Month: August 2025

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macau held a joint press conference in Guangzhou today ahead of the beginning of a 100-day countdown tomorrow to the 12th National Games for Persons with Disabilities (NGD) and the 9th National Special Olympic Games (NSOG).

The press conference also provided updates on the progress of preparations in respective competition regions, besides showcasing the uniforms, medals, sports pictograms and icons of the 12th NGD and the 9th NSOG.

Deputy Secretary-General of the Organising Committee of the 12th NGD & the 9th NSOG and Vice Chairperson of the Guangdong Provincial Executive Committee for the 12th NGD & the 9th NSOG Chen Xuejun said 9,735 individuals, comprising athletes with disabilities and coaches, have confirmed their participation, making this the largest ever edition of the NGD and NSOG.

Mr Chen added that 13 test events have already been organised for the 12th NGD and the 9th NSOG, with 22 more to be held and the official theme song also yet to be released.

Head of the Preparatory Office for the 15th National Games, 12th NGD & 9th NSOG in Macao Pun Weng-kun revealed that the Macau competition region had completed an operational test for the badminton event in mid-August, in accordance with official event standards.

Mr Pun said Macau will also conduct comprehensive accessibility inspections to ensure all preliminary preparations are in place.

National Games Coordination Office (Hong Kong) Head Yeung Tak-keung reported that the Hong Kong competition region, in collaboration with relevant sports associations and organisations, conducted pre-event drills between March and June this year for events to be held in Hong Kong.

These drills covered operational flows, functional zoning, barrier-free facilities, medical services and volunteer arrangements.

Tickets for the three events of the 12th NGD and the 9th NSOG due to be held in Hong Kong, namely boccia, wheelchair fencing, and table tennis (TT11 class), are planned for sale in batches in early October, in accordance with the competition schedules.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Chief Executive John Lee and Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Investment Khalid Al-Falih today witnessed the Belt & Road Office (BRO) and the Ministry of Investment of Saudi Arabia (MISA) sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Belt & Road collaboration.

The MoU was signed by Commissioner for Belt & Road Nicholas Ho and Assistant Deputy for Services Sectors of the MISA Fahad M Alhashem.

Under the agreement, the MISA will provide information to Hong Kong regarding infrastructure and construction projects and seek to overcome obstacles that Hong Kong companies may face in accessing the Saudi Arabian market.

Meanwhile, the BRO will share information on Hong Kong’s professional services with the MISA, with a view to both sides utilising each other’s platforms for investment promotion, tendering and fundraising.

Mr Lee said the MoU marks another significant milestone in collaboration between the two sides under the Belt & Road Initiative, especially as it is the first of its kind signed between Hong Kong and an overseas economy in this area of co-operation.

“As a leading international hub for finance, shipping and trade that is fast rising as an international innovation and technology centre, Hong Kong is well positioned to support Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.

“Our professional services, ranging from finance, technology and architecture to engineering and legal services, could contribute significantly to the development of signature projects in Saudi Arabia and beyond.”

Mr Lee added that he is confident that the MoU will further strengthen bilateral ties between the two economies.

Besides signing the MoU, Hong Kong and Saudi Arabia are negotiating an Investment Promotion & Protection Agreement, which aims to protect, enhance and open investment, strengthen investor confidence and increase bilateral investment flows between the two places.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Chief Secretary Chan Kwok-ki and Secretary for Home & Youth Affairs Alice Mak today visited three veterans in Hong Kong to offer their respects, with this year marking the 80th Anniversary of Victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War.

Mr Chan was joined by Deputy Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (LOCPG) Liu Guangyuan, while LOCPG Secretary General Wang Songmiao accompanied Miss Mak.

Mr Chan said the veterans had shown unwavering determination during the war, sparing no effort, fighting as one against the enemy and dedicating themselves wholeheartedly to defending the country. He added that they demonstrated to the world a profound patriotic sentiment, and that their heroic deeds and patriotism command the highest respect, with their stories serving as vivid lessons in patriotic education.

He also highlighted that in order to deepen and broaden the public’s understanding of the historical significance of victory in the war, and to strengthen their affection for and sense of belonging to the country, the Hong Kong SAR Government has been organising various forms of commemorative and educational activities, and co-ordinating local organisations in doing the same.

The Chief Secreatary called for support from members of the public, in particular young people, in terms of participating in the activities, in order to remember history, honour martyrs, cherish peace, create a great future and pay tribute to the veterans.

Miss Mak said the Home & Youth Affairs Bureau will continue to work alongside district organisations to hold commemorative activities, allowing the public and young people to have a thorough understanding of the War of Resistance, learn from history, cherish peace and foster their sense of patriotism.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Labour Department today announced that it has imposed an administrative sanction on a catering company for displacing local workers with imported workers, thereby violating the requirements of the Enhanced Supplementary Labour Scheme.

With effect from August 27, the department has withdrawn approvals-in-principle for the importation of workers granted to Top One Dance Club & Chinese Cuisine O/B Top One Dance Club under the scheme.

In addition, the department will not process any applications to import workers submitted by the company for a period of two years.

At a media session today, Secretary for Labour & Welfare Chris Sun said the sanction is a combination of two measures to ensure that the Government sends a very strong signal to employers that they must comply with the scheme’s rules and requirements.

After receiving a complaint about the company, the Labour Department conducted an investigation and heard the employer’s explanation. It has come to the view that the complaint is substantiated by facts.

Mr Sun added that the Government will look into suggestions as to the exact terms of initiative sanctions in its coming review, including whether or not the maximum ban should be kept at two years, or lengthened to maintain its power in enforcing the requirements.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Government today announced the launch of a new batch of its Silver Bond series for subscription, offering a minimum interest rate of 3.85%.

Residents who were born in 1966 or before and hold a valid Hong Kong identity card are eligible for subscription.

The target issuance size is $50 billion, with each unit offered at $10,000 and with a tenor of three years. Interest will be paid semi-annually.

The bonds are the retail part of the Infrastructure Bond Programme. Proceeds will be credited to the Capital Works Reserve Fund for investment in infrastructure projects. The Government will publish information on the allocation of the proceeds on an annual basis.

Financial Secretary Paul Chan said the Government is continuing to issue Silver Bonds this year to provide a safe, reliable and low-risk investment option with steady returns for senior citizens.

He stressed that proceeds from this batch will be used to fund the implementation of infrastructure projects for the good of the economy and people’s livelihoods.

A maximum allocation of $1 million per investor will be stipulated, meaning that each investor will be allocated 100 units of retail bonds at most.

The subscription period will start from 9am on September 15 and end at 2pm on September 29. During this time, eligible residents can apply for the bonds through placing banks and designated securities brokers. The bonds will be issued on October 10.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 3

Classes will resume on September 1. The Transport Department urges students to familiarise themselves early with public transport routes to and from their schools and the service frequencies, especially those attending a new school. As the overall road traffic on that day will be busier, students should allow more time. They should also take heed of road safety on their journeys, properly use crossing facilities to cross the road, and not use a mobile phone, listen to any audio device, play mobile games, eat or drink when crossing the road.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK) and the Hong Kong Green Finance Association (HKGFA) today (August 29) announced their collaboration to promote green and sustainable finance in the lead up to Hong Kong Green Week, taking place September 8 to 12. Kicking off with the HKGFA’s 8th Annual Forum on September 8, the week will spotlight Hong Kong’s leadership in green technology, green fintech, and climate innovation, reinforcing its pivotal role in accelerating Asia’s low-carbon transition.

Hong Kong Green Week will highlight Hong Kong’s strategic priorities and achievements in sustainability, including its policy roadmap, robust regulatory framework and commitment to international collaboration. The joint efforts of InvestHK and the HKGFA aim to channel capital into high-impact green projects, catalyse new solutions for transition finance, and support capacity building in developing countries and emerging markets.

The Global Head of Financial Services, FinTech & Sustainability at InvestHK, Mr King Leung, said, “Hong Kong will further solidify its position as a launch pad for green and sustainable capital during the upcoming Hong Kong Green Week. Supported by a robust financial system meeting international standards, world-class infrastructure, and a globally aligned taxonomy, we channeled capital into transformative green projects across regions and industries. Our collaboration with the HKGFA ignited a powerful wave of cross-sector partnerships, advancing sustainability goals.”

The Chairman and President of the HKGFA, Dr Ma Jun, added, “Hong Kong demonstrated its pivotal role in advancing Asia’s climate leadership, particularly amid the context of the United States’ withdrawal from the Paris Agreement. Hong Kong Green Week is set to showcase our capabilities to host regional platforms and dialogues, fostering policy consensus, facilitating innovative cross-border transactions, and driving capacity building in emerging markets.”

HKGFA Executive Vice President Ms Tracy Wong Harris said, “Transition finance is paving the way for corporates to accelerate decarbonisation while maintaining sustainable growth. Through initiatives like the HKGFA’s Transition Planning Knowledge Repository, we are empowering the market with purpose-built tools and insights to develop credible transition strategies aligned with ambitious climate targets. By integrating climate and nature considerations into policy, Hong Kong is further advancing its financial infrastructure and climate risk management system to help the real economy to transition to net-zero.”

HKGFA Executive Vice President Ms Chaoni Huang said, “Robust global connectivity and regional collaboration on expanding leading frameworks such as the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD) are essential to advancing sustainable finance. As a co-convenor of the TNFD in Hong Kong, the HKGFA is at the forefront of building capacity and fostering crucial dialogue to integrate nature-related risks into financial decision-making. By working alongside our members and partners globally, the HKGFA will continue to enhance the ecosystem’s capacity to assess and manage nature-related risks and opportunities, bridging global sustainability standards with regional and local implementation.”

InvestHK and the HKGFA hosted a media briefing today to share insights into Hong Kong’s green and sustainable finance landscape and its central role in accelerating Asia’s climate transition. The briefing also provided a preview of the highly anticipated Hong Kong Green Week, with the HKGFA’s 8th Annual Forum launching the event. Speakers highlighted the importance of cross-agency coordination, policy innovation, and capacity building, alongside key initiatives. Case studies underscored the city’s growing impact in climate-focused investment and regional collaboration.

For a copy of the photos, please visit: www.flickr.com/photos/investhk/albums/72177720328641440.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

Hongkong Post announced today (August 29) that, as advised by the postal administration of the Philippines, mail delivery services to Metro Manila, the provinces of Bulacan, Cavite, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, Batangas, Aurora, Quezon, Rizal, Laguna, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Albay, Sorsogon, Catanduanes, Masbate and Northern Samar, previously affected by severe weather, have returned to normal.