Month: June 2025

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HKMoA’s new exhibition unveils and showcases three preeminent collections in Hong Kong for first time (with photos)

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

The Hong Kong Museum of Art (HKMoA) will launch the exhibition “The Pride of Hong Kong: Three Preeminent Collections of Ancient Paintings and Calligraphies” from June 11 to October 7, converging for the first time treasures from three world-class collections – Xubaizhai, established by the late renowned local collector Low Chuck-tiew; Chih Lo Lou, by Ho Iu-kwong; and Bei Shan Tang, by Lee Jung-sen, which are highly revered locally and internationally. Ninety-three sets of masterpieces from the Tang to the Qing dynasties will be exhibited, showcasing Hong Kong’s golden age of collecting. 

The exhibition, presented by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department, is jointly organised by the HKMoA and the Art Museum of the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK). Addressing the opening ceremony held today (June 10), the Director of Leisure and Cultural Services, Ms Manda Chan, said that in the mid-20th century, Chinese national treasures were featured in a large quantity in Hong Kong. Foreign art dealers and collectors were highly enthusiastic to acquire these treasures. With the resolve to retain these embodiments of Chinese heritage on home soil, the three collectors were determined to collect ancient Chinese masterpieces. The three world-class private treasured collections, namely Xubaizhai, Chih Lo Lou and Bei Shan Tang, were thus built up. Moreover, the three collectors and their families donated their invaluable collections to the HKMoA and the Art Museum of the CUHK for exhibition and educational purposes, providing the public with the opportunity to appreciate Chinese painting and calligraphy. The three collectors and their families, committed to preserving and promoting Chinese culture, have demonstrated their honourable generosity.

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Housing Authority recognises outstanding estate management services contractors and frontline staff (with photos)

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Housing Authority recognises outstanding estate management services contractors and frontline staff  
     The HA introduced a new award this year to recognise the significant contributions of outstanding frontline staff on combating tenancy abuse, in appreciation of their efforts in safeguarding this valuable housing resource.
 
     Officiating at the presentation ceremony, the Deputy Director of Housing (Estate Management), Mr Ricky Yeung, said, “Public housing resources are precious and should be allocated appropriately and rationally to those in genuine need of housing. The HA has been committed to combating tenancy abuse in public housing. We are encouraging services contractors to collaborate with us in safeguarding these housing resources.
 
     “We have implemented a reward mechanism in the service contractor evaluation system, whereby services contractors who perform well in combating tenancy abuse will receive additional points, enhancing their bidding and contracting opportunities. Indeed, the effectiveness of the assistance provided by frontline staff of services contractors to our colleagues in detecting cases has been significant, helping our work in combating tenancy abuse achieve the desired results.”
 
     The EMSC Awards in 2024 went to 17 services contractors providing property management, cleaning, security and car park operating services. Eight property services managers and 56 frontline staff members were also commended. The full list of awardees is in the Annex.  
     Currently, the management of more than half of the HA’s public rental housing estates is outsourced to property services contractors, and many major maintenance tasks in the HA estates are being supervised by them. By leveraging the private sector’s resources and experience in managing private properties, the HA seeks to continuously raise the quality of its estate management services and provide a pleasant living environment for its tenants.
Issued at HKT 19:56

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App labelled national security risk

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Police Force’s National Security Department (NSD) said today that the public should not download a mobile app named “Reversed Front: Bonfire” or provide funding to its developer as the app promotes acts and activities endangering national security.

It added that those who have downloaded the app should uninstall it immediately.

In a press statement, the NSD said “Reversed Front: Bonfire” was released under the guise of a game promoting secessionist agendas such as “Taiwan independence” and “Hong Kong independence”, and which advocates armed revolution and the overthrow of the fundamental system of the People’s Republic of China.

It is also designed to provoke hatred towards the central authorities and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government, the NSD added.

The department stressed that persons or organisations who knowingly publish the app or content relating to it, which includes sharing or recommending the app to others online, may commit offences of “incitement to secession” and “incitement to subversion” under the Hong Kong National Security Law, or “offences in connection with seditious intention” under the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance.

Moreover, those who have downloaded the app may be regarded as being in possession of a publication that has a seditious intention.

Under the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance, a person who, without reasonable excuse, possesses a publication that has a seditious intention, commits an offence.

A person who provides pecuniary assistance, or property, to the developer, which includes making payment through in-app purchases, with an intent to fund the commission of secession or subversion, also commits an offence.

With approval from the Secretary for Security, the NSD has implemented a disabling action on electronic messages relating to “Reversed Front: Bonfire” in accordance with the Implementation Rules for Article 43 of the Hong Kong National Security Law.

The NSD emphasised that acts or activities endangering national security are extremely serious offences. It added that the force will ensure that the law is observed and strictly enforced, and will take resolute actions to bring offenders to account.

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Innovation committee meets

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Secretary for Innovation, Technology & Industry Prof Sun Dong chaired the sixth meeting of the Committee on Innovation, Technology & Industry today.

The committee’s members were briefed on major initiatives and recent developments relating to new industrialisation in Hong Kong, and shared their views on relevant measures.

Prof Sun outlined the Government has implemented policies, in accordance with the Innovation & Technology Development Blueprint, to develop new and emerging industries of strategic importance, support start-ups, formulate plans for future industries and facilitate the transformation of traditional industries.

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Speech by SJ at 3rd Anniversary of Opening of AALCO Hong Kong Regional Arbitration Centre (English only)

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     Following is the speech by the Secretary for Justice, Mr Paul Lam, SC, at the 3rd Anniversary of the Opening of AALCO (Asian-African Legal Consultative Organization) Hong Kong Regional Arbitration Centre today (June 10):

Mr Nick Chan (Director of the AALCO Hong Kong Regional Arbitration Centre), Deputy Commissioner Mr Fang Jianming (Deputy Commissioner of the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region), heads of AALCO disputes resolution centres, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, 

     A very good afternoon. It is both an honour and a privilege to stand before you today as we mark a significant milestone – the third anniversary of the AALCO Hong Kong Regional Arbitration Centre. Over the past three years, AALCO Hong Kong has not only flourished but has also become a cornerstone of Hong Kong’s reputation as a world-class destination for international dispute resolution. Today, we celebrate not just an institution, but a shared vision: a future where Hong Kong continues to maintain and strengthen our status as an international legal and dispute resolution services centre in the Asia-Pacific region and beyond.

     Three years ago, AALCO’s choice to establish its newest regional arbitration centre in Hong Kong reflected AALCO members’ resounding confidence in our city’s rule of law, legal talent, and many other unique advantages as an international financial centre and legal services and disputes resolution centre under the principle of “one country, two systems”, and of course, also Hong Kong’s location, being the heart of the Greater Bay Area (GBA) development and an important gateway of the Belt and Road Initiative.  

     Since its establishment, AALCO Hong Kong has made significant contributions in enhancing Hong Kong’s regional arbitration capabilities. By providing a neutral and efficient platform for dispute resolution, AALCO Hong Kong has facilitated the settlement of cross-border commercial disputes, reinforcing confidence in the legal systems of Asian and African economies.  

     AALCO Hong Kong has also organised various seminars and training programmes for capacity building of dispute resolution professionals and international collaboration by working closely with governments, arbitral institutions, and legal bodies to harmonise arbitration practices across different jurisdictions, especially in the GBA and the Belt and Road regions. For example, we are very happy to see that AALCO Hong Kong supported the Second Instalment of the 7th Belt and Road Conference hosted by the Law Society of Hong Kong, which featured engaging and fruitful dialogues in promoting a peaceful dispute resolution worldwide. 

     I wish to extend my deepest congratulations and gratitude to AALCO, the legal community, and all stakeholders who have supported AALCO Hong Kong’s growth. This milestone is not just a proof to AALCO Hong Kong’s achievements over the past three years, but also a reflection of Hong Kong’s growing role as a leading hub for international legal and dispute resolution services in the Asia-Pacific region and beyond. As we look ahead, the demand for arbitration and alternative dispute resolution (ADR) services will grow, driven by increasing cross-border trade, Belt and Road Initiative projects, digital economy disputes, and international sports events.  

     Let us reaffirm our commitment to advancing the edge of arbitration, promoting ADR, and building a more interconnected legal and dispute resolution landscape for Asia, Africa, and beyond. To conclude, I wish AALCO Hong Kong many more years of success. Thank you.

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Invest Hong Kong Hosts policy briefing for professional services sector to promote Hong Kong’s family office development (with photos)

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

​Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK) today (June 10) hosted the Hong Kong Wealth Management and Professional Services Policy Briefing, targeting legal and professional services firms from the Mainland. The event provided deep insights into Hong Kong’s latest policy developments including family office policies and tax incentives. The session was well received, drawing participation from over 60 representatives of legal and professional firms serving high-net-worth clients. The event sparked active discussions, with participants expressing keen interest and strong confidence in the evolving role of Hong Kong’s professional services sector and the future of Hong Kong’s family office ecosystem.

Key topics covered included interpretation of Hong Kong’s latest family office policies, comparisons with regional regimes and tax incentives, case studies and a question-and-answer session. The session aimed to enhance understanding among legal and advisory firms of Hong Kong’s policy landscape, strengthen participant’s positioning as cross-border advisors to ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNWIs), and facilitate the development of business networks in Hong Kong.

Associate Director-General of Investment Promotion at InvestHK Mr Charles Ng said, “Hong Kong is the leading hub for asset and wealth management in Asia with over US$4 trillion in assets under management. Our city is recognised as a trusted gateway for global capital seeking access to opportunities across Asia and beyond. Our leadership is further evidenced by our standing as Asia’s largest hedge fund hub and Asia’s largest cross-border wealth management centre. The professional services sector plays a strategic and indispensable role in enabling this ecosystem to flourish. InvestHK is committed to working closely with legal, accounting, trust, and advisory professionals to promote policy understanding and strengthen Hong Kong’s competitiveness in cross-border wealth management and succession planning.”

Legal professionals attending the event provided perspectives on Hong Kong’s family office policies and the growing opportunities arising from them. The Chair of the Family Office Committee at the Law Society of Hong Kong, Mr Chan Chak-ming, said, “With increasing interest from UHNWIs in Asia, Hong Kong’s forward-looking initiatives, including tax incentives and efficient market processes, solidify its position as the region’s leading destination for family offices. Together with InvestHK, we aim to strengthen Hong Kong’s role as a nexus for global wealth, ensuring it remains responsive to the sophisticated needs of UHNWIs while reinforcing trust and long-term confidence.”

InvestHK will continue to collaborate with industry stakeholders to support legal and advisory firms in expanding their high-end wealth services in Hong Kong, and to promote the city as a premier hub for family offices and a cross-border wealth management centre in Asia, helping Mainland and international families of UHNWIs achieve long-term goals in asset growth and succession.

        

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Committee on Innovation, Technology and Industry Development holds sixth meeting (with photos)

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     The Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Professor Sun Dong, chaired the sixth meeting of the Committee on Innovation, Technology and Industry Development (CITID) this morning (June 10).

     At the meeting, members were briefed on the major initiatives and latest developments of new industrialisation in Hong Kong, and shared their views on the relevant measures.

     Professor Sun said, “The current-term Government has proactively launched and implemented a series of policies and measures in accordance with the Hong Kong Innovation and Technology Development Blueprint (the Blueprint) to improve the local innovation and technology (I&T) ecosystem, develop new and emerging industries of strategic importance, support start-ups, formulate plans for future industries, and facilitate the upgrading and transformation of traditional industries through I&T, thereby promoting the development of I&T industries and new industrialisation.”

     Established on March 3, 2023, the CITID advises the Government on the directions and strategies as set out in the Blueprint on promoting the development of I&T in Hong Kong, and enhances co-operation among stakeholders.

     

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Ombudsman probes Hospital Authority’s assistive device loan service (with photo)

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Ombudsman probes Hospital Authority’s assistive device loan service (with photo)               168–200 Connaught Road Central, Hong Kong
Fax:         2882 8149
Email:      cic-ha@ombudsman.hk
Issued at HKT 11:00

The following is issued on behalf of the Office of The Ombudsman: The Ombudsman, Mr Jack Chan, today (June 10) announced the launch of a full investigation into the procedures and mechanisms currently employed by the Hospital Authority (HA) in providing an assistive device loan service to the public. Hospitals under the HA have long provided patients and their families or carers with a loan service of assistive devices, such as wheelchairs, canes and walking frames to support patients in their daily routine and rehabilitation during recovery. While this service is undoubtedly beneficial to the public and worthy of support, available information indicates that the borrowing and returning procedures are rather cumbersome and overly stringent. For example, when a device is returned, the deposit payer must present the deposit receipt to collect the refund in person at the hospital; authorising a representative is not acceptable. Moreover, without the receipt, a refund will be denied even if the deposit payer visits the hospital in person and provides proof of the device’s proper return. Mr Chan said, “Assistive devices are essential to facilitating the early recovery and daily lives of patients with needs, and alleviating the burden on families and carers. The Office has noted that the HA’s current loan arrangements may cause varying degrees of inconvenience to patients and their families and carers. Given the significant number of borrowers and a 10/06/2025, 09:54 Ombudsman probes Hospital Authority’s assistive device loan service (with photo) https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202506/10/P2025061000292p.htm 1/2 deposit as high as $3,500 for each assistive device, denying refunds due to missing receipts would not only lead to conflicts, but also imposes a financial burden on patients and their families. In this light, I have decided to launch a full investigation into the HA’s current procedures and mechanisms for assistive device loan services to identify any areas for improvement. Pertinent recommendations will be made for the benefit and convenience of the public.” The Ombudsman welcomes views from members of the public on this topic. Written submissions should reach the Office of The Ombudsman by July 10, 2025: Address: 30/F, China Merchants Tower, Shun Tak Centre 168–200 Connaught Road

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Three property owners fined over $410,000 in total for not complying with statutory orders

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Three property owners fined over $410,000 in total for not complying with statutory ordersIssued at HKT 11:00

Three property owners were convicted and fined over $410,000 in total by the court earlier for failing to comply with statutory orders issued under the Buildings Ordinance (BO) (Cap. 123). The first case involved an unauthorised structure with an area of about 50 square metres on the roof of a village house in D.D.183, Sha Tin. Since the Lands Department would not issue a certificate of exemption for the unauthorised building works (UBWs) and the UBWs were carried out without prior approval and consent from the Buildings Department (BD), a removal order was served on the owner under section 24(1) of the BO. Failing to comply with the removal order, the owner was prosecuted by the BD and was fined $128,300 in total, of which $108,300 was the fine for the number of days that the offence continued, upon conviction at the Shatin Magistrates’ Courts on June 4. The second case involved two unauthorised structures with a total area of about 102 square metres on the flat roof of a residential building at Tsing Chui Path, Tuen Mun. As the UBWs were carried out without prior approval and consent from the BD, a removal order was served on the owner under section 24(1) of the BO. Failing to comply with the removal order, the owner was prosecuted twice by the BD and was fined $22,760 in total upon conviction by the court. As the owner persisted in not complying with the removal order, the BD instigated the third prosecution in 2023. The owner was convicted and fined $197,500 in total by the Court, of which $97,500 was 10/06/2025, 09:57 Three property owners fined over $410,000 in total for not complying with statutory orders https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202506/10/P2025061000261p.htm#:~:text=%E2%80%8BThree property owners were,a village house in D.D. 1/2 the fine for the number of days that the offence continued, upon conviction at the Tuen Mun Magistrates’ Courts on June 4. The third case involved alteration works at a composite building on Prince Edward Road West, Kowloon, including removal of two fire rated doors on the eighth floor and at the yard on the ground floor respectively, and a door opening formed in the wall of the yard on the ground floor. The alteration works affected the fire resisting construction of the building and contravened the Building (Construction) Regulation. A removal order was served on the owner under section 24(1) of the BO. Failing to comply with the removal order, the owner was prosecuted by the BD and was fined $85,060 in total, of which $81,060 was the fine for the number of days that the offence continued, upon conviction at the Kowloon City Magistrates’ Courts on May 21. A spokesman for the BD said today (June 10), “Unauthorised building works, including unauthorised alterations affecting the fireresisting construction of a building, may lead to serious consequences. The owners concerned must comply with the statutory orders issued by the BD without delay. The BD will continue to take enforcement action against owners who fail to comply with statutory orders, including instigation of prosecution, to ensure building safety.” Failure to comply with a removal order without reasonable excuse is a serious offence under the BO. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $200,000 and one year’s imprisonment, and a further fine of $20,000 for each day that the offence continues. Ends/Tuesday, June 10, 2025 Issued at HKT 11:00 NNNN

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Quarterly business receipts indices for service industries for first quarter of 2025

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Quarterly business receipts indices for service industries for first quarter of 2025 
     Comparing the first quarter of 2025 with the first quarter of 2024, double-digit increases were recorded in business receipts indices of the financing (except banking) (+32.5%), insurance (+23.1%), import/export trade (+19.4%) and banking (+19.0%) industries. On the other hand, decreases were recorded in business receipts indices of the real estate (-6.7%) and retail (-6.5%) industries during the same period.
 
     Analysed by service domain, business receipts index of the computer and information technology services domain increased by 60.2% year-on-year during the same period, while that of the tourism, convention and exhibition services domain also increased by 1.1% year-on-year.
 
     On a seasonally adjusted quarter-to-quarter comparison, business receipts in value terms of many major service industries recorded increases of varying magnitudes in the first quarter of 2025 when compared with the fourth quarter of 2024. In particular, double-digit increases were recorded in business receipts indices of the insurance (+32.5%), import/export trade (+20.3%) and banking (+19.9%) industries. On the other hand, business receipts index of the real estate industry decreased by 5.7% during the same period.
 
     Analysed by service domain, comparing the first quarter of 2025 with the fourth quarter of 2024 on a seasonally adjusted basis, business receipts index of the computer and information technology services domain increased by 50.3%, while that of the tourism, convention and exhibition services domain also increased by 0.7%.
 
Commentary
 
     A Government spokesman said that business receipts of many service industries recorded increases in the first quarter of 2025 over a year earlier. More notable increases in business receipts were seen for the financing (except banking), insurance, import/export trade and banking industries.

     Looking ahead, business of the service industries should be supported by economic growth. Continued growth of the Mainland economy and the Hong Kong Government’s various measures to boost economic momentum should be conducive to the businesses of the services industries, though some industries may be affected by the continued headwinds stemming from the uncertainties in the external environment and the changing consumption patterns of residents and visitors in the local market.
 
Further information
 
     Table 1 presents the business receipts indices and their corresponding year-on-year rates of change in respect of selected service industries and service domains for the recent five quarters, while Table 2 shows the corresponding quarter-to-quarter rates of change in the business receipts indices for the recent five quarters based on the seasonally adjusted series.
 
     The revised figures of business receipts indices for the first quarter of 2025 will be released at the website of the C&SD (www.censtatd.gov.hk/en/web_table.html?id=660-69001 
     Data for compiling the business receipts indices are mainly based on the Quarterly Survey of Service Industries conducted by the C&SD, supplemented by relevant data provided by the Hong Kong Monetary Authority and the Hong Kong Tourism Board.
 
     A service domain differs from a service industry in that it comprises those economic activities which straddle different industries but are somehow related to a common theme. It may include all activities carried out by all establishments in a service industry that is closely related to the domain. For a service industry that is less closely related, however, only a portion of the establishments in the industry or even only part of the economic activities of the establishments is related to the domain. Taking the tourism, convention and exhibition services domain as an example, it includes all services of convention and exhibition organisers, short-term accommodation services and services of travel agents, and some of the services (only those involving visitors as customers) of restaurants, retailers and transport operators.
 
     The classification of service industries follows the Hong Kong Standard Industrial Classification Version 2.0, which is used in various economic surveys for classifying economic units into relevant industry classes.
 
     More detailed statistics are given in the report “Quarterly Business Receipts Indices for Service Industries, First Quarter 2025”. Users can browse and download this publication at the website of the C&SD (www.censtatd.gov.hk/en/EIndexbySubject.html?pcode=B1080006&scode=520 
     For enquiries about the business receipts indices, please contact the Business Services Statistics Section of the C&SD (Tel: 3903 7274 or e-mail: business-receipts@censtatd.gov.hkIssued at HKT 16:30

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