Author Archives: hksar gov

     Following is the speech by the Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, at the International Women’s Day Reception 2025 today (March 8):

劉光�副主任（中央人民政府�香港特別行政��絡辦公室副主任）�潘雲�副特派員（外交部�香港特別行政�特派員公署副特派員）�王志學副主任（中國人民解放��香港部隊政治工作部副主任）��志祥副局長（中央人民政府�香港特別行政�維護國家安全公署�絡局副局長）���彥主席（立法會主席）�葉劉淑儀�集人（行政會議�官守議員�集人）���嘉賓���朋�：
 
     å¤§å®¶å¥½ï¼�我很高興今日出席由特å�€æ”¿åºœå’Œå©¦å¥³äº‹å‹™å§”員會舉辦的酒會，與大家一å�Œæ…¶ç¥�國際婦女節。

     ä»Šæ—¥çš„酒會群芳薈è�ƒï¼Œé›†å�ˆå�„界別的女性精英。《詩經》有å�¥å��å�¥æ˜¯ã€Œçªˆçª•æ·‘女，å�›å­�好逑ã€�，今日應該講是「英姿巾幗，香江好逑ã€�ï¼�婦女是香港發展的é‡�è¦�力é‡�，我在此å�‘全港女士致敬，ç¥�大家婦女節快樂ï¼�
      
     ä»Šå¹´æ˜¯è�¯å�ˆåœ‹ç¬¬å››æ¬¡ä¸–界婦女大會在北京å�¬é–‹30周年。一ä¹�ä¹�五年，來自全ç�ƒ189個國家和地å�€çš„代表齊è�šåŒ—京，共å�Œé€šé�Žäº†å…·æœ‰é‡Œç¨‹ç¢‘æ„�義的《北京宣言》和《行動綱領》，在教育ã€�經濟ã€�貧窮ã€�防止暴力等12個é‡�è¦�領域æ��出行動目標，切實æ��高婦女地ä½�和實ç�¾æ€§åˆ¥å¹³ç­‰ã€‚這次大會在當時是è�¯å�ˆåœ‹å�²ä¸Šè¦�模最大ã€�人數最多的盛會，將國際社會的性別平等事業帶上新å�°éšŽã€‚

     30載春雨潤澤，全ç�ƒå�„地在婦女權益ä¿�éšœã€�性別平等方é�¢å�–得顯著進展。國家作為《北京宣言》和《行動綱領》的堅定支æŒ�者和實è¸�者，始終將婦女事業放在國家發展的é‡�è¦�ä½�置，堅æŒ�男女平等基本國策，推動女性全é�¢ç™¼å±•ã€‚今個星期åˆ�，第å��四屆全國人民代表大會第三次會議在北京å‹�利開幕，會上æ�Žå¼·ç¸½ç�†ä½œå‡ºæ”¿åºœå·¥ä½œå ±å‘Šï¼Œäº¦æŒ‡å‡ºè¦�ä¿�障婦女ã€�兒童等的å�ˆæ³•æ¬Šç›Šã€‚

     é¦™æ¸¯æ˜¯åœ‹éš›å¤§éƒ½æœƒï¼Œä¸�論男女都有平等的發展機會。女性佔香港的人å�£ç™¾åˆ†ä¹‹äº”å��四，是大多數。她們多年來ä¸�å�ªæ“”當家庭的支柱，更是社會進步的é‡�è¦�推動者，在å�„個領域都展ç�¾çŸšç›®çš„風采。
      
     æˆ‘的管治團隊中有七ä½�女局長，佔15ä½�局長近å�Šæ•¸ï¼Œæ¯”例是歷屆å•�責ç�­å­�之中最高。女性文è�·å…¬å‹™å“¡çš„比例已é�”百分之四å��ä¹�，而政府公務員級別最高的常任秘書長當中，更有六æˆ�是女士，所以我很感è¬�女性公務員。香港在「政府效率ã€�排å��中多年來ä½�列全ç�ƒä¸‰ç”²ï¼Œå¥³æ€§å…¬å‹™äººå“¡çµ•å°�功ä¸�å�¯æ²’。

     åœ¨ç§�人市場，ç�¾æ™‚有五æˆ�的專業人員由女性擔任，更有超é�Žä¸€å�Šçš„執業律師和註冊會計師為女性，亦有近四æˆ�的經ç�†ç´šåˆ¥æ˜¯å¥³æ€§ã€‚女性多年來為香港的ç¹�榮貢ç�»ï¼Œæˆ‘們é�žå¸¸æ„Ÿè¬�這股「巾幗力é‡�ã€�，請大家以最熱烈的掌è�²ï¼Œæ„Ÿè¬�廣大女性的勤勞和付出。為女性鼓掌ï¼�

     ç‰¹å�€æ”¿åºœé‡�視婦女權益和ç¦�祉。ç�¾å±†æ”¿åºœåœ¨äºŒâ—‹äºŒä¸‰å¹´æˆ�立「婦女自強基金ã€�，å�ˆåœ¨åŽ»å¹´èµ·èˆ‰è¾¦å®¶åº­æš¨å©¦å¥³ç™¼å±•é«˜å³°æœƒã€�推出一站å¼�家庭å�Šå©¦å¥³è³‡è¨Šå¹³å�°ï¼Œä¸¦å°‡åœ¨ä»Šå¹´ä¸Šå�Šå¹´æŽ¨è¡Œã€Œã€Žå�‹ã€�妳啟導ã€�å�‹å¸«è¨ˆåŠƒï¼Œå½°é¡¯æˆ‘們å°�支æŒ�婦女發展的決心和承諾。

     è—‰ç�€ä¸‰å…«å©¦å¥³ç¯€ï¼Œæˆ‘以三種花朵，å�‘香港女性é€�上美好ç¥�願。

     ç¬¬ä¸€ï¼Œç¥�願你們如紫è�ŠèŠ¬èŠ³ï¼Œå¼˜æ�šå®¶åº­ç¾Žå¾·ã€‚å�„ä½�在家庭中擔當æ¯�親ã€�妻å­�ã€�女兒等角色，發æ�®ç�¨ç‰¹ä½œç”¨ã€‚我相信你們會繼續以言傳身教培育下一代，以溫暖和愛心構建和諧家庭，讓良好的家教家風æˆ�為社會進步的基石。

     ç¬¬äºŒï¼Œç¥�願你們如木棉挺拔，在崗ä½�上勇闖高峰。香港正處於經濟轉型期，å�„è¡Œå�„業都è¦�識變求變，開闢新發展領域。女性是推動社會進步的é‡�è¦�引擎，希望大家繼續以自強ä¸�æ�¯çš„堅韌精神，變é�©å‰µæ–°ï¼Œç‚ºåœ‹å®¶å’Œé¦™æ¸¯çš„高質é‡�發展作出貢ç�»ã€‚

     ç¬¬ä¸‰ï¼Œç¥�願你們如åƒ�紅梅傲雪，說好香港故事。女性剛柔並é‡�，能以ç�¨ç‰¹çš„智慧和魅力，ç©�極貢ç�»ç¤¾æœƒäº‹å‹™ã€‚我鼓勵你們繼續發æ�®å»£é—Šçš„人際網絡，善用香港內è�¯å¤–通的特質，在國際舞å�°ä¸Šè®“世界è�½è¦‹é¦™æ¸¯å¥³æ€§çš„è�²éŸ³ã€‚

     ä¿ƒé€²å©¦å¥³ç™¼å±•çš„工作任é‡�é�“é� ã€‚政府與婦女事務委員會繼續全力å�ˆä½œï¼ŒæŽ¨å‹•å©¦å¥³ç™¼å±•ï¼Œæ›¸å¯«å©¦å¥³ç™¼å±•çš„新篇章。

     æœ€å¾Œï¼Œæˆ‘å†�次ç¥�ç¦�廣大婦女國際婦女節快樂，ç¥�你們身體å�¥åº·ï¼Œå®¶åº­å¹¸ç¦�ï¼�
      
     ç�¾åœ¨æˆ‘用英語å�‘說英語的朋å�‹é€�上ç¥�ç¦�。
      
     Now, I would like to turn to our English-speaking friends.

     Today, as we celebrate International Women’s Day, we also mark the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action. Adopted at the United Nations’ Fourth World Conference on Women in Beijing, in 1995, this milestone document became the key global policy agenda on gender equality.

     It’s been a remarkable 30 years since then, in human development, in economic progress and, most importantly, in promoting women’s development.

     Today, Hong Kong is home to some 4.1 million female – that’s over 54 per cent of our population. Seven of my 15 Directors of Bureau are women – that’s almost half of them – and a whopping 60 per cent of our top civil servants are female. Over half of Hong Kong’s accountants and lawyers are female, while some 40 per cent of our managers are women.

     Yes, women are the backbone of our society – they include leaders, innovators, caregivers, change-makers, and more. From boardrooms to classrooms, from workspaces to marketplaces, the women of Hong Kong continue to break barriers and inspire future generations. Your resilience fuels our progress. Your vision shapes our future. And your leadership drives our success.

     The Government is dedicated to promoting gender equality, and empowering women in every facet of life. Since taking office, I have established the Women Empowerment Fund in 2023, turning ideas into action, and aspirations into achievements.

     The Government launched the first Family and Women Development Summit last year, igniting discussions that will shape policies for the years to come. We created a one-stop family and women information portal, ensuring easy access to essential resources.

     This year, we are proud to introduce “She Inspires” – a mentorship programme led by female leaders, designed to nurture the next generation of female trailblazers and pioneers.

     But that’s not the half of it. When women rise, society thrives. Together with the Women’s Commission, we will foster an inclusive, opportunity-filled Hong Kong, where every woman, every girl can dream big, aim high, and realise her full potential.

     I wish you all a joyous, inspiring and empowering International Women’s Day. Keep rising. Continue to make history. Thank you! read more

     The Tobacco and Alcohol Control Office (TACO) of the Department of Health (DH) continued to clamp down on illegal waterpipe smoking in no smoking areas by conducting another enforcement operation, codenamed “Pipepurge”, in Central last night (March 7) and issued a total of three fixed penalty notices (FPNs).

     During the operation, officers from TACO (including plainclothes officers) carried out inspections and enforcement action at one bar in Central, and issued a total of three FPNs to persons illegally smoking waterpipes. TACO’s investigation is ongoing, and prosecution may also be taken against operators of the bar who are suspected of aiding and abetting smoking offences. TACO will also refer the cases to the Liquor Licensing Board for appropriate follow-up action.

     Under the Ordinance, conducting a smoking act in a statutory no smoking area (such as indoor areas of bars or restaurants) is prohibited. Any person doing a smoking act in statutory no smoking areas is liable to a fixed penalty of $1,500. Moreover, where smoking products (including waterpipes) are sold, in bars or otherwise, the restrictions on the promotion and sale of smoking products stipulated in the Ordinance apply. Offenders are liable on summary conviction to a maximum fine of $50,000. Venue managers of statutory no smoking areas are empowered by the Ordinance to request a smoking offender cease the act; if the offender is not co-operative, the manager may contact the Police for assistance.

     In addition, under the Criminal Procedure Ordinance, any person who aids, abets, counsels or procures the commission by another person of any offence shall be guilty of the same offence.

     “The DH will continue to closely monitor and take stringent enforcement action against illegal waterpipe smoking. Last year (2024), TACO conducted 162 operations against illegal waterpipe smoking activities in no smoking areas. A total of 162 FPNs were issued against smoking offenders, while 89 summonses were issued to staff members and operators of the bars/restaurants for other related offences,” the Head of TACO, Dr Fung Ying said.

     Dr Fung reminded the public that waterpipe is a smoking product, and its combustion of fuel (e.g. charcoal) releases carbon monoxide. Exposure to a low concentration of carbon monoxide can lead to a range of symptoms such as dizziness, headache, tiredness and nausea; whereas exposure to a high concentration of carbon monoxide can lead to impaired vision, disturbed co-ordination, unconsciousness, brain damage or even death. People should seek medical attention immediately if they suspect they are developing symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning.

     A typical one-hour waterpipe smoking session exposes the user to 100 to 200 times the volume of smoke inhaled from a single conventional cigarette. Moreover, sharing a waterpipe apparatus increases the risk of transmitting infectious diseases, such as tuberculosis. 

     She cautioned against waterpipe smoking and the use of other smoking products. Smokers should quit smoking as early as possible for their own health and that of others. For more information on the hazards of waterpipe smoking, please visit www.livetobaccofree.hk/pdfs/waterpipe_leaflet_new.pdf.

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Attention TV/radio announcers: Please broadcast the following as soon as possible:      Here is an item of interest to swimmers.      The Leisure and Cultural Services Department announced toda… read more

     â€‹The Security Bureau (SB) today (March 8) said that the Secretary for Security, Mr Tang Ping-keung, departed for Thailand earlier to participate in the co-ordination and rescue operation for Hong Kong residents who were lured to Myanmar to engage in illegal work. Six Hong Kong residents were rescued and five of them returned to Hong Kong yesterday (March 7), while the remaining one has also arrived in Hong Kong this morning under the escort of a member of the SB’s dedicated task force.

     The individual had stayed in Thailand yesterday to assist in the investigation of Thai Police as a witness of the case of being lured to Myanmar to engage in illegal work. A member of the SB’s dedicated task force also stayed in Thailand to accompany and assist that person, and returned to Hong Kong in the small hours today together with the individual.

     Since 2024 to date, the law enforcement agencies have received a total of 28 request-for-assistance cases in relation to Hong Kong residents alleged to have been detained in Southeast Asian countries and not being able to leave. Taking into account the six persons, 25 of them have already returned to Hong Kong. The dedicated task force will continue to actively follow up on the remaining three request-for-assistance cases of individuals who have yet to return to Hong Kong and will strive to facilitate their return as soon as possible. read more

    The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) today (March 8) reminded the public, particularly the elderly and people with chronic illnesses, to adopt appropriate measures to protect their health in view of the cold weather.

    Cold weather can easily trigger or exacerbate diseases, especially among the elderly and persons suffering from heart disease, respiratory illnesses or other chronic illnesses.

     Elderly people have less insulating fat beneath their skin to keep them warm, and their body temperature control mechanisms may be weaker. Their bodies may not be able to respond appropriately to cold weather.

     Some senior persons may have decreased mobility, which can impair their ability to generate and conserve body heat. Chronic illnesses, such as hypertension, diabetes and endocrine disorders, may undermine the health of elderly people and lower their metabolic rate, subsequently causing their bodies to generate less heat. Persons with chronic illnesses, such as chronic respiratory illnesses or heart disease, are vulnerable to disease aggravation due to cold weather.

     The CHP reminded the public, in particular the elderly and persons with chronic illnesses, to adopt the following preventive measures:
 

• Take note of the weather forecast. Wear warm clothing, including hats, scarves, gloves and socks, accordingly;
• Consume sufficient food to ensure adequate calorie intake;
• Perform regular exercise to facilitate blood circulation and heat production;
• Stay in a warm environment and avoid prolonged outdoor exposure;
• Use heaters with care and maintain adequate indoor ventilation; and
• Seek medical advice if feeling unwell.

     
     â€‹In addition, the public should avoid alcoholic beverages.
     
     Drinking alcohol does not keep you warm. Alcohol accelerates the loss of body heat through dilated blood vessels, resulting in chilling instead.

     Parents should ensure that babies are sufficiently warm, but it is also important to keep babies relatively lightly clothed to avoid overheating.

     Parents should observe the following safety measures when putting their children to bed:  

• Keep the room well ventilated and at a comfortable temperature;
• Always place babies on their backs to sleep. Leave their heads, faces and arms uncovered during sleep;
• Babies do not need pillows. Place babies on a firm and well-fitted mattress to sleep. Avoid soft objects, pillows and loose bedding;
• Let babies sleep in a cot placed near their parents’ bed; and
• Maintain a smoke-free environment.

 
     In addition, many respiratory pathogens, including influenza and SARS-CoV-2, may have increasing activity and community transmission during winter. Seasonal influenza vaccination is recommended for all persons aged 6 months or above, except those with known contraindications. Persons at higher risk of influenza and its complications, including the elderly and children, should receive seasonal influenza vaccinations early. Please see details of the vaccination schemes on the CHP’s website.
      
     A person infected with influenza and COVID-19 at the same time may be more seriously ill and have a higher risk of death. It is important for elderly persons, especially those residing in residential care homes, to receive both seasonal influenza and COVID-19 vaccinations. They should also receive an additional booster against COVID-19 according to recommendations as soon as possible. The public should also maintain good personal and environmental hygiene against respiratory illnesses and note the following:
 

• Surgical masks can prevent the transmission of respiratory viruses from ill persons. It is essential for persons who are symptomatic (even if having mild symptoms) to wear a surgical mask;
• Wear a surgical mask when taking public transport or staying in crowded places. It is important to wear a mask properly, including performing hand hygiene before wearing and after removing a mask;
• Avoid touching one’s eyes, mouth and nose;
• Wash hands with liquid soap and water properly whenever possibly contaminated;
• When hands are not visibly soiled, clean them with 70 to 80 per cent alcohol-based handrub;
• Cover the mouth and nose with tissue paper when sneezing or coughing. Dispose of soiled tissue paper properly into a lidded rubbish bin and wash hands thoroughly afterwards;
• Maintain good indoor ventilation;
• When having respiratory symptoms, wear a surgical mask, refrain from work or attending classes at school, avoid going to crowded places and seek medical advice promptly; and
• Maintain a balanced diet, exercise regularly, take adequate rest, do not smoke and avoid overstress.

    
     Food-borne diseases, particularly those linked to hotpot cuisine, are also common in cold weather. The following preventive measures should be taken:
 

• Wash hands before handling and consuming food;
• Do not patronise unlicensed vendors or those with poor hygienic standards while selecting food;
• Wash and cook all food thoroughly;
• Vegetables should be washed thoroughly in clean running water before cooking and consumption. When appropriate, scrub hard-surfaced vegetables with a clean brush to remove dirt and substances, including pesticide residues and contaminants, from surfaces and crevices;
• Shrimps should be fully cooked until the shells turn red and the flesh turns white and opaque;
• For shellfish such as scallops and geoduck, scrub the shells thoroughly and remove the internal organs;
• Do not eat any undercooked freshwater aquatic products. To ensure that the food is thoroughly cooked, the centre of the food should reach a temperature of at least 75 degrees Celsius to destroy pathogen;
• Most hotpot ingredients should be stored in a refrigerator at 4 degrees C or below, while frozen food should be stored in a freezer at -18 degrees C or below;
• Never use raw eggs as a dipping sauce for hotpot; and
• Use different sets of chopsticks to handle raw and cooked food to avoid cross-contamination.

    
     â€‹In addition, when using fuel-burning appliances, especially in indoor areas, the public should ensure adequate ventilation to avoid harmful exposure to carbon monoxide (CO) and prevent CO poisoning.
     
     For more health information, the public may call the DH’s Health Education Infoline (2833 0111) or visit the CHP’s website and Facebook Fanpage.

     The public may also call Dial-a-Weather (1878 200) or visit the website of the Hong Kong Observatory for the latest weather information and forecasts, or its page on Weather Information for Senior Citizens. read more