Month: September 2025

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Secretary for Health, Professor Lo Chung-mau, chaired the 29th meeting of the Research Council (RC) under the Health Bureau today (September 12) to review the research translation outcome of the Health and Medical Research Fund (HMRF), discuss the new research translation strategy of the HMRF, and consider the funding applications for investigator-initiated research projects received during the period from last December to March this year.

     Professor Lo said, “If research findings can be successfully translated and truly applied, not only can they improve citizens’ health and enhance public health standards, but also have the potential to develop into biopharmaceutical industry. This plays a pivotal role in addressing Hong Kong’s increasingly complex health challenges.”

     He stressed, “The HMRF is committed to promoting research translation and supports projects with clear translation potential. I am glad to see that HMRF-funded research projects not only brought a positive influence on healthcare policies and practices, but also supported researchers in generating new knowledge in the biomedical and healthcare realm to promote medical advancement. In addition, a number of HMRF-funded projects have successfully secured additional funding for subsequent research, enabling further development and translation of their findings. These fruitful results demonstrate that the HMRF is highly effective in promoting the translation of academic research into practical applications. The Government will continue to foster scientific research and innovation in healthcare through the HMRF, as well as support high-quality scientific research and innovative projects that demonstrate clear translational potential. At the same time, the Government will also develop new quality productive forces in the field of health and medical research, including capabilities in clinical trials and new drug development, with a view to developing Hong Kong into an international health and medical innovation hub.”

     The RC was pleased to note the significant translation results and impacts of the HMRF-funded research, as revealed from the surveys conducted on 124 research projects in 2025. These include:

(i) Close to 70 per cent of the funded projects had their research findings published in peer-reviewed journals, showcasing that the HMRF is effective in supporting knowledge generation;

(ii) 40 per cent of the funded projects received additional funding support from the HMRF and other funding sources for subsequent research, with each project receiving an additional funding (excluding the HMRF) amounting to seven times that of the original HMRF grant on average;

(iii) Examples of applications in the formulation of healthcare policies and practices include:

(a) An HMRF-funded study found that an ortho-geriatric multidisciplinary care model for patients with fragility hip fractures led to better clinical outcomes, including shorter stays in acute and rehabilitation hospitals, less chest infections as complications, higher functional recovery at discharge, and improved system efficiency. This innovative service model has been widely adopted in the Hospital Authority (HA);

(b) Another HMRF-funded study evaluating the clinical efficacy and cost-effectiveness of online cognitive behavioural therapy to treat anxiety and depression has informed the development of digital mental health platform under the Jockey Club TourHeart+ Project (JCTH+). Relevant research findings became an integral part of the counselling services of eight local tertiary institutions to develop a stepped care system with online-offline hybrid interventions to support students; and

(c) An HMRF-funded cohort study found that specific serum biomarkers could improve risk prediction of liver cancer in chronic hepatitis B patients receiving antiviral treatment. These findings informed the “EASL Clinical Practice Guidelines on the Management of Hepatitis B Virus Infection” released by the European Association for the Study of the Liver (EASL) this year.

     Moreover, over the past year, 25 HMRF-funded projects reported to have patent applications for further development, including commercialisation. These projects covered a wide variety of health issues, including novel drug candidates, gene therapies, new vaccine platforms and other emerging technologies. Notably, an HMRF-funded project validated a novel mechanism to identify fertilisation-competent sperms. These findings further informed another HMRF-funded project and led to the development of the world’s first artificial intelligence model to accurately and efficiently assess sperm fertilisation capacity to support assisted reproduction treatments. The model won a Silver Award at the 50th International Exhibition of Inventions of Geneva this year.

     At the meeting, the RC also endorsed the new research translation strategy of the HMRF. The strategy spans the entire research cycle and aims to further enhance the practical and translational value of HMRF-funded research. Over the past year, the HMRF consulted key stakeholders on the draft strategy, including academia, the public healthcare sector, healthcare professional bodies and community partners. The stakeholders expressed their support for the draft strategy and offered their views to make the new strategy more comprehensive. The new research translation strategy covers four priorities, namely: (i) to shape research translation culture; (ii) to build quality partnership; (iii) to promote end-of-grant translation; and (iv) to monitor and evaluate research outcomes.

     During the meeting, the RC also considered the funding applications for investigator-initiated research projects under the HMRF received from last December to March this year and endorsed a funding commitment of $219 million involving 205 projects. The exact details will be released to the applicants in late September.

     Professor Lo said, “With the growing breadth and depth of HMRF research, I encourage researchers to continue to make full use of the HMRF to accelerate the translation of their research outcomes, with a view to fostering medical innovation and supporting the implementation of evidence-based healthcare policies and practices to benefit the general public.”

     Chaired by the Secretary for Health, the RC comprises members including representatives and professors from two medical schools and healthcare-related disciplines of various universities as well as representatives from the Innovation, Technology and Industry Bureau, the Department of Health, the University Grants Committee and the HA. The RC provides strategic steer on funding for health and medical research and health promotion projects. It oversees the management of funds under the Health Bureau, including the HMRF, encompassing allocation of funding to approved projects.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Lands Department (LandsD) and the Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) today (September 12) to establish a collaborative framework for surveying, mapping, geospatial technologies, and education and training. This partnership aims to drive geospatial innovation and smart city development in Hong Kong.

The MOU was signed by the Deputy Director of Lands (Survey and Mapping), Mr Chang Kwok-fai, and the Associate Vice President (Research and Innovation) of the PolyU, Professor Wang Zuankai. The collaboration encompasses research and development in surveying and geospatial technologies, enhancements to the satellite positioning infrastructure, the application of AI for innovative geospatial solutions, and the promotion of professional training. Both parties will establish a Joint Research Centre to facilitate exchanges of views and collaboration among academia, industry and the Government through research and educational activities.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Mr Chang said that the partnership combines the PolyU’s research excellence with the LandsD’s practical experience, marking a significant step towards modernising Hong Kong’s geospatial technologies. Through the partnership, the LandsD will promote the application of innovative solutions to enhance land administration efficiency and support Hong Kong’s development as a smart city.
​
Professor Wang said that the collaboration brings together the authoritative expertise and experience of the Survey and Mapping Office of the LandsD, as well as the academic excellence, cutting-edge research and innovative drive of the PolyU, strengthening Hong Kong’s position as a global smart city leader and creating a legacy of innovation and prosperity for the community.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

​The Lands Department announced today (September 12) that in respect of the tender for the site Tuen Mun Town Lot No. 569 at Hoi Chu Road, Tuen Mun, New Territories, which was awarded on August 13 to the successful tenderer, Sky Honest Limited (parent company: Sino Land Company Limited), on a 50-year land grant at a premium of $1,089,000,000, the tender amounts submitted by the unsuccessful tenderers in descending order are published on an anonymous basis as follows:
 
(1) $698,000,000
(2) $610,000,000
(3) $573,000,000
(4) $555,180,000
(5) $550,000,000
(6) $504,000,000
(7) $480,500,000
 
The information disclosed in this press release is for information only.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Tokyo (Tokyo ETO), in collaboration with the Hong Kong Institute of Architects, organised an outreach and professional exchange mission to Incheon, Korea. The delegation took part in the Architects Regional Council Asia (ARCASIA) 21st Asian Congress of Architects, alongside professional bodies from around the world. The programme was funded by the Professionals Participation Subsidy Programme under the Government’s Professional Services Advancement Support Scheme, with a view to promoting Hong Kong’s competitive edge and professional services.
 
     ARCASIA, comprising architectural associations from various countries and regions across Asia, hosted its 21st Asian Congress of Architects under the theme “A Better Tomorrow.” During their visit to Incheon from September 10 to 14, members of the Hong Kong Institute of Architects and the Hong Kong Institute of Landscape Architects not only attended the 21st Asian Congress of Architects but also held several exchange meetings with professional bodies from different places and visited local architectural sites and enterprises.
 
     In addition, a representative of the Hong Kong Institute of Architects took part in the Young Architects Exchange Forum titled “Emerging Voices of Asia” held this afternoon (September 12). The representative exchanged views with fellow speakers and participants, shared professional insights and experiences, and highlighted the strength and international vision of Hong Kong’s architectural professionals.
 
     Tokyo ETO will continue to promote exchanges and co-operation of Hong Kong’s professional services with their counterparts in external markets and enhance the standards and competitiveness of Hong Kong’s professional services.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     Police today (September 12) appealed to the public for information on a girl who went missing in Tin Sum.

     Diao Kai-yan, aged 14, went missing after she left her residence on Mei Tin Road yesterday (September 11) morning. Her caretaker then made a report to Police.

     She is about 1.65 metres tall, 70 kilograms in weight and of fat build. She has a round face with yellow complexion and long black hair. She was last seen wearing a light-coloured short-sleeved shirt, dark trousers, white shoes and a light-coloured cap.

     Anyone who knows the whereabouts of the missing girl or may have seen her is urged to contact the Regional Missing Persons Unit of New Territories South on 3661 1176 or 9689 6212 or email to rmpu-nts-2@police.gov.hk, or contact any police station.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Census and Statistics Department (C&SD) released today (September 12) the preliminary statistics on Hong Kong’s Gross National Income (GNI) and related figures for the second quarter of 2025.
 
     Hong Kong’s GNI, which denotes the total income earned by Hong Kong residents from engaging in various economic activities, increased by 5.2% in the second quarter of 2025 over a year earlier to $892.2 billion at current market prices. The Gross Domestic Product (GDP), estimated at $785.2 billion at current market prices in the same quarter, recorded a 3.7% increase over a year earlier. The value of GNI was larger than GDP by $107.0 billion in the second quarter of 2025, which was equivalent to 13.6% of GDP in that quarter, mainly attributable to a net inflow of investment income.
 
     After netting out the effect of price changes over the same period, Hong Kong’s GNI increased by 3.6% in real terms in the second quarter of 2025 over a year earlier. The corresponding GDP in the same quarter increased by 3.1% in real terms.
 
    Hong Kong’s total inflow of primary income, which mainly comprises investment income, estimated at $624.6 billion in the second quarter of 2025 and equivalent to 79.5% of GDP in that quarter, recorded an increase of 4.8% over a year earlier. Meanwhile, total primary income outflow, estimated at $517.6 billion in the second quarter of 2025 and equivalent to 65.9% of GDP in that quarter, also increased by 2.3% over a year earlier.
 
     As for the major components of investment income inflow, direct investment income (DII) increased by 3.5% over a year earlier, mainly due to the increase in earnings of some prominent local enterprises from their direct investment abroad. Portfolio investment income (PII) recorded a significant increase of 19.4% over a year earlier, mainly attributable to the increase in dividend income received by resident investors from their holdings of non-resident equity securities and the increase in interest income received by resident investors from their holdings of non-resident debt securities.
 
     Regarding the major components of investment income outflow, DII increased by 3.1% over a year earlier, mainly due to the increase in earnings of some prominent multinational enterprises from their direct investment in Hong Kong. PII increased significantly by 19.6%, mainly attributable to the increase in dividend payout to non-resident investors from their holdings of resident equity securities and the increase in interest payout to non-resident investors from their holdings of resident debt securities.
 
     Analysed by country/territory, the mainland of China continued to be the largest source of Hong Kong’s total primary income inflow in the second quarter of 2025, accounting for 42.3%. This was followed by the British Virgin Islands (BVI), with a share of 12.8%. Regarding total primary income outflow, the mainland of China and the BVI remained the most important destinations in the second quarter of 2025, accounting for 30.5% and 21.8% respectively.
 
Further information
 
     GDP and GNI are closely related indicators for measuring economic performance. GDP is a measure of the total value of production of all resident producing units of an economy. GNI denotes the total income earned by residents of an economy from engaging in various economic activities, irrespective of whether the economic activities are carried out within the economic territory of the economy or outside.
 
     Figures of GNI and primary income flows analysed by income component from the third quarter of 2023 to the second quarter of 2025 are presented in Table A, while selected major country/territory breakdowns of primary income inflow and outflow for the same quarters are presented in Tables B(1) and B(2) respectively.
 
     Statistics on GDP and GNI from 2023 onwards and primary income flows from 2024 onwards are subject to revision when more data are incorporated.
 
     More detailed statistics are given in the report “Gross National Income and External Primary Income Flows, Second Quarter 2025”. Users can browse and download this publication at the website of the C&SD (www.censtatd.gov.hk/en/EIndexbySubject.html?pcode=B1040005&scode=250).
 
     For enquiries about GNI and related statistics, please contact the Balance of Payments Branch (2) of the C&SD (Tel: 3903 7054 or email: gni@censtatd.gov.hk).

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Town Planning Board (the Board) announced today (September 12) that the Secretary for Development has referred three approved outline zoning plans (OZPs) to the Board, namely the approved Ho Man Tin OZP, the approved Cha Kwo Ling, Yau Tong, Lei Yue Mun OZP and the approved Shek Kong OZP, for amendment to reflect the latest land use proposals.  

Each OZP incorporating the respective amendment(s) will be exhibited for public inspection under the provisions of the Town Planning Ordinance.

The Ho Man Tin OZP, the Cha Kwo Ling, Yau Tong, Lei Yue Mun OZP and the Shek Kong OZP were last approved by the Chief Executive in Council in September 2015, November 2022 and October 2006 respectively.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     Hong Kong Talent Engage (HKTE) arranged for a delegation of German innovation and technology (I&T) talent to visit Hong Kong and Shenzhen from September 9 to 12 to learn about the entrepreneurial ecosystem, industry support and I&T opportunities in both cities. The visit is aimed at attracting German delegation members to pursue development in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA).

     The 18-member delegation visited the Hong Kong Science Park, the Shatin Communications and Technology Centre of the Hong Kong Jockey Club, the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Entrepreneurship Center as well as the Qianhai International Talent Hub in Shenzhen, and exchanged views with representatives from Invest Hong Kong, local start-ups, and Mainland technology enterprises. The delegation also toured various landmarks in Hong Kong to experience the unique charm of Asia’s world city.

     When meeting the delegation, the Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Mr Chris Sun, stated that talent and technology are the key engines driving high-quality economic and social development. He highlighted that Hong Kong leapt to fourth place globally and first in Asia in the World Talent Ranking, and that the Shenzhen-Hong Kong-Guangzhou innovation cluster was ranked first globally by the World Intellectual Property Organization, reflecting the high international recognition of Hong Kong’s appeal to talent and the GBA’s innovation capacity. The Government will continue to promote complementarity and synergy between Hong Kong and other cities in the GBA as well as facilitate the integration of technology and talent with a view to fostering the economic development of Hong Kong and contributing to the impetus of national development.

     Representatives from the German youth entrepreneurship organisation opined that it was exceptionally meaningful for them to establish a connection with the Government, and hoped that they could serve as a bridge between Hong Kong and Germany to enable more German talent to know about Hong Kong and expand into markets outside Europe. Some delegates said that Hong Kong’s location at the heart of Asia, as well as its mature financial market and network of business partners with access to the vast markets of the GBA, make it conducive to starting or expanding a business. They found the visit useful in helping them understand the regional I&T ecosystem and said that they hoped to leverage Hong Kong’s advantages to explore new opportunities in Asia.
 
     In June this year, HKTE visited Munich, Germany, and co-organised a pitch event on I&T and entrepreneurship with the local youth entrepreneurship organisation. Twelve winning I&T talents were selected. Mr Sun visited the city to officiate at the prize presentation ceremony and invited the winners, together with representatives from the organisation and judges of the event, to visit Hong Kong and other cities in the GBA.

     As of today, HKTE has completed about 70 outreach visits and hosted more than 170 talent promotional programmes on the Mainland and overseas. The office will enhance its external promotion, in consonance with the development of the eight centres, to recruit more global talent with diverse backgrounds, and provide comprehensive support services to assist incoming talent in integrating into Hong Kong, building the city into an international hub for high-calibre talent.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Town Planning Board today (September 12) announced amendments to the approved Kwun Tong (South) Outline Zoning Plan (OZP).
 
The amendments mainly involve rezoning a site at Hung To Road from “Commercial (1)” and “Other Specified Uses” annotated “Business” to “Commercial (3)”.
 
The Notes and Explanatory Statement of the OZP are amended to take into account the above amendments. Opportunity is also taken to update the general information of various land use zones and the planning scheme area, where appropriate.
 
The draft Kwun Tong (South) OZP No. S/K14S/27, incorporating the amendments, is available for public inspection during office hours at (i) the Secretariat of the Town Planning Board, (ii) the Planning Enquiry Counters, (iii) the Kowloon District Planning Office, and (iv) the Kwun Tong Home Affairs Enquiry Centre.
 
Any person may make written representations in respect of the amendments to the Secretary of the Town Planning Board on or before November 12. Any person who intends to make a representation is advised to read the Town Planning Board Guidelines No. 29C on “Submission and Processing of Representations and Further Representations” (TPB PG-No. 29C).

Submission of a representation should comply with the requirements set out in TPB PG-No. 29C. In particular, the representer should take note of the following:
 
* If the representer fails to provide his or her full name and the first four alphanumeric characters of his or her Hong Kong identity card or passport number as required under TPB PG-No. 29C, the representation submitted shall be treated as not having been made; and
* The Secretariat of the Town Planning Board reserves the right to require the representer to provide identity proof for verification.
 
The Guidelines and the submission form are available at the above locations (i) and (ii) and the Town Planning Board’s website (www.tpb.gov.hk).

Copies of the draft Kwun Tong (South) OZP are available for sale at the Map Publications Centre in North Point. The electronic version of the OZP can be viewed on the Town Planning Board’s website (www.tpb.gov.hk).

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Town Planning Board today (September 12) announced amendments to the approved Hung Hom Outline Zoning Plan (OZP).

The amendments mainly involve (i) rezoning a site at the junction of Bailey Street and Chi Kiang Street from “Government, Institution or Community” (“G/IC”) and “Other Specified Uses” annotated “Sewage Treatment Plant” (“OU(STP)”) to “Residential (Group A)9”; and (ii) rezoning a site abutting the waterfront at Bailey Street and another site to the north of Sung Ping Street from “G/IC” and “OU(STP)” to “Open Space” and from “OU(STP)” to “G/IC” respectively to reflect as-built conditions.

The Notes and Explanatory Statement of the OZP are amended to take into account the above amendments. Opportunity is also taken to update the general information of various land use zones and the planning scheme area, where appropriate.

The draft Hung Hom OZP No. S/K9/29, incorporating the amendments, is available for public inspection during office hours at (i) the Secretariat of the Town Planning Board, (ii) the Planning Enquiry Counters, (iii) the Kowloon District Planning Office, and (iv) the Kowloon City Home Affairs Enquiry Centre.

Any person may make written representations in respect of the amendments to the Secretary of the Town Planning Board on or before November 12. Any person who intends to make a representation is advised to read the Town Planning Board Guidelines No. 29C on “Submission and Processing of Representations and Further Representations” (TPB PG-No. 29C).

Submission of a representation should comply with the requirements set out in TPB PG-No. 29C. In particular, the representer should take note of the following:

* If the representer fails to provide his or her full name and the first four alphanumeric characters of his or her Hong Kong identity card or passport number as required under TPB PG-No. 29C, the representation submitted shall be treated as not having been made; and
* The Secretariat of the Town Planning Board reserves the right to require the representer to provide identity proof for verification.

The Guidelines and the submission form are available at the above locations (i) and (ii) and the Town Planning Board’s website (www.tpb.gov.hk).

Copies of the draft Hung Hom OZP are available for sale at the Map Publications Centre in North Point. The electronic version of the OZP can be viewed on the Town Planning Board’s website (www.tpb.gov.hk).