The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

     â€‹A spokesperson for United Christian Hospital made the following appeal today (April 17) regarding a patient leaving the hospital without notification:

     A 43-year-old male patient was sent by ambulance to the Accident and Emergency Department of United Christian Hospital for treatment at around 6.30pm today. After consultation and pending further treatment, the patient left the Accident and Emergency Department without notification at around 8pm today.

     Security guards were deployed to search for the patient within the hospital compound and in the vicinity. The hospital also made a report to the Police for assistance. The patient is yet to be located.

     The hospital is very concerned about the incident and will fully co-operate with the Police in order to locate the patient.

     The patient is about 1.65 metres tall, with short black hair and of medium build. CCTV footage showed that the patient was wearing a navy blue short-sleeved top, blue long jeans and slippers when he left. The hospital appeals to the public to contact the Hospital at 3949 4002 or the Police if they know the whereabouts of the patient.

     The hospital has reported the incident to the Hospital Authority Head Office through the Advanced Incident Reporting System.

The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority:

     The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) wishes to alert members of the public in Hong Kong that the firm as referred to on the website (https://topasiafinance-hk.com) does not have the authorization of the Monetary Authority (MA) under the Banking Ordinance (the Ordinance) to carry on banking business, or the business of taking deposits, in Hong Kong; and it does not have the approval of the MA to establish a local representative office in Hong Kong under the Ordinance.

     Given the global nature of the Internet, members of the public are reminded to verify the status of any organisation making use of the Internet to offer bank accounts to, or to solicit deposits from, the public in Hong Kong prior to transferring any funds to, or providing any personal information to, any such organisation.

     A list of authorized institutions is available on the HKMA's website (www.hkma.gov.hk). Members of the public may also check the status of any entity which appears to be soliciting deposits from the public in Hong Kong, or holding itself out as a bank or deposit-taking company in Hong Kong, by emailing the HKMA's public enquiry service (publicenquiry@hkma.gov.hk).

     The Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, began his visit to Hangzhou today (April 17).
 
     In Hangzhou, Mr Chan attended a seminar on Hong Kong serving as a multinational supply chain management centre for Mainland enterprises co-organised by Invest Hong Kong and the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Shanghai of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government, as well as the Hong Kong Trade Development Council and the Hong Kong Export Credit Insurance Corporation. He briefed around 150 senior management staff of enterprises from different places of Zhejiang on the latest state of the Hong Kong economy and community. He also explained to them how Hong Kong could assist Mainland enterprises in developing their international businesses, particularly by serving as their centre for managing offshore trade and international supply chains.
 
     Mr Chan said that with changes in the international industry and supply chains, the continued advancement of the Belt and Road Initiative as well as deepening of trade partnerships among Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership economies, and coupled with enterprises' own development needs, there will be a greater need for enterprises in Zhejiang and the Yangtze River Delta region to go global to grasp the enormous business opportunities. To prevail in this international game, and make contributions to the dual circulation development of the country, enterprises face both challenges and opportunities in logistics and transport, marketing and sales, investment and establishment of factories, overseas merchandising as well as compliance. Hong Kong's professional and high value-added services, and its broad commercial and people-to-people networks can help them achieve greater success.
 
     Mr Chan also pointed out that with the staunch support of the country, Hong Kong possesses a number of advantages: institutional advantages under the "one country, two systems" principle; smooth flow of international capital; convergence of talent with an open and inclusive attitude; great geographical location with convenient access to the world; robust professional services alignment with international standards; as well as a safe and vibrant metropolitan life. He added that Hong Kong people are familiar with international rules and practices, and could create much value for Mainland enterprises in opening up their international business. The HKSAR Government welcomes them to establish regional headquarters in Hong Kong for managing offshore trade, and will proactively provide one-stop services to them, such as supply chain management, trade financing, consulting, and talent and corporate training.
 
     Mr Chan also visited three innovation and technology enterprises mainly engaging in smart Internet of Things, artificial intelligence, big data; biomedical technology, new materials and smart manufacturing; and virtual reality equipment and products. Mr Chan exchanged with the representatives of these enterprises to understand their latest technology and products, solutions, and plans of development. Mr Chan introduced to them Hong Kong's latest policy initiatives in attracting businesses and talent. Mr Chan encouraged the three enterprises to make good use of Hong Kong's advantages, including its fund-raising platform and the free flow of factors production, convergence of talent and world-class professional services, and establish their foothold in Hong Kong for expanding their international business. 
 
     In the afternoon, Mr Chan had lunch with Hong Kong people and representatives of Hong Kong enterprises in Zhejiang to learn about their business operations, work and daily lives.
 
     Mr Chan also had dinner with representatives of a group of Zhejiang enterprises in the evening to exchange the latest developments in Hong Kong and Zhejiang. He also shared about Hong Kong's business environment, and the outlook and potential for business development in Hong Kong.
 
     Mr Chan will continue his visit to Hangzhou tomorrow morning (April 18) and then proceed to Suzhou at around noon time.

              

     Following is the opening remarks (English translation) by the Secretary for Development, Ms Bernadette Linn, on works policy areas at the special meeting of the Legislative Council (LegCo) Finance Committee today (April 17):
 
Chairman,
 
     In this session of the special meeting of Finance Committee, I, together with the responsible officers of the Works Branch of the Development Bureau (DEVB) and departments under its purview, will brief Members on works policy areas and respond to questions from Members.
 
Delivery of public works projects and construction innovation
 
     With the commencement of more land creation and infrastructure projects, construction cost is an issue of social concern. Construction cost is affected by various factors including the cost of living, manpower supply and demand, wage level and site constraints in construction projects. While we strive to compress construction cost, we are also conducting a strategic study to identify the stress points of construction cost, with a view to formulating strategic initiatives by making reference to the ways to success, both locally and overseas. The relevant work will be completed within this year and we will brief LegCo Panel.
      
     One of the stress points is the challenges facing the construction industry in Hong Kong, including manpower shortage and declining productivity. We will continue to adopt a multi-pronged approach, including promoting the application of innovative construction methods and technologies in the industry, and enhancing training quality and quantity to recruit more new blood proactively. The Labour Importation Scheme for the Construction Sector, which has been implemented since July last year as a supplementary measure, also helps alleviate manpower shortage.
 
     On promoting the application of innovative construction methods and technologies, we lead the industry to adopt high productivity construction technologies such as Modular Integrated Construction (MiC) and Multi-trade Integrated Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing to enhance productivity and cost effectiveness. We will also shortly brief the Panel on Development on a series of measures to strengthen the supply chain of MiC modules. In addition, we will establish the Government-led Building Testing and Research Institute this year. Apart from research and development (R&D) activities for innovative materials, construction methods and technologies, it will also devise standards, conduct testing and provide accreditation. It is hoped that the institute can attract R&D talent to Hong Kong and further promote industrialisation of the construction industry.
      
     Furthermore, we will continue to encourage wider adoption of technologies in the industry through the Construction Innovation and Technology Fund. Specifically, on enhancing site safety performance, we raised the funding ceiling last year and have worked out various packages of Smart Site Safety System (SSSS) products for different types of works projects. We, in collaboration with the Construction Industry Council, are planning a scheme to issue specific labels to worksites that adopt SSSS for identification and ease of monitoring, with a view to encouraging more private worksites to adopt SSSS.
 
Combating climate change
 
     In recent years, we have been faced with some extreme weather conditions. The phenomenal rainstorm last September has set off the alarm bells. In view of this, the DEVB will supervise its departments to do best the emergency preparatory and follow-up efforts for extreme rainfalls and super typhoons, so as to lower the risks of flooding and landslides, as well as that of hazards caused by falling trees and building components under extreme weather. Our emergency response co-ordination efforts will also be strengthened. We will announce specific plans and arrangements as soon as possible.
      
     To further enhance the flood prevention and resilience of the city, we have been working expeditiously and will apply for funding from the LegCo in mid-2024 to take forward seven stormwater drainage improvement projects, including projects in districts such as Wong Tai Sin and Hong Kong Island East that were hit by severe floods in the past. The Drainage Services Department will in parallel invite tenders for the improvement projects to enable early commencement of the projects.
      
     We are also conducting some long-term studies, including the "Strategic Planning Study on Flood Management against Sea Level Rise and Extreme Rainfall" and the "Study on Shoreline Management Plan", both expected to be completed in the fourth quarter this year.
 
Land development projects
 
     On land development, we have already discussed planning and lands aspect in the first session. Works departments have been actively participating in and responsible for land development. Regarding the Northern Metropolis, we will commence site formation and infrastructure works of various new development areas this year. Among them, the LegCo is scrutinising funding applications for the second-phase of Hung Shui Kiu/Ha Tsuen and the remaining-phase of Kwu Tung North/Fanling North projects. We will seek funding approval within this year for the site formation works at San Tin Technopole for commencement at the end of this year.  We hope that Members will support the projects to enable early commencement of the projects.
      
     As regards the Kau Yi Chau Artificial Islands (KYCAI) project, the Government indicated earlier that in view of the current economic and financial situations, the project will be deferred a little bit, but our determination to take forward the project would not change. We are committed to conducting the environmental impact assessment (EIA) for the reclamation works, and aim to commence the statutory EIA process for the reclamation works and a detailed engineering design progressively this year. We expect that the detailed design of the reclamation works will be completed by phases from 2026, and strive to commence the reclamation works within the term of the current Government. Members of the public will be concerned about the financial capability of the Government, the Committee on the Financing of Major Development Projects led by the Financial Secretary will continue to explore specific financial arrangements for major land and transport infrastructure projects, including the Northern Metropolis and KYCAI project, and make an effective plan for project investment and the deployment of manpower and resources.
 
     My team and I shall be happy to respond to further questions from Members on works policy areas.

     The Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, Miss Alice Mak, led a delegation of the District Officers (DOs) of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government to Beijing for a study programme on district governance today (April 17), and commenced the study programme on district governance at the National Academy of Governance (NAG) in the afternoon. 

     Miss Mak said at the opening ceremony of the study programme that the HKSAR Government attaches great importance to district governance with a view to enhancing people's sense of happiness and contentment. Under the improved district governance system, the 18 DOs, being both the representatives of the HKSAR Government at the district level and the Chairmen of the District Councils (DCs), shoulder the important responsibility of enhancing district governance. At the beginning of the seventh-term DCs, it is a great opportunity to receive training at the NAG and it is hoped that the members of the delegation can put the knowledge they learnt into practice in their future work.

     Subsequently, the Executive Vice President of the NAG, Mr Xie Chuntao, gave lecture to the delegation on the Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era.

     The delegation is led by Miss Mak and the members include the Permanent Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, Ms Shirley Lam, the Director of Home Affairs, Mrs Alice Cheung, and the 18 DOs. The delegation will continue its study programme and duty visit in Beijing tomorrow (April 18).