Month: July 2025

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Secretary for Home & Youth Affairs Alice Mak today began a visit to Sichuan y touring the Shenshuping Base of the China Conservation & Research Centre for the Giant Panda (CCRCGP) and the Wolong Natural Museum in the Giant Panda National Park.

She also attended the closing ceremony of the “2025 Youth Internship Programme at Wolong Region of Giant Panda National Park”, with 20 Hong Kong youths completing the programme.

In the morning, Miss Mak visited the Shenshuping Base of the CCRCGP. Accompanied by Hong Kong youths participating in the internship programme, she toured the facilities at the centre, which were rebuilt with Hong Kong’s support.

The interns, who served as guides, gave a detailed presentation about nature conservation and the work of caring for and rearing giant pandas.

Miss Mak then visited the Wolong Natural Museum in the Giant Panda National Park, where the interns shared their experiences of ecological conservation work at the Wolong National Nature Reserve.

The youth affairs chief attended the internship programme’s closing ceremony in the afternoon.

In a speech, Miss Mak highlighted that the Home & Youth Affairs Bureau (HYAB) has collaborated with the Sichuan Wolong Nature Reserve Administration and the CCRCGP to organise the internship programme since 2017, adding that it provides Hong Kong youths with professional training and practical work experience in nature conservation and ecotourism.

She thanked the Sichuan Provincial Bureau of Forestry & Grassland, the Wolong Nature Reserve Administration and the CCRCGP for their long-standing support for Hong Kong’s youth development, and enabling students to gain practical experience through the internships.

Jointly organised by the HYAB and various Mainland official cultural, nature conservation and scientific research institutions, the HYAB Thematic Youth Internship Programmes to the Mainland comprise six internship programmes, providing over 110 specialised internship positions for Hong Kong youths.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

Associate Director-General of Investment Promotion at Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK) Ms Loretta Lee attended the China International Supply Chain Expo (CISCE) in Beijing today (July 17). There, Ms Lee delivered remarks at the Thematic Event on Supply Chain Service to promote Hong Kong’s business advantages and opportunities to Mainland and overseas companies and media representatives, encouraging enterprises to leverage Hong Kong’s unique position as an international financial, shipping, and trade hub to establish their multinational supply chain management expertise.

Organised by the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT), the CISCE is the world’s first national-level expo focused on supply chains. InvestHK has joined the CISCE for two consecutive years and delivered speeches on Thematic Event on Supply Chain Service and Thematic Event on Advanced Manufacturing topics this year.

The Thematic Event on Supply Chain Service topic focuses on upgrading the industrial supply chain and explores new global collaboration efforts. In her remarks, Ms Lee promoted Hong Kong’s unique advantages under the “one country, two systems” framework and the city’s role as a gateway connecting Mainland China and global markets under the national dual circulation strategy. She said, “Hong Kong as a ‘super connector’ and a ‘super value-adder’ can help Mainland enterprises better cope with the international market and balance the stability and flexibility of the supply chain. The city has rich experience in supply chain management. From infrastructure, professional service talent, international supplier networks to government policy support, Hong Kong can fully meet enterprises’ needs in different stages of business operation such as procurement, trade, and logistics. As a leading international financial centre, Hong Kong boasts a vibrant and diverse capital market. In the first half of this year, Hong Kong led the world in initial public offering fundraising, making it the ideal destination for corporate financing. I encourage Mainland enterprises to establish corporate treasury centres in Hong Kong to facilitate global expansion.”

CCPIT Vice Chairman Mr Chen Jian’an also delivered a speech at the event.

On the same day, the Head of Transport, Logistics and Industrials at InvestHK, Mr Benjamin Wong, joined a thematic forum at the Thematic Event on Advanced Manufacturing, sharing insights on the innovation-driven development through green and low-carbon technologies. He noted that the demand for green and low-carbon solutions in industries is currently experiencing a growth momentum. The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government has been supporting the development of the local innovation and technology sector through various measures, including enhanced research and development support, expanded funding channels, and strengthened collaboration among academia, industry, and the Government, with the aim of accelerating Hong Kong’s transformation into a green tech hub. To further enhance green and sustainable economic development, InvestHK has established a dedicated sustainability team, which actively attracts overseas and Mainland enterprises with leading technologies and solutions in carbon neutrality to establish or expand their operations in Hong Kong.

Following the CISCE, InvestHK will host a roundtable on July 18 to further discuss Hong Kong’s role as a multinational supply chain management centre, and conduct in-depth discussions and exchanges with representatives of Beijing-based companies interested in expanding their business in Hong Kong. Ms Lee will deliver welcome remarks, encouraging Beijing companies to use Hong Kong as their multinational supply chain management centre. In the sharing session, Mr Wong and the Managing Director of Li & Fung Development (China) Ltd, Mr Chang Ka-mun, will discuss the latest environment and trends of global trade and supply chains, and how Hong Kong can help Mainland and overseas enterprises build global supply chain management expertise. Experts from PricewaterhouseCoopers and China Merchants Bank will also share insights at the event on Hong Kong’s tax benefits and financial services for Mainland enterprises looking to expand internationally.

During the visit, the InvestHK delegation will meet with various enterprises to provide the latest updates on Hong Kong’s latest policies and opportunities, thereby assisting them to leverage Hong Kong’s advantages to expand overseas.

To download event photos, please visit: www.flickr.com/photos/investhk/albums/72177720327606368.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Small Unmanned Aircraft (Amendment) Order 2025 and the Air Navigation (Hong Kong) Order 1995 (Amendment) Order 2025 will come into effect tomorrow (July 18) to facilitate the development of the low-altitude economy.

The amendments to the Small Unmanned Aircraft (SUA) Order (Cap. 448G) serve to extend the existing regulatory regime to cover SUA weighing over 25 kilograms but not exceeding 150kg. Relevant guidance documents including the updated Safety Requirements Document and Advisory Circulars will be available on the Civil Aviation Department (CAD)’s website (www.cad.gov.hk/english/sua_new.html) from July 18.

Meanwhile, the amendments to the Air Navigation (Hong Kong) Order 1995 (Cap. 448C) serve to facilitate the trials of various unconventional aircraft in Hong Kong. New articles are added under Cap. 448C to empower the Chief Executive to permit the trials of unconventional aircraft under specified conditions. Practical guidance in respect of the trials of unconventional aircraft will be published on the CAD’s website (www.cad.gov.hk/english/uca_trials.html) on July 18.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Housing Bureau (HB) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Nano and Advanced Materials Institute (NAMI) today (July 17) for the establishment of a strategic partnership to integrate the strengths of both parties and create a complete innovation ecosystem from research and development (R&D) to market application, building possibilities for the future with new ideas and technologies. This partnership will leverage the cutting-edge expertise of NAMI in advanced materials alongside the Hong Kong Housing Authority (HKHA)’s public housing practical verification platform. This will accelerate the validation and application of new building materials while creating a sustainable technology development model through patent protection and commercialisation mechanisms, supporting the development of Hong Kong into a regional intellectual property trading centre.

The HB and the HKHA have been committed to promoting innovative construction technologies to enhance the efficiency, quality, and safety levels of public housing construction. The HKHA leverages the vast supply, standardised designs, and highly repetitive nature of public housing to provide an ideal practical verification platform for new construction technologies. This diverse application scenario will accelerate technological advancement and marketisation, facilitating the rapid transformation of research results into practical applications. For example, the HKHA and NAMI co-developed the MiSmartLink innovative coupling technology for application in second-generation Modular Integrated Construction (MiC) projects, further simplifying on-site processes and enhancing construction productively. Relevant design patents will protect the research outcomes and promote technology applications in the industry market through technology licensing.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, the Secretary for Housing, Ms Winnie Ho, said that the HB hopes this co-operation can inject more innovative and technological power into Hong Kong’s construction industry by providing a practical verification platform through public housing. At the same time, the collaboration with NAMI will explore the establishment of a broader partnership network to effectively utilise the innovation resources of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area by reinforcing connectivity, actively develop international markets, and position Hong Kong as a regional hub for construction technology intellectual property, reinforcing its role as a “super connector”.

Addressing the ceremony, the Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Professor Sun Dong, remarked that the MOU signed by the HB and NAMI effectively demonstrates positive interaction among the upstream, midstream and downstream sectors in innovation and technology in Hong Kong. It further stands as an exemplary model of highly effective collaboration between Government, industry, academia and research. NAMI’s R&D in construction materials is tailored to HKHA’s diverse application scenarios and production requirements, offering a practical implementation platform for outstanding R&D results. This synergy is fostering ecosystem-wide transformation within the industry and realising a more effective public housing supply.

Witnessed by Ms Ho; Professor Sun; the Under Secretary for Housing, Mr Victor Tai; and the Chairwoman of the Board of Directors of NAMI, Professor Cheng Shuk-han, the MOU was signed by the Permanent Secretary for Housing/Director of Housing, Miss Charmaine Lee, and the Chief Executive Officer of NAMI, Mr Andy Fung. The first batch of research technologies includes further enhancements to the MiSmartLink, the development of composite sealing rolls, and advanced concrete materials and soundproof materials, which will help public housing achieve goals of enhancing speed, quantity, quality, and efficiency.

The collaboration will establish a complete intellectual property management mechanism, allowing research results to gain patent protection and create revenue through technology licensing and commercialisation. A portion of the revenue will be reinvested into a new round of research and development, forming a sustainable development model that injects continuous momentum into the innovation and technology ecosystem.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

Police today (July 17) appealed to the public for information on a woman who went missing in Wong Tai Sin.

Kwok Oi-kwan, aged 18, went missing after she was last seen in a shopping mall on Junction Road, Wong Tai Sin on July 14 afternoon. Her family then made a report to Police.

She is about 1.7 metres tall, 55 kilograms in weight and of medium build. She has a long face with yellow complexion, long black hair with a ponytail and a mole on left chin. She was last seen wearing a light blue shirt, black pants, white shoes, a pair of black glasses and carrying a red backpack.

Anyone who knows the whereabouts of the missing woman or may have seen her is urged to contact the Regional Missing Persons Unit of Kowloon West on 3661 8036 or 9020 6542 or email to rmpu-kw@police.gov.hk, or contact any police station.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, Miss Alice Mak, began her visit to Sichuan today (July 17). She visited the Shenshuping Base of the China Conservation and Research Centre for the Giant Panda (CCRCGP) and the Wolong Natural Museum of the Giant Panda National Park. She also attended the closing ceremony of the 2025 Youth Internship Programme at Wolong Region of Giant Panda National Park.
 
In the morning, Miss Mak visited the Shenshuping Base of the CCRCGP. Accompanied by the Hong Kong youth participating in the internship programme, she toured the facilities and the panda base which were rebuilt with Hong Kong’s support. The interns, who served as guides, gave a detailed presentation about nature conservation and the caring and rearing of giant pandas. Miss Mak then visited the Wolong Natural Museum of the Giant Panda National Park, where the interns shared with her their work experiences and the natural ecological conservation work of the Wolong National Nature Reserve.
 
In the afternoon, Miss Mak attended the closing ceremony of the 2025 Youth Internship Programme at Wolong Region of Giant Panda National Park, witnessing 20 Hong Kong youth successfully completing their internship journeys. In her speech, Miss Mak said that the Home and Youth Affairs Bureau (HYAB) has collaborated with the Sichuan Wolong Nature Reserve Administration and the CCRCGP to organise the internship programme since 2017, providing Hong Kong youth with professional training and practical work experiences in nature conservation and ecotourism. She expressed gratitude to the Sichuan Provincial Bureau of Forestry and Grassland, the Wolong Nature Reserve Administration and the CCRCGP for their long-standing support towards Hong Kong youth development, enabling students to gain practical experience through their internships.
 
Jointly organised by the HYAB and various Mainland official cultural, nature conservation and scientific research institutions, the HYAB Thematic Youth Internship Programmes to the Mainland, offers six internship programmes, providing over 110 specialised internship positions for Hong Kong youth. Among them, the six-week Youth Internship Programme at Wolong Region of Giant Panda National Park is one of the programmes where interns will be guided by experts and scholars in the Wolong National Nature Reserve in Sichuan, and take on roles such as field researchers, ecotour guides, museum docents, giant panda education ambassadors and ecological education promotion experts.
 
Miss Mak will continue her visit to Sichuan tomorrow.

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), as representative of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government (HKSAR Government), announced today (July 17) that a tender of 3-year HKD Institutional Government Bonds (Bonds) through the re-opening of existing 3-year Government Bond issue 03GB2804001 under the Infrastructure Bond Programme will be held on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, for settlement on Thursday, July 24, 2025.
 
An additional amount of HK$2.0 billion of the outstanding 3-year Bonds (issue no. 03GB2804001) will be on offer. The Bonds will mature on April 25, 2028 and will carry interest at the rate of 2.76 per cent per annum payable semi-annually in arrear. The Indicative Pricings of the Bonds on July 17, 2025 are 101.77 with an annualised yield of 2.109 per cent.
 
Tender is open only to Primary Dealers appointed under the Infrastructure Bond Programme. Anyone wishing to apply for the Bonds on offer can do so through any of the Primary Dealers on the latest published list, which can be obtained from the Hong Kong Government Bonds website at www.hkgb.gov.hk. Each tender must be for an amount of HK$50,000 or integral multiples thereof.
 
Tender results will be published on the HKMA’s website, the Hong Kong Government Bonds website, Bloomberg (GBHK ) and Refinitiv (IBPGSBPINDEX). The publication time is expected to be no later than 3pm on the tender day.
 
HKSAR Institutional Government Bonds Tender Information

Tender information of re-opening of 3-year HKD HKSAR Institutional Government Bonds:
 

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The overall Comprehensive Social Security Assistance (CSSA) caseload in June showed a drop of 240 cases, representing a decrease of 0.1 per cent compared with that of May, according to the latest CSSA caseload statistics released by the Social Welfare Department today (July 17).
      
The total CSSA caseload at the end of June stood at 195 196 (see attached table), with a total of 261 440 recipients.
      
Analysed by case nature, low-earnings cases registered a month-to-month decrease of 1.4 per cent to 1 312 cases. Permanent disability cases decreased by 0.4 per cent to 16 534 cases. Both ill-health cases and single parent cases declined by 0.2 per cent to 27 723 cases and 18 842 cases respectively. Old age cases dropped by 0.1 per cent to 110 691 cases.
     
Unemployment cases remained steady at 16 150 cases.