The 2023 Honours and Awards Presentation Ceremony was held at the ballroom of Government House today (November 25). The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, presented honours and awards to 379 recipients at the ceremony.
 
     Among the recipients, five received the Grand Bauhinia Medal; nine received the Gold Bauhinia Star; 27 received the Silver Bauhinia Star; two received the Medal for Bravery (Silver); 15 received the Distinguished Service Medal for the disciplined services and the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC); 39 received the Bronze Bauhinia Star; three received the Medal for Bravery (Bronze); 42 received the Meritorious Service Medal for the disciplined services and the ICAC; 86 received the Medal of Honour; 68 received the Chief Executive's Commendation for Community Service; and 83 received the Chief Executive's Commendation for Government/Public Service.
 
     The 2023 Honours List was announced on July 1 (www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202307/01/P2023063000277.htm).

     The Hong Kong Customs and Excise Department yesterday (November 24) seized about 1 800 suspected smuggled hairy crabs, weighing about 550 kilograms, and about 3 700 kg of meat and poultry, with an estimated market value of about $520,000 at the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge Hong Kong Port.

     Based on risk assessment, Customs intercepted an incoming goods vehicle declared as carrying a batch of cross-boundary merchandise including food items at the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge Hong Kong Port. Upon inspection, the batch of suspected smuggled hairy crabs, meat and poultry were found inside the container. 

     The seized hairy crabs did not come with health certificates issued by the relevant authorities of the exporting economies, and failed to comply with the requirements of the Shell Fish (Hairy Crab) Permit. The meat and poultry seized also came without health certificates issued by an issuing entity from the place of origin or obtaining prior permission in writing from the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD). The batch of suspected smuggled hairy crabs, meat and poultry were handed over to the FEHD for follow-up investigation.

     Customs reminds members of the public that smuggling is a serious offence. Under the Import and Export Ordinance, any person found guilty of importing or exporting unmanifested cargo is liable to a maximum fine of $2 million and imprisonment for seven years.

     According to the Imported Game, Meat, Poultry and Eggs Regulations, any person who imports game, meat, poultry or eggs should produce a health certificate issued by an issuing entity from the place of origin or obtain prior permission in writing from the FEHD. Offenders are liable on conviction to a fine of $50,000 and six months' imprisonment.

     Customs also reminds the trade not to import or put on sale hairy crabs with an unknown origin, and consumers should make purchases at reputable shops with the Shell Fish (Hairy Crab) Permit or relevant written permission granted by the FEHD.

     According to the Public Health and Municipal Services Ordinance, all food available for sale in Hong Kong, locally produced or imported, should be fit for human consumption. An offender is subject to a maximum fine of $50,000 and imprisonment for six months upon conviction. Moreover, under the Food Safety Ordinance, any person who, without reasonable excuse, does not register but carries on a food importation or distribution business commits an offence and is liable to a maximum fine of $50,000 and imprisonment for six months.

     Members of the public may report any suspected smuggling activities to Customs' 24-hour hotline 2545 6182 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002).

  

     â€‹The Civil Aid Service (CAS) Cadet Corps held the 139th New Cadets Passing-out Parade at the CAS Headquarters today (November 25). The parade was reviewed by the President and Vice-Chancellor of Hong Kong Baptist University, Professor Alexander Wai.
      
     Over 250 cadets were reviewed at the parade this year. Over 100 of them are from schools participating in the 2023-24 School Partnership Scheme. Professor Wai, on behalf of CAS, presented certificates of appreciation to the participating schools before the parade.
      
     Before and after the parade, the Guard of Honour, the Side-Drum Team, and the Bicycle Demonstration Team of the Cadet Corps performed for the guests and parents who came to support the new cadets, showcasing their talents and skills.
      
     Speaking at the parade, Professor Wai commended the new cadets for their remarkable endurance, perseverance, and co-operation skills. He believed that they will become contributing and responsible members of society in the years to come. He also thanked CAS members and instructors for their hard work in nurturing young leaders.
      
     Celebrating its 55th anniversary, the CAS Cadet Corps has been encouraging young people over the years to participate in activities and training that are beneficial to the development of the mind and body, so they can acquire multifaceted skills while building their confidence and sense of responsibility. The CAS Cadet Corps has spared no effort in promoting national education and national security education as always this year. Apart from fully adopting Chinese-style foot drill and flag raising, it also organised over 30 relevant events for over 3 000 cadets to deepen their understanding about the country and its latest development, thereby fostering their sense of national identity and enabling them to contribute to the future of Hong Kong and the country. The events include Mainland exchange and study programmes, visits to the Ngong Shuen Chau Barracks, coastal cleanups by kayaking, and promotional activities on ecological security.
      
     Recruitment of CAS cadets is open for application throughout the year. Recruitment details and application forms are available on the CAS website (www.cas.gov.hk).

            

     The Social Innovation Carnival is being held to showcase the achievements over the past 10 years of the Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship Development Fund (SIE Fund). Organised by the Efficiency Office under the Innovation, Technology and Industry Bureau with the theme of "Innovate to Create Impact for Poverty Alleviation", the carnival puts on display various innovative projects and services subsidised by the SIE Fund to demonstrate how it effectively responds to social needs.  

     Officiating at the SIE Fund 10th Anniversary Celebration Ceremony today (November 25), the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki, said that the SIE Fund has been supporting social entrepreneurs in implementing innovative solutions to create a social impact, thereby strengthening the work of poverty alleviation in Hong Kong. The Fund's achievements over the past 10 years, notably over 500 social innovation projects supported to address the needs of various grassroots groups, have been well recognised.

     He added that the second Policy Address delivered by the Chief Executive last month has announced a host of measures to strengthen support for households living in subdivided units, single-parent households, and singleton/doubleton elderly households. Mr Chan continued that he has every confidence in the Fund's continued discharge of its roles as "promoter" and "facilitator" of social innovation. The Fund will drive innovation and create an impact to bolster the work of targeted poverty alleviation, thereby helping to build a caring and supportive Hong Kong as a better home for all.

     The Social Innovation Carnival is the highlight of the promotional activities celebrating the 10th anniversary of the SIE Fund. It is being held from November 24 to 26 at the Central Market and has attracted more than 30 social entrepreneurs as participants. The carnival features about 20 booths showcasing a series of innovative products, services and solutions. Workshops are also conducted to deepen public understanding of the Fund's work and inspire the younger generation's awareness of and interest in social innovation.

     In addition to the carnival, a dedicated roving exhibition is being held on the second floor of the Central Market to introduce to the public the work and achievements of the Fund, including the intermediaries' innovative programmes, flagship projects, and other major initiatives, with product displays and video showings. The exhibition will run until November 30 and is open to the public.

     For more information about the 10th anniversary of the SIE Fund and related activities, please visit the thematic website (www.sie.gov.hk/10thanniversary/en).

     Other officiating guests at today's ceremony included the Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Professor Sun Dong; the Chairperson of the SIE Fund Task Force, Dr Jane Lee; the Under Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Mr Ho Kai-ming; the Under Secretary for Education, Mr Sze Chun-fai; and the Commissioner for Efficiency and Secretary-General of the SIE Fund Task Force Secretariat, Miss Patricia So.

     The SIE Fund was inaugurated in 2013 and is overseen by the SIE Fund Task Force under the Commission on Poverty. The Task Force Secretariat is established in the Efficiency Office under the Innovation, Technology and Industry Bureau. The SIE Fund acts as a catalyst for social innovation in Hong Kong. By facilitating social innovation and cultivating social entrepreneurship, the Fund aims to make an impact in alleviating poverty and social exclusion, promoting social integration, and enhancing the well-being and cohesion of society.

The following is issued on behalf of the Road Safety Council:
 
     The Road Safety Council 50th Anniversary Keep Your Cool Carnival, organised by the Road Safety Council, will be held tomorrow (November 26) from 10am to 4.30pm at the HarbourChill, Wan Chai.
 
     The opening ceremony will be held at the HarbourChill, Wan Chai at 10am. The Chairperson of the Road Safety Council and Deputy Commissioner of Police (Operations) of the Hong Kong Police Force, Mr Joe Chow; the Chairperson of the Road Safety Research Committee and Deputy Commissioner for Transport (Planning and Technical Services), Mr Patrick Ho; and the Chairperson of the Road Safety Campaign Committee, Ms Karin Wong, will officiate at the ceremony. Safety Professional Driver Awards 2023 will be presented at the ceremony and there will also be a stage performance.
 
     The Road Safety Council aims to enhance the road safety awareness of the public by inviting members of the public to participate in the event. There will be a series of Mr Safegg game booths, virtual reality games, an instant photo-shooting service and photo-taking zone to disseminate road safety messages to the public in a lively manner.