The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority:
 
     The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) wishes to alert members of the public to a press release issued by China CITIC Bank International Limited on fraudulent website, which has been reported to the HKMA. Hyperlink to the press release is available on the HKMA website for ease of reference by members of the public.
      
     Anyone who has provided his or her personal information to the website concerned or has conducted any financial transactions through the website should contact the bank concerned using the contact information provided in the press release, and report to the Police or contact the Cyber Security and Technology Crime Bureau of the Hong Kong Police Force at 2860 5012.

     The Secretary for the Civil Service, Mr Joshua Law, and the Secretary for Education, Mr Kevin Yeung, visited Wan Chai District today (September 3), where they met with kindergarten students who had just started their new term and some senior secondary students on a career exploration programme, as well as meeting with members of Wan Chai District Council (WCDC).

     Accompanied by the Chairman of the WCDC, Mr Stephen Ng, the Vice-chairman of WCDC, Dr Jennifer Chow, and the District Officer (Wan Chai), Mr Rick Chan, Mr Law and Mr Yeung first went to St James' Settlement, where they joined some high-school students in a "Career Live" activity.

     Placed in workplace simulations, "Career Live" students complete field tasks to the best of their abilities using the relevant tools. They then learn about the entry requirements, nature and work situation of different professions, and reflect on their interests, abilities and what they have learnt during a group evaluation session.

     The two Directors of Bureaux listened to students' explain how the programme has enhanced their self-understanding and helped them to set up their career goals. Both Mr Law and Mr Yeung encouraged the students to be proactive in their learning and future exploration, in order to better prepare themselves for further study and career development.

     Mr Law and Mr Yeung went on to the Boys' & Girls' Clubs Association of Hong Kong Cheerland Kindergarten (Wanchai) where they learnt more about toddlers getting back to school with their teachers' help.

     After gaining a better understanding of students' school life and career guidance, Mr Law and Mr Yeung exchanged views with the Wan Chai district councillors on matters concerning the civil service, education and the district.

            

     The Secretary for Justice, Ms Teresa Cheng, SC, will visit Guangzhou and Shenzhen from tomorrow (September 4) to September 6. 

     In Guangzhou, Ms Cheng will officiate at the opening of the fifth Hong Kong Legal Services Forum.

     The Forum has been held on a biennial basis in different cities on the Mainland since 2010. The theme of the Forum this year is "From Bay Area to International Arena". The Forum aims to promote the legal and dispute resolution services of Hong Kong to enterprises and other service users in the Mainland. It is part of the ongoing efforts of the Department of Justice to consolidate Hong Kong's status as an international legal and dispute resolution services centre in the Asia-Pacific region.

     During her visit, Ms Cheng will also meet with officials of Guangdong Province and visit court facilities in Shenzhen.

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

     Regarding an earlier announcement on a cluster of patients infected with Rhinovirus in a male ward for severe intellectual disability, the spokesperson for Siu Lam Hospital made the following update today (September 3):
 
     One more 58-year-old patient in the ward presented with respiratory symptoms. Appropriate viral tests were arranged for the patient and the test results were positive for Rhinovirus. The patient concerned is being treated under isolation and is in a stable condition.
   
     Admission to the ward has been suspended and restricted visiting has been imposed. Infection control measures have already been stepped up according to established guidelines. All other patients in the ward are under close surveillance.
 
     The case has been reported to the Hospital Authority Head Office and the Centre for Health Protection for necessary follow up.

     The Marine Department (MD) has been appointed by the Secretary for Education as the Assessment Agency for Professional Maritime Qualifications under the Qualifications Framework (QF) for a period of five years commencing today (September 3).
 
     The MD is the first government department to be appointed as the Assessment Agency for Professional Maritime Qualifications under the QF.
 
     Seven professional maritime qualifications have been accredited by the Hong Kong Council for Accreditation of Academic and Vocational Qualifications (HKCAAVQ) and are recognised under the QF, namely seagoing Certificates of Competency (CoCs) for Deck Officer Class 3, Class 2 and Class 1; CoCs for Marine Engineer Officer Class 3, Class 2 and Class 1; and CoCs for Electro-technical Officer. The CoCs for Deck Officer Class 2 and Class 1 and for Marine Engineer Officer Class 2 and Class 1 are pitched at QF Level 5, whereas the CoCs for Deck Officer Class 3, Marine Engineer Class 3 and Electro-technical Officer are pitched at QF Level 4.
 
     The spokesperson for the MD said, "With the support of the Manpower Development Committee of the Hong Kong Maritime and Port Board, the MD started the accreditation exercise in January 2017 with a view to recognising the various seagoing CoCs granted by the Department under the QF. The appointment as the Assessment Agency has proved that the MD has a fair, transparent and consistent assessment strategy under which valid and reliable assessment methods for the CoCs have been developed. It is a milestone for the maritime industry, as such recognition of the professional seafaring qualifications will provide a clear progression ladder for new blood to pursue studies and qualification development in the industry."
 
     Candidates sitting for the examination to attain any of the above seven seagoing CoCs starting September 3, 2018 will be accredited by the MD with the relevant professional maritime qualification under the QF.