Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Thematic Household Survey Report No. 82 published
This publication contains key findings on information technology usage and penetration based on the Thematic Household Survey conducted from April to August 2024.
The survey results showed that the majority of households (96.7%) had Internet access at home in 2024. Among these households, smartphone was the most popular type of device used for Internet connection at home (99.9%), followed by personal computer (74.4%).
Usage of the Internet remained popular. The rate of persons aged 10 and over having used the Internet during the 12 months before enumeration was 95.8% in 2024, while the corresponding rate in 2023 was 96.0%. In addition, the popularity of smartphones remained at a high level. The smartphone penetration rate was 96.3% in 2024, comparable with the corresponding rate in 2023.
The usage of mobile payments was also common in Hong Kong. In 2024, 65.6% of persons aged 15 and over had used mobile payments during the 12 months before enumeration, while the corresponding rate in 2023 was 64.9%.
Other information
The survey successfully enumerated target respondents in some 10 100 households in accordance with a scientific sampling scheme to represent the population of Hong Kong.
Detailed findings of the survey, together with the population coverage and concepts/definitions of key terms, are presented in the publication. Users can browse and download the publication at the website of the C&SD (www.censtatd.gov.hk/en/EIndexbySubject.html?pcode=B1130201&scode=453Issued at HKT 16:30
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Hong Kong Customs special operation combats use of counterfeit devices by beauty parlours to provide beauty and slimming treatments (with photo)
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Hong Kong Customs special operation combats use of counterfeit devices by beauty parlours to provide beauty and slimming treatments (with photo)
Customs earlier received information alleging that suspected counterfeit devices were being used by beauty parlours to provide beauty and slimming treatments for customers. After an in-depth investigation and with the assistance of the trademark owner, Customs officers took enforcement action and raided three beauty parlours in Lai Chi Kok, Mong Kok and Tsim Sha Tsui yesterday. Three suspected counterfeit beauty and slimming devices were seized at the beauty parlours.
During the operation, four women aged between 27 and 56 were arrested for being suspected of contravening the Trade Descriptions Ordinance. Two of them are shop owners and two are employees. An investigation is ongoing, and the likelihood of further arrests is not ruled out.
Customs will continue to take stringent law enforcement action and collaborate with relevant trademark owners to closely monitor the market situation with a view to fighting against the use of counterfeit goods for the purpose of trade.
Customs reminds traders to be cautious and prudent in merchandising since possession of counterfeit goods for any purpose of trade is a serious crime, and offenders are liable to criminal sanctions. Consumers are also reminded to make purchases at reputable shops and to check with the trademark owners or their authorised agents if the authenticity of a product is in doubt.
Under the Ordinance, any person who possesses for the purpose of trade any goods with a forged trademark commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $500,000 and imprisonment for five years.
Members of the public may report any suspected counterfeiting activities to Customs’ 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hkIssued at HKT 15:35
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Regional workshop on anti-money laundering co-organised by Hong Kong Customs and University of Hong Kong concludes (with photos)
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The four-day Regional Workshop on AML Frameworks: Tackling Traditional and Modern Challenges in the Digital Age (Workshop), co-organised by Hong Kong Customs and the University of Hong Kong (HKU), started on June 9 and concluded today (June 12). This Workshop brought together over 60 participants from customs administrations, government agencies, international organisations, law enforcement agencies and academia across Hong Kong and the Asia-Pacific (A/P) region.
Following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with HKU at the International Forum on Combating Money Laundering and Transnational Organized Crimes in December last year, the Workshop was held to further strengthen Customs’ capacity in anti-money laundering (AML) enforcement with particular focus on risks and trends of virtual assets.
In his closing remarks today, the Assistant Commissioner of Customs and Excise (Intelligence and Investigation), Mr Wong Ho-yin, highlighted the Workshop’s success in enriching knowledge, fostering regional co-operation, and building critical connections among law enforcement agencies, academia, and industry. He reaffirmed that adaptability, international collaboration and capacity building were crucial to mitigating the risks of financial crimes. Participants should work on the groundwork laid for closer regional partnerships by the Workshop to promote intelligence sharing and support cross-boundary investigations and enforcement co-operation.
The Dean of Engineering of HKU, Professor David Srolovitz, emphasised the timeliness of this Workshop in the age of rapid digital transformation and the importance of uniting academia, technology developers, law enforcement authorities, government, and the financial industry to address the complexities of financial crimes today. HKU Engineering, he said, remains dedicated to driving innovation and education to empower professionals to create a secure and transparent financial future.
The Workshop featured a comprehensive programme with leading experts and practitioners delivering lectures on a wide range of topics including AML strategies and emerging typologies, regulation of virtual assets, crypto-related crime investigations, application of regtech in financial crime prevention, and international co-operation in AML/counter-terrorist financing.
As the World Customs Organization (WCO) Vice-Chair for the A/P region and the WCO Regional Training Centre in the A/P region, Hong Kong Customs strives to connect with local and overseas law enforcement agencies to foster knowledge exchanges and capacity building in AML, contributing to a safer and more resilient financial environment across the A/P region.
Under Secretary for Health chairs third meeting of Steering Committee on Health and Medical Innovation Development (with photos)
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Under Secretary for Health chairs third meeting of Steering Committee on Health and Medical Innovation Development Issued at HKT 17:40
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MOEA’s 2025 Industrial Innovation Joint Awards Ceremony: National Industrial Innovation Award and National Invention and Creation Award Showcase Taiwan’s Excellence in Innovation
Source: Republic of China Taiwan
The Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) held its flagship innovation event of the year today (June 10), featuring the joint award ceremony for the National Industrial Innovation Award and the National Invention and Creation Award. A total of 92 outstanding achievements were recognized, spotlighting Taiwan’s robust capabilities in semiconductors, AI, healthcare, and sustainability. Premier Cho Jung-tai called on award recipients to continue driving innovation forward and contribute lasting momentum to Taiwan’s economic growth. This year’s Distinguished Innovation Award in the Organization Category went to Realtek Semiconductor, Onyx Healthcare, and ITRI’s Biomedical Technology and Device Research Laboratories. Four government agencies were also honored for their contributions to policy innovation and regional industry development. Their achievements exemplify the strong synergy among Taiwan’s industry, government, academia, and research sectors in propelling the nation’s economic future.
In his remarks, Premier Cho highlighted Taiwan’s impressive ranking of 8th among 67 countries in the latest IMD World Competitiveness Ranking. He also noted that Taiwan ranks 3rd globally in both total R&D expenditure and business R&D expenditure as a percentage of GDP. These rankings reflect the deepening commitment from both public and private sectors to investing in research and development-efforts that have earned consistent international recognition. In tandem with promoting the Five Trusted Industry Sectors, relevant ministries and agencies are currently drafting a “Top 10 AI Infrastructure Projects” program aimed at accelerating the next wave of AI development in Taiwan by scaling up industrial applications, integrating AI across various sectors, and facilitating AI adoption in both industry and government, ultimately building the most comprehensive AI supply chain. Meanwhile, this year saw the addition of a Government Agencies category, introduced to encourage government bodies to champion an innovative mindset, foster close collaboration with industry, and deliver tangible benefits for the public. Premier Cho concluded by emphasizing the shared goal of Taiwan’s domestic industry: to maintain our global leadership in semiconductor manufacturing. He urged the industry to adopt a “Taiwan plus” approach that anchors investments in Taiwan while expanding global reach and competitiveness.
Minister of Economic Affairs J.W. Kuo noted that the 9th National Industrial Innovation Award recognized 25 organizations, 8 teams, and 19 individuals from a total of 305 entries-a remarkable display of Taiwan’s innovation prowess. In semiconductors and AI, Realtek Semiconductor leads the global market in Ethernet chipsets and is expanding its core technologies into automotive and smart healthcare applications through diverse products and patents. Kneron, on the other hand, is advancing practical uses of large language models by offering powerful Edge AI computing solutions worldwide. In the healthcare arena, ITRI’s Biomedical Technology and Device Research Laboratories have pioneered a Virtual-Physical Integration Innovation Cross-Domain Platform for Digital Healthcare, energizing Taiwan’s push toward digital innovation. On the net-zero sustainability front, TSMC has built a world-leading zero-waste manufacturing center, cutting carbon emissions by more than 40,000 tons each year in support of a circular green economy. Formosa Chemicals & Fibre Corp is also contributing to global sustainability through its marine waste recycling technology.
Minister Kuo commended the 40 recipients of the National Invention and Creation Award, selected from 418 entries. With half of the winning entries from enterprises, it underscores the importance of strategic patent deployment in Taiwan’s industrial sector. These innovations span a broad range of fields, including 5G, smart AI healthcare, assistive devices for seniors, agricultural sensing, and smart living applications, all helping to cement Taiwan’s leadership in future-ready patent development.
Beyond celebrating industrial innovation, this year’s award ceremony also embraced social care and human connection. The MOEA specially invited the choir from Baolai Junior High School in Kaohsiung’s Liouguei District to perform, with the hope of inspiring greater support for education in rural communities. Looking to the future, the MOEA reaffirms its role as a guiding force that unites industry, government, academia, and research institutions to forge an even more competitive economic landscape for Taiwan on the global stage.
Sun Dong headed to Europe
Source: Hong Kong Information Services
Secretary for Innovation, Technology & Industry Prof Sun Dong will depart for a visit to France and the Netherlands this evening to strengthen Hong Kong’s ties and co-operation in innovation and technology (I&T) with the two countries.
Prof Sun will attend Viva Technology 2025 (VivaTech) in Paris, France, and deliver a keynote speech on “From Hong Kong to the World: Embarking on the New Journey of Innovation” at a seminar and networking reception organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council.
VivaTech, being held from June 11 to 14, is Europe’s annual startup and technology event that brings together startups, tech leaders, corporates and investors to drive I&T and business collaboration.
During the visit, Prof Sun will also meet leaders of the local I&T sector as well as technology enterprises and tour the I&T and advanced manufacturing enterprises there.
Prof Sun will return to Hong Kong on June 18. During his absence, Under Secretary for Innovation, Technology & Industry Lillian Cheong will be Acting Secretary.
Special announcement on fire in Fanling
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Attention TV and radio duty announcers:
Please broadcast the following special announcement as soon as possible, and repeat it at suitable intervals:
A fire broke out at a recycling site in Ping Che, Fanling, at 4.17pm today (June 12). The Fire Services Department is conducting a firefighting operation.
Members of the public who are being affected by the smoke and an unusual odour carried by the wind are advised to close their doors and windows and stay calm.
Government welcomes International Financial Reporting Standards Foundation’s publication of jurisdictional profiles on adoption of ISSB Standards
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The Government welcomes the publication of jurisdictional profiles by the International Financial Reporting Standards Foundation (IFRS Foundation) today (June 12), which confirms Hong Kong as among the initial set of jurisdictions having set a target of fully adopting the International Financial Reporting Standards – Sustainability Disclosure Standards (ISSB Standards). This demonstrates Hong Kong’s commitment to enhancing the transparency of information on sustainable development in capital markets, enabling investors to make investment decisions and promoting global capital flows.
The Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr Christopher Hui, said, “The IFRS Foundation’s confirmation of Hong Kong as among the initial set of jurisdictions having set a target of fully adopting the ISSB Standards affirms Hong Kong’s efforts and determination in supporting and promoting a common international language in sustainability disclosures. It also demonstrates Hong Kong’s strengths in the field of sustainable finance, helping to consolidate Hong Kong’s position as an international sustainable finance hub. As a leading international financial centre, Hong Kong will continue to be at the forefront in aligning with international standards and promoting market best practices.”
The Hong Kong Institute of Certified Public Accountants published in December last year the Hong Kong Sustainability Disclosure Standards (Hong Kong Standards) that are fully aligned with the ISSB Standards, with an effective date of August 1, 2025. The Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau (FSTB) also launched in the same month last year the Roadmap on Sustainability Disclosure in Hong Kong (Roadmap), which sets out Hong Kong’s approach to require publicly accountable entities (PAEs) to adopt the ISSB Standards, and provides a well-defined pathway for large PAEs to fully adopt the ISSB Standards no later than 2028. The FSTB will continue to collaborate with financial regulators and stakeholders to promote the development of a comprehensive sustainability disclosure ecosystem in Hong Kong through a holistic approach and support the implementation of the Hong Kong Standards. The full text of the Roadmap can be viewed at the FSTB website (www.fstb.gov.hk/fsb/en/publication/report/docs/FSTB_Roadmap2024_eBooklet_EN.pdf).
“Summer of Light: Cinematic Adventure” to take children on wonderful cinematic journey (with photos)
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
“Summer of Light: Cinematic Adventure” to take children on wonderful cinematic journey
Issued at HKT 16:56
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RGC Forum highlights Hong Kong’s commitment to research endeavours
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
RGC Forum highlights Hong Kong’s commitment to research endeavours
Speaking at the opening session of the Forum, Dr Sze said that the Government attaches great importance to investing in education and developing strategies and initiatives to establish a comprehensive research and development policy framework to ensure Hong Kong remains technologically and economically equipped for future challenges. Through strengthening support for researchers and cultivating a research-centric environment, Hong Kong’s long-term competitiveness will be elevated by strong research competence, thereby upholding Hong Kong’s status as a world-class city and an international hub for higher education.
“We firmly support funding research projects and activities across the eight UGC-funded universities, as well as the self-financing degree sector. With the backing of the RGC, numerous research initiatives are in progress, aiming at nurturing research capabilities, fostering a conducive research atmosphere and delving into uncharted realms of knowledge,” he added.
Dr Sze highlighted that, to attract more exceptional students to study and conduct research in Hong Kong, the quota of the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme will increase to 400 places in the 2025/26 academic year. As a metropolis with a unique blend of Eastern and Western cultures, Hong Kong attracts a rich variety of top scholars with vast international experience; some 70 per cent of them come from outside Hong Kong. The high degree of internationalism not only provides a solid foundation for Hong Kong’s academic and research excellence, but also elevates Hong Kong’s status as a global centre for education.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the RGC, Professor Timothy W Tong, highlighted the RGC’s commitment to promoting high-quality and impactful research, as well as the Council’s endeavours in working with the research community to advance knowledge discovery and bring benefits to Hong Kong society.
“The unwavering pursuit of research excellence by the Hong Kong academia underpins the city’s position as a vibrant international hub for higher education. Notwithstanding the continuous increase in the number of research projects in recent years, it is heartening to note that the overall quality of the research proposals has remained meritorious and highly competitive, which demonstrates the steadfastness of our research community,” said Professor Tong.
The Forum featured engaging presentations by the RGC Panel Chairs and their representatives, who shared observations on research funding applications in the latest round of the exercise, pointers for crafting competitive research proposals as well as the latest trends and developments in their respective research fields. The Forum concluded with an interactive question and answer session, which further enriched the discussions.
Issued at HKT 16:45
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