Month: October 2025

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

Following are the opening remarks by the Secretary for Justice, Mr Paul Lam, SC, at the opening ceremony of the Legal Practical Training Course for Chinese Enterprises Going Overseas today (October 20):

Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

Good morning. It is my great pleasure to welcome you all to this Legal Practical Training Course for Chinese Enterprises Going Overseas, organised by the Hong Kong International Legal Talents Training Academy of the Department of Justice of the Hong Kong SAR (Special Administrative Region) Government. 

First of all, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission of the State Council of the People’s Republic of China (SASAC), especially the SASAC Bureau of Policies, Laws and Regulations for making this course a reality. With the strong support of SASAC, we have the privilege to convene 30 general counsel and senior legal officers from our country’s leading state-owned enterprises under one roof. I understand we also invited three senior legal counsel from leading private companies. I also welcome colleagues from the Ministry of Commerce, who are with us here today. I extend my heartfelt thanks to each of you for taking the time to join us in Hong Kong for this course.

Traditionally, Hong Kong has been a springboard for Mainland enterprises to go global. This unique position is rooted in Hong Kong’s status under the “one country, two systems” framework, making it the only bilingual common law jurisdiction in China where both Chinese and English are official languages. Such distinct advantages enable Hong Kong to act as a “super connector” and a significant value-adder between the Chinese Mainland and the rest of the world. Hong Kong continues to be the first stop for numerous Chinese companies establishing their overseas bases and seeking IPOs (initial public offerings). In the first half of 2025 alone, Hong Kong’s IPO market raised an impressive HK$107.1 billion through 42 listings, marking a 700 per cent increase in funds raised and a 40 per cent rise in deal volume. This extraordinary performance positions Hong Kong as the top global fundraising hub, reinforcing its pivotal role as an international financial centre and a gateway for Chinese enterprises’ global expansion.

As our country transforms from rapid growth to high-quality development, more and more outstanding Mainland enterprises are actively expanding to overseas markets. However, this new phase of global expansion also presents challenges. Chinese enterprises face increasing geopolitical uncertainties, diverse regulatory environments, and increasing compliance demands across different markets. Supply chain complexities and cost pressures continue to test operational resilience. Furthermore, adapting to local legal, cultural, and economic conditions remains critical for sustainable success.
 
Under these circumstances, the roles of legal counsel of enterprises have become more critical than a mere advisor or head of a legal division traditionally in the past. Nowadays, legal counsel often have to play the role as an architect of risk management framework, as a gatekeeper of compliance, and as a compass directing strategic decision-making for the enterprises or organisations as a whole. Legal counsel have to operate at the intersections of law, policy, and business, where your advice has direct implications on economic security and corporate reputation. This course is therefore profoundly important, as it aims to equip you with the cutting-edge knowledge and practical skills that will enable you to guide your enterprises or organisations towards sustained excellence and growth.

As announced in the Policy Address 2025 last month, the Chief Executive has highlighted the significant role of Hong Kong’s legal services sector in supporting Mainland enterprises. Our Deputy Secretary for Justice, Dr Horace Cheung, is specifically tasked to promote Hong Kong’s legal services and collaborate with other professional sectors, including accounting and finance, to provide robust support for Mainland enterprises aspiring to expand overseas. This course arrives at just the right time to take forward this very important initiative under the Policy Address.

We hope that this course could provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the current trends in overseas expansion, the evolving legal and regulatory challenges, the best practices for compliance and practical tools for navigating these complexities. We will delve into critical areas such as mergers and acquisitions, export control and sanctions, compliance, international commercial and investment arbitration, international trade instruments and regulations, transaction and dispute resolution involving sovereign states, intellectual property international strategies as well as hot topics such as stablecoins. In addition, we will have dedicated regional panels focusing on Southeast Asia, the Middle East and Africa respectively, where we invited 13 senior practitioners from 12 jurisdictions, including the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Jordan, Kenya, Malaysia, Nigeria, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Thailand, the UAE (United Arab Emirates) and Vietnam to share their first-hand experience and local insights. I encourage you to actively interact with these panelists and share your experience with them, including any difficulties or challenges that you have faced or may face in these regions. We will also explore case studies to illustrate some critical legal and strategic issues.

We hope that by the end of this course, you will be well positioned to leverage Hong Kong’s unique legal and dispute resolution advantages. We encourage you to make use of Hong Kong’s robust legal infrastructure, wealth of expertise and world-class legal services as key resources to support and enhance your enterprises’ overseas endeavours.

Beyond acquiring technical knowledge, this course also provides a unique opportunity to build and strengthen connections among peers facing similar challenges. We believe that, by sharing your insights and experiences with one another, you will be able to build a strong network that helps each of you grow professionally and enriches the collective wisdom that drives our success during times of uncertainty under the rapidly changing international landscape.

Before I end, I would like to take a moment to introduce the Hong Kong International Legal Talents Training Academy, which will soon be approaching its first anniversary. Since its launch last November, the Academy has co-organised a number of training programmes in Hong Kong, the Chinese Mainland and abroad, covering a variety of topics and targeting a wide spectrum of participants. Through organising practical legal courses, seminars and international exchange programmes, the Academy promotes international legal talent exchanges. This will help to consolidate Hong Kong’s strategic position as an international legal and dispute resolution services centre in the Asia-Pacific region, establish Hong Kong as a capacity-building hub, and actively participate in the next decade of the Belt and Road Initiative, contributing to the country’s efforts to promote the construction of the rule of law. I thank you all for your valuable support of the Academy thus far, and warmly encourage your continued engagement and collaboration with the Academy. 

The Department of Justice will be hosting its annual flagship event, the Hong Kong Legal Week 2025, from December 1 to 5 this year. It is a fruitful week filled with opportunities to connect, learn, and engage with eminent legal minds from around the world. On December 1, the Academy will co-organise the 6th UNCITRAL Asia-Pacific Judicial Summit 2025 – Judicial Conference together with the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL). Themed “Building towards End-to-End Digitalization”, this judicial conference will explore topics related to the application of digital economy, virtual assets, artificial intelligence and technology in the judicial field. On December 2, we will co-organise The Third Legal Forum on Interconnectivity and Development with the Commissioner’s Office of China’s Foreign Ministry in the Hong Kong SAR. On December 3, the Academy will co-organise A Symposium of the HCCH Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific on Private International Law with the Hague Conference on Private International Law. Prominent international speakers such as the Secretary-General of international organisations and prominent overseas experts will be speaking at these events. They will certainly give you valuable insights and provide you with abundant opportunities to engage in meaningful discussions with these experts. You are warmly invited to participate in these events, as well as the other events focusing on dispute resolution, Greater Bay Area development and rule of law throughout the Hong Kong Legal Week 2025.

While you are in Hong Kong for this one-week course, I encourage you to take some time to explore the city. Beyond its status as the leading international legal and financial centre, Hong Kong is a vibrant city full of rich culture, delicious cuisine, and stunning sights. I hope you have the opportunity to experience the unique charm of this remarkable city alongside your learning journey.

In conclusion, I wish you all an engaging, insightful and productive experience in the coming week. I look forward to meeting you again during the Hong Kong Legal Week 2025. Thank you. 

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Labour Department (LD) will hold the Career Pathways Job Fair at Southorn Stadium in Wan Chai on October 22 and 23, providing a large number of vacancies from catering, retail and various other industries for job seekers.
 
Over 60 organisations will participate in the two-day job fair, offering over 3 000 quality job vacancies from various industries, among which nearly 1 900 are from the catering, retail and transport industries. Over 30 organisations will set up booths and conduct recruitment on the spot each day. A wide variety of positions will be offered at the job fair, including store operations manager, duty engineer, customer service executive, logistics officer, e-commerce and marketing executive, enrolled nurse, barista, cook, shop assistant, beauty advisor, clerk, taxi driver, health worker, lifeguard, security officer, etc. Job seekers can visit the LD’s Interactive Employment Service website (www.jobs.gov.hk) for more details of the vacancies.
 
Around 74 per cent of the vacancies offered at the job fair are full-time jobs. Most vacancies offer monthly salaries ranging from $12,000 to $25,000. About 98 per cent of the vacancies require a Secondary Six education level or below. Around 67 per cent are open to job seekers without relevant work experience.
 
Job seekers can submit job applications during the event and may be selected for on-the-spot interviews. They can also make enquiries on the employment services provided by the LD at its counter inside the venue.
 
The job fair will be held from 11am to 5.30pm at 1/F, Southorn Stadium, 111 Johnston Road, Wan Chai (near MTR Wan Chai Station Exit A3). Admission is free, with final admission time at 5pm each day.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, will depart in the afternoon today (October 20) for Korea to attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Finance Ministers’ Meeting and related events in Incheon. He will then proceed to visit Beijing on October 22.
 
The APEC Finance Ministers’ Meeting this year is themed “Sustainable Growth and Shared Prosperity in the Region”, and will explore topics such as global and regional economic and financial developments, digital finance and fiscal policy. Mr Chan will also attend a joint session of the Finance Ministers’ Meeting and the Structural Reform Ministerial Meeting on October 22 and take part in discussions on regional innovation and digitalisation. While in Incheon, Mr Chan will hold bilateral meetings with officials from other economies to exchange views on issues of mutual concern.
 
Upon completion of his visit to Incheon, Mr Chan will proceed to visit Beijing and return to Hong Kong on October 25. During his absence from Hong Kong, the Deputy Financial Secretary, Mr Michael Wong, will act as Financial Secretary.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

A spokesman for the Transport and Logistics Bureau (TLB) expressed deep concern over an accident that occurred at Hong Kong International Airport in the early hours of today (October 20), where a cargo aircraft ditched into the sea. The four crew members on board were rescued and sent to the hospital. The TLB is saddened by the loss of two ground staff members in the accident and extends its deepest condolences to their families.

The spokesman added that flight safety is of utmost importance. The Air Accident Investigation Authority will actively investigate the cause of the accident, while the Civil Aviation Department and the Airport Authority Hong Kong will fully co-operate to ensure the safety of airport operations.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate increased from 3.7% in June to August to 3.9% in July to September, the Census & Statistics Department announced today.

The underemployment rate remained at 1.6%.

Total employment was 3,674,500, down 6,100 from June to August, while the labour force also decreased by around 1,500 to 3,830,100.

While noting the continued expansion of the Hong Kong economy is expected to support job growth, Secretary for Labour & Welfare Chris Sun said the employment situation in some sectors would continue to face challenges during economic restructuring, adding that the increasing external uncertainties could weigh on corporate hiring sentiment.

“The Government will continue to closely monitor the labour market situation and facilitate job-seeking through enhancing dissemination of employment information.”

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Secretary for Justice Paul Lam today spoke at the opening ceremony of the Legal Practice Training Course for Chinese Enterprises Going Overseas, organised by the Hong Kong International Legal Talents Training Academy.

Mr Lam said with the high-quality development of the national economy, an increasing number of outstanding Mainland enterprises are actively expanding to overseas markets, while at the same time facing many challenges.

He expressed hope that the training course would enable participants to comprehensively understand current trends in overseas expansion, keep abreast of evolving legal and regulatory challenges, and effectively tackle the complex issues encountered by enterprises when “going overseas”.

Over 30 legal advisers and related professionals from state-owned enterprises will explore the practical and imminent legal issues and challenges faced by Mainland enterprises going global, in the course that officially started today.

The lectures’ speakers include experienced legal professionals from Hong Kong and overseas, as well as members of the Hong Kong International Legal Talents Training Expert Committee.

The academy also invited more than 10 senior legal practitioners from 12 jurisdictions in Southeast Asia, the Middle East and Africa, to share their first-hand experiences and insights in the local markets with participants.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     â€‹The Director of Health, Dr Ronald Lam, today (October 20) led a delegation from the Department of Health (DH) to attend the meeting of the 76th session of the World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Committee for the Western Pacific in Fiji. He engaged in in-depth discussions with representatives from other countries and regions on major health issues of common concern. They explored practical response strategies and ways to strengthen the resilience of health systems. Dr Lam also shared on public health and medical reforms and achievements in Hong Kong, China.
 
     During the opening session today, Dr Lam reported on the latest developments and challenges in public health in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR). “The HKSAR has established a resilient public health system. We have enjoyed one of the best indices in terms of life expectancies, maternal and infant mortality rates, etc, as well as quality healthcare services. These achievements are attributed to a solid foundation established across various public health areas, including disease surveillance, disease prevention, and responsive medical services. At the same time, the HKSAR shares many challenges with other member states of the WHO, such as an ageing population, the ongoing strain on the healthcare workforce, the dual threats of non-communicable diseases and communicable diseases, and rising healthcare expenditure,” Dr Lam said.
 
     To address the abovementioned issues, “The Chief Executive’s 2025 Policy Address” announced that Hong Kong, China is deepening its healthcare reform and enhancing the sustainability of the Hong Kong healthcare system through a series of measures. These include enhancing the public healthcare system, promoting healthcare manpower development, strengthening primary healthcare services, enhancing cancer prevention, screening, diagnosis and treatment, promoting the development of Chinese Medicine (CM), promoting mental health, and developing an international health and medical innovation hub.
 
     “Hong Kong, China is pressing ahead with targeted, far-reaching health reforms. We are transforming our primary health care from a treatment focus to a prevention focus and tailoring it to individual health needs; exploring systemic solutions to alleviate healthcare workforce pressures; accelerating the responsible adoption of artificial intelligence and smart and digital healthcare systems to enhance the efficiency and coverage of our services; taking forward health promotion and disease prevention initiatives in a life-course approach; and mobilising resources to tackle health issues of vulnerable groups,” Dr Lam added.
 
     He emphasised that the theme of the WHO Western Pacific Region, “Weaving Health for Families, Communities and Societies in the Western Pacific Region (2025-2029)”, closely aligns with the healthcare reform objectives outlined in “The Chief Executive’s 2025 Policy Address”. Hong Kong, China will continue to collaborate closely with the WHO to advance global and Western Pacific regional health objectives.
 
     The five-day meeting runs until October 24. During the meeting, participants will also discuss mental and psychological health care, the impact of climate change on health system safety and resilience, oral health, alcohol control, artificial intelligence in healthcare systems, hypertension control, safer surgery and tobacco control, among other topics. The Controller of Regulatory Affairs of the DH, Dr Fung Ying, will introduce the HKSAR’s new phase of tobacco control measures at the meeting. The DH was unanimously elected by all member states and regions of the WHO Western Pacific Region to serve as the official rapporteur for this session, responsible for ensuring that the resolutions adequately reflect the views of member states and regions to promote the effective implementation of the regional programme.
 
     With the support of the National Health Commission of the People’s Republic of China, the DH has actively collaborated with and supported the WHO in addressing various public health challenges and contributing to global public health over the years. The DH has been designated by the WHO as a Collaborating Centre for Traditional Medicine and a Collaborating Centre for Smoking Cessation and Treatment of Tobacco Dependence, assisting the WHO in formulating global strategies for traditional medicine. Furthermore, the DH regularly provides training programmes on tobacco control and training in smoking cessation treatment for healthcare professionals as well as tobacco control and smoking cessation practitioners in the HKSAR, on the Chinese Mainland and throughout the entire Western Pacific Region. The DH also conducts CM Acupuncture Smoking Cessation Training Workshops to help frontline CM practitioners enhance their knowledge and skills in delivering cessation treatment. Regarding training, to date, over 1 000 individuals have participated in these programmes and training. Additionally, the WHO has designated the Public Health Laboratory Services Branch of the Centre for Health Protection of the DH as a reference laboratory for various communicable diseases, including tuberculosis, measles/rubella, influenza A (H5), SARS and COVID-19, making significant contributions to fighting epidemics worldwide.
 
     With the support of the Central Government and under the “one country, two systems” principle, the DH will continue to maintain close liaison with the WHO member states and regions on various public health protection issues. Through multilateral collaboration and consensus-building, the DH will further enhance and safeguard overall public health in the region.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Financial Secretary Paul Chan will depart today for Korea to attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Finance Ministers’ Meeting and related events in Incheon, and will proceed to Beijing for a visit on Wednesday.

The theme of the APEC meeting is “Sustainable Growth & Shared Prosperity in the Region”, and will explore topics such as global and regional economic and financial developments, digital finance and fiscal policy.

While in Incheon, Mr Chan will also hold bilateral meetings with officials from other economies to discuss issues of mutual concern.

Upon completion of the visits to Incheon and Beijing, he will return to Hong Kong on Saturday.

During Mr Chan’s absence, Deputy Financial Secretary Michael Wong will be Acting Secretary.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Transport & Logistics Bureau expressed deep concern over an accident at Hong Kong International Airport in the early hours of today, where a cargo aircraft ditched into the sea.

The four crew members on board were rescued and sent to hospital.

The bureau said it is saddened by the loss of two ground staff members in the accident and extended its deepest condolences to their families.

 

The cargo aircraft concerned, arriving from Al Maktoum International Airport, United Arab Emirates, had deviated from the North Runway after landing and ditched into the sea.

The Civil Aviation Department is following up with the relevant parties at the airport, including the airline.

The department has also reported the incident to the Air Accident Investigation Authority in accordance with the established mechanism, and is sparing no effort to support the investigation.

Source: Government of Singapore

JOINT NEWS RELEASE BETWEEN SPF, ICA, HDB, LTA, NEA AND URA 

Singapore, 17 October 2025 – More than $619,000 in outstanding summonses were recovered from 241 foreign motorists during a multi-agency operation conducted from 6 to 8 October 2025. During the operation, foreign motorists with outstanding fines were stopped and directed to settle their fines for vehicular and traffic offences when they entered Singapore at the land checkpoints. The operation was led by the Traffic Police (TP) and supported by officers from the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority, Housing & Development Board, Land Transport Authority, National Environment Agency, and the Urban Redevelopment Authority.

2                 Singapore takes a serious view of foreign motorists who have committed offences in Singapore, and do not settle their fines. Singapore authorities regularly conduct operations against foreign motorists who commit offences in Singapore and do not settle their fines. Foreign motorists with outstanding fines for traffic, parking, or vehicular emissions offences may be denied entry into Singapore.

3                All motorists are required to abide by Singapore laws and play their part in building a positive road safety culture. This includes the following:

• Adhering to speed limits
• Obeying traffic signals
• Paying ERP and parking charges
• Parking legally
• Driving a vehicle that complies with vehicle emissions limit

4         Foreign motorists are strongly advised to check if they have any outstanding fines at www.axs.com.sg. Payment of the fines can be made via the following channels (a detailed list of payment options applicable to the respective agencies is listed in Annex A):

(a)   AXS kiosks, AXS website and AXS mobile app;

(b)   Respective agencies’ websites; or

(c)   Respective agencies’ customer service counters

5               Foreign motorists who wish to seek clarifications on their offences may contact the relevant agencies (refer to Annex A). 

~~ End ~~

For more information, please submit your enquiries electronically via the Online Feedback Form or myENV mobile application.

 

Annex A

Contact Details and Payment Options for Foreign Vehicles with Outstanding Offences

Traffic Police (TP)

• Tel: 6547 0000
• AXS kiosks, AXS website and AXS mobile app (Singapore-issued credit/debit cards)
• TP’s website:

SPF | Check Outstanding Traffic Offences and Pay Traffic Fines

• TP’s customer service counter (Cashcard, NETS, and Singapore-issued credit/debit cards)

Housing & Development Board (HDB)

• AXS kiosks, AXS website and AXS mobile app (NETS, e-NETS, DBS Paylah!, Paynow QR and Singapore-issued credit/debit cards)

HDB’s website:

http://go.gov.sg/hdb-parking-fine (NETS, PayNow, and Singapore and foreign-issued credit/debit cards)

• HDB cash payment kiosks at various locations (http://go.gov.sg/hdb-cash-payment-kiosks)

Land Transport Authority (LTA)

• Tel: 1800 225 5582
• AXS kiosks, AXS website and AXS mobile app (Singapore-issued credit/debit cards)
• OneMotoring website:

https://vrl.lta.gov.sg/lta/vrl/action/pubfunc?ID+=EnquireOffence

National Environment Agency (NEA)

• Tel: 6225 5632
• AXS kiosks, AXS website and AXS mobile app (Singapore-issued credit/debit cards)
• SingPost Post Offices (Cash, NETS, NETS Flashpay and Singapore-issued credit/debit cards)
• SingPost mobile application and https://mysam.singpost.com
• NEA’s website: https://go.gov.sg/nea-payment

Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA)

• Tel: 6329 3434
• AXS kiosks, AXS website and AXS mobile app (Singapore-issued credit/debit cards and foreign-issued credit cards)
• URA’s website:

https://go.gov.sg/ura-pf (eNETS, PayNow, Singapore and foreign-issued credit/debit cards)

 

Annex B

A Traffic Police officer engaging two motorists on their outstanding fines.

The enforcement operation was led by the Traffic Police and supported by officers from the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority, Housing & Development Board, Land Transport Authority, National Environment Agency, and Urban Redevelopment Authority.

A Traffic Police officer engaging a motorist on his outstanding fines.

The Traffic Police officer providing information on payment locations and available payment methods for settling outstanding fines