This summer, the International Arts Carnival (IAC) will offer a splendid array of inspirational and enjoyable programmes for all. Organised by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department, the annual summer arts festival will run from July 6 to August 12 and will feature a series of arts programmes for families.
 
     In this year's carnival, performing groups from the Mainland, Australia, Belgium, Korea, the United Kingdom (UK) and the United States (US), along with local groups, will present a variety of programmes including ballet, electroluminescent puppetry, music theatre, multimedia circus theatre, multimedia shadow puppet theatre and magic. Films from around the world will also be screened.
 
     Renowned for its pioneering productions and technical excellence, the Scottish Ballet from the UK will start the festival with a delightful balletic feast in "Hansel & Gretel", bringing the Brothers Grimm story to the world of classical ballet with exquisite choreography and ingenious sets and costumes.

     Lightwire Theater from the US, an "America's Got Talent" semi-finalist troupe, will bring the uplifting show "Moon Mouse" with creative dance performers clad in black and wired with electroluminescent technology. Equally visually attractive is "Air Play" by Acrobuffos from the US, featuring filmy fabrics that float on high, glitzy confetti dance and balloons. "SNAP" by Korea's Gruejarm Production fuses the skills of illusionists in a stunning surrealistic mystery. It received a rapturous reception at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in two consecutive years.

     "Ukulele Ohana Jam" by IMY Creations will share the wide-ranging ukulele repertoire of three generations of players to showcase the spellbinding sounds of Hawaii. Drop Bear Theatre & the SEAM from Australia will offer a stimulating encounter in "Rain" for babies in arms and crawlers to hear, see and touch the arts. "Carrousel des Moutons" by d'irque & fien from Belgium will deliver an unconventional theatre work with live piano music and acrobatics. Upswing from the UK will bring "Bedtime Stories", turning the stage into bedroom sets for a dreamy adventure featuring 3D animation and aerial silk acrobatics.

     Other attractive programmes will include:
 
* "The Book of Magic" by Class 7A Drama Group;
* "Mulan" by Shanghai Puppet Theatre;
* "I Wish I Could Make a Wish – A Theatre Concert of Jimmy" by Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra;
* "Fun Ride with Big Beard – Dancing Poems" by Hong Kong Dance Company;
* "BAUHAUS Magic Flute Playground" by Zuni Icosahedron;
* "B Free" by CCDC Dance Centre & Dance Theatre Auraco;
* International Children's and Youth Film Carnival 2018 by the Film Programmes Office;
* 2018 Hong Kong Youth Music Camp Concerts by the Music Office
 
     There will also be the Summer Fun Party presented by the Entertainment Office and outreach and school touring programmes. Workshops, backstage tours and an exhibition will also be part of the extension activities of the IAC.
 
     Tickets will be available at URBTIX (www.urbtix.hk) from tomorrow (May 11) onwards. For credit card telephone bookings, please call 2111 5999.

     For programme enquiries and concessionary schemes, please call 2370 1044 or visit www.hkiac.gov.hk.

        

     Olympian City 2 in Mong Kok discharged sub-standard wastewater into communal sewers and thereby violated the requirements of the wastewater discharge licence. The shopping mall was fined $20,000 by Kwun Tong Magistrates' Courts today (May 10) for contravening the Water Pollution Control Ordinance (WPCO).

     Environmental Protection Department (EPD) enforcement officers conducted an inspection at Olympian City 2 in Mong Kok last October and found that wastewater discharged by one of the grease traps at the shopping mall was relatively turbid, and it was suspected that wastewater was not properly treated before being discharged to communal sewers. EPD officers then collected wastewater samples for analysis and the results showed that the biochemical oxygen demand as well as the concentrations of oil and grease exceeded the upper limits of the wastewater discharge licence. After investigation and evidence gathering, the EPD initiated prosecution against the property management company of the shopping mall in accordance with the WPCO.

     A spokesperson for the EPD reminded all wastewater discharge licensees, including premises occupants and property management companies, that they should ensure proper operation of their wastewater treatment facilities and strictly adhere to the discharge standards as stipulated in the licence to prevent the discharge of sub-standard wastewater, which may lead to blockage of public sewers downstream, or adversely affect the normal operation of the Government's sewage treatment plants. EPD officers will conduct inspections and collect wastewater samples from relevant premises from time to time to combat illegal discharge.

     Under the WPCO, anyone who discharges commercial or industrial wastewater into communal sewers and does not comply with the standard of the discharge licence commits an offence. Offenders are liable to a maximum fine of $200,000 and six months' imprisonment.

The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority:

     The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) today (May 10) announced details of the Pilot Bond Grant Scheme (PBGS) as promulgated in the 2018-19 Budget, and progress of other bond market-related initiatives.
 
     The key eligibility criteria for the PBGS are as follows:
 

 
     The commencement date of the PBGS will be the date of the completion of legislative process for the 2018-19 Budget. The PBGS will be valid for a period of three years.
 
     Details of the PBGS are set out in an industry circular issued by the HKMA today.
 
     The HKMA has also made good progress on the other bond market-related initiatives:

• The HKMA is working with the Government in implementing the enhancements to the Qualifying Debt Instrument (QDI) Scheme by amending the existing law. The effective date of the enhancements, which would expand the profit tax exemption coverage*, will be announced after the completion of legislative process.
• The HKMA has appointed an advisor to study relevant issues in respect of green finance in Hong Kong and the Government green bond issue and will report the findings to the Government. Subject to legislative process, the HKMA stands ready to assist the Government by selecting an arranger(s) to issue the inaugural green bond.
• The HKMA and the International Capital Market Association will co-host the Green and Social Bond Principles Annual General Meeting and Conference on June 14, 2018. The following morning, the HKMA and the People's Bank of China will organise a joint seminar on Mainland-Hong Kong green finance opportunities.

     Commenting on these initiatives, the Chief Executive of the HKMA, Mr Norman Chan, said, "Bond market is an important and growing component of Hong Kong's capital markets. The slate of measures being rolled out, together with initiatives in recent years such as Bond Connect, will bring more diversity, liquidity and business to our market. We will work with market participants closely on the implementation of these measures and continue to promote the growth of Hong Kong's financial services sector."
 
*The enhancements will extend the 100 per cent profits tax exemption from debt instruments with an original maturity of not less than seven years to instruments of any duration; and will allow debt instruments listed on the SEHK to become eligible as a QDI, in addition to instruments lodged and cleared by the CMU of the HKMA.

     The Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD) today (May 10) announced that the department collected eight liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) samples from auto-LPG filling stations and LPG terminals on a random basis in April 2018 for laboratory tests. The results showed that the LPG quality of all these samples complied with auto-LPG specifications.

     The detailed test results are available on the EMSD's website (www.emsd.gov.hk/emsd/eng/sgi/lpg_smpl_analysis.shtml). Enquiries can also be made to the EMSD's hotline on 2333 3762.

     In addition, the EMSD has been vetting independent third-party test reports submitted by LPG supply companies for each shipment to ensure that the quality of imported LPG complies with the specified requirements.

     In support of International Museum Day (IMD), the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) will hold International Museum Day 2018, Hong Kong (IMD 2018, HK) on May 12 and 13 (Saturday and Sunday). On these dates, a total of 40 cultural institutions including some museums and cultural venues under the LCSD as well as other local cultural institutions will offer free admission to the public. A wide range of educational and entertainment programmes will also be held.
 
     The IMD theme this year is "Hyperconnected Museums: New Approaches, New Publics", suggesting that as museums strive to maintain their relevance in society, they also need to make an effort to organise interactive projects with the local community and different social groups to engage new audiences and strengthen connections with them.
     
     During IMD 2018, HK, the 40 participating local cultural institutions will offer free admission to the public, except for thematic exhibitions and fee-charging programmes. The institutions include 20 LCSD museums and cultural venues, as well as the Asia Society Hong Kong Center, the Tung Wah Museum, the Po Leung Kuk Museum, the University Museum and Art Gallery of the University of Hong Kong, the Stephen Hui Geological Museum of the University of Hong Kong, the Art Museum of the Chinese University of Hong Kong, the CUHK Jockey Club Museum of Climate Change, the Hong Kong Maritime Museum, the Dr & Mrs Hung Hin Shiu Museum of Chinese Medicine of the Hong Kong Baptist University, the Hong Kong Museum of Education of the Education University of Hong Kong, the Hong Kong Racing Museum, the Hong Kong Museum of Medical Sciences, the Hong Kong Correctional Services Museum, the Heritage of Mei Ho House, the City Gallery, the AFCD Lions Nature Education Centre, the Tao Heung Museum of Food Culture, the Jao Tsung-I Academy, the Police Museum and the HKDI Gallery.
 
     As the Hong Kong Museum of Art and the Tung Wah Museum are closed for renovation, associated programmes will be held at other locations. The CUHK Jockey Club Museum of Climate Change will be closed on May 13 but open on May 12.
 
     For details of IMD 2018, HK, please visit the website of Hong Kong Public Museums at www.museums.gov.hk/en_US/web/portal/imd2018.html.
 
     The LCSD has held Hong Kong events annually in support of IMD since 2001. The International Council of Museums designated May 18 as IMD in 1977 to raise public awareness of the important role that museums play in society.