Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Hong Kong Customs detects two smuggling cases involving river trade vessel and ocean-going vessel with goods worth about $200 million seized (with photo)
Through intelligence analysis and risk assessment, a river trade vessel departing from Hong Kong for Macao was selected for inspection on October 3. Upon examination, Customs officers aboard the vessel found a large batch of suspected smuggled goods, including suspected controlled shark fins, cigars, mobile phones and suspected pharmaceutical products.
Moreover, Customs officers inspected five containers that were scheduled to be shipped to Taiwan and declared as carrying frozen food on October 7 and found 150 tonnes of donkey skin in the five containers upon examination.
Investigations are ongoing. The likelihood of arrests is not ruled out.
Being a government department primarily responsible for tackling smuggling activities, Customs has long been combating various smuggling activities at the forefront. Customs will keep up its enforcement action and continue to resolutely combat sea smuggling activities through proactive risk management and intelligence-based enforcement strategies, and carry out targeted anti-smuggling operations at suitable times to crack down on relevant crimes.
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 upon conviction.
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 16:40
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Crowd safety management measures and special traffic arrangements for Hong Kong Open
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The Police announced today (October 27) that in order to facilitate the holding of the Link Hong Kong Open 2025 from October 30 to November 2 at the Fanling Golf Course, crowd safety management measures and special traffic arrangements will be implemented in the North District during the event.
A. Crowd safety management measures
In anticipation of a large number of spectators at the event, the Police will implement crowd safety management measures in the Fanling Golf Course area depending on the prevailing situation, to maintain public order and safety.
Members of the public are advised to exercise tolerance and patience, follow the instructions given by police officers on site, and pay attention to directional signs and announcements.
B. Special traffic arrangements
Traffic diversions
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Depending on prevailing traffic conditions, the following arrangements may be implemented in the mornings during the event, except for public service vehicles:
– Traffic along westbound Fanling Highway cannot enter Sheung Shui roundabout via the Route 9 exit;
– Traffic along southbound Po Shek Wu Road turning to Sheung Shui roundabout cannot enter southbound Fan Kam Road;
– Traffic along eastbound Castle Peak Road – Kwu Tung section cannot turn right to southbound Fan Kam Road;
– Traffic along westbound Po Kin Road cannot turn left to southbound Fan Kam Road; and
– Traffic along northbound Fan Kam Road cannot turn right to the public car park at the Old Course of the Fanling Golf Course and Po Kin Road.
All vehicles will be diverted to westbound Fanling Highway via Sheung Shui roundabout and make a U-turn at Pak Shek Au, then travel along eastbound Fanling Highway heading to Sheung Shui roundabout, and will be instructed to enter Sheung Shui roundabout for southbound Fan Kam Road via the Route 9 exit.
Depending on prevailing traffic conditions, the following diversions may be implemented in the afternoons during the event, except for public service vehicles:
– Traffic along northbound Fan Kam Road must turn right to Po Kin Road.
Prohibition on parking and pick-up/drop-off
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Given that double yellow lines have been put in place at the entrances and exits of the Fanling Golf Course and its car park, and taking into account the narrow road conditions, it will be prohibited to park, pick up or drop off on Fan Kam Road near the golf course and its vicinity to ensure smooth traffic flow. Passengers travelling to the event venue are required to alight on Po Kin Road.
Shuttle bus services and temporary pick-up/drop-off points will be provided by the event organiser. Please visit the event website (www.thehongkongopen.com) for details.
Any vehicles found illegally parked within the precincts mentioned above will be towed away without prior warning, and may be subject to multiple ticketing.
Members of the public are advised to make use of public transport or shuttle bus services to access the aforementioned areas during the event. Motorists are advised to avoid using Fan Kam Road near the golf course to ensure smooth vehicular traffic movements. The Police will implement the special arrangements subject to the prevailing traffic and crowd conditions.
Mentorship scheme applications open
Source: Hong Kong Information Services
The Strive & Rise Programme began recruiting 4,000 mentees for its fourth cohort today. Applications will close on November 16.
Secondary One to Secondary Four students from underprivileged families, particularly those living in subdivided units, can submit applications through the programme’s mobile application.
Formulated and implemented by an interdepartmental task force led by the Chief Secretary, the programme comprises three key elements – mentorship, personal development plans and financial support.
The one-year intensive foundation training includes mentorship and a structured programme covering orientation, basic training, mentor-mentee interaction, diverse group activities, Mainland study and exchange tours, and more.
It aims to help mentees broaden their horizons, build self-confidence, develop a positive outlook on life, explore more possibilities for personal development, set goals for the future and strive for upward mobility.
Each mentee will be provided with start-up financial support of $5,000. Mentors will assist and guide mentees in developing positive financial planning concepts and implementing their personal development plans.
Upon successful completion of the programme, the mentees will receive a scholarship of $5,000 and automatically become members of the Alumni Club.
For enquiries, interested students may approach their schools or the non-governmental organisations that assist the Government in implementing the programme.
Taxi written test to be enhanced
Source: Hong Kong Information Services
The Transport Department said today it has enhanced the Taxi Written Test, effective from November 3, to encourage newcomers to join the taxi industry.
The new written test comprises Part A, on taxi operations, and Part B, on the Road Users’ Code.
Part A will include new questions relating to new measures introduced to enhance service quality, such as the taxi fleet regime and the Taxi-Driver-Offence Points system.
The questions on prominent locations and route identification have been substantially reduced and simplified in consideration of the development of navigation technology, the department said.
Part B will test knowledge of road traffic regulations and safe driving.
The test is conducted in the form of multiple-choice questions, and the total number of questions has been adjusted from 90 to 75, while the passing criteria and time allowed for each part remain unchanged.
To score an overall pass result, a candidate must meet the passing criteria in both Parts A and B.
The department said the enhanced test will better align with the practical needs of the taxi trade while maintaining a high level of assessment, ensuring that taxi drivers possess the necessary professional knowledge and qualities.
It added that it hopes more newcomers will be attracted to join the taxi industry in order to foster the trade’s healthy development in the long run.
Furthermore, following the passage of a bill on ride-hailing services, taxi driving licence holders can apply for a ride-hailing vehicle driving permit in future without having to sit an additional test.
The department has issued letters to the taxi trade introducing the scope of the new test, and distributed the updated “Guide to Taxi Written Test” and “Taxi Operation Booklet” to candidates concerned.
Candidates can refer to the department’s website and book a Taxi Written Test online via GovHK.
Drone system licence launched
Source: Hong Kong Information Services
The Communications Authority today launched the new Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) (Private) Licence to support the development of low-altitude economy.
The authority said that under the UAS (Private) Licence regime, licensees will be assigned the 1430-1444 MHz, or 1.4 GHz, band, as the dedicated spectrum for establishing, maintaining and operating radiocommunications installations for UAS operations.
It explained that the licence offers an additional communications solution to UAS operators beyond the current use of wireless local area networks and 4G or 5G mobile networks for data transmission and control, thereby enhancing support for the safe and efficient operation of UAS and supporting the development of a low-altitude economy ecosystem.
The UAS (Private) Licence is now open for applications from organisations participating in Low-altitude Economy Regulatory Sandbox pilot projects.
Interested parties can submit their applications to the authority. These should include information of the UAS they operate, approvals from the Civil Aviation Department on specific flight paths, and details of the radio base stations required.
The authority will rigorously review each application and closely monitor use of the dedicated UAS spectrum to ensure compliance with licence conditions and effective utilisation of spectrum resources.
Call 2961 6333 for enquiries.
Brilliant Talents Stunning the Audience at the 2025 Taiwan Fashion Design Award Ceremony
Source: Republic of China Taiwan
The highly anticipated 2025 TFDA Final Selection Show and Award Ceremony took place on October 15th at Songshan Cultural and Creative Park, attracting over 650 distinguished guests from the fashion industry, textiles and fabrics industry, relevant governmental agencies, academic & design sectors, and foundations.
As one of the most significant events of Taipei Fashion Week, the competition drew exceptional emerging talents from the world’s leading fashion schools, showcasing the next generation of design innovators. The First Prize was awarded to Hsu Yi-Shiuan for her outstanding collection “Human Reproduction Project,” which stood out among a total of 627 entries submitted from 25 countries and regions, earning her a cash prize of US$10,000. Second Prizes were honored to Hung Kai-Lun for “DuST. PYTHoN. DaTA.” and Kakeru Nishiwaki (Japan) for “TRAUMARCHIVES,” each winner receiving US$5,000. Additionally, Third Prizes for Best Use of Fabrics, Best Pattern Making, and Best Market Potential were presented to Huang Tzu-Han, Weng Yu-Hsuan, and Naphat Tansuwan (Thailand), with each winner receiving US$3,000.
The jury, composed of renowned designers and media professionals from Japan, the USA, and Taiwan, highly praised the finalists for their exceptional creativity, innovative sustainability concepts, functional design, and technical excellence. The 12 shortlisted designers also presented their collections on stage in sequential order, with inspirations ranging from philosophical reflection and cultural context to personal emotion and artisan technological expression. Under the illustrative stage lighting, the flooring fabric textures, magical luster, and structural details of the garments moved fluidly with the models, expressing the passage of time, natural imagery, and psychological layers. This impressive presentation reflects the Industrial Development Administration’s (IDA) long-term dedication to promoting innovative apparel design and enhancing the value of haute cultures.
Many of the entries incorporated sustainable functional fabrics developed by domestic textile manufacturers, including recycled polyester, regenerated nylon, and plant-based fibers, demonstrating Taiwan’s leadership in eco-friendly production and innovative material development. Techniques such as zero-waste cutting, modular garment structures, and versatile multifunctional accessories not only enhanced the garments’ practicality and wearability but also aligned perfectly with the IDA’s initiatives promoting sustainable fashion and smart manufacturing practices.
Through the IDA’s long-term design mentorship and industry-academia collaboration programs, young designers have skillfully integrated Taiwan’s textile innovations with local cultural elements and international fashion trends, demonstrating a harmonious artisan perfection of emerging talent and industrial innovation. Over the past 39 years, the IDA has coordinated resources from government, industry, and academia, fostering Taiwan’s fashion competitiveness while providing emerging designers with practical opportunities for sustainable growth and international exposure.
The 2025 TFDA was generously sponsored by Lealea Enterprise Co., Ltd., Li Peng Enterprise Co., Ltd., Coddy Global Ltd., New Wide Enterprise Co., Ltd., and New Wide Garment Co., Ltd., Fortune Industrial and Commercial Development Foundation, Eclat Education Foundation, and Makalot Foundation, providing substantial support for emerging designers to shine on the international stage. Additional high-quality gifts were also provided by the Taiwan Sericulture Development Foundation to the distinguished VIP guests on spots.
The 2025 TFDA brought together emerging designers from around the world, showcasing boundless creativity and exceptional talent while injecting fresh international perspectives into Taiwan’s fashion scene. The TFDA continues to serve as a crucial platform connecting industry education and artisan activities, nurturing the next generation of fashion innovators, and enabling Taiwan’s design excellence to be recognized globally. This remarkable event not only provides young designers with a platform to realize their dreams but also strengthens the link between industry and pragmatic education, inspiring future generations to glorify creatively on the world stage.
LegCo poll exhibition debuts
Source: Hong Kong Information Services
The Constitutional & Mainland Affairs Bureau debuted the “Election into Community” Roving Interactive Exhibition series this weekend to promote the 2025 Legislative Council General Election.
The first stop of the series was held in The Westwood for two consecutive days, yesterday and today.
Chief Secretary Chan Kwok-ki together with Secretary for Constitutional & Mainland Affairs Erick Tsang, and Secretary for Home & Youth Affairs Alice Mak attended today’s event.
Speaking at the event, Mr Chan called on all voters to fulfil their civic responsibility by casting their votes on polling day for Hong Kong.
Interactive games, an exhibition panel area and a self-service photo booth have been set up at the event to deepen public understanding of electoral information. Life-sized mascots of the Ballot Box Family are also on site to interact with the public.
“Election into Community” will be held at other shopping malls in various districts with opening hours from 11am to 7pm. Admission is free.
The bureau earlier rolled out on its election-themed Facebook page the “Let’s find the Ballot Box Family AR mailboxes” activity. Members of the public may redeem a souvenir at the event venues of the “Election into Community” series by posting a photo of mailboxes installed across the city as a comment on the post.
Local chikungunya fever case found
Source: Hong Kong Information Services
The Department of Health’s Centre for Health Protection today recorded Hong Kong’s first locally acquired chikungunya fever case, involving an 82-year-old female living in Fung Tak Estate in Wong Tai Sin.
The patient had developed a swollen and painful left ankle since October 18, then a fever and limbs joint pain on October 22. She sought medical attention from a private doctor that day and attended Kwong Wah Hospital’s accident and emergency department the following day. She was admitted for treatment in a mosquito-free environment. The patient is now in stable condition.
A preliminary investigation revealed that she visited Qingyuan in Guangdong in late August, but had no travel history during the incubation period, which is two to 12 days prior to onset. The case is classified as a local case.
The patient has four household contacts who are currently asymptomatic and under medical surveillance.
Given that the patient’s activity areas are primarily within the estate, the centre cannot rule out the possibility that unidentified infected patients in the area may have transmitted the virus to mosquitoes in the estate, leading to her infection.
The centre today conducted an inter-departmental meeting with various departments and relevant organisations, including the Food & Environmental Hygiene Department, Wong Tai Sin District Office and Housing Authority, to ensure that all units implement various preventive and control measures in a speedy and orderly manner.
The centre’s officers and District Services & Community Care Teams will contact about 8,000 households and carry out questionnaire surveys to understand and follow up on their health conditions.
Residents have been urged to seek medical advice or contact the centre immediately if they have presented with a fever, rash or joint pain since October 1.
The centre has also set up a health consultation booth at 2/F, Fung Tak Shopping Centre, where assessments will be provided to residents with relevant symptoms from today, as well as enquiry hotline 2125 2373.
Speech by FS at Future Science Prize Science Gala Dinner (English only)
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Speech by FS at Future Science Prize Science Gala Dinner (English only)
Professor Dennis Lo (President of the Hong Kong Academy of Sciences), Future Science Prize Laureates, Mr Victor Wang (Rotating Chairman of 2021 & 2025 Future Science Prize Donor’s Congress), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
It is my great honour to join you this evening to celebrate the remarkable achievements of the seven Future Science Prize Laureates this year: Professor Ji Qiang, Professor Xu Xing, Professor Zhou Zhonghe, Professor Fang Zhong, Professor Dai Xi, Professor Ding Hong, and Professor Lu Chih-Yuan. Please accept my heartiest congratulations.
Tonight, we also mark the 10th anniversary of the Future Science Prize — a decade of recognising brilliance in science. Over the years, this prestigious prize has grown into a beacon of innovation, celebrating the most brilliant minds whose work has deepened our understanding of the world and opened up new possibilities for the future.
More than a prize, what is most heartening is your strong commitment to nurturing the next generation of scientific talent. Beyond honouring established scientists, the Future Science Prize Foundation also puts a bright spotlight on emerging researchers, while actively engaging the public through exhibitions, dialogues between scientists and youth, and other outreach initiatives. These efforts bring science into the heart of the society. They not only ignite enthusiasm in science and foster collaboration, but also help to cultivate a rich scientific culture — one that inspires more people to participate in research and innovation, and contribute to global scientific advancement.
On this note, my sincere gratitude to the Future Science Prize Foundation, the Hong Kong Academy of Sciences, and all the partners for the work well done.
Here in Hong Kong, our vision is to emerge as a leading international innovation and technology hub. It will be a key engine of our economic growth and an important source of career opportunities. Central to this vision is the seamless integration of upstream basic research with downstream industrial application. Basic science is the foundation of all technological innovation, and Hong Kong is well-positioned with our world-class universities and research institutions. And together with Shenzhen and Guangzhou, we have been ranked the world’s most innovative cluster by the World Intellectual Property Organization.
At the same time, we are actively advancing the commercialisation of research outcomes and building a stronger innovation and technology ecosystem. This is driven by a multi-pronged strategy: first, directing market capital into strategic and emerging sectors such as AI and biotech — that is why we set up the Hong Kong Investment Corporation, which is patient capital willing to invest in small, early-stage companies with cutting-edge technologies, even though their eventual success may be uncertain.
Second, establish a dedicated office, the Office for Attracting Strategic Enterprises, to attract leading tech leading enterprises. Third, we also modified our various talent admission schemes to expand our talent pool.
And finally, deepening collaboration with cities across the Greater Bay Area and other areas to enable synergistic collaboration and development.
This is a collective endeavour that calls for strong cross-sector partnerships. I invite all of you to join us in speedily turning this vision into reality.
Ladies and gentlemen, as we bring this memorable Future Science Prize Week to a close, let us remember that science is humanity’s guiding light — a universal force for good that recognises no borders. In that spirit, Hong Kong will always welcome global scientific talent and remain open to international collaboration and exchange. Issued at HKT 20:40
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CHP investigates first local chikungunya fever case in Hong Kong (with photos)
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
CHP investigates first local chikungunya fever case in Hong Kong
Latest case information
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The case involves an 82-year-old female living in Fung Tak Estate in Wong Tai Sin. She developed swollen and painful left ankle since October 18, and fever and limbs joint pain on October 22. She sought medical attention from a private doctor on the same day, and attended the Accident and Emergency Department of Kwong Wah Hospital the following day (October 23). She was admitted for treatment in a mosquito-free environment. The patient is now in stable condition. Her blood sample tested positive for the chikungunya virus upon laboratory testing. A preliminary investigation revealed that she visited Qingyuan in Guangdong in late August but had no travel history during the incubation period (two to 12 days prior to onset). The case is classified as a local case. The patient has four household contacts who are currently asymptomatic and under medical surveillance.
Government’s comprehensive follow-up actions
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In response to the abovementioned local case, the CHP today has conducted inter-departmental meeting with various departments and relevant organisations, including the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD), Wong Tai Sin District Office (WTSDO) and Hong Kong Housing Authority, to ensure that all units implement various preventive and control measures in a speedy and orderly manner.
As at 5pm yesterday, Hong Kong has recorded a total of 46 confirmed CF cases. All are imported cases. None of the 46 patients lives near the abovementioned local case. Given that the activity areas of the 82-year-old patient are primarily within the estate, the CHP cannot rule out the possibility that unidentified infected patient(s) in the area may have transmitted the virus to mosquitoes in the estate, leading to her infection.
The CHP is implementing prevention and control measures according to epidemiological investigations and risk assessment, including providing medical surveillance and health advice to household contacts of the case or those with common exposure to the source of infection. The CHP will arrange for laboratory testing if they presented with relevant symptoms. The CHP officers and District Services & Community Care Teams (Care Teams) will contact about 8 000 households and carry out questionnaire surveys to understand and follow up their health conditions. The CHP urged the residents to seek medical advice or contact the CHP immediately if they presented with a fever, rash or joint pain since October 1.
The CHP will hold an online live seminar at 8.30pm tonight. Doctors will explain the symptoms of CF, how to prevent infection and how to properly use insect repellents. The CHP and WTSDO will organise a public health talk at the at Fung Tak Estate Community Centre at 8pm tomorrow (October 27) to enhance public understanding of this mosquito-borne disease and encourage active participation in prevention efforts to protect both oneself and others.
In addition, the CHP has set up a health consultation booth at 2/F, Fung Tak Shopping Centre, where assessments will be provided to residents with relevant symptoms from today. The CHP will also setup an inquiry hotline (2125 2373), which will operate from 9am to 8pm.
The CHP, together with the FEHD, have inspected various locations in the vicinity of patient’s residence, conducted vector investigations and mosquito control operations to minimise the risk of local transmission. Furthermore, the CHP will issue letters to doctors, hospitals, schools and institutions, providing the latest information on CF and remaining them to be vigilant.
The FEHD and relevant departments have comprehensively enhanced the mosquito control operations in Hong Kong since July this year. In fact, overall mosquito infestation indices this year are lower than that of the previous years. The mosquito infestation index in September was 2.5 per cent, which decreased significantly from 9.5 per cent in June. The index available for October also remains at a low level. Regarding the investigation area of the local case, the latest area gravidtrap index (AGI) in October was 1.7 per cent, while the AGI in September was 0.9 per cent, indicating the distribution of Aedes albopictus mosquitoes was not extensive. Among which, the FEHD has conducted vector investigations and targeted mosquito control operations against the imported cases. In light of the local case, the FEHD has immediately conducted follow-up actions, these measures include:
The abovementioned measures will be continued. Furthermore, the Government will further enhance the mosquito control efforts in addition to the existing measures. The Environment and Ecology Bureau will hold Steering Committee meeting to lead relevant departments to step up mosquito prevention and elimination measures; the district offices of the FEHD will hold interdepartmental meetings at district level to undergo risk assessment and conduct targeted measures.
The WTSDO is working closely with the CHP to disseminate information on CF, including arranging Care Teams to distribute leaflets and surveys to each household unit, contact Link to facilitate the setup of a health consultation booth at the shopping centre nearby, and arranging health talk for the residents to be held tomorrow night.
Latest surveillance data
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Since the beginning of 2025, and as of September 30, a total of 445 271 suspected and confirmed CF cases and 155 CF-related deaths have been reported in 40 countries/territories. Cases have been reported in the Americas, Africa, Asia, and Europe. CF outbreaks currently occur in many countries worldwide. Members of the public should check the situation of the destinations before travelling abroad.
Preventive measures taken by the public
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Severe symptoms and deaths caused by CF are extremely rare, with a mortality rate of less than one in 1 000. The occurrence of severe complications is mostly related to the patients’ underlying health conditions. Elderly persons (particularly those aged 65 or above), young children (particularly infants under 1 year old), pregnant women and persons with chronic illnesses (such as hypertension, diabetes or heart disease) are at higher risk of developing complications after contracting CF and may require a longer recovery period. Therefore, members of the public (especially the abovementioned high-risk groups) are advised to seek medical advice promptly if they develop relevant symptoms, particularly a fever, sudden severe joint pain and skin rash, after visiting areas affected by CF.
Members of the public should use DEET-containing insect repellents or other effective active ingredients properly to prevent mosquito bites, but the following precautions should be taken when using them:
The FEHD also appeals to members of the public to continue to stay alert and work together to carry out mosquito prevention and control measures early, including inspecting their homes and surroundings to remove potential breeding grounds, changing water in vases and scrubbing their inner surfaces, removing water in saucers under potted plants at least once a week, and properly disposing of containers such as soft drink cans and lunch boxes. The FEHD also advises members of the public and property management agencies to keep drains free of blockage and level all defective ground surfaces to prevent the accumulation of water. They should also scrub all drains and surface sewers with an alkaline detergent at least once a week to remove any mosquito eggs.
To strengthen support for ethnic minority communities, essential information on CF has also been translated into 10 ethnic minority languages (namely Hindi, Nepali, Urdu, Thai, Bahasa Indonesia, Tagalog, Vietnamese, Punjabi, Sinhala and Bengali) and uploaded to the CHP website
The public should call 1823 in case of mosquito problems, and may visit the following pages for more information: the CF page of the CHPIssued at HKT 19:40
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