SED saddened by passing of Professor Woo Chia-wei
The Secretary for Education, Dr Choi Yuk-lin, today (March 4) expressed her deep sorrow over the passing of Professor Woo Chia-wei and extended her deepest condolences to his family.
Dr Choi said, "Professor Woo led the establishment of the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology and served as its President from 1991 to 2001. During his tenure, Professor Woo laid a strong foundation for the development of this world-class institution and was dedicated to driving Hong Kong's transformation into a knowledge-based economy through scientific research. Professor Woo was also an outstanding community leader, contributing to various fields over the years. In addition to being highly respected in the higher education sector, he also made immense contributions to the development of Hong Kong."
She firmly believed that Professor Woo's significant contributions to higher education will be remembered and cherished by the education sector.
Incoming passenger convicted and jailed for possession of duty-not-paid cigarettes
An incoming female passenger was sentenced to three months' imprisonment and fined $1,500 at the Fanling Magistrates' Courts today (January 15) for possessing duty-not-paid cigarettes and failing to declare them to Customs officers, in contravention of the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance (DCO).
Customs officers intercepted the incoming 41-year-old female passenger by the Lo Wu Control Point yesterday (January 14) and seized 5 181 duty-not-paid cigarettes with an estimated market value of about $21,000 and a duty potential of about $17,000 from her personal baggage. The passenger was subsequently arrested.
Customs welcomes the sentence, noting that even a first-time offender may still be imprisoned. The custodial sentence has imposed a considerable deterrent effect and reflects the seriousness of the offences. Customs reminds members of the public that under the DCO, tobacco products are dutiable goods to which the DCO applies. Any person who deals with, possesses, sells or buys illicit cigarettes commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $2 million and imprisonment for seven years.
Members of the public may report any suspected illicit cigarette activities to Customs' 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002).
Incoming passenger convicted and jailed for possession of duty-not-paid cigarettes Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
