Month: September 2025

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Remarks by CE at press conference on “The Chief Executive’s 2025 Policy Address” (with photos/video)

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     Following are the remarks by the Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, at the press conference on “The Chief Executive’s 2025 Policy Address” today (September 17):

Reporter: Good afternoon, Mr Lee. Some English questions. Firstly, in your Policy Address, you mentioned that the Government will assist local media to expand their network beyond Hong Kong to tell the good stories of Hong Kong. Could you elaborate on exactly what this means, such as what markets the Government is looking at, or what outlets the Government is trying to assist? Also, what will you do to ensure that the whole initiative will not backfire – the media would then be seen as losing their credibility when they are seen as government mouthpieces? The second question: with the new Heads of Department (HoD) Accountability System, are you worried about that having this new scheme would lead to the exodus of executive officers and administrative officers and worsen this exodus? And also, when do you hope to apply this new Heads of Department Accountability System? Will officers or political appointees that are involved in recent scandal, like the head of the Government Logistics Department, Carlson Chan, also be covered under this new accountability system? Thank you.

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SCS briefs civil servants on Policy Address initiatives (with photo)

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

SCS briefs civil servants on Policy Address initiatives (with photo) 
     The Policy Address put forward initiatives for the Government to further enhance governance, including the establishment of the Heads of Department (HoD) Accountability System. By clearly setting out and strengthening the proactive leadership roles and supervisory responsibilities of HoDs, it drives HoDs to establish an effective management team and operating systems, improving workflow on an ongoing basis, thereby achieving an ongoing enhancement in the overall management standard of the departments and the governance effectiveness of the Government. When problems arise, in accordance with the severity of the problems identified, there will be investigations which will be divided into two tiers (i.e. Tier I departmental investigation and Tier II independent investigation) to look into the root cause of the problems with a view to putting in place improvements, attributing responsibilities to the appropriate parties, and taking administrative or disciplinary actions against those responsible in accordance with the civil service management regime depending on the nature and severity of the deficiencies identified. The system renders the political accountability required of Secretaries of Department and Directors of Bureau in policy formulation, and the administrative accountability required of civil servants in implementing policy initiatives better articulated with each other, with clarification of their division of work. The Policy Address also proposed that the Government will strengthen the performance appraisal system for civil servants. The Civil Service Bureau will conduct a study to develop a more rigorous appraisal system in order to reflect and differentiate the performance levels of civil servants more effectively.
 
     Mrs Yeung said, “So long as all civil servants fulfil their duties and responsibilities with professionalism and go the extra mile in whatever they do, Hong Kong will certainly gain momentum and our people will have a real taste of the fruits of effective governance.”
 
     During the meeting with the representatives of the civil service, Mrs Yeung stated that accountability for performance is one of the core values in the Civil Service Code. Proactive fulfillment of duties with a strong sense of responsibility is a basic requirement for every civil servant, and it is the civil service’s responsibility to implement the Government’s policies in a highly efficient and professional manner. The Policy Address clarified the administrative responsibilities of HoDs and proposed to strengthen the performance appraisal system for civil servants with an aim to enhance governance capability and inject new impetus into the team to respond to the needs of the public and the new era.
 
     In addition, the HoD Accountability System set out in the Policy Address will require an expansion of the functions of the Public Service Commission (PSC) to enable it to conduct Tier II independent investigations. In this regard, Mrs Yeung also met with PSC to exchange views this afternoon. She said that the function of the PSC is to advise the Chief Executive (CE) on matters affecting the public service as an independent statutory body. The CSB will proactively implement the CE’s policy initiatives and handle the work for the making of the subsidiary legislation under the Public Service Commission Ordinance.
 
     Mrs Yeung called on civil servants to better understand the various policy initiatives in the Policy Address, gain a clear understanding of the Government’s governing tenets, stand united to render full support and facilitation to the administration of the CE and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government, and continue to be a solid supporting force for Hong Kong’s advancement to further consolidate its competitiveness, develop the economy and improve people’s livelihood. 
Issued at HKT 21:31

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Govt to aid social development

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

On a mission to support social development, Chief Executive John Lee outlined in his 2025 Policy Address a series of critical initiatives on promoting fertility, supporting ethnic minorities, as well as measures for enhancing care team services and building management.

Promoting fertility

The Chief Executive noted that the number of newborn babies has decreased for six consecutive years since 2017, but there was an upward trend in 2023 and 2024.

“In 2024, there was a significant increase in the number of newborns, a year-on-year increase of about 3,500 babies, or about 11%, adding up to 36,700 babies born in total.”

To further promote newborns, Mr Lee set out the following initiatives in the 2025 Policy Address:

(i) Extending the claim period of additional child allowance for newborns from one year to two years – starting from the year of assessment 2026-27, a taxpayer may claim twice the allowance, ie $260,000, for each child in the first two years following childbirth;

(ii) Enhancing infant and child day care service – 15 new aided child care centres will be set up over the next three years to provide about 1,500 day care service places for children between birth and three years old, almost doubling the existing supply;

(iii) Enhancing the School-based After School Care Service Scheme within this school year by removing the cap on the number of places;

(iv) Setting up dedicated counters for pregnant women to facilitate their waiting for medical services;

(v) Supporting assisted reproductive services – the Council on Human Reproductive Technology has made amendments to the legislation, removing the statutory storage periods of gametes and embryos for own use. Such amendments will take effect this December. Moreover, the Hospital Authority will increase the service quota for assisted reproductive service to 1,500 treatment cycles in 2025-26; and

(vi) Fostering a family‑friendly culture – the Government will encourage more employers, through the Good Employer Charter, to adopt family-friendly employment practices such as flexible working hours.

Separately, the Government will increase the annual funding of the Women Empowerment Fund from $20 million to $30 million to subsidise women’s organisations and non-governmental organisations launching projects that promote women’s development.

Support for ethnic minorities (EM)

Mr Lee announced that the Home Affairs Department will set up one additional EM Care Team under the Support Service Centres, serving the North and Islands Districts. The department will also establish a Youth Network and a Women’s Network at the 10 Support Service Centres for EMs to organise activities specifically for EM youth and women. Furthermore, an additional Interpretation & Translation Service Centre for EMs will be set up in December.

On top of that, the Health Bureau will take forward the pilot project of providing emotional support and counselling services for EMs through a service centre.

Support for non-Chinese speaking students

It is proposed in the Policy Address that the Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi Chinese Proficiency Test learning materials, tailored for non-Chinese speaking students, be extended from the upper primary level to the junior secondary level in the 2026-27 school year.

Working Group on Ageing Society Strategies

Pointing out that ageing is a global issue, the Chief Executive announced that the Government will set up a Working Group on Ageing Society Strategies, under the steer of the Deputy Chief Secretary, to co-ordinate the efforts of various bureaus in formulating the strategy responses. 

Mr Lee elaborated: “Aside from covering areas such as elderly care, healthcare, housing, culture and leisure, and gerontechnology, the working group will consider promoting the further development of silver economy.

“The working group will take into account the views of the Elderly Commission, and submit a report next year.”

Protecting children, supporting students

Mr Lee highlighted in the Policy Address that the Government will set up an Integrated Family Service Centre in Kwu Tung North New Development Area in the Northern Metropolis to support families and children in the area. In addition, the Government will support and educate divorced or separated parents to collaborate in shouldering continuous and joint parental responsibilities in raising their children.

The Government also plans to offer transitional support to young people who no longer receive residential child‑care services but lack family support.

For children with special needs receiving On-site Pre-school Rehabilitation Services, the Government will provide bridging and support services during their first term in primary school.

Care team services

Noting that District Services & Community Care Teams will soon begin their second term of service, Mr Lee said the Government has increased the subsidy by 50%, and provided such voluntary care teams with additional administrative support, including hiring administrative staff.

Building management

To improve building management, the Chief Executive outlined that the Home Affairs Department will implement a number of measures, including establishing working groups under District Councils to share experience, expanding the Pilot Scheme on Joint Property Management to other districts, and reviewing the Building Management Ordinance.

Additionally, the Government will enhance the inspection and testing procedures for handling water seepage problems by utilising technology to expedite the identification of the seepage situation and delineate the responsibility, requiring owners to inspect and rectify within a specified time, or else the Government will take further action and recover costs from owners.

“This will prompt owners to fulfil their obligations in properly maintaining their properties,” he explained.

“We will also actively promote mediation to resolve disputes between residents. An Internet of Things fire detection system will also be introduced in old buildings to replace traditional fire service installations and equipment,” the Chief Executive added.

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Govt to enhance primary healthcare

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Chief Executive John Lee said today that the Government will take various measures, including strengthening primary healthcare services, in order to address the challenges brought by an ageing society.

While outlining such measures as he delivered his fourth Policy Address today, Mr Lee stressed that the Government will deepen the healthcare system reform, enhancing its sustainability, strengthening primary healthcare and increasing healthcare manpower, while promoting health and medical innovation and encouraging collaboration within the Greater Bay Area (GBA).

Specifically, the Hospital Authority (HA) will uphold the safety-first principle in delivering services, and advance the reform of governance and accountability; and establish dedicated teams and upgrade the electronic systems to process applications for medical fee waivers to help patients in need.

The charges and positioning of non-subsidised services will also be reviewed to offer more service options to members of the public who can afford more. 

To enhance existing public healthcare services, Mr Lee noted that the HA will establish, in phases, Stroke Centres and Integrated Cardiovascular Diseases Centres in accordance with national accreditation standards to improve treatment effectiveness.

It will also shorten waiting time by 10% or about 10 weeks, for stable new case bookings in the surgery specialty, and enhance ophthalmic services by strengthening training for professional personnel.

The authority will improve such services by strengthening training for professional personnel, introducing innovative medications and setting up a new high-capacity ambulatory cataract surgery centre.

The Hospital Accreditation Programme will be extended to cover a major acute hospital in each public hospital cluster, while contributing to the internationalisation of national hospital accreditation standards.

Other enhancements involve comprehensively upgrading the “Degenerative Knee Joint Management Programme” to promote early prevention and avoid progression to late-stage conditions that require surgical treatment.

On strengthening primary healthcare services, Mr Lee said the Government will introduce a bill within next year for the empowerment of the Primary Healthcare Commission, devising citywide standards for primary healthcare services, and developing multidisciplinary service networks.

Additionally, the Government plans to enhance the HA’s Family Medicine Outpatient preventive screening and care services, increase their service capacity, and regularise their current extended service hours progressively.

To enhance the management of chronic diseases, the Government will launch the Chronic Disease Co-care Platform on a pilot basis to conduct hepatitis B screening and promote the community drug formulary and community pharmacy programme.

It will also prepare to integrate the services of Elderly Health Centres into the district health network in phases, and expand the services of three District Health Centre Expresses, in order to expedite the establishment of District Health Centres (DHCs) across all 18 districts in the city.

In addition, the Government will bolster public and subsidised dental services by enhancing oral health education, oral hygiene instructions and risk assessments in the community through DHCs and non-governmental organisations.

To consolidate Hong Kong’s leading position in cancer research, prevention and control, and optimise services for cancer patients, the Government will collaborate with the National Cancer Center, and support the hosting of the World Cancer Congress 2026 in Hong Kong.

As part of that goal, Mr Lee explained that the Government will enhance cervical cancer screening services and expand the Pilot Scheme on Human Papillomavirus Testing of Self-collected Samples, from the Department of Health’s (DH) Maternal & Child Health Centres to the district health network.

The Government will commission local universities to explore the use of Artificial Intelligence-aided lung cancer screening, and enhance treatment efficacy and reduce side effects by expanding genetic and related testing services.

Furthermore, it will leverage cancer data and biological resources to advance oncology research, accelerate the development and translation of anticancer drugs and related innovative therapies, speed up the evaluation and approval of innovative anticancer drugs under the “1+” mechanism, and evaluate and introduce such drugs into the HA Drug Formulary.

In addition, the Government will increase the HA’s capacity of services and acquire additional medical equipment.

Regarding the development of Chinese medicine, Mr Lee noted that the Chinese Medicine Hospital of Hong Kong and the permanent premises of the Government Chinese Medicines Testing Institute will begin operation in phases from December this year. 

The Chinese Medicine Development Blueprint, scheduled to be published by the end of this year, will cover establishing a governance framework and service system, leveraging strengths and advancing Integrated Chinese Western Medicine services, promoting scientific research and innovation, cultural heritage and more.

The Government will strengthen the DH’s functions in regulating healthcare facilities and healthcare professionals.

It will consult the Legislative Council (LegCo) in the first half of next year on the implementation of the Private Healthcare Facilities Ordinance to prohibit unauthorised premises from using certain titles or descriptions. It will also step up law enforcement against unlicensed persons.

On promoting mental health, the Government will roll out measures covering prevention, identification, intervention and treatment.

Among such measures, the Government will regularise the three-tier emergency mechanism in secondary schools and extend it on a trial basis to Primary 4 to 6 students to strengthen support for those in need; and launch the Pilot Programme on Training for Mental Health Promotion Ambassador.

Moreover, the Government will complete the formulation of the stepped care model on mental health by the end of this year. Mr Lee pointed out that this model aims to set out the roles of mental health professionals and stakeholders as well as their division of work in mental health services, enhance training to raise professionals’ awareness of making referrals, and establish the referral mechanism.

Concerning nurturing a green and low carbon living environment, the Government will continue to optimise the service hours and locations of GREEN@COMMUNITY facilities, and support recycling initiatives in residential buildings.

It will also keep promoting waste separation in public rental housing estates, and work towards the goal of “one bin per block” in these estates.

I·PARK1 will progressively begin operation by the end of this year. To expand the city’s waste-to-energy capacity, the Government plans to seek funding approval from LegCo next year for constructing I·PARK2.

On top of that, the Chief Executive highlighted that Hong Kong will take part in developing the GBA into an international, first-class beautiful bay area, with Victoria Harbour as the core for development together with Mirs Bay and Port Shelter.

The Government will also take forward measures on the prevention and control of nearshore pollution, co-ordinated protection of ecosystems and shoreline remediation, he added.

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Youth Development Commission welcomes initiatives on youth development announced in “The Chief Executive’s 2025 Policy Address”

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Youth Development Commission welcomes initiatives on youth development announced in “The Chief Executive’s 2025 Policy Address” 
The Youth Development Commission (YDC) warmly welcomed the policy initiatives on supporting youth development in “The Chief Executive’s 2025 Policy Address” delivered by the Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, today (September 17).
      
The Vice-Chairman of the YDC, Mr Kenneth Leung, said, “I fully support the various measures introduced by the Chief Executive in the Policy Address to promote youth development. These include the launch of the Young Talent Training Programme, which provides more opportunities for young people to participate in international organisations and international conferences, a new media thematic internship programme on the Mainland, a strengthened Youth Financial Education Programme, and new professional mediation workshops to help broaden young people’s international perspectives and cultivate a global mindset. I am also pleased to note that the Youth Post hostel in Kai Tak has commenced a trial operation, providing affordable accommodation and diverse exchange platforms for local, Mainland and overseas youth. Moreover, the new interactive space at Youth Square and the physical Youth Link platform will be completed in phases by end of this year, further expanding the development opportunities and networks for young people.”
  
Mr Leung said he appreciated the Government listening attentively and accepting suggestions raised by members of the YDC. He said that the YDC would continue to work proactively and closely with the Government and different sectors of society to follow up on the implementation of relevant policy initiatives in the Policy Address and the Youth Development Blueprint to promote youth development on all fronts.
      
Chaired by the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki, the YDC strives to enhance policy co-ordination within the Government for promoting youth development and enable a more holistic and effective examination of and discussion on issues of concern to young people. Since its establishment, the YDC has implemented a wide spectrum of programmes to promote youth exchanges, internships, entrepreneurship, life planning, positive thinking and more. It has also actively supported the Government in formulating and implementing the Youth Development Blueprint to nurture a new generation of young people with an affection for the country and Hong Kong, and are equipped with a global perspective, an aspiring mindset and positive thinking.
Issued at HKT 18:20

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Hong Kong Customs seizes live turtles of suspected scheduled endangered species (with photo)

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Hong Kong Customs seizes live turtles of suspected scheduled endangered species (with photo) 
     Based on risk assessment, Customs yesterday intercepted an outgoing medium goods vehicle at the control point. Upon X-ray examination, Customs officers spotted irregularities in the images of the vehicle’s undercarriage. Eighteen black bags were found concealed inside the chassis frame under the cargo compartment of the vehicle. Upon examination, the bags were found to contain the batch of live turtles of suspected scheduled endangered species.
 
     A 56-year-old male driver was arrested and charged with one count of attempting to export unmanifested cargo, one count of attempting to export a species under Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) and one count of cruelty to animals. The case will be brought up at the Tuen Mun Magistrates’ Courts tomorrow (September 18).
 
     Customs will continue to combat cross-boundary smuggling activities with firm enforcement action based on risk assessment and intelligence analysis.
 
     Smuggling is a serious offence. Under the Import and Export Ordinance, any person found guilty of importing or exporting unmanifested cargo is liable to a maximum fine of $2 million and imprisonment for seven years.
 
     Under the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance, any person importing, exporting or possessing specimens of endangered species not in accordance with the Ordinance commits an offence and will be liable to a maximum fine of $10 million and imprisonment for 10 years upon conviction with the specimens forfeited.
 
     Members of the public may report any suspected smuggling activities to Customs’ 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hkIssued at HKT 18:20

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Policy Address: Deepening Reforms for Our People and Leveraging Our Strengths for a Brighter Future

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Policy Address: Deepening Reforms for Our People and Leveraging Our Strengths for a Brighter Future 
     Mr Lee said, “This year marks the conclusion of the National 14th Five Year Plan period and the preparatory year for the 15th Five Year Plan. This Policy Address serves as a roadmap for Hong Kong to strive for a vibrant economy, pursue development, and improve people’s livelihood – accelerating our advancement from stability to prosperity.  It also outlines a strategic plan for Hong Kong to proactively align with national development strategies and achieve breakthroughs in forging a new landscape.
 
     “My ultimate objective in governance is to improve people’s livelihood with better housing for members of the public, higher income for workers, enhanced care for the elderly, and greater prospects for young people. The well-being of our people is intimately linked to the health of our economy, making economic growth the key driver of livelihood improvement. Growth creates job opportunities and wealth, which will in turn generate additional resources for public services, enabling the Government to deliver more and better services. Improvement in people’s livelihood will then spark new social demands that stimulate market development, further promoting economic growth. The economy and people’s livelihood are mutually reinforcing: each strengthens the other.”
 
Strengthen governance systems
 
     In order to enhance the overall management standard of the departments and strengthen the accountability of the Heads of Department (HoDs), the Policy Address introduced the establishment of the HoDs Accountability System. It aims to render the accountability in policy formulation and implementation better articulated with each other, drive HoDs to establish effective management teams and operating systems, identify deficiencies, clarify responsibilities and take administrative or disciplinary actions as appropriate when issues arise. The functions of the Public Service Commission will be expanded to conduct independent investigation of serious issues, widespread or repetitive systemic problems or matters related to the role of HoDs. The Civil Service Bureau will conduct a study to develop a more rigorous performance appraisal system for civil servants.
 
     The application of artificial intelligence (AI) in the work of the Government can effectively enhance efficiency. The Government will set up an AI Efficacy Enhancement Team to co-ordinate and steer government departments to apply AI technology effectively to their work, explore process re-engineering and promote technological reform in departments.
 
Deepen reform and develop industries
 
     To accelerate the development of the Northern Metropolis, the level of decision-making will be raised by establishing the Committee on Development of the Northern Metropolis chaired by the Chief Executive. Administrative workflows will be streamlined, while unnecessary barriers and restrictions will be removed. Dedicated legislation will also be introduced to empower the Government to devise simplified statutory procedures for accelerating the development of the Northern Metropolis.
 
     Industries are the cornerstone of economic development. The Financial Secretary will lead relevant policy bureaux, departments and public organisations in formulating packages of preferential policies, including land grants, land premiums, financial subsidies, and tax incentives, to attract high value-added industries and high-potential enterprises to set up in Hong Kong, thereby promoting high-quality development.
 
     New industrialisation-related industries, such as aircraft recycling and new energy, will be introduced and developed. The Government will promote the development of the life and health technology industry and set up the Hong Kong Centre for Medical Products Regulation and the Office for Introducing Innovative Drugs and Medical Devices, helping pharmaceutical companies bring innovative drugs to the markets. The Government will also promote the development of the AI and data science industries, and expand the application of the AI in government services and business operations.
 
     With 1 180 kilometres of shoreline and 263 islands, Hong Kong is well positioned to become a yacht hub in Asia.  The Government will enhance amenities for the yacht industry, provide additional yacht berths and improve immigration clearance procedures to promote prime yacht tourism and develop the yacht economy.
 
Integrate into overall national development and consolidate Hong Kong’s status as an international hub
 
     The Policy Address sets out the establishment of a one-stop platform by mobilising Hong Kong’s overseas offices. The Task Force on Supporting Mainland Enterprises in Going Global will be set up to encourage Mainland enterprises to use Hong Kong in expanding their businesses overseas. Relevant policy bureaux, departments and agencies will formulate proposals for enterprises looking to go global.
 
     On finance, the Government will expedite the building of an  international gold trading market by supporting more institutions to establish gold storage facilities in Hong Kong, with a target gold storing capacity of over 2 000 tonnes in three years, propelling Hong Kong into a regional gold reserve hub. The Government will also encourage gold traders to set up or expand refineries in Hong Kong, establish a central clearing system for gold in Hong Kong and offer a greater variety of gold investment vehicles.
 
     Regarding trading, the Government will continue to foster the development of a commodity trading ecosystem in Hong Kong and will set up the Strategic Committee on Commodities, with the aim of strengthening the top-down design and long-term strategy of the commodity policy. The process of international commodity trading will be enhanced through financial innovation. The Government will also deepen connections with the Guangzhou Futures Exchange and other commodity markets in the Mainland.
 
     Hong Kong is expected to become the world’s largest cross-boundary wealth management centre in the next few years. The Government will enhance the New Capital Investment Entrant Scheme to attract more investors by relaxing the investment threshold.
 
     To develop Hong Kong into an international hub for post-secondary education and high-calibre talents, the Government will constructthe Northern Metropolis University Town and establish the Task Force on Study in Hong Kong to promote the “Study in Hong Kong” brand.
 
     Hong Kong is among the world’s top three arts trading centres. The Government will step up efforts to build Hong Kong into a global premium arts trading hub by developing an arts ecosystem at the Airport City, deepening collaboration with Art Basel, and engaging the industry to carry out studies on taxation, financing, talent, and related areas of arts trading.
 
Facilitate stable living in a caring and inclusive society
 
     This Policy Address concludes with the most extensive chapter concerning people’s livelihood. It encompasses nine critical areas which are essential to the well-being of the community, covering land and housing, transport, healthcare, social welfare, labour protection and a caring and inclusive society. An array of measures will be launched to improve people’s livelihood.
 
     Safeguarding the basic housing needs of people of Hong Kong is the top priority of the Government. On the basis that the supply of Home Ownership Scheme (HOS) flats are substantially increasing, the Government will increase the ratio of quotas between Green Form and White Form to assist more public rental housing tenants to become owners. Other measures to enrich the housing ladder include increasing the ratio of larger units in HOS and Green Form Subsidised Home Ownership Scheme projects, increasing the quota of the White Form Secondary Market Scheme, relaxing the alienation restriction period of new flats for sale as well as launching the “Flat for Flat Scheme for Elderly Owners” of the Hong Kong Housing Authority’s subsidised sale flats.
 
     Regarding healthcare, the Government will strengthen primary healthcare services by increasing the Hospital Authority’s Family Medicine Out-patient service capacity, launching the Chronic Disease Co-care Platform and putting in place a range of support initiatives promoting mental health.
 
     To support the local economy and to better cope with the city’s economic restructuring, the Government will introduce 11 measures to enhance support for small and medium enterprises, including providing concessions of fees and charges, earmarking an additional $30 billion to increase expenditure on works projects and expediting the approval process of applications for outside seating accommodation of restaurants. The Government will introduce a licensing arrangement allowing operators to let dogs enter their food premises. Pet-friendly restaurants will create new business opportunities for the industry.
 
     To tackle the challenges of an ageing society, the Government will set up a Working Group on Ageing Society Strategies to formulate the relevant strategy responses covering areas such as elderly care, healthcare, housing, culture and leisure, gerontechnology, and to promote the further development of the silver economy.
 
     To promote fertility, the Government will further implement the multi-pronged measures by extending the claim period of additional child allowance for newborns from one year to two years. Fifteen new aided child care centres will be set up over the next three years to provide about 1 500 day care service places for children between birth and 3 years old.
 
     Mr Lee concluded, “Hong Kong faces challenges and is also presented with continuing opportunities amid the changing world. Our country, the world’s second largest economy, is our staunchest supporter and the source of our biggest opportunities. Combined with Hong Kong’s international prospects, our opportunities far outweigh the challenges. By working together, innovating, and embracing reform, we will turn our beloved Hong???Kong into an even better home for everyone. The Pearl of the Orient will keep shining brighter than ever before.”
 
     A Supplement offering more backgrounds and details of various policy measures has been compiled with this year’s Policy Address. For related information and key initiatives of the Policy Address, please visit www.policyaddress.gov.hkIssued at HKT 17:55

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Culture, sports, tourism plans set

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

In his Policy Address, Chief Executive John Lee outlined policies to advance the integrated development of culture, sports and tourism, with a view to generating fresh economic momentum and raising Hong Kong’s global appeal.

Premium arts trading hub

Mr Lee said: “Hong Kong is among the world’s top three arts trading centres. We will step up our efforts to build Hong Kong into a global premium arts trading hub, attracting more international auction houses, galleries, and professionals to establish a presence here.”

Specifically, Hong Kong will develop an arts ecosystem at the Airport City to host arts studios, galleries and dealers under one roof, supported by large-scale arts storage and related facilities.

By deepening collaboration with Art Basel, Hong Kong can also enhance its international arts trading platform, thereby consolidating Hong Kong’s position as the exclusive host city in the region.

Additionally, the Government is going to engage the industry to carry out studies on taxation, financing, talent, and related areas of arts trading to explore policy measures applicable to Hong Kong.

Meanwhile, the West Kowloon Cultural District (WKCD) will take forward the development of the arts trading ecosystem and introduce the following measures next year:

(i) As the Artist Square Towers are scheduled for completion in 2026-27, the WKCD will discuss leasing strategies with the developer to attract arts trading enterprises, including galleries, insurance companies, and family offices, to lease space in the towers.

(ii) The WKCD will establish an international collaboration network for arts conservation, and provide professional training and internship opportunities.

(iii) Systematic training for talent in curation, conservation and arts administration will be expanded.

To foster diverse development at the WKCD, Mr Lee said the WKCD Authority will organise more high-profile international events, tour exhibitions overseas and in the Mainland to showcase exhibitions and collections of M+ and Hong Kong Palace Museum. The WKCD will also establish the WestK Academy to provide professional training for arts and cultural organisations and practitioners from Hong Kong, overseas, and the Mainland.

The WestK Quay to be commissioned at the end of this year can enhance the WKCD’s accessibility and foster the complementary development of arts and culture, entertainment and tourism, Mr Lee added.

Local cultural, creative industries

“Hong Kong Fashion Fest will promote digital fashion and sustainable fashion in collaboration with Paris Fashion Week and Milan Fashion Week,” the Chief Executive announced.

In addition, the Cultural & Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA) will enhance publicity, exchanges, and business matching overseas and in the Mainland, with a view to supporting Hong Kong films.

The CCIDA will also assist Hong Kong cultural and creative designers in producing cultural and creative products with Chinese and Hong Kong cultural features, and in the incubation of local cultural intellectual property.

Market-based business models

In his Policy Address, the Chief Executive set out new plans for the Leisure & Cultural Services Department’s facilities.

“These include leasing out museums on their closing days for commercial or private use, opening up more venues for hire, introducing paid guided tours for visitor groups, and developing more cultural and creative products to enhance visitor experience and operational efficacy.

“We will also explore the feasibility of engaging the market to enhance the operations of the Lei Yue Mun Park holiday camp and selected beaches, promoting the development of recreational, leisure, and aquatic hotspots.”

Separately, he noted that the Government will continue to strengthen the promotion of district-based Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH), promoting “ICH Around Town”.

“Tourism is everywhere”

To realise the motif of “tourism is everywhere”, the Policy Address proposed measures to promote yacht economy, “mega events + tourism”, cruise tourism, “ecology + tourism”, immersive tours, Halal certification facilitation and immigration experience enhancement.

For the yacht economy, Mr Lee said the Government will enhance amenities for the yacht industry and promote prime yacht tourism:

(i) provide around 600 additional yacht berths at the ex-Lamma Quarry, the Aberdeen Typhoon Shelter expansion and the Hung Hom Station waterfront projects;

(ii) promote the development of the yacht bay at the Airport City, providing more than 500 additional berths, including berths that can accommodate superyachts over 80m in length;

(iii) relax the requirements for visiting yachts and develop a Dynamic Yacht Monitoring System, allowing visiting yachts to anchor at government designated waters and navigate in a safe and orderly manner, without having to reserve berths at privately-operated yacht clubs or piers;

(iv) enhance the Electronic Business System to allow one-stop pre-submission of arrival information from visiting yachts;

(v) authorise relevant Mainland organisations to conduct examinations for local yacht masters, and offer short-term training courses to help visiting yacht masters of visiting yachts from the Mainland obtain qualifications for navigation in Hong Kong waters; and

(vi) promote the systemic development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau individual travel scheme for yachts, and co-operate with the Guangdong Provincial Government on facilitation measures for the northbound travel of yachts from Hong Kong as well as southbound travel for yachts from the Mainland.

To support the hosting of mega events, Mr Lee noted that the Fire Services Department will, for venues with lower safety risks, introduce a facilitation measure for the Temporary Place of Public Entertainment Licence by conducting compliance inspections of fire safety requirement via video conference.

Separately, the Culture, Sports & Tourism Bureau will begin a tender exercise for the operator of the Kai Tak Cruise Terminal by the end of this year.

The Chief Executive also stated that the Government will launch the “Four Peaks” tourism project, and construct new facilities such as a tree-top adventure, an open museum of historical relics, and novel campsites.

“We will also explore suitable means to connect rural attractions such as traditional villages and fields, ancestral halls and study halls, as well as folk activities etc, enriching visitors’ experience of rural eco‑tours through strolling and cycling.”

As regards local thematic immersive tours, the Policy Address proposed a variety of new tourist attractions, such as promoting the “red tourism” route of “Chinese Cultural Celebrities Rescue”, creating thematic floral gardens in the 18 districts, and opening the former Yau Ma Tei Police Station for public visits.

“We will also open up the frontier closed areas at Mai Po and Starling Inlet for visitors.”

Moreover, the Home Affairs Department will refine application guidelines to facilitate the operation of home‑stay lodgings and holiday camps in rural areas, whilst the Development Bureau will facilitate the conversion of village houses into home-stay lodgings or community eateries.

“We will implement a new Outstanding Services Award Scheme, covering various tourism service industries, to commend merchants and industry practitioners for their outstanding products and services, and promote the hospitable culture through mass media,” the Chief Executive added.

Halal certification

To further promote Muslim tourism, the Government plans to strengthen its strategy of “accreditation, education, and promotion”, encouraging the industry to provide more Muslim-friendly facilities and food options.

The Chief Executive announced: “The Tourism Board will launch a funding scheme, beginning today through the end of next year, by providing a half‑rate certification fee subsidy, capped at $5,000, for restaurants that have acquired Halal certification.”

Enhanced immigration experience

In a bid to enhance visitors’ immigration experience, a “collaborative inspection and joint clearance” mode will be introduced at the upcoming Huanggang Port and the Sha Tau Kok Port.

Furthermore, the Government will relax the eligibility criteria for frequent visitors wishing to use the e-Channel service, and establish Hong Kong’s first “contactless clearance” pilot checkpoint at the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge Hong Kong Port.

Sports development

In addition to stressing that Hong Kong will spare no effort in staging Hong Kong-hosted events of the 15th National Games, the Chief Executive added that the Government will leverage the Kai Tak Sports Park’s strengths to drive “sports + mega events” development.

Meanwhile, to attract more world-class players to compete in Hong Kong, Mr Lee announced that Hong Kong has agreed on a multi-year partnership arrangement with LIV Golf, one of the most important golf tours in the world.

Separately, following the review of the provision of direct financial support for elite athletes, Mr Lee said the Government will continue to provide financial support for athletes.

As regards governance of national sports associations (NSAs), he said the Sports Federation & Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China will prioritise collaboration with NSAs that have relatively established governance frameworks, expedite the implementation of the Code of Governance and establish a governance paradigm.

The Chief Executive added that the Government will strive to support Asian or international sports associations to establish a presence in Hong Kong through NSAs, while encouraging NSAs to participate in the work of these associations to strengthen the city’s international voice and influence.

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Govt to boost housing supply

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Driven by his ultimate objective of improving people’s livelihood, Chief Executive John Lee today outlined the Government’s measures to increase housing supply and further assist the grassroots in achieving home ownership.

While delivering his 2025 Policy Address, Mr Lee said that the Government will increase the supply of flats under the Home Ownership Scheme (HOS) and the Green Form Subsidised Home Ownership Scheme (GSH).

It will also optimise the sale and alienation restriction arrangements, help more public rental housing (PRH) tenants realise home ownership, while enabling the owners of subsidised sale flats (SSFs) to enter into the private housing market.

Mr Lee pointed out that, in the five years starting from 2026-27 onwards, the overall public housing production, including Light Public Housing (LPH), will reach 189,000 units, about 80% higher than when he took office. This means that the Government is now well positioned to further assist the grassroots in achieving home ownership.

With that specific goal in mind, the Government will complete 30,000 LPH units by the first half of 2027, about 10,000 of which will be completed for intake by the end of this year, with the Composite Waiting Time for Subsidised Rental Housing moving closer to the target of reducing it to 4.5 years in 2026-27.

Turning to redeveloping PRH estates, Mr Lee said the Housing Authority (HA) will announce redevelopment plans for Ma Tau Wai Estate and Sai Wan Estate this year.  A study will also be conducted on the Model Housing Estate redevelopment.

The Chief Executive stated that with the increase in public housing supply, the Government will take measured steps to help citizens achieve home ownership.

On the basis that the supply of HOS flats is substantially increasing, the ratio of quotas between Green Form and White Form (WF) will be increased from 40:60 to 50:50 in order to assist more PRH tenants to become owners, while at the same time transfer the original PRH units to Waiting List applicants, benefitting both parties at the same time.

To increase opportunities for WF applicants to purchase SSFs with unpaid premium in the secondary market, the HA will increase the quota of the White Form Secondary Market Scheme (WSM) by 1,000 to 7,000, starting from the next WSM exercise. 

In addition, half of the 1,000 additional quotas will be allocated to young family and one-person applicants below 40.

To prevent forfeiture of the WSM quota because of personal preferences, the number of approval letters issued by the HA will be suitably higher than the quota set under the WSM exercise, ensuring that the quota for flat purchases can be fully utilised, in order to strive to meet purchasers’ expectations.

The ratio of larger units in HOS and GSH projects will also be increased in response to market needs, Mr Lee added.

The authorities will relax the alienation restriction period of new flats for sale from 15 years to 10 years to encourage upward mobility. This measure will be applicable starting from the next HOS and GSH sale exercises.

The “Flat-for-Flat Scheme for Elderly Owners” of the authority’s SSFs will be launched, allowing those who have reached the age of 60 and owned their flat for 10 years or more to purchase a smaller flat or a flat in a more remote area, after selling their original one in the secondary market with premium unpaid. 

In doing so, they can get additional cash to cover their living expenses, while urban or larger flats can be released for families in need to apply for.

The HA and the Housing Society will introduce a pilot scheme, allowing those who have owned an SSF for 10 years or more to let their flats with unpaid premium to eligible WF applicants after paying relevant fees, subject to a quota of 3,000.

Concerning land development, Mr Lee noted that in the next decade, the Government will get ready around 2,600 hectares of “spade ready sites”.

The Government, he explained, will improve the efficiency of land production and lower construction costs by streamlining approval processes, optimising administrative procedures, strengthening internal collaboration, applying technology, reviewing relevant standards and more, so as to safeguard public interests and meet development needs.

Among such measures, the Housing Department will set up a Project Facilitation Office to co-ordinate departments in expediting the completion of public housing projects.

Additionally, next year, the Development Bureau (DEVB) will launch a Project Cost Management Platform, establishing a market price database and applying Artificial Intelligence technology to analyse, for example, past government project cost data, to ensure greater cost effectiveness in future project designs. 

The Government will relax the gross floor area (GFA) exemption arrangement for car parks in private developments by removing the mandatory requirement of constructing underground car parks as a condition of exemption, and granting full GFA exemption if developers construct no more than two storeys of above ground car parks.

The DEVB also plans to conduct central procurement on a trial basis in the first half of next year, piloting in the procurement of commonly used materials, including steel reinforcement and Modular Integrated Construction modules (MiCs), in order to save costs. 

Moreover, the Housing Bureau will pilot the batch procurement of integrated modules of the MiC method next year. In addition, it has established a database of standard building materials to expedite the approval process.

On releasing some of the industrial land for rezoning for other uses such as residential and business uses, the Government will begin a new round of study this year and put forward recommendations next year, including the way forward for the Revitalisation Scheme for Industrial Buildings.

Taking forward urban renewal with a new mindset, the Government will relax the current arrangement for the transfer of plot ratio within the same district, by allowing cross-district transfer of unutilised plot ratio from redevelopment projects to other districts or even new development areas (NDAs), so as to enhance market incentives for redevelopment. 

On top of that, the Government will reserve three sites in Kwu Tung North and Fanling North NDAs in the Northern Metropolis for the Urban Renewal Authority (URA) to construct new buildings, which will be used as replacement flats under the URA’s “Flat-for-Flat” Scheme in the future.

The Government will also suitably increase the plot ratio of private redevelopment projects, on a pilot basis, for the seven designated areas with more pressing redevelopment need.

Specifically, it will allow the increased plot ratio to be transferred for utilisation in the Northern Metropolis or other districts, or to be used for offsetting the premium payable for bidding land, lease modification in other projects or in situ land exchange.

As for enhancing transport and commuting convenience, the Transport & Logistics Bureau will publish the Transport Strategy Blueprint by the end of this year to outline directions and specific measures for transport development.

To speed up the introduction of new mass transit systems from around the world, the Government will devise a regulatory framework applicable to different system technologies and operators, and introduce a bill next year.

It is also striving to pass the legislation on regulating ride‑hailing services before the prorogation of the current-term LegCo, with a view to safeguarding the public’s travel safety, Mr Lee added.