The following is issued on behalf of the University Grants Committee:
      
     The Quality Assurance Council (QAC) under the University Grants Committee (UGC) today (June 11) published the report on the quality audit of the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) in the third audit cycle.
      
     The CUHK was the third university audited in the third audit cycle, which places an emphasis on how individual universities review and enhance their framework on academic standards and academic quality, academic programme development, teaching and learning, student learning assessment and support for students, as well as the collection, analysis and usage of data to inform such quality assurance processes.
      
     The audit report presents the findings of the audit panel appointed by the QAC based on the self-evaluation report prepared by the CUHK and a series of audit meetings with staff, students and external stakeholders (such as employers) of the university held in October 2023. After being considered by the QAC, the audit report was endorsed by the UGC in May 2024.
      
     The report identified a number of features of good practice and a recommended action with a view to encouraging the CUHK and the higher education sector as a whole to strive for continuous enhancement to their quality assurance regimes. The full audit report with the formal response from the CUHK is available on the QAC website (www.ugc.edu.hk/eng/qac/about/term/publications/report.html) for public access.
      
     The QAC quality audits ascertain whether the arrangements for quality assurance adopted by universities are fit for purpose and comparable with international best practices. The QAC third audit cycle covers all programmes at the levels of sub-degree, first degree and above, however funded, leading to a qualification wholly or partly awarded by the UGC-funded universities.
          
     The QAC expressed gratitude to the CUHK and all stakeholders for their support for the quality audit.
 

The following is issued on behalf of the Judiciary:

     Chief Justice Andrew Cheung of the Hong Kong Court of Final Appeal makes the following further statement in response to Lord Sumption's recent article published in the Financial Times on his resignation from the Court as Non-Permanent Judge:

1. The Chief Justice reiterates the Hong Kong Judiciary's grateful acknowledgment of Lord Sumption's past contribution to the work of the Court of Final Appeal.

2. The Judiciary does not comment on ongoing proceedings including possible appeals before the courts, nor on comments by others on them. It respects everyone's right to have their views, but opinions voiced publicly could amount to pressure on or interference with the courts' administration of justice and should be expressed, if at all, with the greatest circumspection.

3. Judges at every level are expected to and do adhere to the Judicial Oath to decide cases impartially and independently, in accordance with the law and evidence. Any suggestion that their decisions have been or may be influenced by extraneous considerations, political or otherwise, is a serious allegation that must be duly substantiated and should not be lightly made.

4. As in other jurisdictions, a tension often exists between protection of fundamental rights and safeguarding national security, both of which the Hong Kong Judiciary is firmly committed to doing. Striking the right balance in individual cases can be difficult and outcomes controversial at times. It is one thing to disagree with a court's decision, but it is quite another to suggest that fundamental rights have been compromised because of political concerns.

5. Court decisions are subject to appeal in accordance with applicable procedures. The Chief Justice has every confidence that the Court of Appeal and the Court of Final Appeal will continue to act with integrity and professionalism in handling any appeals.

     Members of the public are invited to visit an exhibition on the Employment Ordinance and the Minimum Wage Ordinance organised by the Labour Department in Tai Po on June 13 and 14 (Thursday and Friday).
 
     The exhibition will feature the main provisions of the Employment Ordinance and the Minimum Wage Ordinance, good human resource management measures, as well as employment rights and benefits for foreign domestic helpers. Related publications and souvenirs will be distributed, and promotional videos will be shown.
 
     The exhibition will be held at Exhibition Area, Level 1, Zone D, Tai Po Mega Mall, 8 On Pong Road, Tai Po, New Territories, from 11am to 6pm. Admission is free.

     The Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Mr Kevin Yeung, will depart for Hanoi, Vietnam in the afternoon today (June 11). He will call on the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Vietnam and meet with senior officials.
      
     During his stay in Hanoi, Mr Yeung will visit cultural facilities and sports venues. He will also meet with local practitioners of the creative industry and explore collaboration opportunities.
      
     Mr Yeung will depart from Hanoi on June 14 (Friday) morning and return to Hong Kong. During his absence, the Under Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Mr Raistlin Lau, will be the Acting Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism.

     The Department of Health today (June 11) announced that due to serious flooding caused by water pipe leakage at the Hong Kong Families Clinic locating at 3/F, Tang Chi Ngong Specialist Clinic, 284 Queen's Road East, Wan Chai, the service of the clinic will be suspended today for urgent repair works. Those who have made appointments will be informed of the appropriate arrangement.