The following is issued on behalf of the Judiciary:

     The new Chief Justice of the Court of Final Appeal, Mr Andrew Cheung Kui-nung, was sworn in at Government House today (January 11).

     The Chief Justice took the Judicial Oath which was administered by the Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam. In solemnity, the Chief Justice swore that he will uphold the Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) of the People's Republic of China (PRC), bear allegiance to the HKSAR of the PRC, serve the HKSAR conscientiously, dutifully, in full accordance with the law, honestly and with integrity, safeguard the law and administer justice without fear or favour, self-interest or deceit. 

     On the first day of his assumption of office, the Chief Justice expressed that he was deeply honoured and privileged to be given the opportunity to serve the HKSAR as the Chief Justice. He would endeavour to maintain the independence and impartiality of the Judiciary and safeguard the rule of law. He looked forward to taking forth a professional and efficient Judiciary that moves with the times; a Judiciary that administers justice in full accordance with the law, without fear or favour, self-interest or deceit.

    

     The Innovation and Technology Commission today (January 11) launched the fourth round of the Midstream Research Programme for Universities. Funding applications from universities for research and development (R&D) projects under the themes "Drug Development" and "Green Engineering Technologies" are welcome. The deadline is March 26.

     R&D projects under the theme "Drug Development" refer to mid- to down-stream research on innovative chemical, biological or Chinese medicines-based drugs for disease management. Those under the theme "Green Engineering Technologies" cover a wide range of technology areas in the engineering discipline, including renewable energy such as solar and wind energy, third generation semiconductors, remote sensing technology, artificial intelligence, intelligent buildings and smart grids.

     The Programme aims at encouraging universities funded by the University Grants Committee to conduct more theme-based midstream research in focused technology areas, so that more R&D outcomes could be made available for downstream research or product development.

     The funding ceiling for each project is $5 million. Projects involving collaboration across multiple disciplines, universities or research institutes will be accorded priority and a higher funding ceiling of $10 million per project.

     Further information is available on the Innovation and Technology Fund (ITF) website (www.itf.gov.hk/l-eng/MRP.asp). For enquiries, please contact the ITF Secretariat (Tel: 3655 5678; email: enquiry@itf.gov.hk).

     The Innovation and Technology Commission today (January 11) launched the fourth round of the Midstream Research Programme for Universities. Funding applications from universities for research and development (R&D) projects under the themes "Drug Development" and "Green Engineering Technologies" are welcome. The deadline is March 26.

     R&D projects under the theme "Drug Development" refer to mid- to down-stream research on innovative chemical, biological or Chinese medicines-based drugs for disease management. Those under the theme "Green Engineering Technologies" cover a wide range of technology areas in the engineering discipline, including renewable energy such as solar and wind energy, third generation semiconductors, remote sensing technology, artificial intelligence, intelligent buildings and smart grids.

     The Programme aims at encouraging universities funded by the University Grants Committee to conduct more theme-based midstream research in focused technology areas, so that more R&D outcomes could be made available for downstream research or product development.

     The funding ceiling for each project is $5 million. Projects involving collaboration across multiple disciplines, universities or research institutes will be accorded priority and a higher funding ceiling of $10 million per project.

     Further information is available on the Innovation and Technology Fund (ITF) website (www.itf.gov.hk/l-eng/MRP.asp). For enquiries, please contact the ITF Secretariat (Tel: 3655 5678; email: enquiry@itf.gov.hk).

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

     During the winter surge, the Hospital Authority is closely monitoring the service demand of Accident and Emergency Departments and the occupancy rates in public hospitals. Key service statistics are being issued daily for public information. Details are in the attached table.

Attention duty announcers, radio and TV stations:

     Please broadcast the following special announcement immediately, and repeat it at frequent intervals when the Cold Weather Warning is in force:

     The Labour Department reminds employers that as the Cold Weather Warning is in force, they should take appropriate precautions such as reminding employees who have to work outdoors or in remote areas to wear appropriately warm clothing, and make arrangements for employees to rotate from outdoor to indoor or sheltered work sites as far as possible. Employees should take note of the weather report, wear appropriately warm clothing and be mindful of their health conditions. They should notify their supervisors and seek medical help immediately if feeling unwell, such as having cold limbs and body shivering.