Month: July 2025

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) today (July 26) strongly disappoved of and opposed untrue and biased remarks by the Foreign Secretary of the United Kingdom (UK) Mr David Lammy and the Home Secretary of the UK Ms Yvette Cooper on HKSAR’s lawful act to pursue wanted persons endangering national security absconding from Hong Kong.

A spokesman for the HKSAR Government said, “Endangering national security is a very serious offence. No country will watch with folded arms on acts and activities that endanger national security. The ‘Hong Kong Parliament’ aims to subvert state power; its objectives include promoting ‘self-determination’, promulgating the so-called ‘Hong Kong Constitution’, and overthrowing or undermining the basic system of the People’s Republic of China established by the Constitution of the People’s Republic of China or overthrowing the body of the central power of People’s Republic of China or the body of power of the HKSAR with unlawful means, thereby suspected of having committed the offence of ‘Subversion’ contrary to Article 22 of the Hong Kong National Security Law (HKNSL). Thus, Police applied to the court for arrest warrants in accordance with the law and put the persons on wanted list.”

“Extraterritorial effect for the offences under the HKNSL and the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance fully aligns with the principles of international law, international practice and common practice adopted in various countries and regions. It is both necessary and legitimate, and is also in line with those of other countries and regions around the world. As the law enforcement department of the HKSAR safeguarding national security, the Hong Kong Police are duty bound to pursue the liability of those who have allegedly endangered national security overseas. Those absconders hiding in the UK and other Western countries are wanted because they continue to blatantly engage in activities endangering national security. More so, they continue to collude with external forces to cover for their evil deeds. It is necessary for the Police to take all lawful measures to strongly combat the acts of abscondment, and such actions are fully justified, necessary and legitimate.

In accordance with international law and international practice based on the Charter of the United Nations, it is each and every sovereign state’s inherent right to enact laws safeguarding national security, and it is also an international practice. With at least 14 pieces of laws in the UK safeguarding national security, the UK has displayed hypocrisy and exposed its double standards by pointing fingers at the HKSAR’s legal system and enforcement mechanisms to safeguard national security, while entirely disregarding the constitutional duty and practical needs of the HKSAR to legislate, and the positive effects brought by the enactment of the relevant national security legislation on economic development and protection of human rights.

The spokesman said, “Any individuals who endanger national security should not believe that being outside Hong Kong will allow them to evade criminal responsibility and remain beyond the reach of justice. The HKSAR Government will exhaust all means to pursue and combat criminals absconding from Hong Kong and endangering national security, ensuring that violations of the law will be pursued regardless of the distance. The HKSAR Government urged those wanted persons to return to Hong Kong and surrender so as to rectify their mistakes.”

“Regarding the surrender of fugitive offenders, in accordance with the instruction of the Central People’s Government (CPG), the HKSAR Government has suspended the agreement between the HKSAR Government and the Government of the UK concerning surrender of fugitive offenders in July 2020. The relevant position remains unchanged. All along, with the authorisation and assistance of the CPG, the HKSAR Government has conducted law enforcement co-operation and mutual legal assistance with other jurisdictions in accordance with the law based on the principle of mutual assistance and reciprocity. The HKSAR Government will, as always, handle relevant matters appropriately.”

The spokesman emphasised, “The HKSAR Government will continue to resolutely discharge the duty of safeguarding national security, whilst upholding the rights and freedoms of Hong Kong people in accordance with the law, so as to ensure the steadfast and successful implementation of the principle of ‘one country, two systems’. The HKSAR Government strongly demands the UK Government to immediately stop interfering in Hong Kong matters which are purely China’s internal affairs.”

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

​The Secretary for Education, Dr Choi Yuk-lin, will begin her visit to Osaka, Japan, today (July 27). She will attend a thematic seminar on education and deliver a speech to share Hong Kong’s experiences in achieving quality and equity in education, and promote the advantages of Hong Kong as an international post-secondary education hub. Before the seminar, Dr Choi will meet with education representatives from different places to discuss new trends in global education.

The seminar will be held during the World Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, and is part of the Expo’s “Theme Weeks” programme. It aims at bringing together experts and scholars to share insights on thematic education issues.

Dr Choi will conclude her visit and return to Hong Kong on July 29. During her absence, the Under Secretary for Education, Dr Sze Chun-fai, will be the Acting Secretary for Education.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, today (July 27) led his team of 21 Principal Officials to attend the 2025 Policy Address District Forum to listen to the views and suggestions of members of local communities on the fourth Policy Address of the current-term Government. The District Forum was held at Ma Tau Chung Government Primary School (Hung Hom Bay). About 120 people from different backgrounds attended the event.
 
     The two-hour District Forum consisted of two sessions. In the first session, the Chief Executive and the Principal Officials listened to the views of members of the public. The matters raised straddled many areas, including land and housing, transport, innovation and technology, financial services development, culture and sports, education, youth issues, poverty alleviation, healthcare services, social welfare and more. In the second session, participants were divided into four groups centred on the themes of “pursuing development and economic growth” and “improving people’s livelihood and building our future together” to engage in more extensive exchanges with the Chief Executive and Principal Officials. The Chief Executive also interacted and discussed with members of each group in turn and listened to their views.
 
     Mr Lee said, “There are issues that members of the public care deeply about, so I attach great importance to district consultations. This morning, my team and I attended the Policy Address District Forum, engaging in extensive exchanges with the public and learning about their concerns. These views will let me have a better grasp on formulating policies and allocation of resources when I prepare the Policy Address.”
 
     Principal Officials participating in the District Forum were the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki; the Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan; the Secretary for Justice, Mr Paul Lam, SC; the Deputy Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Cheuk Wing-hing; the Deputy Financial Secretary, Mr Michael Wong; the Deputy Secretary for Justice, Dr Cheung Kwok-kwan; the Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs, Mr Erick Tsang Kwok-wai; the Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr Christopher Hui; the Secretary for Security, Mr Tang Ping-keung; the Secretary for Environment and Ecology, Mr Tse Chin-wan; the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Algernon Yau; the Secretary for Health, Professor Lo Chung-mau; the Secretary for Development, Ms Bernadette Linn; the Secretary for Housing, Ms Winnie Ho; the Secretary for the Civil Service, Mrs Ingrid Yeung; the Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Professor Sun Dong; the Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, Miss Alice Mak; the Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Mr Chris Sun; the Secretary for Transport and Logistics, Ms Mable Chan; the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Miss Rosanna Law; and the Acting Secretary for Education, Dr Sze Chun-fai.
 
     The Government launched the public consultation for the Policy Address on June 16. The Government will continue to widely gather input from organisations and individuals in different sectors over the coming month through activities including consultation sessions and district visits. Members of the public can also give their views through various channels, including the Policy Address website, social media platforms, hotlines, email, fax and post.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Transport Department today (July 27) reminded members of the public that the 58th round of computer ballot registration for submitting applications for Northbound Travel for Hong Kong Vehicles (the scheme) will be open from 10am tomorrow (July 28) to 11.59pm on July 31, and the ballot result will be announced on August 1.
 
     Eligible applicants for the scheme can register for computer balloting through the designated website (www.hzmbqfs.gov.hk). Successful balloting applicants are required to submit applications for the scheme within the designated application period.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

​The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Jakarta (HKETO Jakarta) today (July 26) supported the Jakarta International Dragon Boat Festival (JIDBF) 2025 held in Jakarta, Indonesia.

Speaking at the award presentation ceremony, the Director-General of the HKETO Jakarta, Miss Libera Cheng, shared that both Jakarta and Hong Kong have strong passion for dragon boating, and the dragon boat festivals held in the two places have connected people from all over the world. She further highlighted Hong Kong’s robust tourism sector, noting that the city welcomed nearly 45 million visitors in 2024, representing a 31 per cent year-on-year increase, while the number of Indonesian tourists rose by 43 per cent compared to the previous year.

Miss Cheng also invited the participants to visit Hong Kong to experience its rich culture, savour its diverse culinary delights and take part in mega events and sporting activities, all within a Muslim-friendly environment.

The JIDBF 2025 brought together nine international teams comprising over 230 athletes and attracted some 1 000 spectators. The HKETO Jakarta invited two Hong Kong dragon boat teams to participate in the festival, aiming to strengthen people-to-people and cultural ties between Hong Kong and Indonesia. Both teams delivered outstanding performance in the competition. 

Launched in 2017 with the support of the HKETO Jakarta, the JIDBF has grown into a signature local event and an important platform for international cultural exchange.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

In response to the recent surge in chikungunya fever cases reported in neighbouring regions and some overseas countries, the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) has stepped up mosquito prevention and control efforts through a multi-pronged approach. The FEHD also appeals to members of the public to strengthen anti-mosquito measures. The FEHD and the Department of Health will meet and collaborate with the stakeholders from the property management sector to enhance mosquito control work.
 
Chikungunya fever is a mosquito-borne disease. To safeguard public health, the FEHD is implementing the following measures:
 

• Convening meetings of the inter-departmental task forces on anti-mosquito work across districts. Members of the task force include relevant departments and stakeholders. Targeted and sustained mosquito control actions will be carried out at locations with higher mosquito infestation risks, based on the latest Gravidtrap Index for Aedes albopictusï¼›
• Collaborating with departments such as the Housing Department and the Leisure and Cultural Services Department to strengthen inspections in public areas, public housing estates and parks. Upon detection of mosquito breeding grounds, immediate actions will be taken, including conducting fogging operations to eliminate adult mosquitoes, removal of stagnant water and water-holding containers, application of larvicides (e.g. temephos sand granules), and installation of mosquito traps;
• Enhancing inspections at construction sites, works areas and private residences. Enforcement actions will be taken against violations involving mosquito breeding;
• Issuing letters and organising seminars for property management companies and organisations to disseminate the latest information on chikungunya fever and mosquito prevention. The FEHD also invites the Housing Department and property management companies to conduct mosquito control campaigns in housing estates and encourages resident participation;
• Working with the District Offices to assist in mosquito prevention and control at locations with infestation issues, such as “three-nil” buildings; and
• Strengthening public education and publicity through promotional videos, posters and leaflets to remind the public to adopt mosquito control measures. The FEHD will also enhance dissemination of the Area Gravidtrap Index for Aedes albopictus to raise awareness in districts with higher readings.

Public participation is crucial in addition to the government and the trade’s efforts. Members of the public are urged to continue joining hands in taking mosquito prevention and control measures at home and other places promptly. The measures include:
 

• Keep the environment clean by disposing of rubbish properly. Refuse like empty cans and food containers where water can accumulate easily should be disposed of in covered litter containers;
• Clean the saucers under potted plants weekly and prevent water accumulation;
• Change the water in vases and scrub their internal surface every week;
• Keep water-storage containers, such as buckets and basins, tightly covered; and
• Check umbrella stands, umbrella tubes and air-conditioner drip trays to prevent any water accumulation.

The FEHD also advises members of the public and property management companies to keep drains free of blockage and level all defective ground surfaces to prevent the water accumulation. They should also scrub all drains and surface sewers with alkaline detergents at least once a week to remove any mosquito eggs.
 
The public should call 1823 in case of mosquito problems and may visit the Centre for Health Protection’s thematic webpage: www.chp.gov.hk/en/features/109029.html for more information on chikungunya fever.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

Attention TV/radio announcers:

Please broadcast the following as soon as possible:

     Here is an item of interest to swimmers.

     The Leisure and Cultural Services Department announced today (July 26) that the shark prevention nets at Hung Shing Yeh Beach and Pui O Beach in Islands District, have been repaired, and the beaches are reopened.

     The beaches were temporarily closed earlier for shark prevention net maintenance work.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority:
 
The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) and the Hong Kong Association of Banks (HKAB) successfully co-organised the Data Summit 2025 today (July 28). The Summit attracted around 800 senior executives and industry professionals from almost 100 public and private organisations, including government departments, banks, data specialists and partners of Commercial Data Interchange (CDI).
 
Themed “Empowering business and trade through advanced data infrastructure”, the Summit explored how data infrastructure can enhance trade finance processes and facilitate small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) lending, thereby fuelling trade and commerce growth. The keynote addresses and panel discussions of the Summit focused on four key areas, including Project CargoX on trade finance, open government data, SME credit insights and cross-boundary data validation. 15 CDI partner institutions also showcased cutting-edge commercial data innovations and use cases through interactive exhibition booths, fostering industry collaboration and experience sharing.
 
At the Summit, the HKMA presented the latest developments and future roadmap of CDI, with key highlights including:

     1. Project CargoX

• The Expert Panel has welcomed new members (see Annex) to further enhance the digital ecosystem for trade finance; and

 

• Six CargoX pilot banks (Note 1), participating in the Transport and Logistics Bureau’s new trial phase of the Port Community System, have preliminarily validated the effectiveness of using cargo data to verify trade authenticity. This, in turn, helps streamline trade finance process and strengthen risk management. More innovative use cases are underway.

 
     2. Open government data

• The HKMA, the Government’s Digital Policy Office (DPO) and the Commerce and Economic Development Bureau (CEDB) are collaborating closely on the planned connection with the CEDB’s Trade Single Window Phase 3, which is targeted for roll-out in phases in 2026, via the linkage between CDI and Consented Data Exchange Gateway. This will enable users to authorise the sharing of their import and export declaration data with participating banks, with a view to expediting loan approvals; and

 

• The DPO’s Digital Corporate Identity (CorpID) Platform is set to launch progressively from end-2026. The HKMA will explore and design the application of CorpID for electronic signing in CDI, with the aim of streamlining the corporate authorisation process.

 
     3. Credit insights

• The HKMA is advancing a proof-of-concept (PoC) project on Commercial Credit Reference Agency (CCRA) 2.0, enabling the CCRA operator to build a corporate credit scoring model. Initial findings from the nine pilot banks (Note 2) indicate that the new model can effectively streamline the loan application process and reduce borrowing costs for SMEs.

 
     4. Cross-boundary data validation

• CDI successfully linked with the Shenzhen-Hong Kong cross-boundary data validation platform (the platform) (Note 3) in April this year. Banks have successfully connected to the new arrangement for the purposes of processing personal and corporate loan applications. 

 
     The Chief Executive of the HKMA, Mr Eddie Yue, said, “The HKMA remains dedicated to advancing Hong Kong’s data infrastructure in partnership with heavyweight strategic stakeholders in the data ecosystem. By continuously fostering data interconnectivity and unlocking the potential of both traditional and alternative data, we empower financial institutions, data providers and SME traders to benefit from streamlined and efficient processes brought by data sharing. Looking ahead, our next-generation CDI data infrastructure will continue to optimise trade finance processes, spur trade and commerce innovation, as well as support SME growth, ultimately contributing to the development of the real economy.”
 
     The Secretary for Transport and Logistics, Ms Mable Chan, said, “The theme of this year’s Data Summit aptly aligns with the country’s strategic positioning of Hong Kong to consolidate its role as the three key centres of finance, trade, and shipping, using data as a key connector. The Transport and Logistics Bureau is developing the Port Community System in full steam to connect all stakeholders across the cargo shipment process and integrate sea, land, and air transport data to materialise full transparency of cargo status. We will continue to support the industry in leveraging the system to explore more use cases for financing, further facilitating cargo, trade and capital flows.”
 
     The Chairman of the Airport Authority Hong Kong, Mr Fred Lam, said, “Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) is the world’s number one cargo airport, a position we have held 14th times since 2010. To further enhance our competitiveness, we must continue to leverage the power of technology, and digitalisation of the air cargo supply chain is one of the key steps to achieve greater efficiency and enable value-added services. The Airport Authority’s HKIA Cargo Data Platform, anchored on advanced technologies such as blockchain and smart contract, provides a trusted, intelligent platform that facilitates secured, seamless and paperless information exchange, efficient cargo process and innovative business solutions. Leveraging our platform’s cargo data and in collaboration with the HKMA’s CDI, we are able to facilitate SMEs’ financing process and enhance credit risk management. We welcome continuous development in this area and anticipate further opportunities for collaboration with the HKMA and other business partners to develop Hong Kong into the region’s leading e-commence fulfillment centre.”
 
     The Chairperson of the HKAB, Ms Mary Huen, said, “As Hong Kong undergoes economic restructuring, the banking industry is committed to providing SMEs with flexible and convenient financing to support their upgrading and transformation so as to remain competitive. The HKAB encourages its member banks to actively participate in the latest CDI-related initiatives led by the HKMA, including the PoC studies of Project CargoX and CCRA 2.0 as well as cross-boundary data validation pilot. The initiatives will streamline loan approval processes and improve credit risk management by leveraging government and industry data. We look forward to collaborating further with the HKMA and the relevant government departments to enhance the digital ecosystem of trade finance, with the objective of jointly strengthening our support to SMEs and promoting Hong Kong’s economic development.”

Note 1: The six CargoX pilot banks are: Bank of China (Hong Kong) Limited, Bank of East Asia, Limited, Hang Seng Bank Limited, The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited, Shanghai Commercial Bank Limited and Standard Chartered Bank (Hong Kong) Limited.

Note 2: The nine pilot banks participating in the PoC on CCRA 2.0 are: Bank of China (Hong Kong) Limited, Bank of East Asia, Limited, China Construction Bank (Asia) Corporation Limited, DBS Bank (Hong Kong) Limited, Hang Seng Bank Limited, The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited, OCBC Bank (Hong Kong) Limited, Shanghai Commercial Bank Limited and Standard Chartered Bank (Hong Kong) Limited.
 
Note3: The platform utilises blockchain technology and data coding (i.e. hash values), enabling document verification without involving any cross-boundary transfer or storage of the original documents. Its unique design provides banks with an innovative way to validate the data presented directly by customers. Since the platform was launched in May 2024, over 10 banks and credit reference agencies have already made use of its varied services to validate different types of personal and corporate data, including credit reports, tax reports, and Know-Your-Customer reports. To date, the platform has successfully facilitated SME loans in excess of HKD100 million.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Government announced today (July 28) that the Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine (GPHCM) in Guangzhou will accept eligible Hong Kong elderly persons to use Elderly Health Care Vouchers (EHCVs) to pay for outpatient healthcare services at designated departments starting from July 31.

“The GPHCM is the fourth service point in Guangzhou and the second Chinese medicine hospital under the Elderly Health Care Voucher Greater Bay Area Pilot Scheme (Pilot Scheme), providing eligible elderly persons with additional choices in healthcare services. In January 2024, the GPHCM and the Chinese Medicine Hospital of Hong Kong signed a Strategic Collaboration Agreement to promote talent exchange and scientific research collaboration, etc. The GPHCM has been an invaluable partner to Hong Kong in promoting the high-quality development of Chinese medicine,” said a Government spokesman. With this additional service point, the number of service points in the Greater Bay Area (GBA) Mainland cities where EHCVs can be used will increase to 16, benefitting more than 1.78 million eligible Hong Kong elderly persons. Apart from the GPHCM, the other three service points in Guangzhou are The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University; Nansha Division of the First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, and Guangdong Clifford Hospital.

At the GPHCM, EHCVs are applicable for outpatient healthcare services provided by 10 designated departments, namely the Department of Internal Medicine, Department of Surgery, Department of Ophthalmology, Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck, Department of Stomatology, Department of Orthopedics, Department of Gynecology, Department of Dermatology, Department of Breast, and Department of Acupuncture.

The arrangements for shared use of EHCVs between spouses and the EHCV Pilot Reward Scheme under the EHCV Scheme are equally applicable to the GPHCM. When an elderly person receives designated primary healthcare outpatient services for health checks, preventive health services, and follow-up/monitoring of long-term conditions at the designated departments, the EHCV spending for that service encounter can be accumulated for the allotment of rewards. Further information and patient visit procedures are set out in the Annex.

The fees for the healthcare services provided by the pilot medical institutions are denominated in Renminbi. Medical institutions will make EHCV claims for elderly persons, and the EHCV amount deducted in Hong Kong dollars will be calculated according to a monthly updated voucher conversion factor under the EHCV Scheme. The monthly voucher conversion factor under the EHCV Scheme will be displayed at the cashier offices of the medical institutions for reference by the elderly persons.

“Elderly persons cannot use EHCVs together with national medical insurance to pay for the fees of the same healthcare service encounter. The scope of using EHCVs on the Mainland is the same as that in Hong Kong, which does not include inpatient services, prepaid healthcare services and day surgery procedures. EHCVs cannot be used solely for the purchase of goods, medication, medical equipment or products, nor can they be redeemed for cash,” the spokesman reminded.

Hong Kong elderly persons should register with eHealth before using EHCVs at any designated service point in the GBA. To facilitate Hong Kong citizens in using electronic health records (eHRs) across the boundary in a secure manner and to enhance the continuity of healthcare services, the “Cross-boundary Health Record” and “Personal Folder” functions of the eHealth mobile application (eHealth App) will be extended to the GPHCM starting from the service launch day of the Pilot Scheme (i.e. July 31). In addition, elderly persons can also use the eHealth App to check their EHCV balance and usage record, as well as access at any time important information such as their medications, allergies and adverse drug reactions stored in the eHealth App. If elderly persons wish to use EHCVs at the GBA medical institutions but have not yet registered with eHealth, the medical institutions will instantly register them for eHealth upon their consent so that they can use EHCVs right away.

If elderly persons suspect that the participating medical institutions have violated the EHCV Scheme rules, they can call the EHCV Scheme hotline (2838 2311) to provide relevant information and details to the Health Care Voucher Division of the Department of Health (DH). All suspected cases of violation of the EHCV Scheme rules will be strictly dealt with by the DH. Furthermore, each participating GBA medical institution has set up an enquiry and complaint hotline. Elderly persons can also offer their views to the relevant medical institution or file complaints against the medical institutions under the Pilot Scheme to the health authority at the provincial or city level if necessary. Members of the public can visit the following thematic website (www.hcv.gov.hk/en/hcv_gba_pilot_scheme/index.html) for more information.

The Government is actively taking forward the implementation of the Pilot Scheme in the remaining five medical institutions included in the Pilot Scheme. It is expected that the relevant arrangements will be launched gradually in the second half of this year. Together with the two service points operated by the University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, eligible elderly persons can use EHCVs at a total of 21 service points in the GBA Mainland cities.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     To drive the development of local medical education and research, the Health Bureau (HHB), in collaboration with the Hospital Authority (HA) and the two medical schools of the University of Hong Kong (HKU) and the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK), introduced a dedicated dual-track development pathway for medical, teaching and research talents who integrate clinical practices, teaching and research in their work. Under this pathway, doctors aspiring to engage in medical, teaching and research work would hold positions at both the HA and the designated university, and could flexibly allocate their time between clinical services, teaching and research work as needed.

     The Secretary for Health, Professor Lo Chung-mau, said today (July 28), “The dual-track development pathway is a new initiative that goes beyond the existing employment arrangements in Hong Kong’s public healthcare institutions and medical schools.  It provides a more fitting professional development pathway for composite talent engaged in medical, teaching and research work, with tailor-made appointment and clinical work arrangements and a promotion ladder commensurate with the nature of their work. It also provides stronger support for their teaching and research duties, including conferring the title of university professor. This arrangement signifies a breakthrough of institutional framework through collaboration between the HA and the two local medical schools to train and retain medical, teaching and research talent.

     “A doctor’s clinical work is inextricably linked with teaching and research. The data and experience from clinical work are an important foundation for medical research, while the clinical application of the latest research results can further enhance the quality and quantity of clinical services. The two are complementary. I hope that the dual-track development pathway will enable more doctors who aspire to engage in medical, teaching and research work to realise their ambitions and contribute to Hong Kong’s medical innovation and research while providing clinical services to patients.”

     He continued, “The establishment of a dual-track development pathway creates a more favourable environment for nurturing clinical, teaching and research talent. This complements the various reforms within our healthcare system put forward by the HHB in recent years, including preparing for the establishment of the ‘Hong Kong Centre for Medical Products Regulation’, setting up the ‘Greater Bay Area International Clinical Trial Institute’, promoting clinical trials, and planning for the establishment of a third medical school.  All these initiatives will consolidate Hong Kong’s position as an international health and medical innovation hub. I also hope this new measure will attract more non-locally trained doctors who are interested in clinical research and innovation to come to Hong Kong, to further strengthen the medical talent pool for the benefit of the public.”

     The HA and the two medical schools have started the relevant recruitment work progressively. To date, five doctors have been officially selected to participate in the dual-track development pathway. Among them, four doctors from the Hong Kong Children’s Hospital were appointed by the medical school of HKU, focusing on the research and treatment of various diseases covering paediatric malignant tumours, hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, neonatal intensive care, differences in sex development in children, sudden cardiac death and cardiovascular disease in the young, paediatric hematology and oncology, and the development of simulation-based learning and skills training. Another doctor from the Department of Intensive Care of the New Territories East Cluster was appointed by the medical school of CUHK, focusing on the diagnosis, treatment, research and professional training in pain management and intensive care.  Furthermore, various doctors from the New Territories East Cluster are expected to join the medical school of CUHK through the dual-track development pathway within this year, further expanding the talent pool for the integration of teaching and clinical work.