The Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, Miss Alice Mak; the Under Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, Mr Clarence Leung; and the Commissioner for Youth, Mr Eric Chan, attended the Youth Dialogue on "The Chief Executive's 2023 Policy Address" organised for members of the Youth Link today (November 4). They introduced the policy measures related to the Home and Youth Affairs Bureau (HYAB), which were recently announced in the Policy Address, to over 40 young people. They engaged in interactive discussions with the youth and listened to the opinions of the young people.
      
     During the dialogue, Miss Mak introduced the key initiatives on sustaining youth development and building a caring and inclusive community. She emphasised that the Government attaches great importance to young people and has always been committed to providing young people with an enabling environment, so that they can unleash their full potential in society and contribute to Hong Kong, the country and the world. She said the HYAB will engage young people through activities under the Youth Link and communicate with more young people on a continuous and regular basis.
      
     Responses from the young people attending the dialogue were overwhelming. They actively shared their views on taking forward the initiatives relating to the Youth Development Blueprint, mental health and promotion of fertility, etc. as mentioned in the Policy Address. They also expressed their views on how to support young people to take part in public affairs and develop diverse talents. Some participants pointed out that the dedicated chapter on youth in the Policy Address reflected that the Government places great importance on youth development.
      
     The Youth Link, launched by the HYAB in September this year, aims to connect young people who have participated in youth programmes organised by the Government. It will provide young people with more opportunities to develop diverse talents and serve the community and will strengthen their communication and mutual trust with the Government.

    

     The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) today (November 4) reported an update on the investigations of the suspected Mycobacterium abscessus infection cluster. Currently, the suspected Mycobacterium abscessus infection cluster involved a total of 16 females. 

     The CHP has set up an enquiry hotline (2125 2372) for the related cases, which operates from Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays) from 9am to 5.30pm. The hotline will also operate from 9am to 1pm tomorrow (November 5) to receive enquiries. The hotline was set up on November 3 and as of 1pm today, nine calls were received. Four females, aged 25 to 32, said that they had received relevant injection services and developed compatible symptoms.

     The CHP has not identified new premises involved in the cases. The CHP again appeals to persons who have patronised the premises announced yesterday and presented with relevant symptoms after receiving relevant injections, should seek medical attention and call the hotline immediately. Officers of the CHP will assess their condition and arrange for follow-up as appropriate.

     Based on information obtained in a preliminary investigation, the CHP cannot rule out the possibility of illegal medical practice. Investigations are ongoing.

     The DH reminded members of the public that injection procedures should only be performed by a locally registered doctor. Customers should look for his or her full name against the list of registered doctors of the Medical Council of Hong Kong as well as his or her professional qualifications and relevant experience. The DH also urged the public to observe the health advice below before receiving injections:

• Understand the procedure, potential risks and complications before receiving injections. Consult a doctor for an informed decision;
• Do not receive an injection in the case of a history of allergy to the injection, or infection or inflammation on the injection site;
• Request the full name of the doctor in writing if referred by a beauty service provider for the procedure, as well as the professional qualifications and relevant experience; and
• If symptoms develop, such as fever or feeling unwell, seek medical attention immediately.

     The public may visit the DH's webpage on the differentiation between medical procedures and beauty services and the Drug Database of the Drug Office for more information. 

     â€‹The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, led a Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government delegation to Shanghai today (November 4) and began the visit programme.
      
     Upon arrival in Shanghai at noon, Mr Lee and the delegation met and exchanged views with Hong Kong people and representatives of Hong Kong enterprises in Shanghai to learn more about their work, study and daily life. Noting that Hong Kong people and enterprises in Shanghai have been making significant contributions to the co-operation and development between the two places, Mr Lee expressed his hope that they will continue to support the HKSAR Government's efforts in liaison and promotion work in Shanghai and the Eastern China region, and tell the good stories of Hong Kong together.
      
     In the afternoon, Mr Lee met with the Secretary of the CPC Shanghai Municipal Committee, Mr Chen Jining, and the Mayor of Shanghai, Mr Gong Zheng. Mr Lee thanked the Shanghai Municipal Government for attaching great importance to Shanghai-Hong Kong co-operation over the years, and providing thoughtful assistance to Hong Kong's active participation in the China International Import Expo (CIIE).
      
     Mr Lee said that this year marks the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong/Shanghai Co-operation Conference, noting that the two places have held five plenary sessions since 2003 and have established strong and long-term relationship in such fields as economy and trade, education, technology, culture, and youth exchanges. He added that he looks forward to pursuing broader, deeper, and higher-level collaboration between the two places.
      
     After the meeting, Mr Lee and Mr Gong jointly witnessed the signing of five co-operation agreements or memoranda of understanding between relevant department/organisations of the two places in areas including co-operation on vocational and higher education, scientific research and people training, co-operation on research and innovation, industry collaboration, and co-operation on international arbitration.
      
     Mr Lee and the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Algernon Yau, then visited Shanghai United Family Hospital (ChangNing) to receive a briefing on the latest development of local healthcare services and understand the development of Hong Kong-funded private medical services in Shanghai.
      
     The Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, visited the SAIC Group to learn more about the group's business, particularly its innovative developments in new energy vehicles and technologies in electric intelligent connected vehicles, as well as its business expansion plans.
      
     In the evening, Mr Lee attended a welcome dinner of the CIIE, where he interacted with various participants from all over the world.
      
     Mr Lee tomorrow (November 5) will attend the opening ceremony of the CIIE and the Hongqiao International Economic Forum, and will respectively deliver a speech at the seminar on Channelling Global Business through Hong Kong under the Hongqiao International Economic Forum and the Invest in China Year Summit. Meanwhile, Mr Chan will speak at the parallel session of "Revitalizing Real Economy with Financial Resources".

                                

     The Correctional Services Department (CSD) Sports Association held the CSD's 68th Autumn Fair at the football field adjacent to Stanley Prison today (November 4), which attracted more than 9 000 visitors.
      
     The theme of this year's Fair was "Promoting Chinese Culture", under which the venue decoration, booth design and some of the handicrafts made by persons in custody incorporated elements of Chinese culture. Renowned Cantonese opera virtuoso Joyce Koi was invited to officiate at the opening ceremony of the event.
      
     An experience zone to promote Chinese culture was set up in the venue, where participants took part in traditional Chinese sports games such as pitch-pot, mushe and diabolo, as well as experienced traditional Chinese handicrafts such as movable type printing, paper cutting, and face painting. Moreover, there was a photo zone in the venue for visitors to try on a traditional Chinese costume and take photos.
      
     There were booths selling items made by persons in custody including furniture, wooden decorations, stationery, rattan products, potted plants and handicrafts. A variety of attractive performances were featured today, including Chinese-style foot drill demonstrations, dragon and lion dance performances, a tai chi demonstration and performances by the CSD Dog Unit. The Civil Aid Service also staged a motorcycle riding performance.
      
     After deducting costs, the funds raised from sales and donations through various channels at the Fair will go to voluntary agencies. The Fair also provided opportunities for persons in custody to contribute to the community.

              

     The Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki, today (November 4) officiated at the Graduation Ceremony of the Strive and Rise Programme. He encouraged all graduates from the first round of the Programme to continue to strive for success and pursue their dreams, and expressed his gratitude to all partners and mentors.

     Addressing the ceremony, Mr Chan reviewed the Programme from its planning, development to implementation. He said that the success of the first round of the Programme is attributed to the support and contributions from various sectors in the community. They include the enterprises and organisations that provided sponsorship and diverse group activities, mentors who supported and took care of their mentees, and star mentors who provided guidance for mentees.

     Mr Chan was delighted to learn that the mentees have shown remarkable improvements since their participation in the Programme. They have not only become more proactive and outgoing, but also excelled in different kinds of activities. He encouraged mentees to make good use of the knowledge and skills acquired from the Programme and actively participate in the activities of the Strive and Rise Alumni Club established for them to strive for success and achieve self-enhancement. He also encouraged them to support other mentees of the Programme in future and pass on the spirit of the Programme.

     At the ceremony, Mr Chan, accompanied by the Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Mr Chris Sun; the Acting Secretary for Education, Mr Sze Chun-fai; the Permanent Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Ms Alice Lau; the Under Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, Mr Clarence Leung; the Director of Social Welfare, Miss Charmaine Lee; and the Director of Home Affairs, Mrs Alice Cheung, witnessed the graduation of mentees and inauguration of the Strive and Rise Alumni Club.

     A number of strategic partners, star mentors and supporting organisations were awarded for their staunch support to the Programme. About 120 mentors were commended for their active participation as well as care and encouragement for their mentees. Some 120 mentees were presented with various awards in recognition of their active participation, remarkable achievements, and spirit of pursuing continuous improvement.

     Performances such as violin, dancing, sandpainting and band shows were staged by mentees at the ceremony to showcase their achievements. Some mentees also expressed their gratitude to their mentors through a short video and presentation of souvenirs.

     As announced in "The Chief Executive's 2023 Policy Address", the second round of the Strive and Rise Programme will include such new elements as: increasing the number of mentees from 2 800 to 4 000 with Secondary One to Four students covered; enriching the variety of group activities with more Mainland study and exchange tours; introducing mentorship groups; and establishing an Alumni Club for mentees who have completed the Programme to provide them with diversified social activities and internship opportunities.

     Recruitment of the second cohort of the Programme is under way. The application deadline is November 16. For details, please visit the thematic website: www.striveandrise.gov.hk.