Tag Archives: China

     Following is the speech by the Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, at the One Earth Summit today (March 25):
 
Deputy Director Yin Zonghua (Deputy Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region), Professor Poman Lo (Founder of the Institute of Sustainability and Technology), Ms Neo Gim Huay (Managing Director of the Centre for Nature and Climate of the World Economic Forum), distinguished guests from around the world, ladies and gentlemen,
 
     Good morning. And welcome to Hong Kong.
      
     It is a great pleasure to be here, to have this welcome opportunity to speak to you, at the opening of the One Earth Summit.
      
     The theme of this global gathering – “Planetary Crossroads: Investing in Innovations for a Sustainable Future” – highlights the importance on the challenges we face. For each and every one of us, for our families, companies and institutions, for the economies and countries we call home, for the world at large.

     So it is reassuring to know that the speakers, as well as more than 500 attendees of this global summit, are internationally respected leaders and high-profile professionals in their fields. You have world-class expertise in the wide-ranging realm of sustainability, from finance and technology, to urban infrastructure and development, as well as agriculture, energy transition, new materials, industrial decarbonisation and more. Each of these sectors, and the critical challenges and boundless opportunities they present, are on today’s agenda, and will be considered and weighed for practical, real-life solutions.

     As leaders, we should be united in our commitment to creating sustainable economic growth, and determined to realise a more equitable and resilient future. For all of us on this one earth we share, this one earth we pass down to our children and the generations to follow.
      
     Hong Kong has long been a leading global financial centre. In recent years, we have also placed high priority on combating climate change, promoting sustainability, embracing a green economy and building collaboration, worldwide, in these critical areas.

     In pursuing these goals, we are blessed with the unique advantages given to us under the “one country, two systems” principle. This principle allows Hong Kong to serve as the dynamic bridge between East and West, where diverse cultures, ideas and expertise come together.

     Under the premise of “one country, two systems”, Hong Kong has long established its robust financial infrastructure, together with the rule of law, a market-oriented and internationalised business environment, internationally aligned regulatory regimes, and the free and unfettered flow of information, people and capital. These strengths, together with our fast-rising prowess as an innovation and technology centre, make Hong Kong the ideal nexus for building partnerships, for driving the innovative solutions the world needs to promote sustainability.

     Statistics reveal that over the next 30 years, the Asian region alone will require some 66 trillion US Dollars in climate investment, which will contribute to supporting the region’s transition to a low-carbon economy. 
      
     This staggering figure underscores the magnitude of the challenge we face, and the critical role that green finance will play in addressing it.
      
     Hong Kong is committed to channelling its expertise and resources towards meeting this immense demand. And we are making real progress.
      
     In 2022, the total green and sustainable debt issued in Hong Kong, including bonds and loans, soared to 80.5 billion US Dollars. That was a remarkable increase of more than 40 per cent over the previous year.
      
     And there’s more. At the end of last year, our Securities and Futures Commission had authorised more than 200 ESG (environmental, social and governance) funds, with total assets under management exceeding 160 billion US Dollars. Again, an impressive growth of 24 per cent and 20 per cent, respectively, year-on-year.

     Those numbers more than demonstrate Hong Kong’s ability to provide a flourishing environment for green finance and related investment products. They also cement our position as a leading regional force in promoting sustainable investment practices.
      
     The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) Government has been working closely with financial regulators and the industry, taking a multi-pronged strategy to promote green and sustainable finance. It showcases Hong Kong’s formidable strengths as a financing centre for governments and green enterprises, in Mainland China and around the world. 

     We will sustain our issuance of green bonds, extend our green debt support to transition products, promote green fintech, and assist companies and financial institutions in sustainability reporting. 
      
     Which is why I am pleased to announce that later today, the Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau of the Hong Kong SAR Government will release a statement, outlining our vision for a strong system of sustainability disclosure, in full alignment with international standards.

     Hong Kong is a business city and a financial hub. But certainly, Hong Kong’s commitment to sustainability goes beyond finance and commerce. Just last month, we had our first-ever hydrogen-powered double-decker bus on the road. We also established our first offshore liquefied natural gas terminal last year.

     Ladies and gentlemen, today’s summit is among the international events highlighting Hong Kong’s inaugural Financial Mega Event Week.
     
     They include this Wednesday’s Wealth for Good in Hong Kong Summit. The second such high-powered event for global family offices, it will explore wealth management in today’s volatile global economy, together with issues such as impact investment in technology. More importantly, it will offer invaluable opportunities for networking and collaboration. 

     And the Global Investors’ Symposium, organised by the Milken Institute, opens tomorrow here in Hong Kong, under the theme “Thriving Together: Bridging Global Markets”.
      
     This is also Hong Kong’s “Art March” month, with the world-renowned Art Basel Hong Kong, and the Hong Kong International Film Festival opening this week.
      
     I’m sure you’ll also want to stay through the first weekend of April, for the Hong Kong Rugby Sevens. All the world-class sport and entertainment you can tackle, on and off the pitch.
      
     Later this year, the Hong Kong Monetary Authority and the Dubai Financial Services Authority will co-host a Joint Climate Finance Conference in Hong Kong. It will spotlight the opportunities and challenges of transition financing for the Middle East and Asia. In short, a lot of exciting events and important collaborations are underway.

     Allow me now to thank the Institute of Sustainability and Technology, and its founder, Professor Poman Lo, for organising this inaugural, and inspired, One Earth Summit. The co-organiser of this ambitious event is the World Economic Forum (WEF)’s “Giving to Amplify Earth Action” initiative. For that, and much more, I am grateful to the WEF.
      
     My thanks, too, to the Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau and Invest Hong Kong of the Hong Kong SAR Government, who are the host partners of this distinguished summit. And so many others have played a vital role in today’s global gathering, including different international chambers of commerce.
      
     Ladies and gentlemen, this is just the beginning – for the One Earth Summit, and for the sustainable future we are all working to realise.

     I am sure you will all have the most enjoyable summit today. Please enjoy networking and share all your experience and wisdom. Thank you very much.

    

     In response to and support of the National Security Education Day, the Fire Services Department (FSD) will organise an open day at the Fire and Ambulance Services Academy in Tseung Kwan O on April 14 (Sunday), with an opportunity to deepen the public’s understanding about the Constitution, the Basic Law and the Hong Kong National Security Law, as well as the FSD’s work on national security, public safety, public order and personnel training.

     The open day will feature a range of activities, including introduction of the department’s efforts in safeguarding national security, fire appliances parade, firefighting and rescue demonstrations, displays of training facilities, equipment and special vehicles, an exhibition on fire safety education, game booths, a recruitment experience area, as well as a demonstration of Fire Services working dogs. The Fire and Ambulance Services Education Centre cum Museum will also be open to the public on the day.

     The open day will be held from 8.45am to 4pm. Ticket is required for admission (children aged 3 or below do not need an admission ticket).

     Members of the public who are interested can apply for a maximum of four admission tickets from today (March 25) to March 27 through the latest version of the Hong Kong Fire Services Department Mobile Application, which can be downloaded from Apple App Store, Google Play and Huawei AppGallery for free. The tickets will be allocated by computer ballot and successful applicants will receive a notification through the Application on April 2.

     Visitors are advised to use public transportation as no parking spaces will be provided at the Academy. The open day will be cancelled if Tropical Cyclone Warning Signal No. 8 or above, or the Red/Black Rainstorm Warning Signal is still in force at 6.45am on the event day. Visitors should visit the FSD website (www.hkfsd.gov.hk) regularly for the latest information. For enquiries, please call 2411 8773. read more

     The Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) will present a large-scale outdoor art project “Art@Harbour 2024” on both sides of Victoria Harbour between tomorrow (March 25) and June 2. The project aims to bring the public and tourists a new inspirational and sensory experience at the Victoria harbourfront through outdoor art installations and digital art façades by integrating art, science and technology.

     The opening ceremony of the “Art@Harbour2024” was held at Tamar Park today (March 24). Officiating at the ceremony, the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki, said that “Art@Harbour”, first launched in 2022 as an innovative integration of art, science and technology, was so well received in Hong Kong as well as all over the world that it was brought back this year with more partners and international artists involved. He stressed that Hong Kong believed in the power of art and culture to unite, to inspire, and to create a community and an economy that reward people at large. He added that he looked forward to working with all stakeholders in creating a mega-events economy and making Hong Kong a more dynamic and livable city.

     Other officiating guests today included the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Mr Kevin Yeung; Member of the Legislative Council, Mr Kenneth Fok; Non-Executive Director of the Sino Group Ms Nikki Ng; the Executive Vice President of the K11 Group, Mr Richard Cheung; the Managing Director of the First Initiative Foundation (FIF), Ms Amanda Cheung; the Chairman of the Museum Advisory Committee, Professor Douglas So; the Director of Leisure and Cultural Services, Mr Vincent Liu; and the Founder of teamLab, Mr Toshiyuki Inoko.

     There are five projects under the second edition of “Art@Harbour”. On Hong Kong Island, the “teamLab: Continuous” exhibition and “Science in Art” project will be staged at Tamar Park in Admiralty and the Central and Western District Promenade (Central Section). The “teamLab: Continuous” exhibition, jointly presented by the LCSD and international art collective teamLab, will present two magnificent large-scale art installations, namely “Resonating Life which Continues to Stand”, which showcases hundreds of colourful luminous ovoids with continuously changing colours and sound triggered by visitors’ interactions, and “Resonating Trees”, which makes the light of dozens of trees in the park spread, changing its colour and resonating sound tones in response to the ovoids. The “Science in Art” project, with the theme of exploring the nature and properties of light, will showcase two sets of interactive art installations, namely “Harbour Cup” created by the local art group LAAB Architects and “Schrödinger’s Bed” by artist Dylan Kwok. Such playful and creative installations integrating science and art will stimulate visitors’ curiosity to explore the science behind the artworks.

     In Tsim Sha Tsui, three projects independently orchestrated and financed by project partners K11 Group, Sino Group and the FIF will be staged. The project by the FIF is also supported by the Mega Arts and Cultural Events Fund of the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau.

     For more information about the five art projects, please refer to the Annex.

     Admission to all the above-mentioned exhibitions is free of charge. Except for visiting designated areas (the lawn area of Tamar Park) of the “teamLab: Continuous” exhibition at specific time slots which visitors are required to pre-register through the Klook system and present a valid QR code for admission, advance bookings are not required for other areas and exhibitions. Members of the public are welcome to visit. The recommended duration of each visit is about 30 to 45 minutes for the “teamLab: Continuous” exhibition. To allow more visitors to enter and ensure that they have a good visiting experience, clearance may be implemented every night at some of the exhibition areas if necessary. Visitors should follow the instructions of the staff during clearance and co-operate with them in an orderly manner.

     An artist’s talk will be held tomorrow (March 25) at 7.45pm at the Cultural Plaza, Tamar Park, where representatives of teamLab will introduce the “teamLab: Continuous” exhibition to visitors. Admission tickets for the talk will be distributed at the Cultural Plaza from 6.30pm tomorrow on a first come, first served basis. Members of the public are welcome to join.

     For more details about “Art@Harbour 2024”, including the above artist’s talk, please visit www.museums.gov.hk/en/web/portal/artatharbour.html.

                  

     The Civil Aid Service (CAS) held the 87th Recruits Passing-out Parade at the CAS headquarters today (March 24). The parade was reviewed by Non-official Member of the Executive Council and Legislative Council Member Mr Chan Hak-kan.

     A total of 28 officer trainees and 57 recruits participated in the Parade. The graduates came from all walks of life, including tertiary students as well as members of the education, social welfare, and medical sectors. They will apply their acquired knowledge and skills to serve society. 

     Mr Chan presented awards to outstanding officer trainees and recruits. The graduates also performed a rescue demonstration to showcase their learning results.

     Speaking at the Parade, Mr Chan said that loving the country and Hong Kong is a core value of the city’s society and an essential foundation for the successful implementation of the “one country, two systems” principle. He added that the graduates’ strong commitment to serving Hong Kong formed an indispensable part of the efforts to maintain the city’s prosperity and stability, safeguard national security and uphold the “one country, two systems” principle. He also encouraged all graduates to learn from their experiences, face challenges with determination, stay true to their original aspirations, and strive forward. He firmly believed that they would unite, work hard, and grow stronger together, upholding the CAS pledge of “Provide Emergency Relief, Serve the Community” to wholeheartedly serve the public.

     The CAS Recruit Training Certificate Programme has been recognised under the Hong Kong Qualifications Framework as meeting the accreditation standards at Level 3 by the Hong Kong Council for Accreditation of Academic and Vocational Qualifications. Graduates will be awarded the Certificate in Auxiliary Forces Basic Training (Civil Defence). 

     Recruitment of CAS members is open for application throughout the year. Recruitment details and application forms are available at the CAS website (www.cas.gov.hk).

          

     Following is the speech by the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki, at the Opening Ceremony of “Art@Harbour 2024” today (March 24):

Kenneth (Member of the Legislative Council, Mr Kenneth Fok), Nikki (Non-Executive Director of the Sino Group, Ms Nikki Ng), Richard (Executive Vice President of the K11 Group, Mr Richard Cheung), Amanda (Managing Director of the First Initiative Foundation, Ms Amanda Cheung), Douglas (Chairman of the Museum Advisory Committee, Professor Douglas So), Mr Inoko (Founder of teamLab, Mr Toshiyuki Inoko), artists, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

     Good evening. A warm welcome to you for joining this grand opening of “Art@Harbour 2024”. I am especially pleased to welcome you all here at Tamar Park, with Victoria Harbour as our signature backdrop.

     “Art@Harbour” was first launched in 2022 as an innovative integration of art, science and technology. That creative happening was so well received by many – not just here in Hong Kong, but also all over the world – that we have brought it back.

     This year’s collaborations include more partners as well as international artists.

     Like the first “Art@Harbour”, this year’s edition features many playful creations on both sides of Victoria Harbour. They include the “teamLab: Continuous” exhibition, which consists of two large-scale, art-and-sound installations – one featuring hundreds of brilliant egg lights, the other lighting up the park trees.

     Together, they transform Tamar Park into a colourful festival of lights. For that, we thank international art collective teamLab, as well as our own Leisure and Cultural Services Department.

     And, still on Hong Kong side, there is a lighting exhibition named “Science in Art”, featuring two interactive art installations by Hong Kong’s own LAAB Architects and artist Dylan Kwok.

     Across the harbour, on Kowloon side, we have an “out-of-this-world” totem sculpture by artist Alicja Kwade. Many thanks to K11 Group and Pace Gallery for bringing the universe to Hong Kong in a work of art that integrates space, time and science.

     The Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront also features “Chromaflux”, a digital art exhibition presented by artists from Hong Kong, the Czech Republic, France and Germany. That international collaboration was made possible by Sino Group and HKWALLS, a Hong Kong arts organisation.

     And then there is “Voyage with Van Gogh”, inspired by the legendary artist and Hong Kong’s own Victoria Harbour. The LED art installation, alongside the historic Tsim Sha Tsui Clock Tower, was realised by Spain’s VISURA Studio and artist Vritis. It is also paired with music composed by Leon Ko and performed by pianist Niu Niu and violinist Wang Liang.

     For that multi-sensory experience, we thank the First Initiative Foundation, in co-operation with the Van Gogh Heritage Foundation, as well as our own Mega Arts and Cultural Events Fund under the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau.

     Taking this opportunity, I would also like to thank our various bureaux and departments, as well as the Hong Kong Tourism Board, for making this year’s “Art@Harbour” such a creative celebration of art, tourism and life.

     “Art@Harbour”, let me add, is just one of the many high-profile events that make up Hong Kong’s Art March series.

     The “Wu Guanzhong Art Sponsorship: Exhibition Series” opened last week. The three-day Hong Kong International Cultural Summit continues through tomorrow. Art Basel Hong Kong and Art Central open in just a few days, and the 48th Hong Kong International Film Festival starts screening this coming Thursday.

     All these, and many other art and cultural events, make a compelling case for Hong Kong’s fast-rising role as the East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange.

     Ladies and gentlemen, Hong Kong believes in the power of art and culture to unite, to inspire, and to create a community – and an economy – that reward us all.

     I look forward to working with you in creating a mega-event economy – in making Hong Kong a more dynamic and livable city.

     I wish you all a memorable evening, and a year filled with art and innovation. Thank you very much. read more