John Lee Encourages Collaboration Between Hong Kong and Beijing Universities During Beijing Visit

CE continues visit to Beijing (with photos/video)

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, continued his visit to Beijing today (March 4), meeting with the heads of higher education institutions in Beijing and exchanging views with Hong Kong youths studying there.

In the afternoon, Mr Lee met with the Secretary of the CPC Tsinghua University Committee, Professor Qiu Yong, to exchange views on issues of mutual concern. Mr Lee said that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government has been accelerating the development of the Northern Metropolis (NM) and has reserved about 90 hectares of land for developing the NM University Town. He welcomed Tsinghua University, a top-tier university in the country, to bring its advanced disciplines and academic programmes to the NM University Town to achieve collaborative development. The HKSAR Government will continue to actively foster closer co-operation between higher education institutions in Hong Kong and the Mainland. Mr Lee said that he looks forward to seeing Tsinghua University and higher education institutions in Hong Kong deepen their collaboration under the Beijing-Hong Kong Universities Alliance, further enabling the two places' higher education institutions to complement each other's strengths in talent cultivation and scientific research.

Afterwards, Mr Lee attended a seminar for Hong Kong students studying in Beijing organised by the Hong Kong Alumni Association of Beijing Universities, where he exchanged views with the students to better understand their learnings and daily life. Addressing the event, Mr Lee encouraged the young people from Hong Kong to make the best use of their study opportunities in Beijing to gain an in-depth understanding of the country's history and latest developments. Mr Lee also encouraged them to leverage their strengths and tell the good stories of Hong Kong, to contribute their youthful power to build a great country and achieve national rejuvenation.

In the evening, Mr Lee attended a dinner with the heads of a number of higher education institutions in Beijing which are included in the aggregate list of eligible universities under the Top Talent Pass Scheme. During the dinner, they exchanged views on such issues as the National 15th Five-Year Plan, the NM University Town and innovation and technology development. Noting that the HKSAR Government has set up the Task Force on Study in Hong Kong to take forward the promotion of the "Study in Hong Kong" brand to attract top-notch students globally, Mr Lee said he looks forward to seeing more Mainland students and exchange students coming to pursue studies in Hong Kong.

Mr Lee will attend the opening meeting of the fourth session of the 14th National People's Congress tomorrow (March 5).

CE continues visit to Beijing Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

CE continues visit to Beijing Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

CE continues visit to Beijing Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

CE continues visit to Beijing Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

CE continues visit to Beijing Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

CE continues visit to Beijing Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

CE continues visit to Beijing Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

CE continues visit to Beijing Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Source: AI-found images

Hong Kong Customs detects drug trafficking case involving passengers at airport

Hong Kong Customs yesterday (March 3) detected a drug trafficking case involving two passengers at Hong Kong International Airport and seized about 1.1 kilograms of suspected cocaine, with an estimated market value of about $1 million. Two males were arrested.

Two male passengers aged 52 and 24 arrived in Hong Kong from Penang, Malaysia, yesterday. Customs officers intercepted the two men and found the batch of suspected cocaine in one of their carry-on baggage. The duo was subsequently arrested.

An investigation is ongoing.

Customs will continue to step up enforcement against drug trafficking activities through intelligence analysis. The department also reminds members of the public to stay alert and not participate in drug trafficking activities for monetary return. They must not accept hiring or delegation from another party to carry controlled items into and out of Hong Kong. They are also reminded not to carry unknown items for other people.

Customs will continue to apply a risk assessment approach and focus on selecting passengers from high-risk regions for clearance to combat transnational drug trafficking activities.

Under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, trafficking in a dangerous drug is a serious offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $5 million and life imprisonment.

Members of the public may report any suspected drug trafficking 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).

Hong Kong Customs detects drug trafficking case involving passengers at airport Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases