Deputy Chief Secretary Highlights Lingnan University’s Digital Transformation at Gala Dinner 2024

Speech by DCS at Lingnan University Gala Dinner 2024

Following is the speech by the Deputy Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Cheuk Wing-hing, at theLingnan University Gala Dinner 2024 tonight (December 12):

Mr Andrew Yao (Chairman of the Council, Lingnan University),Professor Joe Qin (President, Lingnan University),Dr Winne Ko (Chairman, Kingrich Charitable Foundation), alumni and students, ladies and gentlemen,

Good evening. I am so glad to join you here at the Lingnan University Gala Dinner, the first time it returns after the pandemic.

Lingnan University boasts a rich history that reflects its resilience and commitment to education. Founded in Guangzhou in 1888, it experienced significant transformations throughout its first century. With perseverance and dedication, the institution has continued to grow and become a prominent institution offering quality education to Hong Kong and the region. Despite the challenges the university has gone through, the Lingnan spirit and the determination to provide the best education to its students have always been deep-rooted in its foundation, as reflected in the university motto - "Education for service".

The theme of tonight's Gala Dinner is "Lingnan's Transformation into the Digital Era". I believe we would all agree that technology plays an ever more prevalent and significant role in influencing education. For example, artificial intelligence is a powerful tool for enhancing learning outcomes and research capabilities. By leveraging AI, institutions can implement personalised education strategies that cater to individual student needs, improving engagement and academic performance.

I am excited to learn that Lingnan University - hitherto renowned for its outstanding liberal arts programme - is actively incorporating digital innovations into its education. This echoes the Government's dedication to integrating technology into the educational framework, to enhance teaching and learning experiences across all levels of education. As announced in the Chief Executive's 2024 Policy Address, the Chief Secretary for Administration will chair a newly established Committee on Education, Technology and Talents to co-ordinate and drive the integrated development of education, technology and talent in Hong Kong. The Committee's mission is to expand connections and formulate policies to attract and cultivate high-calibre talent while fostering the development of technologies.

Hong Kong has five of the world's top 100 universities. Under "one country, two systems", we have a rich academic atmosphere that serves us well as a dynamic international hub for higher education, bringing in students and researchers from around the globe. It is well recognised that Hong Kong has strong connections with higher education institutions worldwide, participating keenly in collaborative research and studies on applications of technologies such as AI. The partnerships promote knowledge exchange and, by sharing the best practices, we can facilitate innovation and its practical applications within and across various sectors. Our educational institutions also encourage students from all disciplines to enhance their digital competencies, through encouraging interdisciplinary studies and merging technical skills with critical thinking, thereby preparing them for a technology-centric job market.

Hong Kong, with the strong support from the Mainland, has boundless opportunities. Collaborations between Hong Kong and Mainland cities, such as those in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, can enhance the access to resources and expertise vital for technological advancement, which creates a comprehensive ecosystem for innovation. Furthermore, we support our higher education institutions in maximising their strengths and working together to advance innovative capacity, contributing to the national strategy of reinvigorating the country through science and education and to the country's modernisation.

In closing, I am confident that Lingnan University, navigated by President Qin, is ready to sail through this wave of digital revolution and develop into a future-ready institution. I look forward to seeing the transformed Lingnan University in bringing more breakthroughs through impactful innovations and research in the years to come.Thank you.

Speech by DCS at Lingnan University Gala Dinner 2024 Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

DH urges public not to buy or consume product called MINTS Plus+ with undeclared controlled drug ingredient

​The Department of Health (DH) today (December 12) urged the public not to buy or consume a product called MINTS Plus+, packaged as a candy, as it was found to contain an undeclared controlled drug ingredient. Improper use can pose serious health risks, especially to patients with heart problems.

Acting upon a public complaint, the DH obtained a sample of the product via an online social media platform for analysis. The test results from the Government Laboratory revealed that the sample contained tadalafil, which is a Part 1 poison under the Pharmacy and Poisons Ordinance (Cap. 138) (the Ordinance). The product is not a registered pharmaceutical product in Hong Kong and cannot be sold in the market. The test results also revealed that the level of tadalafil in the sample exceeded its usual daily dose.

The DH is continuing to investigate the incident.

Tadalafil is a prescription drug used for treatment of erectile dysfunction, and should only be used under a doctor's advice and be supplied in a pharmacy under the supervision of a registered pharmacist upon a doctor's prescription. Side effects of tadalafil include low blood pressure, headache, vomiting, dizziness and transient vision disturbances. It may interact with some drugs (such as nitroglycerin for treatment of angina) and cause a decrease in blood pressure to dangerous levels. Improper use of tadalafil can pose serious health risks, especially for patients with heart problems.

According to the Ordinance, all pharmaceutical products must be registered with the Pharmacy and Poisons Board of Hong Kong before they can be legally sold in the market. Illegal sale or possession of unregistered pharmaceutical products or Part 1 poisons are criminal offences. The maximum penalty for each offence is a fine of $100,000 and two years' imprisonment.

The DH spokesman strongly urged members of the public not to buy or consume products of unknown or doubtful composition, or from unknown sources. All registered pharmaceutical products should carry a Hong Kong registration number on the package in the format of "HK-XXXXX". The safety, quality and efficacy of unregistered pharmaceutical products are not guaranteed.

Members of the public who have purchased the above product should stop consuming it immediately. They should consult healthcare professionals for advice if feeling unwell after consumption. The public may submit the products to the Drug Office of the DH at Room 1804-1806, 18/F, Wing On Kowloon Centre, 345 Nathan Road, Kowloon, during office hours for disposal.

The public may visit the webpage of the DH's Drug Office's page for the health message on sexual dysfunction and virility products and virility products found to contain undeclared Western medicines.

DH urges public not to buy or consume product called MINTS Plus+ with undeclared controlled drug ingredient Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases