The Hong Kong Police Force (HKPF) today (December 8) conducted the second stress test at the Kai Tak Youth Sports Ground and Kai Tak Arena in the Kai Tak Sports Park (KTSP) to evaluate the capability of the venues and their nearby facilities by hosting co-events at close to full capacities, with a view to ensuring the smooth operation of the KTSP during its official commissioning in the first quarter of 2025.
 
     Under the co-ordination of the “Exercise Team” of the HKPF, the stress test covered five specific testing and evaluation areas, including security screening and ticket check; inter-agency co-ordination in response to emergencies; emergency evacuation plan; arrangement at Sung Wong Toi Road Special Bus / Taxi Pick-up / Drop-off Area; and passenger flow management measures at MTR stations.
 
     A number of Government bureaux, departments and organisations had participated in the stress test, including the Security Bureau, the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau, the Transport and Logistics Bureau, the Civil Service Bureau, the Home and Youth Affairs Bureau, the Home Affairs Department, the HKPF, the Fire Services Department, the Transport Department, the Leisure and Cultural Services Department, the Civil Aid Service, the Auxiliary Medical Service, the MTR Corporation Limited, the Kai Tak Sports Park Limited and the Hong Kong St. John Ambulance. There were also around 11,000 Government employees from more than 20 bureaux or departments and 1,000 community members, including local residents, being invited to participate in the stress test.
 
     The stress test ran smoothly with the close collaboration among all parties involved. The HKPF will continue to work in concert with relevant Government bureaux, departments and organisations to adopt an incremental approach in conducting the upcoming test events and stress tests. In the meantime, the Force will continuously review and enhance various aspects to ensure full preparedness for the official commissioning of the KTSP.
 

              

     Following is the video speech by the Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, at the 2024 Yidan Prize Awards Ceremony today (December 8):
      
Dr Charles Chen (Founder of the Yidan Prize), Yidan Prize laureates, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
      
     I am pleased to speak to you at this year's Yidan Prize Awards Ceremony. You are educators, researchers, and government and community leaders from around the world. You are here to celebrate the contributions of our laureates, and indeed of education, to society. Education cultivates the good virtues of our young, and is the driving force for social progress. Like all of you, I firmly believe in the power of education.
      
     The Yidan Prize, established by Dr Charles Chen in 2016, represents a profound commitment to the transformative power of education. The Yidan Prize aims to create a better world through education. The bright minds, and dedication, of laureates throughout the years have helped to reshape the future of education, paving the way for a better future for our students.
      
     The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government is committed to creating an equitable and effective educational environment for all learners. In my third Policy Address, delivered in October, I highlighted our vision of developing Hong Kong into an international post-secondary education hub. We will incentivise more local students to pursue advanced studies, expand our vocational talent pool, and promote the "Study in Hong Kong" brand. We endeavour to attract more students from the member states of ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) and other Belt and Road countries.
      
     In my Policy Address, I announced the establishment of a new Committee on Education, Technology and Talents. This high-level committee will be led by the Chief Secretary for Administration – who I know is seated with you this evening – and will drive the integrated development of education, technology and talent. It will expand Hong Kong's connections, formulate policies to attract and cultivate talents, foster the development of technologies, and promote Hong Kong as an international hub for high-calibre talents.
      
     For our shared mission in education, we fully support the Yidan Prize. This year, a total of four Prize laureates are awarded. Professor Wolfgang Lutz, laureate of the Yidan Prize for Education Research, has shaped our understanding of how education underpins human potential and well-being. His work illustrates how education is not only key to building human capital, but also central to sustainable development that propels human progress.
      
     The laureates of the Yidan Prize for Education Development this year, Professor Mark Jordans, Ms Marwa Zahr and Mr Luke Stannard, are the team behind the "Can’t Wait to Learn" Program from the War Child Alliance. The platform focuses on enhancing foundational literacy and numeracy skills among marginalised children, through personalised digital learning. The laureates, who were teachers and researchers themselves, have led the initiative to grow from a pilot project, to an evidence-based intervention, reaching over 200 000 children.
      
     My warmest congratulations to all laureates this year. Your distinctive contributions to education are inspiring to all educators, and demonstrate the commitment to enhancing learning opportunities for all. I look forward to your continued efforts, and the positive impact you will undoubtedly have on education, on society, and on all our students.
      
     My thanks to Dr Chen and the Yidan Prize Foundation, along with everyone who has consistently supported the Yidan Prize in its noble mission. Your unwavering commitment has been instrumental in advancing the cause of education.
      
     On that note, I wish you all an enjoyable evening. Thank you.

     â€‹Following is the keynote speech by the Secretary for Justice, Mr Paul Lam, SC, at the opening ceremony and cocktail reception of the 3rd ICC International Commercial Mediation Competition – Hong Kong today (December 8):
     
Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

     I am very delighted to be here today, seeing some familiar faces, as well as so many young ones. I would like to start by expressing my gratitude to the International Chamber of Commerce – Hong Kong (ICC-HK), along with the professional mediators, adjudicators, sponsors, supporting organisations, volunteers, teachers, students and many others who have dedicated their time and efforts to bring this competition to life.

ICC International Commercial Mediation Competition

     The ICC International Commercial Mediation Competition serves as an important platform that offers university students from around the globe the opportunity to apply mediation advocacy skills in simulated mediation for commercial disputes, and gain a thorough understanding of the mediation process. This experience also provides the chance to meet new friends and exchange valuable perspectives.

     The ICC International Commercial Mediation Competition – Hong Kong is now in its third iteration. The last competition was held online in 2020, spanning 16 time zones. This time, I am truly excited that we get to see everybody here in Hong Kong. We are pleased to welcome 18 teams to the competition. The champion team will gain the qualifications to attend the annual ICC Mediation Competition at the ICC global headquarters in Paris next February. This will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and I must admit I am a bit jealous.

Latest mediation developments in Hong Kong

     Mediation continues to grow in popularity worldwide as an effective mechanism for resolving disputes. It provides a confidential and safe space facilitating parties to express their views candidly, often leading to creative and mutually beneficial solutions. Mediation is typically quicker and less costly than litigation, allows parties to preserve their relationships, and in turn promotes harmony and peace in society. For these reasons, the Department of Justice of Hong Kong (DoJ) has always been a keen supporter of mediation.

     The year 2024 has been fruitful for Hong Kong in terms of advancements in mediation. As a pioneer in capacity building, DoJ hosted the inaugural Greater Bay Area (GBA) Mediator Training Course in August 2024, providing training to approximately 400 participants in cross-boundary dispute mediation. Furthermore, DoJ continues to co-organise the latest rounds of the Investment Law and Investor-State Mediation Training in May and November 2024, and has over the years offered investment law and investor-state mediator training to more than 250 mediators and state officials from about 40 jurisdictions.

     We anticipate a very busy year ahead in 2025 and are eager to continue our important work in promoting the wider use of mediation. As we proudly announced just last month during Hong Kong Legal Week 2024, the Hong Kong Government will, as a matter of general policy, incorporate a mediation clause in all government contracts requiring parties to mediate first in case of dispute. We hope that by taking the lead, the Government will inspire the private sector to follow suit. Apart from appealing to businesses, on a community level, the Pilot Scheme on Community Mediation will be introduced to raise the awareness of the general public in using mediation to resolve daily disputes. Together, we aim to deepen the mediation culture in Hong Kong.

     On the international front, the International Organization for Mediation (IOMed) headquarters is set to be established in Hong Kong in 2025, making it the world's first intergovernmental legal organisation dedicated to resolving international disputes through mediation. Upon its establishment, IOMed will offer accessible, flexible, cost-effective, and efficient mediation services, strengthening Hong Kong's position as a global hub for international mediation.

     To foster a mediation culture in society, it is crucial to start early and broad. We are always excited to connect with young people like many of you here. In addition to co-organising the ICC International Commercial Mediation Competition, we have consistently supported peer mediation initiatives, including co-organising the Hong Kong Secondary School Peer Mediation Competition, which aims at exposing students to mediation concepts and equipping them with essential skills for resolving real-life problems. The Department of Justice will continue to champion these efforts.
     
Concluding remarks

     As more people recognise the benefits of mediation, increasing resources are being invested in its development. Mediation is not just a process; it is becoming an essential skill across industries and jurisdictions. What a wonderful time it is to get involved and gain exposure. I believe mediation shapes the future – and you are that future.

     I sincerely hope you take away valuable insights from this competition, and I wish you all the very best. Make lots of friends, and most importantly, have a lot of fun in Hong Kong! Thank you.

  

The following is issued on behalf of the University Grants Committee:
 
     The Research Grants Council (RGC) today (December 8) held the Theme-based Research Scheme (TRS) Public Symposium 2024 at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, showcasing the groundbreaking discoveries of the 10 project teams funded in the eighth and ninth rounds of the TRS exercises. The event attracted over 250 participants, including members of the research community and industry professionals.
 
     The Symposium provided a valuable platform for the project teams to share their research outputs and achievements, as well as exchange ideas and insights with participants through presentations, posters and demonstrations. A wide range of cutting-edge and impactful topics were covered in the symposium, including "A Stem Cell Approach to Dissect the Molecular Basis of Neurodegenerative Diseases", "Control of Influenza: Individual and Population Immunity", "A Paradigm-shifting, Fully-integrated, Compact Wastewater-to-resource Facility" and "Image-guided Automatic Robotic Surgery". 
 
     The Chairman of the RGC, Professor Timothy W. Tong, commended the outstanding research efforts of the universities and expressed enthusiasm for the diverse range of innovative discoveries by the project teams. The achievements included significant advancements in influenza research and disease treatments, and creation of frontier knowledge and innovative technology aimed at enhancing environmental sustainability, emergency responses and financial resilience.
 
     "We are thrilled to witness how the innovative ideas from these proposals have come to fruition, generating significant societal and economic impacts locally, nationally and internationally. Many of these projects have made significant achievements and technological breakthroughs that have been translated into real applications, licenses and patents, contributing to the betterment of our society," said Professor Tong.

     The TRS aims to focus academic research efforts of the University Grants Committee-funded universities on four themes of strategic importance to the long-term development of Hong Kong, i.e. understanding and prevention of diseases; development of a sustainable environment; enhancing Hong Kong's strategic position as a regional and international business centre; and advancing emerging research and innovations important to Hong Kong. More than 80 projects have been supported by the RGC with a total funding close to $3.4 billion in the past 14 rounds of the exercise. 
 
     Details of the event and research projects are available on the RGC website (www.ugc.edu.hk/eng/rgc/about/events/symposium/symposium24.html).

        

     The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) announced today (December 8) the results of the Hong Kong Reef Check 2024 which showed that despite the impact of bleaching this summer, local corals are generally in healthy condition and species diversity remains on the high side.

     The Hong Kong Reef Check 2024, a five-month programme started in June, covered a wide range of locations including a number of sites of ecological importance as well as the best coral sites known in the eastern part of Hong Kong waters, spanning from Tung Ping Chau in the north to the Ninepin Group in the south. Among the 33 survey sites, nine were within marine parks, including Hoi Ha Wan Marine Park, Yan Chau Tong Marine Park and Tung Ping Chau Marine Park.

     Voluntary dive teams of Reef Check personnel followed international standards when conducting the surveys and data collection. These teams recorded different coral coverage among the survey sites, ranging from 12.8 per cent to 75.1 per cent, with the highest coral coverage recorded at Coral Beach of Hoi Ha Wan. Eleven sites recorded coral coverage exceeding 50 per cent, with five of these located sites within marine parks. In addition, dive teams measured the colour intensity of corals with a specially designed Coral Health Monitoring Chart for Coral Watch when conducting surveys to evaluate the health condition of corals; the deeper the colour, the healthier the corals. The average health index of the sites was 3.95 this year, which remains well above the general average value of 3, indicating that the corals are generally in healthy condition.

     An AFCD spokesman said, "Under the influence of various environmental factors, large-scale coral bleaching in Hong Kong waters, which occurred in 2022, has recurred this year. The Reef Check surveys also revealed that more coral bleaching sites were found this summer as compared to last summer. The AFCD has been proactively finding ways to cope with the coral bleaching situation and in August has engaged a group of local coral and marine science experts to consult with and gather their views on conserving corals in Hong Kong, and to explore future directions of relevant research and conservation work, such as identification and enhancement of monitoring for the key environmental factors associated with coral bleaching as well as devising research projects for alleviating the impact of coral bleaching in the local environment, with a view to formulating suitable coping strategies. Corals in most of the bleaching sites have been gradually recovering subsequent to the drop in seawater temperature since last month."

     In addition to recording coral coverage and health conditions, Reef Check divers also recorded an abundance of specific indicator species (20 assigned species of fish and invertebrates) when conducting surveys. All indicator species were recorded in the survey sites, including wrasses, butterfly fishes, groupers, sea cucumbers, sea urchins and cowries that were found in abundance. A majority of the survey sites were found to have a high species diversity. Most of the groupers, wrasses, sweetlips and snappers were observed in survey sites in Port Shelter, Sai Kung; eastern waters; and Hoi Ha Wan Marine Park. 

     No signs of destructive fishing practices were observed at any sites. Abandoned nets were found at 12 sites but their impact was minor. The AFCD will arrange for their removal.

     The Hong Kong Reef Check is part of a global programme to promote sustainable management of coral reefs, which aims to raise public awareness of the ecological importance of corals and the need for coral conservation, as well as to provide updated information on local corals for conservation and management. The Hong Kong Reef Check Foundation held the first Reef Check in 1997. The AFCD has collaborated with the Foundation in conducting the survey since 2000, with growing attention and support from the public. This year, 106 dive teams involving over 1 170 volunteer divers participated in the exercise. To recognise their contribution, the AFCD presented souvenirs and certificates to the participating dive teams and scientists at the Closing Ceremony for Hong Kong Reef Check 2024 today.

     Coral reefs are highly productive systems supporting a high diversity of marine life. The AFCD has been dedicated to implementing a series of measures and programmes for coral conservation in Hong Kong. Key measures include designation and management of marine parks and marine reserves; organisation of education and publicity activities to enhance public understanding of the importance of coral communities; monitoring and studies such as the annual Reef Check to assess the status of coral communities of Hong Kong; and formulation and implementation of measures to restore degraded coral communities.