The Northern Metropolis Estate Naming Competition, organised by the Northern Metropolis Co-ordination Office (NMCO) of the Development Bureau in collaboration with the Hong Kong Housing Authority (HA), is open for entries today (August 1). Members of the public are invited to propose Chinese names for two public housing estates to be completed later in Kwu Tung North/Fanling North New Development Areas (KTN/FLN NDA).
      
     The Director of the NMCO, Mr Vic Yau, said, "A number of public housing estates will be completed in the Northern Metropolis, among which the population intake of public housing estates in KTN/FLN NDA will commence progressively from 2026. Through this competition, we hope to raise public understanding of these new communities, promote public engagement and enhance the sense of belonging to the communities among members of the public."

     Located in Kwu Tung North Area 19 and Fanling North Area 15 East, the two estates to be named are scheduled for completion in phases from 2026 to 2027. Being the first batch of public housing estates to be completed in the new development areas, these two estates consist of 18 residential buildings in total, providing about 15 100 rental units and accommodating a population of about 38 000.

     A winner will be selected for each estate and will be awarded a cash prize of $3,000. The winning entries will serve as references for the future naming of the estates concerned by the HA.
 
     Submission of entries will close on September 15. For details, please visit the competition website (Chinese version only) at www.nm.gov.hk/tc/nmenc.

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 (August 1) that due to big waves, red flags have been hoisted at Hung Shing Yeh Beach and Pui O Beach in Islands District. Beachgoers are advised not to swim at these beaches.

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

     The Federal Open Market Committee of the United States Federal Reserve (the Fed) announced early today (Hong Kong time) after its two-day meeting that it had decided to keep the target range for the federal funds rate unchanged at 5.25-5.5 per cent.
      
     The Fed's future interest rate decisions will be dependent on incoming data, the evolving outlook and the balance of risks. Inflation pressure in the US has somewhat abated lately, and the market expects that the easing cycle might begin soon. Based on the Fed's public communication, a rate cut might happen as soon as the meeting in September. Yet, it remains uncertain whether the pace of easing will follow market expectation.
      
     Hong Kong's financial and monetary markets continue to operate in a smooth and orderly manner. The Hong Kong dollar exchange rate remains stable. The Hong Kong dollar interbank rates will stay relatively high for the time being, while the future rate path remains uncertain. The public should carefully assess and manage the relevant risks when making property purchase, mortgage or other borrowing decisions. The Hong Kong Monetary Authority will continue to closely monitor market developments and maintain monetary and financial stability.

The following is issued on behalf of the Sir Edward Youde Memorial Fund Council:
 
     The Sir Edward Youde Memorial Fund Council reminded interested applicants today (August 1) that its Fellowships and Scholarships for Overseas Studies (including the award for students with disabilities) for the 2025/26 academic year have been accepting applications since June 24. The closing date for all applications is September 6, 2024.
 
     The fellowships and scholarships aim at encouraging outstanding students to pursue further studies in renowned institutions overseas. Successful candidates are expected to have a strong sense of commitment to Hong Kong and be ready to contribute to the community upon graduation.
 
     The fellowships are for studies leading to postgraduate degrees either by research or coursework. The maximum value of a fellowship is HK$300,000 per year, tenable for up to three years for a doctoral degree or two years for a master's degree. The scholarships are for studies leading to undergraduate degrees. The maximum value of a scholarship is HK$280,000 per year, tenable for up to three years.
 
     The applicants will be responsible for fulfilling all application procedures and admission requirements of the academic institutions of their choice.
 
     Information notes for the applications are available on the website of the Student Finance Office of the Working Family and Student Financial Assistance Agency (www.wfsfaa.gov.hk/sfo/en/forms/form.htm). Applicants should submit the completed form through the GovHK website (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/sfo031/en/). For details, please visit the website of the Sir Edward Youde Memorial Fund (www.wfsfaa.gov.hk/sfo/seymf/en/whatwedo/index.htm), or call (852) 2150 6097 or (852) 2150 6110.
 
     Shortlisted applicants of the Fellowships and Scholarships for Overseas Studies will be invited to attend interviews in Hong Kong. The first round of interviews is scheduled for January 2025. If found suitable, applicants will be invited for a final interview to be held in February or March 2025. For the Overseas Fellowship/Scholarship for Disabled Students, shortlisted applicants will be invited to attend an interview in Hong Kong in February or March 2025.
 

     Police today (August 1) appealed to the public for information on a man who went missing in Ngau Tau Kok.

     Lee Sik-toi, aged 75, went missing after he was last seen at a shopping mall on Concorde Road yesterday (July 31) morning. His family then made a report to Police.
         
     He is about 1.7 metres tall, 63 kilograms in weight and of medium build. He has a pointed face with yellow complexion and short white hair. He was last seen wearing a blue shirt with floral pattern, grey trousers and black shoes.

     Anyone who knows the whereabouts of the missing man or may have seen him is urged to contact the Regional Missing Persons Unit of Kowloon East on 3661 0331 or email to rmpu-ke-2@police.gov.hk, or contact any police station.