Investigation and Study Group presents recommendations to HKU Council on personnel arrangements for HKU senior positions
The following is issued on behalf of the Investigation and Study Group on the Internal OperationalAffairs of the University of Hong Kong:
At a meeting of the Council of the University of Hong Kong (HKU) held today (September 3), the Investigation and Study Group (ISG) on the Internal OperationalAffairs of the University of Hong Kong presented its findings and recommendations on the personnel arrangements for senior positions of the HKU. The ISG is pleased to note that the HKU Council has fully accepted the recommendations. This outcome is the result of more than two months of relentless efforts by the ISG, which can help the HKU resume normal operations as soon as possible in its fundamental interest.
The recommendations were formulated after the ISG held more than 60 meetings with relevant parties, including the Chairman and members of the HKU Council, and the President and Vice-Chancellor, and senior management staff of the HKU, and examined relevant documents. They sought to provide practical solutions to ensure clarity and certainty regarding the personnel arrangements for senior positions of the HKU.
The guiding principles for the ISG were:
(a) taking the interest of the HKU as the overriding priority;
(b) making early resolution of differences as much as possible to facilitate the smooth and effective operations of the HKU;
(c) making continuous efforts in facilitating communication and co-ordination among parties concerned to strive for the overall interest of the HKU; and
(d) sharing good practices and experiences in the process to ensure that the HKU operates in accordance with the requirements of the University Accountability Agreement and uses funds properly.
The ISG also took into account various factors, including the practicality of the Council Resolutions as well as the willingness of officers concerned in taking up the appointments.
The ISG also notes that the HKU has been conducting various search exercises, some of which are related to senior positions such as the Provost, Vice-Presidents, the Registrar and Deans. The ISG urges the Council and the management to work expeditiously on these searches with a view to filling such vacancies.
The findings and recommendations are the ISG's first deliverable, and the ISG will continue to pursue its work goals.
The Government announced the establishment of the ISG on June 11. The goals of the ISG are: (1) to clarify facts and understand issues of all parties; (2) to facilitate internal co-ordination, assist various parties to work together and strengthen mutual co-operation; and (3) to provide advice based on the investigations and studies, and propose recommendations regarding the improvement measures and good practices to ensure that the HKU operates in accordance with the requirements of the University Accountability Agreement and uses public funds properly.
The ISG is composed of the Permanent Secretary for Education, Ms Michelle Li, and the Chairman of the University Grants Committee (UGC), Mr Tim Lui, supported by a team formed by the Education Bureau and the UGC Secretariat.
Source: AI-generated images
SFST's opening remarks at press conference on Hong Kong FinTech Week 2024
Following are the opening remarks by the Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr Christopher Hui, at the press conference on Hong Kong FinTech Week 2024 today (October 8):
Alpha (Director-General of Investment Promotion at Invest Hong Kong, Ms Alpha Lau), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
Good afternoon and thank you for joining us today. It gives me great pleasure to unveil the official details of this year's much-anticipated Hong Kong FinTech Week, carrying the theme "Illuminating New Pathways in Fintech".
This year marks the ninth edition of our flagship event, standing at the vanguard of the global fintech revolution. I have had the good fortune to witness the remarkable growth and evolution of our Hong Kong FinTech Week over the years. The conference this year further encapsulates the global paradigm shift, with emerging technologies driving the spirit of change.
I have made it a tradition to announce a new policy statement and new initiatives during the FinTech Week, sharing with our global audience the Government's vision and mission in taking forward market development together with the industry. In 2022 we announced the groundbreaking Policy Statement on Development of Virtual Assets in Hong Kong, and last year we shared the plan to develop a new integrated fund platform for our market. This year is no exception, and we are set to announce a policy statement for responsible use of artificial intelligence (AI) in our financial services sector. This will be another important announcement from us elaborating our policy stance on this topic of global importance and interest.
Hong Kong FinTech Week welcomes top technology leaders, policymakers, and investors from around the world for insightful discussions on the fintech landscape. We are set to showcase the individuals, rising stars, and innovations propelling advancements in efficiency, scalability, and sustainability worldwide. During the event, we will explore how entrepreneurs and corporations are leveraging frontier technologies like AI, tokenisation, and Web3 to craft innovative business models and capitalise on Asia's economic ascension.
Hong Kong always shows resilience and strength during challenging times. Our city has recently been ranked third in the latest Global Financial Centres Index around the globe and first in the Asia Pacific Region. In terms of fintech, Hong Kong rose five places to ninth, putting it among the top 10 fintech hubs globally. This reflects the concerted efforts of the Government, financial regulators, and industry players to promote fintech development in Hong Kong. Over the past few months, we have introduced various initiatives to further cultivate a vibrant ecosystem for fintech innovation, including expanding the cross-boundary e-CNY pilot in Hong Kong, launching the new Generative AI Sandbox, as well as commencing phase 2 of the e-HKD Pilot Programme, just to name a few.
With its strategic location and robust financial infrastructure, Hong Kong emerges as a "super connector" and "super value-adder" for fintech. Hong Kong is primed to lead this transformative journey to uncover the pathways to opportunities. Notably, we've witnessed strong interest from the Mainland's big tech companies showcasing their latest innovations, underscoring how Chinese technology is shaping global finance's future through cross-border collaborations and cutting-edge technology integration.
The Mainland aside, Southeast Asia's rising stars will be present to showcase their tailored solutions for the region's unique markets, sharing success stories of fintech solutions crafted to meet the region's distinctive market needs. These vibrant discussions will highlight Southeast Asia's growing influence in the global fintech arena. The Middle East will also bring a wealth of strategic insights to the table, fostering innovation collaborations between Hong Kong and the region.
Hong Kong FinTech Week 2024 promises to be a melting pot of ideas, innovations, and collaborations for global communities. Attendees will have the opportunity to explore how frontiers like AI, tokenisation, blockchain, and green tech are tackling real-world challenges nowadays.
Another standout feature of the week is the Greater Bay Area day visit, an exclusive tour inviting international financial leaders, investors, and tech founders to explore the innovation ecosystems across Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Hong Kong. This excursion will facilitate collaboration, knowledge sharing, exploration of investment prospects, and meaningful dialogues, fostering a day of productive networking.
Through various initiatives aimed at attracting and retaining strategic companies and talent, we are ready for positive results from the FinTech Week. The event this year will pave the way for connected, efficient, and sustainable global economic growth from fintech offerings. I therefore extend a very warm welcome to all of you to join us. Thank you.
