LegCo passed my private member’s bill: the Hong Kong Institute of Qualified Environmental Professionals Bill
The Hong Kong Institute of Qualified Environmental Professionals Bill, a member’s bill proposed by me, was passed at the LegCo meeting on 30 October. The bill aims to grant legal recognition to the institute, making it a unique legal entity through legislation. This designation ensures the institute’s long-term existence and independence, as it can only be dissolved by another law enacted by the Legislative Council. The bill clarifies the institute’s status as a professional organization, fostering the development of environmental professions in Hong Kong, enabling professional qualification mutual recognition with similar organizations internationally or in mainland China, and providing more professional development options and opportunities for young people in Hong Kong.
Response to the Policy Address 2024
On 16 Oct, the Chief Executive delivered his Policy Address 2024, adopting 90 of the recommendations previously put forward by the Business and Professionals Alliance for Hong Kong, including relaunching the pre-approved Principal Payment Holiday Scheme for SMEs, promoting bank financing for SMEs, lowering liquor taxes, optimizing the investment immigration program, developing innovation and technology industries, and establishing a housing ladder for young people. The Policy Address implements the spirit of the Third Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee, planning reforms and utilizing specific policies to seize significant national opportunities and drive Hong Kong’s development. These efforts aim to revitalize the economy, allowing citizens to benefit directly. I support the government’s proposed reform direction, believing it will help promote diversified economic development in Hong Kong, strengthen business and public confidence, and, in the long term, bring prosperity to Hong Kong regarding population, wealth, and market activity.
Release of the research report on “Establishing a Dual-Circulation Cross-Border Logistics Hub in the Northern Metropolis”
On 23 Oct, together with some other LegCo members, I released a research report on “Establishing a Dual-Circulation cross border logistics hub in the Northern Metropolis”. The report outlines ten policy recommendations, including leveraging Hong Kong's existing advantages to establish a dual-circulation cross-border logistics hub in Hung Shui Kiu, creating a global supply chain services cluster, and developing a key node for the country’s cross-border e-commerce external circulation. These measures aim to reinforce Hong Kong’s position as an international shipping and trade center, accelerate Hong Kong’s development and prosperity, and support the nation’s high-level openness to the world.
Funding projects approved at the FC and PWSC meetings
At the PWSC meeting on 23 Oct, a funding allocation of HK$787.9 million was approved for the construction of a new public market in Kwu Tung North New Development Area. This project, along with the others, would be submitted to the FC for final funding approval. At the FC meeting on 25 Oct, a funding project of HK$693.6 million was approved for the development of a public open space at East Coast Park Precinct, North Point.
Raised a question on “Application of drones”
At the LegCo meeting on 23 Oct, I raised a question on “Application of drones” and asked the Government about the arrangement of large-scale drone shows over the Victoria Harbour on festive days. I asked whether the authorities had, before the aforesaid drone shows, assessed in detail with the organisers the various factors that might affect the drone shows as well as the different scenarios that might arise, drawn up fallback plans, and stepped up the coordination and support among different government departments; whether the authorities had put forward specific testing requirements to the outsourced contractors and formulated a mechanism for coordination and notification in the event of incidents; and whether the authorities will formulate more forward-looking policy measures and allocate more resources to strengthen the research and development, application and regulation of drone technology. Please view my question and the Government’s reply via the following link: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202410/23/P2024102300325.htm?fontSize=2
Visited HK Electric to understand the measures of protecting power generation, transmission and distribution systems
On 9 Oct, I visited HK Electric to learn more about the measures of protecting power generation, transmission and distribution systems in response to the increased frequency and intensity of extreme weather events. They improved the transmission and distribution system including elevating flood-prone substations. Especially in coastal and hillside areas, they erect flood walls and install automatic water pumps, flood alarm systems and CCTV cameras. The new design will make the facilities more reliable and resilient against severe weather conditions up to the end of the 21st century.