Reading KOL Short Video Competition 2018 opens for enrolment

     To encourage members of the public to share the joy of reading and arouse their interest in reading, the Hong Kong Public Libraries (HKPL) of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department has opened the Reading KOL Short Video Competition 2018 for enrolment. The public are welcome to share their joyful experience of reading or to promote reading in a creative manner through a video within two minutes.
 
     The competition consists of three categories, namely the primary, secondary and open categories (for all ages). The entry video may be produced in Cantonese, Putonghua or English, and must be submitted together with a title and a brief description on the concept of the video in not more than 100 words, in Chinese or English.
 
     Entry is on an individual basis. Each participant can only enter the competition in one category. While more than one entry is allowed, each participant will only qualify for one award. The judging criteria include content presentation, creativity, interestingness, use of techniques and positivity. The submission deadline is June 11.
 
     Each entry category will have one Champion, a First Runner-up, a Second Runner-up and three Merit Awards, in which the most viewed finalist entry in each category will be presented with a Most Viewed Award. Cash coupons ranging from $1,000 to $8,000 and certificates will be awarded to the winners. To encourage more participation of students, the Most Active Participating School Award will be given out in the primary and secondary categories. All winners and winning schools will be notified by post in July.
 
     The competition is supported by the Education Bureau with Sing Tao Daily and Smart Parents as media partners. It is part of a series of vibrant activities organised by the HKPL in support of a reading-for-all campaign themed "Discover and Share the Joy of Reading" launched by the Government earlier. For details of the competition, please visit www.hkpl.gov.hk/en/extension-activities/page/133096/reading-kol or call 2798 2870.




General holidays for 2019 published

     The following list of general holidays for 2019 was gazetted today (May 11) for public information:
 

Every Sunday   Sunday
The first day of January January 1 Tuesday
Lunar New Year's Day February 5 Tuesday
The second day of Lunar New Year February 6 Wednesday
The third day of Lunar New Year February 7 Thursday
Ching Ming Festival April 5 Friday
Good Friday April 19 Friday
The day following Good Friday April 20 Saturday
Easter Monday April 22 Monday
Labour Day May 1 Wednesday
The day following the Birthday of the Buddha May 13 Monday
Tuen Ng Festival June 7 Friday
Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Establishment Day July 1 Monday
The day following the Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival September 14 Saturday
National Day October 1 Tuesday
Chung Yeung Festival October 7 Monday
Christmas Day December 25 Wednesday
The first weekday after Christmas Day December 26 Thursday

     "As the Birthday of the Buddha in 2019 falls on a Sunday, the day following it is designated as a general holiday in substitution," a Government spokesman said.




Re-appointment to Hospital Authority

     The Government announced today (May 11) the re-appointment of a serving member, Professor Maurice Yap Keng-hung, to the Hospital Authority (HA) for the period from July 1, 2018 to June 30, 2019, or until the new Dean of the Faculty of Health and Social Sciences (FHSS) of Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) is in post, whichever is the earlier.

     Professor Yap was appointed as an HA member in his capacity as the Dean of FHSS of PolyU from April 1, 2011 to June 30, 2017. He retired from the Deanship on July 1, 2017 and thereafter continued to serve as an HA member in his capacity of a representative of PolyU.

     The Secretary for Food and Health, Professor Sophia Chan, welcomed the re-appointment of Professor Yap, and said she believes that he will continue to give valuable advice and contributions to the HA.

     The HA comprises a Chairman, 23 non-official members, three public officers and one principal officer from the HA. The membership list is as follows:

Chairman:
Professor John Leong Chi-yan

Non-official Members:
Mr William Chan Fu-keung
Professor Francis Chan Ka-leung
Ms Anita Cheng Wai-ching
Mr David Fong Man-hung
Mr Andrew Fung Hau-chung
Mr Lester Garson Huang
Dr Kam Pok-man
Mrs Ann Kung Yeung Yun-chi
Mr Daniel Lam Chun
Mr Quinton Lam Chun-ki
Mr Franklin Lam Fan-keung
Ms Lisa Lau Man-man
Mr Stephen Lee Hoi-yin
Professor Diana Lee Tze-fan
Professor Gabriel Matthew Leung
Professor Raymond Liang Hin-suen
Dr Lo Wai-kwok
Mr Ivan Sze Wing-hang
Mr Albert Wong Kwai-huen
Ms Priscilla Wong Pui-sze
Professor Maurice Yap Keng-hung
Mr Jason Yeung Chi-wai
Mr Charlie Yip Wing-tong

Public Officers:
Permanent Secretary for Food and Health (Health), Ms Elizabeth Tse
Director of Health, Dr Constance Chan
Deputy Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury (Treasury), Ms Carol Yuen

HA Principal Officer:
Chief Executive, HA, Dr Leung Pak-yin




Red flags hoisted at several beaches

Attention TV/radio announcers:

Please broadcast the following as soon as possible:

Here is an item of interest to swimmers.

     The Leisure and Cultural Services Department announced today (May 11) that due to big waves, red flags have been hoisted at Stanley Main Beach, Turtle Cove Beach, Shek O Beach and Big Wave Bay Beach in Southern District, Hong Kong Island; Clear Water Bay First Beach and Clear Water Bay Second Beach in Sai Kung District. Beach-goers are advised not to swim at these beaches.




Flag-raising ceremony cancelled

     Owing to road closure in Wan Chai, the flag-raising ceremony to be conducted at Golden Bauhinia Square at 8am today (May 11) will be cancelled.