Stanley Prison Inmates Recognized for Academic Achievements at Ceremony, Including First Doctorate Awardee

2025-01-08 17:15 Last Updated At：17:28

Persons in custody at Stanley Prison attain good examination results

Thirty-eight persons in custody (PICs) at Stanley Prison of the Correctional Services Department (CSD) were presented with certificates at a ceremony today (January 8) in recognition of their continuous efforts in pursuing further studies.

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Persons in custody at Stanley Prison attain good examination results Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

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Persons in custody at Stanley Prison attain good examination results Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

In 2024, a total of 158 PICs at Stanley Prison passed 179 papers with 64 distinctions and credits in various courses and public examinations, covering different subjects including language and literature, English for business, business finance and accounting organised by the Hong Kong Metropolitan University (HKMU) and Caritas Institute of Community Education.

The 38 PICs who were awarded certificates today passed 67 papers with 36 distinctions and credits. Among them, one PIC was awarded a Bachelor's Degree in General Studies, two were awarded Associate Degrees in General Studies, and one was awarded a Doctor of Education (EdD) degree by the HKMU. The doctorate awardee began the distance learning courses of the HKMU (formerly the Open University of Hong Kong) in 2004 and successfully attained the EdD degree after 20 years of hard work, becoming the first PIC to be awarded a doctorate by a local university. The doctoral degree was conferred on the PIC by the President of the HKMU, Professor Paul Lam, and the Dean of School of Education and Languages of the HKMU, Professor Andy Chin, at the ceremony.

Officiating at the ceremony, the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Tung Wah Group of Hospitals (TWGHs), Ms Mandy Tang, said that the CSD has been encouraging PICs to pursue continuing studies and has been collaborating with community members and non-governmental organisations to arrange a variety of rehabilitation programmes for PICs to assist them to turn over a new leaf and equip themselves for reintegration into society. The TWGHs set up the TWGHs Positive Life Education Fund in 2019, which runs for six years, to provide financial assistance to PICs for education and vocational training. She added that the TWGHs will further extend the subsidy scheme for five years to continuously support and collaborate with the CSD in actively promoting rehabilitation work, with a view to building a more stable and harmonious society in a collaborative way.

During the ceremony, a duet performance was staged by PICs with Chinese musical instrument instructors Kong Kin-pan and Yeung Chun-hin, followed by a music performance delivered by a band composed of PICs at Stanley Prison onstage. Moreover, music instructor Eric Monson partnered with PICs to present an a cappella performance at the ceremony.

In the sharing session, the doctorate awardee shared his experience during rehabilitation and conveyed gratitude to his family members for their unwavering support. He also recounted his years of academic pursuits with perseverance and unrelenting efforts, thanking correctional officers for their support and encouragement, as well as for providing resources and assistance throughout his learning journey, enabling him to complete the programme. He expressed hope that his personal experience could encourage PICs to strive for self-improvement and not to give up when facing difficulties.

Attending the ceremony were representatives of non-governmental and community organisations, community leaders and family members of the certificate recipients.

Stanley Prison is a maximum security institution for the detention of male adult remand and convicted PICs.

Paul Chan Promotes Hong Kong's Business Opportunities at Jakarta Symposium

2025-01-08 23:59 Last Updated At：01-09 00:58

FS begins visit to Jakarta, Indonesia (with photos/video)

The Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, today (January 8) began his visit to Jakarta, Indonesia. He attended the Think Business, Think Hong Kong Symposium organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) in the morning, addressing over 1 500 leaders from the commerce and industry, financial, and innovation and technology sectors in Indonesia and nearby regions to promote Hong Kong's new advantages and new opportunities.

Mr Chan noted in his speech that Indonesia's economy has developed rapidly, with an average annual growth rate of 4.2 per cent over the past decade. The youthful labour force, fast-growing middle class, expanding consumer market and rapid urbanisation have made Indonesia an emerging market full of opportunities.

Mr Chan said that with the unique advantages of connections to both Mainland China and foreign countries under the "one country, two systems" principle, Hong Kong serves as the "super connector" and "super value-adder". Hong Kong is not only an international financial, shipping and trading centre,and an international hub for high-calibre talents but also a core city of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, making it the most convenient and efficient gateway for Indonesian enterprises to enter Mainland China.

In his speech, Mr Chan also highlighted Hong Kong's strengths in financial services and green technology. As a leading global financial centre, Hong Kong has full-chain fundraising capabilities. Through mutual access with the capital markets of Mainland China, Indonesian companies that are listed in Hong Kong can access both Mainland and international funds simultaneously. In light of Indonesia's massive infrastructure investment needs, infrastructure projects in Indonesia can be financed in Hong Kong through various channels such as public listings, issuing bonds, forming real estate investment trusts, bonds, and even securitisation of the projects. In addition, Hong Kong is the world's largest offshore RMB business hub. With the continuous rise in trade between China and Indonesia, Indonesian businessmen holding RMB can take advantage of the various RMB-denominated investment and risk management tools offered by Hong Kong to earn better returns and manage risks effectively. They can also issue RMB-denominated securities in Hong Kong to raise funds to support their business development needs in the mainland. Regarding green and sustainable finance, Hong Kong's relevant standards are highly aligned with international ones, which can support Indonesia and the region's green transformation. Additionally, the Science Park and Cyberport have gathered many green technology companies that can provide innovative green solutions for Indonesian partners.

Mr Chan also introduced Hong Kong's advantages in high-value supply chain management services. Under the prevailing international political and economic landscape, many companies are seeking to diversify risks by re-aligning their industry and supply chains. They require services such as supply chain management, trade financing, corporate treasury services and professional consulting. As a "super connector" and "super value-adder," Hong Kong is well-positioned to offer these services. Indonesian companies are welcomed to establish their international or regional business headquarters, corporate treasury centres, and supply chain management centres in Hong Kong.

Organised by the HKTDC, the Think Business, Think Hong Kong Symposium brought together about 120 government representatives, business leaders, start-up representatives and professional service providers from Hong Kong to strengthen commercial connections between Hong Kong and Indonesia. An exhibition zone for professional services and start-ups was set up at the event to showcase products and solutions from Hong Kong companies, facilitating business matching between Hong Kong and Indonesia.

Afterwards, Mr Chan met with various senior government officials of Indonesia, including the Minister of Finance, Ms Sri Mulyani Indrawati; the Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs, Dr Airlangga Hartarto; the Minister of Investment and Downstream Industry, Mr Rosan Perkasa Roeslani; and the Deputy Minister of Trade, Ms Dyah Roro Esti Widya Putri. Mr Chan introduced them to the advantages and development opportunities in Hong Kong and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA), and the unique role and functions of Hong Kong therein. They discussed strengthening co-operation in bilateral trade, investments, finance and innovation and technology. Mr Chan welcomed them to visit Hong Kong and lead business delegations to Hong Kong and the GBA to explore more business opportunities and strengthen collaboration.

In the afternoon, Mr Chan called on the Chinese Ambassador to Indonesia, Mr Wang Lutong, to understand the latest developments on collaboration between the country and Indonesia, and exchange views on strengthening economic and people-to-people relations between Hong Kong and Indonesia.

Mr Chan had lunch with key members of the China Chamber of Commerce in Indonesia to understand the Indonesian social economic conditions and business environment and their experience in Indonesia, and exchange views on issues of mutual interest.

This evening, Mr Chan attended the Hong Kong Dinner organised by the HKTDC where he addressed more than 400 Indonesian leaders from commerce and industry to promote Hong Kong in business, culture, tourism and lifestyle.

Mr Chan will continue his visit to Jakarta tomorrow (January 9). He will depart for Hong Kong in the afternoon local time.

Stanley Prison Inmates Recognized for Academic Achievements at Ceremony, Including First Doctorate Awardee

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