Latest news with #EnvironmentandConservationFund
HKFP
8 hours ago
- Politics
- HKFP
Gov't resources must not fall into the hands of ‘non-patriots,' Hong Kong environment chief says
Hong Kong's environment minister has pledged to tighten scrutiny of applicants and recipients of the government's Environment and Conservation Fund (ECF), saying public resources must not fall into the hands of 'non-patriots.' Secretary for Environment and Ecology Tse Chin-wan told Beijing-backed newspaper Wen Wei Po in an interview published on Sunday that authorities would closely monitor the work of environmental groups to ensure statutory funding is not 'abused' for 'inappropriate purposes.' Since the enactment of the Beijing-imposed national security law in 2020, additional vetting procedures have been introduced to the ECF application process, Tse said. Applicants must now sign a declaration pledging compliance with the security law and all local laws. Authorities also review the background and past work of applicant organisations to verify that they are 'patriotic.' 'We have to ensure that government resources do not end up in the hands of non-patriots, to prevent them from abusing such resources for activities endangering national security, rather than for the purposes of protecting the environment,' Tse said. According to the ECF website, failure to submit the national security declaration renders an application invalid. The ECF application guidelines also state that the government has the right to disqualify recipient organisations on national security grounds and may bar them from future applications if they are deemed contrary to the public interest, morals, or safety. Tse said all organisations currently involved in environmental projects were 'patriotic' and credited the new screening measures with producing 'significant results.' The minister also pointed to the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department's move in 2022 to add national security clauses to the issuance of licences to markets, public entertainment venues and other premises. When asked about the recent expansion of such requirements to licences for food businesses, cinemas, gaming centres and other premises, Tse said the move was to let society know that safeguarding national security 'is everyone's responsibility.' In a Wen Wei Po interview in July 2023, Tse alleged that some green groups had 'ignored the boundaries of the law,' and that public funds had previously been allocated to 'anti-China' organisations. He added that environmental issues were 'easily hyped up' and could be used as a pretext to oppose the government. High-ranking Hong Kong officials have taken turns to speak about various national security threats facing the city and have vowed stricter scrutiny ahead of the fifth anniversary of the national security law. strictly vet applications for event subsidies, performance venues, exhibition content, and library collections in a bid to better safeguard national security. Monday next week – on June 30 – marks five years since the national security law came into effect. The legislation was inserted directly into the Basic Law, Hong Kong's mini-constitution, in 2020 following a year of pro-democracy protests and unrest. It criminalised subversion, secession, collusion with foreign forces and terrorist acts – broadly defined to include disruption to transport and other infrastructure. The move gave police sweeping new powers and led to hundreds of arrests amid new legal precedents, while dozens of civil society groups disappeared. The authorities say it restored stability and peace to the city, rejecting criticism from trade partners, the UN and NGOs.
Associated Press
11-04-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
THEi Hosts Hydrogen Conference themed 'Towards a Circular Hydrogen Economy: Current Status in Realization and Opportunities' with Experts Discussing Sustainable Development and Innovative Solutions
HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach Newswire - 11 April 2025 - As a low-carbon energy source with significant development potential, hydrogen energy is recognised as a vital component of future national energy strategies. To address the increasing industry demand for hydrogen energy applications, the Technological and Higher Education Institute of Hong Kong (THEi) is actively advancing the development of the hydrogen energy sector. Funded by the Environment and Conservation Fund, THEi successfully held the hydrogen conference today (11 April), themed 'Towards a Circular Hydrogen Economy: Current Status in Realization and Opportunities' cum Project Launching Ceremony. This event gathered experts and representatives from the Government, industry, and academia to discuss the crucial role of hydrogen energy in promoting sustainable development and tackling climate change. THEi hosted Hydrogen Conference themed 'Towards a Circular Hydrogen Economy: Current Status in Realization and Opportunities' cum Project Launching Ceremony with experts discussing sustainable development and innovative solutions today (11 April). THEi has once again demonstrated its strong commitment to advancing the hydrogen economy and sustainable development, following the establishment of the 'GBA Hydrogen Energy Alliance' with hydrogen development companies last year. The conference brought together distinguished speakers from mainland China and abroad to promote local hydrogen research and applications, fostering long-term collaborations and outlining a sustainable future that meets societal development needs. President Prof Alan LAU: Hydrogen at the forefront of the energy transformation In his opening remarks, Prof Alan LAU Kin-tak, President of THEi, expressed his gratitude to guest speakers for their invaluable support in contributing new insights and solutions to environmental efforts in Hong Kong and globally. He believes that the hydrogen economy not only prioritises sustainability but also aims to minimise waste and maximise resource efficiency. He emphasised that hydrogen stands at the forefront of the transition to cleaner and sustainable sources, calling for collective efforts to create a clean future. The event also marked the launch of the 'Hydrogen Energy Education and Talent Development Centre.' He expressed his gratitude to the Environment and Conservation Fund for their funding of this project. He hopes the Centre will become a beacon of knowledge and awareness, helping to increase public understanding of hydrogen energy, inspiring the younger generation's interest and aspirations in related industries. The 'Hydrogen Energy Education and Talent Development Centre' will complete construction in the coming months and is set to open at the end of August. It will feature exhibitions and interactive learning facilities to enhance public understanding of hydrogen energy and attract the younger generation to careers in this field, promoting sustainable renewable energy development. Esteemed Mainland and Overseas Experts Speak to Shape a Sustainable Future Prominent experts from both the mainland and overseas delivered keynote speeches at the conference, offering innovative perspectives, including Prof Baohua JIA, Fellow of Australian Academy of Technology and Engineering, Distinguished Professor, RMIT University, Australia; Dr WANG Yabo, Founder, KENSINO Renewable Energy Technology Company Limited and Prof Joong Hee LEE, Distinguished Professor, Jeonbuk National University and President, Advanced Hydrogen Energy Solutions Company Limited, Republic of Korea. Subsequently, Ms LI Siu-ying, Engineer of Hydrogen Fuel Safety, Electrical & Mechanical Services Department, HKSAR Government; Mr Bright WU, Chief Technical Officer, Repower Plus New Energy and Technology Limited; Ms Cynthia ZHU, Chief Executive Officer, Hong Kong Nation-Synergy International Hydrogen Power Technology Company Limited; Dr DENG Zhanfeng, Deputy Director of Fundamental Research Centre and Director of the Hydrogen Energy Technology Research Institute, Beijing Huairou Laboratory; Mr Eric HO, Head of Engineering, Citybus Limited and Ir Dr Alex TSANG Chi-wing, Assistant Professor, Department of Construction, Environment and Engineering, THEi, shared their insights and valuable experiences on promoting the development of Hong Kong's hydrogen economy, engaging in enthusiastic discussions with attendees. Additionally, a technical tour is scheduled on 12 April for participants to observe the industrial operation of hydrogen energy equipment and gain insights into the latest technologies and applications in hydrogen energy. This event received support from various organisations, including Citybus, the Hong Kong Productivity Council, REC Engineering Company, and Hong Kong Nation-Synergy International Hydrogen Power Technology. Prof Alan LAU expressed his gratitude for the support from these organisations and looked forward to more collaboration in the future to jointly promote the development of the hydrogen economy. The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. About Technological and Higher Education Institute of Hong Kong (THEi) Founded in 2012, the Technological and Higher Education Institute of Hong Kong (THEi) is a member institute of the Vocational Training Council (VTC). THEi offers over 20 professional 'Applied Science-Oriented' degree programmes across seven academic areas: Product and Fashion Designs, Sports and International Events Management, Digital Construction and Building Services, Horticulture, Arboriculture and Landscape Management, Chinese Medicine and Food Science, Hotel Management and Culinary Arts and Technology, and Digital Technology and Innovative Business. The programmes integrate theoretical knowledge with practical applications, and cover industries with growth potential in Hong Kong and the Asia-Pacific region, ensuring that students can apply what they learn effectively. THEi's degree programmes are accredited by the Hong Kong Council for Accreditation of Academic and Vocational Qualifications. The curriculum emphasises the practical application of applied science, aligning with the latest developments in business and industry. To support students in building their career paths at an earlier stage, THEi offers 100% work-integrated learning training, contributing to an employment rate * of over 95% among graduates. THEi Chai Wan Campus was awarded the 'Leadership in Sustainable Design and Performance Award - Institutional' of the Asia Pacific Leadership in Green Building Awards presented by the World Green Building Council (WorldGBC) in 2020. *Data Source: Employment survey 2023 of THEi graduates (as of April 2024).
