Tag Archives: China

     The Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) will launch on or before October a new intelligent sports and recreation services booking and information system, SmartPLAY, to replace the existing Leisure Link Computerised Booking System in order to enhance service quality. All people, including existing Leisure Link patrons, must register and complete an authentication process beforehand in order to use the new system. The new system will open for user registration starting from July 3 (Monday).

     The new system will provide a dedicated website and a mobile app to facilitate registering personal accounts, searching and booking/enrolment for sports and recreation facilities or programmes anytime and anywhere. Moreover, users can also utilise 375 new Smart Self-service Stations at around 240 leisure venues under the management of the LCSD during opening hours easily and conveniently, including the District Leisure Service Offices (DLSOs) in various districts, sports centres, swimming pools, sports grounds, holiday camps and water sports centres, etc.

     SmartPLAY will be launched by phases. Starting from July 3, users can register for their accounts. Moreover, they can utilise the new system on or before October.

User registration
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     All people must register as a user of SmartPLAY and complete the authentication process before using the new system. To enable instant activation of their account, users can complete their registration and identity authentication in one go through “iAM Smart” or Smart Self-service Stations at DLSOs/leisure venues.

     If users have yet to register with “iAM Smart”, they can fill in basic account information through the My SmartPLAY app or SmartPLAY website, and then upload a copy of their Hong Kong identity card (HKID). After verification, users are requested to perform identity authentication with the original copy of their HKID through Smart Self-service Stations at DLSOs/leisure venues or self-check-in devices at the leisure venues, whereupon their SmartPLAY account can be activated. Those without an HKID have to upload a copy of another identity document such as a birth certificate or entry permit when submitting an online application. Afterwards, they can perform identity authentication in person with the relevant original documents at the service counters at leisure venues or the SmartPLAY Services Centre (Address: Floor 5M, Kwun Chung Municipal Services Building, 17 Bowing Street, Jordan, Kowloon) to complete the registration.

Personalised services
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     The account information of all existing Leisure Link patrons will be transferred to their own SmartPLAY accounts after completion of registration and identity authentication.

     SmartPLAY will provide a series of personalised services, including management of “My Profile”, self-service check-in of facility sessions and programmes, checking booked sports and recreation facilities and enrolled programmes, as well as maintaining personal qualifications to facilitate booking or enrolment in future.

     Users can also set their preferences under which SmartPLAY will remind them automatically when their favourite sports and recreation facilities or programmes are available for booking or enrolment.

     Moreover, the system has a new function to push e-reminders or e-notifications. In case there are any special arrangements for leisure venues or programmes due to inclement weather, SmartPLAY will send notifications to alert users.

     In addition to its core functions, SmartPLAY will provide more enhanced functions, including managing personal accounts, making e-payments (members of the public can pay by electronic payment methods such as credit card, PPS, Faster Payment system (FPS), Apple Pay or Google Pay via the online booking system, or credit card, FPS, Apple Pay or Google Pay via My SmartPLAY app. Payment via Smart Self-service Stations by Octopus or FPS is also available) and applying for a refund. Moreover, the capacity of the new system will also be increased from being able to accommodate around 1 000 concurrent users at present to 10 000 users. It is believed that this will enable a faster login of the system by members of the public for booking.

Prevention of touting activities
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     Moreover, to avoid time clashes of facility sessions, booking of fee-charging and non-fee charging sports and recreation facilities (for example turf soccer pitches and hard-surface ball courts) will be made in the same balloting application. A user can submit one application with up to three ballot choices each day and will be allocated up to three choices per day. Furthermore, to further combat touting of recreation venues, functions preventing touting activities have been added in the new system. Apart from real-name registration, after the rollout of the new system, members of the public are required to declare and undertake that they will be present during the use of the booked session and that the user permit will not be transferred by any means in the course of their booking and signing-in for sessions. Any person who is found to have transferred the booked session may commit the offence of fraud under section 16A of the Theft Ordinance (Cap. 210), and is liable to prosecution and will face imprisonment of up to 14 years upon conviction.

Transition arrangements from Leisure Link to SmartPLAY
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     With a view to ensuring a smooth transition from the old system to a new one and minimising the impact of the transition on members of the public, the LCSD will arrange for the Leisure Link booking service to suspend on the designated dates and announce the suspension dates beforehand so that the public can make their own arrangements. The Leisure Link will show the available dates for facility bookings in advance for earlier bookings by the users, while certain programmes will also accept enrolments in advance.

     SmartPLAY will be launched on or before October. Booking and enrolment services will still be available within this year at the existing booking counters at DLSOs and leisure venues to cater for users who are not ready for the adoption of the new system. Given that members of the public can make facility bookings, enrol in programmes, get a refund or access other currently available services on the computer or at Smart Self-service Stations in the future, the booking counters at leisure venues and DLSOs will stop providing services in January 2024 and the second half of 2024 respectively after the public becomes familiarised with the operation of the new system. Booking counters will then be converted to services counters which offer customer services, including assisting members of the public in using the Smart Self-service Stations or mobile applications for facility bookings and programme enrolments, verifying and updating their eligibility for concession, processing the check-in procedures of booked sessions for temporary users, and provision of services relating to the standby arrangement for facilities.

     To tie in with the launch of the new system, SmartPLAY customer service ambassadors will be available at leisure venues in various districts to demonstrate how to use the new system and Smart Self-service Stations, assist users to register their personal accounts and use various self-service functions. Moreover, SmartPLAY Workshops will be organised to help the public including the elderly who are unaccustomed to electronic platforms to learn how to register and use the new system. It is planned that more than 280 workshops will be organised in 18 districts for around 10 000 participants. The public can utilise SmartPLAY Roadshow Corners in designated sports centres, and use mobile phones for pre-trial use to experience the various functions of SmartPLAY.

     Venues with a SmartPLAY Roadshow Corner in each district are as follows:
 

District	Venue
Central and Western	Sun Yat Sen Memorial Park Sports Centre
Wan Chai	Harbour Road Sports Centre
Eastern	Chai Wan Sports Centre
Southern	Wong Chuk Hang Sports Centre
Kowloon City	Hung Hom Municipal Services Building Sports Centre
Kwun Tong	Lei Yue Mun Sports Centre
Sham Shui Po	Pei Ho Street Sports Centre
Wong Tai Sin	Choi Hung Road Sports Centre
Yau Tsim Mong	Kowloon Park Sports Centre
Islands	Tung Chung Man Tung Road Sports Centre
Kwai Tsing	Osman Ramju Sadick Memorial Sports Centre
North	Po Wing Road Sports Centre
Sai Kung	Tiu Keng Leng Sports Centre
Sha Tin	Ma On Shan Sports Centre
Tuen Mun	Siu Lun Sports Centre
Tai Po	Tai Po Hui Sports Centre
Tsuen Wan	Yeung Uk Road Sports Centre
Yuen Long	Tin Fai Road Sports Centre

     Stay tuned for the latest information of SmartPLAY. read more

     A Government spokesman today (June 13) said that in order to address acute manpower shortages across various sectors, the Chief Executive in Council had endorsed the introduction of sector-specific labour importation schemes for the construction and transport sectors under section 14(3) of the Employees Retraining Ordinance (Cap. 423) that afford greater flexibility and adopt more streamlined procedures than those of the existing Supplementary Labour Scheme (SLS), and the enhancement of the coverage and operation of the SLS.

     The spokesman said, “Hong Kong faces a structural labour force shrinkage owing to population ageing. The local labour force (excluding foreign domestic helpers) decreased from the peak of 3.68 million in 2018 to 3.46 million in 2022. The low-skilled workforce shrank by about 160 000. To alleviate the manpower shortage problem, the Government has strengthened training and employment services. To encourage and support more employees to receive training so as to enhance their employability, we also plan to increase the maximum monthly amount of retraining allowance for trainees of specific courses of the Employees Retraining Board. Nonetheless, we still need to take other relevant measures to ensure that the labour supply can support Hong Kong’s long-term development.”

     The Chief Executive mentioned in the 2022 Policy Address that many sectors in Hong Kong are facing manpower shortages, and relevant bureaux will listen to the views of the sectors and put forward solutions having regard to the situation of individual sectors. Apart from the special scheme to import care workers for residential care homes to be launched by the Labour and Welfare Bureau this June, the Development Bureau and the Transport and Logistics Bureau will implement sector-specific labour importation schemes with key features and parameters as follows:

(1) Subject to fulfilment of the specified parameters, the sector-specific labour importation schemes should allow employers of the construction and transport sectors to apply for quotas for importation of labour. The total quota for the two sector-specific labour importation schemes is 20 000, comprising 12 000 for the construction sector and 8 000 for the transport sector, of which 6 300 are for the aviation industry and 1 700 for the public light bus/coach trade. The total quota number of imported labour approved under each sector-specific labour importation scheme should not exceed the respective quota;

(2) The Labour Advisory Board (LAB) will be engaged periodically on the implementation of the sector-specific labour importation schemes;

(3) Applications should be decided by the designated officers of the concerned bureaux/department(s) according to the specified approval parameters;

(4) Employers must engage the imported labour under a Standard Employment Contract, and pay the Employees Retraining Levy at the start of the contract period;

(5) The manning ratio in general is on a par with that of the SLS, i.e. 1:2 (one imported labour to two full-time local staff);

(6) The wage levels of imported labour must be no less than the median monthly wages of relevant posts in Hong Kong;

(7) Requirement of local recruitment is deemed fulfilled if the applicants submit proof of recruitment conducted within four months preceding an application through channel(s) specified by the concerned bureaux/department(s);

(8) Employers are allowed to (i) arrange for the imported labour accommodation in Hong Kong, (ii) provide accommodation for the imported labour on the Mainland; or (iii) let the imported labour reside in their residential premises on the Mainland; and

(9) If the prospective imported workers are Mainland residents, employers must recruit the imported workers through the foreign labour service co-operation enterprises approved by the relevant Mainland authorities.

     Apart from introducing the sector-specific labour importation schemes, the Government will also enhance the coverage and operation of the SLS, including:

(1) Suspending the general exclusion of the 26 job categories and unskilled/low-skilled posts from the SLS for two years; and

(2) Enhancing dissemination of application information to employers, streamlining verification of application information and fine-tuning the workflow of consultation with the LAB.

     The other key requirements of the SLS will remain unchanged. The Labour Department will promulgate a key performance indicator of completing the processing of an application to the SLS within three months after the screening of the application. The SLS will be renamed as the Enhanced Supplementary Labour Scheme (ESLS).

     The Government will consult the LAB, the Legislative Council Panel on Manpower, and relevant sectors on the implementation aspects of the sector-specific labour importation schemes and the ESLS. The feedback gathered will be taken into consideration as appropriate in finalising the implementation and operational details of the sector-specific labour importation schemes and the ESLS.

     The spokesman said that the target is to launch the sector-specific labour importation schemes for the construction and transport sectors in July 2023, and commence the receipt and processing of applications by then. Relevant bureaux/department(s) will review the implementation of these schemes within six months after their launch, i.e. in around the first quarter of 2024. The Government also plans to launch the ESLS in the third quarter of 2023 and will review the enhanced scheme in good time prior to lapse of the two-year period of the enhancements.

     The spokesman reiterated that the Government will continue to adopt multipronged strategies to address the manpower shortage problem, including training and retraining, provision of appropriate employment support and driving technology adoption for productivity uplifting, etc. On the premise of ensuring employment priority for local employees, the Government will formulate appropriate measures having regard to the supply and demand of manpower. read more

     As Chairperson of the Steering Group on Integration into National Development, the Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, chaired the Steering Group’s third meeting today (June 13). Joining him were the Steering Group’s three deputies, ie, the Chief Secretary for Administration, the Financial Secretary and the Secretary for Justice, as well as Deputy Secretaries of Departments and Directors of Bureaux, etc.

     The three deputies reported to the Chief Executive on the progress and co-ordination work of various strategies for promoting Hong Kong’s integration into national development, including policy areas covering finance, innovation and technology, infrastructure and transportation, healthcare, and legal and dispute resolution services under the National 14th Five-Year Plan, the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area development and the Belt and Road Initiative. The Chief Executive monitored the implementation of each policy measure. He also made decisions and provided guidance.

     In addition, the meeting discussed conducting in-depth and extensive research work and further strengthening policy research and continuous formulation of new policy recommendations. The Chief Executive instructed policy bureaux and relevant departments to communicate with the industries and stakeholders in the respective policy areas and listen to their views, to keep abreast of the situation they face in integrating into the national development and areas they expect the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government can assist in, and to provide constructive policy recommendations for the industries to enter the Mainland. Policy bureaux should also conduct in-depth and extensive policy research in their respective policy areas, propose new policy recommendations which can facilitate the long-term development of Hong Kong for the Steering Group’s further decisions and guidance.

     Mr Lee said that conducting in-depth and extensive research work can help the Steering Group better understand the actual situation of the industries and the support they need. Effectively taking into account feedback of the industries can promote policy research, continuously providing up-to-date policy recommendations to the Steering Group, and thus building a more solid foundation for the HKSAR to actively integrate into the overall development of the country.

     Established by the HKSAR Government at the end of last year, the Steering Group on Integration into National Development aims to promote and supervise work on integrating into the national development from a macro perspective. The Steering Group will continue to adhere to the principles of being proactive and pragmatic, and achieve mutual benefits when formulating and implementing various policy initiatives, with a view to enhancing Hong Kong’s active integration into the national development, grasping the unlimited opportunities brought by the country’s development, and creating strong impetus for the growth of the HKSAR.

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     Following is the speech by the Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, at the Innovation and Technology Scholarship Award Presentation Ceremony 2023 today (June 13):
 
Mr Andy Ho (Executive Director of the Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups), Ms Luanne Lim (Chief Executive, Hong Kong of the Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited (HSBC)), Mr Bernard Chan (Chairman of the Awardee Selection Committee of the Innovation and Technology Scholarship), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, parents, teachers and friends,
 
     Good evening. I am delighted to join you today in congratulating the 25 recipients of the Innovation and Technology Scholarship this year.
 
     Since its launch in 2011, the Innovation and Technology Scholarship has supported a total of 325 local undergraduates in pursuing their dreams. 
 
     Many scholarship alumni have gone on to attain significant achievements in their expertise fields, be it in medicine, science, engineering or other areas, and continue to inspire the younger generation. It is indeed heartening to see the growing enthusiasm for I&T (innovation and technology) among young people in the community.
 
     Under the auspices of the “one country, two systems” principle, Hong Kong is bestowed with the dual advantage of having the strong support of national strategies, while maintaining unparalleled connectivity with the world. With the support of the National 14th Five-Year Plan, Hong Kong is determined to develop into an international I&T centre to contribute to the high-quality development of the country.
 
     Hong Kong’s capability in R&D (research and development) is well recognised both nationally and internationally. We are the only city in Asia with five universities in the world’s top 100. We possess 16 State Key Laboratories, six Hong Kong Branches of Chinese National Engineering Research Centres, 22 Joint Laboratories with the Chinese Academy of Sciences, with an abundance of world-renowned scholars and experts.
 
     Knowledge and innovation drives the future of our economy. To enhance Hong Kong’s competitiveness, the Hong Kong SAR Government has adopted a multipronged approach to expand our I&T talent pool. In less than a year since I took office as the Chief Executive, the Government has introduced a variety of initiatives to attract I&T professionals from all over the world.
 
     Just as importantly, we are dedicated to nurturing home-grown I&T talents – talents like all of the outstanding students seated here with us today.
 
     We have enhanced our efforts in promoting STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) education, with a view to laying a solid I&T foundation for students. Through enriched curriculum and diversified learning activities, we hope to create a conducive STEAM learning environment where more students with talent in I&T can be identified and cultivated from an early age.
 
     For higher education, the Government strives to increase the ratio of university students in STEAM courses, as well as the number of research postgraduate places in universities funded by the University Grants Committee. 
 
     Our STEM Internship Scheme and the Research Talent Hub Scheme will continue to support and encourage university students and graduates to pursue careers in the I&T field.
 
     The potential of I&T development is limitless. Young people should seize the golden opportunities ahead, and contribute to the country and Hong Kong with their talents.
 
     On that note, I would like to offer my congratulations to the scholarship recipients today. What follows will be a life-changing experience for all of you.
 
     I wish you enjoy and cherish every valuable learning opportunity. I am sure your parents and teachers are proud to see your achievements, and will join me in wishing you all great success in your aspirations.
 
     Remember. Keep working hard. Stay focused and confident. Keep trying if you fail. Keep your dream alive. Then one day, your dream will come true.
 
     Before closing, I would like to thank the Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups for organising this meaningful scholarship scheme over the years, as well as the HSBC and the Innovation and Technology Commission for their immense contribution.
 
     I wish you all an enjoyable evening and the best of luck in your future endeavours. Thank you very much.

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     The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (June 13) investigating an outbreak of hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) at a residential child care centre in Causeway Bay, and again urged the public, schools and institutions to maintain strict hand, personal and environmental hygiene.

     The outbreak involves 21 pupils (including five boys and 16 girls) aged 3 to 6. They developed fever, oral ulcers and rashes on their hands or feet since May 26. All patients sought medical attention. One of them required hospitalisation and has been discharged after treatment. All patients are in stable condition. The stool specimens of two pupils tested positive for Coxsackievirus A16 upon laboratory testing.

     Officers of the CHP have conducted a site visit to the residential child care centre and advised the management on necessary infection controls and preventive measures. The centre has been put under medical surveillance. Investigations are ongoing.

     “HFMD is common in children, while adult cases may also appear. It is usually caused by Enteroviruses (EVs) such as Coxsackie virus and EV71. It is clinically characterised by maculopapular rashes or vesicular lesions occurring on the palms, soles and other parts of the body such as the buttocks and thighs. Vesicular lesions and ulcers may also be found in the oral cavity. Sometimes patients present mainly with painful ulcers at the back of the mouth, namely herpangina, without a rash on the hands or feet,” a spokesman for the CHP said.

     “HFMD occurs throughout the year with the usual peak occurring from May to July. A smaller peak may also occur from October to December. According to the CHP’s latest surveillance data, the local activity of HFMD has increased. As young children are more susceptible, parents should stay alert to their health. Institutional outbreaks may occur where HFMD can easily spread among young children with close contact,” the spokesman added.

     To prevent HFMD, members of the public, and especially the management of institutions and schools, should take heed of the following preventive measures:
 

• Maintain good air circulation;
• Wash hands before meals and after going to the toilet or handling diapers or other stool-soiled materials;
• Keep hands clean and wash hands properly, especially when they are dirtied by respiratory secretions, such as after sneezing;
• Cover the nose and mouth while sneezing or coughing and dispose of nasal and oral discharges properly;
• Regularly clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces such as furniture, toys and commonly shared items with 1:99 diluted household bleach (mixing one part of bleach containing 5.25 per cent sodium hypochlorite with 99 parts of water), leave for 15 to 30 minutes, and then rinse with water and keep dry. For metallic surfaces, disinfect with 70 per cent alcohol;
• Use absorbent disposable towels to wipe away obvious contaminants such as respiratory secretions, vomitus or excreta, and then disinfect the surface and neighbouring areas with 1:49 diluted household bleach (mixing one part of bleach containing 5.25 per cent sodium hypochlorite with 49 parts of water), leave for 15 to 30 minutes and then rinse with water and keep dry. For metallic surfaces, disinfect with 70 per cent alcohol;
• Children who are ill should be kept out of school until their fever and rash have subsided and all vesicles have dried and crusted;
• Avoid going to overcrowded places; and
• Parents should maintain close communication with schools to let them know the latest situation of the sick children.

     â€‹The public may visit the CHP’s page on HFMD and EV71 infection and Public Health Advice for Play Facilities for more information. read more