Associate Director-General of Investment Promotion at Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK), Mr Charles Ng, spoke at the Lugano Finance Forum in Switzerland on November 19 (Lugano time). The gathering, which focused on asset management, investment tools and fundamental analysis, gathered a diverse array of investors and financial professionals. Mr Ng spoke in the panel discussion titled "Navigating Global Finance: Lessons from Luxembourg, Liechtenstein, and Hong Kong".

     During the discussion, Mr Ng emphasised Hong Kong's pivotal role as a premier global asset and wealth management hub, in light of recent developments and policies that significantly bolster its competitive edge.

     Mr Ng stated, "As highlighted in the recent Policy Address delivered by our Chief Executive in October, we are committed to further cementing Hong Kong's status as an international asset and wealth management centre. The Policy Address introduced vital measures, such as expanding cross-boundary financial services and enhancing green finance, aimed at attracting global investors and creating a vibrant and supportive environment for wealth management firms to thrive."

     Furthermore, during his visit to London, Lugano, Milan and Paris from November 17 to 22, Mr Ng engaged in meetings and events, including the one with the Head of International Relations of the AIFO, the Italian Association of Family Offices, Mr Emanuele Giangreco, and President, Italy-Hong Kong Association, Mr Riccardo Fuochi, to explore avenues to strengthen business relations between Hong Kong and Europe.

     "It was a pleasure to have met the representatives of the InvestHK's Family Office team and to have had the opportunity to discuss possible areas of co-operation, in order to foster mutual understanding between the Italian and Hong Kong family offices." Mr Emanuele Giangreco said. 

     "Hong Kong's strategic position as a gateway between East and West, coupled with its transparent regulatory framework and business-friendly tax regime, offers unparalleled opportunities for businesses aiming to expand their presence in Asia," Mr Riccardo Fuochi said.

     As a member of the Network of Family Office Service Providers, Deloitte Hong Kong has helped facilitate high-level meetings with family office representatives and wealth managers. In these engagements, InvestHK showcased Hong Kong's unparalleled advantages and strategic initiatives tailored for global family offices. Notably, one such meeting was conducted at the London office of Mishcon de Reya, a renowned private client law firm known for its close collaboration with some of the world's most high-profile international ultra-high-net-worth families.

     During the meeting in Milan, Partner of Deloitte, Mr Olderigo Fantacci, who is leading the Deloitte corridor between Hong Kong and Italy family offices, emphasised the potential investment opportunties for both sides. "The family offices business today has a lot of similarities to the private equity business during the 1980s and 1990s. Few people knew what it was and where it could go. Family offices investments are the new frontier and, considering the family business tradition of Italy and Hong Kong, a structured corridor with the support of Hong Kong Government bode well for fruitful and prosperous connections leading to a reinvigorated mutual flow of investment between the two economies".

     Through these international engagements in Lugano, London, Milan and Paris, InvestHK continues to demonstrate Hong Kong's robust infrastructure, strategic initiatives, and commitment to excellence in asset and wealth management. These efforts are complemented by ongoing collaborations with global partners, ensuring the city remains at the forefront of the international financial community.

        

     The Hong Kong Public Libraries (HKPL) of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department held a certificate presentation ceremony at the Hong Kong Central Library today (November 23) to commend its members who had participated in the 2023-24 Reading Programme for Children and Youth.
 
     The programme continues to receive an overwhelming response and has recruited over 8 000 new members this year. Twenty-four members received Star of the Month awards for their reading reports, among which the nine best were awarded Reading Supernova. Nineteen members of the programme participating in the most sessions of the Monthly Meeting of Joyful Reading were awarded Elite of Joyful Reading medals.
 
     The HKPL is committed to promoting reading and hopes that schools can encourage students to register for the programme. The Most Active School in Promoting Participation awards were presented to schools that successfully nominated the largest number of members in the year. This year's awards went to Chinese Methodist School, Tanner Hill; HKFYG Lee Shau Kee Primary School; SKH Tin Wan Chi Nam Primary School; Ho Ngai College (Sponsored by Sik Sik Yuen); and Tak Oi Secondary School.

     Five schools with the highest total number of books read by their nominated members received the Most Active School in Promoting Reading awards. The winning schools are W F Joseph Lee Primary School, Hong Kong Baptist Convention Primary School, Tseung Kwan O Methodist Primary School, SKH Yan Laap Primary School and SKH Tin Wan Chi Nam Primary School.
 
     Targeting children and youth from kindergarten to Secondary Six, the Reading Programme aims at arousing their reading interest, cultivating their reading habits, and encouraging them to share their reading tips and the joy of reading with other people. To promote paired reading, children from kindergarten to Primary Three can join the family category with their parents. People interested in participating in the Reading Programme may contact any public library or visit www.hkpl.gov.hk/rp.
 
     This year's Reading Supernova winning works are now on display at the foyer of the South Entrance of Hong Kong Central Library until November 27. A roving exhibition will also be held at various public libraries later.

    

     The Chairman of the Agency for Volunteer Service (AVS), Ms Melissa Pang, inspected the passing-out parade for 34 probationary inspectors and 158 recruit police constables at the Hong Kong Police College today (November 23).
      
     Speaking at the ceremony, Ms Pang said being a police officer is not only a career but also a mission. She praised the Police for embracing the mission of serving the community, which has made them one of the key pillars in safeguarding the long-term prosperity and stability of Hong Kong.
      
     She also pointed out that the rule of law has always been a core value of Hong Kong, and its governance is attributable to the efficient and professional law enforcement. As a law enforcement agency, the Force has been maintaining Hong Kong’s rule of law and law and order, and its work has been well recognised and applauded by the local and international communities, she added.
      
     According to the 2024 World Justice Project Rule of Law Index, Hong Kong ranks the ninth out of 142 countries and jurisdictions globally in respect of "order and security", continuing to rank within the top 10. Ms Pang attributed the ranking to the efforts and professionalism of the Police, their effective law enforcement, as well as the excellent and professional training provided by the Hong Kong Police College.
      
     Highlighting the establishment of the Hong Kong Police Volunteer Services Corps (HKPVSC) 20 years ago and its efforts in supporting the underprivileged, Ms Pang praised the Police for their dedication to volunteer work to show care for the community in addition to their professional law enforcement work. She noted that the HKPVSC has been working closely with the AVS and quite a number of its volunteers had rendered support to the large-scale events organised by the AVS. She took the opportunity to express her gratitude to the police volunteers for their selfless dedication.
      
     Lastly, Ms Pang hoped the graduates to execute their duties in a fair, impartial and selfless manner with courage and diligence, to uphold the rule of law which is invaluable to Hong Kong and to safeguard the city and national security. She also hoped that the graduates would show their care for the community and collaborate with others to build a harmonious community for Hong Kong.

        

     The 2024 Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Road Cycling Race and the 15th National Games road cycling test event will be held tomorrow (November 24). A men's individual road cycling race will be arranged for the test event and is scheduled to start at 9am tomorrow, and is expected to conclude at 2.30pm.
 
     The race distance in Hong Kong section is 55.8km. The race convoy will enter Hong Kong via the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge (HZMB), travel along the North Lantau Highway, pass through the Hong Kong Disneyland Resort and turn back to the North Lantau Highway and the HZMB, enter Hengqin before racing to finish at the Zhuhai Museum. It is estimated that the race convoy will spend about one and a half hours (around 10.20am to 11.50am) in the Hong Kong section of the race.
 
     To facilitate the holding of the race, temporarily control measures will be implemented on the HZMB Hong Kong Port, the HZMB and some roads on that day. Members of the public and visitors should pay attention to the following key points:
 

• Temporary control measures will be implemented on the HZMB westbound from Hong Kong towards Zhuhai/Macao from 7.30am to 12.30pm. The Departure Hall of Passenger Clearance Building and Outbound Vehicle Clearance Plaza of the HZMB Hong Kong Port will be closed at 6.30am. Travellers or vehicles wishing to leave Hong Kong for Zhuhai or Macao before the implementation of the temporary control measures are required to arrive at the Departure Hall of Passenger Clearance Building or Outbound Vehicle Clearance Plaza of the HZMB Hong Kong Port before 6.30am on the event day in order to undergo departure and clearance procedures.

• The departure and clearance services at the HZMB Hong Kong Port will resume after 12.30pm. It is expected that traffic will be busy. Travellers and drivers who plan to use the bridge on that day are advised to plan their trips in advance. Drivers of cross-boundary private cars and goods vehicles can also consider the use of other land Boundary Control Points (BCP) in accordance with the terms and conditions of the vehicle's Closed Road Permit.

• Cross-boundary public transport services travelling on the HZMB between Hong Kong, Zhuhai and Macao, including the HZMB shuttle bus (Gold Bus) and cross-boundary coaches services, will be suspended during the implementation of the temporary control on the HZMB Main Bridge and the HZMB Hong Kong Port on that day.

• Temporary traffic control measures will be implemented on the North Lantau Highway and roads near the Hong Kong Disneyland Resort between 10.20am and 11.50am on the day of the race (exact time will depend on the actual progress of the race). The travel time to and from the Hong Kong International Airport or the Hong Kong Disneyland Resort via the North Lantau Highway is expected to increase by about 30 minutes. Members of the public and travelers should plan their trips in advance and allow sufficient travelling time. They are advised to use railway services, including the Airport Express, the Tung Chung line and the Disneyland Resort line, and avoid driving to the Hong Kong Disneyland Resort, Tung Chung and the airport during the event. Drivers who need to drive to the airport can also consider using the Tuen Mun-Chek Lap Kok Tunnel.

• Details of the special traffic and transport arrangements for the 15th National Games cross-boundary road cycling test event, please refers to the Transport Department Notice: www.td.gov.hk/en/traffic_notices/index_id_78067.html.

 
     The National Games Coordination Office (Hong Kong) (NGCO) has liaised with relevant government departments and organisations to disseminate information of the relevant BCP clearance services and transportation arrangements to be implemented for the event to the public, travellers and stakeholders through various channels, including:
 

• The Airport Authority of Hong Kong (AAHK) has reminded airlines to notify members of the public and travellers taking flights on that day to allow sufficient time to travel to the airport and has also issued a circular to inform travellers that cross-boundary coach services via the HZMB will be affected. Meanwhile, the AAHK also issued relevant notices through its website (www.hongkongairport.com/en/important-notice/index.page?noticeid=1585121172788-1) and social media platform.

• The Tourism Commission (TC) has informed the hotel sector through their trade associations to remind their guests of the special transportation arrangements. The TC has also informed licensed travel agents through the Travel Industry Authority and the Travel Industry Council of Hong Kong to avoid bringing tour groups across the HZMB on the event day. The Hong Kong Tourism Board has also notified its trade partners and disseminated the relevant information on its website (www.discoverhongkong.com/eng/plan/news.html) to facilitate visitors' itinerary planning.

• The Transport Department (TD) has informed trades including cross-boundary (CB) goods vehicles, public transport operators (PTOs) such as Gold Bus, CB coach, franchised bus, taxi operators and MTR of the arrangements on that day. The PTOs have also informed passengers via notices. Alert messages were also issued to applicants of Northbound Travel for Hong Kong Vehicles and the HZMB closed road permit holders on the temporary control measures of HZMB and the Hong Kong Port on that day. In addition, the TD will alert motorists to the latest traffic information through Full Variable Message Signs in tunnels and control areas concerned. Meanwhile, MTR Corporation Limited will assist to step up public broadcast in all heavy railway stations. The TD has urged CB and local travellers and members of the public to take heed of various public transport arrangements in CB traffic, travelling to and from the airport and Tung Chung as well as the Hong Kong Disneyland Resort and plan their journeys early, via the HKeMobility mobile application, radio and TV, Agent T Facebook page (www.facebook.com/AgentT.hk) as well as the social media platform of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Development Office and the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Guangdong of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.

• The Islands District Office has disseminated the relevant message to residents in the district through the district network (including District Councils, Area Committees and District Committees, Youth Committees, as well as District Services and Community Care Teams (Care Teams). The Care Teams have also assisted in contacting property management companies and village representatives in the district, and requested them to post the above TD notice at conspicuous places for residents' information. On the day of the test event, the Care Teams will deploy staff to inspect in the district and provide appropriate assistance to members of the public in need (e.g. responding to enquiries or assisting members of the public in contacting the TD and/or bus companies).

• The Marine Department has contacted cross-boundary ferry operators and increased the frequency of ferry services to Macao on the morning of the event day.

• The Hong Kong Disneyland Resort has also reminded visitors planning to visit the resort via its social media platform, mobile application and website (www.hongkongdisneyland.com/hkdl/special-notice/) of the special traffic arrangements on the event day, including the possible increase in travel time to and from the resort and the Inspiration Lake Recreation Centre via Penny's Bay Highway, Sunny Bay Road, Magic Road and Fantasy Road due to traffic control measures.

• The Hong Kong Customs (Customs) has informed the transport trades of the traffic arrangements on that day and to use other land BCPs as far as possible for entry and exit. The Customs has also posted notices at the clearance facilities of the Hong Kong Port and informed the public through its website (www.customs.gov.hk/en/home/index.html) and social media platform.

• The Centre for Food Safety of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department has informed traders of fresh produce of the arrangement whereby vehicles carrying fresh produce via the HZMB will be required to enter Hong Kong at suitable time slots to ensure that the supply of fresh produce to Hong Kong will not be affected.

• The Immigration Department (ImmD) will update the situation of the Hong Kong Port in real time through its mobile application on the event day. Tourists can check the queuing situation of the HZMB Hong Kong Port through the ImmD's mobile application before travelling, so as to make better planning for their itinerary and minimise queuing time.

• The Police will also remind the public of the temporary traffic control arrangements through its social media platform (www.facebook.com/HongKongPoliceForce).

 
     A spokesman for the NGCO said that the relevant clearance services at BCPs and transport arrangements are crucial to the preparation for the test event, the smooth running of the race and the safety of athletes and staff members. The spokesperson thanked members of the public and travellers for their understanding of the inconvenience caused, as well as the concerted efforts of various organisations and departments in implementing the relevant arrangements.
 
     A public viewing zone will be set up on the footpath of Fantasy Road located outside the Hong Kong Disneyland Resort, which can accommodate a few hundreds of spectators. Implementation of crowd management measures will be made by the Police depending on conditions in the areas. Members of the public are advised to take heed of instructions of the Police and the staff on site. As temporary traffic control measures will be implemented on the race route at the North Lantau Highway, members of the public should take the MTR to the Disneyland Resort station as far as possible to reach the viewing zone. In addition, Zhuhai will live webcast of the event, and Hong Kong has also arranged for live webcast by Radio Television Hong Kong (RTHK) (RTHK weblink: www.rthk.hk/nationalgames and RTHK YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/RTHK).

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 (November 23) that due to big waves, red flags have been hoisted at Stanley Main Beach and Big Wave Bay Beach in Southern District, Hong Kong Island; and Silverstrand Beach and Clear Water Bay Second Beach in Sai Kung District. Beachgoers are advised not to swim at these beaches.