Speech by SCST at Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra 2025/26 Season opening ceremony and concert
Following is the speech by the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Miss Rosanna Law, at the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra 2025/26 Season opening ceremony and concert today (September 18):
Mr David Cogman (Chairman of Board of Governors of the Hong Kong Philharmonic Society), ladies and gentlemen,
Good evening. It is my great pleasure to join you all tonight at the opening concert of the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra's (HK Phil) 52nd season.
My heartiest congratulations to the HK Phil as it charts an exciting new chapter under the masterful baton of its new Music Director Designate, Mr Tarmo Peltokoski, and the leadership of the new Chief Executive, I hope I pronounce it correctly, Mr Bernhard Fleischer. Good that these are names that I find it hard to pronounce because it goes to show how international the HK Phil is.
For decades, the HK Phil has consistently enchanted music lovers at home and abroad. From presenting classical masterpieces to commissioning new works, the HK Phil's refined artistry has rightfully earned itself the reputation as one of the leading orchestras in Asia.
Tonight, we are in for a treat. Distinguished conductor Daniel Harding, renowned pianist Paul Lewis, and the talented Principals of the HK Phil will perform masterpieces by Mozart, Haydn and Strauss. I look forward to immersing myself in a riveting performance.
As a true cultural ambassador, the HK Phil's contributions extended far beyond the concert hall. Its sustained efforts to make classical music accessible to all through a variety of education and outreach programmes deserve applause. These include the annual outdoor music extravaganza Swire Symphony Under the Stars, which entertains a mass audience for free, and the inspiring Jockey Club TUTTI Programme (Tuning Up Talents, Transforming Individuals), which nurtures local music talent through dynamic interaction with international and local artists.
This mission aligns with the Government's vision, as set forth in the National 14th Five-Year Plan, that is to reinforce the role of Hong Kong as an East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange. The HK Phil is undoubtedly one of our most important strategic partners in realising this vision.
While the Government is committed to promoting arts and culture, we must be truly grateful for the steadfast support of the business and private sectors for our performing arts groups. With firm policy support and your powerful partnerships, our arts and culture scene is poised to scale new heights.
On this note, I wish the HK Phil another triumphant season, and I wish you all a truly melodious evening. Thank you.
Source: AI-found images
Seven persons arrested during anti-illegal worker operation
The Immigration Department (ImmD) mounted an anti-illegal worker operation codenamed "Contribute" today (January 15).During the operation, ImmD Task Force officers raided premises under renovation in a newly built public housing estate in Sheung Shui district.A total of six suspected illegal workers and one suspected employer were arrested. Thearrested suspected illegal workers comprise six men, aged 22 to 41. Furthermore, one man, aged 45, suspected of employing the illegal workers, was also arrested. An investigation into the suspected employers is ongoing, and the possibility of further arrests is not ruled out.
Apart from mounting the enforcement operation, ImmD officers and a promotional vehicle have been deployed to distribute "Don't Employ Illegal Workers" leaflets and convey the message in the estate.
An ImmD spokesman said, "Any person who contravenes a condition of stay in force in respect of him or her shall be guilty of an offence. Also, visitors are not allowed to take employment in Hong Kong, whether paid or unpaid, without the permission of the Director of Immigration. Offenders are liable to prosecution and upon conviction face a maximum fine of $50,000 and up to two years' imprisonment. Aiders and abettors are also liable to prosecution and penalties."
The spokesman stressed that it is a serious offence to employ people who are not lawfully employable. Under the Immigration Ordinance, the maximum penalty for an employer employing a person who is not lawfully employable, i.e. an illegal immigrant, a person who is the subject of a removal order or a deportation order, an overstayer or a person who was refused permission to land, has been significantly increased from a fine of $350,000 and three years' imprisonment to a fine of $500,000 and 10 years' imprisonment to reflect the gravity of such offences. The director, manager, secretary, partner, etc, of the company concerned may also bear criminal liability. The High Court has laid down sentencing guidelines that the employer of an illegal worker should be given an immediate custodial sentence.
According to the court sentencing, employers must take all practicable steps to determine whether a person is lawfully employable prior to employment. Apart from inspecting a prospective employee's identity card, the employer has the explicit duty to make enquiries regarding the person and ensure that the answers would not cast any reasonable doubt concerning the lawful employability of the person. The court will not accept failure to do so as a defence in proceedings. It is also an offence if an employer fails to inspect the job seeker's valid travel document if the job seeker does not have a Hong Kong permanent identity card. Offenders are liable upon conviction to a maximum fine of $150,000 and to imprisonment for one year. In that connection, the spokesman would like to remind all employers not to defy the law by employing illegal workers. The ImmD will continue to take resolute enforcement action to combat such offences.
Under the existing mechanism, the ImmD will, as a standard procedure, conduct an initial screening of vulnerable persons, including illegal workers, illegal immigrants, sex workers and foreign domestic helpers, who are arrested during any operation with a view to ascertaining whether they are trafficking in persons (TIP) and/or forced labour victims. When any TIP and/or forced labour indicator is revealed in the initial screening, the ImmD officers will conduct a full debriefing and identification by using a standardised checklist to ascertain the presence of TIP and/or forced labour elements. Identified TIP and/or forced labour victims will be provided with various forms of support and assistance, including urgent intervention, medical services, counselling, shelter or temporary accommodation and other supporting services. The ImmD calls on TIP and/or forced labour victims to report crimes to the relevant departments immediately.
For reporting illegal employment activities, please call the dedicated hotline 3861 5000, by fax at 2824 1166, email to anti_crime@immd.gov.hk, or submit "Online Reporting of Immigration Offences" form at www.immd.gov.hk.
Seven persons arrested during anti-illegal worker operation Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Seven persons arrested during anti-illegal worker operation Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
