March 5, 2023 The DAB Ethnic Minorities Services Centre arranged a visit to Disneyland for 50 grassroots family members. The participants were of Indian, Pakistani, Nepalese and Bangladeshi descent. Tickets for this event were donated by Hong Kong Disneyland's "Community Involvement Program". Vincent Cheng, Chairman of the DAB Ethnic Minorities Committee, said that the Committee would continue to serve the ethnic minorities communities on all fronts, and hoped to receive support from ethnic minorities organizations, community leaders and the government to create a diverse and inclusive society together. Media enquiry: Vincent Cheng, Chairman of the DAB Ethnic Minorities Committee (6373 1979)

March 5, 2023 The First Session of the 14th National People's Congress was successfully held on March 5, 2023. Chinese Premier Li Keqiang delivered the Report on the Work of the Government at the meeting. The Report clarified the direction for the country's future development. Highlights of the Report included expanding domestic demand, developing the digital economy and platform economy, supporting the development of private enterprises, attracting and making use of foreign investment. Deputies to the NPC from DAB had also put forward proposals to strengthen cross-border e-commerce, expand stock connect, achieve "dual carbon" goal. Our proposals on green finance bore resemblance to “expediting the development of green transformation” under the 8 key tasks of the State Council this year. We would strive to implement the spirit of the Report and further promote the integration of industries in Hong Kong into the national development and give full play to Hong Kong's strengths to contribute to the national development. The Report also reinforced that the country would dutifully ensure the full and resolute implementation of the principle of "One Country, Two Systems", under which the people of Hong Kong administer Hong Kong, with a high degree of autonomy, administer Hong Kong according to the rule of law, safeguard the constitutional order of the HKSAR as defined under the Constitution and the Basic Law, firmly uphold the principle that Hong Kong and Macao should be governed by patriots; support Hong Kong and Macau to develop economy, improve wellbeing of their people, and maintain the long-term prosperity and stability of Hong Kong. The DAB believed that this would be the key for Hong Kong’s transition from stability to prosperity, instilling confidence and vitality in the development of the society. We hoped that the Hong Kong society would stand united, to seize the opportunities under Chinese path to modernization, integrate into the national development, contribute to the country’s advancement and rejuvenation of the Chinese nation!

March 1, 2023 DAB LegCo members and representatives from the KMB visited the BYD headquarters in Shenzhen today (Mar 1). They inspected new energy vehicles, observed needle testing and rode the Sky Shuttle to experience new energy transport. After inspecting a number of electric vehicles developed in the Mainland, Ben Chan noticed that the technology for electric vehicle in the Mainland was developing rapidly, and had unique advantages in terms of safety, energy saving, and battery life. He anticipated the introduction of more electric buses by KMB will help improve Hong Kong's air quality and bus service. Ben Chan believed that this visit helped to improve the understanding of electric vehicles produced domestically and the technological development of Sky Shuttle. He appreciated the rapid development of the industries in the Greater Bay Area and hoped that exchanges between the Mainland and Hong Kong would strengthen further development. Media enquiry: DAB LegCo member, Vice-Chairperson of the Industrial & Commercial Affairs Committee, Spokesperson of Transport, Ben Chan (9274 7035)

February 27, 2023 DAB Chairperson Starry Lee led delegates from DAB Industrial & Commercial Affairs Committee to visit the Authority of Qianhai last Saturday to discuss strengthening cooperation between Hong Kong and Qianhai. At the meeting, the DAB suggested allowing Hong Kong accountants to practice in Qianhai after passing relevant examinations, allowing Chinese medicine research to be carried out in Qianhai, and promoting the development of arbitration services in the Qianhai Shenzhen-Hong Kong Modern Service Industry Cooperation Zone. The meeting also discussed how to make good use of the 30 Qianhai Financial Measures to help Hong Kong financial institutions expand their business in Qianhai. The DAB delegates also visited the Authority of Qianhai, Shenzhen Court of International Arbitration, Qianhai Shenzhen-Hong Kong Youth Innovation and Entrepreneur Hub and the MIC projects of the China State Construction International Holdings. Starry Lee said that the visit was fruitful, and she hoped that the Mainland and Hong Kong would foster closer ties and cooperation with the resumption of quarantine free travel. Media enquiry: Holden Chow, Chairperson of the DAB Industrial & Commercial Affairs Committee (3703 9870)

February 16, 2023 Pre-paid SIM cards users must complete real-name registration on or before February 23, otherwise their SIM cards would be deactivated. In order to raise publicity of the real-name registration, the DAB set up a street counter in North Point. LegCo members Chan Hok Fung (Hong Kong Island West), Edward Leung (Hong Kong Island East) and DAB Eastern Branch Chairperson Hung Lin Cham visited and distributed leaflets to the public. Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development Mr. Algernon Yau, Under Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development Mr. Bernard Chan also joined in. DAB Vice-chairperson Chan Hok Fung said that citizens who were still using prepaid SIM cards should make sure they have completed real-name registration. Edward Leung said that citizens needed assistance with registration could bring along their Hong Kong identity cards, relevant SIM cards, and mobile phones that could receive SMS messages to the DAB offices.

February 15, 2023 The ICAC announced the progress of the corruption investigation in relation to the three-runway system project. Eight people were charged for bribery and money laundering. DAB Vice-chairperson and LegCo member Gary Chan believed the ICAC’s quick investigation and prosecution after receiving complaints reflected good results on its anti-corruption work. Gary Chan noticed that many short-term contractual employees being recruited in many large-scale projects are weak in anti-corruption awareness as they might not have received anti-corruption training provided by relevant institutions. Gary Chan hoped that the ICAC would put more effort into strengthening anti-corruption training for short-term contractual employees. In the next five years, many projects related to the Hong Kong International Airport would be completed. Gary Chan requested related public institutions, including the Airport Authority, to enhance their internal anti-corruption policies and strengthen their anti-corruption training for management team and employees to increase public’s confidence. Media enquiry: DAB Vice-chairperson, Chairman of LegCo Panel on Security Gary Chan (2524 9191 / 5275 5581)

February 13, 2023 The DAB Family Affairs Committee (the Committee) published the survey results on situation and difficulties faced by children with special educational needs today (Feb 13). The results revealed that more than 90% of parents worry that their children will miss the golden period of treatment. The Committee put forward six recommendations to facilitate "early identification" and "early intervention": 1. Establish a pledge for waiting time for the Assessment Center 2. Formulate a timetable and roadmap to achieve zero waiting time 3. Enhance special educational needs services 4. Enhance caregiver support 5. Remove the means test for training subsidy 6. Strengthen support for kindergartens Media enquiry: Frankie Ngan, Chairman of DAB Family Affairs Committee (6600 2511)

February 12, 2023 In 2022, 7 members of the DAB (Lee Wai King, Starry, Chan Yung, Wong Ying Ho, Kennedy, Chen Chung Nin, Rock, Lee Shing Put, Chu Lap Wai, Roy and Wong Bing Fan) were elected HK deputies of the NPC in the 14th National People's Congress election. Meanwhile, 9 members (Lau Kong Wah, Ray, Leung Che Cheung, Lui Kin, Clement, Wong Nancy, Sze Irons, Tsang Chi Ming, Ricky, Wong Ting Chung, Ngai Ming Tak, Michael and Zhou Chun Ling) were selected members of the 14th CPPCC. We were keenly aware of our great responsibility that we established the DAB Office of NPC Deputies and CPPCC Members on February 12, 2023, to better carry out the work of the NPC Deputies and CPPCC Members and contribute to our country and better serve the Hong Kong citizens. The purpose and responsibilities of the Office were as follows: 1. Objectives Give advice and suggestions on national matters within the authority of NPC Deputies and CPPCC Members Strengthen ties with all sectors of society Shape a positive narrative of the national strategy and Hong Kong’s advantages Implement one country, two systems on all fronts Promote Hong Kong's integration into the overall national development 2. Specific work Liaise with all sectors Carry out policy research Handle Hong Kong citizens’ inquiries and requests for help in relation to Mainland matters 3. Set up an advisory group The office would invite experienced leaders in the society as well as people with legal expertise in the Mainland and Hong Kong as our advisors to help resolve problems of Hong Kong citizens. 4. Others The telephone number, email, and website details of the Office are as follows. Citizens can also reflect their views through the 18 DAB district branches. Tel: 35821100 Email: dab_npc_cppcc@dab.org.hk Website: www.dab.org.hk/dabnpc-cppcc-office The Office would regularly produce a work report of the NPC Deputies and CPPCC Members. Media enquiries: DAB Chairperson, NPC deputy, LegCo member Starry Lee (9457 9853) DAB Vice-chairperson, NPC deputy, LegCo member Chan Yung (9668 6095) CPPCC Member Leung Che Cheung (9016 8088)

January 15, 2023 The DAB held a quiz to encourage DAB members and staff to study the spirit of the 20th National Congress in depth to deepen their understanding. The preliminary round was held today and a total of 32 teams and over 150 people from the branches, YoungDAB and the headquarters took part. Chan Hok Fung, Vice-chairperson of the DAB and responsible for organizing the quiz, stated that this activity aims to encourage members to learn in a diverse and innovative way and better understand the spirit of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China. It would help them to create publicity in the community and promote better integration of Hong Kong into the national development plan. The DAB announced on New Year's Day this year that it would pursue excellence in six areas. Other than promoting Hong Kong's integration into the national development plan, the DAB would also promote good governance, better serve the public, address the difficulties faced by the people etc., so as to enhance implementation of the spirit of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China and the four proposals laid down by President Xi. Media enquiries: DAB Vice Chairperson Chan Hok Fung (6099 3800)

February 2, 2023 DAB LegCo members Edward Lau and Gary Chan continuously followed up on animal welfare issues. They met with the Director of the Agriculture Fisheries and Conservation Department together with representatives from NGOs concerned about animal welfare to discuss animal welfare issues. Issues discussed during the meeting: Implement TNR (Trap–neuter–return) on feral animals and to increase designated trial sites of TNR Urge the government to amend the Public Health (Animals and Birds) (Trading and Breeding) Regulations to include cats in the scope of relevant regulations Amend the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Ordinance to enforce heavier penalties for committing cruelty to animals Pay more attention to the problem of online illegal animal trading Edward Lau said that he would press ahead with the amendment of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Ordinance and Code of Practice for Animal Traders in this coming year. He would work together with organizations and volunteers concerned about animal welfare to follow up on the implementation of the ordinances to defend animal rights.

February 1, 2023 The DAB delegation visited Macao yesterday (Jan 31) and met with the Chief Executive Mr. Ho Iat-seng, and Chairperson of the Macao LegCo Mr. Kou Hoi-in. The delegation inspected the public housing units in Mong Ha, economic housing units in Zone A of New Urban Zone, temporary housing for urban renewal and elderly apartment display units. Starry Lee stated that Macao had been building economic housing units to cater for the housing needs of lower-income groups. Since 2020, Macao had further advocated the principle of "keeping economic housing economic", meaning that economic housing could not be used for investment purpose, could not be transferred and could only be repurchased by the Housing Bureau at the original price. This might be a solution to solve the housing problem of youth and the marginal middle class. The DAB would follow up and conduct further research. Holden Chow said that tourism in Macao was recovering quickly, and the streets were crowded. He believed that the HK government should make reference to Macao’s experience and launch a series of publicity campaigns to attract tourists. Edward Lau said that Hong Kong could learn from the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin, and could discuss with the Mainland Authorities to implement similar arrangements in the Northern Metropolitan Area and Qianhai Cooperation Zone. Chan Yung said that the communication between Macao government and the Mainland Authorities has been good, which is beneficial to the implementation of policies for Macao’s development. Various departments of the HK government would need to catch up and enhance exchanges with the Mainland. Members of the DAB delegation included Tam You Chung, Starry Lee , Lo Man Tuen, Ip Kwok Him, Chan Yung, Holden Chow, Ben Chan, Edward Lau, Vincent Cheng, Frankie Ngan, Edward Leung, Chu Lap Wai, Steven Ho, Lillian Kwok, Rock Chen, Edmund Wong and Chan Wing Kwong.

January 31, 2023 The Executive Council today (Jan 31) approved Star Ferry's application for fare increases. The Mon-Fri fare of "Central-Tsim Sha Tsui" route would be increased from $3.2 to $5, an increase of 56%; the Sat, Sun & Public holiday fare would be increased from $4.2 to $6.5, an increase of about 55%. DAB LegCo member Ben Chan said that Star Ferry’s original application for fare increase almost doubled the original price, but that application was not approved. He believed this decision has taken into account of different opinions in the society. Ben Chan stated that the Star Ferry was an important icon of local tourism, and also a globally acclaimed tourist sightseeing activity. The government should not only approve the fare increase to relieve the company's financial pressure, but also actively support it to increase its revenue from sources other than fare. For example, the government could subsidize the refurbishment of the pier, upgrade the power facilities of the pier, introduce more restaurants and shops, to establish the pier as a tourist attraction for tourists and local residents to enjoy the sight of the Victoria Harbour, in order to enhance Star Ferry’s business substantiality. Media enquiry: DAB LegCo member Ben Chan (9274 7035)