Month: August 2025

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Secretary for Health Prof Lo Chung-mau will lead a delegation to Singapore tomorrow to meet health authorities there, with a view to strengthening exchanges and co-operation between the two places in healthcare-related areas.

Additionally, the delegation will meet with local regulatory authorities for drugs and medical devices, clinical research institutions, as well as pharmaceutical companies. The Department of Health will also sign a memorandum of understanding with Singapore’s Health Sciences Authority.

Director of Health Dr Ronald Lam intends to participate in the delegation. Prof Lo and the delegates will return to Hong Kong on August 14. During his absence, Under Secretary for Health Dr Cecilia Fan will be Acting Secretary.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Leisure & Cultural Services Department will present a cello recital by Alex Lau on September 9.

The emerging young cellist will collaborate with Japanese pianist Naoko Sonoda to perform an exquisite selection of cello sonatas spanning different eras, showcasing his outstanding talent and superb technique.

In the first half of the recital, the duo will perform Beethoven’s Cello Sonata No. 4 in C, Op. 102, No. 1 and Brahms’ Cello Sonata in F, Op. 99.

The second half will feature two works from the mid-20th century, beginning with Mr Lau’s solo interpretation of Ligeti’s Sonata for Solo Cello, culminating in a rendition of Prokofiev’s Cello Sonata in C, Op. 119 with Ms Sonoda.

Tickets for the show, which will be held at 8pm on September 9 at City Hall, are now available at URBTIX.

The cello recital is part of the “Hong Kong Artists” Series. Other programmes in the series include a vocal recital by Viola Cheung on November 13 and a Guzheng recital by Grammy Yeung on December 1.

Package discounts are available for the recitals under the “Hong Kong Artists” Series. Call 2268 7321 for enquiries.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Deputy Director of Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation, Mr Patrick Lai, attended the tenth Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Food Security Ministerial Meeting held yesterday (August 9) and today (August 10) in Incheon, Korea, to discuss and exchange views with representatives of other member economies on various topics such as adoption of digital technologies, sharing of knowledge on advanced technologies in agriculture, driving innovation in agri-food systems and enhancing resilience and sustainability of food supply chains.
 
The Meeting, themed “Driving Innovation in Agri-food Systems for Shared Prosperity”, aims at fostering a more connected, innovative, and prosperous Asia-Pacific region. All member economies reaffirmed their commitment to promoting co-operation among APEC member economies and fostering solidarity to strengthen food security through productive, sustainable, resilient and innovative agri-food systems for the prosperity of all our people and future generations.

Speaking at the Meeting, Mr Lai said that the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) will continue to collaborate with member economies to promote sustainable agriculture and development of innovative agri-food systems in the Asia-Pacific region. Additionally, he introduced the visions and work targets for the modernisation and sustainable development of the agricultural industry as outlined in the Blueprint for the Sustainable Development of Agriculture and Fisheries, which was formulated jointly by the HKSAR Government and the trade. At the Meeting, he also reaffirmed the unwavering commitment of the HKSAR Government to development of innovative agri-food systems and regional collaboration, and underscored the necessity of collaborative efforts among member economies to address the pressing environmental challenges including extreme weather events and natural disasters which continue to undermine food supply chains, in particular for small-scale producers and to build a resilient and sustainable food supply system. 

Mr Lai remarked that the HKSAR Government will actively collaborate with APEC partners on promoting sustainable and advanced production methods to enhance productivity and competitiveness of farmers, and will continue to maintain close communication and co-operation with APEC member economies on topics related to innovation in agri-food systems and the promotion of sustainable agricultural development.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The annual Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival in New York (HKDBF-NY) marked its 35th anniversary with a vibrant celebration of sport, culture, and community at Meadow Lake, in Flushing Meadows Corona Park over the weekend (August 9 and 10, New York time).
      
     Launched by the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in New York (New York ETO), the festival has grown from humble beginnings into one of the largest and most iconic events of its kind in the United States. Today, it stands as a much-anticipated fixture on New York’s cultural and sporting calendar, inspiring similar celebrations across the country and showcasing the enduring appeal and rich heritage of dragon boat racing.
      
     At the festival’s opening ceremony, the Director of the New York ETO, Ms Maisie Ho, highlighted the unique role of the event in fostering tradition, athleticism, and cross-cultural connection.
      
     “The festival celebrates cultural heritage, community spirit, and the enduring legacy of dragon boat racing. It also strengthens the ties between Hong Kong and the East Coast of the United States, fostering deeper cultural exchange and friendship,” Ms Ho said.
      
     “With its exhilarating races and vibrant cultural showcases, the festival captures the dynamic energy shared by both Hong Kong and New York.”
      
     Ms Ho also expressed her appreciation for the support and participation of organisations, including Invest Hong Kong, the Hong Kong Monetary Authority, the Hong Kong Association of New York, and alumni associations of various Hong Kong universities.
      
     She added that the New York ETO remains committed to promoting Hong Kong’s creativity and cultural vibrancy through arts, films, and community events like the dragon boat festival – furthering its role as a unique East-meets-West hub for international cultural exchange.
      
     Festivities for this year’s HKDBF-NY began on July 30 with a traditional “awakening ceremony” in Central Park. Ms Ho, New York City Parks Commissioner Ms Iris Rodriguez-Rosa, and representatives of the festival’s major sponsors participated in the symbolic eye-dotting ritual, “awakening” the dragons and bringing good fortune to the racers. On August 8, the festival’s organising committee was honoured to ring the closing bell at the New York Stock Exchange, further cementing the festival’s significance in the city’s cultural and business life.
      
     The two-day event drew over 180 teams from across the United States, competing in thrilling dragon boat races. Beyond the races, attendees enjoyed an array of festivities, including a lively Hong Kong Food Street, cultural performances, martial arts demonstrations, and live music – making the festival a true celebration of tradition and multicultural unity.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

​The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (Toronto) (Toronto ETO) supported the screenings of a curated selection of Hong Kong movies at the Mulan International Film Festival in 2025, which takes place from August 8 to 17 (Toronto time) in Toronto, Canada.
 
Among the anticipated titles is “Montages of a Modern Motherhood”, a moving portrayal of postpartum struggles by Hong Kong director Oliver Chan. The movie has garnered critical acclaim and received multiple nominations at the 43rd Hong Kong Film Awards, with lead actress Hedwig Tam earning recognition from the Hong Kong Film Critics Society. Other Hong Kong entries include “Fly Me to the Moon” and “Obedience”. 
 
Speaking at the Canadian premiere screening on August 9, the Acting Director of the Toronto ETO, Mr Gavin Yeung, highlighted Hong Kong’s role as an East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange. He said that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government has always been committed to fostering the development of Hong Kong’s creative industry by supporting film productions and nurturing talent through various funding schemes, as well as encouraging new filmmakers to create high-quality work and explore broader markets.
 
In addition, this year marks the full support by the Toronto ETO of the festival’s “Retrospective” programme. The programme offers a historical and cultural lens, through which audience members can engage with essential themes of identity, heritage, and collective memory. Featuring five classic Hong Kong films – “Kawashima Yoshiko (The Last Princess of Manchuria)”, “Rouge”, “A Terra-Cotta Warrior”, “Farewell My Concubine”, and “Green Snake” – the retrospective programme guides viewers through cinematic interpretations of Chinese identity across generations and regions.
 
The Mulan International Film Festival is a Canadian non-profit initiative that promotes cross-cultural dialogue through Chinese-language cinema. 

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     Hong Kong Customs organised a summer innovation and historical exploration tour for Customs YES from August 4 to 9, during which 50 members visited innovation and technology (I&T) companies and historical and cultural landmarks in Hangzhou and Shanghai to learn about the country’s accomplishments in I&T, and study the indomitable spirit and the historical and cultural heritage of the Chinese nation.

     As 2025 marks the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the 76th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, the Commissioner of Customs and Excise, Mr Chan Tsz-Tat, and representatives of the Executive Committee and the Honorary Presidents’ Association of Customs YES led the delegation to the Shanghai Sihang Warehouse Memorial Hall to learn the history of Chinese People’s War of Resistance against Japan and the heroic deeds of the “Eight Hundred Heroes”. The delegation also visited the Nanhu Revolutionary Memorial Hall in Jiaxing to better understand the history of the Communist Party of China’s founding and the “Red Boat Spirit”.

     In addition, the delegation visited three of Hangzhou’s “Six Little Dragons” enterprises, including Hangzhou Yushu Technology Co Ltd, Hangzhou Youke Interactive Technology Co Ltd, and BrainCo. Members were able to expand their horizons through studying the development trends and unique features of the I&T companies in fields such as robotics, AI, game development, and brain computer interface technologies. The delegation also visited Zhejiang Dahua Technology Co Ltd, Alibaba’s global headquarters in Hangzhou and the Huawei Lianqiu Lake R&D Center to learn about the business applications and developments in areas including AI of Things, cloud computing, e-commerce and communication technology. They also toured the innovation centre of the home-developed aircarft C919 at the Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China, Ltd.

     During the tour, the delegation explored various prominent cultural and arts landmarks in Hangzhou and Shanghai, including the Liangzhu Museum, the Hangzhou Workmanship Demonstration Pavilion, The Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal Museum and the China Cartoon and Animation Museum, to appreciate the richness and heritage of Chinese culture.

     The tour is one of the annual activities of the Tour to the Motherland for a Hundred Youth organised by Hong Kong Customs during the summer holiday. Customs YES will continue to organise more thematic exchange activities to help young people gain a more holistic and deeper understanding of the country, strengthening their sense of national identity and national pride.

     During the trip, Mr Chan also met with the Director General in Shanghai Customs District, Mr Wang Wei, to have in-depth discussions and exchanges on matters including customs clearance, application of the Trade Single Window and risk management co-operation.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

In response to the untrue and biased remarks made by the United States and members of the Group of Seven Rapid Response Mechanism (G7 RRM) (including Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the European Union) and G7 RRM associate members regarding the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR)’s lawful act to pursue wanted persons endangering national security absconding from Hong Kong, the HKSAR Government today (August 9) expressed strong dissatisfaction and opposition.

A spokesman said, “Law of the People’s Republic of China on Safeguarding National Security in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (Hong Kong National Security Law) and the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance clearly stipulate that human rights shall be respected and protected in safeguarding national security. The rights and freedoms, including the freedoms of speech, of the press and of publication, and the freedoms of association, of assembly, of procession and of demonstration, enjoyed by Hong Kong residents under the Basic Law and the provisions of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights as applicable to the HKSAR are protected in accordance with the law. Legislation that safeguards national security only targets a very small number of organisations and individuals that endanger national security.”

The spokesman also pointed out, “The National Security Department of the Hong Kong Police Force announced on July 25 that 16 absconders, and Yuan Gong-yi, Fok Ka-chi and Choi Ming-da, who were specified as absconders in June and December 2024, had been put on wanted list. These 19 absconders are suspected of having committed offences under the Hong Kong National Security Law by organising, establishing, or participating in, outside the HKSAR, a subversive organisation named the ‘Hong Kong Parliament’. The court has, upon application by the Police, issued arrest warrants against these 19 persons at large. The Secretary for Security had, on August 4, exercised the powers conferred by the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance to specify the above 16 persons as absconders, and specified the measures to be applied against the 16 relevant absconders by notices published in the Gazette.”

The spokesman said, “Those absconders hiding outside Hong Kong are wanted and subject to arrest warrants issued by the court, not because they ‘exercised freedom of expression’, but because they continue to blatantly engage in activities endangering national security there. The ‘Hong Kong Parliament’ is an organisation aiming to subvert the state power. Its objectives include promoting ‘self-determination’, promulgating the so-called ‘Hong Kong Constitution’, and overthrowing or undermining the basic system of the People’s Republic of China established by the Constitution of the People’s Republic of China or overthrowing the body of the central power of People’s Republic of China or the body of power of the HKSAR, etc. with unlawful means. We therefore have taken such measures to make a significant impact.”

“Endangering national security is a very serious offence. Such acts and activities could bring very serious consequences. The HKSAR Government has the responsibility to pursue, in accordance with the law, persons suspected of having committed offences under the Hong Kong National Security Law or other offences endangering national security outside Hong Kong. It is indeed a demonstration of hypocrisy with double standards by any external forces or people with ulterior motives that, after the HKSAR Government has announced the relevant measures, attack the HKSAR in safeguarding national security dutifully, faithfully and in accordance with the law.”

“The HKSAR law enforcement agencies have been taking law enforcement actions based on evidence and strictly in accordance with the law in respect of the acts of the persons or entities concerned, and have nothing to do with their political stance, background or occupation. The HKSAR Government has the responsibility to pursue those who are suspected to have committed offences endangering national security and absconded overseas in accordance with the law.”

“Absconders should not think they can evade criminal liability by absconding from Hong Kong. Ultimately, they will be liable for their acts constituting serious offences endangering national security and be sanctioned by the law. Any suggestion that certain individuals or organisations should be immune from legal consequences for their illegal acts is no different from advocating a special privilege to break the law, and this totally runs contrary to the spirit of the rule of law,” the spokesman stressed. 

The spokesman reiterated, “The Constitution and the Basic Law steadfastly safeguard the rights and freedoms enjoyed by Hong Kong residents. Any attempt by foreign countries or external forces to undermine Hong Kong’s situation will only expose their own weakness and faulty arguments and be doomed to fail. The HKSAR Government will continue to unwaveringly discharge its duty in safeguarding national security.”