Month: June 2025

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     The Registered Contractors’ Disciplinary Board has completed a disciplinary inquiry under the Buildings Ordinance (BO) and decided that a Registered General Building Contractor (RGBC) and its Authorized Signatory (AS) should be disciplined for having been negligent and/or misconducted themselves in building works (including foundation and superstructure works).

     The Board ordered the RGBC to be fined $170,000, and the AS be reprimanded. Also, the RGBC and its AS are to pay $148,200 extra in total, being the costs of the Board and the Buildings Department (BD) for conducting the inquiry. 

     The Board’s written decision and order issued on June 10, was published in the Gazette today (June 20). Details are available at the following link: www.gld.gov.hk/egazette/pdf/20252925/egn202529253644.pdf.

     The case involved a construction site at Tai Shu Ha Road West in Yuen Long. Upon investigation by the BD, it was found that the RGBC and its AS had knowledge of the construction of unauthorised concrete walls below the ground floor of all houses and the club house at the site, which deviated from the approved plans in a material way. In view of the investigation results, the BD notified the Board for its consideration of disciplinary action against the RGBC and its AS under the provisions of sections 13(1) and 13(3) of the BO.

     A spokesperson for the BD reiterated that any registered contractors who have been negligent or have misconducted themselves in building works may be subject to disciplinary action under the BO.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

​The Government today (June 20) published in the Gazette the District Cooling Services Ordinance (Amendment of Schedules 1 and 2) Notice 2025. The Notice seeks to revise the service area of the Kai Tak District Cooling System (DCS) and include the DCS in Kwu Tung North New Development Area (Kwu Tung North) and Tung Chung New Town Extension (East) (Tung Chung East) in the scope of the District Cooling Services Ordinance (Cap. 624) (the Ordinance).
 
A spokesperson for the Environment and Ecology Bureau said, “The amendments will adjust the service area of the Kai Tak DCS by including the redevelopment area surrounded by To Kwa Wan Road, Ma Tau Kok Road, Mok Cheong Street and Kowloon City Road, as well as potential user buildings of the DCS surrounded by Wang Kwong Road and Kai Cheung Road, so that the Kai Tak DCS may serve more non-domestic developments in the vicinity. In addition, the two DCS projects in Kwu Tung North and Tung Chung East are expected to be completed in 2026 and 2027 respectively. The amendments will include the two DCS projects in the scope of the Ordinance, including their capacity charge rates and consumption charge rates, to ensure the timely provision of district cooling services in Kwu Tung North and Tung Chung East. The charges, which are subject to annual adjustments according to the changes in the Composite Consumer Price Index and electricity tariff, aim to recover the capital cost and the operating cost of the DCS respectively.”
 
The Government will table the Notice before the Legislative Council at its sitting on June 25. Upon the completion of negative vetting, the amendments will come into effect on September 5.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     The Government published in the Gazette today (June 20) the Prevention of Bribery Ordinance (Amendment of Schedules 1 and 2) Order 2025 (the Amendment Order), which takes effect on the same day. The Amendment Order aims to put the Hong Kong Investment Corporation Limited (HKIC) and three financial infrastructure-related institutions (namely, the Hong Kong FMI Services Limited (HKFMI), the OTC Clearing Hong Kong Limited (OTC Clear) and the CMU OmniClear Limited (CMU OmniClear)) under the regulatory regime of the Prevention of Bribery Ordinance (Cap. 201) (the Ordinance).
 
     The Amendment Order specifies the HKIC, the HKFMI, the OTC Clear and the CMU OmniClear as public bodies that are subject to various restrictions under the Ordinance. Furthermore, persons doing business with the four public bodies are subject to the relevant sections of the Ordinance.
 
     A spokesperson for the Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau said, “The HKIC is entrusted by the Government to support the development of innovation and technology, as well as strategic industries in Hong Kong through investment. The other three financial infrastructure-related institutions have public functions to manage and operate financial market infrastructures. In view of the important role played by the four public bodies in Hong Kong’s financial system and economic development, it is in the public interest to cover them under the regulation of the Ordinance.”
 
     The Amendment Order will be tabled at the Legislative Council on June 25 for negative vetting.
 

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

The “Immersive Hong Kong” roving exhibition, organised by the Information Services Department (ISD) of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region to showcase the charm and vibrancy of Hong Kong through interactive art technology, opened in Shanghai today (June 19). 

     Co-organised by the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Shanghai (Shanghai ETO) and with the theme of “Hong Kong – Where the World Looks Ahead”, the exhibition invites visitors from Shanghai and the Yangtze River Delta to explore the unique opportunities and potential for tourism, education, business and investment in Hong Kong. 
     Visitors may also enjoy Hong Kong’s vibrant and colourful skyline, illustrated by Hong Kong artist Messy Desk (Jane Lee), at a photo corner in the venue. Promotional videos on Hong Kong and digital panels with information about the city, as well as insights from Mainland companies about their experiences in Hong Kong, are also on display, explaining why the city is one of the most desirable places to visit, study, live, work and invest.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

CPC Central Committee Hong Kong & Macao Work Office Director and State Council Hong Kong & Macao Affairs Office Director Xia Baolong today met patriotic groups and representatives of higher education institutions in the city, and visited local cultural and tourism spots.

In the morning, Mr Xia, in the company of Chief Executive John Lee and Secretary for Home & Youth Affairs Alice Mak, held an engagement session with patriotic groups dedicated to the nation and Hong Kong.

The session was attended by representatives from political and community groups with an affection for the country and the city.

In the afternoon, Mr Xia, accompanied by Mr Lee and Secretary for Education Choi Yuk-lin, attended another engagement session to exchange views with representatives of Hong Kong’s major higher education institutions, including chairmen of university councils and university presidents.

Mr Xia then visited the Kai Tak Sports Park with Mr Lee, Chief Secretary Chan Kwok-ki and Secretary for Culture, Sports & Tourism Rosanna Law, touring Kai Tak Stadium and Kai Tak Gallery.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The “Immersive Hong Kong” roving exhibition, showcasing the charm and vibrancy of Hong Kong through interactive art technology, opened in Shanghai today and will run until June 29.

With the theme of “Hong Kong – Where the World Looks Ahead”, the exhibition invites visitors from Shanghai and the Yangtze River Delta to explore the unique opportunities and potential for tourism, education, business and investment in Hong Kong.

The five thematic zones – “Financial Bridgehead”, “I&T Brain Bank”, “Blossoming Creativity”, “Diversity and Greenery” and “Buzzing Sports Action” – feature multiple interactive art projections, light box installations and naked-eye 3D displays, representing the multifaceted appeal of Hong Kong.

Director of Information Services Apollonia Liu introduced the highlights of the exhibition at the opening ceremony today, saying that the thematic zone “Buzzing Sports Action” was especially set up to serve as pre-event publicity for the 15th National Games to be co-hosted by Hong Kong, Guangdong and Macau in November.

She also noted that China’s national treasures, giant pandas, are featured in naked-eye 3D displays and interactive games for the first time, inviting visitors to experience the vibrancy of Hong Kong as an “events capital”.

Mrs Liu hoped that the exhibition could attract people from the Mainland to learn more about Hong Kong and spark their interest in visiting the city, and come to Hong Kong in future for business and investment, employment and entrepreneurship, injecting impetus to the further growth of Hong Kong.

Visitors may also enjoy Hong Kong’s vibrant and colourful skyline, illustrated by Hong Kong artist Messy Desk (Jane Lee), at a photo corner in the venue. Two young talented Hong Kong musicians will also perform at the exhibition venue.

There will also be an interactive game where winners will receive will a pair of round-trip business class air tickets or economy class air tickets from Shanghai to Hong Kong.

Organised by the Information Services Department, this is the sixth stop for the exhibition, following its successful staging in cities in the Mainland, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and the Middle East since 2023.

The exhibition is being held at Xintiandi Style I, a major Hong Kong-based shopping centre in Shanghai. It will also be held in Qingdao and Chengdu, also Mainland key node cities along the Belt & Road, later this year.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Following is the speech by the Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, at the Australian Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong 37th Annual Awards Dinner today (June 19):

Josephine (Chair of the Australian Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong, Ms Josephine Orgill), Consul-General Gareth Williams (Consul-General of Australia to Hong Kong and Macao), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

Good evening. It is a pleasure to be with you tonight as we celebrate the 37th anniversary of AustCham in Hong Kong. 

Let me begin by extending my heartfelt congratulations to you all. For nearly four decades, you have evolved from a casual lunch club into the largest offshore Australian Chamber of Commerce.

And through your Community Awards, you not only honour excellence in sustainability, women’s leadership, sports, entertainment and entrepreneurship; you have also strengthened the vibrant ties between Hong Kong and Australia.

We value your friendship, your contributions and your wise counsel over the years.

Tonight’s celebration brings back fond memories of my visit to Australia last September. I was moved by the energy, the innovation and the genuine enthusiasm of Australian businesses to deepen collaboration with Hong Kong. The potential for partnership is vast and growing.

     Trade and investment are cornerstones of our relationship. Since the Hong Kong–Australia Free Trade Agreement and the Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement came into force in 2020, our economic ties have continued to flourish. The merchandise trade between us grew by 5 per cent year-on-year in the first quarter this year.

And we have a diverse and vibrant community of about 160 Australian companies in Hong Kong who have contributed to the dynamism of the city’s business scene and economic progress. And the 10 000 Australian nationals residing in Hong Kong, who have brought with them experience and expertise in various fields ranging from finance and education to legal services, construction engineering and more.

For example, I trust you would be proud of the significant involvement of Australian companies in the building and management of our world-class Kai Tak Sports Park.

As a staunch advocate of free trade, Hong Kong is eager to contribute more to regional trade and economic integration. Our application to join RCEP, the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, underscores that commitment. We are grateful for AustCham’s support all the way, and we look forward to Australia’s active endorsement as well.

In a world challenged by rising unilateralism and protectionism, like-minded economies must come together. Hong Kong and Australia share a firm commitment to a rules-based multilateral trading system. That shared belief is the foundation for stronger co-operation and mutual prosperity.

Of course, our ties go beyond trade. Our people-to-people exchanges are thriving. In the first five months of this year, nearly 200 000 Australian visitors came to Hong Kong, a 35 per cent increase year-on-year. These visits not only help promote mutual understanding, but also lay the foundation for long-term collaboration in business and beyond.

     Ladies and gentlemen, looking into the future, Hong Kong continues to offer a world-class and unique platform for Australian companies seeking access to the vast Chinese Mainland market.

     Our commitment to the “one country, two systems” framework remains firm and steadfast. This is the foundation that underpins our competitiveness. As consistently acknowledged in various international rankings, Hong Kong continues to perform well in government efficiency, business environment, rule of law, infrastructure and connectivity, quality education, lifestyle and more. These strengths have made Hong Kong a highly attractive destination for global businesses.

Indeed, in recent months we have seen a notable inflow of international capital into Hong Kong. Our stock market is gaining momentum, and bank deposits have risen by over 7 per cent last year, and another 4 per cent so far this year, reaching HK$18 trillion. These are strong indicators of renewed confidence in our markets and the opportunities offered by this city.

In March, a new amendment to the Mainland and Hong Kong Closer Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) came into force. This brings good news for Australian businesses. Two key highlights: first, Australian companies established in Hong Kong can benefit from immediate priority access to the Mainland market. Second, they can opt for common law and choose Hong Kong as the place of arbitration for eligible contracts within the Greater Bay Area.

Hong Kong is also charting an ambitious path forward. From major infrastructure projects like the Northern Metropolis, to innovation and technology development, to deeper economic integration with the Greater Bay Area, the opportunities are vast. We warmly welcome our Australian friends to be part of this exciting journey.

In closing, I would like to thank AustCham once again for your continued partnership and support. Congratulations to all award recipients this evening. Your achievements inspire us all.

Enjoy the dinner, and have a wonderful evening ahead. Thank you.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Government today raised the outbound travel alert for Israel and Iran to black in view of the latest developments there.

It advised Hong Kong residents to avoid all travel to Israel and Iran. Those already there should attend to their personal safety and leave or relocate to relatively safe regions immediately.

The Security Bureau will continue to closely monitor the situation in Israel and Iran and issue updates through the media, the bureau’s mobile app and its outbound travel alert webpage.

In addition to attending to their personal safety, the bureau advised Hong Kong residents in Israel and Iran to pay attention to announcements made by local authorities and the Chinese Embassy there.

Hong Kong residents in Israel and Iran who need assistance can call the Immigration Department’s 24-hour hotline at (852) 1868, call the 1868 hotline using network data or use the 1868 Chatbot via the department’s mobile app.

They can also send a message to the 1868 WhatsApp assistance hotline or 1868 WeChat assistance hotline or submit an online assistance request form.

Alternatively, they may contact the local Chinese Embassy by calling the Embassy in Israel at (972) 35459520 or the Embassy in Iran at (98) 9122176035.

Hong Kong residents are encouraged to use the online Registration of Outbound Travel Information service to register their contact details and itinerary when outside Hong Kong.

The information provided allows the Immigration Department to disseminate practical information to them through appropriate means on a timely basis when necessary.