Month: July 2025

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Government announced today (July 7) that the Chief Executive has reappointed Professor Wong Sze-chun as Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Post-service Employment of Civil Servants from September 1, 2025, to August 31, 2027. Professor Wong has been serving as Chairman of the committee since September 1, 2021.

     The Chief Executive has also appointed Ms Jacqueline Ng Wai-kwan and Mr James Tong Wai-pong as new Committee members, and reappointed four existing members, Ms Eva Kwong Pui-han, Mr Victor Lam Wai-kiu, Miss Christine Leung Wan-chong and Dr James Wong Kong-tin, for a term of two years.

     The appointments of Miss Leung, Ms Ng and Mr Tong will be effective from July 14, 2025, to July 13, 2027, while the appointments of Ms Kwong and Dr Wong will be effective from September 1, 2025, to August 31, 2027. As for the appointment of Mr Lam, it will be effective from December 1, 2025, to November 30, 2027.

     The Government expresses its sincere appreciation to the outgoing members, Mr Cheng Yan-kee and Mrs Betty Yuen So Siu-mai, for their invaluable contributions to the work of the Committee. 

     The Advisory Committee advises the Government on matters relating to post-service employment of civil servants. Other serving members are Mr Chan Chun-ying and Ms Christina Maisenne Lee. Its secretariat support is provided by the Joint Secretariat for the Advisory Bodies on Civil Service and Judicial Salaries and Conditions of Service.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Education Bureau (EDB) today (July 7) reminded parents that the results for Secondary School Places Allocation (SSPA) 2025 (including results at the discretionary places (DP) and central allocation (CA) stages) will be announced tomorrow (July 8).
 
SSPA allocation results
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     A total of 48 011 students participated in the SSPA System for this allocation cycle. Based on the total number of students allocated DP and the first three choices through CA, the overall satisfaction rate is 95 per cent. According to the number of students allocated DP and the first choice through CA, the satisfaction rate is 85 per cent.
 
     The respective satisfaction rates for DP and CA are:
 
* Among the students allocated DP, 68 per cent were allocated the first choice; and
 
* For students allocated through CA (including Part A for Unrestricted School Choices and Part B for Restricted School Choices), 91 per cent of students were allocated the first three choices and 74 per cent were allocated the first choice.
 
     The EDB hopes that parents and students accept the allocation results with a positive attitude. The learning effectiveness of students does not hinge merely on the schools to which they are allocated but rather on whether students have a proactive mindset in learning. It is important for parents to continue to support and encourage their children, and avoid burdening them with their own expectations.
 
Announcement of allocation results
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     All Primary Six students participating in this year’s SSPA System should return to their school tomorrow to collect the Allocation Slip and Admission Slip. Parents can obtain the allocation results by the following means:
 

1. Parents who have registered as the SSPA e-platform (eSSPA) users with “iAM Smart” or “iAM Smart+” (www.iamsmart.gov.hk/en/reg.html) may also view their children’s allocation results via the eSSPA starting from 10am on the same day; and
2. Parents who have provided a mobile phone number on the Secondary One Choice of Schools Form to indicate their consent to receiving the result via the number will also receive the result regarding their children via SMS message starting from around 10am tomorrow.

 
     Please refer to the series of related videos and the Parent’s Guide on the bureau’s homepage (www.edb.gov.hk/en/edu-system/primary-secondary/spa-systems/secondary-spa/general-info/sspa_eplatform_parents_guide.html) for details on creating and logging into an eSSPA account, as well as viewing the allocation results via the eSSPA.
 
Completion of registration procedure
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     All students must report to the allocated secondary schools this Thursday or Friday (July 10 or 11) for registration. In case neither the students nor their parents or guardians are able to return to the school and collect the Allocation Slip and Admission Slip in person, the parents or guardians should authorise a representative in writing in advance to collect the documents and complete the registration procedure on their behalf.
 
     Should any parent or guardian have genuine difficulties in collecting the Admission Slip and registering with the allocated school personally or through an authorised representative, he or she should inform the schools concerned or the School Places Allocation Section of the EDB before the end of the registration period so that alternative arrangements for registration can be made. Failure to do so will be taken as giving up the place allocated.
 
Arrangements under inclement weather
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     In case of inclement weather or other special circumstances on the day for announcement of the allocation results or on the days for registration, all schools and parents should pay attention to announcements on radio or television for special arrangements for announcing the allocation results or registration.
 
Enquiries
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     For enquiries about the allocation results, students and parents may call the School Places Allocation Section of the EDB on 2832 7740 and 2832 7700 during office hours.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK) today (July 7) announced that it had assisted over 1 300 overseas and Mainland companies to set up or expand their business in Hong Kong from January 2023 to the first six months of 2025, bringing in foreign direct investment of more than HK$160 billion and creating over 19 000 jobs within the first year of operation or expansion, contributing to the local job market and reaffirming Hong Kong’s position as a leading business hub in Asia.

These results demonstrate that InvestHK has achieved ahead of schedule its performance indicators as set out in the 2022 Policy Address. Details are as follows:
 

The top five locations of origin among the companies assisted span markets in North America, Europe and Asia:
 

Among the companies assisted, the top five sectors were as follows:
 

In addition, under the New Capital Investment Entrant Scheme (New CIES), InvestHK is responsible for its financial requirements assessment, while the Immigration Department is responsible for assessing applications for visa/entry permits, extensions of stay and unconditional stays pursuant to the Scheme. Since its launch in March 2024, the key numbers of New CIES as of June 2025 are as follows:
 

The Director-General of Investment Promotion at InvestHK, Ms Alpha Lau, said that amid the challenges from external factors such as the geopolitical situation, this will bring both risks and opportunities to Hong Kong. InvestHK will further build on this strong momentum to deepen mutual engagements between Hong Kong, the Mainland and overseas markets. The department will continue to strengthen ties with traditional markets such as Europe, North America and North Asia while actively exploring emerging markets.

Ms Lau said, “Our investment promotion efforts span various industries, aligning with policy directives and closely adhering to the key measures outlined in the Policy Addresses in recent years, such as the low-altitude economy, liquor trade, and the development of the Northern Metropolis. We also assist Mainland companies to go global via Hong Kong and further promote Hong Kong’s advantages as a regional trade and high-end logistics hub. We will continue to leverage Hong Kong’s role as a two-way springboard for Mainland and overseas companies to connect between our country and the rest of the world under the ‘one country, two systems’ principle.”

She continued, “Looking ahead, we will focus on four strategic sectors, namely financial services and fintech, innovation and technology, supply chain management and logistics, as well as sustainable development and the green economy. We are also committed to leveraging Hong Kong’s ‘perceptible and experiential’ soft power to promote cultural ties, showcasing the city’s charm to the world in order to attract foreign investment. This will lead to drive the development of relevant industries and assist enterprises in capital matching through Hong Kong’s stable capital market. We will actively promote Hong Kong as a two-way platform for both attracting investments into the city and helping businesses going global.”

She added, “This year marks InvestHK’s 25th anniversary. Over the past quarter century, we have assisted over 7 700 overseas and Mainland companies from around the world to set up or expand their business in Hong Kong. These companies span a wide range of sectors, including finance, innovation and technology, professional services, and sustainable development, creating over 95 000 jobs and bringing in direct investment of more than HK$440 billion. Hong Kong has always been one of the preferred destinations for global capital. These choices made by investors from around the globe are the strongest vote of confidence in investing in Hong Kong.”

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

​The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) announced today (July 7) that applications for marine fish culture licences and the use of government-provided deep sea cages in the new fish culture zone at Mirs Bay (South) are open for applications from today until September 6, to assist capture fishermen in switching to sustainable deep sea mariculture.

A spokesman for the AFCD said, “Unlike the small-scale operations using traditional wooden fish rafts in the past, we aim to encourage the intensification of production for fishermen in the new fish culture zones while adopting a sustainable and environmentally friendly mode of operation, together with the use of steel truss cages or other types of deep sea cages that are resilient to strong wind and water current.” 

To reduce the start-up cost for fishermen, the AFCD will set up two sets of steel truss deep sea cages and three sets of HDPE (high density polyethylene) deep sea cages equipped with modern aquaculture facilities in phases in the new fish culture zone at Mirs Bay (South) by the end of this year. These deep sea cages will be provided to local fishermen associations through licence agreements to help capture fishermen meet new challenges and assist the industry in switching to sustainable development or high-value-added aquaculture practices. 

Applicants shall provide a detailed business plan, including an introduction to the proposed sustainable mariculture business, as well as a demonstration of their eligibility to use government cages and compliance with the relevant environmental protection and mitigation measures. 

The spokesman added that those interested in operating in the new fish culture zone may consider applying for the Sustainable Fisheries Development Fund to develop their mariculture businesses. However, the fund cannot be used to pay for the licence fees of government cages. 

The AFCD has designated Wong Chuk Kok Hoi, Mirs Bay, Outer Tap Mun, and Po Toi (Southeast) as the four new fish culture zones, covering a total area equivalent to three times that of the original fish culture zones. Among these, the Wong Chuk Kok Hoi and Mirs Bay fish culture zones began accepting the first round of marine fish culture licence applications by the end of 2024. 

The AFCD will hold a briefing session on July 17 to introduce the application process and licensing requirements of marine fish culture licences and the use of deep sea cages. Details of the application and the briefing session are available on the AFCD website: https://www.afcd.gov.hk/english/fisheries/fish_aqu/fish_aqu_mfco/newfczmfcl2025.html.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

Hong Kong Customs detected two drug trafficking cases involving baggage concealment at Hong Kong International Airport yesterday (July 5) and seized a total of about 6.1 kilograms of suspected cannabis buds with an estimated market value of about $1.3 million and about 3.7 kilograms of suspected cocaine with an estimated market value of about $3 million.

The first case involved a foreign male passenger, aged 27, arrived in Hong Kong from Bangkok, Thailand, yesterday. During customs clearance, Customs officers found about 6.1kg of suspected cannabis buds inside his check-in suitcase. He was subsequently arrested.

In the second case, a 50-year-old local female passenger arrived in Hong Kong from Paris, France, yesterday. Customs officers seized about 3.7kg of suspected cocaine from her check-in suitcase during customs clearance. She was subsequently arrested.

The arrested person in the first case has been charged with one count of trafficking in a dangerous drug. The case will be brought up at the West Kowloon Magistrates’ Court tomorrow (July 7).

The second case is still under investigation.

Customs will continue to step up enforcement against drug trafficking activities through intelligence analysis. The department also reminds members of the public to stay alert and not participate in drug trafficking activities for monetary return. They must not accept hiring or delegation from another party to carry controlled items into and out of Hong Kong. They are also reminded not to carry unknown items for other people.
 
Customs will continue to apply a risk assessment approach and focus on selecting passengers from high-risk regions for clearance to combat transnational drug trafficking activities.

Under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, trafficking in a dangerous drug is a serious offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $5 million and life imprisonment.

Members of the public may report any suspected drug trafficking activities 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/en).

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Committee for Pacific Economic Cooperation:

     The Model PECC-cum-Award Presentation Ceremony for the Hong Kong Committee for Pacific Economic Cooperation (HKCPEC) Youth Programme (Youth Programme) 2024/2025 – “Model PECC – Innovating through Youth Voices”, co-organised by the HKCPEC and the Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups (HKFYG) Leadership Institute, was successfully held today (July 6) at the HKFYG Leadership Institute in Fanling. The Chairman of the HKCPEC, Professor Tam Kar-yan, and the Director-General of Trade and Industry, Mr Aaron Liu, were the officiating guests at the Award Presentation Ceremony.

     In his opening remarks, Professor Tam depicted that this year marked the tenth edition of Youth Programme held by the HKCPEC. This year’s Programme enabled students to engage in discussions on issues related to economic development in the Asia-Pacific region in a model Pacific Economic Cooperation Council (PECC) meeting setting, as well as motivating them to think creatively and contribute meaningfully to regional economic co-operation dialogues. 

In his speech, Mr Liu expressed his appreciation for HKCPEC to continue organising the Youth Programme this year, as youth development is one of the priorities of the current term Government. Against the backdrop of a complicated and ever-changing global economic landscape, the Programme provided an opportunity for the younger generation in Hong Kong to deepen their understanding on issues in regional economic co-operation. He also encouraged the students to seize the opportunity to participate in the activities relating to regional economic co-operation in preparation for their future development in the society.

     The theme of this year’s Youth Programme is “Model PECC – Innovating through Youth Voices”, which attracted over 190 secondary students in 74 teams from 46 secondary schools to take part. Participating secondary school students took part in a series of nurturing activities since March, including seminars, workshops and a 24-hour case study, to deepen their understanding on regional economic development and co-operation. In the Model PECC held yesterday (July 5) and today, each of the 11 shortlisted teams was assigned to represent one of the PECC Member Committees to conduct research and develop policy recommendations on a designated topic, and to present their findings and policy recommendations under a simulated setting of PECC Meeting.

The team formed by Valerie Shek from the Independent Schools Foundation Academy, Adrian Wong and Nika Zhang from Hong Kong International School was awarded the Champion of the competition whereas team from SKH Lam Woo Memorial Secondary School was the first runner-up. Two teams from Maryknoll Convent School (Secondary Section) and Pui Ching Middle School were awarded the second runners-up. Adrian Wong from Hong Kong International School, Ling Man Yin from Maryknoll Convent School (Secondary Section) and Yu Ka Yu from Wa Ying College were awarded the Best Speakers Awards.

     The HKCPEC Youth Programme aims at advancing young people’s understanding on regional economic development as well as the role and contributions of Hong Kong in economic and trade development in the Asia-Pacific region; and broadening their knowledge, developing their analytical skills and encouraging their strategic thinking in the process.

     The HKCPEC (www.hkcpec.org) was established in March 1990 to co-ordinate Hong Kong, China’s participation in the PECC. In line with the nature of the PECC, the composition of the HKCPEC is tripartite, comprising members from the Government, the business sector and academia.

     The PECC is a non-governmental organisation set up in 1980 to develop closer co-operation in trade and economic issues among economies in the region. Currently, the PECC has 24 member committees, of which 21 are full members. For details, please visit the PECC’s website at www.pecc.org.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

    To commemorate the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression, Customs YES organised a summer cultural and historical study tour to Beijing from July 2 to 6. Fifty members of the Foot Drill and Flag Party of the Customs Youth Leader Corps joined the tour to explore the country’s history, culture, development, and achievements.
 
    In the early morning of July 3, the Deputy Commissioner (Control and Enforcement) of Customs and Excise, Mr Mark Woo, along with members of the Executive Committee and the Honorary Presidents’ Association of Customs YES, led the delegation to witness the flag-raising ceremony at Tiananmen Square. They later interacted with the National Flag Guard Unit of People’s Liberation Army Ceremonial Escort Battalion to learn about professional ceremonial standards and flag-guarding etiquette.
 
    On the same day, the delegation visited the Museum of the Communist Party of China to understand the history of martyrs uniting against the enemy to protect the country. Afterwards, the members visited the Beijing Shichahai Sports School, where they interacted with national badminton athletes, Ms Huang Yaqiong and Mr Liu Yuchen.
 
    On July 4 and 5, the delegation visited the China Academy of Aerospace Electronics Technology to learn about the Beidou Navigation Satellite System, and to discover the country’s achievements in fields such as manned spaceflight, lunar and mars exploration and unmanned aircraft system. In addition, they visited the Juyongguan Great Wall to learn about its significant military and historical value. At the Palace Museum and the China Customs Museum, the participants had the opportunity to study the country’s history and culture, as well as the development of the General Administration of Customs of the People’s Republic of China.
 
    On the last day of the trip (July 6), the delegation toured POP Land to gain insights into successful experiences in cultural and creative industries and the importance of protecting intellectual property rights.
 
    During the tour, the delegation explored several Beijing landmarks, including Qianmen Street, and the scenic avenue outside the Water Cube and the National Stadium.
 
    This study tour received partial funding from the Home Affairs and Youth Affairs Bureau and the Youth Development Commission. It is also one of the annual activities of the Tour to the Motherland for a Hundred Youth organised by Hong Kong Customs during the summer holiday. Looking ahead, Customs YES will organise more exchange activities to promote youth development and nurture a new generation with a sense of national identity and national pride.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, will depart tomorrow morning (July 8) to visit Seoul, Korea.

     During his stay in Seoul, Mr Chan will hold multiple meetings with representatives from local institutional investors, financial institutions, fund industry, the venture capital sector and the digital asset community. He will also attend a seminar on the capital markets of Hong Kong and Korea, where he will brief the Korean financial sector on the latest developments in Hong Kong’s capital market and promote deeper co-operation between the two places in related areas.

     He will also join a business luncheon cohosted by the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Tokyo and the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry. At the event, Mr Chan will highlight Hong Kong’s business advantages to representatives from Korea’s financial, industrial and commercial, innovation and technology sectors, among others. In particular, he will expand on Hong Kong’s role as a “super connector” and “super value-adder”, and how it can help Korean businesses expand into the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, as well as the broader Mainland and international markets to explore new business opportunities.

     While in Seoul, Mr Chan will also pay visits to representatives of the Bank of Korea – the central bank of Korea, financial regulatory bodies and investment agencies. He will also visit local innovation and technology enterprises as well as innovative research and development institutions.

     Mr Chan will return to Hong Kong in the evening of July 10. During his absence, the Deputy Financial Secretary, Mr Michael Wong, will be the Acting Financial Secretary.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Instrumental Music Training Scheme, organised by the Music Office of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department, is now recruiting beginners for its 2025-26 Elementary Year 1 courses. Children and youths aged between 6 and 14 with no instrumental experience with the selected instruments are welcome to apply. The deadline for applications is August 4.
 
     The scheme provides training in almost 30 Chinese and Western musical instruments including erhu, pipa, suona, sheng, zhongruan, clarinet, oboe, bassoon, French horn, trombone, euphonium, violin, viola, cello, double bass and others, with supplementary training in musicianship and theory for children and youths to develop their interest and potential in music.
 
     One-hour group lessons are conducted weekly in Cantonese at the Music Office’s five music centres in Wan Chai, Kwun Tong, Mong Kok, Sha Tin and Tsuen Wan. An annual tuition fee of $2,394 for the first year and $2,926 for the second year are payable in four instalments. A fee remission scheme is available for trainees in need of financial assistance.
 
     Interested persons can visit the Music Office website (www.lcsd.gov.hk/en/mo/training/instrumentalmusictrainingscheme.html) for more details and application submission. Course pamphlets and application forms are also available at all Music Office’s music centres. Applicants who meet the age requirement will be invited to attend a music aptitude test and an interview on August 24. They will be notified of the results in October and the training will commence in November.
 
     For enquiries, please call the Music Office’s music centres at 2802 0657 (Wan Chai), 2796 2893 (Kwun Tong), 2399 2200 (Mong Kok), 2158 6462 (Sha Tin) and 2417 6429 (Tsuen Wan).

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Financial Secretary Paul Chan will depart for a visit to Seoul, Korea, tomorrow and return to Hong Kong on Thursday.

While there, Mr Chan will hold meetings with representatives from institutional investors, financial institutions, the fund industry, the venture capital sector and the digital asset community.

Additionally, he plans to attend a seminar on their respective capital markets to brief the Korean financial sector on the latest developments in Hong Kong’s capital market and promote deeper co-operation between the two places in related areas.

While joining a business luncheon cohosted by the Hong Kong Economic & Trade Office in Tokyo and the Korea Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Mr Chan will highlight Hong Kong’s business advantages to Korea’s financial, industrial and commercial, innovation and technology sectors, etc.

In particular, he will elaborate on Hong Kong’s role as a “super connector” and “super value-adder”, and how it can assist Korean businesses to expand into the Greater Bay Area, the Mainland and international markets.

As part of his agenda, the Financial Secretary will also meet representatives of the Bank of Korea, which is the central bank of the country, and tour innovation and technology enterprises as well as innovative research and development institutions.

 During Mr Chan’s absence, Deputy Financial Secretary Michael Wong will be Acting Financial Secretary.