The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) today (July 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.

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 prolonged activities outdoors.

     If engaged in outdoor work or activities, wear a wide-brimmed hat and light-coloured, loose-fitting clothes. Stay in shaded areas as much as possible.

     Drink plenty of water, and avoid beverages containing caffeine or alcohol.

     If you feel sick, consult a doctor right away.

       Town Planning Board (TPB) continued today (July 24) the deliberation on the draft Fanling/Sheung Shui Extension Area Outline Zoning Plan No. S/FSSE/1 (the draft OZP). After thorough deliberation, TPB decided to accept the recommendation of the Planning Department (PlanD) to partially meet some of the representations by amending the zoning of the 9.5 hectare (ha) proposed housing site in the northernmost portion on the draft OZP (involving 3 holes of the Old Course of Fanling Golf Course) from "Residential (Group A)" ("R(A)") to "Undetermined" ("U") temporarily, in order to allow the Civil Engineering and Development Department (CEDD) to review the layout design, building height and development density of the public housing development. The zoning of "Other Specified Uses" annotated “Conservation cum Recreation" ("OU(CR)") for the remaining 22 ha of land remains unchanged in accordance with original proposal.
 
       TPB was fully aware of the controversy involved in the draft OZP and had thoroughly considered the 6,787 representations and 51 comments and the oral submissions of about 190 attendees in the five hearing sessions, as well as the views and responses of PlanD and relevant departments, and held discussion in the afternoon today before arriving at the decision.
 
       TPB also noted the Hong Kong Golf Club (the Club) has applied for judicial review in respect of the decision on the relevant Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Report. As stated in the Government's earlier press release, it would not affect the TPB proceeding with the statutory planning procedures. Instead of retaining the current high-density development zoning of "R(A)", TPB considered amending the zoning of the proposed housing site to "U" a more prudent arrangement from planning perspective taking into account the need to address the conditions set out in the EIA approval, for such arrangement could allow CEDD to review the layout design, building height and development intensity of the housing development, and with the subsequent approval of the Director of Environmental Protection on the revised scheme, PlanD could recommend to TPB the appropriate land use zoning and development parameters for the housing site. 
 
       Majority of TPB Members agreed that the 9.5 ha of land was suitable for public housing development taking into account that: (i) with the housing site being located at the fringe of Fanling/Sheung Shui New Town and in proximity to Sheung Shui MTR Station and several existing public housing estates in the North District, the proposed public housing development was compatible with the surrounding areas and could benefit from the existing transport and community facilities; (ii) albeit that CEDD was required to review the layout design, building height and development intensity to satisfy conditions attached to DEP's approval of the EIA report, the various technical assessments conducted for the draft OZP had largely confirmed the overall technical feasibility of the proposed housing development at the site; and (iii) while the original target of population intake in 2029 would be affected, the proposed public housing was still an important source of housing supply in the next decade. Under the multi-pronged land supply strategy, the Government would conduct large-scale resumption of agricultural land and brownfield sites in the Northern Metropolis for development. Unlike these projects which would involve resumption of private land and rehousing/compensation for the current occupiers, the proposed public housing development on this 9.5 ha of government land remained time-competitive for no resumption, clearance or rehousing issues would be involved.
 
       TPB noted that the New Course and Eden Couse, each of a standard course with 18 holes, and the Old Course with the remaining 10 holes located to the west of Fan Kam Road, which amount to a total area of 140 ha, will still be kept by the Club, and the New Course and Eden Course will continue to be used for holding international tournament in future. Besides, upon the return of the 32 ha of land to the Government with effect from September 1, 2023, the future management of the area will be put under the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD). The Government has also stated clearly that for future organisation of international tournaments in Fanling Golf Course, based on actual need and if circumstance permits, it is willing to let the Club temporarily use the land (including the 9.5 ha site, if not yet required for housing development) for back up purpose.
 
       The zoning of the 22 ha of land in the southern part of the OZP area for "OU(CR)" is intended for conservation and passive recreational uses which are compatible with the conservation intention. TPB urged the Government to properly conserve the natural landscape and ecological features of the area, and as far as possible, to open the area to public for passive recreational use whilst not affecting the intention for conservation.
 
       TPB will exhibit, under section 6C of the Town Planning Ordinance (the Ordinance), the proposed amendment of rezoning the 9.5 ha of land to "U" on August 4 for public inspection for three weeks during which further representations can be made. Upon receipt of further representations, TPB will consider them in accordance with the Ordinance and, after making a decision, will submit the draft plan to the Chief Executive in Council for approval by the end of the statutory time limit of end November.
 
       Lastly, TPB pointed out that any land supply option would affect certain sector of the community and groups in different extent. The proposal made above has already struck a balance among various demands. With the support and mutual understanding of the society and the stakeholders or groups, the housing land problem could be resolved.

     Following is the speech by the Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, at the business dinner for Singaporean Business Community: "Partnering for Success" today (July 24):
 
Your Excellency Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat (Deputy Prime Minister of Singapore), Dr Peter Lam (Chairman of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

     â€‹Good evening! It is my great pleasure to join you here tonight.

     I would like to start by expressing my gratitude to Deputy Prime Minister Heng, for taking the time out of your very busy schedule to join us this evening, and most importantly, for making such an inspirational speech. Your presence has graced this occasion, and we look forward to an engaging and productive evening with you.

     This is my first visit to Singapore since I took office a year ago, and the Lion City is the very first stop on my week-long trip to the ASEAN region.

     Looking at this high-powered panel of guests gathered here tonight, a familiar phrase comes to my mind: "If you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together!"

     As you can see, I am not travelling alone. I am joined by a 30-strong high-level business delegation from such sectors as industry, financial services, e-commerce, transport, logistics and technology, as well as five of the most senior members on my governing team.

     The large size and gravitas of our delegation reflects the importance of our mission: our commitment to closer co-operation with Singapore and the wider ASEAN region.

     We are here to go far, and go together, with all of you.

     The importance of co-operation was underlined by President Xi Jinping, during Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong's recent visit to China. President Xi remarked that the forward-looking and strategic relations between China and Singapore had set a benchmark for countries in the region. Both sides agreed to upgrade bilateral relations to an "All-round High-quality Future-oriented Partnership", reflecting our countries' aspirations to chart the development of relations.

     We, too, are here to promote co-operation, as Hong Kong returns to the centre stage of the global arena.

     We have ridden out the storm of violence and riots, and emerged from the daunting pandemic. We have resumed our unparalleled connectivity with Mainland China and the rest of the world.

     Earlier this month, we celebrated the 26th anniversary of Hong Kong's return to the motherland. The anniversary symbolises the successful implementation of the unique "one country, two systems" principle in Hong Kong.

     Twenty-six years ago, our prominent advantages under "one country, two systems" started and have been on its way as robust as ever: free flow of capital, low and simple tax system, commitment to the rule of law, capitalist way of life, and a cosmopolitan society where English remains the language of choice for our international business community.

     You would find that these attributes bear great resemblance with the value proposition of Singapore. In fact, there is no shortage of media reports on the variations in our two economies' positions in global rankings, as both places advance in developing finance, education, innovation, legal services, logistics and much more. 

     Hong Kong and Singapore enjoy healthy and constructive relations in regard to co-operation.

     Hong Kong and Singapore are not in a win-lose situation, because I believe and practise the spirit that there is never the best, only the better; the spirit of always seeking to soar higher; the spirit of sportsmanship in striving for excellence.

     Hong Kong and Singapore are both widely open economies that cherish co-operation and uphold multilateralism. Together, we could cover so much ground in the fields of finance, professional services, innovation and technology, and so on.

     With Hong Kong and Singapore being major international financial centres, money makes our world go round.

     Internationalisation of the Renminbi continues apace. Hong Kong is in the thick of the action, serving as China's hub for global finance and the world's largest offshore Renminbi business centre.

     Earlier this year, Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited, our stock exchange, expanded the scope of stocks under the Stock Connect programme with the exchanges of Shanghai and Shenzhen, by adding foreign company stocks under Southbound Trading.

     Just last month, the new Hong Kong Dollar and Renminbi dual-counter trading went live, allowing investors to trade securities from the same issuer in both currencies.

     These developments represent an invitation for Singaporean investors to make use of our platform to build their Renminbi portfolios, settle their Mainland trade in Renminbi, tap into our country's equity markets, and pursue the game-changing developments in fintech with us.

     And these developments are set to expand under the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, or the GBA.

     The GBA is an emerging economic powerhouse, covering nine major cities in Guangdong Province, plus the Special Administrative Regions of Hong Kong and Macao. It has a total population of over 86 million, with a high proportion of middle-class families – all of them being potential consumers and investors.

     Hong Kong is a value-added conduit between the GBA and the rest of the world. We add value to business and investment through our financial platform, our professional services, our decades of know-how and experience of doing business in the Mainland.

     Beyond the dollar signs of our financial markets, Hong Kong is a land of opportunity for pioneers of the digital world who are unrestrained by physical boundaries.

     Our city is home to about 4,000 start-ups, supported by a strong network of venture capitalists, incubators and accelerators, and an easy access to some of the fastest-growing markets in the world.

     Of course, Singapore is well aware of the value of a dynamic start-up and I&T ecosystem, with your abundance of unicorns and vibrant tech scenes.

     I believe there is good potential for Hong Kong start-up entrepreneurs, including those at our Science Park and Cyberport, to partner with their peers in Singapore for new ventures and to open up new markets in the GBA, ASEAN and beyond. That is why I am excited to note that the two places will be signing a total of seven MoUs this evening, advancing our co-operation in I&T and fintech, as well as trade and finance and other sectors.

     With our economies in full recovery mode after the pandemic, it is high time to better leverage the ASEAN-Hong Kong, China Free Trade Agreement and the related Investment Agreement, that came into full force in 2021.

     ASEAN as a whole is Hong Kong's second-largest trading partner globally. Among ASEAN member states, Singapore is the clear leader in terms of trade with Hong Kong. Hong Kong's total merchandise trade with Singapore amounted to over 480 billion Hong Kong Dollars, or 83.5 billion Singapore Dollars last year, making it our fourth-largest trading partner globally.

     We concur with ASEAN's commitment to regional co-operation as founding members of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, or RCEP, the world's largest FTA. Hong Kong is determined to pursue early accession to RCEP, with a view to deepening our economic relations with ASEAN countries, and contributing to regional development.

     We are very happy to do all we can to ensure good collaboration for the whole region.

     We will continue to be thankful for and count on the support from Singapore and other ASEAN states to make Hong Kong's accession to RCEP as smooth and quick as possible. 

     But enough about business. This evening is also about great company, great food and great entertainment. I'm sure we are all looking forward to the performance of the Sing Fai Cantonese Opera of Hong Kong a little later.

     The artistes have performed and received high acclaim in many overseas countries, including here in Singapore in 2017. Young people are our future. I am especially pleased that these young talents are embracing local culture and sharing our proud traditions with the world.

     I look forward to more of cultural exchanges, and would especially welcome Singaporean performers to come and delight audiences in Hong Kong.

     On that high note, the talented JJ Lin held six live shows at our Central Harbourfront this March. He attracted not just thousands of concert-goers from Hong Kong, but also many fans from around the world and around the region – helping to give our tourism industry quite a good boost!

     Let me also highlight two major cultural attractions recently launched in Hong Kong for all to enjoy. They are the Hong Kong Palace Museum with its showcase of treasures from Beijing's Forbidden City, and our global museum of visual art, M+. These are just some of the many efforts being made to develop Hong Kong as an East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange.

     I sincerely invite all of our Singaporean friends here tonight to come visit Hong Kong, and see for yourselves the new opportunities, the new attractions and the new experiences we are offering.

     Ladies and gentlemen, I thank the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, as well as the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Singapore, for organising this dinner, and giving us a chance to renew old friendships and make new ones. I also thank the Singapore Business Federation for supporting this event.

     Hong Kong and Singapore share the same cosmopolitan characteristics, rooted in Asian culture and values. Hong Kong is known for its "Lion Rock Spirit", the can-do attitude and the perseverance of our resilient people. Singapore is renowned as a Lion City for its courage, strength and excellence. We are two valiant, nimble and fast-paced lions from the East, with a wide world of opportunities ahead of us.

     I have every confidence that we will be exploring new frontiers for collaboration and going far together.

     I also know that you will be celebrating the National Day of Singapore in about two weeks' time. I take this opportunity to wish you all a very happy National Day. Thank you very much, and enjoy the rest of the evening. Thank you.

        

     The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, led a Hong Kong Special Administrative Region delegation to continue its visit to Singapore today (July 24). Following is the transcript of remarks by Mr Lee at a media session in Singapore this evening:

Chief Executive: This is my first visit to Singapore as the Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the PRC (People's Republic of China). I attach great importance to this visit. I have brought with me 30 high-level representatives from Hong Kong. They come from such sectors as industry and commerce, financial services, transport, logistics, legal services, and innovation and technology (I&T). Joining me also are five most senior officials of the Government of Hong Kong.

     ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) is Hong Kong's second largest trading partner globally. Among ASEAN states, Singapore is the largest partner in terms of trade in goods with us. We are here to consolidate our friendship with Singapore and other ASEAN states. We wish to strengthen our long-standing co-operation for mutual growth. More importantly, we wish to tell our friends here the good and latest stories of Hong Kong. From our traditional strengths of finance, trade and logistics, to the upcoming industries of I&T, arts and cultural exchange, Hong Kong is determined to bring in new impetus for sustainable development that will energise the whole region's growth. My delegation and I will take every opportunity to introduce Hong Kong's new developments, new potentials and new attractions to our friends in ASEAN during our visit.
 
     Earlier today, I had the pleasure of meeting Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, and Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong. I will also be meeting Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat this evening at the business dinner that will begin shortly.
   
     At the meeting with the Prime Minister and government officials, I expressed my gratitude to Singapore for its continuous support to Hong Kong's bid to join RCEP, the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership. Hong Kong stands ready to engage in exploratory discussions with RCEP members on our accession request. I also congratulated Deputy Prime Minister Wong on his appointment last year as the leader of Singapore's fourth-generation team.
 
     Earlier this afternoon, our delegation visited an international engineering consultancy firm headquartered in Singapore, and welcomed their ongoing investment in Hong Kong and Mainland China.
 
     Hong Kong and Singapore have long been in co-operation and experience sharing. We are both external-oriented economies that relish in trade co-operation and vibrancy in activities. At the business dinner this evening, Hong Kong and Singapore will be signing seven memoranda of understanding on trade, financial services, fintech, I&T, and research collaboration. I am confident that our partnership will continue to go from strength to strength.
 
Reporter: Some ASEAN country nationals visiting Hong Kong still require a visa, especially Vietnam. Is there any plan to expand a visa waiver programme to these countries to facilitate the entry of their people? And on the golf course, the club is hoping to delay the return of the plot in the JR (judicial review) application. How sure are you that the land can be taken back in September and how confident is the Government in winning the lawsuit? Finally, what is the…APEC summit in November?
 
Chief Executive: Our co-operation with ASEAN countries is something that I'm advocating. Where it’s possible to do facilitation, we will. And we will, of course, look into each and every case to see how much we can do in this regard. There has been progress in different areas with the entry consideration in respect of different countries. We will have to examine the issues with the relevant governments according to the actual situation. My attitude is where we can, we will do our best.

     As regards the golf course, I know the golf course association (the Hong Kong Golf Club) has filed a judicial review against the environmental report, and the judicial process has started, so I will make no more comment. I respect the judicial proceeding. But it doesn't affect our plan to take back those pieces of land that we have announced that we will take back. We think that taking back the land will not prevent any big events from taking place in the golf course, because we have actually three golf courses which conform to international standards. We are taking 30 hectares of land and that will not affect the launching of large-scale competitions. We have also made it very clear, that where there's a need to make use of those areas of land we have taken back, we are most willing to let competition event organisers use the land. Let us know and we will facilitate as much as possible. There is no plan not to take back the land as we have announced.

     As regards APEC (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation) attendance, I have said many times it is the responsibility of the host economy to send invitations to the members. That has been the practice and convention, and that has been the rules of APEC. APEC is an international organisation that doesn't belong to any particular country or economy. Hong Kong, of course, will play by the APEC rules. We will act in accordance with the APEC practices and tradition. Thank you.

Reporter: What is the significance of signing the seven understandings on, you said, trade and also financial and also research?  Does this mean there will be more Hong Kong businesses in Singapore and more Singapore businesses in Hong Kong?

Chief Executive: I think there will be more businesses both ways. The seven memoranda of understanding (MOU) mean that we have already agreed to open up co-operation in those seven areas. That means both ways, activities will start. I am very glad that the parties who will sign the MOUs have already geared up for many ideas as to how they will promote co-operation in those seven areas.
 
     Signing of MOUs is like opening a door for people to then pass through and carry out activities in those areas. For example, following my last visit to the Middle East, we have signed over 10 MOUs and already I have known of some deals being closed, some offices being set up in Hong Kong, and actually, some visits have been made to Hong Kong as well, to look at investment opportunities and also organise conferences and summits. So, all these positive signs will thereafter result in some actual closing of deals or signing of contracts. I am very positive that we will be signing seven MOUs and develop co-operation opportunities in those seven areas. Thank you.

(Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)