SCOLAR Celebrates 30 Years at Hong Kong Book Fair with Interactive Language Learning Booth.

SCOLAR participates in 36th Hong Kong Book Fair

The following is issued on behalf of the Standing Committee on Language Education and Research:

The Standing Committee on Language Education and Research (SCOLAR) has set up a booth themed "30th Anniversary of SCOLAR" at the 36th Hong Kong Book Fair held from July 15 to 21. The Secretary for Education, Dr Choi Yuk-lin, visited the booth today (July 16) and interacted with the Student Language Ambassadors to learn about their language-learning journeys, experiences in developing biliterate and trilingual abilities, and achievements in applying their language skills and promoting language learning in the community.

The booth is located at Stall D16 in Hall 1B of the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre in Wan Chai. A dedicated exhibition zone has been set up to showcase SCOLAR's major milestones and achievements over the past three decades. The exhibition also displays the reading materials and learning and teaching resources developed by SCOLAR over the years, enabling the public to gain a deeper understanding of its work and contributions in driving the development of language education in Hong Kong.

The booth also features interactive touchscreen displays for the public to test their language knowledge and learn more about the work of SCOLAR. On-site themed photo-taking spots include a 3D installation featuring SCOLAR's partner, Ming, for visitors to take photos. Those who complete the interactive games and designated tasks can redeem limited-edition Ming souvenirs, while stocks last.

During the Book Fair, the Student Language Ambassadors will be at the booth daily from 10.30am to 12noon, and from 3.30pm to 5pm (except for the afternoon session on July 21) to interact with visitors and to share their experiences in acquiring biliteracy and trilingualism.

Jointly organised by the Education Bureau and SCOLAR, the Student Language Ambassador Programme aims to build a platform for language practice for students across Hong Kong, encouraging them to explore and share the joy of learning Chinese and English. By fostering peer motivation and interaction, the programme promotes the practical use of both languages in the community. It has received an enthusiastic response, with 166 schools and over 2 700 students participating in the current school year.

For more information about SCOLAR and its activities, please visit the SCOLAR website (scolarhk.edb.hkedcity.net/en/) or follow its social media pages.

SCOLAR participates in 36th Hong Kong Book Fair Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

SCOLAR participates in 36th Hong Kong Book Fair Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

SCOLAR participates in 36th Hong Kong Book Fair Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

SCOLAR participates in 36th Hong Kong Book Fair Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

SCOLAR participates in 36th Hong Kong Book Fair Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Employers, contractors and employees should be aware of electrical safety at work during rainstorms

As the rainstorm warning has been issued by the Hong Kong Observatory, the Labour Department (LD) reminds employers and contractors that they should adopt necessary work arrangements and take suitable safety measures to protect the safety of their employees when they are carrying out electrical work or handling electrical plant.

A spokesman for the LD said today (July 17) that employers and contractors should avoid assigning employees to carry out electrical work (such as electric arc welding work) or handle electrical plant at places affected by rainstorms, and should refer to the "Code of Practice in Times of Adverse Weather and 'Extreme Conditions'" and the "Guide on Safety at Work in times of Inclement Weather" issued by the LD.

Even if electrical work is carried out or electrical plant is handled at places not affected by a rainstorm, suitable safety measures must still be adopted to prevent an electric shock as the air would be more humid. Such measures include:

(i) Ensure that all live parts of an electrical installation are isolated from the power supply source and rendered dead, and the isolation from the power supply source must be maintained as long as electrical work is being carried out;

(ii) Before carrying out any electrical work or handling any electrical plant, cut off and lock out the power supply source, then test the circuit concerned to confirm that it is dead and display suitable warning notices, and issue a work permit thereafter;

(iii) Ensure that protective devices (such as suitable and adequate fuses and circuit breakers) for the electrical installations or electrical plant have been installed and maintained in good working order, and portable electric tools must be double-insulated or properly earthed;

(iv) Provide suitable personal protective equipment such as insulating gloves and insulating mats for employees; and

(v) If live electrical work is unavoidable, a comprehensive risk assessment should be conducted by a competent person and the appropriate safety precautions should be taken to remove or properly control the electrical hazards involved before such work can proceed.

In addition, employees should co-operate with the employer or contractor to follow the safety instructions and use the safety equipment provided.

The LD has published guidebooks and leaflets on electrical work safety. These safety publications are available free from divisional offices of the department or can be downloaded from its website (www.labour.gov.hk/eng/public/content2_8.htm).

Should there be any questions about occupational safety and health matters, please contact the Occupational Safety Officer of the LD at 2559 2297.

Source: AI-found images