The 7th Hong Kong Games (HKG), including an inter-district sports competition and a series of community participation programmes, will be held in 2018 and 2019. The inter-district sports competition will be held from April 28 to June 2 next year, and the 18 District Councils (DCs) are set to begin the open selection of athletes from next month until January 2019. To tie in with the HKG's slogan of "Our City, Our Games", members of the public are encouraged to participate and represent their districts to compete in the Games.
 
     The Chairman of the 7th HKG Organising Committee, Mr Yip Wing-shing, announced details of the HKG in a launching event held at Kowloon Park Sports Centre today (June 19). The Organising Committee's Executive Adviser, Mr William Tong; its Vice Chairman, Dr Patrick Yung; and the Assistant Director (Leisure Services) of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD), Ms Rebecca Lou, also attended and officiated at the launching ceremony.
 
     Noting that the HKG is a biennial major multi-sport event with the 18 DCs as participating units, Mr Yip said that the event aims at encouraging the public to proactively participate in sports events, as well as promoting the "Sport for All" culture. In addition, the HKG can also enhance communication among districts and strengthen the public's sense of belonging to their districts and community cohesion.
 
     The 7th HKG will continue to hold eight sports competitions, namely athletics, badminton, basketball, futsal, swimming, table tennis, tennis and volleyball. Apart from the eight sports, Mr Yip announced that rugby sevens will be included as a new demonstration sport in the 7th HKG and sport-related fun games, namely Fun for All@Hong Kong Games, will be arranged for the audience to enjoy while cheering for the district athletes during the final competitions.
 
     Two new events will also be held during the 7th HKG to boost city-wide participation. Through taking part in fitness tests of the Sports Legacy – Exercise to Get Super Fit programme jointly organised with the Sports Federation & Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China (SF&OC), members of the public will be able to identify their potential in sports and keep practising afterwards. The popular Vitality Run will continue to be organised, and primary and secondary schools will also be invited to arrange a Hong Kong Games 7-minute School Vitality Run at their athletic meets for students, teachers and parents to enjoy running under the HKG theme song, so as to extend the excitement to schools.
 
     Other major community participation activities of the 7th HKG will include Elite Athletes' Demonstration and Exchange Programmes as well as a Sports Seminar that will be held between July and November this year. The well-received Vitality Run will be held in March 2019 with a larger quota for public participation. The 18 Districts' Pledging cum Cheering Team Competition, a photo contest and voting and guessing activities will also be held.
 
     Eight Sports Ambassadors for the 7th HKG have been appointed by the Organising Committee to assist in promoting the Games. They are Cecilia Yeung (athletics), Yuen Sin-ying (badminton), Leung Shiu-wah (basketball), Liu Yik-shing (futsal), Chan Kin-lok (swimming), Doo Hoi-kem (table tennis), Cody Wong (tennis) and Helen Ip (volleyball). A new TV Announcement in the Public Interest with the participation of Yeung, who took part in the 3rd HKG, and elite badminton athlete Lee Cheuk-yiu has been produced to appeal to the public for their active participation in the athlete selection. A variety of publicity measures will be launched to promote the HKG, with enhanced publicity through online and social media platforms.
 
     The 18 DCs will start the selection of athletes shortly. Each participant can only enrol in the athlete selection of one district and compete in the HKG representing the district he or she lives in. An identity card and proof of place of residence must therefore be presented during enrolment. Pre-event training will be provided to selected athletes with a view to enhancing their skills and co-operation among team members.
 
     There will be Champion, First Runner-up and Second Runner-up prizes awarded to athletes or teams in each individual competition, as well as Overall Champion, First Runner-up, Second Runner-up and District with Impressive Progress prizes for winning districts in each of the eight sports competitions. The three districts accumulating the highest total scores from the eight sports competitions will be awarded the Overall Champion, Overall First Runner-up and Overall Second Runner-up prizes of the 7th HKG.
 
     In addition, the 7th HKG will continue to present prizes including District with the Most Gold Medals, District with the Greatest Participation, District with the Best Progress, District with the Best Sportsmanship, District with the Strongest Cheering Squad, Online Voting for My Favourite Sporty District and Paper Voting for My Favourite Sporty District.
 
     The 7th HKG is organised by the Sports Commission and co-ordinated by the Community Sports Committee, with the 18 DCs, the LCSD, the SF&OC and relevant National Sports Associations as co-organisers.
 
     Details about HKG are available at the 7th HKG dedicated website (www.hongkonggames.hk). For enquiries, please call 2601 7671.

    

     According to the latest labour force statistics (i.e. provisional figures for March – May 2018) released today (June 19) by the Census and Statistics Department (C&SD), the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate stood at 2.8% in March – May 2018, same as that in February – April 2018. The underemployment rate also remained unchanged at 1.0% in the two periods.
      
     Comparing March – May 2018 with February – April 2018, movements in the unemployment rate (not seasonally adjusted) and underemployment rate in different industry sectors varied, but were all small in magnitude.

     Total employment decreased by around 1 700 from 3 866 600 in February – April 2018 to 3 864 900 in March – May 2018. Over the same period, the labour force also decreased by around 2 300 from 3 979 500 to 3 977 200.

     The number of unemployed persons (not seasonally adjusted) decreased by around 600 from 112 900 in February – April 2018 to 112 300 in March – May 2018. The number of underemployed persons in March – May 2018 was 41 000, about the same as that in February – April 2018 (41 100).

Commentary

     Commenting on the latest unemployment figures, the Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Dr Law Chi-kwong, said, "Labour market remained tight in March – May 2018, with the unemployment rate (seasonally adjusted) and underemployment rate staying unchanged at 2.8% and 1.0% respectively. Total employment registered further solid growth on a year-on-year basis."

     "While changes in sectoral jobless rates were minimal compared to the preceding three-month period, the unemployment situation in most of the major service sectors continued to show notable improvement compared to a year ago. In particular, on the back of strong global demand and buoyant inbound tourism, visible year-on-year declines in unemployment rates were seen in the trade- and tourism-related industries such as import and export trade, retail, and accommodation services."

     Looking ahead, Dr Law said, "Under the generally favourable economic situation, the labour market will likely stay tight in the near term. Yet, we will continue to monitor closely the various external uncertainties and developments in the local labour market."

     He noted that the Labour Department (LD) assists young people to find jobs through the Youth Employment and Training Programme (YETP) which provides comprehensive training and employment support to young school leavers aged 15 to 24 with educational attainment at sub-degree level or below. To encourage employers in hiring young people and providing them with on-the-job training, the LD plans to increase the on-the-job training allowance under YETP this year. The maximum amount of monthly training allowance payable to employers who engage young people and provide them with on-the-job training will be increased from the current $3,000 to $4,000, payable for a period of six to 12 months.

     On large-scale job fairs, the LD will co-organise the Hong Kong International Airport Career Expo 2018 with the Airport Authority Hong Kong from June 29 to July 1 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. About 50 companies will participate, offering over 4 000 vacancies involving the aviation industry and airport operation. Moreover, a dedicated job expo for elderly care and rehabilitation services will be held on July 18 and 19 at MacPherson Stadium, Mong Kok. In addition, industry-based or district-based job fairs are regularly organised at the LD's recruitment centres and job centres located across the territory.

Further Information

     The unemployment and underemployment statistics were compiled from the findings of the continuous General Household Survey.

     The survey for March – May 2018 covered a sample of some 25 000 households or 75 000 persons, selected in accordance with a scientifically designed sampling scheme to represent the population of Hong Kong.

     Data on labour force characteristics were obtained from the survey by interviewing each member aged 15 or over in the sampled households.

     In the survey, the definitions used in measuring unemployment and underemployment follow closely those recommended by the International Labour Organization.

     Detailed analysis of labour force characteristics is given in the "Quarterly Report on General Household Survey" which is published four times a year. The latest issue of the publication contains statistics for the quarter January – March 2018 while the next issue covering the quarter April – June 2018 will be available by end August 2018. Users can download this publication free of charge at the website of the C&SD (www.censtatd.gov.hk/hkstat/sub/sp200.jsp?productCode=B1050001).

     For enquiries about labour force statistics, please contact the Household Statistics Analysis Section of the C&SD (Tel: 2887 5508 or email: ghs@censtatd.gov.hk).

     The Census and Statistics Department (C&SD) released today (June 19) the preliminary figures of chain volume measures of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by economic activity for the first quarter of 2018.

     GDP figures by economic activity show the value of production in respect of individual economic activities. The value of production is measured by net output or value added, which is calculated by deducting intermediate input consumed in the process of production from the gross value of output. Volume measures of GDP by economic activity, expressed in terms of chain volume measures net of the effect of price changes, enable analysis of the output growth profiles of individual economic sectors in real terms.

     According to the preliminary figures, overall GDP increased by 4.7% in real terms in the first quarter of 2018 over a year earlier, compared with the 3.4% increase in the fourth quarter of 2017.

     Analysed by constituent services sector and on a year-on-year comparison, net output in respect of all the services activities taken together increased by 4.5% in real terms in the first quarter of 2018 over a year earlier, compared with the 3.4% increase in the fourth quarter of 2017.

     Net output in the import and export, wholesale and retail trades sector grew by 6.4% in real terms in the first quarter of 2018 over a year earlier, faster than the 3.6% increase in the fourth quarter of 2017. This sector registered notable growth amid buoyant regional trading activities and pick-up in retail trade during the quarter.

     Net output in the financing and insurance sector increased by 6.7% in real terms in the first quarter of 2018 over a year earlier, after the 5.9% rise in the fourth quarter of 2017. The solid growth in this sector was mainly underpinned by the active stock trading activities during the quarter.

     Net output in the accommodation services (covering hotels, guesthouses, boarding houses and other establishments providing short term accommodation) and food services sector rose by 5.9% in real terms in the first quarter of 2018 over a year earlier, following the growth of 3.9% in the fourth quarter of 2017.

     Net output in the transportation, storage, postal and courier services sector increased by 5.1% in real terms in the first quarter of 2018 over a year earlier, compared with the growth of 4.9% in the fourth quarter of 2017.

     Net output in the information and communications sector registered an increase of 3.1% in real terms in the first quarter of 2018 over a year earlier, compared with the growth of 2.9% in the fourth quarter of 2017.

     Net output in the real estate, professional and business services sector rose by 2.1% in real terms in the first quarter of 2018 over a year earlier, compared with the growth of 1.6% in the fourth quarter of 2017.

     Net output in the public administration, social and personal services sector recorded an increase of 3.5% in real terms in the first quarter of 2018 over a year earlier, compared with the growth of 3.2% in the fourth quarter of 2017.

     As for sectors other than the services sectors, net output in the local manufacturing sector rose by 1.1% in real terms in the first quarter of 2018 over a year earlier, compared with the 0.8% growth in the fourth quarter of 2017.

     Net output in the electricity, gas and water supply, and waste management sector recorded an increase of 4.2% in real terms in the first quarter of 2018 over a year earlier. Net output in this sector remained virtually unchanged in the fourth quarter of 2017.

     Net output in the construction sector increased by 2.4% in real terms in the first quarter of 2018 over a year earlier, as against the decrease of 2.6% in the fourth quarter of 2017.

Further information

     The year-on-year percentage changes of GDP by economic activity in real terms from the first quarter of 2017 to the first quarter of 2018 are shown in Table 1. For enquiries about statistics on GDP by economic activity, please call the National Income Branch (2) of the C&SD at telephone number 3903 7005.

     Figures of chain volume measures of GDP by economic activity for the first quarter of 2018 are only preliminary at this stage. When more data become available, the preliminary figures will be revised accordingly. More detailed figures can also be found at the Hong Kong Statistics section of the C&SD website (www.censtatd.gov.hk).

     The Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr James Lau, visited Sha Tin District this morning (June 19).
 
     Mr Lau started his visit with a meeting with the Sha Tin District Council.  He had a good discussion with the Council's Chairman, Mr Ho Hau-cheung, and other members on a range of issues, including the use of fiscal surplus, banking services and the business environment for small and medium-sized enterprises and securities brokers.
 
     He then proceeded to the Chinese University of Hong Kong and met with the Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Rocky Tuan, and his senior staff members. They gave an overview of the Bachelor of Engineering Programme in Financial Technology (Fintech), the first of its kind in Hong Kong. The programme aims to nurture versatile Fintech professionals through multi-disciplinary training on financial infrastructure, mobile payments, distributed ledger technology, accounting and finance knowhow, and more.
 
     Mr Lau also had a discussion with winners of two Fintech hackathons about their winning projects. He said he was pleased with their enthusiasm and appreciated the University's efforts in nurturing Fintech talents who are also equipped with entrepreneurial skills.
 
     He later visited Standard Chartered Bank's mobile branch at Yan On Estate to learn about the services it offers and how the community has received it.
 
     Before concluding the visit, Mr Lau went to the HSBC Shek Mun Data Centre, which supports the bank's data management in collaboration with its main data centre and back-office departments. The Shek Mun centre features eco-friendly architectural design and was awarded the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) platinum certification.

          

     The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (June 19) closely monitoring 75 additional cases of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS), including 23 deaths, reported to the World Health Organization (WHO) by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) between January 12 and May 31, 2018, and again urged the public to pay special attention to safety during travel, taking due consideration of the health risks in the places they visit.
 
     According to the WHO, among the 59 male and 16 female patients aged 15 to 93, 57 of them had underlying illnesses, 24 had exposure to camels, and three were health care workers. Among these 75 cases, 21 cases were in two hospital clusters and two household clusters.

     According to the latest information, 2 220 cases have been reported to the WHO (with 790 deaths), including 2 003 in 10 Middle East countries comprising 1 844 in the KSA, 87 in the United Arab Emirates, 28 in Jordan, 19 in Qatar, 11 in Oman, six in Iran, four in Kuwait, two in Lebanon, and one each in Yemen and Bahrain.

     "We will maintain close communication with the WHO and relevant health authorities," a spokesman for the CHP said.

     "Travellers to the Middle East should avoid going to farms, barns or markets with camels; avoid contact with sick persons and animals, especially camels, birds or poultry; and avoid unnecessary visits to healthcare facilities. We strongly advise travel agents organising tours to the Middle East to abstain from arranging camel rides and activities involving direct contact with camels, which are known risk factors for acquiring MERS Coronavirus," the spokesman said.

     Travellers to affected areas should maintain vigilance, adopt appropriate health precautions and take heed of personal, food and environmental hygiene. The public may visit the MERS page of the CHP and its Travel Health Service, MERS statistics in affected areas, the CHP's Facebook Page and YouTube Channel, and the WHO's latest news for more information and health advice. Tour leaders and tour guides operating overseas tours are advised to refer to the CHP's health advice on MERS.