Month: August 2025

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Secretary for Labour & Welfare Chris Sun today concluded his trip to Chengdu which covered a visit to a university, a youth programme dinner and meeting welfare officials.

Mr Sun began his visit yesterday at Sichuan University to meet its Vice President Prof Zhao Changsheng to exchange views on deepening talent co-operation.

The labour and welfare chief stated that the Government is actively building Hong Kong into an international hub for high-calibre talent.

Since Sichuan University was included in the aggregate list of eligible universities under the Top Talent Pass Scheme last November, over 800 graduates from the university have been approved to come to Hong Kong under the scheme.

Mr Sun welcomed Mainland youths to pursue career development in Hong Kong through suitable talent admission schemes.

In the evening, he attended the welcome dinner of the Sichuan Study & Exchange Tour under the Strive & Rise Programme to show support for the participating mentees.

Apart from expressing gratitude to the Sichuan Provincial Government for the full support of the visit, Mr Sun thanked the co-organiser and sponsor for their support which included funding for the implementation of the third cohort of the programme and the Sichuan Study & Exchange Tour, and arranging for staff to participate as mentors, which broadened the mentees’ horizons, enriched their knowledge, and boosted their confidence.

At the dinner, Mr Sun also engaged in dialogues with mentees, where they shared their insights on life and work. 

He also listened to the sharing of mentees on their experiences and insights gained during their engagement in the programme.

They were encouraged to fully embrace the exchange opportunity and to draw knowledge across various fields within Sichuan’s culture, technology and history.

Mr Sun assured them that such experiences would serve as a valuable asset in their future growth, thereby strengthening their sense of identity and pride towards the motherland.

This morning, he first called on Deputy Director General of the Sichuan Provincial Department of Civil Affairs Li Lian to exchange views on policies covering social welfare, child protection and elderly care services, to establish a foundation for interaction.

Mr Sun later called on Director-General of the Sichuan Provincial Department of Human Resources & Social Security Liu Huiying, and held discussions covering labour, talent and social security policies between the two places to explore further collaboration opportunities.

He will return to Hong Kong this afternoon.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

In response to Taiwan transition into a super-aged society, the Department of Industrial Technology under the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) set up a pavilion for age-friendly technology at the second “Healthy Ageing Tech Show,” where the Metal Industries Research & Development Centre (MIRDC), Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI), Taiwan Textile Research Institute (TTRI), and Food Industry Research and Development Institute (FIRDI) jointly presented 25 innovations to meet the needs of the elderly, covering oral care, smart meals, wearable devices, and physiological sensors, providing comprehensive care solutions tailored for actual needs in everyday life.

Director Chao-Chung Kuo of the Department of Industrial Technology, Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) emphasized that the exhibition is not just about scientific and technological achievements, but also systematic solutions for the problems elderly people encounter in everyday life. The integration of corporate resources and industry chain matching brings technology from the laboratory into the community and households to realize healthy aging, responding to the core needs of the elderly to “eat well, stay warm, and sleep soundly.”

Having a Good Appetite and Being Able to Swallow-Thoughtful Care from Mouth to Table

The MIRDC has developed an “intelligent solution for oral care and swallowing empowerment” that combines AI and contactless detection to provide dental plaque detection, cleaning guidance, swallowing training, and game-based rehabilitation to increase willingness for self-care. The solution has been transferred to Formosa Heavy Industries and Formosa Biomedical Technology, and combined the resources of Colgate and BSSOTA Information for application in long-term care institutions, winning the 2025 “Top Ten Age-Friendly Technologies Award.”

The FIRDI launched “Easy-to-Chew, Easy-to-Swallow Age-Friendly Meals,” which use a patented process to soften meat, mushrooms, and other ingredients, preserving their original appearance while improving palatability. Combined with commercial sterilization and quality monitoring technology, they can be stored at room temperature and eaten immediately after opening. The technology has been transferred to Chi Mei Frozen Food and the products are already available in the market.

Staying Warm Without Overheating – Functional Winter Textiles

The TTRI developed the “knitted stretchable heated vest,” which is a lightweight stretchable vest that allows the wearer to control the temperature. It is easy to put on and take off, and provides warmth without restricting movement. The technology has been transferred to Pailung Machinery Mill to establish a high-end woven fabric production line. It is manufactured by Juno Sweater and distributed by Chieftex.

Sleeping Soundly with Nighttime Protection – Contactless Smart Sleep Monitoring

The ITRI developed the “iSleePad Smart Sleeping Pad,” which features built-in contactless radar sensors that can instantly detect heartbeat, breathing, and leaving the bed, issuing alerts when abnormalities occur to protect users throughout the night. YunTai Innovation Technology is currently working with distributors, has completed trial production and verification, and will expand into the home and long-term care markets.

In addition to the technologies above, the pavilion also displays innovative technologies, such as hearing aids, assistive devices for rehabilitation, oral care equipment, and cognitive training tools, showing that technology can also be a thoughtful tool for understanding and keeping the elderly company, helping them to take care of themselves, and improve their quality of life and sense of interaction with others.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Attention TV/radio announcers:

Please broadcast the following as soon as possible:

     Here is an item of interest to swimmers.

     The Leisure and Cultural Services Department said today (August 12) that because of an oil spill, the red flag has been hoisted at Golden Beach in Tuen Mun District. The beach has been closed until further notice. Beachgoers are advised not to swim at the beach.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) today (August 11) released the second batch of gravidtrap index and density index for Aedes albopictus in August, covering 10 survey areas, as follows:
 

District	Survey Area	August 2025
		First Phase Gravidtrap Index	First Phase Density Index
Central/Western	Sheung Wan and Sai Ying Pun	7.3%	1.5
Wanchai	Happy Valley	9.6%	1.0
Mong Kok	Mong Kok	0.0%	N/A
Wong Tai Sin	Wong Tai Sin West	1.9%	1.0
Sai Kung	Tseung Kwan O West	3.6%	1.0
	Tseung Kwan O East	5.5%	1.0
	Tseung Kwan O North	2.3%	3.0
North	Sheung Shui	9.5%	1.0
Yuen Long	Yuen Long Town	1.8%	1.0
Tuen Mun	Tuen Mun North	3.2%	1.0

     In August, all the 10 survey areas covered in the second batch recorded a gravidtrap index level lower than 10 per cent.

     The FEHD has so far announced the first and the second batches of the gravidtrap index for Aedes albopictus in August, covering 23 survey areas. Among these 23 survey areas, 17 recorded a decrease in the Gravidtrap Index as compared with the Area Gravidtrap Index in last month, i.e. July 2025, representing improvement in the areas’ mosquito infestation condition. The index of one area remained the same, while four areas recorded a slight increase but the index was lower than 10 per cent. In response to the recent chikungunya fever (CF) situation, the FEHD has activated a mechanism that strengthen 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, in collaboration with relevant departments and stakeholders, will strengthen the mosquito elimination work in So Kwun Wat, Tuen Mun, identify locations with high mosquito infestation, and carry out intensive and targeted mosquito control measures. 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.

     The FEHD appeals to members of the public to adopt the following measures, strengthening the prevention against the breeding of mosquitoes:

• Tidy up their premises and check for any accumulation of water in containers inside their premises;
• Remove all unnecessary water collection and eliminate the sources;
• Completely change the water in flower vases at least once a week and remove the water on the plant saucers;
• Properly cover all containers that hold water;
• Properly dispose of refuse, such as soft drink cans, empty bottles and boxes, in covered litter containers; and
• Level irregular ground surfaces and holes.

     Starting 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 indices 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#).

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) announced that as of 5pm today (August 11), no new imported case of chikungunya fever (CF) had been recorded. The CHP reminded members of the public to maintain strict environmental hygiene and to take mosquito control and personal protective measures both locally and when travelling outside Hong Kong. Those who suspect they may be infected with CF should seek medical advice promptly and avoid self-testing, which can lead to delays in diagnosis and treatment.
 
Public should not undergo self-tests
 
“Currently, there are no rapid test products on the market that have been certified by international health authorities for public use in self-testing for CF. Noting that some online advertisements claim to sell rapid test products for CF that can be used by the public for self-testing, the DH has immediately contacted the manufacturer concerned, who subsequently confirmed that the product is not intended for self-testing by the public. The manufacturer has also notified the suppliers in Hong Kong to suspend retail sales of the product in Hong Kong,” said the Controller of the CHP, Dr Edwin Tsui.
 
Dr Tsui reminded the public to promptly seek medical advice if they suspect they are infected with CF and not to conduct testing on their own as this may delay proper clinical treatment. He also urged the public not to self-medicate, particularly with aspirin or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (such as ibuprofen), as these drugs may cause serious side effects, for example, increasing the risk of haemorrhage. In general, children should not take medications containing aspirin to relieve fever or other symptoms because it may lead to “Reye’s syndrome”, a serious and potentially fatal complication.
 
Furthermore, the DH noted that a local research institution is actively developing rapid test products for CF. The DH has proactively contacted the institution concerned to learn more about the performance and quality of these test products, and has encouraged the institution to apply to list their tested products under the DH’s voluntary “Medical Device Administrative Control System“.
 
Continuously strengthening prevention and control
 
Hong Kong has recorded a total of five confirmed CF cases this year, all of which are imported cases, as well as one possible case. From 2016 to 2019, Hong Kong recorded between one and 11 imported cases annually.
 
“According to the information from the Guangdong Provincial Disease Control and Prevention Administration, in the past week (August 3 to 9), there were 1 387 new CF cases in Guangdong, a significant decrease compared to the previous two weeks, which reported 2 892 cases (July 27 to August 2) and 2 940 cases (July 20 to 26) respectively. All cases were mild, with no severe or fatal cases reported. However, we must remain vigilant and continue to adopt a multipronged approach to prevent local transmission,” Dr Tsui said.
 
The CHP’s Port Health Division continues to step up inspections at boundary control points and to remind cross-boundary public transport operators and other relevant parties to ensure good environmental hygiene and effective implementation of anti-mosquito measures. Furthermore, staff members of the Port Health Division distribute leaflets to travellers, conduct temperature screening for inbound travellers, conduct health assessment for travellers with fever or related symptoms, and refer them to hospitals for follow-up when necessary.
 
To raise the awareness among the elderly about preventing CF, the Visiting Health Teams under the Elderly Health Service of the DH have been advising the elderly on CF prevention and travel health at the health talks conducted at District Elderly Community Centres and Neighbourhood Elderly Centres. They have also reminded residential care homes for the elderly to enhance mosquito control measures. The DH’s Maternal and Child Health Centres, Student Health Service Centres and Special Assessment Centres also advise pregnant women, infant carers and students on symptoms and preventive measures of CF.
 
To strengthen support for ethnic minority communities, essential information on CF has also been translated into 10 ethnic minority languages (including Hindi, Nepali, Urdu, Thai, Bahasa Indonesia, Tagalog, Vietnamese, Punjabi, Sinhala and Bengali) and uploaded to the CHP website.
 
Dr Tsui reminded members of the public to adopt precautions in the rainy season against mosquito-borne diseases. Proper use of DEET-containing insect repellents or other effective active ingredients can effectively prevent mosquito bites, but the following precautions should be taken when using them:
 

• read the label instructions carefully first;
• apply right before entering an area with risk of mosquito bites;
• apply on exposed skin and clothing;
• use DEET of up to 30 per cent for pregnant women and up to 10 per cent for children (For children who travel to countries or areas where mosquito-borne diseases are endemic or epidemic and where exposure is likely, those aged 2 months or above can use DEET-containing insect repellents with a DEET concentration of up to 30 per cent);
• apply sunscreen first, then insect repellent;
• reapply only when needed and follow the instructions; and
• in addition to DEET, there are other insect repellents available on the market containing different active ingredients, such as IR3535 and picaridin. When using any insect repellent, the public should follow the usage instructions and precautions on the product label.

In addition, the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) appeals to members of the public to continue to stay alert and work together to carry out mosquito prevention and control measures early, including inspecting their homes and surroundings to remove potential breeding grounds, changing water in vases and scrubbing their inner surfaces, removing water in saucers under potted plants at least once a week, and properly disposing of containers such as soft drink cans and lunch boxes. The FEHD also advises members of the public and estate management bodies to keep drains free of blockage and level all defective ground surfaces to prevent the accumulation of water. They should also scrub all drains and surface sewers with an alkaline detergent at least once a week to remove any mosquito eggs.

The public should call 1823 in case of mosquito problems and may visit the following pages for more information: the CF page of the CHP and the Travel Health Service, the latest Travel Health News, tips for using insect repellents, and the CHP Facebook Page, Instagram Account and YouTube Channel, and also the Mosquito Prevention and Control dedicated page of the FEHD.