Month: October 2025

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

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

     The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA), in collaboration with the Hong Kong Cyberport Management Company Limited (Cyberport), hosted the Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenA.I.) Symposium today (October 31). The event provided a platform for GenA.I. Sandbox participants to share their insights and showcase their GenA.I. innovations through interactive exhibition booths, fostering industry collaboration and knowledge exchange.
 
     The Symposium attracted over 500 practitioners from the banking, insurance and technology sectors, featuring panel discussions with leaders from regulatory bodies, industry association (Note), banks, consultancy firms, and technology firms, who deliberated on the latest developments in GenA.I. and their implications for the financial sector. The event also included fireside chat sessions with virtual avatars discussing future models of co-operation between banking professionals and A.I.. To underscore the topic, the event was powered by A.I. live transcription and translation services and an interactive A.I. photo booth for personalised digital memorabilia.
 
     At the Symposium, the HKMA also presented the Report on the First Cohort of GenA.I. Sandbox. The report summarises key findings from the first cohort, demonstrating GenA.I.’s significant potential to add value in banking, particularly in enhancing risk management, anti-fraud capabilities and customer experience. It also shares technical learnings from trials at Cyberport’s Artificial Intelligence Supercomputing Centre, offering the industry practical guidance on key areas such as model fine-tuning and guardrail implementation for building safer and domain-specific GenA.I. solutions.
 
     The HKMA unveiled a pilot GenA.I. chatbot to provide users with more interactive access to insights and practical guidance from the Sandbox. The chatbot explores the feasibility of deploying a knowledge-bound GenA.I. solution that addresses common concerns such as hallucinations and inaccuracies.
 
     The Chief Executive of the HKMA, Mr Eddie Yue, said, “The first cohort of the GenA.I. Sandbox has explored numerous innovative use cases, providing the banking industry with valuable insights into how A.I. can deliver tangible value for both banks and consumers. The insights have also guided the initiation of Project Noor, in collaboration with the Bank for International Settlements Innovation Hub and other like-minded regulators, with an aim to develop an explainable A.I. toolkit. We look forward to the second cohort, which will further advance the responsible adoption of GenA.I. to future-proof banking services.”

Note: The Fintech Association of Hong Kong

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

With effect from tomorrow (November 1), the Government will expand the Immigration Facilitation Scheme for Visitors Participating in Short-term Activities in Designated Sectors (STV Scheme), enabling more non-local talent to participate in specified short-term activities as visitors without the need to apply for employment visas/entry permits. Following a review, in addition to the existing 12 designated sectors, the STV Scheme will be expanded to cover five new sectors, with the addition of more authorised organisations and specified short-term activities.

With a view to facilitating business, promoting development of relevant sectors and raising Hong Kong’s international profile, the Government launched the Pilot Scheme on Immigration Facilitation for Visitors Participating in Short-term Activities in Designated Sectors (Pilot Scheme) in June 2022, which was regularised as the STV Scheme in June 2024. As of end-September 2025, the Pilot Scheme/STV Scheme had benefited over 38 000 non-local talent, enabling their entry into Hong Kong as visitors to participate in various short-term activities, including the International Chinese New Year Night Parade, the Asian Financial Forum, the Hong Kong Sevens, the Hong Kong Performing Arts Expo and other major events. The STV Scheme enables more talent to visit Hong Kong for exchanges, giving full play to Hong Kong’s strength as a “super connector” under the “one country, two systems” framework.

Upon review, the Government decided to further expand the STV Scheme to cover five new sectors, namely “Environment”, “Occupational Safety and Health”, “Maritime”, “Think Tanks” and “Others”, with the addition of more authorised organisations and specified short-term activities in seven existing sectors. For more details, please refer to the Annex. Among them, the Government will introduce the “Others” sector, enabling relevant policy bureaux/departments to invite non-local talent to come to Hong Kong under the scheme to participate in events or activities they host, cohost and/or support as necessary. This will inject greater flexibility into the STV Scheme, thereby helping more non-local talent to visit Hong Kong for exchanges. Other arrangements will remain unchanged after the expansion.
 
The expanded STV Scheme will cover the following 17 sectors with a total of some-490 authorised organisations:
 

• Medical and Healthcare;
• Higher Education;
• Arts and Culture;
• Sports;
• Heritage;
• Creative Industries;
• Innovation and Technology;
• The Hong Kong Laureate Forum;
• Aviation;
• International/Mega events;
• Finance;
• Development and Construction;
• Environment;
• Occupational Safety and Health;
• Maritime;
• Think Tanks; and
• Others.

​Under the STV Scheme, organisations authorised by relevant government bureaux/departments can issue invitation letters to relevant non-local talent in their sectors. Invited persons may come to Hong Kong and participate in specified short-term activities as visitors without the need to apply for employment visas/entry permits from the Immigration Department (ImmD). Participation of the non-local talent in specified activities in Hong Kong must be conducive to economic development or achieving relevant policy objectives, without displacing the local workforce. They may participate in the specified short-term activities for up to 14 consecutive calendar days upon each arrival, and receive remuneration for the specified activities concerned. Through an established mechanism, all participating bureaux/departments would assist in ensuring that the implementation of the scheme consistently meets relevant policy objectives and will neither displace the local workforce nor constitute a risk of abuse (including illegal employment).
 
For more information on the STV Scheme, please visit the ImmD’s website (www.immd.gov.hk/eng/services/visas/stv.html).

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Shing Mun Country Park Visitor Centre has completed comprehensive renovation works and will reopen tomorrow (November 1). Members of the public are welcome to visit.
 
A spokesman for the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) said, “The renovation aims to provide visitors with more comprehensive hiking information, showcasing the natural landscape, ecology and cultural history of Shing Mun Country Park. This allows visitors to understand Shing Mun Country Park from multiple perspectives and promotes nature conservation.”
 
The visitor centre features a variety of interactive exhibits, exhibition galleries, and an activity room to enrich visitors’ hiking experience and promote green tourism in country parks. Visitors can explore the historical changes of Shing Mun Country Park, nearby hiking trails and seasonal highlights through the exhibition galleries. They can also learn about the diverse habitats as well as flora and fauna in the area. Visitors can also learn about Shing Mun’s war relics, landmarks, and the history of country parks at the interactive area.
 
The visitor centre offers free public guided tours introducing the biodiversity and war relics of Shing Mun Country Park. A series of educational activities for schools are also available for reservation. To further enhance visitors’ hiking experience, the visitor centre provides new services including lending external chargers, maps and hiking poles.
 
For details about the Shing Mun Country Park Visitor Centre, please visit the AFCD’s website:
www.afcd.gov.hk/english/country/cou_lea/cou_lea_ven/shingmun.html

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA) under the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau and the Hong Kong Film Development Council (FDC) led an industry delegation to participate in the 38th Tokyo International Film Festival (TIFF). During the Festival, a series of “Hong Kong Cinema@Tokyo 2025” exchange activities was held to promote Hong Kong films to the international community and explore overseas markets for Hong Kong animation films and emerging filmmakers. Members of the delegation included the Assistant Commissioner for Cultural and Creative Industries and Secretary-General of the FDC, Mr Gary Mak; the Chairman of the FDC, Dr Wilfred Wong; director Soi Cheang; director of “Someone Like Me”, Tam Wai-ching; actors Chan Ka-lok and Fish Liew, as well as animation filmmakers Raman Hui, Polly Yeung and Samuel Choy.

The Hong Kong Night Networking Reception, organised by CCIDA and the FDC, was held yesterday (October 30), attracting nearly 200 industry representatives and filmmakers from around the world. The event aimed to help Hong Kong filmmakers expand their networks and promote the Hong Kong film industry. Speaking at the reception, Mr Mak said that the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region has been supporting the development of the Hong Kong film industry. He added that much focus has been put on deepening international exchanges and co-operation in recent years to encourage the industry’s participation in renowned global film festivals, foster exchanges and explore business opportunities.

CCIDA and the FDC hosted two public exchange events during the Festival. The first event, “Soi Cheang Masterclass”, featured the screening of “Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In”, which was well received in Japan, followed by exchanges between director Soi Cheang and Japanese audiences. The event attracted an enthusiastic response with over 400 attendees. The second event was a panel discussion featuring Japanese animation master Koji Morimoto as the speaker, joined by well-known director and animator celebrated as the “Father of Shrek”, Raman Hui; producer and scriptwriter of animation film “Another World”, Polly Yeung; and producer of animation film “The Excreman – On The Road”, Samuel Choy. “Another World” and “The Excreman – On The Road” were supported by the Film Production Financing Scheme under the Film Development Fund (FDF). The panel discussion explored ways to transform creativity into globally appealing works and shared successful experiences on funding operations, project development, and promotion strategies.

In addition, Hong Kong film “Someone Like Me”, supported by the Film Production Financing Scheme (Relaxation Plan) under the FDF, was selected for the TIFF’s “Women’s Empowerment” section and held its world premiere during the Festival. Meanwhile, the “Sons of the Neon Night” was nominated for the “Gala Selection” section, with three screenings scheduled during the Festival.

     CCIDA also engaged in meetings with overseas film organisations and festival representatives, including the Japan Film Commission and Visual Industry Promotion Organization of Japan, to strengthen international ties and pave the way for future collaborations.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Government announced today (October 31) that the Oral Health Group will be established under the Primary Healthcare Committee (PHC Committee) of the Primary Healthcare Commission (PHC Commission) tomorrow (November 1). It will advise the Government on the development of oral health and dental care, with a view to implementing the strategy that emphasises prevention, early identification, and timely intervention, thereby further enhancing both oral and general health of citizens of all ages.

     Oral health is an integral part of general health, and preventive oral care is a crucial component of primary healthcare. The Government released the final report of the Working Group on Oral Health and Dental Care and an action plan in December 2024, which includes adopting the strategy of widely promoting prevention-oriented primary oral healthcare among citizens across all age groups, and proposes the establishment of a steering and advisory framework, by setting up the Oral Health Group under the PHC Committee to continuously press ahead with various initiatives. Furthermore, the Chief Executive proposed to bolster public and subsidised dental services in his 2025 Policy Address to enhance oral health education, oral hygiene instructions, risk assessments, and more, in the community.

     Co-chaired by the Commissioner for Primary Healthcare, Dr Pang Fei-chau, and non-official member of the PHC Committee Dr Sigmund Leung, the Oral Health Group comprises four official members and 13 non-official members, with a term of office from November 1, 2025, to December 31, 2027. The non-official members include representatives from the dental profession, the healthcare sector, collaborating non-governmental organisations of government-subsidised dental care programmes, as well as prominent community figures. They possess rich experience and profound knowledge in relevant fields and can provide invaluable advice and recommendations to the Government on strategies for promoting oral health and the development of dental care services. The Oral Health Group will hold its first meeting in the fourth quarter of this year.

     Specifically, the terms of reference of the Oral Health Group are as follows:

(1) To monitor the progress of integrating oral health into primary healthcare;
(2) To monitor the effectiveness of various preventive measures in oral healthcare in attaining the Oral Health Goals for 2030; and
(3) To advise the Government on the further development of prevention-oriented oral healthcare, including the dental manpower supply and the development of eHealth for oral healthcare.

     The membership list of the Oral Health Group is as follows:

Co-chairmen
————
Commissioner for Primary Healthcare
Dr Sigmund Leung Sai-man

Official Members
————————
Deputy Secretary for Health (or representative)
Director of Health (or representative)
Representative of the PHC Commission
Representative nominated by the Hospital Authority

Non-official Members
———————————
Representative nominated by the Faculty of Dentistry, the University of Hong Kong
President (or representative nominated by the President) of the College of Dental Surgeons of Hong Kong
Chairman (or representative nominated by the Chairman) of the Dental Council of Hong Kong
President (or representative nominated by the President) of the Hong Kong Dental Association
President (or representative nominated by the President) of the Hong Kong Dental Hygienists’ Association
Representative nominated by Pok Oi Hospital
Representative nominated by St. James’ Settlement
Representative nominated by the Lok Sin Tong Benevolent Society, Kowloon
Dr Eva Au Tai-kwan
Mr Tim Pang Hung-cheong
Dr Frankie So Hon-ching
Dr Denise Tam Yick-sin
Professor Samuel Wong Yeung-shan

     The PHC Committee was established in 2024 to assist the PHC Commission in effectively performing its functions and exercising its powers. The PHC Committee comprises individuals from different professional backgrounds, including professionals from family medicine, Chinese medicine, dentistry and other professional sectors, bringing together various parties to advise the PHC Commission from multiple perspectives.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Government announced today (October 31) that the Chief Executive (CE) has reappointed Professor Wong Sze-chun as a member of the Pensions Appeal Panel (PAP) and the Appeal Panel on Government’s Voluntary Contributions under the Civil Service Provident Fund Scheme (APGVC) for a term of three years with effect from November 9, 2025.

The PAP is a statutory body established under the Pension Benefits Ordinance (Cap. 99) responsible for advising the CE on petitions made by civil servants against decisions to refuse to grant, cancel, suspend or reduce pension benefits. The APGVC is an administrative panel set up to tender advice to the CE on representations made by civil servants against decisions to forfeit or recover their accrued benefits attributable to government voluntary contributions under the Civil Service Provident Fund Scheme.

Ms Teresa Ko Yuk-yin is the convenor-cum-member of the two appeal panels, while Ms Eva Kwong Pui-han is the other serving member.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Government announced today (October 31) that the Chief Executive has, pursuant to the Stablecoins Ordinance (Cap. 656) (the Ordinance), appointed the Chairperson and panel members to the Stablecoin Review Tribunal.
 
     The following Chairperson and panel members of the Tribunal are appointed for a three-year term from November 1, 2025, to October 31, 2028.
 
Chairperson
————
Mr Douglas Lam Tak-yip, SC
 
Panel members
—————–
Professor Allen Huang Hao
Ms Vivien Khoo
Mr Robert Andrew Lui Chi-wang
Mr Andrew Mak Yip-shing
Mr Philip Ng Kim-lam
Mr Patrick Siu Tsz-him
　
     A Government spokesman said, “The Ordinance has further strengthened the regulatory framework for digital asset activities in Hong Kong, providing a solid foundation for the steady and sustainable development of the industry. The Tribunal helps provide safeguards to ensure that the relevant regulatory decisions are reasonable and fair.”
 
     The Tribunal is established under the Ordinance to, upon receipt of appeals, review specified decisions of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority made under the Ordinance.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Government announced today (October 31) the appointments to the Payment Systems and Stored Value Facilities Appeals Tribunal and the Process Review Committee in connection with the Payment Systems and Stored Value Facilities Ordinance (Cap. 584).
 
     The Chief Executive has, pursuant to the Ordinance, made the following appointments and reappointments to the Tribunal for a three-year term from November 4, 2025, to November 3, 2028:
 
Chairman
————
Mr Richard Khaw Wei-kiang, SC
 
Panel Members
————
Ms Florence Chan Yuen-shan *
Mr Louis Chow Ka-leung *
Mr Peter Li Po-ting *
Mr Patrick Siu Tsz-him
Professor George Yang Yong
 
*reappointment
 
     In addition, the Financial Secretary, under the authority delegated by the Chief Executive, has reappointed the Chairman and members of the Process Review Committee for a three-year term from December 1, 2025, to November 30, 2028.
 
Chairman
————
Mr Jack Chan Hoi
 
Members
————
Mr Frederick Chan Hing-fai
Mr Louis Chow Ka-leung
Professor Matthew Lee Kwok-on
Ms Fion Ng Siu-mui
 
     The Government also expressed gratitude to the outgoing Chairman of the Tribunal, Mr Michael John Hartmann, and the two outgoing panel members of the Tribunal, Professor Chen Nan and Mr Gary Soo Kwok-leung.
 
     A Government spokesman said, “The Tribunal and the Process Review Committee effectively ensure that the relevant decisions made by the regulatory authority pursuant to the Ordinance are reasonable, thereby enhancing accountability. We are thankful to the outgoing Chairman and panel members of the Tribunal and are confident that the new term of the Tribunal and the Process Review Committee will continue to operate effectively.”
 
     The Tribunal is established under the Ordinance to, upon receipt of appeals, review relevant decisions made by the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) under the Ordinance.
 
     The Process Review Committee is established by the Chief Executive to review independently the processes and procedures adopted by the HKMA in making decisions relating to the designated systems in which the HKMA has a legal or beneficial interest.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The following is issued on behalf of the Committee on the Promotion of Civic Education:
 
The Home and Youth Affairs Bureau, the Committee on the Promotion of Civic Education (CPCE) and the Local Community Sub-group under the Working Group on Constitution, Basic Law and Hong Kong National Security Law of the Constitution and Basic Law Promotion Steering Committee are launching a new round of the Basic Law Quiz Competition to enhance public understanding of the relationship between the Constitution and the Basic Law, the Basic Law and its history, as well as safeguarding national security. The entry round of the Competition opens from today (October 31) for application. Members of the public are welcome to join the Competition.
 
The Competition comprises the Family Category, Senior Primary School Category, Secondary School Category and Open Category. Participants shall answer 20 quiz questions and submit their applications via the Competition website. The deadline for the entry round is December 31.
 
Participants who have answered all questions in the entry round and successfully submitted their applications will have the opportunity to receive a Civic Education Calendar 2026 by mail while stocks last. Upon closing of the entry round, those with the best performance in each category will be selected by ballot to attend the Quiz Final and Prize Presentation Ceremony tentatively scheduled for April 2026. Attendees may have a chance to compete in question sessions for prizes.
 
The CPCE is a non-statutory committee that promotes civic and national education outside schools and in the community through various and diverse means, with a view to helping the general public develop positive values, civic awareness, and a sense of patriotism.
 
For details, please visit the Competition website at www.cpce.gov.hk/basiclaw2025-26 or call 2880 2885.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Government announced today (October 31) the appointments to the Process Review Panel for the Mandatory Provident Fund Schemes Authority (PRP-MPFA).
 
     The Financial Secretary, in exercise of his authority delegated by the Chief Executive, has appointed Mr Johnny Ip Chun-yuen, as the Chairman of PRP-MPFA. He also appointed Ms Dilys Chau Suet-fung, Mr Keith Choy Chung-fai and Ms Angela Leung Wai-tuen as members of PRP-MPFA. The appointments will take effect from November 1, 2025, for a term of two years until October 31, 2027.
 
     A spokesperson for the Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau welcomed the above appointments and said, “We wish to express our sincere appreciation for the dedicated and comprehensive review work undertaken by PRP-MPFA. The Chairman and members have rendered invaluable contributions in reviewing and advising on the internal procedures and operational guidelines of the Mandatory Provident Fund Schemes Authority (MPFA). Their advice has significantly strengthened the regulatory effectiveness of MPFA. With Mr Ip assuming the role of Chairman, we are confident that PRP-MPFA will maintain its effective operation and continue to ensure that MPFA discharges its regulatory responsibilities fairly and consistently.”
 
     The spokesperson also expressed gratitude to Mr Eugene Fung Ting-sek, SC, for his outstanding leadership as Chairman over the past six years, and outgoing members, namely Mr Abraham Chan Lok-shung, SC, Mrs Agnes Koon Woo Kam-oi, Mr Liu Kin-sing and Mr Jeff Wong Kwan-kit for their dedicated services.
 
     Following is the membership of the PRP-MPFA with effect from November 1, 2025:
 
Chairman
————
Mr Johnny Ip Chun-yuen
 
Members
———-
Ms Dilys Chau Suet-fung
Mr Keith Choy Chung-fai
Ms Jasmine Lee Shun-yi
Ms Angela Leung Wai-tuen
Professor Tang Hei-wai
 
Ex-officio members
———————-
Chairman of MPFA
Secretary for Justice (or his representative)