Tag Archives: China

     The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) held the National Ecology Day (NED) 2024 Launching Ceremony cum Symposium today (August 15) to launch a series of environmental protection and nature conservation activities and offers. Representatives of government and non-governmental organisations, scholars and experts from the Mainland and Hong Kong were invited to exchange views on the work of building ecological civilisation.
 
     The theme of this year’s NED is “Promoting eco-friendly economic and social development in all respects”. The Acting Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Cheuk Wing-hing; the Director of the Planning and Natural Resources Bureau of Shenzhen Municipality (SZPNR), Mr Xu Songming; the Acting Secretary for Environment and Ecology, Miss Diane Wong; the Permanent Secretary for Environment and Ecology (Environment), Miss Janice Tse; and the Director of Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation, Mr Mickey Lai, attended the launching ceremony as the officiating guests.
 
     Other guests at the launching ceremony included the Chairman of the Legislative Council Panel on Environmental Affairs, Mr Lau Kwok-fan; members of the Panel, Mr Frankie Yick, Ms Elizabeth Quat and Ms Judy Chan; the Acting Director of Electrical and Mechanical Services, Mr Chan Pak-cheung; the Acting Director of Environmental Protection, Mr Fong Kin-wa; and the Acting Director of the Hong Kong Observatory, Mr Lee Lap-shun.
 
     The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department and the SZPNR signed the Cooperative Framework Agreement for the Enhancement of Wutong Mountain (Shenzhen) – Robin’s Nest (Hong Kong) Ecological Corridor for establishing the co-operation framework agreement on creating an ecological corridor between Wutong Mountain Scenic Area in Shenzhen and Robin’s Nest Country Park in Hong Kong. The scope of co-operation includes cleaning up invasive alien species, conducting ecological baseline surveys, examining enhancement of the ecological corridor for terrestrial animals and exchanging experiences on nature education.
 
     In his opening speech, Mr Cheuk said that the country emphasised that nature provided the basic conditions for human survival and development. The harmonious coexistence of humanity and nature in development planning must be maintained, and the important concept that “lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets” must be upheld. He stressed that the HKSAR Government was committed to the conservation of Hong Kong’s natural ecology, such as designating Robin’s Nest Country Park and North Lantau Marine Park, actively taking forward the establishment of Sam Po Shue Wetland Conservation Park in the Northern Metropolis, updating Hong Kong’s Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan, and continuing the enhancement of co-operation between the Mainland and Hong Kong on the nature conservation and environmental protection fronts.

     Speaking at the ceremony, Mr Xu said that Shenzhen and Hong Kong, separated only by a narrow strip of water, constitute an interdependent ecological community. Facing the future, ecological integration between Shenzhen and Hong Kong for jointly building a world-class and beautiful bay area are the implicit requirements for the two cities to deepen co-operation and achieve mutual benefits. He said he hoped that both Shenzhen and Hong Kong would take the signing of the Cooperative Framework Agreement for the Enhancement of Wutong Mountain (Shenzhen) – Robin’s Nest (Hong Kong) Ecological Corridor as an opportunity to carry out deeper, higher-level and broader co-operation and exchanges in the fields of natural resources and ecological protection, jointly tell the good story of building ecological civilisation in China, and jointly write a profound chapter for regional co-operation between the two places.
 
     Miss Wong pointed out during her speech that the theme of the second NED was “Promoting eco-friendly economic and social development in all respects”, which showed the determination of the Mainland and Hong Kong to promote green development and carbon neutrality in an active and steady manner. In the past year, the HKSAR Government has taken forward the four major decarbonisation strategies and measures, namely net-zero electricity generation, energy saving and green buildings, green transport and waste reduction, steadily implementing the transformation to low carbon. The HKSAR Government will continue to work with all sectors of society towards achieving ecological civilisation, driving green transformation and building a beautiful China and a beautiful Hong Kong.
 
     Speakers at the symposium included member of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Boya Chair Professor of Peking University, Professor Fang Jingyun; the Director of the Centre for Civil Society and Governance, Professor of Public Administration of the University of Hong Kong (HKU), Professor Danny Lam; Adjunct Professor of the Department of Geography and Resource Management of the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) Professor Lam Kin-che; Research Assistant Professor of the School of Life Sciences of the CUHK Dr Apple Chui; the Head of Department and Professor of the Department of Urban Planning and Design, Faculty of Architecture of the HKU, Professor He Shenjing; and the Head of the Countryside Conservation Office of the Environment and Ecology Bureau, Professor Stephen Tang. They exchanged views on ecological situations and conservation amidst the changing climate in China, Hong Kong’s rural revitalisation, countryside and ecological conservation, and coral restoration.

     The HKSAR Government has earlier announced that the Government and non-governmental organisations will launch various special activities and offers from August 15 to 31, including free admission to eco-facilities, free guided eco-tours, night safari, workshops and seminars, for the public to support and participate in the second NED, thereby raising public awareness of ecological civilisation and their consciousness of the need for thought and action to protect the environment. Details of the special activities and offers have been uploaded to the social media platform of the Countryside Conservation Office (www.facebook.com/countrysideconservationhk), the social media platform of T·PARK (www.facebook.com/tparkhk), the Hong Kong Biodiversity Information Hub website of the AFCD (bih.gov.hk/en/education-programmes/programmes/index.html) as well as the websites or social media platforms of participating organisations.

                          

     Police are investigating a fatal traffic accident happened in Western District this morning (August 15) in which a girl died.      At 10.40am, a tram driven by a 48-year-old man was travelling along … read more

     The Government said today (August 15) that it will continue to closely monitor the Mpox (also known as Monkeypox) situation and enhance preventive measures following the declaration of the World Health Organization (WHO) of the recent Mpox outbreak development in Africa as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC). Members of the public are urged to heighten vigilance and avoid close physical contact with persons suspected of contracting Mpox. Meanwhile, high-risk target groups are advised to receive Mpox vaccinations.

     The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) officially declared the ongoing Mpox outbreak a Public Health Emergency of Continental Security (PHECS) on August 13. In recent weeks, there has been a sustained increase in the number of Mpox cases and outbreaks reported in countries in the WHO African Region. According to Africa CDC, at least 13 African countries reported Mpox outbreaks and have confirmed 2 863 cases and 517 deaths in 2024, primarily in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). In light of the emergence of a new sexually transmissible Mpox strain and its rapid spread in eastern DRC and several neighbouring countries of the DRC, and the potential for further international spread within and outside Africa, the WHO today announced that the upsurge of Mpox to be a PHEIC.

     Case investigations and subsequent outbreak investigations in DRC confirmed human-to-human transmission of the new Mpox strain, while some of the cases reported no history of animal exposure. In 2024, children represented the most affected age group in cases in the DRC, with 39 per cent of the cases reported in children aged under 5 years old. Available information suggests that the current modes of transmission in Africa are more diverse, including human-to-human transmission due to different types of physical or close direct or indirect contact and, in some settings, also zoonotic exposure.

     Hong Kong has put in place the Preparedness and Response Plan for Mpox (the Plan) since June 2022. Subsequent to the confirmation of the first Mpox case in September 2022 in Hong Kong, the Government activated the alert response level under the Plan and implemented preventive measures accordingly, including enhanced surveillance, strengthening port health measures, quarantine preparedness and hospital preparedness. Mechanisms are in place in Hong Kong to ensure swift and interdepartmental responses to public health threats on emerging infectious diseases.

     As at August 14, a total of 67 Mpox cases (54 local and 13 imported) have been recorded in Hong Kong since 2022, among which 13 of them are recorded this year. All of the 67 cases were males. Epidemiological investigation showed that most cases involved men who have sex with men (MSM)/bisexual with history of high-risk sexual behaviours, including having sex with strangers or unsafe sex.

     In view of the latest developments, the Department of Health (DH) has issued letter to doctors and hospitals in Hong Kong, urging them to be aware and report suspected cases for prompt epidemiological investigation and contact tracing. The DH will strengthen travel health advice to people visiting Africa and will enhance public education on the prevention of Mpox through various online and offline channels. Relevant stakeholders in the community including the ethnic minority groups will be informed as well.

     The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the DH commenced the Mpox Vaccination Programme in October 2022, using a third-generation vaccine for contacts of confirmed cases as well as individuals at high risk of exposure on a voluntary basis. From the commencement of the programme to August 11 this year, over 16 700 doses of vaccines were administered.

     The CHP appeals to high-risk target groups to receive Mpox vaccinations with a view to lowering the risk of infection or the possibility of having more severe symptoms after infection. Mpox vaccine is effective against the new Mpox strain emerging in the DRC.

     In addition to the vaccination programme, the CHP has also set up an Mpox telephone hotline (2125 2373). The hotline operates from Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays) from 9am to 5pm, which enables persons who suspect or are concerned they have had high-risk contact with confirmed patients to make enquiries and receive relevant health advices.

     The DH will continue to closely monitor the global epidemiological situation and make preparations to prevent the spread of Mpox. The Preparedness and Response Plan for Mpox published by the Government is available on the CHP’s website (www.chp.gov.hk/files/pdf/preparedness_and_response_plan_for_monkeypox_eng.pdf). read more

The following is issued on behalf of the Legislative Council Secretariat:

     The delegation of the Legislative Council (LegCo) Panel on Education concluded its duty visit to Shanghai and Suzhou today (August 15).

     On the last day of the visit, the delegation visited the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Experience Centre in the Suzhou Industrial Park (SIP) in the morning to learn about the development of the high-technology park in Suzhou, as well as its latest technological achievements and innovative products of AI. Approved to be established by the State Council in 1994, SIP is a major co-operation project between China and Singapore. By 2023, the park has a cluster of over 1 700 relevant enterprises in the field of AI.

     The delegation then visited the Silk Road School (SRS) of Renmin University of China (Suzhou). Noting that SRS was established by Renmin University of China to actively support the Belt and Road Initiative, Members shared experience with the representatives of the University on internationalisation of higher education.

     In the afternoon, the delegation had lunch with the leaders of the Suzhou Municipal People’s Congress and exchanged views on issues of mutual concern, including promoting co-operation between Hong Kong and Suzhou, strengthening the development of research-academic-industry collaboration, as well as attracting, nurturing and retaining talent, etc. Members then visited the Suzhou Revolution Museum to understand Suzhou’s efforts in promoting patriotic education. 

     In summing up the four-day duty visit, the delegation leader, Professor Priscilla Leung described the visit as successful and fruitful. Professor Leung said, “Members obtained a first-hand understanding of the latest developments of education and innovative technology in Shanghai and Suzhou. Members were impressed by the remarkable achievements of the two cities in enhancing the high-quality development of education, promoting AI technologies through science and education, expediting research-academic-industry collaboration, activating transformation of research and development outcomes as well as nurturing of talents, which could serve as a valuable reference for Hong Kong.” Professor Leung believed this visit would facilitate the discussion between Members and the Administration on how Hong Kong can complement the national strategy of invigorating the country through science and education, including fostering the development of Hong Kong into an international education hub and promoting patriotic education more effectively.

     Professor Leung expressed her heartfelt gratitude to the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region for assisting in liaison, as well as the arrangements made by Shanghai and Suzhou’s Municipal Governments, and the relevant bodies, making the duty visit concluded smoothly.

     The delegation, consisting of 14 LegCo Members, visited Shanghai and Suzhou from August 12 to 15. The delegation was led by the Chairman of the LegCo Panel on Education, Professor Priscilla Leung. The Secretary for Education, Dr Choi Yuk-lin, also participated in the duty visit in Shanghai.

      

     A Government spokesman said today (August 15) that the Building Technology Research Institute (BTRi) was established officially upon completion of business registration procedures, with Mr Hon Chi-keung and Dr Chan Ka-kui appointed as the Chairperson and the Vice Chairperson of the Board of the BTRi respectively.
 
     The Financial Secretary announced in the Budget in February this year the establishment of the Building Testing and Research Institute by the Development Bureau (DEVB) within this year to promote innovative applications in the construction industry. The institute, now named the Building Technology Research Institute, is a limited company wholly owned by the Financial Secretary Incorporated. 
 
     The BTRi will conduct research and development (R&D) activities in areas covering innovative construction materials, construction methods and technologies, as well as devise standards, conduct testing and provide accreditation. Through collaboration with government authorities in the Greater Bay Area (GBA), the BTRi will foster interconnectivity and integrated development of the GBA, and help build the brand of “GBA Standards” by developing standards for different domains of construction, such as materials, design and construction methods, with a view to developing the GBA into one of the regions with the most advanced construction technologies in the country and transforming the construction industry into a new quality productive force.
 
     The DEVB will inject funding of $10 million for the initial operation of the BTRi. Thereafter, the BTRi will collaborate with academic institutions, research institutes, government departments, private organisations and more to carry out various projects and research. It will adopt a self-financed operation strategy through its business receipts.
 
     The Secretary for Development, Ms Bernadette Linn, said, “The construction industry is one of the key industries in Hong Kong. Hong Kong has unique advantages with a wealth of knowledge and experience in applying international construction standards. Established with two strategic missions, the BTRi will enhance professional skills, product quality and cost effectiveness on one hand, while on the other hand facilitating our country to align its standards for construction technologies and products with those in the international market, thereby enabling relevant construction technologies and products to go global, as well as attracting R&D talent to Hong Kong.”
 
     Ms Linn welcomed the appointment of Mr Hon and Dr Chan as the Chairperson and Vice Chairperson of the Board of BTRi. She said, “They have over 40 years of experience in the construction industry as well as outstanding leadership and management abilities. Under their leadership, the BTRi will drive the sustainable development of the construction industry.” During Mr Hon’s tenure as the Permanent Secretary for Development (Works), he proactively promoted and implemented “Construction 2.0”, leading the construction industry to seize new opportunities with innovation as well as promoting the long-term and sustainable development of the industry. Dr Chan is a registered professional surveyor and a Fellow Member of the Hong Kong Institute of Surveyors. He served as the Chairman of the Construction Industry Council (CIC), leading the CIC to implement various measures successfully and enhancing the overall performance of the construction industry.
 
     Following the completion of business registration procedures, the BTRi will work on manpower recruitment and formulation of development directions, and liaise with potential project partners, with the aim of announcing the work plans and development proposals of the first stage later this year.   read more