ENG-2017 — Page 355

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Media and Communications

self-service mail collection facility where online shoppers can pick up their purchases. Hongkong Post also extended its e-Express service to seven more countries, bringing the total to 26 major destinations covered by the service.

A new local delivery service, Postage Prepaid Envelope, was launched for the submission of application forms to the Transport Department.

Retail Network

In 2017, Hongkong Post operated a network of 124 post offices, of which 121 had become acceptance offices for EC-ship posting by November, up from 51 in 2016. The remaining three are mobile post offices.

Stamps and Philately

Fourteen issues of special and commemorative stamps were released. Hongkong Post applied augmented reality technology for the first time to two stamp issues, namely 'Revitalisation of Historic Buildings in Hong Kong II' issued on 25 April and 'Children Stamps - The Five Senses' issued on 18 July.

International Cooperation

Hongkong Post is an active member of the international postal community. It keeps abreast of industry developments and forges close cooperation with postal counterparts.

Film Classification

Hong Kong adopts a three-tier film classification system: Category I, which is suitable for all ages; Category II, subdivided into Category IIA, not suitable for children, and Category IIB, not suitable for young persons and children; and Category III, only for persons who have attained the age of 18. The aim is to allow adults wide access to films while protecting young persons and children from exposure to potentially harmful materials. Category IIA and IIB classifications are advisory, while the age restriction for Category III films is mandatory.

In 2017, 2,228 films were submitted for classification, compared with 2,196 in 2016. Of these, 680 were classified as Category 1, 770 as Category IIA, 603 as Category IIB and 175 as Category III.

Film classification standards are kept in line with society's expectations through public opinion surveys and consultation with a statutory panel of advisers, comprising about 300 members drawn from different walks of life.

The Board of Review (Film Censorship) is empowered under the Film Censorship Ordinance to review 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.

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