Tag Archives: China

The following is issued on behalf of the Investigation and Study Group on the Internal Operational Affairs of the University of Hong Kong:
 
     At a meeting of the Council of the University of Hong Kong (HKU) held today (September 3), the Investigation and Study Group (ISG) on the Internal Operational Affairs of the University of Hong Kong presented its findings and recommendations on the personnel arrangements for senior positions of the HKU. The ISG is pleased to note that the HKU Council has fully accepted the recommendations. This outcome is the result of more than two months of relentless efforts by the ISG, which can help the HKU resume normal operations as soon as possible in its fundamental interest.
      
     The recommendations were formulated after the ISG held more than 60 meetings with relevant parties, including the Chairman and members of the HKU Council, and the President and Vice-Chancellor, and senior management staff of the HKU, and examined relevant documents. They sought to provide practical solutions to ensure clarity and certainty regarding the personnel arrangements for senior positions of the HKU.
 
     The guiding principles for the ISG were:
 
(a) taking the interest of the HKU as the overriding priority; 

(b) making early resolution of differences as much as possible to facilitate the smooth and effective operations of the HKU; 

(c) making continuous efforts in facilitating communication and co-ordination among parties concerned to strive for the overall interest of the HKU; and 

(d) sharing good practices and experiences in the process to ensure that the HKU operates in accordance with the requirements of the University Accountability Agreement and uses funds properly. 

     The ISG also took into account various factors, including the practicality of the Council Resolutions as well as the willingness of officers concerned in taking up the appointments.
           
     The ISG also notes that the HKU has been conducting various search exercises, some of which are related to senior positions such as the Provost, Vice-Presidents, the Registrar and Deans. The ISG urges the Council and the management to work expeditiously on these searches with a view to filling such vacancies.
      
     The findings and recommendations are the ISG’s first deliverable, and the ISG will continue to pursue its work goals.
      
     The Government announced the establishment of the ISG on June 11. The goals of the ISG are: (1) to clarify facts and understand issues of all parties; (2) to facilitate internal co-ordination, assist various parties to work together and strengthen mutual co-operation; and (3) to provide advice based on the investigations and studies, and propose recommendations regarding the improvement measures and good practices to ensure that the HKU operates in accordance with the requirements of the University Accountability Agreement and uses public funds properly.
      
     The ISG is composed of the Permanent Secretary for Education, Ms Michelle Li, and the Chairman of the University Grants Committee (UGC), Mr Tim Lui, supported by a team formed by the Education Bureau and the UGC Secretariat. read more

     The Secretary for Environment and Ecology, Mr Tse Chin-wan, visited Shenzhen HiGreen Wholesale Market in Shenzhen today (September 3) to have an in-depth exchange on the latest developments of modern logistics and wholesal… read more

     The Hong Kong Museum of Coastal Defence (HKMCD) was officially converted into the Hong Kong Museum of the War of Resistance and Coastal Defence (MWRCD) today (September 3). Meanwhile, the thematic exhibition “Brothers in Arms: War of Resistance Activities of the East River Column in Shenzhen and Hong Kong” was launched at the museum. Members of the public can visit the exhibition with free admission from tomorrow (September 4).
      
     At the unveiling ceremony of the MWRCD, the Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, said that today (September 3) is the Victory Day of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression. This date, marking the Victory Day of this significant historical event, was specifically chosen for the ceremony to underscore its importance. He also stated that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government has been holding deep respect for the united front presented by the people of the motherland in their resistance against aggression, and commemorates martyrs and compatriots who sacrificed their lives in defence of the nation.
 
     He said the HKSAR Government will spare no effort to promote patriotic education, strengthen people’s national pride and sense of responsibility and ownership. As one of the important cultivation bases for promoting patriotism, the MWRCD will enhance the understanding of the public, in particular young people, about the arduous years during wartime and the contribution of martyrs through permanent and thematic exhibitions on the War of Resistance.
      
     Other officiating guests at the unveiling ceremony included the Secretary General of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the HKSAR, Mr Wang Songmiao; Deputy Commissioner of the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China in the HKSAR Mr Pan Yundong; Deputy Commander of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army Hong Kong Garrison Navy Rear Admiral Tan Zhiwei; the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Mr Kevin Yeung; the Convenor of the Working Group on Patriotic Education, Ms Starry Lee; the Chairman of the Museum Advisory Committee, Professor Douglas So; the President of the Society of Veterans of the Original Hong Kong Independent Battalion of the Dongjiang Column, Ms Lam Chun; the Director of Leisure and Cultural Services, Mr Vincent Liu; and the Museum Director of the Hong Kong Museum of History, Mr Terence Cheung.

     The four existing exhibition galleries at the museum showcasing the history of the War of Resistance, namely the “Narrative of the War of Resistance”, “Join Hands to Resist Japanese Invasion”, “Japanese Invasion of Hong Kong” and “Anti-Japanese Guerrillas behind Enemy Lines” galleries, will be collectively known as the “War of Resistance Galleries”. Through the display of massive historic photos and artefacts as well as multimedia programmes, the history of the War of Resistance as well as the activities of the Hong Kong and Kowloon Independent Brigade of the East River Column behind enemy lines will be shown to recognise the significant contribution of the column. After the conversion, the Certificate of Commendation (replica) presented by the HKSAR Government to the Hong Kong and Kowloon Independent Brigade of the East River Column, and the name list of the Hong Kong and Kowloon Independent Brigade of the East River Column on the Roll of Honour 1941-1945 who lost their lives during the period of Japanese occupation, will be displayed near the entrance of the museum’s Reception Building to highlight their importance.

     The first thematic exhibition of the MWRCD will focus on the War of Resistance activities of the East River Column in Hong Kong and Shenzhen. It is jointly presented by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) and the Culture, Media, Tourism and Sports Bureau of Shenzhen Municipality. Addressing the opening ceremony of the exhibition, Mr Yeung expressed gratitude to the Culture, Media, Tourism and Sports Bureau of Shenzhen Municipality for assisting the museum in co-ordinating with Mainland cultural institutions and museums. He also thanked the Shenzhen Dongjiang Column Memorial Hall and the Memorial Hall of Chinese Cultural Celebrity Rescue for providing rich historical materials and valuable input for the preparation of the thematic exhibition so that the exhibition can showcase the heroic sacrifices in a more comprehensive manner, which is an important milestone in the collaboration between Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area cities in promoting history and patriotism.
      
     Other officiating guests at the opening ceremony included Second-level Inspector of the Culture, Media, Tourism and Sports Bureau of Shenzhen Municipality Mr Chen Shaohua; Mr Liu; the Curator of the Shenzhen Dongjiang Column Memorial Hall, Mr Wu Yutian; the Curator of the Memorial Hall of Chinese Cultural Celebrity Rescue, Ms Zhang Zixin; the Chief Editor of the Hong Kong Chronicles Institute, Professor Lau Chi-pang; Professor So; member of the Working Group on Patriotic Education (History, Politics, Economics and Culture Sub-group), Ms Melissa Pang; Ms Lam; and Mr Cheung.
      
     Precious exhibits and historical images in the new exhibition include a cloth bag, a felt blanket and a revolver used by members of the Hong Kong and Kowloon Independent Brigade of the East River Column during wartime, newspapers published by the East River Column (replica), the first issue of the “Tati Pictorial” published in Hong Kong in November 1938, cartoon images of “Miscellaneous Memories of One Hundred Days in Dongjiang” created by cartoonist Ding Cong, and a commemorative medal of the 70th Anniversary of the Victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression loaned by Ms Lam, as well as valuable oral history records from veterans. The exhibition is jointly organised by the MWRCD, the Shenzhen Dongjiang Column Memorial Hall and the Memorial Hall of Chinese Cultural Celebrity Rescue, in collaboration with the Chinese Culture Promotion Office of the LCSD, and supported by the Hong Kong Chronicles Institute. The exhibition will run until July 2 next year.
      
     To allow the MWRCD to become a better local cultivation base for the history of the War of Resistance, the integration of the Government’s public resources and synergy from the community is indispensable in promoting its development. The museum launched a year-long Artefact Collection Campaign for the War of Resistance today to encourage the public to donate objects and historical photos related to the War of Resistance and the Hong Kong and Kowloon Independent Brigade of the East River Column for the museum’s preparation of future thematic exhibitions and for research purposes.
      
     In addition, the MWRCD will launch an array of public programmes, including a War of Resistance mini picture book workshop scheduled for September 8 and September 15 from 3pm to 5pm; a National Day flag raising ceremony and drill performance on October 1, and MWRCD Day scheduled for October 26 and November 16 from 1pm to 5pm. The museum will also collaborate with the Hong Kong Public Libraries to organise a series of outreach programmes “War of Resistance @ Libraries” from September to February next year to enhance interest and understanding of the history of the War of Resistance among the public, especially the young generation, through exhibitions, workshops and book display sessions. For more information on the exhibition and programmes, please visit hk.waranddefence.museum or call 2569 1500 for enquiries.
      
     The LCSD has long been promoting Chinese history and culture through organising an array of programmes and activities to enable the public to learn more about the broad and profound Chinese culture, and to cultivate the public’s sense of national identity. For more information, please visit www.lcsd.gov.hk/en/ccpo/index.html.

                          

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

     The spokesperson for the Hospital Authority (HA) made the following statement today (September 3) regarding a mobile application claiming to be able to book general outpatient clinic (GOPC) appointments for patients:
 
     The HA has noticed a mobile application that claims to be able to book the HA’s GOPC quota for patients when personal data is provided. The application developer has also promoted the application through social media. The HA expressed deep concern about this mobile application, which collects patients’ personal information and may log into the HA’s system using the information collected.
 
     The HA spokesperson said, “For now, only HA Go, the mobile application officially developed by the HA, can be used to book GOPC services. All other mobile applications that claim to be able to book appointments for patients are not developed by the HA. The HA has never authorised any mobile applications not developed by the HA to book GOPC appointments on behalf of patients. The HA has taken necessary measures to inspect and enhance the security of the GOPC appointment booking system. No abnormalities in the appointment booking system or leakage of patient information have been found at the moment.”
 
     The spokesperson emphasised that members of the public should not provide personal information, including names, identity card numbers, residential addresses, and contact numbers, to mobile applications of unknown origin to avoid potential misuse of their personal data. Such personal information could be used to access a patient’s medical records, which involve patient privacy. If appointment bookings for GOPC services are needed, members of the public can book appointments with GOPC through the Telephone Booking System or the “Book GOPC” feature in the HA mobile application, HA Go.
 
     The HA will continue to closely monitor the GOPC appointment booking system. If any abnormality or misuse of patients’ personal data is observed, the HA will strictly follow up and report to the relevant law enforcement agencies. read more

     The Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, continued his visit to Melbourne, Australia, today (September 3, Melbourne time).
      
     In the morning, Mr Chan attended the Asia Summit organised by the Australian Financial Review in partnership with the Asia Society Australia, delivered a keynote speech on the future of Hong Kong’s economy and joined the subsequent interaction session. Mr Chan introduced in his speech Hong Kong’s latest economic situation, business environment and development prospects. He said that Hong Kong’s economy has resumed steady growth following the pandemic. In the long run, Hong Kong’s core strength lies in “one country, two systems”, and it will continue to maintain the salient features of “two systems”: the common law system, the rule of law, a judiciary exercising powers independently, the free flow of capital, goods, information, and talent, thus continuing to serve as a trusted hub for international investors and enterprises. In addition, with its substantial gross domestic product, affluent population, an innovation and technology ecosystem that ranks top worldwide, and a comprehensive shipping and transportation network, the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA), where Hong Kong is situated, supports Hong Kong’s development and brings business opportunities to foreign investors.
      
     Mr Chan noted in his speech that Hong Kong fulfilled its constitutional obligation by completing the legislation of Article 23 of the Basic Law this year. He stressed that the national security laws have ensured a stable and predictable environment for Hong Kong’s economic development, and he pointed out that foreign businesses in Hong Kong generally expressed that the national security laws have not affected their operations.
      
     Mr Chan also highlighted Hong Kong’s development directions in finance and innovation and technology during the Summit. He said that Hong Kong, as one of the important financing markets in Asia, has been achieving strong performance in follow-on offerings and fundraising this year, proving the fundraising capabilities of the market. Offshore Renminbi business, green and sustainable finance, digital assets and fintech are also seeing burgeoning growth.
      
     Regarding innovation and technology, Mr Chan also introduced Hong Kong’s unique advantages, including access to data, talent and capital on the Mainland side as well as the international side. For medicines and medical devices, Hong Kong is progressing towards a “primary evaluation” approach, which aims to establish Hong Kong as a medicines approval hub. To foster the development of innovation and technology, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government has set up the Office for Attracting Strategic Enterprises to attract high-tech companies to the city. More than 100 companies have either established or expanded their operations in Hong Kong. Meanwhile, various talent admission schemes have been attracting high-calibre talent to Hong Kong. Mr Chan concluded that by leveraging their strengths in finance and innovation and technology, the GBA will become a region that combines the advantages of the New York and San Francisco Bay Areas.  He looks forward to strengthening co-operation with the business community and the innovation and technology sector in Australia to create new opportunities together.
      
     Later, Mr Chan met with the Chinese Consul-General in Melbourne, Mr Fang Xinwen, to brief him on the recent developments in Hong Kong. They exchanged views on topics such as China-Australia relations and promoting co-operation among Hong Kong, the whole of the GBA, and Australia.
      
     During his stay in Melbourne, he also met with a Hong Kong electric vehicle charging operator and its Australian partner, who are expanding their business in Melbourne, to understand their development plans and strategies in Australia. After the meeting, Mr Chan said that Hong Kong’s green technology enterprises can tap into overseas markets through their advanced and leading technologies, facilitating global green and low-carbon transformation while opening up larger markets for themselves. That would be a win-win situation. He encouraged more Hong Kong green tech enterprises to go global and seek opportunities of co-operation, thereby contributing to global green transformation.
      
     Mr Chan departed for Sydney this afternoon (Melbourne time) and will continue his itinerary in Sydney tomorrow (September 4, Melbourne time).