Month: August 2025

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     Following is the speech by the Secretary for Environment and Ecology, Mr Tse Chin-wan, at “Thematic Session 1: Electricity Expansion for a Stable Supply” of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Energy Ministerial Meeting held in Busan, Korea, today (August 28):
 
     Thank you, Chair. Good morning fellow colleagues. As a vibrant metropolis and major international financial centre in the world, Hong Kong, China faces surging demand in electricity driven by the rapid expansion of our innovation and technology sector, in particular the increasing number of advanced manufacturing facilities and data centres in the city. Resilient and secure energy supply is of utmost importance to Hong Kong, China.
 
     The electricity market in Hong Kong, China is regulated through the Scheme of Control Agreements signed between the Government and the two power companies. The Agreements set out the obligations of the power companies, and framework for the Government to monitor the companies’ financial, technical and environmental performances. The Government conducts an annual tariff review with the two power companies to closely examine their tariff proposals. Incentive schemes are in place to encourage the power companies to promote energy efficiency and conservation. 
 
     With these efforts, Hong Kong, China enjoys one of the most reliable electricity supplies in the world and at the same time, keeps our tariffs at an affordable level. Households in the city on average spend around only 2 per cent of their expenditure for their electricity bills.
 
     Looking to the future, we have adopted “net-zero electricity generation” as one of the major decarbonisation strategies. In this regard, we have stopped building new coal-fired generating units since 1997, and will cease using coal for daily electricity generation by 2035. Also, Hong Kong, China’s first offshore LNG (liquefied natural gas) receiving terminal has commenced operation since 2023. It enables Hong Kong, China to procure natural gas at more competitive prices by diversifying the sources of natural gas supply, as well as enhances the stability and security of energy supply, providing strong support for Hong Kong’s energy transition.
 
     As a result, the current share of coal in electricity generation has reduced from about half 10 years ago to about one-fifth, while the share of natural gas has significantly increased from about a quarter to more than half, and a quarter is nuclear and renewable energy.
 
     Our objective is to raise the share of zero-carbon energy in Hong Kong, China’s fuel mix for electricity generation to about 60 per cent to 70 per cent by 2035. We are investing in the necessary infrastructure to increase our capacity to import zero-carbon energy.
 
     The increase in the share of clean energy in our fuel mix will make the city less susceptible to fluctuation in prices of natural gas. This helps us ensure a stable electricity tariff.
 
     Hong Kong, China will continue to explore and study different zero-carbon energy solutions in accordance with the city’s long-term development needs, with a view to maintaining a stable and safe electricity supply and contributing the sustainable development of the APEC region.
 
     Thank you.

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

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2025-08-18
President Lai meets study delegation from Japan’s LDP Youth Division
On the afternoon of August 18, President Lai Ching-te met with a study delegation from the Youth Division of the Liberal Democratic Party of Japan (LDP). In remarks, President Lai stated that Japan and Taiwan have deep ties of friendship, and that the two nations share a strong belief in the values of democracy and freedom. With global circumstances rapidly changing, the president expressed hope to continue enhancing cooperation, not only to stabilize the regional situation, but also to boost the resilience of both countries’ economies and bring about win-win outcomes for the economies and industries of both Taiwan and Japan. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: I want to first extend a warm welcome to our good friends in the LDP Youth Division, who are once again visiting Taiwan. This past May, I met with Japanese House of Representatives Members Nakasone Yasutaka, Hiranuma Shojiro, and Katou Ryusho, as well as House of Councillors Member Kamiya Masayuki at the Presidential Office, and I am happy that LDP Youth Division Central Standing Committee Chair Suda Akira has also joined the delegation to exchange views on various topics today. I want to thank the LDP Youth Division for the many years it has played a key role in Taiwan-Japan exchanges and spurred deeper bilateral understanding and cooperation. Japan and Taiwan have deep ties of friendship. Whenever Taiwan has faced difficulties, Japan has always lent a helping hand and offered warmth. After a major earthquake struck Taiwan on April 3 last year, the LDP Youth Division raised donations to support reconstruction. Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru and many members of the Japanese Diet also expressed condolences when Taiwan was hit by typhoons and torrential rains these last two months. Such gestures have deeply moved us. Taiwan and Japan share a strong belief in the values of democracy and freedom. In the face of expanding authoritarianism, I again thank the government of Japan, from former Prime Minister Abe Shinzo to Prime Minister Ishiba, for continually emphasizing the importance of peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait at US-Japan summits, G7 leaders’ summits, Quadrilateral Security Dialogues, and other international venues. With global circumstances rapidly changing, I look forward to Taiwan and Japan working together amid the shifting geopolitical landscape, not only to stabilize the regional situation, but also to continue enhancing cooperation and competitiveness in such industries as semiconductors, AI, military, security and surveillance, and next-generation communications. This will boost the resilience of both our economies, bringing about win-win outcomes for the economies and industries of both Taiwan and Japan. House of Representatives Member Nakasone, who also serves as the director of the LDP Youth Division, then delivered remarks, stating that Taiwan and Japan share many universal values and have common interests in addition to substantive cooperation in many areas. Taiwan-Japan relations are now better than ever, he said, and expressed hope that based on this strong foundation, we can work together to enhance mutual cooperation, with the Youth Division providing support. Director Nakasone expressed condolences for the recent typhoons and torrential rains in Taiwan, which impacted many people. Taiwan and Japan both experience natural disasters frequently, he said, but they lend a helping hand to each other every time a disaster occurs. He noted that next year, Japan will formally establish a disaster prevention agency whose main tasks include international cooperation. He then expressed hope that both countries will share disaster prevention-related intelligence, information, and experience, and strengthen cooperation in this field. Director Nakasone indicated that there are numerous wars going on in the world right now, as well as frequent attempts to change the status quo by force in various places. Among them, Taiwan is facing a tense situation in the Taiwan Strait, and Japan is similarly facing threats from China, Russia, and North Korea. He stated that we must show, both at home and abroad, the determination to save one’s own country, and establish the mechanisms to do so. Taiwan and Japan, as trusted partners, must closely cooperate to promote regional peace and stability, the director said. Noting that in his remarks, President Lai had mentioned cooperation in semiconductors, Director Nakasone said that both sides have strengths not only in semiconductors, but also in next-generation communications and AI. There are many things that Japan can learn from Taiwan, he said, and expressed hope that cooperation in related fields can boost the industrial competitiveness of both countries. Director Nakasone said that currently, whether for Japan or Taiwan, governing is not easy. In particular, he said, the rise of social media platforms has made the democratic system even more complex; however, government leaders must protect the people and the nation. He then expressed hope that Taiwan and Japan will work together to address these challenges, and that the younger generation will also play an important role. The delegation was accompanied to the Presidential Office by Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association Taipei Office Chief Representative Katayama Kazuyuki.

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2025-08-14
President Lai meets Brookings Institution delegation  
On the morning of August 14, President Lai Ching-te met with a delegation of experts and scholars from the Brookings Institution. In remarks, President Lai thanked friends in the government, Congress, and think tanks in the United States for their longstanding and bipartisan support. The president said that in face of mounting threats and coercion from China, Taiwan is actively bolstering its national defense capabilities, building up economic security, and continuing to work alongside the US and other like-minded countries to defend Taiwan’s democracy and safeguard peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: I warmly welcome our good friend Mr. Ryan Hass, director of the John L. Thornton China Center at Brookings, who is once again leading a delegation of esteemed scholars to Taiwan. I am also delighted to meet Dr. Philip Gordon, former US national security advisor to the vice president, and Dr. Constanze Stelzenmüller, director of the Center on the United States and Europe at Brookings, who are both visiting for the first time. The Brookings Institution, established over a century ago, is one of the oldest and most influential think tanks in the US. Its analyses and policy recommendations have consistently been highly valued by the international community. We cherish our friendship with you, and I hope that during this visit you will be able to gain even greater insights into Taiwan through exchanges with various parts of our society. The Taiwan of today is a Taiwan of the world. Taiwan is not just a crucial link in global democratic value chains and the first island chain in the Indo-Pacific, it is also an indispensable part of global non-red supply chains. The Taiwan of today owes its development and achievements to the democracy-loving, hard-working Taiwanese people. I want to especially thank our friends in the government, Congress, and think tanks in the US for their staunch, longstanding, and bipartisan support. Taiwan faces mounting threats and coercion from China – including through military and economic means, gray-zone aggression, united front infiltration, and media and cognitive warfare. In response, Taiwan is implementing the Four Pillars of Peace action plan and is bolstering its national defense capabilities, building up economic security, and working alongside the US and other like-minded countries. This March, I also unveiled 17 response strategies to defend Taiwan’s democracy and safeguard peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. Facing changes in and the restructuring of the international economic and trade order, Taiwan will continue to strengthen economic and trade relations with the US, building on our already solid foundation, to create mutually beneficial outcomes. Whether it is the current reciprocal tariff negotiations or the agreement for the avoidance of double taxation, which would benefit both Taiwan and the US, we hope through joint efforts to reach a consensus as soon as possible. This will deepen our cooperation across all domains, as we work together toward progress and prosperity. I believe that by upholding our shared values and continuing our close cooperation, Taiwan and the US will be able to pave a broader, smoother path for even more win-win developments. Director Hass then delivered remarks, thanking President Lai and the Taiwan government for the warm hospitality and kind greetings. He said that he and his colleagues are here as part of a delegation for a study tour to deepen their understanding of issues affecting Taiwan, adding that the visit reflects a long-term investment by the Brookings Institution to deepen policy and public awareness of those issues. Noting that the Brookings Institution has been sending visiting delegations to Taiwan for many years, Director Hass said that they anticipate many more years of visits, through ups and downs, twists and turns. In closing, he said that they look forward to further exchanges.   

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2025-08-07
President Lai meets cross-party Ukrainian Verkhovna Rada delegation
On the morning of August 7, President Lai Ching-te met with a cross-party delegation from the Verkhovna Rada (parliament) of Ukraine. In remarks, President Lai stated that this marks the first visit from a cross-party delegation from the Verkhovna Rada in 20 years, a new milestone symbolizing the deepening of the Taiwan-Ukraine friendship and underscoring our common commitment to the pursuit of freedom and peace. The president expressed hope for increased exchanges between our governments, parliaments, industries, and peoples across society, and that we can strengthen cooperation in such domains as the economy, trade, investment, advanced technology, and talent development. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: I warmly welcome People’s Deputy Mykola Kniazhytskyi on his third trip to Taiwan. This is also the first visit from a cross-party delegation from the Verkhovna Rada in 20 years. Your truly meaningful visit symbolizes the deepening of the Taiwan-Ukraine friendship and underscores our common commitment to the pursuit of freedom and peace.  Although Taiwan and Ukraine are geographically distant, we jointly pursue the values of freedom, democracy, and respect for human rights. We also both stand on the frontlines against the expansion of authoritarian influence. Taiwan therefore stands firmly with the people of Ukraine. Since Russia’s invasion began, Taiwan has actively used government funds and private-sector donations to provide Ukraine with humanitarian aid. This has included reconstruction projects for water, power, medical, and educational facilities. Taiwan has also worked with friendly countries such as the Czech Republic, Poland, Estonia, and Lithuania to deliver various kinds of assistance to Ukraine. We want to show the world that when like-minded democracies join forces, we can overcome any number of threats and challenges. Currently, there is limited official engagement between Taiwan and Ukraine. Yet, I look forward to increased exchanges between our governments, parliaments, industries, and peoples across society. I also hope that we can strengthen cooperation in such domains as the economy, trade, investment, advanced technology, and talent development. I hope for a swift end to this irrational and utterly illegitimate war so that the people of Ukraine can be free of its harms as soon as possible. Moving forward, Taiwan is more than willing to work with the international community to help Ukraine rebuild and grow. I thank you all once again for this visit, which marks a new milestone for the Taiwan-Ukraine relationship. Deputy Kniazhytskyi then delivered remarks, stating that this meeting marks a historic moment and is a convincing testimony to the importance Taiwan attaches to the development of the relationship between our countries, adding that he feels the significance of today’s event for the prospect of relations between Taiwan and Ukraine. He said that he sees a clear similarity in the goals pursued by Taiwan and Ukraine, including the protection of democracy against authoritarianism and the preservation of national identity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity. Deputy Kniazhytskyi went on to say that Ukraine is fighting a difficult war against Russia to liberate its illegally occupied territories. However, he said, this is also a war for the truth of democratic values over attempts of subjugation by Russia’s despotism. The deputy pointed out that Taiwan is also resisting the expansion of authoritarian China and its attempts to suppress the aspiration of Taiwanese people to live in a free country where human rights and freedoms are respected. He then stated that any encroachment of Taiwan’s freedom is unacceptable. Deputy Kniazhytskyi said that the presence of the Ukrainian delegation is evidence of the similarity of our aspiration and views of the future of the democratic world, and that they understand that the values and interests of the democratic world need to be resolutely defended in many areas – political, diplomatic, and military. The deputy concluded his remarks by stating that he is convinced that exchanges between Taiwan and Ukraine have good, productive prospects. The delegation also included Ukrainian People’s Deputies Ivan Krulko, Valeriy Lunchenko, Solomiia Bobrovska, Mykhailo Bondar, Andrii Lopushanskyi, and Sviatoslav Yurash.

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2025-08-05
President Lai meets delegation led by former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson
On the morning of August 5, President Lai Ching-te met with a delegation led by former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Boris Johnson. In remarks, President Lai thanked former Prime Minister Johnson and the UK government for the attention and support they have shown Taiwan and for underlining the importance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait at numerous venues. Noting that Taiwan and the UK share the universal values of freedom, democracy, and respect for human rights, the president said that Taiwan looks forward to deepening cooperation with the UK for mutually beneficial development and to contributing even more to the international community. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: On behalf of the people of Taiwan, I want to start by extending a very warm welcome to former Prime Minister Johnson, who is visiting Taiwan for the first time to deliver a keynote speech at the Ketagalan Forum. Mr. Johnson is the third former UK prime minister to visit Taiwan, following Margaret Thatcher and Liz Truss. I am confident that his visit will advance exchanges between Taiwan and the UK. Let me take this opportunity to thank former Prime Minister Johnson and the UK government. When the UK government under then-Prime Minister Johnson’s leadership held the G7 presidency in 2021, the G7 leaders’ communiqué for the first time mentioned the importance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. At many bilateral and multilateral events since then, the UK has consistently underlined its firm position on maintaining the status quo across the Taiwan Strait, further consolidating international support for Taiwan. In a concrete step to safeguard freedom of navigation in the Taiwan Strait, the Royal Navy patrol vessel HMS Spey made a passage through the strait in June. In the same month, the UK government released its National Security Strategy 2025, which notes that the Taiwan Strait is central to global trade and supply chains. It adds that the UK does not support any unilateral attempts to change the status quo and will continue to strengthen ties with Taiwan in a wide range of areas, underpinned by shared democratic values. These efforts of the UK government, beginning with Mr. Johnson as prime minister, have contributed substantially to Indo-Pacific security.  In recent years, Taiwan-UK economic and trade relations have continued to reach new milestones. In 2023, we signed the Taiwan-UK Enhanced Trade Partnership (ETP) arrangement. This was the first institutionalized economic and trade framework between Taiwan and a European country. This June, we signed three pillar arrangements under the ETP covering investment, digital trade, and energy and net-zero emissions, demonstrating the determination of both sides to strengthen our economic and trade cooperation. Taiwan and the UK share the universal values of freedom, democracy, and respect for human rights. Taiwan sincerely looks forward to deepening cooperation with the UK for mutually beneficial development and to contributing even more to the international community. Former Prime Minister Johnson then delivered remarks, first thanking President Lai for the invitation. He noted that this is an absolutely crucial time for the whole world and a time of great uncertainty. Echoing President Lai’s earlier remarks, he said that Taiwan is at the very forefront in the struggle between freedom and democracy on one side and autocracy on the other side. Former Prime Minister Johnson said that he is in Taiwan because he has always wanted to come here and because he is fascinated by the incredible achievements of this country, not least in microprocessors and cuisine. He then congratulated President Lai on his agenda for Taiwan, saying that he fully supports the Five Trusted Industry Sectors and the increase in defense spending to three percent of GDP. Former Prime Minister Johnson stated his belief that there is absolutely no case for the current Chinese bullying of Taiwan, emphasizing that Taiwan is a free and peaceful society that does not deserve to be intimidated in this way. He added that there is no point in such actions, and that he hopes it stops as soon as possible. He noted that by talking to President Lai and other Taiwanese people over the last couple of days, it is absolutely clear to him that those who try to bully or take over Taiwan will never succeed, because Taiwan is an amazing democracy whose people are lovers of their own freedom. Former Prime Minister Johnson said that in very difficult and tense times, this is the moment for all Western countries to build economic and political relations with Taiwan and not to tiptoe away from Taiwan under pressure from any other country. He also emphasized that they in the UK will stand with Taiwan, not just because we share common strategic perspectives or have a growing economic partnership, but most important of all, because we share values, as President Lai mentioned previously. He highlighted that those values of democracy, human rights, and freedom are not only essential to Taiwan’s astounding success but are also right in themselves, concluding that we should defend them for their own sake.

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2025-08-05
President Lai attends opening of Ketagalan Forum: 2025 Indo-Pacific Security Dialogue  
On the morning of August 5, President Lai Ching-te attended the opening of the Ketagalan Forum: 2025 Indo-Pacific Security Dialogue. In remarks, President Lai stated that Taiwan holds a key position on the first island chain, making it a keystone of Indo-Pacific peace and stability. The president noted that the government has been moving forward with the Four Pillars of Peace action plan, remains committed to ensuring peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, and will deepen partnerships with other democratic nations to advance global prosperity and development. He stated that Taiwan is also taking the initiative to enhance its whole-of-society defense and resilience, expanding civil participation, and through military-civilian cooperation, is boosting its self-defense capabilities. President Lai emphasized that a nation’s strength and its democratic footing are grounded firmly in its economy, and that Taiwan will continue to enhance its economic resilience and steadily advance its economic security. He expressed confidence that if democracies can join hands in creating more robust, more resilient global democratic supply chains, we can spur even more economic prosperity and further consolidate our democracy, as well as protect our hard-earned free and democratic way of life. A transcript of President Lai’s remarks follows: This year marks the ninth year of the Ketagalan Forum. Over the years, this key platform has brought together government leaders, experts, and scholars from around the world for dialogue on all aspects of Indo-Pacific security. On behalf of the people of Taiwan, I sincerely welcome you all and thank you for joining us. This year’s forum centers on three major themes: Indo-Pacific regional security, whole-of-society defense strategies in democratic countries, and the strategic integration of economic, technological, and industrial diplomacy. These themes are all closely linked with Taiwan’s national development. I’m confident that this year’s forum will enable Taiwan and democratic partners from around the world to achieve even greater consensus on ways we can work together for a more secure Indo-Pacific and more prosperous world. Over the past year, the international landscape has become more and more volatile. The Russia-Ukraine War is still ongoing, and conflict in the Middle East has only intensified. Meanwhile, China’s military activities in the Taiwan Strait and East and South China Seas pose unprecedented challenges to the rules-based international order. As authoritarianism continues to expand, democratic nations must join even closer in solidarity to defend our values. Taiwan holds a key position on the first island chain, making us a keystone of Indo-Pacific peace and stability. In view of this, we have been moving forward with the Four Pillars of Peace action plan since I took office. This includes boosting our national defense, building economic security, demonstrating stable and principled cross-strait leadership, and promoting values-based diplomacy. Our government remains committed to maintaining the status quo and ensuring peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. At the same time, we will deepen partnerships with other democratic nations to advance global prosperity and development. Taiwan is also taking the initiative to enhance our whole-of-society defense and resilience. This July, we introduced National Solidarity Month. This combines our yearly Han Kuang military exercises with new Urban Resilience drills. The initiative expanded civil participation and, through military-civilian cooperation, helped verify the readiness of government agencies and people throughout the nation to address extreme situations. Alongside these efforts, we are continuing to reform and invest even more resources in our national defense. Next year’s defense budget will reach a target of over 3 percent of GDP to boost Taiwan’s self-defense capabilities. Taiwan will also continue to enhance its economic resilience and steadily advance its economic security. While we further deepen our economic and trade cooperation with other countries, we will keep upgrading our Five Trusted Industry Sectors of semiconductors, artificial intelligence, military, security and surveillance, and next-gen communications. A nation’s strength and its democratic footing are grounded firmly in its economy. I’m confident that if democracies can join hands in creating more robust, more resilient global democratic supply chains, we can spur even more economic prosperity and further consolidate our democracy. To all dear friends of Taiwan: In this turbulent global landscape, Taiwan stands on the frontline of authoritarian threat, which is also the forefront of the global defense of democracy. Thus, we know how precious peace is; and we recognize that peace in the Taiwan Strait is not just a regional issue, but a shared responsibility for economic stability and security around the world. As a responsible member of the international community, Taiwan will stand with the world’s democracies to face challenges, uphold the rules-based international order, defend peace through strength, and protect our hard-earned free and democratic way of life.  Once again, thank you for participating in this dialogue, and for standing with Taiwan. I wish you all lively and productive discussions today, and a great stay in Taiwan. Thank you. Also in attendance at the event were former United Kingdom Prime Minister Boris Johnson and former French National Assembly President François de Rugy. Additionally, 12 high-ranking officials, scholars, and experts from 10 countries, including the United States and Japan, as well as countries in Europe and the Indo-Pacific region, were invited to engage in in-depth discussions with officials, scholars, and experts from Taiwan.  

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2025-08-01
President Lai delivers remarks on US reciprocal tariff policy response
On the morning of August 1, President Lai Ching-te delivered remarks at the Presidential Office on the response to the reciprocal tariff policy of the United States. President Lai explained that technical consultations with the US are finished, but as the final concluding meeting has not yet taken place, 20 percent has been set for Taiwan as an interim tariff rate. The president said that Taiwan will work towards a more favorable and reasonable rate in the subsequent negotiations, and that the US has expressed its willingness to continue talks. He added that a support plan for Taiwan’s export supply chain in response to US tariffs has been proposed to assist small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in responding to the US tariff policy. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: Earlier today, the US government informed our lead negotiator, Vice Premier Cheng Li-chiun (鄭麗君), that an interim tariff rate for Taiwan has been set at 20 percent. Since April 2, when the US introduced its new tariff policy targeting countries worldwide, Taiwan has actively engaged in four in-person rounds of negotiation and multiple discussions over videoconference with the US government. Throughout the process, both sides have negotiated in good faith based on the shared goal of addressing the trade deficit between Taiwan and the US and creating complementary and mutually beneficial outcomes. Although we have achieved an interim reduction in the tariff rate from 32 percent to 20 percent at this point in the negotiations, 20 percent was never our goal. We hope to work towards a more favorable and reasonable rate for Taiwan in the subsequent negotiations, and the US has expressed its willingness to continue talks. We have finished technical consultations, but as the final concluding meeting has not yet taken place, a final tariff rate has not yet been reached. This is the reason for the setting of an interim tariff rate. I extend my sincere gratitude to Vice Premier Cheng and Minister without Portfolio of the Executive Yuan Yang Jen-ni (楊珍妮) for working tirelessly over the past few months leading the negotiation team, remaining on call whether in Taiwan or the US. From here in Taiwan I, along with Vice President Bi-khim Hsiao, National Security Council Secretary-General Joseph Wu (吳釗燮), Premier Cho Jung-tai (卓榮泰), and Secretary-General Pan Men-an (潘孟安), have also provided full support to our negotiating team in the US. Regardless of the final tariff rate, Taiwan’s industries will inevitably be impacted. I am deeply grateful to Premier Cho for proposing on April 4 a support plan for Taiwan’s export supply chain in response to US tariffs, and for holding over 20 industry consultation sessions. The special budget has also been increased from NT$88 billion to NT$93 billion. This special act has already been submitted to the Legislative Yuan and passed review. I hope that the Executive Yuan will promptly submit the budget request for legislative review so that the special budget can be implemented as soon as possible to assist SMEs in responding to this new US tariff policy.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

​The Education Bureau (EDB) announced today (August 28) that six new estate kindergarten premises are open for applications by eligible applicant bodies under the Kindergarten Premises Allocation Exercise 2025. Details of the six kindergarten premises are set out in the Annex.
 
“The six new estate kindergarten premises, each providing six or seven classrooms, are located in Sham Shui Po District, Tuen Mun District, North District and Yuen Long District, and will be available between 2026 and 2027. The EDB is entrusted by the Hong Kong Housing Authority to nominate operators for the kindergarten premises. The Exercise will be carried out on a competitive basis,” a spokesman for the EDB said.
 
     Since the implementation of the Kindergarten Education Scheme (the Scheme) in the 2017/18 school year, apart from continuing to help kindergartens improve the environments of their premises, the EDB endeavours to provide more kindergarten premises owned by the Government for eligible applicant bodies to compete fairly for reprovisioning or operating kindergartens, which not only enables a reduction in rental expenses but also allows them to enjoy quality school premises. In addition, the EDB has adopted a streamlined mechanism starting from 2021 for assessing applications for nomination of suitable operators for kindergarten premises to reduce applicant bodies’ administrative work.
 
Non-profit-making kindergartens, especially those bearing high rental expenses with dilapidated school environments and facilities, and facing a surplus of kindergarten places in the district, are encouraged to apply for the above-mentioned kindergarten premises. The EDB will accord priority to kindergartens under the Scheme applying for relocation. Applications for operating new kindergartens will only be considered if no suitable applicants are found for relocation. Quality of education is the prime consideration. The EDB will take into account the operation plan, track record of school operation and relocation needs (if applicable) of the applicant bodies. The applicant body should be exempted from tax under Section 88 of the Inland Revenue Ordinance.   
 
The application form, information on the operation plan, points to note and other reference materials for the Kindergarten Premises Allocation Exercise can be downloaded from the EDB’s homepage at www.edb.gov.hk/en/edu-system/preprimary-kindergarten/allocation-of-kg/latest-news.html. The EDB will provide a template for preparation of the operation plan and set out the selection criteria in the “Points to Note” for applicant bodies’ reference. Applicant bodies should carefully read the basic requirements and relevant instructions as stipulated in the “Points to Note” before submitting applications.
 
The duly completed application form, information on the operation plan, list of operating schools run by the applicant body (if any) and supporting documents should reach the EDB Kindergarten Education Division (Room 1432, 14/F, Wu Chung House, 213 Queen’s Road East, Wan Chai, Hong Kong) by 5pm on October 27. Late applications or those not duly completed will not be processed. For enquiries, please contact EDB staff at 2892 6415.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

​Two incorporated owners were convicted and fined $63,400 in total, of which $57,400 was the fine for the number of days that the offence continued at the Kowloon City Magistrates’ Courts yesterday (August 27) for failing to comply with removal orders issued under the Buildings Ordinance (BO) (Cap. 123).

The case involved an unauthorised structure on a common staircase on the ground floor of two composite buildings on Portland Street, Kowloon. As the unauthorised building works (UBWs) were carried out without prior approval and consent from the Buildings Department (BD), removal orders were served on the concerned incorporated owners under section 24(1) of the BO. Failing to comply with the removal order, they were prosecuted by the BD.

A spokesman for the BD said today (August 28), “UBWs may lead to serious consequences. Owners must comply with removal orders without delay. The BD will continue to take enforcement action against owners who fail to comply with removal orders, including instigation of prosecution, to ensure building and public safety.”

Failure to comply with a removal order without reasonable excuse is a serious offence under the BO. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $200,000 and one year’s imprisonment, and a further fine of up to $20,000 for each day that the offence continues.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

The Transport Department (TD) today (August 28) said that special traffic and transport arrangements will be implemented to facilitate the holding of a concert at the Kai Tak Stadium on the evening of August 30. Concertgoers from the Mainland should plan their journeys early. As the traffic in the vicinity of the Kai Tak Sports Park (KTSP) is expected to be heavy, concertgoers should opt for public transport and avoid driving or taking private cars (including cross-boundary private cars).

     The TD has co-ordinated with local and cross-boundary public transport operators to strengthen their services during dispersal. The MTR will enhance the interval between trains of the Tuen Ma Line. Franchised bus companies will provide 11 special bus routes at the Sung Wong Toi Road Pick-up/Drop-off Area (PUDOA) to Lok Ma Chau (San Tin) Public Transport Interchange (PTI) (route No. SP12), the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge (HZMB) Hong Kong Port and Airport (route No. A25S), and major districts across the territory. According to the organiser, this concert is expected to start and end a bit earlier. The last departure of these special bus routes will depart at around 10pm. Passengers should allow ample time for boarding.

     Concertgoers who plan to return to the Mainland on the same day may take the KTSP’s cross-boundary coach services during dispersal for their return via the Lok Ma Chau/Huanggang (LMC/HG) Port, the HZMB and the Shenzhen Bay Port. Passengers should purchase tickets from the operators’ online platforms in advance. On-site ticket sales will not be available during dispersal. In addition, travellers may take the special bus route No. SP12 directly at the Sung Wong Toi Road PUDOA before around 10pm to the Lok Ma Chau (San Tin) PTI, and transfer to the LMC-HG cross-boundary shuttle bus (Yellow Bus) for their journey to the Mainland. Further, the last MTR train to Lo Wu Station via interchanging at Tai Wai Station on the East Rail Line will depart from Sung Wong Toi Station at 10.59pm and Kai Tak Station at 11.01pm.
 
The Kai Tak Stadium Taxi PUDOA will be open. The Sung Wong Toi Road PUDOA will be open for taxi drop-off only during admission (2pm to 6.30pm) and suspended from taxi pick-up/drop-off during dispersal. The expected waiting time will be longer amid the outflux of spectators and passengers’ patience is appreciated.

     Spectators are advised to heed the real-time information via the on-site broadcast and the “Easy Leave” platform (easyleave.police.gov.hk) as well as the latest traffic news through the TD’s website (www.td.gov.hk), the “HKeMobility” mobile application and radio and television broadcasts.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The National Games Coordination Office (Hong Kong) (NGCO) announced today (August 27) that tickets for the first batch of events in the Hong Kong competition region of the 15th National Games (NG) will be available for sale online and offline simultaneously tomorrow (August 28) at 10am.

The first batch of tickets covers four events in the Hong Kong competition region: beach volleyball, handball (men), basketball (men’s U22) and rugby sevens, as well as 13 events to be held in the Guangdong competition region. Members of the public can purchase e-tickets through official online ticketing platforms, including the 15th NG official ticketing website (ticket.baygames.cn) or by searching for the “15th NG official ticketing” official mini programmes on WeChat, after completing real-name registration of an account.

Registered users can log in to the official online ticketing platform, select “Ticket Purchase”, and choose the competition venue(s), competition event(s), time, and session(s) to purchase tickets for events in different competition regions.

Hong Kong residents must use their Hong Kong identity card to purchase tickets for events in Hong Kong, and their Mainland Travel Permit for Hong Kong and Macao Residents to purchase tickets for events in Guangdong. Each order for events in Hong Kong is limited to six tickets for the same event session, except for popular events, where each order is limited to three tickets for the same event session.

In addition to purchasing tickets for the Hong Kong competition region through official online ticketing platforms, members of the public can also visit 11 designated sales outlets of the China Travel Service (Hong Kong) Limited starting tomorrow at 10am to buy paper tickets for the first batch of four events in the Hong Kong competition region. Prior registration on the online ticketing platform is not required for purchases at these sales outlets. Real-name authentication will also be adopted for ticket purchases offline. Ticket buyers must provide their name and identification document number, as well as those of all spectators, for registration. Ticket buyers are also required to produce copies of the relevant identity documents for verification. Hong Kong residents must use their Hong Kong identity card to purchase tickets, while Mainland and Macao residents use their Exit-entry Permit for Travelling to and from Hong Kong and Macao, and their Macao identity card respectively. The paper tickets sold offline in Hong Kong will be converted from Renminbi to Hong Kong dollars at a fixed exchange rate. For ticket prices of the first batch of four events in the Hong Kong competition region, please refer to the attachment. For details about sales outlets and other relevant information, please visit the China Travel Service (Hong Kong) Limited website (ww2.ctshk.com/articleDetail?id=4&channelId=-1) or the official website for the 15th NG in Hong Kong (www.2025nationalgames.gov.hk/en/ng.html).

The Hong Kong competition region has a total of 11 ticketed events covering eight competition events for the 15th NG and three competition events for the 12th National Games for Persons with Disabilities (NGD) and the 9th National Special Olympic Games (NSOG). In addition to the four events going on sale tomorrow, tickets for the other four competition events of the 15th NG, namely track cycling, golf, triathlon and fencing, and three events for the NGD of the 12th NGD and the 9th NSOG, which are boccia, wheelchair fencing and para table tennis (TT11), will be available for sale by phases and batches in late September and early October in accordance with the competition schedules.

For any ticketing enquiries, Hong Kong residents may call the official ticketing call centre at +86 4001-125305 or email the official ticketing enquiry email address at services@quanyun2025.com.

For more information about ticketing arrangements on the 15th NG in Hong Kong, please visit the thematic website (www.2025nationalgames.gov.hk/en/ng.html), as well as the Facebook page (www.facebook.com/2025nationalgames.hk) and Instagram page (www.instagram.com/2025nationalgames.hk).

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Secretary for Development, Ms Bernadette Linn, today (August 27) attended the launching ceremony of a training programme co-organised by Guangdong and Hong Kong for construction industry talents, and conducted site visits to learn about the development of a construction industry park and a redevelopment project of urban villages in Guangzhou.

     In the morning, Ms Linn attended the Launching Ceremony of the Advanced Capability Building Programme for Project Leaders and Talents in the Guangdong-Hong Kong Construction Industry and Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) Talent Hub Forum. Jointly organised by the Development Bureau (DEVB) of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government, the Human Resources and Social Security Department of Guangdong Province (GDHRSSD) and the South China University of Technology (SCUT), the programme provides professional training focused on cutting-edge trends of the industry and practical innovation for about 60 senior personnel from construction-related enterprises in Guangdong as well as professionals from the Government and the construction industry who are taking the courses of the Centre of Excellence for Major Project Leaders under the DEVB. The programme will help construction industry talents from Guangdong and Hong Kong gain a deeper understanding of and better integrate into the industry development in the GBA. It will also enhance their professional expertise and practical capabilities, contributing to the high-quality development of the GBA. At the ceremony, Ms Linn, together with the Director-General of the GDHRSSD, Mr Du Minqi, and the Secretary of the CPC SCUT Committee, Mr Zhang Xichun, presented commemorative certificates to three speakers, namely Honorary Dean of School of Architecture of SCUT, Professor He Jingtang; Chair Professor of the Department of Urban Planning and Design of the University of Hong Kong, Professor Anthony Yeh Gar-on; and the Executive Director of the Construction Industry Council, Mr Albert Cheng.

With the company of Deputy Director-General of the Department of Housing and Urban-Rural Development of Guangdong Province Mr Yang Qinggan, Ms Linn then visited an advanced construction and circular economy industrial park of China Construction in Baiyun District to learn about how the park promotes smart development, and green and low-carbon transformation of the construction industry in areas such as overall design, production processes and operational management to enhance production efficiency and effectiveness. The HKSAR Government has earmarked sites in the Northern Metropolis for developing construction industry parks and has recently proposed establishing a seafront construction industry park on the proposed reclamation area in Lung Kwu Tan. The site visit enabled the HKSAR Government to draw on the successful experiences of Guangzhou to further develop the plan.

In the afternoon, Ms Linn conducted a site visit to learn about how the redevelopment of urban villages in Songxi District balances the needs of urban renewal and the development of traditional industries in villages through large-scale land planning. She also exchanged views with the Department of Housing and Urban-Rural Development of Guangdong Province and the Guangzhou Municipal Housing and Urban-Rural Development Bureau on issues including land acquisition, relocation arrangements for affected residents and business operators and ancillary facilities to facilitate development.

Upon arriving in Guangzhou yesterday (August 26) afternoon, Ms Linn, accompanied by Professor He, toured the Architectural Works Exhibition of Team of He Jingtang. Through the briefing by Professor He, she gained insights into how his architectural creations integrate regional characteristics, cultural connotations and the spirit of the times, promoting the development of modern Chinese architecture.

Ms Linn concluded her visit and returned to Hong Kong this afternoon.