Police today (March 25) appealed to the public for information on a man who went missing in Tsuen Wan.

     Li Chin-man, aged 42, went missing after he left his residence on Tso Kung Street in the small hours of March 22. His family made a report to Police yesterday (March 24).
        
     He is about 1.7 metres tall, 70 kilograms in weight and of thin build. He has a round face with yellow complexion and and short black hair. He was last seen wearing a green jacket, an orange top, dark-coloured trousers, black slippers and carrying a black rucksack and an orange recycle bag.

     Anyone who knows the whereabouts of the missing man or may have seen him is urged to contact the Regional Missing Persons Unit of New Territories South on 3661 1174 or 6103 4963 or email to rmpu-nts-2@police.gov.hk, or contact any police station.

  

     Renowned artist Xu Bing was appointed in March 2024 as Hong Kong's Ambassador for Cultural Promotion. His inaugural commissioning art initiative showcasing his signature work, Square Word Calligraphy, will be launched at the Hong Kong Museum of Art (HKMoA) starting from tomorrow (March 26). The exhibition gallery will be transformed into a creative classroom incorporating Hong Kong's unique linguistic features to present the "Special Edition for Hong Kong" Square Word Calligraphy. The Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) will also collaborate with MTR Corporation Limited (MTRCL) to display Xu's newest calligraphy works at four MTR stations: Sheung Wan, Admiralty, Exhibition Centre, and Wan Chai.
 
     Xu Bing is internationally recognised as one of the most innovative and influential contemporary artists. Square Word Calligraphy is his created writing form that started in 1993 – English is written to resemble Chinese characters. This unique writing system highlights the diversity and integration of Eastern and Western cultures, aligning with the essence of Hong Kong's East-meets-West characteristics. Transforming the exhibition space into an interactive classroom, the art installation "Square Word Calligraphy Classroom" created by Xu has been exhibited worldwide, guiding audiences from different cultural backgrounds to learn and write Square Words, enjoy the fun of traditional Chinese art, and expand creativity through switching between languages.
 
     "Square Word Calligraphy Classroom" is set to debut in Hong Kong. Xu has specially incorporated Hong Kong's unique linguistic features, such as greetings and idioms, in the "Eying East, Wondering West – Square Word Calligraphy Classroom" exhibition at the HKMoA. This enriches the meaning and interpretation of Square Word Calligraphy, opening new avenues for cross-cultural and cross-language communication.
 
     The exhibition invites audiences to explore Square Word Calligraphy from three perspectives: appreciation, learning, and application. In addition to showcasing new Square Word Calligraphy works, the classroom at the HKMoA includes writing tools and copybooks for learning and attempting this special writing system. With digital technology, audiences can apply what they have learned by creating words with Square Word Calligraphy. The exhibition will run from March 26 to July 30 at The Wing (Lower), G/F, HKMoA, and will move to the Oil Street Art Space in North Point from September 29 to January 11 next year. Admission is free.
 
     Apart from the exhibition at museums, the LCSD also collaborates with MTRCL to present "Loping and Looking – Art in MTR", which will display Xu's new creations at four MTR stations from March 26 to September 25. Xu will initiate dialogues with the public by writing the greeting "Long time no see", presented in the form of Square Word Calligraphy, at Sheung Wan Station and present the station names of Admiralty, Exhibition Centre, and Wan Chai with his new writing system, integrating art into the passenger journey. This also marks the first global display of Xu Bing's creations in public transportation spaces.
 
     For details of the exhibition, please visit the HKMoA's website (hk.art.museum/en/web/ma/exhibitions-and-events/eying-east-wondering-west.html). For information on the "Xu Bing in Hong Kong: Square Word Calligraphy" art initiative, please visit the Art Promotion Office's website (www.apo.hk/en/web/apo/hk_xb.html).

                

      The Immigration Department (ImmD) mounted an anti-illegal worker operation at an exhibition in Wong Tai Sin yesterday (March 24). A total of 14 Mainland visitors, who were suspected illegal workers, were arrested.
 
      The ImmD Task Force conducted an operation at a food expo in the district, according to gathered intelligence. During the operation, some target persons were found promoting and selling food and goods. ImmD Task Force officers arrested 14 suspected illegal workers. The arrested suspected illegal workers comprised four men and 10 women, aged 31 to 45, all Mainland visitors. The investigation is still ongoing, and more persons involved in the case may be arrested.

     An ImmD spokesman said, "Any person who contravenes a condition of stay in force in respect of him or her shall be guilty of an offence. Also, visitors are not allowed to take employment in Hong Kong, whether paid or unpaid, without the permission of the Director of Immigration. Offenders are liable to prosecution and upon conviction face a maximum fine of $50,000 and up to two years' imprisonment. Aiders and abettors are also liable to prosecution and penalties."

     The spokesman reiterated that it is a serious offence to employ people who are not lawfully employable. Under the Immigration Ordinance, the maximum penalty for an employer employing a person who is not lawfully employable, i.e. an illegal immigrant, a person who is the subject of a removal order or a deportation order, an overstayer or a person who was refused permission to land, has been significantly increased from a fine of $350,000 and three years' imprisonment to a fine of $500,000 and 10 years' imprisonment to reflect the gravity of such offences. The director, manager, secretary, partner, etc, of the company concerned may also bear criminal liability. The High Court has laid down sentencing guidelines that the employer of an illegal worker should be given an immediate custodial sentence.

     According to the court sentencing, employers must take all practicable steps to determine whether a person is lawfully employable prior to employment. Apart from inspecting a prospective employee's identity card, the employer has the explicit duty to make enquiries regarding the person and ensure that the answers would not cast any reasonable doubt concerning the lawful employability of the person. The court will not accept failure to do so as a defence in proceedings. It is also an offence if an employer fails to inspect the job seeker's valid travel document if the job seeker does not have a Hong Kong permanent identity card. Offenders are liable upon conviction to a maximum fine of $150,000 and to imprisonment for one year. In that connection, the spokesman reminded all employers not to defy the law by employing illegal workers. The ImmD will continue to take resolute enforcement action to combat such offences.

     Under the existing mechanism, the ImmD will, as a standard procedure, conduct an initial screening of vulnerable persons, including illegal workers, illegal immigrants, sex workers and foreign domestic helpers, who are arrested during any operation with a view to ascertaining whether they are trafficking in persons (TIP) victims. When any TIP indicator is revealed in the initial screening, ImmD officers will conduct a full debriefing and identification by using a standardised checklist to ascertain the presence of TIP elements, such as threats and coercion in the recruitment phase and the nature of exploitation. Identified TIP victims will be provided with various forms of support and assistance, including urgent intervention, medical services, counselling, shelter or temporary accommodation and other supporting services. The ImmD calls on TIP victims to report crimes to the relevant departments immediately.

    

     Mee Ngai Chu Kee Door Factory Limited was fined $130,000 at Fanling Magistrates' Courts today (March 25) for violations of the Factories and Industrial Undertakings Ordinance and the Factories and Industrial Undertakings Regulations. The prosecution was launched by the Labour Department.

     The case involved a fatal accident that occurred on April 16, 2024, on a public road outside the entrance of a warehouse in Yuen Long. While a worker was pulling out a pallet of goods from the compartment of a truck to its tail lift, he fell from the tail lift to the ground. He sustained serious head injuries and passed away three days later.

     Following is the speech by the Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, at the 2025 Hong Kong Climate Forum today (March 25):

Professor Gong Peng (Vice-President and Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Academic Development) of the University of Hong Kong), Dr Dai (Director of the California-China Climate Institute, Dr Dai Fan), Duncan (Legislative Council Member, Mr Duncan Chiu), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

     It is a pleasure to join you all again at the Hong Kong Climate Forum. Let me begin by extending my heartfelt thanks to the University of Hong Kong and the Institute for Climate and Carbon Neutrality for convening this second edition of a truly meaningful initiative. 

     Building on the strong foundation of last year’s inaugural gathering, this year’s forum deepens our collective focus – from scientific understanding and green investment to youth leadership, health resilience, and the transformative power of technology. The breadth and depth of today’s agenda are both inspiring and necessary. It reminds us that climate change is not a siloed issue; it touches every corner of our economy, society and daily life.

Climate challenges and collective responsibility

     Last year, we gathered here against the backdrop of a record-breaking year of heat. Sadly, 2024 has only reaffirmed the urgency, and became the new record. The impacts are increasingly clearer: more frequent extreme weather, rising sea levels, threats to biodiversity and stress on public health.

     Climate change is no longer a future risk; it is a clear and present danger. The cost of inaction is unbearable – environmentally, economically and socially.

     It is therefore disappointing to learn that elsewhere in the world, there was still a blatant denial of climate change, followed by withdrawal from climate commitments.

     But we must not succumb to pessimism. Around the world, support for green transition remains the mainstream. Energy systems are shifting, technologies are advancing, and people – especially the younger generation – are demanding bold and collaborative responses.

     Our country, China, has placed green development at the heart of her national development strategy, with concrete steps taken. They include not only launching green projects, but also establishing mechanisms for carbon auditing, footprint management and carbon certification. China is also actively participating in global climate governance. In the China Development Forum held last Sunday, Premier Li Qiang reiterated the importance of green transition as a driver of economic growth.

     So are we here in Hong Kong. We are firmly committed to reaching carbon neutrality by 2050 with four key areas of focus: net-zero electricity generation, green transport, green buildings and waste reduction.

     We do not view combating climate change as a burden that will hurt business. Of course, it entails necessary changes to our lifestyles, production methods and business practices. However, climate goals are creating new opportunities for business as well. That cannot be better encapsulated than in President Xi’s famous words: “Lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets”, or “綠水é�’山就是金山銀山”.  Through the many changes to our ways of life, new business cases are emerging. The most obvious examples are the Mainland’s stellar industries of the New Three – electric vehicles (EVs), solar panels and lithium batteries.

Hong Kong’s green progress

     For us, it is clear that Hong Kong, and the Greater Bay Area, will be able to ride this new wave of change with commitment and leadership.

     A recurrent topic in combating climate change is the significant funding gap for green transition, measured in trillions of US dollars. In other words, there is a need to mobilise capital to support green projects on a massive scale. Hong Kong, as an international financial centre adhering to the best green finance standards, excels at matching quality green projects with funding. To enable broader participation in funding green projects, Hong Kong has recently rolled out innovative financing arrangements, such as tokenised green bonds and securitised infrastructure loans.

     Moreover, Hong Kong is progressing into the new space of transition finance to help high-emitting sectors invest in clean technologies and decarbonise. The Hong Kong Monetary Authority is working to include transition activities in the Hong Kong Taxonomy for Sustainable Finance. 

     Then there is green tech. We are home to many green tech start-ups, all sharing the mission to develop practical technological solutions. In our Science Park and Cyberport, there are approximately 300 green start-ups specialising in energy-efficient materials, carbon capture, EV infrastructure, and much more.

     In this year’s Budget, we announced the establishment of a GreenTech Hub, which would house around 200 green enterprises and bring together innovators in the green industry, forming a nexus for fostering fresh ideas, transformative solutions and business partnerships. The hub was opened earlier this month. 

     Going forward, our green tech sector will benefit from the technological prowess of the Greater Bay Area as well.

     Speaking of green tech, it would be remiss of me not to address an important subject, which is also a theme for discussion at the forum this morning: how AI (artificial intelligence) will drive and benefit the green transition. Allow me to share a few thoughts on their intersection. 

AI and green: a strategic alliance

     To begin with, AI is a game changer. It is fundamentally altering production, business and consumption models, redefining the competitiveness of economies. When considering AI’s relationship with green development, a broader perspective should be taken. It is not only empowering specific green technologies but also acting as a catalyst for driving behavioural change. 

     Clearly, AI has vast potential in optimising energy production and consumption. The World Economic Forum, for example, has indicated that AI’s benefits in these areas are especially impactful in emerging markets with significant infrastructure gaps, as they have enormous potential to leapfrog to cleaner systems.

     AI can also accelerate the invention of new materials. It can improve climate modelling and forecasting, enhancing our preparedness in the face of natural disasters. 

     The many applications of AI can permeate into our daily life and transform various sectors and businesses across the community, culminating in significant climate change mitigation. From energy saving tech for home appliances and vehicles to smarter traffic management, these innovations are spreading across our country and the world at large. 

     Even simply taking environmentally friendly driving routes recommended by AI could significantly reduce emissions. 

     In green finance, AI helps identify green opportunities with strong climate impact potential and sustainable returns, thereby optimising the allocation of capital across clean energy projects.  

     In ESG (environmental, social and governance) analysis and sustainability reporting, AI improves transparency. It can monitor and cross-check corporate disclosures, strengthening accountability and increasing market confidence in green-labelled financial products. In risk management, AI-powered climate analytics can help us assess exposure to physical risks, such as flooding or wildfires, as well as transition risks, including changes in regulation, market preferences and technology disruption.

     Above all, the application of AI for the green movement presents opportunities everywhere. What we need is a whole-of-community approach.

Hong Kong’s vision

     That’s why in Hong Kong, we have envisioned AI as a core industry. We are driving this development on five fronts: supercomputing capabilities, algorithms, data, capital and talent. We have positioned Hong Kong as an international exchange and co-operation hub for the AI sector. This year, we will host events of global significance, including the inaugural International Young Scientist Forum on Artificial Intelligence and the International Conference on Embodied AI Robots. We believe these platforms will be ideal occasions to discuss how AI could reinforce our efforts in combating climate change. 

     Ladies and gentlemen, we need not just action but also thought leadership. That’s what makes fora like today’s highly meaningful and productive. 

     Hong Kong will continue to host various climate platforms. For example, the second edition of Hong Kong Green Week will be held this September. Anchored by the Climate Business Forum co-hosted with the International Finance Corporation of the World Bank, the event will offer a platform for dialogue, deal-making and partnership. 

     All of these efforts reflect our belief and commitment that Hong Kong can – and must – play a meaningful role in the global climate response. 

     Let us act together – with courage and a sense of urgency – for our planet, our community and future generations.

     I wish you all a most successful forum. Thank you very much.