The Government announced today (July 28) the reappointment of the incumbent Chairman and five serving members to the Hospital Authority (HA).

     The incumbent Chairman, Mr Henry Fan Hung-ling, and four serving members, Mr Duncan Chiu, Ms Maisy Ho Chiu-ha, Mr Wan Man-yee and Mr Billy Wong Wing-hoo, will be reappointed for a term of two years with effect from December 1, 2023. Another serving member, Mr Chan Wing-kai, will also be reappointed for a term of two years, with effect from August 1, 2023.

     The Secretary for Health, Professor Lo Chung-mau, expressed gratitude to the incumbent Chairman and five serving members reappointed, and he believes that they will continue to give valuable advice and contributions to the HA. 

     The HA comprises a Chairman, 22 non-official members, three public officers and one principal officer from the HA. The membership list to be effective from August 1, 2023, is as follows:

Chairman:
Mr Henry Fan Hung-ling

Non-official Members:
Professor Francis Chan Ka-leung
Mr Lawrence Chan Man-yiu
Professor Chan Wai-yee
Mr Chan Wing-kai
Ms Margaret Cheng Wai-ching 
Mr Duncan Chiu
Ms Anita Fung Yuen-mei 
Mr Ambrose Ho
Ms Maisy Ho Chiu-ha
Ms Mary Huen Wai-yi
Mr Jat Sew-tong
Mrs Sylvia Lam Yu ka-wai
Professor Lau Chak-sing
Dr Leung Wing-cheong
Professor David Shum Ho-keung 
Professor Agnes Tiwari Fung-yee
Mr Philip Tsai Wing-chung
Mr Anthony Tsang Hin-fun
Dr Thomas Tsang Ho-fai
Mr Henry Tong Sau-chai
Mr Wan Man-yee
Mr Billy Wong Wing-hoo

Public Officers:
Permanent Secretary for Health, Mr Thomas Chan
Director of Health, Dr Ronald Lam
Deputy Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury (Treasury), Mr Aaron Liu

HA Principal Officer:
Chief Executive of the HA, Dr Tony Ko

     â€‹After several months of system testing and enhancements, the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) will conduct a trial of an artificial intelligence drowning detection system at the outdoor secondary pool of Kwun Tong Swimming Pool during opening hours starting from July 31 to strengthen lifesaving services at public swimming pools.

     This system is developed and authorised by the Sports Artificial Intelligence Laboratory and the Technology Transfer Office of the University of Hong Kong, with funding support from the Innovation and Technology Fund of the Innovation and Technology Commission. Applying artificial intelligence detection technology, the drowning detection system analyses the videos and images captured by the camera, distinguishes the motions of swimmers and calculates the probability of drowning using artificial intelligence algorithms, so as to enhance water safety. If a suspected drowning is detected, the system will alert the lifeguards, enabling them to perform rescue work as soon as possible. The system will neither collect or show the facial or body images, nor retain any images or footage to protect the privacy of swimmers.

     The LCSD will conduct a review on the effectiveness of the trial at the end of the swimming season. The trial will serve as one of the references for developing a drowning detection system that is suitable for use in public swimming pools.

     In response to media enquiries about a story published by the Washington Post quoting so-called sources that the United States (US) has decided to bar the Chief Executive (CE) of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) from attending the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders' Meeting (AELM), the HKSAR Government today (July 28) pointed out once again that the US is obliged to fulfill its basic responsibilities as a host to follow the rules and usual practice of APEC and invite the CE to attend the meeting in his capacity of the leader of Hong Kong, China.

     APEC has its standing rules and conventions for hosting meetings. According to the Guidelines for Hosting APEC Meetings, leaders of APEC member economies will be invited to attend the AELM. A host has the responsibilities to issue letters of invitation to APEC leaders and facilitate their attendance of the AELM.

     APEC meetings do not belong to any country or economy, and APEC has its rules and conventions. Any host will have the responsibilities to invite members to participate according to these rules and conventions. The HKSAR Government has publicly stated the above position on multiple occasions.

     â€‹The Commissioner for Labour today (July 28) gave notices in the Gazette under section 16(1A) and/or section 18(2) of the Protection of Wages on Insolvency Ordinance (Chapter 380) for cases with ex gratia payment from the Protection of Wages on Insolvency Fund made to employees. 
      
     For details of the notices, please refer to Government Notice Numbers from 4449 to 4479 at the website of the eGazette of the Government Logistics Department.    

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 (July 28) that due to big waves, red flags have been hoisted at Shek O Beach and Big Wave Bay Beach in Southern District, Hong Kong Island; and Hap Mun Bay Beach, Silverstrand Beach and Clear Water Bay Second Beach in Sai Kung District. Beachgoers are advised not to swim at these beaches.