Lands Tribunal grants Government application and appoints administrator to take over management of Wang Fuk Court
The Lands Tribunal today (January 6) ruled on the Government's application made under section 31 of the Building Management Ordinance (Cap. 344) (BMO). It formally approved the dissolution of the incumbent management committee (MC) of the Wang Fuk Court (WFC) owners' corporation (OC) and appointed Hop On Management Company Limited (Hop On) under the Chinachem Group as the administrator of the estate. The judge also agreed with the Government's submission that there are limitations in the capabilities of the current MC, whereas Hop On possesses sufficient experience and resources to provide appropriate assistance.The Government welcomes the Land Tribunal's decision.The Government believes that having a professional team take over the management of the OC can more effectively handle the complex issues currently faced by the OC and better safeguard the rights and interests of all owners and residents.
The Lands Tribunal, Photo source: reference image
The Hop On Management Company Limited (Hop On) under the Chinachem Group, Photo source: the Chinachem Group
The administrator will only temporarily assume the functions of the original MC, acting on behalf of the OC to handle management matters of the estate. The OC as a statutory body established under the law will continue to exist. The appointment will not affect the ultimate decision-making power of WFC owners on important management matters. All major decisions must strictly follow the provisions of the BMO, to be decided by owners through resolutions passed at owners' meetings, ensuring that owners' rights are fully respected.
Upon completion of the appointment procedures, Hop On will commence work immediately. This includes conducting a handover with the former management company, clarifying the legal liabilities and entitlements of the OC and the owners under contracts already entered into by the OC, and examining the accounts of the OC. Meanwhile, Hop On will also start preparing to hold briefing sessions to explain to owners and residents its role and duties as the administrator, and to collect their views and requests, ensuring residents have sufficient understanding of and participation in the management arrangements. Staff from the Home Affairs Department (HAD) will also attend.
The Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, Miss Alice Mak, said, "To ensure the orderly progress of various tasks, HAD has established a dedicated follow-up team, which will work closely with Hop On and provide necessary support. In accordance with the court order, Hop On is required to submit monthly reports to the Government."
Miss Alice Mak, the Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, Photo by Bastille Post
Miss Mak reiterated, "The administrator will not charge any fees for this appointment. Nina Wang Charity Management Limitedhas also pledged to donate a total of $10 million (representing an additional $5 million on top of the earlier announced donation) to cover the administrator's day-to-day operational expenses."
Miss Mak pointed out, "The HKSAR Government pledges to continue to walk with residents, provide necessary assistance, and work together with all sectors of the community to help WFC residents overcome the current difficulties."
HKETO, Washington DC hosts "Hong Kong at the Movies"
The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Washington DC (HKETO, Washington DC) presented a four-day film series titled "Hong Kong at the Movies" from March 23 (Washington time) for members of the Washington community, including members of the Federal government of the United States (US), congress, business associations, professional bodies, think tanks, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), private sector entities, diplomatic corps, and the local Hong Kong community.
The film series featured some of Hong Kong's most celebrated films, spanning genres from romance and drama to kung fu and science fiction. The event started with a special 25th anniversary screening of Wong Kar-wai's lavish "In the Mood for Love". Other films included Hong Kong's box office smash hit "The Last Dance", Stephen Chow's relentless slapstick comedy "Kung Fu Hustle", and the recent Hong Kong sensation "Back to the Past".
Addressing guests at the film screening, the Director of the HKETO, Washington DC, Ms Elania Luk, said that the film series was a good opportunity for the Washington DC community to know more about different facets of Hong Kong and its people through the lens of the film industry. "Hong Kong's creative talents draw us together through arts. The imaginations of our ingenious filmmakers, actors and choreographers have indelibly shaped global popular culture, particularly in the US, thanks to cinematic icons ranging from Bruce Lee to John Woo," Ms Luk said.
Ms Luk added that the film industry is an integral part of Hong Kong's status as an East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange. She said that this year's Entertainment Expo Hong Kong, which coincides with the film series, marks key milestones of two of its founding events: the 30th anniversary of FILMART and the 50th anniversary of the Hong Kong International Film Festival. She noted that these flagship events reflect the creativity, economic influence, and international recognition of Hong Kong's storied entertainment sector. The film series also coincides with Art March, an art month in Hong Kong, bringing together various world-renowned arts and cultural summits, screenings, and performances.
Ms Luk went on to highlight the Government's complementary role in supporting the film industry through various initiatives to nurture talent, enhance production, expand markets, and build audiences.
In addition, to promote Hong Kong's unique food culture, attendees at each film screening were served a variety of Hong Kong street foods and local drinks, bringing Hong Kong cuisine to the taste buds of the Washington community. Attendees of the last screening also enjoyed an exhibition of curated paintings under the theme "Hong Kong food and drinks". The paintings were commissioned by the Social Welfare Department under the Arts Development Fund for Persons with Disabilities, in collaboration with various NGOs. The paintings, among other things, exemplify the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government's efforts in unleashing the potential of persons with disabilities in artistic activities and their contribution to society. The total "Hong Kong experience" brought by the film series was well regarded by attendees.
The film series ran on March 23, 25, and 30 and April 1 at the AMC Georgetown cinema in Washington DC.
HKETO, Washington DC hosts "Hong Kong at the Movies" Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
HKETO, Washington DC hosts "Hong Kong at the Movies" Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
HKETO, Washington DC hosts "Hong Kong at the Movies" Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
HKETO, Washington DC hosts "Hong Kong at the Movies" Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
HKETO, Washington DC hosts "Hong Kong at the Movies" Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
