The Transport Department today (March 10) reminded members of the public that the 22nd round of computer ballot registration for submitting applications for Northbound Travel for Hong Kong Vehicles (the scheme) will be ope… read more
The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, New York (HKETONY) hosted a celebratory cocktail reception for Hong Kong conductor Elim Chan at her debut with the New York Philharmonic at David Geffen Hall, Lincoln Centre on March 8 (New York time).
A native of Hong Kong, Chan is one of the most sought-after conductors of her generation. She became the first female winner of the Donatella Flick Conducting Competition in 2014, enabling her to spend the 2015-16 season as assistant conductor at the London Symphony Orchestra.
Her illustrious career includes serving as a guest conductor for the Royal Scottish National Orchestra and assuming the role of chief conductor of the Antwerp Symphony Orchestra. And in the current season, she continues to leave an indelible mark on the world stage, making her debuts with renowned orchestras such as those at the Salzburg Festival, Orchestre de Paris, and Staatskapelle Berlin.
At a post-concert reception, the Director of the HKETONY, Ms Maisie Ho, praised Chan for her talent, skill and passion that inspire many others.
“Elim is undeniably one of the most sought-after artists of her generation, hailing from our very own vibrant city of Hong Kong. With perseverance and diligence, her journey from modest beginnings to the grand stages of prestigious orchestras around the globe is nothing short of inspiring,” Ms Ho said.
“Her debut at the New York Philharmonic, which coincides with the International Women’s Day, has given the occasion an additional layer of significance. Her exceptional talent, energy and artistry have earned her the greatest accolade from the music world. Through her achievements, not only has she proven that gender is no barrier to achieving greatness in the world of music, but has also paved the way for aspiring female conductors to follow their dreams.”
Ms Ho added Chan’s achievements not only bring immense pride to Hong Kong but also serve as a testament to the boundless talent that the city nurtures. She also mentioned about the unwavering support of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government towards arts and culture, such as organising the first Hong Kong Performing Arts Expo in October this year, as well as the “Art March” campaign.
The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority: The spokesperson for Grantham Hospital (GH) made the following announcement today (March 9) regarding a suspension of fresh water supply incident: &n… read more
The Government Flying Service (GFS) and the Hong Kong Air Cadet Corps (HKACC) signed a Memorandum of Administrative Arrangements (MAA) today (March 9). Starting from April 1, 2024, the HKACC will become a youth uniformed group subvented by the GFS.
The MAA was signed by the Chief Pilot (Operations) of the GFS, Mr Eddie Liu and the Commanding Officer of the HKACC, Mr Chan Man Lang, and witnessed by the Under Secretary for Security, Mr Michael Cheuk, the Controller of the GFS, Captain West Wu, and the Chairman of the Executive Board of the HKACC, Mr Edwin Lau.
Speaking at the ceremony, Mr Cheuk said that the introduction of the HKACC as a youth uniformed group subvented by the GFS would deepen the co-operation between the two parties and promote the development of the HKACC. In the future, the GFS will strengthen its support to the HKACC, including the provision of flight simulators or virtual reality training for HKACC members to enhance their aviation education. He hoped that the HKACC, with the strong support of the GFS, would nurture more young people to become a new generation with responsibilities and aspirations, and are willing to strive for our country and the future of Hong Kong. He also encouraged all HKACC members to seize the opportunity to equip themselves and actively contribute to our country and Hong Kong.
Mr Lau was very much looking forward to deepening the co-operation between the HKACC and the GFS. He thanked the Security Bureau and the GFS for their support to the HKACC, and said that the HKACC would closely cooperate with the Government’s youth development policy, step up efforts to foster young people’s aspirations to care about their country and Hong Kong, and nurture them to become patriotic and responsible citizens.
​Hong Kong Customs detected a drug trafficking case involving baggage concealment at Hong Kong International Airport yesterday (March 8). About seven kilograms of suspected heroin were seized with an estimated market value of about $6.7 million.
The case involved two local male passengers, aged 26 and 34. The first arrested man arrived in Hong Kong from Bangkok, Thailand, yesterday. During customs clearance, the batch of suspected heroin was found concealed in 14 boxes of food items inside his check-in baggage. The man was subsequently arrested.
After a follow-up investigation, another man suspected to be connected with the case was also arrested at the airport today (March 9).
The two arrested persons have been jointly charged with one count of trafficking in a dangerous drug. They will appear at the West Kowloon Magistrates’ Courts on March 11.
Following the resumption of normal travel and exchanges with the Mainland and other parts of the world, the number of visitors to Hong Kong has also been increasing steadily. Customs will continue to apply a risk assessment approach and focus on selecting passengers from high-risk regions for clearance to combat transnational drug trafficking activities.
Under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, trafficking in a dangerous drug is a serious offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $5 million and life imprisonment.
Members of the public may report any suspected drug trafficking activities to Customs’ 24-hour hotline 2545 6182 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002/).
