To prepare for the onboarding of the Mandatory Provident Fund (MPF) scheme to the eMPF Platform, the Government published in the Gazette today (December 13) the following legal notices:
 
(i) the Mandatory Provident Fund Schemes (Specification of Dates for Purposes of Section 19M(2)(a)) (Amendment) (No. 2) Notice 2024 (Mandatory Use (Amendment) (No. 2) Notice 2024); and
 
(ii) the Mandatory Provident Fund Schemes (Appointment of Dates for Purposes of Section 19U(4)) (Amendment) (No. 2) Notice 2024, the Mandatory Provident Fund Schemes (Appointment of Dates for Purposes of Section 19Y(3)) (Amendment) (No. 2) Notice 2024, and the Mandatory Provident Fund Schemes (Appointment of Dates for Purposes of Section 19Z(4)) (Amendment) (No. 2) Notice 2024 (collectively Fee Control (Amendment) (No. 2) Notices 2024).
 
     The Mandatory Provident Fund Schemes (Amendment) Ordinance 2021 (Amendment Ordinance 2021) enacted by the Legislative Council (LegCo) in October 2021 provides the necessary legal basis for the implementation of the eMPF Platform, and confers power on the Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury to publish legal notices in the Gazette to put certain provisions of the Amendment Ordinance 2021 into operation when the eMPF Platform is ready for use and MPF trustees/schemes are ready to be onboarded. Such legal notices will be published in the Gazette by batches to dovetail with the phased onboarding of MPF trustees in ascending order of their assets-under-management size. The first two batches of legal notices were gazetted in April and May 2024 respectively to effect the launch of the eMPF Platform and onboarding of the five "early adopters".
 
     On the mandatory use of the eMPF Platform by MPF trustees, the Mandatory Use (Amendment) (No. 2) Notice 2024 specifies March 5, 2025, as "material day" for the BEA (MPF) Master Trust Scheme administered by the Bank of East Asia (Trustees) Limited (BEA), such that BEA is mandated to use the eMPF Platform to perform scheme administration functions in relation to this MPF scheme. On cost savings and fee-setting of MPF schemes to be charged by MPF trustees on scheme members, the Fee Control (Amendment) (No. 2) Notices 2024 appoint June 5, 2025, as "material day" for the constituent funds of the BEA (MPF) Master Trust Scheme, such that BEA is mandated to make corresponding reduction in its fees charged on scheme members in relation to the constituent funds of this MPF scheme. Relevant legal notices for the remaining MPF schemes will be published in the Gazette when the respective onboarding dates are ascertained having regard to the onboarding preparation status of the MPF trustees concerned.
 
     If scheme members/employers have any question regarding the detailed operation of the eMPF Platform, they may visit the Platform's official website (empf.org.hk), or call the Platform's customer service hotline (183 2622). Scheme members/employers may also visit the three eMPF service centres located on Hong Kong Island and in Kowloon and the New Territories.
 
     The aforementioned legal notices will be tabled at the LegCo for negative vetting on December 18, 2024.

     Following is the speech by the Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Professor Sun Dong, at the Young Academy of Sciences Summit today (December 13):

     Dennis (President of the Hong Kong Academy of Sciences, Professor Dennis Lo), Anderson (President of the Hong Kong Young Academy of Sciences, Professor Anderson Shum), Dr Hu (CEO of Greater Bay Area Homeland Youth Community Foundation, Dr Zhanghong Hu), Mr Kwok (Vice Chairman of Greater Bay Area Homeland Youth Community Foundation Mr Christopher Kwok) distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, 

     Good morning! It is my great pleasure to join you all today at the 2nd Young Academy of Sciences Summit, organised by the Hong Kong Young Academy of Sciences (YASHK). A warm welcome to our guests from the Mainland and abroad. This gathering is a testament to the vibrant energy and innovative spirit of our young scientists, who are poised to shape the future of scientific discovery and technological advancement.

     As home to five of the world's top 100 universities, Hong Kong possesses robust R&D (research and development) capabilities, advanced technological infrastructure and a diverse talent pool. These strengths, together with our unique advantages enjoyed under the principle of "one country, two systems", provide a solid foundation for Hong Kong to develop into an international innovation and technology (I&T) centre and an international hub for high-calibre talent.

     In an era of rapid technological change and complex global challenges, the contributions of our young scientists have never been more important. To this end, YASHK plays a pivotal role in providing a platform for young scientists in Hong Kong to collaborate, share their research, and inspire each other. YASHK's commitment to creating a vibrant community of young scientists dedicated to serving the society by enlightening future I&T talents aligns perfectly with the Government's vision.

     Innovation is not just about developing new technologies or making groundbreaking discoveries; it is also about creating a culture that values creativity, encourages risk-taking, and fosters collaboration. While we share the collective power of a community driven by curiosity and creativity, it is also important for us to connect the wisdom of experienced researchers with the boundless potential of the next generation. That is why we are here today.

     As with the theme of the next session, how young scientists can contribute to long-term public policy is a topic worth discussing. At the heart of innovation lies the spirit of questioning, the relentless pursuit of new knowledge and the willingness to challenge the status quo. I am confident that this spirit is vividly embodied by the scientists gathered here today. By fostering mentorship and collaboration, we can ensure that the torch of knowledge is passed on, brighter and more illuminating with each handoff. 
 
     Ladies and gentlemen, the future of Hong Kong belongs to the younger generation. The Government will continue to adhere to the principle of "promoting technology with talents, leading industries with technology, and attracting talents with industries", and remain steadfast in its commitment to perfecting the I&T ecosystem and enlarging our talent pool. Taking this opportunity, I would like to express my gratitude to the Hong Kong Academy of Sciences and YASHK for their continuous support in the Government's work.

     In closing, I hope that today's discussion will spark fresh ideas and open new avenues. I wish you all a rewarding Summit. Thank you.

  

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 (December 13) 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.

     â€‹Hongkong Post today (December 13) reminded members of the public that the latest Christmas mail posting date for local delivery before Christmas Day is December 20 (Friday). Mail posted after this date might run the risk of not being delivered in time because of the anticipated seasonal work pressure. Members of the public are advised to post mail as early as possible to avoid a last-minute rush.

     The Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki, today (December 12) chaired a meeting of the inter-departmental working group on festival arrangements (the inter-departmental working group) to holistically co-ordinate and steer the preparatory work of various government departments for welcoming visitors to Hong Kong during the New Year's Eve and New Year holidays. The Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Miss Rosanna Law; the Under Secretary for Security, Mr Michael Cheuk; and representatives from the Home and Youth Affairs Bureau, the Transport and Logistics Bureau and other relevant government departments also attended.
      
     Mr Chan said that as Hong Kong enters the high season of travel in December, various districts in the city are hosting a variety of delightful events. Among these, the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) will present a 12-minute New Year's Eve countdown fireworks display, while various districts across the territory will also feature celebratory events during the countdown, creating a festive atmosphere for both residents and visitors.
      
     Mr Chan said that a notable increase in the number of visitors during New Year's Eve and the New Year holidays is expected. The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government will make good preparations for receiving visitors, including actively co-ordinating the ancillary arrangements of boundary control points (BCPs) and transportation, as well as maintaining close liaison with relevant organisations and the travel trade to ensure effective crowd management, information dissemination and arrangements of public transportation and BCPs, with a view to ensuring the smooth operation of various aspects of receiving visitors and offering them a high-quality experience. Mr Chan also encouraged Mainland visitors to stay overnight after participating in activities on New Year's Eve to fully experience the rich and diverse charm of Hong Kong.
 
Special boundary-crossing and corresponding public transport service arrangements
 
     In view of the New Year's Eve countdown fireworks display, the HKSAR Government has discussed with the Shenzhen Municipal Government to extend the service hours of BCPs on New Year's Eve, including the proposal to extend the passenger clearance service at Shenzhen Bay Port from the original closure time at 12 midnight to operating overnight; and to extend the passenger clearance service at Lo Wu Control Point from the original closure time at 12 midnight to 2am the next day. The Mainland port authorities have duly reported to the national port authorities for approval according to the required procedures. Further details will be announced as soon as possible. The Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge Port and the Lok Ma Chau/Huanggang Port will maintain a 24-hour operation as usual on New Year's Eve.
      
     For transport arrangements, the Transport Department (TD) will cater for the arrangements of BCPs to enhance transportation services connecting various BCPs, including increasing the frequency of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge (HZMB) shuttle bus (Gold Bus), the Lok Ma Chau-Huanggang cross-boundary shuttle bus (Yellow Bus) and cross-boundary coach, and formulating a contingency plan by establishing a dedicated passage at the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge Port, Lok Ma Chau/Huanggang Port, and Shenzhen Bay Port when necessary, to ensure the smooth operation of public transport services.
 
     Regarding local public transport services, the TD has approached various public transport operators proactively to enhance their capacity. The MTR Corporation Limited (MTRCL) will cater for the arrangements of the BCP to extend services of the East Rail Line to and from the MTR Lo Wu Station correspondingly, and the majority of MTR railway lines will operate overnight on New Year's Eve.  Furthermore, bus routes will be arranged between the MTR Sheung Shui Station and San Tin Yellow Bus Station to facilitate passengers using the East Rail Line to cross the boundary via the Lok Ma Chau/Huanggang Port, which operates round-the-clock, after the end of services to the Lo Wu Control Point. Various public transport operators will reserve sufficient vehicles and manpower to meet the travel needs of visitors. 
      
     The Inter-departmental Joint Command Centre set up by the Hong Kong Police Force (Police), the Immigration Department, the Customs and Excise Department (C&ED), and other relevant departments will be activated from December 21, 2024, to January 1, 2025, to monitor the real-time situation at various control points. The Joint Command Centre will maintain close liaison with the Mainland port authorities through the established port hotlines and real-time notification mechanism, and take timely contingency actions to flexibly deploy manpower at the BCPs to ensure smooth operation of the land control points. The Security Bureau will also activate the Emergency Monitoring and Support Centre in a timely manner to closely monitor and co-ordinate the public order at various BCPs and facilitate inter-departmental follow-up actions where necessary to respond promptly to various kinds of emergencies.
      
     The Emergency Transport Co-ordination Centre (ETCC) of the TD will operate 24 hours a day, closely monitor the traffic conditions and public transport services in all districts, BCPs, and major stations across Hong Kong, take prompt measures to address service demands, and disseminate the latest traffic updates through various channels.
 
Crowd management and special traffic arrangements
 
     The Police will arrange sufficient manpower to implement corresponding crowd management measures and special traffic arrangements as necessary to ensure that all celebrations will be conducted in a safe and orderly manner. Various district offices will closely monitor the flow of visitors in their respective areas, and report to relevant departments having regard to the actual circumstances in order to strengthen management arrangements of the relevant spots. Major tourist attractions will also roll out crowd control arrangements. The Police will hold a press conference later this month to provide detailed information on crowd management and special traffic arrangements for the New Year's Eve countdown fireworks.
 
Management of tour groups and protection of visitors
 
     For management of tour groups, the Travel Industry Authority (TIA) has reminded travel agents receiving Mainland inbound tour groups to stagger arrival times as far as possible, and will co-ordinate with various parties to adopt appropriate diversion measures in tourist attractions to enable proper management of the flow of visitors and tour buses, with a view to offering a pleasant travel experience to visitors. The TIA will also conduct inspections in districts where relatively more registered shops for inbound tour groups are located, and offer assistance to visitors and tourist guides to protect inbound tour group visitors' rights. Additionally, the Police will continue to step up enforcement actions against the illegal acts of taxi drivers including overcharging and refusing hire. The C&ED will also step up inspection of shops serving visitors so as to combat unfair trade practices.
 
Information dissemination
 
     The HKTB will launch a dedicated webpage for New Year's Eve countdown to provide various useful information to facilitate residents and visitors to plan their itineraries more conveniently. The inter-departmental working group will also strengthen information dissemination to facilitate residents and visitors to plan their itineraries according to the latest situation.