Author Archives: hksar gov

     The Transport Department (TD) today (August 25) announced that the 49th Personalised Vehicle Registration Marks (PVRMs) Scheme will be open for applications from September 1 to 30, 2023.
 
     Starting from September 1, 2023, applications will be invited for the allocation of PVRMs upon sale by auction. Completed application forms should reach the TD no later than September 30, 2023. If there are more than 1 500 applications, those to be considered will be selected by lot.
 
     The application form (TD 569) and the Guidance Notes for Application can be downloaded from the TD’s website (www.td.gov.hk/en/public_services/vehicle_registration_mark/pvrm_application/index.html) or obtained from the TD’s Licensing Offices as well as the Home Affairs Enquiry Centres of the Home Affairs Department.
 
     Interested persons should complete and submit the application form through one of the following ways:
 
(a) By post to the Vehicle Registration Marks Unit, Transport Department, 12/F, South Tower, West Kowloon Government Offices, 11 Hoi Ting Road, Yau Ma Tei, Kowloon. Applications received by post will be dated by the postmark; 
 
(b) Via the drop-in box at any of the TD’s Licensing Offices at Admiralty, Cheung Sha Wan, Kwun Tong and Sha Tin. For easy identification, please mark “PVRM Application” on the envelope of the application; or
 
(c) Through the online application service on the GovHK website (www.gov.hk/en/residents/transport/vehicle/ospvrm.htm) if the applicant possesses an “iAM Smart+” account with the digital signing function (for Hong Kong residents only) or a digital certificate.
 
     Applicants are advised to read carefully the Guidance Notes for details of the scheme before completing the application form. They can also check whether a proposed PVRM is in compliance with the basic combination requirements by using the online service on the GovHK website.
 
     No payment of deposit is required when submitting an application. Each applicant can submit only one application in each exercise. If an applicant submits more than one application, all of his or her applications will not be processed. Once submitted, the applicant cannot withdraw the application or change the arrangement of the PVRM stated in the application form.
 
     Upon successful submission of an online application, the applicant will receive an acknowledgement immediately. Those who submit applications by post or drop-in box will receive the TD’s acknowledgement by ordinary post within two weeks after submission. Applicants who do not receive the acknowledgement within this time frame should call 2804 2600.
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     The Government announced today (August 25) the commencement of a global recruitment exercise for the next Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Accounting and Financial Reporting Council (AFRC).

     The Selection Panel chaired by the Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury will identify the most suitable candidate for recommendation for appointment by the Chief Executive. Members of the Selection Panel are Dr Kelvin Wong, the Permanent Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury (Financial Services), Ms Miranda Kwok, and Mr Wilson Fung.

     “We expect that the new CEO will lead the AFRC, and implement the regulatory objectives under the Accounting and Financial Reporting Council Ordinance as well as the policies and strategies set by the AFRC Board to ensure effective regulation as well as promote the long-term development of the Hong Kong accounting profession,” a spokesman for the Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau said.

     The Government has appointed a consulting firm to support the recruitment work of the Selection Panel. The relevant recruitment advertisement will be published in the press and online starting today. Upon completion of the recruitment exercise, a separate announcement on the appointment of the CEO of the AFRC will be made.

     The term of appointment of the incumbent CEO of the AFRC Mr Marek Grabowski will come to a close on October 11, 2023. The Government expressed appreciation to Mr Grabowski for his dedicated service and efforts in leading the AFRC to implement the new regulatory regime of the accounting profession commenced on October 1, 2022.

     The AFRC is a full-fledged independent regulatory and oversight body of the accounting profession. It is vested with the powers to issue practising certificates to certified public accountants; register practice units and listed entities auditors; and deal with matters regarding the inspection, investigation and discipline of the accounting profession. It is also tasked to promote the development of the accounting profession and oversee the Hong Kong Institute of Certified Public Accountants’ performance of its various statutory professional functions. read more

     The 2022 Annual Report on Justices of Peace (JP) Visits was published today (August 25). The report provides an account of the work of JPs in the year 2022.          The primary role of a JP is to visit va… read more

     The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) today (August 25) reminded members of the public, particularly those undertaking outdoor activities, to take heed of necessary measures against heat stroke and sunburn in very hot weather.

     “The public should carry and drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration while engaging in outdoor activities,” a spokesman for the CHP said.

     “Those engaged in strenuous outdoor activities should avoid beverages containing caffeine, such as coffee and tea, as well as alcohol, as they speed up water loss through the urinary system,” the spokesman explained.

     “Children, the elderly, the obese and those with chronic illnesses, such as heart disease or high blood pressure, are more vulnerable to heat stroke. They should pay special attention,” the spokesman added.

     The public should adopt the following precautions:
 

• Wear loose and light-coloured clothing to reduce heat absorption and facilitate sweat evaporation and heat dissipation;
• Avoid vigorous exercise and prolonged activities like hiking or trekking as heat, sweating and exhaustion can place additional demands on the physique;
• Perform outdoor activities in the morning or the late afternoon;
• For indoor activities, open all windows, use a fan or use air-conditioning to maintain good ventilation;
• Do not stay inside a parked vehicle; and
• Reschedule work to cooler times of the day. If working in a hot environment is inevitable, introduce shade in the workplace where practicable. Start work slowly and pick up the pace gradually. Move to a cool area for rest at regular intervals to allow the body to recuperate.

     
     â€‹The public should also note the latest and the forecast Ultraviolet (UV) Index released by the Hong Kong Observatory (HKO). When the UV Index is high (6 or above):
 

• Minimise direct exposure of the skin and the eyes to sunlight;
• Wear long-sleeved and loose-fitting clothes;
• Wear a wide-brimmed hat or use an umbrella;
• Seek a shaded area or put on UV-blocking sunglasses;
• Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen lotion with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or above. Apply liberally and reapply after swimming, sweating or towelling off; and
• While using DEET-containing insect repellents for personal protection against mosquito-borne diseases, apply sunscreen first, then insect repellent.

     If symptoms develop, such as dizziness, headache, nausea, shortness of breath or confusion, rest and seek help immediately, and seek medical advice as soon as possible.

     â€‹The public may obtain more information from the DH’s Health Education Infoline (2833 0111), heat stroke page and UV radiation page; the HKO’s Dial-a-Weather (1878 200), latest weather report and forecast, UV Index and weather information for hiking and mountaineering; and press releases of the Labour Department on precautions against heat stroke for outdoor workers and their employers when the Very Hot Weather Warning is in force. read more

Attention TV/radio announcers: Please broadcast the following as soon as possible:      The Hong Kong Observatory has issued the Very Hot Weather Warning.      To prevent heat stroke, avoid pro… read more