Following is the transcript of remarks made by the Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs, Mr Patrick Nip, on the National Anthem Bill at a media session after attending a radio programme this morning (January 26):
 
Reporter: Have you discussed with any international schools about the proposed law as they will also be covered? Any of them expressed concerns about the matter?
 
Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs: The Education Bureau has got in touch and discussed with the international schools and they will continue to do so. I understand the international schools basically understand the requirements (under the National Anthem Bill) and the Education Bureau will continue to follow up and to provide the necessary support. Under the National Anthem Bill, the Secretary for Education will issue directions for inclusion of the national anthem in primary education and in secondary education. I don't think the international schools will have major difficulties in doing that because the international schools themselves embrace diversity and respect for the signs and symbols of other countries. We will follow up on that. The actual implementation will be school-based and rely on the expertise and professional judgements of the schools and teachers. If they have any problem, the Education Bureau will provide them with all the necessary support. 
 
(Please also refer to the Chinese part of the transcript.)
 

The following is issued on behalf of the Commission on Poverty:
 
     The Chief Secretary for Administration and Chairperson of the Commission on Poverty (CoP), Mr Matthew Cheung Kin-chung, officiated at the Future Stars – Upward Mobility Scholarship Ceremony today (January 26), encouraging youngsters to embrace opportunities and rise to life’s challenges with perseverance, positivity and enthusiasm.
 
     The Future Stars – Upward Mobility Scholarship scheme was implemented by the CoP in 2014 to encourage less privileged students from secondary schools, special schools and institutions of Vocational Training Council who have demonstrated resilience and a positive attitude in the face of adversity. Funded by donations from all sectors of the community, scholarships of $5,000 provide assistance to better equip them in moving up the social ladder.
    
     Mr Cheung said that the scholarship scheme has been widely supported by donors from all walks of the community, and schools have actively participated. Each year around 100 donors have contributed towards the scholarship, and over 450 secondary schools (about 85 per cent of all secondary schools) have nominated students for the scholarship. Over the past five years over $28.6 million has been raised to benefit    5 454 students.
 
     In 2018, the scheme raised approximately $4.9 million from all parts of the community, benefitting 933 students from 451 secondary schools.  At today’s ceremony Mr Cheung presented certificates of appreciation to donors and thanked the Hong Kong Council of Social Service, schools and social welfare organisations for supporting the scheme.
 
     In addition, Mr Cheung said that the Government recognises that young people have very different talents and aspirations, and strives to help them realise their potential and become future pillars of society with vision, leadership and commitment. With this aim in mind, internship and exchange programmes have been launched in the Mainland and overseas, as well as the Youth Development Fund and the Space Sharing Scheme for Youth in Hong Kong. Mr Cheung added that in view of the positive feedback on the “Be a Government Official for a Day” programme implemented by the CoP in 2018, the scale of the programme would be expanded this year to include the Chief Executive, principal officials and other senior government officials. He encouraged students to participate in the programme.
 
     About 800 guests attended today’s ceremony including student awardees, donors (mainly from the business and professional sectors) and representatives from participating schools. Student awardees shared their stories and thoughts about the scholarships, with some also performing at the ceremony.
 
     Information on the Future Stars – Upward Mobility Scholarship can be obtained from the website of the CoP at www.povertyrelief.gov.hk.

     Police advise motorists that special traffic arrangements will be implemented in Sha Tin to facilitate the race meeting tomorrow (January 27).

     The arrangements will come into effect two hours before the start of the first race and will last until the crowds have dispersed after the race meeting.

     Appropriate traffic signs will be put up and police will be on hand to guide motorists.

     The Police also appeal to people going to Sha Tin Racecourse for the race meeting and to Happy Valley Racecourse for cross betting to make maximum use of public transport.

     Parking spaces at the two racecourses are available only to holders of appropriate permits issued by Hong Kong Jockey Club and any vehicles illegally parked will be towed away.

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 rate of medical wards in public hospitals. Key service statistics are being issued daily for public information. Details are in the appended table.

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 (January 26) that due to big waves, red flag has been hoisted at Clear Water Bay Second Beach in Sai Kung District.  Beach-goers are advised not to swim at the beach.