Month: June 2026

“Summer of Light: Cinema in Motion” takes families to magical cinematic world  
     During the event, SWHCC will be transformed into a magical world under the sea, where three ticketed parent-child workshops will be held. Led by dance artist Liz Tsui, the “Moving Body: Chase the Dancing Screen” workshop invites participants to spend dreamlike family time together with body movement games, alongside the scenes from the animation “The House of the Heart” by artist Florence Lee. In the “Glow in Motion: Sea World Light Painting” workshop, artist Grace Hoop will guide participants to transform into mysterious sea creatures by freezing the light trails that they create in the dark with body movements and glowing objects in photographs. The “Storytelling Time: Adventure with Image Treasure Box” workshop, led by art educators Nixon Wong and Lo Ngan-ting, blends storytelling with shifting images to encourage parents and children to explore through their senses to unleash their imagination and creativity while deepening their connection with each other.
 
     Three art experience activities with free admission will also be available. Children can express their imagination at the “Magical Creatures Fan Mask Making” zone by applying colourful cartoons of funny sea creatures onto transparent fans and experience the playful interaction with torchlight. In addition, a collection of captivating animated short films will be screened in the “Film Zone with Selected Short Films” on a loop. Admission is free. The “Magical Portal Photo Spot” will also be available on the G/F and 2/F of SWHCC for families to take photos and become part of the magical world under the sea. 
 
     Each child participating in the workshops is required to be accompanied by a parent or an adult. “Moving Body: Chase the Dancing Screen” and “Storytelling Time: Adventure with Image Treasure Box” are priced at $120 for parents and adults and $60 for children. “Glow in Motion: Sea World Light Painting” is priced at $180 for parents and adults and $120 for children. Tickets are now available at URBTIX (www.urbtix.hkIssued at HKT 14:30

Hong Kong Customs seizes suspected smuggled silver worth about $2.2 million      ​
     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.hkIssued at HKT 11:30

Chinese Culture Festival 2026 to focus on Luoyang by presenting Hong Kong debut of Luoyang Yu Opera Troupe with classic play and excerpts in July  
　　Yu opera, also known as Henan “Bangzi”, is a prominent branch of the clapper opera (“bangzi”) vocal system. Prevalent in Henan Province, it has evolved into various local singing styles, including the Xiangfu style, Eastern Henan style, Western Henan style and Shahe style. The genre has produced many great masters through the ages. Of these, Ma Jinfeng, one of the “Five Divas” in Yu opera, created the distinctive “shuaidan” (military-leading female) role type, which tactfully fuses the stylised movements of “qingyi” (virtuous female), “wusheng” (martial male) and “daomadan” (sword-wielding and horse-riding female). Her rich, mellow voice and bold, dashing stage presence have won her the epithet “Peony of Luoyang”.
 
　　Details of the two performances are as follows:
 
“Mu Guiying Takes Command”
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Date and time: July 17 (Friday), 7.30pm
 
　　This play is a signature masterpiece of Ma Jinfeng, which was subsequently adapted into a Peking opera version by the legendary Mei Lanfang and became popular nationwide. The storyline follows Mu Guiying, past 50, who once again dons her armour and takes command of the army in a time of national peril. Led by Guan Meili, this performance revives the splendour of the Ma-school “shuaidan” style, offering an awe-inspiring stage presence in a crimson warrior robe as a commanding war marshal. Her passionate singing in the iconic aria “Three Cannon Blasts Beyond the Command Gate” is majestic and powerful, fully projecting Mu’s devotion and determination to protect the country. Sharing the stage are Wang Hui as Dowager She, with a robust and poised vocal style, and Jia Wenlong as the Song Emperor, portraying the ruler with stately grace. For her spectacular performance in this play, Guan Meili was honoured with the Leading Role Award at the 33rd Shanghai Magnolia Stage Performance Awards. Marking her Hong Kong debut with this definitive Ma-school classic, this rare showcase promises to be an unmissable performance for all Chinese opera enthusiasts.
 
Excerpts
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Date and time: July 18 (Saturday), 7.30pm
 
　　This programme features a selection of five excerpts from representative classics, showcasing the fascinating diversity of Yu opera’s stylistic schools. Chinese opera lovers will be treated to the delicate and nuanced delivery of the female lead’s singing in the Ma-school masterpiece “Emotional Outpouring at the South Camp” from “The Spear as a Token of Love”, as well as the classic comedy “At the Imperial Court” from “Demanding Justice from the Emperor”, which skilfully fuses the distinctive traits of “podan” (shrewish female), “caidan” (female clown) and “qingyi” (virtuous female) roles. Furthermore, “Interrogating the Husband”, a representative work of the Yan (Liping) school, meticulously details the emotional struggles of a “guimendan” (young female role). “The Ingenious County Magistrate” is a delightful comic play featuring a “wenchou” (clown role) as its protagonist, using lively gestures drawn from everyday life to portray a witty and upright inner beauty. Finally, the Chang (Xiangyu) school classic “Setting Off for Battle” from “Five Generations of Loyal Generals” raises the sense of loyalty towards family and country of the Yang family’s women warriors to a powerful climax through impassioned, stirring singing.
 
　　Established in 2010, the Luoyang Yu Opera Troupe traces its lineage to the Luoyang City Yu Opera Troupe founded in the 1950s and the Second Luoyang City Yu Opera Troupe formed in the late 1980s. Representing the distinctive artistic style of the Ma school, the troupe enjoys a stellar reputation nationwide. Its signature productions – including “Mu Guiying Takes Command”, “Demanding Justice from the Emperor”, “The Spear as a Token of Love” and “Luoyang Bridge” – have been highly popular with audiences and have been adapted into films. Among these, “Mu Guiying Takes Command” received the National Outstanding Traditional Opera Script Award and several first prizes at the first Henan Provincial Drama Festival.
 
　　The two performances will be held at the Auditorium of Ko Shan Theatre New Wing (KSTNW). Lyrics and dialogue are with Chinese and English surtitles. Tickets priced at $190, $290 and $390 are now available at URBTIX (www.urbtix.hk 
　　A meet-the-artists session entitled “On the Development and Dissemination of Yu Opera – A Legacy from Luoyang, Henan” (in Putonghua) will be held at 7.30pm on July 16 (Thursday) at AC2, Level 4, Administration Building, Hong Kong Cultural Centre. The speakers include Guan Meili, Wang Hui, Jia Wenlong, Bo Qing, Chen Dahua and Liu Yalin, while Chinese opera researcher Giovanna Wu will be the moderator. Admission is free, and online registration is required (www.lcsd.gov.hk/CE/CulturalService/Programme/en/chinese_opera/programs_1963.html#tab_13_0 
　　The programme will also feature two sessions under the “Chinese Culture for All: A Special Performance Series” to be held at 10.30am and noon on July 17 (Friday) at the Auditorium of the KSTNW, with free admission specially for local primary and secondary school students. Artists of the troupe will perform Yu opera excerpts including “Huarong Pass” from “The Righteous and the Loyal” and “On the Way to Battle” from “Hua Mulan”, accompanied by easy-to-follow demonstrations and guided appreciation, allowing students to gain a close understanding of Yu opera. Interested schools can call 2268 7325 for details. This session is sponsored by the Chamber of Young Snow. 
 
　　The CCF, presented by the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau and organised by the Chinese Culture Promotion Office under the LCSD, aims to promote Chinese culture and enhance the public’s sense of national identity and cultural confidence, thereby facilitating patriotic education. It also aims to attract top-notch artists and arts groups from the Chinese Mainland and other parts of the world for exchanges in Chinese arts and culture. The CCF 2026 is held from June to September. It hosts various forms of distinctive stage programmes and related extension activities, film screenings, thematic exhibitions, talks, workshops, as well as community and school activities, affording the public and visitors more opportunities to appreciate and experience the beauty of fine traditional Chinese culture. For more information, please visit www.ccf.gov.hkIssued at HKT 11:00

Auction of traditional vehicle registration marks to be held on July 4     
(1) Successful bidders are required to produce the following documents for completion of registration and payment procedures immediately after the successful bidding:
(i) the identity document of the successful bidder;
(ii) the identity document of the purchaser if it is different from the successful bidder;
(iii) a copy of the Certificate of Incorporation if the purchaser is a body corporate; and
(iv) a crossed cheque made payable to “The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region” or “The Government of the HKSAR”. (For an auctioned mark paid for by cheque, the first three working days after the date of auction will be required for cheque clearance confirmation before processing of the application for mark assignment can be completed.) Successful bidders can also pay through the Easy Pay System (EPS). Payment by post-dated cheques, cash or other methods will not be accepted. 
(4) The display of a vehicle registration mark on a motor vehicle should be in compliance with the requirements stipulated in Schedule 4 to the Road Traffic (Registration and Licensing of Vehicles) Regulations.Issued at HKT 14:35

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Speech by SJ at PCPD 30th Anniversary Privacy Protection Summit (English only) 
Commissioner Chung (Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data, Ms Ada Chung), Deputy Commissioner Li of the OCMFA (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 Liu of the LOCPG (Director-General of the Department of Law of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the HKSAR, Mr Liu Chunhua), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
               
     A very good morning. It is my great pleasure to join you today for the Office of the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data(PCPD)’s 30th Anniversary Privacy Protection Summit. 
 
     The Summit, an open session of the 65th Asia Pacific Privacy Authorities Forum, brings together some 400 privacy regulators, data-protection experts, industry leaders and academics from Hong Kong, the Chinese Mainland and the Asia-Pacific region. You’re here to share perspectives on privacy protection, at a time when digital transformation and artificial intelligence are reshaping societies and economies around the world.
 
     Hong Kong, a key regional hub for the free and orderly flow of information, data, and technology, has a long tradition of rigorously upholding privacy standards. 
 
     The Office of the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data was established in 1996 as an independent privacy authority – the earliest of its kind in Asia. Over the past three decades, it has served as a steadfast guardian of personal data privacy. Through concerted enforcement and practical compliance guidance, it has created a privacy-conscious culture in Hong Kong.
 
     Today, in the dawning of the age of artificial intelligence, we continue to ensure that AI is, as mentioned in the Chief Executive’s latest Policy Address, “steered by safety and driven by application.”
 
     The Hong Kong Artificial Intelligence Research and Development Institute, which comes into full operation later this year, will drive our innovative AI research and development, as well as its industrial applications.
 
     No less important, it will establish AI standards, building cross-sector and inter-regional AI collaboration platforms to promote AI’s standardisation and safe application. The HKSAR Government is, in short, determined to promote the safe and ethical use of AI.
 
     And, as Ada just mentioned, the Hong Kong International Data Privacy Academy officially opens today. The Academy will provide data protection training programmes for organisations, privacy-protection practitioners and others in Hong Kong, the Chinese Mainland and around the world.
 
     The National 15th Five-Year Plan puts a central priority on accelerating innovation. Its Digital China Initiative is designed to empower economic and social progress through digital and intelligent technologies and the expansion of AI+ applications.
 
     But the Plan is also committed to combating data misuse, deep fakes and privacy leaks. It emphasises the importance of privacy protection and cross-border law enforcement co-operation.
 
     As announced by the Chief Executive recently, Hong Kong will unveil its First Five-Year Plan later this year. It will align with the National 15th Five-Year Plan, driving Hong Kong’s deeper integration into the overall national development.
 
     The theme of this Summit, “Protecting Privacy, Embracing Innovation”, smartly captures the vision and goals of the HKSAR Government and our country. Hong Kong is fast emerging as a smart city, powered by emerging technologies, AI very much included. 
 
     Over the years, the Office of the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data has performed not only as a regulator, but also as an enabler of responsible innovation.
 
     Public confidence in the privacy and security of new technologies is crucial to their adoption. And the work of the Office is pivotal in instilling public confidence that technology can – and must – be used in an ethical and meaningful way. 
 
     The HKSAR Government is committed to supporting the Office as Hong Kong’s trusted privacy regulator, and to ensuring it has all the necessary means to rise above the globalised reality of privacy threats. 
 
     Of course, no jurisdiction can tackle these challenges alone. Collaboration is essential. It’s through events such as this Summit, and the Asia Pacific Privacy Authorities Forum which it is part of, that partnerships are created, best practices exchanged, and emerging trends in privacy regulation addressed.
 
     Ladies and gentlemen, I wish you all a very rewarding Summit and a productive Forum. 
 
     And my congratulations, once again, to the Office of the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data, on its landmark 30th anniversary. 
 
     Thank you very much.
Issued at HKT 12:15

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Film Development Fund-financed “Dog Day Evening” premieres locally 
     The local premiere of the film “Dog Day Evening”, which has funding support from the Film Production Financing Scheme (Relaxation Plan) under the Film Development Fund (FDF), will be held this evening (June 16).
      
     “Dog Day Evening” is directed and written by Mak Tin-shu, produced by Alvin Lam and Lau Ho-leung, and stars Michael Ning, Mak Pui-tung, Rachel Leung and Yukki Tai. The story follows the lead character who storms into the customer service department of a television office building to terminate his pay television subscription by taking hostages to force the staff to process his service termination application.
   
     The film was nominated for the Asian New Talent section of the Golden Goblet Awards at the 28th Shanghai International Film Festival. It held its world premiere on June 12 at the Festival, and will be theatrically released in Hong Kong on June 18.

     The Chairman of the HKFDC, Dr Wilfred Wong, said that the creative team of “Dog Day Evening” and a cast of new-generation actors together delivered a comedy rich in dark humour, which audiences would resonate with and reflect on, showcasing the creativity of the young Hong Kong filmmakers. The HKFDC will continue to nurture more new film talent through the FDF to foster the long-term development of the local film industry.
Issued at HKT 12:12

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Implementation of regulatory enhancements for mediation profession to solidify HK’s status as capital of mediation 
     Established by the DoJ in October 2024 in line with the Chief Executive’s Policy Address initiative to strengthen the regulatory system governing the accreditation and disciplinary matters of the mediation profession, the Working Group was tasked with reviewing and making recommendations to enhance the existing framework.
 
     The Working Group completed a comprehensive review in late 2024 and, following a stakeholder consultation conducted in 2025, finalised seven recommendations, which are summarised as follows:
 
(1) Mediation in Hong Kong should remain as a non-licensed activity with no mandatory licensing or accreditation regime for practising as a mediator.
 
(2) The Hong Kong Mediation Accreditation Association Limited (HKMAAL) should remain as a private company limited by guarantee to perform its role as an industry-led mediation accreditation and regulatory body, with an enhanced role and expanded functions.
 
(3) The HKMAAL should be granted statutory mediator-appointing power in the absence of an agreed choice by the parties through legislative amendments.
 
(4) The HKMAAL should complete the review of the Hong Kong Mediation Code (Mediation Code) and going forward, take ownership and responsibility of reviewing, managing and administering the Mediation Code to provide a consistent professional standard.
 
(5) Promotional efforts should be made to encourage parties to adopt the Mediation Code.
 
(6) The HKMAAL should finalise and implement a robust complaint-handling and disciplinary framework to enforce the Mediation Code, and should take steps to publicise a database of its disciplinary findings on its website.
 
(7) The HKMAAL should actively participate in global discussions on dispute resolution as a representative of the Hong Kong mediation industry and foster partnerships with mediation institutions worldwide.
 
     The full version of the final recommendations is attached in the Annex.
 
     The DoJ puts forth that the recommendation by the Working Group of maintaining mediation in Hong Kong as a non-licensed activity will preserve the process as a voluntary and flexible dispute resolution mechanism and promote the use of mediation skills in the public’s daily lives. At the same time, strengthening the HKMAAL’s role as a premier, industry-led mediation accreditation and regulatory body will ensure that Hong Kong’s mediation regulatory system remains robust, credible, and well-positioned for the future development of the sector.
 
     The DoJ and the HKMAAL have been taking active steps to deepen the mediation culture in Hong Kong. Significant progress has been made for some of the Working Group’s recommendations.
 
     Pursuant to Recommendation 3 of the Working Group, the DoJ is taking forward the necessary legislative amendment work to confer statutory mediator-appointing power upon the HKMAAL to promote the advancement of mediation. The DoJ will commence a stakeholder consultation on the key provisions of the draft amendment bill today. After considering the views of stakeholders, the DoJ aims to introduce the amendment bill into the Legislative Council in the second half of 2026.
 
     Regarding Recommendations 4 and 5, the HKMAAL has completed its review of the Mediation Code and published an updated version of the Mediation Code in April 2026. The updated version addresses recent developments in mediation practices and technological advancements, while enhancing the professional standards for mediators. In parallel, the HKMAAL has updated its sample agreement to mediate for voluntary adoption by parties and mediators, further maximising the utility of the Mediation Code.
 
     Looking ahead, the HKMAAL will review its complaint-handling and disciplinary framework to strengthen the enforcement of the Mediation Code. With due regard to the principle of confidentiality, it will also explore publishing disciplinary findings on its website to enhance transparency and public confidence in mediation. Furthermore, the HKMAAL will actively engage in global discussions on dispute resolution to promote Hong Kong mediation industry internationally.
 
     On the policy front, the Government has, as a matter of general policy, incorporated a mediation clause in all applicable government contracts since February 6, 2025. The DoJ has been tracking the implementation of the policy across all government departments since it took effect. As reflected in the latest statistics, over 95 per cent of government contracts falling within the scope of the policy have incorporated mediation clauses in line with the policy, demonstrating that the Government is committed to promoting “mediate first” in dispute resolution by taking the lead.
 
     The DoJ remains committed to developing a world-class mediation framework in Hong Kong.
Issued at HKT 11:00

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DH conducts interdepartmental exercise to enhance Government’s response capabilities on prevention and control of Ebola disease      
     The exercise consisted of two parts. The first part took place at Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA), simulating a scenario in which a person who had visited an Ebola disease-affected region arrived in Hong Kong by air and exhibited symptoms such as fever and vomiting at the airport after landing. Upon detection by staff from the CHP’s Port Health Division at the airport, relevant units were immediately co-ordinated to implement corresponding measures in accordance with the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government’s Preparedness and Response Plan for Ebola Virus Disease. These included medical assessment, infection control, environmental disinfection, epidemiological investigation, and prompt transfer of the suspected Ebola patient to the Hospital Authority (HA)’s Infectious Disease Centre at Princess Margaret Hospital for isolation and treatment.
      
     The second part of the exercise was held at Princess Margaret Hospital. The scenario simulated the HA’s Infectious Disease Centre receiving and isolating the suspected Ebola patient transferred from HKIA. It tested the relevant workflows and procedures for infection control, intensive care and arranging emergency viral laboratory testing.
      
     Approximately 80 representatives from relevant departments and organisations participated in the exercise held by the DH today, including the Fire Services Department, the Airport Authority and the HA.
      
     “The current Ebola outbreak is mainly concentrated in certain African areas including the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Uganda. The immediate impact on public health in Hong Kong remains low. So far, no confirmed cases of Ebola disease have ever been recorded in Hong Kong. Nevertheless, the HKSAR Government remains vigilant and has implemented a comprehensive set of prevention and control measures as well as a contingency deployment. This interdepartmental exercise, ‘Charoite’, is the second large-scale interdepartmental exercise organised by the DH specifically for Ebola disease, a highly pathogenic infectious disease, following the one held last November. The objective is to rigorously test the practical operations of all stakeholders at every critical stage of handling suspected Ebola cases under realistic scenarios, ensuring seamless co-ordination and efficient collaboration while identifying areas for improvement at an early stage to minimise the risk of local transmission. Through regular public health exercises and training for healthcare professionals, the DH will continue to refine the prevention and control mechanisms as well as preparedness and response plans, in order to strengthen the public health defence and make every effort to safeguard the health of the public,” the Director of Health, Dr Ronald Lam, said.
      
     He added that the DH has also comprehensively strengthened its prevention and educational efforts for infection control. Since May, the DH has provided training to over 60 staff members from various government departments and organisations, guiding them on the proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE), relevant procedures and protection principles. In addition, forums on Ebola disease have been organised for healthcare workers in both the public and private sectors, with more than 1 500 participants. Last week, the Scientific Committee on Infection Control under the CHP also convened a meeting to confirm the recommendations on the proper use of PPE across different healthcare and community settings.
      
     Dr Lam emphasised that the DH will continue to implement a series of prevention and control measures to strictly guard against imported cases, closely monitor the development of the Ebola disease outbreak, and adjust the prevention and control strategies as necessary in response to the situation. At the same time, the DH will actively dovetail with the National 15th Five-Year Plan to improve the public health system, enhance the prevention and control of major communicable diseases, and optimise surveillance, early warning and emergency response mechanisms, with a view to further strengthening Hong Kong’s overall public health preparedness and response capacity.
      
     The DH has previously conducted a total of 33 similar exercises and drills, simulating scenarios involving various infectious diseases, such as measles, plague, Middle East Respiratory Syndrome and human infections with avian influenza, to continuously strengthen the disease prevention awareness of the community and healthcare workers and prepare for possible epidemics.
      
     Ebola disease is caused by infection with Orthoebolavirus which belongs to the family Filoviridae. The virus is transmitted to humans through close contact with blood, secretions, organs or other body fluids of infected animals. Human-to-human transmission can result from direct contact (through wound or mucous membranes) with blood, secretions, organs or other body fluids of infected persons, and indirect contact with the environment contaminated with such body fluids. According to information from the World Health Organization (WHO), the case fatality rates from past Ebola outbreaks ranged between 25 per cent and 90 per cent, with an average of around 50 per cent.
      
     The WHO announced on May 17 this year that an Ebola disease outbreak caused by the Bundibugyo virus had occurred in the DRC and Uganda in Africa, which constituted a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. On the same day, the HKSAR Government activated the Alert Response Level, the lowest under the three-tiered response in the Response Plan      
     Members of the public wishing to learn more about the Ebola disease and related travel health advice may visit the CHP websiteIssued at HKT 18:15