Hong Kong Children’s Hospital announces an incident involving a patient who was found in cardiac arrest after temporary ventilator circuit disconnection

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Hong Kong Children’s Hospital announces an incident involving a patient who was found in cardiac arrest after temporary ventilator circuit disconnectionDr Sin Ngai-chuen
Hospital Chief Executive, Alice Ho Miu Ling Nethersole Hospital and Tai Po HospitalDr Janice Chow
Consultant, Department of Paediatrics & Adolescent Medicine, Queen Mary HospitalNurse Consultant, Department of Paediatrics & Adolescent Medicine, Queen Mary HospitalChief Manager (Patient Safety and Risk Management), Hospital AuthorityService Director (Quality and Safety), Kowloon Central ClusterDeputy Chief of Service, Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Kwong Wah HospitalDeputy Quality and Safety Coordinator, Hong Kong Children’s HospitalIssued at HKT 19:40

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HKMA Half-Yearly Monetary and Financial Stability Report (March 2026 Issue)

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

HKMA Half-Yearly Monetary and Financial Stability Report (March 2026 Issue)      
     The Half-Yearly Report provides detailed analyses of the global and local economy, as well as the monetary and financial conditions in Hong Kong. It also examines the recent performance and risks of the local banking sector.
      
     The Half-Yearly Report can be viewed on and downloaded from the HKMA websiteIssued at HKT 17:30

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Fourth-term Human Resources Planning Commission convenes fifth meeting

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Fourth-term Human Resources Planning Commission convenes fifth meeting      
     The Government has been enhancing local training in response to social development and trends in manpower demand. The ERB is undertaking a comprehensive reform: in addition to the employment-related training now being provided to grassroots workers, the ERB will also enhance its role in devising skills‑based training programmes and strategies for the entire workforce, promoting continuous learning and skills development for all. The 2026-27 Budget announced that the ERB will be upgraded as Upskill Hong Kong, providing various types of skills-based training courses, including AI applications. The ERB will officially change its name upon completion of the relevant legislative amendments.
      
     At the meeting, the ERB briefed members on the latest progress of its reform. Members were pleased to note that Upskill Hong Kong will continue its vital mission of serving local grassroots workers, while strengthening its research capabilities and establishing a skills-based training framework. The ERB will prioritise the “eight centres” and nine significant sectors in developing training services. It will develop new emerging skills training courses tailored to enterprises’ transformation needs, including strengthening the integration of AI knowledge and application technologies into the course curriculum to help the workforce adapt to changes in the workplace. Members supported the work plan of Upskill Hong Kong in promoting the continuous learning and skills development for all, and provided feedback on the relevant work.
      
     To continuously enrich the local talent pool, on the premises of strengthening local training and ensuring priority employment for local workers, the Government is also actively recruiting outside talent. Established in 2023, HKTE facilitates the settlement and integration of talent into the community. At the meeting, HKTE briefed members on its work highlights for 2025 and its plans for 2026. Members supported HKTE’s global talent recruitment and promotional efforts, and welcomed its increasing diversification of services in supporting incoming talent. HKTE also reported on the success of the Global Talent Summit Week held this month, which brought together a Nobel Laureate in Economic Sciences and leaders from the political, business and academia sectors worldwide to discuss future talent trends, foster cross-sectoral and cross-regional collaboration, thereby showcasing Hong Kong’s dual role as an international talent hub and the country’s gateway for talent.
      
     Members were also briefed by the GBA Office and HKTE on the policy measures and promotional strategies for attracting overseas talent through collaboration within the GBA. The Government has implemented initiatives to facilitate the southbound and northbound two-way flow of Mainland and Hong Kong high-calibre talent, as well as to facilitate the entry of Hong Kong professionals into the Mainland market. Looking ahead, the GBA Office and HKTE will continue to conduct visits abroad and to other Mainland cities to promote the opportunities brought about by the development of the GBA to attract outstanding overseas and Mainland talent to capitalise on the distinctive advantages and position of Hong Kong under the “one country, two systems” principle, building Hong Kong into an international hub for high-calibre talent. Members affirmed the above work and expressed views on promoting talent mobility within the region.
Issued at HKT 17:25

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Inland Revenue (Amendment) (Automatic Exchange of Information) Bill 2026 to be introduced into LegCo for First Reading and Second Reading

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Inland Revenue (Amendment) (Automatic Exchange of Information) Bill 2026 to be introduced into LegCo for First Reading and Second Reading 
     The Legislative Council (LegCo) will hold a meeting on Wednesday (April 1) at 11am in the Chamber of the LegCo Complex. During the meeting, the Inland Revenue (Amendment) (Automatic Exchange of Information) Bill 2026 will be introduced into the Council for the First Reading and the Second Reading. The Second Reading debate on the Bill will be adjourned.
 
     On Members’ motions, Dr Hoey Simon Lee will move a motion on “Exploring collaborative legislation in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area”. The motion is set out in Appendix 1. Mr Wu Yingpeng, Mr Duncan Chiu, Dr Thomas So, Mr Andrew Yao, Ms Maggie Chan, Mr Shiu Ka-fai, Prof Priscilla Leung and Prof Michael Ngai will move separate amendments to Dr Hoey Simon Lee’s motion.
 
     Mr Nick Chan will move a motion on “Holistically reviewing and enhancing legislation relating to child protection”. The motion is set out in Appendix 2. Mr Chong Ho-fung, Ms Maggie Chan, Mr Tang Fei, Mr Tang Ka-piu, Reverend Canon Peter Douglas Koon and Ms Grace Chan will move separate amendments to Mr Nick Chan’s motion.
 
     On other Members’ motions, Mr Dennis Leung and Ms Chan Hoi-yan will move two separate proposed resolutions under section 34(4) of the Interpretation and General Clauses Ordinance (Cap. 1) to extend the period for amending subsidiary legislations. The proposed resolutions are set out in Appendix 3 and Appendix 4 respectively.
 
     Members will also ask the Government 22 questions on various policy areas, six of which require oral replies.
 
     The agenda of the above meeting is available on the LegCo Website (www.legco.gov.hkIssued at HKT 16:42

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Correctional officers stop remand person in custody attempting escape

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Correctional officers stop remand person in custody attempting escape      
     The remand person in custody was arranged to attend a hearing at Tuen Mun Magistrates’ Courts this morning. At 9.29am, upon arrival at the vehicular gate of the cell holding unit of the Magistrates’ Courts and as he was alighting from the vehicle, the remand person in custody suddenly attempted to escape. Officers at the scene immediately stopped the remand person in custody and applied oleoresin capsicum (OC) foam to subdue him after repeated warnings were ignored. The remand person in custody was subsequently escorted back to the institution.
      
     The case has been reported to the Police for investigation.
      
     The person in custody was remanded for the offence of robbery in February 2026.
Issued at HKT 16:25

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More than 400 volunteers take part in Green Recycling Day of Hong Kong Flower Show

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) is once again holding a Green Recycling Day (GRD) upon the conclusion of the 10-day Hong Kong Flower Show. The GRD activities were held today (March 30) and will continue tomorrow (March 31) at Victoria Park to reinforce green measures and reduce waste, demonstrating the department’s commitment to environmental protection at its large-scale events.
 
     More than 400 volunteers, in support of the flower show’s GRD activities, assisted in separating and collecting reusable and recyclable materials at the showground for waste reduction today. These volunteers came from the Hong Kong Jockey Club, corporates and local organisations. There were also LCSD staff volunteers, as well as those recruited under the department’s Green Volunteer Scheme.
 
     In addition, around 3 500 pots of flowers in good condition and suitable for replanting were distributed to the public at the park’s Sugar Street entrance this morning.
 
     Some flowers suitable for replanting were also distributed to schools, environmental groups and non-governmental organisations via the Give the Flowers a New Home! Jockey Club Flower Replanting Scheme to encourage greening in the community. This year, over 10 000 potted plants were distributed to more than 90 organisations.
 
     Meanwhile, some landscape displays will be relocated to designated parks in the 18 districts, enabling members of the public to appreciate the gorgeous floral designs, as well as boosting the colour of the parks.
 
     As in previous years, the LCSD has implemented various green measures at different stages of the flower show, encouraging all stakeholders including exhibitors, contractors, volunteers and members of the public to apply the 3R principles, namely “Reduce, Reuse and Recycle”.
 
     In the preparation phase, stakeholders were provided with guidelines on waste reduction. Exhibitors were encouraged to use recyclable or reusable materials in their display designs. While cleaning up the exhibits, they were reminded to collect reusable materials and separate the leftover materials properly before delivering them to recycling spots set up at the showground.
 
     During the show period, visitors were encouraged to bring their own water bottles and reusable shopping bags, and avoid single-use products. QR codes were provided at the showground for downloading the location map and information on the theme flower, major attractions and more. Recyclables collection points were also set up to facilitate the collection of carton boxes, plastic flower pots and other plastics, soil, wilted flowers, metals, wooden planks and more, which will be transported to various local recycling points.
 
     The LCSD hopes to gather community power through implementing various green measures to achieve the goal of a “Green Flower Show for All”.

                    

Appointment to Mandatory Provident Fund Schemes Authority announced

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Appointment to Mandatory Provident Fund Schemes Authority announced——————————————
Mrs Ayesha Macpherson Lau—————————
Mr Chau Siu-chung
Miss Queenie Fiona Lau
Dr Wingco Lo Kam-wing
Mr Dominic Pang Yat-ting
Mr Bill Tang Ka-piu
Dr Levin Wang Lei
Ms Fanny Wong Lai-kwan
Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury (Permanent Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury (Financial Services) as alternate)
Secretary for Labour and Welfare (Permanent Secretary for Labour and Welfare as alternate)———————
Mr Cheng Yan-chee
Ms Cynthia Hui Wai-yee
Mr Wallace Lau Ka-ki
Mr Eric Cheng Siu-fun
Mr Kenneth Chan Siu-yum
Issued at HKT 15:00

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Hongkong Post to issue “2025 Prestige Annual Stamp Album” and “2025 Annual Stamp Pack”

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

​Hongkong Post announced today (March 30) that the “2025 Prestige Annual Stamp Album” (Ordinary Version) and the “2025 Annual Stamp Pack” will be released for sale at all 37 philatelic offices on March 31 (Tuesday) and on Hongkong Post’s online shopping platform ShopThruPost (shopthrupost.hongkongpost.hk) from 8am on the same day. The “2025 Prestige Annual Stamp Album” (Deluxe Version) will also be put on sale on ShopThruPost on the same day.
 
The stamp issues released by Hongkong Post in 2025 encompassed a variety of themes, ranging from local culture and sporting events to natural landscapes and city development. The rich variety of interesting topics, each demonstrating the ingenuity of the designers and having great significance, has captured the attention of both stamp collectors and the general public.
 
     The “2025 Prestige Annual Stamp Album” is a collectible with exquisite designs and is of great commemorative value. The “2025 Prestige Annual Stamp Album” (Ordinary Version), priced at $898, contains a complete collection of all special/commemorative stamps, stamp sheetlets and souvenir sheets issued by Hongkong Post in 2025, while the Deluxe Version, priced at $998, comes with an additional certificate signed by the Postmaster General and a unique serial number. The “2025 Annual Stamp Pack”, priced at $328, contains all special stamps (except stamp sheetlets and souvenir sheets) issued by Hongkong Post during the year.
 
Information about the “2025 Prestige Annual Stamp Album” and the “2025 Annual Stamp Pack” is available on the Hongkong Post Stamps website (stamps.hongkongpost.hk).

  

Hikers urged to follow safety advice

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Agriculture, Fisheries & Conservation Department (AFCD) today urged the public to prioritise safety and follow the Guidelines & Code for Visiting Country Parks during the coming Easter holiday and Ching Ming holidays.

In anticipation of high visitor traffic at the High Island Reservoir East Dam in Sai Kung, the department will implement crowd management at the High Island Geo Trail entrance – Po Pin Chau Section, if necessary. Visitors may be required to queue to prevent overcrowding at the scenic spot.

The AFCD has placed information boards and direction signs at appropriate locations in country parks, while warning signs have been erected near dangerous terrain. Visitors are urged to follow all signage, remain on designated hiking trails and avoid crossing railings or standing near cliff edges, coastal fringes and steep slopes.

The department also advised the public to protect the natural environment and observe hiking etiquette. Camping is strictly limited to designated sites, and fire can only be used at assigned barbecue sites or campsites. Visitors must not disturb wildlife or cause a nuisance to others.

The AFCD will step up patrols to take enforcement action against irregularities. Anyone littering in country parks is liable to a fixed penalty of $3,000.

Foreign Minister Lin thanks US Congress members and other parliamentarians for support following Taiwan’s compelled absence from WTO MC14

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

Foreign Minister Lin thanks US Congress members and other parliamentarians for support following Taiwan’s compelled absence from WTO MC14

Date:2026-03-27
Data Source:Department of International Cooperation and Economic Affairs

March 27, 2026  
No. 116  In response to host country Cameroon’s demeaning designation that compelled Taiwan to be absent from the 14th Ministerial Conference (MC14) of the World Trade Organization (WTO), members of the United States Congress from across the political spectrum and legislators from other nations have publicly spoken up for Taiwan’s international participation. Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung expresses his sincere appreciation for these expressions of support.
 
Cochair of the Congressional Taiwan Caucus Mario Díaz-Balart posted on X on March 23 that it was concerning that Cameroon prioritized China’s foreign policy machinations by undermining Taiwan’s status as a separate customs territory at the WTO. He noted that this was yet another example of Beijing’s coercive tactics to deny Taiwan’s meaningful participation in international organizations and that this had set a dangerous precedent. He then added that Taiwan was a vital economic and security partner of many countries, including the United States, and affirmed that the United States would continue to advocate for Taiwan’s international participation.
 
Separately, House Select Committee on the Strategic Competition Between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party Chairman John Moolenaar and Ranking Member Ro Khanna issued a joint statement on March 25. The statement stressed that Cameroon’s decision to exclude Taiwan from the 14th WTO Ministerial Conference was another troubling example of China’s continued efforts to manipulate multilateral institutions.
 
They went on to state that Taiwan was a key trading partner of the United States and many countries around the world and that Taiwan’s forced absence from the WTO’s highest decision-making forum for the first time since its accession in 2001 would hamper WTO members’ collective ability to address challenges and chart the future of global trade. They emphasized that Taiwan was a full WTO member and that WTO conference host nations had a long-standing practice of recognizing Taiwan as a separate customs territory.
 
The statement further underscored that this was not an isolated incident but rather part of Beijing’s continued campaign to exert undue influence over international bodies and marginalize Taiwan. It said that the United States would continue to work with Taiwan and that Taiwan was a model democracy and an economic and technological powerhouse. It called on the WTO to stand up to China’s bullying and facilitate Taiwan’s participation in this Ministerial Conference.
 
Meanwhile, Eric Bothorel, former Chair of the French National Assembly’s Taiwan Friendship Group, shared related media coverage from Le Figaro and declared that Taiwan was not a province of China in a March 24 post on X.
 
Minister Lin Chia-lung expresses sincere appreciation for the support and advocacy of international partners. Taiwan will continue to work closely with like-minded WTO members to staunchly safeguard its rights and dignity. (E)