Month: March 2026

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, attended the plenary of the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference 2026 in Hainan today (March 26). This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Forum, with the theme “Shaping a Shared Future: New Dynamics, New Opportunities, New Cooperation”.
 
Member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress, Mr Zhao Leji, delivered a keynote speech at the event. He noted that over the past 25 years, the Boao Forum for Asia, grounded in Asia and oriented to the world, has deepened dialogue and co-operation and built broad consensus, becoming a “golden brand” for promoting exchanges and mutual learning, unity and collaboration in development among Asian countries and the international community. In today’s world, people across countries have a stronger desire for peace and development, and calls for fairness and justice are growing louder.
 
Chairman Zhao stressed that, in the face of changes to the world, to our times and to history, President Xi Jinping has put forward the vision of building a global community of shared future, as well as the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, the Global Civilization Initiative and the Global Governance Initiative, pointing the world in the right direction amid the once-in-a-century transformation. He noted that all sides should follow the trend of the times towards peace, development, co-operation and win-win outcomes, work together to build a better home in Asia, and join hands in constructing a global community of shared future. He emphasised the need to reject conflict and confrontation and create a future of peace and tranquillity; reject isolation and exclusion and create a future of co-operation and win-win outcomes; reject power politics and bullying and create a future of fairness and justice; and reject suspicion and discord and create a future of mutual respect and trust.
 
Mr Lee said that Chairman Zhao’s words were truly invaluable. They hit the nail on the head with respect to the current international situation. Under “one country, two systems”, Hong Kong has the distinctive advantages of enjoying strong support of the motherland and being closely connected to the world, making it the only open economy that simultaneously benefits from the strengths of both China and the global community. Amid a complex and volatile external environment, Hong Kong has always firmly upheld free trade and multilateralism, resolutely opposed unilateralism and protectionism, and continuously strengthened its resilience to withstand risks and respond to changing circumstances. As such, it has consistently served as the optimal bridge and platform for foreign enterprises seeking to establish a foothold in the Chinese Mainland market and for mainland enterprises looking to expand overseas. With the continued growth of the national economy, Hong Kong should seize this valuable opportunity and proactively pursue breakthroughs in its development.
 
Mr Lee said that over the past few years, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government has been committed to leading the business sector in exploring markets in the Middle East, Southeast Asia, among others, expanding the landscape for external co-operation. Looking ahead, Hong Kong should direct its focus towards more emerging markets, exploring broader horizons for development. While integrating into and serving the country’s overall development, Hong Kong should continue to deepen international engagement and collaboration, working with Asian countries to solidify the foundation of mutual trust, deepen openness and connectivity, pursue mutual benefit and win-win outcomes, and safeguard peace and stability. In doing so, it will contribute to the steady growth of Asia’s economy and help steer the global economy towards greater inclusiveness, shared benefits and common progress.
 
In addition, Chairman Zhao gave an insightful exposition on the current state of China’s economic development and its future prospects. He noted that China is always committed to growing the economy, improving people’s livelihoods, and, while pursuing its own development, promoting common development among all countries. He pointed out that the outline of the 15th Five-Year Plan sets out the main objectives and major tasks for the country’s development over the next five years, and that China will fully, accurately and comprehensively implement the new development philosophy, accelerate the establishment of a new development landscape, and strive to promote high-quality development.
 
Mr Lee said that Chairman Zhao’s keynote speech conveyed a clear and positive signal: China will further expand high-standard opening up and share opportunities with countries around the world; will continue to boost domestic demand and steadily unlock the dividends of its super-sized market; will remain committed to innovative development and continuously unleash new drivers of growth; will uphold free trade and steadily deepen international co-operation; will stay committed to the rule of law and steadily improve the business environment; and welcomes enterprises from around the world to explore and deepen their presence in the Chinese market, which will remain a fertile ground for foreign investment and business growth for years to come. This fully demonstrates the strong resilience and broad prospects of the Chinese economy, and further strengthens confidence in its future development.
 
Mr Lee said that with the escalation of conflicts in the Middle East and ongoing geopolitical tensions, Hong Kong, as a globally recognised safe harbour for capital stability, possesses a sound financial system and advantages in professional services. It can provide more quality financial services to the business communities of various countries, attract global capital, and jointly pursue high-quality and sustainable development. Amid a complex and severe external environment, Hong Kong should stand firm, proceed with determination, firmly grasp the unique advantages under the “one country, two systems” principle, and make every effort to pursue economic growth, advance development, foster integration, and proactively integrate into and serve the overall national development. The National 15th Five-Year Plan explicitly supports accelerating the development of the Northern Metropolis. Hong Kong will actively advance the preparation of its first five-year plan, steadily progress various development projects, and deepen reforms with a sense of urgency and unwavering determination. Hong Kong will cultivate and strengthen new quality productive forces based on its actual conditions, accelerate the development of an international innovation and technology centre, continuously consolidate and enhance its status as an international financial, shipping and trade centre, and focus on building an international hub for high-calibre talent.
 
Mr Lee also mentioned that Hong Kong will fully harness the latest frontier technologies and artificial intelligence, continue to invigorate market vitality, advance the development of the Northern Metropolis and the Hong Kong Park of the Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Co-operation Zone, vigorously promote the high-quality development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, and deeply align with national strategies. At the same time, Hong Kong will ensure the successful hosting of the Asia‑Pacific Economic Cooperation Finance Ministers’ Meeting, and will continue to strengthen practical co-operation with Asian countries, expand diverse areas of collaboration, jointly explore new paths for development, shape a shared future for Asia, and contribute positively to the country’s economic development as well as to regional prosperity and stability in Asia.
 
Mr Lee returned to Hong Kong today.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     ​Following are the opening remarks by the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Miss Rosanna Law, at the Kai Tak Art Week 2026 today (March 26):

Adrian (Chairman of Mega Arts and Cultural Events Committee, Dr Adrian Cheng), Andrew (Chief Executive Officer (Designate) of Kai Tak Sports Park, Mr Andrew Kam), Ms Connie Butler (Director of MoMA PS1), Daniel (Director of Development of MoMA PS1, Mr Daniel Schaeffer), Angela (Chief Marketing and Customer Officer of AXA Hong Kong and Macau, Ms Angela Wong), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Housing Bureau today awarded the ninth and the 10th operation and management contracts of the Light Public Housing (LPH) projects to Easy Living Consultant–Yan Oi Tong–New Territories West Power Social Service Joint Venture, at tender sums of about $173.6 million and $179.1 million respectively.

The ninth and the 10th contracts cover Phase 1 and Phase 2 of the project at Yan Po Road, Tuen Mun, which will provide a total of about 5,600 units and are expected to be gradually completed for tenant intake in the third quarter of this year.

Secretary for Housing Winnie Ho said: “Based on the current construction progress, we expect that a further 20,400 LPH units will be completed within 2026 and in early 2027, gradually moving towards the target of completing the construction of about 30,000 units by 2027-28.”

She added that today’s award marks the first time the bureau has awarded an operation and management contract to a joint venture comprising three organisations.

Among them, Easy Living Consultant and Yan Oi Tong have already been operating the nearby Tsing Fuk Lane project in Tuen Mun for the bureau, while New Territories West Power Social Service, participating in the operation of LPH for the first time, has been rooted in Tuen Mun District and serving its residents for years.

“Therefore, I have high expectations for them to give full play to their strengths in different areas.”

The response to LPH application has been overwhelming, with about 32,300 applications received as at March 25, 2026.

Call 3464 0700 or send an email for enquiries.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Housing Authority’s Subsidised Housing Committee today endorsed the proposed income and asset limits for applicants of different household sizes for 2026-27. The adjusted limits will take effect from April 1.

The committee endorsed raising the income limits for all household sizes by an average of 2.8% overall.

In addition, the committee also endorsed increasing the asset limits by 1.4% for all household sizes in accordance with the established mechanism.

Public rental housing income and asset limits are reviewed annually according to the established mechanism.

The income limits are derived using a household expenditure approach, which takes into consideration housing costs and non-housing costs, plus a 5% contingency provision. The asset limits are adjusted with reference to movements in the Consumer Price Index (A) over the year. 

Source: Government of Singapore

Chosen as the first radiochemistry Collaborating Centre in Southeast Asia

26 March 2026 – The National Radiochemistry Laboratory (NRL) under the National Environment Agency (NEA), Singapore, has been officially designated as an International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Collaborating Centre from 2026—2030, to lead the development of regional radiological monitoring and emergency response capabilities.

2                The NRL is the first and only IAEA Collaborating Centre on Radiochemistry in the ASEAN. It joins other laboratories such as the Republic of Korea’s Institute of Nuclear Safety (KINS) and Switzerland’s Spiez Laboratory. The Collaborating Centre will work closely with the Singapore Nuclear Research and Safety Institute (SNRSI).

Singapore’s role as an IAEA Collaborating Centre

3                 As an IAEA partner centre, NRL will share knowledge about radiochemistry analysis – the science of measuring radioactive materials. This will be done by combining radiochemistry analysis with environmental monitoring to support research and assess radiation exposure. With such capabilities, Singapore will also help other Southeast Asian countries to improve their ability to detect and respond to nuclear emergencies. This includes running workshops and helping to establish safety standards that suit the region’s needs.

Singapore earned recognition

4                 The designation was formalised through an agreement signed by Mr Wong Kang Jet, NEA Chief Executive Officer, and Ms Najat Mokhtar, the IAEA Deputy Director General. It followed a comprehensive review by the IAEA Committee for Coordinated Research Activities in nuclear sciences and applications, which assessed that the NRL possesses the necessary infrastructure, expertise and established internal and regional collaborations to support the IAEA’s programme within the Asia-Pacific region.

5               Mr Wong said, “We are honoured by the IAEA’s confidence in the NRL’s capabilities to serve as a regional hub for radiochemistry expertise. This recognition affirms the technical excellence that the NRL has built over the decades. As an IAEA Collaborating Centre, Singapore will support the region in strengthening nuclear safety frameworks, enhancing analytical capabilities, and reinforcing regional emergency preparedness. With growing regional interest in nuclear energy to meet future energy needs, it is crucial that we work together to uphold the highest safety standards.”

About IAEA Collaborating Centres

6               The Collaborating Centres Scheme started in 2004 and enables the IAEA to partner with Member State institutions to carry out programmes through research collaboration, technical expertise sharing and training activities. 

 

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Source: Republic of China Taiwan

The Awards Ceremony of the 26th IBDC was held on March 25 by the Ministry of Economic Affairs. In this edition, IBDC has invited 123 entries from 6 countries. Taiwanese designer Yen-Chung, Cho ultimately secured the Gold Medal with the “Mobile ecological data station-GreenTrail Hub”, a design that integrates big data with green energy. Having been deeply rooted for 30 years, the IBDC is not only a design competition but also a critical bridge for the global innovation and industrial application of Taiwan’s bicycle industry. By converging global creativity, it assists the industry in introducing key technologies and green materials, solidifying Taiwan’s leading position as a global R&D center for high-end bicycles.

In his opening remarks, Ming-Chi, Chuang, Chief Secretary of the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA), stated that over the past 30 years, the International Bicycle Design Competition (IBDC) has accumulated more than 15,000 entries from 87 countries, resulting in a total of over 60 creative products successfully launched on the market. Under the development trends of electrification, intelligence, and AI integration, the bicycle is no longer a mere means of transportation; it is now closely integrated with individual lifestyle and health while echoing the pulse of urban development. Furthermore, it serves as a vital tool as we march toward the Global 2050 Net-Zero goal.

Among this year’s 17 winning entries, we can see they are all tightly linked to the competition theme. Taking the Gold Medal entry as an example, the designer attempted to transform the bicycle into “urban neurons,” collecting various environmental data through sensory devices. This effectively allows direct participation in overall urban development, creating its own sustainable value.

The winning works of the 26th IBDC fully demonstrate the three major directions for the future development of the bicycle: a greater emphasis on riding safety, a closer alignment with daily needs, and the implementation of sustainability concepts.

-Gold Award:Mobile ecological data station-GreenTrail Hub: Using shared bicycles as a starting point, the design ingeniously combines smart big data with sustainability concepts, demonstrating the innovative thinking of “Green Cycling for Urban Sustainability,” which earned high praise from the jury.
-Silver Award:ORBI-smart cycling companion: Focusing on riding scenarios for parents and children, the design combines task-based elements with safety features to encourage children to develop habits of daily cycling and outdoor exploration through interaction.
-Bronze Award:Micromobility x Shopping: Starting from daily shopping needs, the design proposes a more convenient and labor-saving short-distance mobility concept, precisely addressing the practical pain points of consumers in their daily lives.

It is hoped that through the IBDC, more innovative concepts will be linked with Taiwan’s industrial chain in the future, driving product upgrades and startup development. The Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) will continue to support industrial innovation and transformation, strengthening the key technology layout for high-end bicycles and electric-assist bicycles (E-bikes). Furthermore, it will vigorously promote the application of recycled materials and environmentally friendly manufacturing processes to comprehensively enhance the sustainable competitiveness of Taiwan’s bicycle industry and solidify its leading position in the global market.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Secretary for Justice Paul Lam today met local officials, and attended the launch ceremony of the Jiangsu-Hong Kong Legal & Business Integration Service Platform, as he concluded a visit to Nanjing.

Mr Lam held a breakfast meeting with Mayor of Nanjing Li Zhongjun. Joined by other Nanjing leaders, they discussed developments in the city and opportunities for collaboration with Hong Kong. 

Mr Lam then attended the launch ceremony of the above-mentioned platform. Addressing those present, he said its establishment marks a significant milestone in terms of the deepening of co-operation between Jiangsu and Hong Kong.

The justice secretary added that the platform will help the two places complement each other’s strengths, better serving the “foreign-related” legal needs of Jiangsu enterprises while expanding opportunities for Hong Kong professional service providers.

Mr Lam also visited the Jiangsu (Nanjing) Foreign-related Legal Service Center to learn about the sector’s development.

Before leaving Nanjing, Mr Lam met Vice Governor of Jiangsu Province Hu Binchen. Mr Lam told Mr Hu he looks forward to the two places pragmatically advancing co-operation in different fields during the National 15th Five-Year Plan period, and to contributing jointly to the country’s high-level opening up.