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Fire services recruitment tests revised

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The Fire Services Department (FSD) today announced that from December 1, the entry requirements for Station Officer (Operational), Ambulance Officer, Fireman/Firewoman (Operational/Marine) and Ambulanceman/Ambulancewoman will be adjusted.   The passing mark for test items in the physical fitness test will be revised and the time limit for test items will be extended. Inclined chin-ups will be introduced as an optional test item for candidates in the physical fitness test.        The eyesight test requirement will also be revised and candidates may choose to wear spectacles during the test. This revision is only applicable to Station Officer (Operational) and Fireman/Firewoman (Operational/Marine).   The FSD pointed out that it has always upheld the principle of meritocracy and from time to time reviews its recruitment policy to ensure candidates of the highest calibre are selected.   Upon review, the department considered there was room for adjusting the eyesight test a
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DC reform meetings held

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The Government held exchange meetings on the theme of improving the district governance system and reforming the District Councils (DCs) at the Central Government Offices today.   Over 80 Hong Kong Special Administrative Region deputies to the National People's Congress (NPC) and Hong Kong SAR members of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) were there to exchange views on improving the district governance system and supporting the District Council election.   Chief Executive John Lee noted that it is the first major citywide election after improving the district governance system and reforming the DCs, and is of particular significance.   He said it also marks the final mile for the full implementation of the principle of “patriots administering Hong Kong” in the district governance structure.   The Chief Executive also noted that the election is of great significance to the good governance and the long-term st
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Tse Chin-wan to join climate summit

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Secretary for Environment & Ecology Tse Chin-wan will depart for Dubai tomorrow to join the Chinese delegation to attend the 28th Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change.   Mr Tse will attend the high-level segment, side events and other activities of COP28.   He will also hold bilateral meetings with other conference representatives and attend the C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group's steering committee meeting to introduce Hong Kong's Climate Action Plan 2050 and the latest policies and measures adopted by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government to combat climate change.   Commissioner for Climate Change Wong Chuen-fai and Environment & Ecology Bureau officers will join the visit. Permanent Secretary for Financial Services & the Treasury (Financial Services) Salina Yan will also take part to promote Hong Kong's advantages and latest developments of green and sustainable finance.   Mr Tse will re
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Carnival showcases SIE Fund's work

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The achievements of the Social Innovation & Entrepreneurship Development Fund (SIE Fund) over the ten years of its existence to date are being showcased this weekend at the Social Innovation Carnival.   Organised by the Innovation, Technology & Industry Bureau’s Efficiency Office under the theme of “Innovate to Create Impact for Poverty Alleviation”, the carnival puts a spotlight on various innovative projects and services subsidised by the fund, demonstrating how it responds to a range of social needs.   Officiating at an anniversary celebration ceremony today, Chief Secretary Chan Kwok-ki said the fund supports social entrepreneurs in implementing innovative solutions which have a social impact, thereby contributing towards poverty alleviation in Hong Kong.   Mr Chan highlighted that the fund has supported more than 500 projects in addressing the needs of various grassroots groups, adding that its achievements are well recognised.   He stressed that the Chief
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Law education programme launched

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The first part of the “Rule of Law Education Train-the-Leaders Programme”, themed “Rule of Law Education Stars”, was held by the Department of Justice (DoJ) today.   The two-day programme seeks to reinforce understanding of the rule of law in the community, a key policy goal in this year’s Policy Address. Today’s event was attended by more than 200 people.   The DoJ in February established the Steering Committee on Rule of Law Education to assist in formulating a strategy and programme for promoting such education in Hong Kong.    Secretary for Justice Paul Lam leads the steering committee and two working groups focused on detailed implementation of the programme.   The programme involves teaching a first batch of young trainees from 20 organisations and groups undertaking youth-related and community work about the rule of law in a varied, interactive, interesting, down to earth and easy-to-understand manner. The aim is to enhance their understanding of and respect for the
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EPD takes action on concrete plants

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The Environmental Protection Department said it does not tolerate concrete batching plants operating without a licence and will make every effort to stop any illegal operations.   The department made the statement in response to media reports yesterday of a concrete batching plant at 20 Tung Yuen Street in Yau Tong continuing to operate without holding a valid Specified Process Licence (SPL).   The department has been closely monitoring the operation of two plants, both owned by China Concrete. The other plant is at 22 Tung Yuen Street in Yau Tong.   Regarding the plant at 20 Tung Yuen Street, the Air Pollution Control Appeal Board dismissed an appeal lodged by China Concrete against the department’s refusal of its application for renewal of an SPL for the plant on November 22.   Under the Air Pollution Control (Specified Processes) Regulations, the plant’s SPL ceased to be valid with immediate effect and the department issued a letter requesting that all works be halte
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Business leaders urged to vote

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Secretary for Commerce & Economic Development Algernon Yau today wrote to about 400 trade and industrial organisations in Hong Kong to call on business leaders to lead by example and cast their votes in the 2023 District Council (DC) Ordinary Election to be held on December 10.   Mr Yau noted that as the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region’s first large-scale citywide election after reforming the DCs and improving the district governance system, it is of great significance.   He pointed out that the new district governance structure and the DCs are closely connected to the happiness and well-being of every citizen and relate to the good governance as well as the stability and prosperity of the Hong Kong SAR.   Mr Yau called on business leaders to motivate their members to actively participate in the election and jointly fulfil their civic duty, by putting in place flexible arrangements for employees at work on polling day to allow them to cast their votes. http://
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