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APRIL 25 - MAY 1, 2023

INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY

Hong Kong’s Skyland Innovation edged out over 610 startups from 55 economies to be crowned 7^th Elevator Pitch Competition (EPiC) champion. Organized by the Hong Kong Science and Technology Park (HKSTP), EPiC 2023 competitors were split across FinTech and PropTech themes. Skyland Innovation was also named the overall PropTech winner, while UK’s FinCrime Dynamics was named overall FinTech category winner. Hong Kong FinTech startup Canvasland was voted by the public as the “My Favorite Pitcher” winner. The HKSTP Venture Fund will also consider the case of the 50 semi-finalists for additional investment, with the potential of receiving up to a maximum investment of US$5 million. Congratulating the winners, Financial Secretary Paul Chan said (Apr 28) Hong Kong has a strong and vibrant startup ecosystem, with 4,000 startups, up 52% from 2018. Highlighting the various initiatives and measures Hong Konsg offers to support startups, Mr Chan said some of Hong Kong’s tech start-ups nurtured in Science Park and Cyberport were already marching into the markets in ASEAN and the Middle East.

A Hong Kong delegation achieved outstanding results, winning a record number of grand and special prizes as well as gold medals, including two grand awards, namely Prize of the State of Geneva and Prize of the International Federation of Inventors’ Association, eight special awards and about 30 Gold Medals with Congratulations of Jury at the Geneva International Exhibition of Inventions 2023 in Switzerland. Hong Kong’s Secretary for Innovation, Technology & Industry Prof Sun Dong congratulated the delegation, which presented a record high of a total of 293 projects at this year’s exhibition.

SPORTS

Six Hong Kong squash players are among the 128 world’s best squash players competing in the 2022-2023 PSA World Championships in Chicago. The event will be held May 3 - 11, with action from round two onwards at Chicago’s Union Station following the opening round of matches at the University Club of Chicago. All the best to Tsz Kwan Lau, Henry Leung, Tong Tsz-Wing, Tomato Ho, Chan Sin Yuk and Lee Ka Yi in their upcoming matches in this prestigious tournament.

ADMINISTRATION AND CIVIC AFFAIRS

Starting May 8, home return permit of Hong Kong residents, with an expiry date between Jan 1, 2020 and Dec 30, 2023, would be considered valid until the end of this year and can be used for travel to Mainland China. Travelers can also renew their permit after arriving in the mainland.

Photo credit: China Travel Service (Hong Kong)

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government strongly objects (Apr 29) to the remarks made by the United States (US), which completely ignored and distorted the facts, against the situation in Hong Kong at the meeting of the Dispute Settlement Body (DSB) of the World Trade Organization (WTO) on Apr 28, and urges the US to stop abusing the forum to attack Hong Kong. The HKSAR Government explained that after the WTO Panel established under the DSB clearly ruled on Dec 21, 2022 that the origin marking requirement imposed by the US on products from Hong Kong is discriminatory and inconsistent with WTO rules, it encouraged the US to bring the measure into conformity.

BASIC LAW

The Basic Law (BL) is the constitutional document of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR). It provides the guarantees to maintain our existing way of life, including socio-economic development, the rights and duties of Hong Kong people, the rule of law and other areas. The Basic Law was put into effect on July 1, 1997.

Q: Are Hong Kong people administering Hong Kong with a high degree of autonomy?

A: In accordance with the Constitution of the People’s Republic of China, the National People’s Congress (NPC) enacted the Basic Law, authorizing the HKSAR to exercise a high degree of autonomy and enjoy executive, legislative and independent judicial powers, including that of final adjudication, in accordance with the Basic Law. The Central People’s Government (CPG) shall be responsible for the foreign affairs and defence relating to the HKSAR and other matters authorized by the Basic Law. It also authorizes the HKSAR to conduct relevant external affairs on its own in accordance with the Basic Law. The HKSAR shall have independent finances and shall use its financial revenues exclusively for its own purposes. We are not required to pay taxes to the CPG. (BL Preamble and BL Articles 2; 12-17; 19; 22; 106)