Police yesterday (November 11) and today (November 12) laid a holding charge against three men, aged between 58 and 63, jointly with one count of murder.
 
     The three men were arrested on November 10 in suspected connection with a murder case happened in Castle Peak on the same day, in which a 34-year-old man died.
 
     The case will be mentioned at Tuen Mun Magistrates' Courts this morning.
 
     Police arrested another 59-year-old man in suspected connection with the case earlier. He has been released on bail and is required to report back to Police in early December.
 

     The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, today (November 11) expressed sorrow over the passing of Dr Lui Che-woo.
           
     "Dr Lui had been committed to contributing to society over the decades, and was awarded the Grand Bauhinia Medal in 2012. A successful entrepreneur, Dr Lui had actively devoted himself in promoting philanthropic and education causes in the Mainland, Hong Kong and around the world over the years. He was particularly concerned with the education of young people and the development of technology. In 2015, Dr Lui established the Lui Che Woo Prize – Prize for World Civilisation, an international award that commends the selfless contributions by individuals or organisations towards the development of the world civilisation. 
           
     "Dr Lui commanded the high respect across different sectors of the community. I express sorrow over the passing of Dr Lui and extend my deepest condolences to his family," Mr Lee said.

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

     The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA), Hong Kong Cyberport Management Company Limited (Cyberport), the Hong Kong Association of Banks and the Chinese Banking Association of Hong Kong successfully co-organised the SME Digital Technology Solution Day today (November 11). Over 100 participants from small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the food and beverage and retail sectors, bank representatives as well as technology solution providers gathered to exchange views on how the banking sector can support SMEs' digital transformation through big data and technology. Technology service providers also showcased various digital technology solutions for SMEs at the event.
      
     The HKMA introduced five new measures together with the banking sector in October this year to further support the continuous development of SMEs, including the launch of more credit products and services to assist SMEs' transformation. Amongst various initiatives, to actively support the Digital Transformation Support Pilot Programme (DTSPP) (Note) operated by the Cyberport and the Government's other SME funding schemes, seven banks have committed to offering fast-approval loan products for SMEs that have applied for these schemes. Such loans can be approved within five working days, so as to meet the upfront financing needs of SMEs for adjusting their business operations and developing new businesses and markets. Other banks that are active in SME lending are also contemplating to launch similar products.
      
     Bank representatives at the event shared cases of assisting SME clients to use technology and digitalise their operations (see Annex), such as digital payment solutions and shopfront sales, online promotion as well as customer management and loyalty solutions, for business development and enhanced efficiency. These cases demonstrated the multifaceted support provided by banks to SMEs through financing and advisory services.
      
     The HKMA will continue to maintain close communication with the banking and commercial sectors, fostering a mutually beneficial virtuous cycle that promotes development, upgrade and transformation of SMEs as well as the banking sector and the overall economy.

Note: DTSPP, which is funded by the Government, provides local SMEs with subsidies on a one-to-one matching basis in applying ready-to-use basic digital technology solutions.

          

Attention duty announcers, radio and TV stations:

Please broadcast the following message as soon as possible and repeat it at suitable intervals:

     As the Standby Signal No.1 has been issued, the Marine Department reminds vessel owners, masters and persons-in-charge of vessels that they should take precautionary measures immediately and properly secure their vessels at safe locations.

     In case of an accident, a report should be made immediately to the Vessel Traffic Centre at 2233 7801.

     â€‹The Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Professor Sun Dong, led a Hong Kong delegation to begin their visit to Xi’an today (November 11).

     Professor Sun called on the Secretary of the CPC Shaanxi Provincial Committee, Mr Zhao Yide, and both sides exchanged views on the development of innovation and technology (I&T) in Hong Kong and Shaanxi. At the meeting, Professor Sun introduced the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government's plan and latest work on leading the development of the city’s I&T industry. He also learned about Shaanxi Province's achievements in I&T and high-tech industrialisation, particularly its strengths in industries which enjoy advantages such as electronics information, new materials and equipment manufacturing. He said the Innovation and Technology Commission and the Shaanxi Provincial Department of Science and Technology signed the "Memorandum of Understanding on Launching Innovation and Technology Co-operation" in September this year, noting that the two sides would continue to explore ways to further enhance co-operation and exchanges between Shaanxi and Hong Kong in R&D and I&T industries development on this basis.

     Professor Sun and the Hong Kong delegation also visited iHARBOUR of Xi'an Jiaotong University, which is a national project jointly established by the Ministry of Education and the Shaanxi Provincial People's Government. Comprising a platform area, a college area and an incubation area, the project has established several research institutes, large platforms as well as scientific research bases. He was briefed that the project has served the function of being an innovation engine by pooling together innovation resources and promoting the economic development of industry, thereby establishing a new paradigm for facilitating the Western Development Programme.

     Members of the Hong Kong delegation include the Permanent Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Mr Eddie Mak; the Commissioner for Innovation and Technology, Mr Ivan Lee, as well as representatives from universities, I&T parks, and research and development institutes.

     Professor Sun will continue the visit to Xi'an tomorrow (November 12) and co-host the 18th meeting of the Mainland/Hong Kong Science and Technology Co-operation Committee with the Ministry of Science and Technology.