Speech by FS at Prototyping: Exhibition Opening cum Kick-off of 10th Anniversary of Indra and Harry Banga Gallery(with photos/video)
Following is the speech by the Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, at Prototyping: Exhibition Opening cum Kick-off of the 10th Anniversary of the Indra and Harry Banga Gallery today (January 28):
Michael (Council Chairman of City University of Hong Kong, Professor Michael Ngai), Professor Lee (Provost and Deputy President of City University of Hong Kong, Professor Lee Chun-sing), Dr and Mrs Banga (Founding Patrons of the Indra and Harry Banga Gallery, Dr Harry Banga and Mrs Indra Banga), Alvin (Director of the Indra and Harry Banga Gallery, Professor Alvin Yip), curators and exhibiting professors, ladies and gentlemen,
Good evening. It is a pleasure to join you for the opening of the "Prototyping: " Exhibition and to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Indra and Harry Banga Gallery. Please allow me to extend my warm congratulations to the City University of Hong Kong on this remarkable occasion.
I had the pleasure of visiting the exhibition just now. It vividly illustrates how technologies developed in Hong Kong can be translated into real-world applications, and how artists and scientists can co-create works that engage a broader audience. This spirit of enterprise and collaboration is precisely what Hong Kong needs to strengthen both our arts and innovation ecosystems, and to nurture the next generation of versatile talent.
Over the past decade, the Banga Gallery has become a flagship venue of the City University and a pioneer in cross-disciplinary exhibitions. It plays a vital role in promoting cultural heritage and fostering dialogue among diverse cultures and civilisations. As a platform for innovative experimentation, the Gallery serves as a living laboratory where new ideas are explored, refined, and shared. Its exhibitions have inspired practitioners across the region and contributed to the ongoing development of Hong Kong's cultural institutions and ecosystem.
As our community looks to new pathways to generate economic value, the Gallery's experience serves as a good point of reference. Consumers nowadays increasingly seek novel, personalised experiences, placing greater emphasis on emotional connection and meaning. The intersection of art and technology offers valuable insights into how innovative products and services can be developed, ones that resonate with the public and create new markets.
That is why the HKSAR (Hong Kong Special Administrative Region) Government is committed to advancing the development of arts, culture, and the creative industries. We see this not only as a means to cultivate new economic drivers, but also as a powerful way to enhance Hong Kong's global appeal, enrich the cultural life of our community, and reinforce our unique role as an East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange.
On innovation and technology (I&T), our ambition is equally clear: we are fully committed to promoting I&T, injecting fresh momentum into our economy, and creating high-quality career opportunities for our people. Talent is the cornerstone of this endeavour. We must continue to promote science and technology across society, and ignite a passion for innovation and discovery - especially among our young people.
In this regard, the Gallery's work is both meaningful and impactful. It demonstrates how cross-sector collaboration can expand horizons, foster community connections, and inspire the next generation of talent.
In closing, allow me to express my heartfelt gratitude to the Gallery, the Banga family, and all patrons for your generous support and the good work done.
I wish the exhibition every success. And as the Year of the Horse is drawing near, taking this opportunity I wish you good health, happiness and blessings in the Year of the Horse. Thank you.
The Prototyping: Exhibition Opening cum Kick-off of the 10th Anniversary of the Indra and Harry Banga Gallery, Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
The Prototyping: Exhibition Opening cum Kick-off of the 10th Anniversary of the Indra and Harry Banga Gallery, Source: HKSAR Government Press ReleasesSource: HKSAR Government Press Releases
The Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
LD works with FEHD to promote prevention of heat stroke at work and prior work arrangements in times of adverse weather and extreme conditions
The Labour Department (LD), together with representatives from the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD), visited a public refuse collection point in Shau Kei Wan today (June 4) to distribute cooling products to frontline cleansing workers and promote the Guidance Notes on Prevention of Heat Stroke at Work (GN) and the preventive measures in times of the Heat Stress at Work Warning to enhance their awareness of heat stroke prevention. They also called on employers and employees to make work arrangements in advance for adverse weather and extreme conditions.
The Deputy Commissioner for Labour (Occupational Safety and Health), Mr Vincent Fung, together with the Deputy Director of Food and Environmental Hygiene (Environmental Hygiene), Mr Arsene Yiu, presented cooling products to the frontline cleansing workers and reminded them to take appropriate precautions to prevent heat stroke during the high temperatures of summer. Mr Fung and Mr Yiu also inspected various welfare and heat stroke prevention facilities set up at the refuse collection point for frontline workers. The refuse collection point, which completed refurbishment works last year, is equipped with changing and personal storage spaces, as well as facilities for short breaks and meals, and provides equipment such as an air-conditioning system, hot and cold drinking water dispensers, microwave ovens, refrigerators, and electric fans to provide a suitable resting environment for frontline staff. In addition, Mr Fung and Mr Yiu also gained a deep understanding of the various protective equipment provided to frontline cleansing workers, including new work uniforms with better sweat-wicking, breathability and reflective functions, portable waist-mounted fans, sun hats, new rain coats with thermoregulation functions and new work shoes with ergonomic design and good breathability to further enhance work safety.
"Frontline cleansing workers face a higher risk of heat stress during summer. The LD has been maintaining close collaboration with various departments and the cleansing industry, striving to assist the industry in referencing and adopting the recommendations in the GN flexibly. We urge supervisors to establish clear work and rest arrangements at workplaces, to take heed of the levels of the Heat Stress at Work Warning issued by the LD and to provide adequate cooling equipment based on the outdoor environment to safeguard the health and safety of our workers," Mr Fung said.
Mr Fung added that workers should also pay attention to their physical conditions. Whenever there are any symptoms of heat-related illnesses, such as a headache, dizziness, thirst, and nausea, they should rest and drink water in a cool and shaded place, and inform employers or supervisors to take appropriate action immediately.
Apart from strengthening employers' and employees' knowledge of heat stroke prevention through promotion and publicity as well as education and training every summer, the LD will also step up its inspection of workplaces with higher risks of heat stroke, including construction sites, worksites of outdoor cleansing workers, gardening workers, and security guards. The LD urges relevant responsible duty holders to refer to the GN, assess the risk of heat stress on their employees during work, and take corresponding preventive measures based on the assessment results.
In addition, Mr Fung appealed to the employers and employees to make prior work arrangements in times of adverse weather and extreme conditions by taking reference to the "Code of Practice in Times of Adverse Weather and 'Extreme Conditions'" (CoP) issued by the LD.
For detailed information of the GN and other heatstroke prevention measures, employers and employees can visit the dedicated webpage launched by the LD at www.labour.gov.hk/eng/news/prevention_of_heat_stroke_at_work.htm or the Occupational Safety and Health Council at www.noheatstress.hk. The LD's latest revised CoP can be downloaded from the department's webpage www.labour.gov.hk/eng/public/wcp/Rainstorm.pdf.
LD works with FEHD to promote prevention of heat stroke at work and prior work arrangements in times of adverse weather and extreme conditions Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
LD works with FEHD to promote prevention of heat stroke at work and prior work arrangements in times of adverse weather and extreme conditions Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
LD works with FEHD to promote prevention of heat stroke at work and prior work arrangements in times of adverse weather and extreme conditions Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
