. Chief Executive: This is not a question of evaluating my performance or the performance of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government in this term. This is a question of my personal wish and aspiration, and my personal wish and aspiration is entirely based on my family consideration. This is what I have told the Central People's Government and they have expressed understanding. I am taking this earliest opportunity to inform the public through the media that I will not contest in the coming Chief Executive Election. I cannot comment on any prospective candidate in the coming Chief Executive Election. Thank you. (Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.) Ends/Monday, April 4, 2022 Issued at HKT 13:28 NNNN
CE visits Caroline Hill Road Pop-up Community Vaccination Centre
29.3.2022

The Chief Executive, Mrs Lam, today (March 29) visited the Caroline Hill Road Pop-up Community Vaccination Centre (PCVC) which started operation the same day to thank the organisations and personnel for their involvement in such various stages as the design, construction and operation of the centre. The Caroline Hill PCVC is located in Causeway Bay. The venue is provided free of charge by Hysan Development and Chinachem Group. The centre is operated by the School of Nursing, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) in a non-profit-making mode to provide people aged 12 or above with the BioNTech vaccination service. Accompanied by the Secretary for the Civil Service, Mr Patrick Nip, Mrs Lam received a briefing on the first-day operation of the PCVC from the Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer of Hysan Development, Mr Ricky Lui, the Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of Chinachem Group, Mr Donald Choi, the Chairman of the Council of the PolyU, Dr Lam Tai-fai, and the President of the PolyU, Professor Teng Jin-guang. She also chatted with the healthcare workers and staff members of the centre, including the fresh graduates from the School of Nursing of the PolyU, who assisted in administrating vaccination for members of the public under the supervision of experienced registered nurses. Mrs Lam was deeply encouraged that the various stakeholders had played their respective roles, as part of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region's anti-epidemic team, to doubly strive to boost the vaccination rate of the city. "From the fifth wave of the epidemic in Hong Kong, it is clearly shown that vaccination is highly efficacious in preventing or reducing hospitalisation and the chance of developing severe complications after infection. It is the most effective means of safeguarding the healthcare system of Hong Kong and the essential factor for us to ride out the epidemic. With the latest target vaccination rates set on March 21, the Government will continue to pursue a multi-pronged approach in striving to boost the vaccination rates of four key groups to 90 per cent by the end of April, namely the second-dose vaccination rate of people aged 12 or above as well as the first-dose vaccination rates of children aged 3 to 11, elderly people in residential care homes and elderly people aged 70 or above," said Mrs Lam. "May I once again appeal to those members of the public who still have yet to be vaccinated, especially children and the elderly, to act now and receive vaccination. Those who have received vaccination should receive the second and third doses in a timely manner to protect themselves and others and build a stronger protective shield for Hong Kong." Ends/Tuesday, March 29, 2022 Issued at HKT 20:07 NNNN
Transcript of remarks by CE at media session at Shenzhen Bay Port
29.3.2022

Following is the transcript of remarks by the Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, at a media session at Shenzhen Bay Port this morning (March 29): Reporter: What will the Mainland experts do to step up the efforts in using Chinese medicine to treat the COVID patients? Thank you. Chief Executive: I received another delegation of Mainland experts this morning to come to support our anti-epidemic work. This delegation consists of seven experts, all in the field of Chinese medicine. Inviting this delegation of Chinese medicine experts to come to Hong Kong at this stage is for several purposes. One is because the use of Chinese medicine in curing infected COVID-19 patients has proven to be very effective in the Mainland. Right now, the Hong Kong SAR Government's efforts in fighting the epidemic is to prevent critical illness and deaths. That's why their participation will be very beneficial to our achieving this objective. The second purpose is that, as we all know, Chinese medicine is also very effective in rehabilitation. After a COVID-19 patient has been cured, particularly an elderly patient, the use of Chinese medicine can also help with a speedy recovery. That's why we want to have more experts to come to give us advice. The third reason is, as you know, in this term of the Government, we are focusing a lot more efforts on promoting the development of Chinese medicine. I have included Chinese medicine into the public health system in one of my Policy Addresses. I really hope that we could facilitate more exchanges between Chinese medicine experts and practitioners in the Mainland as well as in Hong Kong, so that we could map out a clear pathway for the promotion and development of Chinese medicine in Hong Kong, especially as we are now building the first-ever Chinese medicine hospital in Tseung Kwan O and we have three universities training Chinese medicine practitioners. This is a very good opportunity for both sides to work together and have useful exchanges, not only in dealing with this public health crisis but also for Hong Kong's objective to promote the development of Chinese medicine. (Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.) Ends/Tuesday, March 29, 2022 Issued at HKT 13:12 NNNN