Month: April 2026

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Social Welfare Department (SWD) today (April 21) alerted members of the public to fraudulent SMS messages purportedly issued by the department. 

The fraudulent SMS messages claim that the recipient is a beneficiary of Old Age Allowance and is required to click on an unknown hyperlink embedded to update personal information for continuation of payment. 

The SWD emphasises that the SMS messages are not issued by the department and has referred the case to the Police for follow-up.

Anyone who has clicked the unknown hyperlink in the SMS messages or provided his/her personal information to any suspicious website should contact the Police. For enquiries, please call the SWD’s hotline at 2343 2255.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     Following is the speech by the Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, at the World Intellectual Property Day Reception 2026 today (April 21):

Algernon (Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Algernon Yau), David (Director of Intellectual Property, Mr David Wong), consuls-general, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, 
     On the tax front, we have advanced a series of reforms over the years. For example, the patent box regime is now in place. Qualifying IP income is taxed at a concessionary rate of 5 per cent, compared to the standard profits tax rate of 16.5 per cent.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The following is issued on behalf of the Legislative Council Secretariat:

     The Legislative Council (LegCo) Panel on Health Services visited the CUHK Medical Centre (CUHKMC) today (April 21) to learn about the hospital’s clinical services, operational model and latest developments.

     Accompanied by the Chairman of the Council of the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK), Professor John Chai, the Vice-Chancellor and President of the CUHK, Professor Dennis Lo, the Acting Dean of the Faculty of Medicine of the CUHK, Professor Patrick Yung, and the Chief Executive Officer of the CUHKMC, Dr Chung Kin-lai, Members gained an understanding of the development of the CUHK, its Faculty of Medicine and the CUHKMC, as well as the synergy of their tripartite partnership at the History Gallery.

     Members toured the Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation Centre, the Endoscopy Centre and the Day Surgery Centre; and they were presented with the surgical robotic system designed by the CUHK team. Members noted that the Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation Centre delivered comprehensive rehabilitation services catering to both elite athletes and the general public, and observed the application of advanced equipment such as the gait analysis system and exoskeleton. Members also learnt how medical innovations developed by the CUHK were being applied in advanced endoscopic surgeries at the Endoscopy Centre.

     Members noted the hospital’s adoption of medical technology, including the use of surgical robotic system to successfully complete more than 130 urological surgeries. The system is specifically optimised for performing procedures within the narrow confines of the pelvic cavity. The clinical data indicates that the system contributes to reduced postoperative complications and accelerated recovery. Moreover, the hospital has introduced the Unity MR-Linac system, one of only two such systems in Hong Kong, to deliver high-precision radiotherapy to cancer patients.

     Members then received a briefing from the representatives of the CUHKMC on the latest situation of the hospital. They noted that the hospital had been proactively introducing measures on generating revenue and managing costs. Members also exchanged views with the representatives of the CUHKMC on how to continuously improve the the CUHKMC’s financial and operational situations.

     A total of 13 members and non-members of the Panel on Health Services participated in the visit.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority:

The Hong Kong Mortgage Corporation Limited (HKMC) today (April 21) announced the highlights of its annual results for 2025.
 
Business Highlights
 
In 2025, the HKMC and its subsidiaries continued to fulfil their core missions and social objectives, contributing to the steady growth of Hong Kong’s economy amid an increasingly complex and evolving environment. The missions of the HKMC are to promote: the stability of the banking sector, wider home ownership, the development of the local debt market, and the development of the retirement planning market.
 
Asset Purchase and Securitisation
 

• Acquired HK$6.9 billion of loan assets (2024: HK$3.9 billion)
• Purchased HK$158 million of loans (2024: HK$52 million) under the Dedicated 100% Loan Guarantee Schemes (DLGS)
• Completed the third issuance of infrastructure loan-backed securities. The issuance consists of multiple classes of US dollar-denominated secured notes backed by the cash flows from a diversified portfolio of project and infrastructure loans across different geographies and sectors, with a total size of approximately US$450.5 million
• Outstanding balance of loan portfolio was HK$78.6 billion as at December 31, 2025 (December 31, 2024: HK$95.5 billion)

Debt Issuance
 

• Issued corporate debts totalling HK$70.5 billion (2024: HK$103.5 billion), continued to be the most active issuer in the domestic Hong Kong dollar (HKD) corporate bond market
• Successfully completed the issuance of multi-currency benchmark bonds across four tranches totalling HK$25.3 billion, marking the HKMC’s largest-ever public issuance. Notably, the 30-year HKD social bond tranche is the largest-ever 30-year HKD bond issued in Hong Kong. It is also the first social bond issuance in Asia Pacific with proceeds being used to support the HKMC’s Reverse Mortgage Programme that provides essential financing for the elderly in Hong Kong
• Outstanding balance of debt securities issued was HK$155.2 billion as of December 31, 2025 (December 31, 2024: HK$148.3 billion)
• Credit ratings of AA+ from S&P Global Ratings and Aa3 from Moody’s, same as those of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government

Mortgage Insurance Programme (MIP)
 

• New MIP loans drawn down amounted to HK$35.2 billion (2024: HK$47.9 billion), of which 60 per cent were secured on properties in the secondary market
• It had facilitated home purchase for about 242 000 families in total since its launch in 1999, with an aggregate loan drawdown of HK$905 billion

SME Financing Guarantee Scheme
 

• For the 80% Guarantee Product, more than 29 300 applications were approved with a total loan amount of approximately HK$125.7 billion since its launch in 2012. For the 90% Guarantee Product, over 18 600 applications were approved with a total loan amount of approximately HK$32.7 billion since its launch in 2019. The application period for the 80% Guarantee Product has been extended for two years until end-March 2028, while the one for the 90% Guarantee Product has expired at end-March 2026
• In respect of the Special 100% Loan Guarantee, more than 67 100 applications were approved with a total loan amount of approximately HK$143.9 billion since its launch in 2020. An equivalent amount of loan assets was purchased by the HKMC. The application period has expired at end-March 2024
• Since the inception of each Guarantee Product, the 80% and 90% Guarantee Products had benefitted around 25 100 local small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and more than 409 000 related employees. The Special 100% Loan Guarantee had benefitted more than 40 000 local SMEs and around 400 000 related employees

Dedicated 100% Loan Guarantee Schemes
 

• Under the DLGS for Travel Sector and the DLGS for Cross-boundary Passenger Transport Trade, 227 applications were approved with a total loan amount of approximately HK$0.22 billion since the launch of the DLGS in 2023. Their application periods expired in October 2024

 

• In respect of the DLGS for Battery Electric Taxis, more than 630 applications were approved with a total loan amount of approximately HK$0.21 billion since its launch in 2023

Annuity Business
 

• The annuity business has taken a total of over 16 530 policies (2024: 10 835 policies), with total premiums of approximately HK$9 billion (2024: HK$4.4 billion)
• Since its launch in 2018, it had helped about 34 000 senior citizens to convert their savings into lifelong stable income

Reverse Mortgage Programme
 

• 937 applications were approved (2024: 1 033 applications), with an average property value of HK$4.1 million and an average monthly payout of HK$9,400
• Since its launch in 2011, 8 861 applications were approved

Financial Highlights
 
The audited consolidated loss after tax of the HKMC for 2025 was HK$109 million (2024: consolidated loss after tax of HK$418 million). The improved results were primarily driven by increased income from placements with the Exchange Fund which was bolstered by rising annuity premiums and capital injections made to HKMC Annuity Limited (HKMCA) (Notes 1) in 2025 and HKMC Insurance Limited (HKMCI) (Notes 2) in late 2024, coupled with a recovery in the local property market benefitting the reverse mortgage business, the increase in net interest income and the revaluation gains of US dollar-denominated exposures in cash and debt investments. Such gains were partially offset by the higher accounting loss in the annuity business resulting from a surge in new policies written and the negative accounting impact of lower discount rates on insurance liabilities revaluation.

In line with its mandate to promote the development of the retirement planning market in Hong Kong, the HKMC is dedicated to advancing the annuity and reverse mortgage businesses which are subject to the increasing sensitivity and volatility of mark-to-market accounting effect. To better reflect its core financial performance, after excluding (i) the accounting results of the HKMCA; (ii) the impact of property price changes on the long-term reverse mortgage business; and (iii) the consolidation adjustments in respect of loan portfolios with insurance cover provided by the HKMCI, the adjusted profit after tax of the HKMC for 2025 was HK$1,497 million (2024: HK$787 million). Accordingly, the return on equity and cost-to-income ratio stood at 5.2 per cent and 19.3 per cent respectively (2024: 4.8 per cent and 27.6 per cent respectively).
 
At the end of 2025, the embedded value of the annuity business was about HK$24.4 billion on the basis of the Insurance Ordinance, which comprised HK$21.5 billion of total equity and HK$2.9 billion of present value of future profits. This indicates a solid financial position of the HKMCA to develop the annuity business in the long term.

In accordance with the Guidelines on Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR), the calculation of capital ratio follows the basis of consolidation for financial reporting with the exclusion of regulated subsidiaries which are subject to separate requirements on the maintenance of adequate capital (i.e. the HKMCA and the HKMCI, both being regulated by the Insurance Authority (IA)). Excluding the investment cost of such unconsolidated regulated subsidiaries, the HKMC’s CAR remained solid at 18.1 per cent as at December 31, 2025 (December 31, 2024: 19.9 per cent), well above the minimum requirement of 8 per cent stipulated by the Financial Secretary.

The solvency ratios of the HKMCA and the HKMCI as at December 31, 2025, calculated in accordance with the Insurance (Valuation and Capital) Rules under the Risk-based Capital regime, were about 2 times and 3.9 times respectively (December 31, 2024: 1.7 times and 4 times respectively), each well above the minimum regulatory requirements stipulated by the IA.

Amid uncertain market conditions, the HKMC adopted a prudent prefunding strategy and proactively communicated with local and international investment communities for debt issuance to support its loan purchases and fulfil its refinancing needs.

As at December 31, 2025, the HKMC’s shareholder’s equity, cash and short-term funds and investment securities were at HK$51.2 billion, HK$64.5 billion and HK$30.1 billion respectively (December 31, 2024: HK$38.9 billion, HK$52.6 billion and HK$18.8 billion respectively). With strong financing capability, solid capital and liquidity positions, the HKMC’s core operations remain resilient and stand ready to cope with any financial turbulence ahead in performing its strategic policy roles and attaining its social objectives.

The 2025 Annual Report of the HKMC containing detailed information of the financial results will be published on the HKMC’s website in due course.

Notes:

1. A wholly-owned subsidiary of the HKMC that carries on long term insurance business
2. A wholly-owned subsidiary of the HKMC that carries on general insurance business

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     In view of the increasing demand of injections and medicines from society recently, Hong Kong Customs has strengthened enforcement against the smuggling of controlled injection substances and medicines. As a result, two related cases, with suspected controlled injection and pharmaceutical products worth over $39 million, were detected. Three persons were arrested.
 
Hong Kong Customs on March 30 detected one smuggling case involving a river trade vessel departing from Hong Kong for Macao. Large batches of suspected smuggled goods, including about 4 million suspected pharmaceutical products, about 26 000 suspected controlled injection substances, and about 7 kilograms of cigars, with a total estimated market value of approximately $35 million, were seized.
 
Moreover, Hong Kong Customs detected a case of smuggling suspected controlled injection and pharmaceutical products on April 8. Customs officers on that day identified a shop in Sheung Shui which was suspected of smuggling controlled pharmaceutical products. A 28-year-old male consignee suspected to be connected with the case, and a 32-year-old male shop keeper were arrested. Customs further arrested a 33-year-old female person-in-charge of the shop concerned. Customs seized a total of 5 600 weight loss jabs and about 30 000 pharmaceutical tablets, with an estimated market value of about $4.77 million, in the case.

Investigations are ongoing, and the three arrestees have been released on bail.

Customs will continue to combat cross-boundary smuggling activities with firm enforcement action based on risk assessment and intelligence analysis.
 
Smuggling is a serious offence. Under the Import and Export Ordinance, any person found guilty of importing or exporting unmanifested cargo is liable to a maximum fine of $2 million and imprisonment for seven years. Any person who imports pharmaceutical products and medicines without a valid import licence commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $500,000 and imprisonment for two years.
 
Under the Pharmacy and Poisons Ordinance, any person who possesses any poison included in Part 1 of the Poisons List other than in accordance with provisions commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $100,000 and imprisonment for two years.
 
Members of the public may report any suspected smuggling activities to Customs’ 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002).

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Director of Environmental Protection, Dr Samuel Chui, visited the Ministry of Ecology and Environment (MEE) in Beijing today (April 21), and held technical exchanges with representatives from the Department of Marine Ecology and Environment of the MEE, the National Marine Environmental Monitoring Center, the Department of Ecology and Environment of Guangdong Province, and the Ecology Environment Bureau of Shenzhen Municipality on the building of “Beautiful Bays” and the development of assessment standards for estuarine bay areas.

     In December 2025, the MEE announced the fourth batch of national “Beautiful Bays”, and Hong Kong’s Mirs Bay was selected as an “Outstanding Example of Beautiful Bays” with an excellent overall score. Dr Chui said that Mirs Bay’s recognition highlights the efforts of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government in marine ecological environment protection, and represents a significant achievement of the HKSAR Government in jointly building the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area into an international, first-class beautiful bay area. The HKSAR Government will actively advance the building of “Beautiful Bays” and is committed to enhancing the quality of the marine ecological environment through the prevention and control of nearshore pollution, co-ordinated ecosystem protection and shoreline remediation.

     At the exchange meeting, Dr Chui shared the HKSAR Government’s work on the building of “Beautiful Bays” and introduced the biological water quality indicator “Phytoplankton Community Integrity Index” developed by the Environmental Protection Department (EPD). He also had an in-depth discussion with the Mainland experts on the development of assessment standards applicable to estuarine bay areas for monitoring, addressing and managing nutrient enrichment in coastal and estuarine waters.

     During his visit to Beijing, Dr Chui also met with representatives of the BRI International Green Development Coalition and the Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences of the Chinese Academy of Sciences to explore collaboration on environmental technologies, aiming to jointly achieve the goal of high-quality green and sustainable development under the Belt and Road Initiative. Dr Chui was also invited to attend the launching ceremony of the Hong Kong Institution of Engineers’ 50th anniversary event “Hong Kong Engineering Legacy Exhibition@Capital” yesterday (April 20). He shared at the ceremony the EPD’s experience in winning the Grand Award in the Innovation Category (2010-present) of the Hong Kong Institution of Engineers’ 50th Anniversary Legacy Award for its Territory-wide Sewage Surveillance Programme.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Today was the second day of phased arrangements for residents of seven blocks of Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po to return to their units. The Government said 275 people from 78 households turned up and the access arrangements were carried out in an orderly manner and operated smoothly.

Ten middle-zone floors of Wang Sun House were opened today.

Concluding the arrangements, the Government said a total of 271 people of 77 households registered to return to their units today through the “one social worker per household” service, while 275 people of 78 households actually turned up, including one household which reported sick and was absent yesterday.

The average time residents spent entering and leaving the building today was one hour and 48 minutes, with the shortest time being 21 minutes and the longest three hours and 25 minutes. About 13% of the residents stayed in the building for less than one hour.

A total of 34 people of 14 households went up and down the building more than once within three hours. Among them, 23 people of eight households made one additional trip, eight people of four households made two additional trips, while one person of one household made four additional trips, with the highest record of one person of one household making five additional trips and another making four additional trips.

The integrated enquiry counter today received 11 cases of requesting police assistance and two cases involving residents seeking help due to physical discomfort, as well as two cases seeking psychological counselling services.

The 11 cases of requesting police assistance involved suspected loss of property, including camera, jewellery and gold items. Officers were immediately deployed to assist in searches, and lost property was recovered in four cases.

In another four, the units concerned were severely damaged and residents believed after investigation that the property might have been destroyed by fire.

For the remaining three cases, there were no signs of ransacking in the units and the residents could not provide details on the property concerned.

After reviewing the experience from the first day of arrangements, two adjustments have been made on site starting today.

The first adjustment involved expanding the personal protective equipment donning area at Kwong Fuk Community Hall, adding more tables and chairs, and setting up more marquees for rain protection.

The second adjustment involved adding more tables and chairs in the resident waiting area at Tai Po Baptist Public School, and expanding the on-site storage area to facilitate residents while they wait for transport.

The Government outlined that it deploys over 1,000 personnel from various departments each day, including Police, the Civil Aid Service, the Fire Services Department, the Auxiliary Medical Service, the Home Affairs Department, the Social Welfare Department, the Housing Department, and the Housing Bureau, and staff mobilised from other departments, as well as District Services & Community Care Teams members to fully support residents returning to their units.