Month: October 2025

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     The Digital Policy Office (DPO) today (October 15) conducted an information technology (IT) system tabletop exercise for the 15th National Games (NG), the 12th National Games for Persons with Disabilities (NGD) and the 9th National Special Olympic Games (NSOG) to further strengthen cross-departmental collaboration and response capabilities.
 
     As the responsible unit for planning and building the core IT systems and network infrastructure for the Hong Kong competition region, the DPO completed the development and testing of related IT systems in September. This tabletop exercise focused on simulating potential emergency IT incidents and urgent situations that may occur during the events, aiming to test the mobilisation efficiency of the participating departments and the effectiveness of the interdepartmental communication mechanism. Participating units included the National Games Coordination Office (Hong Kong), the Cyber Security and Technology Crime Bureau of the Hong Kong Police Force, the IT system contractors, and cybersecurity experts. Through diverse simulated scenarios, the exercise enhanced co-ordination and rapid response capabilities among the departmental teams, ensuring the smooth and safe operation of the events.
 
     The Commissioner for Digital Policy, Mr Tony Wong, said, “The 15th NG, the 12th NGD and the 9th NSOG are important missions entrusted to the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region by the country. We must spare no effort in providing solid IT support to ensure the successful hosting of this national sports event. This cross-departmental tabletop exercise simulated the core system challenges, infrastructure issues, and cybersecurity emergencies that may arise during the events, verifying the feasibility of contingency plans and the efficiency of team collaboration. The DPO will adhere to the principles of ‘respond instantly, resume rapidly’ to ensure ‘zero interruptions to the operation of the events.'” He also sincerely thanked all participating units for their full support and active collaboration, which contributed to the success of the exercise.
 
     In addition, the DPO is currently intensifying final joint system testing with the responsible units in both Guangdong Province and Macao counterparts before the Games to ensure seamless integration of systems across the three places, while enhancing cross-boundary co-ordination and emergency response capabilities in system operations and cybersecurity to make preparations for the events.
 
     The 15th NG, the 12th NGD and the 9th NSOG will be cohosted by Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macao for the first time. The DPO will release a series of short videos during the events through its Facebook page (www.facebook.com/digitalpolicyhk) to help the public gain a deeper understanding of how information technology supports this national large-scale event.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Following is a question by the Hon Elizabeth Quat and a written reply by the Acting Secretary for Health, Dr Cecilia Fan, in the Legislative Council today (October 15):

Question:

It is learnt that achondroplasia is a complex and rare hereditary skeletal disorder that affects patients’ growth and development, as well as multiple systemic functions. Some experts have pointed out that this disease has a prevalence of approximately 1 in 20 000 in Hong Kong, with patients having to face a long and painful treatment process alongside substantial medical expenses. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:

(1) whether it has compiled statistics on the total number of achondroplasia patients currently in public hospitals, with a breakdown by age group (aged below 15, 15 to below 18, and 18 or above);

(2) whether it knows if the Hospital Authority (HA) has established an expert group or allocated dedicated resources for achondroplasia to support patients’ long-term treatment process; if HA has, of the details; if not, the reasons for that;

(3) whether the Government has estimated the lifetime medical costs for achondroplasia patients, including the provision of conventional bone-lengthening surgery treatment and related medical follow-up, such as hospitalisation, surgery, post-operative care and rehabilitation training;

(4) as some patient groups have pointed out that achondroplasia patients (particularly adult patients) are currently scattered across different public hospital clusters and receive follow-up services of varying standards, whether the Government knows if HA has developed unified and comprehensive treatment guidelines for this disease;

(5) as it is learnt that a new C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) drug has been introduced in recent years which can promote cartilage growth in achondroplasia patients through subcutaneous injection and help mitigate the impact of severe complications on patients, and that several places have included this drug in their national insurance scheme or as a subsidised item, whether the Government will draw reference from the relevant experiences and study the inclusion of this drug in the Drug Formulary and the scope of the safety net subsidies;

(6) whether the Government will consider enhancing the transparency of the criteria for evaluating the cost-effectiveness of new drugs to expedite the process of including new drugs (especially those for treating rare diseases) in the safety net; and

(7) whether the Government will draw reference from the supplementary medical insurance for major diseases launched by the country (such as People-Benefit Insurance) in recent years, and study improving the Voluntary Health Insurance Scheme or establishing a separate insurance product for major diseases with the characteristics of “no age limit, no medical history restrictions and universal participation”, so as to encourage members of the public to take out insurance policies, thereby alleviating the financial pressure on medical institutions when introducing new drugs to treat rare diseases?

Reply:

President,

In consultation with the Hospital Authority (HA), the consolidated reply to the question raised by Hon Elizabeth Quat is as follows:

The Government and the HA attach high importance to providing optimal care for all patients (including those with rare diseases).

In tackling rare diseases, the HA has been adhering to the principle of “providing holistic care for patients” in providing holistic medical and rehabilitation services to patients with rare diseases through a multi-disciplinary and inter-departmental medical and rehabilitation team in an integrated service model. The relevant support includes not only drug treatments, but also multi-faceted services such as newborn screening, clinical diagnosis and assessment, surgery, interventional therapies, palliative care and rehabilitation services.

The HA has also been keeping in view the international clinical evidence and scientific research development on treatment options for rare diseases, and conducting exchanges with overseas and Mainland experts from time to time on issues of common concern so as to learn from each other’s experience and facilitate service development.

(1), (2) and (4) Achondroplasia as mentioned in the question is a rare hereditary skeletal disorder. Some of the common orthopaedic issues these patients encounter during childhood include lower limb malalignment and short stature. In addition to orthopaedic issues, patients may also develop other complex conditions such as sleep apnea, foramen magnum stenosis, hearing loss and malocclusion. As patients enter adulthood, they may also develop other orthopaedic conditions such as spinal stenosis, spinal deformity and osteoarthritis. According to the records of the HA, the total number of surviving cases of achondroplasia as of June 30, 2025 is 160 (Note 1). By age group (Note 2), 30 of these patients are aged 0 to 14, 10 are aged 15 to 18, and 130 are aged 19 or above.

The current treatment and support protocols of the HA for achondroplasia are based on the International Consensus Statement on the diagnosis, multidisciplinary management and lifelong care of individuals with achondroplasia published by international academic bodies in 2021. This document offers recommendations for healthcare professionals in addressing the multiple medical issues faced by patients.

Adhering to the principle of “providing holistic care for patients” and with reference to the relevant recommendations in the aforementioned document, the HA currently adopts a multi-disciplinary collaborative model in providing one-stop services for patients at Specialist Out-patient Clinics. A team comprising orthopaedic surgeons, paediatricians and relevant allied health professionals caters for patients’ medical, surgical and psychosocial needs across various stages of life. For paediatric patients with lower limb malalignment, the HA may arrange early surgical intervention. Cases which have been rigorously assessed as clinically suitable may also be arranged to undergo lower limb lengthening surgery, which is a highly complex procedure, to mitigate the impact of short stature on their quality of life. Furthermore, if paediatric patients develop life-threatening complications such as sleep apnea, hydrocephalus or foramen magnum stenosis, they will be arranged to receive related assessments and surgical treatments at tertiary specialist referral centres with relevant expertise (such as the Hong Kong Children’s Hospital). Their clinical needs will also be regularly monitored in accordance with international surveillance guidelines. As patients transition into adulthood, designated nurses within the team will co-ordinate their examinations, treatments and rehabilitation, while also providing support in terms of enhancing their quality of life and self-management skills, thereby facilitating their smooth integration into the community.

Note 1: The figures have been rounded to the nearest ten. Individual figures may not add up to the total due to rounding.
Note 2: Based on the patient’s age as of June 30, 2025.

(3) Generally speaking, patients with achondroplasia who undergo conventional bone-lengthening surgery will also receive follow-up treatment and medical procedures for this condition at healthcare facilities under the HA. That being said, patients may also be required to attend HA facilities for treatment of other conditions, making it difficult to ascertain whether each attendance is attributable to the treatment of achondroplasia. Moreover, given each patient’s life expectancy, future clinical attendance needs and categories of medical services required vary and are difficult to predict, the HA does not have an estimate for the lifetime medical costs for such patients.

(5) and (6) Drug treatment is an important part of the medical services provided to patients with rare diseases. Currently, the HA provides drug subsidies to patients with rare diseases through recurrent funding from the Government and the safety net, such as the Community Care Fund Medical Assistance Programmes.

The HA has put in place an established mechanism for regular evaluation of registered new drugs and review of the existing drugs listed in the HA Drug Formulary (HADF) and the coverage of the safety net. The review process is evidence-based, taking into account the safety, efficacy, cost-effectiveness and other relevant considerations, including international recommendations and practices, as well as professional views, so as to ensure that public resources are utilised fairly and efficiently to enable patients to receive appropriate treatment. In view of the continuous rapid advancement in medical technology and the ever-increasing public expectations, the HA has, since the implementation of the HADF, continued to refine its review mechanism through incorporating additional stakeholders into the review process, thereby increasing the transparency of the decision-making process regarding the HADF’s coverage.

To speed up the introduction of suitable new drugs to the HADF, the HA has simplified the application process for inclusion of new drugs in the HADF since the end of 2024. Clinicians and pharmaceutical companies can submit new drug applications directly to the Drug Advisory Committee. The frequency of prioritisation exercise for including new drugs in the safety net will also increase from twice a year to four times a year. With the implementation of the above new mechanisms, the HA has been actively optimising the procedures for introducing new drugs into the HADF, with the objective of reducing the time required for introducing new drugs with proven efficacy into the HADF or the coverage of the safety net by half, from the original 10 months to five months; and from 18 months to nine months respectively, so as to enable patients to have access to new drugs as soon as possible, and to obtain the subsidies under the safety net to alleviate the burden of drug expenses.

Meanwhile, the Government and the HA will also press ahead with the implementation of the fees and charges reform for public healthcare announced at the end of March this year, which aims to strengthen healthcare protection for “poor, acute, serious, critical” patients. Relevant measures include enhancing the protection in terms of drugs and medical devices for critically ill patients through accelerating the introduction of more effective innovative drugs and medical devices to the HADF and the coverage of the safety net, with a view to ensuring that the limited healthcare resources can be directed in a more targeted manner to assist those patients most in need. This will thereby improve the sustainability of the healthcare system and better serve as a safety net for all.

Nevertheless, drugs for the treatment of rare diseases can be very expensive and their efficacy may only be marginal when compared with other available treatment alternatives. Therefore, in considering the introduction of individual drugs for rare diseases, apart from reviewing the efficacy and safety of the drugs through clinical evidence and making reference to the guidelines on the use of the drugs for the relevant rare diseases in different regions, as well as the arrangements of the disease management and the drug reimbursement schemes thereat, the HA has to take into account the cost-effectiveness and opportunity cost considerations of the drugs, with a view to ensuring rational and effective use of the limited public healthcare resources.

It is understood that the C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) drug introduced in recent years is Vosoritide (Voxzogo), which is a registered drug in Hong Kong. It is noted that this drug has not yet been registered in the Chinese Mainland and therefore should not have been formally included in any national insurance scheme or subsidy programmes of the Chinese Mainland. Some overseas regions, such as the United Kingdom and Singapore, have also not yet included this drug in their national insurance or subsidy programmes.

The HA will continue to pay close attention to the latest scientific research and clinical evidence of drugs suitable for the treatment of achondroplasia, with a view to ensuring that patients are provided with cost-effective drugs of proven safety and efficacy as well as continuous optimal care.

(7) It is understood that different commercial supplementary medical insurance plans (such as Huiminbao) have been rolled out in various provinces and municipalities of the Mainland. They belong to voluntary additional medical insurance on top of the Mainland’s prevailing basic medical insurance system premised on universal contribution.

A medical insurance system similar to the Mainland’s one premised on universal contribution has not been implemented in Hong Kong. After extensive public consultations, as well as discussions with stakeholders such as the healthcare sector, insurance industry and patient groups, in Hong Kong, the Government has been fully implementing the Voluntary Health Insurance Scheme (VHIS) since April 2019 to establish standards and improve market transparency for individual indemnity hospital insurance products, providing Hong Kong citizens with greater confidence in using private healthcare services through purchasing medical insurance. Insurance companies can design different VHIS products to cater for citizens’ needs, and such products must fulfill requirements on consumer protection in respect of age, health condition/medical history, etc. The requirements include guaranteed renewal up to the age of 100 regardless of any change in the health conditions of the insured persons, and covering unknown pre-existing conditions.

At the same time, the Government will continue to offer a medical safety net for all Hong Kong citizens through public healthcare services, including enhancing healthcare protection for “poor, acute, serious, critical” patients on all fronts. In fact, the majority of individuals with costly and complex medical needs would opt for receiving treatments in the public healthcare system. The Government will continue to prudently study how to make the best use of public funds to meet the medical needs of the individuals concerned in the most cost-effective manner.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

Following is a question by the Hon Jimmy Ng and a written reply by the Secretary for Education, Dr Choi Yuk-lin, in the Legislative Council today (October 15):

Question:

The 2024 Policy Address sets out a series of task indicators for patriotic education. These include the launch of the “Love Our Home, Treasure Our Country 3.0” series of inter school national education activities, the provision of training places within three years for about 1 000 junior secondary Chinese History teachers who are not major in History, and the provision of at least 1 000 training places within two years in learning circles for senior secondary Chinese History teachers. Furthermore, this year’s Policy Address states that the Government will promote patriotic education facilities in the Mainland, making them the patriotic education bases of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), and that the Education Bureau (EDB) will also design itineraries for students to experience the founding history of our country. The latest status of the Government’s implementation of national education and national security education in schools has drawn significant public attention. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:

(1) of the latest status of the implementation of various patriotic education measures, and among them, the number of measures that have meet their targets; whether higher targets will be set for those that have already met their targets; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that;

(2) given that national education covers a broad range of areas, and that relevant learning elements are embedded across multiple academic subjects, whether the authorities will include more academic subjects when setting new indicators for patriotic education in the future; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that;

(3) given that the EDB has administered multiple rounds of the Basic Law and National Security Law Test for teachers, of the respective pass rates for these test rounds;

(4) of the number of schools applied for the Enhanced “My Pledge to Act” funding programme in the past three years, so that these schools are provided with additional resources to strengthen the implementation of national education and national security education in schools; the proportion of successful applications under the programme and the average amount of funding granted per approved application;

(5) as it is reported that the EDB has recently updated the national security curriculum framework for primary and secondary schools to highlight the concept of “comprehensive security”, and will organise briefing sessions and teacher training courses to provide support for schools in implementing national security education, of the respective details of those briefing sessions and training courses, including the estimated number of sessions to be held and the number of teachers expected to receive training;

(6) of the details regarding the promotion of patriotic education facilities in the Mainland, including the estimated number of such facilities that will become the patriotic education bases of the HKSAR, and the names of these facilities; and

(7) of the estimated time and manpower required by the EDB to design itineraries for students to experience the founding history of our country; the expected timeline to make these itineraries available for schools to register for participation?

Reply:

President,

National education has been one of the goals of the school curriculum and an indispensable part of school education. National education has already incorporated elements and spirit of patriotic education. Key contents which dovetail with the Patriotic Education Law of People’s Republic of China, including Chinese history, national affairs, Chinese culture, national geography, Constitution and Basic Law education, national symbols and signs (such as the national flag, national anthem and national emblem), and national security, have been embedded in various Key Learning Areas (KLAs) and relevant subjects at the primary and secondary levels as well as the curriculum of kindergartens, and are closely intertwined with values education and life-wide learning activities to provide essential learning experiences for students.

The Education Bureau (EDB) continues to adopt a multi-pronged and co-ordinated approach to integrate patriotic education into school education, such as optimising the curriculum, developing learning and teaching resources, offering training to teachers, organising diversified life-wide learning activities (covering out-of-classroom practical activities, Mainland study tours, etc.), and providing resources and grants for schools, with a view to providing comprehensive, all-round, interdisciplinary and cross-key stage support for schools to integrate patriotic education into daily learning and teaching, as well as helping students deepen their understanding of our country, develop a sense of national identity and enhance their national awareness and national spirit.

The reply to the question raised by the Hon Jimmy Ng is as follows:

(1) and (2) The 2024 Policy Address puts forward a series of indicators on promoting patriotic education on and off campus. The target has been met for seven of the initiatives in the 2024/25 school year. The remaining initiative, scheduled for implementation over a period of three school years from 2024/25 to 2026/27, has also made satisfactory progress in the 2024/25 school year. Details are as follows:

• Inter‑school national education activities: The “Love Our Home, Treasure Our Country 3.0” series of inter‑school national education activities were successfully held with an attendance exceeding 50 000, far higher than expected.
• National geography: The EDB has completed the trial teaching scheme and developed the National Geography Resource Portal, and will continue to develop learning and teaching resources on national geography for reference and use by schools.
• Focus inspections on national education: Focus inspections on national education were conducted in at least 50 schools to enhance the quality and effectiveness of national education.
• Mainland exchange programmes and study tours: Starting from the 2024/25 school year, at least 30 routes with “red resources” have been provided for participation by students.
• Activities for kindergarten parents: Starting from the 2024/25 school year, all kindergartens joining the Kindergarten Education Scheme (KES) are required to organise one or more activities relating to national education for parents each year.
• Training for senior secondary Chinese History teachers: Provided more than 1 000 training places in the 2024/25 school year and will continue to provide such training in the new school year.
• Implementation of the Primary Humanities curriculum: The EDB completed the review of the textbooks for Primary One and Primary Four, provided over 9 900 training places, and continued to provide learning and teaching resources. The subject of Primary Humanities has been implemented starting from the 2025/26 school year.
• The remaining indicator for implementation over a period of three school years has been launched and taken forward as scheduled. The EDB has planned to provide training places for about 1 000 junior secondary Chinese History teachers who are not History majors within three years starting from the 2024/25 school year. In the 2024/25 school year, some 400 teachers attended the training sessions. Training places will continue to be offered in the new school year to support teachers in completing systematic training.

Building on the outcomes achieved last year, the 2025 Policy Address further sets the following indicators (including new indicators):

• Regularise and popularise the “Love Our Home, Treasure Our Country” series of activities starting from the 2025/26 school year and strive to foster patriotic education in schools through collaboration across school sponsoring bodies and among schools to further enhance students’ national identity and cultural confidence, with a target annual attendance of no less than 30 000.
• Continue to conduct focus inspections on national education in at least 50 schools in the 2025/26 school year to enhance the quality and effectiveness of national education.
• Provide no less than 40 itineraries for students to experience the founding history of our country through Mainland exchange programmes and study tours starting from the 2025/26 school year.
• Organise various activities on national education for participation by students in the 2025/26 school year, with an expected attendance of no less than 200 000.
• Continue to provide training places for junior secondary Chinese History teachers who are not History majors in the 2025/26 school year (over a period of three years).
• Provide 1 500 teacher training places and continue to provide learning and teaching resources for the optimised senior secondary Chinese History and History curricula in the 2026/27 school year.

(3) Starting from the 2023/24 school year, all newly-appointed teachers in public sector schools, Direct Subsidy Scheme schools and kindergartens joining the KES (including newly-joined teachers and teachers changing schools) are required to pass the Basic Law and National Security Law Test (BLNST) in order to be considered for appointment. From the 2022/23 to 2024/25 school years, the EDB conducted a total of 16 rounds of BLNST for degree holders and non-degree holders involving about 72 600 applicants in total, including serving teachers, those aspiring to join the teaching profession and prospective graduates. A total of about 55 570 candidates sat for the BLNST, and the passing rate was over 90 per cent.

(4) To support schools in promoting national education, national security education, as well as media and information literacy education, the Quality Education Fund (QEF) launched the enhanced “My Pledge to Act” funding programme in mid-November 2021. According to the school-based needs, publicly-funded primary and secondary schools (including special schools) may submit an application to the QEF for funding not exceeding $300,000; kindergartens joining the KES may submit an application for funding not exceeding $150,000. Since the launch of the programme, about 880 schools have submitted their applications with funding approved. Generally speaking, as the additional resources required for implementing the relevant projects vary among schools, and the amount of funding to be granted is determined based on the content of individual applications, the average amount of funding granted cannot fully reflect the actual situation of the programme with respect to its implementation.

(5) The EDB released respectively in May and July 2025 the updated Curriculum Framework of National Security Education in Hong Kong (the Curriculum Framework) and the curriculum frameworks of National Security Education for 27 subjects covering eight KLAs and the Citizenship and Social Development subject, so as to keep national security education abreast of the times, provide teachers with clearer and more comprehensive guidelines, and help schools further promote national security education upon the existing solid foundation.

After the release of the above frameworks, the EDB has held eight briefing sessions within four months to brief stakeholders, including representatives of school sponsoring bodies, school supervisors, principals and teachers, on the main updates and highlights of the Curriculum Framework and elucidate how the elements of national security education can be incorporated into various KLAs. The EDB will also provide no less than 1 000 teacher training places relating to national security education in the 2025/26 school year. The training programmes will comprise, among others, face-to-face and online courses, study tours, experience sharing sessions and learning circles to enhance teachers’ professional competence for the effective implementation of national security education.

(6) This year marks the 80th anniversary of victory in the War of Resistance and the World Anti-Fascist War. With the support of the Central Government, the Museum of the War of Chinese People’s Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, located next to the Marco Polo Bridge in Beijing, has been established as the first Patriotic Education Base for Hong Kong and Macao Youth on August 21 this year.

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government will continue to promote patriotic education facilities in the Mainland by making them patriotic education bases of the HKSAR, and encourage visits by more students and youths to help them comprehensively understand the history and culture as well as the development and achievements of our country.

(7) In the 2025/26 school year, a number of tours with itineraries designed to help students experience the founding history of our country have been launched starting from October 2025. Schools will be invited to participate in due course. For example, under the “‘Passing on the Torch’ Platform Programme Series: An Exploration into the History, Humanities and Ethnic Culture in Guizhou”, students will visit the Guizhou Long March Culture Digital Art Museum, where they will learn about key historical events of the Long March, experience the hardships faced by the Red Army, and gain a deeper understanding of the Long March spirit. The manpower resources required for the relevant Mainland exchange programmes are subsumed under the recurrent expenditure of the EDB.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

Following is a question by the Hon Vincent Cheng and a written reply by the Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, Miss Alice Mak, in the Legislative Council today (October 15):

Question:

It has been over 13 years since the Government launched the Youth Hostel Scheme. Of the seven youth hostel projects whose construction is fully funded by the Government, only two have been put into service. Furthermore, the Government expanded the Scheme in 2023 by subsidising non-governmental organisations in renting suitable hotels and guesthouses for use as youth hostels (the Subsidy Scheme), with six projects approved to date. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:

(1) of the latest progress of the five youth hostel projects whose construction is fully funded by the Government but not yet put into service, and whether there have been any delays in these projects; if so, of the reasons for that; given that in the reply to a question raised by a Member of this Council on the Estimates of Expenditure for the financial year 2025-2026, the Government indicated that the two projects at Castle Peak Road and Salvation Army Street, Wan Chai were respectively at the “pre-construction works” and “technical feasibility studies” stages, whether the Government will continue with these two construction projects;

(2) of the latest room occupancy rate and number of tenants of the six youth hostel projects under the Subsidy Scheme respectively;

(3) given that it is stipulated under the Subsidy Scheme that youth tenants of youth hostel projects shall participate in no less than 200 hours of community or volunteer services each year to give back to the community, of the attainment rates of youth tenants in terms of the above requirement (set out by project); as it is learnt that some young people have refrained from applying for youth hostels due to concerns about failing to meet the community service hour requirement, whether the Government has assessed the effectiveness of this requirement in encouraging young people to give back to the community; and

(4) as it has been reported that the rent of some hostel places in the first youth hostel project converted from private residential housing located at Tung Chau Street ranges between $7,600 and $7,800, and it is learnt that that although the rental levels are higher than those stipulated under the policy (i.e. rental levels being within 60 per cent of the market rent for similar flats in nearby areas of the same district), the response from the community to the quality of hostel in this project has been positive, whether the Government will accept further applications for converting private properties into youth hostels in the future, or whether it has already received other similar applications; whether it has assessed if there is room for reducing the rent of such projects in the future?

Reply:

President,

The Youth Hostel Scheme (YHS) is an important youth development initiative. Apart from meeting young people’s aspirations of having their own living space, we also hope that youth tenants will benefit through participating in the various support and training activities provided by youth hostels during their stay. The Home and Youth Affairs Bureau (HYAB) has been proactively implementing the YHS through a multi-pronged approach, which includes fully funding non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to construct youth hostels on under-utilised sites, and launching the YHS – Subsidy Scheme for Using Hotels and Guesthouses as Youth Hostels (the Subsidy Scheme). There are currently eight youth hostels launched under the YHS, providing over 3 700 hostel places in total.

In response to the various parts of the question raised by the Hon Vincent Cheng, our reply is as follows:

(1) There are currently seven youth hostel projects whose construction is fully funded by the Government. The first two youth hostels run by the Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups and the Po Leung Kuk have commenced operation upon completion of construction in 2020 and 2023 respectively, offering a total of over 1 700 hostel places. Three youth hostel projects under construction by the Hong Kong Girl Guides Association, the Hong Kong Association of Youth Development and the Tung Wah Group of Hospitals are expected to be gradually completed from 2026 onward, offering a total of about 1 000 hostel places. The Hong Kong Sheng Kung Hui Welfare Council Limited’s project and the Salvation Army’s project are undergoing the pre-construction works and technical feasibility studies respectively.

(2) Since the launch of the Subsidy Scheme in 2023, six projects have been approved and put into use, providing about 2 000 hostel places in total. As at end-August 2025, except for the usual tenant turnover slots, the average room occupancy rate of the six youth hostels (including youth hostels whose construction is fully funded by the Government and projects under the Subsidy Scheme) that have operated for at least a year is about 85 per cent.

(3) The YHS offers a platform to promote youth enrichment and development, enabling them to unleash their strengths and contribute to society. We hope that, through flexible participation in activities/training at youth hostels and community/voluntary services during stay, youth tenants may achieve self-enrichment, expand their social networks and effectively set personal development goals. Meanwhile, the communities where the youth hostels are located will also benefit from the community services provided by youth tenants. This in turn helps the underprivileged obtain direct support from young people and establish a wider peer network, which is conducive to building a harmonious society in the long run. At present, the overall operation of the youth hostels has been smooth. The NGOs operating the youth hostels have also arranged youth tenants to participate in activities at the youth hotels (such as entrepreneurship training, physical and mental development, and workplace culture) and community outreach or volunteer services. As the location, scale and facilities of each youth hostels differ, taking into account their actual circumstances, the NGO operators will make day-to-day management and operational arrangements accordingly, including the type, number and mode of activities to be organised. The HYAB will continue to monitor the operation of the youth hostels, review the implementation arrangements of the Subsidy Scheme according to actual circumstances, and adjust the execution details when necessary.

(4) The rent charged by a youth hostel is determined by its location, room size, ancillary facilities as well as the activities and services to be provided by the NGOs. Youth tenants may, according to their own needs and financial means, choose among different youth hostels. The HYAB will continue to take forward the YHS proactively through a multi-pronged approach. In order to benefit more young people, we will also continue to collaborate with relevant stakeholders sharing our vision to explore different ways to increase the supply of youth hostels.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     Following is a question by Dr the Hon So Cheung-wing and a written reply by the Secretary for Environment and Ecology, Mr Tse Chin-wan, in the Legislative Council today (October 15):
 
Question:
 
     It has been reported that quite a number of members of the public like hiking alone, but accidents involving lone hikers have occurred from time to time in recent years. There are views that lone hikers are often unable to report to the Police for assistance promptly after accidents, causing delays in search and rescue (S&R) operations, and in the absence of reminders from companions, they are susceptible to underestimating trail risks or overestimating their physical fitness, thus resulting in accidents. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
 
(1) of the number of requests for assistance involving lone hikers in the past three years; the number of casualties in such cases requesting assistance, and the Government expenditures involved in the relevant S&R operations;
 
(2) whether it has studied the main causes of hiking accidents in the past three years; whether it has compiled statistics on the proportion of lone hikers and group hikers in such accidents, and the differences in the difficulty and duration of search and rescue between the two; and
 
(3) whether it will step up publicity to encourage hiking in groups, and classify dangerous paths as “accident black spots for lone hikers” to alert hikers not to go there alone?
 
Reply:
 
President,
 
     Having consulted the Security Bureau, the reply to the question raised by Dr the Hon So Cheung-wing is as follow:
 
(1) In the past three years, the number of mountain search and rescue calls received by the Fire Services Department (FSD) and the number of casualties involved are tabulated below:
 

Year	Number of mountain search and rescue calls received	Number of Injuries (Fatalities)
2022	1 014 cases	589 (20)
2023	695 cases	424 (15)
2024	588 cases	345 (15)

     The FSD does not maintain statistics on the number of cases of lone hikers seeking assistance. As the above rescue operations did not involve additional manpower and salary expenditure, the FSD does not keep a breakdown of the expenditure involved.
 
(2) and (3) The causes and nature of hiking accidents are complex and varied, apart from factors of terrain and environment, they also include changes in weather, hikers getting lost, and other personal reasons of hikers. Regarding the number of mountain rescue cases, the Government does not have the breakdown of the cases by the proportion of hiking alone versus hiking with others, nor the figure of the difference in the time used for search and rescue operations between those two kinds of hikers. However, hiking alone will have higher safety risks than hiking with others, and poses greater difficulty on search and rescue when accidents occur. The Government has been urging the public to hike with others instead of hiking alone through various channels, including disseminating relevant information through the “Enjoy Hiking” website (www.hiking.gov.hk) of the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department, producing online videos, and regular publishing reminder posts on social media platform, etc. The AFCD also collaborates with other relevant departments to enhance relevant promotion and education during hiking season.
 
     Moreover, we continuously encourage hikers to download mobile applications relevant to emergency rescue (such as “Enjoy Hiking Hiker Tracking Service” mobile application, HKSOS, etc.), to raise the hikers’ awareness of hiking safety, and enhance efficiency of rescue operations when accidents occur. The “Enjoy Hiking” website provides comprehensive information on various hiking trails, including trail length, overall difficulty, nearby facilities, for hikers to plan hiking trips that are suitable for themselves according their personal conditions. The website also lists out high risk locations with records of fatal and serious accidents in country parks, which are formulated based on previous records of serious and fatal accidents, causes of such accidents, as well as site conditions, with a view to reminding hikers to avoid visiting those areas. The list will be regularly reviewed and updated as appropriate.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

Following is a question by the Hon Duncan Chiu and a written reply by the Secretary for Transport and Logistics, Ms Mable Chan, in the Legislative Council today (October 15):

Question:

The Government announced in December last year that it would adopt Smart and Green Mass Transit System (SGMTS) to take forward the South Island Line (West) (SIL(W)) as an alternative to the original heavy rail scheme. Detailed planning and design are scheduled to begin within this year, with the aim of striving to start the preliminary construction work in 2027. In ‍this connection, will the Government inform this Council:

(1) of the latest progress of the planning and design work for the SIL(W) project, and the expected announcement date for the specific details of the entire project, including the estimated start and completion dates, as well as manpower and expenditure involved;

(2) regarding the introduction of SGMTS, advanced technologies and management models adopted in the Chinese Mainland or overseas for the SIL(W) project, of the relevant feasibility studies that have been conducted by the Government and the findings of these studies; whether the Government has reached preliminary inclination or decision based on the study findings; and

(3) given that, according to Government information, SIL(W) will pass through core innovation and technology development areas and institutions, such as Cyberport and the University of Hong Kong, whether the Government has holistically reviewed the project’s construction plan and timetable to facilitate its early commencement and completion, with a view to promoting the sustainable development of innovation and technology in Hong Kong; if so, of the details (including how the entire project will be carried out in phases, which work procedures can be streamlined and compressed, the relevant construction costs, the earliest expected commissioning date, and other specific measures to enhance speed and efficiency of the project)?

Reply:

President,

The preliminary alignment of the South Island Line (West) (SIL(W)) is about 7.5-kilometre long, passing through areas around Aberdeen, Wah Fu, Cyberport, Queen Mary Hospital and Pok Fu Lam. It will provide a convenient feeder services connecting the western and southern parts of Hong Kong Island and facilitate the public to go to the MTR Wong Chuk Hang Station of the South Island Line and HKU Station of the Island Line. Having consulted the Highways Department, the reply to the respective parts of the question is as follows:

(1) We have been actively taking forward the planning work of the SIL(W) and updated the Legislative Council Subcommittee on Matters Relating to Railways and the Southern District Council on the latest development of the project in December last year and January this year respectively. We are continuing to evaluate the project’s financial arrangements, including further optimising the alignment and improving cost-effectiveness, with a view to commencing the detailed planning and design of the project within this year and striving to commence the advance construction works in 2027. We target to announce the latest implementation programme of the project this year.

Once the detailed planning and design stage has commenced, we will conduct the statutory environmental impact assessment for the project and assess its traffic impact on other road users during and after construction. We will also engage various stakeholders, gather their feedback, and finalise the details of the proposed scheme (including the design of the system, cost, financial arrangements and management mode).

(2) With reference to the studies by the Government on different Smart and Green Mass Transit System (SGMTS) projects and the information obtained from the system suppliers and operators, SGMTS is a medium-to-low capacity system. Compared to the heavy rail system, SGMTS is smaller in size and mainly runs on rubber tyres. Characterised by its lightweight and strong climbing capability, it would induce less noise and visual impacts. Furthermore, the system generally does not require the installation of overhead lines, and its electrical and mechanical support systems and maintenance works are relatively simpler. This type of system is suitable for operating in hilly, developed and congested areas. It can generally avoid running deep underground and reduce the time of passengers traveling to and from the ground level, and is expected to enhance the transport benefits. The SGMTS to be adopted in the SIL(W) project will be determined in the detailed planning and design stage, upon taking into account advanced technologies and operating modes of different systems.

(3) We have been co-ordinating closely with other government departments and organisations for smooth interfaces of the SIL(W) project with the University of Hong Kong, Cyberport and other facilities along the alignment and for facilitating related developments as much as possible. As mentioned in Part (1) of the reply, the details of the proposed scheme of the project will be finalised during the detailed planning and design stage. We will actively consider adopting different innovative technologies, such as the use of Modular Integrated Construction (MiC), to compress the implementation programme as much as possible for the commissioning of the project at the earliest. We will also continue to explore and review other methods to enhance the speed as well as efficiency, including expediting the approval process, to strive for early completion of the project.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

Following is a question by the Hon Yung Hoi-yan and a written reply by the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Algernon Yau, in the Legislative Council today (October 15):

Question:

To support the exhibition industry in Hong Kong, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government provides funding to organisers and exhibitors through schemes such as the Incentive Scheme for Recurrent Exhibitions (ISRE), the ISRE 2.0 and the SME Export Marketing Fund (EMF). In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:

(1) of the following information (i) since the launch of the ISRE, and (ii) since the introduction of special measures under the EMF on April 30, 2021: the respective numbers of applications received and approved, together with the names of the organisers of the subsidised eligible exhibitions, their exhibition content, dates, venues, amounts of funding received, numbers and proportions of local and overseas exhibitors, numbers and proportions of local and overseas visitors and the regions of origin of overseas exhibitors and visitors (set out in a table);

(2) as some members of the industry have relayed that the ISRE 2.0 launched by the Government on July 1 this year does not have a specified end date, which affects the industry’s cost budgeting for organising exhibitions, when the Government will announce the end date of the ISRE 2.0, and whether it will optimise the ISRE 2.0 by, for example, adjusting the quota for non-local participants and relaxing requirements such as the gross floor area used for demonstrating or displaying products, materials and services; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that;

(3) given that the EMF will be consolidated into the Dedicated Fund on Branding, Upgrading and Domestic Sales after June 30, 2026, with adjustments to the funding ceiling, matching ratio, etc, whether the Government has assessed the impact of these adjustments on the industry (e.g. the number of applications and the scale of activities); if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that; and

(4) apart from the aforementioned funding schemes, whether the Government has other policy measures to support the exhibition industry, with a view to maintaining its competitiveness and encouraging further investment; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that?

Reply:

President,

The convention and exhibition (C&E) industry is crucial to Hong Kong as an international trade centre. The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government has been promoting the long-term development of the C&E industry through various measures.

The HKSAR Government first launched the Incentive Scheme for Recurrent Exhibitions (ISRE) in July 2023, providing venue rental incentives to attract local and international exhibitions of different scales to be staged recurrently in Hong Kong. The maximum incentive for each exhibition was capped at $20 million. The ISRE ended on June 30, 2025, and was very well received, supporting around 220 eligible exhibitions with the total incentive amount exceeding $1.2 billion. The requirements for eligible exhibitions were clearly set out in the Application Guide promulgated by us, and all applications met the eligibility criteria. The exhibitions supported by the ISRE attracted numerous participants (including exhibitors and buyers), not only benefitting the C&E industry but also bringing in high-spending business travellers that drive economic activities in such related sectors as accommodation, catering, retail, entertainment, etc, thereby benefitting various industries.

To further promote the development of the C&E industry and the mega event economy, thereby generating overall economic benefits for Hong Kong, the HKSAR Government announced in the 2024 Policy Address the allocation of an additional funding of $500 million for launching the ISRE 2.0 on July 1 this year. The ISRE 2.0 focuses on supporting the venue rental expenses for new and recurrent international exhibitions of a large scale with a view to boosting the vibrancy of the C&E industry in Hong Kong. Taking into account the industry’s views and the operational experience of the original ISRE, a number of new features have been introduced under the new scheme, including:

(a) only international exhibitions attracting at least 1 500 non-local participants (including exhibitors and buyers) will be covered;
(b) the maximum venue rental incentive for each eligible exhibition is capped at $10 million; and
(c) the Central Harbourfront Event Space and relevant parts of the West Kowloon Cultural District are included as new specified venues, alongside the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC) and AsiaWorld-Expo (AWE).

The above arrangements aim to focus on international events, benefit more eligible exhibitions and offer more venue options to the organisers.

According to the Application Guide, organisers may submit applications within two months after completion of the eligible exhibitions. As the ISRE 2.0 is still in the inception stage, we have received and processed about 10 applications so far, involving a total incentive amount of around $40 million. As stipulated in the Application Guide and explained to the industry on various occasions earlier on, the ISRE 2.0 will end upon exhaustion of the funds. Subject to the actual utilisation of the funds, we will announce the end date of the ISRE 2.0 in good time. We will maintain close liaison with the relevant venue operators and the industry in this regard.

In addition, the HKSAR Government provides funding support through the SME Export Marketing Fund (EMF) to encourage Hong Kong small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to participate in export marketing activities and tap into non-local markets. To support enterprises to conduct more promotion during the pandemic and the post-pandemic recovery periods, special measures have been implemented under the EMF since end-April 2021 to expand the funding scope to cover exhibitions targeting the local market and online exhibitions, as well as relaxing the eligibility criteria to cover non-SMEs. Relevant special measures have been extended to end-June 2026.

From May 2021 to end-September 2025, around 42 150 applications involving exhibitions targeting the local market and online exhibitions have been received under the EMF, among which around 30 700 applications have been processed and approved. As the EMF targets at enterprises promoting their products/services, the Trade and Industry Department only collects information about applicant enterprises and their participation in exhibitions, but does not maintain other exhibition-related statistics mentioned in the question.

In March 2025, the HKSAR Government announced the implementation of various measures under the EMF and the Dedicated Fund on Branding, Upgrading and Domestic Sales (BUD Fund) with a view to providing support to SMEs in a more focused and sustainable manner. Currently, the matching ratio of the EMF has been adjusted from 1 (Government): 1 (enterprise) to 1:3 of the total approved expenditure. There is no change to the funding ceiling per application of $100,000.

As the current business environment is rife with uncertainties and challenges, it is imperative for enterprises to upgrade and diversify away from traditional markets to remain competitive. Traditional modes of business (such as mere product listing or publicity) may not suffice. To focus our limited resources to equip enterprises for upgrading and transformation, the EMF will be consolidated into the BUD Fund after June 30, 2026. Starting from July 1, 2026, enterprises may, in the context of upgrading and transformation, apply for the BUD Fund to participate in exporting marketing and promotional activities. To assist enterprises in adapting to the arrangements of the consolidation, it has been announced in the 2025 Policy Address that we will enhance promotion and facilitate the participation of companies in exhibitions and export promotion activities through “Easy BUD” under the BUD Fund, thereby developing more diversified markets.

Currently, most enterprises have not yet fully utilised the $7 million cumulative funding ceiling under the BUD Fund. We believe that enterprises can still flexibly utilise the BUD Fund after the consolidation to implement marketing activities.

To consolidate Hong Kong’s position as an international C&E hub in the long run, apart from the abovementioned incentive and subsidy schemes, the HKSAR Government will continue to take forward the expansion projects of C&E facilities. The Airport Authority Hong Kong has commenced the construction works for the AWE expansion, which is expected to be completed in 2028. Meanwhile, the HKSAR Government continues to take forward the Wan Chai North Redevelopment project near the HKCEC as planned, including the redevelopment of the sites of the Wan Chai Government Offices Compound, Gloucester Road Garden and Kong Wan Fire Station into C&E facilities, hotel, etc. The AWE Phase 2 expansion project and the Wan Chai North Redevelopment project are expected to provide an additional 63 750 square metres of rentable C&E space. While implementing these two projects, the HKSAR Government will strive to flexibly utilise the existing venues and facilities for meeting the market demand.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

Following is a question by the Hon Lee Chun-keung and a reply by the Secretary for Innovation, Industry and Industry Bureau, Professor Sun Dong, in the Legislative Council today (October 15):

Question:

There are views that the functions of mobile applications launched by the Government are fragmented, and that members of the public often need to download multiple applications to access various government information and services, which in effect results in a waste of time and public money. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:

(1) of the 10 government mobile applications with the lowest number of downloads in each of the past five years and their respective download figures; whether the numbers of downloads of these applications have met the targets set at the time of their launch;

(2) of the 10 government departments that have provided the largest number of mobile applications for public download in each of the past five years, and set out the key functions of these applications and their respective annual maintenance costs; and

(3) as the Government has indicated that it aims to migrate all services provided by various government mobile applications into the “iAM Smart” mini-program platform by the end of this year to achieve a “single portal for e-government services”, and reduce the number of government applications by half within the coming two years, of the specific details and progress of such exercises, including whether it will integrate the newly launched “Electronic Driving Licence” mobile application from the Transport Department into “iAM Smart” to reduce maintenance costs?

Reply：

President,

In respect of the question raised by the Hon Lee Chun-keung, having consolidated the information provided by relevant bureaux/departments (B/Ds), my reply is as follows:

Mobile applications (apps) are one of the approaches for the Government to implement e-Government services, with “bringing convenience and benefits to the public” being our guiding principle. B/Ds develop various mobile apps according to their business need for the public to download and use. Currently, there are 75 mobile apps being maintained by 34 B/Ds, covering different policy areas. Regarding questions (1) and (2) on the Government mobile apps with the lowest numbers of download and the B/Ds providing the highest numbers of mobile apps, the relevant information is set out at Annex 1 and Annex 2 respectively.

The Digital Policy Office (DPO) has published the “Practice Guide for Developing Mobile Apps” for the development and implementation of government mobile apps. It is stipulated that B/Ds are required to set out the objectives and usage of the app before development and to conduct regular review after the apps are launched to ensure that the apps are updated, optimised, or integrated with existing apps in a cost-effective manner. In evaluating the effectiveness, apart from the numbers of download, B/Ds also comprehensively consider factors including the target user groups (e.g. whether the apps are designed specifically for people with special needs), user feedback and the changing demands. Over the past five years, B/Ds have decommissioned or consolidated around 40 mobile apps into other platforms.

At the same time, to strengthen the co-ordination of digital government services launched by various B/Ds, the DPO issued a circular early this year requiring B/Ds to prioritise the use of “iAM Smart” as the primary platform for delivering their new mobile apps or online services. B/Ds shall not develop new standalone mobile apps which are separated from the “iAM Smart” platform unless there are sufficient justifications and approvals from the Heads of B/Ds and the DPO.

In fact, one of the policy goals of the digital government is to facilitate the public to access government information and services in a one-stop manner, enabling handling of e- Government services on a single portal through the centralised “iAM Smart” platform. The DPO is introducing a “Mini-program Platform” in “iAM Smart” this year, marking an important step toward an integrated digital government. Citizens will be able to directly access and use e-services provided by various B/Ds with the mini-programs in “iAM Smart”, without the need to download the mobile apps provided by individual B/Ds. If B/Ds need to retain or launch individual mobile apps due to policy, user experience or operational considerations (particularly for apps with numerous or complex functions), they can also leverage “iAM Smart” by migrating some frequently used functions to the “Mini-program Platform” to significantly enhance the convenience of accessing e- Government services for the public.

The “Mini-program Platform” of “iAM Smart” will be launched in December this year. We anticipate that about 20 or more of the existing government mobile apps can be gradually migrated to the “Mini-program Platform” within two years, while around 20 mobile apps will be phased out, substantially reducing the total number of government mobile apps. As for the remaining roughly 30 apps (including the Transport Department’s “Electronic Driving Licence”), the DPO will continue to work with the relevant B/Ds to review their implementation, ensuring that government mobile apps fulfill their original purpose of “bringing convenience and benefits to the public”.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

A Government spokesman said today (October 15) that consent has been given to resume the socketed steel H-pile works of the proposed MTR Corporation Limited (MTRCL) Oyster Bay Station project on Lantau Island today.

The spokesman said that since the upheaving readings recorded on July 15 at five monitoring checkpoints installed on a section of the MTRCL’s Tung Chung Line (TCL) ballasted railway tracks near Siu Ho Wan Depot had exceeded the preset trigger level of 20 millimetres for works suspension, the socketed steel H-pile works of the aforementioned project were suspended on the same day. The situation occurred under the preset mechanism that aims to monitor the potential impact of construction works in the vicinity of railways under operation. Once the exceedance of the preset trigger level is observed, works will be suspended, and mitigation measures will be explored, ensuring the safety of the railway. The Government announced the situation on July 17 (www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202507/17/P2025071700605.htm). In accordance with the established procedures, resumption of works will only be allowed when the Buildings Department (BD) is satisfied with the mitigation measures adopted by the project team; the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD) is satisfied with the enhanced monitoring measures by the MTRCL; and the MTRCL has confirmed that the resumption of works will not affect the structural safety of the railway facilities and the safety of the railway operation.

The registered building professional of the Oyster Bay Station project has earlier submitted to the BD an incident report, a proposal of mitigation measures and the associated amendment plans. After review, the BD has agreed to the mitigation measures and the amendment plans, as these measures can effectively minimise the potential risk of the upheaval and settlement of the relevant tracks beyond the preset threshold upon the resumption of works, and has accepted the enhanced monitoring measures taken by the MTRCL.

The EMSD has reviewed the monitoring data and assessment report submitted by the MTRCL in relation to the safe operation of the railway and confirmed that the condition of the railway and the MTRCL’s monitoring measures meet the operational safety requirements.

In addition, the MTRCL has confirmed that the resumption of works will not affect the structural safety of the railway facilities and the safe operation of the railway.

The staff of the BD and the EMSD inspected the concerned railway tracks at midnight on October 8, and reconfirmed that the maintenance works completed and the reconditioned ballast track after the incident of July had no impact on the structural safety of the railway facilities and operational safety of the railway.

The BD, the EMSD and the MTRCL will continue to closely monitor the situation, including the continuous monitoring of upheaval and settlement levels against the triggering limit, to ensure the structural safety of the railway facilities and the safe operation of the railway.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     Following is a question by Dr the Hon Hoey Simon Lee and a reply by the Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Mr Chris Sun, in the Legislative Council today (October 15):
 
Question:
 
     It is reported that some individuals come to Hong Kong under the talent admission schemes but leave after giving birth to their children, with the sole purpose of obtaining the Hong Kong permanent resident status for their children, rather than a true intention to pursue their career in Hong Kong. There are views pointing out that such practice not only goes against the original intent of the talent policy, but also creates uncertainty to resource planning of various social services in Hong Kong. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
 
(1) whether there is any mechanism under the current talent policy to prevent situations where individuals come to Hong Kong under the guise of career development but actually just to give birth;
 
(2) to avoid the recurrence of a large number of doubly non-permanent resident children (i.e. children born in Hong Kong but whose parents are non-permanent residents of Hong Kong), whether the Government has considered establishing a mechanism requiring talent coming to Hong Kong and their dependants to sign a declaration confirming their intention to remain in Hong Kong for career development when making delivery bookings at public or private medical institutions in Hong Kong, or requiring them to submit supporting documents (such as proof of employment in Hong Kong or immigration records) to confirm that they have met the requirement of staying in Hong Kong for a certain number of days; and
 
(3) whether it has assessed the impact of the talent admission schemes on Hong Kong’s long-term population scale and structure, with a view to precisely controlling the allocation of resources for public services such as social welfare, housing, healthcare and education?
 
Reply:
 
President,

     As an international talent hub, Hong Kong has been welcoming outside talent to come to the city for development, thereby enriching the local talent pool. To address the challenges posed by an ageing population and manpower shortage, the current-term Government has since end-2022 implemented a series of measures to trawl for talent. These include the launch of the Top Talent Pass Scheme (TTPS) targeting talent with high income and academic qualifications, as well as enhancement of the various existing schemes. To date, more than 240 000 global elites from diverse backgrounds have been attracted to come to Hong Kong for development. Among others, the TTPS has received enthusiastic responses, with over 90 000 talents having arrived in Hong Kong. Among the first batch of TTPS entrants whose visas have expired, more than half successfully secured extension of stay. Most of them have joined key industries and earn competitive salaries, demonstrating strong market competitiveness. In the World Talent Ranking 2025 published recently by the International Institute for Management Development, Hong Kong’s ranking leapt markedly to fourth globally, marking the highest-ever ranking topping Asia. This is clear evidence that the talent attraction policies are in the right direction with effective outcomes.
 
     Nevertheless, after the talents have been successfully attracted to come to Hong Kong, the greater challenge lies in retaining them. In addition to continuing the efforts in boosting the economy and the growth of emerging industries to provide a favourable environment for the development of local and overseas talent, the Government is committed to providing the necessary support for talent, encouraging them to settle down and contribute to Hong Kong’s development.
 
     In consultation with the Health Bureau (HHB), Housing Bureau (HB), Education Bureau (EDB), Immigration Department (ImmD) and Census and Statistics Department (C&SD), my reply to the Member’s question is as follows:
 
(1) and (2) As mentioned earlier, in the global competition for talent, our real challenge lies in how to retain them.
 
     The majority of talents admitted to Hong Kong under the various admission schemes are very young, with 70 per cent under the age of 40. In particular, nearly all admitted under Category C of the TTPS are aged 30 or below. They are at critical stages in their careers and also within the prime age range for starting families. The Government’s follow-up surveys have revealed that family considerations, such as arrangements for children’s education, are among the top priorities for incoming talent when making a relocation decision. This reflects that talent retention is not only driven by career opportunities but also has to take into account the overall needs of their families. More comprehensive support should be offered to strengthen the sense of belonging of talent and their families to Hong Kong.
 
     Outside talents is a vital driving force for our economic development. Taking the TTPS as an example, the entrants are estimated to contribute directly to Hong Kong’s economy by an amount of some HK$34 billion per annum, which is equivalent to about 1.2 per cent of the local Gross Domestic Product. We hope to regard these talents as part of our community, and therefore must address their family needs just as we do for other Hong Kong residents, so as to help them live and work in contentment in the city.

     The current dependant policy allows talent to bring their spouses and minor children to reside in Hong Kong. We also welcome them to start families and give birth to children in Hong Kong so as to establish roots in the city. These new additions to our population are and will continue to be an important source of the local labour force, which would help improve the demographic structure and alleviate the challenges posed by the local ageing population and the low birth rate, providing long-term manpower support for Hong Kong’s sustainable development.
 
     I must emphasise that the various talent admission schemes with different positionings all have clear eligibility criteria and vetting procedures. Under current laws, anyone who furnishes false information or makes false representation to the ImmD are liable on conviction to a maximum fine of $150,000 and imprisonment for 14 years. The ImmD has a rigorous and effective mechanism in place for assessing each application under the talent admission schemes in a rigorous manner. This is to ensure that only applicants meeting the relevant eligibility criteria and immigration policies will be admitted into Hong Kong for stay. The approved applicants are all talents with competitiveness that Hong Kong aims to attract. Based on our observations, talent who have not yet secured employment are genuinely interested in pursuing long-term development in Hong Kong. We are not aware of anyone coming to Hong Kong under the guise of career development just to give birth.
 
     The Government understands the public expectation about proper use of limited public resources. At present, the incoming talent represents only a small fraction of Hong Kong’s overall population, and have not put pressure on local resources. The HHB has no plan at the moment to impose different restrictions or requirements on maternity service bookings based on the route through which individuals obtain their Hong Kong residency. However, the Labour and Welfare Bureau (LWB) will continue to keep in view the settlement of incoming talents in Hong Kong, including collecting data on talent’s childbirth, to facilitate better resource planning by relevant policy bureaux. If any abuse of the talent admission schemes is detected, the Government will take appropriate action.
 
(3) To provide the basis for the Government’s planning in various policy areas and resource allocation, the C&SD and the LWB regularly compile updated population and manpower projection respectively to understand the trend of change in Hong Kong’s population and manpower needs during the projection period. Currently, these two sets of projections have taken into account the impact of the major talent admission schemes. The next population census is scheduled to be conducted in 2026, and the LWB is now conducting a mid-term update on the manpower projection, with the results expected to be released in the fourth quarter of 2026. 
 
     The various policy bureaux will continuously review the implementation and effectiveness of the measures under their respective purviews in response to the latest demographic and manpower trends. For instance, the HB will continue to closely monitor the supply and demand of different types of housing and adjust the corresponding policies in a timely manner where necessary. The HHB will continue to deepen the reform of the healthcare system to ensure the viability of Hong Kong’s healthcare system. The EDB will review education policies from time to time, with a view to meeting the needs of the society.