Month: June 2026

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Advisory Council on AIDS:

The Hong Kong Advisory Council on AIDS (ACA) held a meeting today (June 23) to receive a briefing from the Department of Health (DH) on the latest developments in global HIV/AIDS strategies, and to discuss ways to further enhance HIV prevention and control measures in Hong Kong. The ACA endorses and commends the one-stop sexual health service provided by the DH for effectively addressing the diverse needs of sexual minorities.

At the meeting, the DH introduced the “The Global AIDS Strategy for 2026–2031: United towards ending AIDS” released by the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) in February this year. The strategy sets the target of ending AIDS as a public health threat globally by 2030, while establishing a sustainable long-term response for addressing HIV/AIDS. The DH noted that the strategic directions are highly aligned with Hong Kong’s current HIV prevention and control strategy (Recommended HIV/AIDS Strategies for Hong Kong 2022-2027)  and measures. DH will further study the strategy as a reference for formulating the next recommended HIV/AIDS strategy for Hong Kong, with a view to continuously strengthening local prevention and control efforts.

The DH also briefed the ACA on the comprehensive HIV/AIDS prevention services delivered by three programmes at Yau Ma Tei Integrated Treatment Centre (YMTITC) under Special Preventive Programme, as well as reported on their service scope and effectiveness. The three programmes include the AIDS Counselling and Testing Service, the Therapeutic Prevention Clinic and The Commons. With reference to the recommendations of the World Health Organization and UNAIDS, and adopting a people-centric approach, the DH established The Commons at YMTITC in February 2024, to provide one-stop HIV and viral hepatitis screening, sexual health assessment, and testing and treatment for individual sexually transmitted infections. The Commons also proactively identifies individuals with risk behaviours or those in need to offer them counselling services, and works closely with social welfare organisations to maximise disease prevention efforts under the primary healthcare framework.

Having operated for around two years with over 2 000 service attendance, a number which continues to grow, The Commons is well-received and supported by its service users. Over 98 per cent of service users have, through The Commons, developed the habit of undergoing regular assessment and screening of sexually transmitted infections, which helps strengthen early case identification and intervention and enhances overall prevention and control effectiveness.

All ACA members recognised the remarkable results of The  Commons in achieving the objective of integrated prevention, screening and care for multiple conditions, which helps to provide more tailored and accessible comprehensive preventive services for individuals at higher risk of infection.

Since its establishment in 1990, the ACA has been keeping in view local and international trends and developments relating to HIV infection and AIDS. It has also played a pivotal role in advising the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region  Government on policies relating to the prevention, care and control of HIV/AIDS in Hong Kong. The ACA has published six sets of recommended HIV/AIDS strategies which have served as blueprints for the HIV response in Hong Kong.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     The Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, began his visit to Dalian today (June 23). This morning, he attended events related to the World Economic Forum’s Annual Meeting of the New Champions 2026 (Summer Davos), including the High-Level Dialogue on China Megacities, where he exchanged ideas with leaders of Mainland cities, business representatives, and international business leaders on the role of China’s megacities and regions in the new round of high-level opening up, and how to promote cross-border co-operation and the collaborative development of industrial chains.

     In his speech, Mr Chan stated that competition among cities in the future will revolve around innovation and technology (I&T), requiring cities to strengthen collaborative development and complementary advantages through a “city cluster” model. He said that Hong Kong, building on its status as an international financial and trade centre, is actively promoting I&T as one of the main engines of economic development. This includes accelerating the development of the Northern Metropolis, strengthening collaboration with other cities in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, and combining scientific research, the transformation of research outcomes, and advanced manufacturing to promote the deep integration of technological and industrial innovation. The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government is also continuously enriching its financial products, including commodities, gold trading, and digital assets, and leveraging its shipping and air transport networks and international regulatory advantages to play the role of a multinational supply chain management centre, supporting Mainland enterprises’ overseas expansion amid the reshaping of global supply chains. He further noted that Hong Kong is committed to attracting high-end talent; since the enhancement of the talent admission schemes at the end of 2022, approximately 300 000 people have come to Hong Kong to develop their careers, injecting greater momentum into the city’s development through its talent pool.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Professor Sun Dong, continued his visit to Melbourne, Australia, today (June 23, Melbourne time).

     Professor Sun met with the Minister for Economic Growth and Jobs and Minister for Sport and Major Events, Victoria, Mr Steve Dimopoulos, to learn more about how innovation and technology (I&T) in Victoria further promotes its economic development. Hong Kong is making substantial investments in areas including AI, life and health technology, advanced manufacturing and green technology. These key development directions closely align with the strengths of the State of Victoria and even Australia, in agritech, health technology and clean technology innovation, thereby creating significant opportunities for collaboration among universities, research institutes, start-ups and technology enterprises.

     Professor Sun attended the 2026 Australia-China Innovation Summit organised by the Australia China Business Council and delivered a keynote speech on Hong Kong’s latest I&T developments to guests from local public enterprises, universities, and I&T and financial institutions. Professor Sun said that Hong Kong and Australia share a long history of partnership and friendship. As the global economy undergoes profound transformation driven by technology, the two economies are exceptionally well placed to co-create solutions that are trusted, scalable and globally competitive. Hong Kong warmly invites Australian businesses, researchers and innovators to deepen their I&T engagement with Hong Kong, to partner with universities and research institutes of Hong Kong, and to seize the immense opportunities emerging across the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.

     Professor Sun also attended a roundtable luncheon of the Summit and listened to the participating guests’ sharing of experiences on expanding businesses to the Chinese Mainland and Hong Kong markets.

     Professor Sun met with the Consul-General of the People’s Republic of China in Melbourne, Mr Fang Xinwen, to brief him on Hong Kong’s latest I&T developments. They also exchanged views on actively expanding I&T co-operation between Hong Kong and Victoria.

     Professor Sun then met with representatives from AusBiotech and Cell Therapies, and introduced to them the latest developments in Hong Kong’s life and health technology industry. The three parties also explored opportunities for collaboration between relevant enterprises and research institutes in Australia and those in Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area. AusBiotech is a leading biotechnology, medical technology and health technology industry association in Australia dedicated to advancing the global growth of the Australian life sciences industry. Cell Therapies is a biotechnology company specialising in advanced cell and gene therapy manufacturing. Professor Sun also visited the laboratory facilities of Cell Therapies to learn about its advanced manufacturing technology.

     In the evening, Professor Sun attended the National Business Awards Gala Dinner organised by the Hong Kong-Australia Business Association and delivered a keynote speech on Hong Kong’s I&T developments. He said that with a robust I&T ecosystem of major I&T parks and research and development institutions as well as InnoHK’s 38 world-class laboratories partnering with world-renowned universities and institutions, including the University of Melbourne, Hong Kong is advancing in industries of strategic importance in life sciences, AI, and advanced manufacturing and new materials. Hong Kong is located in the Greater Bay Area with the world’s top Shenzhen-Hong Kong-Guangzhou innovation cluster, which, together with the planned advanced computing infrastructure, provides enterprises with unrivalled access to markets. Its sound rule of law environment, free flow of capital, and new I&T funds and flexible listing regimes offer strong business assurance to investors.

     At the dinner, Professor Sun warmly invited Australian businesses, researchers and investors to deepen collaboration and expand partnerships in strategic fields, leveraging Hong Kong as the most efficient and trusted platform to access Asia’s fast-growing markets.

     Professor Sun will continue his visit to Melbourne tomorrow (June 24, Melbourne time) and will then proceed to visit Auckland, New Zealand, on the same day.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

​Hong Kong Customs on June 19, yesterday (June 22) and today (June 23) seized a total of about 100 kilograms of suspected ketamine and 3.5kg of suspected etomidate with an estimated market value of about $46 million. Two people were arrested.
 
Through risk assessment, Customs on June 19 inspected an air cargo consignment from the Netherlands, declared as water-based primer paint, arriving at Hong Kong International Airport. Upon inspection, Customs officers detected suspicious X-ray images on the consignment and found a total of about 100kg of suspected ketamine concealed in a batch of paint cans. 
 
After an in-depth investigation, Customs officers conducted a controlled delivery operation yesterday and arrested a 63-year-old man and a 28-year-old man in Kwun Tong. Subsequently, Customs officers searched an industrial building unit in Kwun Tong, and found therein a batch of equipment for dismantling consignments. 
 
Upon a follow-up investigation, Customs officers today further seized a Malaysia-bound parcel, suspected to be connected with this case, in an express centre in Yuen Long and found therein 3.5kg of suspected etomidate. 
 
     An investigation of the case is ongoing. The possibility of further arrests is not ruled out. 
 
Customs will continue to enhance enforcement against drug trafficking activities through intelligence analysis. The department also reminds members of the public to stay alert and not to participate in drug trafficking activities for monetary returns. They must not accept hiring or delegation from another party to carry controlled items into and out of Hong Kong.
 
Under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, trafficking in a dangerous drug is a serious offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $5 million and life imprisonment.
 
Members of the public may report any suspected drug trafficking 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

Following is the keynote speech by the Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Professor Sun Dong, at the Hong Kong-Australia Business Association (HKABA) National Business Awards Gala Dinner in Melbourne, Australia, today (June 23, Melbourne time):

Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

     Good evening. It is a great pleasure to join you at the 2026 Hong Kong-Australia Business Association National Business Awards Gala Dinner.

     Tonight, we recognise not only commercial excellence, but also the spirit of innovation and partnership that defines both Hong Kong and Australia. These values also underpin Hong Kong’s innovation and technology (I&T) development. Allow me to share the three pillars that guide us through this journey: Aspiration, Access and Assurance.

     Aspiration is where every success story begins. Every company recognised tonight started with a bold idea and the determination to pursue it. This same aspiration is driving Hong Kong to transformation into an international I&T centre. 

     Guided by the Hong Kong I&T Development Blueprint promulgated in December 2022, we are enhancing our I&T ecosystem, from basic research and technology transfer to industrial application, by a series of targeted, forward-looking initiatives. A new I&T development framework anchored by three major I&T parks and five R&D (research and development) institutions has taken shape. We are adopting an industry-oriented approach to promote the development of I&T industries with an edge and of strategic importance to Hong Kong.

     Hong Kong’s research strength is exceptional. Backed by five of the world’s top 100 universities, we are building a global R&D powerhouse through InnoHK, our flagship R&D initiative. Today, the InnoHK platform hosts 38 laboratories in partnership with top-notch universities and research institutes from 12 economies, including the University of Melbourne, bringing together over 3 000 international researchers. Their work spans life and health sciences, AI and robotics, as well as advanced manufacturing and materials. They are strategic technologies that will not only become core industries of Hong Kong but also define the next wave of global growth. We look forward to deepening collaboration with Australia, particularly in areas where Australia excels, such as quantum computing, aerospace, and renewable energy.

     If aspiration is the spark, Access is what turns ambition into achievement. Access to capital, talent, supply chains and markets determines the ability to scale and succeed. 

     Hong Kong has always been a place where opportunities converge. We offer access to global finance, international talent, and world-class research. Through our proximity, Hong Kong provides researchers and enterprises vast opportunities to tap into the Greater Bay Area, a dynamic economic region with a population exceeding 88 million and a GDP exceeding US$2.2 trillion, approximately AUD3.1 trillion. The powerful synergy of the region’s research excellence, industrial depth and global reach is fully recognised by WIPO (World Intellectual Property Organization), which ranks the Shenzhen-Hong Kong-Guangzhou innovation cluster first globally in 2025.

     In northern Hong Kong, we are building two flagship innovation hubs: the Hetao Hong Kong Park (Hong Kong Park of the Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Co-operation Zone) and the San Tin Technopole. Hetao leverages Hong Kong’s unique advantages under “one country, two systems” and Shenzhen’s world-leading manufacturing ecosystem, while the San Tin Technopole integrates R&D, prototyping and production in one seamless corridor. Together, they form a complete research-to-market chain as well as a market unmatched in the region. 

     Nearby, the Sandy Ridge Data Facility Cluster, now under construction, will become a major advanced data infrastructure.   Together with the existing AI Supercomputing Centre, Sandy Ridge will provide 180 000 PFLOPS (peta-floating point operations per second) of computing power by 2032, 36 times Hong Kong’s current capacity. This new cluster will play a vital role in facilitating cross-boundary data flow and strengthening Hong Kong’s position as an international data hub.

     Strategically located on the southern coast of China, Hong Kong’s premium location allows international partners to reach half of the world’s population and major Chinese and Asian cities via a five-hour flight. For Australian companies, Hong Kong is not just a gateway. It is the most efficient and trusted platform to enter Asia’s fastest-growing innovation, consumer and industrial markets. At the same time, we are the ideal window for enterprises from the Chinese Mainland to go global.

     The third pillar, Assurance, is what allows businesses to innovate boldly and invest with confidence. It is essential for companies expanding across borders, and they are central to the success of the businesses we honour tonight.

     Hong Kong provides this assurance. Our fundamentals remain strong: the rule of law, free flow of capital, world-class professional services and a simple, low-tax regime. Just a few days ago, Hong Kong ranked second globally in the latest World Competitiveness Yearbook 2026, which is a recognition of the city’s efficiency, openness and global connectivity. It also explains why Hong Kong is home to 5 200 start-ups, where we offer a stable foundation for innovation and long-term growth. 

     To catalyse market investment in Hong Kong’s emerging sectors, we will soon launch a HK$10 billion Innovation and Technology Industry-Oriented Fund, equivalent to AUD1.8 billion. By co-investing with market players, this fund-of-funds acts as “patient capital” to channel more social capital to invest in I&T industries and support the development of emerging and future industries of strategic importance.

     Hong Kong also provides strong assurance through a capital market that actively supports innovation. Our Chapter 18C listing regime allows high-potential tech companies in specific fields such as AI, advanced hardware and semiconductors to list before reaching conventional revenue milestones – of course at the same time maintaining robust investor safeguards. Since its launch in 2023, 14 emerging-tech firms have listed under this pathway, demonstrating Hong Kong’s commitment to making innovation investible and reinforcing its role as a trusted global hub for tech enterprises.

     Ladies and gentlemen, Aspiration, Access and Assurance are the shared values that explain why Hong Kong and Australia remain natural partners in trade, investment and innovation. This is the moment for Australian businesses to deepen your presence, expand your partnerships, and co-create the next chapter of innovation with Hong Kong. We welcome your ideas, talent and investment.

     Finally, my warmest congratulations to all the award winners. Your achievements reflect the strength of Hong Kong-Australia collaboration and the shared aspiration to build a more innovative, more connected and more prosperous future. I look forward to welcoming you to Hong Kong soon. My thanks also go to the HKABA for having me tonight. I wish you all an enjoyable evening. Thank you.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

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

     The Legislative Council Subcommittee on Matters Relating to Railways visited the Capital Works Innovation Hub of the MTR Corporation Limited (MTRCL) in Fo Tan today (June 23) to learn about the progress of the MTRCL’s application of innovative technologies, such as artificial intelligence, in new railway projects.

     Members first received a briefing from MTRCL representatives on the purpose and design features of the Capital Works Innovation Hub. The Capital Works Innovation Hub showcases applications of various digital technologies and techniques. Members noted that these technologies are being applied to six new railway projects underway to enhance construction quality and efficiency.

     Members then observed demonstrations of various innovative technologies and techniques. These included the Smart Site Management Platform and quadruped robotics, which allows supervisory staff to monitor construction progress and site safety remotely in real time. They also viewed how the deployment of virtual reality, augmented reality, immersive projection reality and building information modelling technologies enables engineering personnel to visualise station designs and track project progress more efficiently, so as to ensure that the railway projects are completed as scheduled.

     During the visit, Members exchanged views with representatives of the MTRCL on facilitating smart railway to enhance the efficiency and quality of projects and passenger experience. Members took the opportunity to urge the MTRCL to leverage innovative technologies and exercise prudent project financial management to further reduce costs and enhance efficiency in new railway projects.

     A total of 13 members and non-members of the Subcommittee on Matters Relating to Railways participated in the visit.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Environment and Ecology Bureau and the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD) held the Launching Ceremony for Energy Saving Charter 2026 and 4T Charter today (June 23) to encourage the community to save energy, reduce carbon emissions and build a green future together.  

Speaking at the launching ceremony, the Under Secretary for the Environment and Ecology, Miss Diane Wong, said that this year marks the first year of the National 15th Five-Year Plan. The National 15th Five-Year Plan Outline explicitly calls for accelerating the green transformation of economic and social development and building a Beautiful China. The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region will proactively align with the nation’s green development and continue to advance and deepen environmental protection and ecological efforts. Miss Wong expressed the hope that all sectors of society will work together with the Government to mitigate climate change, striving to achieve carbon neutrality in Hong Kong before 2050.

Miss Wong also said that the amended Buildings Energy Efficiency Ordinance will be fully implemented this September, which extends the scope of energy efficiency regulation to more types of buildings, shortens the energy audit intervals, and mandates the disclosure of technical information in energy audit reports. The amendments are expected to save an additional 500 million kilowatt-hours of electricity per year by 2035, equivalent to the annual electricity consumption of about 150 000 three-person households.

This year, over 3 500 premises have signed up to the Energy Saving Charter 2026. They pledged to maintain the average indoor temperature at their premises between 24 and 26 degrees Celsius during the summer months from June to September, switch off appliances when not in use, procure energy-efficient appliances and systems, promote the use of renewable energy, share energy saving measures and achievements with staff and students, and engage them to adopt energy-saving measures together. In addition, over 870 premises have joined the 4T Charter, which aims to enhance energy saving by setting an energy-saving target with an action timeline, enhancing data transparency and encouraging stakeholders to work together. The EMSD will also arrange seminars for the trades regularly to promote the practice of energy saving and reducing carbon emissions.

At the ceremony, the Deputy Director of Electrical and Mechanical Services (Regulatory Services), Mr Arthur Lee; former Chairman of the Energy Advisory Committee Mr Edmund Leung; and former Legislative Council Member Dr Lo Wai-kwok presented awards to winners of the Energy Saving Competition for Students 2025. The competition aims to promote energy saving among schools, as well as raise public awareness of environmental protection. This year’s competition received an encouraging response with over 440 entries. 

Details of the Energy Saving Charter 2026, 4T Charter and Energy Saving Competition for Students 2025, along with the winners’ energy saving initiatives, were uploaded to the Energy Saving for All website (www.energysaving.gov.hk).

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Chief Executive John Lee today continued a trip to Fujian by visiting Wuyi University and a cultural tourism site, and meeting various leaders in Nanping City.

In the morning, in Nanping City, he met Vice Governor of Fujian Province Zhao Zenglian, and CPC Nanping Municipal Committee Secretary Yuan Chaohong, to exchange views on issues of mutual concern.

Mr Lee then visited Wuyi University in Wuyishan, where he met interns and Hong Kong students participating in the “Youth Internship Programme at Wuyishan on Biodiversity Conservation”, to learn about their experiences on the programme.

Wuyi University adopts a regional industry-oriented approach in providing courses focused on innovation and entrepreneurship. The internship programme is a youth co-operation project arising from the Third Plenary Session of the Hong Kong/Fujian Co-operation Conference in 2018. So far, 48 Hong Kong youngsters have benefited.

Mr Lee said that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government has always attached great importance to youth development. He called on young people to take up more internships on the Mainland, and to serve as pillars of talent contributing to the country’s high-quality development.

In the afternoon, the Chief Executive visited a museum to learn about Wuyi rock tea, its history and heritage, and the part it plays in Wuyi’s cultural tourism.

He remarked that Hong Kong is advancing the integrated development of culture and tourism and that he looked forward to Hong Kong and Fujian deepening co-operation in this area.

In the evening, at an event in Fuzhou organised by the Hong Kong Chamber of Commerce, Fujian, Mr Lee met Fujian-based Hong Kong business representatives.

He remarked that Fujian is a core area of the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road under the Belt & Road Initiative, while Hong Kong serves as a functional platform for the Belt & Road, adding that there is vast scope for co-operation between the two places.

He called on Hong Kong entrepreneurs to continue building bridges between the two places and jointly contribute to the country’s high-level opening up.