â€‹The Centre of Excellence for Major Project Leaders (CoE), under the Development Bureau, was formally established today (July 22).
      
     As the first of its kind in Asia, the CoE offers a high-level project management and leadership development programme to senior government officials. The aim is to equip them with a more innovative mentality and world-class leadership skills to enhance their project delivery capability, which will enhance project performance as a whole. The programme is also offered to construction leaders involved in public projects.
      
     The inauguration ceremony was officiated by the Financial Secretary and the Honorary President of the CoE, Mr Paul Chan, and the Secretary for Development and the Chairman of the CoE, Mr Michael Wong. 
      
     Taking into account a considerable number of capital works projects in the pipeline, Mr Chan said, "It's a huge investment in our future. We need to ensure our resources are used as smartly, effectively and efficiently as possible. The Government and the public will settle for nothing less". 
      
     He also encouraged the participants to seize the opportunity to update themselves on state-of-art project management and leadership skills, and more importantly, their mindset, with a view to bringing the delivery of Hong Kong infrastructure to new heights and enhancing the livelihood of citizens.
      
     The Saïd Business School of the University of Oxford was appointed as the Programme Director for the first programme under the CoE, namely the Major Projects Leadership Programme (MPLP). Starting from August this year, separate cohorts will attend the 12-month MPLP to enhance the participants' capabilities to elevate the performance at major construction and public works projects. Around 150 major project leaders will complete the MPLP under the CoE in the coming three years. The Government anticipates that the CoE will substantially benefit the implementation of public works projects.

  

     "Awakening Lion" by the Guangzhou Song and Dance Troupe will be staged in September as part of the Beyond Multi-arts Series presented by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department.
 
     The story is set in 1840 when the warships of Western powers blockaded the Pearl River estuary and the First Opium War broke out. An irregular force made up of Chinese militias and citizens are fighting against the British in the Sanyuanli village on the outskirts of Canton (now Guangzhou). The plot reflects the spiritual awakening, courage to fight and national spirit of the people in Guangdong during the political chaos of the time. Such a social climate has been likened to "a lion awakening", and this theme runs throughout the play as the storyline traces the coming of age of ordinary people driven by patriotism. The play also presents a rich tapestry of human insights, political change, family relationships, friendship, love and the dilemma between families and the state in the southern part of Guangdong.
 
     In terms of artistic style, "Awakening Lion" features strong characteristics of South China and indigenous features of old Canton. By integrating innovative elements and multimedia technology, the staging features both modern appeal and visual impact. In terms of choreography, the blending of Chinese dance and traditional lion dance is a bold and innovative concept. The production has been supported by the 2018 Special Funds for Cultural Prosperity and Development of Guangdong Province and the Key Literary and Artistic Projects of Guangzhou. It won an award in the Chinese Dance – Dance Drama Category of the 11th Lotus Awards.
 
     "Awakening Lion" by the Guangzhou Song and Dance Troupe will be staged at 8pm on September 27 and 28 (Friday and Saturday) as well as at 3pm on September 29 (Sunday) at the Sha Tin Town Hall Auditorium. Tickets priced at $180, $280 and $380 are now available at URBTIX (www.urbtix.hk). For telephone credit card bookings, please call 2111 5999. For programme enquiries and various discount schemes of the Beyond Multi-arts Series, please call 2268 7323 or visit www.lcsd.gov.hk/CE/CulturalService/Programme/en/multi_arts/programs_829.html.
 
     A meet-the-artist session will be held after the performance on September 27 (Friday). Admission is free.

     In line with the Government's open data policy, the Town Planning Board today (July 22) released the digital planning data of statutory plans currently in force as open data for free public access. The digital planning data covers planning scheme areas, land use zonings, building height control and amendments to statutory plans.
 
     The digital data is available in the Geographic Information System format for wider computer application. The data will be updated upon each gazettal of statutory plans. The publication of planning data in digital format will allow for data analysis and compilation, which can enable the preparation of planning applications and carrying out of research. A set of guidelines and a data dictionary are available for users' reference.
 
     The digital planning data of statutory plans together with the relevant Notes and Explanatory Statement are available at the Town Planning Board's website (www.info.gov.hk/tpb) for free public download. Statutory plans and related information can also be browsed at the Board's "Statutory Planning Portal 2" as before.

     The Labour Department (LD) is investigating a fatal work accident that occurred in Wan Chai this morning (July 22), in which a man died.

     The LD immediately deployed staff to the scene upon receiving a report of the accident, and is now conducting an investigation to look into its cause.

Attention TV/radio announcers:

Please broadcast the following as soon as possible and repeat it at regular intervals:

     Here is an item of interest to swimmers.

     The Leisure and Cultural Services Department has announced that the lifesaving services at Cafeteria Old Beach in Tuen Mun District resumed today (July 22). The lifesaving services at the beach were suspended earlier due to an insufficient number of lifeguards on duty.