Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Appointments to Advisory Committee on Cruise Industry announced
The membership of the ACCI with effect from January 1, 2026, is as follows:————-
Commissioner for Tourism————
Mr Anthony Lau Chun-hon (Executive Director of the Hong Kong Tourism Board, ex-officio member)
Mr Tommy Tam Kwong-shun (Chairman of the Travel Industry Council of Hong Kong, ex-officio member)
Mr Benjamin Bouldin*
Ms Gee Chan
Mr Roger Chen Ranfeng*
Mr Dickson Chin Lap-kong
Ms Eunice Lee Sau-yan
Ms Leong Mei-cheng
Mr Jerry Leong Wai-loon *
Mr Ricky Li Wai-keung *
Mr Jason Shum Jiu-sang
Mr Tim Sypko*
Dr Frederick Yip Yeung-faiIssued at HKT 12:00
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DH reminds public that new phase of tobacco control measures to take effect on January 1, 2026 (with photos)
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The Department of Health (DH) today (December 29) reminded the public that three amendments relating to smoking offences under the Tobacco Control Legislation (Amendment) Ordinance 2025 (the Amendment Ordinance) will take effect on Thursday (January 1, 2026):
- extension of statutory No Smoking Areas (NSAs) to public places that lie within three metres outside the entrances/exits exclusively used for child care centres, residential care homes, schools, hospitals and specified clinics or health centres;
- prohibition of smoking while queuing (including queuing to board a public transport carrier at a designated boarding location, staying in the delineated area for a designated boarding location, while queuing to enter specified premises (see Annex), or while queuing within specified premises); and
- increase of the fixed penalty for smoking offences from $1,500 to $3,000.
The Tobacco and Alcohol Control Inspectors of the DH will prosecute any person who does a smoking act in NSAs without prior warning. Offenders will be liable to a fixed penalty of $3,000.
The Tobacco and Alcohol Control Office (TACO) has prepared FAQs, pamphlets and other resources to help the public comply with the new law. Members of the public may visit the TACO website for more detailed information. To ensure smooth implementation of the new measures, TACO has enhanced publicity and education efforts over the past few months, such as Announcements in the Public Interest on TV and radio; advertisements on public transport areas at bus stops and at MTR stations; enhanced social media promotion; and the production of guidelines to educate the public. For visitors, TACO has stepped up anti-smoking promotions at all boundary control points, major tourist attractions and bus stops, including distributing leaflets in major tourist spots in collaboration with district councillors and has created an infographic “Visitors’ Guide” to enhance visitors’ understanding of the new measures. TACO is also promoting to visitors through Chinese Mainland social media.
TACO has also issued implementation guidelines and enhanced interdepartmental co-ordination mechanisms for the new offences under the Smoking (Public Health) Ordinance to ensure smoother enforcement. Briefings have been held for venue managers to explain the details of the amendment and their enforcement. Beyond enforcement, TACO continues to promote smoking prevention and cessation services, including conducting smoke-free publicity and education in the community to raise public awareness of smoking hazards.
The new phase of tobacco control measures will be implemented in phases. Among them, the increased penalties for illicit cigarettes and the prohibition on provision of smoking products to persons under the age of 18 have already taken effect upon the gazettal of the Amendment Ordinance (September 19, 2025). The provision prohibiting the possession of alternative smoking product (ASP) substances (e.g. e-cigarette liquids/cartridges/ and heat sticks) in public places will take effect on April 30, 2026, i.e. four years after the implementation of the ban on the importation and sale of ASPs. TACO will continue to strengthen publicity, education, etc, in the future to ensure the effective implementation of the relevant tobacco control measures.
For the health of individuals, families and the community, the Government urges smokers to quit smoking as soon as possible. Members of the public may call the Department of Health Integrated Smoking Cessation Hotline at 1833 183. The hotline is answered by registered nurses who provide professional counselling and referral to a wide range of free smoking cessation services.
Major Sports Events Committee awards “M” Mark status to Bank of China Hong Kong Tennis Open 2026
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
The following is issued on behalf of the Major Sports Events Committee:
​The Major Sports Events Committee (MSEC) has awarded “M” Mark status to the Bank of China Hong Kong Tennis Open 2026 to be held from January 4 to 11, 2026 at the Victoria Park Centre Court.
The Chairman of the MSEC, Mr Wilfred Ng, said today (December 29), “As the first ‘M’ Mark event in 2026, the Bank of China Hong Kong Tennis Open 2026 will attract visitors from around the world, along with local fans, to gather in Hong Kong to witness world-class tennis players compete at the highest level, heralding the start of the new year of major sports event in Hong Kong.”
The “M” Mark System aims to encourage and help local National Sports Associations and private or non-government organisations to organise more major international sports events and nurture them into sustainable undertakings. Sports events meeting the assessment criteria will be considered for “M” Mark status by the MSEC. Funding support will also be provided to some events. The “M” Mark System aims to promote the development of major sports events, cultivate a sustainable sporting culture, enhance Hong Kong’s image as a centre for major international sports events and bring tangible economic benefits to the community.
For details of “M” Mark events, please visit www.mevents.org.hk.
Special traffic and transport arrangements for Kai Tak Stadium concerts on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The Transport Department (TD) today (December 29) said that special traffic and transport arrangements will be implemented to facilitate the holding of concerts at Kai Tak Stadium on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day evenings. As the traffic in the vicinity of the Kai Tak Sports Park (KTSP) is expected to be heavy, concertgoers should opt for public transport and avoid driving or taking private cars (including cross-boundary private cars).
The TD has co-ordinated with local and cross-boundary public transport operators to strengthen their services during dispersal. The Tuen Ma Line (TML) and East Rail Line (ERL) of MTR will shorten the interval between trains or arrange standby trains to strengthen services when necessary. Franchised bus companies will provide 11 special bus routes at the Sung Wong Toi Road Pick-up/Drop-off Area (PUDOA) to Lok Ma Chau (San Tin) Public Transport Interchange, the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge Hong Kong Port and Airport, and major districts across the territory.
The Kai Tak Stadium Taxi PUDOA will be open. The Sung Wong Toi Road PUDOA will be open for taxi drop-off only during admission (6.30pm to 9pm on New Year’s Eve and 4.30pm to 7pm on New Year’s Day) and suspended for taxi pick-up/drop-off during dispersal. The expected waiting time will be longer amid the outflow of spectators, and passengers’ patience is appreciated.
According to the organiser, the two concerts are expected to end at around 0.30am and 10.30pm on New Year’s Day. Concertgoers who plan to return to the Mainland on the same day should pay special attention to the operating hours of public transport services to boundary control points:
(1) Lo Wu Control Point: Travellers should catch the last relevant MTR TML train, followed by interchanging at Tai Wai Station on the ERL to Lo Wu Station. They should plan their journeys ahead and arrive at the station platform in advance. Departure times of relevant trains are as follows:
| Concert on December 31, 2025 | Concert on January 1, 2026 | |
| Sung Wong Toi Station | 0.58am on New Year’s Day | 10.59pm |
| Kai Tak Station | 1am on New Year’s Day | 11.01pm |
(2) Lok Ma Chau/Huanggang (LMC/HG) Port (operating 24 hours): Travellers may also take the ERL to Sheung Shui Station and then KMB route No. 276B or N73, or take the special bus route No. SP12 directly at the Sung Wong Toi Road PUDOA to the Lok Ma Chau (San Tin) Public Transport Interchange, and transfer to the LMC-HG cross-boundary shuttle bus (Yellow Bus) for their journey to the Mainland.
(3) Shenzhen Bay Port (passenger clearance services to operate round the clock on New Year’s Eve): Franchised bus companies will operate two special bus routes, Nos. NB2 and NB3, during the small hours, providing services to and from Yuen Long/Tin Shui Wai, and to and from Tuen Mun, respectively. Travellers of the New Year’s Eve concert can also take the TML to Yuen Long Station/Tin Shui Wai Station and Tuen Mun Station, and interchange with special bus routes, Nos. NB2 and NB3 respectively, to the Shenzhen Bay Port.
In addition, concertgoers may take the KTSP’s cross-boundary coach services to return to the Mainland during dispersal. Passengers should purchase tickets from the operators’ online platforms in advance. On-site ticket sales will not be available during dispersal.
Spectators are advised to heed the real-time information via the on-site broadcast and the “Easy Leave” platform (easyleave.police.gov.hk) as well as the latest traffic news through the TD’s website (www.td.gov.hk), the HKeMobility mobile app and radio and television broadcasts.
HKSAR Government sets up Hong Kong Cross-boundary Public Services self-service kiosk and “iAM Smart” self-registration kiosk in Macao (with photos)
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The Digital Policy Office (DPO) announced today (December 29) the setting up of a Hong Kong Cross-boundary Public Services self-service kiosk in Macao Special Administrative Region (Macao), enabling residents and enterprises in Macao to access public services of Hong Kong without the need to travel to Hong Kong in person.
The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government has been actively advancing the initiative of Cross-boundary Public Services. Following the installation of the self-service kiosks earlier in the nine Mainland cities of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA), the newly set up Cross-boundary Public Services self-service kiosk in Macao provides a total of 70 public services from 14 Hong Kong government bureaux and departments as well as related organisations, encompassing areas commonly used by enterprises and the public. These include taxation, company registration, property and vehicle enquiry and registration, personal identification documents and talent admission applications, welfare and education, healthcare, immigration clearance, urgent assistance, culture and tourism as well as voter registration.
Starting today, the public can use the Hong Kong Cross-boundary Public Services self-service kiosk located at the Macao Government Services Centre to perform data entry, document scanning and result printing, enabling one-stop access for applying various public services of Hong Kong.
The opening hours of the self-service kiosk at the Macao Government Services Centre are 9am to noon and 1pm to 6pm, Monday to Friday (except public holidays in Macao). An “iAM Smart” self-registration kiosk is also set up at the Services Centre to enable Hong Kong residents working and living in Macao to register for “iAM Smart+” and directly access over 1 300 online services provided by the Government and public/private organisations and e-Forms through the “iAM Smart” mobile app. These include eMPF registration, renewal of vehicle licences, applications for International Driving Permits and eHealth registration.
The Hong Kong Cross-boundary Public Services self-service kiosks and “iAM Smart” self-registration kiosks have fully covered the nine Mainland cities of the GBA and Macao. The DPO will continue to enhance the Cross-boundary Public Services, with a view to coping with the demands of residents and enterprises in the GBA for Hong Kong public services.
For details, please visit the Hong Kong Cross-boundary Public Services website at www.crossboundaryservices.gov.hk/en/home/index.html and the “iAM Smart” website at www.iamsmart.gov.hk/en/reg.html.
Government, business sector and community partner with mentees to nurture dreams in third graduation ceremony of Strive and Rise Programme (with photo/video)
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
​The Graduation Ceremony of the Strive and Rise Programme (Third Cohort 2025) was held at the Kai Tak Arena today (December 28). Nearly 4 000 graduates, having completed their one-year intensive foundation programme with the support of the government, the business sector and the community, demonstrated their achievements in the ceremony and expressed their gratitude to the mentors.
The ceremony was officiated by the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki. The Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, Miss Alice Mak; the Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Mr Chris Sun; the Acting Secretary for Education, Dr Sze Chun-fai; the Director of Social Welfare, Mr Edward To; and the Acting Director of Home Affairs, Ms Belinda Wong, also attended the ceremony to witness the graduation of the mentees.
Mr Chan expressed his gratitude to all partners and mentors in the ceremony. He remarked that the successful implementation of the Programme hinges on the close collaboration among the government, the business sector and the community in supporting mentees in pursuing their dreams, while participating partners and departments also offered a wealth of group activities and nominated outstanding mentors to inspire mentees for personal growth and exploration.
Reflecting on the past three cohorts of the Programme, Mr Chan noted that the number of enterprises and groups supporting the Programme increased from over 100 in the first cohort to over 400 in the third cohort. The number of Mainland study and exchange tours rose from five in the first cohort to 35 in the third cohort, setting footprints in an array of destinations such as Harbin, Beijing, Shanghai, Tianjin, Ningxia, Sichuan, Xian, Wuhan, Hainan and the Greater Bay Area. The number of star mentors also registered a significant jump from over 10 in the first cohort to 50 in the third cohort, testifying that the Programme is keeping pace with the time in various dimensions.
In particular, Mr Chan thanked the mentors for their outstanding contributions to nurturing the younger generation. They have walked alongside the mentees, boosting their self-confidence, developing a positive outlook on life, and helping them set clear goals for the future and pursue with resilience. About 400 mentors have participated in the Programme for all three cohorts, with some continuing their support in the fourth cohort.
Mr Chan encouraged the graduates to actively participate in the activities of the Alumni Club to expand their social networks and sustain the Programme’s effectiveness.
Among the graduates of the third cohort of the Programme, 150 mentees were awarded for their active participation, improvement and outstanding achievements. Performances by mentees, including band shows and singing, dancing and ocarina, were also featured at the ceremony to showcase their achievements to the audience. Videos were also shown at the ceremony to feature the thoughts of mentors and mentees.
The Programme is formulated and implemented by an interdepartmental task force led by the Chief Secretary for Administration. Through the tripartite collaboration among the government, the business sector and the community, the Programme provides focused support for Secondary One to Secondary Four students from underprivileged families. It comprises three key elements, including mentorship, personal development plans and financial support. The fourth cohort of the Programme will soon commence and offer a one-year intensive foundation training. Through mentorship and a structured programme, mentees will broaden their horizons, reinforce self-confidence, develop a positive outlook on life, explore more possibilities for personal development, set goals for the future and strive for upward mobility.
Civil Aid Service holds Passing-out Parade for 91st Recruits
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Civil Aid Service holds Passing-out Parade for 91st Recruits
Speaking at the parade, Mr Chan said that as an excellent auxiliary emergency service of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government, the CAS has always adhered to the spirit of “Serving the Community with Passion, Courage and Commitment”. In September this year, when Super Typhoon Ragasa approached Hong Kong, the CAS quickly mobilised over 500 members to assist in emergency rescue operations during the heavy rain and strong winds, as well as the community recovery work after the typhoon. Last month, a major fire occurred in Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po, causing significant casualties. The whole city was in mourning. The CAS immediately activated the command centre and to date has deployed over 2 200 personnel to support the evacuation and resettlement of the affected residents, distribution of supplies, and other tasks, standing firm on the front line of disaster relief.
He said that at the 15th National Games held last month and the 2025 Legislative Council General Election held earlier this month, the CAS, with efficient and professional services, assisted in crowd management at various sports venues and polling stations across the territory, ensuring the events were conducted safely and in an orderly manner.
In terms of youth development, Mr Chan said that the CAS and the Customs and Excise Department share the same goal. Since the establishment of the Cadet Corps in 1968, the CAS has been encouraging young people to develop their potential and establish positive values through various activities. This coincides with Hong Kong Customs’ “Customs YES” programme, which aims to cultivate a new generation with a sense of national identity, social responsibility, and an international perspective, supporting young people to integrate into the country’s overall development.
During the ceremony, Mr Chan presented awards to outstanding recruits. The graduates staged demonstrations of vegetation firefighting and rescue techniques.
A total of 29 officer trainees and 83 recruits participated in the passing-out parade. All graduates are from diverse backgrounds. The CAS Recruit Training Certificate Programme has been recognised under the Hong Kong Qualifications Framework as meeting the accreditation standards at Level 3 by the Hong Kong Council for Accreditation of Academic and Vocational Qualifications. Graduates will be awarded the Certificate in Auxiliary Forces Basic Training (Civil Defence). The graduates will apply their acquired knowledge and skills to serve society.
Recruitment of CAS Grade IV Officers and Grade I Members is open for application throughout the year. Recruitment details and application forms are available on the CAS website (www.cas.gov.hk/eng/adult_recruitment.htmlIssued at HKT 17:00
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Views sought on trade digitalisation
Source: Hong Kong Information Services
The Government today published a consultation paper to gather industry views on proposed legislative amendments intended to facilitate digitalisation of “Business-to-Business” (B2B) trade documents in Hong Kong.
It said that digitalisation of B2B trade documents can reduce processing time and costs, enhance transparency and integrity, and facilitate international trade.
Enterprises already submit most of “Business-to-Government” trade documents – including import and export declarations, cargo manifests, and various licence and permit documentation – via the Government Electronic Trading Services and the Trade Single Window.
However, transactions involving B2B trade documents such as bills of lading and bills of exchange still rely largely on paper-based submissions due to legal requirements and industry practice.
In the 2025-26 Budget and the 2025 Policy Address, the Government said it would make reference to the UN Commission on International Trade Law’s Model Law on Electronic Transferable Records (MLETR) in formulating legislative amendments to facilitate trade document digitalisation.
The consultation paper seeks views on a proposed framework to amend the Electronic Transactions Ordinance, and on legislation aimed at implementing key MLETR provisions.
The amendments will provide the legal basis for the use of electronic transferable records. Suitable MLETR provisions will be codified into the ordinance as far as is practicable, in order to align with international standards and promote cross-border interoperability.
Views can be submitted by email, faxed to 2147 3065, or posted to Division 4, Commerce & Economic Development Bureau, 23/F, West Wing, Central Government Offices, 2 Tim Mei Avenue, Tamar by March 27, 2026.
Smoking fine hike effective Jan 1
Source: Hong Kong Information Services
The Department of Health today reminded the public that the amendments relating to smoking offences under the Tobacco Control Legislation (Amendment) Ordinance 2025 will take effect on January 1, 2026, including the fixed penalty hike.
The three amendments cover the extension of statutory No Smoking Areas (NSAs) to public places that lie within three metres outside the entrances/exits exclusively used for child care centres, residential care homes, schools, hospitals and specified clinics or health centres; prohibition of smoking while queuing, including queuing to board a public transport carrier at a designated boarding location, staying in the delineated area for a designated boarding location, while queuing to enter specified premises, or while queuing within specified premises; and an increase of the fixed penalty for smoking offences from $1,500 to $3,000.
The department’s Tobacco & Alcohol Control Inspectors will prosecute individuals who smoke in NSAs without prior warning. Offenders will be liable to a fixed penalty of $3,000.
The Tobacco & Alcohol Control Office (TACO) has also issued implementation guidelines and enhanced interdepartmental co-ordination mechanisms for the new offences under the Smoking (Public Health) Ordinance to ensure smoother enforcement.
Briefings have been held for venue managers to explain the details of the amendment and their enforcement.
Beyond enforcement, TACO continues to promote smoking prevention and cessation services, including conducting smoke-free publicity and education in the community to raise public awareness of smoking hazards.
The new tobacco control measures will be implemented in phases. Among them, the increased penalties for illicit cigarettes and the prohibition on provision of smoking products to people under the age of 18 have already taken effect upon the Amendment Ordinance’s gazettal on September 19, 2025.
The provision prohibiting the possession of alternative smoking product substances, such as e-cigarette liquids, cartridges and heat sticks in public places will take effect on April 30, 2026.
The public can call the smoking cessation hotline at 1833 183 which is answered by registered nurses who provide professional counselling and referral to a wide range of free smoking cessation services.
MOEA Holds Webinar on EU Forced Labour Regulation
Source: Republic of China Taiwan
Following up on its recent webinar about U.S. regulations on forced labor, the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) hosted a webinar on December 17 pertaining to the EU’s Forced Labour Regulation. The initiative aims to provide Taiwanese businesses with a comprehensive understanding of the regulatory landscapes in both the U.S. and EU markets, thereby bolstering corporate compliance and enhancing the ability of Taiwan’s industries to manage sustainability.
Legal experts from the EU-based law firm Van Bael & Bellis detailed the scope of coverage under the EU’s Forced Labour Regulation, its enforcement mechanisms, and its interrelation with other EU due diligence regulations to help firms reduce risks in international trade.
The webinar attracted over 300 participants from government, academia, Taiwan’s main export sectors to the EU (e.g., semiconductors, electronics, machinery, etc.), as well as think tanks and human rights groups, thus demonstrating the critical importance domestic stakeholders place on labor rights and supply chain compliance.
To remain competitive, Taiwanese businesses must align with global labor standards by enhancing supply chain transparency and risk management in response to stricter international regulations.