Author Archives: hksar gov

     Following is the speech by the Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, at the Shaw Prize 2024 Award Presentation Ceremony today (November 12):

Dr Raymond Chan (Chair of the Shaw Prize Foundation), Professor Kenneth Young (Chair of the Shaw Prize Council), Professor Reinhard Genzel (Chair of the Board of Adjudicators of the Shaw Prize Foundation), esteemed laureates, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
 
     Good evening. And such a special evening this is, with the Shaw Prize now into its third decade of bestowing annual awards, for internationally distinguished achievement and significant advances in three scientific disciplines: astronomy, life science and medicine, and mathematical sciences.
 
     This evening, we honour, and celebrate, the far-reaching accomplishments of five Shaw Prize laureates – four of them recipients of this year’s Prize and one here with us to accept his award from 2021.
 
     My congratulations to all of you. The outstanding contributions you have made, and continue to make, advance your respective fields of specialisation – and much more. Your remarkable insights and innovation open the doors of scientific possibility – of human possibilities – that much wider. For that, for your commitment both to science, and to civilisation, we are all grateful.
 
     In addition to our laureates, I would also like to pay tribute to the late Sir Run Run Shaw and the Shaw Prize Foundation, for the vision in creating this internationally renowned celebration of science.
 
     Thanks to the Shaw Prize, the youth of Hong Kong can see for themselves the promise, and the possibilities, of science. As a career. As a way of life.
 
     The Hong Kong SAR Government is determined to develop Hong Kong into an international innovation and technology centre, and an international hub for post-secondary education. It helps that Hong Kong is the only Asian city that has as many as five universities in the world’s top 100. The people of Hong Kong are energetic, enterprising and perseverant.
 
     In my Policy Address delivered last month, I announced that the preparatory work of our third InnoHK research cluster is underway. It will focus on advanced manufacturing, materials, energy and sustainable development.
 
     The first two InnoHK research clusters target healthcare technology, along with artificial intelligence and robotics. Together, they pool more than 2 500 research personnel from over 30 notable universities and research institutes, and 12 economies.

     I also announced the establishment of the Committee on Education, Technology and Talents. It will co-ordinate the integrated development of education, technology and talent policies, and promote Hong Kong as an international hub for high-calibre talent.
 
     We are putting a priority on science and technology in our education system. By the 2026/27 academic year, students studying STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts and Mathematics) disciplines will reach some 35 per cent of all students in our publicly funded universities.
 
     Like the Shaw Prize Foundation, and the laureates they honour, Hong Kong is determined to thrive in this ever-changing world. And making good progress, too.
 
     On that note, I wish you all the best in the world of science. Enjoy this memorable evening. Thank you.

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     The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (November 12) investigating a case of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) infection, and hence reminded the public to maintain good personal, food and environmental hygiene against intestinal infections.

     The case involves a 1-year-old girl with good past health, who presented with diarrhoea on October 28. She was brought to CUHK Medical Centre on October 31. Her condition was stable and did not require hospitalisation.

     Her stool specimen grew STEC upon laboratory testing.

     Initial enquiries of the CHP revealed that the patient had no travel history during the incubation period. Information from the patient’s family members revealed that she did not consume any high-risk food (such as raw meat and unpasteurised dairy products) during the incubation period. Her home contacts are asymptomatic so far. The CHP is following up their health conditions and the relevant investigations are ongoing.

     “Escherichia coli (E. coli) is a bacterium that is commonly found in the gut of humans and warm-blooded animals. Most strains of E. coli are harmless. Some strains, however, such as STEC, can produce powerful toxins and cause severe food-borne disease. The most recognised serogroup of STEC is E. coli O157:H7,” a spokesman for the CHP explained.

     Preventive measures for STEC infection are similar to those recommended for other food-borne diseases. The public are advised to observe good personal and food hygiene:
 

• Adopt the Five Keys to Food Safety in handling food, i.e. Choose (choose safe raw materials), Clean (keep hands and utensils clean), Separate (separate raw and cooked food), Cook (cook thoroughly) and Safe Temperature (keep food at a safe temperature) to prevent food-borne diseases;
• Wash hands properly with liquid soap and water before handling food, after handling raw meat or poultry and before eating, and after going to the toilet or changing diapers;
• Cook food and boil water thoroughly before consumption. When cooking or reheating, the core temperature of the food should reach at least 75 degrees Celsius;
• Avoid consumption of unpasteurised milk or undercooked food; and
• Consult your doctor immediately if you have symptoms of STEC infection, particularly bloody diarrhoea.

     The public may visit the CHP’s STEC page for more information. read more

     The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) is today (November 12) investigating a probable case of botulism after a patient received injections of botulinum toxin on the Mainland. The CHP again reminded the public that botulinum toxin injections should only be prescribed and performed by registered doctors.

     The case involves a female patient aged 38 with good past health. According to information provided by the patient, she received injections that were claimed to be botulinum toxin from a person at a premises in Dongguan on October 27. However, the patient was unable to confirm the professional qualifications of the person who performed the injections. She has presented with symptoms including limbs weakness, swallowing difficulty and bilateral partial ptosis since October 29. She attended a hospital in Dongguan on November 3 and was admitted the same day. The patient attended the North District Hospital on November 8 due to persistent symptoms and was admitted the same day. She is still hospitalised and is in stable condition. She was clinically suspected to have botulism caused by botulinum toxin injection.

     The CHP has reported the case to the relevant authority on the Mainland. Epidemiological investigations are ongoing.

     “In Hong Kong, botulinum toxin injections should only be performed by a locally registered doctor. Customers should verify the doctor’s full name against the list of registered doctors of the Medical Council of Hong Kong as well as their professional qualifications and relevant experience. When receiving injections outside Hong Kong, pay special attention to ensure the provider is qualified or registered with relevant jurisdictions for practice. In case of injections offered from suspicious sources, refrain from receiving them. If feeling unwell, seek medical advice from eligible medical professionals as soon as possible,” a spokesman for the DH said.

     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 eyelids, double or blurred vision, problems with chewing, hoarseness, or even difficulties in swallowing, speaking or breathing, which may happen hours, days or weeks after the injection.

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

• Injections in Hong Kong 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 injections from suspicious sources;
• Do not receive an injection in the case of a history of allergy to botulinum toxin, or if there is an 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 a 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.​ read more

     The flag presentation ceremony for the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Delegation to the 12th National Traditional Games of Ethnic Minorities of the People’s Republic of China (NTGEM) was held at Tsuen Wan Sports Centre this afternoon (November 12).
          
     The Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Head of the Delegation, Mr Kevin Yeung, officiated at the ceremony and presented the HKSAR regional flag to the President of the Sports Federation & Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China and the Chairman of the Organising Committee of the Delegation, Mr Timothy Fok.
      
     Speaking at the ceremony, Mr Yeung said it is the first time that the HKSAR Delegation will participate in the NTGEM under an invitation from the National Ethnic Affairs Commission of the People’s Republic of China and the General Administration of Sport of China. He expressed hope that the Hong Kong athletes would seize this rare opportunity to share skills with other athletes, thereby helping them gain a deeper understanding of the nation’s unique culture, broaden their horizons, and bring their experiences back to Hong Kong.
      
     He is also looking forward to gaining new insights on how to integrate culture, sports, and tourism through participation in this event.
      
     Jointly organised by the National Ethnic Affairs Commission of the People’s Republic of China and the General Administration of Sport of China, and undertaken by the People’s Government of Hainan Province, the 12th NTGEM will be held from November 22 to 30 in Sanya, Hainan. The HKSAR will send a total of 86 athletes to participate in three competition events, namely shuttlecock, dragon boat, and folk martial arts as well as in the demonstration event of dragon dance sport. They will also present a lion dance performance during the opening ceremony.
      
     The NTGEM, held every four years, was first held in 1953. Positioned as a mass participation sporting event, participants in the NTGEM are mainly amateur athletes. To encourage active involvement from people in different regions and ethnic groups, there will be first, second and third prizes in the competitions instead of gold, silver and bronze medals. The NTGEM comprises 18 competition events and three categories of demonstration events, along with cultural activities such as opening and closing ceremonies and an ethnic gala, showcasing rich and distinctive ethnic cultures.
      
     Also attending the ceremony today were the Deputy Director General of the Department of Publicity, Cultural and Sports Affairs of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the HKSAR, Mr Li Shuguang; the Under Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Mr Raistlin Lau; the Acting Director of Leisure and Cultural Services and the Deputy Head of the Delegation, Miss Winnie Chui; the Commissioner for Sports and member of the Organising Committee of the Delegation, Mr George Tsoi; and the Chairman of the Executive Committee of the Delegation, Professor Patrick Yung.
      
     For the latest information on the 12th NTGEM and Hong Kong athletes participating in the Games, please visit the LCSD’s dedicated webpage (www.lcsd.gov.hk/en/ntgem/2024/index).

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The following is issued on behalf of the Legislative Council Secretariat:

     The Legislative Council (LegCo) Panel on Environmental Affairs visited the plant of Swire Coca-Cola HK and its plastics recycling facility, New Life Plastics Ltd (New Life Plastics), today (November 12) to understand the sustainable development plan of recycling and processing plastic products.

     Members first visited the museum and production line facilities in the Swire Coca-Cola HK plant and received a briefing from the company’s representatives on their visions for sustainable beverage product packaging and the circular economy. Members noted that apart from adopting environment-friendly packaging designs for its beverages, the company has also invested in a plastics recycling facility, New Life Plastics, to promote local sustainable development.

     Members then proceeded to EcoPark in Tuen Mun to visit the plastics recycling facility of New Life Plastics, which is the first food-grade ready plastics recycling facility in Hong Kong. With its advanced technology, the facility processes locally disposed beverage bottles to high-quality plastic flakes that can be used for manufacturing recycled beverage bottles, thereby fostering a circular economy. Members also exchanged views with representatives from New Life Plastics on the challenges and opportunities in plastic bottle recycling.

     Members who participated in the visit were the Chairman of Panel on Environmental Affairs, Mr Lau Kwok-fan; the Deputy Chairman of the Panel, Mr Chan Siu-hung; Panel members Dr Lo Wai-kwok and Ms Carmen Kan; as well as a non-Panel member Mr Benson Luk.

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