Following is the speech by the Secretary for Transport and Housing, Mr Frank Chan Fan, at the Asian Logistics, Maritime and Aviation Conference 2021 today (November 3):

Margaret (Executive Director of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, Ms Margaret Fong), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

​     Good morning. Welcome to the second day of the Asian Logistics, Maritime and Aviation Conference (ALMAC) 2021.
 
     Although there are still two months to go, 2021 is no doubt another challenging year for the logistics industry. The global supply chain has survived and risen to the challenge to keep the world going, from restocking hash browns and chicken wings locally, to the timely distribution of food and other essential supplies such as vaccines worldwide. It calls for collaboration that transcends borders and sectors, and is only made possible through concerted efforts among the maritime, aviation and logistics industries. Given such a backdrop, the theme of this year's Conference, "Resilience, Agility, Sustainability" could not be more timely.
 
     Despite disruptions to global supply chain and worldwide shortage of containers, we have been doing whatever we can to maintain normal operations of our airport and port round the clock. For the first nine months of 2021, the cumulative container throughput at the Hong Kong Port has edged up to 13.3 million TEUs and cargo throughput at the Hong Kong International Airport recorded a 13.1 per cent growth to 3.6 million tonnes. These are testimony that cargo operations on all fronts in Hong Kong remain vibrant and resilient.
 
     Under "One Country, Two Systems", the National 14th Five-Year Plan reaffirms the unwavering support of the Central People's Government to strengthen Hong Kong's position as international aviation hub and international maritime centre, as well as the region's logistics hub. 
 
     The Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area is one of the fastest growing regions in China and in the world, with a total population of 86 million and a combined GDP of around US$1.7 trillion. The strategic development of the Greater Bay Area provides immense opportunities for common prosperity. Last year, the Greater Bay Area handled altogether a throughput of 82 million TEUs, and 7.7 million tonnes of air mails and cargoes. Putting together the nation's dual circulation economic development strategy, the Greater Bay Area's cluster effect, and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, the potential for development and growth for the logistics, maritime and aviation industries would be phenomenal.
 
     To make the most of these opportunities, we have formulated comprehensive strategies to reinforce our position as a premier regional logistics hub, underpinned by our world-class transport infrastructures, be it air, land and sea. Our aviation network reach out to over 200 destinations worldwide. The Hong Kong International Airport had been the world's busiest cargo airport for many years, and its cargo handling capacity will be doubled to 10 million tonnes annually when the Three-runway System is fully commissioned by 2024.
 
     As for sea transport, the Hong Kong Port is renowned for its extensive connectivity and efficiency. With over 150 years of maritime heritage, robust international connectivity and our multi-faceted maritime excellence, the Hong Kong Port remains one of the top ten container ports in the world, as well as a transhipment hub in the region. There are some 280 weekly container vessel sailings, connecting to over 600 destinations worldwide. 
 
     The future of modern logistics is going to be smart and technology-driven. Automation, artificial intelligence, big data and digitalisation are instrumental. To help achieve this strategic goal, the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region has set up a HK$300 million funding scheme to encourage logistics services providers in applying technological solutions to enhance productivity.
 
     Apart from hardware and infrastructures, human capital is also indispensable. The Government spares no effort in attracting and grooming talents to support the maritime, aviation and logistics industries. With a total commitment of HK$300 million, the Maritime and Aviation Training Fund has organised a wide spectrum of training activities, with over 13 000 practitioners and students trained over the years. The Hong Kong International Aviation Academy also helps nurture talents for the aviation sector. To better equip for the enormous opportunities brought by the rapid growth of e-commerce in the Mainland and across the globe, the Hong Kong Logistics Association, with the support of the Government, has also launched accredited training programme on cold-chain logistics management.
 
     Ladies and gentlemen, Hong Kong's success in logistics, maritime and aviation has come a long way. The rule of law and level playing field for all, together with multi-modal transport infrastructures and worldwide connectivity, Hong Kong remains the preferred logistic hub in the region. Looking ahead, our continual economic integration with the nation's development will offer unprecedented opportunities for the global community. With the staunch support of the Central People's Government and the enduring collaboration with partners across the globe, we are here to serve with our best, and we count on you, not only to reshape the global supply chain, but also to chart and build an agile, resilient and sustainable system for the future.
 
     In closing, I would like to congratulate the Hong Kong Trade Development Council and the many supporting organisations from home and abroad to make the ALMAC 2021 a resounding success. My heartfelt appreciation also goes to the speakers for sharing with us their thoughts and foresights. I wish you all the best of health and a rewarding conference. Thank you.

  

     Following is the speech by the Secretary for Transport and Housing, Mr Frank Chan Fan, at the Asian Logistics, Maritime and Aviation Conference 2021 today (November 3):

Margaret (Executive Director of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, Ms Margaret Fong), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

​     Good morning. Welcome to the second day of the Asian Logistics, Maritime and Aviation Conference (ALMAC) 2021.
 
     Although there are still two months to go, 2021 is no doubt another challenging year for the logistics industry. The global supply chain has survived and risen to the challenge to keep the world going, from restocking hash browns and chicken wings locally, to the timely distribution of food and other essential supplies such as vaccines worldwide. It calls for collaboration that transcends borders and sectors, and is only made possible through concerted efforts among the maritime, aviation and logistics industries. Given such a backdrop, the theme of this year's Conference, "Resilience, Agility, Sustainability" could not be more timely.
 
     Despite disruptions to global supply chain and worldwide shortage of containers, we have been doing whatever we can to maintain normal operations of our airport and port round the clock. For the first nine months of 2021, the cumulative container throughput at the Hong Kong Port has edged up to 13.3 million TEUs and cargo throughput at the Hong Kong International Airport recorded a 13.1 per cent growth to 3.6 million tonnes. These are testimony that cargo operations on all fronts in Hong Kong remain vibrant and resilient.
 
     Under "One Country, Two Systems", the National 14th Five-Year Plan reaffirms the unwavering support of the Central People's Government to strengthen Hong Kong's position as international aviation hub and international maritime centre, as well as the region's logistics hub. 
 
     The Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area is one of the fastest growing region in China and in the world, with a total population of 86 million and a combined GDP of around US$17 trillion. The strategic development of the Greater Bay Area provides immense opportunities for common prosperity. Last year, the Greater Bay Area handled altogether a throughput of 82 million TEUs, and 7.7 million tonnes of air mails and cargoes. Putting together the nation's dual circulation economic development strategy, the Greater Bay Area's cluster effect, and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, the potential for development and growth for the logistics, maritime and aviation industries would be phenomenal.
 
     To make the most of these opportunities, we have formulated comprehensive strategies to reinforce our position as a premier regional logistics hub, underpinned by our world-class transport infrastructures, be it air, land and sea. Our aviation network reach out to over 200 destinations worldwide. The Hong Kong International Airport had been the world's busiest cargo airport for many years, and its cargo handling capacity will be doubled to 10 million tonnes annually when the Three-runway System is fully commissioned by 2024.
 
     As for sea transport, the Hong Kong Port is renowned for its extensive connectivity and efficiency. With over 150 years of maritime heritage, robust international connectivity and our multi-faceted maritime excellence, the Hong Kong Port remains one of the top ten container ports in the world, as well as a transhipment hub in the region. There are some 280 weekly container vessel sailings, connecting to over 600 destinations worldwide. 
 
     The future of modern logistics is going to be smart and technology-driven. Automation, artificial intelligence, big data and digitalisation are instrumental. To help achieve this strategic goal, the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region has set up a HK$300 million funding scheme to encourage logistics services providers in applying technological solutions to enhance productivity.
 
     Apart from hardware and infrastructures, human capital is also indispensable. The Government spares no effort in attracting and grooming talents to support the maritime, aviation and logistics industries. With a total commitment of HK$300 million, the Maritime and Aviation Training Fund has organised a wide spectrum of training activities, with over 13 000 practitioners and students trained over the years. The Hong Kong International Aviation Academy also helps nurture talents for the aviation sector. To better equip for the enormous opportunities brought by the rapid growth of e-commerce in the Mainland and across the globe, the Hong Kong Logistics Association, with the support of the Government, has also launched accredited training programme on cold-chain logistics management.
 
     Ladies and gentlemen, Hong Kong's success in logistics, maritime and aviation has come a long way. The rule of law and level playing field for all, together with multi-modal transport infrastructures and worldwide connectivity, Hong Kong remains the preferred logistic hub in the region. Looking ahead, our continual economic integration with the nation's development will offer unprecedented opportunities for the global community. With the staunch support of the Central People's Government and the enduring collaboration with partners across the globe, we are here to serve with our best, and we count on you, not only to reshape the global supply chain, but also to chart and build an agile, resilient and sustainable system for the future.
 
     In closing, I would like to congratulate the Hong Kong Trade Development Council and the many supporting organisations from home and abroad to make the ALMAC 2021 a resounding success. My heartfelt appreciation also goes to the speakers for sharing with us their thoughts and foresights. I wish you all the best of health and a rewarding conference. Thank you.

  

     â€‹A person who had no relevant registered contractor qualification as required under the Buildings Ordinance (BO) (Cap. 123) was convicted and fined $60,000 at the West Kowloon Magistrates' Courts last week for carrying out minor works.

     During inspections conducted at an industrial building at Kwai Ting Road, Kwai Chung, in 2017, staff of the Buildings Department (BD) discovered that a workshop was sub-divided into a number of units. The subdivision works involved minor works items under the Buildings (Minor Works) Regulation (Cap. 123N), viz. erection of non-load bearing block walls, laying solid screedings and erection of drains. As the person who carried out the building works was not a prescribed registered contractor, he was prosecuted by the BD. The person pleaded guilty and was fined $60,000 on October 27.

     A spokesperson of the BD reiterated that any person other than a prescribed registered contractor or a person acting under the supervision of any such contractor, who, without reasonable excuse, carries out minor works is a serious offence. If irregularities are found, the BD will instigate prosecution action.

     Pursuant to the BO, any person other than a prescribed registered contractor or a person acting under the supervision of any such contractor, who, without reasonable excuse, certifies or carries out minor works commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine of $100,000 and imprisonment for six months, and to a further fine of $5,000 for each day that the offence continues.

     The Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) will present the programme "A Showcase of Cantonese Opera for a Heart Warming Holiday Season" in December, and in January next year, featuring four comic Cantonese operas, namely "The Dunce Attends a Birthday Party", "The Lioness Roars", "The Daughter of the Horse Trader" and "Three Glimpses of the Princess", staged by the Yin Sang Fai Cantonese Opera Troupe to bring warm and joyful performances to audiences during winter season.
 
     Details of the programme are as follows:
 
"The Dunce Attends a Birthday Party"
Date and time: December 3 (Friday), 7.30pm
Venue: Theatre, Ko Shan Theatre
Cast: Yuen Siu-fai, Wan Fai-yin, Chan Hung-chun, Liu Kwok-sum, Wan Yuk-yu, Chan ka-ming, Kwok Chun-sing and Siu Wing-yee
Synopsis: The ageing Dai is in poor health. His eldest and second daughters, together with their husbands, intend to seize the old man's wealth and contrive to marry their youngest sister to Amao, who has become doltish after an illness. Old Dai decides to distribute his estate by testing the scholarship of his three sons-in-law. With his intelligence recovered accidentally, Amao manages to see that justice is done for his wife. Adapted from Leung Sing-por's signature film of the same title by Yuen Siu-fai, "The Dunce Attends a Birthday Party" will make audiences laugh and cry with its touching and at times funny storyline.
    
"The Lioness Roars"
Date and time: December 28 (Tuesday), 7.30pm
Venue: Auditorium, Sha Tin Town Hall
Cast: Yuen Siu-fai, Wan Fai-yin, Chan Hung-chun, Liu Kwok-sum, Ho Wai-ling, Chan ka-ming, Kwok Chun-sing and Siu Wing-yee
Synopsis: Chen Jichang has a wife, Liu Yu'e, who is exceptionally jealous in nature. Jichang meets Qincao, cousin of scholar Su Dongpo, when taking a stroll in the snow on Nanshan. He is totally captivated by Qincao and they quickly fall in love. Yu'e finds out and is livid. She beats Jichang and makes him kneel as punishment. Jichang seeks an audience with the emperor at the palace to obtain his ruling. The emperor decides to stand up for Jichang and orders Yu'e to let Jichang take Qincao as his concubine. This repertory portrays the philandering yet henpecked side of men.
 
"The Daughter of the Horse Trader"
Date and time: January 4, 2022 (Tuesday), 7.30pm
Venue: Auditorium, Kwai Tsing Theatre
Cast: Yuen Siu-fai, Wan Fai-yin, Chan Hung-chun, Wan Yuk-yu, Chan ka-ming, Lai Yiu-wai, Kwok Chun-sing and Siu Wing-yee
Synopsis: Li Guizhi and her brother Baotong run away from home separately to escape from being abused by their stepmother, Yang Sanchun, and her adulterous accomplice Tian Wang. Guizhi's father Li Qi returns after his business trip to trade horses and starts asking about the missing children. Sanchun seizes the opportunity to frame Qi for an attempted rape and murder of the maidservant. Guizhi marries county magistrate Zhao Chong and discovers that her father has been wrongfully imprisoned. Guizhi asks Chong to petition an appeal to the inspector. It turns out that the inspector is none other than her brother Baotong. Eventually, the adulterous pair are brought to justice. "The Daughter of the Horse Trader" is one of the signature plays of Yuen Siu-fai and Wan Fai-yin, and their performance shows exceptional chemistry.
 
"Three Glimpses of the Princess"
Date and time: January 5, 2022 (Wednesday), 7.30pm
Venue: Auditorium, Kwai Tsing Theatre
Cast: Yuen Siu-fai, Wan Fai-yin, Chan Hung-chun, Wan Yuk-yu, Chan ka-ming, Lai Yiu-wai, Kwok Chun-sing and Siu Wing-yee
Synopsis: Lady General Liu Jinding is granted the status of imperial princess by the emperor in recognition of her meritorious efforts in suppressing pirates. Jinding is going to offer thanksgiving prayers in a temple. Feng Jiajin, a minister's son, sneaks into the temple to catch a glimpse of the princess. Their love sparks. Jinding becomes lovesick and nobody but Jiajin can cure her. Jiajin disguises himself as a doctor to see her again. When they meet again, they make a pledge to each other. However, Jinding's father strongly opposes the marriage. This repertory is adapted from Josephine Siu's film "Liu Jinding – the Female General" and is staged by Yuen Siu-fai.
 
     "A Showcase of Cantonese Opera for a Heart Warming Holiday Season" is performed by the Yin Sang Fai Cantonese Opera Troupe. Tickets priced at $140, $220, $300 and $380 are now available at URBTIX (www.urbtix.hk). For telephone credit card bookings, please call 2111 5999. For programme enquiries and concessionary schemes, please call 2268 7325 or visit www.lcsd.gov.hk/CE/CulturalService/Programme/en/chinese_opera/programs_1217.html.
 
     A pre-performance talk in Cantonese will be held at 7.30pm on November 23 (Tuesday) at AC2, 4/F, Administration Building, Hong Kong Cultural Centre. Speakers include Yuen Siu-fai and Ko Yun-kuen, and the moderator will be Barbara Tang. Admission is free. Telephone registration is required and please call 2268 7267 from 10am on November 16 (Tuesday). Limited seats are available on a first-come, first-served basis. For details, please refer to the above website.
 
     All persons will be required to use the "LeaveHomeSafe" mobile application to scan the venue QR code before they are allowed to enter LCSD offices and venues except for exempted persons who are aged below 12 or aged 65 or above and those with disabilities that render use of the app difficult. Exemptions will also be granted to individual persons depending on the actual circumstances. All exempted persons are required to complete a record form to register their personal particulars and the date and time of their visits. As it will take time to verify personal particulars of exempted persons under the new arrangement, their waiting time for using public services or entering the relevant venues may be lengthened. The LCSD suggests members of the public to arrive early and appeals for their understanding. The department also encourages the exempted persons to use the app as far as possible to save time. 

     The Innovation and Technology Commission (ITC) supports the launch today (November 3) of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority’s (HKMA) Fintech Supervisory Sandbox 3.0. Through the Public Sector Trial Scheme (PSTS), the ITC is providing a maximum of $1 million in funding to local technology firms for each eligible project supported by the HKMA.

     Under the arrangement, the HKMA will be the trial organisation for such projects. Eligible local technology firms may apply for funding if the trial projects are assessed to have the potential to support the HKMA's regulatory and supervisory work in areas such as regtech and cybersecurity, or related to and can enhance the HKMA's infrastructure projects under the "Fintech 2025" strategy.

     The PSTS is one of the 17 funding schemes under the Innovation and Technology Fund (ITF) administered by the ITC. It seeks to support public sector organisations to try out new technologies or products developed from ITF-funded research and development (R&D) projects and by eligible technology companies with a view to helping relevant enterprises and organisations apply local R&D outcomes and enhance their prospects of realisation and commercialisation. More information about the PSTS can be found on the ITF website (www.itf.gov.hk/en/funding-programmes/facilitating-technology/psts/index.html).