The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority:
 
     The Hong Kong Academy of Finance (AoF) launched a new leadership development programme today (November 8). This Financial Leaders Programme (the Programme) aims to inspire talents with considerable experience in the financial industry, to equip them with a mindset to lead, to enhance their understanding of financial issues from a macro and systemic perspectives, as well as to expand their professional network. 

     The Programme offers a unique opportunity for participants to engage in dialogue with and learn from top leaders in the Government, regulatory authorities, financial institutions and the business sector. Each year, the Programme will admit around 15 promising financial talents from a diverse background at approximately two levels below the chief executive officer position. The Programme will be offered on a part-time basis and lasts for about nine months, with the 2022 cohort commencing in April 2022. Application will open between November 8, 2021 and January 9, 2022. Applications received will be considered by the Membership Committee of the AoF. Further information about the Programme and the application form are available from the AoF website.

     The Programme is jointly supported by all the financial regulators in Hong Kong, namely the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA), the Securities and Futures Commission, the Insurance Authority and the Mandatory Provident Fund Schemes Authority, and the Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau. 

     The Chairman of the AoF and the Chief Executive of the HKMA, Mr Eddie Yue, said, "Expanding global perspectives and thought leadership capabilities of our financial leaders is important to the further development of Hong Kong as a leading international financial centre. The Programme aims to broaden the participants' perspectives to think beyond the short-term and outside their own business areas, and expand their network. I encourage our talents to seize this opportunity and take part in this unique leadership development programme."

     The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) announced that as of 0.00am, November 8, no new confirmed cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) had been recorded, and that the number of cases in Hong Kong remained at 12 369 so far (comprising 12 368 confirmed cases and one probable case).

     A total of 45 cases have been reported in the past 14 days (October 25 to November 7) and all of them are imported cases.

     The CHP's epidemiological investigations and relevant contact tracing on the confirmed cases are ongoing. For case details and contact tracing information, please see the list of buildings with confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the past 14 days and the latest local situation of COVID-19 available on the website "COVID-19 Thematic Website" (www.coronavirus.gov.hk). The DH has also been closely monitoring the mutant strains of SARS CoV-2 and has uploaded the relevant information on Variants of Concern (VOCs) and Variants of Interest (VOIs), based on whole genome sequencing results, to the CHP's website (www.chp.gov.hk/en/statistics/data/10/641/100135/6973.html). The data will be updated regularly.

     The spokesman for the CHP stressed, "The global situation of COVID-19 infection remains severe and there is a continuous increase in the number of cases involving mutant strains that carry higher transmissibility, and there are also reports of breakthrough infections in some vaccinated individuals. The CHP strongly urges members of the public to avoid all non-essential travel outside Hong Kong, in particular to specified places with high risk under the Prevention and Control of Disease (Regulation of Cross-boundary Conveyances and Travellers) Regulation (Cap. 599H)."

     The spokesman reminded, "If travel is unavoidable, the CHP highly recommends the public to be fully vaccinated with COVID-19 vaccines before their departure. They should avoid participating in non-essential mass gatherings or events held outside Hong Kong. They should continue to wear a surgical mask and maintain strict personal and environmental hygiene at all times. Parents are also urged to avoid taking unvaccinated children travelling."

     The Government has launched the COVID-19 Vaccination Programme. Members of the public are encouraged to get vaccinated. Details of the programme can be found at the designated website (www.covidvaccine.gov.hk). Generally speaking, COVID-19 vaccination can prevent COVID-19 infection, and if infected, reduce the risk of severe disease and death from COVID-19.

     â€‹The CHP called on members of the public to pay attention to their health condition, seek medical advice early and undergo COVID-19 nucleic acid testing as soon as possible if respiratory symptoms develop. They should also maintain strict personal and environmental hygiene at all times to protect themselves against infection and prevent the spread of the disease in the community. For more related health advice, please refer to the website www.coronavirus.gov.hk/eng/health-advice.html.

     Police today (November 8) laid a holding charge against a 38-year-old man and his 33-year-old wife jointly with one count of attempted murder.

     The man and the woman were arrested on November 6 in suspected connection with an attempted murder and attempted suicide case in Cheung Sha Wan on November 5, in which two boys aged six and two were sent to hospital in conscious state.

     The case will be mentioned at West Kowloon Magistrates’ Courts today.

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 (November 8) that due to big waves, red flags have been hoisted at Stanley Main Beach and Big Wave Bay Beach in Southern District, Hong Kong Island; and Silverstrand Beach in Sai Kung District. Beachgoers are advised not to swim at these beaches.

Attention duty announcers, radio and TV stations:

     The fire danger situation today (November 8) is red and fire risk is extreme. The countryside is extremely vulnerable to fire. If you are planning to spend the day in the countryside, please take pre-cooked food for a picnic and take all measures to prevent hill fires. The penalty for lighting fires illegally in the countryside is $25,000 and a year's imprisonment.