Communications, the Media and Information Technology | 357
Film Classification System
Hong Kong adopts a three-tier film classification system: Category I (suitable for all ages); Category II, which is subdivided into Category IIA (not suitable for children) and Category IIB (not suitable for young people and children); and Category Ill (for people aged 18 or above only). The aim is to allow adults wide access to films while protecting young people under the age of 18 from exposure to potentially harmful materials. Category IIA and IIB classifications are advisory not governed by statutory age restriction and are intended to give more information to moviegoers, particularly parents, to help them select films for themselves or their children. The age restriction is mandatory for Category III films.
In 2007, some 1 298 films were submitted for classification, compared with 1 186 in 2006. Of these, 426 were classified Category 1, 402 Category IIA, 345 Category IIB, and 125 Category III. Film trailers, instructional films and cultural films. intended for public exhibition can be exempted from classification. During the year, 6 321 such films were examined and exempted from classification.
Film classification standards are kept in line with society's expectations by regular surveys of community views and consultation with a statutory panel of advisers, comprising about 250 members drawn from different levels of society.
The Board of Review (Film Censorship), a statutory body established under the Film Censorship Ordinance, is empowered to review the film censors' decisions on film classifications upon request. The board comprises nine non-official members appointed by the Chief Executive, plus the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development as an ex officio member.
Postal Services
Hongkong Post provides reliable, efficient and universal postal services at affordable prices to meet the needs of Hong Kong and its international postal obligations. Since 1995, it has operated as a trading fund department, and has been proactively responding to market changes and customer needs. According to the 2006 Customer Satisfaction Survey it conducted, 95 per cent, 96 per cent and 95 per cent of the respondents were satisfied with the counter, delivery and hotline services of Hongkong Post, respectively.
Mail Volumes
In 2007, Hongkong Post handled 1.4 billion pieces of mail items, an increase of 5 per cent over 2006. Some 88 per cent of these were local mail. Major destinations for letter mail and parcel traffic outside Hong Kong included the United States, United Kingdom, Japan, Australia and Mainland China.
Speedpost
Speedpost, Hongkong Post's international courier service, was awarded Prime Magazine's 'Brand Excellence in Express Courier Service' and the Economic Digest 'Best SME Partner 2007' in the Logistics Sector, issued by the Hong Kong Economic Times.