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 CMB Wing Lung Bank Limited relating to fraudulent websites, which have been reported to the HKMA. A hyperlink to the press release is available on the HKMA website.

     The HKMA wishes to remind the public that banks will not send SMS or emails with embedded hyperlinks which direct them to the banks' websites to carry out transactions. They will not ask customers for sensitive personal information, such as login passwords or one-time password, by phone, email or SMS (including via embedded hyperlinks).

     Anyone who has provided his or her personal information, or who has conducted any financial transactions, through or in response to the websites concerned, should contact the bank using the contact information provided in the press release, and report the matter to the Police by contacting the Crime Wing Information Centre of the Hong Kong Police Force at 2860 5012.

     The Education Bureau (EDB) today (February 26) reminded that the online application for the Scheme for Admission of Hong Kong Students to Mainland Higher Education Institutions (Admission Scheme) will begin on March 1.
           
     According to the Admission Scheme arrangements for the 2024/25 academic year announced by the Ministry of Education (MoE), a total of 138 Mainland higher education institutions (listed in the Annex) will consider admission applications of Hong Kong students taking part in the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE) Examination 2024 based on their HKDSE results, thus exempting them from taking the Joint Entrance Examination for Universities on the Mainland. The MoE has commissioned the Co-Office of the Mainland Chinese Universities and Colleges of the People's Republic of China for the Joint Examinations and Enrolment of the Students from Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan and Overseas Chinese-Resident Areas and Countries (the Joint Enrolment Office) to accept online applications and conduct admission screenings, and has entrusted the China Education Exchange (HK) Centre (HKCEEC) on matters such as eligibility vetting and publicity.
           
     The application and related procedures for the Admission Scheme are conducted online. Applicants should access the website of the Joint Enrolment Office (eea.gd.gov.cn) from March 1 to 31 and click on "Admission of Hong Kong Students Taking the HKDSE Examination" under the menu of "Application and Examination" to submit their applications and upload the following:

     1. a scanned copy of one's Hong Kong identity card;
     2. a scanned copy of a valid Mainland Travel Permit for Hong Kong and Macao Residents or Residence Permit for Hong Kong and Macao Residents; and
     3. a digital passport photo.

     Applicants can log on to the online application system to confirm application verification results before April 10. As for cases in which applicants provided supplementary information as requested by the system, they can log on and check the latest verification results before April 23. Applicants passing the application verification should settle fees and complete the application confirmation process according to the instructions provided in the online application system by April 30. Applicants will then be assigned a candidate number for identification purposes. 

     Applicants must complete the application confirmation process before proceeding to the admission stage. In addition, applicants may upload their Student Learning Profiles via the online application system from March 1 to June 14. Schools may upload relevant information for the School Principal Nomination Scheme via the same system from May 15 to June 14.
           
     According to the admission procedure for the 2024/25 academic year, institutions may arrange interviews/practical exams based on the application information submitted by applicants. Applicants should look out for the institutions' arrangements and announcements. Institutions will announce the admission results after the release of the HKDSE Examination results, and arrange an online supplementary enrolment (i.e. offer of surplus admission quotas) based on the enrolment situation. Details of the admission arrangements and enrolment notice will be announced in due course.

     A handbook (Chinese version only) jointly published by the EDB, HKCEEC and Hok Yau Club provides comprehensive information on the Admission Scheme and pursuing studies on the Mainland, including information on all institutions participating in the Admission Scheme, programmes offered, strategy on programme choices, and accounts of experiences by graduates of the Mainland universities. The handbook was distributed at the Mainland Higher Education Expo 2024/25 held in early December last year and was posted to all secondary schools in Hong Kong; the e-version of the handbook as well as other details of the Admission Scheme have also been uploaded onto the EDB's website (www.edb.gov.hk/admissionscheme).

     Furthermore, eligible Hong Kong students enrolled in undergraduate programmes of designated Mainland institutions can apply for means-tested subsidies or non-means-tested subsidies under the Mainland University Study Subsidy Scheme (MUSSS). Application details for the MUSSS for the 2024/25 academic year will be announced in mid-2024.

     Organised by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD), the Museum Volunteer Scheme was launched in 2017 with the objectives to enhance public engagement in heritage and museums activities, provide opportunities for volunteers to show their talent and contribute to society so as to enhance museum services. The LCSD aims to recruit new volunteers and a two-year Scheme will be open for application in March.
      
     People aged 18 or above are welcome to apply. Volunteers are expected to be passionate about museum work, be willing to help others and be good at interacting with people. Applicants who pass the interview and complete training sessions will be offered positions as volunteers. Volunteers may serve in museums under the LCSD in various aspects. They may assist in education activities, support mega cultural events and outreach programmes, help with the promotion of museums, serve museum visitors as well as assist in the management of collections and exhibits.
      
     Applicants should complete the online application form at LCSD webpage www.museums.gov.hk/mvs between March 1 (Friday) and noon April 9 (Tuesday).
      
     For more details, please call 3549 6595 or email to mvs.lcsd@gmail.com for enquiries.

      

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 (February 26) that due to big waves, red flags have been hoisted at Silverstrand Beach and Clear Water Bay Second Beach in Sai Kung District. Beachgoers are advised not to swim at these beaches.

     A woman who went missing in Yau Ma Tei has been located.

     Li Siu-kuen, aged 69, went missing after she was last seen at the junction of Shanghai Street and Pak Hoi Street in the small hours on February 24. Her family made a report to Police on the same day.

     The woman was located on Tai Pak Tin Street, Kwai Chung, last night (February 25). No suspicious circumstances were detected.