Attention duty announcers, radio and TV stations:
 
     Please broadcast the following special announcement immediately, and repeat it at frequent intervals when the Very Hot Weather Warning is in force:
 
     The Labour Department reminds employers that as the Very Hot Weather Warning is in force, they should assess the risk of heat stroke to their employees and adopt effective preventive measures such as providing cool drinking water, setting up temporary sunshade, providing mechanical aids to reduce physical exertion of employees and providing for employees as far as practicable covered space with good ventilation for rest and meals. Employees should drink water regularly and be mindful of their physical condition. If early heat stroke symptoms such as headache and thirst appear, they should rest in a cool or shady place and drink water immediately. They should also inform their supervisors to take appropriate action.

Attention TV/radio announcers:

Please broadcast the following as soon as possible:

     The Hong Kong Observatory has issued the Very Hot Weather Warning.

     To prevent heat stroke, avoid prolonged activities outdoors.

     If engaged in outdoor work or activities, wear a wide-brimmed hat and light-coloured, loose-fitting clothes. Stay in shaded areas as much as possible.

     Drink plenty of water, and avoid beverages containing caffeine or alcohol.

     If you feel sick, consult a doctor right away.

     A spokesman for the Innovation and Technology Commission (ITC) today (June 8) announced that the Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC) had been commissioned to serve as the secretariat of the Technology Voucher Programme (TVP). The ITC and the HKPC have largely completed the transition work. The TVP applications will be progressively transferred to the HKPC for processing starting from today.

     The spokesman said that, after reviewing the operation of the TVP and making reference to the operational experience of other funding schemes, the ITC had decided to commission the HKPC to assist in the implementation of the TVP, leveraging its manpower resources and abundant experience to enhance the efficiency in processing the applications.

     Under the Innovation and Technology Fund, the TVP aims to subsidise local enterprises and organisations to use technological services and solutions to improve productivity, or upgrade or transform their business processes. Under the new arrangement, applicants can continue to submit applications through the TVP online system. Details are available on the TVP website (http://u.hkpc.org/tvp). To check the application status or for any other enquiries, please contact the TVP Secretariat (Tel: 2789 7000; email: tvp-enquiry@hkpc.org).

     Hong Kong Customs yesterday (June 7) seized about 3.3 tonnes of suspected scheduled dried shark fins of endangered species with an estimated market value of about $4.6 million from a container at the Kwai Chung Customhouse Cargo Examination Compound.

     Through risk assessment, Customs officers selected a container arriving in Hong Kong from Guinea for inspection and found the batch of suspected scheduled shark fins mix-loaded with non-scheduled shark fins inside the container.

     The case was handed over to the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department for follow-up investigation.

     Under the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance, any person found guilty of importing or exporting an endangered species without a licence is liable to a maximum fine of $10 million and imprisonment for 10 years.

     Members of the public may report any suspected smuggling activities to Customs' 24-hour hotline 2545 6182 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk).

  

     As part of its "Regional Music of China Series", the Leisure and Cultural Services Department will present "Set Tunes of the North and the South" in July. The programme will provide a concert featuring music from the northern and southern Mainland.
 
     The brothers Ko Yun-kuen and Ko Yun-hung, renowned percussion and ensemble leaders in Cantonese opera, together with their wind and percussion ensemble, will perform a programme featuring selected songs from the northern and southern Mainland. The performance will include a special treat; their double presentation of two tunes from the Kunshan and Guangdong repertoires that share the same titles. 
 
     The programme will include a percussion marking the beginning of the performance "The Heralding Drums", a medley of set tunes for wind and percussion "Birthday Celebration", "Blessing by the God of Fortune" and "A Fairy Returns Her Son to the Mortal Father". Also to be featured is a medley of short tunes "Da Ba-Ban-Tou", "Jian-Jian-Hua", "Seeing Her Lover Off", "Jade Beauty", "The Red Embroidered Shoes", "Yingtai Pays Her Respects at the Grave", "Taohua Brings Herbal Medicine", "The Nun Leaving the Nunnery" and "Su Xiaomei Laments by Herself". There will also be a medley of long tunes, including "Thinking of the Sages" and "Liu-Yao-Jin", ensemble music of wind and percussion set tunes of Kunshan and Guangdong "Da-Kai-Men", "Dian-Jiang-Chun", "Shi-Liu-Hua", music from a notation of live singing "The Little Red Peach", and ba yin (eight sound) ensemble "King Chu Bidding Farewell to His Concubine".
 
     The Ko brothers were born into a family with three generations of percussion virtuosi in Cantonese opera. They are the sons of the late Ko Gan, a renowned percussion ensemble leader in Cantonese opera. 
 
     Under his father's influence and rigorous tutelage, Ko Yun-kuen developed a keen interest in Cantonese opera gongs and drums from an early age and aspired to follow in his father's footsteps. Ko was already the mentor of many musicians when he was only 30 years old, and today many of them have become professional musicians. He was awarded Artist of the Year (Xiqu) at the Hong Kong Arts Development Awards 2017 by the Hong Kong Arts Development Council.
 
     Ko Yun-hung became a formal disciple of the xiao virtuoso Li Sum, acquiring a masterful command across instrumental categories including percussion, wind, string, lucked-string, as well as music theory. He is also a prolific composer, which won him fame in the Cantonese opera world as a truly versatile musician. He was awarded Artist of the Year (Xiqu) at the Hong Kong Arts Development Awards 2014 by the Hong Kong Arts Development Council.
 
     "Set Tunes of the North and the South" will be staged at 8pm on July 23 (Friday) at the Auditorium, Ko Shan Theatre New Wing. Tickets priced at $240 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 7321 or visit www.lcsd.gov.hk/CE/CulturalService/Programme/en/music/programs_1124.html.