Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Outgoing passenger convicted and jailed for attempting to export prohibited articles not under and in accordance with export licence Issued at HKT 18:12
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Hong Kong Mortgage Corporation Limited interim results highlights for 2025 Debt Issuance Mortgage Insurance Programme (MIP) SME Financing Guarantee Scheme Dedicated 100% Loan Guarantee Schemes Annuity Business Reverse Mortgage Programme Financial Highlights
The unaudited consolidated profit after tax of the HKMC for 1H 2025 was HK$53.3 million (1H 2024: HK$9 million). The improvement in profitability was largely attributable to the increase in income from the placements with the Exchange Fund, reduced negative impact on fast-growing reverse mortgage business from movement of property price for 1H 2025 as compared to 1H 2024, foreign exchange gain arising from exposures in cash and debt investments amid favourable market conditions, and increase in net interest income. Such gains were partly offset by the increase in accounting loss from insurance results of annuity business, reflecting the increase in new policies written from the spillover effect of the payout enhancement and discount campaign launched in 2024.Issued at HKT 18:00
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
APEC holds Workshop on Hydrogen for Land Transport in Hong Kong, China In a video welcoming speech, the Secretary for Environment and Ecology, Mr Tse Chin-wan, highlighted that climate change is one of the greatest challenges of this era and underscored Hong Kong, China’s commitment to four decarbonisation strategies, namely “Net-zero electricity generation”, “Energy saving and green buildings”, “Green transport”, and “Waste reduction” under its Climate Action Plan 2050, with a view to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050.
Mr Tse said that apart from electric vehicles, hydrogen is a possible alternative for green transportation, particularly for heavy-duty and long-range transport applications. He added that the Government has set out the Strategy of Hydrogen Development in Hong Kong with a view to creating a local environment conducive to the development of hydrogen energy in a prudent and orderly manner. In addition, the Inter-departmental Working Group on Using Hydrogen as Fuel has been set up to introduce interim standards for hydrogen applications, and supported pilot projects such as hydrogen fuel cell buses, street-washing vehicles and cross-boundary hydrogen transportation, to remove barriers and facilitate commencement of local hydrogen applications. Mr Tse also mentioned that Hong Kong, China is well positioned to serve as a hub for hydrogen technologies, green finance and professional services, and reiterated Hong Kong, China’s support for APEC’s shared vision of clean energy transition and sustainable growth.
The Director of Electrical and Mechanical Services, Mr Poon Kwok-ying, shared at the workshop Hong Kong’s latest hydrogen developments concerning the application of land transport. He thanked the APEC member economies for their participation, exchanging insights and experience and exploring collaboration to unlock the potential of hydrogen energy in establishing a greener and more sustainable future.
The APEC EWG aims to further APEC’s goals to facilitate energy trade and investment to ensure that energy contributes to the enhancement of economic, social and environmental conditions of APEC member economies. The EWG consists of members from 21 APEC member economies and convenes meetings twice a year. It holds workshops on various themes to facilitate the achievement of APEC’s energy goals. Issued at HKT 17:30
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Reminder to public about fraudulent SMS messages purporting to be issued by CA or OFCA OFCA solemnly clarified that the CA and OFCA have never issued and will not issue such SMS messages and has already reported the case to the Police.
Members of the public should stay alert when receiving any suspicious SMS messages, should not call the fake OFCA hotline or click on suspicious links provided in the SMS messages, and under no circumstances should they disclose any personal information or transfer money.
In case of doubt, members of the public may call OFCA’s hotline 2961 6333 or the Police’s Anti-Scam Helpline 18222 for enquiries. They may also report cases of suspected phone scams to the Police.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
FEHD releases sixth batch of gravidtrap indexes for Aedes albopictus in September
District
DistrictAmong the sixth batch of First Phase Gravidtrap Indexes covering nine survey areas and Area Gravidtrap Indexes covering seven survey areas in September, all were below 10 per cent.
The FEHD has so far released six batches of gravidtrap indexes for Aedes albopictus in September 2025, covering 58 survey areas. Among these 58 survey areas, 49 recorded a decrease or remained unchanged in the individual gravidtrap index as compared to the Area Gravidtrap Index last month, i.e. August 2025, representing that the areas’ mosquito infestation had improved or maintained a low level. Nine other areas recorded a slight increase, but the indexes were lower than 10 per cent. Starting in August this year, following the completion of the surveillance of individual survey areas, and once the latest gravidtrap index and the density index are available, the FEHD will disseminate the relevant information through press releases, its website, and social media. It aims to allow members of the public to quickly grasp the mosquito infestation situation and strengthen mosquito control efforts, thereby reducing the risk of chikungunya fever (CF) transmission.
Following the recommendations from the World Health Organization and taking into account the local situation in Hong Kong, the FEHD sets up gravidtraps in districts where mosquito-borne diseases have been recorded in the past, as well as in densely populated places such as housing estates, hospitals and schools to monitor the breeding and distribution of Aedes albopictus mosquitoes, which can transmit CF and dengue fever. At present, the FEHD has set up gravidtraps in 64 survey areas of the community. During the two weeks of surveillance, the FEHD will collect the gravidtraps once a week. After the first week of surveillance, the FEHD will immediately examine the glue boards inside the retrieved gravidtraps for the presence of adult Aedine mosquitoes, to compile the Gravidtrap Index (First Phase) and Density Index (First Phase). At the end of the second week of surveillance, the FEHD will instantly check the glue boards for the presence of adult Aedine mosquitoes. Data from the two weeks’ surveillance will be combined to obtain the Area Gravidtrap Index and the Area Density Index. The gravidtrap and density indexes for Aedes albopictus in different survey areas as well as information on mosquito prevention and control measures are available on the department’s webpage (www.fehd.gov.hk/english/pestcontrol/dengue_fever/Dengue_Fever_Gravidtrap_Index_Update.html#Issued at HKT 17:00
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Asia+ Festival to present Olivier Award winner South African choreographer Robyn Orlin’s work “We wear our wheels with pride” in October Orlin is globally revered for her bold theatricality and concepts. Her work, “We wear our wheels with pride”, has received widespread acclaim when staged in Europe. The programme is inspired by the rickshaw drivers once seen on the streets in South Africa who adorned themselves with tunics decorated with pearls and fringes, feathered headdresses and flamboyant cow horns. They painted their rickshaws with vibrant colours and pulled them with a bouncy, dance-like gait. Orlin reimagines the scenes on stage, captivating audiences with a stunning visual feast.
Moving Into Dance Mophatong inherits Zulu traditions, with both body language and visual elements rooted in the tribe’s heritage. Blending traditional and contemporary techniques, the dancers narrate the enduring history of Africa with powerful and fluid body movements. In the performance, dancers’ silhouettes are instantly projected onto giant screens, morphing into swirling, multi-coloured hues that reflect the Rainbow Nation’s spirit.
The live music is created by two South African musicians Annalyzer (Anelisa Stuurman) and Yogin Sullaphen, who fuse Khoisan chants and slam poetry with electronic beats, hip hop and Afrofusion, evolving into a unique soundtrack that perfectly complements the visuals.
Chief Executive John Lee led a number of Principal Officials to receive the seasonal influenza vaccination (SIV) earlier and called on members of the public to get vaccinated as early as possible to build an immunity barrier in the community together.
Getting vaccinated sooner rather than later will also better protect their health and that of their family members, Mr Lee added.
The Chief Executive and some of the officials also received COVID-19 booster shots concurrently.
“Vaccination is one of the most effective means for preventing seasonal influenza and its complications, as well as reducing the risk of hospitalisation and death arising from influenza.
“The Department of Health had earlier reminded members of the public that Hong Kong has entered the summer influenza season. Members of the public should get vaccinated as early as possible to protect themselves and their family members,” Mr Lee reiterated.
Secretary for Health Prof Lo Chung-mau made the same appeal, noting that various programmes fully commenced on September 25 to provide free or subsidised SIV services for eligible people, with the Vaccination Subsidy Scheme being advanced by three days to launch on September 22.
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Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Immigration Department repatriates 31 Vietnamese illegal immigrants to Vietnam The ImmD has been committed to promptly removing unsubstantiated non-refoulement claimants from Hong Kong to maintain effective immigration control and safeguard the public interest. Under the updated removal policy effective from December 7, 2022, the ImmD may generally proceed with the removal of a claimant whose judicial review case has been dismissed by the Court of First Instance of the High Court, thereby enhancing the efficiency of and efforts in removing unsubstantiated claimants.
The ImmD will remain committed to expediting the removal process to repatriate illegal immigrants and overstayers from Hong Kong as soon as practicable according to the actual situation through appropriate measures as necessary. Issued at HKT 16:45
The Government welcomed the passage of the Basic Housing Units Bill by the Legislative Council today, which sought to introduce a regulatory regime for the letting of subdivided units (SDUs) in residential buildings.
The bill aimed to ensure the provision of safe and reasonable living conditions in SDUs, thereby tackling the issue of substandard SDUs in an orderly and comprehensive manner.
The Basic Housing Units Ordinance will be gazetted on October 3 and come into effect on March 1 next year.
The ordinance requires SDUs in residential buildings to comply with a set of minimum standards of living conditions, including minimum area, minimum height, fire safety, structural safety, separate toilet, water supply requirements, lighting and ventilation, as well as separate water and electricity meters, and to obtain Basic Housing Unit (BHU) recognition before they are allowed to be let out for habitation.
There will be criminal liability on the person who lets out unrecognised SDUs, while the tenants concerned will not be held liable, the Housing Bureau said.
Upon commencement of the ordinance, the bureau will start accepting applications for BHU recognition.
As a transitional arrangement to implement the BHU regulatory regime progressively, the bureau will concurrently launch a 12-month registration system for existing SDUs to make applications for registration to enjoy a 36-month grace period from March 1, 2027, which will enable necessary alteration works to be carried out gradually and applications for BHU recognition to be made.
To encourage SDU owners and/or operators to submit registration and recognition applications as early as possible, starting from March 1 next year, the Government will provide an “early-bird” reduction/waiver on recognition fees, i.e. application fees will be fully waived for early registration/application.
Upon completion of the registration period, the Government will begin to take orderly enforcement actions against the illegal letting of unregistered and unrecognised SDUs from March 1, 2027.
It will also provide appropriate temporary rehousing assistance to the affected households in need.
Secretary for Housing Winnie Ho said the Government will implement the BHU regulatory regime in an orderly manner, with a view to gradually resolving the deep-rooted social issue of substandard SDUs in Hong Kong and ensuring that members of the public can enjoy safe, hygienic and reasonable living conditions.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The Government announced today (September 26) appointments to the Accounting and Financial Reporting Review Tribunal (AFRRT) for a term of two years from October 1, 2025, to September 30, 2027.
The Chief Executive, pursuant to the Accounting and Financial Reporting Council Ordinance (Cap. 588), has reappointed Mr Jonathan Chang Tien-yin, SC as the Chairman of the AFRRT.
The Financial Secretary, under the authority delegated by the Chief Executive pursuant to the Ordinance, has reappointed two incumbent members and appointed five new members to the Panel for the AFRRT. The incumbent panel members reappointed are Professor Terence Chong Tai-leung and Mr Louis Chow Ka-leung. The newly appointed members are Mr Eric Chow Chun-hin, Mr Mohan Datwani, Professor Fong Yuk-fai, Ms Anna Mae Koo Mei-jong and Mr Simon Tang Shu-pui.
Announcing the appointments, a spokesman for the Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau said, “The AFRRT is a crucial safeguard, which ensures that specified decisions made by the Accounting and Financial Reporting Council (AFRC) in relation to the regulation of the accounting profession are fair and reasonable.”
The Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau also expressed gratitude to the outgoing members, Professor Chan Koon-hung, Professor Stella Cho Lung Pui-lan, Professor Hui Kai-wai, Mr Simon Wong Hin-wing and Ms Wong Yuen-chi, for their dedicated service during their tenure.
Upon the commencement of the new regulatory regime of the accounting profession on October 1, 2022, the former Public Interest Entities Auditors Review Tribunal has been renamed the AFRRT, with expanded jurisdiction to review, in response to applications by any aggrieved persons, specified decisions made by the AFRC in respect of registration and recognition of listed entities auditors, registration of practice units, issuance of practising certificates to certified public accountants, and disciplinary sanctions against listed entities auditors, practice units and certified public accountants.