Month: August 2025

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Public Health & Municipal Services (Amendment) Ordinance 2025 will come into effect on Sunday, strengthening the statutory power of the Food & Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) to deal with various environmental hygiene problems.

 

The move will enable the department to handle problems such as water seepage in buildings, water dripping from air conditioners, the occupation of public places by miscellaneous articles, shopfront extensions, and so on, more effectively.

    

With the amendment ordinance, the hours public officers are allowed to enter premises to deal with public health nuisances, such as water seepage in buildings and water dripping from air conditioners, are now extended to between 7am and 10pm.

 

Failing to allow a public officer to enter the premises within 14 days after the issuance or attachment of the Notice of Intended Entry by the department without reasonable excuse is an offence.

 

The FEHD can also issue a Notice of Elimination of Vermin to a person responsible for the management of the premises such as owners’ corporations and property management companies, regarding the common parts of the premises, allowing timely handling of vermin in common parts of a building.

 

In cases where the FEHD conducts vermin disinfestation work for infested premises without serving a vermin elimination notice, it may recover the expense incurred from the responsible person of the premises concerned. The department can also place devices and equipment in vermin-infested premises for conducting tests or assessing vermin proliferation.

 

As for the occupation of public places by miscellaneous articles causing obstruction to scavenging operations, the ordinance shortens the removal time to a period of no less than 30 minutes. The FEHD can exercise discretion by setting a reasonably longer time according to the circumstances.

 

Enforcement officers are also empowered to remove and dispose of display equipment like easy-mount frames, apart from bills or posters.

 

Additionally, the ordinance introduces an offence targeting shopfront extensions in the Public Health & Municipal Services Ordinance, empowering the FEHD to remove the obstructing articles constituting unlawful shopfront extensions without reliance on police power.

 

In cases where no claim is made for the article not of a perishable nature within seven days after the exercise of the power of removal, or within 48 hours for the article of perishable nature, the article will be forfeited.

 

Click here for more details about the ordinance, including the penalties for its violations such as non-compliance with designated notices and obstruction to scavenging operations.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     The Environmental Protection Department (EPD) today (August 15) launched the Non-Plastic Container Trial Programme, openly inviting local catering businesses to participate in the trial use of various types of non-plastic containers and provide feedback on product performance.

     The trial programme has received enthusiastic support from the trade. At present, nearly 100 catering brands (covering more than 1 000 outlets) and nearly 30 tableware suppliers have taken the lead in participating. The trade will collaborate with the Government to further explore going plastic-free in catering operations, working together to achieve the goal of “Protect the Earth, Use Less Plastic”.

     An EPD spokesman said, “Plastic is difficult to decompose and can remain in the environment for a very long time. Over time, it can even fragment into microplastics, causing far-reaching harm to the environment and ecology as well as human health. To safeguard the environment and public health, we need to gradually reduce the use of disposable plastic. However, non-plastic container alternatives are still in the developmental stage. While many products are available, they have yet to fully meet all the application needs of the trade.”

     He continued, “Through the trial programme, participating non-plastic container suppliers will offer discounts to encourage catering businesses to test and gradually expand the use of non-plastic containers based on their circumstances, without having to wait for perfect alternatives to come along. At the same time, more comprehensive data on application could be collected for the improvement of product design and supply chains.”

     The EPD will continue recruiting local catering businesses and non-plastic container suppliers to join the trial programme, testing containers made of different materials (e.g. paper, bamboo pulp, bagasse) and providing feedback based on actual operational scenarios and product performance (e.g. heat resistance, oil resistance, sealing capability). Eateries may also conduct internal testing of new alternatives before applying them at the customer level or carry out phased market trials in selected outlets. There is no need for full-scale adoption at once, and different alternatives may be tested. The EPD will continually consolidate data and industry feedback for reference by catering businesses and tableware suppliers.

     The spokesman emphasised, “Before further mandating the use of alternatives through legislation, the Government will thoroughly consider the maturity, availability and affordability of the relevant non-plastic alternatives with the goal of aligning environmental protection with industry needs and public acceptance, thereby pragmatically advancing plastic reduction.”

     The EPD calls on the catering sector to actively participate in the trial programme and contribute to environmental protection. For details and enrolment, please visit the Green Tableware Platform website (www.greentableware.hk) or email sup_hotline@epd.gov.hk for enquiries. Members of the public and relevant industry stakeholders can also share their experiences with non-plastic containers via the platform, collectively driving improvements in alternative products to expand the market with better plastic-free options.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Government announced today that the Chief Executive has reappointed Ada Chung as the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data for five years from September 4.

 

Ms Chung was first appointed as the Privacy Commissioner in September 2020. 

 

The Government said that since her appointment, Ms Chung has fully demonstrated her extensive professional knowledge and leadership skills, as well as her unwavering dedication to the work of the Office of the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data (PCPD), leading the PCPD in addressing various increasingly complex challenges for privacy protection.

 

In the past five years, Ms Chung led the PCPD in fully supporting the Government in amending the Personal Data (Privacy) Ordinance, and setting up a division responsible for criminal investigation and prosecution, so as to effectively combat “doxxing” acts intruding into personal data privacy.

 

To strive for a greater say on privacy protection issues in the international arena, Ms Chung also led the PCPD in strengthening connections with international and national data and privacy protection organisations, including serving as the co-chair of the Ethics & Data Protection in Artificial Intelligence Working Group and the International Enforcement Cooperation Working Group of the Global Privacy Assembly.

 

The Government added that it is confident that under Ms Chung’s leadership, the PCPD will reach new heights in further promoting the protection and respect for personal data privacy in society, and proactively tackling challenges arising from the development of emerging technologies.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

A girl who went missing in Sheung Shui has been located.

Chen Xin-yi, aged 14, went missing after she left her residence in Po Shek Wu Estate on August 3 night. Her family made a report to Police on August 7.

The girl was located on Pik Wan Road, Kwun Tong, this afternoon (August 14). She sustained no injuries and no suspicious circumstances were detected.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority:

The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA), as representative of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government (HKSAR Government), announced that a tender of 5-year RMB institutional Government Bonds through the re-opening of existing Government Bond (issue number 05GB3005001) under the Infrastructure Bond Programme was held today (August 14).

A total of RMB1.25 billion 5-year Government Bonds were offered today. A total of RMB3.781 billion tender applications were received. The bid-to-cover ratio, i.e. the ratio of bonds applied for to bonds issued, is 3.02. The average price accepted is 101.27, implying an annualised yield of 1.697 per cent.

HKSAR Institutional Government Bonds Tender Results

Tender results of 5-year RMB HKSAR Institutional Government Bonds:
 

Tender Date	:	August 14, 2025
Issue Number	:	05GB3005001 (Re-open)
Stock Code	:	85023 (HKGB1.97 3005-R)
Issue and Settlement Date	:	August 18, 2025
Tenor	:	5 years
Maturity Date	:	May 15, 2030
Coupon Rate	:	1.97 per cent
Amount Applied	:	RMB3.781 billion
Amount Allotted	:	RMB1.25 billion
Bid-to-Cover Ratio*	:	3.02
Average Price Accepted (Yield)	:	101.27 (1.697 per cent (Note))
Lowest Price Accepted (Yield)	:	101.13 (1.728 per cent (Note))
Pro-rata Ratio	:	About 75 per cent
Average Tender Price (Yield)	:	100.86 (1.788 per cent (Note))

* Calculated as the amount of bonds applied for over the amount of bonds issued.

Note: The yields stated above are annualised yields.  For reference, the semi-annualised yields corresponding to the average price accepted, lowest price accepted, and average tender price are 1.690 per cent, 1.721 per cent, and 1.780 per cent respectively.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority:

The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) and the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) today issued (Aug 14) the following joint statement on recent market movements in relation to stablecoins.
 
The HKMA and the SFC have noted recent abrupt market movements linked to the stablecoin concept. These movements appear to follow corporate announcements, news reports, social media posts or speculations regarding plans to apply for stablecoin issuer licence, engage in related activities or explore the feasibility of such initiatives in Hong Kong. Some of these claims have also mentioned recent engagements with financial regulatory authorities in Hong Kong.
 
The HKMA reiterates that it adopts a robust and prudent approach, with a reasonably high bar, in considering applications for stablecoin issuer licence. The HKMA emphasises that an indication of interest or application for a stablecoin licence, and the HKMA’s communication with the interested entities are just part of the licensing process. The granting of licence will be determined by the fulfilment of the licensing criteria.
 
Given the significant uncertainties surrounding the outcomes of these preliminary plans or applications, the abrupt market movements noted above, often driven by excitement or speculation, highlight the need to stay vigilant in these frenetic situations. This heightened volatility in share prices can lead to irrational decisions, thereby exposing investors to undue risks.
 
In the light of this phenomenon, the HKMA and the SFC urge the public to exercise caution, conduct thorough research, and refrain from making irrational investment decisions based solely on market hype or price momentum. They should remember well-considered and informed decision-making is essential to mitigate risks in times of heightened volatility.
 
Market participants are reminded to exercise responsibility in public communications, and refrain from making statements that could mislead investors or create unrealistic expectations.
 
To safeguard market integrity and protect investors, the SFC’s dedicated market surveillance team, equipped with advanced and proven systems, will closely monitor trading activities in Hong Kong. It will take stringent actions against any manipulative or deceptive practices that could compromise the integrity of the market.
 
     The Chief Executive of the HKMA, Mr Eddie Yue, said, “The HKMA adopts a rigorous and prudent approach in assessing applications for stablecoin issuer licence. The approval thresholds set are high, and only a handful of licences will be granted initially. We have been in preliminary communication with dozens of parties regarding stablecoin licensing as part of our market engagement. Such communication, or the related indication of interest or application, is not an indicator of approval or endorsement of any entity’s prospects.”
 
     The Chief Executive Officer of the SFC, Ms Julia Leung, said, “Recent share price movements associated with the stablecoin concept underscore the importance for investors to be clear-minded about the risks involved and the potential financial losses from making relevant investments. In addition to conducting thorough research themselves, they should always be mindful of the misleading prospects of gains from short-term price volatility and be wary of unsubstantiated claims, particularly those appearing on social media. The SFC will continue to monitor market activities closely and will not hesitate in taking forceful and decisive actions to maintain market integrity and protect investors from undue risks.” 

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

MOFA thanks prime ministers of New Zealand and Australia for joint statement supporting peace and stability across Taiwan Strait

Date：2025-08-11
Data Source：Department of East Asian and Pacific Affairs

August 11, 2025 
No.284 

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon met on August 9. In a joint statement following the meeting, they underscored the importance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. They also expressed opposition to the threat or use of force or coercion, as well as to attempts to unilaterally change the status quo. 
 
This follows a similar declaration by the Australian and New Zealand prime ministers in August last year, demonstrating their consistent position in attaching great importance to peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung expresses his affirmation and gratitude for the new joint statement.
 
Meanwhile, the joint statement also called for the resolution of issues and disputes, including those involving the Taiwan Strait, through dialogue and other peaceful means. It also conveyed concern over dangerous, destabilizing, and provocative activities in the South China Sea and urged all parties to de-escalate tensions in accordance with international law.
 
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomes the fact that like-minded countries continue to express concern at international events regarding peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and in the South China Sea. Taiwan will continue to promote integrated diplomacy and work with like-minded partners to advance democracy, peace, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region. (E)