The Leisure and Cultural Services Department announced today (September 25) that the multipurpose arena of Ap Lei Chau Sports Centre in Southern District will be temporarily closed from October 2 (Wednesday) for refurbishment works, which are expected to be completed in the third quarter of 2025. During the closure period, the public may use similar facilities at Aberdeen Sports Centre, Yue Kwong Road Sports Centre, Wong Chuk Hang Sports Centre and Stanley Sports Centre in the same district.

     For enquiries, please contact the venue staff at 2554 0832.

     The Leisure and Cultural Services Department announced today (September 25) that Yue Kwong Road Sports Centre in Southern District will reopen for public use from October 2 (Wednesday). This venue was temporarily closed earlier for renovation works.

     Members of the public can reserve these reopened fee-charging facilities from tomorrow (September 26) via the SmartPLAY website (www.smartplay.lcsd.gov.hk/home), the mobile app (My SmartPLAY), Smart Self-service Stations, or via the service counters at leisure venues and the District Leisure Services Offices. For enquiries, please contact the venue staff at 2554 9132.

     The Government announced today (September 25) that the Chief Executive has reappointed Mr Jack Chan Hoi as a member of the Standing Committee on Directorate Salaries and Conditions of Service (the Directorate Committee) for a term of two years from October 1, 2024, to September 30, 2026. 

     The Directorate Committee tenders advice to the Chief Executive on matters relating to the structure, pay and conditions of service of directorate ranks in the civil service. It is chaired by Mrs Ann Kung Yeung Yun-chi. Other serving members are Ms Margaret Cheng Wai-ching, Mr Kevin Lam Sze-cay, Ms Zabrina Lau Shing-yan and Ms Jacqueline Ng Wai-kwan.

     The Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau (FSTB) published today (September 25) the consultation conclusions on promoting paperless corporate communication for Hong Kong companies. The report outlines the views received during the consultation period, and sets out the Government's response and the way forward.
 
     The public consultation was conducted from November 27, 2023, to January 26, 2024. The FSTB received a total of nine submissions from the community, including business chambers, professional bodies and public organisations.
 
     The FSTB briefed the Panel on Financial Affairs of the Legislative Council on the legislative proposals, consulted the Standing Committee on Company Law Reform, and organised a briefing session to introduce the legislative proposals to seven industry organisations.
 
     A spokesman for the FSTB said, "We are pleased to note that the proposals to promote paperless corporate communication for Hong Kong companies have received general support from the community. Respondents agreed that the proposals will help enhance the cost-effectiveness and operational efficiency of companies, thereby achieving the objectives of streamlining procedures and promoting a green business environment. Respondents also provided valuable comments on different aspects of the proposals, including introducing an implied consent mechanism, removing the separate notification requirement, and enhancing protection of shareholders' interest."
 
     The FSTB is drafting the Amendment Bill and plans to introduce it into the Legislative Council within this year. The Government hopes that the community will continue to support the implementation of the legislative proposals.
 
     The consultation conclusions have been uploaded to the website of the FSTB at www.fstb.gov.hk/fsb/en/publication/consult/consult_paperless.html.
 
 

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

     Result of the tender of the People's Bank of China RMB Bills held on September 25, 2024: