The Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) announced today (August 17) that due to special circumstances that will possibly happen nearby, all facilities of Kowloon Park in Yau Tsim Mong District and To Kwa Wan Public Library in Kowloon City District have been closed. Subject to the situation in the vicinity, more cultural and leisure facilities in the same districts and any other districts which may be affected will also be closed early and at short notice to ensure the safety of venue users. Members of the public who plan to go to those venues are advised to contact the venues concerned in advance.
 

Attention duty announcers, radio and TV stations:

Please broadcast the following message as soon as possible and repeat it at suitable intervals:
 
     A large group of protestors are currently surrounding the Mong Kok Police Station, aiming laser beams at police officers and hurled miscellaneous objects, posing a serious threat to the safety of police officers at scene.  Police warn protestors to stop their illegal acts immediately. 
      
     Police will disperse protestors shortly and appeal to protestors and other members of the public at scene to leave immediately.
 

     Hong Kong Customs today (August 17) held a graduation parade and awards presentation ceremony at the Hong Kong Customs College for the foundation course of the Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) Badge Programme for Youth Ambassadors organised under the Youth Ambassador Against Internet Piracy Scheme (YAS). A total of 101 Youth Ambassadors were awarded the certificate for completing the Programme this year.

     Speaking at the ceremony, the Acting Commissioner of Customs and Excise, Ms Louise Ho, said the department has all along strived to combat infringing activities and to promote public awareness of respecting and protecting IPR through education and publicity.

     Ms Ho added that the YAS has achieved remarkable results. She also congratulated the participants on their graduation and encouraged them to actively protect IPR and undertake the role of an ambassador to publicise the idea of protecting IPR.

     The six-day foundation course from August 12 to 17 that the 101 Youth Ambassadors completed covered a wide range of areas. Apart from participating in exchange activities related to innovation and technology in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, the participants also visited a number of innovative and creative enterprises to gather the latest developments of intellectual property in all directions and experience the importance of IPR towards creativities.

     They participated in training on discipline, physical, parade and leadership and had the opportunity to undergo shooting exercises. They also visited the Government Flying Service and the High Court. The participants were able to broaden their horizons as well as increase their knowledge of protecting IPR through the diversified training.

     Apart from the course completion certificates, Best Recruit Awards, Best Leadership Awards and Best Parade Member Awards were also presented by the officaiting guests to the participants with outstanding performances in recognition of their achievements during the course.

     The Director of Intellectual Property, Mr David Wong; the Legislative Council Member, Ms Yung Hoi-yan; and the Director of the Association of Hong Kong Professionals, Dr Chan Kin-keung; joined Ms Ho to officiate at the ceremony.

     The YAS has been jointly carried out by Hong Kong Customs, the Intellectual Property Department and the intellectual property industry since 2006. Its membership includes more than 250 000 members from 14 local youth uniformed groups whose ages range between 9 and 25.

     In 2016, Hong Kong Customs introduced the IPR Badge Programme for Youth Ambassadors with the aim of strengthening awareness among youths for respecting and protecting IPR with a systematic approach and to foster them to set an example for their families, relatives and peers in daily life.

    

     Police today (August 17) appealed to the public for information on a man who went missing in Sau Mau Ping. 

     Lee Shing-fun, aged 81, went missing after he left his residence in Shun Tin Estate yesterday afternoon (August 16). His family made a report to Police on the same day. 

     He is about 1.6 metres tall, 59 kilograms in weight and of medium build. He has a square face with yellow complexion and short grey hair. He was last seen wearing a white short-sleeved shirt, dark grey trousers and brown slippers.

     Anyone who knows the whereabouts of the missing man or may have seen him is urged to contact the Regional Missing Person Unit of Kowloon East on 3661 0330 or 9735 4215 or email to rmpu-ke-2@police.gov.hk, or contact any police station.
     

  

Attention duty announcers, radio and TV stations:

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

     Earlier today (August 17), some protesters who participated in the public procession in Hung Hom deviated from the approved route and paralysed the traffic by blocking the carriageways of Prince Edward Road West. Some protestors also gathered outside Mong Kok Police Station and used laser beams to point at police officers. Police officers at scene have warned them that they are participating in an unlawful assembly and urged them to leave.
      
     Police have warned the protestors they should stop occupying the roads. Members of the public in the area are also urged to look out for the latest development. Motorists should refrain from going to the area.