Hong Kong Delegation Visits Korea to Study University Town Development Models for Northern Metropolis Project

CS leads delegation of Working Group on Planning and Construction of the University Town to commence visit to Korea

The Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki, led the delegation of the Working Group on Planning and Construction of the University Town under the Committee on Development of the Northern Metropolis to commence a four-day visit to Korea today (April 21). The delegation will conduct on-site visits to study the development models and practical experiences of local university towns, with a view to providing a solid reference for the planning and construction of the Northern Metropolis University Town (NMUT).

The delegation first met with the Ambassador for International Relations of Sejong City Government, Mr Lee Ho-shik, to learn about the local development of shared university campuses, as well as the experiences of industry-academia-research integration and talent attraction. They also exchanged views on deepening co-operation in the education field between the two places.

Mr Chan said that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government is actively developing the NMUT, with the aim of establishing it as an international education and innovation and technology hub. He expressed hope that through the visit, the delegation could draw on Sejong's successful experience in building a multi-university ecosystem and learn from its experiences, considerations and insights in campus planning, shared facility management, talent attraction strategies, and the creation of a university community that drives innovation and economic growth. He also hoped the visit would promote exchanges and co-operation in the education sector between the two places.

Afterwards, the delegation visited the Sejong Common Campus. Officially opened in 2024, the campus houses a number of Korea's top-tier universities, including Seoul National University, Chungbuk National University, Chungnam National University, Hanbat National University and the Korea Development Institute School of Public Policy and Management. The delegation toured institutions and facilities, including a shared academic and cultural support centre. They also met with the Chairman of the Sejong Common Campus Foundation, Mr Han Seog-soo, to gain an in-depth understanding of the campus's operation and planning.

Mr Chan said that the Sejong Common Campus created an integrated, open and collaborative ecosystem with multiple institutions, which is innovative and forward-looking in higher education development. Meanwhile, the campus has integrated education, technology and talent development, achieving results in sustainable and smart campus development, deep integration of industry, academia and research, as well as the establishment of an entrepreneurship ecosystem. Mr Chan hoped to bring the successful experience from Sejong back to Hong Kong, helping the city build a more innovative, sustainable and vibrant NMUT that effectively integrates education, research and industry, while continuing to promote deeper exchanges and co-operation in the education sector between the two places.

Mr Chan, the Secretary for Education, Dr Choi Yuk-lin, and other members of the delegation will proceed to Daejeon tomorrow (April 22) to continue the visit.

The Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki, today (April 21) led the delegation of the Working Group on Planning and Construction of the University Town under the Committee on Development of the Northern Metropolis to visit Korea. Photo shows Mr Chan (third right), the Secretary for Education, Dr Choi Yuk-lin (fourth right), and the delegation visiting the Sejong Common Campus. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki, today (April 21) led the delegation of the Working Group on Planning and Construction of the University Town under the Committee on Development of the Northern Metropolis to visit Korea. Photo shows Mr Chan (second right) and the delegation visiting the Sejong Common Campus. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki, today (April 21) led the delegation of the Working Group on Planning and Construction of the University Town under the Committee on Development of the Northern Metropolis to visit Korea. Photo shows Mr Chan (second right), the Secretary for Education, Dr Choi Yuk-lin (third right), and the delegation visiting the Sejong Common Campus and being briefed on the campus' operation and planning. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki, today (April 21) led the delegation of the Working Group on Planning and Construction of the University Town under the Committee on Development of the Northern Metropolis to visit Korea. Photo shows Mr Chan (fifth left), the Secretary for Education, Dr Choi Yuk-lin (seventh left), and the delegation meeting with the Ambassador for International Relations of the Sejong City Government, Mr Lee Ho-shik (sixth left). Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki, today (April 21) led the delegation of the Working Group on Planning and Construction of the University Town under the Committee on Development of the Northern Metropolis to visit Korea. Photo shows Mr Chan (third left), the Secretary for Education, Dr Choi Yuk-lin (second left), and the delegation exchanging views with the Ambassador for International Relations of the Sejong City Government, Mr Lee Ho-shik (fourth left). Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Hong Kong Customs combats sale of suspected infringing jewellery at fair booths

Hong Kong Customs today (September 20) conducted an enforcement operation at the JGW September (Jewellery & Gem World Hong Kong September) being held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, seizing about 27 items of suspected infringing jewellery with a total estimated market value of about $160,000.

Customs received information alleging that infringing jewellery were displayed for sale at some booths at the JGW September which lasted for five consecutive days starting from September 16.

After an in-depth investigation and with the assistance of the copyright owner, Customs officers today seized 24 items of suspected infringing jewellery from a booth. Customs officers also conducted premises search at an associated company located at Hung Hom, further seizing three items of suspected infringing jewellery.

During the operation, one man and one woman, aged between 47 and 65, were arrested for being suspected of contravening the Copyright Ordinance. One of them is the person-in-charge and one of them is a staff member. An investigation is ongoing and the likelihood of further arrests is not ruled out.

Customs attaches great importance to combating counterfeiting and infringing activities and will deploy officers to different exhibitions to conduct inspections from time to time. Customs will contact the relevant trademark or copyright owners immediately to confirm the authenticity of the goods when suspected counterfeit or infringing goods are found. The department will also take enforcement action after investigations and with the assistance of the trademark or copyright owners.

Customs will continue to take stringent enforcement action. Booth exhibitors are reminded to respect intellectual property rights and not to sell counterfeit and infringing goods.

Under the Trade Descriptions Ordinance, any person who sells or possesses for sale any goods with a forged trademark commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $500,000 and imprisonment for five years.

Under the Copyright Ordinance, any person who sells or possesses for sale an infringing copy of a copyright work commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $50,000 for each piece of infringing goods and imprisonment for four years.

Members of the public may report any suspected counterfeiting 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 combats sale of suspected infringing jewellery at fair booths Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases