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Kuwait Times
15-05-2025
- Business
- Kuwait Times
Bader Al-Kharafi meets Hong Kong Chief, backs Amir's digital hub vision
KUWAIT: Zain Vice Chairman and Group CEO Bader Al-Kharafi meets Hong Kong SAR Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu. KUWAIT: Bader Nasser Al-Kharafi, Zain Vice Chairman and Group CEO, welcomed John Lee Ka-chiu, Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China, to Zain's headquarters as part of his official visit to Kuwait. Lee was accompanied by a high-level delegation from Hong Kong and China during his visit to Zain, which came as part of his wider visit to Kuwait from May 13-14. His visit included meetings with HH the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, HH the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, Acting Prime Minister Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef Al-Sabah and other senior government officials. Bader Al-Kharafi stated: 'We are committed to implementing the directives of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah to advance Kuwait's transformation into a regional hub for the digital economy and create an attractive environment for investment led by the private sector. This visit aligns with that wise vision, as Kuwait and Hong Kong enjoy longstanding friendly relations.' Al-Kharafi welcomed the Chief Executive and his accompanying delegation. 'The two regions collaborate across various investment, trade, and economic fields at both governmental and private sector levels. This visit presents an opportunity to expand those horizons.' He added: 'Our discussions with Chief Executive John Lee and his delegation explored ways to expand digital transformation initiatives, enhance telecom infrastructure, drive business growth, and explore opportunities for collaboration in 5G networks, the Internet of Things and potential strategic partnerships.' (See Page 3)
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Hong Kong and Qatar: Partnering for Success
Visa-free travel arrangement and 35 bilateral accords signed Hong Kong SAR--(Newsfile Corp. - May 13, 2025) - Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR)'s Chief Executive John Lee is leading a delegation of over 50 business leaders from Hong Kong and Mainland China to Qatar and Kuwait to forge closer connections and promote the city's advantages to the Middle East. This historic visit marks the first time that Mainland entrepreneurs have joined an official overseas Hong Kong delegation. "The composition of the delegation demonstrates Hong Kong's unique role as a 'super connector' and 'super value-adder' under the principle of 'one country, two systems,'" Mr Lee said. "Hong Kong is dedicated to capitalising on its connectivity with both Mainland China and the world, collaborating and synergising with economies and enterprises that are eager to pursue high-quality development with us." The first stop in Qatar (May 10-12) yielded significant results, including the signing and announcement of 35 bilateral accords covering areas such as economic co-operation, investment, finance, legal collaboration and innovation and technology (I&T). These included a tripartite agreement among organisations from Hong Kong, Mainland China and Qatar focusing on fintech collaboration, showcasing Hong Kong's bridging role between different economies. In addition to Hong Kong-Qatar co-operation, two agreements were reached between enterprises from Mainland China and Qatar, fostering co-operation in financial services and high-end manufacturing. HKSAR's Chief Executive John Lee (seventh right) witnesses agreements signed between government department, enterprises, and institutions from Hong Kong, Mainland China and Qatar. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: Speaking at a business luncheon in Doha (May 12) themed "Partnering for Success - Hong Kong as a 'Super Connector' and 'Super Value-Adder'", Mr Lee unveiled a new arrangement allowing HKSAR passport holders to visit Qatar visa-free for up to 30 days. He also said that Hong Kong and Qatar have substantially concluded the negotiations on an Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement. On arriving in Qatar (May 11), Mr Lee met the Amir of the State of Qatar, High Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the State of Qatar, His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, and the Minister of Communications and Information Technology, His Excellency Mohammed bin Ali Al Mannai, to exchange views on strengthening bilateral relations and economic co-operation between Hong Kong and Qatar. Mr Lee meets the Amir of the State of Qatar, High Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani (right). To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: Qatar is Hong Kong's third-largest trading partner in the Middle East with bilateral trade in goods worth US$1.6 billion last year. Mr Lee said that there is plenty of room for further growth in trade and business between the two places. During a visit to the Qatar Investment Authority, Mr Lee was briefed on the operation and investment strategies of the sovereign wealth fund, and explored with the Qatar Investment Authority the development and co-operation opportunities for both sides in finance and the economy. With I&T being an area of great potential for bilateral collaboration, Mr Lee and other delegation members visited Lusail City, one of the country's flagship smart cities, to understand how the city integrates I&T with urban planning and infrastructure development. Mr Lee highlighted that both Hong Kong and Qatar attach great importance to technological development and regard artificial intelligence as an engine of new economic development. Mr Lee tours Lusail City in Qatar. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: Delegation members also toured the National Museum of Qatar to learn about the country's history and rich cultural heritage. Before departing for Kuwait, Mr Lee took the chance to visit an autonomous vehicle project at Doha Hamad International Airport. The project is designed by a Mainland Chinese tech firm with its international headquarters in Hong Kong, and first piloted at Hong Kong International Airport. "This exemplifies our role as a launchpad for global innovation," Mr Lee said. The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. Media Contact: Ms Linna KuInformation Services DepartmentHong Kong SAR Governmentlinnaku@ To view the source version of this press release, please visit Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data


RTHK
13-05-2025
- Politics
- RTHK
Subsidiary national security legislation takes effect
Subsidiary national security legislation takes effect Six premises used by the Office for Safeguarding National Security, which oversees national security efforts in the SAR, are declared off-limits. File photo: RTHK New subsidiary legislation to Hong Kong's home-grown security law took effect on Tuesday following the Executive Council's approval, with six locations of the office overseeing national security in the city classified as "prohibited places". The decision came a day after the government announced plans to introduce the subsidiary laws to better enable authorities to safeguard national security and address threats amid a complicated geopolitical situation. "Against the increasingly turbulent global geopolitical landscape, national security risks to which [the Hong Kong SAR] is exposed can arise all of a sudden," a government spokesperson said in a statement. The spokesperson went on to say the administration "must perform its constitutional duty to continue to improve the legal system and enforcement mechanisms for safeguarding national security and to formulate comprehensive measures for safeguarding national security". The new subsidiary legislation to the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance outlaws anyone who knows or suspects that the national security office is handling a case "from disclosing to any other person any information relating to that investigation without reasonable excuse or lawful authority". It also criminalises lying to officers and the forging of office documents. Those found guilty of such offences could face up to seven years in prison and a maximum fine of HK$500,000. Other new offences under the subsidiary legislation target those who wilfully resist or obstruct the Office for Safeguarding National Security in performing its duties and impersonate officers, with those convicted facing a maximum of three years behind bars and a fine of up to HK$200,000. According to a government gazette, six sites used by the national security office have been declared as "prohibited places". Three of the locations are on Hong Kong Island: the agency's main office at 148 Tung Lo Wan Road in Causeway Bay; 9 City Garden Road in North Point, previously the site for City Garden Hotel; and 152 Connaught Road West, the building that used to house Island Pacific Hotel. Three other prohibited places are in Kowloon. One is 1 Cheong Tung Road in Hung Hom. The other two sites are in Tai Kok Tsui: at the junction of Hoi Fai and Sham Mong roads, and on Hoi Fan Road. The enacted subsidiary legislation will now go through negative vetting by lawmakers. "The [Hong Kong SAR] government will make every effort for the early completion of the scrutiny with a view to effectively safeguarding national security as soon as possible – the earlier the better," the spokesperson said.


RTHK
13-05-2025
- Politics
- RTHK
Subsidiary national security legislation takes effect
Subsidiary national security legislation takes effect Six premises used by the Office for Safeguarding National Security, which oversees national security efforts in the SAR, are declared off-limits. File photo: RTHK New subsidiary legislation to Hong Kong's home-grown security law took effect on Tuesday following the Executive Council's approval, with six locations of the office overseeing national security in the city classified as "prohibited places". The decision came a day after the government announced plans to introduce the subsidiary laws to better enable authorities to safeguard national security and address threats amid a complicated geopolitical situation. "Against the increasingly turbulent global geopolitical landscape, national security risks to which [the Hong Kong SAR] is exposed can arise all of a sudden," a government spokesperson said in a statement. The spokesperson went on to say the administration "must perform its constitutional duty to continue to improve the legal system and enforcement mechanisms for safeguarding national security and to formulate comprehensive measures for safeguarding national security". The new subsidiary legislation to the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance outlaws anyone who knows or suspects that the national security office is handling a case "from disclosing to any other person any information relating to that investigation without reasonable excuse or lawful authority". It also criminalises lying to officers and the forging of office documents. Those found guilty of such offences could face up to seven years in prison and a maximum fine of HK$500,000. Other new offences under the subsidiary legislation target those who wilfully resist or obstruct the Office for Safeguarding National Security in performing its duties and impersonate officers, with those convicted facing a maximum of three years behind bars and a fine of up to HK$200,000. According to a government gazette, six sites used by the national security office have been declared as "prohibited places". Three of the locations are on Hong Kong Island: the agency's main office at 148 Tung Lo Wan Road in Causeway Bay; 9 City Garden Road in North Point, previously the site for City Garden Hotel; and 152 Connaught Road West, the building that used to house Island Pacific Hotel. Three other prohibited places are in Kowloon. One is 1 Cheong Tung Road in Hung Hom. The other two sites are in Tai Kok Tsui: at the junction of Hoi Fai and Sham Mong roads, and on Hoi Fan Road. The enacted subsidiary legislation will now go through negative vetting by lawmakers. "The [Hong Kong SAR] government will make every effort for the early completion of the scrutiny with a view to effectively safeguarding national security as soon as possible – the earlier the better," the spokesperson said.


Web Release
06-05-2025
- Health
- Web Release
Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award Unveils Top 10 Finalists for 2025
By Editor_wr Last updated May 5, 2025 The Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award has today announced its Top 10 finalists for 2025, one of whom will go on to win the grand prize of USD 250,000. The finalists for the fourth edition of the awards were selected from a pool of 100,000+ registrations received from 199* countries worldwide. These finalists were selected following a rigorous evaluation process, led by esteemed expert jury and grand jury panels. The entire process was independently moderated by the appointed 'Process Advisors' Ernst & Young LLP. The top 10 finalists for 2025 includes: Catherine Maree Holliday (Switzerland), Edith Namba (Papua New Guinea), Fitz Gerald Dalina Camacho (UAE), Dr. Jed Ray Gengoba Montayre (Hong Kong SAR), Dr. Jose Arnold Tariga (USA), Khadija Mohamed Juma (Kenya), Maheswari Jaganathan (Malaysia), Naomi Oyoe Ohene Oti (Ghana), Dr. Sukhpal Kaur (India), Vibhaben Gunvantbhai Salaliya (India). To know more about the top 10 finalists, please visit: Dr Azad Moopen, Founder Chairman, Aster DM Healthcare, said ' The Top 10 finalists have demonstrated extraordinary dedication, skill, and compassion in their work – selected from over 100,000 registrations that were received for the 4th edition of Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award. These nurses are not just healthcare providers, but true leaders, pushing boundaries and making a profound impact in their communities. Their exceptional contributions deserve to be recognized, and through this award, we celebrate their passion and commitment to improving lives across the globe.' The final stage will involve public voting and interviews with distinguished members of the Grand Jury, with the winner set to be announced at a gala event in Dubai, UAE on May 26, 2025. *As per Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award Unveils Top 10 Finalists for 2025 Comments are closed.