The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, said at a dialogue session at the RISE 2018 conference at noon yesterday (July 10) that she will lead Hong Kong to develop innovation and technology (I&T) by devoting a large amount of resources in it and providing support to start-ups proactively.
      
     Mrs Lam had a dialogue with the moderator on ways to promote I&T development at a session with an audience of over 1 000 people.  Mrs Lam said that Hong Kong has room for improvement in the development of smart city but the city is quickly catching up and a favourable environment for I&T is being created in Hong Kong through the eight-pronged approach outlined by her earlier. She added that the Government has set up a Financial Leaders Forum, chaired by the Financial Secretary, which facilitated the amendments of the Listing Rules, helping companies from emerging and innovative sectors list in Hong Kong. Noting that Hong Kong possesses advantages in scientific research, she expressed the hope that with support in areas such as resources, nurturing of talent and working space, as well as complementarity with other cities in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Bay Area, transformation of scientific and technological achievements will be enhanced. She said she welcomes talent from around the world to develop careers in Hong Kong.
      
     After the dialogue session, Mrs Lam toured the booths set up by some Hong Kong-based start-ups. Products on display were designed with a combination of technology and creativity, including a social e-commerce platform to which users can upload photos of clothes to find out where they can be bought, a 3D body measurement scanning device to help consumers buy well-fitting clothes and customised T-shirt service.
      
     RISE is the largest technology conference in Asia. It is held from July 9 to 12 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre this year, attracting about 15 000 representatives from more than 100 countries and regions to take part, including entrepreneurs, investors and startup representatives.

      

    In response to comments contained in the Joint Letter from some Members of UK Parliament on the condition of fundamental freedoms and rule of law in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), a spokesman for the HKSAR Government made the following response today (July 10):

     Since the return to the Motherland, the HKSAR has been exercising a high degree of autonomy and "Hong Kong people administering Hong Kong" in strict accordance with the Basic Law. This demonstrates the full and successful implementation of the "one country, two systems" principle, which has been widely recognised by the international community.

     In the HKSAR, the fundamental rights of residents are fully protected by the Basic Law, the Hong Kong Bill of Rights Ordinance (Cap 383) (HKBORO) and other relevant legislation.

     The rule of law and judicial independence are the cornerstone of Hong Kong and the important elements of the success of the "one country, two systems" principle. The HKSAR Government has all along stood firm to guard and uphold the rule of law. The Department of Justice handles all criminal cases in accordance with the applicable law, relevant evidence and the Prosecution Code with no political consideration at all. The courts exercise judicial power independently.

     Under Article 158 of the Basic Law, the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPCSC) has the power to interpret the Basic Law. The NPCSC's power of interpretation of the Basic Law is part of the constitutional order of the HKSAR, and is recognised by Hong Kong courts. The NPCSC Interpretation in 2016 clearly explains the meaning of Article 104 of the Basic Law and the consequences of contravening the provision. The Interpretation also explains clearly the requirements for oath-taking by specified officers, including members of the Legislative Council. Any allegation of "political screening" is misleading and ill-founded.

     Foreign legislatures should not interfere in any form in the internal affairs of the HKSAR. Statements arbitrarily made to undermine and bring possible damage to the rule of law and our well-recognised reputation in this regard is not conducive to Hong Kong's progress.

    In response to comments contained in the Joint Letter from some Members of UK Parliament on the condition of fundamental freedoms and rule of law in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), a spokesman for the HKSAR Government made the following response today (July 10):

     Since the return to the Motherland, the HKSAR has been exercising a high degree of autonomy and "Hong Kong people administering Hong Kong" in strict accordance with the Basic Law. This demonstrates the full and successful implementation of the "one country, two systems" principle, which has been widely recognised by the international community.

     In the HKSAR, the fundamental rights of residents are fully protected by the Basic Law, the Hong Kong Bill of Rights Ordinance (Cap 383) (HKBORO) and other relevant legislation.

     The rule of law and judicial independence are the cornerstone of Hong Kong and the important elements of the success of the "one country, two systems" principle. The HKSAR Government has all along stood firm to guard and uphold the rule of law. The Department of Justice handles all criminal cases in accordance with the applicable law, relevant evidence and the Prosecution Code with no political consideration at all. The courts exercise judicial power independently.

     Under Article 158 of the Basic Law, the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPCSC) has the power to interpret the Basic Law. The NPCSC's power of interpretation of the Basic Law is part of the constitutional order of the HKSAR, and is recognised by Hong Kong courts. The NPCSC Interpretation in 2016 clearly explains the meaning of Article 104 of the Basic Law and the consequences of contravening the provision. The Interpretation also explains clearly the requirements for oath-taking by specified officers, including members of the Legislative Council. Any allegation of "political screening" is misleading and ill-founded.

     Foreign legislatures should not interfere in any form in the internal affairs of the HKSAR. Statements arbitrarily made to undermine and bring possible damage to the rule of law and our well-recognised reputation in this regard is not conducive to Hong Kong's progress.

     In response to media enquiries on residents' service and ferry service for Park Island, a spokesman for the Transport Department (TD) today (July 10) gave the following reply:
 
     According to the Heads of Agreement concerning the Ma Wan northeastern comprehensive development area signed between the Government and Sun Hung Kai Properties Limited (the Developer), the Developer shall provide ferry service and has an obligation to provide bus service to and from Ma Wan.
 
     The Park Island Transport Company Limited (PITCL) has the responsibility to provide proper transport services to Ma Wan residents. The TD is gravely concerned about the PITCL's failure in providing sufficient residents' service during the peak hours yesterday evening (July 9) and this morning, resulting in long waiting time for residents. The TD has already urged the company to honour its obligation of providing proper transport services for residents. The PITCL responded that deployment has been made to ensure there are sufficient resources to deal with passenger demand. The TD will continue to closely monitor the situation.
 
     In processing any application for adjustment of service, residents' needs will be the TD's prime concern.

     Police today (July 10) appealed to the public for information on a man who went missing in Hung Hom.
         
     Yeung Hon-sum, aged 65, went missing after he left a hostel on Chi Kiang Street yesterday (July 9) morning. Staff of the hostel made a report to Police on the same day.
         
     He is about 1.7 metres tall, 65 kilograms in weight and of thin build. He has a long face with yellow complexion and short black hair. He was last seen wearing a blue and white striped T-shirt, black trousers and black slippers.

     Anyone who knows the whereabouts of the missing man or may have seen him is urged to contact the Regional Missing Person Unit of Kowloon West on 3661 8038 or 9020 6542 or email to rmpu-kw-2@police.gov.hk, or contact any police station.