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Author Archives: hksar gov

Oct72024

Speech by FS at opening ceremony of WBSC Baseball5 World Cup 2024 (English only) (with photos)

East Asia

     â€‹Following is the speech by the Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, at the opening ceremony of the WBSC Baseball5 World Cup 2024 today (October 7):
      
Mr Fraccari (President of the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC), Mr Riccardo Fraccari), Andrew (President of the Baseball Association of Hong Kong, China, Mr Andrew Fan), Wilfred (Chairman of the Major Sports Events Committee, Mr Wilfred Ng), Winnie (Head of Charities (Culture, Sports and Community Engagement) of the Hong Kong Jockey Club, Ms Winnie Yip), players and fans, ladies and gentlemen,
       
     I'm delighted to join you for the opening ceremony of the WBSC Baseball5 World Cup 2024.
      
     Baseball5 is a whole new ballgame, folks. The first Baseball5 World Cup took place just two years ago, in Mexico City. And Hong Kong, I'm pleased to say, is hosting the World Cup's second edition over the next six days, right here at Central Harbourfront, with the spectacular Victoria Harbour as the backdrop.
      
     This event splendidly illustrates how sports can be seamlessly woven into the fabric of our city. It brings Baseball5 to the heart of Hong Kong, allowing players, residents and visitors to enjoy the games against the city's skyline. At the same time, it brings Hong Kong once again to a world of audience, who are watching the games here live and through broadcast across the globe.
      
     As you can see, Hong Kong is as vibrant, energetic and welcoming as ever.
      
     Speaking of Baseball5, its beauty is its streamlined, fast-paced mix of traditional baseball and softball, with more than a little handball tossed in. Yes, you whack the ball with your bare hand, fist, wrist or arm. There are no gloves, bats or pitchers in this urban street game in a hurry. And it can be played almost anywhere, though I wouldn't recommend the family living room. It's a bouncy rubber ball, after all.
      
     The fast, flexible nature of Baseball5 brings to mind the spirit of Hong Kong – efficiency, resilience, resourcefulness and fleet-footed adaptability – qualities that have shaped Hong Kong into the thriving city it is today.
      
     The World Cup has been awarded the "M" Mark status by our Major Sports Events Committee, and for good reason.
      
     The international tournament brings together 12 teams from five continents. And Hong Kong, China, ladies and gentlemen, is among them. Speaking of men and women, this is a mixed game: eight players on a team, four men and four women. Of course, boys and girls are playing Baseball5, too – in Hong Kong and all over the world.
      
     And the game is gaining popularity. I'm pleased to learn that the number of teams participating in the next edition of the World Cup will be expanded, and that it will be featured for the first time in the Youth Olympic Games in 2026.
      
     My thanks to WBSC, and the Baseball Association of Hong Kong, China, for organising this world-class event and putting a bright spotlight on Hong Kong as the region's sports and entertainment capital.
      
     I'm also grateful to the Hong Kong Jockey Club, whose financial support has made this spectacular sporting event possible. And my thanks, too, to all the volunteers and sponsors involved.
      
     I wish the WBSC Baseball5 World Cup resounding success. And all our overseas players, fans and friends an unforgettable stay in Hong Kong, on and off the field.
      
     Ladies and gentlemen, beyond this glamourous harbour, Hong Kong has so much to offer, so much for you to explore. For example, over 200 Michelin-recommended restaurants, food stalls on the streets, the breath-taking hiking trails in the countryside, and stunning outlying islands. Don't miss this opportunity. Enjoy Hong Kong.
      
     Now, let's play ball. Thank you very much.

Photo  Photo  

Artificial Intelligence Subsidy Scheme opens for application

     The Artificial Intelligence Subsidy Scheme was officially launched today (October 7). Eligible organisations are welcome to submit applications to Cyberport.
 
     To promote the development of the artificial intelligence (AI) ecosystem in Hong Kong, the 2024-25 Budget announced an allocation of $3 billion for the launch of a three-year Subsidy Scheme, mainly to support local universities, research institutes, enterprises, etc, in leveraging the computing power of Cyberport’s AI Supercomputing Centre (AISC) to achieve scientific breakthroughs.

     Under the Subsidy Scheme, eligible users may generally be subsidised up to 70 per cent of the service list price of Cyberport’s AISC. The Committee of the AI Subsidy Scheme appointed by the Government will vet and approve subsidy applications, including the specific amount, duration and conditions of use.
 
     The first-phase facility of Cyberport’s AISC is expected to commence operations within this year. The computing power of Cyberport’s AISC will progressively increase to reach a level of around 3 000 petaFLOPS.
 
     A hybrid information session for the Subsidy Scheme will be held on October 10. For more information about the Subsidy Scheme and application details, please visit the thematic page of Cyberport at aisc.cyberport.hk/aiss. For enquiries, please contact the Secretariat of the Subsidy Scheme (email: aiss_enquiry@cyberport.hk). read more

East Asia

HA appeals to public for condition of patient requiring urgent lung transplant

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

     The spokesperson for the Hospital Authority (HA) made the following appeal today (October 7) regarding the condition of a patient who requires urgent lung transplant:
 
     A patient who requires urgent lung transplant is currently hospitalised at Prince of Wales Hospital in critical condition. In response to an urgent appeal from the patient and family members concerned, the HA appeals to members of the public to actively support organ donations and consider donating the lung of deceased relatives to give new life to others.
 
     Given the critical condition of the patient, in addition to proactively searching for suitable lung locally, the HA will also seek assistance from the Mainland through relevant procedures as soon as possible. When a patient willing to donate an organ has passed away and no suitable recipient is identified on the Mainland, the cross-boundary organ donation and matching mechanism will facilitate a transplant in Hong Kong to bring hope to a critically ill patient.
 
     The spokesperson emphasised that when suitable lung is found, the HA will strictly follow the relevant organ transplant regulations and make an application with the authorities to ensure that all procedures comply with relevant standards and regulatory requirements. The HA will arrange transplant operations with an aim to save the patient’s life as soon as possible.
 
     For critically ill patients with organ failure, an organ transplant is often the only hope for extending life. When deceased patients and their families make the selfless decision to donate organs for patients in need of organ transplantation, it not only gives critically ill patients the hope of life but also eases their families’ hardships. The HA appeals to the public to extend their compassion, blessings, and care to those still fighting for their lives. read more

East Asia