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Author Archives: hksar gov

Tenders invited for site formation and engineering infrastructure works for Yuen Long South New Development Area Second Phase Development

     The Civil Engineering and Development Department (CEDD) today (December 20) gazetted a notice to invite tenders for the contract for Yuen Long South New Development Area Second Phase Development – Contract 4 – Site Formation and Engineering Infrastructure Works (Contract No. YL/2024/02). The closing time for the tender is noon on February 28, 2025.

     The works mainly include: 
1. site clearance and formation (including land decontamination works), together with the provision of associated engineering infrastructure;
2. construction of a retention pond;
3. construction of one nullah decking and three footbridges across Yuen Long Nullah;
4. realignment and widening of sections of existing Kung Um Road and Pak Sha Shan Road;
5. construction of associated works including junction improvement works, cycle tracks, footpaths, water supply system, sewerage system, drainage system, box culverts, slope works, retaining walls, landscaping works, electrical and mechanical works and other ancillary works; and
6. implementation of environmental mitigation measures for the works mentioned above.

     The works are scheduled to commence in the third quarter of 2025 and will take about 48 months to complete.

     The CEDD has commissioned AECOM Asia Company Limited to design and supervise the works. Interested contractors can download the tender forms and other particulars from the e-Tendering System (e-TS). Tenderers must submit tenders in electronic format via the e-TS.

     Details of the tender notice are available on the CEDD’s website (www.cedd.gov.hk/eng/tender-notices/contracts/tender-notices/index.html). For enquiries, please call AECOM Asia Company Limited at 3922 9000 during office hours. read more

East Asia

Appointments to Insurance Authority

     The Government announced today (December 20) appointments to the Insurance Authority (IA) with effect from December 28, 2024.
 
     The Chief Executive (CE), pursuant to the Insurance Ordinance (Cap. 41), has reappointed Mr Stephen Yiu Kin-wah as the Chairman of IA. The Financial Secretary under the authority delegated by the CE, has also reappointed nine incumbent Non-Executive Directors (NEDs), namely, Dr Clement Chen Cheng-jen, Ms Ivy Cheung Wing-han, Ms Agnes Choi Heung-kwan, Mr Lam Wai-kong, Mr Terry Lo Kin-wing, Ms Theresa Ng Choi-yuk, Dr Derrick Pang Yat-bond, Mr Anson Wong Man-kit, SC, and Mr Kenneth Wong Wing-yan; and appointed Professor Darwin Choi, Mr Andrew Fung Hau-chung, and Dr Fung Hong as NEDs.
 
     Announcing the appointments, the Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr Christopher Hui, said, “Mr Yiu has demonstrated strong leadership over the past three years as IA Chairman. Under his steer, the IA has successfully navigated a rapidly evolving market environment and promoted the sustainable growth of the insurance industry, including the implementation of a risk-based capital regime to strengthen the financial soundness of insurers in Hong Kong and enhance protection for policy holders. I am confident that Mr Yiu will continue to lead the IA to achieve greater progress on various fronts.”
 
     Mr Hui further stated, “With the addition of three newly appointed members, the IA will continue to comprise distinguished professionals from a wide range of sectors, including insurance, actuarial science, accountancy, banking, business, labour and welfare/consumer affairs, legal, and medical and health. This diversified membership will enhance the IA’s ability to address community needs and further solidify Hong Kong’s position as a leading international risk management centre.”
 
     Mr Hui also expressed his gratitude to the three outgoing NEDs, namely, Dr Evelyn Lam Ho-yi, Dr Ares Leung Kwok-ling and Professor Anna Wong Wai-kwan, for their contributions to the IA during their terms of office. 
 
     The membership list of the IA with effect from December 28, 2024, is as follows:
 
Chairman (who is an NED) (appointment for a term of three years)
————————————————————————–
Mr Stephen Yiu Kin-wah
 
Non-Executive Directors
————————— 
Appointment for a term of three years:
 
Ms Ivy Cheung Wing-han
Professor Darwin Choi*
Mr Andrew Fung Hau-chung*
Dr Fung Hong*
Mr Lam Wai-kong
Mr Terry Lo Kin-wing
Dr Derrick Pang Yat-bond
Mr Anson Wong Man-kit, SC
Mr Kenneth Wong Wing-yan
 
Appointment for a term of two years:
 
Dr Clement Chen Cheng-jen
Ms Agnes Choi Heung-kwan
Ms Theresa Ng Choi-yuk
 
Executive Directors
———————
Mr Clement Cheung Wan-ching
Mr Clement Lau Chung-kin
Mr Lee Moung-mo
Mr Marty Lui Yu-kwok
 
* New appointees read more

East Asia

CHP reminds public on precautions against cold weather

     The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) today (December 20) reminded the public, particularly the elderly and people with chronic illnesses, to adopt appropriate measures to protect their health in view of the cold weather.

    A spokesman for the CHP said that cold weather can easily trigger or exacerbate diseases, especially among the elderly and persons suffering from heart disease, respiratory illnesses or other chronic illnesses.

     “Elderly people have less insulating fat beneath their skin to keep them warm, and their body temperature control mechanisms may be weaker. Their body may not be able to appropriately respond to thecold weather,” the spokesman said.

     Some senior persons may have decreased mobility, which can impair their ability to generate and conserve body heat. Chronic illnesses, such as hypertension, diabetes and endocrine disorders, may undermine the health of elderly people and lower their metabolic rate, subsequently causing their body to generate less heat. Persons with chronic illnesses, such as chronic respiratory illnesses or heart disease, are vulnerable to disease aggravation due to cold weather.

     The CHP reminded the public, in particular the elderly and persons with chronic illnesses, to adopt the following preventive measures:
 

  • Take note of the weather forecast. Wear warm clothing, including hats, scarves, gloves and socks, accordingly;
  • Consume sufficient food to ensure adequate calorie intake;
  • Perform regular exercise to facilitate blood circulation and heat production;
  • Stay in a warm environment and avoid prolonged outdoor exposure;
  • Use heaters with care and maintain adequate indoor ventilation; and
  • Seek medical advice if feeling unwell.
     
     â€‹In addition, the public should avoid alcoholic beverages.
     
     “Drinking alcohol cannot keep you warm. Alcohol accelerates the loss of body heat through dilated blood vessels, resulting in chilling instead,” the spokesman said.

     “Parents should ensure that babies are sufficiently warm, but it is also important to keep babies relatively lightly clothed to avoid overheating them,” the spokesman added.

     Parents should observe the following safety measures when putting their children to bed:  
  • Keep the room well ventilated and at a comfortable temperature;
  • Always place babies on their backs to sleep. Leave their heads, faces and arms uncovered during sleep;
  • Babies do not need pillows. Place babies on a firm and well-fitted mattress to sleep. Avoid soft objects, pillows and loose bedding;
  • Let babies sleep in a cot placed near their parents’ bed; and
  • Maintain a smoke-free environment.
 
     In addition, many respiratory pathogens, including influenza and SARS-CoV-2, may have increasing activity and community transmission during winter. Seasonal influenza vaccination is recommended for all persons aged 6 months or above, except those with known contraindications. Persons at higher risk of getting influenza and its complications, including the elderly and children, should receive seasonal influenza vaccinations early. Please see details of the vaccination schemes on the CHP’s website.
      
     A person who gets influenza and COVID-19 at the same time may be more seriously ill and would have a higher risk of death. It is important for elderly persons, especially those residing in residential care homes, to receive both a seasonal influenza vaccination and a COVID-19 vaccination. They should also receive an additional booster against COVID-19 according to recommendations as soon as possible. The public should also maintain good personal and environmental hygiene against respiratory illnesses and note the following:
 
  • Surgical masks can prevent transmission of respiratory viruses from ill persons. It is essential for persons who are symptomatic (even if having mild symptoms) to wear a surgical mask;
  • Wear a surgical mask when taking public transport or staying in crowded places. It is important to wear a mask properly, including performing hand hygiene before wearing and after removing a mask;
  • Avoid touching one’s eyes, mouth and nose;
  • Wash hands with liquid soap and water properly whenever possibly contaminated;
  • When hands are not visibly soiled, clean them with 70 to 80 per cent alcohol-based handrub;
  • Cover the mouth and nose with tissue paper when sneezing or coughing. Dispose of soiled tissue paper properly into a lidded rubbish bin and wash hands thoroughly afterwards;
  • Maintain good indoor ventilation;
  • When having respiratory symptoms, wear a surgical mask, refrain from work or attending classes at school, avoid going to crowded places and seek medical advice promptly; and
  • Maintain a balanced diet, exercise regularly, take adequate rest, do not smoke and avoid overstress.
    
     Food-borne diseases, particularly those linked to hotpot cuisine, are also common in cold weather. The following preventive measures should be taken:
 
  • Wash hands before handling and consuming food;
  • Do not patronise unlicensed vendors or those with poor hygienic standards while selecting food;
  • Wash and cook all food thoroughly;
  • Vegetables should be washed thoroughly in clean running water before cooking and consumption. When appropriate, scrub vegetables with hard surfaces with a clean brush to remove dirt and substances, including pesticide residues and contaminants, from surfaces and crevices;
  • Shrimps should be fully cooked until the shells turn red and the flesh turns white and opaque;
  • For shellfish such as scallops and geoduck, scrub the shells thoroughly and remove internal organs;
  • Do not eat any undercooked freshwater aquatic products. To ensure that the food is thoroughly cooked, the centre of the food should reach a temperature of at least 75 degrees Celsius so as to destroy pathogen;
  • Most hotpot ingredients should be stored in a refrigerator at 4 degrees C or below, while frozen food should be stored in a freezer at -18 degrees C or below;
  • Never use raw eggs as a dipping sauce for hotpot; and
  • Use different sets of chopsticks to handle raw and cooked food to avoid cross-contamination.
    
     â€‹In addition, when using fuel-burning appliances, especially in indoor areas, the public should ensure adequate ventilation to avoid harmful exposure to carbon monoxide (CO) and prevent CO poisoning.
     
     For more health information, the public may call the DH’s Health Education Infoline (2833 0111) or visit the CHP’s website and Facebook Fanpage.

     The public may also call Dial-a-Weather (1878 200) or visit the website of the Hong Kong Observatory for the latest weather information and forecasts, or its page on Weather Information for Senior Citizens. read more

East Asia