The Transport Department today (September 10) reminded members of the public that the ninth round of computer ballot registration for submitting applications for Northbound Travel for Hong Kong Vehicles (the Scheme) will be open from 10am tomorrow (September 11) to 11.59pm on September 14. The ballot result will be announced on September 15.
 
     Eligible applicants for the Scheme can register for computer balloting through the designated website (www.hzmbqfs.gov.hk). Successful balloting applicants are required to submit applications for the Scheme within the designated date and time randomly allocated by the computer system.

     With a number of radical individuals being incarcerated in recent years, the Correctional Services Department has introduced activities to instil positive values among those in custody – including offering Chinese music lessons.

     News.gov.hk spoke to youngsters in custody, an officer from the department and an executive director from the Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra to learn about how the lessons and activities are helping to inspire national pride among inmates.
 
     The story is available at www.news.gov.hk/eng/feature today (September 10) in text and video format.

     The Water Supplies Department announced today (September 10) that the department's Customer Enquiry Centres will be reopened at 9am tomorrow (September 11).

     â€‹The new Director of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, New York (HKETONY), Ms Maisie Ho, officiated at the Atlanta Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival on September 9 (Atlanta time) as her first duty visit since assuming the post last month.
      
     During the opening ceremony at the Lake Lanier Olympic Park, Ms Ho said HKETONY has taken great pride in introducing and supporting the event since its inception in 1995, as it aligns perfectly with its mission to foster and strengthen the cultural, business and economic ties between Hong Kong and Atlanta.
      
     "Today we celebrate the Festival's remarkable journey from modest beginnings with only seven racing teams in 1995 to the grand multicultural event as we see it, bringing people together from diverse backgrounds. The Festival has transcended its sporting origins to become a symbol of Hong Kong's vibrancy, vitality and dynamism," she added, while taking the opportunity to invite spectators to visit Hong Kong and explore the abundant and exciting opportunities for study, work, business and leisure.
      
     This year's festival was joined by 64 teams, comprising over 1 500 competitors from Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee. Among them were members of the Hong Kong Student Association at the Georgia Institute of Technology, competing as the HKETONY Dragon Riders team. The event also saw a record three teams comprised of breast cancer survivors taking part.
      
     The HKETONY set up a festival booth with Hong Kong-themed games and souvenirs. Videos showcasing Hong Kong's attractions and opportunities were also featured at the event.

          

     Hong Kong Customs today (September 10) announced that the Customer Service Centre at 3/F, Customs Headquarters Building, 222 Java Road, North Point, will resume normal tomorrow (September 11).