The Social Welfare Department (SWD) has been informed by Hong Kong Christian Service that the territory-wide flag-selling activity in public places scheduled to be held today (December 7) has been cancelled, a spokesman for the SWD said.
For enquiries, please contact Mrs Tam of the organisation at 2731 6369.
The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, Berlin (HKETO Berlin) continues its support for the Hong Kong film industry by once again sponsoring the FILMASIA festival in Prague. The 15th edition of the film festival honours the works of the legendary Hong Kong actor, director and choreographer Sammo Hung. Seven martial arts films from Hong Kong and Asia are displayed throughout the festival from December 5 to 8 (Prague time), including Sammo Hung's action-loaded production "The Bodyguard" being featured at the opening ceremony.
This year's edition of FILMASIA discovers the traces of influence of Hong Kong films on contemporary action films. Since the generation of Jackie Chan and Sammo Hung, viewers from around the world have been fascinated by the choreographies and stunts in Hong Kong’s action films, which have also significantly inspired martial arts production from other parts of the world. To honour the achievement of the Hong Kong action films and its contribution to the film industry, FILMASIA will present four action film titles from Hong Kong: "The Bodyguard", "Once upon a time in China", "SPL II: A time for consequences" and "Project A" alongside other Asian film adaptions.
Sammo Hung has been at the centre of the action film genre for more than four decades. At a young age Sammo Hung began his career as a child actor. His passion for martial arts and films later led him to become one of the leading figures in Hong Kong's martial arts film era in the 1970s. Since then, he has starred in more than two hundred roles and was involved in producing roughly one hundred films as a choreographer and action director. The films from Hong Kong and Asia at large shown throughout this festival give a little glimpse into the gravity of his works, and would definitely spark interest in Hong Kong's film industry for many viewers in Prague.
In his speech at the opening of FILMASIA on December 5 (Prague time), the Director of HKETO Berlin, Mr Bill Li, talked about Hong Kong's commitment to arts and culture, mentioning that Hong Kong hosts Hong Kong International Film & TV Market (FILMART), the biggest trade fair in Asia's entertainment industry every year in March. In outlining the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR)'s support for the film industry, he noted that the government injected HK$1 billion into the Film Development Fund to nurture local talent, enhance local production, expand markets and build wider audiences.
Hong Kong has a rich history in action film. As an arts and cultural hub in Asia, Hong Kong is known for being a source of extraordinary film talents. Young filmmakers and actors frequently bring new ideas to enrich Hong Kong's film industry. The film industry like other creative industries is an important economic driver for Hong Kong. With the aim of attracting highly qualified, talented professionals from around the world, the government has drawn up the Talent List which comprises 11 professions which receive facilitated access when settling to Hong Kong. As part of the Talent List, Hong Kong welcomes creative industry professionals in music, digital entertainment and films to join its dynamic creative industry.
About HKETO Berlin
HKETO Berlin is the official HKSAR Government representation in commercial relations and other economic and trade matters in the Czech Republic as well as Austria, Germany, Hungary, Poland, the Slovak Republic, Slovenia and Switzerland.
The Correctional Services Department (CSD) held a passing-out parade at the Staff Training Institute in Stanley today (December 6) to mark the graduation of 24 Officers and 105 Assistant Officers II. The President of the Legislative Council, Mr Andrew Leung, reviewed the parade.
At the parade, the correctional officers marched past the reviewing officer with a collective spirit of high morale, demonstrating self-confidence, team spirit and enthusiasm.
The newly recruited Officers and Assistant Officers II have undergone 26 and 23 weeks of training respectively. Officer Mr Law Man-kwong was awarded the Principal's Shield, while four Assistant Officers II were awarded the Golden Whistle for their outstanding performance during training.
Mr Law, formerly a representative of the Hong Kong basketball team and an Assistant Officer II, has become an Officer through the Potential Officer Scheme. He said that he will use his persevering spirit as an athlete to encourage persons in custody to face challenges.
Another graduate, Assistant Officer II, Ms Kaur Sukhdeep, who is of Indian descent, hopes to become a bridge for communication with non-local persons in custody to reduce misunderstandings from cultural differences and help them adapt to institutional life as soon as possible.
The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government today (December 6) expressed deep regret over the spreading of untrue claims overseas in recent days by several members of the Legislative Council (LegCo) and political figures who urged foreign governments or legislatures to interfere with the affairs of the HKSAR, and made the following response:
"Since the return to the Motherland, the HKSAR has been exercising 'one country, two systems', 'Hong Kong people administering Hong Kong' and a high degree of autonomy in strict accordance with the Basic Law of the HKSAR of the People's Republic of China. Hong Kong's human rights and freedoms, including the freedom of speech, of assembly, of the press, of publication, of religion and so on, have been fully protected since the return to the Motherland.
"In the past few months, many demonstrations and public meetings that were proceeding peacefully changed into violent and illegal clashes, resulting in damage to local and community facilities. Some politicians in Hong Kong openly supported the United States' 'Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act', and suggested similar legislation in other countries or regions with the intent to demand foreign intervention in Hong Kong affairs. This only conveys the wrong message to violent protesters and misleads them into thinking they have gained the support from other countries or regions. These politicians must bear the responsibility for society descending into chaos.
"From June this year until now, there have been over 900 demonstrations, processions and public meetings. Some political figures freely took part in these assemblies and processions and conducted media interviews without any restrictions. Ironically, they are also the ones who incessantly criticise the HKSAR Government for suppressing freedom. On the other hand, the District Council Election took place smoothly on November 24. Candidates with different views actively took part and many were successfully elected. It is therefore clear that their rights and freedom have never been stifled.
"We urge these Hong Kong politicians, who wantonly smear our city's reputation, to treasure Hong Kong's freedom. The entire society should say no to violence and persuade protesters to express their views in a peaceful manner, to prevent peaceful protests from mutating to violent confrontations, and to stop depriving people with different opinions the freedom to live a normal life, to voice their discontent against violence and to take photos of rioters' destructive acts.
"These irresponsible politicians, who make prejudicial and false statements about the conditions of human rights and freedom in Hong Kong, mislead people into thinking human rights and freedoms are being suppressed in the city. If such comments tarnish the international reputation of Hong Kong, they would also take a toll on investor confidence, exert more pressure on Hong Kong's economy, and ultimately make society and the general public suffer.
"'One country, two systems' is the best arrangement to maintain Hong Kong's long-term prosperity and stability and to make Hong Kong a favourable place in which to live and work. The HKSAR Government will resolutely continue to implement the 'one country, two systems' principle. The HKSAR Government urges the relevant figures to stop all acts showing contempt towards 'one country, two systems' which disregard the interests of the country and Hong Kong."
Attention TV/radio announcers:
Please broadcast the following as soon as possible and repeat it at regular intervals:
Here is an item of interest to swimmers.
The Leisure and Cultural Services Department announced today (December 6) that Tung Chung Swimming Pool in Islands District has been temporarily closed for cleaning and superchlorination following the discovery of a small amount of faeces in the pool.
It will be reopened at 6.30am tomorrow.
The department appeals to swimmers to be considerate and to keep the swimming pools clean. They are advised not to swim after a full meal and should use the toilet facilities if necessary before swimming.