April 4, 2023 Problems of aging population, lack of manpower, and youth unwillingness to join have emerged in industries like construction, logistics, elderly care. Alleviating labour shortage is imperative. DAB believed society needs to consider simplifying procedures and documents for importing foreign workers, and shortening approval time, to relieve manpower constraints facing industries in the short term. While simplifying foreign labour import mechanisms, the government should also make good use of local human resources, strengthening local training through "first-hire-then-train" or "training allowances" to proactively protect local workers. To this end, DAB conducted in-depth research and wrote a policy proposal on "Alleviating Labour Shortage" to pool wisdom and jointly formulate suitable manpower supplementation strategies. Proposal highlights: The Labour Advisory Board can formulate a "Labour Shortage List" and introduce "Special Schemes" based on "projections" and data, an objective, transparent and scientific approach. Establish "Shortage Occupation Employment Program" to promote local training and employment, using financial incentives to attract locals to the industry. The Special Plan remove 26 job categories usually not included in the Supplementary Labour Scheme, enhancing flexibility. Special Plan would be approved by the bureau/department overseeing the industry, better complementing Hong Kong's industrial policies and manpower planning. Media enquiries: DAB Spokesperson on Manpower, LegCo member, Frankie Ngan (6600 2511) DAB Spokesperson on Commerce and Industry, LegCo member, Kennedy Wong (9422 6633) DAB Spokesperson on Food Safety and Environmental Hygiene LegCo member, Steven Ho (2682 0155)

April 4, 2023 The Sports Federation & Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China (SF&OC) has initiated the procedure to suspend the membership of the Hong Kong Ice Hockey Association (HKIHA), requiring HKIHA to submit a full written explanation within one month regarding its failure to seriously handle the national anthem misplay incident at the competition in Bosnia, as per SF&OC guidelines. DAB LegCo member Vincent Cheng said SF&OC's approach is appropriate and hopes HKIHA will seriously reflect and submit a reasonable plan to improve its governance. He said SF&OC already has clear " Guidelines on Handling the Playing of the National Anthem and Raising of the Regional Flag for Hong Kong Athletes and Teams Engaging in International Sports Events." Similar national anthem misplay incidents have occurred before and drew immense public reaction, demonstrating the high expectations and stringent requirements of the public for sports associations leading athletes to compete internationally. He added that, with the premise of not affecting the athletes, he hopes HKIHA will treasure this opportunity to explain how it can specifically improve its governance procedures to ensure similar incidents will not happen again. Media inquiries: Chairman of LegCo Panel on Home Affairs, Culture and Sports, DAB Home Affairs, Culture and Sports Spokesperson, Vincent Cheng (63731979)

March 29, 2023 Today (March 29), the DAB submitted a "Policy Proposal on the Development of Hong Kong Chinese Medicine" (hereinafter referred to as the "Proposal") to the government in the hope that the Proposal can help the government coordinate and promote the development of Hong Kong Chinese medicine at the policy level. Under Secretary for Health Dr. Lee Ha Yun, Libby said that the Proposal is comprehensive and puts forward practical and feasible suggestions. The government hopes to strengthen communication and cooperation with the DAB to jointly promote the development of the Chinese medicine industry in Hong Kong. Deputy Secretary for Health Mr. Eddie Lee also said that the new Budget announced an injection of HK$500 million into the Chinese Medicine Development Fund, which is believed to help boost the development of the Chinese medicine industry in Hong Kong. Press inquiries: DAB LegCo member, President of the Hong Kong Registered Chinese Medicine Practitioners Association Chan Wing Kwong (9497 2015)

March 29, 2023 On March 25, Legislative Councillor Quat Elizabeth (EQ), Founder and Honorary Chairperson of the Smart City Consortium (SCC), and President Gary Yeung Man Yui led the "Hong Kong Smart City Consortium Delegation" to Foshan to learn about Foshan's innovation and technology planning. EQ believes that given Hong Kong's recent strong development in biomedical technology, there is greater room for cooperative development with Foshan in the biomedical field. With the new specialist technology acquisition company listing mechanism recently introduced, it provides a more favourable environment for biotech and tech startups in Hong Kong to list and finance, and welcomes tech startups from Foshan to list and fundraise in Hong Kong. SCC President Gary Yeung Man Yui pointed out that both the Hong Kong and Foshan governments want to shape a positive narrative of the Greater Bay Area. The two places can work together through the model of "Hong Kong R&D, Foshan manufacturing", which has great potential.

Mar 22, 2023 The government has announced the rationalization of traffic in three tunnels to be implemented in two phases. Phase 1 is the "6-3-3 fixed toll plan" effective from August 2 this year. In Phase 2 the "time-varying tolls" will be implemented. DAB LegCo member Ben Chan considered the close tunnel tolls may encourage some drivers to use the Western Harbour Crossing more, potentially causing congestion and diminishing the traffic distribution effect. The phase 2 "time-varying tolls" plan may also become ineffective. Ben added that the "peak hours" are too long, almost indistinguishable from current travel times. He also questioned whether the measures can effectively change driving habits as different tunnels have different peak times. He urged the authorities to redefine tunnel "peak hours." Since the rationalization of traffic is crucial to alleviating tunnel congestion and involves opinions from drivers across regions, the DAB will carefully listen to local views before devising a position. Media enquiries: DAB LegCo member Ben Chan (9274 7035)

Mar 22,2023 Construction of the Kwu Tung Station on the East Rail Line will commence this year and is expected to complete in 4 years (2027). The remaining 10.7 km Northern Link Phase 2 is planned to commence construction in 2025 and complete in 2034, taking 9 years to build. Without matching transport facilities, residents will suffer inconveniences. DAB LegCo member Edward Lau Kwok Fan believed the Northern Link is a crucial future transport infrastructure for the Northern Metropolis. Construction of both the Northern Link and Kwu Tung Station should be expedited, especially the San Tin Station. MTR Corporation has promised to review the construction timeline again. Lau hoped the review can be completed this year to align with the government's timeline to announce various plans this year. Additionally, Lau pointed out that under the current station plans, although the Northern Link connects the East Rail Line and Tuen Ma Line, passengers still need to interchange twice to travel from Sheung Shui to Yuen Long as the two lines are separate. He hoped future southward and eastward extensions of the Northern Link and its branches can build on the existing line's system for seamless connectivity without interchange. Media enquiries: DAB LegCo member and Spokesperson on Development Edward Lau (9782 7408)

March 20, 2023 Chen Dong, Deputy Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the HKSAR, was invited to attend the DAB's seminar on “Learning and Implementing the Spirit of the National People's Congress and the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference". Chen Dong shared the main spirit of the Two Sessions, including its significance and major achievements. He emphasized that the unanimous election of President and Chairman of the Central Military Commission by Xi Jinping was the most important political achievement of the event, demonstrating the unprecedented unity of the Chinese nation to the world. Chen Dong suggested that to better learn and implement the spirit of the Two Sessions, DAB members should grasp the opportunities and contributions for Hong Kong in the Chinese path to modernization, as well as the direction and path of Hong Kong's unique position and advantages. They should also reflect on the critical issues that Hong Kong must deeply consider in this new stage. Furthermore, Chen Dong advised DAB members to use language that is understandable to the public and to speak more about issues related to the daily lives and interests of Hong Kong people. They should use storytelling and examples when communicating with the grassroots of the community.

March 16, 2023 DAB LegCo Election Committee member Rock Chen proposed a motion in the Legislative Council urging the government to support integrating associations of Chinese fellow townsmen (associations) into the district governance system, appoint talented individuals from associations to join district advisory organizations, promote closer cooperation between district offices and associations, appropriately allocate resources to encourage associations to carry out district services, and support association volunteers to participate in "District Services and Community Care Teams". The motion was passed unanimously by Legislative Council members. Rock Chen said that to integrate associations into the district administration system, three major issues must first be resolved. First, associations need to strengthen volunteer training work; second, associations and district officers need to establish regular communication channels; and third, the government should appropriately allocate resources to provide funding to qualified associations and other district organizations to help complete the government's district work plans. Rock Chen supplemented that associations are familiar with the conditions in the Mainland. In order to fully integrate into the overall development of the nation, associations can play a role in bridging and leading the way. In the future, he will lobby the government and mainland departments to strengthen cooperation between associations and government departments. Media enquiries: DAB Financial Affairs Spokesperson and LegCo Member Rock Chen (5398 3885)

March 16, 2023 The CPC Central Committee and the State Council issued the " Party and State Institutional Reform Plan ", proposing to no longer retain the standalone Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office of the State Council, and to establish the Hong Kong and Macao Work Office of CPC Central Committee. The DAB expressed its firm support and backing for this. The DAB believes that this reform embodies the central government's high importance attached to work related to Hong Kong and Macao, and also embodies the central government's resolute commitment to fully and accurately uphold the "One Country, Two Systems" principle. This move will strengthen central leadership and will be more conducive to implementing the central government's overall jurisdiction over the Special Administrative Regions, conducive to implementing the principle of “patriots administering Hong Kong”, conducive to implementing the legal system and enforcement mechanisms of the Special Administrative Regions for safeguarding national security, and conducive to supporting Hong Kong's economic development and improving livelihoods. Under the leadership of the Hong Kong and Macao Work Office of CPC Central Committee, the DAB will in the future work together with all sectors of Hong Kong society to make positive contributions to the development of the country and Hong Kong.

March 16, 2023 After the National Two Sessions concluded victoriously earlier this year, the DAB held a sharing session for DAB LegCo members, district councillors, community officers and staff to deepen their understanding and grasp of the spirit of the Two Sessions. Starry Lee, member of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress and Chairperson of the DAB, was the principal speaker, and Hong Kong Deputies of the NPC Chan Yung, Wong Ying Ho, Kennedy, Chen Chung Nin, Rock, Wong Bing Fan, Iris and Members of the CPPCC Lui Kin, Clement shared their insight at the meeting. Starry Lee described this year's two sessions as productive and fruitful, and provided direction for Hong Kong advancing from stability to prosperity. The country had implemented firm measures to fight the epidemic, stabilize the economy, and ensure safe development. It strengthened efforts of macro regulation and realized a generally stable economic performance, steady improvement in the quality of development, and overall social stability. Starry Lee remarked that the DAB Office of NPC Deputies and CPPCC Members which was set up in February this year had received 99 cases so far. Citizens are welcome to reflect their views or seek assistance on mainland affairs from the branches of the DAB.

March 1, 2023 After five waves of the COVID-19 epidemic, a university research team estimated that more than 900,000 people who had recovered from COVID-19 suffered from at least one Post COVID-19 condition symptom, common symptoms of which included fatigue, poor memory, and insomnia. However, many of them were not aware of Post COVID-19 condition, and the government did not provide sufficient assistance. In view of this, the DAB collaborated with professional associations and launched a campaign on Post COVID-19 condition to raise the awareness of the public through a series of publicity events. The DAB would organise six Health Consultations Days starting in March. People recovered from COVID-19 are welcome to register our free Chinese medicine consultations and join health seminars of different topics. We expect 3,000 recovering patients would be benefited. Attendees of health seminars would also receive healthy soup ingredient packs. Details (in Chinese only): www.eventdab.org.hk/covid-19 Media enquiries DAB LegCo Member Edward Leung (9665 0660) DAB LegCo Member Chan Wing Kwong (9497 2015) LegCo member David Lam Tzit-yuen’s Office Ms. Kwok (5978 7438) Lam Pui Yan, Vice President, Hong Kong Registered Chinese Medicine Practitioners Association (6390 2861)

March 9, 2023 Over the past three years, traditional Chinese medicine has achieved significant effectiveness in fighting the COVID-19 pandemic, with outstanding results that are there for all to see; again proving that traditional Chinese medicine is highly effective in disease prevention, treatment, rehabilitation, and more, and is highly popular among the public. Although public demand for traditional Chinese medicine services continues to increase, traditional Chinese medicine development in Hong Kong still faces many obstacles. Today(March 9), the DAB published the "Policy Initiatives on the Development of Chinese Medicine in Hong Kong" to assist the government in coordinating and promoting the development of traditional Chinese medicine in Hong Kong at the policy level. DAB legislator and President of the Hong Kong Registered Chinese Medicine Practitioners Association Chan Wing Kwong pointed out that Hong Kong has long lacked a comprehensive development blueprint for traditional Chinese medicine, and also lacked high-level organizations to promote the development of the traditional Chinese medicine industry, which has constrained the development of traditional Chinese medicine in Hong Kong for decades. At the meeting, the DAB put forward the following initiatives to promote the development of traditional Chinese medicine in Hong Kong: establish a vision and positioning of traditional Chinese medicine services in the "Traditional Chinese Medicine Development Blueprint"; upgrade the "Chinese Medicine and Chinese Herbal Medicine Development Committee" to the "Hong Kong Chinese Medicine and Chinese Herbal Medicine Development Council"; add traditional Chinese medicine representatives to the governance structure of the Hospital Authority; promote the development of traditional Chinese medicine specialties; promote the industrialization of traditional Chinese medicine; increase funding allocation for public traditional Chinese medicine services; adjust the service fees and subsidized outpatient quotas of traditional Chinese medicine clinics; establish additional publicly operated traditional Chinese medicine clinics directly run by the government; expand public traditional Chinese medicine inpatient services and exempt traditional Chinese medicine consultation fees; establish traditional Chinese medicine departments in public hospitals; launch primary healthcare and health promotion programs involving traditional Chinese medicine; review laws to empower mutual referrals between traditional Chinese medicine and other medical professionals; empower traditional Chinese medicine practitioners to direct patients for diagnostic imaging tests and laboratory examinations; establish a statutory registration system for Chinese herbal medicine practitioners; conduct timely human resources planning and professional development strategies for traditional Chinese medicine practitioners; allocate more resources to subsidize the purchase of traditional Chinese medicine services by various residential institutions; and carry out traditional Chinese medicine public education and promotion in primary and secondary schools. Media enquiries: DAB LegCo member/ President of the Hong Kong Registered Chinese Medicine Practitioners Association Chan Wing Kwong (9497 2015) DAB LegCo member Edward Leung (9665 0660) DAB LegCo member Ben Chan (9274 7035)