Month: May 2025

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Registration for LCSD’s ICH Highlight Tours starts on May 16 (with photos)

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Registration for LCSD’s ICH Highlight Tours starts on May 16  
There will be a total of 15 field trips for the ICH Highlight Tours, which will visit Yau Tsim Mong, Tsuen Wan, Tai Po, Sha Tin, Eastern District, and Islands District respectively. With 20 participants per tour, the tour, conducted in Cantonese, will run for approximately two hours. Members of the public can register through the ICHO website (www.icho.hk/en/web/icho/hk_ich_month_2025_tours.html 
The dates and relevant ICH items of the field trips include:
 
Islands District – Tai O (May 31, two tours in total)
Salted Fish Making Technique, Shrimp Paste Blocks and Shrimp Paste Making Technique and Fishing Net Plaiting Technique, etc, and enjoying Tai O Dragon Boat Water Parade.
 
Tai Po District (June 1 and 7, three tours in total)
Soybean Product Making Technique, Cha Kwo (Steamed Sticky Rice Dumpling) Making Technique and Noodles Making Technique, etc.
 
Yau Tsim Mong District (June 7 and 8, three tours in total)
Steamer Making Technique, Wood Carving Technique and Mahjong Tile Making Technique, etc.
 
Tsuen Wan District (June 15, two tours in total)
Unicorn Dance, Traditional Architectuer Presrvation Technique and Melon Seed Making Technique, etc.
 
Sha Tin District (June 21, two tours in total)
Lion Dance, Patterned Band Weaving Technique and Paper Crafting Technique, etc.
 
Eastern District (June 28 and 29, three tours in total)
Wooden Boat Building Technique, Noodles Making Technique and Hung Gar Kuen Style, etc.
 
     Moreover, the ICHO collaborates with the Hong Kong Tourism Board in organising ICH Highlight Tours at Yau Tsim Mong District for tourists. Details will be announced later.
 
Hong Kong ICH Month 2025 is presented by the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau and organised by the ICHO of the LCSD, with ICH June as a strategic partner. Highlight activates also include carnivals or fun days in various districts across Hong Kong on several weekends and Sundays in June, an exhibition, a seminar, talks and workshops, which welcome members of the public and tourists to join. For details of the programmes, please visit the website www.icho.hk/en/web/icho/hk_ich_month_2025.htmlIssued at HKT 18:45

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Applications for new niches to open

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

More than 16,000 new extendable niches at three columbaria in Fanling, Eastern District and Sha Tin will open for applications from May 19, the Food & Environmental Hygiene Department announced today.

 

Wo Hop Shek Columbarium Phase VI in Fanling will provide 4,000 standard niches and 50 large niches, while Cape Collinson-San Ha Columbarium in Eastern District and Shek Mun Columbarium in Sha Tin will each provide 6,000 standard niches and 50 large niches for application.

 

The department said applicants should only file one application form to apply for either a large or standard niche for the same deceased person.

 

Applicants have to fill in the particulars of at least three deceased people when applying for a large niche. For a standard niche, applicants must fill in at least one deceased person’s details.

 

The department will allocate the niches by open drawing of lots and computer random balloting, and it expects to conduct the exercise in the third quarter of this year.

 

Starting May 19, application forms can be downloaded from the department’s website.

 

Additionally, application forms can be obtained from the department’s Hong Kong or Kowloon Cemeteries & Crematoria Offices, District Environmental Hygiene Offices, the Home Affairs Department’s Home Affairs Enquiry Centres, or by fax via hotline 2841 9111.

 

Applications can also be made online from the same day.

 

The application deadline is June 18.

 

A free talk will be held at 10.30am on May 24 at Yuen Chau Kok Community Hall in Sha Tin to provide the public with more information on the coming public niche allocation, green burial facilities/services and more.

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Re-domiciliation regime introduced

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Government welcomed the passage of the Companies (Amendment) (No.2) Bill 2024 by the Legislative Council today to introduce a company re-domiciliation regime in Hong Kong.

 

The amendment ordinance will take effect on May 23, and the company re-domiciliation regime will be open for application starting from the same day.

 

Non-Hong Kong-incorporated companies that fulfil the requirements on company background, integrity, member and creditor protection, solvency and so on may apply to re-domicile to Hong Kong while maintaining their legal identity as a body corporate and ensuring business continuity.

 

The property, rights, obligations and liabilities as well as the relevant contractual and legal processes of the companies would not be affected during the process. If the company’s actual similar profits are also taxed in Hong Kong after re-domiciliation, the Government will offer unilateral tax credits for elimination of double taxation.

 

In general, re-domiciled companies will be regarded as companies incorporated in Hong Kong. They have the same rights as any Hong Kong-incorporated companies of their kind in the city, and will be required to comply with the relevant requirements under the Companies Ordinance.

 

Secretary for Financial Services & the Treasury Christopher Hui said that the amendment ordinance puts in place a simple and accessible mechanism for company re-domiciliation.

 

“It addresses the demand of companies incorporated elsewhere with major business in Hong Kong for re-domiciliation, and is conducive to our efforts in proactively attracting enterprises and investment, thereby generating business for local professional services sectors as well as increasing investment and job opportunities.”

 

On May 23, the Companies Registry will set up a new thematic section on its website to provide the application details and relevant information. The Integrated Companies Registry Information System will also be enhanced to process applications.

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LCQ14: Treatment and prevention of breast cancer

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Following is a question by the Hon Nixie Lam and a written reply by the Secretary for Health, Professor Lo Chung-mau, in the Legislative Council today (May 14):

Question:

According to government information, breast cancer is the most common cancer among females in Hong Kong, and new cases of breast cancer accounted for 28.6 per cent of all new cancer cases among females in 2022. Among them, HER2 (i.e. human epidermal growth factor receptor 2) low-expression metastatic breast cancer (HER2-low breast cancer) poses a great threat to the lives of patients as it is highly malignant and prone to relapse and metastasis. It is learnt that with advancement in medical technology, the classification of testing results of HER2 has been updated from two (i.e. “positive” and ‘negative’) to three categories (i.e. with the addition of “low-expression”) in the medical guidelines of various places so as to provide precision treatment for patients with HER2 breast cancer. However, there are views pointing out that the existing HER2 testing reports of the Hospital Authority (HA) have not indicated the category of low-expression, nor has HA provided the relevant education to patients, rendering them unable to know their actual condition in a timely manner and thereby missing the golden period of early treatment. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:

(1) whether it knows if HA will expeditiously review the classification of the existing HER2 testing reports to clearly indicate the testing result of low expression of HER2, while at the same time providing the relevant patient education, so as to ensure that they fully understand the clinical findings, thereby expeditiously receiving the appropriate treatment protocol; if HA will, of the timetable; if not, the reasons for that;

(2) whether it knows if HA will consider including drugs targeting HER2-low breast cancer into the safety net for application by patients suffering from that cancer and streamlining the vetting and approval process, so as to enhance the efficiency of vetting and approval of safety net drugs; if HA will, of the timetable; if not, the reasons for that; and

(3) whether the Government has currently formulated public education programmes for different groups of people to raise their awareness of breast cancer screening, including whether it has provided systematic online information and promoted on social media platforms; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that?

Reply:

President,

The Government attaches great importance to cancer prevention and control work. In 2001, the Government established the Cancer Coordinating Committee to formulate strategies on cancer prevention and control, and to steer the direction of work covering cancer prevention and screening, surveillance, research and treatment, etc.

The Government promulgated the Hong Kong Cancer Strategy (Cancer Strategy) in 2019 with a view to reducing the cancer burden of the local population and improving the quality of life and survivorship of cancer patients through setting work priorities and directions. The directions laid down in the Cancer Strategy include reducing risk factors leading to cancer and providing evidence-based screening, seeking early detection and diagnosis, offering timely and effective treatment, strengthening survivorship support to cancer survivors, providing palliative and end-of-life care, investing in technology, enhancing the collaboration among relevant bureaux, government departments, the Hospital Authority (HA), community organisations and civil society, as well as enhancing surveillance and research capabilities. The goal is to better prevent and control various cancers through these directions.

As for breast cancer screening, based on the recommendations of the Cancer Expert Working Group on Cancer Prevention and Screening under the Cancer Coordinating Committee, the Government adopts a risk-based approach for breast cancer screening and launched the Phase I of the Breast Cancer Screening Pilot Programme (BCSPP) in 2021. In collaboration with non-governmental organisations through a public-private partnership, the Government is now preparing for the Phase II of the BCSPP to provide subsidised breast cancer screening services to women being categorised as high risk of developing breast cancer (viz. carriers of certain germline mutations and/or presence of strong family history of breast cancer/ovarian cancer). The Phase II programme is expected to be launched around the second quarter of 2025. Relevant details will be announced in due course. 

The reply, in consultation with the Department of Health (DH), the Primary Healthcare Commission (PHC Commission) and the HA, to the question raised by the Hon Nixie Lam is as follows:

(1) According to the data from the Hong Kong Cancer Registry, there were a total of 5 182 new cases of female breast cancer in 2022, of which 1 002 were Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2 (HER2) positive cases.

At present, the HER2 test performed by the HA consists of immunochemistry (IHC) and genetic testing (in situ hybridisation (ISH)). IHC testing results are scored as follows:

(i) 0 (no staining, or ≤10 per cent of tumor cells show faint or weak membrane staining);
(ii) 1+ (>10 per cent of tumor cells show faint/barely visible incomplete membrane staining);
(iii) 2+ (>10 per cent of tumor cells show weak to moderate complete membrane staining (circumferential staining), or ≤10 per cent of tumor cells show strong complete membrane staining); or
(iv) 3+ (>10 per cent of tumor cells show strong complete membrane staining).

HER2 immunostaining scores of 0 and 1+ are interpreted as negative for HER2 testing, a score of 2+ as inconclusive, and a score of 3+ as positive. If the HER2 test result is inconclusive (i.e. the immunostaining score is 2+), the hospital will further perform HER2 gene in situ hybridisation testing for the patient to confirm whether there is an amplification of the HER2 gene. If the relevant test shows amplification, the patient’s HER2 test result will be classified as positive; whereas if there is no amplification, it will be classified as negative.

     “HER2 low-expression” mentioned in the question refers to patients with a HER2 immunostaining score of IHC 1+ or a score of IHC 2+ with no amplification shown in in situ hybridisation testing. The HER2 Interpretation Guidelines (a set of international guidelines) were updated in September 2023. Although the new guidelines do not officially classify “HER2 low-expression” as a separate category, it is recommended that an annotation describing the result of “HER2 low-expression” (i.e. IHC 1+ or IHC 2+/ISH with no amplification) be included in the test report to enable physicians to better identify patients who may be suitable for a specific targeted therapy. The “multidisciplinary teams” for breast cancer at the oncology centres of the HA, consisting of oncologists, pathologists, radiologists, advanced practice nurses, etc, are discussing the implementation arrangements for the updated guidelines and will reach a consensus as soon as possible to implement the major updates under the Interpretation Guidelines in a gradual manner, while planning to add annotations to the test reports to explain the results of “HER2 low-expression”. Currently, clinicians will determine, based on the test reports, whether patients are IHC 1+ or IHC 2+ with no ISH gene amplification, thereby providing patients with optimal follow-up.

(2) As the major provider of publicly-funded public healthcare services, the HA attaches great importance to providing optimal treatment for all patients (including cancer patients) while ensuring patients have equitable access to cost-effective drugs of proven safety and efficacy under the highly subsidised public healthcare system.

The HA has a mechanism in place to regularly evaluate new drugs as well as to review existing drugs on the HA Drug Formulary (HADF) and the coverage of the safety net (including the Samaritan Fund and Community Care Fund Medical Assistance Programmes). In assessing applications for new drugs to be included in the HADF and the coverage of the safety net, the HA follows an evidence-based approach, having regard to the safety, efficacy and cost-effectiveness, etc, of the drugs and other relevant considerations, including international recommendations and practices as well as views of professionals and patient groups, etc.

The HA will pay close attention to the latest scientific and clinical evidence of drugs suitable for treatment of various types of cancer (including “HER2 low -expression” breast cancer), with a view to providing cost-effective drugs of proven safety and efficacy as well as continuous optimal care to patients.

To shorten the lead time for introducing suitable new drugs to the HADF, the HA has simplified the application process for inclusion of new drugs in the HADF since the end of 2024. Clinicians and pharmaceutical companies can submit new drug applications directly to the Drug Advisory Committee. The frequency of prioritisation exercise for including new drugs in the safety net will also increase from twice a year to four times a year. With the implementation of the above new mechanisms, the HA has been actively optimising the procedures for introducing new drugs into the HADF, with the objective of reducing the time required for introducing new drugs with proven efficacy into the HADF or the coverage of the safety net by half, from the original 10 months to five months; and from 18 months to nine months respectively, so as to enable patients to have access to new drugs as soon as possible, and to obtain the subsidies under the safety net to alleviate the burden of drug expenses.

Besides, the Government and the HA will press ahead with the implementation of the fees and charges reform for public healthcare announced at the end of March this year, which aims to guide the public to make optimal use of healthcare resources through three aspects, namely reforming the subsidisation structure, reducing wastage and abuse, and enhancing healthcare protection. It also seeks to strengthen the healthcare protection on all fronts for patients who are “poor, acute, serious, critical”. Such measures include enhancing the protection in terms of drugs and medical devices for critically ill patients (including cancer patients) through accelerating the introduction of more effective innovative drugs and medical devices to the HADF and the coverage of the safety net, with a view to ensuring that the limited healthcare resources can be directed in a more targeted manner to assist those patients most in need. This will thereby enhance the sustainability of the healthcare system and enable it to serve as a safety net for all.

(3) The DH has all along been promoting a healthy lifestyle, including avoidance of smoking and alcohol, healthy diet, regular physical activity and maintenance of a healthy body weight, as the primary strategy for preventing cancer and common non-communicable diseases.

The DH has all along attached importance to the public education of women’s cancer (including breast cancer) and has been promoting breast cancer prevention and screening through various channels and media such as television, radio, websites, printed materials, newspapers, social media, online publicity and media interviews. Educational leaflets have been produced in many ethnic minority languages by the DH for ethnic minorities to comprehend the health information on breast cancer prevention and screening. In addition, the Cancer Online Resource Hub was launched in 2020 to provide the public with accurate and reliable health information relating to cancer.

Meanwhile, the District Health Centres (DHCs)/District Health Centre Expresses (DHCEs) under the PHC Commission in all districts across the city are actively assisting members of the public in formulating individualised Life Course Preventive Care Plan based on factors such as one’s gender, age and family history. Life Course Preventive Care Plan is an evidence-based comprehensive health strategy that emphasises on prevention and personalised needs and provides guidance on the health needs of citizens across different stages of life. DHCs/DHCEs may also provide members of the public with information related to breast cancer prevention and other women health education services according to their needs. 

Starting from January 24, 2025, women’s health services under the DH have been progressively integrated into the district health network of the PHC Commission, with the service points named Women Wellness Satellites (WWS). DHCs/DHCEs will identify women in need through basic health assessment and individual counselling, and arrange for them to receive women’s health services at WWSs. WWSs will offer health assessment and counselling tailored to women’s health conditions, breast cancer and cervical cancer screenings according to individual needs, as well as health education activities including talks on breast cancer prevention.

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DH continues to follow up on suspected closure of private healthcare facilities

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

DH continues to follow up on suspected closure of private healthcare facilities 
As announced on May 2, the Government set up an inter-departmental dedicated team to follow up on the incident. The team comprises representatives from the Security Bureau, the Commerce and Economic Development Bureau, the Hong Kong Customs and Excise Department, the Hong Kong Police Force, the DH and the Consumer Council.
 
The DH has set up a telephone hotline, email and a WhatsApp account since May 3 for public enquiries on related issues. As at 5pm today, a total of 149 enquiries were received. Most of the enquiries were related to vaccines for children or other age groups. One enquiry about laboratory services has been received.

Laboratory reports
——————— 
For the sake of prudence, the DH is also reaching out to local registered professionals operating medical laboratories and radiological imaging services, inviting them to contact the DH for assistance if they are unable to deliver any laboratory reports to referring doctors from the private healthcare facilities in question.
 
Anyone who has received laboratory or diagnostic radiological imaging services through the private healthcare facilities in question and has not yet been able to obtain the report from their doctor may call the DH hotline (2125 1188), which operates from 9am to 5pm daily, or send an email to dhhelpdesk_2501@dh.gov.hk 
Childhood immunisation
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Public enquiries
—————— 
The DH has compiled a series of Frequently Asked Questions from recently received enquiries and uploaded them to the DH’s website 
The DH will continue to join hands with other members of the inter-departmental dedicated team to follow up on the incident and take appropriate actions, with a view to handling all cases as soon as possible and provide assistance to those affected by the incident.
Issued at HKT 18:25

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Tender results of 5-year HKD HKSAR Institutional Government Bonds

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Tender results of 5-year HKD HKSAR Institutional Government Bonds 
The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA), as representative of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government (HKSAR Government), announced that a tender for 5-year HKD institutional Government Bonds (issue number 05GB3005002) under the Infrastructure Bond Programme was held today (May 14).
 
A total of HK$3.0 billion 5-year Government Bonds were offered today. A total of HK$9.2845 billion tender applications were received. The bid-to-cover ratio, i.e. the ratio of bonds applied for to bonds issued, is 3.09. The average price accepted is 101.07, implying an annualised yield of 2.488 per cent.

HKSAR Institutional Government Bonds Tender Results
 
Tender results of 5-year HKD HKSAR Institutional Government Bonds:
 

Tender Date* Calculated as the amount of bonds applied for over the amount of bonds issued.
Issued at HKT 17:31

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Tender results of re-opening of 15-year HKD HKSAR Institutional Government Bonds

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Tender results of re-opening of 15-year HKD HKSAR Institutional Government Bonds 
A total of HK$0.5 billion 15-year Government Bonds were offered today. A total of HK$2.575 billion tender applications were received. The bid-to-cover ratio, i.e. the ratio of bonds applied for to bonds issued, is 5.15. The average price accepted is 104.16, implying an annualised yield of 3.414 per cent. 
Tender results of 15-year HKD HKSAR Institutional Government Bonds:
 

Tender Date* Calculated as the amount of bonds applied for over the amount of bonds issued.
Issued at HKT 17:30

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Tender results of 1-year HONIA-indexed Floating Rate Notes

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Tender results of 1-year HONIA-indexed Floating Rate Notes 
The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA), as representative of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government (HKSAR Government), announced that a tender for 1-year HONIA-indexed Floating Rate Notes (issue number 01GH2605001) under the Infrastructure Bond Programme was held today (May 14).
 
A total of HK$1.5 billion 1-year HONIA-indexed Floating Rate Notes were offered today. A total of HK$4.979 billion tender applications were received. The bid-to-cover ratio, i.e. the ratio of notes applied for to notes issued, is 3.32. The highest spread accepted is 0.21 per cent.

HKSAR Institutional Government Bonds Tender Results
 
Tender results of 1-year HONIA-indexed Floating Rate Notes:
 

Tender Date* Calculated as the amount of notes applied for over the amount of notes issued.
Issued at HKT 17:30

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LCQ15: Training of artificial intelligence talents

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Following is a question by the Hon Rock Chen and a written reply by the Secretary for Education, Dr Choi Yuk-lin, in the Legislative Council today (May 14):

Question:

In September last year, the State President delivered an important speech at the National Conference on Education, following which the 2024-2035 master plan on building China into a leading country in education (the master plan) was issued, setting out a roadmap for the national education development in the next 10 years. The master plan clearly proposed to establish a mechanism for co-ordinating and promoting the integration of education, technology and talent by leveraging the support of education to technology and talent. The master plan also set out the close collaboration with the development of the innovation and technology (I&T) hub in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) and the building of a high-calibre talent hub and platforms for talent attraction and retention, thereby enhancing the overall effectiveness of the innovation system. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:

(1) against the background of the master plan’s proposals to establish a mechanism for co-ordinating and promoting the integration of education, technology and talent as well as to closely collaborate with the development of I&T hub in the GBA, how the Government will further deepen the collaboration among the “government, industry, academic and research” sectors to promote the transformation of research and development outcomes of tertiary institutions into a driving force for innovation in the industry, with a view to enhancing Hong Kong’s competitiveness in the GBA’s I&T ecosystem;

(2) as there are views that universities of applied sciences (UAS) play an important role in Hong Kong in complementing the master plan’s proposal to leverage the support of education to technology and talent, how the Government will further define the self-positioning of UAS and assist UAS in leveraging their unique advantages, so as to nurture more applied technology talents who suit the needs of the industries in the GBA;

(3) how the Government plans to assist tertiary institutions and scientific research institutions in increasing their expenditure on research and development (R&D) and intensifying the efforts in nurturing talents in the field of artificial intelligence (AI), so that Hong Kong can contribute to the development of the I&T hub in the GBA in the aspect of AI technology’s R&D and application; and

(4) whether it has studied how the Government should further strengthen STEAM (i.e. Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts and Mathematics) education in primary and secondary schools (particularly focusing on AI), including teaching basic AI knowledge, methods of data processing and interdisciplinary knowledge, so as to enhance students’ skills in AI, critical thinking and capacity for innovation, thereby meeting the demand for education, technology and talent arising from the GBA development?

Reply:

President,

Solid promotion of education and technological development can provide and replenish talents and manpower for various trades and industries, boost socio-economic development, and render firm support for building an international hub for high-calibre talents. The 2024-2035 master plan on building China into a leading country in education, issued earlier by the nation, clearly proposes establishing an integrated co-ordinating mechanism for education, technology and talents, and strengthen the supporting role of education for science and talents. To this end, the Government has set up the Committee on Education, Technology and Talents, which is led by the Chief Secretary for Administration, to co-ordinate and drive the integrated development of education, technology and talents, expand connections, formulate policies to attract and cultivate talents, foster the development of technologies, and also promote Hong Kong as an international hub for high-calibre talents.

The replies of the Education Bureau (EDB) and the Innovation, Technology and Industry Bureau to the Hon Rock Chen’s questions are as follows:

(1) With an aim to enhance the innovation and technology (I&T) ecosystem and Hong Kong’s competitiveness on the I&T front in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA), the Government has been promoting collaboration among the Government, industry, academic and research sectors through various measures, and adopting a multi-pronged approach to support commercialisation of research and development (R&D) outcomes of tertiary institutions. For example, the $10 billion Research, Academic and Industry Sectors One-plus Scheme under the Innovation and Technology Fund (ITF) funds, on a matching basis, research teams from universities with good potential to become successful start-ups to transform and commercialise their R&D outcomes, while industry sponsorship is a mandatory requirement. Furthermore, the ITF will continue to provide annual funding to the Technology Transfer Office of each of the eight University Grants Committee (UGC)-funded universities, thereby supporting the development of innovative ideas and R&D outcomes into new products or services. The R&D centres set up by the Government have also been taking forward industry-driven applied R&D work that suits market needs and transferring technologies to the industries through contract researches, licensing arrangements, etc to commercialise their R&D outcomes. Meanwhile, the Government has facilitated the establishment of the Hong Kong New Industrialisation Development Alliance. The Alliance serves as a platform for collaboration among the Government, industry, academia, research and investment sectors, with a view to promoting new industrialisation and co-operation among enterprises and organisations.

(2) To provide an alternative pathway to success for young people who aspire to pursue careers in professional skills sectors, the Government has been promoting the establishment of universities of applied sciences (UAS), and, in February 2024, promulgated the criteria for qualifying as UAS along with the relevant mechanisms. UAS provide vocational and professional education and training (VPET) programmes with an applied focus blending theory and practice, including applied degree programmes, and closely collaborate with professional skills sectors, incorporating substantial internship and work-based learning opportunities in other degree programmes to nurture students’ applied skills, demonstrating a clear division of labour with traditional academic research universities. The EDB announced in March and November 2024 respectively that Hong Kong Metropolitan University and Saint Francis University had been confirmed as the first two UAS in Hong Kong after undergoing stringent procedures and reviews.

The Government proactively supports UAS to collaborate with industries and other stakeholders in accordance with the VPET development strategy of fostering industry-institution collaboration and diversified development to respond to the keen manpower needs of different sectors and nurture more professional talent with applied skills. In this connection, the Government has allocated $100 million to support UAS and VPET institutions to establish the Alliance of UAS (the Alliance) in November 2024. The Alliance has been actively engaging supporting organisations and stakeholders and has drawn up the future work plan and strategic direction, which include fostering collaboration and joint promotion efforts among member institutions and over 80 supporting organisations from different sectors, organising international conferences, and strengthening exchanges and co-operation with Mainland and overseas UAS. Amongst others, the Alliance has planned to visit VPET institutions in the GBA within the year to strengthen exchanges and co-operation. The EDB will continue to work closely with the Alliance to support its work.

(3) Strengthening the nurturing of local I&T talents and fostering the deep integration of technology and industry are key factors in advancing the development of the artificial intelligence (AI) industry. Taking the opportunity of the triennial planning exercise for the UGC-funded universities, the Government set out strategic directions to guide the universities to align their planning with our nation’s and Hong Kong’s strategic development and policy priorities, including nurturing talents for growth, transformation and future challenges.

With the advent of AI, innovative and breakthrough technology in the new era, the universities are encouraged to introduce appropriate teaching frameworks and new programmes to meet ever-changing societal needs and enhance support for academic staff and students. A number of UGC-funded universities have offered AI-related undergraduate programmes in the 2025-28 triennium in response to the strategic directions, for example, Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Artificial Intelligence and Educational Technology and Bachelor of Education (Honours) (Primary) – Mathematics of the Education University of Hong Kong, Bachelor of Engineering in Artificial Intelligence of the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, and Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Engineering in Artificial Intelligence and Data Science of the University of Hong Kong.

In addition, the Government has been developing the AI ecosystem on different fronts through various measures such as provision of infrastructure and computing power, promoting R&D and talent cultivation. The first-phase facility of Cyberport’s Artificial Intelligence Supercomputing Centre (AISC) commenced operation to meet the strong local demand and enhance Hong Kong’s R&D capabilities in various technological research and application fields. With a view to encouraging the industry to optimise the AISC’s computing resources, the Government launched the Artificial Intelligence Subsidy Scheme to subsidise local institutions, R&D centres and enterprises, etc to leverage the AISC’s computing power to achieve scientific breakthroughs and launch promotional and educational activities. As of April 2025, Cyberport has organised 35 promotional activities (including information seminars at local institutions), attracting over 6 500 participants. The Government is also nurturing local talents and gathering top-notch researchers from all around the world, through the AIR@InnoHK research cluster and its R&D laboratories focusing on AI and robotic technologies. To further promote the R&D and applications of AI in Hong Kong, the 2025-26 Budget announced the establishment of the Hong Kong Artificial Intelligence Research and Development Institute (AIRDI), which will spearhead and support Hong Kong’s innovative R&D and industry applications of AI, facilitating upstream R&D, midstream and downstream transformation of R&D outcomes, and expanding application scenarios. We expect the AIRDI will help pool talents in AI-related fields, promote R&D and extensive application of AI, and facilitate exchanges on AI between Hong Kong and the Mainland (including the GBA) as well as overseas countries and regions.

The Finance Committee of the Legislative Council approved on May 9 a funding of $3 billion for the implementation of the Frontier Technology Research Support Scheme, with a view to attracting international top-notch talents in frontier technology areas such as AI to conduct research in Hong Kong, thereby expanding Hong Kong’s research capacity. The eligible applicant institutions for the Scheme are local universities funded by the UGC, and funding will be provided to the institutions concerned on a matching basis to encourage them to invest in research, promote cross-sector collaboration and enhance manpower training.

(4) To align with the national strategy of building a leading country in education, keeping pace with global development trends, and nurturing talents for the advancement of I&T in Hong Kong, the EDB has been stepping up to promote STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts and Mathematics) education in primary and secondary schools, further promoting the digitalisation of education. Through a range of diversified strategies, including ongoing curriculum renewal, strengthening teacher training, providing resource support to schools, and enhancing collaboration with stakeholders, the EDB seeks to integrate digital technology into learning and teaching, enhance students’ creativity and problem-solving skills, and lay a solid foundation of talent for the future development of the country and society. Additionally, the EDB established the Steering Committee on Strategic Development of Digital Education in early 2025, making reference to the latest developments on the Mainland and relevant policies and experiences from other countries, to propose recommendations on the goals, strategies and future directions for the implementation of digital education in Hong Kong.

Regarding curriculum renewal, the EDB launched the “Module on Artificial Intelligence for Junior Secondary Level” in the 2023/24 school year that covers topics such as AI basics and AI ethics. The EDB also launched the “Enriched Module on Coding Education for Upper Primary Level” to enhance computational thinking and creative thinking. At present, almost all publicly-funded primary and secondary schools have implemented enriched coding education and AI education at the upper primary and the junior secondary levels respectively. On the other hand, the newly introduced Primary Science and the updated Junior Secondary Science will be implemented starting from the 2025/26 and 2027/28 school years respectively. Both curricula emphasise inquiry-based learning and cross-disciplinary learning, with a view to cultivating students’ capabilities in innovation.

As for teacher training, the EDB focuses on empowering teachers by helping them equipping with AI-related knowledge and teaching strategies. The EDB continuously organises training programmes on the aforementioned AI and coding education modules, covering fundamental AI theories, applied technologies, pedagogical practices, data security, and the use of generative AI in education. These training sessions are conducted in both online and face-to-face modes to broaden participation and coverage among teachers. Furthermore, the EDB promotes the application of AI in learning and teaching through an “AI+Subject” approach and provides relevant teacher training. Examples include the launch of the “AI for Science Education” programme in Junior Secondary Science, the integration of digital technologies (including AI elements) into mathematical modelling activities in Mathematics, and the incorporation of AI into learning and teaching activities in Visual Arts. These efforts aim to enhance teachers’ confidence and competence in utilising AI to assist teaching.

The EDB also provides various resource support to schools. The EDB updated the “Information Literacy for Hong Kong Students” Learning Framework to strengthen data security and AI ethics education, and collaborated with the Hong Kong Police Force and the Journalism Education Foundation to launch teaching resources on cyber security and media and information literacy, to help students to develop critical thinking skills when using I&T. Moreover, the Quality Education Fund has allocated $500 million for the implementation of the e-Learning Ancillary Facilities Programme, supporting 22 projects related to AI, big data and education technology. These projects cover various subjects and deploy innovative technologies to enhance learning and teaching effectiveness. As at end-March 2025, around 400 schools and 31 000 students have participated in this programme. It is expected that the deliverables of the projects will be successively released starting from mid-2025 for subscriptions and use by all local schools.

The EDB actively promotes collaboration and exchange by deepening partnerships with local, Mainland, and international stakeholders. The EDB works closely with tertiary institutions and I&T-related organisations to conduct various projects and activities, enabling school leaders and teachers to stay abreast of the latest developments in science and I&T. Examples include the “Exchange cum Training Programme for Hong Kong STEAM Education Leaders”, co-organised with the Teacher Education Centre under the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, and the “Professional Development Programme on Innovation and Technology”, co-organised with Cyberport. In collaboration with Hong Kong Education City, the EDB is organising the “Digital Education Week” from June 30 to July 7 this year. Key events include the “Learning & Teaching Expo”, and the International Summit on the Use of AI in Learning and Teaching Languages and Other Subjects & Post-Summit Workshop Series jointly hosted with the Standing Committee on Language Education and Research and the Hong Kong Polytechnic University. The events will invite experts to share insights on I&T education (including the use of AI in teaching) to promote the integration of AI in education.

The EDB will actively align with the competencies and skills required by national and global trends. In close collaboration with stakeholders from various sectors, the EDB aims to strengthen basic education in primary and secondary schools. To dovetail the integrated development of “education, science and technology, and talent” advocated by our country, the EDB is committed to nurturing the next generation of innovators in science and technology.

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LCQ20: Taxi Fleet Regime

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

​Following is a question by the Hon Andrew Lam and a written reply by the Secretary for Transport and Logistics, Ms Mable Chan, in the Legislative Council today (May 14):

Question:

The Road Traffic Legislation (Enhancing Personalised Point-to-point Transport Services) (Amendment) Bill 2023, which, among others, seeks to introduce a Taxi Fleet Regime, was passed by this Council in December 2023. Subsequently, in July last year, the Government announced that conditional grants of the Taxi Fleet Licence were issued to five applicants, requiring them to complete the gearing-up work and commence services within one year. However, it has been reported that to date no fleets have officially commenced operations and that only two fleets are operating on a trial basis. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:

(1) of the current number of taxis that each of the five fleets can provide for services; the respective difference between such numbers and the minimum number of taxis required under the Taxi Fleet Licence;

(2) whether it has reviewed the reasons why three of the taxi fleets have not yet commenced trial operations and the two fleets currently undergoing trial operations have not officially commenced operations since the issuance of the conditional grants of the Taxi Fleet Licence; of the respective expected dates for the five fleets to officially commence operations; and

(3) whether the authorities have formulated a plan to deal with situations where the aforementioned taxi fleets are unable to officially commence operations by the dates specified in the conditional grants; if so, of the details of the plan; if not, the reasons for that?

Reply:

President,

The Government has earlier reviewed the overall operation and management of taxis, and introduced a series of measures to enhance the quality of taxi service, including the introduction of a new regulatory regime – the taxi fleet regime. With regard to the question raised by the Hon Andrew Lam, I hereby reply as follows:

(1) Upon open application and assessment by the Transport Department (TD), five operators were issued with conditional grants of the Taxi Fleet Licence in end-July 2024. The selected applicants include three urban fleets and two mixed fleets, with a fleet size of 300 to 1 000 taxis each, providing a total of over 3 500 taxis, which account for over one-sixth of the 18 163 taxis in Hong Kong and include around 300 wheelchair-accessible taxis and 1 000 premium taxis.

According to the conditional grants of the Taxi Fleet Licence, the five selected operators are required to complete the gearing-up work and commence service by end-July this year. At the time of service commencement, the size of each fleet shall reach at least 60 per cent of the total number of taxis committed to be deployed by such fleet.

Among the five taxi fleets, two fleets (SynCab and Joie Taxi) have been operating on a trial basis, with a view to gaining operation experiences, collecting passenger feedback, and allowing passengers to experience their services first-hand. It is understood that SynCab and Joie have deployed around 300 taxis altogether for trial operation. The remaining three taxi fleets are fully engaged in the gearing-up work, and drivers and taxi owners are joining the fleets one after another.

(2) and (3) Since July last year, the five selected operators have been conducting gearing-up work with great endeavour, including purchasing new vehicles and carrying out modifications, installing in-vehicle technological devices for enhancement of driving safety, setting up electronic payment systems, developing and testing online hailing applications, recruiting drivers, providing training to drivers, etc.

The TD has been holding regular meetings with the fleets to actively promote and assist their gearing-up work, while coordinating and providing support based on their needs during the preparatory stage. For example, in response to the need of various operators to acquire new models of vehicles for use as fleet taxis, the TD has, on the premise of ensuring road safety, streamlined the procedures by introducing batch applications and vehicle examinations and providing facilitating measures in respect of the vehicle examination arrangements.

We understand that taxi fleet is a new type of service, and some taxi owners and drivers may not understand the operation of the fleets and therefore are hesitant to join the fleets. This has led to various challenges for the fleet operators in conducting the gearing-up work, for example regarding driver recruitment and engagement of taxi owners. At present, two of the fleet operators have started trial operations. Such operations not only allow these fleets to collect passenger feedback but also provide a valuable opportunity for trade members to understand the operation of fleets, which is beneficial to attracting more taxi owners and drivers to join the fleet. Additionally, it is understood that the fleet operators have implemented different measures to recruit taxi owners and drivers, such as hosting fleet introduction sessions and recruitment events, organising activities to showcase the new taxi models and new fleet management approach to taxi owners, offering referral bonuses and driving safety bonuses to drivers, and implementing flexible work schedules. We hope that the fleet operators will continue to adopt various strategies to recruit taxi owners and drivers. The TD will also maintain close communication with the fleets, and actively facilitate their completion of the gearing-up work for the commissioning of taxi fleet services by end-July this year. Furthermore, apart from the launching of the respective online booking channels by the fleets, we understand that a third-party technology provider is discussing with the fleets the launching of a centralised online hailing platform to make it more convenient for the public to book fleet taxis. The Government will continue to encourage the fleets to take forward the relevant work.

We aim to introduce systematic management and technology-driven fleets through the taxi fleet regime, and thereby motivating the taxi trade to innovate and transform. At the same time, the Government will continue to implement other measures through a multi-pronged approach, and be determined to enhance the quality of taxi services and to promote the industry’s long-term healthy development, thereby providing passengers with taxi services of better quality. These measures include the already effective Taxi-Driver-Offence Points system and the two-tier penalty system which aim to enhance the deterrent effects against the black sheep of the industry, and the legislative proposals to mandate taxis to install in-vehicle cameras, dash cameras and global navigation satellite systems in their compartments and to provide e-payment means.

Ends/Wednesday, May 14, 2025
Issued at HKT 11:50
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