â€‹Hong Kong Customs today (March 12) organised a three-day Regional High-Level Conference on IP Protection. The Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan; the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Algernon Yau; and the Commissioner of Customs and Excise, Ms Louise Ho, officiated at the kick-off ceremony of the conference.

     This is the first time for Hong Kong Customs to host a large-scale regional conference on IP protection, which is expected to gather as many as 200 representatives from law enforcement agencies, the World Customs Organization, Interpol, Europol and the business sector.

     â€‹In his speech at the conference, Mr Chan said that the conference provided an ideal platform for the exchange of knowledge and experiences in the field of intellectual property protection and development. He also commended Hong Kong Customs for its stringent enforcement of IP laws, continuous engagement with stakeholders, and dedication in public education, as well as for forging close partnerships with regional law enforcement agencies. He also shared in his speech the advantages and new initiatives for Hong Kong to develop into a regional IP trading centre, including the introduction of the "patent box" tax incentive, the establishment of a World Intellectual Property Organization Technology and Innovation Support Centre and the introduction of regulatory arrangements covering local patent-agent services.

     Also speaking at the conference, Mr Yau said he hoped that the conference serves not only as a platform to address IP enforcement issues but also as an opportunity for economies in the Asia-Pacific Region to forge stronger alliances, share best practices, and develop innovative solutions for the challenges ahead. He added that collective wisdom will light the path towards a future where IP not only drives creativity and economic growth but also serves as a beacon for societal advancement and global well-being.

     The theme of the conference centres around three key elements, namely "Enforcement," "Engagement," and "Education." It features a series of thematic presentations and discussions in relation to IP, enabling participants to examine the enforcement effectiveness and strategies from diverse perspectives, as well as fostering co-operation and information exchanges between law enforcement agencies and industry stakeholders.

     In addition, Ms Ho also took the opportunity to hold bilateral meetings with commissioners of Indian Customs and the Philippines Customs respectively on various topics, and had a brief meeting with the Deputy Director General of the General Department of Customs and Excise of Cambodia to enhance co-operation.

     Looking ahead, Hong Kong Customs together with law enforcement agencies and industry stakeholders from different regions will continue to work closely and exchange information to enhance the effectiveness in combating IP infringement crimes.

                  

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

     Regarding an earlier announcement on Candida auris carrier cases, the spokesperson for TWGHs Wong Tai Sin Hospital (WTSH) gave the following update today (March 12):
 
     Following a contact tracing investigation, one more patient, a male aged 85 in a ward of the Department of Tuberculosis and Chest, was identified as a carrier of Candida auris without signs of infection. He is in stable condition and has been transferred to Kowloon Hospital for further medical care in isolation.
 
     WTSH will continue the contact tracing investigation in accordance with prevailing guidelines. A series of enhanced infection control measures have already been adopted to prevent the spread of Candida auris:
 

1. Thorough cleaning and disinfection of the wards concerned;
2. Enhanced patient and environmental screening procedures; and
3. Application of stringent contact precautions and enhanced hand hygiene of staff and patients.

 
     The hospital has reported the cases to the Hospital Authority Head Office and the Centre for Health Protection for follow-up and will continue to closely monitor the situation.

     The opening ceremony of the Treasury Building in Sham Shui Po District was held today (March 12), marking the official commissioning of the new office building. The Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, attended and delivered a speech at the ceremony.
 
     Located at 3 Tonkin Street West in Cheung Sha Wan, the 22-storey Treasury Building is the headquarters of the Treasury. The building also accommodates offices of more than 10 government departments, including the Audit Commission, the Registration and Electoral Office, the Office of the Communications Authority and the Office of the Government Chief Information Officer. Moreover, there are also community facilities, including a family medicine clinic, a day care centre for the elderly, a child care centre and a recruitment centre under the Labour Department to provide various services to members of the public. Located close to Cheung Sha Wan and Nam Cheong MTR stations and served by bus and minibus services nearby, the building is accessible to the public. 

     Speaking at the opening ceremony, Mr Chan said that the design of the Treasury Building echoed the history of Cheung Sha Wan as the centre of Hong Kong's textile and garment industry. He also noted that the building has adopted a number of green and sustainable designs, and has won several architectural awards and certifications, making it a truly outstanding green building.

     Mr Chan said, "Green and sustainable development has become a global trend, which is also an essential path to promote high-quality development. In last year's Budget, I proposed to develop Hong Kong into an international green technology and green finance hub. This year's Budget continues to realise the vision of green development and accelerate Hong Kong's pace towards a green future." The Budget this year has proposed a number of initiatives on promoting a green city, including the Pilot Scheme on Building-Integrated Photovoltaics to explore photovoltaic technology applications on the facades of government buildings.

     He added that promoting digital economy development is another highlight of the Budget. He also stated that government departments should set an example by embracing the trend and rolling out more digital services.

     Also officiating at the opening ceremony were the Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr Christopher Hui; the Permanent Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury (Treasury), Miss Cathy Chu; the Director of Accounting Services, Ms Susanna Cheung; the Government Property Administrator, Mr Eugene Fung, and the heads of relevant departments.

          

     The Hong Kong Visual Arts Centre (vA!) of the Art Promotion Office will stage the "vA! Spotlight – Park Solo" exhibition from tomorrow (March 13) until September 16. Inspired by toys, games and playgrounds, local artist Debe Sham hoped to share her insights into the relationship between art and play through the exhibition, considering art as a playful exploration of forms, figures and ideas. Through a set of art installations, she invites audiences to actively engage with her creation, transforming vA! into an unusual, immersive and participatory space.

     "Park Solo" offers an array of play objects that can be enjoyed individually, as well as games that invite collective participation. Sham's artwork delves into the multifaceted nature of games, dissolving the boundaries between creator and participants to unleash the boundless possibilities of playfulness. The exhibition emphasises the audience's active involvement in the canvas of play, which can inspire the rethinking and reshaping of the participants' understandings of their personal experiences and their preconceived notions of games. Sham encourages participants to question societal norms, push their boundaries and reimagine their interaction with the surroundings.
      
     The exhibition, presented by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department and organised by vA!, is on display at 1/F to 5/F of vA! (7A Kennedy Road, Central) with free admission. For details of the exhibition, please visit the website at www.apo.hk/en/web/apo/va_spotlight_park_solo.html or call 2521 3008.

            

Attention TV and radio duty announcers:
 
Please broadcast the following special announcement as soon as possible, and repeat it at suitable intervals:
 
     A fire broke out on a vessel in the waters at New Yau Ma Tei Typhoon Shelter at 4.37pm today (March 12). The Fire Services Department is conducting a firefighting operation.
      
     Members of the public who are being affected by the smoke and an unusual odour carried by the wind are advised to close their doors and windows and stay calm.