The Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Matthew Cheung Kin-chung, chaired the eighth meeting of the Human Resources Planning Commission this afternoon (November 25).  

     At the meeting, members were briefed on the existing measures to attract technology talent. The Government is committed to promoting the development of innovation and technology (I&T). To cater for the rising demand for I&T talent, Hong Kong is taking a proactive approach to attract more qualified personnel to pursue I&T careers in Hong Kong. Members noted the package of proactive measures introduced to pool together technology talent. These include targeted initiatives on attracting and retaining technology talent, such as the introduction of the pilot Technology Talent Admission Scheme (TechTAS), listing of technology-related professionals in key areas under the Talent List to facilitate immigration under the Quality Migrant Admission Scheme, and enhancement to the Researcher Programme (RP) and the Postdoctoral Hub (PH). 

     Members further noted that enhanced measures were announced in the 2019 Policy Address to help pool together more technology talent, including extension of the applicable technology areas of the TechTAS from seven to 13, extension of the TechTAS' coverage to all companies undertaking research and development (R&D) activities in 13 areas in Hong Kong, and expansion of the scope of the RP and the PH to cover all technology companies conducting R&D activities in Hong Kong. 

     The Government is also endeavouring to invest in and improve the local I&T ecosystem by enhancing I&T infrastructure and strengthening R&D facilities in Hong Kong to help open up more opportunities for talent.

     Looking ahead, the Government will continue to improve its existing measures, as well as continuously upgrade Hong Kong's I&T ecosystem, by stimulating growth areas and enhancing infrastructure so as to enhance the city's attractiveness as a preferred place for technology talent to build their careers.  

     Automation is a key strategy to enhance productivity in the face of shortage in the labour force. As a valued solution partner, the Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC) briefed the Commission on its support measures to help local enterprises and industries to undertake transformation through innovation and adoption of technology. 

     Members noted that the HKPC offers support services to local businesses, ranging from development of applied technology solutions to assistance and advice in product innovation and technology transfer as well as serving as an implementation agent for a number of government funds dedicated to local businesses, particularly the small and medium-sized enterprises. The HKPC has been rendering assistance to support local industries including food and beverage, logistics, manufacturing, professional services, retail and tourism. 

     In addition, the Commission was briefed on the latest progress in the development of the Manpower Information Portal, which is a one-stop portal developed by the Commission to provide consolidated human resources information to the public to facilitate decision-making in respect of their career, training and development pathways. Members noted that preparation of the portal has reached the final stage and it is set to be launched in early December 2019. The development of the portal is a new initiative announced under the 2019 Policy Address.

     Correctional officers stopped a person in custody from assaulting another person in custody at Tong Fuk Correctional Institution today (November 25).

     At 9.51am, a 42-year-old male person in custody attacked another 36-year-old male person in custody inside the workshop. Officers at the scene immediately stopped the assailant and called for reinforcement.

     During the incident, the victim sustained injuries to his head. After an examination and treatment by the institution Medical Officer, he was referred to a public hospital for further treatment. The assailant did not sustain any injury.

     The case has been reported to the Police for investigation.

     The assailant was sentenced to imprisonment for the offence of trafficking in a dangerous drug.

 The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority:
 
     The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) wishes to alert members of the public to a press release issued by The Bank of East Asia, Limited on fraudulent websites, which has been reported to the HKMA. Hyperlink to the press release is available on the HKMA website for ease of reference by members of the public.
 
     Anyone who has provided his or her personal information to the websites concerned or has conducted any financial transactions through the websites should contact the bank concerned using the contact information provided in the press release, and report to the Police or contact the Cyber Security and Technology Crime Bureau of the Hong Kong Police Force at 2860 5012.
 

The following is issued on behalf of the Judiciary:

Attention duty announcers, radio and TV stations:

     Please broadcast the following as soon as possible and repeat it at suitable intervals:

     The Judiciary has announced that having regard to the latest condition of the Labour Tribunal building, subject to any directions of the presiding Judge or Judicial Officer concerned and until further announcement, all hearings of the Labour Tribunal originally scheduled from November 18 to tomorrow (November 26) and thereafter are refixed to a date and time to be notified by the court in due course. All relevant parties to the proceedings affected should keep in view any further notification by the court or public announcements by the Judiciary.

     For enquiries, please call the following hotline during office hours (8.45am-1pm and 2pm-5.30pm, from Monday to Friday):

Labour Tribunal: Hotline: (852) 2625 0020 

     The registries and offices of the Labour Tribunal will remain closed tomorrow until further announcement.

     The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) today (November 25) announced that the monthly ovitrap index for Aedes albopictus for October dropped to 2.9 per cent from 6.5 per cent in September. Despite the continuous drop in the index, in view of the fact that Hong Kong has recorded a local dengue fever (DF) case this month, and that DF has remained highly prevalent in neighbouring areas, the FEHD reminded the community to continue to carry out effective mosquito control measures in the coming winter season.
      
     After months of enhanced collaborative efforts of various departments in mosquito prevention and control work, no area has recorded an Area Ovitrap Index (AOI) exceeding the alert level of 20 per cent since August this year.
      
     A spokesman for the FEHD said, "Aedes albopictus is a kind of mosquito that can transmit DF as well as the Zika virus infection. DF is commonly found in tropical and subtropical regions of the world, and has become endemic in many countries in Southeast Asia. The World Health Organization also issued warnings that the number of DF cases recorded in Asia this year was exceptionally high when compared with last year. Since Hong Kong has recorded this year's first local DF case this month and the dengue activity in neighbouring areas has remained high, coupled with the relatively high temperature of autumn and winter in Hong Kong which is favourable for mosquito breeding, the public must remain vigilant and work with the Government to continue to carry out effective mosquito prevention and control measures. The FEHD and relevant government departments will continue their mosquito preventive and control work covering areas under their purview. Moreover, the year-end clean-up operation will commence on December 31, during which mosquito preventive and control work will also be enhanced."
      
     Among the 57 areas surveyed last month, positive ovitrap indices, ranging from 0.8 per cent to 15.5 per cent, were recorded in 47 areas. As for the port areas, the monthly ovitrap index for Aedes albopictus for October fell to 0.4 per cent from 1.2 per cent in September.
      
     The spokesman added that as Aedes albopictus breeds in small water bodies, members of the public should carry out effective mosquito prevention and control measures, including inspecting their homes and surroundings to remove potential breeding grounds, changing the water in vases and scrubbing the inner surface as well as removing the water in saucers under potted plants at least once a week, properly disposing of containers such as soft drink cans and lunch boxes, and drilling large holes in unused tyres. He also advised public and estate management bodies to keep drains free of blockage and level all defective ground surfaces to prevent accumulation of water. They should also scrub all drains and surface sewers with an alkaline detergent at least once a week to remove any mosquito eggs.
      
     In addition, rural areas and the vicinity of shrubby areas are natural habitats for mosquitoes, other insects and animals. Members of the public living in rural areas may install mosquito screens on windows and doors if necessary. Those staying in the natural environment should take appropriate personal protective measures against mosquitoes, such as avoiding staying in the vicinity of shrubby areas for a long time, wearing light-coloured long-sleeved clothes and trousers, and applying DEET-containing insect repellent. Members of the public are reminded to make reports to relevant government departments via 1823 if mosquito problems are detected.
      
     The ovitrap indices for Aedes albopictus in different areas and information on mosquito prevention and control measures are available on the department website at www.fehd.gov.hk.