The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government was notified by the Shenzhen authority that cargo clearance services at the Man Kam To Boundary Control Point (BCP) will resume at 7am on November 2 (Thursday), whi… read more
The Public Relations Wing of the Hong Kong Police Force (HKPF) will launch a brand-new online programme titled “OffBeat 360” tomorrow (November 1). With concise and lively content, the 6-minute pre-recorded programme will be live-streamed on HKPF’s two social media platforms (Facebook and YouTube) at 6pm every Wednesday. During the live stream, designated personnel will seek to engage in real-time online interaction with viewers.
The new programme is to replace the original “OffBeat On Air”. Starting from October 29, 2020, the latter had been broadcast on HKPF’s social media platforms through live streaming once a week. The length of each episode was similar to a traditional half-hour television show, approximately 22 minutes, during which the latest crime trends, crime prevention and fraud prevention information, as well as inspiring stories about HKPF were presented. As of October 26, 2023, a total of 157 episodes had been produced and aired.
The publicity strategy of HKPF has always been people-oriented and keeping pace with the times. With the rapid rise of short video platforms, which are perceived as more engaging and easily shareable compared to longer videos, there is a genuine need to renew the format and length of the programme in line with the development of social media and the change of Internet users’ habits.
The name of the new programme “OffBeat 360” carries three meanings:
1. It will be broadcast at 6pm every Wednesday.
2. It is a 6-minute (360 seconds) short but informative video.
3. It aims to present a 360-degree view on crime prevention and fraud prevention information, as well as inspiring stories about the HKPF.
Each episode of the new programme will consist of diverse short videos, ranging from one to three minutes in length. It will feature long-standing popular series as well as newly created ones, with the goal of attracting viewers through storytelling, informative, and entertaining content.
Apart from online streaming, the short videos in the new programme will have the flexibility to be more effectively distributed to partners, including various local television stations (RTHK TV channels, HOYTV, and Phoenix TV), as well as over 1,500 physical screens for offline playback. In addition, the Public Relations Wing will continue to explore more physical screens in the community for playback with a view to further expanding the coverage. read more
Following is the transcript of remarks by the Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, at a media session before the Executive Council meeting today (October 31):
Reporter: Chief Executive, no opposition groups bagged nominations for the District Council Election while some small parties led by pro-establishment figures like Michael Tien could not file candidates to the election as well. So do you think the revamped system also prevents patriots out of the system, and can the District Councils be diversified as you said in terms of political spectrum? The second question is a Chinese University scholar whose academic work includes June 4 movement has been denied visa and got fired. What do you think could be the possible reasons, and does that counter Hong Kong’s plan to snatch global talents? Thank you.
Chief Executive: First of all, about the improved District Council election system, we have to ensure all the procedures and the rules governing the election apply equally to everybody. All these rules, principles and procedures are made very open, fair, and we explained all these matters every now and then clearly. If anybody wants to take part in the election, then of course he has to satisfy a few requirements as laid down in this improved election system. They include, first of all, he must be a patriot, he must support the Basic Law and bear allegiance to the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, and he has also to obtain sufficient nomination votes. For those who are given this right to give the nomination, they have also to ensure that those who have been seeking the nomination will satisfy the conditions I have just mentioned. Also, in exercising this duty, the person in consideration whether to give the nomination has to convince himself that the person who is seeking his nomination is a competent person, and will be able to discharge his duty as a district councillor effectively and faithfully, and satisfy his basic expectations. That applies to anybody – whatever backgrounds, whether he belongs to any political party or not. I think that is most important, because the system has to be fair and apply to everybody in the same way. I think that is the most important principle for all elections to be considered, because fair and equal application is most important.
A candidate will have to respect the decision of the person whom he seeks the nomination from. That is the basic attitude – whenever we want to convince other people that we are a right person to discharge this public duty, then it is up to him to convince people. It is also the right attitude to recognise that in order to convince the other person, then you have to respect his decision as well, and it is up to you to ensure that you can convince the person you want to convince. I think that is the very basic concept, principle and attitude of any person who wants to seek people’s nomination or even eventually their votes.
In regard to the Government’s decision to grant a visa application or not, I think the Immigration Department will always act in accordance with prevailing policy and the principles, which include whether the person holds a valid travel document, whether he is going to be a burden to Hong Kong, or whether there is any risk regarding security and crime. All these cases are handled, as usual, in accordance with all these principles. I think all these principles are actually on the website of the Immigration Department, so the Immigration Department will deal with each and every case accordingly.
(Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.) read more
The Registration and Electoral Office (REO) today (October 31) hosted the polling-cum-counting station management training for supervisory-level electoral staff of the 2023 District Council Ordinary Election (DCOE). Through talks on the electoral arrangements and experience sharing, the training aimed at deepening staff’s understanding of their management duties in polling-cum-counting stations so as to achieve smooth operation on the polling day. The Chairman of the Electoral Affairs Commission (EAC), Mr Justice David Lok, was present to give a briefing to the staff.
The 2023 DCOE will be held on December 10. The REO will set up more than 600 District Council geographical constituency (DCGC) ordinary polling stations across the territory to serve over 4.33 million electors, as well as one District Committees constituency (DCC) polling station in each of the 18 Districts for voting of DCC electors.
On the polling day, more than 30 000 civil servants from different bureaux/departments will discharge electoral duties at different posts. The REO hosted polling-cum-counting station management training for supervisory-level electoral staff today covering the new and important electoral arrangements, maintaining order at polling-cum-counting stations, responses to crises and complaints handling, and determination of questionable ballot papers, etc.
Mr Justice Lok briefed around 2 000 supervisory-level electoral staff on the polling and counting arrangements and points-to-note of this election, including the different polling hours between DCGC and DCC elections, the set-up of a special queue for persons in need, use of the Electronic Poll Register (EPR) system to issue ballot papers, procedures for conversion of a polling station into a counting station, and procedures and techniques for handling complaints, etc.
“The District Councils (Amendment) Ordinance 2023 (the Ordinance) was published in the Gazette and came into effect on July 10. This election is of great significance as it is the first territory-wide district level election after the reform of the District Councils. To ensure the smooth accomplishment of the electoral work on the polling day, electoral staff must read and familiarise themselves with the operational manual and the guidelines as prepared by the REO. The Presiding Officers and Deputy Presiding Officers are fully supported by the EAC, the Constitutional and Mainland Affairs Bureau, the REO, and relevant bureaux/departments” said Mr Justice Lok.
“The EAC will closely monitor the conduct of the election on the polling day. In case of irregularities and emergencies in the polling or counting stations and assistance or support is required, staff should contact the Central Command Centre as quickly as possible. I believe through co-operation among all, the election will be open, fair, honest, and be smoothly conducted in a safe, orderly and efficient manner,” Mr Justice Lok added.
Staff from the REO briefed attendees on the composition of the District Councils under the Ordinance and electoral arrangements and introduced the EPR system with hands-on practice to familiarise staff with the operation of the system and steps for issuance of ballot papers. In addition, representatives from the Department of Justice, the Police, the Independent Commission Against Corruption, the Fire Services Department and the Hong Kong Society for the Blind hosted briefing sessions during the training to share with attendees their work experience in elections and crisis management.
The REO will arrange a number of training sessions with practical sessions, drills and simulated activities for electoral staff so that they can be well-versed in the work procedures for making comprehensive preparations for the DCOE.
Following is the speech by the Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, at the Bloomberg Global Regulatory Forum 2023 today (October 31):
Bing (Head of Asia Pacific of Bloomberg, Mr Li Bing), Mr Cotzias (Global Head of External Relations of Bloomberg, Mr Constantin Cotzias), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
Good morning. Thank you for this opportunity to speak to you, the heads and senior representatives of international regulatory bodies and institutions, as well as high-profile business executives. For that, and for organising its first Global Regulatory Forum in Asia – right here in Hong Kong – my thanks to Bloomberg.
My congratulations, too, on the 30th anniversary of Bloomberg’s office in Hong Kong. As Bing alluded to earlier, this is the largest office of Bloomberg in the Asia-Pacific and your regional headquarters.
Unlocking Hong Kong’s new opportunities
Today, we are here under the theme, “Navigating complexity and unlocking opportunities”. Everyone in this room, I believe, has become an expert navigator of complexity over these last several years. It’s time now to begin “unlocking opportunities”.
The global economy is still working through its aftershocks. Last month, the IMF (International Monetary Fund) forecast global economic growth this year at just 3 per cent, down from last year’s 3.5 per cent.
The lack of growth momentum in many regions, heightened geopolitical conflicts and the persistence of high inflation are among the reasons for slackening growth. There are concerns that the high interest-rate environment will continue, and its effects have not yet fully surfaced.
Supply-chain reshoring, friend-shoring and even onshoring, advocated by some countries, will only further hinder economic growth.
Hong Kong, a small open economy with no capital controls, is inevitably affected by the global financial market and its ebbs and flows. But rest assured, the robustness and security of our financial system against external shocks had been acidly tested. Financial security remains one of our top priorities, and we have been working with regulators to closely monitor the latest developments and potential risk areas in the financial market through a cross-market, round-the-clock surveillance system.
Despite the short-term challenges, the medium- to long-term outlook for Hong Kong is bright. The East, and Asia, will remain a major engine of global economic growth.
Hong Kong is keen on unlocking the opportunities ahead, making the best use of our unique advantages under the “one country, two systems” framework.
The Chief Executive’s Policy Address released last week has placed emphasis on adopting an “industry-oriented approach” to expedite our economic development, through reinforcing our traditional sectors such as financial services, boosting new sectors such as innovation and technology, and further opening new markets such as ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations), the Middle East and countries along the Belt and Road.
It signifies once again the mindset change of this government, no less than a paradigm shift – from relatively “laissez-faire” to being proactive and catalytic.
In the realm of financial services, much media attention has recently been drawn to the reduction of stamp duty for stock trading. But what needs to be stressed here is not to focus on a single measure but look at the bigger picture – that is, our determination and commitment to boost the liquidity of the stock market by a combination of measures. They include bringing enhancements to our listing regime, market structure, trading mechanism, mutual market access arrangements with the Mainland, and attracting both international and Mainland capital. With these, I am confident that we will be able to attract more companies and capital to Hong Kong.
And we continue to pursue other measures to further strengthen our role as a super-connector between the Mainland and the rest of the world. I am pleased to note, for example, that Hong Kong will soon launch Asia’s first-ever ETF (exchange-traded fund) investing in Saudi Arabia. In a world heavily drifted by geopolitics and Middle East investors looking for opportunities to diversify, Hong Kong is no doubt best positioned to connect the capital and the vast investment opportunities between the Gulf region and Asia.
Ladies and gentlemen, I know today’s Forum will also touch on a few regulatory priorities, including climate change and virtual assets. Allow me to spend the next few minutes to update you on Hong Kong’s development on both fronts.
Green transition
As green colours the global agenda, governments around the world are putting high priority on carbon reduction and net-zero transition. Our country is highly committed to it. Not only has the Mainland Government set the “3060” targets as you all know, green transition is also central to the pursuit of high-quality development. This has been stated and reiterated at high-level party and state meetings last year and this year in Beijing. In other words, it has been deeply ingrained into the minds of policy makers in the Mainland.
On the regulatory side, Hong Kong has long been trusted by international investors and businesses because of our alignment with the best international standards. For green and sustainable finance, we are making great strides in areas such as climate-related disclosure standards, green classification framework, green certification and green capacity building. I understand Eddie (Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority, Mr Eddie Yue) and Julia (Chief Executive Officer of the Securities and Futures Commission, Ms Julia Leung) will update you in this regard.
And I would focus more on the opportunities that Hong Kong could offer to the region and world. Green transition is capital intensive. More than US$66 trillion will be needed by Asia alone in the coming three decades. Hong Kong is Asia’s premier green and sustainable finance centre, issuing more than one-third of Asia’s green and sustainable bonds last year.
And we are increasingly serving the needs of developing countries, including those along the Belt and Road. Just in May this year, we launched our first securitised infrastructure debts, worth around US$400 million, covering 25 projects in the Asia-Pacific, the Middle East and South America. A number of these relate to green, sustainable development, as well as social responsibility.
The Hong Kong Monetary Authority is also working with the Mainland’s Silk Road Fund to set up an investment platform for the Belt and Road. Together, they will contribute up to RMB15 billion or equivalent. And in the first phase, the two parties will set up an Impact Fund of up to US$1 billion focusing projects in energy transition, infrastructure and ESG (environmental, social and governance).
Hong Kong is also advancing carbon trading by offering the world’s sole market for settling carbon credits in both Hong Kong dollars and Renminbi. Today, it offers carbon credits from more than 40 internationally certified projects in Asia, South America and West Africa, covering forestry, solar, wind and biomass initiatives.
If I may add one more point – we also envision Hong Kong to be a green tech and green finance centre. With strong basic research, we are already home to hundreds of green tech companies, some of which are already selling their solutions across different parts of the world. Combining our strengths with those of the Greater Bay Area will put us in the lead to become a world-class green tech and green finance centre, creating a complete financial and industry chain.
And please stay tuned – early next year, we will organise the GreenTech and Green Finance Week to promote international dialogue, facilitate more matching of green funds and green projects, and expand co-operation possibilities in the green areas.
Virtual assets
On the area of Web 3 and virtual assets, I know you may be interested in what position the Hong Kong SAR (Special Administrative Region) Government takes after certain recent incidents here in Hong Kong. While investigations are ongoing and it is better not to go into the specifics, I would like to point out that it underlines the importance of a robust licensing regime for virtual asset trading. And we have implemented that regime since June this year. Information transparency and investor education will be strengthened at the same time.
We see regulation in this way: regulation and market development are not against one another. Rather, they go hand in hand: a robust, consistent, predictable and fit-for-purpose regime will instil confidence and trust in investors and market players. On this basis, a vibrant and innovative environment can continue to be built.
For virtual assets, we remain committed to regulating them under the “same activity, same risks, same regulation” principle.
Concluding remarks
Ladies and gentlemen, I am grateful to Bloomberg for organising this event in Hong Kong, which gathers an international audience of investors, regulators and business leaders physically in this great city. You are most welcome to go out and experience the vibrancy and energy of this city.
I am confident that many of you will find Hong Kong to be quite different from what you have heard or read from the Bloomberg news, not to mention the Wall Street Journal.
I wish you all the best of business, and health, in the coming years.
Thank you very much.
