The EOC launched EMbRACE, a brand new integrated campaign, at its public event celebrating International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination on 12 March. Comprising “EM”, the acronym for ethnic minorities, and the morpheme “race”, EMbRACE is part of our continuous effort to promote racial inclusion.

Following the launch and the setting up of a dedicated Facebook page, the EOC’s EM Unit is organising talks on the Race Discrimination Ordinance. In addition, the Unit will invite submissions of videos on the theme, and encourage the business, education and social service sectors to spin off related programmes. Such an engaging approach is hoped to maximise the reach and impact of the campaign.

If your organisation is interested in joining EMbRACE, please do not hesitate to contact us. Meanwhile, visit and like the Facebook page to catch the latest news.

Our commitment to fostering an inclusive workplace and developing talents has again earned recognition. On 13 March, EOC Chairperson, Professor Alfred CHAN Cheung-ming, accompanied by our Chief Operating Officer, Mr Michael CHAN, and other colleagues, received the Friendly Employment Award under the Talent-Wise Employment Charter and Inclusive Organisations Recognition Scheme (2016-17) from the Secretary for Labour and Welfare, The Hon Stephen SUI. The award recognised the EOC as an inclusive organisation that employs persons with disabilities and provides them with the opportunities to realise their potential.

The EOC was also recognised in the ERB Manpower Developer Award Scheme, organised by the Employees Retraining Board, for our efforts in capacity building, workforce development and creating an organisational culture conducive to life-long learning. It was the fifth year in which the EOC has been featured in the scheme.

The Chief Executive’s 2017 Policy Address – Policy Agenda specified that the Constitutional and Mainland Affairs Bureau would initiate discussion with the Legislative Council (LegCo) on the law reform recommendations proposed by the EOC under the Discrimination Law Review (DLR).

We note that at the meeting of the LegCo Panel on Constitutional Affairs on 20 March, the Administration presented its initial assessment of the EOC’s recommendations to the Panel Members, and a number of legislators have called for prompt actions and a concrete timeline by the Government. We look forward to discussing with the Government on the assessment and the next step, so that we can start the legislative process as soon as possible, allowing the anti-discrimination laws to catch up with the times and members of the public to receive the protection they deserve.

The Social Welfare Department is inviting applications for the 16^th batch of the Support Programmes for Employees with Disabilities. Employers of persons with disabilities can apply for funding to purchase assistive devices and/or carry out workplace modifications through referral by the designated organisations. The maximum subsidy amount for each employee with disability is HK$20,000 (HK$40,000 in special cases after assessment).

With a little help, people with disabilities, including people with Down Syndrome, can work and actively contribute to society. Today is World Down Syndrome Day and we want to take this opportunity to call on everyone to support equal opportunities for all.