Month: June 2026

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Education Bureau today released the Blueprint for Digital Education Development in Primary & Secondary Schools, outlining a clear direction and strategic framework to drive the digital transformation of primary and secondary schools across Hong Kong.

Compiled by the Curriculum Development Council, the blueprint aims to boost students’ digital literacy and equip the younger generation to navigate the opportunities and challenges of the digital era. It focuses on artificial intelligence (AI) education and covers critical dimensions including overall school planning, teacher training, student development, infrastructure optimisation and cross-sector collaboration.

Aligned with the recommendations of the Steering Committee on Strategic Development of Digital Education, the blueprint proposes four key focuses and 10 distinct strategies.

The first focus centres on nurturing talent with both digital literacy and humanistic qualities. Related strategies involve formulating the AI Literacy Learning Framework for Primary & Secondary Schools, strengthening mathematics, science and technology curricula to boost innovation capabilities and integrating digital learning elements across primary and secondary classrooms.

The second focus aims to enhance teacher training to drive educational transformation. This will be achieved by establishing professional training requirements for teachers and providing tiered, diversified development activities in digital education.

The third focus targets infrastructure optimisation to build smart campuses. Strategies include exploring how AI can streamline school administrative work, leveraging the enhanced School Development & Accountability Framework for school improvement and creating a comprehensive digital learning resource platform.

The fourth focus involves promoting cross-sector collaboration to build a cohesive digital education ecosystem. The document calls for strengthening home-school co-operation to foster proper values in students, while uniting professional bodies and other stakeholders to support schools.

To support the initiatives, the bureau today disbursed a one-off grant of $500,000 to all publicly funded schools to launch a three-year AI for Empowering Learning & Teaching Funding Programme. Schools are required to incorporate digital education into their development or annual plans in the 2026-27 school year, formulating school-based strategies with reference to the blueprint.

Secretary for Education Choi Yuk-lin welcomed the blueprint, noting it aligns with strategic planning to connect with the National 15th Five-Year Plan and the trend of “AI + Education”.

“The restructuring of education in the digital age is a systemic transformation. We are not only focusing on hardware upgrades, but also actively promoting a deep shift in teaching and learning paradigms and comprehensively implementing AI education for students,” she added.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Hong Kong Police Force, in collaboration with various government departments and other relevant organisations, conducted a large-scale inter-departmental counter-terrorism, major incident and protective security exercise at Hong Kong International Airport and Tung Chung overnight.

The exercise, which began last night and concluded in the early hours of this morning, was staged in preparation for major international conference due to be held in Hong Kong later this year.

It simulated a scenario prior to an international conference, as delegations from around the world arrived in Hong Kong. Armed terrorists attacked members of the public and placed suspicious objects inside a passenger terminal at the airport. Concurrently, a series of knife attacks against pedestrians and a large-scale power outage occurred at a large shopping mall in nearby Tung Chung.

Various departments and organisations swiftly activated their emergency response mechanisms to address the incidents.

The exercise tested the co-ordination of relevant stakeholders across critical areas. This involved immediate tactical interventions, triage and emergency medical treatment of casualties, handling of suspicious objects, response to power failures, and management of affected people. 

By testing contingency protocols, the exercise enhanced inter-departmental counter-terrorism readiness and incident response capabilities.

It mobilised over 1,400 personnel from departments and organisations including the Police Force, the Fire Services Department, the Hospital Authority, the Customs & Excise Department, the Immigration Department, the Civil Aviation Department, the Airport Authority Hong Kong, and the Aviation Security Company.

Commissioner of Police Chow Yat-ming observed the exercise on site, and commended the professionalism and collaboration of all participating units.

Hong Kong will host three major international conferences later this year, namely the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Finance Ministers’ Meeting, the 94th INTERPOL General Assembly, and the XXVIII Association of National Olympic Committees General Assembly.

The force said it will maintain close liaison with relevant government departments and stakeholders, robustly implement security measures, and continuously review incident contingency plans, making every effort to ensure comprehensive and meticulous preparations ahead of these important international conferences.

Source: Government of Singapore

21% less domestic waste generated per capita and more than 30% drop in non-domestic waste generated per billion dollar GDP in 2025 compared to 2015

17 JUNE 2026 – In 2025, each person in Singapore generated 0.83kg of waste per day — a 21 per cent reduction from 2015. Over the past decade, sustained 3R (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) efforts have shown positive results across both households and businesses, with non-domestic waste¹ generated per Gross Domestic Product (GDP) decreasing by more than 30 per cent. Continued individual and collective conservation efforts remain key, and households and businesses are encouraged to keep embracing the 3Rs, particularly reducing and reusing, to avoid generating waste at the outset.

Per capita and per GDP waste generated decreased in past decade

2.          The daily domestic waste² generated per capita (refer to Fig. 1) decreased from 1.06 kg in 2015 to 0.83 kg in 2025, with a slight improvement in 2025 compared to 0.85 kg in 2024.

Fig. 1. Daily domestic waste generated per capita from 2015 to 2025.

3.          The daily non-domestic waste generated per billion dollar GDP (refer to Fig. 2) decreased from around 36 tonnes in 2015 to around 24 tonnes in 2025, with a slight increase in 2025 compared to around 23 tonnes in 2024. The increase can be attributed to growth in the construction sector (refer to Chart 2 in Annex). 

Fig. 2. Daily non-domestic waste generated per billion dollar GDP from 2015 to 2025.

Overall recycling rate remains stable

4.          Singapore’s overall recycling rate remained stable at 52 per cent in 2025 (refer to Tables 1 and 2 in Annex). The domestic recycling rate remained at 11 per cent while the non-domestic recycling rate increased slightly from 65 per cent to 67 per cent.

5.        The recycling of paper/cardboard and plastics declined slightly due to continued challenges such as rising collection and freight costs, as well as volatile global market conditions that have impacted commodity prices (refer to Charts 1 and 3 in Annex). Given Singapore’s small market, most of our recyclables are exported overseas for further processing and recycling, making the viability of these exports susceptible to external factors.

6.        Food waste recycling rate remained stable at 18 per cent while the horticultural waste recycling rate declined due to short-term challenges faced by recyclers in the off-take of woodchips and compost (refer to Charts 4 and 5 in Annex). The decrease in the volume of used slag generated and recycled is due to a temporary reduction in recycling activities and a decline in local demand for ship blasting (refer to Chart 6 in Annex).

More households are recycling, and awareness is growing 

7.          Household recycling participation has been on an uptrend. According to the National Environment Agency’s (NEA) 2025 survey on household recycling, 78 per cent of households recycle, compared to 72 per cent in 2023. In addition, a higher proportion of respondents are aware of common household items that can be deposited into the recycling bins and chutes. ​For example, 92 per cent of respondents are aware that a rinsed shampoo or detergent bottle can be recycled, compared to 89 per cent in 2023. NEA recognises that individual efforts to conserve our resources are vital, and encourages households to not just recycle more, but also to recycle right.

Upcoming and ongoing efforts to improve recycling of key waste streams

8.          There remains room to improve the quality and volume of recyclables across key waste streams. NEA continues to partner the community and businesses to encourage the reduction of waste generated and increase recycling efforts. These efforts will be focused on food, paper/cardboard and plastics as these make up the largest amount of waste not recycled.

9.          NEA is working with the Public Waste Collectors (PWCs) to increase the collection of paper/cardboard from households and trade premises. Since December 2025, PWCs have been engaging Town Councils and trade premises to provide dedicated collection avenues for paper/cardboard. These efforts aim to improve household recycling participation and address issues such as overflowing blue recycling bins and contamination of recyclables.

10.          NEA has introduced source-segregated collection of key waste streams to complement the network of blue recycling bins. Singapore’s first Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) scheme, introduced in 2021, ensures the proper end-of-life management and recycling of e-waste.

11.           The Beverage Container Return Scheme — “Return Right”, which commenced on 1 April 2026, with a six-month transition period, is Singapore’s second EPR scheme. It will further support clean stream collection of metal and plastic beverage containers for recycling. The scheme will be fully operational from 1 October 2026.

12.          Regarding food waste, owners and/or occupiers of new large commercial and industrial buildings, who submitted their building plans from 1 January 2021, have started segregating their food waste for treatment and reporting since March 2024, as required under the Resource Sustainability Act (RSA). These include commercial buildings such as large hotels and malls, as well as industrial developments that house food manufacturers or food caterers. Moving forward, these requirements will be extended to existing commercial and industrial buildings, in tandem with the completion of the food waste treatment facility in Tuas Nexus. To drive further reduction and recycling of food waste, NEA has awarded three proposals promoting food valorisation under the Closing The Resource Loop (CTRL) Funding Initiative. More information is available at go.gov.sg/ctrlfunding.

 13.          Beyond these immediate moves, we will also be reviewing the 2019 Zero Waste Masterplan, assessing progress made, and reviewing our strategies to encourage reduce, reuse and recycle, so as to extend the lifespan of Semakau Landfill.

14.          The latest waste and recycling statistics can be accessed at go.gov.sg/waste-statistics-and-overall-recycling.

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[1] Non-domestic waste is waste generated at industrial and commercial premises.

[2] Domestic waste is waste collected from households and trade premises (e.g., shophouses, educational institutions, petrol stations, hawker centres and places of worship). 

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For more information, please submit your enquiries electronically via the Online Feedback Form or myENV mobile application.

Source: Government of Singapore

JOINT NEWS RELEASE BY NEA, NTU SINGAPORE, AND NUS

17 June 2026 – Singapore has launched its first national research centre dedicated to advancing science and innovation in residue and toxic industrial waste management. The Towards Resource Efficiency And Sustainability for URban EnvironmentS (TREASURES) centre was announced today by Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment, Dr Janil Puthucheary at Catalyst 2026.

TREASURES Launched as National Research Platform, with NTU as Host Institute, to Advance Waste Innovation

 2.           TREASURES is a national research and innovation platform jointly established by the National Environment Agency (NEA) and Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU Singapore). It brings together the broader Singapore research ecosystem, with the National University of Singapore (NUS) and other Institutes of Higher Learning as key partners. TREASURES is supported with S$35 million under the Closing The Resource Loop Funding Initiative (RIE 2025), with NTU as the host institute for TREASURES from 1 January 2026 to 31 March 2030. NTU has also committed dedicated facilities to support the centre’s operations. Beyond being a national research platform, TREASURES connects academia, industry, and government to accelerate the translation of research into practical, scalable solutions.

3.           TREASURES was established to strengthen Singapore’s capabilities in managing residue and toxic industrial waste, as part of our broader efforts to build a more resource-efficient and resilient waste management system. As waste streams become more complex and land constraints persist, TREASURES will focus on advancing science and innovation to enable more sustainable, circular approaches to waste management beyond disposal.

TREASURES to Drive Innovation in Waste Solutions and Support Transformation of Semakau Landfill

4.          The centre’s research efforts are organised across four dedicated nodes:

(i) waste flow analytics, which maps and models waste streams across Singapore to identify opportunities for resource recovery;

(ii) landfill transformation, which develops technologies to recover and repurpose materials currently sent to Semakau Landfill;

(iii) toxic industrial waste solutions, which focuses on advanced treatment and recovery methods for complex industrial waste streams; and

(iv) risk assessment and standards, which ensures that repurposed materials meet stringent safety and environmental requirements for broader adoption.

5.          To drive research and innovation in these areas, TREASURES will launch its first grant call from 17 June to 17 August 2026, 17:00 SGT. The grant call is open to all Institutes of Higher Learning, research institutes, and companies, and will support projects that advance practical, scalable solutions for residue and toxic industrial waste management, while strengthening collaboration across academia, industry, and government agencies.

6.          Beyond its core research, TREASURES will build a collaborative innovation ecosystem to support the translation of research to full-scale adoption. This will be achieved through close industry engagement, access to test-bedding and regulatory platforms, capability building, and encouraging knowledge sharing and exchange through local and international partnerships.

7.          These efforts will support longer-term goals, including the transformation of Semakau Landfill to enable more sustainable and circular approaches to waste and residue management, while reducing reliance on landfilling over time.

8.          Mr Ng Keng Wei, Group Director (Joint Operations and Technology Group), NEA, said, “TREASURES strengthens Singapore’s capabilities in managing complex waste and residue streams by bringing together our Institutes of Higher Learning, industry partners and government agencies to co‑develop innovative, scalable solutions. Over time, this will support our transition towards a more circular and resource-efficient waste management system, including our long-term ambition to transform Semakau Landfill.”

9.          Chair of NTU’s School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, said, “Waste management is a long-term challenge for Singapore given our limited land size and research has an important role to play in developing more sustainable and practical solutions. NTU is honoured to host TREASURES and work with NEA, Institutes of Higher Learning, industry partners and government agencies to develop and advance innovative technologies that can help Singapore reduce waste, recover resources and strengthen the resilience of its waste management system.”

10.          Professor Karina Gin, Acting Head, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, College of Design and Engineering, NUS, said, “As a key partner in the TREASURES initiative, the National University of Singapore looks forward to contributing our multidisciplinary expertise to address Singapore’s pressing landfill capacity challenges by translating scientific advances into practical environmental solutions. We aim to accelerate the transformation of Semakau Landfill from a conventional waste disposal site into a hub for circularity, extending its operational lifespan and ensuring a more resilient, resource-efficient future for Singapore.”

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For more information, please submit your enquiries electronically via the Online Feedback Form or myENV mobile application.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Director 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, Mr Xia Baolong, arrived in Hong Kong today (June 16) to conduct an inspection of Hong Kong’s alignment with the National 15th Five-Year Plan and the advancement of the Northern Metropolis development.

     In the morning, Mr Xia visited the Hung Shui Kiu/Ha Tsuen New Development Area Community Liaison Centre in the company of the Chief Executive, Mr John Lee. He was briefed on the planning and development of the new development area, particularly on the pilot area of large-scale land disposal in Hung Shui Kiu and the development of the Hung Shui Kiu Industry Park. During the visit, Mr Xia was also briefed on the transport planning as well as the construction of the railway and the Smart and Green Mass Transit System in the new development area.

     Mr Xia later paid a visit to the Hung Shui Kiu University Town Area to inspect the planning, development vision and latest progress of the Northern Metropolis University Town. He also visited the Light Public Housing on Yau Pok Road, Yuen Long, to listen to a briefing on the latest progress of the Light Public Housing projects. He then visited a family of four and had an exchange with them.

     Next, Mr Xia visited the Microelectronics Centre in Yuen Long InnoPark to learn about the innovation and technology industry developments in Hong Kong.

     In the afternoon, Mr Xia went to the Kwu Tung North New Development Area to inspect the construction progress of housing, transport, government offices and other ancillary facilities in the area. He later visited the Hong Kong-Shenzhen Innovation and Technology Park in the Loop to learn about its overall development plan and latest position, as well as the construction progress of the Sandy Ridge Data Facility Cluster site. Mr Xia afterwards visited the Central Government-Aided Emergency Hospital in the Lok Ma Chau Loop to inspect its operations.

     In the evening, Mr Xia visited AsiaWorld-Expo to learn about how Hong Kong transforms mega events into new economic impetus to help the city seize the development opportunities brought about by the National 15th Five-Year Plan.

     Officials accompanying the visits included the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki; the Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan; the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Algernon Yau; the Secretary for Health, Professor Lo Chung-mau; the Secretary for Development, Ms Bernadette Linn; the Secretary for Housing, Ms Winnie Ho; the Secretary for Education, Dr Choi Yuk-lin; the Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Professor Sun Dong; the Secretary for Transport and Logistics, Ms Mable Chan; the Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs, Miss Janice Tse Siu-wa; and the Director of the Chief Executive’s Office, Ms Carol Yip.

     Mr Xia will continue his visit to Hong Kong tomorrow (June 17).

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     Following is the speech by the Secretary for Justice, Mr Paul Lam, SC, at the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC)’s 60th Anniversary Cocktail Reception today (June 16): 

Professor Fred Ma (Chairman of the HKTDC, Professor Frederick Ma), Deputy Commissioner Li (Deputy Commissioner of the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Mr Li Yongsheng), Director Xu (Director-General of the Economic Affairs Department of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the HKSAR, Mr Xu Weigang), Ms Sophia Chong (Executive Director of the HKTDC), Consuls-General, friends of the HKTDC, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

     A very good evening. It is a great pleasure to join you tonight in celebration of the HKTDC’s 60th anniversary. 

     It is indeed a milestone not just for the TDC, but also Hong Kong. Last year, Hong Kong rose to become the world’s fifth-largest merchandise trading economy – I think that’s what just Fred Ma reminded us. That, ladies and gentlemen, reaffirms Hong Kong’s remarkable rise to become an international trade centre – one that champions free and multilateral trade, and one that has never stopped evolving, adapting, and thriving.

     That achievement is in no small part attributed to the tremendous contribution of the TDC. My thanks, and congratulations, to the TDC and to each and every one of its hard-working, and smart-working past and present staff over the past six decades of stellar achievement. 

     The TDC was founded in Hong Kong in 1966, and quickly expanded overseas, setting up offices in London, Nairobi, New York and Sydney.

     That was at a time when products manufactured in Hong Kong such as textiles, electronic goods, plastics and toys were taking on the world. To buyers around the world, the “Made in Hong Kong” mark signified quality, value and reliability. The TDC was then promoting the brand of Hong Kong, beginning with the International Samples Fair in Barcelona, in June 1966. That autumn, it ran major product promotions in London and Stuttgart in the then West Germany, as well as department stores in nine major US cities. 

     And yes, the TDC has always been at the forefront of promoting Hong Kong’s external trade. From organising trade fairs and business missions, to building global networks and digital platforms, the TDC today continues to play a pivotal role in connecting Hong Kong companies with markets around the world. 

     And at every crossroad along the way, the TDC has worked tirelessly to shape and reinforce Hong Kong’s status in global trade, while at the same time helping to transform the city from a manufacturing hub into an international financial, trade, logistics and services centre.

     From garments, rattan furniture and plastic flowers, to watches, transistor radios and toys in the old days, and to fintech, intellectual property and many high-value added industries at present – the diversity of products and services offered by Hong Kong demonstrates how our economy has evolved to meet changing circumstances. This is a story based on the spirit of resilience and innovation of the Hong Kong people.

     Throughout Hong Kong’s many transformations, the TDC has always been there, promoting and developing our small-and-medium enterprises, and telling our good stories to the world, through its extensive network of more than 50 global offices covering over 100 countries. 

     The theme of the TDC’s 60th anniversary, namely “Connect the World, Shape the Future”, perfectly captures both its legacy and its vision. Hong Kong has long been a connector between East and West. The principle of “one country, two systems” ensures that Hong Kong shall maintain unparalleled connectivity with the Chinese Mainland and the world.

     In today’s fragmented global landscape, amid continuing challenges in international trade, connectivity has become much more important than ever. But we are not simply connecting people together in a literal sense. The TDC, as an excellent example of Hong Kong’s role, has been converting connections into collaborations, and collaborations into mutually beneficial opportunities. By doing so, it has enabled the formation of partnerships that are enduring and forward-looking, which in turn help to shape tomorrow’s economy collectively. I suppose that’s why Hong Kong is not only a “super connector”, but also a “super value-adder”.

     For 60 years, we have worked side by side – the Government’s policy priorities coupled with steadfast support combined with the TDC’s global network and on-the-ground expertise. Together, we have advanced Hong Kong’s trade and economic development. And together, we are building Hong Kong’s flourishing future.

     Just two weeks ago, the Chief Executive led a high-level business delegation to Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. It was the largest delegation that he has led to date, both in terms of the number of delegates – 75 business and institutional leaders from Hong Kong and the Mainland – and of the variety of participating sectors and industries. 

     The Central Asia mission yielded promising results, with 15 MOUs (Memorandum of Understanding) and agreements signed at the government level, and 81 MOUs and agreements reached by our businesses and institutions with their Central Asian counterparts. The Government is confident they will create long-term economic and trade co-operations for all concerned. 

     As the Chief Executive has said, the visit’s great success was due, in large part, to the TDC’s painstaking assistance in the organisation of the mission. From high-level business matching to on-the-ground logistics, the TDC’s support was indispensable. 

     Bringing people, businesses, governments and opportunities together is something the TDC has been doing, and doing well, for 60 years. 

     In Chinese culture, 60 years represents the completion of a full cycle: 一個甲子. It does not mark an end, but the beginning of a new cycle. It reminds us that after six decades of growth, wisdom and achievements, the time has come to welcome a new, and even more successful chapter. And hence, we are looking forward to another 60 years of success and beyond for the TDC. 

     May I conclude by saying, once again, happy birthday, the TDC. And I hope you all have a very enjoyable evening. Thank you very much.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region