The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority:

     Result of the tenders of the People's Bank of China RMB Bills held on December 20, 2019:
 

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 today (December 20) that due to big waves, red flags have been hoisted at Silverstrand Beach and Clear Water Bay Second Beach in Sai Kung District. Beach-goers are advised not to swim at these beaches.

     The Government announced today (December 20) the appointment of Mr Tony Tai Chark-tong as the Chairman of the Vocational Training Council (VTC).
 
     The Secretary for Education, Mr Kevin Yeung, welcomed the appointment. He said, "Mr Tai has been committed to leading the development of Vocational and Professional Education and Training (VPET) in Hong Kong. Since his appointment as a member in 2013 and later as a Deputy Chairman, he has actively participated in and tendered valuable advice on the work of the VTC. With his passion in promoting VPET and the breadth of his experience in the innovation and technology sector, I am confident that under Mr Tai's leadership, the VTC will work closely with the Government in further promoting VPET in the digital age."

     In addition to the re-appointment of Professor Eric Yim Chi-ming as Deputy Chairman and Mr Paul Chong Kin-lit, Ms Candy Tam Lai-chuen, and Mr Gary Yeung Man-yui as members, Dr Daniel Yip Chung-yin and Mr Harold Wong Tsu-hing are appointed as Deputy Chairman and a member respectively.

     All the above appointments or re-appointments are for two years, from January 1, 2020, to December 31, 2021.

     Mr Yeung also thanked the outgoing Chairman, Dr Roy Chung Chi-ping. "Under Dr Chung's capable leadership, the VTC has made significant progress in taking forward its strategic plans and has accomplished a number of remarkable achievements including the opening of new campuses, diversification of learning experiences and articulation opportunities for VPET, and enhancement of industry partnerships. Moreover, Dr Chung has been a staunch supporter of the VTC's efforts in expanding its international network, providing more opportunities for students to shine in international skills competitions and broadening their horizons through exchange and study programmes outside Hong Kong. I am grateful to Dr Chung for his contributions to the VTC and the promotion of VPET," he said.
      
     The membership list of the VTC from January 1, 2020, is as follows:

Chairman
———–
Mr Tony Tai Chark-tong
 
Deputy Chairmen
——————-
Professor Eric Yim Chi-ming
Dr Daniel Yip Chung-yin
 
Members
———-
Professor Philip Chan Ching-ho
Mr Victor Chan Kok-wai
Mr Paul Chong Kin-lit
Ms Quince Chong Wai-yan
Dr Jacob Kam Chak-pui
Mr Ronald Lam Siu-por
Mr Clarence Leung Wang-ching
Mr Kennedy Liu Tat-yin
Dr Lo Kam-wing
Ms Low Khah-gek
Mr Dominic Pang Yat-ting
Ms Candy Tam Lai-chuen
Mr Harold Wong Tsu-hing
Mr Gary Yeung Man-yui
Deputy Secretary for Education (or his representative)
Director-General of Trade and Industry (or his representative)
Commissioner for Labour (or his representative)
Executive Director of Vocational Training Council
 
     The VTC was established in 1982 with a mission to provide a comprehensive system of vocational education and training as well as multiple pathways for young people, and to meet the needs of different industries in Hong Kong. The 13 member institutions of the VTC provide a broad spectrum of pre-employment and in-service education and training programmes, covering a wide range of industries and catering for students with different backgrounds and abilities.

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

     During the winter surge, the Hospital Authority is closely monitoring the service demand of Accident and Emergency Departments and the occupancy rates in public hospitals. Key service statistics are being issued daily for public information. Details are in the appended table.

     Police today (December 20) laid a holding charge against a 28-year-old man with one count of murder and one count of aggravated burglary.

     After investigation by the Regional Crime Unit of Kowloon East, the man was arrested on December 18 in suspected connection with a murder and aggravated burglary case in Kwun Tong on December 11. 

     In the small hours of December 11, Police received a report that a man was found injured and collapsed at a staircase of a building on Hoi Yuen Road, Kwun Tong. The 65-year-old man, sustaining head injuries, was rushed to Queen Elizabeth Hospital in unconscious state for treatment. The man was certified dead on December 14.

     The case will be mentioned at Kwun Tong Magistrates' Courts today.