Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Second policy statement on development of digital assets issued to scale Hong Kong to new heights of global digital asset leadership
The Policy Statement 2.0 sets out a vision for a trusted and innovative DA ecosystem that prioritises risk management and investor protection, while delivering concrete benefits to the real economy and financial markets. The latest statement introduces the “LEAP” framework, which focuses on:
The full policy statement can be seen at the Annex.
The Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, said, “Digital assets hold great development potential with significance to fintech. Through the adoption of blockchain technology, more efficient financial transactions at a lower cost can be realised to bring in more inclusive financial services. The Policy Statement 2.0 sets out our vision for DA development and showcases the practical use of tokenisation through application, with a view to boosting the diversification of use cases. We strive to build a more flourishing DA ecosystem which will integrate the real economy with social life through a prudent regulatory regime and encouragement to market innovation, such that it will bring benefits to both the economy and society while consolidating Hong Kong’s leading position as an international financial centre.”
The Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr Christopher Hui, said, “Hong Kong is uniquely positioned to bridge traditional finance with the DA era. The framework set out in the Policy Statement 2.0 helps us “LEAP” towards a trusted, sustainable and deeply integrated DA ecosystem embedded within the real economy. It also keeps Hong Kong at the forefront of digital transformation, offering a clear roadmap for businesses and investors to thrive in a secure and vibrant DA market.”
The FSTB and the SFC will be conducting public consultations on the licensing regimes for DA dealing service providers and DA custodian service providers shortly.
Issued at HKT 11:50
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Land site allocated for development of new campus of self-financing post-secondary institution
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The Education Bureau (EDB) today (June 26) announced the allocation result of the latest round of the Land Grant Scheme. The land site at Man Lai Road, Tai Wai, will be allocated to Saint Francis University (SFU) for the development of a purpose-built campus for the operation of full-time locally accredited self-financing post-secondary programmes.
On the recommendation of the Committee on Self-financing Post-secondary Education (CSPE), the Secretary for Education has decided that SFU should be earmarked as the prospective operator for the land site to be granted at a nominal premium.
An EDB spokesman said, “It has long been the Government’s policy to support the parallel development of the self-financing and publicly funded post-secondary education sectors. In pursuance of the announcement in the Chief Executive’s 2023 Policy Address, we envisage that the allocation of the site will be conducive to supporting the capacity expansion and quality enhancement of the self-financing sector, thereby enabling the sector to play a more proactive role in Hong Kong’s development into an international post-secondary education hub.”
The Government invited applications from eligible institutions for the Scheme from December 2024 to March 2025 and received three applications. The CSPE is responsible for giving advice to the Secretary for Education on the comparative merits of the applications received under the Scheme, having regard to the applicants’ education development and site development proposals following a fair and competitive process.
Details of the Scheme and previously approved applications are available on the website of the Concourse for Self-financing Post-secondary Education (www.cspe.edu.hk/en/Overview-Measures.html).
Missing woman in Kwai Chung located
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
A woman who went missing in Kwai Chung has been located.
Li Shimin, aged 25, went missing after she left her residence in Hong Yam House, On Yam Estate on June 19 morning. Her family made a report to Police on June 22.
The woman was located in a shopping mall on Portland Street, Mong Kok this afternoon (June 25). She sustained no injuries and no suspicious circumstances were detected.
Issued at HKT 20:50
Government welcomes passage of Trade Unions (Amendment) Bill 2025
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
The Government today (June 25) welcomed the passage of the Trade Unions (Amendment) Bill 2025 by the Legislative Council, which amends the Trade Unions Ordinance (Chapter 332) to better safeguard national security and improve the trade union regulatory regime.
The Bill strengthens the statutory powers of the Registrar of Trade Unions to supervise and regulate trade unions, thereby better fulfilling the duty of safeguarding national security. In tandem, the amendments give due regard to the freedom and right of Hong Kong residents to form and join trade unions and will not adversely affect the operation of law-abiding trade unions.
A Government spokesman said, “The amended Trade Unions Ordinance can ensure that trade unions uphold the principal object of safeguarding and promoting the occupational interests of their members, which will be conducive to the healthy development of trade unions.”
The Trade Unions (Amendment) Ordinance 2025 will be gazetted on July 4, 2025, and will come into operation on January 5, 2026. During this period, the Labour Department will step up publicity and publish reference materials to help trade unions understand and comply with the new requirements.
LCQ4: Smart estate management
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
LCQ4: Smart estate management
Question:
In order to enhance management efficiency and service quality of public rental housing (PRH) estates, the Government is actively promoting smart estate management and has selected ten PRH estates (including Hoi Ying Estate in Sham Shui Po) as pilot sites (pilot estates) for smart estate management. According to an opinion poll, over 90 per cent of the responding PRH tenants hope that the Housing Department expeditiously introduces smart management into the estates where they live. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
(1) of the details and timetable for implementing smart estate management in various pilot estates;
(2) given that the Government will utilize the Internet of Things and artificial intelligence to facilitate daily management in the pilot estates, and will also introduce robots to carry out tasks such as security patrol and cleansing, of the criteria based on which the Government decides to try out such smart equipment and technologies in the pilot estates; whether it will introduce robots into estates other than the pilot estates, and whether it will consider introducing robots of a more interactive nature to act as goodwill ambassadors to residents by answering their daily enquiries; and
(3) whether it will extend the Smartcard Access Control System for buildings to all PRH estates, enabling residents to enter their buildings with smartcards or personalized QR codes and thus reducing the security risk of leaking building access codes, and install smart home monitoring systems for elderly residents; if so, of the details?
Reply:
President,
Under the theme of Housing???I&T initiative, the Hong Kong Housing Authority (HA) promotes smart estate management this year so as to enhance efficiency and service quality, strengthen estate security, improve environment, expedite maintenance work, and enhance the sense of well-being and sense of gain of public rental housing (PRH) residents. The HA has selected ten public housing estates as pilot sites for the introduction of innovative technologies to promote smart estate management. In response to the questions raised by the Hon Vincent Cheng, our reply is as follows:
At present, the HA has introduced the following innovative technologies for estate management:
(i) Internet of Things (IoT) sensors
The HA applies a variety of sensors and IoT to digitise various circumstances and information in estates, collect real-time data for analysis and monitoring, and establish early warning systems (such as electricity supply, operation of water pumps and drainage system blockage, etc.) to notify the estate offices immediately for follow-up. Presently, about 700 sets of sensors have been installed in six PRH estates. This would hence enhance the efficiency and service quality and minimise the impact on residents.
(ii) Artificial Intelligence (AI)
AI is able to analyse images to detect irregularities and monitor the common areas of PRH estates in real time, identifying incidents such as objects thrown from height and illegal parking. The AI video analytic system can spare frontline staff from reviewing video footages for long hours, helping staff identify more accurately and efficiently the incidents of objects thrown from height from long videos, thereby shortening the time required for the entire evidence collection process and enhancing the efficiency in handling such incidents. The system has assisted to handle 17 successful point allotment cases.
(iii) Mobile devices
The mobile applications can be used anytime and anywhere by frontline staff, enabling them to record and retrieve information on-site at various locations. The “Mobile Application System for Daily Patrol” developed by the HA trialed in ten pilot estates allows security staff to readily report patrol situation and record in real-time matters requiring cleansing or maintenance services with photos uploaded, replacing the paper reports, reducing the paperwork after patrol duties, and raising the effectiveness of follow-up actions.
(iv) Robots and Small Unmanned Aircrafts (SUAs)
Robots and SUAs have brought significant benefits across various fields. Since mid-2022, maintenance staff of the HA have been utilising SUAs for tasks such as inspecting external walls of 21 estates, lift shafts, trees of 175 estates and 285 green roofs within 22 estates. Not only does the use SUAs save manpower and time, but it also greatly enhances inspection efficiency and avoids the risks brought by scaffold-based inspections. These technologies help complete tasks which are dangerous or difficult for humans to achieve within a short period of time and minimise inconvenience caused to residents. Robots have also been used on a trial basis in three housing estates for routine cleansing and security work to enhance efficiency, reduce conflicts and assist with publicity work. In addition to physical robots, virtual robots also provide considerable assistance to the public. For instance, the public can inquire about information and provide suggestions through interaction with the HA Chatbot.
To further promote innovative technologies in PRH estate management, the HA established a dedicated co-ordination team in mid-2024 to oversee the trial of various technologies across different management functions and review operational models. The co-ordination team also formulates implementation timetable for estates based on their specific conditions, with a view to gradually introducing suitable innovative solutions. For example, security robots are more suitable for use in spacious and flat public spaces. The HA will continue to actively collaborate with the property management sector to explore the implementation of cost-effective projects and maximise outcomes with limited resources. The co-ordination team will adjust its strategies annually based on the pilot results and identify suitable estates for introducing the best new technologies.
In addition, the HA has piloted the use of a smart contactless access control system in Hin Fat Estate, Tuen Mun since September 2024, by using smartcards and mobile QR codes to facilitate control and to monitor the main access of the building. The HA will evaluate the cost-effectiveness of the pilot scheme, the application of the technology and residents’ feedback in the fourth quarter this year. With relevant government departments and research institutions, the HA will also continue to explore other systems, such as the feasibility of applying “iAM Smart” Personal Code to the access control system. Subject to the availability of resources, the HA will trial other smart access control systems in other estates subsequently. Upon analysis and comparison, the HA will gradually extend smart access control systems to suitable PRH estates in phases.
The HA always upholds the values of “caring” and keeps abreast of the times to actively explore measures to address various needs of the elderly residents through the application of innovative technologies. Starting from April this year, the HA launched the pilot scheme of Door Sensor Installation for Elderly Households in Wan Hon Estate in Kwun Tong and Sheung Lok Estate in Ho Man Tin. The elderly households who voluntarily participate in the scheme are equipped with the system which allows designated relatives or friends to keep track of the movement of the elderly in and out of their flats so as to provide timely support when needed. So far, a total of 50 elderly households have participated in the scheme. The Housing Department will actively explore the feasibility of implementing other similar schemes in collaboration with other government departments and social welfare organisations, with a view to benefitting more elderly households in other PRH estates.
Moreover, the HA has also provided subsidy to eligible elderly households to install an emergency alarm system, so that the elderly in need can seek help promptly in case of emergency. A total of about 26 000 applications have been approved since the launch of this scheme. We have also been piloting the installation of smart fall-detection systems in eight accessible toilets in some estates to detect incidents such as falls, faints, or prolonged inactivity.
The HA will continue to listen and make reference to the views of various stakeholders with an open manner and to explore more effective innovative technologies for smart estate management, so as to enhance the service quality and the sense of well-being of the elderly and residents.
Thank you.
Issued at HKT 20:16
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InvestHK signs MOU with Institute of Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Zhejiang University to support Zhejiang enterprises in global expansion (with photos)
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
InvestHK signs MOU with Institute of Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Zhejiang University to support Zhejiang enterprises in global expansion
The Director-General of Investment Promotion at InvestHK, Ms Alpha Lau, said, “Hong Kong and Zhejiang have always maintained close ties and are important partners in economic as well as innovation and technology sectors. Hong Kong is the largest source of foreign investment for Zhejiang and serves as a key platform for Zhejiang enterprises to explore overseas markets. As a vital bridge between the Mainland and international markets, Hong Kong is committed to providing comprehensive support to Mainland innovative enterprises. We are delighted to collaborate with the Institute. By combining our complementary strengths, we will support high-quality enterprises in the Institute to expand globally through Hong Kong, fostering new opportunities for innovation and co-operation.”
The Dean of the Institute, Ms Wang Lingling, said, “Hong Kong’s international platform and professional service ecosystem will provide crucial support for the innovative development of enterprises in our Institute. We look forward to this collaboration strengthening Zhejiang University’s industrial ties with Hong Kong and help more outstanding enterprises to go global.”
Looking ahead, InvestHK and the Institute will continue to deepen their co-operation, promoting synergistic development in innovation and entrepreneurship, business incubation, and international expansion between Zhejiang and Hong Kong. Together, they aim to support enterprises in “going global” and build a bridge for innovation and technology resource connectivity between the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and the Yangtze River Delta, jointly creating a globally influential hub for enterprise internationalisation.
Issued at HKT 19:30
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LCQ11: Site safety and contractor management
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Following is a question by the Hon Carmen Kan and a written reply by the Secretary for Development, Ms Bernadette Linn, in the Legislative Council today (June 25):
Question:
It is reported that fatal industrial accidents and incidents of serious non-compliance committed by contractors have repeatedly occurred in the construction industry in recent years. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
(1) of the following information on the contractors with poor performance in relation to industrial accidents and site safety in the construction industry in each of the past five years (set out in a table):
(i) the numbers of fatal and non-fatal industrial accidents (set out by type of operations) and, among which, the numbers of those involving “bamboo scaffolding” or “metal scaffolding” works (set out by cause of accidents);
(ii) in respect of public works projects, the number of government project consultants/contractors with performance ratings of (a) “Poor” or “Very Poor” in site safety and (b) “Poor” or “Very Poor” in overall performance, and among which, the number of consultants and contractors who have been suspended from tendering or removed from the lists concerned (set out by type of non-compliance);
(iii) the numbers of prosecutions instituted by the Government in respect of fatal industrial accidents and the cases convicted and the penalty imposed on each of the convicted cases; and
(iv) the application situation for legal aid in each case of industrial accident involving civil claims (set out by fatal and non-fatal accidents);
(2) given that according to the direct investigation operation report of the Office of The Ombudsman released in April this year in relation to the Government’s regulation of occupational safety and health in the construction industry, from 2018 to 2023, fatal industrial accidents in the construction industry accounted for more than 80 per cent of fatal industrial accidents in all industries, and the Office found that some “competent persons” have failed to properly inspect the safety of bamboo scaffolds before signing the prescribed form (i.e. Form 5), how the authorities will improve the monitoring mechanism and step up enforcement efforts to ensure that the competent persons will strictly discharge their duties;
(3) given that according to the report mentioned in (2), the industrial accidents involving bamboo scaffolding works are related to the unauthorised issue of the prescribed form, whether the Government will review afresh the policy direction of reducing the use of bamboo scaffolds in public works projects; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that;
(4) in respect of cases of public works projects in which contractors/consultants with performance ratings of “Poor” or “Very Poor” in overall performance were not suspended from tendering in the end, of the Government’s reasons for making such decisions (set out by cases); whether it will, from the perspective of value for money, review the weightings of the various scores for assessing the performance of contractors/consultants; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that; and
(5) of the measures in place to prevent the relevant personnel of contractors who were removed from the register of general building contractors by the Government due to serious non-compliance from undertaking the Government’s public works projects by means of setting up new companies?
Reply:
President,
The Government attaches great importance to site safety. The Labour Department (LD) has been closely monitoring the levels and changes of occupational safety and health (OSH) risks in various industries, including the construction industry. Pursuant to the risk-based principle, the LD formulates and adjusts strategies for inspection and enforcement, publicity and promotion, as well as education and training to uplift the OSH performance. The Development Bureau (DEVB) from time to time reviews the safety management system of public works, being part of the construction industry, and adopts a multi-pronged approach by implementing measures on various fronts, including project design, tender evaluation, contract provisions, works supervision, technology application, regulation of contractors, as well as publicity and promotion, with a view to uplifting site safety performance of public works.
Having consulted the LD and the Legal Aid Department (LAD), the reply to various parts of the question is as follows:
(1) (i) According to the OSH statistics analysed by the type of accidents by the LD, the breakdown of the numbers of fatal and non-fatal industrial accident cases in the construction industry from 2020 to 2024 (by type of accidents) is at Annex 1.
Among the fatal industrial accident cases, the relevant statistics involving working on bamboo scaffolds and metal scaffolds are at Annex 2. The LD does not maintain relevant statistics on non-fatal industrial accident cases involving bamboo scaffolds and metal scaffolds.
The LAD is not in position to disclose the details of each individual case because of the restriction under the Personal Data (Privacy) Ordinance and the Legal Aid Ordinance also contains provisions maintaining confidentiality of information relating to an applicant or aided person.
The LD is planning to develop a “scaffold inspection checklist” for use by competent persons when inspecting scaffolds in order to strengthen the regulation of their inspection work under the OSH legislation and reduce the chance of making false statements on the approved forms.
To further promote the adoption of metal scaffolds, the DEVB recently required 50 per cent of new public works building works contracts of the Government, with tenders to be invited on or after March 21, 2025, to adopt metal scaffolds. Based on the new public works building works contracts in 2025, 50 per cent of new contracts means one to two new building works contracts. With experience gained, the DEVB will continue to maintain close communication with the construction industry and adopt a pragmatic attitude to encourage the industry to keep pace with the times and adopt metal scaffolds in a progressive manner. The Government has no intention to ban bamboo scaffolds and will continue to engage the industry and other relevant stakeholders to jointly explore measures from various aspects (including the application of technology) to enhance work safety of bamboo scaffolds.
In respect of regulating actions, if a contractor is involved in serious site safety incidents (irrespective of whether they occurred on public works sites or those of other public or private sector organisations), we will immediately suspend the contractor from tendering for public works contracts in accordance with the current regulating mechanism. Any tenders that the contractor has already submitted for public works contracts will not be considered during the regulating period. Following this, a Panel of Enquiry will be held to determine the need for further regulating actions against the contractor, including suspension from tendering or even removal from the approved lists.
In addition, if a contractor’s site safety performance is rated as “Very Poor” in the quarterly performance evaluation, its overall performance in the performance report will also be rated as “Very Poor”. If a contractor’s overall performance is rated as “Very Poor” for two consecutive quarters, we will suspend the contractor from tendering for public works contracts until its performance consistently meets satisfactory level. In general, upon receiving a “Very Poor” report, a contractor will implement effective improvement measures immediately. As for engineering consultants, we have a similar regulating mechanism in place as well.
Although some contractors or engineering consultants have been rated as having “Poor” or “Very Poor” overall performance, their performance has not yet met the threshold for triggering suspension of their tendering qualifications. However, under the current tender evaluation mechanism, a contractor’s past site safety performance, accident rate in public works contracts, and its records of serious site safety incidents (regardless of whether they occurred on public works sites or those of other public or private sector organisations) are key attributes assessed. These attributes make up about 30 per cent of the overall technical score. Therefore, if a contractor’s site safety performance is rated as “Poor” or “Very Poor”, the overall technical score of its tender will be lower, directly impacting its chance of winning future public works contracts. We will continue to review and enhance the performance evaluation and regulating systems for public works contractors and engineering consultants as needed.
When applying for admission to the approved lists, a contractor must fulfil a series of admission criteria, including project experience, site safety, financial capability, management, staff employment, and integrity, etc. In reviewing an application for admission, we consider the contractor’s relevant project experience, senior management, safety personnel and technical staff employed, financial capability (such as employed capital and working capital as reflected in audited financial statements in the past three years), and the past site safety performance of the company and relevant responsible persons. Therefore, it is not possible for a delisted contractor to easily regain approval simply by establishing a new company.
Cluster of Candida auris cases found in Kowloon Hospital
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:
The spokesperson for Kowloon Hospital (KH) made the following announcement today (June 25):
A 77-year-old female patient in a rehabilitation and extended care ward was confirmed to be carrying Candida auris on June 12 without signs of infection. In accordance with the prevailing infection control guidelines, the hospital commenced a contact tracing investigation. Four more female patients (aged 85 to 99) from the same ward were subsequently confirmed to be carrying Candida auris without signs of infection. Among the five patients, two patients have been discharged. One patient is in critical condition due to her underlying disease. The remaining two patients are now being treated in isolation at KH and are in stable condition.
The ward concerned has adopted the following enhanced infection control measures:
- Enhanced patient and environmental screening procedures;
- Applied stringent contact precautions and enhanced hand hygiene of staff and patients; and
- Thorough cleaning and disinfection of the ward concerned.
The hospital will continue the enhanced infection control measures and closely monitor the situation in the ward. The cases have been reported to the Hospital Authority Head Office and the Centre for Health Protection for necessary follow-up.
MOFA response to false claims regarding Taiwan in joint statement between Central Asian nations and China
Source: Republic of China Taiwan
MOFA response to false claims regarding Taiwan in joint statement between Central Asian nations and China
Date：2025-06-19
Data Source：Department of West Asian and African Affairs
June 19, 2025
Chinese leader Xi Jinping met with the presidents of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan from June 16 to 18 at the second China-Central Asia Summit in Astana, Kazakhstan. Following the summit, these nations and China jointly issued the Astana Declaration, which contains the spurious claim that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs solemnly refutes this statement and sternly protests against the Chinese communist regime for its repeated use of meetings with other nations’ leaders to publicly undermine Taiwan’s sovereignty as well as central Asian nations for uncritically accepting China’s statements that run contrary to the facts in downgrading Taiwan’s sovereignty.
MOFA reiterates that neither the Republic of China (Taiwan) nor the People’s Republic of China is subordinate to the other, that the Chinese communist regime has never governed Taiwan, and that no nation has the right or power to deny Taiwan’s existence via so-called joint statements. MOFA calls on Kazakhstan and other central Asian nations not to support false statements and endorse China’s aggressive intentions to disrupt regional peace and stability.
Taiwan’s sovereignty belongs to its people, and it is the people of Taiwan who will determine Taiwan’s future. Moreover, peace, stability, and prosperity must be jointly upheld by all nations of the world. Taiwan is a force for good in the international community and will continue to staunchly defend the values of freedom and democracy as it strengthens collaboration with democratic nations to halt authoritarian expansionism, defend cross-strait peace and security, and maintain a free and stable Indo-Pacific region.
MOFA response to UK naval vessel transiting Taiwan Strait
Source: Republic of China Taiwan
MOFA response to UK naval vessel transiting Taiwan Strait
Date：2025-06-19
Data Source：Department of European Affairs
June 19, 2025
On June 18, the UK Royal Navy patrol vessel HMS Spey transited the Taiwan Strait. Through this concrete action, the United Kingdom further defended freedom of navigation in the Taiwan Strait and demonstrated its firm position that the strait constitutes international waters. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomes and affirms the transit.
MOFA continues to encourage the United Kingdom and other like-minded countries to jointly safeguard cross-strait peace and stability, promote a free and open Indo-Pacific region, and maintain the rules-based international order.