Month: February 2026

Hong Kong Customs inspects Lunar New Year Fairs (with photo)     ​
     Members of the public may report any suspected infringing activities to Customs 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hkIssued at HKT 16:35

GCMTI specialist awarded title of “Qi Huang Young Scholar” – sharing Hong Kong’s expertise to serve nation (with photo)      
     The NATCM selects around 100 Chinese medicine practitioners, scholars and researchers across the country every three years. Candidates must be under 45 years old, demonstrate high professional standards, and show capabilities in preserving tradition and driving innovation in Chinese medicine. It nurtures and supports these scholars in conducting pioneering research in Chinese medicine. This year, two scholars from the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) were honoured with the title: Dr Wong and Professor Lisa Xian, Assistant Professor of the School of Chinese Medicine, the Chinese University of Hong Kong. The Director of Health, Dr Ronald Lam, extended his heartfelt congratulations to both recipients.
          
     Dr Wong has served in the DH for nine years. Dr Lam said, “Dr Wong has devoted herself to the micro-morphological identification of Chinese medicines (CM), combining the strengths of traditional macroscopic techniques with modern microscopic identification methods. Her work has enabled the GCMTI to establish an innovative, practical, and accurate identification system that helps the industry authenticate genuine CM and promotes their safe use. Her selection as a ‘Qi Huang Young Scholar’ from numerous applicants nationwide not only affirms her outstanding research achievements but also underscores the HKSAR’s potential to become an international centre for CM testing and quality control. The GCMTI, which commenced services in phases late last year, is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities that will undoubtedly provide greater support for Dr Wong’s research endeavours in the future. Leveraging Hong Kong’s strengths, she will contribute to serving the country’s needs and, together with the GCMTI’s scientific team, advance the development of Chinese medicine for the health and well-being of all.”
      
     Expressing her gratitude, Dr Wong said she is deeply honoured to be nominated by the DH and selected nationally as a “Qi Huang Young Scholar”. She acknowledges the huge responsibilities that come with the title and looks forward to collaborating with fellow scholars to conduct innovative research under the NATCM’s guidance, contributing to the inheritance and advancements of Chinese medicine in the country. She also aspires to further elevate the research capacity in Chinese medicine in Hong Kong and promote co-operation between the HKSAR and the Chinese Mainland.
      
     Since its establishment, the GCMTI has aligned closely with the national strategy for developing Chinese medicine, adopting a three-pronged approach of “technologies, standards and talents” to drive high-quality development in Chinese medicine. Dr Wong firmly believes that the GCMTI will continue to inject new momentum into the sector, serving as a vital support for Chinese medicine’s global advancement and better integrating into the country’s overall development.
      
     The GCMTI brings together experts from multiple disciplines and has long been committed to establishing internationally recognised reference standards and testing methods for CM. By promoting technology transfer, it has enhanced the quality control and identification capabilities of the CM industry and testing sector. The GCMTI has gained widespread recognition in the industry and internationally, particularly for establishing Hong Kong’s leading position in the field of micro-morphological identification of CM.
      
     Micro-morphological identification involves using instruments or high-power magnifying glasses to observe minute surface features of CM that are difficult or impossible to discern with the naked eye (see Annex). These features serve as identification criteria, supplementing traditional macroscopic identification methods. For CM with similar morphology, micro-morphology provides additional distinguishing features to differentiate visually similar species. To promote the use of this simple, easy and cost-effective micro-morphological identification, the GCMTI has conducted specific research in this area and developed practical identification methods tailored for real-world applications to address challenges commonly encountered by the industry.
      
     With the phased commissioning of its permanent building since late last year, the GCMTI’s advanced technology and equipment will further enhance the development of CM’s testing methods and standards, supporting the comprehensive, high-quality development of Chinese medicine in Hong Kong.
Issued at HKT 16:20

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CEDB and MOC sign MOU on strengthening co-operation and exchange in provision of comprehensive overseas services  
     With the signing of the MOU, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government and the MOC will strengthen co-operation and exchange in the provision of comprehensive overseas services by leveraging Hong Kong’s unique advantages of enjoying the strong support of the motherland and being closely connected to the world under the “one country, two systems” principle, thereby fostering closer collaboration between Mainland enterprises seeking to go global and Hong Kong professional service providers, and strengthening the capacity of Mainland enterprises in going global. The MOU also supports the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) to develop a professional services platform, pooling together Hong Kong professional service providers in the field of finance, legal and dispute resolution, accounting and audit, testing and certification, etc, to support Mainland enterprises seeking to go global.
 
     Mr Yau thanked the MOC for its continuous support in the investment promotion work of the HKSAR Government. Leveraging Hong Kong’s unique advantages amid the opening up of the country, the HKSAR Government will support Mainland enterprises to go global, further foster investment and trade relations between Hong Kong and the Mainland, and strive to reinforce and enhance Hong Kong’s status as an international trade centre.
 
     Mr Yau said, “The country is implementing a high-level strategy of two-way opening up to encourage Mainland enterprises to go global. The MOC is spearheading the implementation of the related work in the provision of comprehensive overseas services. As a ‘super connector’ and a ‘super value-adder’, Hong Kong can help Mainland enterprises expand businesses abroad and overcome challenges encountered in the process. The Commerce and Economic Development Bureau has set up the Task Force on Supporting Mainland Enterprises in Going Global (GoGlobal Task Force) to co-ordinate cross-bureau, cross-departmental and cross-organisation work to provide one-stop go global support. The GoGlobal Task Force will make use of various channels to promote to target Mainland enterprises the advantages of using Hong Kong as a springboard to go global. It will also provide tailored services according to the needs of the enterprises to support their overseas expansion through Hong Kong.”
 
     Mr Yau added, “The HKTDC is currently developing a cross-sectoral platform, which assembles Hong Kong professional service providers from different fields to match them with different Mainland enterprises based on their needs, thereby supporting the enterprises to establish a foothold in Hong Kong and then expand their businesses overseas. The platform will also bring more business opportunities to the Hong Kong professional service providers and increase the influence of Hong Kong professional services locally and internationally. The GoGlobal Task Force will co-ordinate the organisation of different promotional events on the Mainland and Hong Kong, and will identify and attract enterprises to go global via Hong Kong.”
 
     In his 2025 Policy Address, the Chief Executive announced the establishment of a one-stop platform by mobilising Hong Kong’s overseas offices, including those under Invest Hong Kong and the HKTDC, as well as Hong Kong offices on the Mainland, and has set up the cross-bureau, cross-departmental and cross-sectoral GoGlobal Task Force to proactively attract Mainland enterprises to go global via Hong Kong. Since its inception last October, the GoGlobal Task Force has worked closely with relevant Mainland authorities and progressively formulated and implemented relevant work.
 
     Mr Yau concluded his visit this afternoon and will return to Hong Kong this evening.
Issued at HKT 16:00

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Chinese New Year Fireworks Display to be held at 8pm on February 18  
     The event is co-ordinated by the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau and is sponsored by the Hong Kong Jockey Club. A total of 31 888 firing shells will be discharged in an approximately 23-minute extravaganza. 

     This year’s theme, “Prosperity Gallops Across Hong Kong”, will be presented in eight distinctive scenes. The opening scene, “Galloping into the New Year”, features a high-density burst of fireworks resembling galloping horses charging forward, setting an energetic tone for the show. Following that, layers of shells build up to evoke the grandeur of thousands of horses in motion, symbolising a promising start to the Year of the Horse. In the second scene, “Celebrating the New Spring Together”, the sky above Victoria Harbour will bloom with the number “8” fireworks and golden ingot patterns, conveying wishes for wealth, prosperity, and abundance in the new year. The fourth scene, “Vision of Harmony”, features star-like fireworks drifting across the sky like peaceful horses galloping toward the horizon, symbolising love and hope for the world. This scene concludes with the Chinese character “吉” (meaning “good fortune”), sending blessings to Hong Kong. The grand finale, “Triumphant Achievement”, will feature majestic crown-shaped fireworks followed by a rapid-fire sequence of high-density bursts, delivering best wishes for the prosperity of the nation and good fortune for all.
  
     In addition to the dazzling fireworks, lighting effects will be featured to enhance the overall viewing experience. 
     To enhance their fireworks experience, members of the public are invited to tune into Radio Television Hong Kong Radio 4 (FM 97.6 to 98.9) for synchronised music.
  
     Members of the public are urged to help keep public areas clean and to show respect for public property. They are also urged to show consideration to others to make the event a safe one.
Issued at HKT 15:00

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Office of Licensing Authority of Home Affairs Department steps up enforcement actions against unlicensed and licensed hotels/guesthouses before Chinese New Year holidays (with photo)                
     A spokesman for the OLA said, “Based on intelligence gathered, the OLA carried out surprise inspections on 12 premises throughout the whole operation. Six premises were suspected of operating unlicensed hotels or guesthouses, while three licensed guesthouses were suspected of breaching certain licensing conditions. The OLA will initiate prosecution on cases with sufficient evidence after completion of the investigation.”
      
     The spokesman stressed, “Operating unlicensed hotels or guesthouses is a criminal offence leading to a criminal record upon conviction. According to the Hotel and Guesthouse Accommodation Ordinance, an offender is liable to three years’ imprisonment and a maximum fine of $500,000. A fine of $20,000 for each day can also be imposed during which the offence continues. Moreover, a licensed hotel or guesthouse which contravenes any licensing conditions (e.g. carrying out alteration and addition works without seeking prior approval) is liable to two years’ imprisonment and a maximum fine of $100,000 and two years’ imprisonment. A fine of $10,000 for each day can also be imposed during which the offence continues.”
      
     To enhance deterrence against unlicensed hotels and guesthouses, the Hotel and Guesthouse Accommodation Ordinance was amended in 2020 to empower the Hotel and Guesthouse Accommodation Authority to apply to the court, upon the second conviction within 16 months of operating an unlicensed hotel or guesthouse or the new strict liability offence in respect of the same premises, to issue a closure order to close the premises for six months. As at January 31, the OLA has applied for five closure orders under the Hotel and Guesthouse Accommodation Ordinance from the court, of which three closure orders have been issued by the court.   
      
     Apart from conducting special operations during festive seasons, the OLA also steps up efforts to combat unlicensed guesthouses via online platforms. The OLA has strengthened its intelligence collection by forming a dedicated team to browse webpages, mobile applications, social media, discussion forums, etc, to search for information and intelligence on suspected unlicensed guesthouses. The OLA’s law enforcement officers will initiate follow-up investigations when information on unlicensed guesthouses advertised via online platforms is found. The OLA also conducts publicity work on Internet search engines outside Hong Kong to enable tourists’ access to the information provided by the OLA in the course of planning their trips to Hong Kong.
           
     Tourists and members of the public can make use of the search functions on the OLA’s website (www.hadla.gov.hkIssued at HKT 14:45

Sydney ETO holds reception in Sydney to celebrate Year of the Horse      
     The Director of the Sydney ETO, Mr Ricky Chong, said in his welcoming remarks that Hong Kong and Australia have long shared a dynamic and multifaceted partnership, underpinned by close co-operation in trade, investment, education, cultural exchanges and people-to-people ties. He noted that Hong Kong was Australia’s 15th-largest trading partner and ninth-largest export market last year, with bilateral trade in goods reaching AU$8 billion, while around 200 Australian companies operate in Hong Kong, many using the city as regional headquarters or regional offices.Issued at HKT 14:08

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Speech by FS at Consensus Hong Kong 2026 (English only) (with photos/video) 
Michael (Chairman of Consensus, Mr Michael Lau), Tom (Chief Executive Officer of Bullish Group, Mr Tom Farley), Jay (President of CoinDesk, Mr Jay Yarow), industry leaders and innovators, friends from around the world,
 
     It is a pleasure to join you all at the Consensus Conference in Hong Kong for the second consecutive year. Let me begin by thanking CoinDesk for once again choosing Hong Kong to host this iconic event. This conference has become a powerful platform in Asia for exploring the cutting-edge trends in the Web3 space and for fostering partnerships and collaboration.
 
Evolving global trends
 
     Globally, the application of Web3 technologies in finance continues to broaden in both scope and sophistication. A few trends are more prominent. The first is tokenisation of RWAs (real-world assets). In a growing number of markets, tokenisation initiatives are moving from “proof of concept” to real-word deployment, supported by more institutional adoption. Government bonds, money market funds and other more traditional financial instruments are increasingly being issued or mirrored on-chain, using digital ledgers to enhance settlement efficiency, enable fractional ownership and unlock liquidity in assets that have traditionally been less liquid.
 
     Hong Kong is one of the pioneers in this space. The HKSAR Government was the first in the world to issue tokenised government green bonds. Last year, we build on this foundation by issuing the world’s largest digital green bond, with a multi-currency offering of HK$10 billion. Meanwhile, financial institutions are becoming more receptive to digital assets. By the end of last year, banks in Hong Kong held over HK$14 billion in digital assets under custody, a year-on-year increase of about 180 per cent. Banks have also begun offering tokenised deposit services, with the total value of such deposits reaching HK$29 billion by the end of last year.
 
     The second trend is a related and evolving one: that is, the interaction between “TradFi” (traditional finance) and “DeFi” (decentralised finance). Traditional institutions are now importing DeFi mechanisms into their own architectures – such as automated market-making, programmable liquidity pools and the use of on-chain collateral – to support more efficient trading, funding and settlement. At the same time, DeFi is coming under growing regulatory and supervisory pressure in multiple jurisdictions, particularly in relation to anti-money laundering, investor protection, and broader financial stability. There have been growing calls for DeFi to be brought under existing or emerging digital-asset regulatory frameworks.
 
     The third trend is the growing intersection between AI and digital assets. AI systems are being designed to interact with tokenised money and smart contracts, enabling the autonomous execution of certain transactions and settlements. At the same time, AI tools are making digital asset markets more intelligent, efficient and data-driven. As AI agents become capable of making and executing decisions independently, we may begin to see the early forms of what some call the “machine economy”: where AI agents can hold and transfer digital assets, pay for services, and transact with one another on chain. While this shift could deliver substantial efficiency gains, it also raises important questions around AI governance, accountability, and cybersecurity.  
 
Hong Kong’s approach
 
     Against this backdrop of rapid global experimentation, what are we doing in Hong Kong? We are charting our course, leveraging our unique strengths as an international financial centre to stay at the forefront of innovation and keep pace with emerging developments. A few principles are guiding our strategy.  
 
     First, under the “one country, two systems” framework, Hong Kong is free to explore financial innovation, including in digital assets. We stand out as a market with consistent, predictable, forward-looking policies, and a balanced and trusted regulatory framework. We welcome Web3 innovators and institutions from around the world to develop and scale their businesses here.  
 
     At the same time, we recognise that innovation often moves faster than regulation, potentially creating gaps and new risks. We are therefore carefully balancing the promotion of innovation with the need for sound risk management. Our objective is to embrace new technologies while safeguarding investors, consumers and the overall financial stability. The principle of “same activity, same risk, same regulation” continues to underpin the design of our regulatory framework.
 
     Second, we see Web3, blockchain technology and AI as powerful enablers of the real economy, rather than ends in themselves. Our policy focus is therefore on how these technologies can be applied to enhance efficiency, lower costs and support concrete, real-world use cases. Ultimately, our aim is to make financial services more inclusive and accessible, while addressing long-standing pain points in transactions and market operations.  
 
     Third, we are committed to pro-innovation regulation. Our regulators operate with a dual mandate: they not only exercise prudent supervision, but also actively facilitate market and product development. Through mechanisms such as regulatory sandboxes, we support experimentation and, in some cases, co-create solutions in close collaboration with innovators and industry participants.
 
Some latest initiatives
 
     Ladies and gentlemen, with these guiding principles in mind, we are pressing ahead to advance Web3 development in Hong Kong. Let me highlight some of our latest initiatives.   
 
     First, on regulation. We continue to enhance Hong Kong’s regulatory framework for digital assets, including the launch of a regulatory regime for stablecoin issuers in August last year. We see stablecoins as a practical tool for addressing the pain points in the real economy, particularly in payments and settlements. In giving out licences, we ensure that licensees have real-world use cases, a credible and sustainable business model, as well as strong regulatory compliance capabilities. Our strategy is moving forward fast, step by step. Therefore, we plan to issue only a small number of stablecoin issuer licences in the first batch in March this year.  
 
     Meanwhile, we are also finalising the details of a new licensing regime for digital asset dealers and custodian service providers, with the aim of introducing the relevant legislation this summer. Together with the frameworks already in place, this will ensure that our overall regulatory regime comprehensively covers the key nodes of the digital asset ecosystem.
 
     Second, on product innovation and development. We will regularise the issuance of tokenised green bonds. At the same time, we encourage market innovation and nurture the broader ecosystem. For example, building on the Project Ensemble sandbox, Ensemble TX was launched by the HKMA (Hong Kong Monetary Authority) in November last year. It is a new pilot phase that enables faster, more transparent and more efficient settlement of real-value tokenised transactions.
 
     Looking ahead, as the convergence of AI and blockchain continues to accelerate, the Government and our regulators will work with the industry to foster concrete, high-impact use cases, while ensuring that emerging risks are properly identified, monitored and managed. 
 
Concluding Remarks
 
     Ladies and gentlemen, before I close, let me leave you with this message: the Hong Kong SAR Government and our financial regulators fully recognise the need of and are committed to keeping pace with rapid technological change, and building a vibrant digital asset ecosystem here in Hong Kong. We welcome global innovators like you to join us on this journey.
 
     In less than a week, we will celebrate the Chinese New Year. The Year of the Horse symbolises agility, stamina and strength. May I wish you all a prosperous and energetic year ahead. And for those who have travelled from afar, I hope you will take some time to enjoy the festive spirit and unique charm of Hong Kong.
 
     My thanks once again to CoinDesk for hosting this remarkable event in Hong Kong. May this event inspire many more fresh ideas and lasting partnerships. Thank you very much.
Issued at HKT 13:44

Speech by CE at Consensus Hong Kong 2026 (English only) (with video)      
Mr Michael Lau (Chairman of Consensus), Mr Tom Farley (Chief Executive Officer of Bullish Group), Mr Jay Yarow (President of CoinDesk), industry leaders and innovators, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
      
     Good morning, and welcome to Hong Kong. It is my pleasure to join you today at Consensus Hong Kong 2026.
      
     This is a key platform that brings together Web3 leaders from around the world to discuss, and shape, the future of the Web3 ecosystem. I would like to begin by thanking CoinDesk for returning to Hong Kong, hosting this iconic conference once again after last year’s success. Your choice underscores Hong Kong’s distinct advantages. It also helps to show the world our growing prominence, as a global hub for Web3 and crypto innovation.
      
     Hong Kong is the world’s freest economy and one of its three major international financial centres. Under the unique “one country, two systems” principle, Hong Kong is the only city that converges both the China advantage and the global advantage. We have a long tradition of the rule of law, a judiciary that exercises its power independently, and a common law system that is similar to many financial hubs around the globe. Hong Kong has an open and transparent market, and we enjoy the free flow of capital and a low and simple tax regime.
      
     What’s more, Hong Kong’s financial regulatory system is robust, and our financial market stands out for its deep liquidity, innovative products and world-class investor protection. As the only city in the world that counts as many as five universities in the global top 100, Hong Kong boasts a highly educated workforce, and a welcoming environment for global talent.
      
     These, and many other advantages, have helped to make Hong Kong the world’s number three in global competitiveness, and number four in the World Talent Ranking and World Digital Competitiveness Ranking.
      
     With this unparalleled positioning, Hong Kong has consistently served as a platform that brings together international capital, talent and information, continuing to expand our global markets and reach.
      
     The world of Web3 and digital assets carries with it vast potential. They help to realise more efficient financial transactions, at a lower cost and with more inclusive options. The HKSAR (Hong Kong Special Administrative Region) Government is committed to establishing Hong Kong as a global hub for innovation in digital asset. That’s why over the past few years, Hong Kong has been actively building the regulatory framework to promote the steady, and sustainable, development of our Web3 ecosystem.
      
     Last June, the HKSAR Government issued the Policy Statement 2.0 on the Development of Digital Assets in Hong Kong. It sets out a vision for a trusted and innovative digital asset ecosystem – one that prioritises risk management and investor protection, while delivering concrete benefits to the real economy and financial markets.
      
     I’m pleased that a lot of our initiatives in the area are in good progress. One key initiative is our implementation of the Stablecoins Ordinance last August. This new law provides for a licensing regime for issuers of fiat-referenced stablecoins in Hong Kong. The Hong Kong Monetary Authority is actively processing licensing applications, and we believe the first batch of stablecoin issuer licences will be issued within next month.
      
     Meanwhile, our Securities and Futures Commission announced last year the “ASPIRe” roadmap, its plan for regulating Hong Kong’s virtual asset (VA) market. We have since implemented a series of measures to boost liquidity of the VA market, and expand VA product offerings and services. All for the purpose of facilitating the development of this vibrant area of growth.
      
     Ladies and gentlemen, Hong Kong is in a strong position in promoting Web3 development. Hong Kong will continue to go all out to stay at the forefront of this pivotal shift in finance and technology. We welcome companies and institutions from around the world to join hands with us, and build a brighter digital future together.
      
     On that note, I wish you all a fruitful conference these two days. Do remember to take some time to experience the life and culture of Hong Kong, Asia’s world city. With the advent of the Lunar New Year, I wish you a healthy and prosperous Year of the Horse. Thank you.      
Issued at HKT 10:30

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