Two co-owners were convicted and fined over $140,000 at the Tuen Mun Magistrates' Courts last week for failing to comply with a removal order issued under the Buildings Ordinance (BO) (Cap. 123).

     The case involved an unauthorised structure with an area of about 30 square metres on the roof of a residential building at Yuen Long On Ning Road. As the unauthorised building works (UBWs) were carried out without prior approval and consent from the Buildings Department (BD), a removal order was served on the owners under section 24(1) of the BO.
 
     Failing to comply with the removal order, the two owners were prosecuted by the BD and were fined $140,430 in total by the Court, of which $110,430 was the fine for the number of days that the offence continued, upon conviction at the Tuen Mun Magistrates' Courts on November 22.
 
     A spokesman for the BD said today (November 28), "UBWs may lead to serious consequences. Owners must comply with removal orders without delay. The BD will continue to take enforcement action against owners who have failed to comply with removal orders, including instigation of prosecution, so as to ensure building safety."
 
     Failing to comply with a removal order without a reasonable excuse is a serious offence under the BO. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $200,000 and one year's imprisonment, and a further fine of $20,000 for each day that the offence continues.

     Following is the speech by the Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, at the opening ceremony of the 11th Asia and Pacific Regional Conference of the International Association of Prosecutors today (November 28):
 
Honourable Vice President Tong Jianming (First Deputy Prosecutor General of the Supreme People's Procuratorate of the People's Republic of China (PRC), Class One Grand Prosecutor and Vice-President of the International Association of Prosecutors), Deputy Head Chen Feng (Deputy Head of the Office for Safeguarding National Security of the Central People's Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR)), Deputy Commissioner Fang Jianming (Deputy Commissioner of the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the PRC in the HKSAR), Mr Roel Dona (Secretary-General of the International Association of Prosecutors), Attorneys General, Prosecutors General, Consuls-General, prosecutors and officials from around the world, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
 
     Good morning to you all. And welcome to Hong Kong. I am pleased to be here, this morning, for the opening ceremony of the International Association of Prosecutors' 11th Asia and Pacific Regional Conference.
 
     It has been 20 years since Hong Kong last hosted a regional conference of the International Association of Prosecutors, and it is an honour to do so again this year. Hong Kong, I want you to know, has come a long, good way over these past two decades.

     For the next few minutes, I'm happy to update you on Hong Kong, and how our distinguished legal sector is working to protect the people of Hong Kong in this age of technology – and technology crime.
 
     Under the "one country, two systems" principle, Hong Kong enjoys a unique status, unparalleled by other jurisdictions in many ways. We are a special administrative region within the People's Republic of China, our country. At the same time, Hong Kong flourishes as a major international financial and legal hub, with deep and long-standing connections to the rest of the world. 
 
     We are a city characterised by unrivalled connectivity and a free flow of information, capital, goods and people.
 
     Under the Basic Law, our constitutional document, Hong Kong may make appropriate arrangements with foreign states, for reciprocal juridical assistance. We may, using the title "Hong Kong, China", participate in international organisations and international trade agreements; and develop relations with foreign states and regions in such fields as trade, financial, shipping, communications and sports. Representatives of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government may, also, participate in international organisations and conferences, as members of Chinese delegations.
 
     Hong Kong is China's only common law jurisdiction. Our legal system, resembling that of many major global financial centres, is supported by a long and established practice of the rule of law. Our courts exercise their judicial power independently, free from any interference.
 
     Also free from any interference, as prescribed by the Basic Law, is the conduct of criminal prosecutions by our Department of Justice.  Our prosecutors pursue justice with integrity, professionalism and passion. And we are deeply committed to international co-operation in the fight against crime.
 
     This three-day Regional Conference of the International Association of Prosecutors, is hosted by the Prosecutions Division of the Hong Kong SAR Government's Department of Justice. With nearly 100 high-profile prosecutors and senior legal professionals here from 25 countries and regions, this Conference is testament to Hong Kong's determination to work with the world – with you – in combatting crime.
 
     The Conference theme, "Effective Prosecution Service in the Technological Age", highlights the critical importance of maintaining an innovative, connected and efficient public prosecution service in today's digital, ever-changing world. 
 
     That demands that our public prosecution departments and offices, and everyone in them, be kept abreast of the latest developments in the law, as well as society.
 
     Cross-jurisdictional sharing of best practices and experience gained can make a decided difference in tackling technology crime, on an international level.
 
     In Hong Kong, a highly-developed international financial centre where technology is easily accessible by all, criminals are increasingly turning to the use of cryptocurrencies, virtual assets and technology in committing traditional crime. And crimes executed solely through technology are also on the rise.
 
     That's why Hong Kong places great emphasis on the security of cyber infrastructure, in fighting technology crime, locally and internationally.
 
     The Law Reform Commission of Hong Kong's Cybercrime Sub-committee has published a consultation paper, on "Cyber-Dependent Crimes and Jurisdictional Issues". The Sub-committee's law reform proposals centre on cyber-dependent crimes, ranging from the illegal interference and interception of computer data and systems, to possessing devices for committing a crime.
 
     The recommendations, which are in varying stages of progress, are part of an ongoing, multi-stage focus on cybercrime and related matters. They were created to better protect individual rights, in the face of rapid developments in information technology and the Internet, and the potential for our citizens to be criminally exploited.
 
     Last year, the Prosecutions Division of our Department of Justice established a Technology Crime Sub-Division. Its dedicated team of prosecutors specialise in handling and prosecuting technology crimes. 
 
     The prosecutors work closely with cyber and forensic experts, and the Police's Cyber Security and Technology Crime Bureau, to combat technology crime in the city.
 
     Hong Kong has been equally active in international outreach. Last September, we hosted the International Symposium on Cyber Policing, bringing together police leaders and officers from the Mainland, Macao, Interpol and 35 international jurisdictions, together with scholars and experts, all focused on cybersecurity.

     And, just last month, we participated in the 14th China-ASEAN Prosecutors-General Conference in Singapore, as part of China's delegation to the conference. We took part in discussions, alongside Mainland colleagues, on issues related to today's technology, as well as financial crime and its effective prosecution.
 
     Ladies and gentlemen, I would like to take a moment to pay tribute to our prosecutors, from home and beyond. In the pursuit of justice, you uphold the principles of fairness, impartiality and, most importantly, the rule of law. You stay committed to safeguarding the public interest in spite of formidable challenges.
 
     I take pride in Hong Kong's excellent prosecutors. Hong Kong will continue to pursue the highest prosecutorial standards, bringing to the world stage a dedicated prosecution service, working with other jurisdictions to take on the heightened challenges of our technological age.
 
     My thanks to the International Association of Prosecutors, for hosting this year's Asia and Pacific Regional Conference here in Hong Kong. I am grateful, too, to the Department of Justice for its dedicated efforts in organising this essential international gathering.
 
     Ladies and gentlemen, I wish you a conference replete with intelligence, insight and inspiration. And the best of prosecutions, in the year to come.
 
     I invite you, too, to find time for all that Hong Kong has and can offer. Day and night. From the many pleasures of food and beverage, to the arts and entertainment in our East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange. Autumn is a glorious season to hike the hills, seaside trails and country parks of Hong Kong, which make up some 40 per cent of our territory. That's Hong Kong, where the business of pleasure is everywhere you look. Work hard but enjoy Hong Kong.

     Thank you.

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 (November 28) that due to big waves, red flags have been hoisted at Big Wave Bay Beach and Stanley Main Beach in Southern District, Hong Kong Island; and Silverstrand Beach and Clear Water Bay Second Beach in Sai Kung District. Beachgoers are advised not to swim at these beaches.

     Auctions of the Hong Kong Flower Show (HKFS) 2025 commercial stalls will be held on December 11 (Wednesday) at Cheung Sha Wan Sports Centre at the junction of Cheung Sha Wan Road and Hing Wah Street, Sham Shui Po, Kowloon.
 
     Bidders must be 18 years old or above and ordinarily resident in Hong Kong under section 2 of the Immigration Ordinance (Cap. 115). Any company incorporated in Hong Kong can also take part in the auctions. Each bidder can bid for one or more stalls.
 
     Organised by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD), the 10-day flower show will be held from March 14 to 23, 2025, at Victoria Park.
 
     There will be 54 commercial stalls in the showground. The stall types and numbers of types of stalls are as follows:
 
(1) Photographic equipment stall (5 metres x 5m): 1
(2) Book stall (5m x 10m): 1
(3) Beverage stall (5m x 5m): 2
(4) Fast food stall (5m x 10m): 6
(5) Handicraft stall (5m x 5m): 2
(6) Flower and gardening stall (5m x 5m): 42
 
     Details of the auctions are as follows:
 
Auction time: 10am to noon
Stall types and upset prices:
(1) Photographic equipment stall: $22,740
(2) Book stall: $15,500
(3) Beverage stall: $30,310
(4) Fast food stall:  $30,310
 
Auction time: 2pm until completion of the auction
Stall types and upset prices:
(1) Handicraft stall: $22,740
(2) Flower and gardening stall: $22,740
 
     The licensee is required to pay a deposit ($4,687 for each stall) as security for the due and proper performance of the licensee in compliance with the agreement. The security deposit will be refunded to the licensee after the show, provided all stipulations and provisions as set out in the licence agreement have been complied with.
 
     The LCSD reminds licensees that the stalls are solely for the purpose of selling and promoting the sale of the permitted commodities, and no other activities are allowed in the licensed area. If the LCSD considers that any activity conducted by the licensee to publicise, promote, display, show or sell any permitted commodities in the venue is unlawful, immoral or incompatible with the object of the HKFS, the LCSD is entitled to direct the licensee to stop conducting such an activity and the licensee must immediately comply with such direction.
 
     Successful bidders must comply with all the stipulations and provisions as set out in the licence agreement. Otherwise, the department is entitled to prohibit the licensee from future bidding, issue a default notice to deduct the security deposit and terminate the agreement, and the licensee shall immediately vacate the stall.
 
     Location and layout plans showing the commercial stalls to be auctioned are on display at the following venues:
 
(1) All District Leisure Services Offices of the LCSD;
(2) The Lift Lobby at 11/F, Leisure and Cultural Services Headquarters, 1-3 Pai Tau Street, Sha Tin; and
(3) All Home Affairs Enquiry Centres of the Home Affairs Department.
 
     For enquiries, please call 2601 8260 or visit www.hkflowershow.hk/en/hkfs/2025/commercial.html.

     The Government today (November 28) started recruitment under the Member Self-recommendation Scheme for Youth (MSSY) Phase 8. The application period will close on December 27.
      
     The participating committees for the MSSY Phase 8 include the Youth Development Commission, District Youth Community Building Committees and District Youth Development and Civic Education Committees in the 18 districts established by the Home Affairs Department, offering over 300 seats. The Government encourages young people who have a commitment to serving the community to apply for the MSSY. Applicants for the Youth Development Commission must be aged between 18 and 35 as of December 27 (i.e. the date of the application deadline). As for the District Youth Community Building Committees and the District Youth Development and Civil Education Committees, applicants must be aged between 16 and 35.
      
     A spokesman for the Home and Youth Affairs Bureau (HYAB) said, "The MSSY is one of the key initiatives of youth development as set out in the Chief Executive's 2022 Policy Address and the Youth Development Blueprint. To engage more young people in public affairs and enhance their interaction with and trust in the Government, action has been taken to expand the MSSY, with a view to increasing the number of participating advisory committees from around 60 in 2022 to no less than 180 within the current term of the Government. At present, about 630 posts are held by young people who have been appointed to advisory and statutory bodies directly or indirectly through the MSSY. The overall ratio of youth members in these bodies has increased from 7.8 per cent in end-2017 to 15.6 per cent in mid-2024.
      
     "Following the principle of meritocracy, the Government aims to recruit young people who have a strong commitment to serving the community, a good understanding of youth development work and district affairs, and good analytical and communication skills to join the said Committees through the MSSY," the spokesman said.
      
     The HYAB will set up a Recruitment Committee (RC) to oversee the implementation of the MSSY. Under the RC, Assessment Panels (APs) will be formed to handle the applications concerning the respective committees. The APs will conduct interviews with applicants to facilitate assessments. Subject to the actual number of applications received and assessment progress, assessments would be completed in the first quarter of 2025 and the list of appointees would be uploaded to the website of the HYAB in due course.

     The application form and other details of the MSSY Phase 8 are available on the website of the HYAB (www.hyab.gov.hk). When completing the application form, applicants are required to write no more than 600 words or provide a video or audio clip of no longer than three minutes to explain, in either Chinese or English, their suitability for being appointed as a member of the selected committee(s). Applications may be submitted through the online application system, by post or by hand.