Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
Over 90 pct of foreign companies satisfied with China’s business environment: survey
BEIJING, Oct. 31 — More than 90 percent of foreign-funded companies in China are satisfied with the country’s business environment, according to a survey released on Thursday.
The survey, carried out in the third quarter of this year among over 400 foreign businesses, also revealed that about 50 percent of the respondents said they find the Chinese market more attractive, according to Sun Xiao, spokesperson of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade.
Over 60 percent of the surveyed U.S. enterprises said the attraction of the Chinese market for foreign investment becomes stronger, up 15.26 percentage points quarter on quarter, said Sun.
Sun said that about 20 percent of the surveyed foreign enterprises plan to increase investment in China, up 2.07 percentage points quarter on quarter.
About 54.76 percent of the surveyed overseas companies choose to increase investment in China by expanding production lines or pursuing digital transformation.
Source: People’s Republic of China – Ministry of National Defense 2
BEIJING, Oct. 31 — “The Philippine government needs to listen to the voices of its people, fully recognize the high sensitivity and grave consequences of this issue, and stop such dangerous behavior which will hurt others as well as herself,” said Senior Colonel Zhang Xiaogang, spokesperson for China’s Ministry of National Defense, at a regular press conference on Thursday.
It is reported that the Chairman of the Philippine Senate Foreign Relations Committee openly opposed the US’s deployment of Typhon mid-range missile system in the Philippines during her attendance at a recent media forum. When being asked to comment on such report, the Chinese defense spokesperson made the above remarks.
He pointed that China has repeatedly expressed firm opposition to the US’s deployment of mid-range missile system in the Philippines. “The US has withdrawn from the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty, developed Typhon mid-range missile system, and used it as a tool to maintain its hegemony,” stressed the spokesperson.
Furthermore, according to the spokesperson, the US has made willful deployment and stirred up troubles, which increased the risk of war in the region. It has been proven time and again that the US is a real saboteur to peace and a troublemaker.
The spokesperson also pointed out that in fact, many people in the Philippines oppose the US’s deployment of Typhon mid-range missile system. “The Philippine government should not tie herself to the US war chariot and end up being cannon fodders”, urged the spokesperson.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Aggressive Construction Engineering Limited, High Grade Engineering Limited and a contractor were fined $36,000, $43,000 and $35,000 respectively at Kwun Tong Magistrates’ Courts today (October 31). The prosecutions were launched by the Labour Department.
Aggressive Construction Engineering Limited violated the Factories and Industrial Undertakings Ordinance (FIUO), the Construction Sites (Safety) Regulations (CSSR) and the Factories and Industrial Undertakings (Safety Management) Regulation, whereas High Grade Engineering Limited and the other contractor violated the FIUO and the CSSR.
The case involved a fatal accident that occurred on December 14, 2022, at a construction site in Yau Tong. A worker, while dismantling an I-beam mounted on a wall, was struck and killed by the suddenly collapsed I-beam.
The Labour Department is examining the sentences and considering further actions.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The following is issued on behalf of the Office of The Ombudsman:
At the 27th Presentation Ceremony of The Ombudsman’s Awards today (October 31), The Ombudsman, Mr Jack Chan, presented the Grand Award to the Hong Kong Fire Services Department (FSD), an Award for Public Organisation to both the Social Welfare Department (SWD) and the Water Supplies Department (WSD), the Award on Mediation to the Housing Department (HD), the Customer Services Award to the Immigration Department (ImmD), and the Information Technology Application and Creativity Award to the Hospital Authority (HA). Individual Awards were also given to 79 public officers.
Mr Chan commended the award-winning organisations and public officers for their proactive use of mediation, their endeavours in achieving synergy through interdepartmental collaboration, and their positive attitude in complaint handling. During the ceremony, Mr Chan also discussed the three strategic focuses put forward since he assumed office: The Office of The Ombudsman will go full steam ahead with the use of mediation to resolve complaints from the public, promote interdepartmental collaboration, and instil a positive complaint culture in society. Mr Chan said, “With concerted efforts, we will definitely meet the objectives of improving people’s livelihood, fostering harmonious development in our society and raising the quality standards of public administration.”
This year’s recipient of the Grand Award, the FSD, has committed to providing effective fire and ambulance services for years. In 2023-24, 94 per cent of fire and ambulance calls were handled within the targeted response time, which is a standard higher than the performance pledge. The FSD’s dedication and professionalism in protecting public life and property are essential for ensuring the normal operation of society. The Department has also been proactive in promoting fire safety and public education on first aid.
​The SWD has been positive and practical in handling complaints. In response to the Office’s inquiries and investigations, the SWD has been active and efficient in providing comprehensive and useful information. In the Office’s direct investigation operation regarding the Pilot Scheme on Community Care Service Voucher for the Elderly, the SWD fully co-operated and was willing to accept and implement all of the Office’s recommendations.
The WSD has maintained its performance pledge to adopt a customer-oriented approach in providing services. The Department’s complaint handling shows its conscious efforts to provide clear, prompt and detailed replies. WSD staff explain complicated technical issues to the public in plain language and are forthcoming in providing details to the Office to account for incidents. The WSD’s positive attitude has enabled the Office to process complaints efficiently.
The HD received the Award on Mediation this year. The HD has actively used mediation as a mode of complaint handling. On many occasions, HD staff have suggested using mediation to quickly resolve fundamental problems leading to complaints and have made practical recommendations to address complainants’ discontent.
The Office has introduced two new awards this year: the Customer Services Award and the Information Technology Application and Creativity Award.
The ImmD is the first winning department of the Customer Services Award. Throughout the years, the ImmD has worked hard to provide services that best suit public needs, such as introducing the e-Channel Service and conducting the Territory-wide Identity Card Replacement Exercise. The procedures for applying for services and collecting documents are simple, flexible and efficient.
The HA is the first recipient of the Information Technology Application and Creativity Award. The HA spares no effort in exploring innovation methods and technology to enhance service quality and improve patients’ experiences. Such efforts of the HA can be seen in the launch and ongoing improvement of the “HA Go” app, and the extended coverage of the Medication Delivery Service to all specialist clinics to provide more efficient and convenient services to the public.
At the presentation ceremony, Mr Chan also commended recipients of the Individual Awards and recognised their contributions. He said, “Government departments and public organisations rely on their committed and diligent staff to provide quality public service. This year, 79 public officers received the Individual Awards, which is a record high. I am very pleased to see that more officers are being commended for their professional and excellent services. They have earned recognition and commendation from the general public, their respective departments or organisations, as well as my Office.”
A full list of the recipients of the Individual Awards this year and the experiences and thoughts from some of them about receiving these awards can be found in Appendices 1 and 2 respectively.
The Ombudsman’s Awards Scheme was introduced in 1997. In 1999, the Scheme was extended to honour individual public officers. In 2018, an additional Award on Mediation for a public organisation was introduced. In 2024, two new awards, namely the Customer Services Award and the Information Technology Application and Creativity Award, were added.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Hong Kong Customs shuts down underground cigarette factory and seizes tobacco products worth about $22 million (with photos) Hong Kong Customs shuts down underground cigarette factory and seizes tobacco products worth about $22 million (with photos) ******************************************************************************************
Hong Kong Customs launched an anti-illicit cigarette operation on October 29, shutting down an underground cigarette factory in Tuen Mun. A total of about 3.3 million of suspected illicit cigarettes and about 1 100 kilograms of suspected duty-not-paid manufactured tobacco, with a total estimated market value of about $22 million and a duty potential of about $15 million, were seized. Based on intelligence analysis, Customs identified an industrial building unit in Tuen Mun for an in-depth investigation. On the evening of October 29, Customs officers intercepted and arrested four men and three women, aged between 35 and 63, outside the unit. Six of them were suspected illegal workers. In addition, an illegal cigarette production line was found in the unit, which included a number of machines for producing and packaging illicit cigarettes, as well as a large amount of raw materials used for manufacturing illicit cigarettes. After counting, Customs seized about 3.3 million of suspected illicit cigarettes and about 1 100kg of suspected duty-not-paid manufactured tobacco at the scene, dismantling an underground cigarette factory exploiting illegal workers. The seven arrested persons have been charged with “dealing with goods to which the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance applies” and will appear at the Tuen Mun Magistrates’ Courts tomorrow (November 1). Customs will continue to trace the source of the batch of raw materials of the illicit cigarettes and the production line-related machines. The likelihood of further arrests is not ruled out. Customs reminds citizens that they must be vigilant when purchasing cigarettes. They should patronise reputable merchants or stores and not purchase cigarettes from unknown sources to avoid threats to their health. Under the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance, a person shall not, except under and in accordance with a licence, manufacture tobacco. Also, anyone involved in dealing with, possession of, selling or buying illicit cigarettes commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $1 million and imprisonment for two years. Members of the public may report any suspected illicit cigarette activities to Customs’ 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (https://eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002/).
Ends/Thursday, October 31, 2024Issued at HKT 18:13
The burden of diagnosed prevalent cases of primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) (including normal tension glaucoma (NTG)) is forecast to increase at an annual growth rate (AGR) of 1% from around 9.1 million cases in 2023 to 10 million cases in 2033 in the seven major markets (7MM*), according to GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.
GlobalData’s latest report, ‘Glaucoma: Epidemiology Forecast to 2033’, reveals that the increase is partly attributed to increased disease awareness and improved diagnostic testing across the 7MM, combined with underlying demographic changes in the respective markets.
In the US and 5EU markets, the average proportion of NTG among POAG is approximately 40%; however, Japanese populations are at a significantly greater risk of NTG. As such, GlobalData epidemiologists anticipate that in 2033, 91% of all POAG cases in Japan will be NTG.
Anna Moody, MRES, Senior Epidemiologist at GlobalData, comments: “More research is needed to understand why Japanese populations are at an increased risk for NTG. Understanding the risk factors that increase susceptibility could help inform prevention strategies and disease outcomes.”
GlobalData epidemiologists also forecast the age-specific diagnosed prevalent cases of POAG (excluding NTG) and found that the prevalence of glaucoma increased with increasing age. In 2033, the diagnosed prevalence of POAG (excluding NTG) in the 7MM is expected to be lowest from 40–49 years (0.1%), and highest in 80–84 years (2.5%). An individual’s intraocular pressure increases as they age, which explains why their risk of glaucoma also increases as they age.
Moody concludes: “As the population of elderly people increases across the 7MM, more regular eye-testing should be encouraged in individuals over 40 years to ensure prompt diagnosis of glaucoma. Early diagnosis and treatment prevent more extreme disease outcomes, such as blindness.”
*7MM: The US, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the UK, and Japan
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
Burning household waste can cause pollution, harm people, wildlife and the environment and could lead to a fine of up to £50,000.
Go to a properly organised bonfire instead of holding your own and risk breaking the rules
With Bonfire Night fast approaching, the Environment Agency is urging those planning to celebrate to go to an organised event or risk a hefty fine if holding their own.
As well as the safety risks caused by bonfires, they have an impact on the climate and, if the wrong materials are burned, can harm wildlife, the environment and human health.
The only materials that should be used in bonfires are dry, untreated and unpainted wood, along with small amounts of paper or cardboard. Using wet wood creates smoke which can spread and cause a nuisance to neighbours, and bonfires can quickly get out of control if not properly managed.
Those still planning to have a bonfire at home are advised:
not to use it to dispose of household waste such as plastic, rubber, glass, oils or metal – these materials carry a pollution risk and should be disposed of through waste collections or at council recycling centres.
always check for hedgehogs and other wildlife which may have crawled inside before setting light to a bonfire
don’t allow anyone else to add materials to your bonfire, other than clean, dry, untreated wood.
Wet wood creates smoke and bonfires can quickly escape control
It’s not just householders that may use Bonfire Night as a way of getting rid of rubbish, businesses may use it to burn waste too, but the Environment Agency also urges them to be aware of what they are burning.
As well as the harm and nuisance burning the wrong kind of waste can cause, burning of most types of waste is illegal and can carry a fine of up to £50,000.
Ben Shayler of the Environment Agency said:
We want people to have fun on Bonfire Night – but to do so safely and in a way that won’t create a risk to the environment, wildlife, you and your neighbours.
The best way of doing that is to stop burning waste altogether and go to a properly organised community event where organisers have followed our guidelines and won’t be causing a hazard.
Whether you are a business owner or householder, if you are paying someone to take waste away, always check they are licensed waste carriers who will dispose of waste correctly. Criminals working in illegal waste operations may also use the celebration to dispose of hazardous and inappropriate waste.
Dave Waters, area manager of Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service, said:
We would always urge people to attend organised bonfire and fireworks events as it’s much safer. In addition, it reduces the potential pressure on the fire and rescue service at a time of year when we can be extremely busy.
If you see a bonfire being built, which you think may contain hazardous materials, you can contact the Environment Agency on our 24-hour helpline at 0800 807060 or report it anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
New Zealand and the six-nation Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have concluded negotiations on a trade agreement that will open up significant opportunities for New Zealand exporters in the Gulf region, Minister for Trade and Agriculture Todd McClay announced from Doha today.
Today’s announcement follows significant reengagement with the GCC following meetings with GCC Ministers at the WTO Ministerial Meeting in Abu Dhabi in February of this year and delivers on an 18 year-long ambition for New Zealand to agree this high-quality trade deal in the Middle East.
“This is the highest quality deal the GCC has done to date and its first with a major agricultural exporter,” Mr McClay said.
“It delivers duty free access for 99 per cent of New Zealand’s exports over 10 years and when combined with our recently concluded NZ-UAE CEPA, 51 per cent of our exports to the region will be tariff-free from day one.
New Zealand and GCC trade is worth over $3 billion annually, with New Zealand exporting $2.6 billion in the year to June 2024. This includes $1.8 billion of dairy, $260 million of red meat, $72 million of horticulture and $70 million of travel and tourism services.
The agreement includes provisions that will make doing business easier with preferential access for our primary sector exporters, streamlined customs processes, reduced trade barriers, and commitments to level the playing field for Kiwi services businesses entering the market.
The agreement also includes chapters and provisions on intellectual property, transparency and trade and sustainable development including labour standards, climate, and women’s economic empowerment committing to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW). New Zealand has also secured our Treaty of Waitangi exception to allow us to meet treaty obligations.
“This agreement complements the NZ-UAE CEPA that was announced in September, and together they represent an important milestone in the Government’s efforts to grow our international connections and double exports by value in 10 years,” Mr McClay says.
“Successfully concluding a trade agreement with the GCC has been a long-standing ambition for successive governments for almost two decades. Growing New Zealand’s trade relationships is part of our plan to grow the economy, lift incomes for kiwis, and create jobs.”
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
HKMA and BIS co-host international financial conference (with photos) HKMA and BIS co-host international financial conference (with photos) *********************************************************************
The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority: An international financial conference (Conference), jointly organised by the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) and the Bank for International Settlements (BIS) and supported by the Global Association of Risk Professionals (GARP), was successfully concluded today (October 31) in Hong Kong. This Conference followed the 15th Global Risk Forum co-hosted by the HKMA and GARP on October 30, and brought together over 100 representatives from international bodies, central banks, regulatory authorities, financial institutions, technology firms, consultancy firms and academia around the world. Building on the success of the inaugural Conference last year, the HKMA co-organised this significant event with the BIS for the second time. The Conference this year focused on the theme of “Opportunities and Challenges of Emerging Technologies in the Financial Ecosystem”, and featured a keynote address by the Deputy Governor of the Bank of England for Financial Stability, Ms Sarah Breeden. Other distinguished speakers of the Conference also shared their valuable insights on how artificial intelligence, tokenisation, and other technologies are transforming the financial landscape and how the industry can better prepare for these changes. The Chief Executive of the HKMA, Mr Eddie Yue, said, “Technology is a game changer in the financial industry. While we embrace the immense opportunities it offers, we must also strengthen collaboration among all parties to effectively address the challenges it presents. This Conference provides an excellent opportunity to leverage the collective insights of relevant stakeholders on the opportunities and challenges brought about by technological advancements. The HKMA will work hand in hand with the banking industry to foster a safe and smooth digital transformation journey.” Chief Representative of the BIS Office for Asia and the Pacific, Mr Tao Zhang, said, “Working closely with central banks and other stakeholders, the BIS can play a crucial role in support of their efforts to reap the benefits of tokenisation and artificial intelligence while addressing associated challenges.”About the Bank for International Settlements The Bank for International Settlements (BIS) is an international organisation established in 1930 and owned by central banks. Its headquarters is located in Basel, Switzerland. The mission of the BIS is to support co-operation among central banks around the world in their pursuit of global monetary and financial stability. The BIS Representative Office for Asia and the Pacific is located in Hong Kong. The BIS also has an innovation hub centre in Hong Kong and is undertaking projects to develop public goods in the technology space to support central banks and improve the functioning of the financial system. This year marks the 5th anniversary of the Hong Kong Centre of the BIS Innovation Hub. About the Global Association of Risk Professionals The Global Association of Risk Professionals (GARP) is a non-partisan, not-for-profit membership organisation focused on elevating the practice of risk management. GARP offers the leading global certification for risk managers in the Financial Risk Manager (FRM®), as well as the Sustainability and Climate Risk (SCR®) Certificate, Risk and AI (RAI™) Certificate, and ongoing educational opportunities through Continuing Professional Development. Through the GARP Benchmarking Initiative (GBI®) and GARP Risk Institute, GARP sponsors research in risk management and promotes collaboration among practitioners, academics, and regulators. Founded in 1996 and governed by a Board of Trustees, GARP is headquartered in Jersey City, New Jersey, the United States, with offices in London and Hong Kong.
Ends/Thursday, October 31, 2024Issued at HKT 18:17
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Expert Advisory Group on Legal and Dispute Resolution Services holds first meeting (with photos) Expert Advisory Group on Legal and Dispute Resolution Services holds first meeting (with photos) ******************************************************************************************
The Expert Advisory Group on Legal and Dispute Resolution Services (EAG), established by the Department of Justice (DoJ) earlier this month, held its first meeting today (October 31). During the meeting, the EAG considered and endorsed its terms of reference and discussed future work and issues for follow-up. The EAG, chaired by the Secretary for Justice, Mr Paul Lam, SC, and with the Deputy Secretary for Justice, Mr Cheung Kwok-kwan, as the vice-chairman, comprises experts from the legal and dispute resolution services sector. It advises the DoJ in respect of the promotion and development of the legal and dispute resolution services of Hong Kong for a term of three years. Its terms of reference are as follows:
Considering, formulating and advising on the overall strategies and initiatives for the promotion and development of Hong Kong’s legal and dispute resolution services in and outside Hong Kong; Advising on the wider use of out-of-court dispute resolution services (including mediation and arbitration) in Hong Kong; Serving as a forum for raising and discussing such issues as may be of concern to the legal and dispute resolution sector to enhance Hong Kong as a centre for international legal and dispute resolution services in the Asia-Pacific region; and Considering and dealing with such other matters as may be incidental to any of the matters stated above.
Meanwhile, the Working Group on Mediation Regulatory System, chaired by Mr Lam and vice-chaired by Mr Cheung, has also been established this October for a term of two years. Members of the Working Group will advise the DoJ on the mediation regulation regime in Hong Kong, including reviewing and making recommendations to reform or improve the current regime in relation to matters such as accreditation and disciplinary matters. ??? The membership lists of the EAG and the Working Group are attached in Annexes 1 and 2.
Ends/Thursday, October 31, 2024Issued at HKT 18:24
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
CHP investigates case of severe enterovirus 71 infection and epidemiologically linked outbreak of hand, foot and mouth disease CHP investigates case of severe enterovirus 71 infection and epidemiologically linked outbreak of hand, foot and mouth disease ******************************************************************************************
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) is today (October 31) investigating a case of severe enterovirus (EV) 71 infection and an epidemiologically linked outbreak of hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD), and again urged the public and institutions to maintain strict hand, personal and environmental hygiene. The severe case involved a 12-day-old baby girl. She has presented with fever since October 25, and was brought to the Accident and Emergency Department of Prince of Wales Hospital and admitted for treatment on the same day. Her clinical sample tested positive for EV71 upon laboratory testing. The clinical diagnoses were EV71 infection complicated with meningitis. The patient is now in stable condition. Initial enquiries revealed that the patient had no travel history during the incubation period. Her 18-month-old brother and her father had developed HFMD infection symptoms since October 18 and 22 respectively, and both of them had recovered. Her other home contacts have remained asymptomatic. The CHP has arranged laboratory testing for the two symptomatic home contacts. The CHP’s epidemiological investigations also revealed that Tsung Tsin Mission of Hong Kong Joyful Place, where the patient’s brother is receiving childcare services, recorded a recent outbreak of HFMD. According to preliminary information, the outbreak involves six children, including the patient’s brother, three boys and two girls, aged between 15 months and 18 months. They have developed HFMD symptoms between October 18 and 26, and all of them sought medical attention and no hospitalisation was required. They are now in a stable condition. All children in the child care centre have been put under medical surveillance by the CHP. According to the information collected from the epidemiological investigations so far, the CHP suspected that the outbreak of HFMD in the child care centre was caused by EV71. The CHP will arrange laboratory testing for all children with relevant symptoms in order to ascertain the causative agent of infection. Officers of the CHP have conducted a site visit to the child care centre to understand the disinfection, infection control and child care steps, and advised necessary measures. The CHP has advised the child care centre to suspend classes starting from tomorrow for 14 days to prevent further spread of HFMD. The child care centre has been requested to conduct thorough cleaning and disinfection under the supervision of the CHP. The CHP’s investigations are ongoing. “EV71 is one of the causative agents for HFMD. The infection is transmitted by direct contact with an infected person’s nose or throat discharges, saliva, fluid from blisters or stool. Good personal and environmental hygiene are the most important measures to prevent EV71 infection,” a spokesman for the CHP said. “HFMD is common in children, while adult cases may also appear. It is usually caused by enteroviruses such as Coxsackie virus and EV71. It is clinically characterised by maculopapular rashes or vesicular lesions occurring on the palms, soles and other parts of the body such as the buttocks and thighs. Vesicular lesions and ulcers may also be found in the oral cavity. Sometimes patients present mainly with painful ulcers at the back of the mouth, namely herpangina, without rash on the hands or feet,” the spokesman said. “The local HFMD activity is currently at high level. In Hong Kong, the usual peak season for HFMD and EV71 infection is from May to July. A smaller peak may also occur from October to December. As young children are more susceptible, parents should stay alert to their health condition. Institutional outbreaks may occur where HFMD can easily spread among young children with close contact,” the spokesman added. The spokesman reminded that alcohol-based handrub should not substitute hand hygiene with liquid soap and water, as alcohol does not effectively kill some viruses causing HFMD, for example, EV71. To prevent HFMD, members of the public (especially the management of institutions) should take heed of the following preventive measures:
Maintain good air circulation; Wash hands before meals and after going to the toilet or handling diapers or other stool-soiled materials; Keep hands clean and wash hands properly, especially when they are dirtied by respiratory secretions, such as after sneezing; Cover the nose and mouth while sneezing or coughing and dispose of nasal and oral discharges properly; Regularly clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces such as furniture, toys and commonly shared items with 1:99 diluted household bleach (mixing one part of household bleach containing 5.25 per cent sodium hypochlorite with 99 parts of water), leave for 15 to 30 minutes, and then rinse with water and keep dry; Use absorbent disposable towels to wipe away obvious contaminants such as respiratory secretions, vomitus or excreta, and then disinfect the surface and neighbouring areas with 1:49 diluted household bleach (mixing one part of bleach containing 5.25 per cent sodium hypochlorite with 49 parts of water), leave for 15 to 30 minutes and then rinse with water and keep dry; Children who are ill should be kept out of school until their fever and rash have subsided and all vesicles have dried and crusted; Avoid going to overcrowded places; and Parents should maintain close communication with schools to let them know the latest situation of sick children.
???The CHP’s weekly publication, EV SCAN (www.chp.gov.hk/en/view_content/21639.html), is issued every Friday to report the latest local situation of HFMD. Members of the public may also visit the CHP’s page on HFMD and EV71 infection for more information.
Ends/Thursday, October 31, 2024Issued at HKT 18:30
Source: Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe – OSCE
Headline: OSCE highlights importance of cybersecurity and cyber hygiene as Cybersecurity Awareness Month comes to an end
Throughout October, the OSCE Transnational Threats Department has held a series of activities promoting cybersecurity good practices and general cyber hygiene as part of the OSCE’s contribution to the global Cybersecurity Awareness Month initiative.
This year’s activities, which marked the OSCE’s fifth participation in the global initiative, were an opportunity to raise awareness of the OSCE’s cyber/ICT security confidence-building measures (CBMs) and discuss emerging cyberspace issues. They include a social media campaign, webinars with renowned international experts, and the publication of a new OSCE cyber/ICT security factsheet.
The activities supported the priorities of the Maltese OSCE Chairpersonship on cyber/ICT security, from comprehensively enhancing resilience against cyber threats and supporting the implementation of relevant CBMs, to strengthening the OSCE’s women, peace and security agenda.
The first webinar focused on the impact artificial intelligence has on relations between states in cyberspace. The speakers explored the intersection of artificial intelligence with diplomacy, cybersecurity and international relations, discussing both the current and potential challenges of AI in these fields.
The second webinar showcased “National Cybersecurity Awareness Raising Platforms” to emphasize the critical role of national initiatives in promoting good cybersecurity practices and ensuring greater cyber resilience. The speakers shared effective strategies that actively engage the public and promote individual responsibility.
The third webinar examined how to better include gender considerations in cyber capacity-building and addressing gender dynamics in cybersecurity to create inclusive policies and practices. The speakers provided several recommendations, including setting gender markers for projects, fostering cross-sectoral stakeholder collaboration and creating concrete tools for education, training and early mentorship.
The 2024 OSCE Cybersecurity Awareness Month activities were part of the “Activities and customized support for the implementation of OSCE cyber/ICT security confidence-building measures” project, with the financial support of the United States of America.
The House of Lords is an archaic and antidemocratic institution.
More in Scottish Independence
Members of the House of Lords would be disqualified from serving in the Scottish Parliament under proposals lodged today by Scottish Green MSP Ross Greer.
Peers have been barred from voting in general elections and are not allowed to stand for election to the House of Commons. Mr Greer’s proposal, lodged as an amendment to the Elections Bill, would also disqualify them from taking office as MSPs.
“The House of Lords is an antidemocratic and archaic institution. It should be a source of embarrassment to the UK that more than half of Westminster’s lawmakers are completely unelected and unaccountable, including some who quite clearly paid for their peerages with dodgy donations to one party or another.
“The only way you should get to decide on the laws of this country is via a fair election. Every MSP is democratically elected, but there is a clear conflict between this and sitting in the unelected Lords. If a peer wants to serve in Holyrood, they should resign their membership of the Lords first.
“A handful of peers have been elected as MSPs since the Scottish Parliament was re-established. Most have done a fantastic job of advocating for their constituents and representing their communities.
“This amendment is not about individuals, it is about democracy and accountability. I hope that MSPs across all parties will put those principles first by supporting my amendment.”
Source: Novosibirsk State University – Novosibirsk State University –
On October 31, the second scientific and production forum “Golden Valley” began its work, the main organizer of which is Novosibirsk State University. The goal of the event is to stimulate interaction between the university and scientific organizations with industrial partners through the implementation of joint projects and demonstration of scientific developments in the interests of the real sector of the economy. The forum brought together more than 1,000 participants from all over the country.
Opening the forum, Vice-Governor of the Novosibirsk Region Irina Manuilova noted that our region has extensive experience in holding large forums. For the 11th time this year, the Technoprom International Forum for the Development of the Russian Federation was held, and the topics that will be discussed within the framework of the Golden Valley will be continued at Technoprom next year.
— Today we are opening a forum at a leading university, which is one of the five leading universities in the country. Industry leaders have gathered here to share their experience in solving priority tasks to achieve technological sovereignty of Russia. The President has set a task for us — to become leaders in the implementation of innovations in the economy, to achieve technological leadership. In the shortest possible time, we need to build new technological chains together. To this end, new technological projects will be launched in 2025, developed in accordance with the national development goals of the Russian Federation for the period up to 2030. Universities play one of the leading roles in this process. As Governor Andrei Travnikov noted earlier, the role of universities in the socio-economic development of the regions has increased significantly today. This is reflected in federal programs — the strategic academic leadership “Priority 2030”, the project to create modern campuses, which the regional government actively supports, — noted Irina Manuilova.
The forum program includes plenary sessions, thematic sections, scientific tours and a number of satellite events, including the strategic session “Digital Transformation: Artificial Intelligence in Solving Public Sector Problems,” initiated by the Ministry of Digital Development and Communications of the Novosibirsk Region.
— Further digital transformation of the Novosibirsk Region is inseparable from the scientific and fundamental base. The regional government is conducting targeted work on priority research tasks in the interests of ministries and departments. The Ministry of Digital Development plans to conduct a number of scientific studies in the field of unmanned aircraft systems and artificial intelligence. We will build this work in a proactive dialogue with representatives of the university and scientific community, the real sector of the economy. To this end, within the framework of the Golden Valley forum, we are holding a strategic session on the implementation of AI technologies in solving public sector problems, — emphasized Sergey Tsukar, Minister of Digital Development and Communications of the Novosibirsk Region.
The thematic sections of the Golden Valley focus on current areas of technological development of the Russian economy – aviation and unmanned aircraft systems, mechanical engineering, energy, robotics and artificial intelligence technologies in industry, construction, medicine and agricultural technologies.
Representatives of large federal companies and state corporations, such as United Engine Corporation, AFK Sistema, AvtoVAZ, Rostec State Corporation, heads of industrial enterprises of the Novosibirsk Region, leading scientists of the Novosibirsk Scientific Center, as well as young innovators united in the University Startup Studio, will deliver reports at plenary and sectional sessions.
NSU is the organizer of the forum for the second year, devoting a lot of attention to this event.
— Holding such a forum is an important part of our transformation strategy, when we actively integrate into the economic agenda and participate in solving real problems of various industries. The goal of the forum for us is to strengthen and develop the interaction of the university with industrial partners and in the future to involve them in joint developments and creation of technologies already on the basis of the university. I would like to wish that this forum, which unites science, industry and education, will further contribute to the development and strengthening of the “Lavrentiev triangle”. And the university will do everything to achieve this goal, — commented the rector of NSU, academician of the Russian Academy of Sciences Mikhail Fedoruk.
The forum will last two days and, as last year, should lead to the conclusion of a number of agreements between the university and representatives of the high-tech industry.
Reference:
The first scientific and production forum “Golden Valley” was held in 2023. Then it brought together more than 1000 participants. Over 130 speakers spoke at sections and plenary sessions, including 15 members of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 20 rectors of universities in the Siberian Federal District, and more than 50 directors of federal and regional enterprises.
Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
Washington (Agenzia Fides) – The war in the Middle East has entered the race for the White House especially in those States like Michigan where there is a large percentage of the population of Arab origin (Palestinian, Lebanese and Iraqi in particular).Foreign policy is not traditionally among the key factors that guide the US electorate’s choices inside the ballot box. Nonetheless, the outcome of the US presidential election (voting takes place on Tuesday 5 November) is bound to have a significant impact on the tensions that cross the global geopolitical scenarios and the wars that bloody the world.The Democratic candidate is in a difficult position because she is part of the current administration that granted at least $18 billion in military aid to Israel after the attack unleashed by Hamas on 7 October 2023, fuelling criticism from those who see America as complicit in the massacres committed against civilians in Gaza. Kamala Harris has not been spared criticism from the more left-wing part of her party and the Arab electorate, despite being as Vice-President one of the first people in the Biden administration to call for an ‘immediate ceasefire’, and to express concern about the ‘humanitarian catastrophe for the Palestinians’ urging Israel to end the conflict. However, she did not support an arms embargo against Israel, which some on the US left would like. At the party convention, she said she would ‘always stand up for Israel’s right to defend itself’.In her support, the 2016 nominee of the most left-wing part of the Democratic Party, Bernie Sanders recently promised his supporters: ‘I promise you, after Kamala wins, we will together do everything that we can to change US policy toward Netanyahu’.But the Democratic candidate aroused the ire of the Arab-origin electorate when she received the endorsement of Liz Cheney, daughter of Goerge W. Bush’s former vice-president Dick Cheney, who is considered a hawk who promoted the invasion of Iraq in 2003 and is not well regarded by Americans of Iraqi origin.Donald Trump did not miss the opportunity to ridicule in the eyes of the electorate of Arab origin the proximity offered by the former Republican congresswoman to the Democratic candidate, saying: ‘Liz Cheney, who, like her father, the man that pushed Bush to ridiculously go to War in the Middle East, also wants to go to War with every Muslim Country known to mankind’. Trump for his part has to make amends for inflammatory statements towards Arabs and Muslims, especially with regard to immigration to the US, but he is now trying to get closer to the Arab electorate (and more generally those who are critical of the war in Gaza) by promising to be the one who will bring peace back to the Middle East and Ukraine. ‘If Kamala gets four more years, the Middle East will spend the next four decades going up in flames, and your kids will be going off to War, maybe even a Third World War, something that will never happen with President Donald J. Trump in charge,’ he said. But beyond rhetorical proclamations what is Trump’s position on the Middle East? Trump has repeatedly stated that the war between Israel and Hamas would never have broken out had he been in power, although he has offered few details on how he would have handled the situation differently from Biden. During his time in office, he promoted the so-called Abraham Accords that led to the opening of diplomatic relations between Israel and a number of Arab states (the UAE, Bahrain, Morocco and Sudan) and with the prospect of reaching a regional understanding extended to Saudi Arabia, the other pillar of American policy in the Middle East. The aim was to create a regional security system centred on Israel and Saudi Arabia of which the US would act as external guarantor, allowing it to withdraw some of its troops deployed in the area.The logic behind the Abraham Accords was explained by Trump’s vice presidential candidate, JD Vance. ‘America doesn’t have to constantly police every region of the world,’ he said in a television interview. ‘We should empower people to police their own regions of the world.’ Vance while recognizing Israel’s right to defend itself stated that a war with Iran is not in the US interest.The Abraham Accords, however, do not offer a real solution to the Palestinian issue even though Trump in early 2020 had proposed an American-funded Israeli-Palestinian peace plan aimed at making Gaza an international tourism hub. The Trump administration had also recognized Jerusalem as the capital of Israel where it had transferred the embassy from Tel Aviv and closed the US consulate in East Jerusalem that mainly served Palestinians. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides, 31/10/2024)
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United States Delivers Second United Nations Level 2 Hospital to Uganda for Peacekeeping and Humanitarian Efforts
The U.S. provided $5.5 million state-of-the-art U.N. Level 2 hospital As to help support the Ugandan military.
United States Delivers Second United Nations Level 2 Hospital to Uganda for Peacekeeping and Humanitarian Efforts
The U.S. provided $5.5 million state-of-the-art U.N. Level 2 hospital As to help support the Ugandan military.
United States Delivers Second United Nations Level 2 Hospital to Uganda for Peacekeeping and Humanitarian Efforts
The U.S. provided $5.5 million state-of-the-art U.N. Level 2 hospital As to help support the Ugandan military.
United States Delivers Second United Nations Level 2 Hospital to Uganda for Peacekeeping and Humanitarian Efforts
The U.S. provided $5.5 million state-of-the-art U.N. Level 2 hospital As to help support the Ugandan military.
The U.S. provided $5.5 million state-of-the-art U.N. Level 2 hospital As to help support the Ugandan military. The 22-bed facility, equipped with specialized suites for dental and surgical care, is designed for rapid deployment in response to regional peacekeeping, humanitarian emergencies, and medical crises.
The donation marks the second U.N. Level 2 hospital delivered from the U.S. to Uganda. The first donated hospital played a crucial role during the COVID-19 pandemic, significantly contributing to the Ugandan response and saving thousands of lives, including civilians.
As part of the transfer, soldiers from the Uganda People’s Defence Force participated in intensive training at the Uganda Rapid Deployment Capabilities Center in Jinja, Oct. 14-29. During training, they learned essential skills in setting up, operating, and dismantling the hospital to ensure effective deployment when needed.
“This initiative reflects the United States’ dedication to enhancing health care and humanitarian response capabilities as part of the more than 60-year partnership with the Ugandan people,” U.S. Ambassador William Popp to Uganda said.
The majority of U.S. defense and security cooperation in Uganda supports health programs with a direct impact on Ugandan citizens. While less than 3% of the nearly $1 billion in total U.S. government development and humanitarian assistance to Uganda in 2023, nearly two-thirds of all U.S. security cooperation funds went to health programs, with the rest supporting human rights and legal training as well as peacekeeping efforts in Somalia.
Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain – 31 October 2024 – In support of the National Action Plan to achieve carbon neutrality, announced by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, and in line with the launch of National Tree Week by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, to be held annually on the third week of October, HE Khalid Humaidan, Governor of Central Bank of Bahrain, planted a number of trees on CBB’s premises alongside senior officials.
The National Tree Week supports the Kingdom’s afforestation plan to double the number of trees to 3.6 million by 2035, contributing to the Kingdom’s commitments under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.
Source: World Trade Organization – WTO (video statements)
In this special WTO Public Forum edition of Marrakesh Coffee, Adam Posen, President of the Peterson Institute for International Economics, explores what truly inclusive trade means and how we can achieve it. He also discusses how the Marrakesh Agreement’s promise—raising living standards, increasing employment, and promoting sustainable development—can be fulfilled, ensuring these benefits reach more people and WTO members.
Scientists from the University of Aberdeen have attached tiny ‘backpack’ type trackers to hummingbirds in the Andes in a bid to learn more about their movements.
We are very excited to have successfully implemented a system that is giving us a unique insight into the movements of hummingbirds and other small animals endemic to high mountain ecosystems of the Andes.” Cristina Rueda Uribe
Researchers have teamed up with the Chingaza National Park in Colombia, in addition to the Pontificia Universidad Javeriana in Colombia, Queen’s University Belfast and the University of Washington in the United States, for the project to help inform the park’s plans of expanding the park and connecting to other nearby protected areas.
Previously, it has been impossible to collect movement data for hummingbirds and other small animals in the area, however the team were able to set up an automated radio telemetry grid at 3,300m above sea level in the Andes of Colombia. This technology generates fine resolution and continuous location estimates for individual animals, resulting in millions of datapoints that provides information on species’ habitat requirements, movement patterns and seasonal occurrence, all of which are important to inform landscape-level management practices that avoid local extinctions.
Cristina Rueda Uribe, a PhD candidate from the University’s School of Biological Sciences, said: “We are very excited to have successfully implemented a system that is giving us a unique insight into the movements of hummingbirds and other small animals endemic to high mountain ecosystems of the Andes.
“The transmitters we attached to the hummingbirds are tiny! They weigh only 0.35g because the largest birds are only around 12-14g. We use a harness that goes around their wings and chest, so the tag sits on their back like a backpack. The tag has a solar panel and will transmit signals for the rest of their lifetime, whenever the sun is shining the panel is activated.
“Through this, we have been able to obtain information on foraging routines, home ranges and seasonality. This information increases our understanding about biodiversity in tropical mountains and is also useful to protect these species, as well as their key ecosystem roles as pollinators, in the face of ongoing climate and land use change.
“Our system is the first to use automated radio signals to track movement in high mountain ecosystems of the Andes, and it is one of only a few that has been attempted in wild landscapes where terrain and vegetation are challenging. Its success is due to an huge international collaborative effort between scientists, designers, drone pilots, park rangers, and field ornithologists. This is such an important step forward as the system is mainly focussed on tracking hummingbirds and revealing movement patterns that are key for their role as plant pollinators, in ecosystems that are especially vulnerable to changes in climate and land use.
“I am also excited that this project has motivated local management to use technology for conservation, and it has also inspired researchers to adapt this technology in other locations. We are now helping our collaborators to establish a similar grid in lowland forests in the Amazon region.”
Participants who completed the latest Multiply programme received their certificates and a free airfryer or slow cooker at the final class of their course on Wednesday 23rd October at Lurgan’s Jethro Centre.
Multiply is an innovative training programme designed to empower individuals who have not yet achieved a GCSE Maths Grade C or above. This course particularly focuses on those for whom English is not a first language, providing tailored support to enhance their mathematical skills and confidence.
Organised by Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council, and delivered by People 1st, the course saw 16 participants complete the course which aimed to break down barriers to learning by offering accessible and engaging maths training in a supportive environment. This course also focused on cookery, teaching budgeting skills as well as some healthy recipes.
Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon, Councillor Sarah Duffy said:
“Maths is a critical skill that opens doors to further education and better job opportunities. Through the various Multiply programmes, the council aims to create a supportive pathway for those who may have faced challenges in the past, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to succeed.”
One participant, commented: “I’m happy to be here together and have something like this in my life. It was just what we needed, speaking English, and learning, all to have a better life.”
This project was funded by the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. This is part of a £5.9m Multiply fund being managed by the Department for the Economy in the north of Ireland.
As only one part of the Council’s Multiply programme, there has been several successful family fun days so far as well as ongoing courses on business finances, preparing for retirement and another budget friendly cookery course. To find out more about the programme, visit: www.armaghbanbridgecraigavon.gov.uk/multiply
To help protect and maintain an important cultural asset for the city, York Mansion House will undergo £1.2m maintenance, accessibility and safety improvements.
It will reopen in in 2025, 300 years after its original construction began.
To help protect and maintain an important cultural asset for the city, York Mansion House will undergo £1.2m maintenance, accessibility and safety improvements and will reopen in 2025, 300 years after its original construction began.
One of the earliest civic buildings to be built in the classical style in England, the Mansion House is the official seat of The Rt Hon The Lord Mayor of York, and holds an important collection of items connected to the history of the city over the past 800 years.
Work to build the house began in 1725 and was completed in 1732. The last major restoration was done in 2015-17, and the upcoming works will be a significant investment in the House.
This refurbishment aims to address essential maintenance tasks which include repairing wear and tear to the building and to prevent any further deterioration in the historic roof, walls and windows. It will also include important upgrades to the lift to improve the accessibility and environmental performance of the historic building, and decoration works will also refresh the interior where structural work is required.
The Mansion House will close temporarily on 10 November, when the contents will be safely stored. This will be done with the help of students who will gain valuable practical experience of working in a historical building. Staff will oversee the work, continue with outreach education work and carry out research on the House and its contents.
Starting in early 2025, the works will be overseen by Buttress Architects which will provide specialist heritage consultancy and conservation architecture. During the project they will lead a team of experts including conservation architects and mechanical, electrical and structural engineers.
The Rt Hon, The Lord Mayor of York, Councillor Margaret Wells, said:
Investing in this beautiful historic building ensures it will continue to serve the city and its residents.
“It’s temporary closure will allow other historic venues to take part in the civic life of the city, such as holding citizenship ceremonies in the elegant Register Office on Bootham, and using Medieval Barley Hall to host the Sheriff’s Ridings.”
Pauline Stuchfield, Director of Housing and Communities, said:
The Mansion House has been an essential part of the York landscape for almost 300 years, and it’s important it continues to be available for future generations of residents and visitors.
“We’re able to carry out these essential works to weather another 300 years of being key to the civic life of the city, a base for our civic party and ready to welcome royalty as it has for centuries.
“For hundreds of years the Mansion House has hosted some of the most important and significant events in the city and, once these improvements are made, the House will continue to play that role for decades to come.”
The last major works were carried out in 2015 when £1.2m from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) helped deliver the most significant upgrades since the building first opened. The works included restoring the original kitchens, improving displays, developing an integrated environmental and conservation plan and preparing a detailed oral history project.
Hannah Bellerby, the project architect from Buttress Architects, said:
As we approach the Mansion House’s 300th anniversary, it is a privilege for Buttress to lead the efforts in safeguarding this vital piece of York’s civic heritage.
“Our work focuses on not only preserving the building’s historical integrity but also working to ensure it remains accessible, sustainable, and fit for future generations. Through these planned restorations, we are ensuring that this significant landmark continues to enrich York’s cultural landscape for years to come.”
The project is due to be completed part way through next year, when it will reopen in time for Yorkshire Day on 1 August and a season of great events including the popular Georgian Festival. Meanwhile more of the city’s treasures can be admired at the Castle Museum, Yorkshire Museum and York Art Gallery.
A vehicle suspected of being involved in fly-tipping has been seized.
The white Ford Transit flatbed pick-up was seized in Eskdale Street, Hetton, on Sunday 27 October at 3.47pm in a coordinated operation between the City Council and Northumbria Police.
This seizure was part of Project Shield, a focused initiative addressing community concerns in and around the Easington Lane area. The project brings together the council, police, and other partners to tackle criminal and anti-social behaviour, including fly-tipping, burglary, and youth disorder.
The vehicle is suspected of being used to dispose of waste unlawfully at the former Frosterley Close site (known as the Cosy) in Easington Lane.
This seizure marks the 29th vehicle the City Council has confiscated on suspicion of involvement in fly-tipping since August 2019. Of these, subsequent investigations have led to 17 vehicles being destroyed or sold and 12 returned to their owners.
Vehicle owners may request the return of their vehicle, but the council will decide on a case-by-case basis. If a decision is made not to return a vehicle, it may be crushed or sold.
Enhanced enforcement against fly-tipping and anti-social behaviour was one of the main public concerns identified in the City Council’s 2020 “Let’s Talk” consultation.
The City Council’s Cabinet Member for the Environment, Transport and Net Zero, Councillor Lindsey Leonard said: “Fly-tipping and anti-social behaviour continue to be two of our residents’ biggest concerns and what many people contact the council about.
“Fly-tipping is not only illegal but seriously anti-social. It blights communities, creates eye-sores and pollution, and as we have the powers to seize vehicles that may have been used from fly-tipping, we will use these powers and that’s exactly what we have done.
“As householders, we all have a legal ‘Duty of Care’ to make sure that our waste is disposed of lawfully so if you are arranging a private collection you need to check where the waste is going and whether they have a valid waste carrier’s licence. If you don’t and it’s found dumped, you could be the one left to pick up the bill.”
Source: Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University – Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University –
The XVII scientific and industrial forum “Technical re-equipment of machine-building enterprises of Russia” is held in Yekaterinburg every year. The event brings together more than a thousand participants from the Sverdlovsk region and other federal districts. This time, experts discussed the development of new technologies at machine-building enterprises, personnel training, labor productivity and improving product quality.
As part of the forum, a meeting of the council for work with personnel of the Union of Defense Industry Enterprises of the Sverdlovsk Region and the Sverdlovsk regional branch of the Union of Mechanical Engineers of Russia was held at the High-Tech Technopark.
The forum will last until November 14, thematic sections will work at sites throughout the city. Representatives of mechanical engineering companies, universities, and government bodies will give reports, discuss ideas and proposals.
The section “New Personnel for the Defense Industrial Complex and Mechanical Engineering” brought together representatives of the Sverdlovsk Region government, heads of HR departments of industrial enterprises and representatives of educational and scientific organizations. The main topic was the development and implementation of basic and additional educational programs for training professions that are in short supply for defense industry and mechanical engineering enterprises.
Head of the Directorate of Continuing Education and Industry Partnership Ivan Kurta represented SPbPU. In the report “Development of Human Capital in Partnership with Industry: Polytechnic University Experience in the Interests of the Defense-Industrial and Machine-Building Complexes” Ivan Valentinovich spoke about the training and retraining of personnel, shared the unique experience of the university in designing and implementing educational programs to meet the needs of industrial partners.
Particular interest from participants gave rise to joint projects with corporate universities, in particular, the campus of internal trainers and teachers held in August of this year under the auspices of Gazprom Neft, as well as programs in the field of engineering, the demand for which from the industry is growing every year.
For us, this platform is important in terms of our positioning in the region. The Union of Defense Industry Enterprises of the Sverdlovsk Region and the Sverdlovsk Regional Branch of the Union of Mechanical Engineers of Russia can play a special role in promoting the educational and scientific environment of the Polytechnic University. We plan to discuss joint projects in the near future, said Ivan Kurta.
Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Following is the speech by the Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, at the FII Plenary Session: Where is the New Silk Road? in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, today (October 31, Riyadh time):
Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
Good afternoon. It is a pleasure to be here with you today as we explore the future of the New Silk Road – or the Belt and Road Initiative – a vision that extends far beyond trade routes, connecting continents through shared values of sustainability, innovation, and common prosperity.
Since its inception in 2013, the Belt and Road Initiative has reshaped the global trade and investment landscape. It has forged significant investments in infrastructure, boosted trade and strengthened people-to-people bonds.
Hong Kong is an active participant, contributor and beneficiary of the Belt and Road Initiative. Over the past decade, Hong Kong has played a vital role in its growth too. For instance, our external trade with Belt and Road economies has increased by around 60 per cent.
For those who are less familiar with our city, Hong Kong is a Special Administrative Region of China administered under a “one country, two systems” principle. On the one hand, we have convenient and at times priority access to the Mainland market, but on the other, retain all the defining characteristics of an international city: open and diverse, rule of law, free flow of goods, capital, information, people, and business practices that align with the best of the world. This uniqueness enables us to serve as the “super connector” in the region, creating opportunities for all.
As the Belt and Road Initiative moves into the next decade, the focus is clear: sustainability and inclusiveness. Green infrastructure projects are at its heart, from solar plants to low-carbon railway transportation. The common aspiration is to pave a “Green Silk Road” benefitting all along the route.
And Hong Kong’s strategic vision to become an international green tech and green finance centre can contribute to the achievement of this common aspiration in many ways.
First, we can address the funding gap. The funding need for green transition is huge – global annual climate investments are estimated to reach US$9 trillion by 2030 and US$10 trillion by 2050. Hong Kong, as one of the top three international financial centres, along with New York and London, and Asia’s green finance leader, is well positioned to mobilise capital to support the green transition by matching quality projects with funding. For instance, we arranged around US$63 billion on average annually over the past three years in green and sustainable debt through our financial institutions. Green bonds issued in Hong Kong account for over one-third of Asia’s total.
But more than funding, we are committed to innovative financing arrangements that help broaden the investor base of green projects. One example is securitisation of infrastructure loans, packaging mature, brownfield projects for investors, thereby releasing funds for investment into other greenfield projects. Hong Kong has issued two batches of such loans already, amounting to US$800 million in more than 50 projects in the Middle East, Asia Pacific, and Latin America.
Second, we can address the technology gap. There is still a significant disparity in green tech adoption globally, with countries in the Global South lacking the financial resources and infrastructure to adopt cutting-edge green solutions. Investment inclinations will also aggravate this gap, as developed nations typically invest more in R&D (research and development) for green technologies.
Hong Kong is home to many green tech start-ups, all sharing the mission to develop technological solutions that combat climate change, which may well fit in the relevant strategies of economies in the MENA (Middle East and North Africa) region. One of them, for example, develops carbon-capture technologies in 3D-printed reef tiles to help restore coral reefs. It now has a production base in Abu Dhabi.
Third, we can address the knowledge gap. That means linking up people, projects and knowledge. Hong Kong is a compact city, yet has solid experience in city planning and operations, and managing large-scale infrastructure projects. Our expertise in smart cities and green urban planning complements MENA’s ambitions to build digitally connected, sustainable urban centres. These potential partnerships can set the standard for urban resilience and environmental stewardship in the years ahead.
Ladies and gentlemen, the vision of a Green Silk Road presents a unique opportunity for us to collaborate on fostering sustainable, resilient, and inclusive development for future generations. Hong Kong is proud to be part of that effort, and we are committed to making valuable contributions in finance and innovation, and fostering partnerships to strive for a brighter and greener future for all.
Last week, the tragic news broke that US teenager Sewell Seltzer III took his own life after forming a deep emotional attachment to an artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot on the Character.AI website.
As his relationship with the companion AI became increasingly intense, the 14-year-old began withdrawing from family and friends, and was getting in trouble at school.
In a lawsuit filed against Character.AI by the boy’s mother, chat transcripts show intimate and often highly sexual conversations between Sewell and the chatbot Dany, modelled on the Game of Thrones character Danaerys Targaryen. They discussed crime and suicide, and the chatbot used phrases such as “that’s not a reason not to go through with it”.
This is not the first known instance of a vulnerable person dying by suicide after interacting with a chatbot persona. A Belgian man took his life last year in a similar episode involving Character.AI’s main competitor, Chai AI. When this happened, the company told the media they were “working our hardest to minimise harm”.
In a statement to CNN, Character.AI has stated they “take the safety of our users very seriously” and have introduced “numerous new safety measures over the past six months”.
However, these tragedies starkly illustrate the dangers of rapidly developing and widely available AI systems anyone can converse and interact with. We urgently need regulation to protect people from potentially dangerous, irresponsibly designed AI systems.
How can we regulate AI?
The Australian government is in the process of developing mandatory guardrails for high-risk AI systems. A trendy term in the world of AI governance, “guardrails” refer to processes in the design, development and deployment of AI systems. These include measures such as data governance, risk management, testing, documentation and human oversight.
One of the decisions the Australian government must make is how to define which systems are “high-risk”, and therefore captured by the guardrails.
The government is also considering whether guardrails should apply to all “general purpose models”. General purpose models are the engine under the hood of AI chatbots like Dany: AI algorithms that can generate text, images, videos and music from user prompts, and can be adapted for use in a variety of contexts.
In the European Union’s groundbreaking AI Act, high-risk systems are defined using a list, which regulators are empowered to regularly update.
An alternative is a principles-based approach, where a high-risk designation happens on a case-by-case basis. It would depend on multiple factors such as the risks of adverse impacts on rights, risks to physical or mental health, risks of legal impacts, and the severity and extent of those risks.
Chatbots should be ‘high-risk’ AI
In Europe, companion AI systems like Character.AI and Chai are not designated as high-risk. Essentially, their providers only need to let users know they are interacting with an AI system.
Chatbots are capable of generating unpredictable, inappropriate and manipulative content. They mimic toxic relationships all too easily. Transparency – labelling the output as AI-generated – is not enough to manage these risks.
Even when we are aware that we are talking to chatbots, human beings are psychologically primed to attribute human traits to something we converse with.
The suicide deaths reported in the media could be just the tip of the iceberg. We have no way of knowing how many vulnerable people are in addictive, toxic or even dangerous relationships with chatbots.
Guardrails and an ‘off switch’
When Australia finally introduces mandatory guardrails for high-risk AI systems, which may happen as early as next year, the guardrails should apply to both companion chatbots and the general purpose models the chatbots are built upon.
Guardrails – risk management, testing, monitoring – will be most effective if they get to the human heart of AI hazards. Risks from chatbots are not just technical risks with technical solutions.
Apart from the words a chatbot might use, the context of the product matters, too. In the case of Character.AI, the marketing promises to “empower” people, the interface mimics an ordinary text message exchange with a person, and the platform allows users to select from a range of pre-made characters, which include some problematic personas.
The front page of the Character.AI website for a user who has entered their age as 17. C.AI
Truly effective AI guardrails should mandate more than just responsible processes, like risk management and testing. They also must demand thoughtful, humane design of interfaces, interactions and relationships between AI systems and their human users.
Even then, guardrails may not be enough. Just like companion chatbots, systems that at first appear to be low risk may cause unanticipated harms.
Regulators should have the power to remove AI systems from the market if they cause harm or pose unacceptable risks. In other words, we don’t just need guardrails for high risk AI. We also need an off switch.
If this article has raised issues for you, or if you’re concerned about someone you know, call Lifeline on 13 11 14.
Henry Fraser receives funding from the Australian Research Council.
Join the Lord Mayor of Birmingham, the Mayor of Frankfurt and German Ambassador to the UK at this year’s official opening of the Frankfurt Christmas Market in Victoria Square on Friday 1 November at 5:30pm, as they switch on the city’s festive lights.
This year the market returns to the city for seven weeks and celebrates its 24th year, featuring 60 festive stalls selling traditional hot gluhwein, schnitzel, spicy sausage, gifts, handcrafted decorations, toys and jewellery.
The big wheel and popular ice rink will also be returning to Centenary Square, and will open from 1 November 2024 until 5 January 2025, between 10:00am and 10:00pm (except on Christmas Day). For more information and to book tickets visit www.iceskatebirmingham.co.uk.
There will also be live performances on the bandstand in Victoria Square with Monday ‘open mic’ sessions giving young, up and coming performers and musicians a chance to showcase their talents. The best two acts will perform in a primetime December slot.
Choirs from local schools, charities and community groups will also feature on the market’s community music programme.
German musicians will perform weekday lunchtimes and evenings daily, with local performers performing between 12pm and 6pm on Saturdays and Sundays.
The market will opens Friday 1 November to Tuesday 24 December 2024.
Mondays to Thursdays: 11:00am to 9:00pm
Fridays: 11:00am to 9:30pm
Saturdays: 10:00am to 9:30pm
Sundays: 10:00am to 9:00pm
The market will be closed until 1:00pm on 10 November for Remembrance Sunday.
Councillor Saima Suleman, Cabinet Member for Digital, Culture, Heritage and Tourism, said: “This year we welcome the 24th Frankfurt Christmas Market to the city, which brings with it a selection of traditional food, drink and gifts.
“The market is an event many look forward to this time year and makes a wonderful festive day out for families.
Ambassador Holland shares harrowing details from witness testimony event in London and urges Russia to release all Ukrainian citizens it has arbitrarily detained.
Location:
Vienna
Delivered on:
(Transcript of the speech, exactly as it was delivered)
Thank you, Madam Chair. Since Russia’s illegal annexation of Crimea in 2014, its actions in Ukraine have featured widespread reports of arbitrary detention, enforced disappearances, extrajudicial executions of Prisoners of War and civilian detainees, and other serious violations of human rights.
Activists, journalists, community leaders, and those perceived as supportive of Ukrainian sovereignty have faced persecution and illegal detention by Russian forces in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine. Many are sent to far-flung regions within the Russian Federation. They are held in prisons, pre-detention centres, and unofficial places of detention. Their families are often denied information about their whereabouts or access to them, causing great distress and an inability to organise effective legal counsel.
Since Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022, these practices have increased in both frequency and severity, with thousands of Ukrainian civilians held incommunicado and denied their fundamental rights. Independent reports, including the latest Moscow Mechanism, detail inhumane conditions, from physical abuse to psychological coercion.
Madam Chair, these actions constitute violations of international law but behind them lie personal stories of human suffering. This week two Ukrainian civilians, Hryhorii Holovko and Oleksandra Stoliar, shared theirs at an event held in the UK Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office, supported by the Ukrainian NGO, Media Initiative for Human Rights.
Hryhorii Holovko was detained by Russian forces in Kherson in October 2022. Russian forces tortured and intimidated him, including beatings and electric shocks and by carving Russian symbols into his body. Russian guards made threats against his wife and child and forced him to sing the Russian national anthem. Hryhorii was released in May 2023, having been forced to sign papers to align with the Russian state. His story is familiar to many others who have survived Russian occupation.
Oleksandra Stoliar is mother to 26-year-old Iryna Navalnaya who is still being unlawfully detained. Russian forces took Iryna from her home in Mariupol in September 2022. Two months passed before Iryna’s family discovered she was being held in a prison in Donetsk. Women who have been released from this prison have shared accounts of the beatings and other barbaric treatment Iryna has experienced during interrogations, leaving her covered in bruises. They report that detainees are regularly denied access to medical assistance. Iryna’s mother worries continually that she might die in captivity.
These testimonies are just two out of thousands. We recall that three Special Monitoring Mission (SMM) members, our colleagues, are also subjected to this systematic arbitrary detention.
The UK stands in solidarity with them and Ukraine – and reaffirms the urgent need for accountability. We call on Russia to fully cooperate with international mechanisms investigating these abuses, grant immediate access to humanitarian organisations to all facilities where Ukrainian civilians are being held, and uphold its obligations to protect civilians and respect human rights. Russia must release all arbitrarily detained Ukrainian citizens, including Iryna Navalnaya and the SMM members. We call on Russia to end its illegal war and respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine. Thank you.
A magical light trail will illuminate the streets of Derby city centre for the festive season. Derby City Council and the Cathedral Quarter and St Peter’s Quarter Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) have teamed up to create the new attraction.
The Festive Derby Light Trail will see several stunning light installations lead from The Spot all the way to Cathedral Square, taking in the Market Place, where the Cathedral Quarter Ice Rink and Nordic Bar will be situated.
Starting with the beautifully wrapped rings at The Spot, with festive foliage and twinkling lights, the trail will wind its way through the heart of the city. Grab a bite to eat and let the kids enjoy the festive rides before heading down to St Peter’s Cross to see the jolly Rudolph arch, complete with his red nose, and then onto a tunnel of light which will run through Cornmarket.
As you enter the Market Place, the colourfully lit Christmas presents will sit with the Christmas tree as a backdrop and you’ll also find the highlight of the trail – the UK’s largest light-up Santa installation, powered by Tomato Energy. It’ll be the perfect spot for a festive family shot!
A curtain of light will illuminate Irongate up to Cathedral Square, where a giant gold star will sit below the Cathedral.
After all that walking why not enjoy a festive drink in the cosy tipis of our Nordic Bar and then, when you have had time to rest, take a whizz around the ice rink with family and friends. Afterwards you can enjoy food from a variety of food stalls on the Market Place, including loaded fries, grilled sausages, donuts and crepes.
You will be able to find a map of the trail at festivederby.co.uk soon, or download the LoyalFree app to follow the trail – and check in at each location to enter our free prize draw. You can also pick up an activity sheet from the ice rink or Nordic bar for little ones to fill in along the way. You could win a Nintendo Switch, with other prizes including tickets for next year’s Darley Park Weekender, or tickets to enjoy the ice rink or panto in 2025!
Councillor Nadine Peatfield, Leader of Derby City Council, said:
We’re already getting excited about this Christmas in Derby. The new light trail promises to be a magical addition to our packed festive programme. It’ll light the way through the city centre to the Cathedral, providing plenty of fantastic photo opportunities along the way!
Brad Worley, Manager for Cathedral Quarter and St Peter’s Quarter Derby BIDs, added:
The BIDs are thrilled to bring this amazing light installation trail to the city.
There are some truly impressive installations and we hope people will take some memorable photos and share with friends and family, as well as entering the fantastic prize draw. We want people to explore the city and experience what our wonderful businesses have to offer this festive period.
Dominika Walker, Regional Community Engagement Lead for Tomato Energy, said:
At Tomato Energy, we’re lighting up the holiday season in more ways than one! We’re absolutely delighted to support this year’s Festive Derby and proud to sponsor the UK’s largest illuminated Santa.
We hope it will not only bring joy to the community but also spark conversations about efficient energy use during the festive season. It’s our way of spreading holiday cheer while showcasing how cutting-edge technology and sustainability can go hand in hand.
The Cathedral Quarter Ice Rink and Nordic Bar will open on Saturday 30 November, as Festive Derby is officially launched with our Christmas Lights Switch-On event, with our media partner Smooth Radio.
Tickets for the ice rink are on sale now and, of course, the festive season wouldn’t be complete without Derby’s annual panto spectacular at Derby Arena. Morgan Brind and the multi award-winning Little Wolf Entertainment are back with Cinderella from Fri 6 – Tue 31 Dec.
Derby has a great selection of festive events this year and more information can be found at festivederby.co.uk or pick up a guide from November.
Tickets can be purchased on the Derby LIVE website, at the Sales and Information Centre Sales & Information Centre, Guildhall Theatre, Market Place, Derby, DE1 3AE or call 01332 255800.
On Monday, November 4, the Financial Consumer Agency of Canada (FCAC) will launch the 14th annual Financial Literacy Month during a virtual event open to media. The theme for this year’s Financial Literacy Month is “Talk Money”.
The launch event will bring together people and organizations that share a commitment to advancing financial literacy. Guest speakers include Olympic gold medalist Bruny Surin and Sara Weller, Chair of the U.K.’s Money and Pensions Service, who will share highlights from the U.K.’s highly successful “Talk Money Week” campaigns.
This Financial Literacy Month, FCAC will lead a Canada-wide campaign to break the taboo against talking about money. Throughout November, FCAC and its Financial Literacy Month partners will be encouraging Canadians to ask questions and share their financial experiences with family and friends.
Source: People’s Republic of China – Ministry of National Defense
Aircraft carriers Liaoning and Shandong of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Navy carry out a dual-aircraft-carrier formation exercise for the first time in the South China Sea in late October, 2024. (eng.chinamil.com.cn/Photo by Chen Mengxi)
