The Government today (June 15) announced appointments to the Assessment Committee for the Funding Scheme to Support Transitional Housing Projects by Non-government Organisations (the Funding Scheme) for a new term of three years from June 15, 2023, to June 14, 2026. 
 
     The membership of the new-term Assessment Committee is as follows:

Chairperson

Under Secretary for Housing
 
Non-official members

Mr Ho Chi-shing (Representative of the Hong Kong Institution of Engineers)
Ms Irene Ip Man-kiu (Representative of the Hong Kong Institute of Architects)
Mr Raymond Kam Ka-fai (Representative of the Hong Kong Institute of Surveyors)
Professor Rebecca Chiu Lai-har
Ms Tennessy Hui Mei-sheung
Ms Joey Lee Hau-yee
 
Official members

Director of Housing (or representative)
Director of Social Welfare (or representative)
 
     Transitional housing projects under the Funding Scheme have been well received by various sectors of the community, and the Government will continue to support new projects through conversion of vacant residential or non-residential buildings.
 
     The Secretary for Housing, Ms Winnie Ho, expressed her gratitude to all members of the current-term Assessment Committee for their contributions to the development of transitional housing in Hong Kong. She looked forward to working with the new-term Assessment Committee closely on overseeing the implementation of the Funding Scheme and the approved transitional housing projects. The terms of reference of the Assessment Committee are available on the Housing Bureau website (www.hb.gov.hk/eng/policy/housing/policy/transitional/scheme/assessmentcommittee.html).
 

     In view of the overwhelming response to the theatre production "Emil and the Detectives", which is part of the International Arts Carnival (IAC) summer festival, an additional performance has been arranged and details are as follows:
 
Date and time: August 5 (Saturday), 8pm
Venue: Theatre, Hong Kong City Hall
Prices: $200, $260 and $300
 
     Australia's Slingsby Theatre will bring the popular German children's story "Emil and the Detectives" to the stage. While adhering to the original spirit of the story, the company draws on object theatre, animation and interactive elements, inviting audiences to join the detective team to outwit the thief. The show also won the Helpmann Award for Best Presentation for Children at its premiere. The programme is performed in English with Chinese surtitles.
 
     Tickets for the additional performance will be available at URBTIX (www.urbtix.hk) from tomorrow (June 16). For telephone bookings, please call 3166 1288, or use the mobile ticketing app "URBTIX".
 
     The IAC, organised by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department, will run from July 14 to August 13. Overseas and local art groups will present a splendid array of interesting and creative programmes, offering families and children a fun-filled summer party.
 
     For programme enquiries and concessionary schemes, please call 2370 1044 or visit www.hkiac.gov.hk.

  

     The Transport Department (TD) today (June 15) reminded members of the public that the fares of the bus routes operated by Long Win Bus Company Limited, Citybus Limited (Franchise for the Airport and North Lantau bus network), New Lantao Bus Company (1973) Limited, Citybus Limited (Franchise for Hong Kong Island and Cross-Harbour bus network), New World First Bus Services Limited and the Kowloon Motor Bus Company (1933) Limited will be adjusted from this Sunday (June 18).

     The bus companies have started displaying notices at bus stops, termini and public transport interchanges to inform passengers of the fare adjustments. Members of the public may also visit the TD's website (www.td.gov.hk) or the bus companies' websites (www.lwb.hk, www.citybus.com.hk, www.nlb.com.hk and www.kmb.hk) for the new fares of individual routes.

Attention TV/radio announcers:

Please broadcast the following as soon as possible:

     Here is an item of interest to swimmers.

     The Leisure and Cultural Services Department announced today (June 15) that due to big waves, the red flag has been hoisted at Hung Shing Yeh Beach in Islands District. Beachgoers are advised not to swim at the beach.

     â€‹The Secretary for Environment and Ecology, Mr Tse Chin-wan, will depart for Beijing this afternoon (June 15).
      
     During his stay in Beijing, Mr Tse will visit the Ministry of Ecology and Environment, and meet with officials to exchange views on various environmental issues, including enhancing biodiversity, promotion of environmental co-operation in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and combating climate change, with a view to enhancing communication and co-operation. He will also visit the Daxing International Hydrogen Energy Demonstration Zone to obtain a deeper understanding of the development of the hydrogen energy industry in the Mainland.
      
     The Permanent Secretary for Environment and Ecology (Environment), Miss Janice Tse; the Director of Environmental Protection, Dr Samuel Chui; and officers from the Environment and Ecology Bureau, the Environmental Protection Department, the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department and the Hong Kong Observatory will also join the visit.
      
     Mr Tse will return to Hong Kong in the evening on June 16. During his absence, the Under Secretary for Environment and Ecology, Miss Diane Wong, will be the Acting Secretary for Environment and Ecology.