Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Incoming passenger convicted and jailed for importing duty-not-paid cigarettes and alternative smoking products (with photo)
Customs officer arrested a 49-year-old incoming male passenger at Hong Kong International Airport on February 17. A total of about 25 000 duty-not-paid cigarettes and about 113 000 alternative smoking products, with an estimated market value of about $420,000 and a duty potential of about $83,000 in total, were seized from his personal baggage.
Customs welcomes the sentence. The custodial sentence has imposed a considerable deterrent effect and reflects the seriousness of the offences.
Under the DCO, tobacco products are dutiable goods to which the DCO applies. Any person who deals with, possesses, sells or buys duty-not-paid tobacco commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $1 million and imprisonment for two years.
Under the IEO, any person who imports an alternative smoking product into Hong Kong commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $2 million and imprisonment for seven years.
Members of the public may report any suspected illicit cigarette activities to Customs’ 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hkIssued at HKT 18:15
NNNN
Alert issued on fake Treasury texts
Source: Hong Kong Information Services
The Treasury Department today alerted the public to fraudulent SMS messages purportedly issued by the department which ask recipients to pay a fixed penalty offence via a hyperlink provided.
The department said it has no connection with the fraudulent SMS messages and has reported the case to Police for further investigation.
It reminded the public that the Treasury will not send SMS messages to ask recipients to settle payments via hyperlinks.
Postal services to Malta return to normal
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Hong Kong Post announced today (May 16) that, as advised by the postal administration of Malta, mail delivery services previously impacted by the implementation of a new import system by the local customs have returned to normal.
Jiangsu Guofu Hydrogen Energy Equipment Co Ltd to establish international headquarters and R&D centre in Hong Kong to provide hydrogen energy solutions (with photos)
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
One of the strategic enterprises under the Office for Attracting Strategic Enterprises (OASES), Jiangsu Guofu Hydrogen Energy Equipment Co Ltd, officially inaugurated its Hong Kong office (Guofu Hydrogen Energy (Hong Kong) Development Co Limited) today (May 16). Guofu Hydrogen Energy plans to establish its international headquarters and research and development platform in Hong Kong, leveraging the city’s strengths as an international financial centre and innovation and technology (I&T) hub to expand its hydrogen energy business and related solutions.
The Deputy Chief Manager (Advanced Manufacturing and New Energy Technology) of OASES, Mr Eric Leung, attended the inauguration ceremony and stated, “As the world transitions to a low-carbon economy, Hong Kong is committed to promoting sustainable development and the application of green energy technologies. Guofu Hydrogen Energy’s decision to establish its international headquarters and R&D platform in Hong Kong not only underscores the city’s dedication to green and new energy technology development but also further affirms its role as a bridge connecting the Mainland and international markets.”
​
The President of Jiangsu Guofu Hydrogen Energy Equipment Co Ltd, Mr Wu Pinfang, said, “Hong Kong boasts a well-established legal system, an excellent business environment, and unique advantages in connecting the Mainland with global markets, making it an ideal choice for our business expansion. At present, Guofu Hydrogen Energy is leveraging Hong Kong’s regional advantages and global industry policies to advance the development of a global supply chain centre for hydrogen energy equipment.”
Jiangsu Guofu Hydrogen Energy Equipment Co Ltd, established in June 2016 with its headquarters in Zhangjiagang, Jiangsu Province, is a leading hydrogen energy storage and transportation equipment manufacturer and comprehensive industry chain solution provider in China. The company focuses on the research and development and manufacturing of core equipment for the entire hydrogen energy “production, storage, transportation, refuelling, and utilization” industry chain. Its product line covers water electrolysis hydrogen production equipment, vehicle hydrogen supply systems (including high-pressure/liquid hydrogen storage cylinders), complete hydrogen refuelling station equipment, liquid hydrogen storage and transportation containers, and hydrogen liquefaction plant solutions.
For more information about Guofu Hydrogen Energy, please visit www.guofuhee.com.
Senior Appointment at Hong Kong Monetary Authority
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) announced today (May 16) that the Financial Secretary, on the advice of the Governance Sub-Committee of the Exchange Fund Advisory Committee, has approved the extension of Mr Howard Lee’s appointment as Deputy Chief Executive for two years beyond the normal retirement age, effective October 2025. Mr Lee will continue to be responsible for reserves management, financial infrastructure and fintech development at the HKMA. He is also an Executive Director of the Hong Kong Mortgage Corporation Limited.
Issued at HKT 16:46
Hong Kong Customs seizes suspected counterfeit mobile phones and accessories worth about $4.25 million (with photo)
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Hong Kong Customs seizes suspected counterfeit mobile phones and accessories worth about $4.25 million (with photo)Issued at HKT 17:35
NNNN
Singapore ETO promotes Hong Kong in Vietnam through government and business engagements (with photos)
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Singapore ETO promotes Hong Kong in Vietnam through government and business engagements
The luncheon in Da Nang, co-organised for the first time with the Hong Kong Business Association Vietnam (HKBAV), attracted around 60 Vietnamese business leaders and investors. The Singapore ETO’s investment promotion team delivered a presentation on Hong Kong’s latest investment climate and opportunities, as well as the city’s unique position as a gateway to the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, and outlined the range of support services available to Vietnamese enterprises looking to expand into the region.
In his opening remarks, the Director of the Singapore ETO, Mr Owin Fung, highlighted Vietnam’s growing importance as a key economic and strategic partner of Hong Kong. The Singapore ETO’s relentless engagement across various regions of Vietnam underlines its strong commitment to fostering bilateral collaboration through continued government-to-government dialogue, business exchanges, and people-to-people interactions.
On the same day, Mr Fung paid a courtesy call on the Consul General of the People’s Republic of China in Da Nang, Ms Dong Biyou. Mr Fung briefed Ms Dong on the Singapore ETO’s latest outreach initiatives in Vietnam, and both sides exchanged views on how Hong Kong can serve as a gateway between Mainland China and Vietnam, particularly in the context of the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two countries.
In April and early May, the Singapore ETO conducted two other official visits to further promote Hong Kong and strengthen ties in northern and southern Vietnam. On May 10, Mr Fung attended and delivered remarks at the HKBAV Gala Dinner in Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC), which was attended by nearly 200 guests. He reiterated Hong Kong’s distinctive advantages under the “one country, two systems” framework, particularly in light of the evolving global trade environment. Other guests included the Deputy Consul-General of the People’s Republic of China in HCMC, Mr Xu Zhou, and the Chairman of the HKBAV, Mr Michael Chiu.
On April 16, the Singapore ETO and Invest Hong Kong cohosted a business seminar and networking event titled “Hong Kong – The Launchpad for Your AI-Driven Success” in Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam. Supported by the Vietnam Software & IT Services Association (VINASA), the event was attended by founders, owners, and senior executives from over 30 companies from sectors including artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and information and communications technology. Participants were briefed on Hong Kong’s market opportunities, AI funding opportunities, tax incentives, and research and development support measures by Mr Fung and the investment promotion team through presentations and a sharing session.
During the same Hanoi visit, Mr Fung also had separate meetings with the Deputy Director General of the International Market Development Department, Vietnam’s Ministry of Industry and Trade, Mr To Ngoc Son, and the Acting Director General of the Northeast Asia Department, Vietnam’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr Do Nam Trung, on April 16 and 17 respectively. Both sides exchanged views on the regional economic and geopolitical outlook and explored opportunities to enhance collaboration on government and business levels. Mr Fung also sought Vietnam’s continued support for Hong Kong’s accession to the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership.
Issued at HKT 17:30
NNNN
Secretary for Health chairs first meeting of Advisory Committee on Health and Medical Innovation Development (with photos)
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Secretary for Health chairs first meeting of Advisory Committee on Health and Medical Innovation Development ————
Secretary for Health————————————————————-
Mr Yang Ting ————————–
Professor Isaiah Arkin
Professor Bian Zhaoxiang
Dr Benjamin Li Xiaoyi
Professor Tony Mok Shu-kam
Professor Walter Seto Wai-kay
Professor David Shum Ho-keung
Professor Karl Tsim Wah-Keung
Mr Fred Tung
Ms Wu Shan———————
Permanent Secretary for Health
Deputy Secretary for Health 3
Senior Advisor (Secretary for Health’s Office)
Representative from the Department of Health
Representative from the Hospital Authority
Representative from the Innovation and Technology Commission
Representative from the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation
Issued at HKT 17:22
NNNN
“Smart Parent Net” Recommendation: (Video) Developmental Disorders in Children – Developmental Language Disorder
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The One-minute Video Production Competition 2025 (the Competition) is a signature event of the Biliteracy and Trilingualism Campaign, organised by the Standing Committee on Language Education and Research (SCOLAR). The Competition is now open to the public until 25 May 2025 for voting on their favourite entries in the categories including parent-child, primary, junior secondary, and senior secondary. The entry with the highest number of votes in each category will receive “The Most Popular Award”, and the awardees for each category will be awarded a book coupon valued $2,000. Teachers, students, parents and members of the public are invited to click here or scan the QR code in the e-banner above to vote for entries that you like best in promoting biliteracy and trilingualism at its highest impact.
Themed “Hong Kong and me – our dialogue, our story • Cultural Exchange”, the Competition featured by video production inspires students to better understand how their biliterate and trilingual abilities can facilitate their connection with different parts of the world. It can also promote Hong Kong as an East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange as well as an international education hub. The result of the Competition will be announced on 27 June 2025 at the Closing cum Award Presentation Ceremony of the Campaign.
SCOLAR’s Facebook and Instagram (scolar.hk) will keep you updated with the exciting events and latest news. We look forward to your support and participation.
Information Expo on Multiple Pathways 2025; Public Voting for “The Most Popular Award” of the “Biliteracy and Trilingualism Campaign: One-minute Video Production Competition 2025” organised by SCOLAR
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The One-minute Video Production Competition 2025 (the Competition) is a signature event of the Biliteracy and Trilingualism Campaign, organised by the Standing Committee on Language Education and Research (SCOLAR). The Competition is now open to the public until 25 May 2025 for voting on their favourite entries in the categories including parent-child, primary, junior secondary, and senior secondary. The entry with the highest number of votes in each category will receive “The Most Popular Award”, and the awardees for each category will be awarded a book coupon valued $2,000. Teachers, students, parents and members of the public are invited to click here or scan the QR code in the e-banner above to vote for entries that you like best in promoting biliteracy and trilingualism at its highest impact.
Themed “Hong Kong and me – our dialogue, our story • Cultural Exchange”, the Competition featured by video production inspires students to better understand how their biliterate and trilingual abilities can facilitate their connection with different parts of the world. It can also promote Hong Kong as an East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange as well as an international education hub. The result of the Competition will be announced on 27 June 2025 at the Closing cum Award Presentation Ceremony of the Campaign.
SCOLAR’s Facebook and Instagram (scolar.hk) will keep you updated with the exciting events and latest news. We look forward to your support and participation.