中文版

To all our Friends and Stakeholders,

  1. The EOC Welcomes the Appointment of Professor Alfred CHAN Cheung-ming as next Chairperson

The Chairperson of the Equal Opportunities Commission, Dr. York CHOW, welcomes the appointment of Prof. Alfred CHAN Cheung-ming, SBS, JP as the new Chairperson of the EOC for a term of three years, effective from 11 April 2016. Dr. Chow said, “I extend my warmest welcome to Prof. Chan. He has extensive professional expertise and experience of working with the Government, serving and leading various advisory and statutory bodies of different policy areas, with in-depth knowledge of social issues, including ageing issues. I am certain that he is well placed to lead the Commission.”

“I am privileged and honoured to have served the EOC in the last three years, which has been such a valuable learning and life-enriching experience for me,” said Dr. Chow. “I am also indebted to all Board Members and staff of the EOC, who have rendered me their unfailing support, guidance and advice. I am certain that they will continue to support the new Chairperson with great dedication and commitment.”

Read the EOC’s press release
Read the Government’s press release

*********************************************

  1. The EOC Reports on Work Plans and Progress

EOC OfficeMembers of the Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) met on 17 March 2016 (Thursday) at the 113th EOC Meeting and discussed various matters related to the Commission’s business, including the latest work progress of the EOC’s strategic priorities. Dr. York CHOW, Chairperson of the EOC, briefed Members on the work progress of the Commission, noting that the Commission had a robust start to the year with the release of the findings of its two major studies in January 2016, namely the “Exploratory Study on Age Discrimination in Employment” and “Study on Legislation against Discrimination on the Grounds of Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Intersex Status”. Dr. Chow also noted to Members that the EOC will soon be announcing the results of the Discrimination Law Review, which seeks to simplify, harmonise and modernise the anti-discrimination ordinances in light of the changing needs and demands of society.

At the meeting, EOC Members also reviewed the work of the Commission in 2015, and discussed the 2016/17 work plan of the EOC’s Ethnic Minority Unit, which was formed in 2015 to promote racial integration and foster equal opportunities and non-discrimination of ethnic minorities. Members noted that the Unit will continue to monitor the Chinese language-learning support measures provided by the Government for non-Chinese speaking students in 2016/17, as well as promote equal opportunities in schools, employment, and various public and private service providers through collaboration with different groups.

Read the press release

*********************************************

  1. The EOC Celebrates the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination 2016

Public Event of International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination 2016To raise public awareness on racial equality in Hong Kong and to promote the message of equal opportunities, the EOC participated in a number of activities to observe the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (IDERD) 2016. As one of the Commission’s flagship events, the EOC and Radio Television Hong Kong (RTHK) Radio 2 jointly organised a public event on 13 March 2016 in celebration of the IDERD 2016 at Discovery Park in Tsuen Wan. Officiating at the launch ceremony was the Guest of Honour, Dr. the Hon KO Wing-man, BBS, JP, Secretary for Food and Health, HKSAR. Also joining the ceremony were Prof. John LEONG Chi-yan, Chairman of the Hospital Authority and Mr. CHUA Hoi-wai, Chief Executive of The Hong Kong Council of Social Service. Dr. York CHOW, GBS, JP, Chairperson of the EOC and Ms Lisa LIU Lai-yee, Deputy Director of Broadcasting (Programme) represented the co-organisers in the ceremony. The event was attended by some 300 participants, including representatives of Consulate General, Government bureaux and departments, as well as non-governmental organisations; and ethnic minority community leaders and advocates. On top of speeches and sharing on issues relating to racial discrimination and equality, the audience enjoyed cultural and singing performances. In his remarks, Dr. Chow said, “To facilitate the integration of the ethnic minorities and their equal participation in every aspect of life, we should strive to cater to their needs, such as ensuring our bilingual environment with the use of both Chinese and English, and providing interpretation services where needed. I am confident that notwithstanding the challenges facing us, as long as we stand together, and stick to our core values of inclusiveness, open-mindedness, mutual respect and equality, we shall create a better tomorrow for our community and future generations.”

Dr. Chow was also the Officiating Guest at the “IN.VISIBLE” event, organised by Hong Kong Unison, Section Juan and We Care, on 12 March 2016 to commemorate the IDERD and call for equality for ethnic minority Hongkongers. In addition to a photo exhibition and live performances, the IN.VISIBLE event featured a “Human Library”, with 22 “human books”, including staff members of the EOC, who shared their unique life experiences in conversations with the readers, with the aim of deconstructing and challenging stereotypes about different ethnic groups.

Read the press release on IDERD 2016 public event by the EOC
More about past IDERD events organised by the EOC
Hong Kong Unison’s Facebook page

*********************************************

  1. Winners of the EOC’s Micro Film Competition Announced

EOC Micro Film Competition Prize PresentationThe Winners of the EOC’s Micro Film Competition, “Stop Discrimination Now – Starting With You and Me”, have been announced! The various teams collected their prizes at the EOC’s IDERD celebration on 13 March 2016 at Discovery Park in Tsuen Wan, where clips of their winning micro films were also shown to the public, and winners shared their views on the importance of promoting inclusion to the audience. The award-winning micro films can now be viewed by the public on the EOC’s YouTube Channel, which also feature clips of the EOC’s activities, Announcements of Public Interest and commercials, and EOC-produced documentaries on equality-related topics.

Read the press release
The EOC’s YouTube Channel

*********************************************

  1. Check out the Spring 2016 issue of the EOC Journal

EOC Journal Spring 2016 CoverThe Spring 2016 issue of the EOC Journal is out now! The “EOC Journal” is published every six months by EOC and is available, free of charge, to the public. In this issue, get more in-depth insights into various recent initiatives by the EOC, including a recap on the EOC Forum 2015 and our recently-released study on age discrimination in employment, as well as our advocacy efforts on improving equal opportunities for diverse groups including breastfeeding moms, diverse families, ethnic minorities, and others. This issue’s special feature article is on the release of the EOC’s “Study on Legislation against Discrimination on the Grounds of Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Intersex Status” and the EOC’s call for the Government to launch a public consultation on introducing anti-discrimination legislation on the grounds of sexual orientation, gender identity and intersex status as soon as possible. The consultation should focus on the scope and content of the legislation, such as relevant definitions, applicable domains and exemptions, rather than whether there should be legislation. As Dr York CHOW, the EOC Chairperson, noted in his message, “The evolution of equality must be accompanied by continuous and rational dialogues, bearing in mind that there is a diversity of viewpoints, experiences, and perspectives. Whatever our stance, we should continue to discuss, learn, and engage with one another. This is how we can, together, achieve our shared goal: an inclusive Hong Kong where all people can enjoy equal opportunities.”

Read the EOC Journal Spring 2016 issue

*********************************************

  1. Launch of the 7th Diamond Cab

Launch of 7th Diamond CabFounded in 2010, Diamond Cab is a social enterprise offering 24/7 point-to-point transportation services for wheelchair users, including people with disabilities and elderly persons. Since its establishment, Diamond Cab had outfitted 6 barrier-free cabs, which allow wheelchair users to board directly and provide a legal and safe means of transportation for wheelchair users and their carers. On 4 March 2016, the company officially launched its 7th Diamond Cab at Olympian City 2. Ms Shana WONG, the EOC’s Head of Corporate Communications, represented the Commission at the event. On top of running cab services, Diamond Cab is also offering free night rides to the elderly once a week with the support of sponsors, bringing them to different places for entertainment and recreational activities that serve to enrich life experiences.

More about Diamond Cab

*********************************************

Visit our website or download the EOC mobile app to stay updated on the EOC’s work and positions, and to review our press releases, speeches, media interviews, and calendar training. Also, stay tuned on other equal opportunities issues and community initiatives by visiting our community resources and community events pages for information from our community partners, including publications, survey reports, publicity campaigns, and upcoming conferences.