Appointments of self-recommended youth members to Professional Services Advancement Support Scheme Vetting Committee announced
The Government announced today (January 10) the appointments of Mr Tommy Leung Siu-lun and Mr Adrian To Cheuk-yin to the Professional Services Advancement Support Scheme (PASS) Vetting Committee through the Member Self-recommendation Scheme for Youth for a term from January 13, 2025, to December 31, 2026.
PASS provides financial support for non-profit-distributing organisations to carry out industry-led projects to increase exchanges and co-operation between Hong Kong's professional services and external counterparts, promote relevant publicity activities and enhance the standards and external competitiveness of Hong Kong's professional services. In order to step up the promotion of Hong Kong's competitive edges and professional services to the Mainland and overseas markets after the pandemic situation has stabilised, $50 million has also been set aside under PASS to subsidise Hong Kong major professional bodies to participate in relevant activities organised by the Government and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council.
The Vetting Committee considers individual project proposals under PASS, recommends on the level of funding support, monitors the implementation of the approved projects and advises the Government on the assessment criteria adopted for PASS.
The full membership of the Vetting Committee with effect from January13,2025, is as follows:
Chairman
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Dr Sunny Chai Ngai-chiu
Vice-Chairman
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Mr Stephen Hung Wan-shun
Members
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Mr Chan Chak-bun
Professor Juliana Chan Chung-ngor
Professor Raymond Choy Hon-sing
Dr Janice Ho Yuen-shan
Mr Geoffrey Kao
Ms Juliana Lam Hiu-ying
Mr Patrick Law Fu-yuen
Mr Tommy Leung Siu-lun*
Professor Phyllis Mo Lai-lan
Mr Ronald Sum Kwan-ngai
Mr Adrian To Cheuk-yin*
Ms Pearl Tse Pui-pui
Professor Wong Kam-fai
Professor Yuen Pak-leung
Executive Director of the Hong Kong Productivity Council or his/her representative
Executive Director of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council or his/her representative
Deputy Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development
* New members appointed through the Member Self-recommendation Scheme for Youth
Rates and Government rent due January 28
Demands for rates and/or Government rent for the quarter from January to March 2025 have been issued, and payment should be made by January 28, 2025.
Payment can be made:
(1) by using autopay, the Faster Payment System (FPS), PPS, Internet banking or bank automated teller machines (ATMs);
(2) by uploading an e-Cheque/e-Cashier Order via the Pay e-Cheque portal: www.payecheque.gov.hk;
(3) by sending a crossed cheque to the Treasury, PO Box No. 28000, Sham Shui Po Post Office, Kowloon (mail with insufficient postage will be rejected); or
(4) in person at any post office or designated convenience store in Hong Kong (i.e. 7-Eleven, Circle K, VanGo or U select). For the addresses and opening hours of post offices, please call Hongkong Post enquiry hotline on 2921 2222 or visit its website: www.hongkongpost.hk.
If payers have not received the demands, they may obtain replacement demands or enquire as to the amount payable by (i) visiting the Rating and Valuation Department (RVD) website:www.rvd.gov.hk; (ii) calling 2152 0111; (iii) faxing 2152 0113; or (iv) visiting the RVD, 15/F, Cheung Sha Wan Government Offices, 303 Cheung Sha Wan Road, Kowloon.
The progressive rating system for domestic tenements has taken effect on January 1, 2025. The amount of progressive rates payable for this quarter is shown on the demand for applicable cases. Details of the progressive rating system are available on the RVD website.
There will be no rates concession for this quarter. The total amount due is shown on the demand. Non-receipt or late receipt of demand does not alter the requirement that the total amount due must be paid by January 28, 2025. A surcharge of 5 per cent will be imposed for late payment. A further surcharge of 10 per cent will be levied on the amount (including the 5 per cent surcharge) which remains unpaid six months after the last day for payment.
For payment by autopay, the rates and/or Government rent will be debited from payers' bank accounts on January 28, 2025. Payers should ensure that there are sufficient funds in their bank accounts to meet the payments on that date until settlement.
To support environmental protection, payers are advised to utilise the RVD's free eRVD Bill service to receive e-bills and make payments. Payers are also encouraged to settle bills by autopay or other means of e-payment (e.g. FPS, PPS, Internet banking, ATMs or e-Cheque/e-Cashier Order) to save queuing time. Application forms for autopay can be obtained by downloading from the RVD website, visiting the RVD, District Offices and banks or by calling 2152 0111.
