Exercise held to prepare for Games

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Police Force (HKPF) today conducted an inter-departmental counter-terrorism and major incident exercise 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).

Over 300 representatives from 10 government departments and relevant organisations participated in the exercise held at the Penny’s Bay Community Isolation Facility, Fantasy Road, Lantau Island.

Codenamed “FLYINGEAGLE”, “YELLOWFORTRESS” and “RAINARROW”, the exercise simulated three emergency scenarios during the cross-boundary road cycling race of the 15th NG.

The three scenarios included a terrorist-initiated car ramming and shooting against spectators, spectators breaching the race route and colliding with cyclists causing mass casualties, as well as a missing child case.

The exercise tested and enhanced 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.

The participants included 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 and the Hong Kong Association for Conflict & Catastrophe Medicine.

InvestHK leads start-up delegation to Bangkok to attend Techsauce Global Summit 2025 and promote two-way investment (with photos)

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

InvestHK leads start-up delegation to Bangkok to attend Techsauce Global Summit 2025 and promote two-way investment  
     Led by InvestHK, the delegation of 16 start-ups fostered meaningful connections not only with Thai corporates, investors, and tech leaders, but also among themselves, highlighting opportunities for cross-border collaboration and reinforcing Hong Kong’s position as a leading start-up hub.
 
      The Techsauce Global Summit, held annually in Bangkok, is Southeast Asia’s premier technology event, uniting global tech leaders, start-ups, investors, and corporates. With a mission to position Thailand as the Digital Gateway of Southeast Asia, the summit fosters networking, knowledge exchanges, and business opportunities across diverse sectors.
 
     This year’s event attracted thousands of participants from across Asia Pacific, creating a dynamic environment for collaboration and innovation. The delegation’s visit included site visits to four major Thai companies, facilitating discussions on potential collaborations in areas such as financial technology (fintech), digital transformation, and smart city solutions.
 
     The Head of Investment Promotion, Bangkok, at InvestHK, Mr Panakorn Dejthumrongwat, said, “The Techsauce Global Summit 2025 highlighted the energy and potential of Southeast Asia’s start-up ecosystem. This mission was a valuable opportunity to showcase what Hong Kong offers Thai start-ups looking to scale up, while also helping Hong Kong companies connect with Thai corporates and partners. It reflects the two-way opportunities for collaboration and growth, with Hong Kong serving as both a springboard to global markets and a gateway for inbound innovation to Asia.”
 
Showcasing Hong Kong’s start-up ecosystem
 
     Senior Vice President of Startups at InvestHK, Mr Chin Yung Lu joined the fireside chat “Tech in Hong Kong, and to the World: A Market Expansion Guide” at the summit, alongside Hong Kong fintech start-up WealthRyse’s Chief Executive Officer and Co-founder, Mr David Lee.
 
     They highlighted Hong Kong’s strengths for Thai and Southeast Asian start-ups, including its open and business-friendly environment, strong common-law legal system, and proximity to Mainland China via the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (Greater Bay Area). The speakers also emphasised Hong Kong’s role as a strategic launch pad for international expansion, with access to global funding, a deep talent pool and supportive government policies that foster entrepreneurship and cross-border growth.
 
Global Fast Track Thailand Regional Round 2025
 
     On August 5, the Global Fast Track Thailand Regional Round 2025 pitching session saw eight innovative start-ups take the stage to present their innovative solutions. Eazy Digital was selected as the winner for its AI-powered solutions that are reshaping the insurance and brokerage sectors.
 
     The company secured a coveted spot in the semi-finals of the Hong Kong FinTech Week x StartmeupHK Festival 2025, to be held in November 2025 in Hong Kong, offering a platform to gain further exposure and investment opportunities.
 
Hong Kong business mission: engaging Thai corporates and start-ups
 
     On August 6, the delegation visited four leading Thai corporates and venture capital firms, with a focus on proptech collaboration. The meetings with Magnolia Quality Development Corporation Limited, ECG Ventures, All Seasons Property, and Asset World Corporation offered in-depth insights into each company’s vision and business operations, while also highlighting potential avenues for engagement and collaboration with start-ups in their respective sectors.
 
     Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer of Inspekly, Mr Steven Cheng said, “The mission to Bangkok, hosted by InvestHK, was a valuable stepping stone into a new market. It gave us the rare opportunity to connect directly with leading real estate developers in Bangkok – an experience many businesses aspire to. We’re grateful for the exposure and meaningful connections made possible through this mission.”
 
     Co-founder of Green Vigor Limited, Ms Penney Chong commented, “This was a unique opportunity to showcase our green tech to Thai real estate leaders and investors. It helped us raise international visibility and build connections that will support our future growth in the region.”
 
     The Business Development/Sales Lead – South East Asia of Carnot Innovations Limited, Mr TS Velan, added, “It was an awesome Thailand business mission. Direct C-suite connections in Thailand gave a good head start for growth start-ups like us who are expanding in the Thai market and the region.”
 
     The StartmeupHK delegation to Techsauce Global Summit 2025 underscores Hong Kong’s commitment to fostering two-way innovation and collaboration with Southeast Asia. Hong Kong’s start-up landscape has exhibited remarkable growth, continuing its upward trend from 2024.

     Despite external challenges, the findings from InvestHK’s 2024 Startup Survey revealed that the total number of start-ups has surged to 4,694, employing 17,651 individuals – a record high that underscores the ecosystem’s vitality.
 
     The encouraging results reflect Hong Kong’s allure for start-up founders, bolstered by several key advantages. Hong Kong offers a simple tax system with a low tax rate, provides excellent accessibility to funding and access to the vast Mainland China market, particularly through Hong Kong’s role as a gateway to the Greater Bay Area.
 
     By leveraging its position as a global financial hub, a gateway to the Greater Bay Area, and a nurturing environment for start-ups, Hong Kong continues to attract and empower entrepreneurs to achieve global success.
Issued at HKT 22:57

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Mosquito control work strengthened

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Food & Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) announced today that it will strengthen information dissemination and mosquito control work, with a view to further reducing the risk of chikungunya fever (CF) transmission.

The FEHD has been regularly announcing the gravidtrap index for Aedes albopictus on its webpage. To allow more citizens to quickly grasp the mosquito infestation situation, the department said it will announce the latest gravidtrap index through press releases and social media platforms.

In addition, to minimise the risk of CF transmission, the FEHD will extend its intensified mosquito control work, which was originally activated when the area gravidtrap index reaches 20%, to cover areas where the index falls between 10% and 20%.

Specifically, the FEHD will conduct detailed risk assessments in the areas concerned to identify locations with higher mosquito infestation risks, followed by intensive and targeted mosquito control work in collaboration with relevant departments and stakeholders.

The FEHD will also notify the nearby housing estates, advising property management agents and residents to stay vigilant and join hands in taking mosquito prevention and elimination measures.

Interns encouraged to prep for future

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Secretary for the Civil Service Ingrid Yeung attended a sharing session on the Internship Programme for Non-ethnic Chinese (NEC) Students today, where 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 bureaus 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.”

Born and raised in Hong Kong, and being biliterate and trilingual, Administrative Officer Gurung Marco Ben and Executive Officer Kaur Gurinder Deep, Diya, were appointed as civil servants through the open recruitment process. At today’s event, they shared their experiences in applying for civil service jobs, as well as their daily work.

Mrs Yeung said the Government is glad to see NECs joining the civil service, and encouraged young people to equip themselves in order to take on challenges.

This year, 44 students joined the Internship Programme for NEC Students, marking a record high. Among them, Sheik Mahmood Afif, a university student studying computer engineering, assisted with the daily operations of the Smart Government Innovation Lab, including developing artificial intelligence analysis tools. He said the internship allowed him to apply his knowledge to work, and strengthened his interest in pursuing a career in a technology-related field.

Another intern, Lama Sujata, was posted to the Leisure & Cultural Services Department’s Festivals Office to take part in designing promotional materials, hospitality for artists, and venue management liaison. She credited the internship with enabling 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.

While Narag Kezra Leigh, a social work student, just finished her internship at the Labour Department where she assisted in promoting the Youth Employment Start. She remarked that the experience allowed her to better understand the employment services provided by the Government, in particular those for young people, and improved her interpersonal skills.

National Ecology Day activities set

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Hong Kong Wetland Park will offer free admission and guided tours on August 15 as a way for the public to support National Ecology Day (NED).

 

To promote society’s awareness of ecological civilisation and environmental protection, as well as implement the important concept of “lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets”, the country designated August 15 every year as NED.

 

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government 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 NED.

 

Apart from free admission at the Hong Kong Wetland Park, the public can also enjoy a special discount of 18.5% 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 under the Environmental Protection Department on the same day.

 

Moreover, the Countryside Conservation Office under the Environment & Ecology Bureau will hold a thematic exhibition for NED at the atrium of Citywalk 2 in Tsuen Wan from September 9 to 17, which will feature various displays and interactive games to enhance people’s knowledge and awareness of nature conservation and environmental protection in Hong Kong.

 

Furthermore, the Agriculture, Fisheries & Conservation Department intends to 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.

 

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.

Appeal for information on missing girl in Sheung Shui (with photos)

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     Police today (August 8) appealed to the public for information on a girl who went missing in Sheung Shui.

     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 yesterday (August 7).

     She is about 1.68 metres tall, 55 kilograms in weight and of thin build. She has a squared face with yellow complexion and long black hair. She was last seen wearing a black jacket, white short-sleeved shirt, black shorts and a pair of white sports shoes.

     Anyone who knows the whereabouts of the missing girl or may have seen her is urged to contact the Regional Missing Persons Unit of New Territories North on 3661 3113 or email to rmpu-ntn-1@police.gov.hk, or contact any police station.

     

Tender of 2-year RMB HKSAR Institutional Government Bonds to be held on August 14

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Tender of 2-year RMB HKSAR Institutional Government Bonds to be held on August 14 
A total of RMB1.5 billion 2-year RMB Bonds will be tendered. The Bonds will mature on August 18, 2027 and will carry interest at the rate of 1.54 per cent per annum payable semi-annually in arrear.
 
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 
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 

Issue Number9.30am to 10.30amthe Stock Exchange
of Hong Kong LimitedIssued at HKT 17:26

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Electoral affairs chief reappointed

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Chief Executive has reappointed Judge of the Court of First Instance David Lok as Chairman of the Electoral Affairs Commission (EAC) for three years from September 1, the Government announced today.

The Chief Executive has also reappointed Prof Daniel Shek as a member of the EAC for three years from September 29.

Noting that their reappointments are conducive to the continuation of the EAC’s work, the Government said their experience in electoral matters will be of great help to the commission in accomplishing its future tasks.

The Government added that it will liaise closely with the EAC to actively prepare for the two important elections this year.

The Electoral Affairs Commission is a statutory body responsible for making recommendations on constituency boundaries, the conduct and supervision of public elections, and making regulations, guidelines and arrangements for the registration of electors.