Following are the welcome remarks by the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Mr Kevin Yeung, at the Hong Kong Pavilion opening ceremony at the Cannes Film Market in the 77th Cannes Film Festival today (May 15, Cannes Time):
 
     Good afternoon, everyone! Welcome to the Hong Kong Pavilion. We are excited to participate in Marché du Film at the Cannes Film Festival at the International Village.
 
     This year, the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region proudly presents our pavilions both in the Riviera and here, the International Village.
 
     The pavilion offers a glimpse into the diverse landscape of Hong Kong film industry, showcasing outstanding works produced by Hong Kong filmmakers at the pavilions. Moreover, there will also be a number of dynamic networking sessions over the next few days, enlightening sharing sessions featuring Hong Kong's veteran producers, distinguished directors, and extraordinary talent. Be sure to explore the detailed programme schedule and learn more about our speakers.
 
     Furthermore, you will see numerous Hong Kong film companies setting up booths here and many Hong Kong filmmakers in attendance. We also have nine sessions of market screenings.
 
     Come join us and embark on a journey of Hong Kong Cinema. We look forward to seeing you around the corner and also at another pavilion in the Riveria.
      
     Thank you.

  

     The Hong Kong Police Force participated for the first time in the Critical Communications World's International Critical Communications Awards 2024 which was organised by the Critical Communications Association in Dubai from May 14 to May 17. Its emergency application HKSOS – RescueAI, which is the world's first AI dedicated for rescue missions, became the winner for the Best Use of Advanced Technology Award"

     The Assistant Commissioner of Police of the Information Systems Wing, Ms Kwan Chui-ching, said, "This award brings the Force's digital policing development to a new international stage, and the development team is deeply encouraged."

     The Critical Communications World Conference is the leading destination for exhibitors and the most influential international conference in the industry. The theme of this year's conference Securing Society and Industry has attracted more than 130 exhibitors from over 80 countries and regions with top industry elites and professionals for global networking, to view the latest technologies, and to jointly experience the most forward-looking critical communication infrastructure and applications.

     The International Critical Communications Awards are the most prestigious awards in critical communications that aim to recognise innovative technologies and products, as well as companies and units that have pushed boundaries and made positive impact and contributions in the industry.

     This year's awards saw a record number of entries while all three entries from the Force were shortlisted as finalists, including HKSOS and Smart Rescue Ecosystem for the Best Use of Critical Communications in Public Safety Award, and HKSOS – RescueAI and Signal Radar Rescue Drone for the Best Use of Advanced Technology Award.

     As the only finalist from Hong Kong, the Force had to compete with a number of leading international critical communications solution providers.

     Amid fierce completion, HKSOS – RescueAI stood out among the nine finalists by reinventing the traditional rescue work with advanced technologies and becoming this year's winner in the Best Use of Advanced Technology Award. Winning this prestigious award has boosted Hong Kong's image on the international stage and reaffirmed Hong Kong's role in innovation and development of advanced technologies, telling the world good stories of Hong Kong.

     HKSOS – RescueAI is uniquely designed to work with HKSOS to speed up search and rescue missions especially in complex terrains by providing instant actionable rescue intelligence so as to minimise the time it takes to reach persons in distress when compared to other conventional rescues means. The streamlined approach of the HKSOS – RescueAI massively reduces rescue time, thereby increasing the chances of saving lives.

     To date, the three inventions above have received a total of nine international awards.

            

     Police are investigating a fatal traffic accident happened in Tuen Mun this noon (May 15) in which a man died.

     At 12.26pm, a taxi driven by a 52-year-old man was travelling along Nam Tei Interchange towards Fu Tai Estate. Upon approaching near Lam Tei substation, the taxi reportedly rammed into a kerb.

     Sustaining no superficial injury, the man was rushed to Tuen Mun Hospital in unconscious state and later certified dead at 1.45pm.

     Investigation by the Special Investigation Team of Traffic, New Territories North is underway.

     Anyone who witnessed the accident or has any information to offer is urged to contact the investigating officers on 3661 3800.

     The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region welcomes the announcement by the National Immigration Administration (NIA) today (May 15) on implementing the policy of allowing visa-free entry of foreign tourist groups aboard cruise ships at provinces along the country's coastline.

     A spokesman for the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau (CSTB) said, "As Asia's cruise hub, Hong Kong attracts visitors from around the world to come for cruise travel. They would stay in Hong Kong before or after their voyages to experience our tourism offerings and bring economic benefits to the city. The new policy measures announced by the NIA today will attract international cruise lines to develop more cruise itineraries involving Mainland ports and Hong Kong, leveraging our role as a core demonstration zone for multi-destination tourism and promoting the development of Hong Kong's cruise industry."

     The CSTB will continue to enhance Hong Kong's competitiveness as Asia's cruise hub through various measures, and seize the opportunities brought about by the development of the country's cruise industry.

     â€‹With a view to safeguarding animal welfare, staff of the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) were sent today (May 15) to patrol sites where mercy release activities often took place in the past, including Wun Yiu, Tai Po; Ng Tung River, Sheung Shui; Sai Kung Public Pier and Sai Wan Ho Ferry Pier, and distributed educational leaflets there to remind the public to think carefully before participating in mercy releases of animals.

     A spokesman for the AFCD said, "If members of the public engage themselves in mercy release activities during which animals are not released in a proper manner, including releasing them into an unsuitable habitat, survival of these animals may be affected."

     Under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Ordinance (Cap. 169), it is an offence to cause unnecessary suffering to animals by releasing them not in a proper manner. Offenders are liable to a maximum fine of $200,000 and imprisonment for three years upon conviction.

     No cases involving suspected animal cruelty caused by animal releases were found today.

     The spokesman stressed that members of the public must think carefully before participating in animal release activities to safeguard animal welfare. The AFCD will launch a fish restocking exercise on National Fish Releasing Day on June 6 to release fish fingerlings in Yan Chau Tong Marine Park to enhance local marine resources and ecology. The department will promote to the public the benefits of fish restocking to the environment, with a view to engaging them in supporting and participating in these science-based restocking exercises in lieu of animal releases not properly conducted. They may also consider other charitable activities such as planting trees or participating in volunteer services with animal welfare groups and environmental organisations.

     The AFCD will continue to patrol places where animal releasing activities are likely to take place, take enforcement action when necessary, and carry out publicity and education work.