Suspected theft case involving personal data held by FEHD
A spokesman for the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) said today (January 2) that the department attaches utmost importance on a suspected theft case of document files and has reported the incident to the Police for follow-up. Since the files contain personal data, the department has immediately contacted all the data subjects affected to offer its apologies and appeal for their heightened vigilance.
The incident involves two internal document files stored at the Kowloon City District Environmental Hygiene Office. These files contained records of public complaints against environmental nuisances in the district, including the names and contact information (telephone numbers or email addresses) of approximately 100 complainants.
The spokesman said, "The office area concerned is access-controlled by a digital lock and also has an independent door lock. As the incident may involve criminal act of theft, the FEHD has reported the case to the Police for follow-up and will fully co-operate with the investigation. The FEHD has also notified the Office of the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data, and notified the data subjects affected by the incident."
The spokesman for the FEHD stressed, "The department offered its apologies to those affected. The FEHD attaches great importance to the security of personal data, and has laid down clear internal guidelines and control mechanism to ensure compliance with the Personal Data (Privacy) Ordinance and other relevant laws and ordinances. Staff members are also regularly reminded to adhere to these guidelines and provisions. While the case is believed to be an isolated incident, the department will take stringent action should the investigation reveal any negligence or mishandling by any officer. The FEHD will also review the current personal data security measures to ensure effective protection of the personal data it collects."
"Andy and Security Bear: Young Citizens Safeguarding National Security" educational picture books launched
The Security Bureau (SB) today (October 28) held a launch ceremony of the "Andy and Security Bear: Young Citizens Safeguarding National Security" educational picture books. Published by the SB with support from the Education Bureau, the picture books convey key concepts of national security to young children through vivid illustrations and simple words, cultivating their awareness of abiding by laws and rules and helping them become young citizens who love their families and country.
The Secretary for Security, Mr Tang Ping-keung, and the Under Secretary for Education, Dr Sze Chun-fai, jointly officiated at the launch ceremony. Mr Tang shared the creative concept, saying that an illustration-driven book supplemented with an engaging storyline enables children to discover and learn the meaning of following rules and thinking critically, so that they can understand the importance of safeguarding national security from an early age. Dr Sze also outlined the application of the picture books in the school environment, highlighting their effectiveness in enhancing learning outcomes. At the ceremony, Mr Tang and Dr Sze presented the picture books to representatives of kindergarten principals, symbolising the further embedding of national security education in kindergartens.
The three-volume set of picture books is set against the backdrop of "Andy and Security Bear", the national security comic series launched by the SB in mid-2024 that has been well received by the education sector and students. The set consists of three new stories accompanied by resources including themed children's songs, enabling teachers to make learning enjoyable in kindergartens.
The SB also released "Singing Softly", a children's song launched alongside the first volume of the picture book. Kindergarten students attending the event performed it on the spot. Through movements, the students brought the lively and easy-to-understand lyrics to life and reinforced their understanding of the positive values in the story, including respecting others and safeguarding their home.
The SB will distribute the first batch of picture books to over 900 kindergartens and public libraries in Hong Kong by the end of this year. Together with on-site kindergarten workshops, the national security concepts will be conveyed to young children in a diverse and fun way.
Source: AI-found images
