HKU Council Accepts ISG Recommendations for Senior Personnel Arrangements, Aiming for Operational Normalcy.

Investigation and Study Group presents recommendations to HKU Council on personnel arrangements for HKU senior positions

The following is issued on behalf of the Investigation and Study Group on the Internal OperationalAffairs of the University of Hong Kong:

At a meeting of the Council of the University of Hong Kong (HKU) held today (September 3), the Investigation and Study Group (ISG) on the Internal OperationalAffairs of the University of Hong Kong presented its findings and recommendations on the personnel arrangements for senior positions of the HKU. The ISG is pleased to note that the HKU Council has fully accepted the recommendations. This outcome is the result of more than two months of relentless efforts by the ISG, which can help the HKU resume normal operations as soon as possible in its fundamental interest.

The recommendations were formulated after the ISG held more than 60 meetings with relevant parties, including the Chairman and members of the HKU Council, and the President and Vice-Chancellor, and senior management staff of the HKU, and examined relevant documents. They sought to provide practical solutions to ensure clarity and certainty regarding the personnel arrangements for senior positions of the HKU.

The guiding principles for the ISG were:

(a) taking the interest of the HKU as the overriding priority;

(b) making early resolution of differences as much as possible to facilitate the smooth and effective operations of the HKU;

(c) making continuous efforts in facilitating communication and co-ordination among parties concerned to strive for the overall interest of the HKU; and

(d) sharing good practices and experiences in the process to ensure that the HKU operates in accordance with the requirements of the University Accountability Agreement and uses funds properly.

The ISG also took into account various factors, including the practicality of the Council Resolutions as well as the willingness of officers concerned in taking up the appointments.

The ISG also notes that the HKU has been conducting various search exercises, some of which are related to senior positions such as the Provost, Vice-Presidents, the Registrar and Deans. The ISG urges the Council and the management to work expeditiously on these searches with a view to filling such vacancies.

The findings and recommendations are the ISG's first deliverable, and the ISG will continue to pursue its work goals.

The Government announced the establishment of the ISG on June 11. The goals of the ISG are: (1) to clarify facts and understand issues of all parties; (2) to facilitate internal co-ordination, assist various parties to work together and strengthen mutual co-operation; and (3) to provide advice based on the investigations and studies, and propose recommendations regarding the improvement measures and good practices to ensure that the HKU operates in accordance with the requirements of the University Accountability Agreement and uses public funds properly.

The ISG is composed of the Permanent Secretary for Education, Ms Michelle Li, and the Chairman of the University Grants Committee (UGC), Mr Tim Lui, supported by a team formed by the Education Bureau and the UGC Secretariat.

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CHP reminds public on precautions against heat stroke during very hot weather

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) today (September 15) reminded members of the public, particularly those undertaking outdoor activities, to take heed of necessary measures against heat stroke and sunburn in very hot weather.

"The public should carry and drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration while engaging in outdoor activities," a spokesman for the CHP said.

"Those engaged in strenuous outdoor activities should avoid beverages containing caffeine, such as coffee and tea, as well as alcohol, as they speed up water loss through the urinary system," the spokesman explained.

"Infants and children, the elderly, pregnant women, those with chronic illnesses such as heart disease or high blood pressure, outdoor/manual workers, and individuals who are overweight are more vulnerable to heat stroke. They should pay special attention," the spokesman added.

The public should adopt the following precautions:

Wear loose and light-coloured clothing to reduce heat absorption and facilitate sweat evaporation and heat dissipation;

Avoid vigorous exercise and prolonged activities like hiking or trekking as heat, sweating and exhaustion can place additional demands on the physique;

Perform outdoor activities in the morning or the late afternoon, if possible;

For indoor activities, open all windows, use a fan or use air-conditioning to maintain good ventilation;

Do not stay inside a parked vehicle; and

Reschedule work to cooler times of the day if feasible. If working in a hot environment is inevitable, introduce shade in the workplace where practicable. Start work slowly and pick up the pace gradually. Move to a cool area for rest at regular intervals to allow the body to recuperate.

​The public should also note the latest and the forecast Ultraviolet (UV) Index released by the Hong Kong Observatory (HKO). When the UV Index is high (6 or above):

Minimise direct exposure of the skin and the eyes to sunlight;

Wear long-sleeved and loose-fitting clothes;

Wear a wide-brimmed hat or use an umbrella;

Seek a shaded area or put on UV-blocking sunglasses;

Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen lotion with a minimum sun protection factor (SPF) of 15, preferably higher. Reapply every two hours if you stay out in the sun, and after swimming, sweating or towelling off; and

While using DEET-containing insect repellents for personal protection against mosquito-borne diseases, apply sunscreen first, then insect repellent.

​If symptoms develop, such as dizziness, headache, nausea, shortness of breath or confusion, rest and seek help immediately, and seek medical advice as soon as possible.

​The public may obtain more information from the DH's Health Education Infoline (2833 0111),heat strokepage andUV radiationpage; the HKO's Dial-a-Weather (1878 200),latestweather report and forecast,UV Indexand weather information forhiking and mountaineering; andpress releasesof the Labour Departmenton precautions against heat stroke for outdoor workers and their employers when the Very Hot Weather Warning is in force.

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