Speech by CS at Hong Kong Academy of Politics and Public Policy Senior Executive Diploma 2023-24 Graduation Ceremony (with photos/video)
Following is the speech by the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki, at the Hong Kong Academy of Politics and Public Policy Senior Executive Diploma 2023-24 Graduation Ceremony today (September 7):
Ronny (Convener of the Path of Democracy, Mr Ronny Tong), Prof Ho (Head Principal, Hong Kong Academy of Politics and Public Policy, Professor Ho Lok-sang), Dr Gittings (Head of College of Humanities and Law, HKU School of Professional and Continuing Education, Dr Danny Gittings), ladies and gentlemen,
Good afternoon. It is a great pleasure to be here, with you, today, on this joyous occasion. Let me begin by extending my sincere congratulations to graduates receiving their Senior Executive Diploma in Political Leadership today.
We are here to pay tribute to the 30 graduates, to celebrate not only your hard work and dedication, but also the commitment you have made to becoming the leaders of our community.
This intensive, 10-month distinguished programme, introduced in 2017, is created to cultivate professionals dedicated to politics, public policy and society at large. The programme has graduated more than 170 participants to date. With an average age of 39, the graduates are committed to serving the community, economy and Government of Hong Kong, today and long into the future.
Thanks to the programme, the graduates have acquired the systematic training, and the confidence, to take their place among Hong Kong's new generation of political leaders and professionals.
The world is facing challenges that require innovative solutions and strong, ethical leadership. The programme has equipped the graduates with the knowledge, skills, and insights necessary to navigate these complexities, and plays a part in nurturing the future political leaders of Hong Kong.
It helps, greatly, that the programme faculty includes such high-profile Hong Kong innovators and achievers as Professor Anthony Cheung, former Secretary for Transport and Housing, Jasper Tsang, former President of the Legislative Council, Dr Lam Ching-choi, a member of the Executive Council, and many others.
It helps, too, that the supporters of the programme, the Path of Democracy and HKU Space, are so well-versed in political theory and practice, and in Hong Kong's strengths and needs, as well as its prospects and long-term promise.
The Path of Democracy, which recently celebrated its 9th anniversary, brings to the programme its renowned research skills, constructive advocacy and unwavering commitment to Hong Kong's unique "one country, two systems" principle, the cornerstone of Hong Kong's success.
To take full advantage of the opportunities given to Hong Kong under the "one country, two systems" principle, we need a continuing flow of talented professionals and political leaders who understand the essential value of our society.
Our country continues to create far-reaching economic opportunities for Hong Kong, and we have to grasp the opportunity by better integrating into the overall national development, including the Greater Bay Area and the Belt and Road initiatives.
In this regard, I am pleased to note that students of the programme have visited Beijing in the past two years, and met with Director Xia Baolong of the Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office of the State Council, as well as government officials, academics and community leaders, to gain first-hand insights into national policies.
To all graduates, you are now tasked with advocating policy and inspiring others, contributing to the development of Hong Kong.
As you step into this new chapter, I encourage you to remain lifelong learners. The landscape of politics and public policy is ever-changing, and the most effective leaders are those who adapt and grow with it. Stay curious, stay informed, and continue to seek out opportunities for personal and professional development.
Let us now take a moment to recognise the hard work and dedication of the professors, instructors and organisers who helped make the programme possible. Their guidance and support have been instrumental in shaping not just your education, but also your character.
Enjoy this special day, ladies and gentlemen. Because tomorrow, we are counting on you to tackle the challenging business of building a flourishing Hong Kong.
Thank you very much.
Speech by CS at Hong Kong Academy of Politics and Public Policy Senior Executive Diploma 2023-24 Graduation Ceremony (with photos/video) Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Speech by CS at Hong Kong Academy of Politics and Public Policy Senior Executive Diploma 2023-24 Graduation Ceremony (with photos/video) Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
CHP updates on latest situation of invasive Group B Streptococcus infection
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (September 16) continued its investigation into the latest situation of invasive Group B Streptococcus infection. The CHP appealed to members of the public for heightened vigilance and in particular, to pay attention when touching or handling raw freshwater fish and should wear gloves, as well as not to consume undercooked freshwater fish.
The CHP has been monitoring with the Hospital Authority (HA) the admission figures in relation to invasive Group B Streptococcus infection cases. Since the announcement of the situation of Group B Streptococcus infection belonged to serotype III sequence type 283 (ST283) on September 13, the CHP has today confirmed 13 additional ST283 cases involving patients recently admitted with invasive Group B Streptococcus infection. The CHP's epidemiological investigations showed that the 13 patients with ST283 infections involved seven males and six females, aged between 35 and 94. The patients mainly presented with sepsis (eight patients) and joint abscess (five patients). Together with the 27 cases of ST283 infection announced on September 13, this cluster involved a cumulative total of 40 patients residing in 18 districts throughout the territory. Their onset date of the disease were between August 8 and September 5, and 30 of them have underlying illnesses. The HA's information showed that among the 40 patients, 10 have been discharged, 25 hospitalised patients are in stable condition, three in serious condition and the other two with underlying illness passed away.
The CHP's analysis of samples of other recently admittedpatients is still in progress and it cannot rule out that the number of cases will further increase.
The CHP's epidemiological investigations revealed that 31 patients have contacted with or handled raw freshwater fish before onset of symptoms (five of them reported that they had wounds on their hands when handling raw freshwater fish), six patients cannot rule out that they have consumed undercooked freshwater fish (not freshwater fish sashimi), and the exposure history of the remaining three patients is under investigation.
Furthermore, none of the 40 patients were fishmongers or engaged in fish culture related jobs. As the patients resided in various districts throughout the territory, and the freshwater fishes concerned were bought from 23 markets in 11 districts respectively, the CHP considered that the affected freshwater fish may involve the wholesale level. After knowing that the genetic sequence of samples collected from a retail freshwater fish stall matched those found in some patients, the CHP immediately teamed up with the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) to conduct an inspection in the Freshwater Fish Market under the Cheung Sha Wan Wholesale Food Market, and collect environmental samples for testing and analysis. The laboratory analysis is still in progress. So far, no abnormality has been observed regarding the freshwater fish in the wholesale fish markets. Besides, the CHP and the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) have conducted medical surveillance on over 200 workers and no symptomatic worker identified. The FEHD have strengthened the cleansing and disinfection of the relevant markets.
The CHP has issued a letter to doctors to enhance their alertness for Group B Streptococcus infection cases. The CHP's investigations, as well as prevention and control works, which include closely monitoring the admission cases, conducting genetic analysis of patients' bacterial samples, testing environmental samples, and strengthening health education to workers and the public, especially the education related to wound care and consumption of freshwater fish, are still ongoing. The AFCD will continue to monitor the health condition of freshwater fish supplied to Hong Kong and ensure that there are no abnormalities and to implement feasible measures to reduce proliferation of bacteria.
"Members of the public shall wear gloves when touching or handling raw freshwater fish. If symptoms such as inflamed wound and fever develop, they should seek medical attention promptly. Meanwhile, the public should refrain from consuming undercooked freshwater fish," a spokesman for the CHP reminded.
To prevent Group B Streptococcus (ST283) infection, members of the public are reminded to maintain personal, food and environmental hygiene and should keep their hands clean and practice good wound care at all times, especially:
To minimise the infection risks, workers of aquatic products or restaurants must wear gloves when handling aquatic products and avoid direct contact with aquatic products or dirty water with bare hands;
When buying aquatic products, the public must avoid direct contact with the aquatic products or use any towel provided by the stalls. They should wash hands with liquid soap and water as soon as possible if having contact with aquatic products which are not fully cooked. When handling aquatic products at home, the public should also wear gloves and wash hands thoroughly afterwards;
Members of the public must not eat any freshwater fish sashimi, raw or undercooked freshwater aquatic products. When consuming hot pot food or congee items which consist of aquatic products, they should ensure that the food is thoroughly cooked in which the centre of the food should reach a temperature of at least 75 degrees Celsius so as to destroy pathogen; and
People must not touch aquatic products directly whenever there is a wound on hands. If a wound is sustained during handling aquatic products, the wound must be cleaned immediately and properly covered with waterproof adhesive dressings. Individuals should seek medical advice promptly when wound infection is found.
The public may visit the CHP'sInvasive Group B Streptococcus Infection associated with Sequence Type 283 (ST283)page for more information.
Source: AI-generated images
