The Land Registry today (December 3) released its statistics for November 2024.

Land registration
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*   The number of sale and purchase agreements for all building units received for registration in November was 7 689 (+31.3 per cent compared with October 2024 and +117.7 per cent compared with November 2023)

*   The 12-month moving average for November was 5 519 (6.7 per cent above the 12-month moving average for October 2024 and 14.5 per cent above that for November 2023)

*   The total consideration for sale and purchase agreements of building units in November was $64.1 billion (+53.9 per cent compared with October 2024 and +161.3 per cent compared with November 2023)

*   Among the sale and purchase agreements, 6 298 were for residential units (+34.1 per cent compared with October 2024 and +146.6 per cent compared with November 2023)

*   The total consideration for sale and purchase agreements in respect of residential units was $57.3 billion (+53.6 per cent compared with October 2024 and +191.1 per cent compared with November 2023)

     Statistics on sales of residential units do not include sale and purchase agreements relating to sales of units under the Home Ownership Scheme, the Private Sector Participation Scheme, the Tenants Purchase Scheme, etc, unless the premium of the unit concerned has been paid after the sale restriction period.

     Figures on sale and purchase agreements received for the past 12 months, the year-on-year rate of change and breakdown figures on residential sales have also been released.

     As deeds may not be lodged with the Land Registry until up to 30 days after the transaction, these statistics generally relate to land transactions in the previous month.

Land search
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*   The number of searches of land registers made by the public in November was 382 391 (-3.1 per cent compared with October 2024 but +6.5 per cent compared with November 2023)

     The statistics cover searches made at the counter, through the self-service terminals and via the Integrated Registration Information System Online Services.

     The Digital Policy Office (DPO) launched a thematic web page on data governance today (December 3) covering the Principles of Data Governance and the relevant strategy, guidelines, and technical standards, etc concerning data governance to introduce the Government's data governance policies in a one-stop manner.

     In December last year, the Innovation, Technology and Industry Bureau promulgated the Policy Statement on Facilitating Data Flow and Safeguarding Data Security in Hong Kong, which proposed enhancing data governance as one of its action items. Following the establishment of the DPO in July 2024, the thematic data governance web page aims to integrate existing data governance strategies focusing on open data and data sharing, and elaborate in detail the guiding principles and work objectives set by the Government for data governance, thereby enhancing the quality and reliability of data, promoting data flow and sharing, and strengthening data protection. These efforts support government departments and society in leveraging data better for development.

     There are three guiding principles of data governance:
 

1. The opening up, sharing and application of data shall be conducted in compliance with relevant laws and regulations, and ensure the protection of personal data privacy. Personal data sharing must be conducted with appropriate authorisation;
2. Data security forms the foundation of open data and data sharing. The opening up, sharing and application of data shall take into account data security, which includes ensuring security and protection of data content, as well as safeguards on the sharing, flow and usage of data; and
3. Corresponding data governance principles should be adopted for different types of data to balance the opening up, usage and protection of data.

     The Principles of Data Governance as attached have been uploaded to the data governance thematic web page for reference by industries and the general public (www.digitalpolicy.gov.hk/en/our_work/data_governance/policies_standards/). The thematic web page also provides consolidated information on data policy, laws and guidelines, supporting facilities, as well as protection of data security, etc.

     Police today (December 3) appealed to the public for information on a man who went missing in Wong Tai Sin.

     Hussain Fida, aged 72, went missing after he left his residence in Wang Tau Hom Estate yesterday (December 2) morning. His family made a report to Police on the same day.
         
     He is about 1.65 metres tall, 80 kilograms in weight and of medium build. He has a long face with dark complexion and is bald. He was last seen wearing a brown top, brown trousers, black shoes, a black scarf on his head and carrying a brown walking stick.

     Anyone who knows the whereabouts of the missing man or may have seen him is urged to contact the Regional Missing Persons Unit of Kowloon East on 3661 0321 or email to rmpu-ke-2@police.gov.hk, or contact any police station.

  

     Following is the speech by the Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, at the Salvation Army Charity Christmas Luncheon 2024 today (December 3):
 
David (Chairperson of the Advisory Board of the Salvation Army, Dr David Li), Colonel Philip (Territorial Commander of the Salvation Army, Mr Philip Maxwell) and Colonel Deslea (Territorial President of Women's Ministries of the Salvation Army, Mrs Deslea Maxwell), soldiers of the Salvation Army, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
 
     Good afternoon.
      
     It is a pleasure to join you all at this year's Salvation Army Charity Christmas Luncheon. Today, we gather not only to celebrate the season of giving but also to enjoy the warmth of fellowship and the joy of sharing together. As we share this festive meal, let us remember that every bite we take is a reminder of the abundance we have and the importance of sharing that abundance with those in need. 

     This message is especially true in a world marked by persistent conflicts and humanitarian crises. They are vivid reminders that peace and safety cannot be taken for granted. They remind that we must not forget the simple virtue: "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you".   

     Though we are living in troubled times, there is a beacon of hope. Across the globe, there are compassionate groups and individuals who care deeply about the well-being of others, who devote their time and resources, and sometimes even at the risk of their own safety, to bring hope and help to those who are less fortunate. 

     The Salvation Army is one of them. 

     You have come a long way. Since 1930, the Salvation Army has been dedicated to serving the needy in Hong Kong through a wide range of services, including education, healthcare, and housing. As one of the largest NGOs subvented by the Social Welfare Department, you operate over 100 social service units, schools and education centres across Hong Kong, serving individuals from all backgrounds and ages.  

     I'm pleased to note that your kindness extends beyond Hong Kong to the Mainland. In addition to running community development offices in Yunnan and Sichuan, you gave a helping hand, earlier this year, to those who suffered from earthquakes in Gansu and Qinghai, supporting their winter resettlement as well as post-disaster recovery and reconstruction. 

     Ladies and gentlemen, my heartfelt appreciation goes to the Salvation Army, and to all of you, for your kindness, generosity and dedication to serving those in need and making a difference in people's lives. 

     As Proverbs 11:25 reminds us, "A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed." 

     At this festive season, let us share our joy, peace and blessings with our family, friends, colleagues and those around us. May our blessings be the blessings to others too. 

     Thank you, and may you have a blessed Christmas filled with joy, peace, love and abundance.

  

The following is issued on behalf of the Office of The Ombudsman:

     The inaugural International Ombudsman Summit 2024 hosted by the Office of The Ombudsman of Hong Kong in the Hong Kong Palace Museum, West Kowloon Cultural District officially opened this morning (December 3). 

     The Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki; the Director-General of International Cooperation Department, National Commission of Supervision, Mr Cai Wei; Deputy Commissioner of the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Mr Fang Jianming; and the Ombudsman of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China, Mr Jack Chan, officiated at the Summit Opening Ceremony.     

     In his opening remarks at the ceremony, Mr Chan Kwok-ki said, "Hong Kong has much to offer the world, East and West. Our judiciary is independent, we practice the rule of law, believe in efficient government and a simple and low tax system. We are blessed with modern infrastructure, a world-class financial and professional services sector, and, yes, an internationally respected Office of the Ombudsman." 

     Mr Cai provided three suggestions in his keynote speech to further enhance exchanges and co-operation within the ombudsman community, firstly, to respect equality and inclusiveness; secondly, to focus on practical co-operation; and thirdly, to strengthen exchanges and mutual learning. Mr Cai's suggestions reiterate the objectives of the Summit. 

      The Summit has received an overwhelming response from ombudsmen and institutions worldwide and representatives from international bodies. Around 140 overseas and Mainland participants from about 40 countries and regions across six continents, including the First Vice President of the International Ombudsman Institute, Mr Mohamed Benalilou, the President of the Asian Ombudsman Association, Mr Ejaz Ahmad Qureshi, a multitude of ombudsmen, over 30 consuls, and senior personnel from more than 20 international bodies and local organisations, attended the Summit. The International Monetary Fund, the World Bank, the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, the Office of European Union to Hong Kong and Macao, the Badan Arbitrase Nasional Indonesia Arbitration Centre and the Institution of the Mediator of the Kingdom of Morocco are among those international bodies. The Office has also arranged live streaming to facilitate global counterparts' participation in the Summit, attracting a large number of online participants. This reflects that the Summit has served its purpose of promoting knowledge exchanges at the global level.

     In his welcoming remarks, Mr Jack Chan noted, "The Summit offers the best occasion for bringing together ombudsmen and institutions from around the world, local, the Mainland and international professionals and academia. It also provides the best opportunity for Hong Kong to demonstrate our distinctive advantage of having strong support from the motherland and close connection with the world under 'one country, two systems'.

     "The Summit, with the theme 'Ombudsman in a Changing World: Learning from the Past; Preparing for the Future', provides a platform for ombudsmen of different jurisdictions and systems, dispute resolution organisations, professionals and academics from all around the globe to exchange insights and share experiences and best practices. It also enables meaningful discussions about the evolving challenges faced by ombudsman systems and institutions as well as in-depth deliberations on future developments in the field. The Summit features three panel sessions: the first two sessions, namely 'Learning from the Past' and 'Preparing for the Future', finished this morning, while the third session, 'Promoting Mediation and Multi-agencies Collaboration in Handling Public Complaints', will take place in the afternoon."

     Following the afternoon panel session, the Closing Ceremony of the Summit and the 35th Anniversary Reception Ceremony will be held in the evening. The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, will officiate at the closing and anniversary ceremonies and witness at the Exchange Ceremony of Memoranda of Understanding on Bilateral Cooperation. Overseas guests, Members of the Executive Council and the Legislative Council, senior government officials, chairpersons of chambers of commerce, and local professionals and academics will join the reception to celebrate the Office's achievements of the past 35 years.

     For more information on the Summit and the anniversary celebration, please visit the Summit website: www.ios2024.ombudsman.hk