Month: December 2025

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Hong Kong continues to rank within the top 20 in “Operational Efficiency” and in the second quintile in “Regulatory Framework” and “Public Services”, according to the World Bank Group’s Business Ready 2025 Report.

This year’s report expanded its scope from 50 to more than 100 economies, assessing each business environment across three primary pillars and ten specific topics.

In response to the report, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government said that the assessment results for areas such as “International Trade”, “Financial Services” and “Dispute Resolution” differ from the highly positive evaluations and rankings awarded to Hong Kong by many other international organisations.

The Government also noted that the report’s assessment methodology may lead to comparisons that are both outdated and unfair.

Using the “Operational Efficiency” pillar as an example, Hong Kong’s assessment relied on data collected shortly after the pandemic in 2023, whereas data for other economies was gathered in 2024.

Given that this year’s report is still in its pilot phase, the Government noted potential issues with methodology and data comparability. The Government said it will remain in contact with the World Bank Group to clarify Hong Kong’s business environment and relevant policy measures.

The Government added that it will offer constructive feedback to refine future reports.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Development Bureau announced today that an open tender will be launched tomorrow for a pilot area under large-scale land disposal in the Hung Shui Kiu/Ha Tsuen New Development Area (HSK) of the Northern Metropolis.

 

This pilot area covers about 11 hectares, comprising three residential sites and three Enterprise & Technology Park (E&TP) sites. Together, they can supply about 3,120 flats, and about 280,000 sq m of industrial floor space.

 

Secretary for Development Bernadette Linn told reporters this afternoon that a two-envelope approach will be taken, given the industrial orientation of the Northern Metropolis. This means that bidders will be asked to submit their technical and financial proposals separately.

 

She stated: “The weighting for land premium is only 30 per cent; the remaining 70 per cent is for non-premium proposal where the assessment criteria focus on the development of the E&TP sites, including whether strategic industries are developed, whether leading enterprises are introduced, development speed, investment scale, employment opportunities to be created, etc.”

 

Tenderers must bid to develop and operate one E&TP site and can opt to develop and operate one or both of the E&TP sites at the same time. A tenderer willing to tender for and operate more industrial sites will get higher marks.

 

The successful tenderer can elect to pay 25% of the land premium within 28 days of the tender being awarded and settle the remaining 75% within three years, with no interest charged during this period.

 

Moreover, tenderers that elect to pay the land premium in stages will be allowed to offset up to 75% when surrendering land within the Northern Metropolis that the Government intends to resume.

 

Ms Linn said these arrangements can reduce cash flow pressures on enterprises.

 

The tender invitation will last for a period of about six months, closing on July 3, 2026.

 

Land sale documents will be made available tomorrow on the Lands Department’s website.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Development Bureau announced today the establishment of Hung Shui Kiu Industry Park Company Limited (the Park Company), which will be responsible for the development and operations of the approximately 23-hectare industry park in the Northern Metropolis.

Secretary for Development Bernadette Linn said development of the Northern Metropolis is industry driven. To attract industries, the government uses traditional land sales, in-situ land exchanges, and large-scale land disposal.

The new, wholly government-owned Park Company will provide another tool, allowing the government to participate directly in development and operation, leverage market forces, and adopt public-private partnerships to accelerate industrial growth in the Northern Metropolis.

The Park Company has four major objectives: capitalise on the locational advantage of Hung Shui Kiu to drive the development of competitive industries with the support of the Government; masterplan the overall development of the industry park; build the park infrastructure; and provide value-added services to support the growth of enterprises and develop a vibrant industry ecosystem.

The Park Company will also adopt diversified public-private partnership models and use the Government’s preferential policy packages to attract investment and enterprises to establish footholds in the industry park.

Brownfield operators affected by government development will also receive support from the Park Company to move up the value chain.

The Board of Directors (BoD) and the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Park Company will be appointed on the approval of the Chief Executive.

The BoD comprises five official directors and around 10 non-official directors, including a chairperson to be appointed from the non-official directors. The five official directors include the directors of policy bureaus relevant to the development of the Park Company, including: the Secretary for Development; the Secretary for Financial Services & the Treasury; the Secretary for Commerce & Economic Development; the Secretary for Innovation, Technology & Industry; and the Secretary for Transport & Logistics.

The Government will participate directly in the major decisions of the Park Company through the official directors. The non-official directors will come from diverse backgrounds and sectors, allowing the Park Company to draw on expertise from outside the Government.

The bureau will seek the approval of the Chief Executive in Council later for granting the approximately 23 hectares of industry sites in Hung Shui Kiu at nil premium to the Park Company.

It will also shortly seek the approval of the Town Planning Board for rezoning these sites to designate a park-specific zoning tailored for the industry park, as well as increase land-use flexibility by widening the permitted uses to cover various suitable industries and supporting facilities.

Upon approval by the Legislative Council, the Government will inject initial capital into the Park Company to support its initial operational and development needs. The specific amount of capital injection will be announced in the 2026-27 Budget.

The Park Company is required to operate and manage the industry park in a financially sustainable manner and expand its business revenue, with a view to achieving financial sustainability in the long term.

The Park Company will develop the land in phases through different development models. Apart from developing part of the land for building and leasing industry facilities, the Park Company may dispose of some land by tender for enterprises to construct topside industry facilities on their own, and employ other approaches to co-develop and co-invest in individual projects with enterprises.

The bureau intends to begin an open recruitment for a CEO next month, as well as complete preparatory work in the first half of next year, including rezoning and granting of the land, seeking funding approval for the capital injection to the Park Company, appointing the BoD and the CEO, and recruiting other key staff. The Park Company is targeting mid-2026 to commence operations.

Source: Government of Singapore

Timbre + Hawkers Private Limited (THPL) will hand over the operations and minimise disruptions to existing stallholders.
Patrons can continue to have access to food offerings at OPHC.

Singapore, 29 December 2025 – The National Environment Agency (NEA) will be calling an open tender in January 2026 to appoint a new operator for One Punggol Hawker Centre (OPHC).

2           The current operator, Timbre + Hawkers Private Limited (THPL), will conclude its tenancy on 14 August 2026. By that time, THPL would have fulfilled its initial two-year tenancy and completed two of the three years of its second term. THPL had indicated that the tenancy posed challenges for its ongoing operations at OPHC. Following discussions between NEA and THPL, both parties agreed to the 14 August 2026 end date.

3             THPL has committed to uphold the vibrancy of OPHC until the conclusion of the tenancy. In line with the agreement to bring in a new operator, THPL will not be participating in this open tender. NEA will work closely with THPL and the incoming operator to ensure minimal disruption to stallholders and patrons during this transition. 

4              The well-being of existing individual stallholders is a priority for NEA. To provide stability and assurance, the new operator will be required to retain all existing individual stallholders who wish to continue their operations for at least two years. During this period, current rental rates will be maintained for the first year, with any subsequent adjustments capped at market-valued rental averages.

5               NEA remains committed to supporting hawkers and patrons while continuously improving Socially-conscious Enterprise Hawker Centres (SEHC) to better serve the community. 

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For more information, please submit your enquiries electronically via the Online Feedback Form or myENV mobile application.

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

In line with the Executive Yuan’s decision to extend the “Three Major Programs for Investing in Taiwan” through 2028, the Bureau of Industrial Parks (BIP) of the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) is committed to providing higher-quality industrial space to help enterprises anchor their operations in Taiwan. On the 26th, BIP held a press conference to showcase the achievements of its dual-engine strategy of industrial park development and park renewal. To date, 9 new industrial parks have been launched, with a total development area exceeding 560 hectares, expected to generate more than NT$100 billion in additional industrial output value and create approximately 30,000 jobs. At the same time, BIP has initiated the “Revitalization of Technology Industrial Parks Program,” investing nearly NT$2 billion in its first phase to revitalize underutilized land. This effort has released 2.25 hectares of turnover land and attracted nearly NT$19 billion in private investment. Injecting new momentum into Taiwan’s industrial development.

BIP Director-General Yang Chih-Ching stated that land supply is the Bureau’s most critical mission-not only for Taiwan’s current industrial layout but also as a cornerstone for future industrial development and upgrading. In response to the extension of the “Three Major Programs for Investing in Taiwan” programs, BIP is accelerating the preparation of industrial space through both new park development and park renewal. “We are clearly seeing genuine demand from enterprises and continued investment activity. This is a strong and unmistakable signal of market-driven economic layout,” Director-General Yang noted.

Regarding progress in new industrial park development, 5 major industrial parks-Zhongpu, Shueishang, Sinshih, North Kaohsiung, Baojhong-as well as 4 major Technology Industrial Parks– Kaohsiung Software Park Phase II, the expansion of the Pingtung Technology Industrial Park, Nanzih Technology Industrial Park Phase III, and Renwu Technology Industrial Park-are currently underway. Among these, the Baojhong Industrial Park and Renwu Technology Industrial Park are in the application stage, while the remaining parks have entered either the development or investment promotion phases. Notably, the Shueishang and Sinshih Industrial Parks have already reached 100% occupancy, while North Kaohsiung has exceeded 90%, underscoring the strong demand from industry for high-quality industrial space. To ensure the sustainable use of land resources, most new parks have adopted a “lease-only, no-sale” policy, effectively guiding land utilization and supporting the long-term development of industrial clusters.

As for the renewal of existing parks, BIP is focusing on the Kaohsiung Cianzhen, Nanzih, and Taichung Tanzih Technology Industrial Parks, promoting comprehensive building renovation and land reconfiguration to create modern office and factory spaces that meet contemporary industrial needs. Under the Revitalization Program, BIP has allocated a special budget of NT$1.991 billion to acquire and repurpose underutilized factory buildings. Following renewal, an estimated 135,000 square meters of floor space will be released, creating nearly 2,000 jobs and serving as a key driver of local industrial upgrading.

Positive feedback from enterprises was also highlighted at the event. Lee Shu-Hsia, Vice President of ASE, shared that the government’s efficiency in land release and administrative coordination has significantly reduced procedural burdens, allowing companies to focus more on technological and production line upgrades. Chen Chin-Shi, Vice President of Tong Yang Industry, noted that the infrastructure and transportation convenience provided by BIP support the transformation of traditional industries and talent recruitment. “During site selection, BIP’s rapid response was tangible and highly supportive for businesses,” he said.

In addition to space development and renewal, BIP also announced its latest investment promotion results. As of now, 166 investment projects have been facilitated this year, with a total investment amount reaching NT$174.5 billion, including expanded investments from major enterprises such as ASE, Foxconn(Dynamic Computing Technology Co., Ltd.) and Yung-Shine Electric Co., Ltd. These investments span emerging sectors such as semiconductors, Ai and smart manufacturing, positioning industrial parks as strategic hubs for advanced manufacturing and innovative R&D.

BIP emphasized that it will continue to enhance land preparation efficiency and investment services, leveraging locational advantages and policy incentives to drive industrial upgrading, talent return, and increased investment. The goal is to build a globally competitive “Manufacturing Base in Taiwan,” providing stable investment space for both Taiwanese and international enterprises, while demonstrating the government’s firm commitment to keeping industries rooted in Taiwan and strengthening local supply chains.

Spokesman: Mr. Liu Chi-Chuan (Deputy Director General, BIP)
Contact Number: 886-7-3613349, 0911363680
Email: lcc12@bip.gov.tw

Contact Person: Huang, Chi-Rong (Public Relations, BIP)
Contact Number: 886-7-361-1212 ext. 527
Email: cjbrian@bip.gov.tw

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Two productions have been chosen from 21 applications for the Signature Performing Arts Programme Scheme (SPAPS). These selected works showcase the creativity of local talent, highlight the strengths of Hong Kong’s performing arts community, and have the potential to become long-running performances.

The productions are the stage show My Life as McDull by Bliss Concepts Ltd, and the art tech dance drama Storm Clouds Realm of Infinite by the Hong Kong Dance Company and Pash Ltd.

Announcing the scheme’s application results today, the Culture, Sports & Tourism Bureau noted that the two productions were selected for embodying Hong Kong’s distinctive characteristics and reflecting its unique local brands.

The selections were based on the advice of an assessment panel that includes experts, veteran arts and cultural figures, business professionals and government representatives. The two productions are expected to be staged in 2027.

SPAPS aims to nurture world-class performing arts productions and international cultural brands that represent Hong Kong. Each selected production must stage a minimum of 15 performances in the city and attract at least 10,000 paid ticket holders.

The selected productions will each receive a direct subsidy of up to $10 million and a matching subsidy of up to $5 million.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Eastern Section of the East Coast Boardwalk in North Point will be open to the public from 6am tomorrow, marking the last kilometre to connect the 13km-long harbourfront on Hong Kong Island, from Kennedy Town to Shau Kei Wan.

Spanning some 2.2km underneath the Island Eastern Corridor, the East Coast Boardwalk is divided into the eastern and western sections, each with a length of 1.1km. The western section, which links the East Coast Park with the North Point Promenade, opened earlier this year. The eastern section, opening tomorrow, will further connect the North Point Promenade to Hoi Yu Street in Quarry Bay, realising the vision of “Seamless Boardwalk Linking Island West & East”.

The eastern section will offer a number of special features, including an experiential glass observatory deck; a pet-friendly area near Tin Chiu Street; multi-functional open spaces for hosting exhibitions, art and community activities; as well as a small plaza at the eastern end of the boardwalk near Quarry Bay.

Similar to the western section, the eastern section adopts the “Harbourfront Shared Space” approach and provides a pet-friendly venue for users.

It features a shared path for visitors to engage in activities such as strolling, jogging and cycling, while providing a dedicated walkway for pedestrians. At the same time, citizens and their leashed pets can enjoy the facilities together. A movable bascule bridge has also been installed near Man Hong Street to facilitate marine operations.

The Eastern Section has five access points and will be open 24 hours a day, except for the experiential glass observatory deck.

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

Amid the rapid restructuring of global supply chains, Taiwan’s industrial parks are increasingly becoming key hubs for advanced manufacturing and innovative R&D. The Bureau of Industrial Park (BIP) of the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) held the 2025 Investment Promotion Results Presentation on November 19, announcing that BIP had successfully facilitated 166 investment projects this year, with a total investment value reaching NT$174.5 billion. These achievements underscore Taiwan’s rising competitiveness in AI, semiconductors, and smart manufacturing, and highlight BIP’s proactive efforts to cultivate an attractive investment environment.
During the event, Deputy Director General Liu Chi-Chuan stated, “Industrial parks are not merely providers of land; they are partners in business growth. We will continue to enhance investment services and advance strategies centered on smart development, low-carbon transformation, and internationalization, making industrial parks the most trusted foundation for industry.”
Held under the theme “Shared Prosperity in Parks, Co-Creating Investment Value,” the event featured a ceremonial flag-planting to welcome the year’s leading investors. Participants included ASE Group, the global leader in semiconductor packaging and testing with annual investments exceeding NT$35 billion; Dynamic Computing Technology, a Foxconn Technology Group affiliate collaborating with NVIDIA to build a cutting-edge AI Factory supercomputing center; and Yung-Shine Electric, which invested NT$2.66 billion to expand its new plant and group headquarters-symbolizing continued investment expansion and successful entry into industrial parks.
The event also featured a testimonial from Ms. Li Shu-Xia, Senior Vice President of ASE Kaohsiung, who shared insights from the company’s investment experience. She noted that BIP’s one-stop service model and commitment to fostering a high-quality investment environment enable enterprises to operate with confidence. Looking ahead, ASE will continue to seize opportunities driven by rapid AI growth by further expanding advanced packaging and testing operations in the Nanzih Industrial Park. BIP, in turn, will remain a strong pillar of support for park enterprises, jointly ushering in a new chapter of industrial upgrading.
BIP emphasized that these accomplishments are the result of sustained cross-ministerial coordination and concerted efforts to remove investment barriers. By proactively integrating essential resources, such as land, power supply, and technical support, BIP has established a comprehensive support framework that enables enterprises to expand steadily within industrial parks while minimizing entry obstacles. Furthermore, BIP has systematically organized the core technologies and development directions of individual projects, allowing attendees to stay abreast of the latest industrial chain dynamics and clearly perceive the dual benefits of policy support and market momentum.
Looking forward, BIP will continue to focus on creating a more competitive investment environment and plans to release several new industrial park sites with strong development potential. These include Changpin, Chiayi Zhongpu, Tainan Sinshih, North Kaohsiung, Kaohsiung Software Park Phase II, and the expanded area of the Pingtung Technology Industrial Park. These new locations will provide diversified options for enterprises, meeting needs for industrial upgrading and factory expansion, and injecting fresh momentum into Taiwan’s industrial transformation.
Taiwan’s next phase of industrial development is being paved by these industrial parks. Investment promotion is not merely an accumulation of capital-it is a relay race of industrial value creation and national competitiveness. As more key enterprises establish operations in Taiwan, BIP continues to release favorable policies and land resources, sending a strong signal to domestic and international investors alike: Taiwan is ready to welcome the next wave of investment. Enterprises with land requirements are encouraged to contact the investment service hotline at 0800-020-018. BIP also sincerely invites industry leaders to continue expanding their investments in Taiwan.

Spokesman: Mr. Liu Chi-Chuan (Deputy Director General, BIP)
Contact Number: 886-7-3613349, 0911363680
Email: lcc12@bip.gov.tw

Contact Person: Wu, Shu-Fang (Acting Director of Investment Services Div., BIP)
Contact Number: 886-7-361-1212 ext. 302
Email: wusf@bip.gov.tw

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     Hong Kong Customs detected a drug trafficking case involving an incoming passenger at Hong Kong International Airport today (December 28) and seized about 12 kilograms of suspected cannabis buds with an estimated market value of about $2.5 million. 100 sticks of duty-not-paid cigarettes were also seized from the carry-on baggage of the passenger.

     A male passenger, aged 31, arrived in Hong Kong from Bangkok, Thailand, today. During Customs clearance, Customs officers found a total of about 12kg of suspected cannabis buds in 20 vacuum-sealed plastic bags in his check-in suitcase and 100 sticks of duty-not-paid cigarette inside his carry-on baggage. The man was subsequently arrested.

     The arrested man has been charged with one count of trafficking in a dangerous drug, one count of possessing duty-not-paid cigarettes and one count of failing to declare them to Customs officers. The case will be brought up at the West Kowloon Magistrates’ Courts tomorrow (December 29).

     Customs will continue to step up enforcement against drug trafficking activities through intelligence analysis. The department also reminds members of the public to stay alert and not to participate in drug trafficking activities for monetary return. They must not accept hiring or delegation from another party to carry controlled items into and out of Hong Kong. They are also reminded not to carry unknown items for other people.

     Customs will continue to apply a risk assessment approach and focus on selecting passengers from high-risk regions for clearance to combat transnational drug trafficking activities.

     Under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, trafficking in a dangerous drug is a serious offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $5 million and life imprisonment.

     Under the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance, cigarettes are dutiable goods to which the DCO applies. Any person who imports, deals with, possesses, sells or buys illicit cigarettes commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $2 million and imprisonment for seven years.

     Members of the public may report any suspected drug trafficking activities to Customs’ 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002).