July 4, 2023 In the previous year's Policy Address, the Chief Executive put forth a proposal to develop "Well-Being" design guidelines for public housing, along with selecting five existing housing estates for significant renovations as a pilot project. As part of this endeavor, the Housing Bureau is preparing to initiate a public consultation process. Today (July 4), Vincent Cheng, DAB LegCo member, had a meeting with Victor Tai, the Under Secretary for Housing, to advocate for the implementation of "Well-Being" design guidelines in public housing. This would involve incorporating elements of health and vitality, renovating and beautifying estate sports fields and other recreational facilities, and introducing additional fitness amenities. Vincent Cheng expressed that the DAB has consistently advocated for the enhancement and refurbishment of facilities in older housing estates. This includes the addition of more recreational and fitness amenities, as well as the renovation of aging sports fields to cater to the needs of the public, particularly the younger generation. These efforts aim to foster a greater sense of belonging among residents towards their respective housing estates. He further proposed that, in the integration of health and vitality elements, reference should be made to recent successful renovations such as the Kai Yep Recreation Centre and Tuen Mun H.A.N.D.S Roller Skates Stadium, or even draw inspiration from international practices. By doing so, estate sports fields can be transformed, presenting a fresh and appealing appearance. Additionally, rooftop spaces in parking lots could be utilized to create attractive and aesthetically pleasing sports facilities, incorporating elements of public art within the design. These suggestions put forth by Vincent Cheng seek to promote the well-being and contentment of residents in public housing by creating vibrant and dynamic living environments. Media enquiry: Vincent Cheng, LegCo member, Chairman of Panel on Home Affairs, Culture and Sports (6373 1979)

July 3, 2023 The National Security Department of the Hong Kong Police Force has announced today (July 3rd) that they have obtained court approval to issue arrest warrants for eight individuals who have absconded overseas and are suspected of committing crimes under the Hong Kong National Security Law. Presently, the police are actively pursuing these fugitives. The DAB wholeheartedly supports the endeavors of the SAR government and the National Security Department in resolutely upholding the law. This pursuit is deemed a just action, undertaken in strict adherence to legal protocols. The DAB emphasizes that safeguarding national security is of paramount importance to all residents of Hong Kong. The hard-won stability we currently enjoy must be cherished even more fervently. It is our duty to employ all necessary measures to ensure robust protection for national security, as well as the continued prosperity and stability of Hong Kong.

June 13, 2023 In last year's Policy Address, the Chief Executive announced the government's intention to launch the "Private Subsidised Sale Flat - Pilot Scheme (the Pilot Scheme)." This initiative aims to leverage the strength of the private market, including the involvement of private land, to increase overall public housing supply. Housing Spokesperson and Legislative Councillor Chan Hok Fung, on behalf of DAB, offered the following insights: DAB wholeheartedly welcomes and supports the government's launch of the Pilot Scheme. While we acknowledge the preemptive setting of the sales price at 65% of market value, we express concern regarding the absence of the requirement for "75% of units being affordable." We worry that this deviation may impact the affordability for Home Ownership Scheme (HOS) buyers. We raise the issue that if units under the Pilot Scheme no longer receive the HKHA's "mortgage guarantee," it could affect buyers, particularly those with lower or fluctuating incomes, in terms of their ability to apply for mortgages, the tenure of their mortgages, and the interest rates associated with them. Under the Pilot Scheme, it is crucial for the authorities to consider the development and management of commercial facilities in a manner that caters to the living needs of the residents. Media enquiries: DAB Housing Spokesperson, LegCo member Chan Hok Fung (6099-3800)

June 13, 2023 Today, the government unveiled its plan to import labor, aiming to recruit 900 public minibus drivers and 800 coach drivers in order to tackle the current workforce shortage, which amounts to approximately half of the required manpower. Ben Chan, Legislative Council's Transport Panel Chairman and DAB spokesperson for transport acknowledges that the transportation industry is currently grappling with challenges stemming from the demographic structure in Hong Kong. These challenges have led to recruitment difficulties and an aging driver population. In light of this, he expresses his support for the government's decision to import drivers as a means to address the pressing issue. Nevertheless, Ben Chan emphasizes that this measure of labor importation should be regarded as a temporary solution aimed at alleviating the severe driver shortage. He asserts that the government should prioritize local employment policies as a long-term strategy. Additionally, considering the unique features of Hong Kong, such as narrow roads and distinct traffic sign and road marking designs in comparison to the Mainland, he urges the authorities to closely monitor the training provided by operators to the imported drivers. It is imperative that these drivers receive comprehensive pre-employment training to familiarize themselves with routes and local traffic conditions, ensuring their competence and safety on the roads. Media enquiey: DAB LegCo member and Spokesperson for Transport Ben Chan (92747035)

June 8, 2023 DAB legislators Lillian Kwok Ling Lai and Vincent Cheng Wing Shun announced the establishment of a Professional Counseling Volunteer Team in collaboration with Vitality Charity Fund. This initiative aims to support individuals facing mental and emotional challenges, particularly focusing on the needs of ethnic minority communities in the Sham Shui Po and Yau Tsim Mong districts. The team will provide counseling services to the public, striving to alleviate the impact of negative emotions. Lillian Kwok highlighted that a motion promoting the development of the counseling profession was successfully passed in the Legislative Council on February 8. Recognizing the absence of free professional counseling services in the community, she expressed the hope that the Volunteer Team would bridge this gap by offering cost-free professional counseling to those with limited resources. Vincent Cheng further proposed the integration of mental health treatment and counseling services within the existing District Health Centres or Stations across all 18 districts. He intends to pursue this matter with the Home and Youth Affairs Bureau in due course, ensuring comprehensive follow-up on this important initiative. Media enquiries: DAB LegCo Member Lillian Kwok (5541 8128) DAB LegCo Member Vincent Cheng (6373 1979) DAB District Councilor Nicole Lau Pui-yuk (9419 9922) Professional Counseling Volunteer Team (6557 2671)

June 1, 2023 Both DAB Family Affairs Committee and Women Affairs Committees jointly interviewed 471 women over the age of 18 to better grasp the aspirations of women for childbearing. The survey results revealed that a quarter of the interviewees said they would not have or were unsure if they would have children. The main reasons for that were in priority economic burden, responsibility for childcare, enjoyment of a carefree life, burden related to education, housing, and physical condition. We urged the government to provide more policies and incentives to encourage childbirth, in order to raise the birth rate and alleviate the aging of the population. Recommendations included setting up a Baby Fund, providing allowances for newborn babies, providing children’s healthcare vouchers, increasing subsidized assisted reproductive services (egg banks), providing subsidized full pay maternity and paternity leave, providing leave for parents, increasing the provision of nursery service, encouraging companies to implement family-friendly policies, and allowing breastfeeding women to work flexible hours. Press enquiries: Frankie Ngan, Chairman of DAB Family Affairs Committee (6600 2511) Elizabeth Quat, Chairman of DAB Women Affairs Committee (9031 7995)

May 31, 2023 The DAB supported the government to establish a mandatory mechanism for reporting child abuse. We believed it would help professionals more accurately judge the severity of cases and intervene in a timely manner, in order to protect abused children. During the early stages of the implementation of the mechanism, the government should provide policy explanation and continuous training for professionals to ensure that they thoroughly understand the mechanism. We also requested the government to strengthen the training of frontline personnel. In order to manage a sudden increase in the number of reported cases, the government should prepare adequate support services, such as emergency childcare services, hospital treatment services etc., to allow infants and young children involved to be placed in proper care in a timely manner. The government has to conduct regular reviews of the mechanism to ensure that the Mandatory Reporting of Child Abuse Law would be effectively and fairly implemented. Press enquiries: DAB LegCo member Stanley Li (9797 7393)

May 31, 2023 The Chief Executive-in-Council approved the fare increase applications of five franchised bus companies, with the average increases ranging from 3.9% to 7%. Mr. Ben Chan, DAB Legislative Councillor and Chairman of Panel on Transport, stated that this decision had taken into consideration the views of the society. The DAB appreciated the government accepted our request to reduce the fare increase to the level of inflation, alleviating the financial pressure of the citizens. Ben Chan was also concerned about the operation of the franchised bus companies. In order to prevent the franchised bus companies from applying for a large fare increase within a short period of time, he urged the government to not only consider the policies on railway transport, but to actively promote the sustainable development of other means of transportation as well, such as promoting non-fare revenue, enhancing the competitiveness of bus companies. Press enquiries: DAB LegCo member Ben Chan (9274 7035)

May 18, 2023 The government has announced the proposed development outline for the San Tin Technopole, which includes allocating 300 hectares for innovation and technology development, named the "I & T Park." The land will be allocated through methods other than open tender. Vice Chairman of LegCo Panel of Development, Lau Kwok-fan, welcomes the government's expansion of land for innovation and technology. He also acknowledges the acceptance of his long-standing advocacy, suggesting that land allocation should be done in a flexible manner, taking into account the economic benefits and employment opportunities brought by leading innovative technology enterprises. He further emphasizes the importance of allowing the construction of talent apartments and other supporting facilities to attract these leading enterprises and talents to settle in the area. Media enquiries: DAB LegCo member Lau Kwok Fan (9782 7408)

May 16, 2023 DAB LegCo member Elizabeth Quat, DAB Business & Professional Affairs Committee member and Chairman of Kwun Tong District Council Wilson Or, DAB Business & Professional Affairs Committee member and lawyer Lau Ngai, and esteemed actor Steven Ma, who personally experienced the distress of noise nuisance from his neighbors, attended a meeting hosted by Tse Chin-wan, Secretary for Environment and Ecology Bureau. The purpose of the meeting was to engage in a meaningful exchange of views on effective strategies for addressing the issue of noise pollution originating from residential premises. During the meeting, we collectively recommended that the government take necessary measures to amend existing legislation, and utilize advanced technology for the purpose of gathering substantial evidence in noise-related cases. Additionally, we emphasized the importance of enhancing inter-departmental cooperation to strengthen law enforcement efforts. We proposed an increase in the penalty level associated with noise-related offenses to effectively address the issue of noise pollution originating from residential premises. Through these recommendations, we aim to provide practical and effective solutions to combat the problem of noise nuisance. It is our sincere hope that the government will carefully consider these suggestions and take decisive actions to protect the well-being and quality of life for all residents. Media enquiries: DAB LegCo member Elizabeth Quat (9031 7995) DAB Business & Professional Affairs Committee member and Chairman of Kwun Tong District Council Wilson Or (9501 9899)

May 15, 2023 During a visit to Hong Kong, Party Secretary Yu Yan Hong of the National Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine led a delegation and engaged in a productive discussion and exchange session with representatives from the Chinese medicine industry in the region. Prof. Chan Wing Kwong, DAB LegCo member, Chairman of the Hong Kong Federation of the Hong Kong Chinese Medicine Practitioners and Chinese Medicines Traders Association Limited, and President of the Hong Kong Registered Chinese Medicine Practitioners Association Limited, expressed sincere gratitude during the meeting for the unwavering support and astute leadership provided by the central government. This steadfast commitment has resulted in remarkable achievements in the development of Chinese medicine in Hong Kong. Prof. Chan Wing Kwong also conveyed his hope for continued robust support from the central government in advancing the field of Chinese medicine in Hong Kong. Drawing from the current state of Chinese medicine development in Hong Kong, he presented three proposals: Firstly, he emphasized the importance of strengthening policy support for Chinese medicine in the Greater Bay Area. He earnestly requested the National Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine to facilitate mutual recognition of professional qualifications and credentials for Chinese medicine practitioners between the two regions, and to encourage and support Hong Kong Chinese medicine practitioners to participate in professional title assessments in Mainland. Secondly, he requested supports for the professional development of the Chinese medicine sector in Hong Kong. This entails enhancing the training of Hong Kong Chinese medicine practitioners, promoting the development of specialized Chinese medicine disciplines, and establishing a system for the professional advancement of practitioners. Additionally, Prof. Chan Wing Kwong expressed his hope that Hong Kong Chinese medicine practitioners could be included in talent cultivation programs across various fields, particularly in Guangdong Province. Lastly, Prof. Chan Wing Kwong expressed his desire for the National Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine to provide policy incentives for Hong Kong in terms of the selection and recognition of "National TCM Masters," "Nationwide Renowned Chinese Medicine Practitioners," and "Qihuang Scholars." He also sought support for the establishment of studios dedicated to preserving and passing on the expertise of renowned Chinese medicine experts in Hong Kong to encourage the inheritance and development of Chinese medicine within the city. Prof. Chan Wing Kwong firmly believes that with the unwavering support from the central government and the conducive environment for the development of Chinese medicine in Hong Kong, the Chinese medicine sector in the region will undoubtedly experience a significant leap forward in its progress and accomplishments. The DAB stands ready to collaborate with relevant stakeholders to realize these proposals and further advance the field of Chinese medicine in Hong Kong. Media enquiries: DAB LegCo member Prof. Chan Wing Kwong (9497 2015)

May 4, 2023 Ben Chan, DAB LegCo member and Chairman of the Subcommittee on Matters Relating to Railways, along with Gary Chan, DAB LegCo member and Chairman of the Panel on Security, had the privilege of accepting an invitation from the MTR Corporation to conduct an inspection of the ongoing work on retrofitting automatic platform gates at Racecourse Station along the East Rail Line. Ben Chan expressed his satisfaction as the DAB had been tirelessly advocating for the implementation of automatic platform gates in all stations along the East Rail Line for over a decade. Witnessing the official commencement of this crucial project was a moment of great joy for him. He emphasized the importance of completing the work expeditiously to ensure the safety and well-being of passengers. Gary Chan, drawing from a conversation with a senior construction engineer from the MTR, shared that the MTR Corporation is committed to installing and utilizing the new automatic platform gates simultaneously. This approach aims to expedite the utilization of the gates for the benefit of passengers. Additionally, the MTR Corporation will deploy dedicated staff to assist passengers at stations where the installation of the gates is only partially completed. The DAB commends the MTR Corporation for their proactive efforts in prioritizing passenger safety and enhancing the overall travel experience. The DAB will continue to actively monitor and support the progress of this project, working hand in hand with the MTR Corporation to ensure the timely completion of the retrofitting of automatic platform gates along the East Rail Line. Media enquiry: DAB LegCo member Gary Chan (2524 9191 / 5275 5581) and Ben Chan (9274 7035)