â€‹The Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, attended the Business Session of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) Board of Governors Annual Meeting this morning (May 5, Tbilisi time) in Tbilisi, Georgia. The meeting discussed matters such as the ADB's budget and business directions.

     During the meeting, Mr Chan said that Hong Kong, China actively supports the work of the ADB, and highlighted Hong Kong's unique role as a "super connector" and a multi-level bridge under the "one country, two systems" principle. He emphasised that in various areas such as business, investment, innovation and technology, and green transformation, Hong Kong efficiently connects funds and projects, and could create opportunities with ADB members together. Furthermore, Hong Kong has been vigorously advancing the development of innovation and technology in recent years, focusing on artificial intelligence and big data, life and health sciences, fintech, as well as new energy and new materials. In these areas, Hong Kong, China and other ADB members can foster stronger collaboration to contribute to regional economic prosperity, enhance climate resilience of the region, and build a more sustainable future together.

     Mr. Chan had completed his itinerary at the ADB Annual Meeting and departed for Hong Kong immediately thereafter. He will arrive in Hong Kong tomorrow (May 6, Hong Kong time) afternoon.

    

     The Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Mr Chris Sun, today (May 5) officiated at the Foster Families Service Award Presentation Ceremony 2024, in which 260 families were awarded for their care, devotion and exceptional contributions to foster children. With participation from about 700 foster parents and children, this joyful reunion serves to call on more people to join the service with a view to bringing love and care for more needy children.
      
     The Award Presentation Ceremony, jointly organised by the Social Welfare Department (SWD) and 11 non-governmental organisations (NGOs) subvented by the SWD for operating the foster care service, was themed "Amplifying Love through One-Plus-One" to promote the department's "one-plus-one" recruitment scheme for foster families.
      
     Addressing the ceremony, Mr Sun called for support for the "one-plus-one" recruitment scheme and appealed to members of the public interested in serving needy children to submit applications together with their families and friends for taking care of the same foster child so that they can swiftly stand in for one another when any of them cannot assume the caring role due to temporary reasons. He said that such an approach not only promotes mutual support among peers and families, but also saves the need to arrange for a foster child to stay in an unfamiliar living environment.
      
     Mr Sun said foster parents have made significant contributions to the protection of children's well-being. The Government has, since last month, substantially increased the incentive payment for foster families, with that for foster care service increasing from around $5,000 to about $11,000 per month, and that for emergency foster care service from around $6,600 to about $13,000 per month. Additional support will also be provided to foster families taking care of children with special learning or care needs. He hoped that these initiatives will impress upon foster families the support and appreciation for them in the community.
      
     At the ceremony, Mr Sun and the Director of Social Welfare, Miss Charmaine Lee, presented long-service awards to 18 families which have been providing foster care service for more than 25 years. Close to 180 families which have been providing the service from five to 20 years were also awarded. Special awards were given to foster families with outstanding performances.
      
     A video (youtu.be/QVsMWJYsd80?si=MyP4zfzqv8rUuC6F) was featured at the ceremony to introduce how foster families can mutually support each other under the "one-plus-one" arrangement as they strive to provide a home for needy children that renders protection and shelter.
      
     The SWD's Central Foster Care Unit was established in 1982 to oversee and co-ordinate the provision of foster care services provided by NGOs. Foster care aims at providing family-like care for children whose parents cannot provide proper care for them due to family problems. The children can therefore continue to enjoy family life until they can be reunited with their families or when other long-term welfare plans are arranged for them. Currently, there are about 980 registered foster families.
      
     Members of the public who are interested in becoming foster parents may contact the SWD's Central Foster Care Unit at 2573 2282 during office hours.

        

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 (May 5) that due to big waves, red flags have been hoisted at Stanley Main Beach, Shek O Beach and Big Wave Bay Beach in Southern District, Hong Kong Island. Beachgoers are advised not to swim at these beaches.

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 (May 5) that according to the Beach Water Quality Forecast System of the Environmental Protection Department, the Beach Water Quality Forecast Index of Silver Mine Bay Beach and Pui O Beach in Islands District; Clear Water Bay Second Beach in Sai Kung District; and Butterfly Beach in Tuen Mun District is 4, which means the water quality is "Very Poor". The red flags have been hoisted and beachgoers are advised not to enter the water to safeguard their health.

     The Transport Department today (May 5) reminded members of the public that the 26th round of computer ballot registration for submitting applications for Northbound Travel for Hong Kong Vehicles (the scheme) will be open from 10am tomorrow (May 6) to 11.59pm on May 9, and the ballot result will be announced on May 10.
      
     Eligible applicants for the scheme can register for computer balloting through the designated website (www.hzmbqfs.gov.hk). Successful balloting applicants are required to submit applications for the scheme within the designated date and time randomly allocated by the computer system.