In order to enhance enterprises’ knowledge of family-friendly employment policy and further their understanding in the implementation of relevant measures and related advantages, the Labour Department (LD) invited four Signatories of the Good Employer Charter 2024 to share their successful cases in promoting family-friendly employment culture and produced the “Supportive Family-friendly Good Employer Sharing Video of Good Employer Charter 2024”.

To watch the video, please visit the webpage “Family-friendly Employment Practices” > “Publications & Media” of the Good Employer Charter 2024 website (www.gec.labour.gov.hk). You are invited to share the message of the above video and join hands to promote good human resource management and family-friendly employment policy among enterprises.

Lands Department extends coverage of 3D Digital Maps

The LD will hold a public talk entitled "Occupational Health in Catering Industry" on 23 October 2024 (Wednesday). The talk will introduce the occupational health hazards and their preventive measures for employees working in catering industry to enhance their awareness of occupational health. Demonstration and practice of workplace exercise are included.

The talk will be given by the LD's occupational health nurse at 3.30pm at the Lecture Hall of the Hong Kong Space Museum, 10 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui.

The LD will hold another talk entitled "Occupational Health of Office Workers Series (I) Health Hints on the Use of Computer" on 28 October 2024 (Monday). The talk will briefly introduce the Occupational Safety and Health (Display Screen Equipment) Regulation, and elaborate on the occupational health hazards and preventive measures associated with prolonged use of computers, to enhance employees' occupational health awareness. Demonstrations and practice of workplace exercises will also be included.

The talk will be given by the occupational hygienist and occupational health nurse at 6.30pm at the Lecture Theatre of the Hong Kong Central Library, 66 Causeway Road, Causeway Bay.

Both talks will be given in Cantonese. Admission is free but pre-registration is required. Interested participants can register online (www.oshsreg.gov.hk). For enquiries, please call 2852 4040.

For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202410/14/P2024101000317.htm.

Banking (Capital) (Amendment) Rules 2023 (Commencement) Notice 2024 gazetted

Commencement notice for Land (Compulsory Sale for Redevelopment) (Amendment) Ordinance 2024 gazetted

The Government gazetted on 10 October 2024 the Preservatives in Food (Amendment) Regulation 2024 (Amendment Regulation) to update the food safety standards in relation to preservatives and antioxidants in food.

The objective of the Amendment Regulation is to keep local food safety standards on par with international standards, thereby enhancing consumer protection and facilitating the food trade. The Amendment Regulation has kept the standards of the Codex Alimentarius Commission (Codex) as the backbone, supplemented with those adopted by the Mainland and by Hong Kong's other major food-trading partners.

A Government spokesman said, "A four-month public consultation was conducted from 29 May to 30 September last year (2023), to collect views on the proposed amendments to the Preservatives in Food Regulation (Cap. 132BD). Respondents and stakeholders generally welcomed and supported the proposed amendments. Taking into account the comments received during the public consultation, we have formulated the updated proposals, as reflected in the Amendment Regulation."

The Amendment Regulation updates the definitions of "preservative" and "antioxidant" with reference to the corresponding definitions adopted by Codex. The list of permitted preservatives/antioxidants has also been updated, which comprises 58 preservatives/antioxidants after the legislative amendments. The number of "additive-food" pairs with specified maximum permitted levels has increased from around 900 to around 2 000.

"We consider that the Amendment Regulation should be implemented as soon as possible. However, we acknowledge the importance of providing sufficient time for the stakeholders to adjust to the new food safety standards, and for the local testing laboratories to establish the capability for performing relevant tests. We have also taken into consideration the longer shelf life of processed and pre-packaged foods that may contain preservatives or antioxidants. On balance, we propose a transitional period of 24 months, during which it would be legal for any single food item to comply wholly with the requirements of either the existing or the amended Cap. 132BD," the spokesman added.

The Amendment Regulation will be tabled at the LegCo on 16 October 2024 for negative vetting.

For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202410/10/P2024100900381.htm.

HKSAR Government and Ministry of Commerce sign Second Agreement Concerning Amendment to CEPA Agreement on Trade in Services

The HKMA and the Hong Kong Association of Banks (HKAB) fully support the Banking Industry Integrity Charter (Integrity Charter) introduced by the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC). The two organisations co-hosted on 9 October 2024 a launching ceremony for the Integrity Charter together with the ICAC. Senior management from 30 banks, including those from major retail banks and private wealth management banks in Hong Kong, attended the ceremony. Representatives of the Chinese Banking Association of Hong Kong and the Private Wealth Management Association also attended the event (see Annex).

The HKMA has long been encouraging banks to further their work in integrity building. The ICAC launched the Integrity Charter to create a platform for communication through public-private partnership, helping banks to implement effective integrity management and anti-corruption measures. The ICAC will provide anti-corruption recommendations tailored for the banking industry, share anti-corruption cases with the industry, and arrange regular thematic training for banks to further support the industry's efforts in integrity building and promoting honest and responsible business practices. Banks participating in the Integrity Charter will commit to further strengthening their internal anti-corruption capabilities and promoting an integrity culture among their business partners.

The Chief Executive of the HKMA, Mr Eddie Yue; the Commissioner of the ICAC, Mr Woo Ying-ming; and the Chairman of the Hong Kong Association of Banks, Ms Luanne Lim, officiated at the ceremony to mark the launch of the Integrity Charter. During the event, the ICAC also showcased for the first time the logo specially designed for the Integrity Charter.

In his welcome remarks, Mr Yue said, "Customer trust is an important pillar for the sustainable development of the banking industry. The professionalism and ethical conduct of banks and their frontline staff are key to building customer trust. The launch of the Integrity Charter by the ICAC is conducive to maintaining the stability of the Hong Kong banking system, and also helps to consolidate and enhance Hong Kong's status as an international financial centre. It provides strong support for the Hong Kong banking industry to develop new markets, including the Middle East and Southeast Asia."

Mr Woo said in his welcome remarks, "Hong Kong is widely recognised as one of the most corruption-free places in the world and its financial sector is vibrant and thriving. The Integrity Charter combines the two advantages of Hong Kong - integrity and finance - underlining the banking industry's commitment to integrity and enhancing its anti-corruption capabilities, to maintain and develop Hong Kong's position as an international financial centre."

Ms Lim said, "The Integrity Charter will help the public better understand banks' determination to maintain a clean society and combat corruption collectively." She encouraged members of the association to participate in the Integrity Charter.

For further information about the Integrity Charter, please visit the webpage of the ICAC's Corruption Prevention Advisory Service at cpas.icac.hk/EN/Info/TP_Library?cate_id=10046.

For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202410/09/P2024100900359.htm.

The Government gazetted on 10 October 2024 a proposal to amend and update marine legislation by enacting eight pieces of amendment regulations/orders/notices, including the Pilotage Ordinance (Amendment of Schedules 3 and 4) Notice 2024; the Dangerous Goods (Shipping) Regulation 2012 (Amendment) Regulation 2024; the Shipping and Port Control (Amendment) Regulation 2024; the Shipping and Port Control (Ferry Terminals) (Amendment) Regulation 2024; the Shipping and Port Control (Ports) (Amendment) Order 2024; the Merchant Shipping (Local Vessels) (General) (Amendment) Regulation 2024; the Merchant Shipping (Local Vessels) (Safety and Survey) (Amendment) Regulation 2024; and the Merchant Shipping (Fees) (Amendment) Regulation 2024.

The proposed amendments aim to update and unify the types and formats of the geodetic reference datum used in marine legislation. It also makes miscellaneous amendments to various pieces of marine legislation in relation to designating new special anchorages, updating the radio channels and sectors under the vessel traffic services, updating the definition of Radio Regulations, removing obsolete cable reserves, adjusting boundaries of various bridge areas due to shoreline changes, removing the Tuen Mun Ferry Terminal from the legislation which specifies terminals for use by cross-boundary ferry vessels given its cessation of cross-boundary passenger transport, as well as prescribing the fees for surveying Hong Kong ships in relation to an Industrial Personnel Safety Certificate and other fees in relation to that certificate.

A spokesperson for the Transport and Logistics Bureau said, "To uphold Hong Kong's standing as an international maritime hub, the Government is committed to updating marine legislation regularly to reflect the latest developments in the local and global marine landscape. The current amendments are pivotal to ensuring that Hong Kong's marine legislation remains contemporary."

The Panel on Economic Development of the LegCo, as well as the Local Vessels Advisory Committee, Pilotage Advisory Committee, Port Operations Committee and Hong Kong Fleet Operation Advisory Committee of the Marine Department, have been consulted on the legislative proposal respectively. Members supported the proposal.

The proposed legislative amendments will be tabled at the LegCo for negative vetting on 16 October 2024.

For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202410/09/P2024100900200.htm.

Artificial Intelligence Subsidy Scheme opens for application

The Environmental Protection Department (EPD) spokesperson said on 7 October 2024 that the six-month adaptation period for the new regulation on disposable plastic products will conclude on 21 October 2024.

The EPD reminds all relevant businesses to prepare for the end of the adaptation period. For information on non-plastic alternatives, please visit the EPD's Green Tableware Platform (www.greentableware.hk) or contact the EPD hotline at 2838 3111.

During the past five months of the adaptation period, the new regulation has successfully initiated a trend of waste reduction across various sectors. The catering sector has reported that many takeaway customers have gradually adapted to bringing their own reusable cutlery. Chained restaurants have indicated that approximately 80 per cent of their customers have chosen not to require takeaway cutlery, and about 30 per cent of restaurants no longer provide any takeaway cutlery.

In the retail and services sectors, property management companies have revealed that most people have become accustomed to using umbrella dryers instead of single-use plastic umbrella bags. The use of disposable plastic products, such as plastic balloon sticks, glow sticks, and party hats during festivals, has significantly decreased, with businesses co-operating by switching to selling alternative products.

The hotel sector has reported that the consumption of disposable plastic items since the implementation of the new regulation has been reduced substantially. Many visitors have also expressed support for the new plastic-free measures. The implementation of the new regulation has encouraged habitual changes among both the public and the trades, fostering a new culture of "plastic-free, disposable-free, and green-recycling" at the community level and paving the way towards a new milestone in plastic-free living.

Plastic is widely used and deeply integrated into human life. However, due to its harm to the environment, there is now an international consensus: to achieve sustainable development, humanity must take action to reduce and ultimately eliminate plastic in the long term.

Hong Kong has implemented the new regulation since 22 April 2024, aiming to reduce the use of disposable plastic tableware and other disposable plastic products at the source. This initiative seeks to mitigate the impact of plastic pollution on marine ecology and human health, accompanied by publicity and education, with a view to establishing a habit and culture of being plastic-free in society.
 
For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202410/07/P2024100700350.htm.

Organised by the Innovation and Technology Commission (ITC), the InnoCarnival 2024 (IC 2024) will be held from 26 October to 3 November 2024 at the Hong Kong Science Park with the theme of "Let’s Sail with Innovation and Technology". The event is receiving support from over 75 programme partners, including local universities, research and development centres and platforms, government departments and other organisations. Through an array of interesting activities, it aims to promote innovation and technology (I&T) culture. IC 2024 is also one of the Special 75 events and Highlight Events of the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China.
 
Speaking at the media preview for IC 2024 on 4 October 2024, the Commissioner for Innovation and Technology, Mr Ivan Lee, said that the Commission has been committed to driving the I&T development of Hong Kong and raising the awareness of I&T culture in the community. He believed that the Carnival was an annual flagship event which could foster popularity of science culture, nurture the young generation's interest in I&T, and attract more I&T talent in the long run.
 
The media preview exhibited the research and development (R&D) projects of several participating teams. Project team representatives presented their inspirational ideas, R&D processes, features and functions, and project applications. These projects include the "Flexible Exoskeleton for Load Transportation", developed by the Chinese University of Hong Kong which provides personalised assistance to the wearer when moving heavy objects to reduce back strain and muscle activity, minimising the risk of lower back pain while maximising comfort and safety; as well as the "Dye Removal from Denim Textile Wastewater by a Combinative Adsorption and Regeneration System" developed by the Hong Kong Research Institute of Textiles and Apparel (HKRITA), which is an environmental-friendly and cost-effective indigo dye treatment method using alumina-based adsorbents as efficient dye-adsorbent materials to remove indigo dye from textile wastewater.
 
In addition, representatives of Carmel Divine Grace Foundation Secondary School, introduced their anti-phone scam invention for seniors, "ElderDefender". Equipped with speech recognition technology, the device would make use of artificial intelligence and big data technology to scan phone message to reduce phone scams by issuing a visual alert. This invention earned awards in the Hong Kong Student Science Competition organised by the Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups, as well as the Second City I&T Grand Challenge organised by the ITC together with the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation.
 
Exhibition booths will be set up at the Hong Kong Science Park to showcase local I&T achievements, some of them with interactive games. Moreover, a diverse line-up of about 150 workshops and webinars across various subjects including artificial intelligence and energy conservation will be available during the carnival.
 
Prototypes of some of the winning I&T solutions of the Second City I&T Grand Challenge will also be displayed for trial in the IC 2024. To promote an I&T culture and enhance the application of I&T in the community, the second City I&T Grand Challenge was launched in March 2024 under the theme of "Hong Kong's Got I&T". It invited submissions from different sectors of the community to develop I&T solutions focusing on two subjects, namely "I&T for Nature (Yama)" (improving the operation and management of country parks and campsites, and enhancing hikers' experiences in nature) and "I&T for Community (Community Wellness)" (enhancing support for carers). After rounds of assessment and pitching, over 50 awards under the four categories, which were the Primary School Group, the Secondary School Group, the University/Tertiary Institute Group and the Open Group, were presented at the Grand Pitch in August 2024.
 
All IC 2024 activities are free of charge. Some of the activities require preregistration. Details are available at the thematic webpage (innocarnival.hk). Members of the public are most welcome to join.
 
For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202410/04/P2024100400462.htm.

Demands for rates and/or Government rent for the quarter from October to December 2024 have been issued, and payment should be made by 31 October 2024.
 
Payment can be made:
 
(1) by using autopay, the Faster Payment System (FPS), PPS, Internet banking or bank automated teller machines (ATMs);
 
(2) by uploading an e-Cheque/e-Cashier Order via the Pay e-Cheque portal: www.payecheque.gov.hk;
 
(3) by sending a crossed cheque to the Treasury, PO Box No. 28000, Sham Shui Po Post Office, Hong Kong (please note that mail with insufficient postage will be rejected); or
 
(4) in person at any of the post offices or designated convenience stores in Hong Kong (i.e. 7-Eleven, Circle K, VanGo or U select). For the addresses and opening hours of post offices, please call Hongkong Post enquiry hotline on 2921 2222 or visit its website: www.hongkongpost.hk.
 
If payers have not received the demands, they may obtain replacement demands or enquire as to the amount payable by (i) visiting the Rating and Valuation Department website: www.rvd.gov.hk; (ii) calling 2152 0111; (iii) fax 2152 0113; or (iv) visiting in person at the Rating and Valuation Department, 15/F, Cheung Sha Wan Government Offices, 303 Cheung Sha Wan Road, Kowloon.
 
Please note that there will be no rates concession for this and the next quarters. The total amount due is shown on the demand. Non-receipt or late receipt of demand does not alter the requirement that the total amount due must be paid on or before 31 October 2024. A surcharge of 5 per cent will be imposed for late payment. A further surcharge of 10 per cent will be levied on the amount (including the 5 per cent surcharge) which remains unpaid six months after the last day for payment.
 
For payment by autopay, the rates and/or Government rent will be debited from payers’ bank accounts on 31 October 2024. Payers should ensure that there are sufficient funds in their bank accounts to meet the payments on that date until settlement.
 
To support environmental protection, payers are advised to utilise the Rating and Valuation Department free eRVD Bill service to receive e-bills and make payments. Payers are also encouraged to settle bills by autopay or other means of e-payment (e.g. PPS, ATMs, Internet banking or e-Cheque/e-Cashier Order) in order to save queuing time. Application forms for autopay are obtainable from the Rating and Valuation Department, District Offices and major banks in Hong Kong or by telephoning 2152 0111. Payers may also download the form from the Rating and Valuation Department website.
 
For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202410/04/P2024100300428.htm.

Government launches Signature Performing Arts Programme Scheme

The Government announced on 2 October 2024 the launch of the Signature Performing Arts Programme Scheme for selecting performing arts productions with potential and nurturing them to become representative and large-scale local performing arts productions for long-running performances.

Each selected programme under the Scheme will receive a maximum direct subsidy of $10 million to support expenses in areas such as creative concepts, stage productions, venue rentals, and marketing and promotion of the programme. To bring in resources from the community to jointly advance the development of local performing arts and to encourage the selected programmes to seek wider audience support, the Scheme will also provide a matching subsidy of up to $5 million to each selected programme to match the private sponsorship raised and box income received. 

A selected programme must stage at least 15 stage performances in Hong Kong and attract a total of at least 10 000 paid audience members. In addition, in accordance with the objective of nurturing large-scale and representative local performing arts productions for long-running performances, if a selected programme is able to make a profit in its first round of performances and stage a second round of performances of a similar scale in Hong Kong within the following 18 months, an additional subsidy equivalent to 20 per cent of the total funding support for the first round of the programme will be provided, with a view to encouraging successful programmes to be staged in Hong Kong on a long-running basis.

A Government spokesman said, "The Scheme will only select the best programmes among the applications for support, as its name suggests. The Scheme will play a pivotal role in showcasing Hong Kong's performing arts capability and further consolidate our role as an East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange." The Scheme will be implemented in two rounds, with two quotas under each round. Application details for the first round will be announced in November 2024, and the Scheme will be open for application before the end of 2024.

The Scheme was announced in the 2023 Policy Address. It aims to support representative and large-scale local performing arts productions to be staged as long-running performances, nurture world-class performing arts productions and international cultural brands that represent Hong Kong, and attract people from other places to Hong Kong, setting a stage facing the world.

For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202410/02/P2024100200224.htm.

Implementation of first phase of enhancement measures of Deposit Protection Scheme

The first phase of the enhancement measures of the Deposit Protection Scheme (DPS) came into effect on 1 October 2024, following the gazettal of the DPS (Amendment) Ordinance 2024 on 12 July 2024.
 
The enhancement measures that came into effect include:

• raising the deposit protection limit from HK$500,000 to HK$800,000 per depositor per bank;
• refining the levy system to enable the DPS Fund underpinning the DPS to reach the target fund size within a reasonable timeframe under the increased protection limit; and
• streamlining the negative disclosure requirement on non-protected deposit transactions for private banking customers.

The Chairman of the Hong Kong Deposit Protection Board, Ms Connie Lau Yin-hing, said, "We are pleased to see the smooth implementation of the first phase of enhancement measures. In particular, bank depositors will now be able to benefit from increased protection of up to HK$800,000. We have embarked on a series of promotional campaigns to raise public awareness of the enhanced DPS, and will continue to work closely with the banking industry to ensure the smooth implementation of the second phase of the enhancement measures in January next year (2025)."
 
The second phase of the enhancement measures will come into effect on 1 January 2025. The measures include providing enhanced coverage to affected depositors upon a bank merger or acquisition and requiring Scheme members to display the DPS membership sign on their electronic banking platforms.
 
For relevant press release, please visit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202410/01/P2024092600533.htm.