Source: China State Council Information Office 2
In the following video, Zhong Shuming, a researcher and engineer at Neusoft Medical Systems Co. Ltd. based in Northeast China, recounts how her company has been exploring ways to make advanced medical devices more accessible in China and globally.
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Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: Novosibirsk State University – Novosibirsk State University –
The first stage of the computing cluster segment of the Lavrentyev supercomputer center has been launched at Novosibirsk State University. The segment is located in the NSU academic building, and will later be located on the premises of the NSU research center, which is one of the facilities the second stage of the modern campus of NSU. With a computing power of 360 teraflops (trillions of floating-point operations per second), it surpasses all similar servers in academic institutions beyond the Urals. The new cluster is designed to work with large language models and generative artificial intelligence.
— The Lavrentyev SCC is an important part of the university development strategy, which involves the creation of a modern computing infrastructure based on NSU. The launch of the pilot cluster is a significant step towards achieving this goal. The Lavrentyev SCC will become a center for collective use and will be in demand by a wide variety of specialists, and will also be useful for processing large scientific data, — commented the rector of NSU, academician of the Russian Academy of Sciences Mikhail Fedoruk.
It is planned that the Lavrentyev supercomputer center will be fully operational in 2026. The maximum computing power will be 10 petaflops (quadrillion floating-point operations per second). The first stage of the Lavrentyev SCC, which was launched at NSU, will already allow solving a number of important research and applied problems.
— We will use it to practice the application of large language models to real-world devices, including industrial artificial intelligence, transport, and unmanned aircraft systems. It is possible that swarm technologies will also be part of our work in the future.yu1sch. But first, we must provide a separate device with minimal intelligence, and then develop algorithms for their interaction with each other in order to solve common problems, said Alexey Okunev, director Institute of Intelligent Robotics NSU.
Among the first projects for which the computing power of the new cluster will be used are projects implemented in the interests of industrial partners within the NSU Research Center for Artificial Intelligence. In particular, we are talking about various video analytics sensors developed by order of Rostelecom — these are transport detectors, detectors of non-standard behavior for schools, etc.
— This server is equipped with graphic accelerators that allow for multiple parallel calculations, it has the necessary amount of graphic video memory so that we can use modern large language models of the ChatGPT and GigaChat level, fine-tune and customize them to solve specific problems. The term “non-standard behavior” is quite difficult to formulate algorithmically. The task of recognizing non-standard types of behavior and preventing them can be solved using advanced artificial intelligence technologies, which can be provided to us by large language models. This should increase the accuracy and robustness (resistance to interference) of our models, — Alexey Okunev explained.
The computing cluster also opens up additional opportunities for the implementation of new educational programs. Thus, “Digital Department” of NSU It is planned to launch the Machine Learning program. Within its framework, students will be trained on real projects that use artificial intelligence technologies and whose customers are industrial partners from various industries.
yu1sch Decentralized process management through self-organizing collective work of all its elements.
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: Australian Ministers 1
The Albanese Labor Government continues to boost the liveability of communities across Richmond, with federal funding delivering road and community infrastructure projects across the Tweed and Byron Shires.
Federal Minister for Regional Development and Local Government, Kristy McBain MP, joined Member for Richmond, Justine Elliot MP on Tuesday to inspect the progress of projects and to discuss the region’s priorities.
As part of our commitment to improving the safety of local roads in Richmond, local councils will receive an increase in their Roads to Recovery funding over the next five years.
Tweed Shire Council will receive over $15.9 million – a boost of over $6.8 million, and Byron Shire Council will receive over $6.4 million – a boost of over $2.7 million.
This will pave the way for future priority projects and build on projects already delivered and fully funded by the Albanese Government – such as intersection, drainage, and bus stop upgrades at Rifle Range Road at Bangalow, which received $673,076.
The surface of Ducat Street at Tweed Heads is currently being upgraded thanks to over $1.5 million from the Albanese Government, with a further $500,000 in federal funding supporting widening and drainage works on Bayshore Drive at Byron Bay – making these roads safer.
Through Phase 4 of the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure program, Tweed Shire Council is receiving over $2.8 million, and Byron Shire Council is receiving over $1.1 million for high-impact local projects.
The Albanese Government has also committed $618,869 under Round 1 of the Growing Regions Program to construct a Men’s Shed, environmental centre, performance stage and commercial kitchen, as well as provide upgrades to existing infrastructure at the Mullum SEED Eco Hub in Mullumbimby – boosting community engagement opportunities in Richmond.
Nationally, the Albanese Government is delivering significant funding increases to support local councils deliver their priority projects.
The Roads to Recovery program is progressively increasing from $500 million to $1 billion per year, the Road Black Spot Program is increasing from $110 million to $150 million per year, and $200 million per year is available under our Safer Local Roads and Infrastructure Program.
Quotes attributable to Federal Minister for Regional Development and Local Government, Kristy McBain MP:
“Justine Elliot is a strong advocate for communities in Richmond, which is why it’s fantastic to be in town with her to see local projects that she’s campaigned for progressing, and to discuss some of the region’s future priorities.
“Like my own community, Richmond has been impacted by a number of natural disasters, which is why we’re delivering more funding to local councils to improve the safety and flood resilience of local roads, and to support priority projects that will have a lasting impact.”
Quotes attributable to Federal Member for Richmond, Justine Elliot MP:
“As the Local MP, I’m proud to deliver this important funding for our community. These important funding increases from the Albanese Government have made many local projects a reality right across the North Coast.
“I invited Minister McBain to our region to discuss how we can keep working to deliver projects that create local jobs, improve our area and keep our local economy strong.”
Quotes attributable to Tweed Shire Mayor, Chris Cherry:
“We thank the Australian Government for delivering on its commitment to improve our local road network – particularly for roads across the Tweed Shire that have been significantly impacted by flooding events.
“When we work together, we get the best outcomes for our community, which is why we’ll continue to partner with the Australian Government to deliver the community infrastructure that locals need and deserve.”
Quotes attributable to Byron Shire Mayor, Sarah Ndiaye:
“It’s fantastic to welcome Minister McBain to Byron Shire to highlight the significant progress we’re making with jointly funded projects, and to discuss our future priorities.
“With the community calling on the Byron Shire Council to provide more services than ever before, we’re strengthening our partnership with the Australian Government to ensure that we can continue to deliver the projects locals want to get off the ground.”
Source: Australia Scam Watch
Background
Criminals are impersonating charities and offering fake financial assistance schemes to target people experiencing financial hardship.
Trusted charities like Good Shepherd and the Salvation Army offer no interest loans. These loans support low-income earners and people in hardship who are struggling with payments or unexpected expenses.
Criminals are pretending to offer loans from these charities. They may also impersonate government agencies and programs or other charities.
How to spot the scam
This scam can be hard to spot because criminals can set up fake social media accounts that look genuine.
The scammers will ask for your identity information and myGov login details.
How the scam works
Criminals pretend to offer services such as no interest loans. They also offer fake emergency relief services, rental assistance, and programs such as the Australian Emergency Rental Assistance Program.
Once the scammers get someone’s identity information, they can log into myGov accounts, lock people out, and stop people getting government benefits like Centerlink and NDIS payments. They can steal support from charities.
Someone who is already experiencing hardship can be left without any money and be further behind on payments such as rent.
What you should know
Real support to people experiencing financial hardship is available, but criminals will try to target people in need.
Check independently that an organisation offering financial help is legitimate. Don’t rely on social media advertisements. Don’t assume that someone contacting you is who they say they are.
A real organisation will never ask for your personal information through social media.
Find out more
This scam is a type of impersonation scam.
Scammers pretend they are from charity organisations. They ask for personal details so they can steal government benefits and charity support.
Stay protected
STOP – Don’t give money or personal information to anyone if unsure. Say no, hang up, delete.
CHECK – Scammers pretend to be from organisations you know and trust – like your bank, charities, the police or government. If you’re not sure, call the official phone number of the organisation to check.
PROTECT – Act quickly if something feels wrong. If you have had money or personal information stolen contact your bank and Services Australia immediately. Help others by reporting scams to Scamwatch.
Resources for people experiencing financial hardship
The official number for the National debt helpline is 1800 007 007.
Call the Good Shepherd No Interest Loans (NILs) team on 13 64 57 or find a community service NILs provider near you.
Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime Alerts (b)
HONOLULU – United States Attorney Clare E. Connors announced today that Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) Michael Nammar will lead the efforts of her Office in connection with the Justice Department’s nationwide Election Day Program for the upcoming November 5, 2024, general election. AUSA Nammar has been appointed to serve as the District Election Officer (DEO) for the District of Hawaii, and in that capacity is responsible for overseeing the District’s handling of election day complaints of voting rights concerns, threats of violence to election officials or staff, and election fraud, in consultation with Justice Department Headquarters in Washington.
“Every citizen must be able to vote without interference or discrimination and to have that vote counted in a fair and free election,” said United States Attorney Connors. “Similarly, election officials and staff must be able to serve without being subject to unlawful threats of violence. The Department of Justice will always work tirelessly to protect the integrity of the election process.”
The Department of Justice has an important role in deterring and combatting discrimination and intimidation at the polls, threats of violence directed at election officials and poll workers, and election fraud. The Department will address these violations wherever they occur. The Department’s longstanding Election Day Program furthers these goals and also seeks to ensure public confidence in the electoral process by providing local points of contact within the Department for the public to report possible federal election law violations.
Federal law protects against such crimes as threatening violence against election officials or staff, intimidating or bribing voters, buying and selling votes, impersonating voters, altering vote tallies, stuffing ballot boxes, and marking ballots for voters against their wishes or without their input. It also contains special protections for the rights of voters, and provides that they can vote free from interference, including intimidation, and other acts designed to prevent or discourage people from voting or voting for the candidate of their choice. The Voting Rights Act protects the right of voters to mark their own ballot or to be assisted by a person of their choice (where voters need assistance because of disability or inability to read or write in English).
United States Attorney Connors stated that: “The franchise is the cornerstone of American democracy. We all must ensure that those who are entitled to the franchise can exercise it if they choose, and that those who seek to corrupt it are brought to justice. In order to respond to complaints of voting rights concerns and election fraud during the upcoming election, and to ensure that such complaints are directed to the appropriate authorities, AUSA/DEO Nammar will be on duty in this District while the polls are open. He can be reached by the public at the following telephone number: 808-541-2850.”
In addition, the FBI will have special agents available in each field office and resident agency throughout the country to receive allegations of election fraud and other election abuses on election day. The local FBI field office can be reached by the public at 808-566-4300.
Complaints about possible violations of the federal voting rights laws can be made directly to the Civil Rights Division in Washington, DC by complaint form at https://civilrights.justice.gov/ or by phone at 800-253-3931.
United States Attorney Connors said, “Ensuring free and fair elections depends in large part on the assistance of the American electorate. It is important that those who have specific information about voting rights concerns or election fraud make that information available to the Department of Justice.”
Please note, however, in the case of a crime of violence or intimidation, please call 911 immediately and before contacting federal authorities. State and local police have primary jurisdiction over polling places, and almost always have faster reaction capacity in an emergency.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Following is the speech (translated from Chinese) by the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki, in presenting the Government Minute in response to Report No. 82 of the Public Accounts Committee in the Legislative Council today (October 23):
President,
Laid on the table today is the Government Minute (GM) responding to Report No. 82 of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) presented to the Legislative Council (LegCo) on July 17, 2024.
I welcome the Report of the PAC and am grateful for the time and efforts devoted by the Chairman of the PAC, Mr Shiu Ka-fai, and members of the PAC. The Government accepts all the PAC’s various recommendations and sets out in detail in the GM the specific responses of the relevant bureau and departments (B/Ds). The PAC conducted public hearings on the chapters on “Emergency dental services and elderly dental care support” and “Provision and monitoring of Rehabus services”. I would like to highlight the key follow-up measures taken and progress made by the Government and relevant organisations in response to the recommendations.
Regarding improvements to the services of the General Public (GP) Sessions, the Department of Health (DH) has adjusted the preliminary registration time at nine dental clinics to prevent elderly persons from waiting until midnight. Among these, the time of disc distribution and formal registration at the Mona Fong Dental Clinic have also been adjusted so that patients can receive service after formal registration as soon as possible. The DH will roll out an online electronic disc distribution and registration system before the end of this year. By then, members of the public will no longer need to queue in person for obtaining discs, and will receive real-time information on the remaining disc quotas, i.e. they will know the number of disc quotas remaining on a real-time basis, so as to ensure that all quotas can be fully utilised. The system will give registration priority to elderly persons aged 65 or above. In addition, the Government will enhance emergency dental services targeting the underprivileged groups with financial difficulties in collaboration with non-governmental organisations (NGOs) under a new service model in 2025. The target is to provide additional service capacity which will be at least two times the current capacity of GP sessions. To ensure limited resources can be deployed to those in need (in particular the underprivileged groups), the Government will examine the cost-effectiveness and service arrangement of the GP sessions, and consider the need of introducing means tests or other eligibility criteria for emergency dental services, or other proposals such as replacement by provision of services to underprivileged groups in need by NGOs. This is to ensure the effective use of public healthcare resources.
Regarding dental services in public hospitals, the DH has convened joint service meetings with the Hospital Authority (HA) and maintained relevant information as recommended in the Report. The HA also regularly monitors the achievement of targets on the waiting time for new case appointments at its Oral Maxillofacial Surgery and Dental Clinics, and assess patients’ conditions in a timely manner so as to arrange their first appointments as soon as possible. Furthermore, the DH and the HA have initiated discussions on the merging of hospital dental services and will take into account the observations and recommendations in the Audit Report.
To alleviate the manpower shortage, the DH is conducting the year-round recruitment of local full-time and part-time dentists, provides incremental credits based on the applicants’ work experience, and relaxes the Chinese language proficiency entry requirements for the positions. The latest batch of 10 part-time contract dentists took office sequentially from July to September 2024, and 42 full-time dentists took office in September 2024. In addition, following the passage of the Dentists Registration (Amendment) Bill 2024 by the LegCo on July 10, 2024, the DH has been working with the Dental Council of Hong Kong to admit the first batch of non-locally trained dentists to Hong Kong through the new mechanism in the first quarter of 2025 so as to serve the public.
As for elderly dental care support, the DH has further ascertained the reasons for non-participation in the Outreach Dental Care Programme for the Elderly (ODCP) of residential care homes for the elderly (RCHEs), day care centres for the elderly, and NGOs. The DH has also established a new mechanism with the Social Welfare Department to follow up with non-participating RCHEs and strengthen promotional work in encouraging the RCHEs to join the ODCP. Moreover, the DH has taken measures to ensure the participating NGOs’ fulfilment of their responsibilities according to the funding and service agreement terms. Except for during the COVID-19 epidemic when there were restrictions on visits to the RCHEs, the overall target number of service in 2023-24 were met.
The DH has encouraged more private dentists to enrol in the Elderly Health Care Voucher Scheme (EHVS) through various means, such as introducing the EHVS at meetings or events organised by the Hong Kong Dental Association. The DH will continue to send reminder notifications and messages through the eHealth System (Subsidies) to healthcare service providers enrolled in the Scheme regularly, reminding them to update their enrolment particulars. Upon receiving notifications of change of particulars from healthcare service providers, the DH will process them and update the information on the website of the EHVS as soon as practicable. In addition to making use of private dental services in Hong Kong, eligible elderly persons may make use of the Elderly Health Care Vouchers (EHCVs) to pay for outpatient dental services at the University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital (HKU-SZH) and its Huawei Li Zhi Yuan Community Health Service Center (Huawei CHC) since 2015 and 2023 respectively. Moreover, the Government launched the Elderly Health Care Voucher Greater Bay Area Pilot Scheme (Pilot Scheme) in 2024. From June to September this year, the Pilot Scheme has been implemented in seven integrated services medical institutions or dental healthcare institutions that provide dental services in Guangzhou, Nansha, Zhongshan, Dongguan and Shenzhen, and eligible Hong Kong elderly persons may choose from more service points. Together with the two service points at the HKU-SZH and the Huawei CHC, elderly persons may pay for outpatient dental service fees with the EHCVs at a total of nine services points of the medical institutions in Mainland cities within the Greater Bay Area.
Regarding the Elderly Dental Assistance Programme (EDAP) funded by the Community Care Fund, the services under the programme have been optimised from July 2, 2024 with the essential requirement of fitting removable dentures relaxed. This allows eligible elderly persons to receive dental services specified under the EDAP even if they are not suitable for dentures. This enhancement measure aims to encourage eligible elderly persons to manage dental diseases at an early stage by opting for preventive and curative dental services, thereby retaining their natural teeth as much as possible and avoiding tooth extractions and denture fittings. To further encourage the elderly persons to apply for services under the EDAP, the Health Bureau (HHB) is promoting the above programme through district service units. The implementing agent has held briefing sessions to introduce the EDAP to dentists and encourage their participation. Apart from strengthening its communication with the implementing agent, the HHB has taken measures to ensure that improvements have been made to the EDAP implementation, including enhancing the eligibility checking mechanism to cover all eligibility criteria, publishing a list of participating dentists and dental clinics, and revising the guidelines provided to service units to specify the appointment scheduling process for applicants who have not indicated their preferred dentist and dental clinic. To expedite the processing of long outstanding cases, the implementing agent has amended the guidelines issued to dentists and dental clinics to clearly include the time limit for claiming fees, and has increased manpower and enhanced computer performance.
Based on the recommendations of the Working Group on Oral Health and Dental Care, the Government will strive to develop and promote primary dental care services in the future to help citizens manage their oral health, and to put prevention, early identification, and timely intervention of dental diseases into practice. The Government will also explore how to continue developing appropriate dental care services targeted at the underprivileged groups, including persons with financial difficulties, persons with disabilities or special needs and high risk groups. The target of the Working Group is to issue the Final Report before the end of its term by late 2024, and to present to the Government recommendations on implementing various policy directions and the development of dental services.
Regarding Provision and monitoring of Rehabus services, the Labour and Welfare Bureau (LWB) and the Transport Department (TD) have actively followed up on the comments and recommendations made by the Audit Commission and the PAC on the provision and monitoring of Rehabus services.
The TD is collecting data on the travelling needs of persons with disabilities through the Rehabus operators (the operators) for assessing the demand for Rehabus services. The LWB will review the policy and models of service delivery of Rehabus services upon receipt of relevant data and assessment. The TD is also reviewing the existing arrangement of signing Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) with the operators and considering the adoption of other legally binding regulatory approaches for more effective monitoring of Rehabus services.
To monitor the performance of the operators, the TD implemented various measures to ensure the operators’ strict compliance with the requirements stipulated in MOUs, including convening meetings of the Rehabus Management Committee and the Users’ Liaison Group as required, submitting the financial documents in a timely manner, etc. The TD also increased its regular meetings with the operators from once every quarter to once a month, and will conduct service reviews on an annual basis and set additional performance pledges.
Regarding the procurement of vehicles, the TD updated the relevant procurement guidelines with the operators and formulated an action checklist to ensure that staff concerned strictly comply with the relevant procurement requirements and procedures.
As regards the provision of scheduled route service, the TD is closely monitoring the operator’s review of the existing services and progress of route consolidation. In addition, as per the TD’s advice, the operator has provided connecting services to nearby railway stations or interchanges since September 2024 as an option for applicants who have been waiting for the service for some time. This arrangement will help reduce the number of applicants for the service, hence will shorten the waiting time as well.
As for the provision of dial-a-ride (DAR) service, the TD urged the operator to step up its efforts in recruiting drivers. The shortage of drivers has improved, and the rate of rejected orders of DAR service due to insufficient drivers also dropped. The TD is also closely monitoring the operator’s adoption of the new integrated computer system in arranging shared-use service, with a view to exploring the feasibility of further enhancing the shared-use arrangement.
Regarding the provision of feeder service, the TD reviewed with the operator the hospital routes and recreational routes with low patronage, and will continue to consolidate and enhance the service to improve operational efficiency. Subject to the manpower arrangement of drivers, the TD is also exploring with the operator the feasibility of further shortening the booking time of recreational route service. Furthermore, the TD explored with the operators the setting of a limit on the maximum number of carers for DAR service and feeder service, and will consult the stakeholders in due course. The TD will continue to monitor the operator’s implementation of various service enhancement pledges, increase the number of monitoring surveys, step up spot checks on the operator and accounting records, etc.
President, I would like to thank the PAC again for its efforts and suggestions. The B/Ds concerned will strictly adhere to their responses and implement various improvement measures as set out in the GM with full efforts.
Thank you, President.
Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –
The project “Youth of Moscow” opens a new program “Megapolis of your ideas”. It includes educational and entertainment events aimed at developing creativity and forming useful skills. These are various master classes, lectures and a board game championship. They will be held at the site of the multi-format space of the project.
“As part of the survey “Moscow – the youth capital of Russia” we were able to learn even more about what events are interesting to our youth. Based on the data received, a new program was formed that satisfies the main interests of the children. Now they will be able to find even more opportunities and develop in the areas that they themselves have chosen,” noted
Ekaterina Dragunova, Chairman of the City Committee for Public Relations and Youth Policy.
The events of the “Megapolis of Your Ideas” program are prepared taking into account the interests of young city dwellers. Thus, within the framework of the “Life in Balance” direction, dedicated to a healthy lifestyle, a series of thematic master classes will be held, for example, on nail-standing and managing emotions. In addition, everyone will be able to meet with experts and take part in discussions on such topics as positive thinking, developing self-discipline and motivation.
The “Code of the Future” direction will be dedicated to self-development. Guests will enjoy lectures from experts on the following topics: finances and resources, idea generation, working with artificial intelligence, and others.
The “Connections on Connection” direction will help young city dwellers make new acquaintances. They will join a board game championship, including mafia, jenga and monopoly. In addition, the organizers have prepared master classes on modeling, self-care and self-defense, as well as meetings dedicated to films and computer games.
You can try your hand at creativity at master classes on linocut, painting clay pots, dancing and playing musical instruments, which will be held as part of the “Art of Being Yourself” direction.
Sergei Sobyanin: The Youth of Moscow project is four years old
The program will begin on October 24 at 6:00 PM with a hip-hop master class. It will be conducted by professional dancer Anna Kuzminkova. Pre-registration is required. by link.
On October 28 at 18:00 there will be a lesson by nailingThe leader will help participants overcome their fears and gently enter into the practice.
On October 31 at 6:00 p.m., everyone is invited to a hip-hop master class by Vladislav Falileev, winner of the title “Mr. Moscow Student 2023”. He will show beginner dancers a few simple moves and learn choreographic combinations with them. To participate, you must pre-register by link.
Previously, the City of Assignments project conducted a survey called “Moscow — the youth capital of Russia.” Young residents could share their opinions about what kind of events they are interested in, where they most often find information about them, and when it is more convenient for them to attend them.
Based on the voting results, key areas of interest to young people were selected: healthy lifestyle, expanding the circle of acquaintances (networking meetings), new knowledge and creativity. They became the basis for the program “Megapolis of your ideas”. You can take part in it for free, preliminary registration is required on the portal.
The organizer of the series of events is the project “Youth of Moscow” of the city Committee on Public Relations and Youth Policy. The project helps identify and implement the requests of the capital’s residents. During its work, more than 3.5 thousand events were organized, in which over two million people took part.
You can find out more about the opportunities for young Muscovites on the portal “Youth of Moscow” and project pages in social networks.
The “City of Tasks” project has been operating since 2022. With its help, residents of the capital can monitor the work of city services, participate in environmental, sports and other events. The project is being developed by the State Institution “New Management Technologies” and the city Department of Information Technology.
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.
Please note; This information is raw content directly from the information source. It is accurate to what the source is stating and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –
The My Administrator project has been running for four years. It first started working in outpatient clinics, and then in outpatient oncology centers, hospital admissions departments, and flagship emergency centers. About the project and the people who are bringing it to life, in his blog Sergei Sobyanin.
“Since the first days of work, the calling card of Moscow public service centers “My Documents” has been sincere service. And four years ago, friendly, responsive administrators, capable of finding an approach to solving any problem, came to the city’s healthcare institutions,” the Mayor of Moscow wrote.
Today, more than two thousand administrators work in 347 buildings of medical organizations in the city. Specialists help patients understand the work of the unified medical information and analytical system, register with a polyclinic, and sign up for examinations. They also maintain contact with relatives and resolve many other organizational and everyday issues. In total, over four years, administrators have come to the aid of patients more than 195 million times.
To become an administrator, you first need to work in the My Documents offices: hone your skills in confident and friendly communication with people, immerse yourself in the corporate culture of government service centers and, finally, understand whether all this suits you.
Then you need to undergo training at the educational center “Academy of Sincere Service”. Here, future administrators are introduced to the specifics of work in clinics, flagship centers and admissions departments, their proactive behavior skills are developed, and they are also taught options for solving non-standard situations. And only after that can they begin to perform their duties in medical institutions.
Guided by the principle of “people first” that was laid down in multifunctional centers, administrators strive to devote time to each patient. They already have many good stories in their collection.
Marina Grigoryan, an administrator at the City Clinical Hospital No. 67 named after L.A. Vorokhobov, told about one of them. One day, a neurosurgeon approached her and asked her to help a patient. The girl lost consciousness on the street, and passersby called an ambulance. Sofia (that was the patient’s name) came to visit her boyfriend from another city and went for a run, where everything happened. The girl did not remember her friend’s phone number or the address of his apartment. And only after remembering his nickname on a social network, Sofia was able to write a message using the administrator’s account. The young man came to pick her up, and everything ended well.
“Once a patient with a head injury was admitted to the emergency room. This in itself is very unpleasant. But it was clear that the woman was upset about something else. After talking to her, I found out that the patient was in a hurry to catch the bus, slipped and fell, hitting her head hard. Because of this, she will not be able to meet her grandchildren who came to visit and spend the long-awaited weekend with them. Then we helped her call her grandchildren via video link. And after she was discharged, we called a taxi home,” Olga Shibaeva, an administrator at the V.P. Demikhov Hospital, shared her story.
Tatyana Belikova, administrator of Diagnostic Center #3, Branch #1, told how, while working in the information terminal area, she was helping a visitor reschedule her appointment for a fluorography and noticed that the woman’s hands were shaking and her face was sweating. When asked about her health, she replied that she was dizzy and had difficulty breathing. But the woman was in a hurry to get the examination done quickly so that she could make it to work. But Tatyana saw that the person needed urgent help. She promised to reschedule the fluorography for another time and insisted on an immediate visit to the doctor on duty. And as it turned out, she was right: the woman began to lose consciousness. She was immediately seated in a wheelchair and taken to the doctor. It was a heart attack. The clinic’s cardiologist provided emergency assistance and gave the order to call an ambulance. The patient was hospitalized and given the necessary treatment.
And Elina Evgrafova, an administrator at Branch No. 4 of City Children’s Polyclinic No. 10, recalled how during her shift a father with five small children came to the doctor on duty. He looked confused and did not understand what to do. Elina met the family at the entrance, taught the children how to use the shoe cover machines, helped them undress and make an appointment with the doctor. And then she and the children, while they were waiting for an appointment, played “The Swan Flew.” The kids were happy, and the head of the family was very grateful for the sincere and friendly attitude. The visit to the polyclinic turned out to be not only successful, but also fun.
Sergei Sobyanin spoke about the introduction of sincere service in healthcare institutions
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.
Please note; This information is raw content directly from the information source. It is accurate to what the source is stating and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
Source: South Australia Police
Three teenagers have been arrested following an assault at Elizabeth this afternoon.
Just after 2.30pm on Wednesday 23 October, police were called to a shopping centre on Elizabeth Way following reports of a disturbance between a group of youths in the food court.
During the altercation, a boy was allegedly stabbed in the torso.
A 18 -year-old boy was taken to hospital for treatment of serious injuries.
Police located the suspects nearby.
Three teenage boys have been arrested, 17-year-old from Salisbury East, a 16-year-old boy from Brahma Lodge and a 14-year-old from Elizabeth Vale.
They are expected to be charged later today.
Police are investigating the incident and will review CCTV footage to identify other people involved in the assault.
There was no disruption caused to centres trading.
Police ask if anyone witnessed the assault to please call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at http://www.crimestopperssa.com.au – you can remain anonymous.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Following is a question by the Hon Stanley Ng and a reply by the Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs, Mr Erick Tsang Kwok-wai, in the Legislative Council today (October 23):
Question:
The National People’s Congress passed a Decision on improving the electoral system of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region in March 2021 to fully implement the principle of “patriots administering Hong Kong”. Subsequently, the SAR Government completed the work of amending the relevant local electoral legislation in accordance with Annexes I and II to the Basic Law as amended by the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress. On the other hand, the current term of the Legislative Council (LegCo) will end on December 31 next year, and the LegCo General Election will be held at the end of next year. There are views that the LegCo General Election is an important aspect of implementing the principle of patriots administering Hong Kong and promoting good governance of the SAR Government, and there must not be any chance of a mishap. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
(1) with reference to the overwhelming publicity for the 2023 District Council Ordinary Election, how the Government will further step up the efforts in the publicity for the LegCo General Election next year, so as to enhance the atmosphere of the election and call upon more electors to actively participate in voting to elect patriotic and capable people to participate in the work of LegCo;
(2) as the Government has indicated that it will expand the application of information technology to make elections more efficient and user-friendly, of the new information technology that the Government will consider applying in the LegCo General Election to be held next year, so as to enhance the effectiveness of the election; and
(3) with reference to past electoral experience, how the Government assesses and resolves the potential risks in the LegCo General Election to be held next year, so as to ensure that the election will not be subject to external interference and will be conducted in a safe, orderly and fair manner?
Reply:
President,
After the improvement of the electoral system in 2021 and the improvements in district governance and reforms to the District Councils in 2023, the electoral system of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) has been improved. The HKSAR Government has successfully held five important elections, allowing Hong Kong to achieve good governance as well as entering the stage from stability to prosperity. As President Xi Jinping stated: “The new electoral system is a political and democratic system that aligns with the principle of ‘one country, two systems’, fits the realistic conditions of Hong Kong, and meets the developmental needs of Hong Kong, which must be treasured and adhered to in the long term.”
In response to the questions raised by the Hon Stanley Ng, the replies are as follows:
(1) The HKSAR Government has emphasised time and again that the electoral system of the HKSAR is crucial to the stability of “one country, two systems”, and to the good governance and long-term stability of the HKSAR. The improved electoral system not only safeguards the security of the country’s political power, but also fully implements the principle of “patriots administering Hong Kong”, which protects the jurisdiction of the HKSAR, as well as the harmony and stability of Hong Kong and the well-being of the public. The new electoral system has also demonstrated its characteristics and advantages of broad representativeness, political inclusiveness, balanced participation and fair competition, laying a solid foundation for the long-term and healthy development of democracy in Hong Kong. For this reason, the Government has spared no effort in publicising and promoting the new electoral system, so that members of the public can fully understand that the new electoral system is closely related to them and its importance. In particular, whenever large-scale public elections are held, the HKSAR Government will launch massive publicity campaigns to create a heated election atmosphere in the whole community, so that the public will be keenly concerned about and participate in the elections enthusiastically, so as to elect people who are trustworthy and genuinely committed to contributing to our country and Hong Kong to take up the relevant seats.
Take last year’s District Council Election (DCE) as an example, a number of innovative and diversified approaches were adopted in the publicity work, such as the “Night Vibes DCE”, “DCE into the Community” and the “Build a Better Community Gala”, which were brand new, down-to-earth and in close proximity to the public; in addition to the distribution of thank you cards to voters and the setting up of “check-in” spots, which were well received by the public and had a very satisfactory effect on the overall publicity work. Various government bureaux and departments have also made concerted efforts to launch various forms of election publicity activities, resulting in a pervasive election atmosphere in the whole community, and the effectiveness of which is evident to all.
In view of the importance of elections and the successful experience gained in the past, the Government will continue to conduct publicity works for future public elections, such as the Legislative Council General Election (LCGE) to be held next year, through various innovative, diversified and down-to-earth means, with a view to launching more highlight activities to create a strong election atmosphere, so as to enhance the public’s awareness of the elections on the one hand, and to increase their attention to and participation in the elections on the other.
At present, we are conducting a detailed review and optimising the planning of the arrangements for the various processes of the election, including the publicity work for the LCGE, etc. We will consult the Legislative Council as soon as possible when we have any specific ideas at a later stage.
(2) Since the improvement of the electoral system, the HKSAR Government has also been striving to optimise and enhance the various arrangements for elections, so as to ensure that elections are conducted in a fair, just and honest manner, and at the same time, to have efficiency and user-friendliness constantly enhanced. For example, the Registration and Electoral Office (REO) has introduced an electronic poll registration system since 2021, which is much more efficient and accurate than the previous mode of manual ballot paper distribution, thus significantly reduced the time for electors to queue up for ballot paper distribution and casting their votes.
In addition, during last year’s DCE, the REO set up an online booking platform for electors to register for the use of the near boundary polling stations, so as to facilitate members of the public to plan their itinerary for the election day well in advance. A dedicated website was also provided to allow electors to check the real-time queuing hours of the polling stations, so as to facilitate the planning of polling arrangements by electors. In addition, the REO has also set up additional electronic ballot paper checking devices at the polling stations for the electors of the District Council constituencies to ensure that the ballot papers are properly and validly marked. Starting from this year, the Government’s “iAm Smart” application has been fully integrated into the voter registration process for providing a more convenient experience to the applicants.
At present, we are conducting a comprehensive review of the various electoral processes and considering the introduction of appropriate information and intelligent technologies in the light of the actual situation. However, when considering the specific arrangements, we shall give holistic consideration to the application of technology, enhancement of efficiency, safety and security, privacy protection and public perception, and strike a proper balance to ensure the safe and orderly conduct of the election. We will consult members of the Legislative Council again when we have come up with the specific arrangements later.
(3) With the electoral system imrpoved and the principle of “patriots administering Hong Kong” fully implemented, the governance of the HKSAR is now firmly in the hands of the patriots. In regard to the LCGE to be held next year, the systemic safeguard of the political system can be categorised into the following four levels:
(i) candidates must be nominated by two to four members of the Election Committee from each sector. All Election Committee members are patriots who love Hong Kong and will exercise stringent gate-keeping in making nominations, so as to ensure that those who are not patriots and do not love Hong Kong will be excluded;
(ii) the eligibility of candidates will be checked and confirmed by the “Candidate Eligibility Review Committee” to ensure that the statutory requirements of upholding the Basic Law and bearing allegiance to the HKSAR of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) are met;
(iii) candidates will be required to take the oath to uphold the Basic Law and bear allegiance to the HKSAR of the PRC in accordance with the law when standing for election and assuming office, and the oath will be confirmed by the Commissioner for Oaths to be valid; and
(iv) even after the assumption of office, if the candidate concerned has acted in breach of the oath, the Government may activate the statutory procedures to disqualify the relevant person from the office in accordance with the law.
In respect of electoral arrangements, the REO has all along maintained close liaison with the police and other law-enforcement agencies, and has put in place an established mechanism for collecting and analysing intelligence to objectively assess the risk of an election being obstructed, interfered with, disrupted or seriously affected, and to take measures as appropriate to mitigate the relevant risks and hazards, as well as to draw up various contingency plans to cope with any unforeseen circumstances.
In addition, since the last DC election, the Constitutional and Mainland Affairs Bureau, in conjunction with the Information Services Department and other relevant departments, has set up a rapid response team before and after the election day to closely monitor and pay attention to various types of information during the election period, and to swiftly and effectively refute or clarify all kinds of false or inaccurate information or comments, so as to ensure that the election will not be affected.
Thank you, President.
Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police
Two men have been jailed after being found guilty of murdering a teenager in Edmonton.
The court heard how Bernard Carroll, 20 (26.12.23) of Church Street, Enfield and Josiah James Semper, 19 (31.03.05) of Cromie Close, Enfield pursued and fatally stabbed 16-year-old Taye Faik as he fled towards his home. Both were found guilty of Taye’s murder following the conclusion of a trial at Snaresbrook Crown Court on Wednesday, 16 October.
At the same court on Tuesday, 22 October, both men were sentenced to life imprisonment to serve a minimum term of 22 years.
Detective Chief Inspector Joanna Yorke, from the Met’s Specialist Crime Command, led the investigation. She said: “This was a shocking and brutal attack on a teenage boy who was yards from his front door.
“Semper was armed with a flick knife and inflicted the fatal wound, while Carroll drove the car to Kendal Gardens, fully in the knowledge that Semper was armed and in no doubt that significant violence would take place. It was evident from the investigation that there was a significant degree of planning involved.
“Taye’s family have had to endure the trauma of losing him and then hearing evidence of the attack throughout the trial process. While nothing can be done to ease their pain, I hope that the fact Carroll and Semper have been held to account for their part in Taye’s murder brings them a small degree of comfort.
“This conviction and the subsequent sentence should demonstrate the serious consequences and loss of life that is associated with carrying a knife. The sentencing today should act as a deterrent to anyone else in possession of such dangerous weapons.”
An investigation was launched after police were called at 23:27hrs on 1 October 2023 to reports of a stabbing in Kendal Gardens, N18. Despite the efforts of the emergency services, Taye died at the scene.
Taye had been out walking his dog and was yards from his home when he was attacked by at least two occupants who had got out of a waiting car. Witnesses reported hearing the attack and seeing the car driving at speed as it left the area. Taye made it back to his house where he collapsed in the hallway, fatally injured.
Detectives quickly began to piece together the events of that evening, initially using CCTV to plot the movements of a car that the attackers had used.
This car was later found abandoned in a nearby car park – it was on false registration plates and had been stolen a couple of weeks earlier.
A thorough investigation enabled officers to plot the movements of the vehicle and its occupants on the day Taye was attacked and fatally injured.
Bernard Carroll was arrested on 6 November 2023 after officers tracked him down to an address in Edmonton. He refused to answer any questions about the attack on Taye.
Josiah Semper had fled to Antigua shortly after the murder, but was arrested when he returned to the UK on 17 November 2023. Again, when questioned about the attack on Taye, he declined to answer any questions.
Source: Hong Kong Information Services
Financial Secretary Paul Chan has begun a visit to New York by delivering a keynote speech at the Bloomberg Global Regulatory Forum on the theme of how to build a future-proof financial system.
Mr Chan outlined that despite facing various challenges in recent years, Hong Kong’s economic and financial fundamentals remain strong and resilient.
He highlighted that data, in addition to international rankings and assessments, show that Hong Kong continues to play an important role in the global financial market and serve as a leading international financial centre in Asia. He added that its levels of economic freedom and competitiveness are among the highest in the world, and that recent inflows of investment from the US and Europe reflect confidence in the city.
Mr Chan also iterated that thanks to the “one country, two systems” arrangement and China’s pursuit of high-level opening-up, Hong Kong’s unique advantages will only become more evident, making the city better able to fulfil its role as a “super-connector.”
In his speech, Mr Chan also elaborated on Hong Kong’s robust financial regulation.
He said that as a small and fully open economy, the city has learned from past experience how to respond to external shocks and market volatility. This has been achieved through identifying and addressing systemic weaknesses, establishing a cross-sectoral, co-ordinated and round-the-clock risk detection and monitoring system, and building strong buffers to respond to various risks and challenges.
The Financial Secretary emphasised that the ultimate goal of financial regulation is to promote healthy and sustainable market development, which is why Hong Kong’s financial regulators take on dual roles as both regulators and market enablers. He explained that this requires them to establish an agile and forward-looking regulatory regime, respond swiftly to market changes, and embrace technological innovation, with a view to creating the conditions for a thriving market and promoting the financial system’s long-term development.
Finally, Mr Chan shared two key future development directions for Hong Kong – namely that it will continued to deepen various “connect” schemes and strengthen links and regulatory co-operation with Mainland and global capital markets; and that it will embrace innovation, which includes enabling the responsible and sustainable development of digital assets.
Prior to giving his speech, Mr Chan met Founder of Bloomberg L.P. and Bloomberg Philanthropies Michael Bloomberg to exchange views on issues of mutual concern.
Source: Hong Kong Information Services
The Home & Youth Affairs Bureau today approved a youth hostel project located in the Regal Oriental Hotel in Kowloon City, with a total of 80 rooms that will provide up to 160 hostel places.
Named YOT Hub, the project is the fifth one under the Subsidy Scheme for Using Hotels & Guesthouses as Youth Hostels.
The project will be launched by the Yan Oi Tong company and the Regal Hotels Group.
One of the features of the project is to help youth tenants enrich their understanding of the national development opportunities through trainings, and exchange and internship programmes.
It will also provide young people with self-enhancement and support services in different aspects, such as financial management courses, career development workshops and mental health seminars.
In addition, Yan Oi Tong will form a youth service team and invite young people to collaborate in organising community activities.
It also plans to arrange volunteer services regularly to encourage young people to contribute to the community and establish their sense of belonging to society and responsibility.
The bureau said YOT Hub is well connected by public transport with comprehensive community facilities in the vicinity.
It added that the project not only provides young people with a comfortable living environment but also enables them to broaden their horizons and achieve their personal development goals through various self-enhancement activities.
The bureau expressed that it is delighted that the subsidy scheme continues to gain support from hotel and guesthouse operators to provide youth with an enabling environment and hope for the future.
It added that it intends to continue to collaborate with relevant stakeholders who share its vision to take forward youth hostel projects.
Source: Hong Kong Information Services
The second sitting of the Basic Law & National Security Law Test (BLNST) in the 2024-25 school year is scheduled for December 15, the Education Bureau (EDB) announced today.
Applications can be made from Friday until November 7.
Target participants for this round of the test are bachelor’s degree holders, or students who will attain a bachelor’s degree in 2025 or 2026, who plan to join or change to another secondary school, primary school or kindergarten to take up a teaching post.
Limited places for the test will be available on a first come, first served basis.
Those who have obtained a pass result in a test organised by the EDB, the Civil Service Bureau or a recruiting department or grade, will not be accepted to sit for it again.
The third, fourth and fifth sittings of the test will be held in April, June and July next year. Relevant arrangements will be announced in due course.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
2024-25 judicial service pay adjustment
2024-25 judicial service pay adjustment
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On the recommendation of the Standing Committee on Judicial Salaries and Conditions of Service (Judicial Committee) chaired by Dr Clement Chen, the Chief Executive in Council has decided that the pay for Judges and Judicial Officers (JJOs) for 2024-25 should be increased by 3 per cent. The pay adjustment will take retrospective effect from April 1, 2024. A Government spokesman today (October 23) said, “In coming up with its recommendation on judicial pay for 2024-25, the Judicial Committee premised its deliberations on the need to uphold the principle of judicial independence; and adopted a balanced approach taking into account a basket of factors as approved by the Chief Executive in Council in May 2008 and the position of the Judiciary. The basket of factors includes:(a) responsibility, working conditions and workload of judges vis-à-vis those of lawyers in private practice;(b) recruitment and retention in the Judiciary;(c) retirement age and retirement benefits of JJOs;(d) benefits and allowances enjoyed by JJOs;(e) unique features of the judicial service such as security of tenure, the prestigious status and high esteem of the judicial offices;(f) prohibition against return to private practice in Hong Kong;(g) overseas remuneration arrangements;(h) cost of living adjustments;(i) general economic situation in Hong Kong;(j) budgetary situation of the Government;(k) private sector pay levels and trends; and(l) public sector pay as a reference.” A copy of the Report on Judicial Remuneration Review 2024 submitted by the Judicial Committee to the Chief Executive on August 21, 2024, is available on the website of the Joint Secretariat for the Advisory Bodies on Civil Service and Judicial Salaries and Conditions of Service (www.jsscs.gov.hk/en/publications/reports_jscs.htm). The Government will seek the approval of the Finance Committee of the Legislative Council on the proposed pay adjustment.
Ends/Wednesday, October 23, 2024Issued at HKT 14:00
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Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –
Residents of 83 old houses received apartments in 45 new buildings built under the renovation program in the northeast of the capital. This was reported by the Deputy Mayor of Moscow for Urban Development Policy and Construction Vladimir Efimov.
“In the north-east of Moscow, the renovation program began in 2018 and today covers 14 of the 17 districts. Residents of 83 old houses – more than 14.4 thousand people – signed contracts for new apartments in 45 new buildings. The largest number of housing units under the renovation program were received by residents of the Babushkinsky District. Here, more than 3.5 thousand people became title holders, about 2.3 thousand city residents registered documents for apartments in the Losinoostrovsky District, and almost two thousand residents – in Yuzhnoye Medvedkovo,” Vladimir Efimov noted.
In two districts of the North-Eastern Administrative District, the renovation program has been fully implemented. In Yuzhnoye Medvedkovo and Severny, all of its participants — about 1.9 thousand and almost two thousand people, respectively — have moved to modern residential complexes.
“Since the beginning of the year, more than 2.1 thousand people have signed contracts for new apartments with the Department of City Property in the North-Eastern Administrative District. This year, active resettlement is taking place in the Losinoostrovsky and Ostankinsky districts, as well as in Maryina Roshcha, where in total more than 1.3 thousand Muscovites have received new housing,” clarified the Minister of the Moscow Government, head of the Department of City Property
In total, 499 buildings in the North-Eastern Administrative District, in which more than 86 thousand city residents live, are included in the renovation program. As reported by the Minister of the Moscow Government, Head of the Department of Urban Development Policy Vladislav Ovchinsky, 63 houses have already been resettled in the north-east of the capital. Of these, 20 buildings are located in the Babushkinsky District, 10 each in Yuzhnoye Medvedkovo and Losinoostrovsky. City residents received modern apartments with high-quality finishing and improved repairs in accordance with the standards of the renovation program.
Currently, 28 new buildings are being designed in the north-east of the city, and another 27 houses are under construction. Near the residential complexes there are landscaped adjacent territories, comfortable recreation areas, sports and children’s playgrounds.
Earlier Sergei Sobyanin reported, that 1.2 trillion rubles have been allocated in the draft budget for three years to implement the renovation program.
Renovation program approved in August 2017. It concerns about a million Muscovites and provides for the resettlement of 5,176 houses. In 2023 alone, 59 new buildings in the capital were handed over for settlement and the resettlement of over 47 thousand people was ensured. The Mayor of Moscow instructed increase the pace of implementation of the renovation program has doubled.
Moscow is one of the leaders among regions in terms of construction rates and volumes. In recent years, within the framework of the federal project “Housing” of the national project “Housing and Urban Environment” the volume of construction and commissioning of residential facilities in the capital has doubled – from three million to five to seven million square meters per year. More information about this and other national projects being implemented in Moscow can be found find out here.
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.
Please note; This information is raw content directly from the information source. It is accurate to what the source is stating and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –
In the Aeroport area of the Northern Administrative District, after the reconstruction of the old Soviet cinema, the district center “Mesto Vstrechi “Baku”” appeared. It is located at the address: Usievicha Street, Building 12. This was reported by the Minister of the Moscow Government, the head of the capital’s Department of Urban Development Policy Vladislav Ovchinsky.
“The area of the renovated building is more than 13 thousand square meters. It has four floors above ground and one underground. In November, they plan to open a multifunctional and cultural and leisure center for city residents, where they will be able to attend various lectures, master classes, classes in choreography, vocals, chess and other areas,” said Vladislav Ovchinsky.
The cinema was built in 1974 according to the design of architects I.N. Volkov, E.V. Smolina and L.Ya. Fadeeva. The design of the building used motifs of traditional Azerbaijani architecture.
Before the start of the reconstruction, an urban development plan for the land plot was prepared for an area of 0.42 hectares, she said. Juliana Knyazhevskaya, Chairman of the Committee for Architecture and Urban Development of the City of Moscow.
From November, a fitness club, dry cleaners, children’s goods and electronics stores, food stores, and cosmetics stores will open in the district center “Meeting Place “Baku”. In addition, restaurants and cafes will open there.
On the instructions of Sergei Sobyanin, the city is paying special attention to the quality of work at sites with large numbers of citizens.
“During each stage of reconstruction, inspectors of the Committee for State Construction Supervision of the City of Moscow, together with the subordinate Center for Expertise, carried out 15 control and supervision activities. Based on the results of the final inspection, the facility received a conclusion on its compliance with the approved project. At present, the developer has issued a permit for its commissioning,” emphasized the Chairman of the Committee for State Construction Supervision of the City of Moscow
The program for the reconstruction of Moscow cinemas began in the spring of 2017. In accordance with it, 38 cinemas are to be renovated, and district centers of the Mesto Vstrechi network will appear in their buildings.
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.
Please note; This information is raw content directly from the information source. It is accurate to what the source is stating and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Following is a question by the Hon Benson Luk and a written reply by the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Mr Kevin Yeung, in the Legislative Council today (October 23): Question: The Kai Tak Sports Park (KTSP) will be officially open early next year, and the government departments concerned have currently commenced the preparatory work for the commissioning of the KTSP. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council: (1) whether the authorities have finalised the leasing arrangements and charge levels for the KTSP’s Main Stadium, Indoor Sports Centre, Public Sports Ground and the rest of precinct for reference by members of the industry and the public; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that; (2) given that Kai Tak Sports Park Limited (KTSPL) has undertaken to implement a Sports Events Support Scheme, which aims to waive venue hiring charges for sports events held in the KTSP or make direct financial contribution to sports events, whether the authorities have grasped the implementation of the Scheme at this stage; if so, of the details, including the number of local and overseas events involved; if not, the reasons for that; (3) as it has been learnt that at present catering and a variety of entertainment facilities are provided in the vicinity of venues where mega events are held (such as the Hong Kong Stadium), enabling spectators to get warmed up for the mega events and the vibrant atmosphere to continue before and after the matches, whether the authorities have formulated any short-term and long-term plans to increase the provision of similar facilities in the vicinity of the KTSP; if so, of the details (including the specific development plans); if not, the reasons for that; (4) whether the authorities will draw up guidelines to require KTSPL to make public announcements about an event certain days before the date of the event, so as to facilitate the stakeholders concerned to take forward as early as possible the related publicity work to attract inbound tour groups and visitors coming to Hong Kong under the Individual Visit Scheme; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that; and (5) whether the authorities have any idea of formulating an integrated development plan for the KTSP and the adjacent Kai Tak Cruise Terminal, so as to shape them into a core tourist landmark of Kai Tak and Kowloon City, thereby enhancing their synergy as a tourist attraction; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that? Reply:President, Being the largest sports infrastructure project in Hong Kong’s history, the Kai Tak Sports Park (KTSP) is crucial to the Government’s implementation of sports policies of promoting sports in the community, supporting elite sports, developing Hong Kong into a centre for major international sports events, enhancing professionalism and developing sports as an industry. The KTSP will provide modern and multi-purpose sports and recreation facilities upon completion, including a 50 000-seat Main Stadium, a 10 000-seat Indoor Sports Centre, a 5 000-seat Public Sports Ground and about 14-hectare landscaped open space and other ancillary facilities. Currently, the construction works of the KTSP has entered into the final phase and the KTSP will be open in the first quarter of 2025. The Government has established the inter-departmental Task Force on KTSP, led by the Chief Secretary for Administration, to oversee the smooth completion and commissioning of the KTSP and its publicity work, fostering the synergistic development of major sports events, innovative entertainment, dining, conventions and exhibitions, as well as tourism activities. The Task Force will also formulate thorough plans and conduct comprehensive drills on security deployment, crowd management, emergency response, and other areas. The Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau (CSTB), Kai Tak Sports Park Limited (KTSPL) together with relevant bureaux/departments are planning various drills and test events to be conducted from October this year to February next year, with a view to fine-tuning and enhancing the operation model as well as various arrangements such as crowd dispersal and transportation when staging large-scale events. We will also adjust strategies as necessary to fully prepare for the commissioning of the KTSP. My consolidated reply to the questions raised by the Hon Benson Luk is as follows: (1) According to the contract between the Government and the operator, the hiring charges in respect of sports events and community casual hire of the KTSP (including the Main Stadium, Indoor Sports Centre and Public Sports Ground) shall be comparable to those of similar facilities provided by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department, educational institutions and other non-profit making organisations. The operator has to obtain approval from the CSTB for the hiring charges, so as to ensure that the sports sector and citizens can enjoy the facilities of the KTSP to promote sports development. KTSPL has already provided organisers, who express interest in hiring facilities in the KTSP for staging large-scale events, with the relevant information with respect of their hiring proposals. As for the hiring charges for the general public in using individual facilities in Indoor Sports Centre and Public Sports Ground, the KTSPL will make the announcement later.(2) KTSPL undertakes to implement a Sports Events Support Scheme (the Scheme) to support sports events. Its financial commitment under the SESS is $1.583 billion in total, which is to be disbursed over a period of around 20 years. Commitment under the Scheme will be met either by waiving venue hiring charges for sports events held in the KTSP or by making direct financial contribution to any sports events. The above arrangements will encourage the operator to proactively promote the KTSP as “the destination” for local and international large-scale sports events. It is expected that the Scheme will be implemented next year. KTSPL is refining the details of the Scheme and will announce the application arrangement later. The implementation of the Scheme will be monitored by the CSTB. If KTSPL does not fully utilise the estimated expenditure under the Scheme in a particular year, an amount equivalent to the outstanding commitment shall be paid to an entity (e.g. “national sports associations”) nominated by the CSTB for supporting sports.(3) The KTSP will provide a one-stop sports, leisure, catering and shopping experience for citizens and tourists. With respect of the catering services, the 57 executive suites in the Main Stadium are supported by catering service providers offering various kinds of upscale dining options. There are also some 30 bars and catering outlets in the Main Stadium which should be able to meet the catering needs as compared to other facilities of similar scale in the world. In addition, the KTSP will, with reference to the scale and needs of different events and matches as well as at the requests of organisers, arrange 10 to 20 mobile catering booths during the staging of large-scale events. The number of catering booths will be flexibly increased based on actual situation. Besides, there are over 700 thousand feet of retail, catering as well as leisure and entertainment facilities in the KTSP. Catering facilities include some 70 outlets of international cuisines and nine diversified concept restaurants at the Dining Cove where citizens and tourists can choose to dine in the indoor or outdoor areas and enjoy the breath-taking views of the Victoria Harbour. As regards leisure and entertainment facilities, the KTSP will provide facilities including a health and wellness centre, a bowling centre, an outdoor rock climbing area, beach volleyball courts, tennis courts, a covered 5-a-side football pitch and multi-purpose activity space for the public to enjoy. The neighbouring districts of Kowloon City and To Kwa Wan which are in close proximity of the KTSP also provide an array of dining options. Citizens and tourists who visit the KTSP for matches or large-scale events can walk to the two districts for a taste of our local culinary delights, similar to walking from the Hong Kong Stadium to Causeway Bay or Tin Hau. The Government will continue to work closely with KTSPL to further enhance visitors’ experience as well as liaise with relevant departments and the Hong Kong Tourism Board to promote the leisure and catering options in the vicinity of the KTSP so as to create a synergy effect for bringing about local economic development.(4) KTSPL has been actively making contact and having commercial negotiations with local and international sports and non-sports events’ promotion bodies, organisations and agencies. Generally speaking, the promotion strategy of events is led by organisers whereas KTSPL, being the venue provider, has to act in concert with the plans of the event organisers. KTSPL cannot disclose details of the events before the organisers do so. Nevertheless, KTSPL will maintain close communication with event organisers and coordinate with their overall publicity plan and share more details of their events with the public in due course.(5) The KTSP and the Kai Tak Cruise Terminal (KTCT) are both located within the Kai Tak Development Area. The KTSP, upon completion, will provide retail and catering facilities as well as host different types of large-scale sports, culture or entertainment events, thereby providing cruise passengers with more options for onshore activities. The hotels in the vicinity of the KTSP will also offer an additional choice of accommodation for travellers. On the other hand, the KTSP will drive the flow of people in the district and attract tourists to spend in Hong Kong during various large-scale sports, culture or entertainment events, promoting the economic transformation and development of Kowloon East. The Government will continue to enhance the KTCT’s function as a venue for conventions, exhibitions and other events. In preparing the work plans for the KTSP and KTCT, the CSTB will consider how the two major infrastructures could complement each other, with a view to creating synergies by fully leveraging the respective facilities.
Source: Allens Insights
IP Australia has published the outcomes of its 2023 consultation, which sought stakeholder feedback on a series of significant proposed changes to the Designs Act 2003 (Cth). These included provisions for virtual, partial and incremental designs, which it plans to pursue. We explain the key feedback and what comes next.
IP Australia intends to proceed with the proposals to:
We expect the proposed legislative changes to be before Federal Parliament in late 2025.
For virtual designs, feedback focused on the introduction of a definition of virtual designs and products. As explained in our previous Insight, the initially proposed definition of a ‘virtual product’ required further refinement, and it is a welcome development that IP Australia has highlighted this feedback.
It was also suggested that video or animation files be allowed to supplement applications for virtual designs, and that applications could be made for a design applied to both a virtual and physical product at the same time. Consideration will also be given to enforcement against the seller of a virtual product, and not necessarily the customer or end user.
For partial designs, feedback focused on the introduction of mechanisms to protect those that would allow separate parts of a product to be registered as a single design, together with the requirement to identify a physical product to which the part relates. Fortunately, the ‘similar products’ test will not be pursued, as its justifications were unpersuasive, and likely to cause unnecessary confusion, uncertainty and expense.
While support for incremental designs was varied, post-registration linking received favourable feedback. The primary focus was on introducing the ability to link an initial registered design to related subsequent designs, to ensure publication and use of the initial design does not affect the validity of the subsequent design.
A proposal for ‘preliminary designs’ will not be pursued at this time.
IP Australia has reported the favourable feedback to the Government, which is now considering legislation aimed at including virtual designs, partial designs and post-registration linking. Further updates regarding draft legislation are expected in late 2025.
These proposals, if accepted, will provide more options for clients seeking to protect their designs in Australia.
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Simone Casey, Research Associate, Centre for People, Organisation and Work, RMIT University
For jobseekers these days, staying on benefits is about accumulating points.
It used to be cruder. Until 2022, unemployed Australians who wanted to stay on benefits had to apply for up to 20 jobs per month, a requirement a parliamentary inquiry found
burdens employers, who are receiving masses of poor quality applications often from people who are not suited for the position.
Since July 2022, jobseekers have instead been required to collect points.
Creating or updating a profile earns five points, applying for a job earns five points, attending a job interview earns 25 points, attending a jobs expo earns 25 points, starting a job earns 50 points, and so on.
For most jobseekers the target is 100 points per month. The target can be eased by 20 points for jobseekers who live in locations that have fewer opportunities to work and by 40 points for jobseekers who are carers, have a reduced capacity to work or who are over 55.
Jobseekers who fail to report enough points or who fail to include four job applications per month in total face automatic suspension of benefits.
New data released by the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations show 41.1% of participants are being tripped up by the system.
In the quarter between April 1 and June 30, 410,485 of the 999,470 jobseekers enrolled in the scheme failed to meet its requirements. And 212,915 of them reported no points whatsoever.
It’s an improvement on the previous year. For April to June 2023, 45.3% of participants failed to get enough points.
First Nations people, refugees, people with disabilities and young people are over-represented among those who fail to get enough points.
My calculations using the department’s data show 58% of Indigenous participants in the program, 49% of participants without a Year 12 education and 47% of participants on youth allowance are failing to meet the requirements.
Around two-thirds of breaches lead to suspensions. Between July 2022 and September 2023 1,838,410 payments were suspended.
My research just published in the Australian Journal of Social Issues finds that a shift away from face-to-face help to online interactions is partly responsible.
When jobseekers find it difficult to talk to humans about why they are unable to accumulate points their payments are more likely to be suspended.
The Department of Employment has been working hard to increase understanding of the points system. Among other things, it has produced a series of fact sheets aimed at First Nations Australians.
But an independent evaluation of the system prepared for the department in June found two-thirds of the participants in it had little or no knowledge about how it worked.
This suggests the 41% failure rate might be an indictment of the system as much as the jobseekers who use it.
It might even be an indictment of the idea of points to quantify compliance with mutual obligations.
In November last year, a Senate select committee recommended rebuilding what it called a Commonwealth Employment Services System from the ground up.
While the committee supported the use of points, it wanted the default requirement halved to 50 points, with human case managers given discretion to vary the target up or down based on their professional judgments.
Simone Casey is employed as a policy advisor at Economic Justice Australia, the peak organisation for community legal centres providing specialist advice to people on their social security issues and rights. The research and analysis for this article was completed in her academic capacity as recently published in the Australian Journal of Social Issues.
– ref. Australia’s points system for jobseekers is failing 4 in 10, putting their payments at risk – https://theconversation.com/australias-points-system-for-jobseekers-is-failing-4-in-10-putting-their-payments-at-risk-240317
Source: Amnesty International –
In a context of systematic human rights violations, a completely restricted civic space and the criminalization of any form of dissent, Amnesty International today declared political dissident Félix Navarro, independent journalist and Dama de Blanco Sayli Navarro, 11J protester Roberto Pérez Fonseca and activist Luis Robles as prisoners of conscience.
“These designations are a recognition of the dozens of people who remain in prison in Cuba for peacefully exercising their rights, and of all those who live under constant surveillance, harassment and the threat of criminalization. A recognition of the courage and resistance of the people of Cuba who are standing up to constant and generalized repression and fighting for their rights and the rights of all people,” said Ana Piquer, Americas director at Amnesty International.
Félix Navarro is a 71-year-old political dissident and founder of the “Pedro Luis Boitel” Party for Democracy. For over 30 years, he has been the coordinator of the Patriotic Union of Cuba and has been associated with the Cuba Decides platform and the Council for the Democratic Transition in Cuba. Félix is currently serving his third prison sentence for political reasons. He was imprisoned in 1992 on charges of “enemy propaganda” for putting up “anti-revolution” posters in his home town. In 2003, he was sentenced to 25 years in prison in the criminal proceedings following the crackdown known as the “Black Spring”, along with 75 other dissidents, journalists and activists. In this context, he was declared a prisoner of conscience by Amnesty International. He was released on extra-penal leave on 23 March 2011, together with fellow prisoner of conscience José Daniel Ferrer, as the last of the group of 75 to be freed after previously refusing to be released in exchange for exile.
Sayli Navarro, his daughter, is a 38-year-old activist and cofounder of the Damas de Blanco (Ladies in White), a group of mothers, wives and daughters of the group of 75 people arrested during the “Black Spring”. Sayli has lived with the consequences of the state repression exercised against her father since she was a child. She was expelled from university in 2010 because of her “counter-revolutionary links”, and has been arbitrarily detained, subjected to interrogation and threatened on a number of occasions by state security agents and police authorities.
Félix and Sayli Navarro were sentenced in March 2022 to 9 and 8 years in prison respectively for events related to the protests of 11 and 12 July 2021. Both were violently arrested on 12 July at their local police station in the town of Perico, Matanzas province, when they went to enquire about the situation of members of their movement who had been arrested during the protests the day before.
Luis Robles, 32, was sentenced to four years and six months in prison in March 2022 on charges of enemy propaganda and disobedience for peacefully protesting on a pedestrian street in central Havana in December 2020. Luis was holding up a sign that read ‘’Freedom‘’, ‘’No+Repression‘’ and ‘’#Free-Denis‘’ and walking in circles as dozens of people began to film him. Luis Robles held up the sign for several minutes until the police approached him, took the sign from him and arrested him, with Luis putting up no resistance. This happened a few days after the San Isidro Movement staged a lockdown and hunger strike to demand the release of rapper Denis Solís. Luis wanted to express his solidarity with the rapper and his support for the San Isidro Movement.
Roberto Pérez Fonseca, 41, was sentenced in October 2021 to 10 years’ imprisonment for his participation in the protests of 11 July 2021. Roberto was charged with the offences of contempt, assault, public disorder and incitement to commit a crime, all of which are typically used by the Cuban authorities against those who exercise their right to freedom of peaceful assembly and association. The United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention found Roberto’s detention to be arbitrary and motivated by the peaceful exercise of his right to freedom of assembly and association, as well as to freedom of opinion and expression. It also found that Roberto’s right to a fair and impartial trial had been violated.
These designations come in the context of renewed repression by the Cuban authorities against activists, human rights defenders, journalists, intellectuals and independent media in the last weeks of September. This includes an alarming increase in ill-treatment, harassment, arbitrary detentions, new threats of criminalization, denial of prison benefits and worrying reports of deterioration in the health and physical integrity of detainees.
“Following the widespread state repression unleashed by the July 2021 protests, and with many activists, political opponents and dissidents unjustly imprisoned, the Cuban state seems intent on eradicating any capacity for resistance within Cuban society, which now extends to projects, spaces and activism not linked to traditional political opposition or dissidence,” added Ana Piquer.
Independent media organizations El Toque, Periodismo de Barrio and Cubanet have claimed in editorials and on social media that their contributors have received threats of criminalization from the authorities in recent weeks. According to these reports, contributors have repeatedly been summoned by police and state security agents and informed of possible criminal prosecution for “mercenarism”. In addition, activists and independent media contributors reported on their social networks that they had received arbitrary summonses followed by interrogations by the authorities and state security agents about their journalistic work and their links to certain individuals or media outlets considered to be “counter-revolutionary”. In this context, Amnesty International has had access to the testimonies of at least 20 activists, who have reported being threatened with imprisonment, forced to record themselves and sign declarations of self-incrimination, and deprived of their mobile phones and computers. Similarly, Cuban human rights organizations reported that at least three independent media contributors were forced to write public resignations on their social networks, expressing their intention not to work with independent media. On 16 September, the cultural magazine PM Magazine announced that it was closing down permanently due to increasing pressure and harassment against its director by state security agents.
“This climate of constant fear and intimidation adds to our concern at the continuing reports of the deteriorating health and ill-treatment of prisoners of conscience Loreto Hernández, Pedro Albert and José Daniel Ferrer, and the increasing and systematic harassment of journalist Carlos Michael Morales, and Damas de Blanco leader Berta Soler. It is imperative that the international community show solidarity and demand the immediate release of those imprisoned for exercising their rights, and an end to the repression and harassment of dissidents in Cuba,” said Ana Piquer.
Amnesty International calls for the immediate and unconditional release of prisoners of conscience, and of all those unjustly imprisoned solely for exercising their human rights. The organization also calls on the government of Miguel Díaz-Canel to respect human rights, including the right to freedom of expression, association and peaceful assembly, to repeal repressive legislation, and to end the repression of dissidents.
In order to determine whether a person is a prisoner of conscience, Amnesty International uses the information available to it regarding the circumstances leading to their detention. By designating a particular person as a prisoner of conscience, Amnesty is affirming that this person must be immediately and unconditionally released but is not endorsing their past or present views or conduct.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Following is a question by the Ir Dr Hon Lo Wai-kwok and a written reply by the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Mr Kevin Yeung, in the Legislative Council today (October 23):
Question:
There are views pointing out that with the development of low-altitude economy, the scope of drone application will continuously expand for purposes such as carrying sightseeing passengers or delivering meals and other goods. In addition, the arrangement of large-scale drone shows over the Victoria Harbour on festive days is also a selling point to attract visitors to Hong Kong. However, it has been reported that three recent drone shows in Hong Kong were cancelled at short notice (including the drone shows at the Wan Chai waterfront on September 21, the West Kowloon Cultural District on September 30 and the Victoria Harbour on October 1), leaving members of the public and visitors who waited for a long time disappointed. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
(1) whether the authorities had, before the aforesaid drone shows, assessed in detail with the organisers the various factors that might affect the drone shows as well as the different scenarios that might arise, drawn up fallback plans, and stepped up the coordination and support among different government departments; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that;
(2) whether the authorities had, before the aforesaid drone shows, put forward specific testing requirements to the outsourced contractors and formulated a mechanism for coordination and notification in the event of incidents, and taken timely follow-up actions after the short-notice cancellation of the shows; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that; and
(3) whether the authorities will formulate more forward-looking policy measures and allocate more resources to strengthen the research and development, application and regulation of drone technology; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that?
Reply:
President,
In respect of the question raised by Ir Dr Hon Lo Wai-kwok, in consultation with the Transport and Logistics Bureau, the Innovation, Technology and Industry Bureau, the Office of the Communications Authority (OFCA) and the Hong Kong Observatory, the consolidated reply is as follows:
For parts (1) and (2) of the question, as a drone show generally involves operation of a large number of drones in a confined airspace, the operation of drones heavily relies on the high-precision reception of Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) signals.
From the perspectives of aviation and public safety, drone shows which involve operations exceeding the standing operating requirements of small unmanned aircraft are considered as advanced operations and require prior permission from the Civil Aviation Department. Advanced operation permit holders are required to conduct risk assessment in accordance with the established procedures prior to the drone shows in order to identify all potential risks, including the stability of the drones’ satellite positioning signals, so as to ensure the safe conduct of the drone shows.
While drone shows can be organised by private organisations, for a drone show organised by the Government, the OFCA will generally conduct radio monitoring at the event venue. The OFCA will detect any source of harmful interference to the radio frequencies to be used by the drone system. It is understood that the atmospheric conditions (including ionospheric scintillation) may significantly affect the quality of GNSS signals. However, because of the rapid changes in ionospheric disturbance caused by solar activities, the precise influence of ionospheric scintillation in terms of timing, location and extent, etc. could not be accurately predicted in advance.
In preparation of the “Celebration of National Day – The Next Generation Chorus Performance” and “2024 National Day Fireworks Display” held on September 30 and October 1, 2024 respectively, the Government had held a number of inter-departmental meetings and drawn up contingency plans with the drone show operators. The operators of the two aforementioned drone performances also conducted multiple tests and rehearsals before the events (including on the day of the performance). Nevertheless, there was a sudden occurrence of ionospheric scintillation over Victoria Harbour during the events resulted in the drones being unable to receive good satellite positioning signals. After confirming that the ionospheric scintillation would prevent the drone shows from proceeding, we promptly made on-site announcements. For the drone show held on September 21, 2024, it was organised by a non-governmental organisation.
Taking into account the experience of cancellation of the drone shows on September 30 and October 1, 2024, the Government will take into account the following factors and prepare suitable contingency plans when organising drone shows in future –
(a) the weather conditions (rain, wind speed, typhoon, etc.), as well as ionospheric disturbance which may seriously affect the reception of GNSS signals by the drone system concerned;
(b) the nature of performance, audience and performers;
(c) the programme rundown, such as whether there are performances which are linked to the drone show, whether the drone show is a standalone show, etc.; and
(d) whether there is flexibility to adjust the timing and scale of the drone show during the programme in case of weather or ionospheric disturbance to the drone show.
For part (3) of the question, in the light of technological advancement, improvements in the technology and design of drones will help enhance their stability and accuracy, thereby exploring more application scenarios for drones. In the 2024 Policy Address, the Government announced a series of initiatives to promote the development of low-altitude economy (LAE) in Hong Kong, including the establishment of the Working Group on Developing LAE which is led by the Deputy Financial Secretary to formulate development strategies and inter-departmental action plans, as well as plan for low-altitude infrastructure. At the same time, the Government will press ahead with pilot projects to explore the applications of drones at designated locations, and will amend relevant legislation to put in place a regulatory framework for different types of drones. The Government will commence the relevant work as soon as possible to proactively promote LAE as one of the new growth engines.
The Government also has all along been supporting research and development (R&D) in different technology areas through the Innovation and Technology Fund (ITF). Under the various ITF funding schemes, the Government supports local universities, R&D centres and enterprises to conduct R&D projects, including those low-attitude economy-related fields such as electronic, data transmission and processing, etc.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
IADS Showroom Day
IADS Showroom Day
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The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority: The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) announced today (October 23) the official Chinese name for the Interbank Account Data Sharing (IADS) initiative and the launch of the IADS Developer Platform, in collaboration with the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP), enabling banks to securely and efficiently share bank account data with other banks, subject to customer consent. The IADS pilot programme commenced in January this year, with a total of 28 participating banks (see Annex). The programme has established the rules and standards facilitating interbank customer-consented data sharing, covering retail, corporate and small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) customer segments. This allows banks to share customers’ deposit account information (including account availability, status, balances and transaction records) with other banks, subject to customer consent. The initiative aims to encourage the industry to launch more innovative data-driven banking products and services, thereby enhancing customer experience. To showcase the initial results of the pilot programme, the HKMA held the IADS Showroom Day today, allowing banks to share practical applications of IADS, including streamlining loan application process, consolidated financial analysis, and online identity verification. Banks will gradually launch related products to the market. Additionally, in collaboration with the HKSTP, the HKMA announced the launch of the IADS Developer Platform, a one-stop platform that provides testing account data and simulated application programming interfaces (APIs) from participating banks, facilitating collaboration between banks and technology firms to jointly develop more data-driven products and services. Deputy Chief Executive of the HKMA Mr Howard Lee said, “The rapid development of the digital economy underscores the importance of secure and efficient data transfer. We are pleased to see the banking sector actively supporting IADS and utilising customer-consented data to provide innovative banking products and services that bring convenience and benefits to the public, promoting the steady and healthy development of the fintech ecosystem.” For more details about the IADS initiative, please visit the HKMA’s website.
Ends/Wednesday, October 23, 2024Issued at HKT 15:00
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Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
EPD convictions in September
EPD convictions in September
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Twenty-one convictions were recorded in September 2024 for breaches of legislation enforced by the Environmental Protection Department. Four of the convictions were under the Air Pollution Control Ordinance, six were under the Noise Control Ordinance, seven were under the Public Cleansing and Prevention of Nuisances Regulation, three were under the Waste Disposal Ordinance, and one was under the Water Pollution Control Ordinance. A company was fined $24,000, which was the heaviest fine in September, for contravening the provisions of a licence.
Ends/Wednesday, October 23, 2024Issued at HKT 15:00
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Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The Chief Executive in Council made five Orders under the Inland Revenue Ordinance (Cap. 112) yesterday (October 22) to implement respectively the Comprehensive Avoidance of Double Taxation Agreements (CDTAs) that Hong Kong signed with Armenia, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Croatia and Türkiye. The Orders will be gazetted on October 25.
“Under the CDTAs, residents of Hong Kong and the relevant tax jurisdictions will not have to pay tax twice on a single source of income. This will bring them a greater certainty on taxation liabilities and tax savings when they engage in cross-border trade and investment activities. The CDTAs can help encourage enterprises of Hong Kong to conduct business or invest in the tax jurisdictions concerned, and vice versa,” a Government spokesman said today (October 23).
The Orders will be tabled at the Legislative Council on October 30 for negative vetting. The CDTAs will enter into force after both Hong Kong and the relevant tax jurisdictions have completed their respective ratification procedures.
Hong Kong signed the CDTAs with Bangladesh, Croatia, Bahrain, Armenia and Türkiye in August 2023; and January, March, June and September 2024 respectively, bringing the number of tax jurisdictions that have signed CDTAs with Hong Kong to 51. Highlights of the five new CDTAs are set out in the Annex.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
“!NSPIRE Series 2024: Lingnan Images – A Cinematic Crossover of 4 Cities” to examine cultural landscape of Lingnan (with photos)
“!NSPIRE Series 2024: Lingnan Images – A Cinematic Crossover of 4 Cities” to examine cultural landscape of Lingnan (with photos)
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The Film Programmes Office (FPO) of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) will present “!NSPIRE Series 2024: Lingnan Images – A Cinematic Crossover of 4 Cities” from November 23 to January 19 next year, screening films that cover the period from the reform and opening-up to date from Hong Kong, Macao, Shenzhen and Guangzhou at Hong Kong City Hall and the Hong Kong Film Archive. Exchange and workshop sessions will also be held to promote the collaboration of filmmakers of the four cities. The opening film “Ah Ying” (1983) was directed by Hong Kong new wave director Allen Fong. The film was the winner of Hong Kong Film Awards for Best Film, Best Director and Best Film Editing. It delicately depicts the story between Ah Ying, who works at a market fish stall, and her acting mentor, who has also become her friend. Various selected films illustrate the cultural impact and exchanges in different times. Renowned actor Chow Yun-fat plays a village chief in “Now You See Love… Now You Don’t” (1992). The clash between the lifestyles and ways of thinking of him and his childhood sweetheart returning from abroad, played by Carol “Do Do” Cheng, leads to scene after scene of hilarious comedy. “Little Cheung” (1999) depicts the livelihood of ordinary people from the perspective of children, who are able to find peace and hope in the midst of chaos with their innocence. “Ip Man – The Final Fight” (2013) and “Knitting” (2008) both reflect on how immigrants adapt to their new lives. The former tells the story of Ip Man, who upholds the virtues of Lingnan martial arts while facing the setbacks that come with his relocation to Hong Kong. The latter depicts the evolution of Guangzhou culture amid an influx of workers from outside, resulting in a mixture of northern and southern influences. There are also films portraying the confusion that urbanites face. Directed by Philip Yung, “Glamorous Youth” (2009) tells the story of a Hong Kong boy moving to Shenzhen to escape from family pressure and love problems, yet still finding himself trapped in the mundane routines of life. “Sun and Rain” (1987), directed by Zhang Zeming, illustrates the alienation and love between people in a city through a love quadrangle. “Damp Season” (2020) depicts the stress lingering in the lives of the working class in Shenzhen, like the dampness and humidity often found in spring. Both set in Guangzhou, “Eight Diagrams” (2009) is a dark comedy about the desire and sadness of urbanites, while “Something in Blue” (2016) is a travelogue of a city that brings together the unremarkable daily lives of four young people. Some of the selected films bring the cityscapes to the forefront. “Dot 2 Dot” (2014) traces the present and past of Hong Kong as a man and a woman with contrasting backgrounds navigate through the streets of the city. In “San Yuan Li” (2003) and “Cop Shop II” (2011), the Guangzhou cityscape and its changes through time are respectively illustrated with images and sounds.??? Two distinctive works from Macao will also be screened. Both of them are combinations of six stories. “Macau Stories 2: Love in the City” (2011) consists of six stories about love by six directors, while “Passing Rain” (2017), by director and screenwriter Chan Ka-keong, tells the stories of six characters with intertwined plotlines. Moreover, two collections consisting of seven short films in total on the history, societies and cultures of the Lingnan region will be screened. The films are “Miasma, Plants, Export Paintings” (2017), “Fonting the City” (2015), “Sons of the Land” (2007), “14 Paintings” (2023), “Real Talk” (2024), “An Asian Ghost Story” (2023) and “Fear and Trembling” (2009). Some of the screenings will be accompanied by post-screening talks, hosted by actor Hui So-ying, screenwriters Sze Yeung-ping and Mabel Cheung, producer Albert Chu, and directors Wong Teng-teng and Chan Ka-keong. To enable audiences to have a better understanding of the creation of films, there will be seminar screening sessions and exchange sessions. Three sessions of seminar screenings, entitled “The Spirit of Films about Intellectuals”, “Lingnan’s Secret Thoughts in Mind” and “The Current Situation of Macao Cinema”, will be held in which directors Gan Xiao’er, Yang Pingdao, and Wong Teng-teng and producer Albert Chu will share on their creative processes with screenings of selected film excerpts. Eight exchange sessions will also be held with filmmakers from the four cities in dialogues with each other or with film critics and audiences. Speakers include directors Yi Lichuan, Fruit Chan, Philip Yung, Herman Yau, Amos Why, and Zhang Zeming, film critic Joyce Yang and co-curators Law Kar and Feng Yu. Ticket holders of screenings with respective talks or exchange sessions will be admitted with priority, while the remaining seats will be available on a first-come, first-served basis with free admission. All films are with Chinese and English subtitles. “Glamorous Youth” is rated Category III and restricted to viewers aged 18 or above. Tickets for film screenings and seminar screening sessions priced at $70 are now available at URBTIX (www.urbtix.hk). For telephone bookings, please call 3166 1288. For programme details, please call 2734 2900 or visit http://www.lcsd.gov.hk/fp/en/listing.html?id=65. To provide an opportunity for new talent of the film industry from the Mainland, Hong Kong and Macao to gain a better understanding about the industry through discussions and exchanges with guidance from professional filmmakers, the FPO will hold the Brainstorming Workshop covering topics of film production, such as screenwriting, directing, cinematography, post-production, fund sourcing, producing and distribution. The workshop will be conducted in Cantonese and is free for admission, with a quota of 30 places. Film students and those who have been involved in film productions can register for selection from November 25 to December 20. Successful registrants will be invited to participate in the two-day workshop to be held on January 9 and 10 at Ko Shan Theatre. For details of the workshop, please visit the above website. This screening programme is one of the programmes of the 4th Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Culture and Arts Festival. Hong Kong is the host city of the Festival for the first time, organising and co-ordinating over 260 performances and exchange activities to be held in the “9+2” cities in the Greater Bay Area. The festival aims to showcase the vibrant and diverse cultural richness of the region and foster cultural exchanges and co-operation among the cities. For more information, please visit http://www.gbacxlo.gov.hk./en. It is also one of the activities in the Chinese Culture Promotion Series. The LCSD has long been promoting Chinese history and culture through organising an array of programmes and activities to enable the public to learn more about the broad and profound Chinese culture. For more information, please visit http://www.lcsd.gov.hk/en/ccpo/index.html.
Ends/Wednesday, October 23, 2024Issued at HKT 15:00
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Source: China State Council Information Office
China’s Minister of Industry and Information Technology Jin Zhuanglong met with Apple CEO Tim Cook in Beijing on Wednesday.
The two discussed topics including Apple’s development in China, online data security management, and cloud services, according to the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology.
Jin said China has steadily expanded opening up in the telecommunications sector in recent years to create opportunities for foreign companies to invest and operate in the country.
He said China will continue to promote high-standard opening up, develop the digital industry, and transform traditional industries with digital technologies with the aim of offering more opportunities and a better business environment for international investors.
The minister expressed the hope that Apple would deepen its engagement with the Chinese market, increase its innovation efforts, and grow alongside Chinese enterprises to share the benefits of the country’s high-quality development.
Cook said that Apple is keen to seize the opportunities presented by China’s opening up, and will continue to increase its investment in the country, contributing to the high-quality development of the industrial and supply chains.
Source: China State Council Information Office
China’s Ministry of Finance said on Wednesday it will issue 5 billion yuan (about 702 million U.S. dollars) of yuan-denominated treasury bonds in the Macao Special Administrative Region on Oct. 30.
This year marks the 25th anniversary of Macao’s return to the motherland. The issuance demonstrates the central government’s support for the region to develop modern finance and promote appropriate economic diversification, the ministry said.
This will be the central government’s third consecutive year of issuing yuan-denominated bonds in Macao, which is beneficial for further improving the regular issuance mechanism, consolidating the foundation of Macao’s bond market, and providing investors with stable and secure investment options.
It also has a positive effect on continuously optimizing the infrastructure of the Macao bond market, further expanding the range of investors, and accelerating its integration with international markets, according to the ministry.
Source: United Nations secretary general
Download the video: https://s3.amazonaws.com/downloads2.unmultimedia.org/public/video/evergreen/MSG+SG+/SG+10+Sept+24/3253185_MSG+SG+INTER-AGENCY+GAMES+10+SEP+24.mp4
I send my warm greetings to all participants and supporters at the United Nations Inter-Agency Games.
I am happy to see our UN family gather in beautiful Lloret del Mar.
These Games are more than a demonstration of your athletic abilities.
They embody the values of the United Nations – teamwork, integrity, and solidarity.
They showcase the diversity and camaraderie of our staff.
They inspire us to always give our best.
As the games begin, let us resolve to bring these qualities to our work to champion peace, human rights and sustainable development – for all.
Thank you, and I wish every success to the participants.