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2025
The Customs & Excise Department today held an open day at the Customs College to promote national security education, with more than 1,000 students taking part. Deputy Chief Secretary Cheuk Wing-hing attended the event and officiated at an eye-dotting ceremony for a dragon and lion dance performance. Besides an exhibition on the department's work to safeguard national security, the open day featured performances by its detection dog team, and a dragon and lion dance team. There was also a display of firearms and weapons, while game booths and an inflatable jumping castle were set up for children to enjoy. Games, including virtual reality simulations of customs operations, showcased the department's gatekeeping role in an interactive manner. Meanwhile, a recruitment booth featuring fitness tests – including an isometric strength test and a standing long jump test – gave attendees an understanding of the department's fitness requirements.
The Constitutional & Mainland Affairs Bureau is inviting a new round of applications under the Constitution & Basic Law Promotion Activity & Research Sponsorship Scheme. The scheme aims to promote the Constitution, the Basic Law and the National Security Law and to enhance public understanding of each of these, as well as the “one country, two systems” principle. To enhance synergy with Constitution Day, held on December 4 each year, any proposed activities relating to that occasion and scheduled within two weeks either side of December 4, will be given higher priority. Proposals relating to the bureau’s designated theme will also be given priority. The theme will be success stories relating to the implementation of “one country, two systems” in Hong Kong over the past 27 years. Aspects to be covered include innovation and technology development, talent cultivation, shipping, Hong Kong as a trade and financial centre, new quality productive forces, integration into national development, the development of the Greater Bay Area development, and major principles and concepts relating to “one country, two systems”. The success stories should be elaborated with specific examples and case studies. Starting from this year, the sponsorship scheme will accept applications once a year. The deadline for applications in 2025 is June 16. Click here for details. Call 2810 2106 for enquiries.
The Security Bureau (SB) and its disciplined services and auxiliary services held a flag-raising ceremony, a national security knowledge challenge and other activities to mark the 10th National Security Education Day today. The SB and its disciplined services jointly held a flag-raising ceremony at the Police College this morning. Officiating at the ceremony, Chief Secretary Chan Kwok-ki said that the flag-raising ceremony instils passion and loyalty towards the country and the people as well as deepens the understanding of the responsibility and mission to safeguard national security. He noted that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government will continue to leverage the strengths of the National Security Law and the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance to build a strong line of defence to maintain security and stability in the Hong Kong SAR, and to provide solid institutional safeguards to promote good governance. Mr Chan then officiated at the Safeguarding National Security Cup awards presentation ceremony to commend the contestants of the SB, disciplined services and auxiliary services for holding sports competitions, which showcased their vitality and unity to inject impetus to the promotion of safeguarding national security. In the afternoon, the Department of Justice, the SB, the Education Bureau and the Hong Kong Shine Tak Foundation jointly organised the finals and award presentation ceremony of the Territory-wide Inter-school National Security Knowledge Challenge 2024/25. The events were held at a shopping mall for the first time to allow more students, teachers, parents and members of the public to participate. This year, an English section was also set up for the first time for non-Chinese speaking secondary school students. The challenge attracted more than 126,000 students from 610 primary and secondary schools, an increase of over 20% in the number of participants compared to last year. Chief Executive John Lee said in a video speech that June 30 marks the fifth anniversary of the promulgation and implementation of the National Security Law in the Hong Kong SAR. He stated that the Government will hold a series of activities to deepen public understanding of the pivotal role the legal framework plays in safeguarding national security as Hong Kong's anchor of stability over the coming months. Mr Lee emphasised that safeguarding national security is a constitutional duty of the Hong Kong SAR and a shared obligation of every Hong Kong citizen. He encouraged students to become guardians of national security by integrating the knowledge they gained about national security through the competitions into their daily lives and sharing it with their family and friends. Also officiating at the ceremony, Secretary for Justice Paul Lam supplemented that he was delighted at the enthusiastic response to the competitions and encouraged young people to continue embracing safeguarding national security as their personal responsibility and to integrate into the country's development. The highlights of the finals and the award presentation ceremony will be broadcast at 10.30 tonight and April 20 on HOY Infotainment. Secretary for Security Tang Ping-keung and Secretary for Education Choi Yuk-lin meanwhile, jointly officiated at the launch ceremony of the new national security comic book Andy & Security Bear. Produced by SB members, the comic series was published online as part of the National Security Law virtual exhibition from July last year and was well received for its charming characters and engaging storylines. The SB brought the online stories to print and has distributed the first batch to over 2,000 schools and public libraries in Hong Kong by the end of March. At the ceremony, Mr Tang and Ms Choi presented the comic books to the principal representatives of secondary schools, primary schools and kindergartens. To mark National Security Education Day, the disciplined services and auxiliary forces under the SB will hold open days on various weekends and public holidays this month.
Activities for 2025 National Security Education Day were launched at the Convention & Exhibition Centre today. In his keynote speech, delivered via video link at the opening ceremony, CPC Central Committee Hong Kong & Macao Work Office Director and State Council Hong Kong & Macao Affairs Office Director Xia Baolong said China had achieved historic successes in national security work over the past decade, while Hong Kong had gone through an extraordinary journey from chaos to governance and then from governance to greater prosperity. Mr Xia highlighted three “beliefs” in his speech. The first belief is that the national security institutions of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region will resolutely shoulder the sacred mission of maintaining national security and further strengthen the solid barrier for national security. The second belief is that all sectors of Hong Kong can actively fulfil their obligation to maintain national security and jointly protect the city. While the third belief is that the business community and entrepreneurs can make Hong Kong their home, build their businesses, and contribute to both Hong Kong and the country with more practical actions. Mr Xia also mentioned that many Hong Kong officials have been unreasonably sanctioned by the US for their work in maintaining national security, but added that they are steadfastly fulfilling their duties and willing to sacrifice their own interests for the benefit of the country. He expressed hope that the Hong Kong business community and entrepreneurs would continue to play a leading role in driving economic development, carry forward the tradition of patriotism and love for Hong Kong, correctly understand the relationship between their own enterprises and the development of both Hong Kong and the nation, and uphold righteousness and never forget national interests. Chief Executive and Hong Kong National Security Committee Chairman John Lee supplemented that the international landscape is complex and fast changing, noting that threats to national security can appear suddenly. He called for vigilance when embracing immense challenges and making preparations in four areas: resolutely, fully and faithfully implement the “one country, two systems” principle; thoroughly implement the holistic approach to national security; continuously improve the legal system and enforcement mechanisms for safeguarding national security; and actively promote by way of education across society the need to safeguard national security of our own accord. Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in Hong Kong Director and National Security Committee National Security Advisor Zheng Yanxiong also attended the activities. He emphasised in his speech the need to further strengthen the foundation for the awareness of safeguarding national security, to better co-ordinate high-quality development with high-level security, and to actively pursue Hong Kong’s important mission. To mark the 10th National Security Education Day, the National Security Exhibition Gallery launched an expo last month on national security education advanced by both the country and the Hong Kong SAR Government over the years. Meanwhile, about 3,000 tutors have completed training under the National Security Education District Tutor Training Scheme launched in November last year and shared national security messages with over 120,000 people in the community. Additionally, the “Territory-wide Inter-school National Security Knowledge Challenge” has introduced an English section for non-Chinese speaking secondary school students this academic year.
The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government announced that the 10th National Security Education Day will be held tomorrow, marking the fifth anniversary of the implementation of the Hong Kong National Security Law, as well as the first anniversary of the legislation and implementation of the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance. The Committee for Safeguarding National Security of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region will hold the Opening Ceremony & Seminar of the National Security Education Day at the Convention & Exhibition Centre tomorrow morning. CPC Central Committee Hong Kong & Macao Work Office Director and State Council Hong Kong & Macao Affairs Office Director Xia Baolong will attend the opening ceremony and deliver a keynote speech via video link. Hong Kong SAR Chief Executive and Hong Kong National Security Committee Chairman John Lee extends his very warm welcome and expresses sincere gratitude to Mr Xia for his care, guidance and support for Hong Kong all along. Mr Lee pointed out that at present, the world is undergoing unprecedented changes at an accelerating pace. With Hong Kong faced with ever-changing national security risks, the Hong Kong SAR Government will resolutely, fully and faithfully implement the “one country, two systems” principle, deepen the understanding of a holistic approach to national security, continuously improve the legal system and enforcement mechanisms for safeguarding national security, and actively promote national security education across society. Moreover, he highlighted that the Hong Kong National Security Committee organises the opening ceremony of the National Security Education Day and co-ordinates a series of school and community activities, which help to promote national security education, encourage community-wide participation, and continuously strengthen the community's awareness and atmosphere of safeguarding national security of their own accord. “While we strive on all fronts to develop a vibrant economy, advance development and improve people's livelihood, we must also make every effort to safeguard national sovereignty, security and development interests, so as to contribute more to the country's opening-up at a higher level,” the Chief Executive added.
The Immigration Department said today that around 6.04 million passengers are expected to pass through Hong Kong’s sea, land and air control points during the upcoming Easter festive period from April 17 to 21. It also estimates that some 5.05 million passengers will pass through land boundary control points. The number of outbound and inbound passengers using land boundary control points will be relatively higher on April 18 and April 21, with around 759,000 passengers and 618,000 passengers respectively. Passenger traffic at the Lo Wu Control Point will see a daily average of about 225,000. Meanwhile, the Lok Ma Chau Spur Line Control Point and the Shenzhen Bay Control Point can expect to handle about 202,000 and 164,000 passengers respectively. To facilitate flexible staff deployment and the operation of extra clearance counters and kiosks, the department noted that it has minimised leave for frontline officers accordingly. Furthermore, in collaboration with local organisations and Mainland authorities, passenger conditions will be closely monitored and appropriate traffic diversion plans will be adopted when necessary. Passengers can check the expected busy times at boundary control points on the department’s website and find the estimated waiting times at all land boundary control points via its app. Separately, from March 31, Hong Kong permanent residents, aged at least seven and at least 1.1m tall, and holding a smart identity card and valid Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Passport, may use e-Channels without prior enrolment for self-service immigration clearance via face recognition technology at all control points.
The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government said this evening that the Immigration Department will deal with each case in accordance with the relevant law and immigration policy. Responding to media enquiries about a UK Parliament member having been denied entry earlier, the Hong Kong SAR Government said its standing policy is not to comment on individual cases. It is the duty of an immigration officer to ask questions to ascertain that there is no doubt about the purpose of any visit. As the person knows best what he has done, it will be unhelpful to the case if one refuses to answer questions, the Hong Kong SAR Government stressed. In addition, Chief Secretary Chan Kwok-ki met UK Minister for Trade Policy & Economic Security Douglas Alexander, who is visiting Hong Kong, to exchange views on the matter. Mr Chan also reiterated the Hong Kong SAR Government’s stance during their meeting.
The Fire Services Department today held an open day at the Fire and Ambulance Services Academy (FASA) in support of National Security Education Day, which will be held on Tuesday. Chief Secretary Chan Kwok-ki attended a flag-raising ceremony and spoke at the event, which attracted more than 9,000 participants. He praised the 41 departmental staff who recently took part in search-and-rescue operations in earthquake-stricken areas of Myanmar, commending the team's swift response and professionalism. He added that their efforts demonstrated China's commitment to global humanitarian efforts and support for the spirit of international security, which he said is an essential element of a holistic approach to national security. The Chief Secretary then toured an exhibition on national security, and also the National Security Education & Resource Centre at the FASA. Secretary for Security Tang Ping-keung visited game booths set up as part of the open day. As part of the event, facilities such as the simulated Pak Shing Kok railway station, training simulations, and the fire and ambulance services education centre, were also open to the public.
In support of National Security Education Day on April 15, the Immigration Department, the Correctional Services Department (CSD) and the Civil Aid Service (CAS) today held open days to promote national security education and showcase departmental achievements. In booth games and a thematic exhibition, the Immigration Service Institute of Training & Development showcased the technology it uses in its counter-terrorism work, detention centre management and identification of suspicious documents. Visitors were given the chance to try out facilities such as a mock immigration clearance hall and court room. Secretary for Justice Paul Lam and Secretary for Security Tang Ping-keung, accompanied by Immigration Department directorate officers, toured the exhibition booths and interacted with the open day participants. The CSD's open day activities were staged at the Correctional Services Museum and the Community Education Experience Centre. Interactive games and multimedia exhibits at the centre conveyed messages on offender rehabilitation and in support of law-abiding and drug-free lifestyles. Financial Secretary Paul Chan and security chief Tang Ping-keung were accompanied by Commissioner of Correctional Services Wong Kwok-hing and Deputy Commissioner of Correctional Services (Operations and Strategic Development) Leung Ka-lun in attending the event. At its headquarters, the CAS staged an exhibition and displayed the winning entries from a patriotic essay competition. Service members also presented a mountain search-and-rescue demonstration and a bicycle show.
The Government today expressed regret at the resignation of Justice Robert French as a non-permanent judge of the Court of Final Appeal (CFA) and extended gratitude for his contribution over the years. The Judiciary announced that Mr French, a non-permanent judge from other common law jurisdictions (CLNPJ) of the CFA, tendered his resignation to the Chief Executive. The Judiciary said it is grateful to Mr French for his valuable contributions to the work of the CFA and his support for the rule of law in Hong Kong during his tenure. In his resignation letter to the Chief Executive, Mr French expressed great respect for the judicial officers of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region as well as their independence and integrity, adding that he felt honoured to have worked with them. The Government said the long-time presence of esteemed judges from overseas as non-permanent judges of the CFA, participating in hearings of the court, is conducive to the international legal environment and the development of the jurisprudence of common law in Hong Kong. Their continued participation alongside permanent judges speaks to the enduring strength and resilience of the court, it added. Noting the judicial system of the Hong Kong SAR is protected by the Basic Law, the Government said that the city is vested with independent judicial power, including that of final adjudication and that the courts exercise judicial power independently, free from any interference. It emphasised that the presence or absence of individual judges will not undermine the integrity of the system nor impair the Government’s determination in upholding the rule of law. Upon Mr French’s departure, there are nine non-permanent judges comprising four non-permanent Hong Kong judges and five CLNPJs from the UK and Australia in the CFA. The Judiciary stressed that in light of the steady caseload, the operation of the CFA will not be affected by the recent change in membership of the court. It will continue to identify suitable local and overseas candidates for appointment as non-permanent judges. The Government indicated its full support to the Judiciary in the continuous efforts to appoint and retain foreign non-permanent judges in the future, and will endeavour to capitalise on the Hong Kong SAR's common law system, upholding the rule of law in Hong Kong.