The Education Bureau (EDB) today (September 6) issued a circular memorandum to all secondary day schools, primary schools, special schools and kindergartens in Hong Kong, announcing the arrangements for the provision of a student grant to day-school students in the 2023/24 school year.
 
     An EDB spokesman said, "The Government provides a student grant of $2,500 for secondary day-school, primary school and kindergarten students every school year. The provision of the grant has been regularised starting from the 2020/21 school year to alleviate parents' burden of educational expenses." 
 
     The student grant is non-means-tested. All students, as at the date of application, studying in secondary day-schools, primary schools and special schools (including public sector schools, Direct Subsidy Scheme (DSS) schools, English Schools Foundation schools and private schools) as well as kindergartens (whether having joined the kindergarten education scheme or not) offering local or non-local curriculum in Hong Kong are eligible for the grant. Students of evening schools, students of private studies, holders of student visas for entry into Hong Kong for studies and holders of the recognisance forms issued by the Immigration Department are not within the scope of subsidy.
 
     The spokesman continued, "The following students are deemed eligible for the grant owing to special circumstances: (a) children at the age of 2 years and 8 months or above as at September 1 of the 2023/24 school year concerned attending a Special Child Care Centre subsidised by the Social Welfare Department owing to special needs; (b) newly arrived children attending a full-time Initiation Programme funded by the EDB; and (c) students taking full-time programmes for Secondary Three school leavers offered by the Vocational Training Council. We will issue letters to relevant organisations and institutions today to inform them of the details."

     The spokesman said, "Starting from the 2023/24 school year, the EDB will introduce electronic submission of student grant applications (e-submission) in public sector schools and DSS schools. Parents may log in to the e-submission platform via an 'iAM Smart+' account with digital signing function to submit applications for their children studying in public sector schools or DSS schools. The e-platform will open from 6am on September 14 to 11.59pm on October 2. Parents are encouraged to submit applications online to enjoy the convenience of the e-service."
 
     To cater for the needs of individual parents, apart from e-submission, the EDB provides an option for parents to return the completed applications in paper form to schools. However, only one application, either in electronic form or paper form, can be submitted for each eligible student. Schools are required to submit the completed forms to the EDB for follow-up on or before November 8. The EDB will normally disburse the subsidy gradually within about six weeks after receiving the duly completed application forms and will inform parents of the application progress via SMS and email as appropriate.
 
     Details of the student grant are available on the EDB website (www.edb.gov.hk/en/student-parents/support-subsidies/student-grant/index.html). 

The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority:
 
     The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) wishes to alert members of the public to a press release issued by Livi Bank Limited relating to a fraudulent website and internet banking login screen, which have been reported to the HKMA. A hyperlink to the press release is available on the HKMA website.

     The HKMA wishes to remind the public that banks will not send SMS or emails with embedded hyperlinks which direct them to the banks' websites to carry out transactions. They will not ask customers for sensitive personal information, such as login passwords or one-time password, by phone, email or SMS (including via embedded hyperlinks).

     Anyone who has provided his or her personal information, or who has conducted any financial transactions, through or in response to the website or login screen concerned, should contact the bank using the contact information provided in the press release, and report the matter to the Police by contacting the Crime Wing Information Centre of the Hong Kong Police Force at 2860 5012.

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

     The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) wishes to alert members of the public to a press release issued by Bank of China (Hong Kong) Limited relating to fraudulent websites, internet banking login screens and phishing emails, which have been reported to the HKMA. A hyperlink to the press release is available on the HKMA website.
      
     The HKMA wishes to remind the public that banks will not send SMS or emails with embedded hyperlinks which direct them to the banks' websites to carry out transactions. They will not ask customers for sensitive personal information, such as login passwords or one-time password, by phone, email or SMS (including via embedded hyperlinks).
      
     Anyone who has provided his or her personal information, or who has conducted any financial transactions, through or in response to the websites, login screens or emails concerned, should contact the bank using the contact information provided in the press release, and report the matter to the Police by contacting the Crime Wing Information Centre of the Hong Kong Police Force at 2860 5012.

     The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government's first Mainland training programme dedicated to the grade of Executive Officer (EO) at the entry level was held in Guangzhou today (September 6). Thirty-four Executive Officers II (EOIIs) from various bureaux and departments will participate in classroom learning and site visits, marking a further enhancement of the training and career development system for the EO grade by the Government.

     The Secretary for the Civil Service, Mrs Ingrid Yeung; Vice President of Sun Yat-sen University Mr Yang Donghua; and the Director of General Grades of the Civil Service Bureau (CSB), Mr Hermes Chan, attended the opening ceremony for the training programme at Sun Yat-sen University. Mrs Yeung encouraged colleagues to seize the opportunity to learn, and be mindful and observant to broaden their exposure. She also hoped that the participants could make use of what they learned to become even more effective in performing their role as professional managers and contribute to the country and society.
 
     In the morning, Mrs Yeung took the Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Express Rail Link to Guangzhou with the programme participants who have joined the Government for about three years on average. During the three-day programme, apart from the first day's classroom training at Sun Yat-sen University, they will mainly conduct thematic visits related to regional collaboration and digital government at various locations, including the Huangpu Institute of Materials and an urban operation integrated command centre in Yuexiu District.

     Mrs Yeung said that the Government is committed to maintaining a clear and well-structured career development system for civil servants to attract and promote talent. The Mainland training programme for EOIIs is an important investment in human resources by the Government for junior EOs. Unlike previous Mainland training programmes, this programme is designed for middle-level junior civil servants. It is one of the initiatives to strengthen the foundation training for the EO grade and will focus on on-site visits and research, which allows the participants to learn about the country and its development from various aspects and to strengthen their sense of belonging to and awareness of the country, so that they can actively facilitate Hong Kong's efforts to integrate itself into the overall development of the country at work. The programme was jointly organised by the CSB and Sun Yat-sen University, with support from the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council.

     She added that the Government provided a wide range of training opportunities for the EO grade at different ranks, including induction and other basic training programmes for new recruits, knowledge and skills training programmes based on job needs, focused training and experience sharing on dedicated topics, as well as leadership and management training to cater for the development needs of EOs at different levels. Also, arrangements will be made for EOs of high potential to participate in executive and leadership training, and public management programmes held locally and outside Hong Kong, including the Master's Degree in Public Policy Programme by Peking University for senior civil servants.
 
     Depending on the annual enrolment of new recruits, the CSB will arrange for about 200 EOIIs to attend the programme every year.

  

     Presented by the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau and organised by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department, the Asia+ Festival will be held in October and November, with a focus on Asia and to celebrate the cultural diversity of the continent and Belt and Road regions.
 
     Deeply rooted in Chinese culture and geographically situated at the heart of Asia, Hong Kong has long seen the dynamic fusion of Asian cultures and other parts of the world. Under the auspices of the National 14th Five-Year Plan, Hong Kong is comprehensively developing into an East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchanges.
 
     The new Asia+ Festival has garnered the support of consulates and representatives of overseas cultural organisations in Hong Kong to bring audiences stage performances, exhibitions and an outdoor carnival with participation from over 20 countries, to showcase their unique cultures and arts. Participating countries include Bangladesh, Cambodia, Egypt, Indonesia, Iran, Japan, Kazakhstan, Korea, Kuwait, Laos, Malaysia, Mongolia, Nepal, Pakistan, the Philippines, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Türkiye, the United Arab Emirates and Vietnam. Eleven programmes will be featured in this year's festival. Brief introductions are as follows:
 
Persian Elegant Authentic Cultural Events (PEACE) (October 2 to 15)
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     Handmade carpets are a major example of Persian handicrafts, known far and wide for their excellence. Exquisite handicrafts, carpets, books and more will be showcased in the exhibition to promote public understanding of Iran's culture and arts.
 
NOON (October 7)
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     NOON, an experimental ensemble consisting of three musicians from the United Arab Emirates redefines East-West musical fusion. Their creative work is an unusual potpourri of traditional Oud music from the Middle East, polyrhythmic jazz and rock, with heavy shades of funk groove, African and Indian percussive rhythms as well as electronic effects.
 
Vanishing (October 13 and 14)
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     Set in the capital city of Korea (now Seoul) in 1925, the original Korean musical "Vanishing" recounts the adventure of two medical students who run into a vampire in an abandoned house, offering a deep contemplation on the life topics of death and eternity. This is a programme of Festive Korea 2023.
 
Persian Elegant Authentic Carpet Exhibition II (October 16 to 22)
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     Iranian and Persian handicrafts such as carpets, enamel and Termeh textiles will be on display to promote the arts and intangible cultural heritage of Iran.
 
The Once and Future (October 21 and 22)
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     The multimedia concert "The Once and Future" is a seamless blend of film, live music, vocals and a laser display, inviting audiences to explore the essence of humanity together. The programme features a film directed by acclaimed Singaporean filmmaker Yeo Siew Hua (Locarno Film Festival and Golden Horse Awards winner). The film was shot entirely in Argentina, with an original musical score written by composer Eugene Birman and performed live by the ZeMu! Ensemble Berlin, a group stemming from the Berliner Philharmoniker. Also performing is young Indian vocalist Anandi Bhattacharya, who will personify artificial intelligence. This is a programme of the New Vision Arts Festival 2023.
 
RAIN (November 10 to 12)
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     Adapted from the famous work "Rain" by British novelist Somerset Maugham in the early 20th century, Japanese choreographer Ryu Suzuki partners with visual artist Shinji Ohmaki and sound artist evala in the dance work "RAIN", a stage show that shines a light on human relationships under the pandemic. This is a programme of the New Vision Arts Festival 2023.
 
Asian Ethnic Cultural Performances 2023 (November 12)
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     This year's "Asian Ethnic Cultural Performances", with "Crowning the Harvest Hues" as the main theme, showcases cultural offerings from over 20 countries and regions including ethnic dance, music performances featuring rarely seen instruments, delicate handicrafts and more.

Asian Ethnic Cultural Performances 2023: Charm of Hues – National Costume and Headdress Exhibition (November 12 to 19)
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     Among four basic human needs – clothing, dining, living and travelling – clothing may come first. People have worn various forms of clothes and decorations at festive events, ethnic celebrations and art performances since the beginning of time, shaping their own cultures with distinct qualities. In this year's Asian Ethnic Cultural Performances, an eight-day ethnic costume and headdress exhibition is added, displaying beautiful art pieces to showcase the fascinating social landscapes of the Asian region.
 
K-Drama OST Live Concert (November 18)
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     Original singers, along with members of the orchestras and bands who produced iconic original soundtracks (OSTs) of K-drama, will perform enchanting tunes from popular Korean TV series including "Descendants of the Sun", "King the Land", and many more. In addition to K-drama, the programme features a session dedicated to Hong Kong cinema where a local artist will sing famous tunes known by locals. This is a programme of Festive Korea 2023.
 
Egypt Youth Choir (November 19)
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     Music is an integral part of Egyptian culture, almost indispensable to people's everyday lives. Youths from local Egyptian communities, forming the Egypt Youth Choir, will perform Egyptian songs and Coptic hymns in Arabic, English and Coptic languages.
 
Encore Series: Piano Recital by Seong-Jin Cho (November 28)
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     Seong-Jin Cho was brought to the world's attention in 2015 for winning the First Prize at the Chopin International Competition at the tender age of 21. In the forthcoming Hong Kong recital, Cho will grace audiences with a diverse repertoire spanning the late 18th century to the early 20th century.
      
     Several programmes of the Asia+ Festival offer fringe activities such as workshops, a stage tour and a pre-concert talk. For more details of the festival, please visit www.lcsd.gov.hk/en/asiaplus.