Month: March 2025

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

The Air Accident Investigation Authority (AAIA) released the Accident Investigation Preliminary Report and Public Notice PLR-2025-02 on an accident involving a Niviuk Artik R paraglider, which lost control and landed on a lawn at Ngong Ping, Ma On Shan, on February 11, 2025. The pilot was injured.   

A spokesperson for the AAIA said that the Preliminary Report has been published to provide factual information established in the investigation’s early evidence collection phase to both the aviation industry and the general public in a timely manner, and should be regarded as tentative. The full report is available for download from the AAIA webpage (www.tlb.gov.hk/aaia/eng/investigation_reports/index.html).

“The investigation team is conducting a detailed analysis of the data and information collected in order to determine the circumstances and causes of this occurrence with a view to preventing a recurrence in conjunction with identifying areas for further investigation or lines of inquiry to follow up,” the spokesperson said.  

The AAIA, an independent investigation authority formed under the Transport and Logistics Bureau, is responsible for the investigation of civil aircraft accidents and incidents in accordance with the Hong Kong Civil Aviation (Investigation of Accidents) Regulations (Cap. 448B) and with reference to the International Civil Aviation Organization’s standards.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

The Air Accident Investigation Authority (AAIA) released the Preliminary Report and Public Notice PLR-2025-01 on a serious incident concerning the loss of separation between an Airbus A330-343 P2F freighter operated by MNG Airlines (registration mark TC-MCN) and a Boeing 777-200F freighter operated by Silk Road Western Airlines (registration mark VP-BMU) after take-off at Hong Kong International Airport on February 27, 2025.

A spokesperson for the AAIA said that the Preliminary Report has been published to provide factual information established in the investigation’s early evidence collection phase to both the aviation industry and the general public in a timely manner, and should be regarded as tentative. The full report is available for download from the AAIA webpage (www.tlb.gov.hk/aaia/eng/investigation_reports/index.html).

“The investigation team is conducting a detailed analysis of the data and information collected in order to determine the circumstances and causes of this occurrence with a view to preventing a recurrence in conjunction with identifying areas for further investigation or lines of inquiry to follow up,” the spokesperson said.

The AAIA, an independent investigation authority formed under the Transport and Logistics Bureau, is responsible for the investigation of civil aircraft accidents and incidents in accordance with the Hong Kong Civil Aviation (Investigation of Accidents) Regulations (Cap. 448B) and with reference to the International Civil Aviation Organization’s standards.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Following is the speech by the Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Professor Sun Dong, at the Laservall – “From Hong Kong To Global: The Future of Advanced Manufacturing and Microelectronics” event today (March 31):

Ms Lee (Korean Consul (Commerce), Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in Hong Kong, Ms Jaeyon Lee), James (Chairman of Laservall, Mr James Kang), Andrew (Chief Executive Officer of Laservall, Mr Andrew Kim), Albert (Chief Executive Officer of the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation, Mr Albert Wong), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

     Good morning. It is my pleasure to stand before you today to celebrate Laservall’s global expansion in Hong Kong – a milestone that marks the company’s distinctive success achieved in developing advanced high-precision laser inter-connect solutions and automation system for advanced manufacturing.

     Founded in Hong Kong in 2003 and commencing its amazing journey at the Hong Kong Science Park in 2024, a cradle that nurtures thousands of innovation and technology (I&T) companies, Laservall has evolved into a world leader in the advanced manufacturing industry today. With its extensive clientele including some renowned global brands in the industry of smartphone camera modules, electronics and automotive, Laservall continues to expand its operations with R&D (research and development) centres and production facilities across Asia.

     We are so excited to witness Laservall’s success today, as advanced manufacturing has been a pivotal sector and significant power engine to drive the development of new industrialisation in Hong Kong.

     Following the promulgation of the Hong Kong Innovation and Technology Development Blueprint in December 2022, the Hong Kong SAR Government has been actively promoting new industrialisation through supporting the advanced manufacturing industries and encouraging the upgrading and transformation of traditional manufacturing sector through the use of I&T, with the aim of driving sustainable economic growth and creating high-quality employment opportunities.

     To bolster the development of new industrialisation, our Government has stepped up its efforts by implementing a series of supporting policies and measures. For example, the New Industrialisation Funding Scheme was enhanced to reinforce our efforts in supporting enterprises to adopt smart manufacturing. As of February 2025, the scheme had supported more than 100 new smart production lines. To extend our dedication, we launched the New Industrialisation Acceleration Scheme last year to provide funding support for enterprises engaging in industries of strategic importance. We will also earmark another $100 million for the Pilot Manufacturing and Production Line Upgrade Support Scheme to provide financial support to companies setting up smart production facilities in Hong Kong.

     Today, Laservall announces its plan of investing $300 million over the next five years and doubling the size of R&D team by 2026, and extending their R&D team eventually by sixfold by 2028. This not only reflects the company’s commitment to innovation but also its unwavering confidence in Hong Kong’s I&T industry. Its expansion at the Science Park is a perfect example of how it is leveraging Hong Kong’s unique role as a “super-connector” and a “super value-adder” to strengthen its presence in the global market.

     May I once again extend my sincere congratulations to Laservall for its outstanding I&T achievement. I am confident that we will soon witness more local companies, like Laservall, stepping onto the global I&T stage and demonstrating the remarkable outcomes of Hong Kong’s R&D capabilities to the world in the near future. Thank you.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Applications for the Clansmen Culture Promotion Scheme will be accepted from tomorrow to April 30 to provide funding subsidies for clansmen associations to organise activities promoting hometown culture, the Home Affairs Department announced.

The Chief Executive announced in his 2023 Policy Address the launch of the three-year scheme with $30 million earmarked for applications by clansmen associations. The scheme for 2024-25 was launched in April last year and has been successfully completed.

Funding of $10 million is earmarked for the continuation of the scheme for 2025-26, so that clansmen associations can apply for subsidies to organise activities to facilitate patriotic education and promote the spirit of loving the country, Hong Kong and hometowns.

Any locally registered clansmen associations with a good reputation and track record, and with experience in organising relevant activities can apply.

They may use the subsidies to organise activities to promote and preserve hometown culture, unite clansmen in Hong Kong, and facilitate exchanges between the two places.

There is no restriction on the form of the events. As long as the activities are non-profit-making and align with the objectives of the scheme, the associations can make applications under the Scheme.

The funding ceiling for each activity is $200,000 in general.

For enquiries, send an email to the Home Affairs Department.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Government today updated its list of hygiene black spots, removing more than 630, or 85%, of the spots listed previously.

The overall number of black spots has been reduced to about 100.

Deputy Chief Secretary Cheuk Wing-hing said the Government Programme on Tackling Hygiene Black Spots has achieved good results, with continuous cleanups and inspections improving Hong Kong’s cityscape.

He thanked various departments for their concerted efforts and co-operation over the past two years.

Based on reviews by those departments, hygiene conditions at 94% of the hygiene black spots previously listed were judged to have improved markedly and were considered for removal from the list.

However, 64 such spots have not yet recorded continuous improvement over two years, and have therefore been kept on the black spot list for now.

Mr Cheuk stressed that the Government’s work in tackling hygiene black spots is ongoing, adding that departments will keep up their efforts and closely monitor hygiene conditions at these locations. He said that prompt actions will be taken at any spots where circumstances change.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

In support of National Security Education Day, the Fire Services Department will hold an open day at the Fire & Ambulance Services Academy in Tseung Kwan O on April 13. Citizens can apply for admission tickets from today until Wednesday.

Activities will include an introduction to the department’s efforts in safeguarding national security, a fire appliances parade, firefighting and rescue demonstrations, and displays of training facilities, equipment and special vehicles.

The event will also feature an exhibition on fire safety education, game booths, a recruitment area, and a demonstration involving Fire Services working dogs.

The Fire & Ambulance Services Education Centre & Museum will also be open to the public on the day.

The open day will be held from 9am to 5pm. People can apply for a maximum of four admission tickets by using the latest version of the Fire Services Department mobile application, which can be downloaded from the Apple App Store, Google Play or Huawei AppGallery for free.

Tickets will be allocated by computer ballot and successful applicants will receive a notification through the mobile app this Thursday. Children aged three or below do not require a ticket.

Call 2411 8773 for enquiries.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Algernon Yau; the Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, Miss Alice Mak; and the Under Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Mr Raistlin Lau, will depart for Zhengzhou in Henan Province tomorrow (March 30), to attend the Ancestor Worship Ceremony of the Yellow Emperor in the Year of Yisi on behalf of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government.

They will return to Hong Kong on March 31. During the absence of Mr Yau and Miss Mak, the Under Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Dr Bernard Chan, and the Under Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, Mr Clarence Leung, will act as the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development and the Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs respectively.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Attention TV/radio announcers:

Please broadcast the following as soon as possible:

Here is an item of interest to swimmers.    

The Leisure and Cultural Services Department announced today (March 29) that the red tide off Silverstrand Beach in Sai Kung District has dissipated and the water quality of the beach is suitable for swimming.      

However, due to big waves, the red flag has been hoisted at the Silverstrand Beach. Beachgoers are advised not to swim at the beach. 

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

​The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) announced today (March 29) that a sample of prepackaged pasteurised double cream imported from the United Kingdom (UK) was detected with total bacterial count exceeding the legal limit. The CFS urged the public not to consume the affected batch of the product. The trade should stop using or selling the batch of the product concerned immediately if they possess it.

Product details are as follows:

Product name: British Double Cream 300ml
Brand: Marks & Spencer
Place of origin: UK
Importer: Alf Retail Hong Kong Limited
Packing: 300ml per pack
Use-by date: March 29, 2025

A spokesman for the CFS said, “The CFS collected the above-mentioned sample at the import level for testing under its routine Food Surveillance Programme. The test result showed that the total bacterial count for the sample was 394 800 per millilitre. According to the Milk Regulation (Cap. 132AQ), milk after heat treatment by means of pasteurisation should not contain more than 30 000 bacteria per millilitre.”

The CFS has informed the importer concerned of the irregularity, and has temporarily suspended the permission to import for sale of the product concerned granted earlier to the importer. The importer concerned has stopped selling and removed from shelves the affected batch of the product upon the CFS’s instructions and has initiated a recall. Enquiries about the recall can be made to the importer’s hotline at 3656 2253 during office hours. 

The spokesman said that the total bacterial counts exceeding the legal limit indicated that the hygienic conditions were unsatisfactory, but did not mean it would lead to food poisoning.

The CFS will inform the British authorities of the incident, and will continue to follow up on the case and take appropriate action.