Month: October 2025

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Financial Secretary Paul Chan yesterday arrived in Washington, DC following his visit to New York. Upon his arrival in Washington, Mr Chan held meetings with senior officials of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank Group (WBG).

In Washington, Mr Chan met the IMF team responsible for conducting the Article IV Consultation on Hong Kong, during which he provided a detailed account of Hong Kong’s current economic and fiscal conditions, as well as its development directions. Both sides also exchanged views on the outlook for the global economy and financial system.

The finance chief then paid a courtesy call on WBG Managing Director and Chief Administrative Officer Zhang Wencai. They discussed opportunities for enhancing co-operation and exchanged views on regional development issues.

In the evening, Mr Chan attended a roundtable dinner hosted by the Hong Kong Economic & Trade Office in Washington where he briefed representatives from major US business chambers, think tanks and consultancy firms on Hong Kong’s business environment and latest developments, and engaged in discussions on the future of Hong Kong-US economic and trade relations.

Before leaving New York, he gave an interview to the financial media outlet Bloomberg and met Bloomberg LP Global Head of External Relations Kevin Sheekey to exchange views on global economic prospects and developments in the financial markets.

Mr Chan will attend the annual meetings of the IMF and WBG in Washington today.

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

The Department of Industrial Technology (DoIT) of the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) 16th joins forces with 12 research institutes and industry partners at the Innovation Economy Pavilion of the Taiwan Innotech Expo (TIE) to showcase 65 innovative technologies spanning smart manufacturing, net zero sustainability, and healthcare.

Director-General Chao-Chung Kuo of DoIT notes that MOEA invests tens of billions of dollars annually in technology R&D. As the nation’s largest scientific research exhibition platform, TIE connects industries and translates technological achievements into practical industrial applications. With AI now a central force in industry transformation, DoIT has launched the AI Application Leap Program to accelerate AI adoption. Through partnerships with system integrators and research institutes, the program aims to accelerate AI implementation across key industries, fueling Taiwan’s innovation momentum.

Powered by ITRI’s Digital Twin Interactive Performing Technology-the same innovation behind the Life Theater at Expo 2025 Osaka-the three-meter-high “technology waterfall” makes its domestic debut, showcasing seamless choreography between displays and robotic arms. Developed in collaboration with HIWIN, OKOME STUDIO, and other industry partners, the system features advance software-hardware integration comparable to that of smart factories. It can simultaneously control over 500 displays and robotic arms with synchronization errors within 20 milliseconds, demonstrating exceptional precision in both hardware and software coordination.

With the rapid rise of generative AI, smart manufacturing, and autonomous driving applications, demand for AI chips has accelerated. DoIT is supporting ITRI in developing Large-Scale AI Model Edge Computing Software-Hardware Integration Technology, enabling AI models to operate directly within local facilities. This innovation delivers high-speed inference and low latency without relying on external servers. It enhances computational performance, reduces bandwidth consumption, and strengthens data privacy and security.

To further enhance recycling efficiency, the Taiwan Textile Research Institute (TTRI), with support from DoIT, has developed Multi-Spectral Imaging AI Recognition Technology for Blended Fibers. By integrating near-infrared spectroscopy, biomimetic optical modules, and AI multi-material identification algorithms, the system achieves a 95% recognition rate. It can analyze one garment in just 0.5-1 seconds-over twice as fast as manual operation-accurately identifying different materials and compositional ratios, including cotton, polyester, nylon, and elastane. Capable of processing 350-900 kilograms of waste textiles per hour, the technology reduces post-processing costs.

To cut carbon emissions, ITRI’s Bio-based Soft Moisture-Absorbing Rebound Formulation Technology uses itaconic acid to create an integrated bio-based functional additive that combines softness, moisture absorption, and rebound elasticity in a single formulation, reducing repetitive testing and costs. Its carbon emissions are approximately 40% lower than traditional polyester materials, achieving an annual carbon reduction of approximately 32,000 metric tons. This new material’s moisture absorption speed is 2.5 times faster than commercially available products, with its friction coefficient, softness, and drape indicators all outperforming competing materials. Collaboration with Eclat Textile and Jia Ho Industrial is already underway to bring this innovation to the international yoga apparel market.

In the healthcare field, the Metal Industries Research & Development Centre (MIRDC) has introduced a new equipment for treating depression, designed to provide wider brain stimulation coverage and easier operation. The Multi-Channel Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) System Technology features an innovative coil design and adjustable pulse main unit, enabling simultaneous stimulation of multiple brain regions with a single coil. This simplifies operation and enhances efficiency, reducing treatment time by up to 70%. Technology transfer and validation have been completed with Formosa Heavy Industries, while clinical trials are now underway in collaboration with Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital to support patient care and strengthen Taiwan’s medical self-reliance.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Four pieces of government land in North District, Yuen Long and Tai Po will be let by way of short-term tenancy through tender to eligible brownfield operators, the Lands Department announced today.

From now until November 19, brownfield operators affected by the land resumption and clearance exercises before or within the fourth quarter of 2028 under relevant government development projects may submit their tenders.

The sites to be let are suitable for industrial use, open storage, godown, workshop, recovery and recycling or reprocessing business, and fee-paying public carpark.

Brownfield operators which were invited to participate in short-term tenancy through previous relevant tenders two or more times after the completion of clearance exercises of relevant government development projects are excluded from this tender, the department added.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The final register for the 2025 Rural Representative Election (RRE), which includes the particulars of the registered electors, was released today.

Registered electors may visit the RRE Voter Registration Information Enquiry System or call the election hotline 2152 1521 during business hours to check their registration particulars.

A full copy of the final register is available at the office of the Electoral Registration Officer, which is located at the Home Affairs Department, 30/F, Southorn Centre, 130 Hennessy Road, Wan Chai.

Copies of the final register relating to specific rural committees are placed at Assistant Electoral Registration Officers’ offices at the corresponding New Territories district offices.

The final register is also open for inspection by those who have subscribed to the Government News & Media Information System maintained by the Director of Information Services, bodies and organisations meeting the specified requirements under the regulation, the Heung Yee Kuk, rural committees for the relevant rural areas, indigenous inhabitants of indigenous villages and composite indigenous villages, and residents of the “existing villages” or market towns.

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

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     The Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, arrived in Washington, DC, yesterday (October 16, Washington time) following his visit to New York. Prior to his departure from New York, Mr Chan gave an interview to the financial media outlet Bloomberg and met with the Global Head of External Relations at Bloomberg LP, Mr Kevin Sheekey, during which they exchanged views on global economic prospects and developments in the financial markets.

     Upon his arrival in Washington, Mr Chan held meetings with senior officials of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank Group (WBG). He met with the IMF team responsible for conducting the Article IV Consultation on Hong Kong, during which he provided a detailed account of Hong Kong’s current economic and fiscal conditions, as well as its development directions. Both sides also exchanged views on the outlook for the global economy and financial system.

     Then, Mr Chan paid a courtesy call on the Managing Director and Chief Administrative Officer of the WBG, Mr Zhang Wencai. They discussed opportunities for enhancing co-operation and exchanged views on regional development issues.

     In the evening, Mr Chan attended a roundtable dinner hosted by the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Washington. At the event, he briefed representatives from major United States (US) business chambers, think tanks and consultancy firms etc. on Hong Kong’s business environment and latest developments, and engaged in discussions on the future of Hong Kong–US economic and trade relations.

     Mr Chan will attend the Annual Meetings of the IMF and WBG in Washington today (October 17, Washington time).

Note: The Article IV Consultation is a regular economic assessment conducted by the IMF pursuant to Article IV of its Articles of Agreement. It entails a comprehensive analysis of a member’s macroeconomic conditions, fiscal and monetary policies, financial stability and structural reforms. A report will be published subsequent to the analysis. In its report published earlier this year, the IMF reaffirmed Hong Kong’s status as an international financial centre and recognised the resilience of its financial system, underpinned by a robust institutional framework, ample policy buffers, and the smooth functioning of the Linked Exchange Rate System.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

In response to media enquiry today (October 16) regarding surveillance on respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) gave the following response:
 
RSV is included in routine surveillance
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The CHP monitors the activity and disease burden (e.g. mortality and hospitalisation rates) of major local respiratory diseases, including RSV, through a series of surveillance systems. For laboratory surveillance, the CHP’s Public Health Laboratory Services Branch regularly conducts Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) tests for RSV on respiratory specimens. Additionally, the CHP monitors RSV-associated hospitalisations in public hospitals based on principal discharge diagnoses and tracks upper respiratory infection outbreaks in schools and residential care institutions. The CHP announces number of positive detections and percentage weekly, and releases the latest epidemiological situation via press releases and online publications periodically.
 
Influenza-associated hospitalisation rate far exceeds that of RSV
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RSV can cause respiratory tract infections, including infection of the airway, lungs and middle ear. The virus can be transmitted by direct contact with infectious secretions or droplets, or indirectly through contaminated hands, eating utensils or articles freshly soiled by nasal or throat discharges of an infected person. Most people experience only mild symptoms after infection.
 
The epidemiological pattern of RSV is difference from that of the seasonal influenza. In general, influenza has an obvious seasonal pattern that a peak usually happens in winter and summer; RSV does not have a clear seasonal feature. In some of the years, a peak may happen between May and August, while no regular patterns can be found in some other years. This year, no seasonal peak of RSV has been shown. Laboratory surveillance data revealed that the percentages of specimens tested positive for RSV over the past 12 weeks ranged between 2.5 per cent and 3.5 per cent, which are higher than that of the first-half year when less than 1 per cent was recorded but far lower than 8 per cent to 10 per cent when a peak was recorded in the past.
 
On the other hand, RSV is similar to influenza and COVID-19, with the elderly and young children being the most affected groups. Fatal cases primarily occur among the elderly, with mortality rates increasing with age. The hospitalisation rate associated with RSV is also higher for elderly persons aged 75 or above.
 
The CHP’s analysis indicated that between January 2023 and June 2025, the average annualised mortality rates associated with RSV among elderly persons aged 75 or above was 10.3 per 100 000 population, which is lower than that of the rate of 80.2 per 100 000 population for seasonal influenza. The hospitalisation rate associated with RSV among elderly persons was also lower than that for seasonal influenza. In recent years, the weekly influenza-associated hospitalisation rate during the peak of influenza seasons was approximately 10 per 100 000 population, while the hospitalisation rate for RSV generally remained below 2 per 100 000 population. The average cumulative hospitalisation rate for influenza among elderly persons was 3.7 times that of RSV.
 
Prevention of RSV infection
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Although the overall disease burden of RSV is lower than seasonal influenza, it is still a respiratory infectious disease with public health significance. The prevention of RSV and other respiratory diseases (such as influenza) are therefore equally important. The public should maintain good personal and environmental hygiene, and wear a surgical mask to prevent transmission if they present with fever and respiratory symptoms. The public should also keep the room well-ventilated and if they develop respiratory symptoms, wear a surgical mask, stay home from work or school, avoid crowded places and seek medical attention as soon as possible.
 
Regarding vaccination, the Scientific Committee on Vaccine Preventable Diseases (SCVPD) under the CHP regularly reviews the epidemiological situation of local vaccine-preventable diseases, the latest recommendations of the World Health Organization (WHO), scientific developments and evidence on vaccines, updates on vaccine components, cost-effectiveness studies, as well as actual experiences of other health authorities. It provides relevant vaccination recommendations to the DH from a public health perspective.
 
During the meeting in January this year, the SCVPD discussed the use of RSV vaccines for elderly persons. After thoroughly reviewing local epidemiological data on RSV disease; the scientific data on the efficacy, safety and potential adverse effects of the vaccines, the experts were of the view that the two RSV vaccines currently registered in Hong Kong are safe and effective.
 
Regarding vaccination for elderly persons, as specific recommendations from the WHO and local data from the cost-benefit perspective are pending, universal RSV vaccination for elderly persons is not recommended at the moment. The SCVPD considered that elderly persons may consult their family doctor for professional advice to understand the benefits, risks and necessity of vaccination. Based on the doctor’s assessment, they can make decisions on whether to proceed with RSV vaccination for personal protection. The Health Bureau has commissioned The University of Hong Kong to conduct an analysis on the cost-benefit of the RSV vaccine. Upon completion of the cost-benefit analysis, the SCVPD will discuss again the issue on RSV vaccination based on the relevant analysis results and latest scientific evidence. The recommendations of the SCVPD in January are available on the CHP website.
 
The CHP will continue to closely monitor major local respiratory diseases and regularly publish data. It will also remind healthcare professionals and members of the public of relevant public health information and recommendations in a timely manner through appropriate channels.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Nuclear Emergency Committee Office of the Guangdong Province notified the Security Bureau today (October 16) of an operational event at Yangjiang Nuclear Power Station (YNPS), a Security Bureau spokesperson said today.

On October 15, Unit 1 of YNPS was in the startup phase after an overhaul. During the planned switching of steam generator water supply from the auxiliary feed water system to the main feed water flow control system, the main electric feed water pump tripped, triggering another electric auxiliary feed water pump to start automatically.

Throughout the above event, Unit 1 remained in a safe condition, the three safety barriers remained intact and there was no release of radioactive substances. This deviation did not affect the safety of the Unit, the health of the workers, the nearby public or the environment. In accordance with the International Nuclear and Radiological Event Scale and the relevant nuclear safety regulations, this event was classified as a Level 0 deviation on October 15.

Yangjiang Nuclear Power Co Ltd has reported the relevant situation to the nuclear safety regulatory authority in a timely manner, and will conduct internal experience feedback. It has also released the details of this event on its website (www.yjnp.com.cn) (Chinese only), which can be viewed in the “operational events” section under the “nuclear and radiation safety information” page of the website.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

In light of the continued increase in influenza activity and outbreaks of influenza-like illness (ILI) in schools and residential care homes (RCHs), the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) today (October 16) urged all persons aged 6 months or above (except those with known contraindications) to receive the seasonal influenza vaccination (SIV) as soon as possible to minimise the risk of serious complications and death following infection.
 
Influenza activity continues to rise
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Hong Kong has entered the summer influenza season, and the influenza activity continues to rise. The CHP’s latest surveillance data showed that the percentage of respiratory specimens testing positive for seasonal influenza viruses during the past week (October 5 to 11) was 12.02 per cent, which is higher than the 9.70 per cent recorded during the preceding week and exceeds the peak of 10.54 per cent during the winter influenza season earlier this year. Influenza A(H3) is the predominant circulating strain, accounting for nearly 80 per cent of all detected viruses, followed by influenza A(H1) at slightly over 10 per cent. Influenza B accounted for the remainder. The influenza admission rate in public hospitals is 0.67 cases per 10 000 population, which is higher than the 0.52 cases recorded during the preceding week. There has also been an increase in outbreaks of ILI in schools and RCHs over the past two weeks. As of yesterday (October 15), 451 outbreaks had been reported in schools since the start of the school year in September. Among them, 43, 244 and 164 cases occurred in kindergartens/child care centres, primary schools and secondary schools respectively. During the same period, nine severe cases and one fatal case of paediatric influenza involving children aged 3 to 17 have been recorded. Eight of them had good past health.
 
“Summer influenza seasons do not occur every year in Hong Kong. It usually occurred between July and August and lasted for six to 18 weeks. The emergence of a summer influenza season in September is uncommon. Since the public received their SIV over nine months ago, the protective immunity generated by the SIV has relatively waned. Coupled with the fact that the new seasonal influenza vaccines for this season have only recently become available on the market and some people have not yet received this year’s SIV, this year’s summer influenza outbreak is expected to be relatively severe. Based on the current level of influenza activity and trend analysis, the local influenza activity is expected to remain at a relatively high level over the next few weeks. Furthermore, viruses tend to become more active when the temperature drops towards the end of the year. The winter influenza season in Hong Kong typically occurs between January and March. The current summer influenza season may overlap with the upcoming winter influenza season, which could lead to a higher hospitalisation rate due to influenza infection,” the Controller of the CHP, Dr Edwin Tsui, said.
 
“The 2025/26 SIV Programmes offers injectable inactivated influenza vaccines (both trivalent and quadrivalent), recombinant influenza vaccines and live attenuated influenza vaccines. All of them cover both influenza A and B viruses and can effectively prevent seasonal influenza and its complications,” he added.
 
2025/26 SIV Programmes
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To boost SIV rates, enrolment for the SIV School Outreach Programme has started since the beginning of June this year, which was earlier than last year. With the concerted efforts of the Government and various community sectors (including the medical sector and schools), approximately 2 300 schools (99 per cent) are going to arrange SIV school outreach activities. Among these, over 1 330 schools (58 per cent) have scheduled to carry out the outreach activities by the end of this month, and over 2 160 schools (94 per cent) by the end of next month (November), which are respectively higher than last year’s 45 per cent and 83 per cent. Currently, about 410 schools have held school outreach activities, with the earliest session taking place on September 29.
 
“Through the concerted efforts of schools, this season’s school outreach activities will generally be completed earlier than last season’s. However, given the emergence of this year’s summer influenza season, coupled with the recent increase in seasonal influenza activity and the number of school outbreaks, we have urged relevant schools to advance the vaccination outreach services further, where feasible. Following intensive coordination by the CHP, 15 schools (including seven secondary schools, two primary schools and six kindergartens/child care centres) will advance their outreach activities originally scheduled for December this year or January next year to before the end of next month. The CHP will continue to actively liaise with the remaining relevant schools to provide feasible assistance,” Dr Tsui said.
 
Regarding the Vaccination Subsidy Scheme (VSS), over 1 800 private doctors have applied to participate so far.
 
“With the support of private doctors, both the number of participating doctors and vaccination venues increased compared to the same period last season. So far, the number of doses administered under the VSS has increased by approximately 12 per cent, compared to the same period last season, demonstrating the impact of private doctors network on boosting vaccination rates. For the newly launched pilot scheme on vaccine procurement for family doctors, the Government has helped procure an additional 100 000 doses of injectable inactivated influenza vaccines for specified VSS family doctors. These doctors have ordered over 60 000 doses of influenza vaccines so far, indicating a positive response,” he added.
 
The sooner one receives seasonal influenza vaccines the better
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“Influenza can cause serious illnesses among high-risk individuals and even in healthy persons. SIV is one of the most effective ways of preventing seasonal influenza and its complications. It can also reduce influenza-related hospitalisation and death due to seasonal influenza. SIV is recommended for all persons aged 6 months or above, except those with known contraindications. I wish to particularly remind high-risk groups, such as the elderly, children, and adults with underlying illnesses and immunosuppression, to get SIV as soon as possible. Members of the public may also contact their family doctors to arrange for vaccinations,” Dr Tsui said.
 
For more information on the SIV programmes, visit the webpage or call the CHP during office hours at 2125 2125.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Hong Kong Science Museum will launch “The Shaw Prize 2025 Exhibition” tomorrow (October 17) at the museum’s main lobby on 1/F to introduce the Shaw Laureates this year and their outstanding contributions. The exhibition also presents related science knowledge with interactive panels, guiding the public to explore the research journey of these distinguished scientists. The exhibition will run until December 17. Admission is free.
 
     Established in 2002, the Shaw Prize consists of three annual awards, namely the Prize in Astronomy, the Prize in Life Science and Medicine and the Prize in Mathematical Sciences.
 
     The Shaw Prize in Astronomy 2025 is awarded in equal shares to two scholars, John Richard Bond, Professor of the Canadian Institute for Theoretical Astrophysics and University Professor at the University of Toronto, Canada, and George Efstathiou, Emeritus Professor of Astrophysics (1909) at the University of Cambridge, United Kingdom, for their pioneering research in cosmology, in particular for their studies of fluctuations in the cosmic microwave background. Their predictions have been verified by an armada of ground-, balloon- and space-based instruments, leading to precise determinations of the age, geometry, and mass-energy content of the universe.
 
     The Shaw Prize in Life Science and Medicine 2025 is awarded to Wolfgang Baumeister, Director Emeritus and Scientific Member of the Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry, Germany and Distinguished Adjunct Professor at ShanghaiTech University, People’s Republic of China, for his pioneering development and use of cryogenic-electron tomography (cryo-ET), an imaging technique that enables three-dimensional visualisation of biological samples, including proteins, macromolecular complexes, and cellular compartments as they exist in their natural cellular settings.
 
     The Shaw Prize in Mathematical Sciences 2025 is awarded to Kenji Fukaya, Professor at the Beijing Institute of Mathematical Sciences and Applications and the Yau Mathematical Sciences Center, Tsinghua University, People’s Republic of China, for his pioneering work on symplectic geometry, especially for envisioning the existence of a category – nowadays called the Fukaya category – consisting of Lagrangians on a symplectic manifold.
 
     “The Shaw Prize 2025 Exhibition” is jointly presented by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department and The Shaw Prize Foundation and is jointly organised by the Hong Kong Science Museum, the Hong Kong Space Museum, the Education Bureau and the Hong Kong Education City. For details of the exhibition and activities, please visit hk.science.museum/en/web/scm/exhibition/shawprize.html.