Month: September 2025

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority:

The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) launched a public consultation today (September 8) on Phase 2A prototype of the Hong Kong Taxonomy for Sustainable Finance (Hong Kong Taxonomy).

The Hong Kong Taxonomy is an important market enabling tool for promoting informed decision-making in green and sustainable finance. By providing clear, transparent, and robust definitions of what constitutes green and sustainable activities, the taxonomy aims to scale up relevant capital flows while addressing greenwashing concerns.

Building on the publication of Phase 1 of the Hong Kong Taxonomy in May 2024, the HKMA has adopted a phased approach to further enhance the taxonomy, starting with Phase 2A, and progressing through subsequent phases.

The Phase 2A prototype introduces several enhancements aimed at supporting Hong Kong’s decarbonisation efforts, facilitating the region’s transition to a low-carbon economy, and reinforcing Hong Kong’s position as an international financial centre and a leading green finance hub. The prototype development has been guided by market feedback, government policies, industry needs, and the latest technological advancements.

The key enhancements made in the Phase 2A prototype include:
 

1. Expanded sector coverage: Two new sectors critical to the decarbonisation of the region and beyond, namely manufacturing and information and communications technology, have been added to the four sectors under Phase 1, increasing the total number of sectors from four to six;
2. Increase in economic activities: 13 new economic activities have been added, bringing the total number of economic activities from 12 to 25. Updates have also been made to the technical screening criteria of a number of activities introduced under Phase 1;
3. Transition elements: Transition elements, including interim decarbonisation targets, measures to support transition and sunset dates (which specify the time by which transition elements will conclude), have been added; and
4. New environmental objective: A new environmental objective, namely climate change adaptation, have been introduced to address the growing funding needs for managing physical risks and responding to the increasing frequency of extreme weather events.

The public consultation commences today and will last until October 8, 2025. The consultation paper is available on the HKMA website. Interested parties are invited to submit their comments on or before the deadline.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (September 7) announced a case of severe paediatric influenza A infection. The CHP urged the public to maintain good personal and environmental hygiene at all times. Schools and parents should arrange their students and children to participate in the seasonal influenza vaccination (SIV) programme and receive free SIV to prevent contracting respiratory illnesses.

“Vaccination is the first line of defence against seasonal influenza, reducing the chance of serious complications or death after infection. Including the abovementioned case, there had been four severe paediatric influenza cases since the school resumed. Since January this year, the CHP has recorded 15 cases of severe influenza virus infection in children, 10 of them were unvaccinated in the 2024/25 season. Therefore, we hope that schools and parents could make concerted efforts with us and participate in the SIV outreach activities at school, or arrange for their children to visit their family doctor for the SIV at the start of the new school year to enhance their protection,” the Controller of the CHP, Dr Edwin Tsui, said.

The case involved a 11-year-old boy with good past health. He developed a fever, a cough and running nose on September 5. He sought medical attention from a private doctor on September 6. He was brought to the Accident and Emergency Department of Ruttonjee Hospital and subsequently transferred to the paediatric intensive care unit of Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital the same day. His nasopharyngeal swab specimen was positive for influenza A virus upon laboratory testing. The clinical diagnosis was influenza A complicated with encephalopathy. He is still hospitalised and is in stable condition.
     
The boy’s household contacts, so far, are asymptomatic. He received the SIV last October. There has been no recent influenza outbreak at the school he studied.

Besides, since the start of the new school year, there has been a significant increase in the number of outbreak of influenza-like illness (ILI). The CHP recorded four ILI outbreaks in schools in the last week of August (August 24 to August 30), increased to 15 outbreaks this week (August 31 to September 6). The 19 outbreaks recorded in the two weeks include kindergartens/child care centres (five cases), primary schools (nine cases) and secondary schools (five cases).

Although Hong Kong has not entered the summer influenza season so far this year, the CHP’s latest surveillance data showed that local influenza activity recently indicated an upward fluctuation and slightly exceeded the baseline threshold. The CHP will cautiously monitor the trend of influenza activity in the next few weeks.

To protect their health and that of their family members, the public should continue to maintain good personal and environmental hygiene and take the following measures to prevent contracting seasonal influenza and other respiratory illnesses: 
 

• Persons who are symptomatic (even if having mild symptoms) should wear surgical masks to prevent transmission of respiratory viruses; high-risk persons (e.g. persons with underlying medical conditions or persons who are immunocompromised) should also wear surgical masks when taking public transport or staying in crowded places. It is important to wear a mask properly, including performing hand hygiene before wearing and after removing a mask;
• Avoid touching one’s eyes, mouth and nose;
• Practise hand hygiene frequently, wash hands with liquid soap and water properly whenever possibly contaminated;
• When hands are not visibly soiled, clean them with 70 to 80 per cent alcohol-based handrub;
• Cover the mouth and nose with tissue paper when sneezing or coughing. Dispose of soiled tissue paper properly into a lidded rubbish bin, and wash hands thoroughly afterwards;
• Maintain good indoor ventilation;
• Avoid sharing personal items;
• When having respiratory symptoms, wear a surgical mask, consider refraining from going to work or school, avoid going to crowded places and seek medical advice promptly; and
• Maintain a balanced diet, perform physical activity regularly, take adequate rest, do not smoke and avoid overstress.

    
 â€‹     â€‹For the latest information, members of the public can visit the CHP’s seasonal influenza and COVID-19 & Flu Express webpages.
 

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The following is issued on behalf of the Electoral Affairs Commission:

Attention TV and radio duty announcers. Please broadcast the following special announcement immediately, and repeat it at frequent intervals:

     There is only a limited admission quota left for the public gallery at the Central Counting Station (including Media Centre) of the 2025 Election Committee Subsector By-elections at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, Wan Chai.

     If the public gallery reaches full capacity, members of the public will not be able to enter the Central Counting Station.

     Information about the By-elections is available on the election website (www.elections.gov.hk).

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Civil Aid Service (CAS) Cadet Corps held the Foot Drill Competition 2025 and the Slogan Design Competition in Commemoration of the 80th Anniversary of Victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression today (September 7) at the CAS Headquarters. The competitions and award presentation ceremony were officiated by the Permanent Secretary for the Civil Service, Mr Clement Leung.
 
     Speaking at the ceremony, Mr Leung said today’s event holds special significance for him personally, as over 40 years ago, he was a member of the CAS Cadet Corps. The uniform, insignia, and foot drill back then were different from those of today, but the underlying spirit and goals remain unchanged, that is, to cultivate young people’s discipline, sense of responsibility, positive thinking, leadership skills, perseverance and teamwork, as well as to enhance their commitment to serve the community through training and activities. The abilities he acquired while he was in the CAS Cadet Corps had a profound and positive impact on him, and have served him well throughout his life.
 
     Mr Leung said that young people are the future of Hong Kong and the most important driver of social progress. The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region has always put great emphasis on youth development and has launched a series of youth development programmes to help young people unleash their potential and realise their dreams. Among them, the CAS’s Youth Potential Development Scheme provides young people with training and personal growth, nurturing them to become confident, self-disciplined, and effective communicators in society.
 
     This year’s Cadet Corps Foot Drill Competition was conducted in the form of Chinese-style foot drills, aiming to strengthen their sense of belonging to the country and national identity. About 300 cadets formed into 16 teams participated in the competition. In addition, this year marks the 80th Anniversary of Victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression. The CAS also held a slogan design competition today to commemorate this anniversary, encouraging participants to showcase their creativity and express their patriotism.
 
     In addition to the competitions, the Cadet Corps also organised various patriotic exchange activities during the summer, including the Shandong Chinese Culture and Sports Industry Exchange 2025, the Sichuan Ancient and Modern Technology Tour 2025, the Economic and Cultural Visit to Malaysia, the 10 000 Miles Friendship Trek 2025 and the Si Yuan Exchange Programme, allowing cadets to understand Chinese history and culture better and strengthen their awareness of safeguarding national security.
 
     The CAS Cadet Corps accepts applications throughout the year. For details on recruitment and application forms, please visit the CAS website (www.cas.gov.hk/eng/org/cadet_corps.html).

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The voter turnout figures for the 2025 Election Committee Subsector By-elections as at noon today (September 7) are as follows:
 

     The voter turnout figures are for temporary reference only.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The voter turnout figures for the 2025 Election Committee Subsector By-elections as at 11am today (September 7) are as follows:
 

     The voter turnout figures are for temporary reference only.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

Attention TV/Radio announcers:

Please broadcast the following as soon as possible and repeat it at regular intervals:

     Here is an item of interest to swimmers.

     The Leisure and Cultural Services Department announced today (September 7) that as lifeguards are unable to go to Trio Beach and Hap Mun Bay Beach in Sai Kung District by ferries due to rough sea conditions, lifesaving services at these beaches have been suspended. Beachgoers are advised not to swim at these beaches until further notice.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

Customs YES organised the “Shenzhen Innovation and Technology Exploration Day” today (September 6). The Commissioner of Customs and Excise, Mr Chan Tsz-tat, and members of the Executive Committee and the Honorary Presidents’ Association of Customs YES led 27 young members to visit different innovation and technology (I&T) companies in Shenzhen to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the development and latest achievements of the I&T industry of the country.

In the morning, the delegation visited the BYD Company Limited’s headquarters in Shenzhen. Through exhibitions and demonstrations in the Nail Penetration Lab, the members learned about the country’s latest developments in the fields of automobiles, rail transit, new energy and electronics. In addition, the delegation experienced the floating capability of the company’s recent new energy vehicle, and explored its potential applications in extreme weather and disaster relief.

In the afternoon, the delegation headed to the Shenzhen Forms Syntron Information Company Limited to learn more about the rapid growth of fintech in the Greater Bay Area. The director of the Executive Committee of Customs YES, Mr Frank Chow, who is also the company Chairman and President, spoke on-site about his entrepreneurial journey and encouraged the delegation members to actively equip themselves, integrate into the national development, and leverage Hong Kong’s strengths to serve to the country’s needs.

This study tour is one of the annual activities of the “Tour to the Motherland for a Hundred Youth” organised by Hong Kong Customs. In the future, Customs YES will organise more Mainland learning activities to deepen youth’s understanding on the latest developments of the country and the related opportunities and contributions of Hong Kong.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

​The Hospital Authority (HA) and the National Clinical Research Center for Interventional Medicine signed a three-year memorandum of understanding (MOU) today (September 6) to strengthen collaboration in multiple areas, including the establishment of Chest Pain Centres and Cardiovascular Diseases Centres, health talent exchange and training, and public education. The MOU is expected to foster standardisation of clinical management for cardiovascular diseases and achieve higher regional medical standards through joint efforts.

The MOU was signed by the HA Chief Executive, Dr Libby Lee and the Director of the National Clinical Research Center for Interventional Medicine, Academician Professor Ge Junbo. Dr Lee said, “It is expected that the signing of this MOU could further deepen the Mainland and Hong Kong’s collaborative partnership on cardiovascular diseases, lay a solid foundation for advance technologies and clinical applications in cardiovascular diseases field, and jointly elevate medical standards across the Mainland and Hong Kong.”

Professor Ge expressed his aspiration to further enhance the close partnership with the HA through signing the MOU and jointly promote the development of cardiology field in the Mainland and Hong Kong. Professor Ge said, “We look forward to working together with the HA in various areas to enhance the quality of cardiovascular care, particularly in the development of cardiovascular diseases centres, talent exchange, clinical and research innovation for the well-being of patients in both places.”

The National Clinical Research Center for Interventional Medicine is China’s first national clinical research center specialising in interventional medicine. The Center focuses on the research and development of interventional medicine for pan-vascular diseases and actively responds to the strategic goals of Healthy China 2030, promoting high-quality medical innovation, standardisation of clinical practice and national collaboration.

Moving forward, the HA and the National Clinical Research Center for Interventional Medicine will jointly plan and implement a range of collaborative initiatives, focusing on advancing clinical management, fostering research innovation, and nurturing medical talent. This partnership will further promote the coordinated development of cardiovascular disease prevention and treatment, yielding lasting benefits for a wider patient community.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki, inspected the passing-out parade for 30 probationary inspectors and 182 recruit police constables at the Hong Kong Police College today (September 6), and witnessed them becoming members of the Hong Kong Police Force (HKPF). He encouraged the graduates to understand the needs of citizens with empathy, and efficiently respond to societal concerns.
 
Speaking at the ceremony, Mr Chan said that national security is the fundamental premise and solid defence for Hong Kong’s prosperous development. Police officers, as the law enforcers, should have a deep understanding of the provisions and spirit of the Hong Kong National Security Law and take precise enforcement actions, shoulder their legal responsibilities to safeguard the future of Hong Kong and protect the livelihoods of its citizens.
 
He mentioned that the HKPF is professional, highly efficient and world-renowned. With its extensive experience, advanced technologies and global networks, the HKPF has always been indispensable in international collaborations, contributing Hong Kong’s expertise and strengths towards a safer world.
 
He said that the badges worn by HKPF officers not only represent the powers and responsibilities conferred by the law, but also honour the trust of over 7 million citizens for a safe and stable life. He detailed four aspirations for the graduates. “Always be loyal and uphold the rule of law”–officers should remain loyal to their work, and ensure that each enforcement action adheres strictly to legal requirements. “Be precise and professional, and embrace changes”–officers should constantly enhance their professional capabilities and application of technology, equip themselves with a global vision and insights into global policing developments, and continuously improve their enforcement capabilities under complex international circumstances. “Serve the community with compassion, humanity and courage” –officers should always be accountable for the safety of the public and strive to be trustworthy protectors of citizens. “Be devoted to our home and country, and expand global horizons”–officers should build a foundation in Hong Kong, serve the country, learn from advanced global experience, and further earn international reputation for the HKPF.
 
In conclusion, Mr Chan encouraged the graduates to resolutely safeguard national security and social stability with courage, professionalism and dedication, and serve the community wholeheartedly.