Month: April 2026

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Speech by SITI at Main Forum and Distinguished Contributors Gala of 2026 World Internet Conference Asia-Pacific Summit (English only)

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Following is the speech by the Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Professor Sun Dong, at the Main Forum and Distinguished Contributors Gala of the 2026 World Internet Conference (WIC) Asia-Pacific Summit today (April 13):

(Deputy Director of the Cyberspace Administration of China, Mr Wang Jingtao), (Secretary-General of the World Internet Conference, Mr Ren Xianliang), Professor Francis Gurry (Vice-chairman of the WIC), Financial Secretary Mr Paul Chan, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

Good afternoon. Welcome to Hong Kong and to the Main Forum of this Summit. We are gathered here today not only to strengthen dialogue and co-operation, but to chart a more inclusive, secure and innovative digital future. This year’s Summit is especially meaningful, as the World Internet Conference distinguished contributors are joining us to share their insights and experience in advancing global Internet development.

The world is experiencing a powerful wave of digital transformation. Only through technological innovation and international co‑operation can we build a sustainable digital future for all. This direction aligns closely with China’s National 15th Five‑Year Plan, which calls for deeper integration of technology and industry. Hong Kong has embraced this mission with determination. We are pressing ahead to develop Hong Kong into an international innovation and technology (I&T) centre and to support the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area in becoming a world‑class innovation hub.

Guided by the Hong Kong I&T Development Blueprint, we are shaping a new Hong Kong I&T landscape anchored by “three major I&T parks” and “five key research and development (R&D) institutions”. Our industry policy focuses on strategic technology areas such as life and health technology, artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics, and advanced manufacturing and new energy, which will define Hong Kong’s global competitiveness in the decades ahead.

Home to five of the world’s top 100 universities, Hong Kong’s academic excellence continues to fuel our R&D capability. Our two existing InnoHK research clusters are driving breakthroughs in healthcare, AI and robotics. A new InnoHK cluster, focusing on sustainable development, energy, advanced manufacturing and new materials, will be established in the first half of this year. At the moment, over 3 000 researchers from around the world are contributing their expertise at the InnoHK clusters, building a vibrant platform for long‑term innovation and global R&D collaboration.

The HKSAR (Hong Kong Special Administrative Region) Government continues to invest strategically in infrastructure and talent to accelerate the transformation of R&D outcomes and foster tech industry development. For example, the Hong Kong Artificial Intelligence Research and Development Institute, one of the five key R&D institutions, is set to launch this year to drive the strategic development of AI.

With the kick-off of the Sandy Ridge Data Facility Cluster project last month, running in parallel with Cyberport’s AI Supercomputing Centre, Hong Kong’s computing power is set to increase by more than thirtyfold by 2032, meeting the fast‑growing demands of the AI industry. We will also set up the first National Manufacturing Innovation Centre outside the Chinese Mainland, contributing directly to the nation’s breakthroughs in core technologies, particularly in semiconductors.

Hong Kong’s open and friendly business environment, world-class infrastructure, global university partnerships and international talent pool make us a magnet for talents and enterprises. Our unique advantage under “one country, two systems” positions us as both the gateway to the Chinese Mainland and a bridge to the world. As a “super connector” and a “super value-adder”, Hong Kong facilitates the flow of ideas, capital and talents for ventures that are keen to harness comparative strengths across jurisdictions.

Hong Kong’s I&T transformation is already yielding visible results. Our start-up ecosystem has grown rapidly, now home to more than 5 200 start-ups, representing a surge of around 40 per cent compared to that of five years ago and reflecting Hong Kong’s growing appeal to global innovators. International rankings also affirm our momentum: Hong Kong placed third worldwide in the “Technology” factor and fourth overall in the World Digital Competitiveness Ranking 2025, and we are the first in Asia and fourth globally in the World Talent Ranking 2025. Even more significant, the Shenzhen-Hong Kong-Guangzhou innovation cluster topped the Global Innovation Index 2025 Ranking of World’s Top 100 Innovation Clusters for the first time. All these achievements are not isolated milestones, but demonstrate Hong Kong’s solid capability and rising influence in shaping global I&T development.

Building a community with a shared future in cyberspace requires the concerted efforts of all parties. We look forward to working with partners from all regions to deepen co-operation, share opportunities and generate real benefits through digital and intelligent development.

In closing, I wish the WIC Asia-Pacific Summit every success. Thank you all for your presence, and I trust the Summit will be most fruitful. Thank you.

Ends/Monday, April 13, 2026
Issued at HKT 17:05
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2 sports events get ‘M’ Mark

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Major Sports Events Committee today announced it has awarded “M” Mark status to two international competitions scheduled for April 17 to 19: the Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens 2026 and the 2026 UCI Track World Cup, Hong Kong, China.

“The world’s top rugby teams will gather at Kai Tak Stadium for three days of thrilling competitions at the Hong Kong Sevens,” said Committee Chairman Wilfred Ng.

“At the same time, the Hong Kong Velodrome will transform into a stage of speed where elite cyclists from around the globe compete, showcasing the pinnacle of velocity and skills at the UCI Track World Cup,” Mr Ng added.

He noted that these events will foster local sports development and generate economic benefits, further enhancing Hong Kong’s image as a hub for major international sporting events.

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Speech by FS at 2026 World Internet Conference Asia-Pacific Summit Main Forum (English only)

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Speech by FS at 2026 World Internet Conference Asia-Pacific Summit Main Forum (English only) (with photo/video)  (Deputy Director of the Cyberspace Administration of China, Mr Wang Jingtao), (Secretary-General of the World Internet Conference, Mr Ren Xianliang), Professor Francis Gurry (Vice-Chairman of the World Internet Conference), Honourable Ministers, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

It is both a pleasure and an honour to join you today. Allow me to offer my warmest welcome to everyone here for this important summit.

The era of digital intelligence

We meet at a moment when digitalisation and intelligent empowerment are reshaping every sector of our economies and our societies. In this process, there is no force as pivotal and transformative as artificial intelligence.

Today, we are witnessing a redefinition of connectivity – one that is no longer characterised by digital links, but by digital intelligence. The emergence of agentic AI, which has become a hot topic this year, marks a clear leap forward. We now see systems that do not simply execute instructions, but can plan, co-ordinate and act towards a goal.

I believe we are entering an era of digital intelligence, one marked by several defining features.

First, universal connection. The Internet of Things is steadily becoming a reality. With AI, the scale and depth of connectivity will grow, as more data and more devices are drawn into an integrated network. New forms of connection will emerge. For end users, we can expect more seamless and personalised devices, including, in time, direct interfaces between the human brain and the digital world.

Second, convergence of data. New layers of data generated by constant interaction will inspire new products, new services and new patterns of consumption. The ability to integrate data across sectors, interfaces and platforms will become a critical resource and asset for business development and innovation.

Third, interoperable AI. The rapid progress of large language models has shown us that no single model is perfect. Different systems have different strengths – and limitations. We can expect a future in which models compete and collaborate at the same time, with different AI systems working together to combine their best capabilities and applications and, in doing so, to accelerate innovation.

Finally, more intelligent decision-making. AI is already helping us make better and faster decisions in many fields. But it is worth stressing that, no matter how advanced the technology, it is people who must make the final judgment. Human responsibility, values and wisdom must guide how we design, deploy and govern these powerful tools.

Opportunities and challenges

The potential benefits brought by this era are enormous. Agentic AI is enabling new products, services and applications across the economy. It is also lowering barriers of entry to smaller players. One-person companies and small enterprises, with access to advanced analytics and automated operations, can now run lean, high-impact businesses with far lower cost.

At the same time, we are all familiar with the risks, from algorithm bias and cybersecurity threats to misinformation and deepfakes brought by AI. These risks may well be amplified as AI becomes more pervasive, and they remind us that several key issues must be addressed. They include the ultimate human control of AI systems, data security, resilience of digital infrastructure, as well as accountability and governance for agentic AI.

Hong Kong’s value proposition

Ladies and gentlemen, against this backdrop, allow me to share how Hong Kong is positioning ourselves, and the value we seek to create in this new era.

First, we are taking forward an “AI+” strategy. AI has tremendous transformative power across industries, and across both public and private sectors. Hong Kong is determined to enable more AI applications to be developed, tested and deployed in real-world settings.

That is why, as announced in this year’s Budget, we have set up the Committee on AI+ and Industry Development Strategy, which I chair. This Committee brings together leaders from industry and academia to explore how AI can best transform key sectors, such as life and health technology and embodied AI.

Nurturing talent and raising digital literacy are central to this strategy. In the age of digital intelligence, our community must know how to work with AI agents, using them to create value, while remaining alert to their risks.

This is a twin-track effort, focused on both specialist talent and the wider public. On the one hand, Hong Kong is building a strong AI talent pipeline by attracting top minds to our universities, research institutes and technology companies. On the other, we have launched the “AI Training for All” initiative to promote broad-based understanding and application of AI across society, so that students, professionals and the broader community are ready to seize the opportunities of the AI age.

Second, we are advancing a “Finance+” strategy. Hong Kong is an international financial centre, with a comprehensive funding ecosystem that serves companies and projects at every stage of development. The era of digital intelligence will bring forward new and frontier applications that require patient and sophisticated capital. Our task is to put Hong Kong’s financial strengths to full use, helping technology enterprises capture this window of opportunity and providing the funding support they need to accelerate innovation.

Third, Hong Kong is developing as a hub for data and innovative applications. We are where Mainland and international data, talent and capital converge. This gives us a unique vantage point to develop new applications that can serve both domestic and global markets.

At the same time, we recognise that innovation often comes with new risks. Here in Hong Kong, sandboxes have become a defining feature of our regulatory approach across sectors. They allow regulators to work side-by-side with innovators, testing new tools in a controlled environment, identifying risks early and providing timely, practical feedback. We believe this approach encourages more responsible innovation, and Hong Kong can be a trusted centre for AI innovation.

Closing

Ladies and gentlemen, looking ahead, the era of digital intelligence will offer vast opportunities – with AI as a force for all, and a force for good. To realise this, we will need imagination, the courage to experiment, and, above all, sound human judgment to guide the way forward.

To capture this moment, we must work together. By sharing experience, developing good practices and building concrete partnerships, we can ensure that technological progress remains sustainable, responsible and inclusive. Hong Kong is ready and willing to deepen its engagement with regional and international partners in this endeavour.

That is why platforms like the Summit today are so important. I wish it every success, and all of you good health and the best of business. Thank you very much.
Issued at HKT 16:48

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Speech by CE at World Internet Conference Asia-Pacific Summit (English only)

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     Following is the speech by the Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, at the World Internet Conference Asia-Pacific Summit today (April 13):
 
Honourable Minister Zhuang Rongwen of the Ministry of the Cyberspace Administration of PRC, Honourable Director Zhou Ji of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), Honourable Secretary General Ren Xianliang of the World Internet Conference, honourable ministers and officials from around the world, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, 
 
     Good morning. I am delighted to welcome you to the 2026 World Internet Conference Asia-Pacific Summit. 
 
     It is an honour for Hong Kong to be hosting this prestigious event – and for the second consecutive year.
 
     This year’s Summit gathers more than 1 000 high-profile participants from some 50 countries and regions. You’re here to seek collaboration opportunities, to network with a world of like-minded professionals, and to come together on a cohesive digital strategy, given today’s fast-evolving global digital landscape.
 
     The theme of this year’s Summit, “Digital and Intelligent Empowerment for Innovative Development – Jointly Building a Community with a Shared Future in Cyberspace”, underlines the essential value of digital collaboration on a global scale.
 
     The impressive turnout for this Summit is a testament to Hong Kong’s unparalleled role under the unique “one country, two systems” framework.
 
     A premier international financial, shipping and trade centre, Hong Kong thrives thanks to our robust common law system, free flow of information, capital, goods and talent, and peerless connectivity both to the vast Mainland market and the wide world beyond. All under the auspices of “one country, two systems”.
 
     Hosting this international Summit also underscores Hong Kong’s growing prominence as an international innovation and technology hub. No less important, it reinforces our deep integration into national development strategies. The country’s National 15th Five-Year Plan, approved last month, continues to champion Hong Kong’s development as an international I&T hub, let me add. 
 
     That includes supporting the development of I&T in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. The Greater Bay Area is a cluster city development that brings together Hong Kong and Macao with nine southern cities, and brings together a population of over 87 million.
 
     A prime example of that is the Hong Kong Park of the Hetao Shenzhen‑Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Co-operation Zone, which officially opened in December. Straddling Hong Kong’s boundary with the Mainland’s technology hub of Shenzhen, the Co-operation Zone provides more than the much-needed land resources for I&T development. It presents vast opportunities for innovative synergy between the two places, and great potential for co-operation that radiates beyond boundaries.
 
     The Hong Kong Park of the Zone has already attracted more than 70 tenants from key technology sectors, including artificial intelligence and data science, life and health technology, and new energy. 
 
     We are also working with Mainland authorities on implementing facilitating policies at the Co-operation Zone. They include enabling the cross-boundary flow of bio-samples and other innovation elements. 
 
     Not surprisingly, the Shenzhen-Hong Kong-Guangzhou innovation cluster topped the World Intellectual Property Organization’s Global Innovation Index last year to become No.1 in the world. That’s up one place from the year before.
 
     Complementing Hong Kong Park’s development, we published a conceptual outline of our development plan for I&T in the San Tin Technopole last November.
 
     The Technopole and adjacent Hong Kong Park, both in our burgeoning Northern Metropolis, can provide land on a larger scale, to support the growth of strategic I&T industries. Together, San Tin Technopole and Hong Kong Park will form a crucial node for integrated development across upstream, midstream and downstream industries, offering full-chain support – from offices and prototyping to testing, pilot production and manufacturing – and working with the Greater Bay Area’s industry supply chains.
 
     AI is central to the HKSAR Government’s accelerating I&T development. Over the past few years, it has earned Hong Kong international recognition. 
 
     Hong Kong ranks among the world’s leading economies in AI preparedness. That’s according to last year’s Technology and Innovation Report on Inclusive AI for Development, published by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development. Meanwhile, Hong Kong came third in the Global AI Competitiveness Index, after only New York and London.
 
     And we are putting together a comprehensive strategy combining world-class infrastructure, cutting-edge research and development and a culture of responsible innovation. Boosting our computing power, a key driver of AI development, is a priority.
 
     Hong Kong’s overall computing power rose to 5 000 petaFLOPS, following the launch of Cyberport’s AI Supercomputing Centre in December 2024, which laid a vital foundation for pioneering AI research and applications. 
 
     And the upcoming data facility cluster at Sandy Ridge, also in the Northern Metropolis, will further expand Hong Kong’s overall computing power. By 2032, this cluster alone will provide 180 000 petaFLOPS. That’s 36 times Hong Kong’s current computing power.
 
     As for R&D, our InnoHK Research Cluster focused on AI and robotics is funding 16 laboratories, together with over a thousand local and international researchers.
 
     There’s more. The Hong Kong AI Research and Development Institute’s opening, later this year, will help drive breakthroughs from upstream AI R&D. It will also transform midstream and downstream R&D outcomes and expand use cases.
 
     We are no less committed to making AI accessible to all. Under the “AI+” and “AI for all” campaigns, all segments of society – companies, employees, the civil service, students and even our older population – will have better access to AI literacy programmes.
 
     Above all, Hong Kong recognises that the power of AI must be balanced by its responsible, and inclusive use. After all, technology is a tool to help us enable innovative new approaches to connectivity, trust and shared prosperity. A tool that could function well only with a spirit of co-operation and creativity.
 
     Hong Kong looks forward to working with partners around the region, and across the world, to help shape a digital future built on openness, innovation and inclusivity.
 
     My thanks to the World Internet Conference for hosting this year’s Asia-Pacific Summit, and for your staunch support and trust in Hong Kong to put it together for the global internet community. 
 
     I wish everyone a productive and rewarding Summit, and an enjoyable stay in Hong Kong, Asia’s world city. And the region’s fast-rising innovation city. 
 
     Thank you.

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Speech by CE at Opening Ceremony of 3rd Hong Kong World Youth Science Conference and Xiangjiang Nobel Forum 2026 (English only)

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

Following is the speech by the Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, at the Opening Ceremony of the 3rd Hong Kong World Youth Science Conference and Xiangjiang Nobel Forum 2026 today (April 12):

Deputy Director Zhang Yong of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), Deputy Commissioner Li Yongsheng of the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the HKSAR, Director Chen Wei of Bureau IV of the Hong Kong and Macao Work Office of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council, Ms Li Ran, President of the Hong Kong Alumni Association of Beijing Universities, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

​Good morning. It is a great pleasure to join you, today, at the opening of the 3rd Hong Kong World Youth Science Conference and Xiangjiang Nobel Forum.

There are more than 1 000 innovation-inspired individuals – from over 30 countries and regions – here for the Science Conference, the Nobel Forum and the relevant events, taking place from today to this Thursday. 

This week is therefore a week of gathering for extraordinarily talented people. Today is a gathering of winners of the Nobel Prize and Turing Award, and more than 100 academics from China and overseas, as well as representatives from over 20 international institutions and organisations. And that’s not the half of it. More than 300 outstanding innovation and technology (I&T) enterprises from the Mainland and Macao are here, together with leading entrepreneurs and representatives from tech innovation companies and students from all over the world.

This series of events are held under the overarching theme of “Innovating the Future Globally”. Beyond today’s Science Conference and Nobel Forum, you’re taking in forums ranging from quantum information technology, biomedicine and artificial intelligence, to an innovation achievement exhibition, visits to institutes and more.

And what better place to come together, to help shape an innovative and inclusive future for us all, than Hong Kong. Thanks to the “one country, two systems” principle, Hong Kong has long served as the world’s “super connector” and “super value-adder”. We are the only city in the world that counts as many as five universities in the global top 100. Our business environment is open and transparent. We enjoy a long tradition of the rule of law, and our common law legal system is similar to most global financial hubs. We make it easy for companies and investors from China, our country, and from around the world, to do business together here.

Fundamental to Hong Kong’s thriving development is that we enjoy the unwavering support of our motherland, China. Last month, China launched its 15th Five-Year Plan, which continues to champion Hong Kong’s development as an international innovation and technology centre. 

InnoHK, our flagship R&D (research and development) initiative, is a good example to showcase how our city is rapidly rising as a hub for global research collaboration. 

Our two existing InnoHK research clusters focus on healthcare technology, and on AI and robotics. They’re built on collaboration with more than 30 world-renowned universities and research institutes from 12 economies, bridging together some 3 000 researchers, locally and globally, to conduct ground-breaking research. 

A third InnoHK research cluster, focusing on sustainable development, energy and advanced manufacturing and materials, is in the works. I’m pleased to inform you that, like the original two, it will serve as a centre for international research collaboration, linking local research institutions with prominent universities and research institutes around the world. 

Eight proposals have already been approved, and the R&D centres under this cluster will be set up, in phases, beginning in the coming couple of months.  

InnoHK is just one of many tangible illustrations of Hong Kong’s commitment to I&T, and collaboration, on a global scale. We welcome strategic technology companies, professionals and talented graduates to come to Hong Kong for their innovative future. In short, we welcome you.

The Hong Kong World Youth Science Conference, the Xiangjiang Nobel Forum and the related events are all part of this year’s Business of Innovation and Technology Week. 

Running until April 16, the Business of Innovation and Technology Week includes InnoEx, showcasing technology in five key areas: AI+, the low-altitude economy, property technology, retail technology and robotics.

Our very own Digital Policy Office has set up a Smart Hong Kong Pavilion at InnoEx, which will open its doors tomorrow. Themed “AI+ Hong Kong”, the pavilion will showcase over 100 I&T solutions, including those developed by the HKSAR Government, as well as award-winning I&T projects by businesses and students. You’re all invited to take part in the interactive experiences and innovative demonstrations there, and see for yourselves Hong Kong’s achievements in I&T and developing into a smart city. 

My thanks to the Hong Kong Alumni Association of Beijing Universities for its organisation of this year’s Conference and associated forums. 

I wish you all a rewarding week, and a most enjoyable stay in Hong Kong, the world’s fast-rising East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange. 

That includes the famous Hong Kong Rugby Sevens, this year celebrating its 50th anniversary in unforgettable style at world-class Kai Tak Stadium. It all kicks off on Friday. 

Enjoy all that Hong Kong has to offer! Thank you. 

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CAS holds open day to promote National Security Education Day

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

CAS holds open day to promote National Security Education Day 
     The Permanent Secretary for Security, Mrs Apollonia Liu, officiated at the launch ceremony. In her speech, she said that safeguarding national security is not only the responsibility of the Government, but also requires the concerted efforts of the whole community. Every citizen, she added, should play their part as a guardian of national security.
 
     She commended the work of the CAS on emergency rescue and public safety education. The CAS has been fully supporting and complementing the efforts of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government on rescue operations, youth training, public safety promotion and national security education, contributing to the security and development of the country and the HKSAR, she said.
 
     Mrs Liu also said that the CAS proactively introduced innovative technologies to enhance emergency rescue capabilities. For example, the use of drones and robotic dogs in search and rescue operations, as well as collaborating with other departments to research the application of artificial intelligence in mountain patrols and hillfire detection, striving to build a more modern and efficient safety defence for Hong Kong.
 
     The Chief Staff Officer of the CAS, Mr Leung Kwun-hong, said the CAS had organised exchange visits for the Cadet Corps on the Mainland to deepen their understanding of national security and the latest developments of the country. He said over 300 cadets will visit Beijing, Shenzhen, Xi’an, Hunan and Zhejiang to experience the pulse of national development. Each exchange visit, he added, had strengthened the cadets’ sense of national identity, shared mission and responsibility as members of the Chinese nation.
       
     The Open Day featured a rich and engaging programme that attracted more than 4 000 visitors.

     Apart from the emergency rescue and mountain search and rescue demonstrations, visitors also enjoyed music performances, a freestyle bicycle show, game booths and interactive activities. In addition, the Deputy Commissioner (Development and Youth) of the CAS, Dr Wong Kong-tin, gave a talk to explain the importance of national security to Hong Kong’s prosperity and stability, and introduced the White Paper titled “Hong Kong: Safeguarding China’s National Security Under the Framework of One Country, Two Systems” and highlighted the CAS’ role in supporting national security.
 
     The CAS will continue to uphold the principle of “one country, two systems” and safeguard national security while adhering to the spirit of “Serving the Community with Passion, Courage and Commitment” to build a better home for Hong Kong people.
Issued at HKT 16:26

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FEHD releases first batch of gravidtrap indexes for Aedes albopictus in April

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

FEHD releases first batch of gravidtrap indexes for Aedes albopictus in April  

District     Among the first batch of First Phase Gravidtrap Indexes covering 13 survey areas in April, all were below 10 per cent, except for Sai Kung Town in Sai Kung District and Tsing Yi North in Kwai Tsing District.

     For Sai Kung Town in Sai Kung District and Tsing Yi North in Kwai Tsing District, which recorded indexes exceeding 10 per cent, in accordance with the mechanism implemented by the FEHD in response to the chikungunya fever (CF) situation (i.e. strengthening mosquito control work in areas with a gravidtrap index between 10 per cent and 20 per cent, instead of 20 per cent or above under the original mechanism), the FEHD is collaborating with relevant departments and stakeholders to identify locations with high mosquito infestations and carry out intensive and targeted mosquito control measures. In particular, the gravidtrap data for Sai Kung Town showed that areas with more mosquito problems included parks, schools, and public and private housing estates, while the gravidtrap data for Tsing Yi North showed that areas with more mosquito problems included parks, schools and public housing estates. The relevant departments are following up on the mosquito control work. The FEHD will also organise exhibitions, distribute leaflets and posters, and notify residential estates that have subscribed to the gravidtrap Rapid Alert System, advising property management agents and residents to stay vigilant and work together in taking mosquito prevention and elimination measures. In addition, the FEHD will strengthen the monitoring of the gravidtrap index in those two areas to review the effectiveness of the mosquito control work.     Starting in August 2025, following the completion of the surveillance of individual survey areas, and once the latest gravidtrap index and the density index are available, the FEHD has been disseminating relevant information through press releases, its website and social media. It aims to allow members of the public to quickly grasp the mosquito infestation situation and strengthen mosquito control efforts, thereby reducing the risk of CF transmission.

     Following recommendations from the World Health Organization and taking into account the local situation in Hong Kong, the FEHD sets up gravidtraps in districts where mosquito-borne diseases have been recorded in the past, as well as in densely populated places such as housing estates, hospitals and schools to monitor the breeding and distribution of Aedes albopictus mosquitoes, which can transmit CF and dengue fever. At present, the FEHD has set up gravidtraps in 62 survey areas of the community, with a surveillance period of two weeks. During the surveillance period, the FEHD will collect the gravidtraps once a week. After the first week of surveillance, the FEHD will immediately examine the glue boards inside the retrieved gravidtraps for the presence of adult Aedine mosquitoes to compile the Gravidtrap Index (First Phase) and Density Index (First Phase). At the end of the second week of surveillance, the FEHD will instantly check the glue boards for the presence of adult Aedine mosquitoes. Data from the two weeks of surveillance will be combined to obtain the Area Gravidtrap Index and the Area Density Index. The gravidtrap and density indexes for Aedes albopictus in different survey areas, as well as information on mosquito prevention and control measures, are available on the department’s webpage (www.fehd.gov.hk/english/pestcontrol/dengue_fever/Dengue_Fever_Gravidtrap_Index_Update.html#Issued at HKT 18:30

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Major Sports Events Committee awards “M” Mark status to Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens 2026 and 2026 UCI Track World Cup, Hong Kong, China

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Major Sports Events Committee awards “M” Mark status to Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens 2026 and 2026 UCI Track World Cup, Hong Kong, China 
     The Major Sports Events Committee (MSEC) has awarded “M” Mark status to the Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens 2026 (April 17 to 19) and the 2026 UCI Track World Cup, Hong Kong, China (April 17 to 19).
      
     The Chairman of the MSEC, Mr Wilfred Ng, said today (April 13), “The world’s top rugby teams will gather at Kai Tak Stadium for three days of thrilling competitions at the Hong Kong Sevens. At the same time, the Hong Kong Velodrome will transform into a stage of speed where elite cyclists from around the globe compete, showcasing the pinnacle of velocity and skills at the UCI Track World Cup. These two spectacular events will not only foster the development of sports in Hong Kong, but also bring economic benefits, further enhancing Hong Kong’s image as a centre for major international sport events.”
      
     The “M” Mark System aims to encourage and help local National Sports Associations and private or non-government organisations to organise more major international sports events and nurture them into sustainable undertakings. Sports events meeting the assessment criteria will be considered for “M” Mark status by the MSEC. Funding support will also be provided to some events. The “M” Mark System aims to promote the development of major sports events, cultivate a sustainable sporting culture, enhance Hong Kong’s image as a centre for major international sports events and bring tangible economic benefits to the community.
      
     For details of “M” Mark events, please visit www.mevents.org.hkIssued at HKT 17:52

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Smart Traffic Fund pools efforts of government, industry, academic and research sectors to drive Hong Kong’s long-term smart mobility development

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Transport Department today (April 13) said that it has been pooling the efforts of government, industry, academic and research sectors through the Smart Traffic Fund (STF) to promote the long-term development of smart mobility in Hong Kong.

     The Commissioner for Transport, Miss Winnie Tse, visited the InnoEX 2026 to learn more about the STF projects showcased at the Smart Hong Kong Pavilion, and experience how digital technology and artificial intelligence (AI) have been integrated into traffic and transport solutions:

(1) Enhancing vehicle and driving safety

  • The requirement for vehicles with extendable aerial structures to be equipped with an over-height warning system has been implemented in phases since March 2025. The STF has funded a research centre in developing a monitoring system for crane height and position, preventing accidents caused by unretracted crane arms damaging bridges as well as safeguarding driving and road safety. This system is now commercially available, benefitting the trade;
  • The STF subsidised a university in developing an intelligent driving training system for container trucks using extended reality technology and a dynamic motion platform. It provides truck drivers with highly realistic simulated scenarios for personalised training to improve driving skills; and
  • The STF also funded a university to establish an alerting system for identifying risky driving behaviour or signs of distraction by monitoring and analysing neural transmission data, including physiological indicators and changes in psychological states. By shifting the safety line from “post-accident reaction” to “pre-accident warning”, the system effectively reduces the risk of traffic accidents.

(2) Enhancing public service efficiency

  • The STF subsidised a university to adopt AI technology to analyse pedestrian motion (such as characteristics like slower walking speeds of the elderly or persons with mobility impairment) to support the dynamic optimisation of pedestrian traffic signal timings, thereby enhancing the experience of pedestrians at crossings;
  • The STF funded a university in developing multi-tier concrete inspection methods to detect surface and subsurface structural defects in bridge decks. This improves inspection accuracy and facilitates preventive maintenance in an orderly manner, enhancing the efficiency of structural maintenance of bridges; and
  • The STF also subsidised a university in developing a smart route planning platform for transporting modular integrated construction modules. By enabling precise monitoring of street conditions along logistics routes, it ensures the safe delivery of large-scale prefabricated components to construction sites, enhancing transport safety and efficiency, thereby accelerating construction progress.

(3) Commuting convenience for persons with visual impairment

  • The STF subsidised a private company in developing smart glasses, which apply AI computer vision technology to assist persons with visual impairment in identifying obstacles, bus stops, carriageways and pavements. The glasses also provide navigation functions to enhance the travel convenience and safety of visually impaired persons.

(4) Improving public transport safety and scheduling efficiency

  • The STF funded a start-up in developing systems to monitor the dynamic speed limit of public light buses (PLBs) in real-time according to their specific road sections, deploy the fleet based on passenger data, and display arrival information of routes at minibus stops using solar power. They enhance minibus driving safety, assist passengers in planning their journeys, and support fleet deployment and operational management; and
  • The STF also subsidised a research centre in developing door-mounted monitoring devices for PLBs. These sensors ensure passenger safety during boarding and alighting, preventing accidents at the source and enhancing the overall operational safety of the minibus.

     Miss Tse said, “The STF has been funding enterprises as well as technology and research institutes to develop projects that have effectively assisted the transport trades, passengers, persons in need and government departments in addressing different scenarios in traffic, transport and logistics. They have played a crucial role in facilitating commuting convenience, enhancing efficiency of the road network or road space, and enhancing driving safety. We encourage more eligible organisations to apply for funding to jointly advance smart transport and traffic so that technology empowers, transport serves and people benefit.”

     The Government set up the $1 billion STF at end-March 2021 to support enterprises or organisations in conducting research and applications of innovative vehicle-related technologies. As of end-March 2026, the STF had approved a total of 89 projects over the past five years, with funding of about $619 million.

                             

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Hong Kong Customs seizes live turtles and live lizards of suspected scheduled endangered species

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Hong Kong Customs seizes live turtles and live lizards of suspected scheduled endangered species       
     Based on risk assessment that day, Customs intercepted an outgoing medium goods vehicle at the control point. Upon X-ray examination, Customs officers spotted irregularities in the images of the vehicle’s undercarriage. Twenty-six black bags were found concealed inside the chassis frame under the cargo compartment of the vehicle. Upon examination, the bags were found to contain the batch of live turtles and live lizards of suspected scheduled endangered species. A 44-year-old male driver was arrested and has been released on bail pending further investigations.
      
     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.
      
     Under the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance, any person importing, exporting or possessing specimens of endangered species not in accordance with the Ordinance commits an offence and will be liable to a maximum fine of $10 million and imprisonment for 10 years upon conviction with the specimens forfeited.
      
     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 
Issued at HKT 15:30

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