Month: January 2026

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     Following is the speech by the Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, at “Love – A Spring of Hope” Music Prayer Service for the Blessing of Hong Kong today (January 18):

Cardinal Stephen Chow (Bishop of Hong Kong), Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle (Pro-Prefect of the Section for First Evangelization and New Particular Churches of the Dicastery for Evangelization),

Welcome, everyone, to Central, as we gather for the Catholic Diocese of Hong Kong’s “Love – A Spring of Hope” Music Prayer Service for the Blessing of Hong Kong. Through dance, drama and music, let us convey a message of hope, peace and unity to our society.

This year marks the 80th anniversary of the Catholic Diocese of Hong Kong. Over the years, the Diocese has walked alongside Hong Kong society through every season, from post-war reconstruction to economic growth and transformation. It has remained a steady and positive presence in the community. Through their work in education, healthcare, and social services, the Church’s sisters and brothers have put faith into positive action, bringing hope and comfort to countless individuals and families.

As the largest school sponsoring body in Hong Kong, the Catholic Diocese has nurtured generations of well-rounded individuals. Its hospitals and clinics provide professional and compassionate care to the sick, safeguarding our citizens’ health.

     The Diocese also delivers a wide range of social services, caring for the vulnerable, supporting those in need, looking after the elderly and strengthening families. In doing so, it transcends boundaries of faith, ethnicity and social background, embodying the principle of “love your neighbour as yourself”, reflecting the inclusive and compassionate spirit of Hong Kong.

Hong Kong is at a critical juncture of advancing from stability to prosperity, with vibrant economic development and cohesion. It’s essential that we unite across the community to seize opportunities and thrive together. I’m confident that the Diocese will continue to create positivity for the community, working hand in hand with the Government and the people of Hong Kong to foster a harmonious society – together.

In closing, I wish the Catholic Diocese of Hong Kong continued success as it builds on its legacy, serving society with compassion and spreading hope through faith. May today’s service inspire us to join in “Blessing Hong Kong”, praying for our beloved home to grow ever warmer, more united, more harmonious, more prosperous, and more secure. Thank you.

(Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the speech.)

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

     The spokesperson for Princess Margaret Hospital (PMH) made the following statement today (January 17) regarding a suspected indecent assault incident involving a staff member:

     A phlebotomist was suspected to have been indecently assaulted while working in a medicine and geriatrics ward this morning and immediately reported the incident to the Police. A 61-year-old male patient was subsequently arrested by the Police in the ward.

     The PMH is highly concerned about the incident. The hospital strongly condemns the suspected indecent act against its staff member, resolutely adopts a zero-tolerance attitude towards this incident, and will follow up seriously while fully co-operating with the Police investigation. The hospital has expressed sympathy and provided support to the staff member concerned.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     ​Customs YES organised the Customs YES X QMN Shenzhen Qianhai Youth Entrepreneurship Exploration Day in collaboration with the partnering organisation Quality Management Network (QMN) today (January 17). Led by the Assistant Commissioner (Administration and Human Resource Development) of Customs and Excise, Ms Phoebe Wong, a delegation of 51 youth from Customs YES and QMN visited innovation and technology (I&T) companies and a start-up incubation base in Qianhai, Shenzhen, to gain insights into the latest developments in the low-altitude economy and explore youth entrepreneurship opportunities in the Greater Bay Area.

     The delegation first visited a Drone Education Experience Centre in Shenzhen to learn about the latest developments in aerial photography technology, including its applications in power system inspection and emergency rescue. In addition, under the guidance of professional instructors, the participants took part in a robotics competition and experienced drone operation.

     The delegation then visited the Qianhai Shenzhen-Hong Kong Innovation and Entrepreneur Hub, where they learned about various facilitation measures supporting Hong Kong and Macao youth in pursuing entrepreneurship and career development on the Chinese Mainland. The participants also interacted with representatives of Hong Kong I&T start-up enterprises based at the hub to learn more about the latest developments in the low-altitude economy, and visited the Hong Kong Youth Short-Term Apartments which offers one-stop accommodation services for Hong Kong youth.

     Customs YES will continue to organise various exchange activities to deepen youth’s understanding on the latest developments in the country and Hong Kong’s opportunities and contributions along the course.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     The Environmental Protection Department (EPD) is highly concerned over an industrial accident that occurred yesterday (January 16) at the yard waste recycling centre, Y·PARK in Tuen Mun, and extends its sympathies to the injured worker and his family members.

     At around 2pm yesterday, a worker sustained injury when his left palm was severed while attempting to clear stuck debris at an operating wood chipping machine. He remained conscious and was sent to Tuen Mun Hospital for treatment. The EPD immediately deployed staff to the hospital after the incident to understand the condition of the injured and provide his family members with appropriate assistance.

     The EPD notified the Labour Department and the Police in the first instance. Staff from the Labour Department conducted on-site inspection and issued a suspension notice to the contractor, requiring suspension of operation of the concerned machinery until all improvement measures have been implemented. The EPD requested the contractor to fully co-operate with the Labour Department in its investigation, and demanded an incident report from the contractor within three days.

     The safety of its facilities remains the top priority of the EPD, with close monitoring of contractors’ operation in place. On the contractor’s front, daily regular on-site inspections on occupational safety conditions and safety training for employees and its subcontractors are part of their requirements.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     Sponsored by the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA) under the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau, the “ReMIX · Yesterday’s Future, Invent Tomorrow!” Exhibition and Product Launch held its opening ceremony at Maison&Objet Paris (M&O) in France on January 16 (Paris time). The exhibition brings together over 90 creative and collaborative products from nearly 40 brands and design teams, highlighting Hong Kong’s creative force on the global stage.

     Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Commissioner for Cultural and Creative Industries, Miss Drew Lai, remarked that CCIDA is committed to driving the development of Hong Kong’s creative industries and strengthening the city’s role as the East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange. Through its strategic partnership with M&O and support for projects such as ReMIX, CCIDA not only brings in global design excellence to Hong Kong but also enables local designers to go global and showcase their work on the international stage, thereby cultivating collaboration and business opportunities.

     Another CCIDA-sponsored intellectual property (IP) project, “Luminance by Simon Yam”, is also showcased at M&O. Through “Luminance by Simon Yam”, CCIDA provides a stage where five emerging Hong Kong fashion designers reimagine art pieces by veteran actor Simon Yam into stylish fashion and lifestyle items, presenting a “wearable art” exhibition that promotes cross-sectoral cultural IP creation and synergy.

     Organised by the Industrial Designers Society of Hong Kong, ReMIX is a creative business partnership programme now in its fourth edition. It aims to promote collaboration between Hong Kong designers and brands, drive market recognition of creative services, products and industrial design, and support the sustainable development of the industry. Following its showcases in Bangkok in 2023 and 2024, and Shenzhen in 2025, this edition of ReMIX goes beyond Asia and makes its debut at M&O in Paris. “Luminance by Simon Yam” is organised by the Hong Kong Fashion Designers Association and debuted in Hong Kong in October 2025. M&O runs from January 15 until 19.

     For more information on ReMIX, please visit remix.idshk.org/en-us and www.maison-objet.com/en/paris/exhibitors/remix-by-idshk-gift-play. For more information on “Luminance by Simon Yam”, please visit www.luminancebysimonyam.com.hk and www.maison-objet.com/en/paris/exhibitors/luminance-by-simon-yam-signature.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Financial Secretary Paul Chan will depart for Davos, Switzerland this evening to attend the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting, due to take place from Monday to Friday.

This year’s meeting will bring together nearly 3,000 leaders from across politics, business, finance, technology, the arts and culture, as well as representatives from international organisations, non-governmental organisations and think tanks, to jointly explore important global issues. More than 130 countries and regions will be represented.

Taking “A Spirit of Dialogue” as its theme, the meeting will cover topics such as co-operation in a contested world, unlocking new sources of growth, investing in people, deploying innovation at scale in a responsible manner, and “building prosperity within planetary boundaries”.

Mr Chan will attend, speak and join in discussions at several keynote meetings, lunches and dinners. He will also meet political, business and financial leaders to brief them on Hong Kong’s situation and opportunities.

Mr Chan will leave Davos on January 23 and arrive back in Hong Kong on the morning of January 24. Deputy Financial Secretary Michael Wong will act as Financial Secretary during his absence.