Month: March 2026

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     The Secretary for Health, Professor Lo Chung-mau, officiated at the Opening Ceremony of the Yau Tsim Mong District Health Centre cum Launch Ceremony of the Primary Healthcare Co-care Network today (March 13). He announced that the Chronic Disease Co-Care Pilot Scheme (CDCC Pilot Scheme) had achieved the target of having over 200 000 participants earlier than expected and would be regularised. Meanwhile, the Primary Healthcare Commission (PHC Commission) launched the Primary Healthcare Co-care Network (Co-care Network) today.

     Professor Lo said, “The CDCC Pilot Scheme has received an enthusiastic response since its launch at the end of 2023. By the end of January this year, the number of participants has exceeded 200 000, nearly 10 months ahead of the original target date. Among the participants who have completed the screenings, about 40 per cent were diagnosed with prediabetes, diabetes mellitus (DM), hypertension (HT), or hyperlipidaemia and have entered the treatment phase, receiving government-subsidised cross-disciplinary follow-up for early management of chronic diseases. According to preliminary analysis conducted by a local university research team, the CDCC Pilot Scheme has performed well in terms of health benefits and cost-effectiveness, with participants showing overall improvements in their health conditions. The data shows that after joining the scheme for 12 months, the average glycated haemoglobin level of DM patients dropped from 7.8 per cent to 6.7 per cent; while the average systolic blood pressure of HT patients decreased from 150 millimetres of mercury (mmHg) to 135mmHg, reflecting the positive impact of sustained health management and professional support on disease control. Based on a modelled scenario of 200 000 participants, it was expected that the scheme could prevent approximately 9 000 cases of cardiovascular disease and 11 000 deaths, gaining approximately 54 000 quality-adjusted life years and saving $2.7 billion in health expenditure.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     The Government announced today (March 13) that the Task Group on New Medical School has established working groups to strengthen support for the effective implementation of the new medical school project to be set up by the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST).

     As the preparatory work for the third medical school enters the implementation stage, the HKUST is steadily advancing the relevant work, including initiating the curriculum accreditation process with the Medical Council of Hong Kong, launching global recruitment of teaching staff, and finalising the design of the medical school complex building on the Clear Water Bay campus.——
Secretary for Health
Secretary for Education—–
Permanent Secretary for Health / Under Secretary for Health
Permanent Secretary for Education / Under Secretary for Education——
Chairman of the Medical Council of Hong Kong
President of the Hong Kong Academy of Medicine (or representative)
Professor Nivritti Gajanan Patil
Professor Joseph Sung Jao-yiu
Mr Philip Tsai Wing-chung
Professor Lau Chak-sing*
Professor Philip Chiu Wai-yan*
Professor Lyu Aiping*
Professor David Shum Ho-keung*
Dr Pang Yiu-kai*—–
Permanent Secretary for Development (Planning and Lands) (or representative)
Permanent Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry (or representative)
Secretary-General of the University Grants Committee (or representative)
Director of Health (or representative)
Deputy Secretary for Education (1)
Deputy Secretary for Health 3
Commissioner for Primary Healthcare (or representative)
Chief Executive of the Hospital Authority (or representative)

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Acting Chief Secretary Cheuk Wing-hing today officiated at the opening ceremony of a thematic exhibition held by the Education Bureau that introduces the life stories of a number of pillars of our time as well as their contributions to the country to all primary and secondary students in the city.

The show aims to enable students to connect what they learn with knowledge from various subjects, thereby inspiring the younger generation to contribute to the country’s future development and to pass on the spirit of these pillars.

Addressing the ceremony, Mr Cheuk said these pillars have enabled the country to shine brightly on the world stage in various areas, such as culture, technology, defence, agriculture, medicine, architecture and sports. Their inspiring and motivational stories serve as exemplary demonstrations of patriotic spirit and as real-life and vivid teaching materials for patriotic education.

He also noted that President Xi Jinping has pointed out that patriotism is at the core of the Chinese national spirit, and Hong Kong compatriots have long upheld the glorious tradition of loving the country and loving Hong Kong, which constitutes an important foundation for the steadfast and successful implementation of “one country, two systems”.

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government attaches great importance to patriotic education. On campus, the bureau continues to adopt all-round, comprehensive, cross-key-stage, and interdisciplinary approaches to integrate patriotic education into daily learning and teaching, Mr Cheuk added.

Also attending the ceremony were Secretary for Education Choi Yuk-lin; Director-General of the Department of Educational, Scientific & Technological Affairs of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Hong Kong SAR Wang Weiming; members of the Working Group on Patriotic Education; and principals, teachers and students of primary and secondary schools.

The “China in Splendour: The Ethos & Spirit of the Pillars of Our Time” Thematic Exhibition is organised by the bureau and co-organised by the Patriotic Education Centre under the Hong Kong Federation of Education Workers.

The exhibition will run until late October this year. Schools interested in visiting may apply via the Patriotic Education Centre.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Primary Healthcare Commission launched the Primary Healthcare Co-care Network today, with a target participation of around 700,000 people during the first phase of development of the Co-care Network over a five-year span.

Secretary for Health Prof Lo Chung-mau officiated at the Opening Ceremony of the Yau Tsim Mong District Health Centre & Launch Ceremony of the Primary Healthcare Co-care Network today, where he announced that the Chronic Disease Co-Care Pilot Scheme (CDCC Pilot Scheme) had achieved the target of having over 200,000 participants earlier than expected and would be regularised.

Prof Lo said that the CDCC Pilot Scheme has received an enthusiastic response since its launch at the end of 2023. By the end of January this year, the number of participants has exceeded 200,000, nearly 10 months ahead of the original target date.

Among the participants who have completed the screenings, about 40% were diagnosed with prediabetes, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, or hyperlipidaemia and have entered the treatment phase, receiving government-subsidised cross-disciplinary follow-up for early management of chronic diseases.

Prof Lo noted that to address the challenges posed by an ageing population and the increasing prevalence of chronic diseases, the Health Bureau announced today that the CDCC Pilot Scheme will be regularised and renamed the Chronic Disease Co-Care Scheme.

The Co-care Network, launched simultaneously today, will introduce evidence-based, life-course-oriented preventive measures as well as a framework for regular screening and management of high-risk diseases.

The services under the Co-care Network will be determined by citizens’ individual health condition and risks, thereby implementing the people‑oriented primary healthcare principle and bringing about a paradigm shift.

Established under the institutional framework of the Primary Healthcare Blueprint, the Co‑care Network integrates and enhances primary healthcare services provided by the Government through expanding the scope of diseases covered, strengthening cross-disciplinary collaboration, and improving community healthcare support and auxiliary services.

The Co-care Network will also strengthen cross-disciplinary collaboration and enhance relevant assistance and support to further optimise its services.

Eligible citizens who register as members of the District Health Centres/District Health Centre Expresses (DHCs/DHCEs) and agree to sign up for eHealth can join services under the Co-care Network according to their health condition and risks.

The bureau will also continue to invite suitable patients currently attending the Hospital Authority’s Family Medicine Clinics, and participants in the General Outpatient Clinic Public-Private Partnership Programme that is scheduled to conclude in 2028, to join the services under the Co-care Network in a gradual manner.

As the entry points of the Co-care Network’s services, the DHCs provide citizens with a series of standardised and personalised healthcare services, making their role as a hub of vital importance.

At present, DHCs across all 18 districts in Hong Kong have over 100 service points.

The Yau Tsim Mong District Health Centre, operated by the Lok Sin Tong Benevolent Society, Kowloon, commenced services in late October last year. Its core centre located at 1047 Canton Road, Mong Kok features an audiometric & vision assessment room, and a smart rehabilitation zone, providing members with services such as health risk assessments and chronic disease management through the application of technology. The three satellite centres are located in Prince Edward, Yau Ma Tei and Jordan.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Education Bureau (EDB) held the launching ceremony of “China in Splendour: The Ethos and Spirit of the Pillars of Our Time” Thematic Exhibition today (March 13). The ceremony was officiated by the Acting Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Cheuk Wing-hing. The exhibition introduces the life stories of a number of pillars of our time as well as their contributions to the country, enabling students to connect what they learn with knowledge from various subjects, with a view to inspiring the younger generation to contribute to the future development of the country and to pass on the spirit of these pillars of our time.

Addressing the event, Mr Cheuk said that these pillars have enabled the country to shine brightly on the world stage in various areas, such as culture, technology, defence, agriculture, medicine, architecture and sports. Their inspiring and motivational stories serve as exemplary demonstrations of patriotic spirit, and as real-life and vivid teaching materials for patriotic education. The spirit they exude – hard work, unwavering persistence, devotion to our country and its people, and selfless contribution – is truly moving and commands deep respect. He encouraged students present to learn from the efforts and perseverance of each of these figures, to cultivate their own sense of patriotism, and to contribute to the country’s future development. 

He continued by noting that President Xi Jinping has pointed out that patriotism is at the core of Chinese national spirit, and Hong Kong compatriots have long upheld the glorious tradition of loving the country and loving Hong Kong, which constitutes an important foundation for the steadfast and successful implementation of “one country, two systems”. The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government attaches great importance to patriotic education. On campus, the EDB continues to adopt all-round, comprehensive, cross-key-stage, and interdisciplinary approaches to integrate patriotic education into daily learning and teaching. The school curriculum covers elements such as the Constitution and the Basic Law; national symbols including the national flag, national anthem, and national emblem; as well as national security, national history and affairs, Chinese culture and national geography. These are combined with values education and related activities, enabling students not only to acquire knowledge of the country but also to develop an emotional identification with its close ties to the country. From an early age, this fosters their growth into good national citizens with a strong sense of national identity.

To further promote patriotic education, the HKSAR Government set up the Working Group on Patriotic Education under the Constitution and Basic Law Promotion Steering Committee in 2024. The Working Group has been co-ordinating with government departments and non-governmental organisations to promote patriotic education, dovetailing with the Patriotic Education Law of the People’s Republic of China to inherit and promote the spirit of patriotism. 

Other guests attending the ceremony included the Secretary for Education, Dr Choi Yuk-lin; the Director-General of the Department of Educational, Scientific and Technological Affairs of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the HKSAR, Dr Wang Weiming; the Permanent Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs, Ms Maggie Wong; the Deputy Secretary for Education, Dr Gloria Chan; the Chairperson of the Curriculum Development Council, Professor Isabella Poon; representatives of the Hong Kong Federation of Education Workers (HKFEW), including Professor Lau Chi-pang, Mr Wong Kam-leung, Mr Tang Fei and Mr Ng Wun-kit; members of the Working Group on Patriotic Education; and principals, teachers and students of primary and secondary schools. 

     “China in Splendour: The Ethos and Spirit of the Pillars of Our Time” Thematic Exhibition is organised by the EDB and co-organised by the Patriotic Education Centre under the HKFEW. The exhibition runs from now until late October this year and is targeted at all primary and secondary students in Hong Kong (including special schools). Schools interested in visiting may apply via the Patriotic Education Centre. For details, please visit the Centre’s website (www.hkpec.hk).

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     Following is the speech by the Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, at the Joint Business Community Luncheon today (March 13):

Agnes (Chairman of the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce, Ms Agnes Chan), Anthony (Chairman of Federation of Hong Kong Industries, Mr Anthony Lam), Wingco (President of the Chinese Manufacturers’ Association of Hong Kong, Dr Wingco Lo), Jonathan (Chairman of the Chinese General Chamber of Commerce, Hong Kong, Dr Jonathan Choi), presidents and chairmen of chambers of commerce, Consuls-General, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,      
     There is an oversupply in the commercial property sector. That is why we have stopped selling commercial land since 2024. Besides, we are promoting more flexible use of suitable office premises, for example, as student hostels, to improve their utilisation. This situation is improving, with rental pressure for office property easing in core areas. In fact, office demand from financial institutions, in particular firms in asset and wealth management as well as digital assets, is increasing notably.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     According to the provisional results of a survey released today (March 13) by the Census and Statistics Department (C&SD), the index of industrial production for manufacturing industries as a whole increased by 5.7% in the fourth quarter of 2025 compared with the same quarter of 2024, following a year-on-year increase of 5.3% in the third quarter of 2025. The corresponding producer price index increased by 9.5% in the fourth quarter of 2025 compared with the same quarter of 2024, following a year-on-year increase of 7.7% in the third quarter of 2025.

     The index of industrial production for sewerage, waste management and remediation activities decreased by 1.9% in the fourth quarter of 2025 compared with the same quarter of 2024, following a year-on-year decrease of 1.4% in the third quarter of 2025. The corresponding producer price index increased by 0.2% in the fourth quarter of 2025 compared with the same quarter of 2024, following a year-on-year increase of 0.3% in the third quarter of 2025.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region