Month: August 2025

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) today (August 4) said that no new confirmed chikungunya fever (CF) infection cases had been recorded as at 5pm today. The CHP will continue to strengthen its surveillance work in view of the recent CF case. Members of the public are advised 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.

A total of one CF case has been recorded in Hong Kong this year, which is an imported case. From 2016 to 2019, between one and 11 CF cases were recorded in Hong Kong each year, all of which were imported cases.

The CHP’s Port Health Division has stepped up publicity and education efforts regarding CF at boundary control points, conducting more frequent inspections to ensure good environmental hygiene and effective implementation of anti-mosquito measures. Staff members today conducted inspection at MTR Lok Ma Chau Station and its vicinity with staff members of the MTR Corporation Limited and recommended anti-mosquito measures. In addition, staff members 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. The CHP also maintains close liaison with relevant stakeholders, such as airlines and the travel industry, to provide the latest disease information and health advice in a timely manner.

The Head of the Communicable Disease Branch of the CHP, Dr Albert Au, reminded members of the public that if they return from areas affected by mosquito-borne diseases, they should apply insect repellent for 14 days upon arrival in Hong Kong. Members of the public 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 arrange 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.

The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) has intensified anti-mosquito measures at the residence of the confirmed patient and the locations visited after the onset of illness. 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 as well as 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 property management agencies 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 latest gravidtrap indices for Aedes albopictus in different survey areas are available on the department website at: www.fehd.gov.hk/english/pestcontrol/dengue_fever/Dengue_Fever_Ovitrap_Index_Update.html#.

The CHP will collaborate with the FEHD to hold an online live seminar on its Facebook page tomorrow (August 5) from 8pm to 8.30pm, to provide information and health advice on preventing mosquito bites and controlling mosquito breeding, as well as addressing related public enquiries. Members of the public are welcome to attend.

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, 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

      Hongkong Post announced today (August 5) that due to the issuing of the Black Rainstorm Warning Signal, all post offices will be closed and delivery services will be suspended.

After withdrawal of the Black Rainstorm Warning Signal, the postal services will resume normal in two hours, if weather and conditions permit.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

In response to the recent spike in chikungunya fever (CF) cases in multiple regions worldwide, the Centre for Health Protection’s Scientific Committee on Vector-borne Diseases met today to review the recent epidemiological data and corresponding prevention and control strategies for CF in Hong Kong.

 

Hong Kong recently logged its first imported CF case this year, involving a 12-year-old boy who had travelled to Foshan, Guangdong.

 

The scientific committee said Hong Kong has a high risk of further imported CF cases, leading to the potential risk of local transmission.

 

Due to the high summer temperatures and rainfall, mosquito infestation are likely to be aggravated in Hong Kong, the committee explained, adding that citizens travel more frequently in the summer holiday period to regions where mosquito-borne diseases are endemic.

 

The committee stressed that the Government has rolled out preventive and control measures against CF, and it endorsed these in a consensus statement.

 

The measures include surveillance of global and neighbouring regions’ CF situations, enhancing local testing capabilities, and strengthening vector surveillance and mosquito control.

 

The committee also agreed that prompt epidemiological investigations and vector surveys are useful.

 

In relation to port health, the committee said it shared the Government’s view that inspections at boundary control points should be maintained, and that health education for outgoing and returning travellers should be strengthened.

 

It also agreed that information on CF should be provided through various channels, and the effectiveness of CF vaccines should be monitored.

 

The committee affirmed that Hong Kong’s multi-pronged approach on emergency preparedness has effectively prevented local CF transmission to date. It added that sustained implementation of these measures is crucial to address importation risks.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Attention TV/ radio announcers:
 
Please broadcast the following as soon as possible:
 
As the Black Rainstorm Warning Signal is in force, the Leisure and Cultural Services Department announced today (August 4) that all gazetted beaches under its management are temporarily closed. In accordance with the Bathing Beaches Regulation under the Public Health and Municipal Services Ordinance (Cap. 132, sub. leg. E), any failure to comply with the temporary closure arrangements is an offence and the offender will be liable to a maximum fine of $2,000 and imprisonment up to 14 days upon conviction.

Members of the public should stay away from the shoreline during inclement weather, and should not conduct any water sports activities on beaches to avoid causing danger to themselves and rescue personnel.

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

TECO Sydney was in full force today to welcome 12 incredibly outstanding participants of the OCAC’s “Taiwan Overseas Youth Engagement Program”! Each of them brought a wealth of international experience and internship backgrounds, along with a clear vision for their future. In addition to briefing them on the deliverables of work and challenges faced by our mission, we also shared concrete examples of what makes Taiwan a role model worthy of respect and emulation by other countries. We encouraged every participant to become a proud overseas ambassador for Taiwan.
The Q&A session that followed was lively and engaging, leaving us filled with confidence and inspiration from these shining hopes for Taiwan’s brighter future.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The nomination period for the 2025 Election Committee (EC) Subsector By-elections ended at 5pm today, with the Registration & Electoral Office (REO) announcing that a total of 109 nomination forms had been received.

 

Among the 109 forms received by Returning Officers for various subsectors since the nomination period began on July 22, one final nomination was received today. Particulars of the nominees will be uploaded to the election website.

 

The REO said 101 nominations are related to vacancies of elected members, while eight relate to vacancies to be filled through supplementary nominations by designated bodies.

 

The By-elections will fill a total of 93 vacancies, involving 28 subsectors, in the EC’s membership.

 

Meanwhile, ten vacancies, involving five subsectors, will be filled through supplementary nominations by designated bodies.

 

The Returning Officers will determine the order in which candidates’ names appear on ballot papers, and the allocation of designated spots for the display of election advertisements, by drawing lots at the Kowloon Park Sports Centre on August 12.

 

The Candidate Eligibility Review Committee will, within 14 days after the close of nominations, publish a notice of validly nominated candidates in the Government Gazette.

 

If there is a contested election for a subsector, a poll for that subsector will be held on September 7.

 

The Electoral Affairs Commission (EAC) will hold a briefing session for candidates at the Queen Elizabeth Stadium on August 18.

 

EAC Chairman David Lok will chair the session and brief candidates on the guidelines on election-related activities and important points to note in running their election campaigns.

 

An Independent Commission Against Corruption representative will explain the Elections (Corrupt and Illegal Conduct) Ordinance and a Hongkong Post representative will explain arrangements and requirements relating to the free postage service for election mail.

 

Representatives from the REO and the Department of Justice will also be present.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Secretary for Innovation, Technology & Industry Prof Sun Dong today attended day one of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Digital & AI Ministerial Meeting in Incheon, South Korea.

 

Prof Sun called for international collaboration to ensure safe and responsible adoption of digital and artificial intelligence (AI) technologies, and to facilitate innovation across the region.

 

Speaking at a thematic session, “Facilitating Digital & AI Innovation to Address Challenges”, he outlined that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government has placed AI at the forefront of its strategic agenda, and has made meticulous preparations to build the infrastructure and ecosystems needed to thrive in an AI-driven era.

 

Highlighting that Hong Kong is committed to using digital strategies to enhancing public services and promote economic transformation, he said the city’s advanced digital infrastructure, including its iAM Smart and Digital Corporate Identity platforms, will accelerate the development of the digital economy.

 

Speaking at another thematic session, “Creating a Safe & Trustworthy Digital & AI Ecosystem”, Hong Kong’s tech chief stressed that strategic, vigilant and responsible deployment of AI is imperative for all governments and organisations. To this end, he explained, Hong Kong works closely with international cybersecurity organisations in responding quickly and proactively to cyber threats and attacks.

 

He added that in line with global best practices, the city has developed its own Ethical Artificial Intelligence Framework and Generative Artificial Intelligence Technical and Application Guideline to the promote responsible and healthy development of AI technology, with a view to balancing cutting-edge progress with accountability, accuracy and security.

 

In a joint statement, ministers at the meeting recognised the need to address emerging opportunities and challenges in a rapidly evolving digital landscape, and reaffirmed their commitment to collaborating to ensure digital innovation benefits people.

 

During the meeting, Prof Sun held in-depth exchanges with Meeting Chair and South Korean Minister of Science & ICT Bae Kyunghoon on the subject of co-operation between Hong Kong and South Korea in technological innovation and information technology. He also had brief discussions with Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Digital Economy & Society Prasert Jantararuangtong, and Indonesia’s Ministry of Communications & Digital Affairs Secretariat General Ismail Achmad.

 

Separately, Prof Sun met Vice Minister of Industry & Information Technology Xiong Jijun. The Hong Kong official briefed Mr Xiong on the the Hong Kong SAR Government’s work to develop innovation and technology, and new industrialisation, in the city. They also discussed progress in the implementation of initiatives following the signing of a Co-operation Agreement on the Development of New Quality Productive Forces & the Promotion of New Industrialisation between the Ministry of Industry & Information Technology and Hong Kong SAR last September.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Chief Executive John Lee met Deputy Prime Minister of Uzbekistan Jamshid Khodjaev today to exchange views on issues of mutual interest.

Welcoming Mr Khodjaev and his delegation to Hong Kong, Mr Lee remarked that economic and trade relations between Hong Kong and Uzbekistan have grown steadily in recent years, and that there is potential for the two places to explore further co-operation.

He outlined that Hong Kong enjoys the advantages of being closely connected both to the Mainland and the rest of the world under the “one country, two systems” arrangement, and of serving as a functional platform under the Belt & Road Initiative.

Uzbekistan has undergone significant infrastructure development, and Hong Kong firms and talent can be of use with regard to construction technologies and financing channels, Mr Lee said. 

The Chief Executive urged Uzbek enterprises to leverage Hong Kong’s highly internationalised and market-oriented business environment, and its professional services talent, to explore both the Mainland market and other markets overseas.

Stressing that Hong Kong is striving to establish itself as an international hub for post-secondary education, Mr Lee highlighted that it offers a scholarship to encourage students from Belt & Road countries and regions to study in the city.

He explained that the scholarship is aimed at attracting talent to Hong Kong, and invited more young Uzbeks to study in the city and develop their careers here, thereby bolstering bilateral ties between the two places.