Tag Archives: China

     The Sustainable Lantau Office (SLO) of the Civil Engineering and Development Department announced today (November 3) that 15 projects were approved in the 2022-2023 round of the Lantau Conservation Fund (LCF), involving a total amount of about $50 million.

     The projects approved include two conservation management agreement projects in Yi O and Luk Wu respectively, five research projects, and eight education and engagement projects. They cover biodiversity, animal ecology, farmland ecology, terrestrial vegetation ecosystems, village culture, religious culture and coastal defence history.

     The $1 billion LCF provides financial support to eligible organisations and post-secondary education institutions to conduct research and education and engagement projects, or to carry out conservation and related projects on Lantau in collaboration with local communities and landowners. It aims to raise community awareness of the conservation of Lantau and engage the community to put conservation into practice, so as to foster a sustainable quality living environment. A total of 46 projects of about $140 million have been approved since the inception of the LCF in 2020.

     The LCF will accept applications for the 2023-2024 round by the end of this year. For details of the LCF, application results and next round of applications, please visit the LCF’s website (www.lcf.gov.hk) and the SLO’s Facebook page (www.facebook.com/lantauhk), or call 2153 2739. read more

     The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Tokyo (Tokyo ETO) and the Hong Kong International Film Festival Society are jointly presenting a Hong Kong film festival “Making Waves – Navigators of Hong Kong Cinema” in Tokyo, Japan, showcasing a selection of new and restored Hong Kong films from today (November 2) to November 5.  

     To mark the opening of the programme, a reception was held by Tokyo ETO tonight before the screening of Hong Kong film “Where the Wind Blows”.  

     The Principal Hong Kong Economic and Trade Representative (Tokyo), Miss Winsome Au, said at the opening reception that strengthening Hong Kong’s status as an East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange is a top priority of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government.

     “In line with this commitment, the Chief Executive recently announced the injection of a total of HK$4.3 billion to the Film Development Fund and the CreateSmart Initiative to support the cultural and creative industries. Furthermore, to enhance international exchanges and nurture talent, we will be launching the Hong Kong-Europe-Asian Film Collaboration Funding Scheme to sponsor film projects co-produced by Hong Kong filmmakers and their Asian and European counterparts,” she added.   

     The film programme in Tokyo showcases seven Hong Kong movies, including “Back Home”, “Where the Wind Blows”, “Mad Fate”, “A Guilty Conscience”, “Once in a Blue Moon”, “The White Storm 3: Heaven or Hell” and “Viva Erotica” (restored). Today, producer of “Back Home” Mani Man, film director of “Where the Wind Blows” Philip Yung and its screenwriter Sun Fei participated in sharing sessions with audiences after the screening of the respective movies. On November 3 and 4, film directors Jack Ng, Soi Cheang and Andy Lo, actors Dayo Wong and Gordon Lam, and actress Gladys Li will also participate in sharing sessions on their respective movies.

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     At its meeting today (November 2), the Land and Development Advisory Committee was briefed on the major initiatives under the Development Bureau (DEVB) in the 2023 Policy Address and the Northern Metropolis Action Agenda.
      
     Members supported the policy direction of the DEVB’s initiatives in the 2023 Policy Address to continue with “enhancing quantity”, “enhancing speed and efficiency”, and “enhancing quality”. Members noted that –
 
(a) On “enhancing quantity”, the supply of developable land in the next ten years will reach 3 370 hectares, representing an increase of 90 hectares as compared to the ten-year supply forecast last year. To deliver the land supply target, the DEVB would forge ahead with the Northern Metropolis and the Kau Yi Chau Artificial Islands, and optimise the use of existing land. 
 
(b) On “enhancing speed and efficiency”, following the legislative amendments to streamline statutory development procedures which came into effect on September 1, the DEVB would introduce another bill to the Legislative Council (LegCo) this year to streamline the procedures for extension of land leases. The DEVB would also roll out other administrative streamlining measures such as extending the standard rates arrangement for settling land premiums, and relax the gross floor area exemption to provide flexibility for carparks to be provided aboveground.  
 
(c) On “enhancing quality”, to address urban decay and building safety, the DEVB would introduce an amendment bill to LegCo this year to streamline and update the compulsory sale regime, with lower application thresholds targeting at older buildings in districts with more pressing need for redevelopment. Enforcement actions and support for building repairs would be stepped up to enhance building safety. The Buildings Ordinance would be reviewed to strengthen enforcement power and enhance safety of building works, with a view to putting forth amendment proposals within 2024.
 
     Members welcomed the initiatives to step up enforcement powers and registration and disciplinary systems for contractors under the Buildings Ordinance. They suggested the Government to also consider the room for improving/streamlining the administration of the appeal procedures under the Buildings Ordinance, and consult the industry on the proposals. Regarding the lowering of compulsory sale thresholds targeting for designated areas, while noting the policy consideration to channel private sector resources to pursuing redevelopment projects in older districts, members suggested the Government to take into account possible public concerns on disparity arrangement across districts. Members also encouraged the Government to make good use of the Kau Yi Chau Artificial Islands to promote Hong Kong as a vibrant and forward-looking city. The land use review for the Hung Hom Station and nearby sites, as well as the study to encourage private developments to adopt more elderly-friendly building designs, were supported. Members expressed appreciation to the Government’s efforts in implementing streamlining measures for development process in the past year, and looked forward to making contributions to the on-going streamlining exercise.
      
     Members were also briefed by the DEVB’s Northern Metropolis Co-ordination Office on the Northern Metropolis Action Agenda promulgated on October 30. Members were supportive of the development blueprint of the Northern Metropolis as set out in the Action Agenda which presented a clearer positioning of the four major zones, major developments, conservation projects, development programme, etc, and contained a specific chapter on how the Government would plan and provide land based on the needs of different industries, in line with the “industry-driven” development approach. 
      
     Members agreed that more flexibility should be provided in the land use zonings in the Northern Metropolis to support its evolving development needs, particularly the San Tin Technopole. They supported the “industry-driven” spatial planning that allowed the Northern Metropolis to leverage its locational advantages to grow new and emerging industries including innovation and technology and create synergy with the Mainland. Of equal importance was to build livable communities with good urban design, quality open space and well-designed regional park, as well as state-of-art performing venues to enrich civic life.  Members welcomed the idea of building a university town in the Northern Metropolis, which would be conducive to Hong Kong’s development as an education hub and facilitate more exchange of talents with the Greater Bay Area and overseas countries.  Members suggested that the Government take into account the operational needs of individual industries in detailed planning, and provide necessary support to those affected by the development, including brownfield operators. Members also welcomed the establishment of an exhibition centre to promote the Northern Metropolis and other major development projects.
      
     The DEVB would take into account Members’ views when taking forward the various initiatives and work with different sectors to implement them as soon as possible.    
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     The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) is today (November 2) investigating a suspected Mycobacterium abscessus infection cluster involving five customers who have received injections at a premises under the name of “Gals Glam Beauty” (with Instagram social media account of “90s__beautygirls” or “galsglam.beauty”). People who have patronised “Gals Glam Beauty” and received relevant injections or suspect they have experienced relevant symptoms, are urged to seek medical attention and contact the CHP as soon as possible.

     The infection cluster involved five females aged 26 to 53. They have patronised “Gals Glam Beauty” and received injection services claiming to have slimming effects from June to August this year at premises respectively located at 6/F, Hop Hing Industrial Building, 702-704 Castle Peak Road, Lai Chi Kok or 10/F, Block A, Alexandra Industrial Building, 23-27 Wing Hong Street, Lai Chi Kok. Each treatment included four to five injections. The five females developed a rash, induration and abscess, one day to few weeks after the injection. All patients have sought medical attention and two of them were admitted for treatment, among which one is still hospitalised. Abscess samples of the two admitted patients grew Mycobacterium abscessus and all patients are in stable condition.

     Upon receiving relevant information of the cases, the CHP took immediate actions and conducted on-site investigations at the relevant premises with the Police yesterday (November 1) and today. Investigations include the professional qualification of the personnel responsible for the infections, if it involved possession of unregistered pharmaceutical products or unlicensed medical practice etc. Acting on the information provided by the patients, the CHP also visited two other premises located at 4/F, Wing Hong Centre, 18 Wing Hong Street, Lai Chi Kok, and 12/F, I Do Centre, 749A Nathan Road, Prince Edward, for follow-up investigation. Investigations are ongoing.

     The CHP has set up an enquiry hotline (2125 2372) for the related infection cases, which operates from Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays) from 9am to 5.30pm, starting tomorrow (November 3). The hotline will also operate from 9am to 1pm on November 4 and 5 to receive enquiries. Persons who presented with symptoms such as skin redness, rash, purulent or induration after receiving injections at the above premises should seek medical attention and call the hotline immediately. Officers of the CHP will assess their condition and arrange for a follow-up as appropriate.

     “Mycobacterium abscessus is found in water, soil, and dust. It has been known to contaminate medications and medical devices. Infection with Mycobacterium abscessus is usually caused by injections of substances contaminated with the bacterium or through invasive medical procedures employing contaminated equipment or material. Infection can also occur after accidental injury where the wound is contaminated by soil. There is very little risk of transmission from person to person. Mycobacterium abscessus can cause a variety of infections including skin and the soft tissues under the skin. Individuals with underlying respiratory conditions or impaired immune systems are at risk of lung infection. Skin infected with Mycobacterium abscessus is usually red, warm, tender to the touch, swollen, and/or painful. Infected areas can also develop purulent or induration. Other signs of Mycobacterium abscessus infection are fever, chills, muscle aches, and a general feeling of illness,” a spokesman for the DH said.
 
     The spokesman added that treatment of infections due to Mycobacterium abscessus consists of draining collections of pus or removing the infected tissue and administering the appropriate combination of antibiotics, while infection with this bacterium usually might not improve with the usual antibiotics used to treat general skin infections. Case doctors should pay attention to the treatment result of the medicines.

     Based on information obtained in a preliminary investigation, the CHP cannot rule out the possibility of unlicensed medical practice. 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.

     â€‹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.​ read more

     â€‹The Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki, chaired the 14th meeting of the Youth Development Commission (YDC) today (November 2). 
      
     At the meeting, members were briefed by government representatives on initiatives relating to youth development in “The Chief Executive’s 2023 Policy Address”. Members were pleased to note that the Policy Address has emphasised that the Government will sustain its efforts in promoting youth development and proposed a series of policy measures to broaden young people’s horizons, encourage and support youth innovation and entrepreneurship, and strengthen youth engagement so as to nurture a new generation of young people with an affection for the country and Hong Kong, and are equipped with a global perspective and positive thinking.
      
     The Government will continue to push forward the implementation of more than 160 specific actions and measures stated in the Youth Development Blueprint. It also plans to organise the Youth Development Summit in mid-2024 as the opening and highlight of the next Youth Festival, and invite participation of guest speakers and youth groups from the Mainland and overseas. Furthermore, the Home and Youth Affairs Bureau launched the youth network, namely Youth Link, in September this year. It will study the possibility of utilising suitable facilities to provide Youth Link participants with a platform for constant interaction so as to strengthen youth engagement. 
      
     Mr Chan said, “Young people are the future, hope and pillars of Hong Kong. The Government will continue to work closely with the YDC and give full play to the YDC’s co-ordination role so as to draw the community together to attach importance to youth development. We will strive to effectively implement the various youth development measures stated in the Policy Address and the Youth Development Blueprint, and set the stage for our younger generation to build their future.”  read more