Speech by SCST at "Hong Kong Fashion Fest Gala 2026"
Following is the speech by the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Miss Rosanna Law, at the "Hong Kong Fashion Fest Gala 2026" today (September 3):
The Honorable Sunny Tan (Chairman of the Hong Kong Fashion Council), Mr Steve Leung (Chairman of the Hong Kong Design Centre), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
Good evening, and a very warm welcome to the "Hong Kong Fashion Fest Gala 2026". It is wonderful to see so many familiar faces - and equally inspiring to welcome our friends who join us from every corner of the world - as we gather to celebrate this year's theme: "Rhythm of the Heart".
Building on Hong Kong's unique kinetic pulse and East-meets-West synergy, and with the Government's steadfast backing through the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency, our creative ecosystem is thriving. Within this dynamic landscape, fashion design stands as an indisputable driving force.
Now in its third edition, the Hong Kong Fashion Fest continues to champion fashion as a profound art form and a canvas for self-expression - one that weaves together vision, culture, and history. We saw this vividly in the "10 Asian Designers to Watch" showcase just now, which demonstrated fashion's unique ability to resonate, connect, and move us all. I thoroughly enjoyed the show and I am sure you did too. My warmest congratulations to all 10 designers. I greatly admire your passion and talent, and look forward with great anticipation to the next chapters of your creative journeys.
I also extend my deep gratitude and congratulations to the Hong Kong Fashion Council for orchestrating this magnificent Gala, and to the Hong Kong Design Centre for curating tonight's unforgettable show. It is through your dedicated efforts that Hong Kong's fashion ambitions shine even brighter on the world stage.
Before I close, I thank each of you for being here with us tonight, and I cordially invite you to immerse yourselves in the exciting array of fashion events taking place across our beautiful city in the coming two weeks. Thank you very much.
Source: AI-found images
CHP investigates two epidemiologically linked food poisoning clusters
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (September 3) investigating two epidemiologically linked food poisoning clusters affecting a total of seven persons. The CHP reminded the public to maintain personal, food and environmental hygiene to prevent foodborne diseases.
The two clusters involve one male and six females, aged between 21 and 67. They developed diarrhoea, abdominal pain, vomiting and fever approximately 13 to 44 hours after having a buffet at The Astor, B1/F, Eaton Hong Kong, 380 Nathan Road, Yau Ma Tei on August 29 and 30 respectively. Four of the affected persons sought medical advice but did not require hospitalisation. They are currently in stable condition.
Officers of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (including personnel of the Centre for Food Safety (CFS) and the Environmental Hygiene Branch) and the CHP conducted a joint investigation, and examined the food handling processes and hygiene at the restaurant. Environmental samples were also collected for testing. The CFS immediately instructed the restaurant to suspend serving the incriminated food items, and to carry out cleaning and disinfection of the premises. The officers have also provided health education related to food safety and environmental hygiene to the staff of the premises.
The investigation of the CHP and the CFS is ongoing.
To prevent foodborne diseases, members of the public are reminded to maintain personal, food and environmental hygiene at all times. When dining out, one should:
- Avoid eating raw seafood;
- Be a discerning consumer in choosing cold dishes, including sashimi, sushi and raw oysters at a buffet;
- Choose pasteurised eggs, egg products or dried egg powder for dishes that often use undercooked eggs;
- Patronise only reliable and licensed restaurants;
- Ensure food is thoroughly cooked before eating during a hotpot or barbecue meal;
- Handle raw and cooked foods carefully and separate them completely during the cooking process;
- Use two sets of chopsticks and utensils to handle raw and cooked foods;
- Avoid patronising illegal food hawkers;
- Drink boiled water;
- Susceptible populations, including those with weakened immunity, the elderly, pregnant women and young children, are at a higher risk of foodborne diseases, so they should not consume raw or undercooked foods;
- Refrain from trying to use salt, vinegar, wine or wasabi to kill bacteria as they are not effective; and
- Always wash hands before eating and after going to the toilet.
Source: AI-found images
