Following is the speech by the Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, at the 11th Spirit of Hong Kong Awards 2023 today (December 1):
 
Ms Catherine So (Chief Executive Officer of the South China Morning Post), Mr Daryl Ng (Deputy Chairman of Sino Group), Mr Paulo Pong (Chairperson of the Spirit of Hong Kong Awards Judging Panel), Spirit of Hong Kong Awards judges and nominators, awardees and finalists, ladies and gentlemen,
 
     Good evening. I'm delighted to be here, in celebration of this year’s Spirit of Hong Kong Awards.
 
     It has been a challenging few years for Hong Kong, especially since 2019. But throughout, the people of Hong Kong have persevered. Throughout, the spirit of Hong Kong has prevailed. 
 
     A quick glance at this year's 21 finalists in seven categories – including the new Spirit of Sustainability Award – makes that brilliantly and abundantly clear.
 
     They come from every sector and socioeconomic stratum, in our pluralistic and vibrant society. They are young and old, healthy and physically challenged. They have different cultural backgrounds, different upbringing, and very different stories to tell.
 
     But they all have something in common. They are creative and supremely steadfast in their work, their beliefs and the difference they can make. And, in areas ranging from technology, medicine and education, to culture, sports, community service and more. They make a profound difference. For the people of Hong Kong. For everyone of us.
 
     They are ordinary people. They are also heroes. Each in their own shining and singular way, they represent the spirit of Hong Kong.
 
     We are blessed to have them, grateful to be inspired by them.
 
     And the good news: they are but a fraction of that unbeatable Hong Kong spirit – of a community that has come together once again.
 
     As I stated in my recent Policy Address, "the spirit to strive, and to triumph, is in our blood". Let me add that the spirit to serve, to help those in need, is no less part of who we are, both as a community and as part of our country.
 
     And, ladies and gentlemen, I want you to remember that. I want you to always remember, and take pride in, the treasured spirit of Hong Kong. When you meet your friends and family, your business partners, and everyone from around the world, tell them all about the remarkable achievements of our people, and of our city.
 
     I'm grateful to the organisers of the Spirit of Hong Kong Awards, the South China Morning Post and the Sino Group, and to this year's prestigious judging panel, for your sterling efforts. You, too, are an essential part of the spirit of Hong Kong.

     My congratulations, once again, to the winners, soon to be announced, and to the finalists, of the 2023 Spirit of Hong Kong Awards. My thanks, too, to the Hong Kong public, which cast their votes for this year's Lion Rock People's Choice Award.
 
     Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much. There is one more important vote I would invite you to cast. The upcoming District Council election which will take place on December 10th, that is next Sunday. I encourage all of you to cast your vote on that day. It takes the effort of each and every one of us to build a better community for all, which is representative here. You are the heroes and we want to make Hong Kong the place for heroes to show their strengths, and for the people to find Hong Kong as the place they want to come. Thanks to all the work that you have done.
     
     I am sure you will enjoy this very special occasion. Have a great and memorable evening. You all deserve it. Thank you very much.

    

     Following is the speech by the Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, at the CEO Festive Drinks today (December 1):

Gucho (the Chief Executive Officer of the Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited (HKEX), Mr Nicolas Aguzin), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
      
     Good afternoon. I am delighted to join you today for this festive, "happy Friday" reception.
      
     I understand that you are CEOs and senior executives of elite financial institutions, and some of you have come or settled here not long ago. A very warm welcome.
      
     I'm sure you are here for the business and investment promise of Hong Kong, the Chinese Mainland and the Asian region. You're here because Hong Kong is the multilevel bridge between East and West. You're here, no doubt, also for the lifestyle: for Hong Kong's world-class arts and culture, our night life, inviting country and marine parks, and the many delights of dim sum.
      
     Yes, Hong Kong is where you want to be, for business and pleasure, for family, education and future.
      
     As you are here, I am sure you are able to see for yourselves that after some three difficult years of pandemic, the city is quickly regaining its vigour and vitality. Our economy is bouncing back.
      
     At the moment, the world is filled with complexities, challenges and conflicts. High inflation, polarised and divided societies, geopolitical tensions, conflicts and wars. But Hong Kong has remained a safe, peaceful and vibrant city.
      
     We continue to steadfastly adhere to the "one country, two systems" principle, uphold the common law system and rule of law, maintain a friendly business environment that aligns with the best international standards, and preserve the many advantages that have made Hong Kong unique and appealing.

     These institutional strengths will continue to back Hong Kong's high-quality development as an IFC (international financial centre) and our superconnector role in linking the capital markets and investors of the Mainland and the world. 
      
     It is true that the external environment will remain challenging for quite some time. But looking to the medium to long term, the sustained economic growth of the Mainland and Asia will present boundless opportunities for everyone.
      
     But we also know in a highly competitive world of finance, we must never stop reinventing ourselves and stay ahead of the competition.
      
     From enhancing stock market liquidity, to deepening and expanding Connect Schemes with the Mainland, and forging new partnerships with emerging markets such as the Middle East and ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations), we are actively seeking new avenues of growth.
      
     And that, ladies and gentlemen, is just the beginning. And we look forward to working with each and every one of you to create more enviable opportunities to be captured.
      
     Finally, I wish to thank Gucho and the HKEX for organising this welcome reception. Let's enjoy all the drinks and good food, and the conversations and networking which certainly will bring business and prosperity down the road. I wish you and your families a happy holiday season and a healthy and prosperous year ahead.
      
     Thank you.     

    

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

     â€‹Regarding an earlier announcement on Candida auris carrier cases, the spokesperson for Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) gave the following update today (December 1):
      
     Following a contact tracing investigation, one more male patient aged 62 in the surgical ward was identified as a carrier of Candida auris while not having signs of infection. He is in stable condition and is now being treated in isolation.
      
     The hospital will continue the contact tracing investigation of close contacts of the patient in accordance with the prevailing guidelines. A series of enhanced infection control measures have already been adopted to prevent the spread of Candida auris:
      
     1.    Thorough cleaning and disinfection of the ward concerned;
     2.    Enhanced admission screening for patients and environmental screening procedures; and
     3.    Application of stringent contact precautions and enhanced hand hygiene of staff and patients.
      
     The hospital will continue to closely monitor the situation of the patient. The case has been reported to the Hospital Authority Head Office and the Centre for Health Protection for necessary follow-up.

     The Government has always attached great importance to the mental health of youth. In view of recent student suicide cases, the Government will implement the Three-Tier School-based Emergency Mechanism through cross-departmental collaboration of the Health Bureau, the Education Bureau (EDB) and the Social Welfare Department (SWD) from today (December 1) to January 2024 in all secondary schools in Hong Kong, working together with schools, parents and other stakeholders in society to ensure early identification of and support for students at high risk.

     A Government spokesperson said, "The epidemic in the past few years had caused an unprecedented impact on the mental health of Hong Kong citizens. There was no exception with students. They faced greater adjustment challenges following the full resumption to normalcy. In view of the recent upward trend of student suicide cases, the Government has launched the Mechanism to help schools identify students with higher suicide risk early and provide appropriate support to these students as quickly as possible, thereby building a stronger safety net for them."

     Details of the Mechanism are as below:
 
(1) The first tier is to assist schools to identify students at an early stage with higher suicide risk or mental health needs with an aim of giving them priority for timely and appropriate intervention. Schools should review the mental health needs of students at school with the school's multidisciplinary team, give priority to caring for and counselling students at higher risk of suicide, and provide timely assistance and seek professional counselling or treatment services for them.
 
(2) The second tier is to organise an off-campus support network through cross-departmental, cross-professional and cross-sectoral co-operation to enhance external support for schools in the short term. If schools have difficulty in deploying manpower to meet the needs of students, the EDB will assist in referring the cases to the off-campus support network team, which is co-ordinated and arranged by the SWD, for follow-up action. The team will contact the students concerned as soon as possible and arrange follow-up services, including emergency intervention services covering assessments, support and counselling in individual, group or online format. It will also refer the students to other services according to their individual needs.
 
(3) For the third tier, school principals can refer students with severe mental health needs to the psychiatric specialist services of the Hospital Authority (HA). After triage and screening, those students in urgent cases will be accorded priority. In addition, the HA has set up a telephone consultation hotline specifically for school principals to provide them with professional advice.

     The EDB has issued a circular letter to all secondary schools to inform them of the details of the Mechanism. The Government will monitor the operation of the Mechanism closely. 
 
     To strengthen parents' support for their children, the EDB will co-organise a face-to-face parent seminar on December 9 (Saturday) with the Committee on Home-School Co-operation, Federations of Parent-Teacher Associations in 18 districts and regional school heads associations. The bureau has also been organising "gatekeeper" training regularly for parents every year, proactively promoting parent education on an ongoing basis.

     The Government strives to bring all sectors of the community together to build a support network and cultivate a culture of acceptance and care to support students in coping with different challenges along their growth journey, thereby enhancing their physical and psychological wellbeing.

     The Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Professor Sun Dong, today (December 1) inspected a new site for innovation and technology (I&T) use in Sandy Ridge in North District, and saw for himself the site's development potential for I&T purposes.
      
     The Government has been endeavouring to provide space for the development of the I&T industries by increasing I&T land supply and upgrading supporting infrastructure. This year's Policy Address proposed a change in the use of a two-hectare formed site at Sandy Ridge in North District for I&T and related purposes, with a view to supporting Hong Kong's I&T development.
      
     Accompanied by the Director of the Northern Metropolis Co-ordination Office of the Development Bureau, Mr Vic Yau, and the Acting Project Manager (North Development Office) of the Civil Engineering and Development Department, Mr Gavin Tse, Professor Sun conducted an inspection at Sandy Ridge and was briefed by the relevant officers on the situation of the site, including the land formed and the relevant infrastructure facilities which have been completed.
      
     Professor Sun said taking into account the location of the site, infrastructure planning, lead time for developing the site, commercial, transport and community facilities in the vicinity, as well as the industry's keen demand for similar facilities, the Government is of the initial view that the site may be feasible for data centre development, which should not generate large people flow.

     "The Government plans to complete the technical assessment and relevant rezoning procedures within next year, the site will be ready for I&T and related development, providing a disposed site for I&T use in a relatively short term in addition to the Loop. This aligns with the 'South-North dual-engine (finance-I&T)' planning," he said.

     The Permanent Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Mr Eddie Mak; the Under Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Ms Lillian Cheong; and the Government Chief Information Officer, Mr Tony Wong, also joined the visit to Sandy Ridge site.