Vacancy in Islands District Council

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Government declared by notice in the Gazette today (October 17) the existence of a vacant ex officio member seat in the Islands District Council.

The ex officio member, Mr Chow Yuk-tong, passed away on September 28, 2025. Pursuant to section 19A(1)(a) of the District Councils Ordinance (Cap. 547), his office has become vacant.

SEE to attend Belt and Road Green Innovation Conference in Beijing

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Secretary for Environment and Ecology, Mr Tse Chin-wan, will depart for Beijing this afternoon (October 17) to attend the 2025 Belt and Road Green Innovation Conference tomorrow (October 18).

The 2025 Belt and Road Green Innovation Conference will be hosted by the Ministry of Ecology and Environment. The theme for this year is “Driving Green Development Together”, aligning with the core agenda of the 30th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. The conference will focus on the achievements of the Green Silk Road building, building of platforms for exchange and co-operation in green finance, green and low-carbon development, as well as green technology and innovation, which aims to facilitate the integration of green industries with technologies.

Mr Tse will speak at the opening ceremony of the conference and share Hong Kong’s experiences in green innovation with the Belt and Road counterparts so as to deepen exchange and co-operation. The Director of Environmental Protection, Dr Samuel Chui, will also join the visit.

Mr Tse will return to Hong Kong tomorrow evening. During his absence, the post of the Secretary for Environment and Ecology will be taken up by the Deputy Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Cheuk Wing-hing.

2025 final register for Rural Representative Election published today

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The 2025 final register for the Rural Representative Election (RRE) was published today (October 17). The final register contains the particulars of the registered electors of Existing Villages, Indigenous Villages, Composite Indigenous Villages and Market Towns. Registered electors may log into the RRE Voter Registration Information Enquiry System through the RRE website (www.had.gov.hk/rre) for perusal of their own registration particulars. They may also call the RRE hotline at 2152 1521 during ordinary business hours for enquiries about the relevant information.

A full copy of the final register is placed at the office of the Electoral Registration Officer located at the Home Affairs Department (HAD), 30/F, Southorn Centre, 130 Hennessy Road, Wan Chai. Copies of the specific divisions of the final register for Rural Areas that belong to the Rural Committees concerned are placed at the offices of the Assistant Electoral Registration Officers in the respective New Territories District Offices (NTDOs), the office addresses of which are set out on the RRE website. Pursuant to section 30 of the Electoral Affairs Commission (Registration of Electors) (Rural Representative Election) Regulation (Cap. 541K), specified persons including members of the press (meaning persons who subscribe to the Government News and Media Information System maintained by the Director of Information Services), political parties (i.e. political bodies/organisations that meet the specified requirements under the Regulation), Heung Yee Kuk, respective Rural Committees for the relevant Rural Areas, indigenous inhabitants of the relevant Indigenous Villages or Composite Indigenous Villages, as well as residents of the relevant Existing Villages or Market Towns can inspect the aforementioned final register of electors for purposes relating to the RRE, by making an appointment through the RRE hotline or the relevant NTDOs during ordinary business hours starting from today.

The ordinary business hours of the HAD and NTDOs in respect of the above matter are from 9am to 1pm and from 2pm to 6pm, Monday to Friday (except general holidays).

Statistical information about the final register is available on the RRE website.

For enquiries, please visit the RRE website or call the RRE hotline.

Mini-drama “Victory in War of Resistance” recreates historical scenes to pay tribute to war heroes (with photos)

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     This year marks the 80th anniversary of the Victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. The Information Services Department (ISD), in collaboration with Radio Television Hong Kong (RTHK), has produced a mini-drama titled “Victory in War of Resistance” (Chinese only). This five-episode series aims to enhance public awareness of the War of Resistance on the Chinese Mainland and in Hong Kong, remember history, honour martyrs, and cherish and safeguard peace to cultivate patriotic feelings and foster a strong sense of national identity and belonging. The programme is available starting today (October 17) on the 80th Anniversary of Victory in War of Resistance dedicated webpage, as well as the official websites and social media platforms of the ISD and RTHK.
 
     The mini-drama consists of five episodes and tells the story of a group of young guerrillas defending their homeland during the fall of Hong Kong. The protagonist initially plans to flee the city with his family, but later joins guerrilla forces alongside his cousin to fight bravely against the enemy. During a mission to attack Kai Tak Airport, a site occupied by the Japanese army, his cousin sacrifices himself by staying behind to detonate explosives, destroying Japanese military equipment and fulfilling a noble cause.
 
The mini-drama features a cast of young actors, including Angus Yeung, Venus Lam and Tomi Ng. To enhance authenticity, the production team referenced a wealth of historical photographs during the filming of the mini-drama. They utilised computer-generated effects and AI technology to colourise black-and-white historical photos, integrating them into the drama. This immersive approach allows audience to vividly experience the hardships of the wartime era. The scene depicting the guerrilla raid on Kai Tak Airport was meticulously recreated with high historical accuracy.
 
To further deepen public understanding of the War of Resistance, each episode concludes with a “History Insight” segment. Presented in an engaging format, this segment introduces historical facts to help audiences build accurate historical knowledge and perspectives, and to deepen their appreciation and respect for this chapter of history.
 
All five episodes of the mini-drama will be available on the following platforms:

RTHK will also broadcast the series on RTHK TV 31 at 9.30pm starting today for five consecutive nights.

                 

FEHD releases third batch of gravidtrap indexes for Aedes albopictus in October

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) today (October 17) released the third batch of gravidtrap indexes and density indexes for Aedes albopictus in October, covering 11 survey areas, as follows:
 

District Survey Area October 2025
First Phase Gravidtrap Index First Phase Density Index
Central and Western Central and Admiralty 1.9% 1.0 
Yau Tsim Tsim Sha Tsui East 1.8% 1.0
Wong Tai Sin Wong Tai Sin Central 0.0% N/A
Wong Tai Sin Diamond Hill 3.5% 1.0 
Kwun Tong Yau Tong and Cha Kwo Ling 0.0% N/A
Kwun Tong Kowloon Bay 1.9% 1.0 
Tuen Mun Tuen Mun West 2.0% 1.0 
Tuen Mun So Kwun Wat 3.4% 1.0 
Kwai Tsing Tsing Yi North 7.4% 1.5 

 

District Survey Area October 2025
Area Gravidtrap Index Area Density Index
Central and Western Sheung Wan and Sai Ying Pun 4.5% 1.4 
Sha Tin Sha Tin East 0.8% 1.0 

Among the third batch of First Phase Gravidtrap Indexes covering nine survey areas and Area Gravidtrap Indexes covering two survey areas in October, all were below 10 per cent.

The FEHD has so far released three batches of gravidtrap indexes for Aedes albopictus in October 2025, covering 23 survey areas. Among these 23 survey areas, 15 recorded a decrease or remained unchanged in the individual gravidtrap index as compared to the Area Gravidtrap Index last month, i.e. September 2025, representing that the areas’ mosquito infestation improved or maintained a low level. Eight other areas recorded a slight increase, but the indexes were lower than 10 per cent.

Public participation is crucial to the effective control of mosquito problems. The FEHD appeals to members of the public to continue to work together in strengthening personal mosquito control measures, including:

  • tidy up their premises and check for any accumulation of water inside their premises;
  • remove all unnecessary water collections and eliminate the sources;
  • check household items (those placed in outdoor and open areas in particular), such as refuse containers, vases, air conditioner drip trays, and laundry racks to prevent stagnant water;
  • change the water in flower vases and saucers of potted plants at least once every seven days;
  • properly cover all containers that hold water to prevent mosquitoes from accessing the water; and
  • properly dispose of articles that can contain water, such as empty lunch boxes and cans.

Starting in August this year, following the completion of the surveillance of individual survey areas, and once the latest gravidtrap index and the density index are available, the FEHD will disseminate the relevant information through press releases, its website, and social media. It aims to allow members of the public to quickly grasp the mosquito infestation situation and strengthen mosquito control efforts, thereby reducing the risk of chikungunya fever (CF) transmission.

Following the recommendations from the World Health Organization and taking into account the local situation in Hong Kong, the FEHD sets up gravidtraps in districts where mosquito-borne diseases have been recorded in the past, as well as in densely populated places such as housing estates, hospitals and schools to monitor the breeding and distribution of Aedes albopictus mosquitoes, which can transmit CF and dengue fever. At present, the FEHD has set up gravidtraps in 64 survey areas of the community. During the two weeks of surveillance, the FEHD will collect the gravidtraps once a week. After the first week of surveillance, the FEHD will immediately examine the glue boards inside the retrieved gravidtraps for the presence of adult Aedine mosquitoes to compile the Gravidtrap Index (First Phase) and Density Index (First Phase). At the end of the second week of surveillance, the FEHD will instantly check the glue boards for the presence of adult Aedine mosquitoes. Data from the two weeks of surveillance will be combined to obtain the Area Gravidtrap Index and the Area Density Index. The gravidtrap and density indexes for Aedes albopictus in different survey areas as well as information on mosquito prevention and control measures are available on the department’s webpage (www.fehd.gov.hk/english/pestcontrol/dengue_fever/Dengue_Fever_Gravidtrap_Index_Update.html#).
 

Reappointment of Non-Executive Directors to SFC announced

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Government announced today (October 17) that the Financial Secretary, under the authority delegated by the Chief Executive pursuant to the Securities and Futures Ordinance (Cap. 571), has reappointed Mr Johnson Kong Chi-how and Mr Dieter Yih Lai-tak as Non-Executive Directors of the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) for a term of two years from November 15, 2025.
 
     A spokesman for the Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau said, “Mr Kong and Mr Yih have made valuable contributions to the promotion of good corporate governance of the SFC. We look forward to their continued support for the work of the SFC.”
 
     The SFC is chaired by Dr Kelvin Wong Tin-yau. Other serving Non-Executive Directors are Mr Vincent Chan Chun-hung, Mr Chew Fook-aun, Mr Victor Dawes, SC, Mr Keith Pogson, Mr Tony Tang Xiaodong and Mr Michael Wong Yick-kam. 
 
 

Speech by CS at special visit arranged by OCMFA to “United in Arms, Standing for Peace: 80th Anniversary of Chinese Victory in War of Resistance Exhibition” (English only)

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     Following is the speech by the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki, at the special visit arranged by the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (OCMFA) to the “United in Arms, Standing for Peace: 80th Anniversary of Chinese Victory in the War of Resistance Exhibition” today (October 17):

Deputy Commissioner Li (Deputy Commissioner of the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Li Yongsheng), Consuls-General, Chamber representatives, ladies and gentlemen, 

     Good afternoon. A very warm welcome to the Hong Kong Museum of History.

     Thank you for joining this special tour of the “United in Arms, Standing for Peace” exhibition. 

     Today, you are not just attending an exhibition. You are looking at a pivotal chapter in the history of China and the world.

     The war began in 1931. For 14 long years, the Chinese nation fought with great courage and a strong will to protect the homeland. The cost was immense. Millions of lives were lost.

     The exhibition shows this history through more than 180 exhibits. Eighty-two of them are from the National Museum of China. About 60 items are being shown for the first time. Eight of these are top-level national treasures. 

     Each item tells a story of struggle and sacrifice. They also show Hong Kong’s role in supporting the national effort.

     The exhibition is about education and remembrance. We must never forget the sacrifices made. We remember the past not to keep hatred alive, but to cherish the peace we have today. We remember to learn from history and to build a better, brighter future for all.

     The exhibition, which runs until mid-December, is a team effort. It is jointly organised by our Leisure and Cultural Services Department, the Hong Kong Museum of History, and the National Museum of China. We also thank the Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust and the Bank of China (Hong Kong) for their generous support. 

     The exhibition is just one part of our effort. We are also organising a variety of related events and activities, including visits to war sites, seminars, thematic lectures, film screenings, book fairs and photo exhibitions across Hong Kong. The goal is to help the public understand the spirit of unity and resilience of the Chinese people in the fight for peace. 

     As announced in the Chief Executive’s 2025 Policy Address, we are repairing war sites in every district with a view to integrating them into tourism routes and educational activities. 

     We will also collaborate with Shenzhen to promote a new red educational route, under the theme of “Chinese Cultural Celebrity Rescue” history, to enhance understanding among people of Hong Kong and tourists of the history of the War of Resistance in Hong Kong.

     Ladies and gentlemen, this exhibition shows the great horrors of war. But it is presented in the name of peace.  

     Thank you.

35th World Customs Organization Asia/Pacific Regional Contact Points Meeting concludes (with photos)

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

Hong Kong Customs, in the capacity of the World Customs Organization (WCO) Vice-Chair for the Asia/Pacific (A/P) Region, hosted the 35th WCO A/P Regional Contact Points Meeting starting October 14 for four consecutive days, with the meeting concluding today (October 17). 

The meeting gathered more than 70 representatives from A/P Customs administrations and the WCO’s regional entities. The agenda featured a series of thematic presentations and discussions that facilitated participants in exchanging views on Customs initiatives, enforcement strategies and training experiences from diverse perspectives, deepening co-operation and connections among A/P members.

The meeting commenced on October 14 with a welcoming speech delivered by the Commissioner of Customs and Excise, Mr Chan Tsz-tat, in the capacity of the WCO Vice-Chairperson for the A/P Region (APVC). Mr Chan emphasised that the meeting provided a vital platform for A/P members and regional entities to discuss and formulate policies for the global Customs community. He encouraged members to take the opportunity to share their experiences and innovative ideas and explore future Customs developments. He also highlighted Hong Kong Customs’ proactive efforts during its first year as the APVC and the impactful events organised that have brought together representatives and experts worldwide to foster knowledge sharing and collaboration across the region.

In his concluding remarks today, Mr Chan highlighted the fruitful outcomes of the four-day meeting, including discussions on current and future regional development strategies and exchanges of experiences in domestic Customs policies. The participants took part in in-depth discussions on an innovative initiative led by Hong Kong Customs in the capacity of the APVC, which was about a blockchain-based validation platform for digital documents designed to accelerate regional logistics and economic development. At the same time, Mr Chan expressed gratitude for all delegates’ active participation, stressing that all the insightful proposals and collective commitment to advancing regional development contributed to the meeting’s success.

The welcoming reception featured a wonderful performance by the Hong Kong Customs & Excise Dragon and Lion Dance Association. Also, the performance by the Ying Wa Primary School Senior Choir at the opening session added brilliance to the meeting, showcasing the talent, creativity, and potential of both Customs officers and Hong Kong’s young generation.

                       

Draft Tseung Kwan O Outline Zoning Plan approved

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Chief Executive in Council has approved the draft Tseung Kwan O Outline Zoning Plan (OZP).

     “The approved OZP provides a statutory land use planning framework to guide the development and redevelopment within the Tseung Kwan O area,” a spokesman for the Town Planning Board said today (October 17).

The planning scheme area, covering about 1 761 hectares, is located at the southern part of Sai Kung District in the South East New Territories. It is bounded by Clear Water Bay Peninsula to the east, Junk Bay to the south, Lam Tin and Sau Mau Ping areas to the west, and Tseng Lan Shue and the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology to the north. The area is surrounded by steep sloping hills in the north, east and west, and is physically segregated from East Kowloon and Clear Water Bay Peninsula.

The approved OZP has incorporated amendments shown on the draft Tseung Kwan O OZP No. S/TKO/31, which mainly involve (i) incorporation of two sea areas in Fat Tong O into the planning scheme boundary and zoning/rezoning of these sea areas and adjoining Tseung Kwan O Area 137 for primarily residential and government, institution or community developments; and (ii) incorporation of another sea area in Chiu Keng Wan of Tseung Kwan O Area 132 into the planning scheme boundary and zoning it primarily for public facility developments.

The Notes and Explanatory Statement of the OZP have been amended to reflect the above amendments. Opportunity is also taken to update the general information of various land use zones and the planning circumstances, where appropriate.

The approved Tseung Kwan O OZP No. S/TKO/32 is available for public inspection during office hours at (i) the Secretariat of the Town Planning Board, (ii) the Planning Enquiry Counters, (iii) the Sai Kung and Islands District Planning Office, (iv) the Sai Kung District Office, and (v) the Hang Hau Rural Committee.

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

Draft Tsim Sha Tsui Outline Zoning Plan approved

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Chief Executive in Council has approved the draft Tsim Sha Tsui Outline Zoning Plan (OZP). 

     “The approved OZP provides a statutory land use planning framework to guide the development and redevelopment within the Tsim Sha Tsui area”, a spokesman for the Town Planning Board said today (October 17). 

The planning scheme area, covering about 192 hectares, is located at the southern tip of Kowloon Peninsula. It is bounded by Victoria Harbour to the south, southwest and southeast; Jordan Road and Gascoigne Road to the north; and Hung Hom Bay Reclamation to the east.

The approved OZP has incorporated amendments shown on the draft Tsim Sha Tsui OZP No. S/K1/29, which mainly involve revising the building height restriction from 45 metres above Principal Datum (mPD) to 90mPD for the “Government, Institution or Community” zone currently occupied by the main campus of the Hong Kong Polytechnic University at Yuk Choi Road.

The Notes and Explanatory Statement of the OZP have been amended to reflect the above amendments. Opportunity is also taken to update the general information of various land use zonings and the planning circumstances, where appropriate.

The approved Tsim Sha Tsui OZP No. S/K1/30 is available for public inspection during office hours at (i) the Secretariat of the Town Planning Board, (ii) the Planning Enquiry Counters, (iii) the Tsuen Wan and West Kowloon District Planning Office and (iv) the Yau Tsim Mong District Office. 

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