Month: June 2025

Geographical constituency boundaries for 2025 Legislative Council General Election

The Chief Executive in Council has accepted all the recommendations of the Electoral Affairs Commission (EAC) regarding the boundaries and the names of geographical constituencies (GCs) for the eighth-term Legislative Council (LegCo) general election in 2025.

A Government spokesman said today (June 25) that the decision of the Chief Executive in Council would be effected by way of the Declaration of Geographical Constituencies (Legislative Council) Order 2025, which will be published in the Gazette on Friday (June 27) and tabled at the LegCo on July 2 for negative vetting.

The report of the EAC, submitted to the Chief Executive on June 13, was tabled at the LegCo today as required by law.

The EAC recommended, with the exception to include the Loop in the only contiguous New Territories North (LC7) GC, to maintain the boundaries of the nine remaining GCs, and to retain the existing names and codes of the 10 GCs. The 10 GCs are Hong Kong Island East (LC1), Hong Kong Island West (LC2), Kowloon East (LC3), Kowloon West (LC4), Kowloon Central (LC5), New Territories South East (LC6), New Territories North (LC7), New Territories North West (LC8), New Territories South West (LC9), and New Territories North East (LC10).

The EAC conducted a public consultation on its provisional recommendations on the GC boundaries from May 2 to 31 this year.

“Before making its final recommendations, the EAC has given careful consideration to all the representations received. The EAC also examined the content of the representations having regard to the relevant statutory requirements and working principles,” the spokesman said.

The EAC report is available for public viewing at the Home Affairs Enquiry Centres of all District Offices, the Registration and Electoral Office, and major and district public libraries during ordinary business hours starting from today. The content of the report can also be viewed on the EAC’s website (www.eac.hk).

LCSD to hold Sport For All Day 2025 and invite public to join

To promote “Sport for All”, the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) will hold the Sport For All Day (SFAD) 2025 on August 3 (Sunday). The public is welcome to join. The LCSD promotes “Stay Active, Healthy and Happy!” encouraging people of different ages and abilities to participate in regular sports and physical activities. With Hong Kong cohosting the 15th National Games (NG), the 12th National Games for Persons with Disabilities (NGD) and the 9th National Special Olympic Games (NSOG) with the Guangdong Province and the Macao Special Administrative Region for the first time, SFAD 2025’s theme, “Coalescing together for the National Games”, echoes these national sports events together with members of the public. On August 3, the LCSD will open a number of leisure facilities for public use free of charge, including indoor badminton courts, volleyball courts, basketball courts, squash courts, table tennis tables, fitness rooms, activity rooms, dance rooms, etc; outdoor tennis courts, bowling greens, archery ranges, golf facilities, etc; and public swimming pools and water sports centres (craft hiring). On the same day (from 2pm to 6pm), a series of free recreation and sports programmes promoting the items of the 15th NG, the 12th NGD and the 9th NSOG (such as golf, fencing, rugby sevens and triathlon) will be conducted at designated sports centres across the 18 districts. Activities will cover fitness items, health talks, sports demonstrations and a fun day for families, children, 25/06/2025, 11:04 LCSD to hold Sport For All Day 2025 and invite public to join https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202506/25/P2025062400251p.htm#:~:text=LCSD to hold Sport For All Day 2025 and invite public to join&text=To promot… 1/2 youngsters, the elderly and persons with disabilities. The arrangements for booking leisure facilities and distributing free activity coupons will be announced in midJuly. To further promote “Sport for All” in the community, the LCSD continues to collaborate with the Sports Federation & Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China (SF&OC), and is joining hands with the China Hong Kong Paralympic Committee (HKPC) to launch various activities at the SFAD 2025 prime venue. Many organisations will also open up their facilities or roll out recreation and sports programmes on August 3 for the public free of charge. The latest SFAD 2025 information will be provided on the dedicated website (www.lcsd.gov.hk/en/sfad). SFAD 2025 is co-organised by the SF&OC, the HKPC, Department of Health, the Sports Medicine Team of the Chinese University of Hong Kong, the Sports Medicine and Health Science Alumni Association of the Chinese University of Hong Kong, and the Physical Fitness Association of Hong Kong, China. Ends/Wednesday, June 25, 2025 Issued at HKT 11:05 NNNN

Special traffic and transport arrangements for Kai Tak Sports Park concerts on June 27 to 29

The Transport Department (TD) today (June 25) said that, to facilitate the holding of concerts at the Kai Tak Sports Park (KTSP) on the evenings of June 27 to 29, special traffic and transport arrangements will be implemented to provide convenience for spectators to travel to and from the KTSP. Concertgoers from the Mainland are urged to purchase tickets in advance, plan their journeys early and use the MTR or cross-boundary coach services. During the event period, as the traffic in the vicinity of the KTSP is expected to be heavy, concertgoers should opt for public transport, avoid driving or taking private cars (including cross-boundary private cars). The TD has co-ordinated with local and cross-boundary public transport operators to strengthen their services during dispersal. The MTR will enhance the interval between trains of the Tuen Ma Line (TML). Franchised bus companies will provide a total of 11 special bus routes at the Sung Wong Toi Road Pick-up/Drop-off Area (PUDOA) to Lok Ma Chau (San Tin) Public Transport Interchange (PTI), the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge (HZMB) Hong Kong Port and Airport, and major districts across the territory. In addition, the KTSP will arrange cross-boundary coach services during dispersal to facilitate travellers’ return to the Mainland via the Lok Ma Chau/Huanggang (LMC/HG) Port, the HZMB and the Shenzhen Bay Port. Passengers should purchase tickets in advance. On-site ticket 25/06/2025, 11:06 Special traffic and transport arrangements for Kai Tak Sports Park concerts on June 27 to 29 https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202506/25/P2025062400590p.htm 1/3 sales will not be available during dispersal. They should refer to the operators’ website (Eternal East Bus: www.myeebus.com/eebusfans; CTG Bus: m.hkctgbus.com/#/layout/home) for the latest ticket information. For taxi services, the Kai Tak Stadium Taxi PUDOA will be open for taxi pick-up and drop-off. The Sung Wong Toi Road PUDOA will be open for taxi drop-off only during admission (4pm to 7pm) and suspended from taxi pick-up/drop-off during dispersal. The expected waiting time will be longer amid an outflux of spectators and passengers’ patience is appreciated. Concertgoers who plan to return to the Mainland on the same day after the concert should pay special attention that, if they use the Lo Wu Control Point, they should catch the last relevant MTR TML train departing from Sung Wong Toi Station at 10.59pm and Kai Tak Station at 11.01pm, followed by interchanging at Tai Wai Station on the East Rail Line (ERL) to Lo Wu Station. Travellers should plan their journeys ahead and arrive at the station platform in advance. Travellers who opt for LMC/HG Port (operating 24 hours daily) may also take the ERL to Sheung Shui Station and then KMB route No. 276B or N73, or take the special bus route No. SP12 directly at the Sung Wong Toi Road PUDOA to the Lok Ma Chau (San Tin) PTI, and transfer to the LMC-HG crossboundary shuttle bus (Yellow Bus) for their journey to the Mainland. A spokesman for the TD said that, as a large number of travellers may use the LMC/HG Port after the concert, and concerts will also be held at AsiaWorld-Expo on the evening of June 28, the Port is expected to be very busy. Travellers’ patience is appreciated. To ensure the smooth operation 25/06/2025, 11:06 Special traffic and transport arrangements for Kai Tak Sports Park concerts on June 27 to 29 https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202506/25/P2025062400590p.htm 2/3 of public transport services, dedicated public transport lanes will be arranged at the LMC/HG Port after midnight during the event period when necessary for the smooth operation of the Yellow Bus and crossboundary coach services as well as effective dispersal of a large number of crossboundary travellers. Other cross-boundary private cars and their passengers are expected to have a longer clearance time. The TD has steered operators to reserve standby vehicles and manpower to meet passengers’ demand. Spectators are advised to heed the real-time information via the on-site broadcast and the “Easy Leave” platform (easyleave.police.gov.hk) as well as the latest traffic news through the TD’s website (www.td.gov.hk), the “HKeMobility” mobile application and radio and television broadcasts. Ends/Wednesday, June 25, 2025 Issued at HKT 10:00 NNNN

Cybersecurity Service Providers Connect Programme briefing webinar for service providers held today 
     The programme aims to strengthen the connection between cybersecurity service providers and local businesses and organisations, in particular small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), to assist in sourcing suitable cybersecurity solutions. After categorisation and vetting, the HKCERT will put the information of service providers meeting predefined requirements on a dedicated website to facilitate SMEs in sourcing and procuring suitable cybersecurity services. The related solutions mainly cover four service areas: Internet Security Solution, Cybersecurity Assessment Service, Managed Security and Incident Response Service, and Cybersecurity Training Service. Meanwhile, the programme also includes the provision of a cybersecurity resource hub, offering guidance on cybersecurity solutions and references for best practices in cybersecurity for SMEs.
 
     In addition to the programme, the DPO has also partnered with the Hong Kong Internet Registration Corporation Limited to launch the free and integrated security service “Cybersec One” in March 2025, helping participating organisations identify website vulnerabilities, conduct risk assessments, and provide solutions to empower local secondary schools and primary schools, non-governmental organisations and SMEs to strengthen their cybersecurity resilience in all dimensions. The DPO will continue to safeguard cybersecurity in Hong Kong through fostering industry collaboration and uniting diverse stakeholders, thus promoting the sustainable development of Hong Kong’s digital economy.
Issued at HKT 17:55

NNNN

Third application announced under New Industrialisation Acceleration Scheme supported by Vetting Committee and enhancement measure launched for New Industrialisation Funding Scheme 
At the same time, to further support enterprises in adopting smart manufacturing and to seize market opportunities, the ITC has introduced an enhancement to the New Industrialisation Funding Scheme (NIFS). For NIFS applications seeking funding support of no more than $2.8 million, they will be processed according to the newly established streamlined procedures to speed up the process of approving NIFS applications.
 
The Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Professor Sun Dong, said, “The Government actively promotes the development of new industrialisation through the NIAS and the NIFS, injecting new impetus into Hong Kong’s economy. We are pleased that enterprises are making use of the funding support from these two schemes to set up new smart production facilities in Hong Kong. Funded enterprises will bring to Hong Kong the relevant technologies and expertise of product manufacturing, driving the development of Hong Kong’s new industrialisation and diversified economy.”
 
The Government launched the NIAS in September 2024. The NIAS provides funding support on a 1 (Government): 2 (enterprise) matching basis for enterprises engaging in industries of strategic importance (i.e. life and health technology, AI and data science, advanced manufacturing and new energy technologies) and contributing no less than $200 million to setting up new smart production facilities in Hong Kong. For each project, the minimum total project cost is $300 million. Each enterprise can receive up to $200 million of funding under the NIAS. In addition, the Government encourages enterprises with approved projects under the NIAS to carry out research or increase their scale of research in Hong Kong by providing additional funding for them to engage research talent, as well as facilitating such enterprises in employing non-local talent required for setting up or operating the new production facilities in Hong Kong.
 
The NIFS aims to subsidise manufacturers on a 1 (Government): 2 (enterprise) matching basis to set up new smart production lines in Hong Kong. The funding ceiling for each project is one-third of the total project cost or $15 million, whichever is lower. Each enterprise can carry out up to three projects concurrently to receive a maximum total funding of up to $45 million under the NIFS.
 
The NIAS and the NIFS are open for applications throughout the year. Details are available on the website of the Innovation and Technology Fund (www.itf.gov.hkIssued at HKT 11:30

LCQ22: Technology Voucher Programme 
Question:
 
     The Innovation and Technology Commission (ITC) launched the Technology Voucher Programme (TVP) in 2016 to subsidise enterprises in using technological services on a matching basis to enhance their productivity. It has been reported that since the launch of TVP, a total of nearly 35 000 projects involving a total of over $6.2 billion of public funding have been approved. However, suspected abuse cases have been found in a number of projects, including: (i) individuals with the same name registering with different companies and repeatedly applying for subsidies for the research and development of the same projects, (ii) nearly 2 000 projects and over 1 000 projects being approved with the same funding amount (accurate to one decimal place and some economists have described the figures as rather “statistically odd”), (iii) some applicant companies are suspected of having no actual operational activity or having already closed down, and (iv) there are doubts about the time taken to complete the development of the approved projects (e.g. $180,000 was granted to a company that updated its website and developed its mobile phone application in a speedy manner within two days; there was also a case in which a company developed an “Intelligent Anatomical Model Measurement System” in 27 days and was granted $480,000), etc. This has aroused suspicion that there are loopholes in the monitoring of TVP. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
 
(1) whether the authorities have conducted random checks for subsidised projects granted under TVP in the past three years; if so, of the number and content of the random checks conducted and, among them, the respective numbers of applications suspected and confirmed to be abusive; if not, whether it will expeditiously activate the investigations in the light of the aforesaid media reports;
 
(2) in respect of each application involving abuse of public subsidies or even fraud under TVP, of the follow-up actions actually taken by the authorities and the respective amounts of subsidies successfully and unsuccessfully recovered in such cases;
 
(3) as the aforesaid reports have pointed out that some companies funded under TVP closed down shortly after receiving grants, of the measures put in place by the authorities to eradicate this situation; whether enterprises receiving approved grants will be required to regularly submit data on the use of technology projects/systems for monitoring purposes; and
 
(4) whether the authorities will conduct a comprehensive review of TVP’s effectiveness since its implementation; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that; whether they have assessed the actual increase in productivity, competitiveness and entrepreneurial return achieved by enterprises that applied for subsidies after upgrading their technological level?
 
Reply:
 
President,
 
     In response to the Hon Paul Tse’s question, our consolidated reply is as follows:
 
     The Government ceased accepting new applications for the Technology Voucher Programme (TVP) after December 31, 2024. To ensure proper use of public funds, the Hong Kong Productivity Council as the TVP Secretariat (the Secretariat) has been rigorously reviewing the applications, final project reports and supplementary information submitted by the applicants, and conducting random on-site checks on individual projects in order to ensure that the applications are eligible for funding and that the project deliverables conform to relevant requirements. When submitting TVP applications, every applicant must provide documentary evidence proving its substantive business operations in Hong Kong. Relevant documents include information on business operations, financial operations and employment. If any suspicious cases are identified, Innovation and Technology Commission will immediately withhold processing the relevant cases, cease disbursing any payments, and refer them to law enforcement agencies for follow-up. 
 
     After rigorous review by the Secretariat, each eligible TVP application will be assessed based on individual merits and considered on a case-by-case basis. According to the TVP Guidance Notes, the TVP Committee/the Secretariat will assess whether the project budget is reasonable by making reference to market prices of the technologies as known to them. If a project is worthy of support in principle but the project budget is higher than the estimated price, the Secretariat will, on a modular basis, adjust the level of funding with reference to the project cost approved by the TVP Committee. Therefore, projects/technological solutions of similar nature and scale (e.g. Enterprise Resource Planning System) will have the same approved amounts after the aforementioned adjustments. In addition, since the amount of funding is calculated on the basis of the funding ratio, there may be odd cents after the calculation.
 
     TVP has established rigorous checking mechanism to verify whether the approved projects are implemented. Applicants are required to implement the project in accordance with the approved application and funding agreement, and submit a final project report to the Secretariat upon completion of the project, together with evidence of deliverables (such as hardware photos and system screen captures), copy of invoice(s) and corresponding receipt(s) in relation to the payment for each expenditure item, an audited statement of income and expenditure for the project from an independent auditor (if the approved funding exceeds HK$50,000)/a final income and expenditure statement prepared by the applicant (if the approved funding is HK$50,000 or below). The Secretariat will also conduct random on-site checks on individual projects, requiring applicants to demonstrate the developed technological solutions on the spot so as to verify whether they comply with the requirements of the approved application and the TVP. Taking the cases with “progress issues” mentioned by media report and quoted in the question as an example, the final reports failed to pass the Secretariat’s assessment and no funding was disbursed.
 
     According to the TVP funding agreement, applicants are required to keep the relevant hardware and software for at least one year after project completion, and keep a proper and separate set of books and records for the project for seven years after project completion for checking. The Secretariat will conduct random checks on applicants to see if they comply with the relevant requirements.  
 
     In the past three years, the Secretariat has conducted random on-site checks on 1 860 projects and referred 15 suspicious cases to law enforcement agencies for follow-up. The Secretariat will recover the funding from applicants convicted in the cases. As the investigations/judicial proceedings by the law enforcement agencies are still ongoing, we have no record of funding recovery for the time being.
 
     To assess the effectiveness of the TVP on the funded enterprises/organisations, we require enterprises/organisations to submit evaluation reports six months after project completion on whether the project could achieve the objectives of improving productivity, or upgrading or transforming their business processes. As at end-2024, 8 587 of the funded enterprises/organisations with completed projects had submitted evaluation reports to the Secretariat. Ninety-nine per cent of them were of the view that the projects were conducive to enhancing their competitiveness. Specific benefits include saving manpower, time and/or cost, increasing revenue, and upgrading/transforming/streamlining business processes.
 
     The Government conducted a fundamental review on the TVP in 2024 and considered that the programme has achieved its original intent. In recent years, the Government has continued to strengthen support measures for different industries, and many bureaux and departments have introduced more targeted funding schemes dedicated to the specific conditions or operational needs of individual industries. It was therefore decided that TVP would cease accepting new applications after December 31, 2024.
 
The Secretariat will continue to review and enhance the vetting procedures of TVP so as to process the outstanding cases. In view of the large number of applications received before the deadline on December 31, 2024, the Secretariat has adopted a stringent vetting approach, requiring applicants to provide documents to prove that they have substantive business operations, the procurement procedures meet the requirements, and the budget and other details of the proposed technological solutions are reasonable and realistic. The Secretariat will continue to rigorously review the documents submitted by applicants for each application to ensure proper use of public funds.
Issued at HKT 11:30

NNNN