The Health Bureau today (October 16) invited interested parties to apply for the Research Fellowship Scheme under the Health and Medical Research Fund (HMRF). The scheme aims to support researchers or professionals, particularly healthcare professionals, in their early to mid-career to enhance their skills in public health and health services research. 
 
     The grant ceiling per award is $1.2 million inclusive of $400,000 for overseas training. Tertiary institutions funded by the University Grants Committee (UGC) and the designated teaching hospitals of the medical schools of the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) and the University of Hong Kong (HKU), i.e. Prince of Wales Hospital (PWH) and Queen Mary Hospital (QMH), are invited to nominate applicants for the scheme. Details of the number of nomination and number of awards are summarised in the table below. Each applicant can only submit one application.  
 

 
     To tie in with the "Towards 2025: Strategy and Action Plan to Prevent and Control Non-communicable Diseases (NCDs) in Hong Kong" and the "Hong Kong Cancer Strategy 2019" launched by the Government, higher priority will be accorded to applications that address cancer and the preventable or modifiable risk factors for NCDs, namely smoking, alcohol drinking, unhealthy diet, and physical inactivity. Subject to the quality of the applications, at least four of the 20 awards will be granted to applications that can address the four aforementioned risk factors for NCDs, with one award in each area of the risk factors.
 
     The application should cover:
 
(1) An overseas training programme (regular programmes for higher academic qualifications, e.g. Master or PhD degrees will not be considered) with attachment to a reputable institution for at least three months cumulatively throughout the fellowship period; and 

(2) A small-scale research project relating to the proposed training programme with no more than three research objectives.  

     The HMRF emphasises the importance of translational potential of research findings, and therefore supports applications on the following research projects:
 
(1) Clinical research including patient-oriented research, epidemiological and behavioural studies, outcomes research and health services research; 
  
(2) Infectious diseases research with public health implications from bench to bedside and at community level and with translational value; and 

(3) Clinical research based on Chinese medicine theory or clinical research on Chinese medicine theory and methodology. 

     Applications will be subject to peer review. Shortlisted applicants will be invited for an interview. The assessment will take into account the capability of the applicant and his or her performance at the interview, the importance of the training proposal to healthcare development as well as its relevance to the proposed research project. The proposed research project will be evaluated on its scientific merit, local relevance, and translational potential or value to public health or health services.  
 
     Completed electronic application forms should be submitted via the electronic Grant Management System (rfs.healthbureau.gov.hk/eGMS/) on or before 6pm on January 8, 2024 (Hong Kong time). The briefing session, which will be held on November 22, is now open for registration. For details, please refer to the website of the Research Fund Secretariat. For enquiries, please send email to rfs@healthbureau.gov.hk.
 
Note: The total number of awards granted will be subject to the quality and budget requirement of the applications

     The Standing Committee on Company Law Reform (SCCLR) today (October 16) published its 2022-23 annual report.
 
     During the reporting period, the Government briefed the SCCLR on the legislative proposals to facilitate companies to hold virtual or hybrid general meetings and implement a risk-based capital regime for the insurance industry of Hong Kong, and the plan to introduce a company re-domiciliation regime.
 
     The SCCLR was also kept informed of the Government's proposal to amend the Bankruptcy Ordinance and Companies (Winding Up and Miscellaneous Provisions) Ordinance with a view to modernising services of the Official Receiver's Office.
 
     "All along, the SCCLR has been our important partner in ensuring that our company laws could keep abreast with the times and is commensurate with Hong Kong's status as an international commercial and financial centre. We are grateful for the SCCLR's advice during the reporting period," a Government spokesperson said.
 
     Taking into account the advice of stakeholders including the SCCLR, the Government introduced the Companies (Amendment) Bill 2023 and the Insurance (Amendment) Bill 2023 into the Legislative Council (LegCo), which were passed by the LegCo in January and July 2023 respectively. The Bankruptcy and Companies Legislation (Miscellaneous Amendments) Ordinance 2023 was also passed by the LegCo in July 2023. The Government is working on the law drafting of the company re-domiciliation regime and will take into account the views and suggestions of the SCCLR and those collected during the public consultation exercise.
     
     The SCCLR was set up in 1984. It advises the Financial Secretary on amendments to the Companies Ordinance and the Companies (Winding Up and Miscellaneous Provisions) Ordinance, as well as amendments to the Securities and Futures Ordinance on matters relating to corporate governance and shareholders' protection, as and when necessary.
 
     The Chairman of the SCCLR is Mr Johnny Mok, SC. Members include practitioners from relevant professions including legal, accountancy and company secretarial fields; academics; individuals from the business communities; and representatives from relevant government departments and financial regulators. 
 
     The 2022-23 annual report of the SCCLR is available at the website of the Companies Registry (www.cr.gov.hk) for public inspection.

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 (October 16) that due to big waves, red flags have been hoisted at Shek O Beach and Big Wave Bay Beach in Southern District, Hong Kong Island; Cheung Chau Tung Wan Beach in Islands District; and Silverstrand Beach, Clear Water Bay First Beach and Clear Water Bay Second Beach in Sai Kung District. Beachgoers are advised not to swim at these beaches.

     Police will conduct a trial of an interactive voice response system service (IVRS) at the report room hotline of Tsim Sha Tsui Division Police Station (3661 1650) starting from noon today (October 16), aiming to cater to various reporting needs of the public.

     A Police spokesman said that in general, the calls for assistance from the public may concern different government departments or units of Police. In IVRS, the public can obtain more detailed reporting information through the key-in mode of input based on the category of the cases so as to select the reporting channel needed or connection to the Report Room.

     The spokesman reiterated that report room hotlines are designed for reports of non-emergency nature. In case of emergency, the public should call 999 or 992 (Emergency SMS Hotline for registered speech or hearing impaired users only).

     The public may also report online via the e-Report Centre on the police website or Hong Kong Police Mobile App, or contact Police via fax, email or post. For details, please visit police website at https://www.police.gov.hk/ppp_en/index.html.

     The Civil Aid Service (CAS) held the 86th Recruits Passing-out Parade at the CAS Headquarters today (October 15). The parade was reviewed by member of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference Dr Chuang Tze-cheung, and awards were presented to the outstanding recruits.

     A total of 68 recruits from all walks of life including tertiary students of the Civil Defence Leadership Programme participated in the Parade, after which they will apply their knowledge and skills acquired to serve society.

     Speaking at the Parade, Dr Chuang said that being a member of the CAS is not just about carrying out missions and maintaining order. It is also crucial to possess good morals and values. Patriotism and love for Hong Kong are the core elements of Hong Kong society and an essential foundation for the successful implementation of the "one country, two systems" principle. He also encouraged all recruits to unite and work hard, upholding the CAS pledge of "Provide Emergency Relief, Serve the Community" to wholeheartedly serve the public and contribute to society and the country.

     The CAS Recruit Training Certificate Programme has been recognised under the Hong Kong Qualifications Framework as meeting the accreditation standards at Level 3 by the Hong Kong Council for Accreditation of Academic and Vocational Qualifications. Graduates will be awarded the Certificate in Auxiliary Forces Basic Training (Civil Defence). 

     Recruitment of CAS members is open for application throughout the year. Recruitment details and application forms are available at the CAS website (www.cas.gov.hk).