The Transport Department (TD) today (March 9) reminds members of the public that the queue ticketing system for driving licensing-related services will be implemented at all four Licensing Offices in Admiralty, Cheung Sha Wan, Kwun Tong and Sha Tin from March 13.
 
     A spokesman for the TD said, "After the implementation of the queue ticketing system for driving licensing-related services (including applications for driving tests) at the Licensing Offices, for driving licensing services and driving test applications processing over the counter, if no prior appointment has been made online or by phone, applicants are required to obtain a same-day queue ticket on-site before using the counter services."
 
     A total of 980 same-day queue tickets will be distributed on every working day among the four Licensing Offices at 9am and 2pm. Details are at the Annex.
 
     "Same-day queue ticket holders can check the latest queue ticket numbers being distributed and called at the Licensing Offices by scanning the QR code on the ticket or via the TD's website (www.td.gov.hk/qts), return to the Licensing Office in a timely manner and follow the instructions of staff to join a designated queue for counter services. There is no need for them to stay and wait at the Licensing Offices," the spokesman said.
 
     Apart from replacing the walk-in counter services by the same-day queue tickets, all service arrangements regarding driving licensing-related services of the Licensing Offices remain unchanged. The Licensing Offices will continue to provide counter services to members of the public who have made a prior appointment online or by phone. The TD will closely monitor the implementation of the queue ticketing system for driving licensing-related services. Depending on the experience and feedback after the implementation, and the service demand of the public upon the introduction of the electronic vehicle licence initiative later, the TD will consider the feasibility of extending the queue ticketing system to vehicle licensing-related services.
 
     The spokesman said, "The TD expects that the waiting environment of the Licensing Offices will be improved after the implementation of the queue ticketing system for driving licensing-related services (including applications for driving tests). Those who are unable to get a queue ticket or do not have an appointment can submit their driving licensing-related applications through non-counter channels, such as online or drop-in boxes.
 
     "The TD has all along encouraged members of the public to use online licensing services as far as possible, allowing them to submit applications anytime and anywhere without the need to attend and queue at the Licensing Offices in person for processing of applications. Upon receiving a duly completed application, the TD in general completes processing within 10 working days and sends the licences/permits to the applicants by registered mail. To cope with the anticipated increase in the number of applications received online or through the drop-in box, the TD will strengthen its manpower to process."

     A trial queue ticketing system for driving licensing-related services has been implemented at the Kowloon Licensing Office since May 2022 with a view to reducing the number of people waiting at the lobby. The operation went smoothly in general.

     The Secretary for Education, Dr Choi Yuk-lin, continued her visit to Australia from March 7 to 9. She visited local universities in Perth to learn about the developments of tertiary institutions in Australia, and met representatives of the business community in Melbourne.
     
     On the morning of March 7 (Perth time), Dr Choi met the Minister for Training and Workforce Development; Water; Industrial Relations of Western Australia, Ms Simone McGurk, in Perth to learn about Australia's experience in developing vocational and professional education and training, and explore ways to promote institution-industry collaboration to address the manpower needs of the market. She also met the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Education; Aboriginal Affairs; Citizenship and Multicultural Interests of Western Australia, Mr Yaz Mubarakai, to exchange views on facilitation measures for attracting and supporting overseas students to study locally.
 
     Later, Dr Choi visited the University of Western Australia. She listened to an introduction by its representatives on its international students admission and the higher education exchanges and collaboration between Hong Kong and Australia. She also paid a courtesy call on the Chinese Consul General in Perth, Mr Long Dingbin, to brief him on the latest education developments in Hong Kong.
 
     Dr Choi also attended a luncheon reception hosted by the Hong Kong Examinations and Assessment Authority and introduced the advantages of the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE) Examination to representatives of universities from different countries. Speaking at the event, Dr Choi said that the HKDSE Examination has all along been moving with the times. It has created Hong Kong's brand of quality education and gained wide recognition in Hong Kong and abroad. Candidates can directly apply for admission to universities abroad with their HKDSE Examination results. The HKDSE Examination, therefore, attracts not only students enrolled in the local curriculum in Hong Kong, but also those pursuing non-local curricula in Hong Kong, as well as students from Mainland China and other regions. 
 
     On March 8 (Perth time), Dr Choi departed for Melbourne from Perth. She met Laureate Professor of the Melbourne Graduate School of Education of the University of Melbourne Professor John Hattie, and the Dean of the Melbourne Graduate School of Education of the University of Melbourne, Professor Field Rickards, to discuss measures and directions for enhancing teacher education.
 
     On March 9 (Melbourne time), Dr Choi met representatives of the business community in Melbourne to promote the advantages of Hong Kong as an international hub for post-secondary education. She said, "The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government attaches great importance to education. With sustained government investment, we are proud to be the sole city with five universities among the world's top 100, showcasing our commitment to academic excellence and global success. In his 2023 Policy Address, the Chief Executive of the HKSAR outlined a comprehensive blueprint to develop Hong Kong into an international education hub for post-secondary education. Apart from academic excellence, our cosmopolitan culture, which blends the Eastern and Western cultures, makes the city unique and incredibly appealing to international students. Moreover, our strategic location in the heart of Asia positions us as a unique learning environment, preparing overseas students to meet fast-changing global challenges, especially for those interested in tapping the enormous opportunities available in the Greater China region, and offers considerable opportunities for realising personal aspirations."
 
    She pointed out that various initiatives demonstrate the HKSAR Government's commitment to attracting talent, promoting diversity and internationalisation in the higher education sector, and providing opportunities for students worldwide to excel in their academic pursuits. She looked forward to more overseas talent pursuing studies in Hong Kong.
 
     Dr Choi will conclude her visit to Australia and return to Hong Kong on the afternoon of March 9 (Melbourne time).

            

Attention TV/radio announcers:

Please broadcast the following as soon as possible:

     Here is an item of interest to swimmers.

     The Leisure and Cultural Services Department announced today (March 9) that due to big waves, red flags have been hoisted at Stanley Main Beach and Big Wave Bay Beach in Southern District, Hong Kong Island; and Silverstrand Beach and Clear Water Bay Second Beach in Sai Kung District. Beachgoers are advised not to swim at these beaches.

     Three charities have been issued Public Subscription Permits to hold flag sales from 7am to 12.30pm today (March 9). They are, on Hong Kong Island, RainLily; in Kowloon, People Service Centre Limited; and in the New Territories, Yuen Long Town Hall Management Committee Limited, a spokesman for the Social Welfare Department (SWD) said.

     Arrangements have been made with the charities to help people to distinguish among the three flag-selling activities.

     Information on the three flag-selling organisations on March 9 is as follows:
 

     Details of the charitable fund-raising activities, including any updated information, covered by the issued Public Subscription Permits have been published on the GovHK website (www.gov.hk/en/theme/fundraising/search). Permits for flag days containing information on contact methods of the flag-selling organisations and the approved flag-selling activities have also been uploaded to the SWD's website (www.swd.gov.hk/en/ngo/controlofc/flagdays) for reference. For enquiries, please call the SWD's hotline at 2343 2255, or the designated hotline of the 1823 Call Centre at 3142 2678.

     In the case of suspected fraudulent flag day activities, people should not make any donation and should immediately report the matter to the Police, the spokesman added.

     The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in San Francisco (HKETO San Francisco) celebrated Chinese New Year along with the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) at a spring reception held on March 6 in Los Angeles, California (Los Angeles time).
 
     Addressing over 200 guests at the Petersen Automotive Museum, the Director of HKETO San Francisco, Ms Jacko Tsang, said that Hong Kong's economy has revived from the pandemic and the Government is making strides to accelerate the city's economic development across different sectors.
 
      "On tourism, from leading regional and international trade fairs to world-class arts, culture and sports competitions and shows, we will create and attract a continuous flow of new and inviting experiences to Hong Kong," she said.
 
      "The year 2024 kicked-off with the 17th Asian Financial Forum. In the coming months, we will welcome LIV Golf Hong Kong, Art Basel Hong Kong Show, the Hong Kong Rugby Sevens and the finale of the electric motorsport E1 World Championship. I hope that you may have an opportunity to experience one of these events, or many others, this year," she added.
 
     The Director, Americas of the HKTB, Mr Michael Lim, spoke at the event on the transformative developments taking place recently in Hong Kong. In his presentation, he reflected how Hong Kong, like the mythical dragon, is dynamic, culturally rich, confident, charismatic, and resilient. This was showcased with events taking place in Hong Kong, and in clips from two television shows recently filmed in the city: "Field Trip with Curtis Stone" and "Canvasing the World". The HKTB also hosted a lucky draw at the event. One winner was awarded an art piece by renowned painter Sean Diediker, featured in "Canvasing the World", inspired by the Tai Hang fire dragon dance.
 
     The spring reception ended with a lively performance by the RedBricks harmonica ensemble from Hong Kong. This concluded HKETO San Francisco's Chinese New Year celebrations in the western United States.