Month: March 2026

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Financial Services & the Treasury Bureau today published conclusions from a public consultation on enhanced regulation of licensed money lenders, along with specific planned measures, with a view to implementing first-phase measures as early as August.

Scheduled for implementation in two phases, the measures are intended to address the issue of excessive borrowing and better protect the public.

The bureau outlined that the first-phase measures are mainly focused on introducing debt servicing ratio caps for unsecured personal loans to low-income earners, prohibiting money lenders from requesting borrowers to provide loan referees, and requiring money lenders to include a risk warning statement specified by the Companies Registry (CR) in their lending advertisements.

Measures relating to the “Credit Data Smart” operating model will be rolled out in June next year under the second phase.

The bureau and the CR are drafting revised licensing conditions and administrative guidelines for money lenders and have held discussions with the Judiciary on updating existing licences in phases to dovetail with the measures’ implementation.

With a view to enhancing the regulation of money lenders, the bureau conducted a public consultation from June to August last year. A total of 150 submissions were received from the community.

The bureau also briefed the Legislative Council’s Panel on Financial Affairs (LegCo FA panel) and organised briefing sessions for the money-lending industry, professional bodies and non-governmental organisations.

The bureau stressed the Government is committed to strengthening the regulation of money lenders to protect the public interest. It said it is pleased to note that the community supports such regulation and agrees on the need for targeted measures to address the issue of excessive borrowing. It added that respondents generally supported the major measures put forward by the Government and provided valuable comments on specific details.

The bureau will brief the LegCo FA panel next month on the consultation conclusions and the details of the various measures.

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

On the evening of March 12, President Lai Ching-te attended the Ministry of Foreign Affairs 2026 Spring Banquet for foreign ambassadors and representatives stationed in Taiwan. In remarks, President Lai thanked diplomatic allies and friends from around the world for visiting Taiwan and strengthening exchanges and cooperation, demonstrating deep friendship. He emphasized that while faced with rapidly changing geopolitical developments, the Taiwanese people’s love of peace and commitment to democracy and freedom will not change. The president stated that Taiwan will continue to defend regional peace and stability, and steadfastly work with democratic friends and allies as we foster global progress and prosperity.
A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows:
I am very pleased to be here to usher in spring together with such esteemed guests from many countries and friends from all walks of life at this Spring Banquet. I wish you prosperity and every success in this new season. 
With hearts filled with gratitude, we say goodbye to another year. I would like to thank Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍) for his promotion of integrated diplomacy, which has done so much to deepen Taiwan’s partnerships with other nations. Just last year, he visited 14 countries on six continents, flying more than 209,000 kilometers – enough to circle the globe about 5.2 times. Most recently, at the beginning of this month, he led a delegation to our diplomatic ally Tuvalu, transiting through Australia on the way home and visiting Sydney. Last year, he hosted a total of 401 distinguished guests and delegations, and countless banquets. One could say that he has been “putting on pounds for the nation.”
I would also like to thank President of the Republic of Palau Surangel S. Whipps, Jr., President of the Republic of the Marshall Islands Hilda C. Heine, Prime Minister of the Federation of Saint Christopher and Nevis Terrance Drew, Prime Minister of Tuvalu Feleti Penitala Teo, and other important friends from all over the world for visiting Taiwan, showing their support, and demonstrating such deep friendship.
I also want to express appreciation on behalf of the country to the many nations that have strengthened exchanges and cooperation with Taiwan. Notable examples of such engagement include the signing of three pillar arrangements under the Taiwan-United Kingdom Enhanced Trade Partnership, the signing of the Taiwan-Japan Digital Trade Agreement, and the completion of trade negotiations with the United States, as well as the signing of the Joint Statement on the Pax Silica Declaration and Taiwan-US Economic Security Cooperation. We are grateful for the heartfelt support shown to Taiwan by our distinguished international guests and friendly and allied nations.
All these actions demonstrate that as we move forward into the new AI era, Taiwan will continue to do all we can to connect with the world and expand cooperation with democratic allies and partners.
I also want to thank the people of Taiwan for their hard work. Last year, our economy grew by 8.68 percent – the highest rate in 15 years. Employment also reached a 25-year high. However, we were also struck by a number of natural disasters. On behalf of the government, I wish to thank our people, who – regardless of gender, age, or region – stepped up with a spirit of service, standing united to assist those affected and help them get through difficult times.
Now, we step into a new year full of optimism.
Spring has already brought some welcome good news. In this year’s World Baseball Classic, Team Taiwan gave their all, and our lively fans packed the Tokyo Dome to the rafters. Although we did not make it to the second round in the US as we had hoped, we did earn international esteem. We also secured a gold medal in the horizontal bar event at the Artistic Gymnastics World Cup in Baku and, for the first time, won two titles at the All England Open Badminton Championships. In soccer, we advanced to the final eight in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup and will continue to compete for a spot in next year’s Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
I sincerely hope that this new year will be one of peace, prosperity, and success for Taiwan, and that our nation will continue to move forward and make further progress. In the face of rapidly changing geopolitical developments and the expansion of authoritarianism, I also hope to see the ruling and opposition parties work together to successfully tackle challenges.
I would like to emphasize that, regardless of global changes, the Taiwanese people’s love of peace and commitment to democracy and freedom will not change. We will continue to defend regional peace and stability, safeguard the values of democracy and freedom, and steadfastly work with democratic friends and allies to continue engaging with the world as we foster global progress and prosperity.
I again thank all our esteemed guests for being here at tonight’s Spring Banquet. Please enjoy the delicious food, and I wish you a wonderful evening. Thank you.
Dean of the Diplomatic Corps and Saint Lucia Ambassador Robert Kennedy Lewis and other members of the foreign diplomatic corps in Taiwan were among those in attendance at the banquet. 

Source: Government of Singapore

Expansion to Bukit Panjang, Little India, Pioneer, Toa Payoh and Ang Mo Kio will raise coverage by about 100,000 households to over 800,000 households by end-2026.

13 March 2026 – The National Environment Agency (NEA) will expand Project Wolbachia – Singapore to five additional areas by the end of this year, achieving the target of covering 50 per cent of all households in Singapore. From April to October 2026, the programme will be progressively rolled out to Bukit Panjang, Little India, Pioneer, Toa Payoh and Ang Mo Kio, bringing total household coverage to more than 800,000 households [1]. More information on the releases can be found on NEA website and the myENV mobile application.

Milestone in Dengue Control

2             Reaching 50 per cent household coverage, including most areas at risk of large dengue outbreaks, will mark an important milestone for Singapore’s dengue control efforts. While residents will see a temporary increase in mosquitoes with the release of the male non-biting Wolbachia-carrying Aedes aegypti (Wolbachia-Aedes) mosquitoes, studies have shown significant benefits in release areas. Aedes aegypti mosquito populations reduced by 80 to 90 per cent, while residents experienced over 70 per cent lower dengue risk [2]. Residents living adjacent to the release areas were 45 per cent less likely to contract dengue compared to those with no releases.

3              These results highlight the effectiveness of Project Wolbachia as a complementary tool in Singapore’s comprehensive dengue control strategy. Project Wolbachia works alongside key prevention methods, including the removal of stagnant water sources and community education initiatives, to provide a multi-layered defence against dengue transmission. Source reduction to prevent mosquito breeding remains the cornerstone of effective dengue control.

A Decade of Innovation and Partnership

4            Project Wolbachia marks its 10th anniversary this October, reflecting a decade of innovative research with strong support from partners, stakeholders, and the community. The milestone underscores Singapore’s commitment to develop cutting-edge and effective approaches to combat dengue and other mosquito-borne diseases. The programme’s success would not have been possible without active community partnership.

Targeting the Primary Dengue Vector

5            Project Wolbachia specifically targets Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, the primary vector for dengue and Zika in Singapore. Residents may still encounter other biting mosquitoes in their homes and communities [3]. Like Aedes aegypti, these mosquitos may breed in stagnant water, making continued source reduction efforts crucial for overall mosquito control.

Community vigilance remains essential

6           Wolbachia-Aedes suppression technology is a powerful tool in our fight against dengue. However, it is designed to complement – not replace – proven source reduction efforts. Reduced community vigilance which leads to more mosquito breeding will negate the positive impact of Project Wolbachia, and can lead to an increase in dengue cases.  Sustained community efforts therefore remain critical for keeping dengue risks low. The B-L-O-C-K steps also remove breeding habitats for other biting mosquito species not targeted by Project Wolbachia.

7          Residents are reminded to practise the ‘B-L-O-C-K’ steps regularly:

• Break up hardened soil
• Lift and empty flowerpot plates
• Overturn pails and wipe their rims
• Change water in vases
• Keep roof gutters clear and place BTI insecticide inside

~~ End ~~

For more information, please submit your enquiries electronically via the Online Feedback Form or myENV mobile application.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Secretary for Housing Winnie Ho today expressed sorrow over the passing of former Secretary for Housing Donald Liao, and extended her deepest condolences to his family.

Mr Liao was also the first Director of Housing, and a former Chairman of the Housing Authority.

Ms Ho highlighted that Mr Liao pioneered the Home Ownership Scheme in Hong Kong, establishing the subsidised sale housing system to facilitate turnover in public rental housing and encourage upward mobility for grassroots families.

At a young age, Mr Liao took charge of the development Ma Tau Wai Estate and Wah Fu Estate, where he placed particular emphasis on the integration of public spaces, ancillary facilities and natural environments in public housing design.

Ms Ho said Mr Liao’s career journey in public housing has been an inspiration to her team and that he will remain their role model as the bureau strives to continue delivering excellence in the design of public housing.

Mr Liao was Hong Kong’s first Director of Housing, from 1973 to 1980, and Secretary for Housing from 1980 to 1985.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The 2026-27 Valuation List & Government Rent Roll will be available for inspection by members of the public from March 16 to May 31, the Rating & Valuation Department announced today.

The documents can be viewed at the Rating & Valuation Department, located at 15/F, Cheung Sha Wan Government Offices, 303 Cheung Sha Wan Road, Kowloon. They will also be published on the department’s website and its Property Information Online website.

Entries for rates and government rent demands, due to be issued in early April, will show the rateable values for 2026-27, the net amounts payable after deducting rates concessions, or Government rent payable. Objections to the new rateable values can be lodged from March 16 to May 31 by means of Form R20A or the electronic Form e-R20A.

In the 2026-27 Budget, the Financial Secretary proposed rates concessions for the first two quarters of 2026-27, subject to a ceiling of $500 per quarter for each rateable tenement.

Call 2152 0111 for enquiries.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Health Bureau today rejected claims that, under proposed new regulations, verification of whether conventional smoking products are “duty-paid” will depend solely on packaging.

The Government tentatively plans to implement both uniform packaging design for conventional smoking products and a duty stamp system simultaneously in the second quarter of next year.

In response to media enquiries today, the bureau emphasised that the uniform packaging plan aims to reduce the attractiveness of tobacco products, while the duty stamp requirement will strengthen efforts to combat “cheap-whites”, which are tobacco products imported without duties having been paid.

Following the measures’ implementation, all tobacco legally sold in Hong Kong will be required to have duty stamps affixed.

The bureau emphasised that uniform packaging is not itself intended to distinguish duty-paid cigarettes from “cheap-whites” and expressed regret at the dissemination of inaccurate information.

It said the duty stamps will adopt both physical and digital anti-counterfeiting technologies. The former will be similar to those commonly used in banknotes. Readily discernible to the naked eye, they allow swift and convenient verification. 

The bureau added that physical anti-counterfeiting technologies are sufficiently mature to effectively prevent forgery of duty stamps.

Digital anti-counterfeiting features are intended to assist frontline Customs officers in law enforcement. Members of the public who are uncertain about the authenticity of duty stamps on tobacco products will be advised to report their concerns to Customs.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Chief Executive John Lee today said the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government will proactively align with the “Outline of the 15th Five-Year Plan for National Economic & Social Development of the People’s Republic of China” (the 15th Five-Year Plan) and press ahead with high-quality development.  

The fourth session of the 14th National People’s Congress approved the 15th Five-Year Plan today.

In a statement, the Hong Kong SAR Government thanked the central authorities for their support in consolidating and enhancing Hong Kong’s competitive edge across various key areas, and for facilitating Hong Kong’s better integration into and service of the overall national development.

Mr Lee outlined that the 15th Five-Year Plan is the blueprint and action agenda for the country’s social and economic development in the next five years.

“The major objectives for this period include significant achievements in high-quality development, substantial improvements in scientific and technological self-reliance and strength, fresh breakthroughs in further deepening reform comprehensively, notable cultural and ethical progress across society, further improvements in quality of life, major new strides in advancing the Beautiful China Initiative and further advances in strengthening the national security shield.”

The Chief Executive added that the Hong Kong SAR is greatly encouraged by these objectives and will proactively align with the outline, contributing Hong Kong’s strength to further deepening reform comprehensively and advancing Chinese modernisation.

“I extend my sincere gratitude for the country’s steadfast support and care for Hong Kong as demonstrated by the inclusion of multiple provisions in the 15th Five-Year Plan to promote Hong Kong’s long-term prosperity and stability, and to deepen the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area,” he said.

“I will lead the Hong Kong SAR Government to earnestly fulfil its role in bearing the primary responsibility for the governance of Hong Kong, unite various sectors of the community to actively support and proactively align with the National 15th Five-Year Plan.”

Mr Lee stressed that, through formulating a systematic policy framework, the Hong Kong SAR Government will map out strategic initiatives of greater comprehensiveness, higher precision and finer detail for key development areas, and will, for the first time, draw up a macroscopic, strategic and forward-looking five-year plan for Hong Kong.

Preparatory groups set up by various bureaus under Mr Lee’s instruction have been converted into formulation teams for alignment with the 15th Five-Year Plan, and will work at full speed to craft Hong Kong’s five-year plan this year.

Mr Lee said Hong Kong’s first Five-year Plan, aligning with the National 15th Five-Year Plan, will have far-reaching implications.

“Serving as the collective action framework for the Hong Kong SAR, it will outline Hong Kong’s development vision, core objectives, key areas and major initiatives over the next five years. This plan will provide clear guidance for Hong Kong’s socio-economic and livelihood development, driving Hong Kong’s deeper integration into and contribution to the overall national development.”

The Chief Executive emphasised that the most direct benefit of Hong Kong’s five-year plan will stem from having the robust backing of national development. As the world’s second-largest economy, he said, the country’s comprehensive capabilities provide Hong Kong with immense market momentum and development opportunities.

He remarked that as China has surged to global leadership in various fields – including innovation and technology, artificial intelligence, big data, and infrastructural development – Hong Kong can leverage the country’s industrial ecosystem and progress to achieve “leapfrog development” in its own emerging industries.

“To ensure the smooth progress of the formulation work, I will take the lead in this endeavour, with the Constitutional & Mainland Affairs Bureau assuming primary responsibility,” Mr Lee said.

He added that all Secretaries of Departments and Directors of Bureaus shall fully commit to driving forward and jointly participating in this initiative.

“I am confident that with our concerted efforts and collective wisdom, the first Hong Kong’s Five-year Plan will serve as a guiding framework for pioneering new horizons and achieving a new leap forward for Hong Kong.

“It will lay a more concrete foundation for our long-term prosperity and stability, enabling Hong Kong to demonstrate renewed commitment and achievements in the journey of integrating into and serving the overall national development.”

The fourth session of the 14th National People’s Congress also adopted the National Development Planning Law. This is the first time that a dedicated piece of legislation concerning national development planning has been enacted at the top level.

The law provides a robust legal foundation for the formulation of development plans.