Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Public consultation on legislative proposals for dedicated legislation to accelerate development of Northern Metropolis launched
The DEVB issued a Legislative Council (LegCo) paper earlier proposing to introduce dedicated legislation to accelerate the development of the NM, with the objectives of further removing barriers in respect of planning and lands procedures in the NM, to expedite construction works and to facilitate industry operation. The proposed dedicated legislation is suggested to comprise a piece of primary legislation serving as the main framework, and to delegate to the Chief Executive in Council the power to further enact subsidiary legislation on six specified areas, as and when necessary, namely (i) streamlining town planning procedures; (ii) expediting compensation payment for land resumed; (iii) facilitating the adoption of innovative construction technology arrangements; (iv) streamlining the procedures and requirements for construction noise permit applications; (v) facilitating and regulating cross-boundary flow of elements; and (vi) establishing statutory corporations for designated areas. The target is to introduce the bill of the primary legislation to the LegCo for vetting in the middle of 2026, and to submit together the draft of the first batch of subsidiary legislation for preview. The DEVB will strive to have the primary legislation passed by the LegCo within this year, and then formally submit the first batch of subsidiary legislation under the primary legislation to the LegCo for vetting. For details, please refer to the LegCo discussion paper (www.legco.gov.hk/yr2026/english/panels/dev/papers/dev20260324cb1-245-3-e.pdf
Members of the public and all sectors of the community are welcome to provide comments on the proposed dedicated legislation via email or post on or before May 22 this year. Relevant information is provided on the dedicated website for the NM under the DEVB (www.nm.gov.hk/en/about-nm/nm-dedicated-legislation
Email address: nmlegislation@devb.gov.hkMail address: Northern Metropolis Co-ordination Office, Development Bureau (Units 506-507, 5/F, Shui On Centre, 6-8 Harbour Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong)
Issued at HKT 16:45
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Strategic Public Policy Research Funding Scheme 2026-27 opens for applications
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The Chief Executive’s Policy Unit (CEPU) today (March 24) announced at the Strategic Public Policy Research Funding Scheme (SPPRFS) Briefing Session that the SPPRFS 2026-27 is open for applications between now and May 12, 2026.
The SPPRFS and the Public Policy Research Funding Scheme (PPRFS) aim at encouraging local tertiary institutions and public policy research think tanks (including university and civil society think tanks) to apply their expertise to conduct evidence-based research on key public policy issues, and to facilitate the knowledge transfer of research findings to policy considerations, serving as a channel for the Government to tap the public policy research expertise of society.
CEDD signs MOU with South China Botanical Garden of Chinese Academy of Sciences
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
CEDD signs MOU with South China Botanical Garden of Chinese Academy of Sciences
The MOU was signed by the Director of Civil Engineering and Development, Mr Michael Fong, and the Director of the SCBG, Mr Yan Junhua. Both parties will jointly explore key technologies related to plant resource applications, exchange technologies and share resources.
At the signing ceremony, Mr Fong said that the CEDD is committed to building Hong Kong into a liveable and sustainable world-class city, and to achieving the coexistence of conservation and development by integrating ecological principles into engineering planning. The MOU is conducive to developing strategies for Nature-based Solutions and advancing green infrastructure.
Mr Yan said that the SCBG will work hand in hand with the CEDD to advance scientific research in areas such as key technologies in the application of plant resources, thereby providing scientific and technological support for green development.
The SCBG is a scientific research institution directly affiliated with the CAS, which is the country’s highest academic institution for natural sciences. Under its leadership, the SCBG received approval from the State Council in 2022 to establish the South China National Botanical Garden, shouldering the mission of plant diversity conservation and scientific research in the nation.
Issued at HKT 14:40
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Public urged to guard against fake messages on Guangdong-Hong Kong Regular Quotas for vehicles
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Public urged to guard against fake messages on Guangdong-Hong Kong Regular Quotas for vehicles
The spokesman clarified that applicants for the Regular Quotas must meet the application requirements stipulated by the Mainland authority and submit the specified documents (such as business registration documents of both Guangdong and Hong Kong) to the Mainland authority. Upon receipt of the Mainland Approval Notice from the Mainland authority, applicants may then apply to the TD of the HKSAR Government for Closed Road Permits for the designated land-based boundary control points.
The spokesman stressed that the arrangements for the Regular Quotas must be jointly deliberated by the governments of the two places holistically. Citizens should refer to official announcements, verify messages carefully and stay alert against deception to avoid disruption to their travel plans.
Issued at HKT 11:24
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Hong Kong Academy of Finance admits participants to Financial Leaders Programme 2026
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Hong Kong Academy of Finance admits participants to Financial Leaders Programme 2026
The AoF launched the FLP in 2022, with the aim to inspire and nurture the next generation of senior financial leaders for Hong Kong. The FLP equips participants with a leadership mindset, enhances their understanding of financial issues from macro and systemic perspectives, and expands their professional networks. It also provides a unique platform for participants to engage in dialogue with top leaders in financial services and other sectors.
The FLP admits senior executives from diverse backgrounds who are typically one or two levels below the Chief Executive Officer position. A total of 86 participants from nearly 50 public and private institutions have graduated from the past four cohorts, forming a robust pool of financial leadership for Hong Kong.
The FLP 2026 was open for applications from November 12 to December 14, 2025, receiving enthusiastic response and many high-quality applications. Following a competitive selection process, the Membership Committee of the AoF approved the admission of 22 applicants.Issued at HKT 11:00
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TD fully co-operates with ICAC in investigation into suspected deception case involving designated car testing centre
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
The Transport Department (TD) today (March 24) said that it has been fully co-operating with the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) in an investigation into a suspected deception case involving staff of a designated car testing centre. The eligibility of the testing centre concerned to provide vehicle examination services has been revoked in June 2024, while the eligibility of the persons concerned of the testing centre to serve as the responsible person and approved car testers has also been revoked.
A spokesman for the TD said that it has rendered full assistance during the investigation and has immediately implemented a series of measures to stamp out malpractices. The TD has strengthened strict monitoring of the operations of testing centres. All vehicle examiners are required to undergo the TD’s regular training and comply with the Government’s vehicle examination requirements. The TD will proactively take forward the ICAC’s corruption prevention advice and enhance staff training to heighten their awareness of integrity and conduct.
In addition, the TD stressed that it attaches great importance to staff integrity and conduct. Any violation of laws or regulations will be handled seriously in accordance with the law and referred to law enforcement agencies for follow-up investigations.
Policy research funding opens
Source: Hong Kong Information Services
The Strategic Public Policy Research Funding Scheme (SPPRFS) 2026-27 is open for applications from now to May 12, the Chief Executive’s Policy Unit (CEPU) announced today.
To align with the opportunities brought to Hong Kong by the National 15th Five-Year Plan, and in light of the Government’s policy priorities, five strategic themes have been identified for SPPRFS 2026-27.
These are as follows: development opportunities arising from the National 15th Five-Year Plan and the Greater Bay Area; deepening international exchanges and co-operation in support of the country’s opening up to the world; the development of education, technology, talent and industries; the integrated development of culture, sports and tourism; and elderly and healthcare services.
Applications must be made under one of these themes, and must be align with specified research areas. Individual SPPRFS projects can be granted a maximum of $5 million and last from one to five years.
CEPU Head Stephen Wong, said: “Through its funding schemes, the CEPU will continue to act as a catalyst for transforming internationally oriented academic research into valuable references for policy considerations, fostering a vibrant network of local civil society and university think tanks, and further enhancing their international influence.”
Having regard to Hong Kong’s current and long-term development, and to the need for research on various social issues, the CEPU revealed separately that while applications for the SPPRFS are accepted at specific times each year, those for the Public Policy Research Funding Scheme (PPRFS) – which focuses on research studies of a shorter duration and smaller scale – are now accepted throughout the year. Results of applications to the PPRFS will be issued in batches.
Both schemes aim at encouraging local tertiary institutions and public policy research think tanks to conduct evidence-based research on key public policy issues, and to facilitate the transfer of research findings to policy-making. Assessments are conducted by a panel comprising experienced academics and professional experts.
Singaporean PM to visit HK
Source: Hong Kong Information Services
Prime Minister and Minister for Finance of the Republic of Singapore Lawrence Wong will arrive in Hong Kong on March 26 for a three-day official visit.
Chief Executive John Lee will meet Mr Wong on March 27 at Government House.
Niche allocation measures enhanced
Source: Hong Kong Information Services
The Food & Environmental Hygiene Department announced that, from August 1, three more columbaria will be included in monthly niche allocations, in addition to the Tsang Tsui Columbarium in Tuen Mun.
The three additional columbaria are Shek Mun Columbarium in Sha Tin, Wo Hop Shek Columbarium Phase VI in Fanling and Cape Collinson-San Ha Columbarium in Chai Wan.
Under the new arrangement, the four columbaria will provide not less than 1,600 extendable niches each month.
The department emphasised that every applicant will be allocated a niche under the new arrangement.
If the number of applications for a particular columbarium exceeds the niches available, the department will automatically allocate a niche at Tsang Tsui Columbarium.
Applicants can then decide whether to accept the niche automatically assigned to them at Tsang Tsui Columbarium. If they choose to decline it, they can re-submit their application the following month.
However, if a successful applicant declines an allocated niche at their selected columbarium, the department will not accept any further applications for the same deceased person at the same columbarium for a period of six months.
The department said about 18,000 niches had been allocated annually in the past two years.
It added that the monthly supply of not less than 1,600 extendable niches, adding up to a total supply of not less than 19,000 niches in a year, is sufficient to meet public demand.
Once the new arrangement takes effect, the department will no longer conduct annual allocations.
To facilitate implementation of the new arrangement, the department will conduct an annual allocation exercise next month to address the demand for niches that has arisen since last year’s annual allocation.
There will be a total of 12,150 extendable public niches in this exercise, comprising 4,000 standard niches and 50 large niches at each of Shek Mun Columbarium, Wo Hop Shek Columbarium Phase VI and Cape Collinson-San Ha Columbarium.
The department is planning to organise a public drawing of lots and random computer balloting in late July to determine the allocation of niches to successful applicants.
In addition, Wo Hop Shek Garden at Forever Love Phase II, which provides abortus-keeping services, will be open for public applications from April 1. The columbarium’s first water-soluble commemorative facility, “The Spring of Love”, will open for public use on the same day.
Views sought on NM legislation
Source: Hong Kong Information Services
The Development Bureau today launched a two-month public consultation on legislative proposals to accelerate the Northern Metropolis (NM) development.
The bureau earlier issued a Legislative Council paper proposing dedicated legislation to streamline planning and land procedures, expedite construction works and facilitate industry operations within the NM.
The proposed legal framework consists of a primary ordinance supported by subsidiary legislation. It suggests granting the Chief Executive in Council the power to enact regulations across six specified areas, as needed.
The six proposed areas for subsidiary legislation include: (i) streamlining town planning procedures; (ii) expediting compensation for resumed land; (iii) adopting innovative construction technology; (iv) simplifying construction noise permit applications; (v) regulating cross-boundary flows of resources; and (vi) establishing statutory corporations for designated areas.
The Government aims to introduce the primary bill to LegCo by mid-2026, alongside a draft of the first batch of subsidiary legislation for preview.
The bureau will strive to secure passage of the primary legislation within this year. Once passed, the first batch of subsidiary legislation will be formally submitted to LegCo for vetting.
The public and all community sectors are welcome to provide comments on the proposed dedicated legislation via email or post on or before May 22.