Month: March 2026

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Oil Street Art Space’s two new exhibitions use water as creative lens to spark imaginations

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Oil Street Art Space’s two new exhibitions use water as creative lens to spark imaginations  
Zheng Jing’s “Oi! Spotlight – Space · Ecology · Poetics: Zheng Jing’s Way of Art”
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     Zheng, a professor at the China Academy of Art, is a leading figure of public art. His first solo exhibition in Hong Kong, “Oi! Spotlight – Space · Ecology · Poetics: Zheng Jing’s Way of Art”, explores the possibilities of various non-solid media such as water, sound, air and light within public spaces. He presents several sets of art installations at the Oi! warehouses. Artwork “Echoes of Space·Time – The Pearl of the Orient” was inspired by his childhood memory of playing with reflections in mirrors. Zheng collected a wide range of urban sound elements in Hong Kong, including the distinctive “ding‑ding” of trams, local transit announcements, the melody of local ice‑cream trucks, the clamour of street markets, and local children’s songs, transforming them into an integral part of the artwork. Stepping into the gallery at the Oi! Warehouse 1, visitors feel as if they are submerged beneath the waters of Victoria Harbour, looking up while manipulating light from a mirrored installation, tracing time and space through the wave movements beneath the sea surface. At the core of another installation, “Convergence of Time and Space”, is a suspended cube, from which beams of light project outward, piercing through the space of the Oi! Warehouse from multiple directions. The artwork “Drifting Bottle” was Zheng’s graduation creation more than 20 years ago. He constructed a huge vessel, utilising video projection to encapsulate a human figure in perpetual diving.
 
     Standing on the Oi! Lawn is “Spirit Consonance – Stone’s Wandering III”. The five sculptural forms, modelled after “Taihu” stones, are clad in golden mirror-like surfaces. Through the manipulation of gas, these “stones” engage in an elemental cycle of “breathing” – as if inhaling and exhaling – allowing energy and spirits to flow continuously, imbuing the work with an unending sense of vitality. Apart from four sculptures inspired by the four famous stones of Jiangnan Classical Gardens, the “Kwong Yat-sau Rock” was created by Zheng using 3D scanning during a field visit to the Kowloon Walled City Park. Oi! Study showcases videos and exhibits related to Zheng’s largest and continuously evolving public art initiative in his artistic career to date – the “Expeditionary Light” public art project.
 
Chan Wai-lap’s “Oi! Spotlight – Jeremy’s Bathhouse”
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     Hong Kong artist Chan Wai-lap presents his new solo exhibition “Oi! Spotlight – Jeremy’s Bathhouse” at Oi! Glassie. Continuing his “Swimming” series with an immersive bathhouse installation that blurs the boundaries between reality and imagination.
 
     Chan drew inspiration from bathing cultures across different places and historical periods. The site-specific installation “LEVO LOVE” is composed of more than 1 200 handcrafted ceramic tiles. To create this contemporary version of a “bathhouse” that is uniquely for Hong Kong, Chan travelled to Jingdezhen to learn ceramic firing techniques to produce custom tiles and decorative motifs specifically for the exhibition. Its heart-shaped form evokes immediate associations with love and romance, while also functioning as a spiritual symbol of emotion. Visitors are invited to step into the pool, dissolving the divide between the public and the private, and explore a unique sensory journey about distance, intimacy, and publicness.
 
     Another installation, “Chromatic Soap”, captures the intimate relationship between soap and the body, highlighting the former’s malleable qualities. The ceramic soaps displayed along the wall metaphorically reflect individual uniqueness within interpersonal relationships, while suggesting the diversity inherent in collective coexistence. The atmosphere of the space evolves through the timed release of mist, creating shifting visual conditions that move between clarity and obscurity, offering an immersive sensory experience.
 
     The exhibitions are presented by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department and organised by Oi!. “Oi! Spotlight – Space · Ecology · Poetics: Zheng Jing’s Way of Art” will run from March 19 to October 11, and “Oi! Spotlight – Jeremy’s Bathhouse” will run from March 19 to August 30. Admission is free for both exhibitions. Artist tours guided by the two artists will be arranged on March 21 and 22 respectively. For details of the exhibitions, please visit the website www.apo.hk/en/web/apo/oi_projects_and_programmes.htmlIssued at HKT 19:00

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Hong Kong Customs seizes suspected smuggled live turtles worth about $1 million

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Hong Kong Customs seizes suspected smuggled live turtles worth about $1 million (with photo)      
     Based on risk assessment, Customs yesterday intercepted an outgoing private car at the aforementioned control point. Upon inspection, the batch of suspected smuggled live turtles was found in seven black plastic bags placed in the trunk of the vehicle.
      
     A 42-year-old male driver and a 50-year-old male passenger were arrested. They were charged by Customs with one count of attempting to export unmanifested cargo and were charged by the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department with one count of cruelty to animals. The case will be brought up at the West Kowloon Magistrates’ Courts tomorrow (March 19).
      
     Customs will continue to combat cross-boundary smuggling activities with firm enforcement action based on risk assessment and intelligence analysis.
      
     Smuggling is a serious offence. Under the Import and Export Ordinance, any person found guilty of importing or exporting unmanifested cargo is liable to a maximum fine of $2 million and imprisonment for seven years.
      
     Also, according to the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Ordinance (Cap. 169), any person who, by wantonly or unreasonably doing or omitting to do any act, causes any unnecessary suffering to any animal commits an offence and will be liable to a maximum fine of $200,000 and imprisonment for three years upon conviction.
      
     Members of the public may report any suspected smuggling activities to Customs’ 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hkIssued at HKT 17:40

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SITI continues visit to Beijing

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

SITI continues visit to Beijing  
     Professor Sun called on the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) and met with Vice Minister of Industry and Information Technology Mr Ke Jixin. They had an in-depth exchange on the arrangements for promoting the establishment in Hong Kong of the first national manufacturing innovation centre outside the Mainland, as well as on how Hong Kong can promote the development of new industrialisation in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area under the National 15th Five-Year Plan. Professor Sun said that to implement the Co-operation Agreement on the Development of New Quality Productive Forces and the Promotion of New Industrialisation signed with the MIIT, as well as to actively align with the National 15th Five-Year Plan, deeply involve itself in the construction of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, and better integrate into and serve the overall national development, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government had proposed in its Budget to earmark about $220 million to support the establishment of the innovation centre with the MIIT.
 
     Professor Sun also visited the National Development and Reform Commission and met with the Director of the Department of Foreign Capital and Overseas Investment, Mr Zhang Huanteng. Professor Sun said that Hong Kong will proactively align with the National 15th Five-Year Plan and participate in the construction of a modern industrial system with advanced manufacturing as its backbone. Both sides discussed ways to jointly promote new industrialisation in Hong Kong, drive industrial structure upgrading and optimisation, and nurture and build up emerging and future industries.
 
     Professor Sun had a working meeting with Deputy Head of the State Administration of Foreign Exchange Mr Xu Zhibin, and briefed him on the latest progress in setting up the Innovation and Technology Industry-Oriented Fund by the HKSAR Government. Both sides discussed the participation of Mainland financial institutions in the Fund and in the development of the Hong Kong Park of the Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Co-operation Zone.
 
     Professor Sun then met with the Deputy Secretary of the CPC Haidian District Committee and District Mayor, Mr Xu Xinchao. Both sides exchanged views on collaboration between Haidian District and Hong Kong in the industry, academic and research sectors, and explored co-operative models with Haidian District for promoting the Innovation and Technology Industry-Oriented Fund.
 
     Professor Sun also visited Linkerbot Beijing Technology Co Ltd to learn about the company’s latest business developments, technological innovation outcomes and product application scenarios. The company focuses on developing embodied intelligence platforms centred on dexterous hands and cloud intelligence as core technologies. Professor Sun said that embodied intelligence presents a new track of deep integration between AI and robotics, and its rapid development in recent years has attracted widespread attention from the industry. He added that various I&T parks in Hong Kong will allocate resources to support the development of embodied intelligence enterprises in the city.
 
     Additionally, Professor Sun met with the management of China Construction Bank to learn about the bank’s suggestions on optimising Hong Kong’s I&T ecosystem and financing environment. Both sides also exchanged views on how finance can better empower I&T development and promote new industrialisation.
 
    The Commissioner for Industry (Innovation and Technology), Dr Ge Ming, also joined part of the visit.
 
     Professor Sun will continue his visit to Beijing tomorrow (March 19).
Issued at HKT 17:40

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Term of non-permanent CFA judge extended

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Term of non-permanent CFA judge extended      
     The Hong Kong Court of Final Appeal Ordinance provides for a list of non-permanent Hong Kong judges and a list of judges from other common law jurisdictions. The term of appointment of such judges is three years. That term may be extended for one or more periods of three years by the Chief Executive acting in accordance with the recommendation of the Chief Justice.
Issued at HKT 17:00

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FEHD releases third batch of gravidtrap indexes for Aedes albopictus in March

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

FEHD releases third batch of gravidtrap indexes for Aedes albopictus in March 

District

District     Among the third batch of First Phase Gravidtrap Indexes covering four survey areas and Area Gravidtrap Indexes covering 15 survey areas in March, most of the areas recorded 0 per cent, indicating that the distribution of Aedes albopictus mosquitoes was not extensive.

     The FEHD has so far released three batches of gravidtrap indexes for Aedes albopictus in March 2026, covering 32 survey areas. Among these 32 survey areas, 24 recorded a decrease or remained unchanged as compared to the Area Gravidtrap Index last month (i.e. February 2026), representing that the areas’ mosquito infestation improved or maintained a low level. Eight other areas recorded a slight increase, but the indexes were lower than 10 per cent.     Starting in August 2025, following the completion of the surveillance of individual survey areas, and once the latest gravidtrap index and the density index are available, the FEHD has been disseminating relevant information through press releases, its website and social media. It aims to allow members of the public to quickly grasp the mosquito infestation situation and strengthen mosquito control efforts, thereby reducing the risk of chikungunya fever (CF) transmission.

     ​Following recommendations from the World Health Organization and taking into account the local situation in Hong Kong, the FEHD sets up gravidtraps in districts where mosquito-borne diseases have been recorded in the past, as well as in densely populated places such as housing estates, hospitals and schools to monitor the breeding and distribution of Aedes albopictus mosquitoes, which can transmit CF and dengue fever. At present, the FEHD has set up gravidtraps in 62 survey areas of the community, with a surveillance period of two weeks. During the surveillance period, the FEHD will collect the gravidtraps once a week. After the first week of surveillance, the FEHD will immediately examine the glue boards inside the retrieved gravidtraps for the presence of adult Aedine mosquitoes to compile the Gravidtrap Index (First Phase) and Density Index (First Phase). At the end of the second week of surveillance, the FEHD will instantly check the glue boards for the presence of adult Aedine mosquitoes. Data from the two weeks of surveillance will be combined to obtain the Area Gravidtrap Index and the Area Density Index. The gravidtrap and density indexes for Aedes albopictus in different survey areas, as well as information on mosquito prevention and control measures, are available on the department’s webpage (www.fehd.gov.hk/english/pestcontrol/dengue_fever/Dengue_Fever_Gravidtrap_Index_Update.html#Issued at HKT 17:00

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8 building plans approved in Jan

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Buildings Department approved eight building plans in January, with two on Hong Kong Island, one in Kowloon and five in the New Territories.

Of the approved plans, five were for apartment and apartment/commercial developments, while three were for community services developments.

Consent was given for works to start on five projects. Upon completion, they will provide 63,158 square metres of domestic gross floor area involving 1,403 units, and 56,231 sq m of non-domestic gross floor area.

Additionally, the department has received notification of commencement of superstructure works for five building projects.

It also issued 17 occupation permits – three on Hong Kong Island, six in Kowloon and eight in the New Territories.

The buildings certified for occupation comprise 34,216 sq m of gross floor area for domestic use, involving 1,300 units, and 31,107 sq m for non-domestic use.

Meanwhile, the department received 2,635 reports about unauthorised building works in January and issued 759 removal orders. Four demolition consents were also issued.

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President Lai meets former President Lech Walesa of Poland   

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

On the afternoon of March 17, President Lai Ching-te met with a delegation led by former President Lech Walesa of Poland. In remarks, President Lai thanked former President Walesa for always standing with Taiwan over the past 30 years, noting that the former president has witnessed Taiwan’s democratization process and seen it overcome various challenges to become a force for good in the world. The president expressed hope that Taiwan and Poland will deepen cooperation in areas such as democratic defense and societal resilience, trade and the economy, technology, and supply chain security, working together to make even greater contributions to democracy and peace in the world. He emphasized that Taiwan will continue to work with and support like-minded countries to safeguard regional peace and stability and promote global prosperity and development.
A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows:
Today, on behalf of our nation and people, I am deeply honored to welcome former President Walesa, a pioneer of Poland’s democratic movement, who is visiting Taiwan for the seventh time. Former President Walesa’s journey is truly admirable. He went from bravely opposing authoritarian rule to being awarded the Nobel Peace Prize; from being a leader of the democratic movement to becoming the first democratically elected president after Poland’s democratization. His personal experience tells the world that freedom is never a gift from the powers that be, and that democracy is not a historical accident. As long as the people do not give up hope and society unites against external forces, though faced with high authoritarian walls, the will to freedom will ultimately break through.
Taiwan is no stranger to the path Poland has traversed. We have both struggled under authoritarian rule, moving step by step toward democracy. Poland is a pioneer of democratization in Eastern Europe, while Taiwan is a model of peaceful transition. Precisely because we have trod the same path, we know better than anyone that democracy does not fall from the sky, and that it requires the joint guardianship of generation after generation.
This year is the 30th anniversary of our first direct presidential election. Thirty years ago, under military threat from missiles, the people of Taiwan did not yield, but resolutely cast their sacred votes to complete the first direct presidential election in Taiwan’s history. From that moment on, the belief that sovereignty rests in the hands of the people has taken deep root in this land.
In 1996, at a crucial moment when Taiwan had just completed its first direct presidential election and experienced the Third Taiwan Strait Crisis, former President Walesa first visited Taiwan and delivered a speech at our Legislative Yuan, providing great encouragement and support to our people through his concrete actions. In his speech, while not disregarding the dangers that exist in the modern world, former President Walesa stated his belief that “‘good’ will prevail.” Over these past 30 years, former President Walesa has visited Taiwan numerous times, witnessing Taiwan’s democratization process and seeing Taiwan overcome various threats and challenges to become a force for good in the world.
Taiwan is determined to continue as a force for good and become a contributor to global democratic resilience. We believe that in the face of rapid changes in global geopolitics, non-conventional threats, and intensifying gray-zone aggression, like-minded countries must work together and support one another to safeguard regional peace and stability and promote global prosperity and development. We look forward to Taiwan and Poland deepening cooperation, whether in areas such as democratic defense and societal resilience, or in trade and the economy, technology, and supply chain security, working together to make even greater contributions to democracy and peace in the world.
Once again, I want to thank former President Walesa for always standing with Taiwan over the past 30 years. May Taiwan and Poland continue to demonstrate their determination to defend freedom and become a steadfast force for the safeguarding of democracy, and may we continue to shine the light of democracy around the world. I wish former President Walesa a smooth and successful visit.
Former President Walesa then delivered remarks, first noting that this generation has experienced many changes and now faces opportunities for prosperity and peace. He expressed his pleasure in engaging in dialogue and exchange with other countries through the Yushan Forum and exploring current international developments from diverse perspectives.
Former President Walesa stated that he has on multiple occasions publicly called on China not to take wrong actions against Taiwan, emphasizing that this generation should pursue peace and prosperity together through sustained dialogue and exchange. He stressed that he has always stood with Taiwan and will continue to support Taiwan. He noted that Taiwan and Poland face similarly difficult situations, but solutions should not be provided by outside parties. Rather, the future of Taiwan should be decided by the people of Taiwan themselves. He said he looks forward to further exchanges with all sectors of society.
The delegation was accompanied to the Presidential Office by Director of the Polish Office in Taipei Janusz Henryk Bilski.
 

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Social security payment rates go up

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Social Welfare Department today announced that standard payments under the Comprehensive Social Security Assistance (CSSA) Scheme and allowances under the Social Security Allowance (SSA) Scheme will be increased by 2.2%.

Allowances that will be increased under the SSA Scheme include the Old Age Allowance, the Old Age Living Allowance and the Disability Allowance.

All of the increases will take retrospective effect from February 1, the department added.

Retrospective payments will be issued in batches from tomorrow through the existing payment method, benefitting over 1.6 million recipients.

Following the Government’s submission to the Legislative Council Finance Committee of a proposal to raise payment levels, in line with movement in the Social Security Assistance Index of Prices, the proposal was approved last month.

In addition, in line with movement in the Consumer Price Index (A) rent index for private housing, the Government will increase the maximum rent allowance under the CSSA Scheme by 1.3%, also with retrospective effect from February 1.

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Wealth summit set for Mar 24

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Wealth for Good in Hong Kong Summit, co-organised by the Financial Services & the Treasury Bureau and Invest Hong Kong, will be held next Tuesday, the Government announced today.

Under the theme “Building Lasting Legacies”, this year’s summit highlights the wave brought by the continuous growth of family office assets and generational wealth transition in recent years. The Government said that the summit, in addition to serving as an exchange platform for family office decision-makers and successors around the world, will also be an occasion for participants to experience how Hong Kong leverages its solid financial foundation to facilitate wealth succession and value appreciation.

This year’s summit will showcase Hong Kong’s strengths and potential through three core themes, namely “Strategic Asset Management for Family Legacy”, “Cultural Value Foundation for a Thriving Market”, and “Smart Tech Innovation Driving Capital Appreciation”. Heavyweight speakers will share their visionary thinking on the future of the family office ecosystem. A special fireside chat will also explore how sports and philanthropy can work together to create value for society.

Secretary for Financial Services & the Treasury Christopher Hui said: “The global landscape is evolving fast these days with geopolitics getting more complex. There has never been a better time for hosting the summit than now to give family offices looking for diversified allocation and risk dispersion an occasion to connect with each other and explore opportunities.”

Noting that the summit is a flagship event to display to the global wealth owners Hong Kong’s unique advantages, Mr Hui added that the Government will continue to consolidate the city’s leading position as a family wealth hub in the Asia-Pacific region, positioning it as the most preferred platform for ultra-high-net-worth families worldwide to manage their cross-border wealth.

Beyond the Wealth for Good in Hong Kong Summit, the Milken Institute will host the Global Investors’ Symposium next Monday, while Bloomberg LP will stage the Family Office Forum next Wednesday, focusing on wealth management and global investment trends.

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President Lai meets 2026 Yushan Forum participants

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

On the afternoon of March 17, President Lai Ching-te met with participants in the 2026 Yushan Forum. In remarks, President Lai emphasized that the government has been making greater efforts to build a more resilient Taiwan, and that Taiwan aims to form not only national teams but also international teams, continuing to harness the power of solidarity with other nations. He said that Taiwan is willing to share its experiences with the world, and stands ready to work with like-minded friends and allies to jointly shoulder responsibilities and tackle challenges. The president expressed hope that the Yushan Forum will continue to serve as a vital platform connecting Taiwan, the Indo-Pacific, and the world, allowing Taiwan to be the source of even more collaboration and the origin of many other friendships.
A transcript of President Lai’s remarks follows:
Yesterday, I was honored to attend the opening ceremony of the ninth Yushan Forum. Today, I am delighted to meet you all here at the Presidential Office. On behalf of the people of Taiwan, I would like to once again express my gratitude to you for traveling from afar to participate in the forum. Yushan is the highest peak in Taiwan and symbolizes a spirit of steadfast resilience. In recent years, we have made greater efforts to build a more resilient Taiwan. The Yushan Forum brings nations from all regions of the globe and partners from diverse fields to Taiwan to exchange experiences, forge deep partnerships, and together contribute even more to the world.
This year’s Yushan Forum has been the largest ever, fully demonstrating the importance that the international community places on Taiwan and the Indo-Pacific region. Your presence not only brings your nations’ experiences to Taiwan but also underscores the international community’s shared expectations for global security and resilience. I would like to thank our distinguished guests for their longstanding support and regard for Taiwan. In the face of a rapidly changing international outlook and a growing rise in non-traditional threats and gray-zone activities, the security and stability of the Indo-Pacific region remain our shared goals.
It is said that peace comes through strength. Taiwan plays a crucial role in global supply chains and the first island chain in the [Indo-]Pacific region. We are resolutely pursuing peace while actively enhancing our self-defense capabilities. This is because peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait are essential elements of global security and prosperity. Although our nations lie far apart, our pursuit of peace and prosperity transcends distance. As I mentioned in my opening remarks to the forum, Taiwan aims to form not only a national team but also an international team, continuing to harness the power of solidarity with other nations so as to promote global stability, prosperity, and sustainable development. Be it on matters of democratic governance, supply chain resilience, maritime security, or regional stability, Taiwan is willing to continue sharing its experiences with the world. We stand ready to work with like-minded and friendly nations to jointly shoulder responsibilities and resolve challenges.
Our distinguished guests today are from governments, parliaments, academia, and the private sector. We look forward to working closely with all of you to advance bilateral relations across all fields. And among us today are friends visiting Taiwan for the first time and old friends who have returned to us. Every reunion is precious, and every first encounter is to be treasured. Looking ahead, we hope the Yushan Forum will continue to serve as a vital platform connecting Taiwan, the Indo-Pacific, and the world. This will allow Taiwan to be the source of even more collaboration and the origin of many other friendships. In closing, I wish you all a fruitful and successful visit. Thank you very much. 
Former Prime Minister of the Republic of Fiji Mahendra Chaudhry then delivered remarks, first expressing deepest gratitude on behalf of all foreign delegates, experts, and partners gathered for the 2026 Yushan Forum to President Lai and the government and people of Taiwan for their warm hospitality. He stated that the Yushan Forum has become a vital platform for dialogue, fostering the New Southbound Policy, and strengthening connections between Taiwan and the region, and noted that this year’s theme, “Indo-Pacific Partnership Prospects: Taiwan’s Values, Technology, and Resilience,” highlights the urgent need for collaboration.
Former Prime Minister Chaudhry said that the vibrancy of Taiwan’s democracy and innovation is inspiring, recognizing Taiwan’s steadfast commitment to regional stability, economic prosperity, and sustainable development. By convening leaders from across the globe, he said, Taiwan facilitates partnerships that bridge oceans and cultures, emphasizing that Taiwan’s vision for a more resilient, inclusive, and interconnected Indo-Pacific is deeply impressive.
The former prime minister stated that Taiwan is blessed with Mother Nature’s bounty and home to a people with exceptional talent and industry. He also stated that the Yushan Forum not only offers a platform for discussing shared challenges, but also serves as a catalyst for building lasting solutions together. Former Prime Minister Chaudhry closed his remarks by thanking Taiwan for its commitment to fostering international solidarity, saying that they leave determined to enhance collaboration in the years ahead.
Also in attendance were Minister of Information and Communication Technologies of the Republic of Paraguay Gustavo Emigdio Villate Samaniego, Member of the Seimas(parliament) and former Minister of National Defence of the Republic of Lithuania Dovilė Šakalienė, Member of the Chamber of Deputies and former Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic Jan Lipavský, and Republic of Korea Reform Party Chairman Lee Jun Seok.