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SEPTEMBER 12 - 18, 2023

EVENT

Hong Kong film talents across different generations were recognised for their outstanding achievement and contribution to the industry at the awards presentation ceremony of the Asian Pop-Up Cinema (APUC) in Chicago (Sep 16). Seasoned actor Ben Yuen was presented the Pinnacle Career Achievement Award. His co-actor in “Stand Up Story”, Ng Siu-hin, shared the Bright Star Award with another emerging talent Rachel Leung, who appeared in three of the five Hong Kong Cinema Showcase films. Also attending the ceremony were the director of In Broad Daylight, Lawrence Kan, and Over My Dead Body actor Wong You-nam. Addressing the ceremony, the Director of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in New York (HKETONY) Maisie Ho said the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government’s Film Development Fund, with an injection of close to US$200 million, has been supporting the city’s film industry along four strategic directions, namely, nurturing talent, enhancing local production, expanding markets and building audience.

TOURISM

Experience a myriad of dazzling night-time activities in Hong Kong, such as eclectic bars, extended operating hours in shops, a night at the museum or theme park and bazaars along the city’s spectacular harbourfront. These are diverse offerings in the "Night Vibes Hong Kong" campaign. Officiating at the campaign’s launch ceremony, Financial Secretary Paul Chan said the government-led campaign had united different sectors of the community to create a dynamic vibe for the city at night. The campaign will start from around the Mid-Autumn Festival (Sep 29) through early 2024. The Hong Kong Tourism Board will offer “Hong Kong Night Treats” dining vouchers for visitors and Open-top Bus tours at a special price.

BUSINESS AND FINANCE

Hong Kong is redoubling its efforts for the city to serve as the functional platform for the Belt and Road, said Chief Executive John Lee at the opening of the Eighth Belt and Road Summit (Sep 13 – 15). Hong Kong is also expanding co-operation in such areas as trade and investment, innovation and technology, and infrastructure development. This year’s Summit attracted nearly 6,000 representatives, including government officials from more than 10 countries and prominent international business leaders. The Financial Secretary Paul Chan highlighted (Sep 13) the contributions Hong Kong can make, particularly in infrastructure financing, operation and risk management while the Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury Christopher Hui spoke (Sep 14) on how Hong Kong’s robust financial ecosystem is uniquely positioned to contribute to the Belt & Road Initiative (B&RI). The Secretary for Justice Paul Lam, SC pointed out that Hong Kong, with distinctive advantages including the common law system, an independent judiciary as well as a pool of legal professionals, plays an unique role in assisting the establishment of a sound international legal environment in promoting the B&RI.

The Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) Eddie Yue was appointed (Sep 12) as the Chair of the Bank for International Settlements’ (BIS) Meeting of Governors from Major Emerging Market Economies. Noting that emerging market economies (EMEs) are playing an increasingly important role in the global economy and international financial system, Mr Yue said the meeting provides a useful venue for major EMEs across the world to exchange views on pertinent economic and financial issues. “I look forward to working with EME governors to promote economic development and monetary and financial stability,” he said.

The Hong Kong Mortgage Corporation said (Sep 13) it successfully issued its second social bonds of close to US$2.56 billion equivalent. This marked the largest social bond issuance in Asia and was the first time for a Hong Kong bond issuer to launch Hong Kong dollar, Renminbi and US dollar tranches in one transaction. The net proceeds from the Issuance will mainly be used to finance or refinance the loans under the Special 100% Loan Guarantee of the small and medium-sized enterprises Financing Guarantee Scheme.

LAW AND ORDER

Over 100 senior leaders of law enforcement agencies from 39 jurisdictions; as well as academia and experts in the fields of communication, finance, innovation technology and cyber security across the globe gathered in Hong Kong for the International Symposium on Cyber Policing (Sep 13 – 15). The first of its kind, the symposium discussed topics such as changing social media behaviors and regulatory approaches of different jurisdictions, the development of advanced technology and their implications on policing, the development of AI infrastructure and technology in smart city and smart policing and strategies in safeguarding cyber security.

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: Does the HKSAR enjoy executive, legislative and independent judicial powers?

A: Yes. The National People’s Congress authorizes the HKSAR to exercise a high degree of autonomy and enjoy executive, legislative and independent judicial powers, including that of final adjudication. The Chief Executive heads the HKSAR and the Government of the HKSAR. The Executive Council, consisting of members appointed by the Chief Executive, assists the Chief Executive in policy making. The legislature, which is constituted by election, enacts legislation, while the judiciary exercises judicial power independently free from interference. (BL Articles 2; 16; 17; 19; 43; 54; 55; 66; 68; 73; 85)