Month: August 2025

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) today (August 8) announced that one new imported case and one probable case of chikungunya fever (CF) had been recorded, as at 5pm today. The CHP will continue to strengthen its surveillance work in view of the recent CF cases. The CHP reminded members of the public to maintain strict environmental hygiene, mosquito control and personal protective measures both locally and when travelling outside Hong Kong. Avoiding mosquito bites and eliminating mosquito breeding sites are effective ways to prevent CF.
 
The confirmed imported case involved a 66-year-old female with underlying illnesses, living in Kwai Tsing District. Initial investigations revealed that the patient travelled alone to Foshan in Guangdong Province between July 24 and August 5, but did not recall a history of mosquito bites during the stay. She developed fever, rash and joint pain since August 6. She attended the Accident and Emergency Department of Yan Chai Hospital yesterday (August 7) and was admitted for treatment in a mosquito-free environment on the same day. She is currently in stable condition. Her blood sample tested positive for CF virus upon laboratory testing.
 
Since the patient stayed in Foshan during the whole incubation period, the CHP considered that the patient was infected during travel, and the case was classified as an imported case. She has no travel collaterals, and her household contacts are currently asymptomatic and under medical surveillance. The CHP’s epidemiological investigations is ongoing and has reported the case to the health authorities of Guangdong.
 
The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) is conducting vector investigations and targeted mosquito control operations and will intensify mosquito prevention and control measures at the residence of the above patient, as well as locations visited after the onset of symptoms. These measures include:
 

• carrying out intensive fogging in the scrubby areas within 250-metre radius of the relevant locations to kill adult mosquitoes;
• carrying out inspection of the locations, removing stagnant water, applying insecticides and disposing of abandoned water containers every week with a view to preventing mosquito breeding; and
• enhancing public education efforts through organising health talks, setting up mobile education stations, and distributing publicity leaflets.

 
Another probable case involves a 22-year-old female with good past health. She lives in Eastern District. Initial investigations revealed that she travelled oversea between July 16 and August 4 (July 16 to 28: Madagascar; July 28 to August 3: Mauritius; August 3 to 4: Malaysia), then arrived Hong Kong on August 4. She recalled a history of mosquito bites during the stay in Madagascar. She developed fever, headache and multiple joint pain in Madagascar since July 25 and rash over four limbs since July 30. Her fever had subsided before returning to Hong Kong. After returning to Hong Kong, she sought medical attention due to joint pain at the Accident and Emergency Department of Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital on August 4 and was admitted for treatment on the following day (August 5). She was discharged on August 7.
 
The patient’s blood sample collected on August 4 tested negative in nucleic acid testing, while the blood sample collected on August 5 tested positive today for immunoglobulin M (IgM) antibodies to CF virus. The case is likely a recovered case. The CHP considered that the patient was no longer infectious to mosquito upon her return to Hong Kong. The CHP will arrange for a blood sample to be collected from the patient next week for a second antibody testing. If there is a more than four-fold increase in the antibody titre against the CF virus when compared with the first specimen, the case will be classified as a confirmed case.

A total of five CF cases have been recorded in Hong Kong this year, all of which were imported cases, and another probable case has been recorded. From 2016 to 2019, between one and 11 CF cases were recorded in Hong Kong each year, all of which were imported cases.
 
According to the World Health Organization, CF cases have been recorded in more than 110 countries/regions. As of July this year, over 240 000 cases had been reported in 16 countries/regions worldwide. Of these cases, about 90 were fatal. 
 
The DH has enhanced publicity and education efforts regarding CF targeting different groups. The CHP’s Port Health Division continues to step up inspections at boundary control points to ensure good environmental hygiene and effective implementation of anti-mosquito measures, and also distributes leaflets to travellers. The Port Health Division staff members has recently reminded MTR Corporation, cross-boundary coach and ferry companies operators and the Airport Authority Hong Kong to strengthen anti-mosquito measures. Furthermore, staff members of the Port Health Division also conduct temperature screening for inbound travellers. Any travellers with fever or related symptoms will be assessed for their health condition and referred to hospitals for follow-up when necessary.
 
To raise the awareness of the elderly on 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, and reminding residential care homes for the elderly to enhance mosquito control measures. The Visiting Health Teams under the Elderly Health Service has promoted information of CF prevention at more than 300 health promotion activities provided to the elderly and their carers. In addition, the Elderly Health Service has arranged for the distribution of relevant leaflets at Elderly Health Centres across the 18 districts, with a view to helping the elderly to learn about the symptoms of CF and enhance their awareness of prevention of CF. The Family Health Service has also advised pregnant women and infant carers at its Maternal and Child Health Centres about precautions for preventing CF. The Student Health Service will distribute promotional leaflets to students at its Student Health Service Centres and Special Assessment Centres so that students could learn more about symptoms of CF.
 
The Health Promotion Branch is committed to disseminating health information on the prevention of mosquito-borne diseases (including CF) to the public through multiple channels. Measures include setting up Info Stations across various districts in Hong Kong (www.chp.gov.hk/en/other/events/476.html) and distributing relevant health messages through different online and offline platforms, with content updated as appropriate in light of the latest developments. To strengthen support for ethnic minority communities, essential information on CF has also been translated into ten ethnic minority languages (including Hindi, Nepali, Urdu, Thai, Bahasa Indonesia, Tagalog, Vietnamese, Punjabi, Sinhala and Bengali) and uploaded to the CHP website. The Health Promotion Branch has also contacted stakeholders serving ethnic minority groups (such as non-governmental organisations and religious groups etc.) to distribute relevant health materials, so that more members of the public can access anti-mosquito information and work together to prevent the spread of CF.
 
The Head of the Communicable Disease Branch of the CHP, Dr Albert Au, reminded members of the public to adopt precautions in the rainy season against mosquito-borne diseases. If members of the public return from areas affected by mosquito-borne diseases, they should apply insect repellent for 14 days upon arrival in Hong Kong. They should closely observe their personal health condition, in particular symptoms such as fever, joint pain and rash. If they feel unwell, they should seek medical advice promptly and provide their travel details to the doctor for clinical diagnosis and arrangement of appropriate testing based on an individual patient’s condition. Members of the public are urged 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, as it may lead to a serious and potentially fatal complication called “Reye’s syndrome”.

The 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 Mosquito Prevention and Control dedicated page of the FEHD. 
 

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Emergency Unit of New Territories South of the Hong Kong Police Force (HKPF) today (August 8) conducted an inter-departmental counter-terrorism and major incident exercise, codenamed “FLYINGEAGLE”, “YELLOWFORTRESS” and “RAINARROW” at the Penny’s Bay Community Isolation Facility, Fantasy Road, Lantau Island. The exercise aimed to enhance the communication, co-ordination and immediate response capabilities among relevant government departments and stakeholders in dealing with emergencies during the 15th National Games (NG).

The exercise simulated three emergency scenarios during the cross-boundary road cycling race of the 15th NG: a terrorist-initiated car ramming and shooting against spectators; spectators breaching the race route and colliding with cyclists causing mass casualties; and a missing child case. The exercise aimed to test and enhance the abilities of relevant government departments and stakeholders to effectively deploy manpower, subdue attackers, as well as co-ordinate emergency evacuation and rescue operations under various contingencies.
 
Over 300 representatives from 10 government departments and relevant organisations participated in the exercise, including personnel from the National Games Coordination Office (Hong Kong), the HKPF, the Department of Health, the Hospital Authority, the Fire Services Department, the Immigration Department, the Civil Aid Service, the Auxiliary Medical Service, the Cycling Association of Hong Kong, China Limited and the Hong Kong Association for Conflict and Catastrophe Medicine.

The Police will continue to maintain close collaboration with relevant government departments and stakeholders, review contingency plans and make comprehensive preparations for the upcoming 15th NG to ensure public safety and the smooth running of the events.

 

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (August 8) investigating a cluster of Carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE) carrier cases involving five residents of a residential care home for the elderly (RCHE), and reminded all RCHEs to follow the Guidelines on Prevention of Communicable Diseases in RCHE (the Guidelines) to implement measures for the detection, prevention and control of infectious diseases.

The CHP earlier received notification from the Hospital Authority (HA) that five female residents aged 68 to 93 of an RCHE in Chai Wan who attended public hospitals for underlying illnesses, had samples tested positive for CPE upon laboratory tests. All of them carry the bacteria without symptoms of infection. The CHP immediately carried out epidemiological investigations after receiving notifications from the HA. It is found that the CPE might be transmitted within the institution. The CHP is conducting screening at the RCHE concerned to identify other possible carriers.

The CHP conducted a site inspection and found that the RCHE concerned had not fully implemented the related infection control measures. The CHP advised the RCHE to implement the necessary infection control measures to further prevent transmission of the resistant bacteria within the institution, including appropriate nursing procedures, thorough environmental cleaning and disinfection, proper hand hygiene for staff and residents. 
 
The CHP will continue to put the RCHE under medical surveillance and investigate the cluster.
 
Enterobacteriaceae (for example, Escherichia coli and Klebsiella) are common pathogens that can cause infections at different body sites including urinary tract infections, intra-abdominal infections or bacteraemia. CPE are enterobacteriaceae that produce carbapenemase – an enzyme that can deactivate carbapenems and other beta-lactam antibiotics such as penicillins. These bacteria are commonly resistant to multiple antibiotics, limiting therapeutic options, and may render severe clinical infections difficult to treat. The range of diseases associated with CPE varies from asymptomatic carriage to potentially life-threatening or fatal infections. The level of risk depends on which part of the body is affected by the infection and the general health of the patient.

​​Proper use of antibiotics and maintaining good personal and environmental hygiene, especially hand hygiene, are important for the prevention of emergence and cross-transmission of multi-drug resistant organisms (MDROs) like CPE. In addition, susceptible individuals such as the elderly, infants and young children, pregnant women and people with weakened immunity can lower the risk of contracting MDROs by not eating raw or undercooked foods.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Digital Policy Office (DPO) held the first Technology Forum in its AI+ Civil Services series at Hong Kong Cyberport today (August 8). The forum, themed “Smart Governance Era – Digital Agents & Smart Meetings for Efficiency”, was held in hybrid mode and attracted more than 1 300 professionals from over 100 government departments as well as public and private organisations to discuss and promote the applications and innovation of AI in public services.
 
     In his opening address, the Commissioner for Digital Policy, Mr Tony Wong, emphasised that in response to the rapid development of AI, the Government must proactively adopt smart technologies to boost work efficiency and enhance the experience for citizens, ensuring that public services stay current and progressive. To support departments in exploring suitable AI solutions, the Smart Government Innovation Lab (Smart Lab) under the DPO earlier launched the “AI+ Tool and Solution Catalogue” (the Catalogue), featuring a wide range of quickly deployable AI solutions from the innovation and technology (I&T) industry that suit the needs of the Government. Mr Wong encouraged all government colleagues to explore and implement suitable solutions from the Catalogue to enhance work efficiency and optimise human resources. He also took the opportunity to invite the I&T sector to submit more high-quality solutions, fostering a shared commitment to transforming public services with AI.
 
     At the forum, a number of technology companies were invited to share information and exchange insights on their technologies and solutions focusing on the two main themes: “Digital Human Customer Service” and “Meeting Minutes Summaries and Communication Collaboration”, providing an opportunity for government departments and the I&T sector to delve into the latest AI products and solutions, as well as to explore practical applications of AI for better public services. Among all, the Judiciary shared its experience with voice-to-text technology in the courts, and Hong Kong Cyberport introduced the local AI ecosystem development.
 
     The forum also featured a number of booths showcasing the latest AI technologies and products where attendees were able to visit and exchange ideas. These included the local large language model “HKGAI V1” developed by the Hong Kong Generative AI Research and Development Center (HKGAI), and its related applications, such as the clerical assistant “HKPilot”, the intelligent assistant “HKChat”, and the meeting minutes generator “HKMeeting”. These tools have already been widely used across government departments.
 
     This forum was organised by the Smart Lab in collaboration with Hong Kong Cyberport, the Hong Kong Productivity Council and the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation. Since its establishment in 2019, the Smart Lab has been committed to connecting the Government with the I&T sector, actively fostering close partnerships between local start-ups, small and medium-sized enterprises, and government departments. Through regularly organising promotional activities and technology exchange workshops, the Smart Lab supports and assists government departments in accelerating the introduction of local innovative technology products and solutions, which in turn could facilitate business matching and achieve win-win outcomes.
 
     To further promote the wider adoption of AI across government departments, the DPO is launching a series of promotional activities under the “AI+ Civil Services” theme. The forum today marks the first Technology Forum of the series. In future, the DPO will continue to hold Technology Forums spotlighting relevant topics. Interested parties are most welcome to stay engaged and participate in the upcoming events. For more details, please visit the thematic website of the Smart Lab (www.smartlab.gov.hk/en/).

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Secretary for the Civil Service, Mrs Ingrid Yeung, attended a sharing session on the Internship Programme for Non-ethnic Chinese (NEC) Students today (August 8). At the gathering, she listened to the students share their internship experiences and encouraged them to better equip themselves in preparation for their future career planning.

     Mrs Yeung was pleased to learn that the students had gained a deeper understanding of the work of the civil service through their internships in different bureaux and departments. She said, “The Government attaches great importance to attracting talent from different backgrounds to join the civil service and building a diversified pool of talent to enhance the quality and efficiency of public service. In the recruitment process, all candidates are assessed on the basis of their ability, performance and character. Race is not, and has never been, a relevant consideration.”

     To encourage NEC interns to join the Government, the Civil Service Bureau (CSB) invited two NEC civil servants, Administrative Officer Mr Gurung Marco Ben and Executive Officer Ms Kaur Gurinder Deep, Diya, to share their experiences and preparation for applying for civil service jobs, as well as their daily work experiences. Born and raised in Hong Kong, both of them possess biliterate and trilingual abilities and were appointed as civil servants through the open recruitment process.  

     Mrs Yeung added, “We are glad to see more and more NECs joining the civil service and contributing to the development and prosperity of Hong Kong. We look forward to more promising young people joining the civil service and encourage them to equip themselves earlier to take on challenges.”

     The CSB has been organising the Internship Programme for NEC Students since 2019 with a view to helping young NECs accumulate work experience and strengthen their competitiveness in seeking jobs and deepening their understanding of the operation of the Government through the internship experience. Since the launch of the internship programme, more than 220 NEC students have participated in the programme, including the 44 students who joined this year, which marks a record high. The students were arranged to undertake internships in various bureaux and departments for about eight weeks and were provided with online basic workplace Chinese language self-learning resources to strengthen their Chinese learning.

     Mr Sheik Mahmood Afif, a university student studying computer engineering, participated in the internship programme this year. He assisted with the daily operations of the Smart Government Innovation Lab at the Digital Policy Office, including developing AI analysis tools. He believes the internship is highly relevant to his studies, allowing him to apply his knowledge to his work and strengthening his interest in pursuing a career in a technology-related field.

     Another intern, Miss Lama Sujata, was posted to the Festivals Office of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department to provide back-end support for programme preparation. She took part in designing promotional materials, hospitality for artists, liaising with venue management, and more. She said that the internship experience has enabled her to familiarise herself with the application of design and image processing software and enhanced her knowledge of event planning, which will greatly help her future career.

     Miss Narag Kezra Leigh, a social work student, has just finished her internship at the Youth Employment Division of the Labour Department, where she assisted in promoting the Youth Employment Start, the department’s youth employment resource centre. She provided support to social workers in giving talks at secondary schools and organising activities at the centre. The internship experience allowed her to better understand the employment services provided by the Government to the public, in particular for young people, and improved her interpersonal skills through interactions with service users.

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 today (August 8) that a tender of 5-year RMB institutional Government Bonds (Bonds) through the re-opening of existing 5-year Government Bond issue 05GB3005001 under the Infrastructure Bond Programme will be held on August 14, 2025 (Thursday), for settlement on August 18, 2025 (Monday).

An additional amount of RMB1.25 billion of the outstanding 5-year Bonds (issue no. 05GB3005001) will be on offer. The Bonds will mature on May 15, 2030 and will carry interest at the rate of 1.97 per cent per annum payable semi-annually in arrear. The Indicative Pricings of the Bonds on August 8, 2025 are 101.22 with a semi-annualised yield of 1.702 per cent.

Tender is open only to Primary Dealers appointed under the Infrastructure Bond Programme. Anyone wishing to apply for the Bonds on offer can do so through any of the Primary Dealers on the latest published list, which can be obtained from the Hong Kong Government Bonds website at www.hkgb.gov.hk. Each tender must be for an amount of RMB50,000 or integral multiples thereof.

Tender results will be published on the HKMA’s website, the Hong Kong Government Bonds website, Bloomberg (GBHK ) and Refinitiv (IBPGSBPINDEX). The publication time is expected to be no later than 3pm on the tender day.

HKSAR Institutional Government Bonds Tender Information

Tender information of re-opening of 5-year RMB HKSAR Institutional Government Bonds:
 

Issue Number	:	05GB3005001
Stock Code	:	85023 (HKGB1.97 3005-R)
Tender Date and Time	:	August 14, 2025 (Thursday) 9.30am to 10.30am
Issue and Settlement Date	:	August 18, 2025 (Monday)
Amount on Offer	:	RMB1.25 billion
Maturity	:	5 years
Remaining maturity	:	Approximately 4.74 years
Maturity Date	:	May 15, 2030 (Wednesday)
Interest Rate	:	1.97 per cent p.a. payable semi-annually in arrear
Interest Payment Dates	:	May 15 and November 15 in each year, commencing on the Issue Date up to and including the Maturity Date, subject to adjustment in accordance with the terms of the Institutional Issuances Information Memorandum of the Infrastructure Bond Programme and Government Sustainable Bond Programme (Information Memorandum) published on the Hong Kong Government Bonds website.
Method of Tender	:	Competitive tender
Tender Amount	:	Each competitive tender must be for an amount of RMB50,000 or integral multiples thereof. Any tender applications for the Bonds must be submitted through a Primary Dealer on the latest published list. The accrued interest to be paid by successful bidders on the issue date (August 18, 2025) for the tender amount is RMB256.37 per minimum denomination of RMB50,000. (The accrued interest to be paid for tender amount exceeding RMB50,000 may not be exactly equal to the figures calculated from the accrued interest per minimum denomination of RMB50,000 due to rounding).
Other Details	:	Please see the Information Memorandum available on the Hong Kong Government Bonds website or approach Primary Dealers.
Expected commencement date of dealing on the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited	:	The tender amount is fully fungible with the existing 05GB3005001 (Stock code: 85023) listed on the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong.
Use of Proceeds	:	The Bonds will be issued under the institutional part of the Infrastructure Bond Programme. Proceeds will be invested in infrastructure projects in accordance with the Infrastructure Bond Framework published on the Hong Kong Government Bonds website.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) and non-governmental organisations will launch various special activities and offers from August 15 to September 28 for the public to support and participate in the third National Ecology Day (NED).

In 2023, the country designated August 15 every year as NED, with a view to promoting society’s awareness of ecological civilisation and environmental protection, and implementing the important concept of “lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets”.

     The Hong Kong Wetland Park will offer free admission and guided tours for the public on August 15. Members of the public can also enjoy a special discount of 18.5 per cent off for gift redemptions or e-coupons (excluding supermarket vouchers and dining vouchers) on the GREEN$ Mobile App, as well as at GREEN@COMMUNITY Recycling Stations and Recycling Stores (excluding Recycling Spots) under the Environmental Protection Department on the same day.
 
     The Countryside Conservation Office (CCO) under the Environment and Ecology Bureau (EEB) will hold a thematic exhibition for NED at the atrium of Citywalk 2 in Tsuen Wan from September 9 to 17. The nine-day event will feature various displays and interactive games to enhance the knowledge and awareness of the public regarding nature conservation and environmental protection in Hong Kong.

     Furthermore, the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) will organise four guided eco-tours in Shing Mun Country Park and the Lions Nature Education Centre, and share tips on observing fireflies with the public at night in Tai Po Kau Nature Reserve, with a view to enabling the public to explore local wildlife and appreciate the beauty and uniqueness of Hong Kong’s natural ecology. Over 30 non-governmental organisations will provide a series of special activities and offers, including free admission to facilities, free guided eco-tours, night safaris, workshops and seminars.

     A spokesman for the EEB said, “The HKSAR Government appeals to the public for active participation in the activities of NED. We hope that these activities will enhance the local community’s consciousness of the need for thought and action to conserve our nature and protect the environment, and jointly contribute to the building of a beautiful China and a beautiful Hong Kong. We are grateful to all relevant organisations for their participation in providing special activities and offers.”

     Details of the NED exhibition and relevant special activities and offers have been uploaded to the website of the CCO (cco.gov.hk/en/event-calendar/ned2025), the Hong Kong Biodiversity Information Hub website of the AFCD (bih.gov.hk/en/education-programmes/programmes/index.html), as well as the websites or social media platforms of the participating organisations.