Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Task Group on New Medical School conducts overall evaluation of proposals (with photo)
Between May and June this year, the Task Group held two meetings with the three universities that submitted proposals, namely Hong Kong Baptist University, the Hong Kong Polytechnic University and the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, to have in-depth discussions and gain a better understanding of their submissions. Subsequently, the expert advisors conducted a comprehensive review of the proposals in their respective areas of expertise and provided advice from various perspectives (including innovative strategic positioning, curriculum structure and assessment methodologies, and financial sustainability) in accordance with the 10 key parameters set.
At today’s meeting, the expert advisors conducted an overall assessment of the proposals, and initiated the next phase of follow-up work to conduct a thorough study of the funding arrangements and financial sustainability of the proposals. A final recommendation on the establishment of the new medical school is expected to be provided to the Government later this year.
Professor Lo said, “Since its establishment, the Task Group has taken forward the evaluation exercise at full speed in a rigorous, impartial and professional manner. The meeting today marks a key milestone in the evaluation process, as the Task Group has largely reached a consensus on the evaluation of the proposals. We will consolidate the views of all Task Group members and submit our recommendation to the Chief Executive as soon as possible. The Government will thoroughly consider the Task Group’s report and announce the results in due course. I look forward to working with the Task Group in entering the next phase of preparing for the establishment of the new medical school.”
Professor Lo emphasised, “The establishment of the third medical school is of paramount importance to the long-term development of the healthcare system in Hong Kong. The key to long-term development lies in reform and innovation. The new medical school will not only increase the number of locally trained doctors, but will also introduce healthy competition and complementary development with the two existing medical schools, hence creating synergy, raising the standard and capacity of local healthcare services, scientific research and medical education in the long run, thereby achieving the strategic goal of developing Hong Kong into an international health and medical innovation hub.”
Dr Choi said, “I sincerely thank the expert advisors and members of the Task Group for their efforts over the past months and their valuable professional input throughout the evaluation process. The establishment of a new medical school will inject impetus into Hong Kong’s higher education sector. We hope the selected university will leverage the strategic advantage of being located in the Northern Metropolis University Town to foster curriculum innovation, interdisciplinary collaboration, and the nurturing of healthcare professionals equipped with global vision and innovative capability. This initiative responds to the national strategy of building the nation into a leading country in education and will further promote regional collaboration and the integration of innovation. We are confident that the new medical school will open a new chapter for higher education and medical development in Hong Kong.”
The Chief Executive announced in the 2024 Policy Address that the Government supports the establishment of the third medical school by a local university to nurture more outstanding medical practitioners to support the local healthcare system in providing quality services, while at the same time promoting the development of Hong Kong into an international medical training, research and innovation hub. To take forward the relevant work, the Task Group was established in October 2024, comprising seasoned local, Mainland and overseas academics in medical education and university management, professionals, representatives from the Medical Council of Hong Kong and the Hong Kong Academy of Medicine, as well as representatives from the relevant government bureaux and departments.
Issued at HKT 19:12
NNNN
Transport Department alerts public to fraudulent website purported to be from Public Transport Fare Subsidy Scheme
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Transport Department alerts public to fraudulent website purported to be from Public Transport Fare Subsidy Scheme
The TD clarifies that the fraudulent website has no connection with the PTFSS and has referred the case to the Police for follow-up. The TD reminds members of the public that the website address of the Government’s PTFSS is www.ptfss.gov.hk
Members of the public should stay alert when receiving any unidentified messages, and should not visit suspicious websites or disclose any personal information. Anyone who has provided his or her personal information to the website concerned should contact the Police. Should users of Octopus and AlipayHK have any enquiries about the PTFSS, please call 2969 5500 (Octopus) and 3002 0905 (AlipayHK) respectively.
Issued at HKT 19:08
NNNN
Economy grows 3.1% in Q2
Source: Hong Kong Information Services
Hong Kong’s economy in the second quarter increased 3.1% year-on-year, picking up from the 3% growth in the preceding quarter.
The Census & Statistics Department announced the figures today as it released its advance estimates on gross domestic product for the second quarter.
According to the estimates, private consumption expenditure increased 1.9% in real terms in the second quarter.
Government consumption expenditure grew 2.5% year-on-year.
Gross domestic fixed capital formation rose 2.9% year-on-year.
Over the same period, exports of goods increased 11.5%, accelerated further from the growth of 8.4% in the first quarter. Imports of goods grew 12.7%, higher than the increase of 7.2% in the first quarter.
Compared with a year earlier, exports of services rose 7.5% in the second quarter, while imports of services went up 7%.
Commenting on the figures, the Government said that during the second quarter, total exports of goods saw accelerated growth, as the external demand was resilient and the temporary easing of US tariff measures led to some rush shipments.
Exports of services continued to expand notably, thanks to strong growth in inbound tourism, further expansion in cross-boundary traffic, and vibrant financial and related business service activities amid the buoyant local stock market.
Domestically, private consumption expenditure resumed moderate growth after four consecutive quarters of decline, as supported by the stabilisation in the domestic consumption market. Meanwhile, overall investment expenditure increased further alongside the economic expansion.
Hong Kong’s economy exhibited remarkable resilience in the first half of 2025.
Looking ahead, steady economic growth in Asia, particularly in the Mainland, combined with the Government’s various measures to bolster consumption sentiment, attract investment, diversify markets, and promote economic growth, will continue to provide steadfast support for various segments of the Hong Kong economy.
Nevertheless, uncertainties in the external environment remain elevated. The US’ renewed tariff hikes of late will exert pressure on global trade flows as well as its domestic economic activity and inflation. The uncertain pace of US interest rate cuts will also affect investment sentiment.
Moreover, the “rush shipment” effect is expected to fade later this year.
Hong Kong’s economic performance going forward will, to a certain extent, depend on how these factors evolve, the Government added.
Digital Policy Office introduces initiatives to promote cybersecurity in second half 2025 (with photos)
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Digital Policy Office introduces initiatives to promote cybersecurity in second half 2025
The Commissioner for Digital Policy, Mr Tony Wong, said that with rapid developments in the digital era, cybersecurity threats have grown increasingly severe. The Government is adopting a multipronged strategy to continuously enhance the cybersecurity resilience of Hong Kong. Reviewing the DPO’s work on cybersecurity in the first half of the year, Mr Wong stated that in addition to co-ordinating with the HKIRC to launch the Cybersec One Programme to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), schools, and non-governmental organisations in strengthening their cybersecurity protection level, the DPO also worked closely with the CSTCB, the HKCERT and various stakeholders to organise a range of awareness campaigns and cybersecurity drills to raise cybersecurity awareness and response capabilities among government departments and the public. In the second half of the year, the DPO will continue to launch a variety of initiatives, including co-ordinating with the HKCERT to implement the Cybersecurity Service Providers Connect Programme, leading the organising of the second Hong Kong Cybersecurity Attack and Defence Drill, and hosting a series of activities to fully support the annual China Cybersecurity Week. These initiatives will further promote cross-sectoral and cross-regional collaboration, strengthen the local cybersecurity ecosystem, and drive the sustainable development of Hong Kong’s digital economy.
At the briefing, the Chief Superintendent of the CSTCB, Mr Lam Cheuk-ho, announced the technology crime figures recorded in the first half of 2025. A total of 16 262 cases were recorded, with financial losses exceeding $3 billion, mainly attributable to substantial losses from online investment fraud, with both figures representing an increase of 0.5 per cent and 14.7 per cent respectively compared to the same period last year. Among these cases, there were only 42 incidents involving destructive hacking, a 22 per cent decrease compared to the same period last year. Mr Lam emphasised that in the face of escalating cybersecurity threats, the Police are intensifying law enforcement while actively strengthening the development of Hong Kong’s cybersecurity ecosystem from multiple dimensions through raising public awareness, nurturing professionals and enhanced public-private partnerships to comprehensively solidify the city’s cybersecurity defence.
The Chief Executive Officer of the HKIRC, Mr Wilson Wong, shared the latest security scan findings, which revealed that around 65 per cent of websites belonging to SMEs, educational and social welfare organisations are at risk of data leakage, reminding organisations to act proactively by patching vulnerabilities and strengthening cybersecurity measures. He encouraged enterprises and organisations to leverage the services of the Cybersec One Programme, including free website risk assessments, vulnerability identifications, staff training and phishing email drills in order to foster a cybersecurity culture and comprehensively improve defence capabilities.
The Chief Digital Officer of the Hong Kong Productivity Council, Mr Edmond Lai, speaking on behalf of the HKCERT, highlighted findings from the 2024 Hong Kong Enterprise Cyber Security Readiness Index and AI Security Survey, noting that nearly 70 per cent of surveyed businesses had experienced cyberattacks, underscoring the urgent need for companies to continue strengthening cybersecurity measures to confront increasingly complex and frequent threats. He added that the Cybersecurity Service Providers Connect Programme launched by the HKCERT will effectively connect cybersecurity service providers with local enterprises and organisations to help them find suitable solutions. The Programme is now open for applications, and the classified and vetted service providers will be showcased on a dedicated platform.
In conclusion, Mr Tony Wong emphasised the theme of “Cybersecurity for the People, Cybersecurity relies on the People”, and maintained that cybersecurity requires the joint efforts of the whole society. Several large-scale major events will take place in Hong Kong in the second half of this year, including the 15th National Games and the Legislative Council general election, etc. These events extensively utilise information technology, and cybersecurity is critical to ensure the smooth execution of the large-scale events. The DPO will continue to partner with all sectors to launch diverse activities and training to continuously enhance Hong Kong’s overall capabilities to tackle risks in cybersecurity, and he appealed for media support in jointly disseminating the importance of cybersecurity and the building of a safer and more resilient digital future.
Issued at HKT 18:38
NNNN
Import of poultry meat and products from Somerset District of Somerset County in UK suspended
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
​The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department announced today (July 31) that in view of a notification from the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) about an outbreak of highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza in Somerset District of Somerset County in the United Kingdom (UK), the CFS has instructed the trade to suspend the import of poultry meat and products (including poultry eggs) from the area with immediate effect to protect public health in Hong Kong.
A CFS spokesman said that according to the Census and Statistics Department, Hong Kong imported about 390 tonnes of chilled and frozen poultry meat, and about 830 000 poultry eggs from the UK in the first six months of this year.
“The CFS has contacted the British authority over the issue and will closely monitor information issued by the WOAH and the relevant authorities on the avian influenza outbreak. Appropriate action will be taken in response to the development of the situation,” the spokesman said.
HD implements multipronged mosquito control measures against chikungunya fever (with photos)
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
In response to the recent surge in chikungunya fever cases reported in neighbouring regions, the Housing Department (HD) announced today (July 31) that the HD has stepped up mosquito prevention and control efforts through a multipronged approach in all public rental housing estates under the HD’s management, and appeals to residents to strengthen mosquito prevention and control measures.
“To prevent mosquito-borne diseases effectively, all estate offices under the HD have strengthened anti-mosquito measures and prevention work jointly with different stakeholders and other government departments. They are strengthening inspections in public areas and flower beds; 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,” said an HD spokesman.
“We have taken measures to keep drains free of blockage and level all defective ground surfaces to prevent water accumulation. We have also continuously enhanced public education and publicity through posters and leaflets to remind the public to adopt mosquito control measures. We also invited the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department to conduct educational talks to disseminate the latest information on chikungunya fever and mosquito prevention to the residents,” the spokesman added.
Public participation is crucial in addition to the efforts of government departments. The HD urged residents to join hands to implement 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 to prevent water accumulation;
- Change the water in vases and scrub their internal surfaces every week;
- Keep water storage containers, such as buckets and basins, tightly covered; and
- Check air-conditioner drip trays to prevent any water accumulation.
Please visit the Centre for Health Protection’s thematic webpage for more information on chikungunya fever: www.chp.gov.hk/en/features/109029.
Monetary Statistics for June 2025
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority:
According to statistics published today (July 31) by the Hong Kong Monetary Authority, total deposits with authorized institutions increased by 0.9 per cent in June 2025. Among the total, Hong Kong dollar deposits decreased by 0.9 per cent while foreign currency deposits increased by 2.4 per cent in June, mainly reflecting fund flows of corporates. For the first half of 2025 as a whole, total deposits and Hong Kong dollar deposits increased by 7.6 per cent and 7.0 per cent respectively. Renminbi deposits in Hong Kong decreased by 9.6 per cent in June to RMB882.1 billion at the end of June, mainly reflecting fund flows of corporates. The total remittance of renminbi for cross-border trade settlement amounted to RMB1,223.5 billion in June, compared with RMB1,123.6 billion in May. It should be noted that changes in deposits are affected by a wide range of factors, such as interest rate movements and fund-raising activities. It is therefore more appropriate to observe the longer-term trends, and not to over-generalise fluctuations in a single month.
Total loans and advances increased by 1.1 per cent in June, and increased by 2.5 per cent in the first half of 2025. Among the total, loans for use in Hong Kong (including trade finance) and loans for use outside Hong Kong increased by 0.9 per cent and 1.8 per cent respectively in June. The Hong Kong dollar loan-to-deposit ratio increased to 72.0 per cent at the end of June from 70.5 per cent at the end of May, as Hong Kong dollar deposits decreased while Hong Kong dollar loans increased.
For the second quarter of 2025 as a whole, loans for use in Hong Kong (including trade finance) increased by 1.6 per cent after increasing by 0.5 per cent in the previous quarter. Analysed by economic use, the increase in loans during the second quarter was mainly led by loans to financial concerns and loans to electricity and gas.
Hong Kong dollar M2 and M3 both decreased by 0.8 per cent in June, while both increased by 8.4 per cent when compared to a year ago. The seasonally-adjusted Hong Kong dollar M1 increased by 4.4 per cent in June and increased by 23.7 per cent compared to a year ago, reflecting in part investment-related activities. Total M2 and total M3 both increased by 0.8 per cent in June. Compared to a year earlier, total M2 and total M3 both increased by 11.5 per cent.
As monthly monetary statistics are subject to volatilities due to a wide range of transient factors, such as seasonal funding demand as well as business and investment-related activities, caution is required when interpreting the statistics.
Residential mortgage loans in negative equity: End of June 2025
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 announced today (July 31) the results of its survey on residential mortgage loans (RMLs) in negative equity at end-June 2025.
The estimated number of RMLs in negative equity was 37 806 cases at end-June 2025, as compared to 40 741 cases at end-March 2025. These cases were mainly related to bank staff housing loans or RMLs under mortgage insurance programme, which generally have a higher loan-to-value ratio.
The aggregate value of RMLs in negative equity decreased to HK$190.2 billion at end-June 2025 compared with HK$205.9 billion at end-March 2025.
The unsecured portion of these loans decreased to HK$14.3 billion at end-June 2025 from HK$16.4 billion at end-March 2025.
The three-month delinquency ratio of RMLs in negative equity remained at a low level of 0.21 per cent at end-June 2025 as compared to 0.17 per cent at end-March 2025.
It is important to note that the figures derived from this survey relate only to RMLs provided by authorized institutions on the basis of first mortgages and which the reporting institution knows to be in negative equity (i.e. the outstanding loan amount with the reporting institution exceeds the current market value of the mortgaged property). Not included in these figures are RMLs associated with co-financing schemes which would be in negative equity if the second mortgages were taken into account. The extent to which such RMLs are in negative equity is not known because authorized institutions do not maintain records on the outstanding balances of the second mortgages.
The mortgage portfolios of the surveyed authorized institutions represent about 99 per cent of the industry total. The survey results have been extrapolated to estimate the position of the banking sector as a whole.
Residential Mortgage Survey Results for June 2025
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 announced the results of the residential mortgage survey for June 2025.
The number of mortgage applications in June increased month-on-month by 4.8 per cent to 8 581.
Mortgage loans approved in June increased by 3.3 per cent compared with May to HK$27.5 billion. Among these, mortgage loans financing primary market transactions increased by 4.2 per cent to HK$9.3 billion and those financing secondary market transactions increased by 2.4 per cent to HK$15 billion. Mortgage loans for refinancing increased by 5.2 per cent to HK$3.2 billion.
Mortgage loans drawn down during June increased by 8.9 per cent compared with May to HK$17.7 billion.
The ratio of new mortgage loans priced with reference to HIBOR increased from 93.4 per cent in May to 94.7 per cent in June. The ratio of new mortgage loans priced with reference to best lending rates decreased from 1.9 per cent in May to 1.7 per cent in June.
The outstanding value of mortgage loans increased month-on-month by 0.1 per cent to HK$1,885.6 billion at end-June.
The mortgage delinquency ratio stood at a low level of 0.13 per cent and the rescheduled loan ratio was unchanged at nearly 0 per cent.
Hong Kong Customs detects case involving precious metals and stones dealer carrying out specified cash transaction without Category B registration
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
Hong Kong Customs yesterday (July 30) detected a case involving a local watch company that conducted a cash transaction valued at over HK$120,000, while not being a Category B registrant under the Dealers in Precious Metals and Stones Regulatory Regime. A director of the company was arrested.
The investigation is ongoing. The arrested person has been released on bail.
According to the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorist Financing Ordinance (Cap. 615), the Regime came into effect on April 1, 2023. Any person who is seeking to carry on a business of dealing in precious metals and stones in Hong Kong and engage in any transaction(s) (whether making or receiving a payment) with a total value at or above HK$120,000 in Hong Kong is required to register with the Commissioner of Customs and Excise.
In particular, no person other than a Category B registrant may carry out a cash transaction with a total value at or above HK$120,000 in the course of business of dealing in precious metals and stones. Any dealer who is not a Category B registrant, who claims to be a Category B registrant, claims to be authorised to carry out, or carries out any cash transaction(s) with a total value at or above HK$120,000, commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a maximum fine of HK$100,000 and imprisonment for six months.
Customs reminds dealers in precious metals and stones that they must obtain the relevant registration before they can carry out any cash or non-cash transaction(s) with a total value at or above HK$120,000.
For the forms, procedures and guidelines to submit applications for registration, please visit the website for the Dealers in Precious Metals and Stones Registration System (www.drs.customs.gov.hk) or Customs’ webpage (www.customs.gov.hk/en/service-enforcement-information/anti-money-laundering/supervision-of-dealers-in-precious-metals-and-ston/index.html).
Members of the public may report any suspected transactions involving precious metals and stones with a total value at or above HK$120,000 conducted without the required registration to Customs’ 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002).