Month: July 2025

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

Director General David Cheng-Wei Wu attended a memorial ceremony commemorating the Lugou Bridge Incident (also known as the Marco Polo Bridge Incident), hosted by the KMT Australia Branch.
In his remarks, DG Wu emphasized that Taiwan—positioned on the frontline of authoritarian expansion—is actively strengthening its readiness and building whole-of-society defense resilience in the face of potential aggression. At the same time, Taiwan’s pursuit of CPTPP accession is not only a move to enhance integration into critical supply chains, but also to bolster both economic resilience and national security.
We are grateful for the continued support of the overseas community and look forward to working together to safeguard Taiwan’s liberal democracy.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Continuing a visit to Paris, France, on Friday and Saturday, Secretary for Culture, Sports & Tourism Rosanna Law met the Deputy Mayor of Paris, the Deputy General Manager of the French National Centre of Cinema and the President of the Grand Palais, and toured various attractions.

 

Miss Law met French National Centre of Cinema Deputy General Manager Olivier Henrard on Friday. The centre oversees French policies relating to cinema, the audiovisual arts, digital creation, and video games.

 

Miss Law highlighted the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government’s commitment to supporting the creative industries and strengthening global partnerships in filmmaking, and pointed to significant potential for deeper collaboration between Hong Kong and France in this field.

 

Miss Law also met Deputy Mayor of Paris Arnaud Ngatcha to discuss opportunities for the enhancement of cultural and tourism ties between Hong Kong and France.

 

She briefed him on the Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival, a signature annual event organised by the Hong Kong Tourism Board, and shared her plans to explore potential collaborations with Bordeaux’s wine industry during her upcoming visit to the city.

 

Mr Ngatcha expressed openness to strengthening partnerships in the fields of culture and tourism and shared insights on how to engage local communities when hosting large-scale events, with particular reference to Paris’s experience in staging the Olympic Games.

 

Earlier on Friday, Miss Law toured Notre-Dame de Paris, where she learnt about the cathedral’s ongoing restoration and its significance as a global tourist attraction.

 

The culture chief also met Grand Palais President Didier Fusillier, with discussions focusing on the versatility of the Grand Palais as a venue for cultural, sporting, and other major events.

 

Inspired by its innovative use of space for events and exhibitions, Miss Law remarked on the potential for adopting similar approaches at venues in Hong Kong, particularly the Kai Tak Sports Park. She also outlined her vision of enhancing Hong Kong’s global profile through multi-disciplinary events of varying scales.

 

Yesterday, Miss Law visited the Musée National des Arts Asiatiques – Guimet, and the Musée d’Orsay, two of Paris’s most renowned museums. She remarked on the distinctive cultural and artistic importance of each institution.

 

With a view to reinforcing Hong Kong as a premier cultural hub, Miss Law garnered ideas for strengthening cultural exchanges between Hong Kong and France through exhibitions, partnerships, and knowledge-sharing.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Following are the opening remarks by the Deputy Secretary for Justice, Dr Cheung kwok-kwan, at the International Symposium on Global Corporate Restructuring Center today (July 6):

The Honourable Professor Leung (Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Deputy to the National People’s Congress, Member of the HKSAR Basic Law Committee of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress and Member of the Legislative Council, Professor Priscilla Leung) , Dr Sun Jin (Director-General of the International Organization for Mediation Preparatory Office), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

Good morning. It is my honour to join this International Symposium on Global Corporate Restructuring Centre. We all know that today’s global economy is interconnected yet volatile. In order to maintain financial stability and investor confidence, we must keep abreast with market changes and cope with the need of cross-border businesses.
 
Corporate restructuring is inherently a crucial strategic tool wielded in financial distress, which is vital for survival, renewal and resilience of the businesses. Indeed, successful restructuring preserves value of the businesses. Successful restructuring protects jobs of the employees. Successful restructuring instills confidence of the creditors. In short, successful corporate restructuring allows businesses to navigate adversity and becomes stronger for sustainable growth.

Hong Kong is unique in the sense that it is the only common law jurisdiction in China and is deeply integrated with the Mainland market. It is therefore ideally positioned as a global centre for corporate restructuring. Now, I would like to outline how Hong Kong’s legal system delivers unparalleled advantages for business and investment, corporate restructuring and dispute resolution across Asia and beyond.

The Foundation: “one country, two systems” and Common Law

Hong Kong’s distinctiveness lies in the framework of “one country, two systems”, which preserves the common law system which is highly regarded by international community and reinforce our unique position to bridge the East and the West. This is not just theoretical – it translates into tangible expertise through our 13 000 solicitors and barristers, 560 Hong Kong lawyers licensed to practice in the Greater Bay Area (GBA), as well as 1 500 registered foreign lawyers, many of whom are multilingual and qualified in multiple jurisdictions. The accounting profession also plays a crucial role in corporate restructuring. We currently have over 6 500 establishments providing accounting, auditing and tax consultancy services. The Hong Kong Institute of Certified Public Accountants boasts a membership of over 47 000, who are recognised globally in such diverse places as Australia, Canada, England and Wales, South Africa etc. 

What does this mean? When international investors face cross-border restructuring or insolvency, they can count on our professionals who master common law principles and international standard as well as the complexities of the Mainland market.

Connectivity: Mutual Legal Assistance

Such expertise is amplified by Hong Kong’s unmatched connectivity with the Mainland, offering effective pathways through nine mutual legal assistance arrangements in civil and commercial matters.

Consider this: a European investor restructuring a Mainland-based joint venture could gain critical tools simply by choosing Hong Kong.

Firstly, in assets preservation, businesses may obtain Mainland court orders to freeze assets or preserve evidence — a relief which is not available for arbitration seated in common law jurisdiction other than Hong Kong.

Secondly, in direct enforcement: Businesses may enforce Hong Kong arbitral awards and court judgments in the Mainland, the coverage of which is the widest globally, including judgments on intellectual property rights which are not covered in international conventions. 

Thirdly, streamlined restructuring and liquidation: A Hong Kong-appointed liquidator can access Mainland courts in Shenzhen, Shanghai and Xiamen to take control of the company’s assets and records in the Mainland, facilitating an effective corporate restructuring or at times, winding up.

This seamless integration makes Hong Kong the optimal choice for business and investment and also cross-border restructuring with Mainland elements.

Dispute Resolution: Arbitration and the New Era of Mediation

Our advantages also extend to dispute resolution. The evidence is compelling — Hong Kong ranked globally number two as an arbitration seat under the 2025 Queen Mary University of London and White & Case International Arbitration Survey; last year, over 76 per cent of the cases handled by the Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre were international, with claims averaging HK$375 million, reflecting international trust in Hong Kong’s role in high-stakes cases.

We recognise that modern challenges require diverse solutions, which is why we are promoting mediation in the Greater Bay Area. The recent establishment of the International Organization for Mediation (IOMed) in Hong Kong highlights this commitment, as the city positions itself as the capital of mediation.
 
In terms of local capacity building, we have generally mandated mediation clauses in government contracts and have been enhancing training of mediators. 

For regional integration, we are closely collaborating with our GBA partners to deploy Hong Kong mediation organisations to handle commercial mediation cases as referred to by the GBA courts; export Hong Kong’s best practice to develop GBA standard, including specialised mediation rules; and establish a unified GBA Mediators Panel for cross-border expertise. 

The Greater Bay Area: Where Policies Meet Practice

These initiatives reflect Hong Kong’s strategic role in the GBA. Innovative policies have created unprecedented opportunities. 

For example, a Shenzhen company with Hong Kong shareholders of any investment ratio can now choose Hong Kong law to govern contracts, and choose Hong Kong as the arbitration seat. And the impact is visible: international investors can benefit from comprehensive legal protection under Hong Kong’s common law regime while navigating in Mainland’s dynamic markets with certainty and efficiency.

In an era of growing complexity, businesses need to anchor in a jurisdiction that offers stability and connectivity. Hong Kong delivers precisely this – a common law system integrated with the world’s second largest economy, powered by world-class professionals conversant in global commerce and a robust and reliable dispute resolution mechanism.

Ladies and gentlemen, I am sure you would fully explore the China advantages and the international advantages offered by Hong Kong in today’s Symposium. The Government will continue to solidify Hong Kong’s role as the premier global hub for business and investment. We support business ventures at every stage – from set-up, financing, management and operation to disputes resolution and restructuring.

On this note, I wish this Symposium every success. Thank you very much.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Delicious pineapple buns, sausage buns and wife cakes. These classic Hong Kong-style breads and pastries are typically made with lard to enhance their aroma and texture. Since pork and its derivatives are prohibited for Muslims, one local businessman worked out a creative solution.

Creative adaptations

Cafe owner Swadiq Khan is a Muslim. After spending years in the food and beverage industry, he had long hoped to bridge the culinary gap faced by his community.

A decade ago, Mr Khan took the bold step of setting up a central kitchen dedicated to producing halal Hong Kong-style buns free from lard and preservatives. The baked goods were supplied to his group’s own cafés.

His central kitchen was successfully certified halal by the Incorporated Trustees of the Islamic Community Fund of Hong Kong, which is also known as the Board of Trustees (BOT).

“Back then, I handed out pineapple buns to ethnic minorities so they could discover what a real pineapple bun tastes like,” he recalled.

Earlier this year, Mr Khan went a step further by opening a new cafe branch in Tsim Sha Tsui where he established a dedicated bakery room, which has also been certified by the BOT.

By ensuring that every item made there complies with halal dietary guidelines, Muslims can enjoy these buns with peace of mind.

Halal certification

“We do not use lard in our bread. We use vegetable oil instead,” the baker said proudly as he kneaded the dough.

Mr Khan explained that all ingredients used in the bakery room must be approved by the BOT. From flour to chicken sausages, all are halal-certified.

“My goal is to promote authentic halal food, not just to religious communities, but to everyone in Hong Kong. Thanks to the cooking methods we use, halal food is generally very healthy.”

Mr Khan said that since earning halal certification, his bakery has received orders from the nearby Kowloon Mosque & Islamic Centre.

It has also attracted tourist groups from Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia and other countries.

Mr Khan thanked the Tourism Board for assisting with the certification process and promotion, making local delicacies known to more people.

“Genuinely, I want to promote the pineapple bun. Its craftsmanship is recognised as part of Hong Kong’s intangible cultural heritage.”

Multicultural considerations

The Tourism Board has adopted a diversified approach of accreditation, education, and promotion to establish Hong Kong as a Muslim-friendly travel destination.

As part of its educational efforts, the board launched an online training resource in late June, titled Tips for Welcoming Muslim Travellers.

Presented through short videos and infographics, the material offers clear and accessible explanations of Muslim customs, dietary rules, prayer rituals, dress codes and religious festivals.

The aim is to deepen the tourism industry’s understanding of Muslim culture and help businesses better cater to this growing visitor segment.

Mr Khan shared that he has already guided his staff on how to welcome Muslim diners, and now recommends that they go through the new training material.

“For instance, Muslims pray five times a day, observe Ramadan and give zakat. And do not assume anyone with a headscarf is a Muslim, as some may be Indians or Sikhs. Therefore, I think deeper understanding is essential.”

Tourism Board Deputy Executive Director Becky Ip stated that the knowledge covered in the training material is vital for frontline tourism staff.

“This enables frontline practitioners to provide Muslim visitors with thoughtful services so as to make them feel at home and welcome.”

Wide recognition

In the Global Muslim Travel Index 2025, released last month by CrescentRating, an internationally recognised halal travel authority, Hong Kong ranked in the top three among non-Organisation of Islamic Cooperation destinations for the first time ever.

Hong Kong was also named the Most Promising Muslim-friendly Destination of the Year.

Ms Ip highlighted that the Tourism Board has been working with the BOT to encourage more businesses to obtain halal certification.

As of mid-June, 190 eateries have been certified. In addition, 60 hotels have been rated by CrescentRating as Muslim-friendly.

Unlimited opportunities

In recent years, Hong Kong has actively expanded its reach into Muslim visitor source markets, including countries in the Middle East and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.

The Gulf Cooperation Council countries in the Middle East, along with Indonesia and Malaysia in Southeast Asia, consist of significant Muslim populations. In the first five months of this year alone, visitor arrivals from these markets exceeded 360,000.

Ms Ip noted that the board has organised several seminars for trade partners to help them better understand the potential of the Muslim travel market.

It has also invited numerous overseas key opinion leaders, media representatives and trade partners to visit Hong Kong and explore its Muslim-friendly facilities and services, which they can then promote upon returning to their home countries.

“We have made some good progress in terms of Muslim segment development. But I am sure that we can work even more closer with our partners from different industry sectors, to make Hong Kong a top-of-mind destination for Muslim travellers,” she added.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Office for Film, Newspaper and Article Administration (OFNAA) held a prize presentation ceremony today (July 5) for the “Healthy Student Video Contest 2025”, the “‘Control of Obscene and Indecent Articles Ordinance’ Slogan and Colouring Competition 2024-25” and the “Healthy Mobile App Sticker Design Competition” in commendation of the winning students and teams for assisting in promoting the message of staying away from obscene and indecent articles online through creative works.
 
     A total of around 20 000 primary and secondary students participated in the three competitions which offered 60 major awards altogether. The adjudication panel comprised OFNAA representatives and industry professionals. Winners from 25 primary schools and 20 secondary schools (the list is set out in Annex) will have their works uploaded to OFNAA’s website for public viewing.
 
     Speaking at the prize presentation ceremony, the Assistant Director of Film, Newspaper and Article Administration, Mr Chris Fung, said that with the prevalence of various video streaming or video sharing platforms and social media in recent years given rise by the fascinating cyber world, children and young people may be exposed to obscene and indecent materials as well as distorted values while using the Internet, affecting their physical and mental wellbeing. Sharing of harmful materials on the Internet, or even producing and uploading such content on the Internet, may be in breach of the Control of Obscene and Indecent Articles Ordinance (Cap. 390) (COIAO). To protect children and young people from the influence of obscene and indecent materials online, OFNAA has been adopting a multi-pronged approach by enhancing publicity and public education in tandem with proper regulation, so as to enhance the understanding of the public, especially children and young people, of the COIAO and to encourage them to stay away from harmful materials and to develop the concept of the proper use of the Internet. 
 
     OFNAA has continued to enhance its publicity and education efforts over the past year. In addition to organising the abovementioned competitions, OFNAA arranged nearly 100 roving drama performances for schools in this academic year, attracting nearly 15 000 primary and secondary students. Roving exhibitions were also held in Lam Tin, Lok Fu, Tin Shui Wai and Tseung Kwan O to promote more widely the message of healthy Internet use, attracting over 12 000 visitors.  
 
     OFNAA will continue to take forward these efforts and organise various activities including the “Healthy Information Student Ambassadors Scheme”, the “Healthy Chinese Public Speaking Competition” and the “Healthy Student Drama Contest” to further enhance the public’s understanding of the COIAO and promote the concept of healthy Internet use. 
 
     In addition, OFNAA has strengthened inter-departmental and inter-organisational collaboration to organise diverse and targeted activities for different stakeholders, including children and young people, parents, teaching staff members and the public. These included working with the Home and Youth Affairs Bureau to promote activities and information concerning the COIAO to children and young people through various channels and platforms including the Family Council, the “HKYouth+” youth mobile application, and the Government Youth Portal (Youth.gov.hk), as well as partnering with the Hong Kong Police Force to organise “Wise Use of Internet” talks at various districts to share common online pitfalls with members of the Junior Police Call and students in an interesting and interactive manner, with a view to helping them develop proper values and deepening their understanding of the COIAO.  
 
     OFNNA also organised various activities to help teaching staff members strengthen their relevant work in schools, including organising more than 250 school talks and three online briefing sessions for about 100 principals of primary and secondary schools or their representatives in 2024, as well as taking part in the seminars of professional development programme for teachers organised by the Education Bureau this year to introduce the COIAO and relevant activities and resources to over 200 primary school teachers. Additionally, OFNAA organises various activities for parents including talks, workshops, and webinars from time to time, working jointly with parents and schools to help children and young people establish proper values and strengthen their ability to reject harmful materials. 
 
     OFNAA will continue to take forward diverse publicity and public education work and work with various stakeholders to enhance public awareness of the COIAO and promote the message of staying away from obscene and indecent content online.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

Correctional officers at Lo Wu Correctional Institution stopped a female person in custody attacking a staff member yesterday (July 4).

At 5.52pm yesterday, a 63-year-old female person in custody suddenly became emotional and attacked a correctional officer outside a cell. Officers at the scene immediately ordered the assailant to stop.

During the incident, the officer sustained an injury to her mouth. She did not need to be sent to a public hospital after receiving medical examination and treatment by the institution Medical Officer. The assailant did not sustain any injuries.
 
The case has been reported to the Police for investigation.

The assailant was sentenced to imprisonment for the offence of theft in July 2025.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

The Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Miss Rosanna Law, continued her visit to Paris, France.

On July 4 (Paris time), Miss Law met with the Deputy General Manager of the French National Centre of Cinema (CNC) Mr Olivier Henrard. The CNC oversees France’s policies related to cinema, audiovisual arts, digital creations, and video games. Mr Henrard highlighted the platforms provided by Hong Kong that have facilitated connections between film professionals from the two places. Miss Law underlined the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region’s commitment to supporting the creative industries and strengthening global partnerships in filmmaking, noting the significant potential for deeper collaboration between Hong Kong and France in this field.

Miss Law also met with the Deputy Mayor of Paris Mr Arnaud Ngatcha to explore opportunities for enhancing cultural and tourism ties between Hong Kong and France. During their inspiring discussions, Miss Law expressed her gratitude for the collaborative efforts between museums in both regions. She also introduced the Hong Kong Wine and Dine Festival, a signature annual event organised by the Hong Kong Tourism Board, and shared her mission during her upcoming stop in Bordeaux to reconnect with the wine industry and community for potential collaborations. Mr Ngatcha expressed openness to strengthening partnerships in culture and tourism and shared insights on how to engage local communities in hosting large-scale events, drawing from Paris’s experience with the Olympic Games.

Earlier that morning, Miss Law toured Notre-Dame de Paris, where she learnt about the cathedral’s ongoing restoration efforts and its significance as a global tourist attraction.

Miss Law also met with the President of the Grand Palais, Mr Didier Fusillier, where discussions centred on the versatility of the Grand Palais as a venue for cultural, sports, and major events. Inspired by the Grand Palais innovative use of space for events and exhibitions, Miss Law remarked the potential for incorporating similar techniques in Hong Kong’s venues, particularly the new state-of-the-art Kai Tak Sports Park. She emphasised her vision of enhancing Hong Kong’s global profile through multi-disciplinary events of varying scales.

On July 5 (Paris time), Miss Law visited two of Paris’s most renowned museums: the Musée National des Arts Asiatiques – Guimet and the Musée d’Orsay. She recognised the distinctive cultural and artistic importance of each institution. With the mission of reinforcing Hong Kong as a premier cultural hub, Miss Law gained some thoughts to explore opportunities for strengthening cultural exchanges between Hong Kong and France through exhibitions, partnerships, and knowledge sharing.

Miss Law will continue her visit to France and head for Bordeaux on July 6 (Paris time).