Month: August 2025

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government strongly opposes and disapproves of the European Union’s (EU) slanderous remarks on the Hong Kong SAR’s lawful act to pursue wanted persons who have endangered national security and absconded from the city.

 

In a statement today, the Hong Kong SAR Government strongly demands that the EU immediately stop acting against international law and basic norms of international relations, and stop interfering in Hong Kong matters which are purely China’s internal affairs.

 

It emphasised that endangering national security is a very serious offence, adding that no country will watch with folded arms on acts and activities that endanger national security.

 

It also noted that the “Hong Kong Parliament” is an organisation that aims to subvert state power. Its objectives include promoting “self-determination” and promulgating the so-called “Hong Kong Constitution”; and overthrowing or undermining the People’s Republic of China’s (PRC) basic system established by the PRC Constitution or overthrowing the PRC’s body of central power or the Hong Kong SAR’s body of power with unlawful means.

 

As such, the organisation is suspected of committing the offence of subversion contrary to Article 22 of the Hong Kong National Security Law (HKNSL).

 

Hence, Police applied to the court for arrest warrants in accordance with the law and placed the persons on a wanted list.

 

The Hong Kong SAR Government said that any suggestion that certain individuals or organisations should be immune from legal consequences for their illegal acts, including those involving collusion with foreign or external forces, is no different from advocating a special privilege to break the law.

 

This totally runs contrary to the spirit of the rule of law, it added.

 

Extraterritorial effect for offences under the HKNSL and the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance (SNSO) fully aligns with the principles of international law, international practice and common practice adopted in various countries and regions. It is both necessary and legitimate, and is also in line with those of other countries and regions around the world.

 

As the Hong Kong SAR’s law enforcement department safeguards national security, Police are duty-bound to pursue the liability of those who have allegedly endangered national security outside Hong Kong.

 

Those absconders hiding outside Hong Kong are wanted because they continue to blatantly engage in activities endangering national security. Moreover, they continue to collude with external forces to cover for their evil deeds.

 

It is necessary for Police to take all lawful measures to strongly combat the acts of abscondment, and such actions are fully justified, necessary and legitimate, the Hong Kong SAR Government pointed out.

 

It stressed that both the HKNSL and the SNSO clearly stipulate that human rights shall be respected and protected in safeguarding national security in the Hong Kong SAR.

 

The rights and freedoms enjoyed by Hong Kong people under the Basic Law and the provisions of the International Covenant on Civil & Political Rights (ICCPR) and the International Covenant on Economic, Social & Cultural Rights as applicable to the Hong Kong SAR are protected in accordance with the law.

 

Nonetheless, just as in other places in the world, many of the rights and freedoms are not absolute. The ICCPR also expressly states that certain rights and freedoms including the freedom of expression may be subject to restrictions as prescribed by law that are necessary for the protection of national security, public safety, public order, and the rights and freedoms of others.

 

Regarding an extremely small minority of organisations and individuals endangering national security, the Hong Kong SAR Government said that it will not condone their criminal acts and will not give up pursuing them, including adopting all practical measures to bring those fugitives endangering national security who have absconded from Hong Kong to justice.

 

It reiterated that absconders should not think they can evade criminal liability by absconding from Hong Kong. Ultimately, they will be held liable for their acts constituting serious offences endangering national security and be punished by the law. No country or organisation should harbour criminals nor try to exonerate these people with different excuses.

 

The Hong Kong SAR Government made it clear that it will, as always, resolutely, fully and faithfully implement the HKNSL, the SNSO and other relevant laws safeguarding national security in the city, to effectively prevent, suppress and impose punishment for acts and activities endangering national security in accordance with the law, while upholding the rights and freedoms of Hong Kong people in accordance with the law, in order to ensure the steadfast and successful implementation of the principle of “one country, two systems”.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Committee on Education, Technology & Talents (CETT), led by Chief Secretary Chan Kwok-ki, met stakeholders in the innovation and technology (I&T) sector today to discuss promoting the integrated development of education, technology and talent.

At the meeting, Mr Chan introduced the CETT’s work plan to representatives from I&T parks, I&T enterprises and State Key Laboratories.

He told them that the CETT, building on the “eight centres” concept, is dedicated to cultivating and attracting talent, and aims to leverage talent chains, innovation chains, industrial chains and capital chains to drive technological and industrial innovation, with a view to advancing high-quality development and accelerating Chinese modernisation.

On the theme of attracting high-quality I&T talent, he said the CETT will lead the I&T sector in revamping its positioning and planning. Specifically, the committee will enhance the Technology Talent Admission Scheme, and introduce arrangements under the Quality Migrant Admission Scheme to bring sought-after talent to Hong Kong.

Attendees were also briefed on the Government’s establishment of a new I&T system that takes the city’s “three major I&T parks and five key research and development institutes” as its framework, and on various other initiatives to enhance the I&T ecosystem and enlarge the local I&T talent pool.

Mr Chan said: “The Government will continue to take forward the development under the principle of ‘promoting technology with talent, leading industries with technology, and attracting talent with industries’.

“The Government will also grasp the opportunities arising as the Hong Kong Park of the Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science & Technology Innovation Co-operation Zone enters its operational phase soon and continue to expedite the development of I&T industries, to provide development opportunities for local I&T talent as well as those coming to Hong Kong.”

He added that the Government will make good use of existing talent admission schemes to promote Hong Kong as a focal point for international high-calibre talent, contributing to the I&T development of both Hong Kong and the country at large.

Secretary for Innovation, Technology & Industry Prof Sun Dong, Secretary for Education Choi Yuk-lin and Acting Secretary for Labour & Welfare Ho Kai-ming also attended today’s meeting. Prof Sun and Mr Ho briefed the stakeholders on the Government’s ongoing efforts and measures to attract I&T talent.

I&T stakeholders at the meeting expressed support for the committee’s work and said they will work with the Government to leverage industry resources in attracting global talent.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The following is issued on behalf of the Communications Authority:
 
     This press release summarises the decisions of the Communications Authority (CA) following its 144th meeting held in July 2025.
 
CA approves renewal application for non-domestic television programme service (non-domestic TV) licence from WarnerMedia Asia Pacific (HK) Limited
———————————————————————————————————–
 
     The CA approved the application from WarnerMedia Asia Pacific (HK) Limited for renewal of its non-domestic TV licence for 12 years, from October 1, 2025, to September 30, 2037 (both dates inclusive). Currently, there are nine non-domestic TV licensees providing around 150 satellite television programme channels for the Asia-Pacific region.
 
CA accepts commitments offered by China Mobile Hong Kong Company Limited (CMHK) in relation to proposed acquisition of HKBN Ltd by CMHK
———————————————————————————————————-
 
     The CA announced today (August 1) its decision to accept the commitments offered by CMHK in relation to the proposed acquisition of HKBN Ltd by CMHK (Proposed Transaction), and not to commence an investigation under the Competition Ordinance (Cap. 619) (CO).
 
     CMHK announced the Proposed Transaction on December 2, 2024, which falls within the scope of the Merger Rule under the CO. After conducting a competition assessment of the Proposed Transaction, the CA identified a competition issue on fixed local access network that would likely arise from the Proposed Transaction, and communicated such concern to CMHK.
 
     In May 2025, CMHK offered a set of commitments to the CA to address the potential competition concern arising from the Proposed Transaction (Proposed Commitments). On May 29, 2025, the CA issued a notice inviting representations from the industry and interested parties regarding its intended acceptance of the Proposed Commitments. Among others, a concern about mobile backhauls was raised by the industry in their representations. In response, CMHK offered a set of revised commitments to the CA (Revised Commitments). Having carefully considered the representations received, the Revised Commitments offered by CMHK and all relevant information, the CA is satisfied that the Revised Commitments are sufficient to effectively address the potential competition concerns arising from the Proposed Transaction. Therefore, the CA has decided to accept the Revised Commitments and not to commence an investigation on the Proposed Transaction. For more details on the CA’s decision, please refer to the CA Statement released today.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK) announced today (August 1) that Montana, the brainchild of two of the world’s most celebrated bartenders, Mr Lorenzo Antinori and Mr Simone Caporale, has officially opened its doors in Soho, Hong Kong. This exciting new venture brings together the creative genius behind Bar Leone, Asia’s Best Bar in 2025 and second in the World’s Best Bar 2024, and Sips, the third-ranked bar in the World’s Best Bar 2024, to create a unique experience for cocktail enthusiasts and trendsetters alike that promises to redefine the city’s nightlife.

Associate Director-General of Investment Promotion at InvestHK Mr Arnold Lau said, “We are thrilled to support Montana’s arrival in Hong Kong. Hong Kong continues to attract world-class talent and innovative businesses, and Montana is a testament to our city’s dynamic and diverse hospitality scene. Mr Antinori and Mr Caporale are global leaders in mixology, and their decision to open Montana in Hong Kong reinforces our reputation as a world-class destination for dining and nightlife.”

Mr Antinori said, “Hong Kong has always been a city that embraces innovation and creativity. Montana is our tribute to this dynamic city, where we aim to blend the best of global cocktail culture with a unique local twist. We are thrilled to be part of this exciting journey.”

Mr Caporale added, “Montana represents a new chapter in our quest to elevate the bar experience. Hong Kong’s energy and diversity inspire us to push boundaries and create something truly extraordinary. We are proud to contribute to the city’s thriving bar scene.”

Mr Antinori stressed that Montana is more than just a bar; it is an experience. Located in the heart of Hong Kong, the bar offers a meticulously crafted menu of cocktails that blend tradition with innovation. The ambiance, designed to reflect the city’s cosmopolitan spirit, provides the perfect setting for both intimate gatherings and lively celebrations.

For more information about Montana, please visit www.instagram.com/montanabarhk.

To download event photos, please visit: www.flickr.com/photos/investhk/albums/72177720328049749.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The 2025 provisional registers of electors and omissions lists for geographical constituencies (GCs) and functional constituencies (FCs) were released today (August 1). The Registration and Electoral Office (REO) appeals to members of the public to check their registration status through “iAM Smart” or the Voter Registration website (vr.gov.hk) on or before August 25.

Compilation of provisional registers of electors and omissions lists for GCs and FCs

The 2025 provisional register of electors for GCs contains about 4 144 600 registered electors. In the 2025 voter registration cycle, there are about 36 400 new registration applications and about 115 400 applications for updating particulars from registered electors of GCs. Moreover, the records of about        30 000 and about 71 100 electors have been removed from the provisional register by entering on the omissions list due to death and as a result of other inquiry processes respectively.

As for FCs, the provisional register of electors contains about 193 700 registered electors. The figure has factored in newly registered electors, electors with a change in the FC registered, and electors entered on the omissions list due to death or as a result of other inquiry processes, etc.

“The REO has earlier mailed to the relevant electors to confirm their new registration or change of registration particulars. Those who have provided mobile phone numbers or email addresses would have received related messages. All SMS messages issued by the REO will start with the prefix ‘#REO’ in the sender ID for identification,” a spokesman for the REO said.

Prompt reply to reminding letters if requested

Electors who have been included in the omissions lists will receive reminding letters from the REO to confirm their eligibility. The envelopes of the reminding letters are beige in colour with a message, “Immediate action required. Your voting right is at stake” printed in red. Recipients must reply or provide supplementary information on or before the statutory deadline of August 25 by email, post or fax; or by using a mobile device to scan the QR code on the reply slip to log on to the webpage (www.reo-form.gov.hk) and upload the required information to the REO e-Form Upload Platform so that they may, with the Revising Officer’s approval, keep their elector status and be included in the final registers of electors. In addition, the REO will contact individual electors on the omissions lists by phone to remind them to confirm their eligibility as soon as possible. For any enquiries, members of the public may call the REO’s hotline (2891 1001) during office hours by August 25.

Lodging statutory claims and objections

Any electors who have been included in the omissions lists; any individuals/bodies who have applied for registration but no such record is found in the relevant provisional register(s); any registered electors with incorrect particulars recorded in the relevant provisional register(s); or anyone who considers an individual/body in the relevant provisional register(s) not eligible to be so registered may lodge a claim or an objection in person with the REO by the statutory deadline of August 25. The Revising Officer will, according to law, consider the evidence provided by the applicant and make a ruling.

The specified forms for lodging claims and objections can be downloaded from the REO webpage (www.reo.gov.hk/en/voter/appeal.html) or obtained from the two offices of the REO (8/F, Treasury Building, 3 Tonkin Street West, Cheung Sha Wan, Kowloon, and 29/F, Standard Chartered Tower, Millennium City 1, 388 Kwun Tong Road, Kwun Tong, Kowloon) or the Home Affairs Enquiry Centres of respective District Offices. Information on the claims and objections will be uploaded to the same webpage before the day of the hearing for reference by members of the public.

Arrangements for inspection of provisional registers of electors and omissions lists

Notices on the inspection of the provisional registers of electors and omissions lists were gazetted for promulgation today. According to the law, a copy of the provisional registers and omissions lists containing entries relating to individual electors may only be shown in accordance with the statutory requirements, and made available for inspection by specified persons only. A copy of the provisional registers and omissions lists containing only entries of corporate electors (i.e. without entries relating to individual electors) may be inspected by any member of the public. For the arrangements regarding the inspection of the registers, please refer to www.reo.gov.hk/en/voter/checkvrstatus/registers.html.

Related statistical information has been uploaded to the Voter Registration website (vr.gov.hk). The REO will publish the final registers of electors for GCs and FCs of this year on September 25.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) today (August 1) strongly opposes and disapproves of the slanderous remarks by the European Union (EU) on the HKSAR’s lawful act to pursue wanted persons who have endangered national security and absconded from Hong Kong. 

     A spokesman for the HKSAR Government said, “Endangering national security is a very serious offence. No country will watch with folded arms on acts and activities that endanger national security. The ‘Hong Kong Parliament’ is an organisation that aims to subvert 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 the People’s Republic of China or the body of power of the HKSAR with unlawful means, thereby suspected of committing the offence of ‘Subversion’ contrary to Article 22 of the Hong Kong National Security Law (HKNSL). Thus, the Police applied to the court for arrest warrants in accordance with the law and placed the persons on a wanted list. Any suggestion that certain individuals or organisations should be immune from legal consequences for their illegal acts, including those involving collusion with foreign or external forces, 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.

     “Extraterritorial effect for offences under the HKNSL and the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance (SNSO) fully aligns with the principles of international law, international practice and common practice adopted in various countries and regions. It is both necessary and legitimate, and is also in line with those of other countries and regions around the world. As the law enforcement department of the HKSAR safeguarding national security, the Hong Kong Police are duty-bound to pursue the liability of those who have allegedly endangered national security outside Hong Kong. Those absconders hiding outside Hong Kong are wanted because they continue to blatantly engage in activities endangering national security. Moreover, they continue to collude with external forces to cover for their evil deeds. It is necessary for the Police to take all lawful measures to strongly combat the acts of abscondment, and such actions are fully justified, necessary and legitimate.

     “We have to stress that both the HKNSL and the SNSO clearly stipulate that human rights shall be respected and protected in safeguarding national security in the HKSAR. 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 people under the Basic Law and the provisions of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights as applicable to the HKSAR are protected in accordance with the law. Nonetheless, just as in other places in the world, many of the rights and freedoms are not absolute. The ICCPR also expressly states that certain rights and freedoms including the freedom of expression may be subject to restrictions as prescribed by law that are necessary for the protection of national security, public safety, public order, the rights and freedoms of others, etc. Regarding an extremely small minority of organisations and individuals endangering national security, the HKSAR Government will not condone their criminal acts and will not give up pursuing them, including adopting all practical measures to bring those fugitives endangering national security who have absconded from Hong Kong to justice.”

     The spokesman emphasised, “Absconders should not think they can evade criminal liability by absconding from Hong Kong. Ultimately, they will be held liable for their acts constituting serious offences endangering national security and be punished by the law. No country or organisation should harbour criminals nor try to exonerate these people with different excuses.”

     The spokesman reiterated, “The HKSAR Government will, as always, resolutely, fully and faithfully implement the HKNSL, the SNSO and other relevant laws safeguarding national security in the HKSAR, to effectively prevent, suppress and impose punishment for acts and activities endangering national security in accordance with the law, while upholding the rights and freedoms of Hong Kong people in accordance with the law, to ensure the steadfast and successful implementation of the principle of ‘one country, two systems’. The HKSAR Government strongly demands that the EU immediately stop acting against international law and basic norms of international relations and interfering in Hong Kong matters, which are purely China’s internal affairs.”

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department today (August 1) announced that a barbecued pork sample was detected with Orange II, a non-permitted colouring matter in food. The CFS is following up on the incident.

A spokesman for the CFS said, “The CFS collected the above-mentioned sample from a stall at San Hui Market in Tuen Mun for testing under its routine Food Surveillance Programme. The test result showed that the sample contained Orange II. The CFS has informed the stall concerned of the above-mentioned irregularity and instructed it to stop selling the food product concerned.”

     “Orange II, an industrial dye commonly used in wool, leather, paper and cosmetic products, is not permitted to be used in food in Hong Kong,” the spokesman added.

According to the Colouring Matter in Food Regulations (Cap. 132H), no food intended for sale for human consumption shall contain any added colouring matter which is not a permitted colouring matter. Offenders may be liable to a maximum fine of $50,000 and six months’ imprisonment upon conviction.

The CFS will continue to follow up on the incident and take appropriate action. An investigation is ongoing.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

Meco Engineering Limited and Chiu Yue Electrical Engineering Limited were fined $124,000 and $206,000 respectively at Kwun Tong Magistrates’ Courts today (August 1) for violations of the Factories and Industrial Undertakings Ordinance, the Construction Sites (Safety) Regulations and the Factories and Industrial Undertakings (Lifting Appliances and Lifting Gear) Regulations. The prosecutions were launched by the Labour Department.

​The case involved a fatal accident that occurred on October 10, 2023, at a construction site in Tsim Sha Tsui. It was suspected that a worker fell from height while he was carrying out cable-laying work. The worker sustained a serious head injury and passed away on the same day.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Government published the Radiation (Control of Irradiating Apparatus) (Amendment) Regulation 2025 (Amendment Regulation) in the Gazette today (August 1) to give effect to the amendments on the occupational eye lens dose limit endorsed by the Radiation Board of Hong Kong (RBHK). The new limit will take effect on January 1, 2026.

     The Legislative Council approved on July 30 the Amendment Regulation made by the RBHK in accordance with the Radiation Ordinance (Cap. 303) upon stakeholder consultation, which lowers the occupational eye lens dose limit specified in the Radiation (Control of Irradiating Apparatus) Regulations (Cap. 303B) from 150 millisieverts in a year to 20 millisieverts in a year, averaged over defined periods of five years, with no single year exceeding 50 millisieverts.

     The technical amendment aims to align with the latest international standard recommended by the International Commission on Radiological Protection, with a view to better protecting practitioners from developing radiation-induced cataracts. The Radiation Health Division of the Department of Health has earlier introduced a monitoring service on occupational eye lens radiation doses for local practitioners to assist the industry in complying with the new limit.

     The RBHK is established under section 3 of the Radiation Ordinance to carry out functions in accordance with the provisions of the Ordinance and its subsidiary legislations, including the adoption of statutory dose limits for persons employed in radiation work.