Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Ten men and three women arrested in connection with murder in Tin Shui Wai
Issued at HKT 21:42
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Games fire safety meeting held in GZ
Source: Hong Kong Information Services
Director of Fire Services Andy Yeung led a delegation to Guangzhou today to attend a Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macau fire services security meeting in preparation for the 15th National Games (NG).
The meeting, attended by representatives from the Fire Services Department (FSD), the Guangdong Fire & Rescue Corps and the Macao Fire Services Bureau, was aimed at ensuring the safe and smooth staging of the NG, the 12th National Games for Persons with Disabilities and the 9th National Special Olympic Games.
The three parties presented their respective work on ensuring fire safety during the games. They discussed optimising emergency response plans, improvements to safety measures, and enhancing collaboration mechanisms, with a view to optimising co-operation among the three places.
Mr Yeung said the FSD is fully committed to supporting security during the NG in Hong Kong by strategically deploying fire and ambulance resources, arranging rapid response teams and medical support, and conducting systematic risk assessments and safety hazard inspections at all competition venues.
He added that the department is participating in test events and interdepartmental exercises in order to enhance the emergency response capabilities of staff.
Firefighters from the three places visited the Guangdong Olympic Sports Center and the Tianhe Sports Center to learn about fire service installations, safety protection procedures and emergency response plans in detail, and to assess the implementation of safety measures for the competitions. They also visited the NG Main Operation Centre to gain deeper insights into cross-regional and interdepartmental modes of command and co-ordination.
Speech by FS at Palace of Champions: Fencing for Spirit Exhibition Match
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Speech by FS at Palace of Champions: Fencing for Spirit Exhibition Match
Deputy Commissioner Li Yongsheng (Deputy Commissioner of the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region), Director Liu Songlin (Director-General of the Social Work Department of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region), Acting Consul General (Acting Consul General of France in Hong Kong and Macau, Mr Benjamin Hubin), Vincent (Chairman of the executive committee of the GDCD Association and Legislative Council Member, Mr Vincent Cheng), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
Bonsoir. It is a real pleasure to join you all tonight at the magnificent Hong Kong Palace Museum for what is truly a historic occasion — the first-ever world-class fencing exhibition held at this iconic cultural landmark.
Tonight, this extraordinary venue is being reimagined — not only as a home to treasured artefacts and rich heritage, but also as a vibrant stage for athletic excellence. This seamless integration of sports and culture sends a powerful message: that athletic mastery, like a fine work of art, reflects discipline, passion, skills and beauty.
This evening’s fencing showcase also brings back fond memories of the Paris Olympics, where the fencing matches were staged under the grandeur of the Grand Palais. We are reminded of the pride and glory brought to Hong Kong by our elite fencers — Ka Long (Cheung Ka-long), Vivian (Vivian Kong), and many others. Their achievements have inspired a generation of young athletes, and I’m confident that tonight will spark even more dreams and passion for this elegant and powerful sport.
And tonight’s celebration goes beyond sport. Just now we enjoyed the music performance by a group of students from the DBS (Diocesan Boys’ School). This event indeed deepens the bonds between Hong Kong and France, through the universal languages of sport, music and mutual respect, and adds colour to our vibrant ties already in business, art and fashion.
This fencing exhibition match is also part of a broader celebration leading up to the 15th National Games, which will be co-hosted for the first time by Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao this November. With just 75 days to go, preparations are well underway. Hong Kong is honoured to host eight elite competition events, one mass participation event, and to take part in the organisation of two cross-boundary competitions.
In December, we will also co-host the 12th National Games for Persons with Disabilities and the 9th National Special Olympic Games, reaffirming our commitment to the belief that sports are for everyone.
The Hong Kong SAR (Special Administrative Region) Government is working hand in hand with our partners in Guangdong and Macao to deliver a National Games that is simple, safe and wonderful. We want to create an unforgettable experience, not only for the athletes but also for every resident and visitor.
And when I speak of “visitors”, they include supporters and spectators not just from our country but also from around the world.
November will be a busy season for Hong Kong, with a series of top-notch MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions) events, including the Global Financial Leaders’ Investment Summit, FinTech Week, the Hong Kong Fashion Fest, the Wine and Spirits Fair, the Hong Kong Maritime Week, and many more. We warmly welcome more international visitors to join us not only for these events but also the National Games, to experience the excitement of top-level competitions while enjoying Hong Kong’s cuisine, culture, hospitality and all that our city offers.
Indeed, this is a unique opportunity to showcase the energy and dynamism of both Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area, in addition to the immense business opportunities available across this fast-growing region.
Ladies and gentlemen, my heartfelt gratitude to Youth We Go, the Consulate-General of France, the West Kowloon Cultural District Authority, and all partners and supporting organisations for making this exceptional event possible.
To all our elite fencers tonight — we salute your spirit and skills, and wish you an exhilarating performance. Issued at HKT 20:12
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61 pupils awarded scholarships
Source: Hong Kong Information Services
Secretary for Education Choi Yuk-lin today officiated at the award presentation ceremony of the Hong Kong Scholarship for Excellence Scheme, under which 61 students were selected as the 11th cohort of awardees.
While speaking at the ceremony, in addition to stressing that the Government has always attached great importance to the development of young people, Ms Choi said that the scheme demonstrates the Government’s dedication to developing Hong Kong into a cradle for future talent.
She encouraged awardees to act as ambassadors in telling good Hong Kong stories while overseas, and make the best use of their enriched knowledge and skills upon graduation in supporting the city’s development into an international hub for high-calibre talent.
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A total of 810 applicants competed for the scholarship. Among the awardees, 50 will take up undergraduate studies and 11 will be pursuing postgraduate studies at world-renowned universities.
They will seek to attain a wide spectrum of disciplines, with over half of them studying science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM)-related programmes.
Other disciplines include law, arts, culture and performing arts, medical and health sciences, and social sciences.
As the selection process is ongoing, more applicants may be offered the scholarship after today’s ceremony.
EAC Chairman chairs first meeting of Crisis Management Committee (with photo)
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The following is issued on behalf of the Electoral Affairs Commission:
In view of the 2025 Election Committee Subsector By-elections to be held on September 7 (Sunday), the Chairman of the Electoral Affairs Commission (EAC), Mr Justice David Lok, chaired the first meeting of the Crisis Management Committee (CMC) this afternoon (August 26) to deal with different circumstances that may arise during the By-elections, as well as to ensure the smooth conduct of the polling day.
Mr Justice Lok said at the meeting, “To ensure that the By-elections will be conducted smoothly, I am aware that relevant bureaux and departments have entered the final stage of various preparatory work, including drawing up security and contingency plans.”
During the meeting, the EAC was briefed by representatives from relevant government departments, including the Digital Policy Office and the Hong Kong Police Force, on their assessments of cybersecurity and security risks respectively under different situations, and also on their preparatory work and contingency deployment planned for the polling day.
In addition, in response to possible adverse weather conditions on the polling day of the By-elections, a representative from the Hong Kong Observatory was invited to attend the meeting to discuss and provide professional advice so that relevant departments can make appropriate contingency plans and response strategies. The Registration and Electoral Office, the Security Bureau, the Information Services Department, the Department of Justice and the Home Affairs Department also gave briefings on their preparatory or co-ordination work regarding the By-elections.
Mr Justice Lok pointed out that the CMC will assist the EAC in closely monitoring the situation on the polling day of the By-elections and will handle situations caused by different incidents affecting the By-elections. The meeting today helped the EAC to better prepare and formulate contingency plans for the By-elections. He thanked all the bureaux and departments for their efforts in the preparations and arrangements for the By-elections. The EAC will strive to ensure that the By-elections will be conducted in an open, honest and fair manner in accordance with relevant electoral laws and guidelines as in the past.
The CMC is part of the contingency mechanism for public elections. The CMC advises the EAC on matters that may affect the proceedings of the elections, such as inclement weather and issues of public health and safety. The CMC is chaired by the EAC Chairman and comprises all EAC members, the Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs (or his representative) and representatives of relevant bureaux/departments.
FEHD releases eighth batch of gravidtrap indexes for Aedes albopictus in August (with photos)
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) today (August 26) released the eighth batch of gravidtrap indexes and density indexes for Aedes albopictus in August, covering 13 survey areas, as follows:
| District | Survey Area | August 2025 | |
| First Phase Gravidtrap Index | First Phase Density Index | ||
| Islands | Tung Chung | 2.0% | 1.0 |
| Sham Shui Po | Cheung Sha Wan | 12.3% | 1.1 |
| Lai Chi Kok | 3.8% | 1.0 | |
| Sham Shui Po East | 0.0% | N/A | |
| Kowloon City | Ho Man Tin | 7.4% | 1.0 |
| Wong Tai Sin | Diamond Hill | 8.6% | 1.0 |
| Sai Kung | Sai Kung Town | 1.9% | 1.0 |
| Ngau Liu and Muk Min Shan | 8.3% | 1.0 | |
| Kwai Tsing | Lai King | 3.8% | 1.0 |
| District | Survey Area | August 2025 | |
| Area Gravidtrap Index | Area Density Index | ||
| Southern | Pokfulam | 5.9% | 1.3 |
| Islands | Cheung Chau South | 0.0% | N/A |
| Cheung Chau North | 5.9% | 1.0 | |
| Wong Tai Sin | Ngau Chi Wan | 8.6% | 1.1 |
Among the eight batch of First Phase Gravidtrap Indexes covering nine survey areas and Area Gravidtrap Indexes covering four survey areas in August, all were below 10 per cent, except the First Phase Gravidtrap Index for Cheung Sha Wan in Sham Shui Po District.
The FEHD has so far released eight batches of gravidtrap indexes for Aedes albopictus in August 2005, covering 51 survey areas. Among these 51 survey areas, 33 recorded a decrease or remained unchanged in the individual gravidtrap index as compared to the Area Gravidtrap Index last month, i.e. July 2025, representing the areas’ mosquito infestation improved or maintained at a low level. Twelve other areas recorded a slight increase, but the indexes were lower than 10 per cent.
Among the eighth batch of indexes released, Cheung Sha Wan in Sham Shui Po District recorded an index over 10 per cent. In accordance with the mechanism implemented by the FEHD in response to the recent chikungunya fever (CF) situation that strengthens mosquito control work in areas with the gravidtrap index between 10 per cent and 20 per cent, which was originally activated when the gravidtrap index reaches 20 per cent or above, the FEHD is collaborating with relevant departments and stakeholders to identify locations with high mosquito infestation and carry out intensive and targeted mosquito control measures. In particular, the gravidtrap data for Cheung Sha Wan indicated that areas with more mosquito problems included parks, schools and public housing estates. The relevant departments and stakeholders are actively following up on the mosquito control work. The FEHD will also organise exhibitions, distribute leaflets and posters, and notify the residential estates subscribed to the gravidtrap Rapid Alert System, advising property management agents and residents to stay vigilant and join hands in taking mosquito prevention and elimination measures. In addition, the FEHD will strengthen the monitoring of the gravidtrap indexes in this area to review the effectiveness of the mosquito control work.
Public participation is crucial to effective control of mosquito problems. The FEHD appeals to members of the public to continue joining hands in strengthening personal mosquito control measures, including:
- tidy up their premises and check for any accumulation of water inside their premises;
- remove all unnecessary water collection and eliminate the sources;
- check household items (those placed in outdoor and open areas in particular), such as refuse containers, vases, air conditioner drip trays, and laundry racks to prevent stagnant water;
- change the water in flower vases and saucers of potted plants at least once every seven days;
- properly cover all containers that hold water to prevent mosquitoes from accessing the water; and
- properly dispose of articles that can contain water, such as empty lunch boxes and cans.
Starting in August this year, following the completion of surveillance of individual survey areas, and once the latest Gravidtrap Index and the Density Index are available, the FEHD will disseminate the relevant information through press releases, its website, and social media. It aims to allow members of the public to quickly grasp the mosquito infestation situation and strengthen mosquito control efforts, thereby reducing the risk of CF transmission.
Following the recommendations from the World Health Organization and taking into account the local situation in Hong Kong, the FEHD sets up gravidtraps in districts where mosquito-borne diseases have been recorded in the past, as well as in densely populated places such as housing estates, hospitals and schools, to monitor the breeding and distribution of Aedes albopictus mosquitoes, which can transmit CF and dengue fever. At present, the FEHD has set up gravidtraps in 64 survey areas of the community. During the two weeks of surveillance, the FEHD will collect the gravidtraps once a week. After the first week of surveillance, the FEHD will immediately examine the glue boards inside the retrieved gravidtraps for the presence of adult Aedine mosquitoes, to compile the Gravidtrap Index (First Phase) and Density Index (First Phase). At the end of the second week of surveillance, the FEHD will instantly check the glue boards for the presence of adult Aedine mosquitoes. Data of the two weeks’ surveillance will be combined to obtain the Area Gravidtrap Index and the Area Density Index. The gravidtrap and density indexes for Aedes albopictus in different survey areas as well as information on mosquito prevention and control measures are available on the department’s webpage (www.fehd.gov.hk/english/pestcontrol/dengue_fever/Dengue_Fever_Gravidtrap_Index_Update.html#).
Over 3 100 quality job vacancies to be offered at Go Career! Job Fair
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
The Labour Department (LD) will hold the Go Career! Job Fair at MacPherson Stadium (Indoor) in Mong Kok on August 28 and 29, providing a large number of vacancies from catering, retail and various other industries for job seekers.
The two-day job fair is co-organised by the LD and the Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong. Over 60 organisations will participate in the job fair, offering over 3 100 quality job vacancies from various industries, among which more than 2 000 are from catering, retail and transport industries. Around 30 organisations will set up booths and conduct recruitment on the spot each day. A wide variety of positions will be offered, including store manager, duty engineer, accounting officer, shipping clerk, administrative assistant, chef, barista, shop assistant, cashier, customer service assistant, taxi driver, cleaner, security guard, etc. Job seekers can visit the LD’s Interactive Employment Service website (www.jobs.gov.hk) for more details of the vacancies.
Around 82 per cent of the vacancies offered at the job fair are full-time jobs. Most vacancies offer monthly salaries ranging from $12,000 to $26,000. About 95 per cent of the vacancies require a Secondary Seven education level or below. Around 60 per cent are open to job seekers without relevant work experience.
Job seekers can submit job applications during the event and may be selected for on-the-spot interviews. They can also make enquiries on the employment services provided by the LD at its counter inside the venue.
The job fair will be held from 11am to 5.30pm at 1/F, MacPherson Stadium, 38 Nelson Street, Mong Kok (near Mong Kok MTR Station Exit E2). Admission is free, with final admission time at 5pm each day.
Hong Kong Customs detects suspected case of illegal importing of animals (with photos)
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
Hong Kong Customs yesterday (August 25) detected a suspected case of illegal importing of animals involving a cross-boundary private car at the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge (HZMB) Hong Kong Port. Two suspected illegally imported kittens with an estimated market value of about $30,000 were seized.
Based on risk assessment and intelligence analysis, Customs officers yesterday intercepted the incoming private car at the HZMB Hong Kong Port for inspection and found the two kittens inside two handbags on the rear passenger seats of the vehicle. A 42-year-old male driver and a 38-year-old female passenger were subsequently arrested.
The case has been handed over to the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department for follow-up action.
Customs reminds the public that importing animals into Hong Kong without a valid permit is an offence.
Under the Rabies Regulation, any person found guilty of illegally importing animals, carcasses or animal products is liable to a maximum fine of $50,000 and imprisonment for one year.
Members of the public may report any suspected illegal importing of animals 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).
Sixty-one students awarded scholarships for excellence
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
The Secretary for Education, Dr Choi Yuk-lin, today (August 26) officiated at the Award Presentation Ceremony 2025 of the Hong Kong Scholarship for Excellence Scheme (HKSES). Sixty-one students were selected as the 11th cohort of awardees.
Speaking at the ceremony, Dr Choi said that the Government has always attached great importance to the development of young people, helping them become lifelong learners with global perspectives, as well as love for the country and the city, who are ready for future challenges and opportunities. Recognising the need to cultivate a steady stream of talent, unlock their full potential, and ensure that their abilities are fully utilised, the HKSES was launched in 2014 to demonstrate the Government’s dedication to developing Hong Kong into a cradle for future talent. She encouraged awardees to act as ambassadors in telling good Hong Kong stories while overseas, and to make the best use of their enriched knowledge and skills upon graduation in supporting Hong Kong’s development into an international hub for high-calibre talent.
Fifty of the awardees will be pursuing undergraduate studies, and 11 will be pursuing postgraduate studies at world-renowned universities. These include not only top-notch comprehensive universities but also world-class institutions specialising in particular disciplines.
The awardees will pursue a wide spectrum of disciplines, with over half of them pursuing programmes related to STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics). Other disciplines include law, arts, culture and performing arts, medical and health sciences, and social sciences. The distribution of the awardees by different disciplines is shown in the Annex.
A total of 810 applicants competed for this year’s HKSES. Apart from outstanding academic achievements, the awardees also demonstrated excellence in their leadership qualities. As the selection process is ongoing, more applicants may be offered the scholarship after today’s ceremony.
Launched in November 2014, the HKSES has been regularised since the 2019/20 academic year. It aims to support local students to pursue studies at world-renowned universities outside Hong Kong with a view to grooming a top cadre of talent with global vision, an international network and world-class education, thereby contributing to enhancing Hong Kong’s competitiveness as Asia’s world city in a globalised knowledge economy. Since its introduction, the HKSES has benefited over 1000 students. The key features of the scholarship scheme are available on the HKSES website (hkses.edb.gov.hk).
The application details of the next cohort of the HKSES will be announced shortly.
Beat Drugs Fund invites applications for 2025 Funding Exercise of Regular Funding Scheme
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
The following is issued on behalf of the Secretariat of the Beat Drugs Fund Association:
The Beat Drugs Fund (BDF) Regular Funding Scheme (RFS) is inviting applications for the 2025 Funding Exercise from today (August 26) until September 23.
The BDF RFS aims to promote worthwhile anti-drug projects that can help address drug problems. For the 2025 Funding Exercise of the RFS, projects meeting one or multiple priority areas (see Annex) for treatment and rehabilitation, preventive education and publicity, and research will be accorded priority.
The application form and guide for applicants for the 2025 Funding Exercise of the BDF RFS are available on the website of the Narcotics Division (ND) of the Security Bureau (https://www.nd.gov.hk/en/beat_drug_fund_2025.html). The deadline for application is 6pm on September 23. For details of guidelines on the submission of applications, please refer to paragraph 7 of the Guide to the 2025 Funding Exercise of the BDF RFS or pages 9 and 10 of the application form.
The BDF will also arrange two briefing and experience sharing sessions on August 29 and September 9 for interested applicants. Details can be found on the website of the ND (https://www.nd.gov.hk/en/beat_briefing_experience_sharing_sessions.html). Representatives of interested organisations may enrol by providing the required information as set out in the website through email to the Secretariat (bdf@sb.gov.hk). The Secretariat will inform the successful applicants via email nearer the time.
Enquiries are welcome by telephone at 2867 2769 or 2867 2286; or via email to bdf@sb.gov.hk.
Results of applications for the 2025 Funding Exercise are expected to be announced in the first quarter of 2026.