The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government today (March 27) strongly disapproved of and condemned the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC)'s extremely misleading report about remission of sentence under the new Safeguarding National Security Ordinance (the Ordinance) and the fact-twisting remarks made by anti-China organisations and wanted persons having absconded overseas. It is necessary for the HKSAR Government to make a clarification to set the record straight.

     A spokesman for the HKSAR Government emphasised that no matter whether before or after the Ordinance comes into effect, the granting of early release is never a necessary right to prisoners. It is the duty of the Commissioner of Correctional Services to strictly enforce any prison sentence imposed by the court on each prisoner. Any discretion to grant early release of prisoners must be exercised in accordance with the law. The spokesman said, "There have been cases in which prisoners convicted of offences endangering national security absconded or continued to carry out acts and activities endangering national security when they were granted early release under supervision. In order to safeguard national security and protect the public, it is necessary to impose more stringent restrictions on the granting of early release to prisoners involved in offences endangering national security. This arrangement will not change the sentences imposed by the court on persons who have committed offences endangering national security. As such, it is not a question of whether this will in effect increase the sentences," the spokesman said.

     "The Safeguarding National Security Ordinance makes amendments to the Post-Release Supervision of Prisoners Ordinance and the Post-Release Supervision of Prisoners Regulation: If a prisoner serves a sentence in respect of the prisoner's conviction of an offence endangering national security, the Commissioner of Correctional Services must not refer the case to the Post-Release Supervision Board for consideration, unless the Commissioner is satisfied that an early release of the prisoner will not be contrary to the interests of national security. Similarly, the Ordinance also makes amendments to the Prison Rules, providing that if a prisoner serves a sentence in respect of the prisoner's conviction of an offence endangering national security, the prisoner must not be granted remission unless the Commissioner of Correctional Services is satisfied that the prisoner being granted remission will not be contrary to the interests of national security," the spokesman explained.

     "The relevant requirements are applicable to all prisoners serving their sentences in respect of their convictions of offences endangering national security, irrespectively of whether they were sentenced before, on or after the effective date of the amendments. The enforcement of sentences has always been under the purview of the executive authorities. The Commissioner of Correctional Services will enforce the relevant provisions and exercise discretion in strict accordance with the power vested by the law after taking into account the actual circumstances and all related factors of each case, including representations by the persons in custody, in order to ensure all cases are fairly dealt with."

     The spokesman said, "The BBC cited accusations by anti-China organisations while turning a blind eye to the United Kingdom’s Terrorist Offenders (Restriction of Early Release) Act 2020 which tightens the threshold for eligibility for the parole of offenders convicted of terrorist offences, demonstrating complete double standards. The HKSAR Government strongly condemns their act."

     Following is the speech by the Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, at the Wealth for Good in Hong Kong Summit Gala Dinner today (March 27):

Ladies and gentlemen, 

     Good evening. I hope you found today's Summit a rewarding experience for you and your family office future. I hope, too, that you're refreshed after the networking cocktail, and re-energised by Niu Niu's world-class performance. 

     I'll keep my comments brief, so that we can get on to the main course awaiting us. And onto the fireside chat, with high-profile speakers and its exciting theme of sports as an asset class. Then to a memorable performance featuring Yao Jue and the Hong Kong String Orchestra. Up to now, I'm sure you will agree that Hong Kong is a cultural exchange centre converging the best of the East and the West. 

     When we talk about cultural exchange, we must not miss one link: luxury, which is one of the themes of this Summit.

Luxury and Legacy

     As the Summit made clear, Hong Kong has long been a hub for a burgeoning network of luxury brands. 

     Last year, Hong Kong's luxury segment experienced the most significant growth among all retail sales' categories.

     And I'm confident this year will see a continuing upward trajectory for high-end goods here in Hong Kong, particularly jewellery, watches, clocks and valuable gifts. 

     After all, Irish actor Cillian Murphy, who picked up the Best Actor award at this year's Academy Awards, was wearing a bespoke brooch at the Oscars designed by a luxury Hong Kong brand. The 18-carat yellow-gold brooch was a shining complement to the 24-carat, gold-plated Oscar statuette the actor was honoured with. 

"Impact Link"

     Our ambitions extend beyond the Academy Awards and economic prosperity. We are no less determined to drive positive social change, to address the pressing challenges faced by communities worldwide. 

     Hong Kong has a longstanding tradition of philanthropy, and we look forward to building on that tradition, to emerging as a global centre for philanthropy.

     To further this objective, I am delighted to announce our plan to launch "Impact Link", a charity project depository under the Hong Kong Academy for Wealth Legacy. 

     "Impact Link" will connect donors and charity projects, with an initial emphasis on healthcare, early biotech research, poverty alleviation and youth empowerment. 

     It will serve as a comprehensive project database, displaying charity projects in need of financial support.  By enabling meaningful connections between these projects and potential donors, we hope to expand transformative philanthropic ventures. And, in doing so, reinforce our role as a global philanthropic hub for family offices.

     Using Impact Link's charity projects information and stakeholder connections, family offices and asset owners can make more informed decisions, ensuring that their contributions create maximum impact.

     We are honoured to have the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Fondation de France Asia, the Institute of Philanthropy empowered by the Hong Kong Jockey Club, and the Yidan Prize Foundation among those joining with us in this far-reaching pursuit. And the two medical schools of HKU (University of Hong Kong) and CUHK (Chinese University of Hong Kong) will take up advisory roles on life science-related projects.

     "Impact Link" is a milestone in our collective journey towards a more equitable and sustainable world. It underscores Hong Kong's determination to harness its strengths and resources to drive positive change on a global scale, to assist family offices in using "wealth for good".

Enjoy Hong Kong 

     Ladies and gentlemen, when you are done with all your good work, please remember to spend some time to explore this beautiful city and enjoy its unique charm. Beyond the wonderful restaurants and the scenic countryside that I mentioned this afternoon, Hong Kong is home to some exciting spots of cultural heritage. 

     Consider Hollywood Road, which was named by Time Out as the world's second coolest street recently. It is a road with a long history, filled with antique shops and art galleries, and linked to two revitalised historical sites: Tai Kwun – an old complex of magistrate, police station and prison; and PMQ – formerly police married quarters. 

     And as Time Out writes about Hollywood Road, "You'll also never go hungry nor thirsty in the area with options ranging from Michelin-starred dining…to trendy new bars."

     If not this time, I encourage you to return soon – for the Hong Kong Sevens in early April, the Dragon Boat Races in June, or any of the stunning events that this city will host. 

     My friends, I know you will enjoy this splendid evening and the good people all about you. Thank you. 

    

     Following is the speech by the Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, at the Wealth for Good in Hong Kong Summit Gala Dinner today (March 27):

Ladies and gentlemen, 

     Good evening. I hope you found today's Summit a rewarding experience for you and your family office future. I hope, too, that you're refreshed after the networking cocktail, and re-energised by Niu Niu's world-class performance. 

     I'll keep my comments brief, so that we can get on to the main course awaiting us. And onto the fireside chat, with high-profile speakers and its exciting theme of sports as an asset class. Then to a memorable performance featuring Yao Jue and the Hong Kong String Orchestra. Up to now, I'm sure you will agree that Hong Kong is a cultural exchange centre converging the best of the East and the West. 

     When we talk about cultural exchange, we must not miss one link: luxury, which is one of the themes of this Summit.

Luxury and Legacy

     As the Summit made clear, Hong Kong has long been a hub for a burgeoning network of luxury brands. 

     Last year, Hong Kong's luxury segment experienced the most significant growth among all retail sales' categories.

     And I'm confident this year will see a continuing upward trajectory for high-end goods here in Hong Kong, particularly jewellery, watches, clocks and valuable gifts. 

     After all, Irish actor Cillian Murphy, who picked up the Best Actor award at this year's Academy Awards, was wearing a bespoke brooch at the Oscars designed by a luxury Hong Kong brand. The 18-carat yellow-gold brooch was a shining complement to the 24-carat, gold-plated Oscar statuette the actor was honoured with. 

"Impact Link"

     Our ambitions extend beyond the Academy Awards and economic prosperity. We are no less determined to drive positive social change, to address the pressing challenges faced by communities worldwide. 

     Hong Kong has a longstanding tradition of philanthropy, and we look forward to building on that tradition, to emerging as a global centre for philanthropy.

     To further this objective, I am delighted to announce our plan to launch "Impact Link", a charity project depository under the Hong Kong Academy for Wealth Legacy. 

     "Impact Link" will connect donors and charity projects, with an initial emphasis on healthcare, early biotech research, poverty alleviation and youth empowerment. 

     It will serve as a comprehensive project database, displaying charity projects in need of financial support.  By enabling meaningful connections between these projects and potential donors, we hope to expand transformative philanthropic ventures. And, in doing so, reinforce our role as a global philanthropic hub for family offices.

     Using Impact Link's charity projects information and stakeholder connections, family offices and asset owners can make more informed decisions, ensuring that their contributions create maximum impact.

     We are honoured to have the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Fondation de France Asia, the Institute of Philanthropy empowered by the Hong Kong Jockey Club, and the Yidan Prize Foundation among those joining with us in this far-reaching pursuit. And the two medical schools of HKU (University of Hong Kong) and CUHK (Chinese University of Hong Kong) will take up advisory roles on life science-related projects.

     "Impact Link" is a milestone in our collective journey towards a more equitable and sustainable world. It underscores Hong Kong's determination to harness its strengths and resources to drive positive change on a global scale, to assist family offices in using "wealth for good".

Enjoy Hong Kong 

     Ladies and gentlemen, when you are done with all your good work, please remember to spend some time to explore this beautiful city and enjoy its unique charm. Beyond the wonderful restaurants and the scenic countryside that I mentioned this afternoon, Hong Kong is home to some exciting spots of cultural heritage. 

     Consider Hollywood Road, which was named by Time Out as the world's second coolest street recently. It is a road with a long history, filled with antique shops and art galleries, and linked to two revitalised historical sites: Tai Kwun – an old complex of magistrate, police station and prison; and PMQ – formerly police married quarters. 

     And as Time Out writes about Hollywood Road, "You'll also never go hungry nor thirsty in the area with options ranging from Michelin-starred dining…to trendy new bars."

     If not this time, I encourage you to return soon – for the Hong Kong Sevens in early April, the Dragon Boat Races in June, or any of the stunning events that this city will host. 

     My friends, I know you will enjoy this splendid evening and the good people all about you. Thank you. 

    

     The Hong Kong Film Archive (HKFA) of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) presented the premiere of the 4K digitally restored version of "Zu: Warriors from the Magic Mountain" (1983) at the Grand Theatre of the Hong Kong Cultural Centre (HKCC) tonight (March 27), marking the opening of the screening programme "Of Fists and Swords – Kaleidoscope of Hong Kong Martial Arts Films". The screening programme is one of the programmes of the Hong Kong Pop Culture Festival 2024.
 
     To tie in with the theme of the Hong Kong Pop Culture Festival 2024 "Arts & Action" and complement the premiere of the opening film, the Pop Culture Programmes Office of the LCSD organised a wushu performance and demonstration by Hong Kong martial arts athletes Lydia Sham, Lau Chi-lung and Samuei Hui, while wushu coach Wong Chi-kwong conducted an interactive session with the audience at the Foyer of the HKCC before the premiere.
 
     Directed by Tsui Hark, the opening film "Zu: Warriors from the Magic Mountain" is an adaptation of the martial arts novel "Legend of the Swordsmen of the Mountains of Shu". Tsui used numerous practical and special optical effects, and hired Hollywood special effects experts who had worked on "Star Wars" (1977) to build an oriental fantasy world combining Chinese myths, wuxia and history.
    
     In addition to the opening and closing films, the HKFA has selected 21 martial arts films for screening at the Cinema of the HKFA from April 6 to June 16 that are divided into six sections. The first section "Tales of Chivalry" consists of five period wuxia films including "The Valiant Ones" (1975) (4K Digitally Restored Version); "The Enigmatic Case" (1980), the film debut of director Johnnie To; "The Butterfly Murders" (1979) (Digitally Restored Version) and "Seven Swords" (2005) (4K Digitally Restored Version), which are directed by Tsui Hark; as well as "The Sword" (1980).
 
     The four kung fu films from the second section "Fists of Fury" are "The Way of the Dragon" (1972) (4K Digitally Restored Version), the only film scripted, directed and acted by Bruce Lee, "Shaolin Martial Arts" (1974), "Martial Club" (1981) and "The Shaolin Temple" (1982) (4K Digitally Restored Version), in which internationally acclaimed martial arts star Jet Li made his screen debut.
 
     The third section "Yin Over Yang" will feature two classics acted by two iconic kung fu film actresses. They are Kara Wai's "My Young Auntie" (1981) and Michelle Yeoh's "Yes, Madam!" (1985) (Digitally Restored Version).
 
     The four genre-crossing action films featured in the fourth section "Entertaining Remixes" are action hero Jackie Chan's comedy kung fu classic "Drunken Master" (1978) and his police drama "Police Story" (1985) (4K Digitally Restored Version); "The Prodigal Son" (1981), for which Sammo Hung was the director, a scriptwriter, a martial arts instructor and an actor; and "Black Mask" (1996) (Digitally Restored Version), a fantasy action film in comic style.
 
     The fifth section "Legends Reimagined" will present four films revolving around real-life martial arts grandmasters, including "Once Upon a Time in China" (1991), "Ip Man" (2008), "Tai Chi Zero" (2012) and "Tai Chi Hero" (2012), which are two action fantasy films based on the legend of the founder of Yang-style Tai Chi Yang Lu-chan.
 
     The two films under the sixth section "Behind-the-Scenes Stories" are "Painted Faces" (1988) (Digitally Restored Version) and "Ah Kam" (1996), which focus on the careers of martial arts actors, stunt performers and martial arts choreographers that are rarely portrayed in films, paying tribute to the contribution of lesser-known people in martial arts filmmaking.
 
     The closing film, "The Grandmaster" (2013), will be screened at the Grand Theatre of the HKCC on June 22. Directed by Wong Kar-wai, the film is about the stories between Ip Man and his fellow martial artists in the competitive world of martial arts. An epitome of wenyi films wrapped in martial arts, the film won 12 awards including the Best Film Award and Best Director Award at the 33rd Hong Kong Film Awards.
 
     Various screenings will be accompanied by post-screening talks. For programme details, please call 2739 2139 or visit the website of the HKFA: www.filmarchive.gov.hk/en/web/hkfa/2024/martial/pe-event-2024-martial.html. Tickets priced at $45 are now available at URBTIX (www.urbtix.hk). For telephone bookings, please call 3166 1288.
 
     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), in 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.

        

     Police Hong Kong Island Regional Headquarters, together with the Fire Services Department, Government Flying Service (GFS), Civil Aid Service, Home Affairs Department, Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department and Water Supplies Department, conducted an inter-departmental major incident exercise codenamed "COLDMIST " at Aberdeen Country Park this afternoon (March 27). The exercise aims to enhance the collaboration, prevention, and emergency response capabilities of Police and stakeholders.

     The exercise simulated unexpected inclement weather conditions during a mountain activity, where a rainstorm caused flooding and landslides, resulting in the immediate suspension of the activity. While some participants sustained injuries during their escape, several participants were unaccounted for. Rescue teams from various departments were promptly dispatched to conduct a search and rescue operation. A joint command post and a triage station were set up at the scene to coordinate rescue efforts, testing and strengthening the planning and execution capabilities of personnel in large-scale inter-departmental rescue and mountain search operations.

     Police utilised for the first time in the large-scale search and rescue exercise the emergency rescue mobile application HKSOS developed and officially launched by the Information System Wing of the Police Force in January this year. With the assistance of its patented technology Signal Radar, officers could detect the HKSOS distress signal from the mobile phones of those in need of help, even in complex terrain or areas without mobile network coverage. It facilitated search and rescue units to quickly identify the location of missing persons during mountain search and rescue operations, thereby enhancing operational efficiency and public safety.

     Meanwhile, Police adopted the 3R Solution, a search and rescue solution, and deployed drones, which allowed the command post to swiftly ascertain the location of the persons awaiting rescue as well as the biometric data of the search and rescue teams. This arrangement also assisted a GFS helicopter in the search operation. Ultimately, all participants were successfully saved.

     About 250 officers from various departments took part in the exercise. Police will continue to maintain close contact with stakeholders, conduct regular inter-department exercises, and review contingency plans for major incidents to strengthen coordination among different departments and organisations.