Month: December 2025

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

　　The 12th National Games for Persons with Disabilities (NGD) and the 9th National Special Olympic Games (NSOG) conclude today (December 15). The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, commended Hong Kong, China athletes for their outstanding performance in the Games, showcasing remarkable determination and excellent sportsmanship, and extended his congratulations on their achievements.
 
     Mr Lee said, “The Hong Kong, China Delegation participating in the 12th NGD and 9th NSOG was the largest ever. The athletes fully demonstrated personal perseverance and team spirit, achieving historic and encouraging results with a total of 140 medals, including 51 gold, 49 silver, and 40 bronze medals in taekwondo, athletics, table tennis, swimming, boccia, wheelchair fencing, badminton, NSOG athletics, NSOG bocce, NSOG swimming, NSOG basketball, NSOG football, NSOG table tennis and NSOG badminton, and a mass participation event of para dance sport. They strove hard, overcame obstacles, and surpassed their personal bests, showcasing Hong Kong’s indefatigable and indomitable spirit.
 
     “The 12th NGD and 9th NSOG are the country’s highest-level multisport event for persons with disabilities. Noting that this year’s Games were jointly hosted by Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao for the first time with Hong Kong hosting four competition events and one mass participation event, I express my gratitude to the Central Government for its trust, and to the China Disabled Persons’ Federation and the General Administration of Sport of China (GASC) for their support. Building on the valuable experience of the 15th National Games, Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao continue to leverage their synergies through resource sharing and complementary strengths to work in concert to deliver the 12th NGD and 9th NSOG under the principle of equality, integration and sharing.
 
     “I would like to thank all sectors of society for their support for the 12th NGD and the 9th NSOG, especially the Hong Kong Sports Institute (HKSI), the Sports Federation & Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China, and the China Hong Kong Paralympic Committee, as well as the coaching teams, medical personnel, and support teams from relevant National Sports Associations and sports organisations. Their efforts and contributions have assisted Hong Kong athletes in showcasing their talents and enabled the smooth running of events in the Hong Kong competition region, promoting harmony between disabled and non-disabled individuals and enhancing society’s support for disability sports.”
 
     Mr Lee said that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) Government is fully committed to promoting the development of disability sports, noting that the Government’s actual expenditure on sports development for persons with disabilities exceeded $140 million in the year of 2024-25, with over 80 per cent of the expenditure supporting athletes with disabilities. The Government has designated over $1 billion for the HKSI in the year of 2025-26 to support its training for elite athletes, including those for elite disability sports. The Government will encourage more persons with disabilities to pursue careers as athletes and showcase their talents through continuously increasing resources and enhancing the athlete training ladder, with a view to raising the public’s awareness of and support for disability sports.
 
     Mr Lee remarked that the successful conclusion of the 15th National Games, the 12th NGD and the 9th NSOG demonstrated the capabilities of Hong Kong and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) in organising large-scale sports events. The Hong Kong SAR Government, the GASC, the People’s Government of Guangdong Province, and the Macao SAR Government have signed an agreement on strengthening of sports co-operation and promotion of integrated development to carry forward the spirit of unity under the strategic framework, with a view to deepening co-operation within the GBA and actively implementing integrated sports development in the area.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     According to the provisional results of a survey released today (December 15) by the Census and Statistics Department (C&SD), the index of industrial production for manufacturing industries as a whole increased by 5.4% in the third quarter of 2025 compared with a year earlier, following a year-on-year increase of 0.9% in the second quarter of 2025. The corresponding producer price index increased by 7.7% in the third quarter of 2025 compared with a year earlier, following a year-on-year increase of 4.0% in the second quarter of 2025.
 
     The index of industrial production for sewerage, waste management and remediation activities decreased by 1.4% in the third quarter of 2025 compared with a year earlier, as against a year-on-year increase of 1.7% in the second quarter of 2025. The corresponding producer price index slightly increased by 0.3% in the third quarter of 2025 compared with a year earlier, following a year-on-year increase of 1.6% in the second quarter of 2025.
 
     Indices of industrial production reflect changes in the volume of local industrial output after discounting the effect of price changes. The price changes are measured by the producer price indices compiled from data on producer prices of selected industrial goods/services collected in the same survey.
 
     Comparing the industrial production in respect of major manufacturing industries in the third quarter of 2025 with that a year earlier, increases in output volume were recorded mainly in the metal, computer, electronic and optical products, machinery and equipment industry (+6.1%), the food, beverages and tobacco industry (+2.5%), and the paper products, printing and reproduction of recorded media industry (+1.0%). On the other hand, a decrease in output volume was recorded in the textiles and wearing apparel industry (-5.2%).
 
     On a seasonally adjusted basis, the index of industrial production for manufacturing industries as a whole increased by 4.6% in the third quarter of 2025 compared with the second quarter of 2025.
 
     Producer price indices reflect changes in the prices of local output. They measure changes in the actual prices (net of any discounts or rebates allowed to buyers, plus any surcharges) received by producers for their output. Transportation and other incidental charges are not included.
 
     Comparing the third quarter of 2025 with a year earlier, increases in producer prices were recorded for all major manufacturing industries. The metal, computer, electronic and optical products, machinery and equipment industry had the largest increase in producer price (+14.6%), followed by the textiles and wearing apparel industry (+2.7%), the paper products, printing and reproduction of recorded media industry (+1.5%), and the food, beverages and tobacco industry (+1.0%).
 
     Table 1 shows the year-on-year percentage changes in the indices of industrial production for manufacturing and waste management sectors by selected industry grouping. Table 2 shows the year-on-year percentage changes in the producer price indices for manufacturing and waste management sectors by selected industry grouping.
 
     The revised figures on indices of industrial production and producer price indices for manufacturing and waste management sectors for the third quarter of 2025 will be released at the website of the C&SD (www.censtatd.gov.hk/en/page_8000.html) and relevant publications of the Department starting from January 19, 2026.
 
     Users can browse and download the reports “Quarterly Index of Industrial Production for Manufacturing and Waste Management Sectors, 3rd Quarter 2025” (www.censtatd.gov.hk/en/EIndexbySubject.html?pcode=B1070002&scode=310) and “Quarterly Producer Price Index for Manufacturing and Waste Management Sectors, 3rd Quarter 2025” (www.censtatd.gov.hk/en/EIndexbySubject.html?pcode=B1070003&scode=280) at the website of the C&SD.
 
     For enquiries about indices of industrial production and producer price indices for manufacturing and waste management sectors, please contact the Industrial Production Statistics Section of the C&SD (Tel: 3903 7247; email: ind-production@censtatd.gov.hk).

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The hospital dental service (HDS) currently provided by the Department of Health (DH) will be integrated with the oral and maxillofacial surgery (OMS) Service under the Hospital Authority (HA) from February 6, 2026, the DH and the HA announced today.

The HDS will be taken up by the HA.

The seven oral maxillofacial surgery and dental clinics under the DH’s HDS are all located within seven HA public hospitals, primarily providing specialist oral maxillofacial surgery and dental treatment for hospital in-patients, patients with special oral healthcare needs, and dental emergencies.

The seven HA public hospitals are Queen Mary Hospital, Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Princess Margaret Hospital, Tuen Mun Hospital, Prince of Wales Hospital and North District Hospital.

These clinics will continue to operate at the original sites and integrate with the existing OMS service in six public hospitals provided by the HA.

The DH and the HA said the arrangement will help further streamline and optimise the overall service delivery.

To ensure continuity in patient care upon the transfer of service, all scheduled/follow-up appointment records for patients at the aforementioned seven clinics for dates on or after February 6, 2026, along with the cases and relevant medical records stored at these clinics, will be transferred to the HA.

Patients or family members who do not agree to have their cases and relevant medical records transferred to the HA should contact the DH by phone at 3153 4044 or by email on or before January 16, 2026.

Patients who opt out of the arrangements should note that their follow-up appointments scheduled on or after February 6 next year will be cancelled. Should they require future consultations at the HA’s dental and OMS services, a new referral letter will be required for appointments, and new case consultation fees will be charged according to the HA’s arrangements.

Medical records that patients or family members refuse to transfer to the HA will be disposed of and destroyed by the DH in accordance with its record management policy after the service transfer.

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

According to the statistics, 2,000 foreign direct investment (FDI) projects with a total amount of US$10,683,481,000 were approved from January to November 2025. This indicates a decrease of 3.10% in the number of cases, but an increase of 47.29% in FDI amount compared to the same period of 2024.

With regard to inward investment from Mainland China, 17 cases were approved with an amount of US$102,495,000 from January to November 2025. This indicates a decrease of 50% in the number of cases and a decrease of 65.47% in the FDI amount compared to the same period of 2024.

In terms of Taiwan’s outbound investment (excluding Mainland China), 748 projects were registered from January to November 2025 with a total amount of US$36,297,174,000, indicating an increase of 4.18%in the number of cases, but an decrease of 17.98% in the amount, as compared to the same period of 2024.

As for Taiwan’s outward investment to Mainland China, 228 applications have been approved from January to November 2025, indicating a decrease of 24.50% compared to the same period of 2024. The approved investment amount is US$1,394,997,000, 61.32% less than the same period in 2024.

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

To strengthen energy security and system resilience, the Global Cooperation and Training Framework (GCTF) Joint Committee, comprising Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the American Institute in Taiwan, the Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association, the Australian Office, and the Canadian Trade Office in Taipei, together with the Energy Administration under the Ministry of Economic Affairs, co organized the 2025 GCTF International Workshop on Building a Resilient Energy Future from November 12 to 14, 2025, at the Grand Victoria Hotel in Taipei. The event brought together around 110 government officials, scholars, and industry representatives from 20 countries to share cross-border experiences and engage in policy dialogue. On November 12, the British Office Taipei also announced its accession as the sixth official GCTF partner.

In his opening remarks, Minister of Economic Affairs Ming-Hsin Kung emphasized that, in the face of global climate change, supply chain disruptions, and geopolitical challenges, countries must balance a stable energy supply with carbon reduction responsibilities during the energy transition. Taiwan, while promoting diversified green energy development and deep energy conservation, is also proactively strengthening smart grids, energy storage systems, and distributed energy infrastructure to ensure energy security and resilience. Minister Kung pointed out that GCTF serves as an important platform for Taiwan and its like-minded partners to foster global exchanges and capacity building. He expressed hope that the workshop would enable Taiwan to share its experiences with more partner countries, deepen cooperation, and drive energy transition across the Asia-Pacific region.

The three-day workshop features six panel discussions covering energy transition and resilience, renewable energy development, circular economy, energy efficiency, grid resilience, and critical minerals. International speakers shared successful case studies, including the use of AI technologies to improve energy efficiency, the development of microgrids to support post-disaster recovery, and innovative recycling of solar panels and battery materials to implement circular economy practices. Following the workshop, international participants visited Taipower’s Tatan Power Plant and CPC’s Third LNG Receiving Terminal to gain firsthand insights into Taiwan’s concrete achievements in ensuring a stable power supply and enhancing energy resilience.

The Ministry of Economic Affairs stated that the workshop demonstrates Taiwan’s contribution and growing international influence in strengthening regional energy stability, while also showcasing the long-term achievements of GCTF partner cooperation. Looking ahead, Taiwan will continue to deepen strategic collaboration with the United States, Japan, Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom, while expanding policy and technical exchanges with more countries. Together, these efforts aim to build a cross-national, cross-sector energy cooperation network to create a more inclusive and resilient future for global energy supply.

Spokesperson for Energy Administration, Ministry of Economic Affairs: Deputy Director General, Chih-Wei Wu
Contact Phone Number: 02-2775-7750, 0922-339-410
Email Address: cwwu@moeaea.gov.tw

Business Contact: Director, Fang-Ling Liao
Contact Phone Number: 02-2775-7710, 0912-089-923
Email Address: flliao@moeaea.gov.tw

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

To further strengthen the protection of children and mentally incapacitated persons (MIPs), the Government expanded the Sexual Conviction Record Check (SCRC) Scheme to cover volunteers today (December 15). Meanwhile, three additional designated police stations were introduced to provide eligible applicants with a 24-hour fingerprint taking service.

A spokesperson for the Government said, “Volunteers include, but are not limited to, volunteer teachers and volunteer sports coaches. The SCRC Scheme remains voluntary in nature. The recruiting organisations may decide whether the SCRC is necessary after assessing the risks. Applications are to be submitted by the eligible applicants.”

In addition to the existing SCRC Office at the Police Headquarters in Wan Chai and the six existing designated police stations (North Point, Yau Ma Tei, Ngau Tau Kok, Tuen Mun, Sha Tin and Tsuen Wan), the Police designated three additional police stations to provide a 24-hour fingerprint-taking service, namely Tseung Kwan O, Sheung Shui and Lantau North (Tung Chung) to further facilitate the making of applications. Eligible applicants can submit applications through the online applications platform and make appointments for fingerprint taking.

The Government implemented the SCRC Scheme at the end of 2011 to enable employers to check whether persons undertaking child-related or MIPs-related work have any criminal conviction records against a specified list of sexual offences. When it was launched, the SCRC Scheme covered prospective employees, contract renewal staff and staff assigned by outsourced service providers to other organisations or enterprises, who apply for child-related or MIP-related work to organisations or enterprises.

In May 2022, the Law Reform Commission of Hong Kong (LRC) published a report on Sentencing and Related Matters in the Review of Sexual Offences, which recommended the expansion of the SCRC Scheme to all existing employees, self-employed persons and volunteers.

To enhance the protection to children and MIPs, and respond to the LRC’s recommendations, the Government expanded the scope of the SCRC Scheme at the end of 2024 as phase 1 to cover prospective self-employed persons. A series of measures has been implemented at the same time to enhance the SCRC Scheme, including the launch of online applications, the introduction of a 24-hour fingerprint-taking service and the extension of the validity period to 36 months, bringing greater convenience to applicants.

“The Government will review the relevant experiences in expanding the scope of the SCRC Scheme to prospective self-employed persons and volunteers in the first two phases, and consider expanding the scope to cover all existing employees and self-employed persons at a suitable juncture, thus achieving the ultimate goal. Details will be available nearer the time,” the spokesman said.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

​The Department of Health (DH) and the Hospital Authority (HA) today (December 15) announced that the Hospital Dental Service (HDS) currently provided by the DH will be integrated with the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (OMS) Service under the HA from February 6, 2026, and the service will be taken up by the HA.
 
     As outlined in “The Chief Executive’s 2024 Policy Address”, a comprehensive review of the positioning and objectives of the healthcare system is under way, involving reforms of the functions and division of responsibilities among the HA, the DH and the Primary Healthcare Commission (PHC Commission). The DH will focus on its public health functions and executing its regulatory and enforcement roles. To implement this policy direction, the clinical services of the DH are being gradually integrated with either the HA or the PHC Commission.
 
     Following the earlier transfer of the DH’s Clinical Genetic Service to the HA, the DH’s HDS will be managed by the HA starting February 6 next year. In fact, the seven Oral Maxillofacial Surgery and Dental Clinics (OMS&DCs) under the DH’s HDS are all located within the following HA public hospitals, primarily providing specialist oral maxillofacial surgery and dental treatment for hospital in-patients, patients with special oral healthcare needs, and dental emergencies:
 

1. Queen Mary Hospital;
2. Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital;
3. Queen Elizabeth Hospital;
4. Princess Margaret Hospital;
5. Tuen Mun Hospital;
6. Prince of Wales Hospital; and
7. North District Hospital.

 
     These clinics will continue to operate at the original sites and integrate with the existing OMS service in six public hospitals provided by the HA. This will help further streamline and optimise the overall service delivery.
 
     To ensure continuity in patient care upon the transfer of service, all scheduled/follow-up appointment records for patients at the aforementioned seven OMS&DCs for dates on or after February 6, 2026, along with the cases and relevant medical records stored at these clinics, including clinical records, X-ray records, clinical photos, and dental casts, will be transferred to the HA. If patients/family members do not agree to have their cases and relevant medical records transferred to the HA, they should contact the DH by phone at 3153 4044 or by email (hds_enquiry@dh.gov.hk) on or before January 16, 2026, to facilitate the necessary arrangements.
 
     Patients who opt out of the arrangements should note that their follow-up appointments scheduled on or after February 6 next year will be cancelled. Should they require future consultations at the HA’s dental and OMS services, a new referral letter will be required for appointments, and new case consultation fees will be charged according to the HA’s arrangements. Medical records that patients/family members refuse to transfer to the HA will be disposed of and destroyed by the DH in accordance with its record management policy after the service transfer. For enquiries about the arrangements, please contact the DH.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Transport Department (TD) today (December 15) reminded members of the public that, following the announcement of Autotoll Limited to exit the stored value facility business from March 16, 2026, the HKeToll and the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge (HZMB) will stop accepting Autotoll’s Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) and VGoPAY e-wallets for payments for tolled tunnels and the HZMB from the same day. Existing Autotoll ETC users should shift to other auto-payment means as soon as possible to continue to enjoy the convenience of free-flow tolling.

HKeToll

     The TD urged users paying via Autotoll ETC to set up new auto-payment means on the HKeToll website (www.hketoll.gov.hk) or mobile app early, including direct debit from bank accounts, automatic credit card payments or deductions from Designated Stored Value Accounts so that they can continue to enjoy the convenience of auto-payment under the HKeToll seamlessly.

     Registered vehicle owners who have yet to set up new auto-payment means are required by law to pay the tunnel tolls on their own within 14 business days after passing through a tunnel, such as paying via e-payment on the HKeToll website or mobile app, or by cash at convenience stores or the HKeToll customer service centres.

     Failing to pay outstanding tolls may result in a surcharge of up to $525 per trip, and an application for vehicle licence renewal or transfer of vehicle ownership for the relevant vehicles may be declined. For assistance, users may call the HKeToll 24-hour customer service hotline at 3853 7333 or refer to relevant tutorial videos (www.hketoll.gov.hk/Home/Resources).

HZMB

     As for the HZMB tolls, users concerned should apply for the Unitoll service through its website (www.96533.com), other local partner banks or at the following locations to continue to make auto-payments:
 

• Zhuhai Business Hall at the Unitoll Customer Service Center; or
• Highway Service Point at the Nanping Toll Plaza of the GuangZhu West Line.

     For enquiries on the application for the Unitoll service, please call Autotoll’s customer service hotline at 2627 8888.

     A spokesman for the TD said that it has been maintaining close liaison with the regulatory authorities concerned. The TD has requested Autotoll Limited to inform affected users proactively and provide appropriate assistance to ensure that they can smoothly set up alternative auto-payment means and continue to pay tolls for the HKeToll and the HZMB automatically. Members of the public concerned should heed its announcements online (www.autotoll.com.hk/autotollclub/).

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region