Date:2021-4-1 6:59:23 Clicks:1051 【Font Size:
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Hong Kong Council on Smoking and Health (COSH) organized the recognition ceremony cum seminar of the “Smoke-free Housing Management Programme” (“The Programme”) today (29 March) at Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre to commend housing management industry associations and corporates for their support and participation. Nearly 400 companies of the industry joined the Programme and spread smoke-free messages to over 25,000 employees. The overwhelming response demonstrated the industry’s strong commitment to improve staff health and protect the general public from exposure to secondhand and third-hand smoke under the epidemic.
The Programme was co-organized by COSH, Hong Kong Housing Authority, Hong Kong Housing Society and Property Management Services Authority last year. The Programme aimed to strengthen the industry role in promoting smoking cessation under COVID-19 pandemic and encourage practitioners to live a smoke-free lifestyle. It was also supported by ten industry associations in mobilizing members to join. Smoking cessation service providers also offered free cessation services and support. The event today was officiated by Dr FUNG Ying (Head of Tobacco and Alcohol Control Office, Department of Health), LAI Suet-kwai (Chief Manager/Management (Support Services), Housing Department), Annie WONG (General Manager (Property Management), Hong Kong Housing Society), Pandora CHAN (General Manager, Property Management Services Authority), Henry TONG (COSH Chairman) and Dr Johnnie CHAN (COSH Vice-chairman).
Henry TONG, COSH Chairman remarked at the event, “COSH has been sparing no efforts in advocating a smoke-free corporate culture and organized programmes tailored for industries with high smoking prevalence over the years. Public awareness on lung health was enhanced. Despite the unprecedented challenges of COVID-19, many companies in the housing management industry were committed to promoting smoking cessation and safeguarding staff as well as public health. COSH thanks and wishes all participated companies could continue their pioneer roles to spread smoke-free messages in the community.”
A recognition scheme was introduced under the Programme to encourage the industry to foster a smoke-free culture, motivate smoking cessation and formulate tobacco control policies. Over 200 companies received the “Premier Smoke-free Housing Management Recognition”. Another 100 companies received the “Top Premier Smoke-free Housing Management Recognition” in recognition of their outstanding performance on implementing smoke-free policies including a voluntary smoking ban in outdoor areas, cessation reward scheme and provision of smoking cessation support, etc.
Besides, “Smoke-free Home Design Competition” was held for families to join with children. Through creative “Dream Smoke-free Home” drawings, the participants encouraged family members and neighbors to quit smoking, so as to stay away from the hazards of secondhand and third-hand smoke. The family and primary school categories received over 370 entries for the competition and more than 4,000 individual members supported by voting for their favorite entries. Winning entries were listed on the Programme website. Drawings of the champion, first and second runner-up for each category will be displayed at a community exhibition located at MTR Community Art Gallery inside Wanchai MTR station from 1 April to 30 April 2021.
Two speakers, Dr Johnnie CHAN, President of The Hong Kong Association of Property Management Companies and Prof LAM Tai-hing, Chair Professor of Community Medicine and Sir Robert Kotewall Professor in Public Health, School of Public Health, The University of Hong Kong shared the tips on smoke-free policies for the housing management industry and the advantages of promoting smoking cessation under COVID-19 respectively at the seminar. Artists Ms Mag LAM and Mr Phil LAM also joined the event to demonstrate ear acupuncture for easing tobacco cravings and motivate smokers to kick the habit.
For more information about the “Smoke-free Housing Management Programme” programme, please visit www.smokefree.hk/housing.
Photo captions

Officiating guests united the power of the housing management industry to advocate a smoke-free culture for healthy living environment.

COSH thanked co-organizers, various supporting organizations and nearly 400 companies of housing management industry for their tremendous support to the “Smoke-free Housing Management Programme”.

Dr Johnnie CHAN, President of The Hong Kong Association of Property Management Companies shared tips on smoke-free policies with the industry practitioners.

Prof LAM Tai-hing demonstrated “Zero-time Exercise” and encourage the public to do exercises for curbing tobacco cravings during rest times.