Hospital Authority appreciates generous donation from Sino Group and Ng Teng Fong Charitable Foundation
The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:
The Hospital Authority (HA) today (October 20) extends its heartfelt gratitude to Sino Group and Ng Teng Fong Charitable Foundation for their generous donation of a combined total of $30 million to support the establishment of two operating theatres dedicated to cataract surgery. The theatres are expected to come into service in the fourth quarter of next year, in support of the Government's and the HA's commitment to advancing cataract treatment services and enabling more patients in need to receive appropriate treatment at an earlier stage.
In accordance with the policy direction set out in the Chief Executive's 2026 Policy Address, upon the relocation of Queen Elizabeth Hospital to Kai Tak, the HA will develop Hong Kong's first integrated ambulatory care hospital at King's Park, anchored by a high-volume day cataract surgery centre alongside other day medical services. The cataract surgery centre is expected to come into service in the fourth quarter of next year, providing approximately 5 500 cataract surgeries annually. This will further enhance cataract treatment service capabilities and help shorten patients' waiting times.
The HA Chairman, Mr Henry Fan, said, "We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Sino Group and Ng Teng Fong Charitable Foundation for their generous donation. The HA will make good use of the donation to establish two operating theatres dedicated to cataract surgery at the existing site of the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Ambulatory Care Centre, with construction works having commenced in August this year. Upon the commissioning of the operating theatres, high-volume day cataract surgery services will be provided, significantly increasing cataract surgical capacity. The HA will also strengthen the manpower and resources dedicated to cataract treatment services, shorten patients' waiting times and enhance treatment outcomes for the benefit of patients."
Director of Philanthropy of Sino Group and Director of the Ng Teng Fong Charitable Foundation Ms Nikki Ng said, "Having good vision is crucial to one's quality of life. We strongly support the Government's and the HA's efforts to enhance cataract treatment services and are honoured to contribute to this meaningful initiative. Through the development of the related facilities and services, we hope to help more people access timely treatment and support the ongoing development of eye health services in Hong Kong. We look forward to the early commissioning of the two dedicated cataract surgery theatres, enabling more patients to regain clear vision and go about their daily lives with greater ease. We trust this initiative will make a meaningful difference to patients and their families."
To express its appreciation to Sino Group and Ng Teng Fong Charitable Foundation for their generous support, the HA earlier held a ceremony at the HA Building, where Mr Fan and the Chief Executive of the HA, Dr Libby Lee, presented certificates of appreciation to Ms Ng and Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Sino Group and Director of the Ng Teng Fong Charitable Foundation Mr David Ng.
The Hospital Authority (HA) Chairman, Mr Henry Fan (second right), and the HA Chief Executive, Dr Libby Lee (first right), present certificates of appreciation to Director of Philanthropy of Sino Group and Director of the Ng Teng Fong Charitable Foundation Ms Nikki Ng (second left) and Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Sino Group and Director of the Ng Teng Fong Charitable Foundation Mr David Ng (first left). Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Speech by CE at International Organization for Mediation 1st Anniversary Celebration
Following is the speech by the Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, at the International Organization for Mediation (IOMed) 1st Anniversary Celebration today (October 20):
Secretary-General Professor Teresa Cheng (Secretary-General of the IOMed), Commissioner Cui Jianchun (Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR)), Chief Justice Andrew Cheung (Chief Justice of the Court of Final Appeal), Consuls-General, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
I am delighted to join you today, to celebrate the first anniversary of the International Organization for Mediation.
A year ago today, I officiated at the International Organization for Mediation's Inauguration Ceremony, together with members of IOMed's Governing Council and representatives of the Contracting States. Today, we are here to congratulate the IOMed on its welcome progress under the leadership of Secretary-General Professor Teresa Cheng.
The response, internationally, has been equally encouraging. Over this past year, the number of signatory states to the IOMed Convention has increased from the original 33 to 48, while the number of Contracting States has more than doubled, from eight to 18.
Just a few months after its inauguration, the IOMed settled an international commercial dispute. More good news: the mediator was an experienced maritime lawyer from Hong Kong. I am pleased to add that the IOMed has already handled multiple cases, and global interest is growing, with more potential cases in the pipeline.
In-person and online training for IOMed member states was held in Hong Kong in May and June, respectively. More in-person training for IOMed member states, in both state-to-state mediation and investor-state mediation, will take place next month.
And the first IOMed Forum, under the theme "Mediation for Peace and Prosperity - the New Frontier", will be held this December in Hong Kong.
In short, IOMed is fast emerging as a trusted intergovernmental body, committed to resolving international disputes through mediation. And doing so based on mutual respect and understanding.
The IOMed is a vital platform for promoting global peace and prosperity. And the HKSAR Government will continue to support the IOMed, in keeping with the National 15th Five-Year Plan and Hong Kong's First Five-Year Plan. Hong Kong, after all, is the world's only ChineseEnglish, bilingual common law jurisdiction. And our status as an international legal and dispute resolution services centre is internationally recognised.
In last month's Policy Address, I set out a set of initiatives to support and collaborate with the IOMed, promoting Hong Kong as a global hub for mediation.
Building on the Government's "Mediate First" policy, we will include IOMed mediation as a dispute resolution option in government contracts and agreements to which Hong Kong is a party.
I also welcome the IOMed's involvement in settling disputes in emerging industries. And we are considering the establishment of a special panel of mediators in commodity trading.
I hope, too, to see our talented young professionals contribute to international peace and co-operation. And I look forward to working with the IOMed in creating opportunities for young people in its wide-ranging affairs.
Ladies and gentlemen, IOMed's headquarters was converted from our historic Old Wan Chai Police Station. Its design theme was rooted in a proverb borrowed from Chinese porcelain, and I quote "" which I will translate as "Entering the kiln as one, emerging as a kaleidoscope of colours".
That reflects the value of international mediation, in which parties begin with a dispute and, ideally, leave with diverse solutions and new opportunities.
Mediation embodies respect, mutual trust, fairness and harmony. And I am confident that the International Organization for Mediation will continue to serve, and shine, as a beacon of hope for the world.
I wish you all a memorable evening.
Thank you.
Source: AI-found images
