The Education Bureau (EDB) issued a circular today (November 1) to invite kindergartens (KGs) to use the two KG education resource centres newly set up in the countryside and the accompanying resource packages specially developed for them. The aim is for children to enjoy more space for play and exploration and learn to appreciate life through direct contact with nature.
 
     A spokesman for the EDB said, "The new KG education policy has been implemented, starting from the 2017/18 school year, to enhance the quality of KG education. This includes the provision of more space for conducting various children activities. We have actively explored the feasibility of setting up resource centres as a medium to long-term measure. In this connection, the EDB has collaborated with the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) to make good use of the AFCD's two visitor centres – the Lions Nature Education Centre and the Hong Kong Wetland Park – to set up KG education resource centres where children can explore freely in the outdoors and learn through play. This also serves to cultivate in them a positive attitude towards caring for nature and an appreciation of life.
 
     "In order to help KG teachers design suitable teaching activities, we  commissioned Hong Kong Baptist University to develop for KG teachers' reference two resource packages, 'Countryside Adventure' and 'Wetland Footprints', taking into account the developmental needs of children and the unique natural environment at the two sites. The resource packages tie in with the learning area of 'Nature and Living' in the Kindergarten Education Curriculum Guide (2017). Various free exploration activities are designed with the developmental characteristics of children in mind. The content of the resource packages includes design rationale, teaching principles and strategies, teacher's roles and suggested activities. 
 
     "We encourage KGs to use the resource packages flexibly for conducting activities, taking into consideration the developmental needs of children and in connection with the themes in their school-based curriculum.
 
     "As participation of parents is indispensable for facilitating children's healthy development, leaflets for parents are included in the above-mentioned resource packages. We encourage parents to make good use of holidays to engage in outdoor activities with their children to bring them closer to nature, relax their minds and bodies, and nurture in them a positive attitude towards caring for nature."
 
     From today onwards, KGs can download the two resource packages and the reservation form of the two education resource centres to arrange related student activities. Details are included in the Education Bureau Circular No. 14/2018 "Kindergarten Education Resource Centres" (applications.edb.gov.hk/circular/upload/EDBC/EDBC18014E.pdf) issued today.

  

     The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) is today (November 1) investigating a probable case of botulism, and again reminded the public that botulinum toxin injections should only be prescribed and performed by registered doctors.

     The female patient, aged 41 with underlying illness, developed generalised weakness, difficulty in swallowing and hoarseness since September 28. She was admitted to Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital on October 29. The clinical diagnosis was suspected iatrogenic botulism. She is now in a stable condition.

     "According to the patient, she received botulinum toxin injection in both calves at her home on September 24 from a beautician who came from the Mainland. Investigations are ongoing," a spokesman for the CHP said.

     "When botulinum toxin is used for cosmetic purposes, its cosmetic effects after injections are temporary and will gradually disappear. If referred to a doctor for the procedure, customers should look for his or her full name against the list of registered doctors of the Medical Council of Hong Kong as well as his or her professional qualifications and relevant experience," the spokesman added.

     Due to the weakening of associated muscles and the fact that botulinum toxin may spread and affect other areas beyond the injection site, affected patients may have drooping of the eyelids, double vision or blurred vision, problems with chewing, hoarseness or even difficulties in swallowing, speaking or breathing, which may happen in hours, days or weeks after the injection.

     The DH urged the public to observe the health advice below before receiving botulinum toxin injections:
 

• Injections should only be performed by locally registered doctors;
• Understand the procedure, potential risks and complications before receiving injections. Consult a doctor for an informed decision;
• Do not receive an injection in case of history of allergy to botulinum toxin, or infection or inflammation on the injection site;
• Request the full name of the doctor in writing if referred by a beauty service provider for the procedure, as well as the professional qualifications and relevant experience; and
• If symptoms develop, such as fever or feeling unwell, seek medical attention immediately.

     The public may visit the DH's webpage on the differentiation between medical procedures and beauty services, the Drug Database of the Drug Office and the CHP's botulism page for more information.​

     The Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA), Mr Norman Chan, was in Tokyo today (November 1) to promote Hong Kong's leading platform as an international financial centre and gateway of China.
 
     The seminar, led by Mr Chan on "China Growth Story: What's Next and Where the Opportunities are", attracted an audience of over 200 attendees from Japanese financial institutions and corporates.
 
     Mr Chan said, "Hong Kong has all along been an intermediation hub for trade and financial flows between Mainland China and the rest of the world. There are abundant opportunities as China's reform and opening-up further progress. Besides, as China's economy is transitioning from high speed growth to a more sustainable and consumption-driven model, it presents tremendous opportunities to Japan, home to a range of high quality goods and services. With its strategic positioning and all-rounded international financial centre platform, Hong Kong can serve as the bridgehead for Japanese corporates and investors as they seek to tap the opportunities in China and other parts of Asia."
 
     The seminar featured a panel discussion joined by senior representatives from financial institutions and the professional services sector from Hong Kong and Japan to discuss the intermediation role and various advantages of Hong Kong in serving Japanese corporates and investors that are developing their markets in Mainland China and the region. 
 
     The seminar was part of the "Think Global, Think Hong Kong" promotion programme organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council in Tokyo.

      

     A woman was fined $10,000 at the Tuen Mun Magistrates' Courts today (November 1) for contravening the Hotel and Guesthouse Accommodation Ordinance.
      
     The courts heard that in September last year, officers of the Office of the Licensing Authority (OLA), the Home Affairs Department, inspected a suspected unlicensed guesthouse on On Lok Road in Yuen Long. During the inspection, the OLA officers posed as lodgers and successfully rented a room in the guesthouse on a daily basis.
      
     According to the OLA's records, the guesthouse did not possess a licence under the Ordinance on the day of inspection. The woman responsible for managing the premises was charged with contravening section 5(1) of the Ordinance.
      
     A department spokesman stressed that operating or managing an unlicensed guesthouse is a criminal offence and will lead to a criminal record. Upon conviction, the offender is liable to a maximum fine of $200,000 and two years' imprisonment.
           
     The spokesman appealed to anyone with information about suspected unlicensed guesthouses to report it to the OLA through the hotline (Tel: 2881 7498), by email (hadlaenq@had.gov.hk), by fax (2504 5805) using the report form downloaded from the OLA website (www.hadla.gov.hk), or through the mobile application "Hong Kong Licensed Hotels and Guesthouses".

     â€‹The Secretary for Home Affairs, Mr Lau Kong-wah, today (November 1) appointed or re-appointed the following persons as Board members of the Hong Kong Philharmonic Society Limited for a period of two years, until the conclusion of the Society's Annual General Meeting in 2020.

Ms Karen Chan Ka-yin* 
Dr Allen Fung Yuk-lun*
Mr Andy Kwok Wing-leung
Mrs Mabel Lee May-bo*
Ms Winnie Tam Wan-chi*
Dr John Yeung Hin-chung

(*new appointees)