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聖誕節是傳揚愛與關懷的日子。我在中學時期參加了學校的「聖母軍」，每星期須實踐一項善行，當時我多數探訪在醫院留醫、不良於行的長者。我特別記得，當我幫長者把橙子移到床邊的袋子中，好讓她們可以伸手能及，長者們高興的樣子令我印象非常深刻。原來簡單的小善行，對於有需要的人來說也是意義重大......

Victoria Harbour is widely recognised as the symbol of Hong Kong as well as a treasure that is one of a kind. The year 2024 marks the 20th anniversary of the Victoria Harbourfront development. Last week, I attended the celebration ceremony organised by the Harbourfront Commission (HC) in the East Coast Park Precinct, North Point. Since the establishment of the Harbour front Enhancement Committee in 2004 and the succession of the HC in 2010, the Development Bureau (DEVB) and the HC have been committed to facilitating harbourfront development and improvement works on both sides of the harbour. This time, I have invited the incumbent and former Chairmen of the HC, and the Chairpersons of the various Task Forces under the HC to share the bits and pieces of their experience in developing the harbourfront and to give us a brief account of the latest harbourfront development......

Hong Kong's infrastructure, both in construction standards and building technologies, is of international standard and has been maintaining a leading position globally. In the "World Competitiveness Yearbook 2024", our ranking in "Infrastructure” rose to ninth globally. In addition, Hong Kong's construction industry is well recognised by receiving numerous international awards for its infrastructure projects. Last week, the Development Bureau (DEVB) successfully hosted the first International Infrastructure and Projects Leaders Summit (IIPLS), bringing together some 500 major infrastructure project leaders from over 20 countries, 180 government departments, and private organisations, to have an in-depth experience exchange in infrastructure project management. In terms of promoting innovation in the construction industry, the Building Technology and Research Institute (BTRi) was established in August this year and has progressively initiated its work plans. Let me invite our colleagues from the DEVB, participants of the IIPLS, and the Chairperson of BTRi to share with you the details......

發展局致力提升市民的生活環境，積極發展的同時亦重視保育，以構建宜居宜業宜遊的社區，例如昨日正式開放予公眾的塱原自然生態公園，就是一個引證我們如何藉發展機會積極保育的成功例子；另外，東涌東新市鎮（東涌東）設立的試驗苗圃，也為促進該區生物多樣性及豐富城市景觀發揮作用。今次，我邀請了土木工程拓展署（土拓署）的同事介紹這兩個項目，並分享工程師團隊參與保育工作的點滴......

行政長官在2024年《施政報告》以「齊改革同發展 惠民生建未來」為重點方向，發展局亦秉持原則奮進向前。政府持續造地和推動基建的決心一直不變，發展局會繼續審時度勢，穩健有序推進各項目。其中北部都會區（北都）會進入收成期，我們會在保持公共財政穩健的前提下，提速推展北都內與經濟及房屋發展相關的工程，並會善用香港豐富和獨特的資源，勇於變革，嘗試新的發展模式，打造香港成為更宜居的城市......

出土文物與考古遺址看似靜默無語，但從它們身上的蛛絲馬跡，卻能超越時空，訴說歷史遺留下來的故事。由發展局、國家文物局和澳門特別行政區政府社會文化司合辦的「從灣區啓航：『南海I號』與海上絲綢之路」展覽，現於尖沙咀香港文物探知館展出，呈現宋代海上絲綢之路貿易的繁盛景象，也扣連粵港澳地區於海上絲綢之路扮演的角色。今次，我邀請了古物古蹟辦事處（古蹟辦）同事為大家介紹展覽內容......

To facilitate the travel needs of residents and tourists in remote areas, as well as the operational needs of fishermen, the Government is implementing the Pier Improvement Programme (the Programme). Under the Programme, public piers are reconstructed or constructed and pier facilities are upgraded to enhance the marine traffic to and from remote areas in the New Territories and outlying islands, and to support the development of local blue-green tourism. Following the commissioning of Pak Kok Pier on Lamma Island in end-2022, the new Kau Sai Village Pier of Sai Kung was officially opened last Saturday (21 September). This time, I have invited colleagues from the Development Bureau (DEVB) and the Civil Engineering and Development Department (CEDD) to brief us on the new Kau Sai Village Pier and the latest progress of the Programme......

The current water supply system in Hong Kong comprises three primary sources, including Dongjiang water imported from Guangdong, rainwater collected from local catchment areas, and seawater used for flushing purposes. Upon commissioning of the first stage of the Tseung Kwan O desalination plant which introduced desalinated seawater into Hong Kong’s water supply system at the end of last year, the Hong Kong's first water reclamation plant in Shek Wu Hui, North District, also started its operation on March 20 this year, thereby bringing in reclaimed water as another new water resource to the water supply system. A colleague from the Water Supplies Department (WSD) and "Water Save Dave" have been invited to introduce more information about reclaimed water and the newly constructed Shek Wu Hui water reclamation plant (SWHWRP)......

To cope with the ageing of buildings, the Government has been implementing a dual-track strategy of redevelopment and rehabilitation through multiple measures. Among these measures, the Land (Compulsory Sale for Redevelopment) (Amendment) Ordinance 2024 was passed by the Legislative Council (LegCo) on 18 July this year to update and streamline the compulsory sale regime in four directions, i.e. lowering the compulsory sale application thresholds; facilitating multiple adjoining-lot compulsory sale applications; streamlining the legal process of the compulsory sale regime; and enhancing support for affected minority owners. In particular, the Support Service Centre for Minority Owners under Compulsory Sale (SMOCS) has recently commenced service to provide minority owners with one-stop support. Today, I have invited my colleague in the Development Bureau (DEVB) to give an account of the latest progress of the legislative amendment and how the Government will enhance protection for affected minority owners......

香港基建一直處於世界領先地位，在《2024年世界競爭力年報》中，香港在「基礎建設」的排名上升至全球第九位，顯示香港在基建發展的強大優勢得到全球認同 。發展局一直致力推動應用研發並取得卓越成績，例如基建項目採用高強鋼等新研發創新建築物料，提升建造業績效......

Master Lo Pan is the patron saint of builders and carpenters, worshipped by the construction industry. Promotion of Lo Pan’s culture represents the succession and revolution of Chinese construction technology. In celebration of the 140th anniversary of the foundation of Lo Pan Temple, Hong Kong construction industry has jointly organised various activities. The Development Bureau (DEVB) and the Construction Industry Council (CIC) are very supportive of the promotion work to advocate the contribution of Lo Pan’s culture to construction technology, succession of craftsmanship, innovation of technology, and site safety. This time, I have invited colleagues of the DEVB to share with us how the bureau and the construction industry seek to carry forward Lo Pan’s spirit of craftsmanship......

位於中環的展城館是規劃署轄下以香港規劃和基建發展為主題的展覽館，館內二樓經過翻新工程後，現以全新面貌開放予公眾參觀，我早前亦親身到場體驗一下。新展區命名為「建香港．見未來」，增添了不少多媒體互動展品、沉浸式體驗和「打卡」位，希望透過互動展品帶給市民嶄新體驗。今次，我邀請了兩位規劃署同事為大家作介紹......

The Extension of Government Leases Bill (the Bill) formulated by the Government was passed by the Legislative Council (LegCo) and came into operation on 5 July 2024. The simplified arrangement for lease extension manifests the solid safeguards for the long-term prosperity and stability of Hong Kong under the steadfast and successful implementation of “One Country, Two Systems”. The Government’s clear policy stance on lease extension gives assurance to property owners and investors. The simplified arrangement provides convenience and facilitation to the public and businesses. This new piece of legislation creates more favourable conditions for the HKSAR Government to focus its efforts on pursuing economic growth and development and improving people’s livelihood. This time, I have invited a colleague from the Development Bureau (DEVB) to introduce this important legislation. LegCo members and representatives of the business, banking and surveying sectors, as well as a property owner, will also share their views.....

政府近年因應社會需要，加快推展各個發展項目以增加土地供應，就涉及收地，發展局及相關部門採取了全方位的措施，秉持「以人為本」方針照顧受影響人士的需要。今次，我邀請了發展局、地政總署及負責相關項目同事為大家介紹有關支援措施......

面對越趨頻繁的極端天氣，發展局及轄下部門實施一系列強化措施，涵蓋水浸、山泥傾瀉、塌樹及構築物安全等範疇，期望做到果斷應變，令社會迅速復常。今次，我邀請了發展局及轄下四個相關部門的同事，分享他們一連串的應對工作及準備......

"4S" is the abbreviation for "Smart Site Safety System". In order to uplift site safety, the Development Bureau (DEVB) has been committed to driving a wider adoption of 4S in the construction industry for providing a safe working environment for site personnel. Since the adoption of 4S at private worksites remains relatively low, the Government rolled out three new measures to promote and facilitate a wider adoption of 4S in the industry. I have invited colleagues from the DEVB to introduce these new measures, as well as the representatives from developers, contractors, subcontractors and construction trade unions to share their views......

To provide better quality public services, in recent years, the Architectural Services Department (ArchSD) has constructed several new government buildings for departments, such as the Inland Revenue Centre in the Kai Tak Development Area and the Immigration Headquarters in Tseung Kwan O. In 2023, multiple projects gained wide recognition and received over 100 awards in total ranging from international design awards to green architecture awards. The ArchSD will continue to apply innovative thinking to the 30 projects that are expected to be completed this year, which include the construction of a government complex, redevelopment of a swimming pool complex, construction of schools, and community health centres. This time, I've invited colleagues from the ArchSD to share with us the innovative designs of their projects......

香港人口稠密、高度都市化，政府明白在發展的同時，規劃優質綠地、保育林木資源亦是極為重要。有見及此，政府一直致力推動綠化工作，例如過去十年間，已在公園及道路旁等地，種植約400萬棵樹木及超過6000萬棵灌木和其他植物。發展局積極推動相關專業培訓工作，以支持城市林務可持續發展。今次，我邀請了發展局同事分享政府有關推動樹藝與園藝培訓的措施，以及不同持份者和相關課程學生分享......

面對土地和房屋日益迫切的需求，再加上基建工程量巨大，發展局積極推行「建造業2.0」，以「創新」、「專業化」和「年輕化」為方針，引領建造業界革新以應對新機遇。在推動先進建築技術發展方面，發展局提出了多項措施加強「組裝合成」建築供應鏈。今次，我邀請了發展局同事介紹多項相關措施，以及多方面深化粵港建築工程領域合作......

The Drainage Services Department (DSD) has been striving to optimise flood prevention and sewage treatment services. In recent years, the DSD has gone the extra mile to better connect its facilities with the citizens, community and nature by incorporating new elements into its existing facilities, so that the facilities can perform their functions while also beautify and integrate into the community. This time, I have invited Drainy, the DSD’s KOL, and DSD colleagues to present not only their thematic manhole covers that incorporated local elements but also their river beautification facilities. All members of the public are welcome to pay a visit to these facilities and take some photos during holidays.....

The Government has all along been attaching great importance to lift and escalator safety. Apart from regulating the design, installation, maintenance, commissioning and examination of lifts and escalators through the Lifts and Escalators Ordinance (Cap. 618) (the Ordinance), the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD) under the Development Bureau also conducts regular inspections and surprise checks of the lifts and escalators covered by the Ordinance. In order to enhance the effectiveness of regulation and inspection of lifts and escalators, the EMSD has actively leveraged technologies. This time, I have invited a colleague from the EMSD to introduce the Digital Log-books for Lifts and Escalators (DLBs) that achieved great success at the International Exhibition of Inventions of Geneva last year, and the artificial intelligence (AI)-based Lifts and Escalators Condition Analysis System (LECAS) being developed, as well as inviting a stakeholder to share about the use of DLBs.......

To support the Government’s upcoming infrastructural development, the construction industry needs a sufficient supply of manpower. As such, the Development Bureau (DEVB) continues to adopt a multi-pronged strategy and work closely with the Construction Industry Council (CIC) and the industry to enhance the “quality” and “quantity” of local workers’ training. This time, I have invited colleagues from the DEVB and the CIC’s Executive Director, Mr CHENG Ting-ning, to share with us the Government’s efforts in enhancing local training, and tell us about the “Multi-skilled” Training Programme launched by the CIC recently in collaboration with trade unions. Trade unions representatives and training programme graduates will also share their views on the prospects and appeal of the industry......

Hong Kong is a cosmopolitan city with pools of talent in various sectors. With the prosperous development of the local construction industry, there has been a great demand for professionals in the sector. According to the statistics of the Construction Industry Council, the industry is currently short of around 4 000 professionals, including engineers, architects and surveyors, and it is expected that the number will rise to around 6 000 in the coming years. Since the number of local university graduates in the relevant professions cannot meet the city’s demand, under the premise of safeguarding employment priority for local talent, the Development Bureau (DEVB) has been actively helping the sector ”go global” and trawling overseas and Mainland talent appropriately. This time, I would like to invite my colleagues to introduce the recruitment activities that we have co-organised with the construction industry in the United Kingdom (UK) and the Mainland since last year. Additionally, we are grateful to have the hired graduates and their employers to share their experiences......

Hong Kong's freshwater mainly comes from rainwater collected from local catchments and water imported from Guangdong, which account for about 20-30% and 70%-80% of Hong Kong's total freshwater supply respectively. However, the amount of water these two water sources can provide is affected by extreme weather, and water demand can also increase due to population and economic growth. Therefore, the Water Supplies Department (WSD) has been exploring and developing new water sources that are not susceptible to climate change, one of which is seawater desalination. This time, I have invited colleagues from the WSD to introduce the recently commissioned Tseung Kwan O Desalination Plant (hereinafter referred to as the TKODP) and share with us its reverse osmosis desalination technology......

由國家文物局、澳門特別行政區政府社會文化司和發展局合辦的「同一屋簷下：嶺南傳統建築源流與藝術」，正在香港文物探知館展出。早前，我和一眾嘉賓為展覽主持開幕禮，有機會欣賞首次在香港展出的國家一級文物「番禺神樓」和多項珍貴文物。今次，我邀請了古物古蹟辦事處（古蹟辦）同事講解展覽構思及「番禺神樓」的精妙設計且與組裝合成（MiC）建築概念相近之處......

Like other well-developed cities, Hong Kong is facing the challenge of double-ageing of its population and buildings. The Government’s strategy emphasises both rehabilitation and redevelopment. Since 2018, it has injected $19 billion to provide technical and financial support for property owners to repair their properties. However, for some old and dilapidated buildings, repair may not be cost-effective, while redevelopment is a relatively practicable option that can also address the safety hazards of these buildings. The Government introduced the Land (Compulsory Sale for Redevelopment) (Amendment) Bill 2023 (the Bill) into the Legislative Council (LegCo) in December last year (https://www.devb.gov.hk/en/issues_in_focus/legislative_council_brief/index.html). This time, I have invited a colleague from the Development Bureau (DEVB) to explain the proposal, as introduced under the Bill, to update and streamline the compulsory sale regime, as well as the establishment of a dedicated office to enhance support for minority owners affected by compulsory sale. I have also visited several owner-occupiers of old buildings recently to gauge their views and needs⋯⋯