To strengthen support for recycling facilities at the district level, the Environmental Protection Department (EPD) has been expanding the community recycling network. Following the full operation of 22 Recycling Stores and over 100 Recycling Spots, the EPD is embarking on a new journey regarding the overall community recycling network. The Secretary for the Environment, Mr Wong Kam-sing, today (February 8) visited one of the Recycling Stores – GREEN@WALLED CITY, to witness the community recycling network realising this important milestone.
 
     Recycling Stores gradually commenced operations from mid-November last year and have gained positive responses from members of the public. Mr Wong said, "Recycling Stores have received over 50,000 people over the past three months and have been well received by the public. More than 100 Recycling Spots operating with a fixed destination and time schedules have brought convenience to many people. As at end of last December, Recycling Stores and their Recycling Spots have collected more than 750 tonnes of recyclables. The progress is encouraging, with an increase of nearly 80 per cent in total recyclable volume, compared to community recycling centres of the previous generation. The newly launched GREEN$ electronic participation incentive scheme has attracted nearly 30,000 members in such a short period of time. The accumulation of reward points enhances recycling incentives and encourages more people to integrate the practice of waste reduction into their daily life."
 
     Under the rebranded GREEN@COMMUNITY, Recycling Stations, Recycling Stores and Recycling Spots form the new community recycling network of the EPD, offering a range of new recycling experiences for members of the public. In addition to receiving a variety of recyclables (including waste paper, metals, plastics, glass bottles, regulated waste electrical and electronic equipment, small electrical appliances, rechargeable batteries, and fluorescent lamps and tubes), it further broadens the age group of participants and attracts people with less recycling experience to take a big step to establish a habit of clean recycling.
 
     The 22 new Recycling Stores have the following common features:

Design – Simple and neat with facilities including sorting tables, sinks and water dispensers to encourage members of the public to properly sort and prepare the resources for clean recycling and adopt a greener living by reducing waste at source and going "plastic-free".
 
Location – Conveniently accessible by residents in the neighbourhood. Ancillary recycling services are also provided by store operators, including recyclable collection from buildings and Recycling Spots staged regularly at selected locations.

Services – Collecting the common eight types of recyclable materials. The Recycling Stores are open daily except Christmas and Lunar New Year holidays with nighttime self-service recycling available. The Recycling Stores also disseminate latest recycling information, conduct publicity events and environmental education activities.

Rewards – The GREEN$ electronic participation incentive scheme was launched to enable members of the public to earn GREEN$ through the GREEN$ smart card and redeem gifts from the entire community recycling network.

Handling – Recyclables collected by store operators are properly treated by downstream recyclers approved by the EPD, and are turned into resources, such as secondary plastic materials by local recycling facilities.

     Starting from 2020, the EPD has regularised the funding support for Community Recycling Centre projects previously funded by the Environment and Conservation Fund, by engaging eligible non-profit making organisations under service contracts to operate the 22 Recycling Stores, and devoting additional resources to enhance the services to cover all 18 districts. For more information about the GREEN@COMMUNITY recycling network (namely the Recycling Stations, Recycling Stores and Recycling Spots), please visit www.wastereduction.gov.hk/en/community/crn_intro.htm or download the "Waste Less" Mobile App to search for collection points and other recycling tips.
 
     To further promote waste reduction and recycling, the Environmental Campaign Committee (ECC) and the EPD jointly launched the "Reduce and Recycle 2.0" Campaign. A new TV Announcement in the Public Interest (API) with the theme "Save More, Recycle More" was premiered today. The mascot Big Waster and Greeny, the new ambassador for recycling, sing a song together to share recycling information and remind members of the public that the Community Recycling Network is capable of receiving a variety of recyclables. The API has been uploaded onto the Facebook pages of Big Waster, and the ECC and will be launched today on various TV and radio channels.

     The Government today (February 8) announced the Waste Blueprint for Hong Kong 2035. Setting out the vision of "Waste Reduction‧Resources Circulation‧Zero Landfill", the blueprint outlines the strategies, goals and measures to tackle the challenge of waste management up to 2035.

     In May 2013, the Government unveiled Hong Kong: Blueprint for Sustainable Use of Resources 2013-2022 to achieve the goal of "Use Less, Waste Less" through various initiatives in three main aspects, namely policies and legislation, social mobilisation and investing in infrastructure. Except for the municipal solid waste (MSW) charging bill being examined by the Legislative Council, other key actions have been carried out with good progress. Additional initiatives have also been introduced.
 
     Announcing the updated version of the blueprint today, the Secretary for the Environment, Mr Wong Kam-sing, said, "The Chief Executive announced in her 2020 Policy Address that a long-term strategy blueprint on waste management would be launched. Building on the blueprint released in 2013 and the momentum of previous efforts in waste reduction and recycling, we have formulated a long-term waste management strategy that can keep abreast of the latest situation. Facing the challenges of a downturn in the external recycling market, the current high level of waste disposal, and the scarcity of our land resources, we have to make greater efforts in mobilising the entire community to practise waste reduction and implement measures for achieving waste reduction and recycling on a considerably larger scale, thereby promoting transformation of waste into resources. This helps build a circular economy, create job opportunities, and achieve decarbonisation to combat climate change. In the long run, we also need to formulate strategies to progressively move away from over-reliance on landfills."
 
     The new blueprint advocates "Waste Reduction‧Resources Circulation‧Zero Landfill". Under this vision, the Government will work with the industry and the community to move towards two main goals. The medium-term goal is to gradually reduce the per capita MSW disposal rate by 40 to 45 per cent and raise the recovery rate to about 55 per cent by implementing MSW charging, while the long-term goal is to move away from the reliance on landfills for direct waste disposal by developing adequate waste-to-energy facilities. To achieve the above goals, the Government will promote six major areas of action, namely Waste Reduction, Waste Separation, Resources Circulation, Industry Support, Innovation and Cooperation, and Education and Publicity, leading the advancement of various policies and measures as well as building a circular economy and a sustainable green living environment.
 
     Mr Wong expressed gratitude to various stakeholders for providing their valuable opinions to the Environment Bureau (ENB) on the development of the long-term strategy blueprint. The Government will assume a more proactive role, such as further promoting various policies and legislation, in particular the MSW charging initiative that would serve at the forefront of effectively promoting waste reduction and recycling. The ENB will also consult members of the public on the implementation of the producer responsibility scheme for plastic beverage containers and the recommendations for the control of disposable plastic tableware in phases. It will also consider the need to handle other single-use plastics.
 
     The Environmental Protection Department (EPD) has been extending the community recycling network in 18 districts, with a view to strengthening the central collection services of recyclables, further encouraging waste reduction and recycling by the general public, and nurturing green living habits in the community. The Recycling Stations, Recycling Stores and Recycling Spots in the districts are progressively commencing services, forming a new community recycling network and bringing a new clean recycling experience to the public. In addition, the ENB will reinforce support for the recycling sector so as to enhance the effectiveness of transforming waste into resources and establish a circular economy. It will also expand the local waste-to-resources/energy capacities by setting up the required infrastructure in a timely manner to handle waste in a more sustainable and low-carbon manner in order to achieve the long-term goal of "Zero Landfill".
 
     The Waste Blueprint for Hong Kong 2035 is available on the ENB website (www.enb.gov.hk/sites/default/files/pdf/waste_blueprint_2035_eng.pdf).

     In view of the latest developments of COVID-19, the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) announced today (February 8) that the 2021 Bun Carnival originally scheduled to be held at the soccer pitch of Pak Tai Temple Playground on Cheung Chau has been cancelled.

     The 2021 Bun Carnival is jointly organised by the Hong Kong Cheung Chau Bun Festival Committee and the LCSD. After thorough deliberation, the organising committee has decided to cancel related activities in order to avoid people gathering and to reduce social contact and the risk of the spread of COVID-19 in the community.

     Activities that have been cancelled include:

(1) Training on Bun Tower Climbing;
(2) The Selection Contest for the Bun Scrambling Competition;
(3) The Climbing Carnival; and
(4) The Bun Scrambling Competition.

     Nevertheless, the ongoing Student Colouring and Drawing Competitions of the 2021 Bun Carnival will continue. The LCSD will notify the winners individually and awards will be sent to the respective schools after the assessment. Hard copies of the winning entries will be displayed at some of the LCSD's venues in Islands District, at Central Pier 5 and at the MTR Community Art Gallery at the MTR Central Station. The LCSD will also upload e-copies of the winning entries to the Multimedia Information System of the Hong Kong Public Libraries in order to promote the Cheung Chau Jiao Festival's tradition of bun scrambling and local customs among the public.

     As for enquiries of the Jiao Festival organised by the Bun Festival Committee, please call 2981 2329. For more information on the Cheung Chau Jiao Festival, which has been inscribed onto the Third National List of Intangible Cultural Heritage since 2011, please visit www.lcsd.gov.hk/CE/Museum/ICHO/en_US/web/icho/representative_list_cheungchau.html.

The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority:

     The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) announces that a tender of 2-year Exchange Fund Notes will be held on February 19 (Friday) for settlement on February 22 (Monday), as set out in the tentative issuance schedule announced on November 13, 2020. This is to roll over an issue of 2-year Exchange Fund Notes maturing on the same day. 
 
     A total of HK$1,200 million 2-year Notes will be on offer, of which HK$5 million will be made available for offer to members of the public who wish to submit non-competitive tender bids through Hong Kong Securities Clearing Company Limited (HKSCC). If the Notes reserved for non-competitive tender are under-subscribed, the non-subscribed amount will be added to the portion of notes for competitive tender (initially set at HK$1,195 million). The Notes will mature on February 22, 2023 and will carry interest at the rate of 0.16 per cent per annum payable semi-annually in arrears.
 
     Members of the public who wish to submit non-competitive tender applications for Notes that are open to HKSCC may do so through Stock Exchange Participants/Brokers, or for those who hold Investor Accounts of the Central Clearing and Settlement System (CCASS) at the HKSCC, directly through HKSCC, for submission to the HKMA for processing. Competitive tender applications for the Notes must be submitted through any of the Eligible Market Makers appointed by the HKMA, with the current published list available on the HKMA's website at www.hkma.gov.hk. Each tender must be for an amount of HK$50,000 or integral multiples thereof for both competitive and non-competitive tender.
 
     The tender results will be published on the HKMA's website, the Reuters screen (HKMAOOE), and Bloomberg. Applicants who submitted non-competitive tender bids through HKSCC may also obtain the tender results from Stock Exchange Participants/Brokers, or for applicants who hold Investor Accounts at HKSCC's CCASS from the CCASS terminal for CCASS Broker/Custodian/Participants and CCASS Phone System.
 
HKMA Exchange Fund Note Programme Tender Information
——————————————————————

     Tender information of 2-Year Exchange Fund Notes:
 

 
     Price/Yield Table of the new EFN at tender for reference* only:
 

 
*Disclaimer: The information provided here is for reference only. Although extreme care has been taken to ensure that the information provided is accurate and up-to-date, the HKMA does not warrant that all, or any part of, the information provided is accurate in all respects. You are encouraged to conduct your own enquiries to verify any particular piece of information provided on it. The HKMA shall not be liable for any loss or damage suffered as a result of any use or reliance on any of the information provided here.
 

The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority:

     In view of the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Hong Kong's economy and labour market, the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) today (February 8) announced the extension of the Banking Talent Programme (the Programme). The Programme, jointly launched by the HKMA and the banking industry, will be extended to upcoming fresh graduates this year through offering six-month work opportunities and professional training starting September 2021 (2021 Programme). The existing Programme for recruited graduates (2020 Programme) can also be extended for a period of up to six months (i.e. till August 31, 2021) depending on the operational needs of the participating institutions.
 
     With the support of the industry, the scale of 2021 Programme will be larger with more job opportunities, and the scope will be expanded to cover graduates from universities outside Hong Kong, in addition to those from local universities. These enhancements will benefit a wider spectrum of young talent who aspire to develop their career in Hong Kong's banking sector. The details of 2021 Programme are set out below:
 

• Job opportunities: Around 450 openings will be offered by banks, Stored Value Facilities operators, together with the HKMA. Work opportunities will be provided in areas ranging from front-line operations to back-office functions in retail and commercial banking;
• Professional training: A series of induction seminars organised by the HKMA, in collaboration with the Hong Kong Academy of Finance and the Hong Kong Institute of Bankers (HKIB), as well as industry-specific training courses will be provided to relevant graduates;
• Programme period: 2021 Programme will start from early September 2021 and last for a period of six months;
• Financial support: Same as 2020 Programme, the HKMA will reimburse participating institutions up to 50 per cent of the monthly salary (HK$12,000) of Programme participants, and subsidise the fees for the relevant professional training courses attended by the graduates (up to HK$5,000 per person);
• Eligibility: 2021 Programme will be open for applications from students graduating with a bachelor's degree in 2021 from local universities and those outside Hong Kong (Note). The disciplines preferred will depend on the work nature of specific jobs and the need of participating institutions; and
• Application: Application will open on May 1, 2021 and the results will be announced by participating institutions around July to August after selection interviews.

  
     For those graduates under 2020 Programme whose employment will be extended by the participating institutions, the HKMA will continue to reimburse up to 50 per cent of the monthly salary of Programme participants during the extended period.
 
     The Chief Executive of the HKMA, Mr Eddie Yue, said, "I am pleased to see the staunch support of the banking industry and the positive responses of the graduates for the Programme. As the labour market is likely to remain challenging amid the lingering pandemic, the extension of the Programme will provide a valuable opportunity for our young talent to gain more work experience and financial knowledge so that they can better prepare themselves for a future career in the banking sector when the economy recovers. The banking industry will also benefit from a sustainable pipeline of young talent, which is crucial to strengthening the competitiveness of Hong Kong as an international financial centre."

     Further information about the Programme will be updated on the website of the HKIB (www.hkib.org), the administrator of the Programme, in due course.

Background
 
     The HKMA and the banking industry launched the Programme last year to provide fresh graduates with short-term work opportunities and professional training, with a view to alleviating the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the supply of young talent in the banking sector. More than 300 six-month work opportunities from over 40 participating institutions were offered to graduates of local universities last year, with employment period commencing September 2020. 

Note: Eligible applicants must be Hong Kong residents.