Latest news with #RosannaLaw
South China Morning Post
4 hours ago
- Sport
- South China Morning Post
Citing research, Hong Kong tourism chief rejects reusable cups at Kai Tak Sports Park
Hong Kong authorities have pushed back against a call to use reusable plastic containers at Kai Tak Sports Park, saying such non-biodegradable products will 'undermine' efforts to promote carbon reduction and resource recycling. In reply to a lawmaker's question on Wednesday, Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism Rosanna Law Shuk-pui said that research by the park's operator comparing local and overseas practices showed that using reusable plastic containers in Hong Kong would generate more carbon emissions and consume more resources. On the same day, environmental NGO Greenpeace Hong Kong urged the sports park to consider using reusable plastic cups for the coming Hong Kong Football Festival and called on Law to refer to other global sports organisations, such as the English Premier League, in which 65 per cent of clubs used reusable cups. It also called on the bureau to take the lead in piloting and subsidising a reusable cup system during the National Games to be held in the city in November, making it the first carbon-neutral edition of the games. However, Law did not consider using reusable plastic containers a good idea. 'As reusable plastic containers are not biodegradable, they do not support the plastic-free initiative and undermine Kai Tak Sports Park's efforts in promoting carbon reduction and resource circulation,' Law said.
RTHK
a day ago
- Business
- RTHK
Bordeaux draw set for Wine and Dine Festival
Bordeaux draw set for Wine and Dine Festival Rosanna Law says merchants for Bordeaux region's vineyards are expected to be well represented at this year's Wine and Dine Festival. File photo: RTHK Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism Rosanna Law says visitors to the upcoming Wine and Dine Festival in October can get a taste of the finer bottles that France's famed Bordeaux vineyards have to offer. In an interview with Sing Tao Daily published on Tuesday, she said the festival, which made its debut in the SAR in 2009, has now become a signature mega event. It has been scaled down since its return from the pandemic, but the hope for Law is for it to get back to being the place where wine merchants go to ply their trade. Also hoped for is a better balance between wine and food this year, with her finding that there were more stalls selling food last year. Visitors this year will be able to sample Bordeaux wines with the return of the grand tasting pavilion as, Law said, an industry group responsible for promoting the region's offerings globally had been invited, during her visit to France this month, to bring merchants to the SAR. A further proposal to the group is for it to set up an "Everyday Bordeaux" event so as to recommend the region's offerings that represent high value for money to visitors. Separately, Law said the SAR should not expect travellers to have the kind of high spending habits that the city is used to. Hong Kong needs repeat visitors, she added, and the city needs to leave a good impression on tourists, as well as make them feel like home. Additionally, Law said even though the SAR is co-hosting the National Games in November with Guangdong and Macau, it has to "think very carefully" about whether it should consider applying to stage the Olympic Games under a similar arrangement. The Olympics, she said, involves different regions globally and the situation is complicated. Any such application, she pointed out, needs to be in line with the nation's policies, and requires careful assessment of issues such as public finances and resources.
HKFP
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- HKFP
HKFP Monitor July 19, 2025: Revived talk of ‘soft resistance,' reactions to Jimmy O. Yang's tête-à-tête with John Lee
This week, we look at how top officials revived talk of 'soft resistance' as the national security law hit its five-year mark, while indie publishers launched their own book fair amid mounting scrutiny. We're also following a scandal at HKU involving AI-generated porn that surfaced on social media, a series of full-page attacks in state media targeting policy think tank Liber Research Community, and reactions to comedian Jimmy O. Yang's tête-à-tête with Hong Kong's leader. 'SOFT RESISTANCE' BUZZWORD RETURNS Top Hong Kong officials raised alarm over 'soft resistance' last month, as the city marked five years since the Beijing-imposed national security law came into effect. Culture minister Rosanna Law said it could show up in songs, performances, or storylines. Development chief Bernadette Linn warned it might even pop up during city planning. In short, it could be just about anywhere. The renewed focus signals a wider crackdown on perceived ideological threats, although the legal definition remains unclear. On June 30, Secretary for Justice Paul Lam tried to clarify. What is soft resistance? Lam said it involves three things: spreading false or misleading info, doing it in an overly emotional or irrational way, and trying to stir up misunderstandings about Hong Kong or Beijing policies. His explanation wasn't far off from what pro-establishment commentator Lau Siu-kai said back in 2021, after the term was first floated by then China Liaison Office chief Luo Huining. As authorities vowed to step up scrutiny, playwright Candace Chong warned that hunting for 'soft resistance' could turn into a campaign that 'disturbs people' and hurts local artists. Is it illegal? Security chief Chris Tang said in 2023 that Hong Kong's Article 23 security law would tackle 'soft resistance.' But the term isn't in the actual ordinance and has only come up in one court case — involving a busker playing a protest anthem. How the law will be used against such loosely defined threats remains to be seen. Every summer, Hong Kong's biggest literary event – the Hong Kong Book Fair – brings together publishers from across the city. But since the national security law kicked in, the fair has been under tighter scrutiny. The organiser, the Hong Kong Trade and Development Council (HKTDC), has received complaints about suspected violations and has barred some publishers over books related to the 2019 protests – sometimes even asking for specific titles to be pulled from shelves. In response, 14 indie publishers have once again launched their own event at Hunter Bookstore, now in its third year. Among them are Boundary Bookstore and Bbluesky, who say they were asked to remove certain books last year – and banned from this year's Hong Kong Book Fair. The pressure doesn't stop there. HKFP has learned that at least six independent publishers are facing tax investigations (tune in to our report on Sunday). Directors said authorities have requested detailed financial records, including personal transaction reports and bank statements going back to before some of the companies even existed. This year's alternative fair runs from Thursday to Sunday. So far, organisers say there's been no sign of government inspections — unlike last year, when officials showed up the day before opening, citing a complaint over the venue's entertainment licence. Beijing-backed newspaper Wen Wei Po ran full-page attacks targeting policy think tank Liber Research Community for three consecutive days this month. In its first article on July 8, the paper accused Liber of 'soft resistance' and using 'pseudoscience' as a cover. It cited remarks made by a Liber researcher at a forum on ecotourism, which was moved online after the original venue at the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) was abruptly cancelled due to 'urgent maintenance.' On July 9, Wen Wei Po criticised a Liber-Greenpeace report on Hong Kong's ecotourism policies, accusing the group of 'blind opposition' and a 'narrow' approach to conservation. The final piece on July 10 slammed Liber's study comparing airport retail prices with those in the city and at Taipei airport. The paper said the NGO had 'vilified' Hong Kong tourism and claimed its own checks found the price differences weren't significant. Brian Wong, a researcher at Liber, defended the think tank's research as well-founded, adding that its policy recommendations were 'for the benefit of Hong Kong's people and environment.' 'Our last report was solid, with methodologies, data, and case studies,' Wong told HKFP on July 8, adding that the NGO would continue its work. 'If they think what we're putting out is pseudoscience, more information is needed to substantiate their claim,' he said. Addressing the 'soft resistance' accusation, Wong said: 'We are just conducting research and making suggestions for the benefit of Hong Kong's people and environment.' HKU backlash: A scandal involving AI-generated porn images that broke on social media last weekend has prompted the city's privacy watchdog to launch a criminal probe. The University of Hong Kong (HKU) is facing backlash after a law student allegedly used AI to create pornographic images of women – including some female classmates – without their consent. The incident came to light after three victims took to Instagram with accusations, saying the student had admitted to using social media screenshots to create explicit images using free AI tools. They posted on a page called ' – a name referencing South Korea's infamous 'Nth Room' cybersex trafficking case – which had over 2,470 followers as of Friday. According to the victims, the images were discovered by the student's friends on his computer. They estimated that around 20 to 30 women may have been affected. HKU came under fire for being 'too lenient' after only issuing a warning letter to the student. On Friday, the school said the letter did not mark the end of the matter. Jimmy O: Friend or foe? Also causing a stir, Hong Kong-born American comedian Jimmy O. Yang stirred debate online after his management company shared photos of him with Chief Executive John Lee during his visit to the city last month. Some Reddit users said they were glad they skipped the comedian's sold-out shows, accusing him of using his Hong Kong identity for profit. Others defended him, noting that the meeting and his paid collaboration with the Tourism Board were arranged by the government. Similar chatter popped up on Threads and Instagram, where some said it was 'smart' of O. Yang to post the photos after his shows, adding that being friendly with the city's leader was 'nothing personal, just business.' Hong Kong's biggest national security case saw new developments this week, as both prosecutors and jailed pro-democracy figures challenged the verdicts and sentences tied to the 2020 unofficial legislative primary election. The charge of conspiracy to commit subversion landed 45 democrats in jail, with sentences ranging from just over four years to a decade. The judges said it could take up to nine months before they decide on the appeals.
Malay Mail
6 days ago
- Business
- Malay Mail
Correcting and Replacing: Brand New TV Show "AI for Humans" Officially Premieres Exploring the Limitless Potential of Artificial Intelligence in Hong Kong
Professor Sun Dong, JP, Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry Mr Simon Chan Sai-Ming, BBS, JP, Chairman of Hong Kong Cyberport Management Company Limited Dr Rocky Cheng, JP, CEO of Cyberport Ir Tony Wong Chi-kong, JP, Commissioner for Digital Policy, Digital Policy Office The Hon Rosanna LAW Shuk-pui, JP, Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism The Hon Mable CHAN, JP, Secretary for Transport and Logistics Mr Joseph Chan Ho-lim, JP, Under Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury Mr Victor Tai Sheung-shing, JP, Under Secretary for Housing Mr Hendrick Sin Hon-Tik, MH, JP, Chairman of the Artificial Intelligence Funding Scheme Advisory Committee Mr Duncan Yau, Legislative Council Member (Technology and Innovation Constituency) Mr Chris Yeung Chin-pang, Assistant Director (Property Management), Hong Kong Housing Society Professor Alexander Wai Ping-Kong, JP, President and Vice-Chancellor of Hong Kong Baptist University Professor Yike GUO, BSc, PhD, Provost of the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology and the Director of the Hong Kong Generative AI Research and Development Centre Professor Hongxia Yang, Executive Director of PolyU Academy for Artificial Intelligence and Associate Dean (Global Engagement) of the Faculty of Computer and Mathematical Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Ir Professor Thomas Ho On-Sing, Chairman of the Construction Industry Council Mr Alvin Kwock, CEO and Co-Founder of AIFT Mr Guo Yong, Founder and Chairman of China Year (Beijing) Technology Co. Ltd Dr Tao Xiaodong, Executive Director of iFLYTEK - Xunfei Healthcare Tech Co Ltd ( Mr Sam Kwong, Senior Director of Product Management, Klook Mr Calvin Ng, CEO of ZA Bank Episode 1: Star-Studded Premiere – Hong Kong's AI Ecosystem Unveiled Sneak Peek: Upcoming Episodes Episode 1 Strengthening Hong Kong's AI Ecosystem through Collaboration：how the Government and the industry, academia, research and investment sectors work in synergy to transform Hong Kong into an AI-powered smart city. Episode 2 AI innovation in Hong Kong and Supercomputing power. Episode 3 & 4 AI applications in the financial sector, improving services, compliance, and efficiency. Episode 5 AI in smart tourism, enabling personalised travel experiences. Episode 6 AI-driven digital transformation in logistics and new opportunities in the low-altitude economy. Episode 7 AI breakthroughs in diagnosis, treatment, and patient management in healthcare. Episode 8 Generative AI's role in arts and culture, preserving traditional Chinese heritage. Episode 9 The AI+ Era: Becoming an irreplaceable talent and seizing opportunities in the AI field! Episode 10 Data Demystified: Practical examples to help you understand the power of data-driven business! Episodes 11-16 AI applications in education, property management, transportation, construction, manufacturing, and cybersecurity. Episode 17 AI+ era: Future opportunities and challenges i First-run: Saturdays at 8:30 PM, HOY TV Channel 78 Re-run: Sundays at 6:30 PM, HOY TV Channel 77; Tuesdays at 10:00 PM, HOY TV Channel 78 Online Viewing: Episodes will be available on HOY TV's official online platform: Broadcast ScheduleFirst-run: Saturdays at 8:30 PM, HOY TV Channel 78Re-run: Sundays at 6:30 PM, HOY TV Channel 77; Tuesdays at 10:00 PM, HOY TV Channel 78Online Viewing:Episodes will be available on HOY TV's official online platform: HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach Newswire - 17 July 2025 - The brand-new TV showwill premiere on 19 July (Saturday) at 8:30 PM on HOY TV Channel 78. This 17-episode series focuses on Artificial Intelligence (AI), inviting viewers to explore how AI is shaping the future and driving Hong Kong to become a global innovation and technology hub. Supported by Cyberport and hosted by Mr Nicholas Chan Hiu-Fung, BBS, MH, JP, Hong Kong Deputy to the National People's Congress and Cyberport Board Member, the programme brings together over 70 distinguished guests. These include honorable government officials, representatives from key I&T enterprises, Cyberport unicorns, Cyberport-incubated entrepreneurs, industry leaders, academic experts, and investors, who will discuss AI's applications and developments across various series will showcase how Hong Kong leverages AI to advance smart city development, stimulate cross-industry synergy, and facilitate digital transformation across sectors. It offers viewers a comprehensive perspective on how AI is transforming city landscapes, driving industry upgrades, and improving citizens' quality of 70 Distinguished Guests include, including but are not limited to:... And many Government and the industry, academia, research and investment sectorsThe highly anticipated first episode will air on 19 July 2025 (Saturday) at 8:30 PM, uncovering the intricate ecosystem of AI development in Hong Kong. The episode focuses on the collaboration between five key sectors: the Government and the industry, academia, research and investment sectors, showcasing how these domains synergise to position Hong Kong as a leading smart city. Viewers will gain insights into how government policies are strengthening research capabilities, accelerating innovation commercialisation, and fostering a comprehensive innovation and technology ecosystem to give Hong Kong a competitive edge in the global tech 1 Highlights:Prominent figures will share their visions, including Professor Sun Dong, JP (Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry), Mr Simon Chan Sai-Ming, BBS, JP (Chairman of Hong Kong Cyberport Management Company Limited), Dr Rocky Cheng, JP (CEO of Cyberport), Ir Tony Wong Chi-kong, JP (Commissioner for Digital Policy), The Hon Rosanna LAW Shuk-pui, JP (Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism), The Hon Mable CHAN, JP (Secretary for Transport and Logistics), Mr Joseph Chan Ho-lim, JP (Under Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury), Ir Victor Tai Sheung-shing, JP (Under Secretary for Housing). In the second segment, industry leaders such as Mr Calvin Ng (CEO of ZA Bank), Mr Sam Kwong (Senior Director of Product Management at Klook), and Dr Tao Xiaodong (Executive Director of iFLYTEK - Xunfei Healthcare) will discuss diverse AI applications, from finance and healthcare to tourism and explore AI's impact across various sectors in the following episodes,Hashtag: #AIforHumans #HOYTV The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
RTHK
16-07-2025
- Entertainment
- RTHK
Culture chief pledges to take arts groups overseas
Culture chief pledges to take arts groups overseas Culture chief Rosanna Law says officials in Dubai and Abu Dhabi welcome the idea of Hong Kong performing arts groups holding shows over there. Photo: RTHK The culture minister has vowed to assist Hong Kong performing arts groups and troupes to stage performances overseas, saying they can be a display of the city's "soft power". Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism Rosanna Law told RTHK's Overview Policy programme that she was told by authorities in Dubai and Abu Dhabi that they welcomed performers from Hong Kong to hold shows in their venues. "I hope to help [arts groups] to perform abroad so that they can let people know about the high calibre of Hong Kong's arts groups," she said. "As they continue to perform, I hope they will one day become famous internationally. "This is an output of our 'soft power'. "It would be great to do a two-stop tour in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, both in the United Arab Emirates, which would also be a novel experience." Other than performing arts, Law said various museums in Hong Kong have held a number of exhibitions, including those staged in collaboration with France.
