Final Report of the Construction Industry Institute, Hong Kong Research Project On

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Final Report of the Construction Industry Institute, Hong Kong Research Project On ` Final Report of the Construction Industry Institute, Hong Kong Research Project on Reinventing the Hong Kong Construction Industry for its Sustainable Development THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG AND THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY Research Team: Project Team Leaders: Research Manager Professor Chack-fan Lee Dr. James M.W. Wong Professor Andrew N. Baldwin Project Coordinators: Research Assistants Dr. S. Thomas Ng Ms. Joyce W.S. Cheung Professor Albert P.C. Chan Ms. Joanne W.S. Ng Mr. Ryan Y.C. Fan Team Members: Dr. Y.H. Chiang Professor Mohan M. Kumaraswamy Dr. Patrick T.I. Lam Ir Peter K.K. Lee November 2008 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT The Research Team would like to thank the Construction Industry Institute, Hong Kong; The University of Hong Kong; and the Faculty of Construction and Land Use, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University for their financial support to this research. In addition, throughout the research period, unreserved support, enduring guidance and constructive comments have been provided by the Research Task Force of the Construction Industry Institute – Hong Kong. They have made this study possible and their generosity is hereby gratefully acknowledged. Task Force Member Position Organisation Ir Raymond T.K. CHEUNG Chairman of Executive Construction Industry Institute, (Task Force Chairman) Board Hong Kong Mr. Kam-ling CHAN Chief Executive Officer, NWS Holdings Ltd. Director Mr. Lawrence Y.K. CHOI Vice Chairman Shui On Construction & Materials Ltd. Mr. Thomas O.S. HO Chief Executive Gammon Construction Ltd. Mr. M.L. KU Consultant Davis Langdon & Seah HK Ltd. Ir Henry H.C. LAM General Manager – MTR Corporation Project Mr. Wo-hei LAM Director Wong & Ouyang (HK) Ltd. Mr. Chi-keung LAU Former General Henderson Land Development Co. Manager Ltd. Former Executive Henderson Investment Ltd. Director Mr. Edward C. PONG Executive Director Shiu Wing Steel Ltd. Ir Otto L.T. POON Managing Director ATAL Engineering Ltd. Ir Vincent W.S. TONG Executive Board Construction Industry Institute – Member Hong Kong Former Deputy Director Hong Kong Housing Authority, HKSAR Mr. Robert TSOI General Manager Sun Hung Kai Properties Ltd. Prof. Conrad WONG Vice Chairman Yau Lee Holdings Ltd. President The Hong Kong Construction Association Ltd. Dr. Nicolas S.Y. YEUNG Convener and Director Construction Industry Institute, Hong Kong Mr. C.N. YIP Executive Director China State Construction Engineering (HK) Ltd. i Sincere gratitude is attributed to a group of prominent industry practitioners who participated in the interview, questionnaire survey, focus group meetings, expert forum and validation interviews. Their participation is the key to the success of this study. Special thanks are also due to Professor Roger Flanagan, Professor Göran Runeson and Professor George Ofori who gave valuable advice and facilitated a very successful expert forum to identify practical strategies for this study. Generous assistance and invaluable advice from the following organisations and persons in the process of this research are highly appreciated: Mr. Jackson CHEONG China State Construction Engineering Ltd. Mr. Stephen FONG Swire Properties Ms. Ada FUNG Hong Kong Housing Authority Mr. Daniel HO Urban Renewal Authority Mr. Keith KERR Construction Industry Council Mr. Michael KONG Hong Kong Trade Development Council Mr. K.C. LAM Development Bureau Ms. Linda LAI (Commerce and Economic Development Bureau Mr. Stephen LEE Shui On Construction Co. Ltd. Ir C.K. MAK Development Bureau Mr. K.H. TAO Development Bureau Mr. Billy WONG Henderson Land Development Co. Ltd. Ms. Iris WONG Hong Kong Trade Development Council Experts and academia in Australia, Dubai, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, and the United Kingdom are also gratefully acknowledged for providing insightful opinions and informative materials during study tours. Besides, the analysis of the construction output trends would not have been possible without the valuable inputs from Mr. Stanley Yung of the Census and Statistics Department. ii EXECUTIVE SUMMARY A. Background and Objectives of Study 1. The construction industry has long been serving as a powerful engine for economic growth in Hong Kong. However, following the Asian economic turmoil in late-1997, the industry experienced a drastic reduction in workloads and a change in market structure. 2. To address the challenges facing ahead, a research study entitled “Re-Inventing the Construction Industry of Hong Kong for its Sustainable Development” (the RICH project) was commissioned jointly by the Construction Industry Institute, Hong Kong (CII-HK), and implemented by The University of Hong Kong and The Hong Kong Polytechnic University. 3. The research aims to identify available opportunities and the way forward for various construction stakeholders to reinvent the construction industry of Hong Kong in a sustainable manner. The objectives of this study are to: (i) review the development of the local construction industry; (ii) explore strategies to ‘reinvent’ or revitalise construction industries in advanced countries; (iii) identify opportunities and strategies for the industry’s sustainable development; and (iv) confirm the feasibility of the identified opportunities and strategies. 4. Data is collected through (i) extensive literature review; (ii) official statistical reports; (iii) semi-structured interviews; (iv) focus group meetings; (v) questionnaire survey; (v) expert forum; and (vi) validation interviews. Three prominent scholars participated in the expert forum and interacted with various construction stakeholders in order to identify a list of feasible and practicable strategies for the construction industry to move forward. iii B. Review of the Hong Kong Construction Industry 5. The Hong Kong construction industry produced a total gross value of work of nearly HK$90 billion in 2006 in nominal terms, accounting for around 5.5 percent of total local GDP. The gross value of investment in construction activities was 28 percent of total fixed capital formation in 2006. During the second quarter of 2007, the construction industry in Hong Kong employed more than 270,000 people, representing almost 8 percent of the total labour force indicating its importance to the local economy. 6. The total construction volume in Hong Kong has been declining since its peak in 1997 primarily due to the Asian financial turmoil and its aftermaths. After discounting for price differences, the total construction output in Hong Kong shrank from HK$139 billion in 1997 to HK$96 billion in 2006 in real terms, which is only approximately 65 percent of the peak volume. Both the public and private sectors followed a declining pattern subsequent to the financial crisis as the public housing programme was scaled back and there were fewer large- scale infrastructure projects and private building developments. 7. The gross value of repair and maintenance work, however, reached HK$48.3 billion contributing to over 53.6 percent of the total construction market in 2006, i.e. up by 72.3 percent in real terms over 1995. This is partly due to the increasing number of ageing buildings and hence the needs for repair and maintain them in good shape. 8. With the substantial decline in new orders, the construction industry has been undergoing a consolidation process in recent years. Weaker players were eliminated under the competitive business environment. Many construction stakeholders have also already downsized their organisation; increased the proportion of outsourcing, participated in projects outside the territory (e.g. Macau and Mainland China); and diversified their portfolio into other business units. iv 9. The competitive advantages and weaknesses of the Hong Kong construction industry were identified through a series of semi-structured interviews, focus group meetings and a questionnaire survey. The competitive advantages of the industry are perceived to be its: (i) experience in high-rise building and prefabrication; (ii) project management skill; (iii) high end-product quality; and (iv) great flexibility. Perceived weaknesses of the industry are: (i) inadequate support from the government; (ii) lack of industry-specific forward planning; (iii) sluggish technological advancement; and (iv) slow acceptance of innovative ideas. 10. In 2001, the Construction Industry Review Committee (CIRC) recommended 109 improvement measures to uplift the quality and cost-effectiveness of the industry. Through the joint efforts of the government and the industry, substantial progress has been achieved on the recommendations including the formation of the Construction Industry Council, improvement on construction safety, subcontracting management and worker registration. Some industry practitioners considered, however, that the effectiveness and the impact of CIRC’s report to the industry are limited, suggesting that the industry still has much room to improve. For instance, the implementation of non-adversarial procurement approaches; public private partnerships; safety and technology improvement; market insurance mechanism; and more extensive use of prefabrication to improve quality and to reduce wastage. C. Lessons Learnt from Overseas Countries 11. The construction industry of some advanced industrialised countries has also undergone the adjustment period after maturity. The lessons learnt by these countries would be valuable to the Hong Kong construction industry. Strategies adopted, at the government level and industry level, to support the recovery of construction industries were identified by means
Recommended publications
  • Monthly Report HK
    July 2005 in Hong Kong 01.08.2005 / No 19 A condensed press review prepared by the Consulate General of Switzerland in Hong Kong Introduction Hong Kong has a new Chief of Administration. Yuan revaluation sets stage for boom in HK. Domestic politics Tsang sent condolences to Britain: Chief Executive Donald Tsang Yam-kuen expressed his condolences for victims of the London bombings, saying he was deeply shocked and saddened by the attacks. New chief of administration: Raphael Hui, a veteran civil servant and former Secretary for Financial Services has been appointed as Chief Secretary to the HK government. The new No. 2 of HK is known to be close to the chief executive and to business circles. In his first press interview he said his main tasks would be electoral reforms for the 2007-2008 elections, resolving the West Kowloon controversy and finding new blood for HK politics. Weak attendance at July 1st march: Only 21’000 (barely 4% of 2003 500’000) participated in the traditional protest march prompting Beijing to say that the event had lost its popularity. Democracy and universal suffrage were just two items on the marchers’ growing wish list which also included labour and gay rights. With the resignation of Tung, the shelving of Article 23 and an economy on the rebound most highly contentious issues have faded. Pro-Beijing organizations also staged a morning parade with also about 30’000 people clanging cymbals and singing patriotic songs to mark the handover. One newspaper ironically mentioned that on the same day that more than 200’000 people went to see an exhibit featuring dinosaurs in a shopping mall.
    [Show full text]
  • The Eu Through the Eyes of Asia
    THE EU THROUGH THE EYES OF ASIA THE EU THROUGH THE EYES OF ASIA Media, Public and Elite Perceptions in China, Japan, Korea, Singapore and Thailand Editorial Supervisor: Cover Design: Asia-Europe Foundation © Copyright by Asia-Europe Foundation, National Centre for Research on Europe, Ateneo de Manila University and University of Warsaw The views expressed in this publication are strictly those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the Asia-Europe Founda- tion, National Centre for Research on Europe, Ateneo de Manila University or University of Warsaw Warsaw 2007 ISBN [...] Printed: Zakład Grficzny Uniwersytet Warszawski, zam. 919/2007 Contentsand, Peter Ryan and A Message from the Asia-Europe Foundation .......................................................7 Acknowledgments .............................................................................................. 9 Prologue: BERTRAND FORT The Strategic Importance of the ESiA Network in Reinforcing Asia-Europe Relations ................................................................................. 11 PART I: INTRODUCTION Chapter 1: MARTIN HOLLAND, PETER RYAN ALOJZY Z. NOWAK NATALIA CHABAN Introduction: The EU through the Eyes of Asia ..........................................23 Chapter 2: NATALIA CHABAN MARTIN HOLLAND Research Methodology ................................................................................ 28 PART II: COUNTRY STUDIES Chapter 3: DAI BINGRAN ZHANG SHUANGQUAN EU Perceptions in China: Emerging Themes from the News Media, Public Opinion, and
    [Show full text]
  • (Translation) Minutes of the 23 Meeting of the 4 Wan Chai District
    (Translation) Minutes of the 23rd Meeting of the 4th Wan Chai District Council Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Date: 7 July 2015 (Tuesday) Time: 2:30 p.m. Venue: District Council Conference Room, Wan Chai District Office, 21/F Southorn Centre, 130 Hennessy Road, Wan Chai, H.K. Present Chairperson Mr SUEN Kai-cheong, SBS, MH, JP Vice-Chairperson Mr Stephen NG, BBS, MH, JP Members Ms Pamela PECK Ms Yolanda NG, MH Ms Kenny LEE Ms Peggy LEE Mr Ivan WONG, MH Mr David WONG Mr CHENG Ki-kin Dr Anna TANG, BBS, MH Ms Jacqueline CHUNG Dr Jeffrey PONG 1 23 DCMIN Representatives of Core Government Departments Ms Angela LUK, JP District Officer (Wan Chai), Home Affairs Department Ms Renie LAI Assistant District Officer (Wan Chai), Home Affairs Department Ms Daphne CHAN Senior Liaison Officer (Community Affairs), Home Affairs Department Mr CHAN Chung-chi District Environmental Hygiene Superintendent (Wan Chai), Food and Environmental Hygiene Department Mr Nelson CHENG District Commander (Wan Chai), Hong Kong Police Force Ms Dorothy NIEH Police Community Relation Officer (Wan Chai District), Hong Kong Police Force Mr FUNG Ching-kwong Assistant District Social Welfare Officer (Eastern/Wan Chai)1, Social Welfare Department Mr Nelson CHAN Chief Transport Officer/Hong Kong, Transport Department Mr Franklin TSE Senior Engineer 5 (HK Island Div 2), Civil Engineering and Development Department Mr Simon LIU Chief Leisure Manager (Hong Kong East), Leisure and Cultural Services Department Ms Brenda YEUNG District Leisure Manager (Wan Chai), Leisure and
    [Show full text]
  • Hong Kong Final Report
    Urban Displacement Project Hong Kong Final Report Meg Heisler, Colleen Monahan, Luke Zhang, and Yuquan Zhou Table of Contents Executive Summary 5 Research Questions 5 Outline 5 Key Findings 6 Final Thoughts 7 Introduction 8 Research Questions 8 Outline 8 Background 10 Figure 1: Map of Hong Kong 10 Figure 2: Birthplaces of Hong Kong residents, 2001, 2006, 2011, 2016 11 Land Governance and Taxation 11 Economic Conditions and Entrenched Inequality 12 Figure 3: Median monthly domestic household income at LSBG level, 2016 13 Figure 4: Median rent to income ratio at LSBG level, 2016 13 Planning Agencies 14 Housing Policy, Types, and Conditions 15 Figure 5: Occupied quarters by type, 2001, 2006, 2011, 2016 16 Figure 6: Domestic households by housing tenure, 2001, 2006, 2011, 2016 16 Public Housing 17 Figure 7: Change in public rental housing at TPU level, 2001-2016 18 Private Housing 18 Figure 8: Change in private housing at TPU level, 2001-2016 19 Informal Housing 19 Figure 9: Rooftop housing, subdivided housing and cage housing in Hong Kong 20 The Gentrification Debate 20 Methodology 22 Urban Displacement Project: Hong Kong​ | ​1 Quantitative Analysis 22 Data Sources 22 Table 1: List of Data Sources 22 Typologies 23 Table 2: Typologies, 2001-2016 24 Sensitivity Analysis 24 Figures 10 and 11: 75% and 25% Criteria Thresholds vs. 70% and 30% Thresholds 25 Interviews 25 Quantitative Findings 26 Figure 12: Population change at TPU level, 2001-2016 26 Figure 13: Change in low-income households at TPU Level, 2001-2016 27 Typologies 27 Figure 14: Map of Typologies, 2001-2016 28 Table 3: Table of Draft Typologies, 2001-2016 28 Typology Limitations 29 Interview Findings 30 The Gentrification Debate 30 Land Scarcity 31 Figures 15 and 16: Google Earth Images of Wan Chai, Dec.
    [Show full text]
  • Official Record of Proceedings
    LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ─ 3 November 2010 1399 OFFICIAL RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS Wednesday, 3 November 2010 The Council met at Eleven o'clock MEMBERS PRESENT: THE PRESIDENT THE HONOURABLE JASPER TSANG YOK-SING, G.B.S., J.P. THE HONOURABLE ALBERT HO CHUN-YAN IR DR THE HONOURABLE RAYMOND HO CHUNG-TAI, S.B.S., S.B.ST.J., J.P. THE HONOURABLE LEE CHEUK-YAN DR THE HONOURABLE DAVID LI KWOK-PO, G.B.M., G.B.S., J.P. THE HONOURABLE FRED LI WAH-MING, S.B.S., J.P. DR THE HONOURABLE MARGARET NG THE HONOURABLE JAMES TO KUN-SUN THE HONOURABLE CHEUNG MAN-KWONG THE HONOURABLE CHAN KAM-LAM, S.B.S., J.P. THE HONOURABLE MRS SOPHIE LEUNG LAU YAU-FUN, G.B.S., J.P. THE HONOURABLE LEUNG YIU-CHUNG DR THE HONOURABLE PHILIP WONG YU-HONG, G.B.S. 1400 LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ─ 3 November 2010 THE HONOURABLE WONG YUNG-KAN, S.B.S., J.P. THE HONOURABLE LAU KONG-WAH, J.P. THE HONOURABLE LAU WONG-FAT, G.B.M., G.B.S., J.P. THE HONOURABLE MIRIAM LAU KIN-YEE, G.B.S., J.P. THE HONOURABLE EMILY LAU WAI-HING, J.P. THE HONOURABLE ANDREW CHENG KAR-FOO THE HONOURABLE TIMOTHY FOK TSUN-TING, G.B.S., J.P. THE HONOURABLE TAM YIU-CHUNG, G.B.S., J.P. THE HONOURABLE ABRAHAM SHEK LAI-HIM, S.B.S., J.P. THE HONOURABLE LI FUNG-YING, S.B.S., J.P. THE HONOURABLE TOMMY CHEUNG YU-YAN, S.B.S., J.P. THE HONOURABLE FREDERICK FUNG KIN-KEE, S.B.S., J.P.
    [Show full text]
  • An Analysis of the Sustainable Development of Macau Associations Lou Shenghua (Pp
    Administração n.º 100, vol. XXVI, 2013-2.º, 539-543 539 Challenge and Reform: An Analysis of the Sustainable Development of Macau Associations Lou Shenghua (pp. 379) In social and political sense, Macau can be referred to as “an associa- tional society”. Since its handover to China, Macau has witnessed a rapid growth in the quantity and density of well-structured and multi-function associations. Unlike general non-profit organizations, associations in Macau are indispensable components of the society. However, the development of as- sociations in Macau is facing increasing challenges due to drastic changes in Macau’s political, economic and social environment. In order to develop in a sustainable way in the future, Macau associations need to reform in the fol- lowing aspects: repositioning and improving service to a professional standard, reinforcing their internal democratic management and institution building, attracting and cultivating more talents, strengthening self-discipline, and en- hancing transparency and credibility. A Review of the Implementation and Planning of Macau Public Finance in Recent Years Chua Yee Hong (pp. 403) Macau’s rapidly growth rate in this decade has attracted great attention of other Asian countries. Its per capita GDP has arisen from $15,987 in 2002 to $66,311 dollars in 2011. As a highly opening-capitalism economy, Macau is facing several limitations due to the regional economic conditions and the volatility of international raw material price. Meanwhile Macau’s relationship with Hong Kong and Mainland China is even closer, with closer exchange rate policy and monetary policy toward Hong Kong and economic policy toward Mainland China.
    [Show full text]
  • Guidance Notes for the Management of Indoor Air Quality in Offices and Public Places
    Guidance Notes for the Management of Indoor Air Quality in Offices and Public Places The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Indoor Air Quality Management Group January 2019 FOREWORD In modern city life, the quality of air in the indoor environment has a significant impact on human health and comfort. People spend most of their time at homes, offices and other indoor environment. Poor indoor air quality (IAQ) can lead to discomfort, ill health, and, in the workplace, lead to absenteeism and lower productivity. Good indoor air quality safeguards the health of the building occupants and contributes to their comfort and well-being. Indoor air pollution has received little attention in the past compared with air pollution in the outdoor environment. It has now become a matter of increasing public concern, prompted partly by the emergence of new indoor air pollutants, by the isolation of the indoor environment from the natural outdoor environment in well-sealed buildings, and by the investigation of so-called Sick Building Syndrome. The World Health Organization (WHO) also recognises that biological and chemical indoor air pollution as public health risks. The health effects of individual indoor air pollutants are studied extensively. For example, the health impact of formaldehyde is well documented. Two guidelines were published by WHO in 2009 and 2010 respectively on mould and dampness, and selected indoor air pollutants. On the other hand, the health effects of a combination of indoor air pollutants are much less well understood and more difficult to tackle. This is due to the shortage of reliable data on the effects on human health; difficulties in accurately measuring air pollutants at low levels; potential interactions between pollutants; and wide variations in the degree to which building occupants are susceptible to air pollutants.
    [Show full text]
  • Information of the Mobile Apps of B/Ds Available for Download by the Public (As of End-April 2019)
    Annex A Information of the mobile apps of B/Ds available for download by the public (as of end-April 2019) B/D Name Annual Recurrent Cost Total Number (Approximate) of Downloads as at 30 April 2019 1. Agriculture, Fisheries Country Parks Tree $54,000 50 000 and Conservation Walks Department 2. Agriculture, Fisheries Enjoy Hiking $54,000 394 000 and Conservation Department 3. Agriculture, Fisheries Reef Check Hong $39,000 10 700 and Conservation Kong Department 4. Buildings Department Quick Guide for $65,000 12 700 MBIS/MWIS 5. Buildings Department Quick Guide for $120,000 33 000 Minor Works 6. Civil Engineering and HK Geology Maintained by deploying 22 900 Development internal resources. No Department additional expenditure is involved. 7. Civil Service Bureau Government Included in maintenance cost 600 000 Vacancies of other systems. As it is not a stand-alone project, no separate cost breakdown is available. 8. Companies Registry CR eFiling Included in the maintenance 13 900 cost of the Core System of the Companies Registry. As it is not a stand-alone project, no separate cost breakdown is available. 9. Constitutional and A Basic Law Quiz A $77,000 65 000 Mainland Affairs Bureau Day 10. Correctional Services Hong Kong Maintained by deploying 19 300 Department Correctional Services internal resources. Department Mobile No additional expenditure is App involved. 11. Customs and Excise HK Car First $45,000 19 400 Department Registration Tax 12. Department of Health CookSmart: $35,000 49 000 (Central Health EatSmart Recipes Education Unit) 13. Department of Health EatSmart Restaurant $16,000 41 000 (Central Health Education Unit) 14.
    [Show full text]
  • Explanatory Materials to the Code of Practice on Wind Effects in Hong Kong 2004
    Explanatory Materials to the Code of Practice on Wind Effects in Hong Kong 2004 © The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region First published : December 2004 Prepared by: Buildings Department, 12/F-18/F Pioneer Centre, 750 Nathan Road, Mongkok, Kowloon, Hong Kong. This publication can be purchased by writing to: Publications Sales Section, Information Services Department, Room 402, 4th Floor, Murray Building, Garden Road, Central, Hong Kong. Fax: (852) 25237195 Or: Calling the Publications Sales Section of Information Services Department (ISD) at (852)25371910 Visiting the online HK SAR Government Bookstore at http://bookstore.esdlife.com Downloading the order form from the ISD website at http://www.isd.gov.hk and submitting the order online or by fax to (852) 25237195 Place order with ISD by e-mail at [email protected] Foreword The Explanatory Materials give a summary of the background information and considerations reviewed by the code drafting committee during the preparing of the Code of Practice on Wind Effects in Hong Kong 2004, which will be referred to as ‘the Code’ in this document. As the Code aims to retain the essence of a simple format of its predecessor for ease of application, the Explanatory Materials was set out to accomplish the Code by explaining in depth the major changes in the Code and to address on situations where the application of the Code may require special attention. The Explanatory Materials is a technical publication and should not be taken as a part of the Code. (i) Acknowledgment The compilation of the Explanatory Materials to the Code of Practice on Wind Effects Hong Kong 2004 owes a great deal to Dr.
    [Show full text]
  • Rail Merger (1) Connected Transactions (2) Very Substantial Acquisition
    THIS CIRCULAR IS IMPORTANT AND REQUIRES YOUR IMMEDIATE ATTENTION This Circular does not constitute, or form part of, an offer or invitation, or solicitation or inducement of an offer, to subscribe for or purchase any of the MTRC Shares or other securities of the Company. If you are in any doubt as to any aspect of this Circular, or as to the action to be taken, you should consult a licensed securities LR 14.63(2)(b) dealer, bank manager, solicitor, professional accountant or other professional adviser. LR 14A.58(3)(b) If you have sold or transferred all your MTRC Shares, you should at once hand this Circular to the purchaser or transferee or to the bank, licensed securities dealer or other agent through whom the sale or transfer was effected for transmission to the purchaser or transferee. The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited takes no responsibility for the contents of this Circular, makes no representation as to its LR 14.58(1) accuracy or completeness and expressly disclaims any liability whatsoever for any loss howsoever arising from or in reliance upon the LR 14A.59(1) whole or any part of the contents of this Circular. App. 1B, 1 LR 13.51A RAIL MERGER (1) CONNECTED TRANSACTIONS (2) VERY SUBSTANTIAL ACQUISITION Joint Financial Advisers to the Company Goldman Sachs (Asia) L.L.C. UBS Investment Bank Independent Financial Adviser to the Independent Board Committee and the Independent Shareholders Merrill Lynch (Asia Pacific) Limited It is important to note that the purpose of distributing this Circular is to provide the Independent Shareholders of the Company with information, amongst other things, on the proposed Rail Merger, so that they may make an informed decision on voting in respect of the EGM Resolution.
    [Show full text]
  • OFFICIAL RECORD of PROCEEDINGS Wednesday, 11
    LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ─ 11 February 2015 6007 OFFICIAL RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS Wednesday, 11 February 2015 The Council met at Eleven o'clock MEMBERS PRESENT: THE PRESIDENT THE HONOURABLE JASPER TSANG YOK-SING, G.B.S., J.P. THE HONOURABLE ALBERT HO CHUN-YAN THE HONOURABLE LEE CHEUK-YAN THE HONOURABLE JAMES TO KUN-SUN THE HONOURABLE CHAN KAM-LAM, S.B.S., J.P. THE HONOURABLE LEUNG YIU-CHUNG DR THE HONOURABLE LAU WONG-FAT, G.B.M., G.B.S., J.P. THE HONOURABLE EMILY LAU WAI-HING, J.P. THE HONOURABLE TAM YIU-CHUNG, G.B.S., J.P. THE HONOURABLE ABRAHAM SHEK LAI-HIM, G.B.S., J.P. THE HONOURABLE TOMMY CHEUNG YU-YAN, S.B.S., J.P. THE HONOURABLE FREDERICK FUNG KIN-KEE, S.B.S., J.P. THE HONOURABLE VINCENT FANG KANG, S.B.S., J.P. 6008 LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ─ 11 February 2015 THE HONOURABLE WONG KWOK-HING, B.B.S., M.H. PROF THE HONOURABLE JOSEPH LEE KOK-LONG, S.B.S., J.P., Ph.D., R.N. THE HONOURABLE JEFFREY LAM KIN-FUNG, G.B.S., J.P. THE HONOURABLE ANDREW LEUNG KWAN-YUEN, G.B.S., J.P. THE HONOURABLE WONG TING-KWONG, S.B.S., J.P. THE HONOURABLE RONNY TONG KA-WAH, S.C. THE HONOURABLE CYD HO SAU-LAN, J.P. THE HONOURABLE STARRY LEE WAI-KING, J.P. DR THE HONOURABLE LAM TAI-FAI, S.B.S., J.P. THE HONOURABLE CHAN HAK-KAN, J.P. THE HONOURABLE CHAN KIN-POR, B.B.S., J.P. DR THE HONOURABLE PRISCILLA LEUNG MEI-FUN, S.B.S., J.P.
    [Show full text]
  • Cultural Aspects of Sustainability Challenges of Island-Like Territories: Case Study of Macau, China
    Ecocycles 2016 Scientific journal of the European Ecocycles Society Ecocycles 1(2): 35-45 (2016) ISSN 2416-2140 DOI: 10.19040/ecocycles.v1i2.37 ARTICLE Cultural aspects of sustainability challenges of island-like territories: case study of Macau, China Ivan Zadori Faculty of Culture, Education and Regional Development, University of Pécs E-mail: [email protected] Abstract - Sustainability challenges and reactions are not new in the history of human communities but there is a substantial difference between the earlier periods and the present situation: in the earlier periods of human history sustainability depended on the geographic situation and natural resources, today the economic performance and competitiveness are determinative instead of the earlier factors. Economic, social and environmental situations that seem unsustainable could be manageable well if a given land or territory finds that market niche where it could operate successfully, could generate new diversification paths and could create products and services that are interesting and marketable for the outside world. This article is focusing on the sustainability challenges of Macau, China. The case study shows how this special, island-like territory tries to find balance between the economic, social and environmental processes, the management of the present cultural supply and the way that Macau creates new cultural products and services that could be competitive factors in the next years. Keywords - Macau, sustainability, resources, economy, environment, competitiveness
    [Show full text]