The Executive Committee Chairman of the Community Chest of Hong Kong, Dr Kwok Siu-ming, inspected the passing-out parade for 21 probationary inspectors and 157 recruit police constables at the Hong Kong Police College today (June 22).
      
     Dr Kwok said in his speech that Hong Kong, as an international financial centre and free trade port, is one of the safest and most stable cities in the world, which is attributable to its robust legal system and an efficient and professional Police Force. He also described the Force as the pillar for maintaining public safety, playing a key role in law enforcement and crime fighting.
      
     He added that Hong Kong was fortunate to have the Force to stand at the forefront to maintain social order and safeguard the life and property of citizens during the black–clad violence in 2019. He thanked the Force for its selfless efforts in restoring Hong Kong to normality and stability swiftly, thus achieving a major transition from chaos to order and embarking on a new era of advancing from stability to prosperity.
      
     He recognised that the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance, which came into effect in March this year, plays an irreplaceable role in maintaining the prosperity and stability of Hong Kong. He added that it also contributes to the steadfast implementation of "One Country, Two Systems", which provides solid legal protection for both Hong Kong citizens and international investors, and ensures long-term stability of the society. Noting that social stability is crucial to creating a favourable business environment, he strongly supported the implementation of the Ordinance. He believed that the citizens and enterprises can only have a stable environment to live and operate businesses, and the economy can achieve sustainable growth when the Force is a high quality and professional team.
      
     Dr Kwok greatly appreciated the works of the Force in supporting the underprivileged, which is in line with the mission of the Hong Kong Community Chest, saying that the Force has all along been serving the community with a people-oriented spirit, and dedicated to building a caring society through organising various charitable fund-raising activities and volunteer works, and thus fostering a culture of giving and making contribution to the society.
      
     Finally, he told the graduates that the Police College does not only train up their physical fitness or legal knowledge, but more importantly, also cultivates their self-discipline and integrity. He encouraged them to make use of the valuable knowledge, skills and values learned during their training to face future challenges and opportunities. He also reminded graduates to uphold their belief and original aspiration in times of difficulties and pressures, move forward bravely and strive to achieve their goals.

        

     Police today (June 22) appealed to the public for information on a man who went missing in Tsuen Wan.

     Chen Guoxiong, aged 38, went missing after he was last seen outside a hotel on Castle Peak Road – Ting Kau on June 20 afternoon. Police received the report yesterday (June 21).

     He is about 1.75 metres tall, 72 kilograms in weight and of medium build. He has a long-shaped face with yellow complexion and is bald. He was last seen wearing a pair of black-rimmed glasses, a blue T-shirt, black trousers, black shoes and carrying a red and black rucksack.

     Anyone who knows the whereabouts of the missing man or may have seen him is urged to contact the Regional Missing Persons Unit of New Territories South on 3661 1173 or 9450 2374 or email to rmpu-nts-2@police.gov.hk, or contact any police station.
 

    

     â€‹As the Heat Stress at Work Warning is now in effect, the Labour Department (LD) reminds employers and employees to take appropriate measures during the effective period of the warning to prevent heat stroke when working in hot weather or hot environments.
      
     Employees who work outdoors or in non-air-conditioned indoor environments face high levels of heat stress and are at a relatively higher risk of heat stroke. Employers should assess the risk factors of heat stress for employees at work and, based on the identified risk factors, take necessary preventive and control measures, including rescheduling work periods, setting up shading covers, providing ventilation and heat dissipation equipment, and reminding employees to replenish water and rest in a timely manner.
      
     The Heat Stress at Work Warning is formulated by the LD based on the Hong Kong Heat Index. There are three levels of the warning: Amber, Red and Black, which help employers and employees better understand the level of heat stress while working outdoors or indoors without air-conditioning systems.
      
     A spokesman for the LD said that when the department issues the Heat Stress at Work Warning, employers must refer to the criteria and recommendations provided in the "Guidance Notes on Prevention of Heat Stroke at Work" to conduct risk assessments, according to the workloads and other relevant heat stress risk factors, for employees who work outdoors or in non-air-conditioned indoor workplaces. Appropriate rest breaks should be arranged every hour, as far as reasonably practicable, based on various levels of the Heat Stress at Work Warning, to reduce employees' risk of heat stroke.
      
     Employees must also follow instructions to rest on time. Whenever there are any symptoms of heat-related illnesses, such as headache, dizziness, thirst, and nausea, they should rest in a cool and shady place, drink water, and inform employers/supervisors to take appropriate action immediately.
      
     The LD issued the "Guidance Notes on Prevention of Heat Stroke at Work", detailing the various risk factors that should be considered when conducting heat stress risk assessments and recommending corresponding control measures for identified risk factors for employers' and employees' reference. For the Heat Stress at Work Warning and related guidelines, please refer to the department's thematic webpage: www.labour.gov.hk/eng/news/prevention_of_heat_stroke_at_work.htm.

     The "A Path to Glory – Jin Yong's Centennial Memorial, Sculpted by Ren Zhe" exhibition, being held at the Hong Kong Heritage Museum (HKHM) to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the birth of Dr Louis Cha (Jin Yong), has been widely welcomed by the local public and visitors since its opening on March 16. It was visited by more than 200 000 visitors, among whom about 30 000 are tourists.

     The Under Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Mr Raistlin Lau, the Founder of Guyu Cultural Development Foundation and co-curator of the exhibition, Mr William Fong, and the multimedia artist of the exhibition, Mr Victor Wong, visited the HKHM yesterday (June 21) to present a souvenir pack to the 200 000th visitor of the exhibition. The souvenir pack included a limited edition catalogue produced by Ren Zhe Studio and autographed by Mr Fong and Ren Zhe, an exhibition poster, and a gift set co-designed by the HKHM and the fashion brand "Sparkle by Karen Chan".
 
     The 200 000th visitor of the exhibition is Mr. Lo. He said that he enjoyed travelling around Hong Kong after retirement. This is his first visit to the HKHM. He has read most of the Jin Yong novels, "The Smiling, Proud Wanderer" and the main character Linghu Chong are his favorite picks. He was also impressed by the rich content of the Jin Yong Gallery, Anita Mui and Bruce Lee exhibition at the HKHM.

     The novels and characters created by Jin Yong are the collective memory of the Chinese people of Hong Kong and the world. Sculptor Ren Zhe brought 22 of Jin Yong's well-known characters including Guo Jing, Huang Rong, Yang Guo, Xiaolongnu, Linghu Chong, Feng Qingyang, Zhang Wuji and Ren Woxing to life in this exhibition, while artist Mr Victor Wong and his team leads visitors into Jin Yong's imaginary world of martial arts through their multimedia installations. The exhibition will run until October 7 with free admission. The exhibition is presented by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD), and jointly organised by the HKHM and Guyu Cultural Development Foundation. For details of the exhibition, please visit hk.heritage.museum/en/web/hm/exhibitions/data/renzhe.html.
 
     In addition to the lifelike sculptures, the HKHM is also displaying a bust of Dr Cha donated by his family for the museum's permanent collection at the permanent Jin Yong Gallery. The Jin Yong Gallery introduces the early career of Jin Yong, the creative process behind his martial arts novels and the impact the novels have had on Hong Kong's pop culture. Since its establishment in 2017, it has received over 2 780 000 visitors. Highlight exhibits include a couplet handwritten by Jin Yong, manuscripts of the Serialised "The Smiling, Proud Wanderer", and early issues of newspaper.

     The HKHM organises multi-faceted exhibitions and related talks, including Cantonese Opera Heritage Hall and Hong Kong Pop 60+, both of which remind the public of their fond memories. The HKHM is an ideal place for people of all ages, including senior citizens, to hang out together. To show care for senior citizens, people with different abilities and other communities in need, the LCSD has also introduced the Community Care Series which offers a vast range of recreational, sports and cultural activities and facilities. More details can be found on its webpage at www.lcsd.gov.hk/edutainment/en/for_care/index.html.
 
     To tie in with the exhibition, the HKHM is organising a series of special programmes, including a talk "Wrestling with Words: Translating Jin Yong's Martial Arts Novels" to be hosted by Ms Gigi Chang on July 6. The "Arts or Action, Why Not Both?" Classic Martial Arts Drama Costumes and Props Exhibition, organised by the Pop Culture Programmes Office, is being held at the open space on 2/F of the HKHM. This exhibition presents a collection of around 30 exhibits from headpieces to costumes and props from classic martial arts TV dramas from the 1970s to the 2000s. Besides, the Hong Kong Public Libraries (HKPL) is also staging the "Exhibition on Dr. Louis CHA Collection" from now until August 31 to display the book collection of Dr Louis Cha at the Rare Book Reading Room on 8/F of the Hong Kong Central Library (HKCL) in remembrance of this master of martial arts novels. Another subject talk on "Multi-dimensional Reading of Jin Yong's Martial Arts Novels" to be hosted by Dr Clarence Yau will be held on July 5 at the Lecture Theatre on G/F of HKCL, exploring the martial arts world in Jin Yong's novels from different perspectives. "ART!ON POP Concert" will be held on July 21 and 22 at the Concert Hall of the Hong Kong Cultural Centre.
 
     The exhibition is one of the pre-programmes of the Hong Kong Pop Culture Festival 2024. The LCSD presented the first Hong Kong Pop Culture Festival last year to great acclaim. This year, the second edition features "Arts & Action" as its theme, taking audiences on a journey through time to explore the charm of Hong Kong's pop culture. It encompasses both "Arts" (creative works) and "Action" (martial arts), an attempt to show the dynamic inheritance, diffusion, integration and breakthroughs within Hong Kong's pop culture. The event lineup offers a diverse range of formats including thematic exhibitions, film screenings, stage performances and outreach activities, and its rich content spans across literature, various art forms and martial arts, clearly showcasing how Hong Kong's vibrant and diverse pop culture stands out from the rest. For more information, please visit www.pcf.gov.hk/en. The exhibition is also one of the activities in the Chinese Culture Promotion Series. The LCSD has long been promoting Chinese history and culture through organising an array of programmes and activities to enable the public to learn more about the broad and profound Chinese culture. For more information, please visit www.lcsd.gov.hk/en/ccpo/index.html.
 
     The "A Path to Glory – Jin Yong's Centennial Memorial．The World of Wuxia" exhibition held at Edinburgh Place, Central, showcasing 10 sculptures of Jin Yong's iconic characters sculpted by Ren Zhe, will last till July 2. Other tourist and cultural landmarks, including Hong Kong International Airport, Hong Kong-Macau Ferry Terminal, Kai Tak Cruise Terminal and West Kowloon Cultural District, are also displaying sculptures of Jin Yong's characters. For details, please visit en.jinyong.hk/pages/satellite. The exhibition is supported by the Mega Arts and Cultural Events Fund under the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau.

        

     â€‹The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Toronto (Toronto ETO), Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK) and StartmeupHK (SMUHK) promoted Hong Kong's edge as a leading hub and perfect platform for the development of the global start-up ecosystem during the technology conference Collision 2024 held in Toronto from June 17 to 20 (Toronto time).
      
     At a Masterclass titled "Hong Kong opportunities: Fintech/Crypto/Web3 and beyond" at Collision 2024 hosted by InvestHK and SMUHK with the support of Toronto ETO on June 19 (Toronto time), the Director of the Toronto ETO, Ms Emily Mo highlighted Hong Kong's super-connectivity role to link Canadian companies with partners from mainland China and other parts of world.
      
     "Hong Kong, as an international financial centre, offers a vibrant venture capital sector with low tax rate and innovative rules such as rules to support the listing of pre-commercial specialist technology companies," Ms Mo said in delivering the welcoming remarks at the Masterclass.
      
     "There is a creative mindset on Web3/virtual assets developments. Fintech, health technology, green technology and property technology, etc, are trending in Hong Kong and Asia these days," she added.
      
     She further promoted that Hong Kong, besides private funding, also provides numerous public funding and talent admission schemes supporting technology companies and professionals to Hong Kong. 
      
     The Masterclass was moderated by the Head of InvestHK in Canada, Mr Christopher Chen. Other speakers included the Head of SMUHK at InvestHK, Ms Jayne Chan who also emceed the Money Conference Stage of Collision; Co-Founder of AllStarsWomen DAO, Ms Akina Ho; and the Chief Representative (New York & London Office) of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority, Mr Anson Law. They gave an insightful review about monetary regulations, start-up funding and opportunities in Hong Kong at this powerhouse session.
      
     InvestHK also set up an information booth, supported by the Toronto ETO, the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, Hong Kong Tourism Board and Cathay Pacific Airways, at the conference attracting esteemed entrepreneurs and investors of different sectors to get information about business opportunities in Hong Kong.
      
     In addition, the Toronto ETO and InvestHK hosted a special networking event titled "Hong Kong Fireside Chat@Collision Mixer" for founders, investors and partners. Moderated by Mr Casey Lau of HKG DAO, a fireside chat with Ms Chan, Ms Ho and Mr Law was held on what Hong Kong has to offer on fintech, Web3, blockchain, cryptocurrency, virtual assets and more.
      
     At the event, Ms Mo said that the world's longest-standing and most influential cryptocurrency, blockchain and Web3 event, Consensus, has picked Hong Kong to be the first destination to expand its global footprint beyond North America. She encouraged participants to join this flagship event in Hong Kong from February 19 to 21, 2025.
      
     The Collision 2024 conference in Toronto is North America's fastest-growing innovation and technology (I&T) conference which welcomed over 37 000 participants, including entrepreneurs, investors, start-ups and I&T professionals from around the world this year.