Tenders invited for licence of fee-paying public car park at North Point Government Offices

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Visa-on-arrival access to Sri Lanka for HKSAR passport holders

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Visa-on-arrival access to Sri Lanka for HKSAR passport holders 
     An Immigration Department spokesman said, “Sri Lanka is along the Belt and Road. Under the Belt and Road Initiative, this visa-on-arrival arrangement will bring greater travel convenience to HKSAR passport holders and strengthen tourism, cultural and economic ties between the two places.”
 
     Including Sri Lanka, 175 countries and territories have granted visa-free access or visa-on-arrival to HKSAR passport holders. Please visit the following website for details:
www.immd.gov.hk/eng/service/travel_document/visa_free_access.htmlIssued at HKT 14:30

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Speech by SITI at Government-Enterprise Dialogue of 2026 World Internet Conference Asia-Pacific Summit (English only)

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Speech by SITI at Government-Enterprise Dialogue of 2026 World Internet Conference Asia-Pacific Summit (English only) 
     Thank you Secretary-General Ren Xianliang (the Secretary General of the WIC). Good morning, everyone. It is a great honour to cochair this Government-Enterprise Dialogue. A very warm welcome to everyone, and a particular welcome to those visiting Hong Kong for the first time.
 
     Today’s Dialogue brings together distinguished policymakers, leading WIC member enterprises and organisations from all over the world. We are here to hold in-depth discussions on AI security and governance, cross-boundary data flow, and digital financial regulation with a view to shaping a secure, reliable and innovative digital economy for the future.
 
     In Hong Kong, we believe robust partnerships between government, enterprise, academia and research are the cornerstone of technology-driven growth. We have in place various funding schemes to encourage enterprises to transform research and development outcomes into viable solutions and commercial products. We also launched the $10 billion Innovation and Technology Industry-Oriented Fund to channel more social capital to invest in innovation and technology industries and support the development of emerging and future industries of strategic importance to Hong Kong.   
 
     To deepen co-operation with major cities in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA), we have taken steps to facilitate cross-boundary data flows. With the support of the Cyberspace Administration of China, we introduced the Standard Contract for the Cross-boundary Flow of Personal Information Within the GBA (Mainland, Hong Kong), so that all business sectors can use this voluntary, streamlined mechanism to transfer personal data compliantly between Mainland GBA cities and Hong Kong. This not only provides companies with a consistent mechanism to get hold of cross-border data but reduces their operating costs and uncertainty.
 
     Beyond the GBA, Hong Kong also actively engages, collaborates and co-designs with regional partners to shape interoperable and reliable digital frameworks across the Asia-Pacific. As a participant in the Digital Economy Partnership Agreement accession process, we are working towards cross-border data standards and AI governance frameworks that promote seamless digital trade and build confidence across regional markets.
 
     The HKSAR (Hong Kong Special Administrative Region) Government also accords high priority on the governance and risk management of AI applications. To this end, our Digital Policy Office has published and continuously updates documents such as the Ethical AI Framework and the Hong Kong Generative AI Technical and Application Guideline. These documents provide the AI governance framework tailored to the Hong Kong context for the development and application of AI technologies, and cover key principles and safety standards for identifying and managing potential AI risks.
 
     Looking ahead, Hong Kong will continue to serve as an Asia-Pacific hub for digital enterprise co-operation. Through platforms such as the Hong Kong‑ASEAN Summit on Digital Economy Co-operation and the WIC Asia‑Pacific Summit, we aim to deepen public‑private partnerships that facilitate reliable data exchange, advance AI governance dialogue, and foster collaborative innovation across the region.
 
     An innovation ecosystem that fully unleashes technological potentials while safeguarding ethics and data security requires the wisdom and collaboration of all. I very much look forward to your valuable insights and to working together towards a more prosperous and secure digital future. Thank you.
Issued at HKT 12:30

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CE meets with Director of CAC and jointly witness signing of MOU on innovation and technology

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, met with the Director of the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC), Mr Zhuang Rongwen, in Hong Kong today (April 12), to exchange views on deepening innovation and technology (I&T) collaboration and jointly witness the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding on Co-operation in Innovation and Technology Development (MOU) between the Innovation, Technology and Industry Bureau and the CAC, joining hands to promote the high-quality development of the digital economy through technological innovation.

     The Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Professor Sun Dong, and the Deputy Director of the CAC, Mr Wang Jingtao, singed the MOU. Covering key areas including promotion of AI, cross-boundary data flow and blockchain, the MOU aims to deepen the implementation of the National 15th Five-Year Plan, supporting Hong Kong’s development into an international I&T centre, promoting a new real economy driven by technological innovation, and driving Hong Kong’s deeper integration into and contribution to the overall national development. The two places will further strengthen co-operation and jointly propel new quality productive forces development, deepen co-operation in cybersecurity, and strengthen international exchanges and promotion.

     Mr Lee expressed his gratitude for the CAC’s support for Hong Kong’s I&T development. He said, “The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government will actively align with the National 15th Five-Year Plan, formulate Hong Kong’s first five-year plan, striving to develop Hong Kong into an international I&T centre and a hub for high-end international talent, and achieving high-quality development. The MOU signed today marks a new milestone in the co-operation between the HKSAR Government and the CAC in the development of the digital economy, and fully demonstrates the country’s high commitment and support to Hong Kong’s I&T development. Hong Kong will continue to capitalise on our distinctive advantages of having strong support from the motherland and close connection with the world under the “one country, two systems” principle, deepen collaboration with the CAC to further promote cross-boundary data flow in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and jointly contribute to building a technologically advanced nation.”

     Mr Lee said that Hong Kong was designated again to stage the World Internet Conference Asia-Pacific Summit this year on April 13 and 14. Hong Kong will proactively demonstrate its strengths in the digital economy and innovation capabilities, and leverage the pivotal role as a bridge for “going global and attracting foreign investment”, so as to further deepen international exchanges and co-operation, and to expand broader and more diversified opportunities for I&T collaboration.

     Professor Sun Dong said, “The National 15th Five-Year Plan explicitly supports Hong Kong’s development into an international I&T centre. At the beginning of the 15th Five-Year Plan and with the robust support from the country, the HKSAR Government will accelerate the promotion of I&T development to build Hong Kong into a source of innovation for the country and the world, taking a new leap forward in Hong Kong’s I&T development while serving the country’s needs.”

     

Working Group on Shanghai and Hong Kong Digital Co-operation holds first annual meeting

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Working Group on Shanghai and Hong Kong Digital Co-operation, which is responsible for promoting the relevant work under the Memorandum of Understanding between Shanghai and Hong Kong on Digital Economy Co-operation (the MOU), held its first annual meeting in Hong Kong today (April 12), to continue deepening co-operation between Hong Kong and Shanghai in digital government, data elements, enterprise services, and collaboration between research, academic and industry sectors.
 
     The meeting was cochaired by the Acting Commissioner for Digital Policy, Mr Daniel Cheung, and the Deputy Director of the Shanghai Municipal Bureau of Data, Mr Qian Xiao. The Working Group discussed the latest co-operation updates between Hong Kong and Shanghai regarding innovation and technology (I&T) developments as well as the digital economy, and reviewed the progress and achievements over the past year. Both sides also discussed and exchanged views on the work plan for the coming year. The following six areas of work were reviewed during the meeting, namely:
 
1. jointly promoting the synergistic development of the digital economy between Hong Kong and Shanghai;
2. jointly promoting digital identity authentication between Hong Kong and Shanghai;
3. jointly promoting Cross-boundary Public Services to benefit the public and enterprises;
4. jointly promoting exchanges and co-operation in digital infrastructure;
5. deepening exchanges and talent cultivation in I&T between Hong Kong and Shanghai; and
6. jointly promoting collaboration in industry spaces and communication platforms.
 
     At the meeting, Mr Cheung stated that since the signing of the MOU in Hong Kong last April, members of the Working Group had dedicated themselves to advancing the related work items, namely the successful connection between the “iAM Smart” and the Government Online-Offline Shanghai website as well as the “Suishenban” app; the completion of the preparatory work for the Hong Kong/Shanghai Co-operation Open Data Challenge 2026; the Shanghai Electronic Certificate Authority’s participation in the Digital Corporate Identity Sandbox Programme as well as its study on the mutual recognition arrangements for digital corporate identities between Hong Kong and Shanghai; the setting-up of businesses in Hong Kong by five enterprises under the arrangement of the Service Station for Outbound Data Ecology (Hong Kong) and the Shanghai-Hong Kong Artificial Intelligence Industry Acceleration Alliance’s assistance to enterprise members in exploring the Mainland and overseas markets, thus contributing to notable results in the synergistic development of the digital economy between Hong Kong and Shanghai. Mr Cheung said he hoped that Hong Kong and Shanghai could further deepen co-operation in Cross-boundary Public Services, AI+ Civil Services and the cross-boundary flow of personal information. Finally, he expressed his gratitude for the efforts of the members of the Working Group and encouraged them to make greater contributions for yielding more fruitful results in digital co-operation between Hong Kong and Shanghai.
 
     Mainland representatives who attended the meeting included officials from the Shanghai Municipal Bureau of Data, industry representatives from Hong Kong and Shanghai, including the Hong Kong and Shanghai Data Society, Shanghai Data Group, the Shanghai Lingang Economic Development Group Company Limited, the Shanghai Information Investment Company Limited, the Shanghai New Electric Vehicle Public Data Collecting Monitoring and Research Center, the Shanghai Shibei Hi-Tech Group, the Shanghai Digital Globalization Association, and the Shanghai Data Service Provider Association.

        

National Security Education Day 2026 cum Hong Kong Police Force Fun Day held today

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

National Security Education Day 2026 cum Hong Kong Police Force Fun Day held today       
     Addressing the ceremony, the Deputy Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Cheuk Wing-hing, said that national security concerns the well-being of 1.4 billion compatriots including Hong Kong people, and serves as the cornerstone of the country’s peace and stability. In safeguarding national security and stopping violence and curbing disorder, he commended the Force for unequivocally and fearlessly discharging their duties, making enormous and irreplaceable contributions to building an impregnable defence for Hong Kong’s national security, and rendering Hong Kong one of the world’s safest city.

     Citing the white paper on “Hong Kong: Safeguarding China’s National Security Under the Framework of One Country, Two Systems” published by the State Council Information Office in February, he emphasised that safeguarding national sovereignty, security, and development interests remains the overarching principle under the policy of “one country, two systems”. He added that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region must faithfully fulfil its constitutional responsibility to safeguard national security, and create high-standard security in support of the high-quality development of the “one country, two systems” policy. He said that the Government will, through various channels, continuously strengthen publicity and public education on the matter, lead and support all sectors of society to thoroughly study and better comprehend the white paper’s important substance and requirements, thereby enhancing citizen’s awareness of national security and their positivity and spontaneity in safeguarding it.      
     Mr Chow further emphasised that no one can remain a mere spectator in safeguarding national security – every citizen has a duty to play their part. He expressed hope that, through National Security Education Day, members of the public would better understand and embrace the principles set out in the white paper, enhance their awareness of national security, and work together to safeguard national security and Hong Kong’s stability.
      
     The event, held at the “Little Grape”-themed park located at Harcourt Garden in Admiralty, featured “NSafe Voyage”, a national security education exhibition zone that resembled a vessel, to deepen public understanding of the white paper. The “NSpeed Promotional Truck” and the new “NSmarties AI Interactive Platform” engaged the public, especially the younger generation, through interactive games conveying the message that safeguarding national security is everyone’s responsibility and a duty to be fulfilled. In addition, specialised equipment from various units, including the Counter Terrorism Response Unit, the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Bureau, and the Police Dog Unit, was on display, showcasing the Force’s professionalism and the diversity of its work.
Issued at HKT 13:55

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Speech by SITI at 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 Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Professor Sun Dong, at the 3rd Hong Kong World Youth Science Conference and Xiangjiang Nobel Forum 2026 today (April 12):
 
Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
 
     Good morning. It is my great pleasure to join you all today at the Xiangjiang Nobel Forum, an invaluable occasion that gathers distinguished scientists and academic leaders from around the world, including Nobel Laureates and Academicians. This Forum is also one of the highlights of Hong Kong’s annual Business of Innovation and Technology Week (BIT Week).
 
     Hong Kong is proud to be a place where ideas take root, and innovation flourishes. The Hong Kong SAR Government is determined to take a bold and proactive step to propel the I&T development. Under the principle of “one country, two systems”, Hong Kong enjoys the distinctive advantages of enjoying strong support of the Motherland and being closely connected to the world.      
 
     In terms of our I&T ecosystem, we support the chain of innovation – from fundamental research to industrial application through targeted policies and infrastructure. We are establishing a new I&T ecosystem with three major I&T parks and five key research and development institutes as its framework. We are also home to five universities ranking among the global top 100. These institutions are producing cutting-edge research and cultivating next generation of scientists and innovators. For talents, we provide dedicated support – both funding and policies – to attract international talents to land in Hong Kong. 
 
     I am happy to share that our efforts have been recognised worldwide. Hong Kong ranks third globally in “Technology” in the World Digital Competitiveness Ranking published by the International Institute for Management Development. Moreover, the Shenzhen-Hong Kong-Guangzhou innovation cluster ranked first globally for the first time in the 2025 Global Innovation Index Ranking of World’s Top 100 Innovation Clusters published by the World Intellectual Property Organization. We take pride in these achievements, but we will not stop there. We will continue to make Hong Kong an ideal partner for global I&T collaboration and business explorations.
 
     Later today and tomorrow, there will be a couple of dedicated sessions on various transformative technologies. From unlocking the secrets of human well-being to exploring how technology shapes the future of humankind, I believe that the dialogues here will spark new insights and collaborations. May the discoveries shared not only expand our understanding in science but also ignite a lasting spark of curiosity and ambition in the next generation of scientists.
 
     Innovation does not happen in isolation but thrives through collaboration. May I thank the Hong Kong Alumni Association of Beijing Universities for organising this event and bringing us together for meaningful exchanges.    
 
     On this note, I wish everyone all the best in your scientific endeavours, and a rewarding time in Hong Kong – the Asia’s world city that is full of opportunities, dynamics and creativity. Thank you.

  

CSD holds National Security Education Day activities

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

To support the 11th National Security Education Day on April 15 this year, the Correctional Services Department (CSD) held an open day at the Hong Kong Correctional Services Museum and the Community Education Experience Centre today (April 11) to raise public awareness of national security and allow the public to understand the CSD’s initiatives and accomplishments in safeguarding national security.
 
The theme of this year’s National Security Education Day is “Proactively Align with the 15th Five-Year Plan Follow a Holistic Approach to Development and Security”. The open day featured game booths centred on the 15th Five-Year Plan and national security, aimed at deepening the public’s understanding of the Plan and national security, as well as strengthening their sense of national identity. In response to the publication of the white paper on “Hong Kong: Safeguarding China’s National Security Under the Framework of One Country, Two Systems” by the State Council Information Office earlier, the event also included a related game booth to enhance the public’s understanding of the white paper in an interesting and interactive way.
 
The CSD Sports Association’s online charity gift sales platform, Made in Prison, also set up a sales counter at the open day, selling a number of National Security Education Day limited-edition products. While promoting national security, it also encouraged the public to support rehabilitation of persons in custody.
 
Moreover, the Hong Kong Correctional Services Museum and the Community Education Experience Centre were open to the public. A gallery themed “Correctional Services and National Security” has been set up in the Hong Kong Correctional Services Museum to deepen the public’s understanding of the importance and significance of safeguarding national security. The Community Education Experience Centre, themed “Home, Country and Corrections”, features a number of interactive games and multimedia items to promote national security and the messages of safeguarding the country and home, leading a law-abiding and drug-free life, as well as supporting offender rehabilitation.
 
The Deputy Secretary for Justice, Dr Cheung Kwok-kwan, accompanied by the Commissioner of Correctional Services, Mr Wong Kwok-hing, also attended the event to visit exhibitions and game booths.
 
In addition, the CSD today launched the “National Security Education Special Edition of Rehabilitation Express” promotion vehicle to disseminate national security messages to young people in the community. The vehicle will visit primary and secondary schools across Hong Kong, featuring four interactive games on the theme of national security, including scenario simulation and motion-sensing games, with the aim of embedding national security awareness in the community and schools, and cultivating young people’s self-awareness in safeguarding national security.
 
To further enhance national security awareness among persons in custody, the CSD will also convert some content in the promotion vehicle into virtual-reality games, allowing persons in custody to learn accurate national security knowledge through immersive three-dimensional virtual scenarios within correctional institutions, thereby building their sense of nationhood and strengthening national identity.
 
The CSD, as the last element in the criminal justice system, will continue to ensure prison stability, safeguard national security and promote national security education through organising different rehabilitation and community education activities.

                          

Rosanna Law mourns Maisy Ho

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Secretary for Culture, Sports & Tourism Rosanna Law today expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Maisy Ho and extended deepest condolences to her family.

Miss Law said Ms Ho, a prominent figure in the business community, was dedicated to public service.

“She was committed to promoting arts and cultural development over the years, and she provided valuable advice during her tenure with the council of the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts and the Advisory Committee on Arts Development.

“We are deeply saddened by her passing.”

Special Envoy and Foreign Minister Lin concludes fruitful visit to Marshall Islands, successfully advancing Diplomatic Allies Prosperity Project

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

April 10, 2026  No.138At the invitation of the government of the Republic of the Marshall Islands—one of Taiwan’s diplomatic allies in the Pacific—Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung, serving as special envoy of President Lai Ching-te, led a trade and investment delegation to the Marshall Islands from April 7 to 9. The visit advanced the Diplomatic Allies Prosperity Project in the Marshall Islands and deepened the staunch diplomatic relations between the two countries.

During his stay, Special Envoy Lin met with Marshall Islands President Hilda C. Heine, Nitijela Speaker Brenson Wase, Council of Iroij Chairman Lanny Kabua, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Kalani Kaneko, Minister of Natural Resources and Commerce Anthony Muller, and other ministers and traditional leaders. Special Envoy Lin also laid a wreath and paid his respects at the final resting place of Amata Kabua, founding father and former president of the Marshall Islands. 

In addition to being hosted at a welcome banquet by President Heine, Special Envoy Lin was warmly received by cabinet officials, members of the Nitijela, and prominent figures from a wide range of sectors, underscoring the great importance that the Marshall Islands attached to the delegation.

Special Envoy Lin attended the first preparatory consultation for the Taiwan-Marshall Islands economic cooperation agreement on April 8. Both sides engaged in an in-depth exchange of views on broadening cooperation in the economy, trade, and investment. A Marshall Islands trade and investment promotion seminar was held the same day. At the seminar, Special Envoy Lin announced that Taiwan would continue to help women in the Marshall Islands create a more favorable entrepreneurial environment and strengthen women’s empowerment. 

While hosting a banquet that evening, Special Envoy Lin joined Minister Kaneko in signing a letter of intent on the establishment of a Taiwan-Marshall Islands economic and resilience fund. The fund aims to establish a credit guarantee mechanism to assist local enterprises in expanding their markets.

During the trip, Special Envoy Lin and delegation members from various industries visited Pacific International, Inc. dock facilities, the state-owned Tobolar Copra Processing Authority, and islands near the capital of Majuro to explore projects with investment potential related to tourism, fisheries, and food processing. 

He also presided over the commemorative plaque unveiling ceremony for the Jenrok Sports Complex, which was constructed with assistance from the Taiwan government for the Micronesian Games. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) drone diplomacy task force specially arranged for Taiwan-made drones to release celebratory ephemera from the air, symbolizing the commitment and determination of both nations to further their cooperative partnership. The atmosphere at the event was cheerful and there were enthusiastic rounds of applause.

Special Envoy Lin stated that to demonstrate Taiwan’s resolve in cultivating economic and trade ties with diplomatic allies through public-private partnerships, MOFA encourages private enterprises to invest in diplomatic allies through a strategy of larger enterprises leading smaller ones, public-private collaboration, combining tangible and intangible assets, and advancing foreign engagement through domestic business models.

Moving forward, Taiwan will accelerate the Diplomatic Allies Prosperity Project in line with integrated diplomacy, facilitating development in the Marshall Islands in such domains as health care, agriculture, education, sports, clean energy, and sustainable tourism. Taiwan will also continue working with like-minded countries to safeguard regional peace and stability and bolster economic resilience across the Pacific. (E)