Month: June 2026

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Civil service pay to rise 2%

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Chief Executive-in-Council (CE-in-Council) has decided to increase pay for civil servants in the upper, middle and lower salary bands, as well as the directorate, at 2% across the board for 2026-27, with retrospective effect from April 1, the Civil Service Bureau announced today. 

In arriving at its decision, the CE-in-Council considered the response of the staff side of the four civil service central consultative councils to its initial offer, and various factors under the established civil service pay adjustment mechanism.

These factors include the state of Hong Kong’s economy, changes in the cost of living, the Government’s fiscal position, net pay trend indicators derived from the Pay Trend Survey, the staff side’s pay claims, and civil service morale.

The bureau said that, over the past year, the Hong Kong economy has seen substantial growth, alongside a modest rise in living expenses and an upward trend in private sector pay.

It added that the CE-in-Council fully recognises the commitment and devotion of the civil service as a whole in taking forward various new and major policy initiatives and measures despite increasing workloads and challenges.

Nevertheless, the bureau stressed that the Government needs to remain prudent in managing the public finances in order to secure future development and respond to continuing uncertainty in geopolitical matters, which may affect livelihoods within a short period of time.

The CE-in-Council’s decision balances all relevant factors, the bureau said.   

The Government will submit the 2026-27 civil service pay adjustment proposal to the Legislative Council Finance Committee for consideration as soon as possible.

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Quatrième participation de la Nouvelle-Calédonie au salon VivaTech

Source: Gouvernement de la Nouvelle-Caledonie

Du 17 au 20 juin 2026, la Nouvelle-Calédonie participera à la 10ᵉ édition de Viva Technology, le principal rendez-vous européen dédié à l’innovation, à la Tech et aux startups. La présence d’une délégation calédonienne à cet événement constitue un levier stratégique majeur de visibilité, d’attractivité et de développement économique.  Sous la bannière commune du New Caledonia Pavilion, la délégation rassemblera huit startups et 16 partenaires institutionnels et privés, sur un stand conçu pour valoriser la diversité, la qualité et le dynamisme de l’écosystème local.

New Caledonia Pavilion à VivaTech 2026

L’édition 2026 a marqué une ouverture du périmètre de sélection avec l’intégration des startups en amorçage et en accélération, ainsi que les entreprises traditionnelles souhaitant tester un produit Tech ou intrapreneurial.

Cette évolution a visé à favoriser la diversité des profils et à soutenir l’économie calédonienne sous toutes ses formes.

Cette nouvelle édition prévoit également une extension du stand de 50 à 70,5 m², permettant une meilleure structuration en deux zones complémentaires avec :

  • un espace « Entreprises & Startups » : accueil de startups en amorçage ou en accélération, ainsi que d’entreprises établies développant un projet innovant ou intrapreneurial Tech ;
  • un espace « Attractivité » (nouveauté 2026) : dédié à la promotion et à la valorisation de la Nouvelle-Calédonie tout en renforçant la complémentarité entre acteurs publics et économiques, mais également à attirer des opportunités de collaborations, d’investissements et de prospections internationales.

La participation de la Nouvelle-Calédonie à VivaTech, l’implantation de ce pavillon et sa visibilité s’inscrivent autour de quatre objectifs structurants :

  • renforcer l’attractivité internationale du territoire en valorisant ses atouts économiques, humains et technologiques sur la scène mondiale ;
  • soutenir le développement des filières d’avenir, essentielles à une croissance durable de l’écosystème Tech calédonien ;
  • créer des opportunités de business en facilitant l’accès des startups et entreprises à la prospection, aux partenariats et à la veille technologique ;
  • développer des synergies internationales, à travers des partenariats stratégiques avec d’autres territoires, écosystèmes et investisseurs.

La délégation calédonienne

La délégation qui représentera la Nouvelle-Calédonie pour cette édition 2026 est composée des huit startups suivantes :

Firetracking

Une solution SaaS « clé-en-main», pour détecter les départs de feux en moins de trois minutes, jusqu’à 20 km de distance.

Testeum

Une plateforme SaaS de test participatif.

Watom

Une plateforme technologique de conception de « serious games » numériques, basée sur un moteur de scénarisation et d’analyse des décisions utilisateurs.

Ops Insight

Une première plateforme d’IA conversationnelle pour la conformité aéronautique et spatiale.

Spirit

Une solution de paiement adaptée au Pacifique français (Nouvelle-Calédonie, Polynésie française, Wallis-et-Futuna).

Santeo

Une plateforme de prévention fonctionnelle et d’éducation à la santé, conçue pour les territoires insulaires.

So’Bloo

Une solution tout-en-un de gestion d’entreprise, moderne et boostée à l’IA pour la Nouvelle-Calédonie et au-delà.

Digibarre

Une application de gestion de Barreau moderne, simple et adaptable pour les ordres d’avocats.

Ainsi que de 16 partenaires :

  • financiers (Province Sud, Aircalin, Lagoon, OPT-NC,  TotalEnergies, Engie) ;
  • réseaux et opportunités (Impulseo, OPEN NC, French Tech Nouvelle-Calédonie, Bpifrance, CCI Team France Export, MEDEF, CPME) ;
  • attractivité (New Caledonia Tourism, Talents Calédoniens et NCT&I).

Quelques temps forts pour la délégation

La délégation calédonienne prendra part à quelques temps forts du salon. Dès le 14 juin, les startups calédoniennes seront mises en avants sur le stand de Total Energies avec notamment :

  • un pitch de Testeum ;
  • un pitch de Firetracking sur la thématique hygiène, sécurité et environnement (HSE).

Le 18 juin, la délégation participera au side-event « French Tech Connect Outre-Mer & Océan Indien », organisé par French Tech La Réunion. Cet événement de networking et de développement d’affaires vise à connecter les startups ultramarines et de l’Océan Indien avec des investisseurs, grands groupes et partenaires de l’innovation. Il permettra également de renforcer la visibilité de l’écosystème tech calédonien et de favoriser les opportunités de partenariats et de financement.

Le 20 juin, l’équipe calédonienne participera au concours international de pitch VivaTech 2026, ainsi qu’à une séquence dédiée à l’attractivité de la Nouvelle-Calédonie sur le stand Business France.

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HKETO Berlin supports Hong Kong Young Industrialists Council delegation “Go Global” visit to Germany

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, Berlin (HKETO Berlin) supported a delegation visit by the Hong Kong Young Industrialists Council to Berlin, Germany, June 11 and 12 (Berlin time). 

     The aims of the visit were to strengthen business ties and encourage closer collaboration between the business and industrial communities of Hong Kong and Germany.  

     On June 11, the Director of the HKETO Berlin, Mr Indiana Wong, hosted a briefing for the delegation and provided an overview of the eight Central and Eastern European markets under HKETO Berlin’s purview. He highlighted the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government’s commitment to supporting Hong Kong enterprises in expanding their businesses under the “Go Global” initiative.  

     On the same day, the delegation also met with representatives of Germany Trade & Invest and visited the Science and Technology Park Berlin Adlershof to gain on-the-ground insights into Germany’s investment environment and innovation ecosystem.  

     On June 12, HKETO Berlin arranged a breakfast meeting for the delegation to meet with representatives of small and medium-sized enterprise executives, the German Association of Young Entrepreneurs, and visit a certification company in Berlin. 

About HKETO Berlin

     HKETO Berlin is the official representative of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government in commercial relations and other economic and trade matters in Germany as well as Austria, Czechia, Hungary, Poland, the Slovak Republic, Slovenia and Switzerland. 

           

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Hong Kong film industry participates in Shanghai International Film Festival to showcase emerging talents

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA) of the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau and the Hong Kong Film Development Council (FDC) led an industry delegation to participate in the 28th Shanghai International Film Festival (SIFF). By participating in major film festivals in the Chinese Mainland and organising Hong Kong film screening events, the promotion aimed to enhance the exposure of Hong Kong films and filmmakers in the Chinese Mainland and showcase the latest works of the Hong Kong cinema to a broad audience.
 
The delegation included the Commissioner for Cultural and Creative Industries, Miss Drew Lai; Assistant Commissioner for Cultural and Creative Industries and Secretary-General of the FDC, Mr Gary Mak; the Chairman of FDC, Dr Wilfred Wong; producer Derek Yee, director Keane Wong and actor Stephen Fung of the film “Afterpiece”; director Philip Yung and actor Sean Lau of the film “Papa”; along with a cohort of new-generation directors and actors, collectively demonstrating the robustness and the thriving power of the new blood of the Hong Kong film industry.
 
Film productions by Hong Kong’s emerging filmmakers are attracting significant attention at this year’s SIFF. “Afterpiece”, funded by the Directors’ Succession Scheme under the Film Development Fund (FDF), was selected as the opening film. Furthermore, director Mak Tin-shu was nominated for the Asian New Talent of the Golden Goblet Awards with the film “Dog Day Evening”, financed by the Film Production Financing Scheme (Relaxation Plan) (FPRP) under the FDF.
 
CCIDA and the FDC organised the “Making Waves – Navigators of Hong Kong Cinema” (Making Waves) screening programme during the SIFF, featuring six films directed by emerging Hong Kong directors, including “Afterpiece”, “Dog Day Evening”, “Bird of Paradise” (a winning film project in the higher education institution group of the 7th First Feature Film Initiative), “Papa” (a film project financed by FPRP), “The Snowball on a Sunny Day” and “Unidentified Murder”. The programme aimed to highlight to audiences the diverse charms of Hong Kong cinema through these films.
 
CCIDA and the FDC hosted “Hong Kong Cinema: A Legacy in Succession” at the SIFFORUM, introducing the different film production financing and funding schemes under the FDF, while inviting Hong Kong veteran and emerging directors for a cross-generational dialogue and in-depth exchange on the development and innovation of the film industry.
 
In addition, Miss Lai, Mr Mak and Dr Wong met with the Executive Deputy Director-General of the China Film Administration, Mr Mao Yu, and representatives of international film and cultural institutions including Toronto International Film Festival and British Council, to strengthen ties between Hong Kong and overseas film industries. CCIDA and the FDC have long been committed to driving the development and innovation of the Hong Kong film industry, and will continue to provide steadfast support for film production and talent nurturing through various funding schemes, empowering emerging filmmakers to step onto and excel on broader stages.

                 

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CHP continues to actively follow up on a case of low-pathogenic avian influenza A (H9) infection and reminds the public of the possibility of “twin-peaks” for seasonal influenza and COVID-19 during summer

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

CHP continues to actively follow up on a case of low-pathogenic avian influenza A (H9) infection and reminds the public of the possibility of “twin-peaks” for seasonal influenza and COVID-19 during summer 
Human infection with influenza A (H9) virus
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     In relation to the recent influenza A (H9) infection in a two-year-old boy, the Public Health Laboratory Services Branch of the CHP conducted whole genome sequencing and analysis of the virus, confirming that the virus strain is a low-pathogenic H9N2 avian influenza virus and that no significant genetic variations were detected. The CHP has collected 17 environmental samples from the residence of the patient, the fresh provision shop at Wo Che Market he had visited, as well as a park in Fung Wo Estate. One sample collected from a metal tray placed at the bottom of a live chicken cage inside the shop that was used to collect chicken droppings was tested positive for the H9 avian influenza virus. The remaining 16 samples tested negative. The CHP will conduct further analysis on the positive environmental sample. The CHP believed that it is more likely for the boy to have contracted H9 avian influenza by touching a contaminated surface at the fresh food shop selling live poultry in Wo Che Market. Thorough disinfection and cleaning will be conducted at the fresh food shop in question.   
Seasonal influenza and COVID-19
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     Influenza activity in Hong Kong has increased in recent weeks but remains below the baseline level. Based on past experience, Hong Kong may experience two influenza seasons each year. The onset of summer influenza season began at a later time than usual last year, and sustained a longer period, extending from early September last year to early January this year, resulting in the absence of the winter influenza season that traditionally occurs in the first quarter of each year. Since the summer influenza season typically occurs between July and August, it cannot be ruled out that it may begin earlier than usual this year. 
Government’s vaccination programmes
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     Vaccination remains the most effective way to prevent seasonal influenza, COVID-19 and its complications. It also reduces the risk of hospitalisation and death.
  
     The WHO has earlier announced its recommendations for the composition for seasonal influenza and COVID-19 vaccines in the upcoming season. Vaccine manufacturers are currently producing vaccines in accordance with the recommendations. A new batch of seasonal influenza vaccines will arrive in Hong Kong in this September, while COVID-19 vaccines will arrive in the fourth quarter.      In addition, the shelf life of vaccines under the Government’s Seasonal Influenza Vaccination (SIV) Programmes will expire at the end of July. The DH launched the 2025/26 SIV Programmes in September last year. With the government’s active promotion and the cooperation of various stakeholders, over 2.03 million doses of vaccines have been administered. Members of the public who have not received vaccinations, particularly children, the elderly and chronic disease patients, should receive influenza vaccination as soon as possible.

     To prevent respiratory diseases, members of the public should maintain good personal, hand and environmental hygiene at all times. Members of the public with respiratory symptoms, even if the symptoms are mild, should wear a surgical mask, avoid crowded places and seek medical advice promptly. They should maintain hand hygiene before putting on and after removing a mask. When there is a rise in activity levels of respiratory diseases, high-risk persons should wear surgical masks when visiting public places. The general public should also wear a surgical mask when taking public transport or staying in crowded places.Issued at HKT 22:10

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LegCo Panel on Constitutional Affairs visits patriotic education facilities

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

LegCo Panel on Constitutional Affairs visits patriotic education facilities  
     Accompanied by the Under Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs, Mr Clement Woo, Members first visited the Hong Kong Sha Tau Kok Anti-War Memorial Hall (the Law’s House), which is Hong Kong’s first memorial hall to commemorate the War of Resistance. Members toured the exhibition to learn about the history of the War of Resistance and the anti-Japanese deeds of the Luo family, and understood community group’s efforts in promoting patriotic education through revitalising historic sites of the War of Resistance. 
 
     During the visit, Members and representatives of the Administration discussed how to assist the community group that operates the memorial hall in further enriching their exhibits and enhancing other supporting facilities to attract more tourists and students to visit.
 
     Members then visited the Cenotaph for Martyrs at Wu Kau Tang to understand how heroes and historic sites of the War of Resistance are remembered and preserved. Members suggested that the Administration make good use of the various heritage resources related to the War of Resistance in Sha Tau Kok and the nearby Wu Kau Tang area to organise educational visits and guided tours to better promote patriotic education.
 
     Members also visited the Patriotic Education Centre at Sha Tin, where they toured the thematic exhibition on aerospace science to learn about the implementation of patriotic education by offering experiential and interactive learning services to students. Members also exchanged views with representatives of the Government on promoting patriotic education through commemorating the 90th anniversary of the victory of the Long March.
 
     A total of 16 members and non-members of the Panel on Constitutional Affairs participated in the visit.
Issued at HKT 21:34

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SFST leads delegation to visit Hangzhou

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     The Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr Christopher Hui, led a 30-plus-strong delegation of representatives from financial institutions and industry leaders to visit Hangzhou today (June 15).

     In the morning, Mr Hui and the Permanent Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury (Financial Services), Mrs Angelina Cheung, met with the Director of the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the People’s Government of Zhejiang Province, Mr Gu Jianxin, and the Deputy Director-General of the Department of Commerce of Zhejiang Province, Mr Shi Qiqi, to brief them on the purpose of bringing the delegation to Hangzhou. Mr Hui expressed his anticipation of strengthening connections between Hangzhou enterprises and Hong Kong financial professionals, thereby deepening mutual understanding and jointly capturing the global market opportunities.

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Toronto ETO celebrates dragon boat racing festivals in Toronto and Ottawa

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (Toronto) (Toronto ETO) joined community leaders, athletes, and thousands of spectators at the 38th Toronto International Dragon Boat Race Festival (Festival) held on the Centre Island in Toronto, Canada, celebrating the global appeal of dragon boat racing and the strong cultural ties between Hong Kong and Canada.
 
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the Festival on June 13 (Toronto Time), the Director of the Toronto ETO, Mr Bill Wong, congratulated the Toronto Chinese Business Association on hosting another successful edition of one of the most anticipated summer events in Ontario.
 
“Exactly 50 years ago, the first international dragon boat race took place in Hong Kong, transforming a traditional Chinese cultural activity into a modern international sport,” Mr Wong said. “Ten years later, dragon boat racing arrived in Canada during Expo 86 in Vancouver before expanding to other major cities across the country, including Toronto.”
 
He added that the annual Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Festival, one of the city’s signature mega events, will take place in two weeks. The event will feature teams from 16 countries and regions, including Canada.
 
Mr Wong invited friends in Canada to visit Hong Kong this summer to experience in person the energy of dragon boat racing at the world-renowned Victoria Harbour, as well as the rich culture and vibrancy of the city.
 
On both days of the Festival, the Toronto ETO set up a Hong Kong Pavilion with a mini-exhibition to showcase the history of dragon boats. Gifts were also distributed to the race spectators.
 
As one of the highlights of the Festival, the commemorative Hong Kong Cup, sponsored by the Toronto ETO, was presented to a winning teams on June 14.
 
The Toronto ETO will also support the Dragon Boat Festival in Ottawa  from June 19 to 21 (Ottawa Time), to continue promoting dragon boating and fostering cultural exchanges between Hong Kong and Canada.

              

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Brussels ETO promotes Hong Kong’s I&T sector with InvestHK at NEXUS Luxembourg 2026

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Brussels (Brussels ETO), participated in the NEXUS Luxembourg 2026 from June 10 to 11 (Luxembourg time) to showcase Hong Kong’s vibrant innovation ecosystem in promoting the development of AI and technology. The promotion was carried out in collaboration with Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK).

Ms Shirley Yung, the Special Representative for Hong Kong Economic and Trade Affairs to the European Union, delivered a presentation at the event to introduce Hong Kong’s dynamic innovation ecosystem, highlighting its unique strengths as a place for world-class research and talent, a global financial and fundraising hub, and a trusted international business environment.
 
She also mentioned the various recent Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government policies that are conducive to the development of AI and technology, such as the AI+ strategy and the Finance+ strategy. “The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government has positioned AI as a focus of our I&T strategy, developing it as a core industry while also harnessing its potential as a powerful enabler to upgrade traditional sectors,” she remarked. She also emphasised the huge potential of the innovation cluster in the Guangzhou-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.

Nexus Luxembourg is Europe’s leading AI and technology summit. The 2026 edition attracted approximately 10 000 attendees, featured 150 speakers, and over 250 startups from more than 50 countries. A dedicated Hong Kong booth was set up at the NEXUS Luxembourg, providing global attendees with information on investment and business opportunities in Hong Kong.

     

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Police launch new features on “eTraffic Ticket Platform”

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Police launch new features on “eTraffic Ticket Platform” (with photo) 
    The digitalisation of traffic FPNs and the “eTTP” have been operating smoothly since their launch in the middle of last year. To meet the fleet management needs of the transport sector and further facilitate the handling of FPNs against illegal parking by the public, the Police have enhanced the platform system and introduced the following four new features:

(1)        Introducing multiple roles
The “eTTP” has introduced multiple roles, such as “Agent”, “Agency Company” and “Designated Employee” to facilitate fleet management. Registered vehicle owners or corporate account holders can authorise designated agents or employees to handle FPNs against illegal parking for vehicles under their management, enabling more effective monitoring of the FPN status of the relevant vehicles.
 
(2)        “Vehicle-specific QR Code”
“Vehicle-specific QR Codes” can be generated for download on the “eTTP”. Upon scanning the relevant QR code via the “eTTP”’s mobile application, on-duty drivers can record their driving hours. If an FPN against illegal parking is issued during that period, the on-duty drivers will receive a push notification from the application, allowing them to view the details and settle fines directly.
 
This new feature has been integrated with the “HKeToll Commercial Vehicle Driver” mobile application QR code, which was designed by the Transport Department for taxis. By simply scanning the “Vehicle-specific QR code”, on-duty drivers can activate both systems simultaneously.
 
(3)        Application for viewing illegal parking photos
Members of the public may apply through the “eTTP” to view photos taken by police officers during the issuance of the FPNs against illegal parking.
 
(4)        Disputing all types of traffic FPNs through the “eTTP” 
In addition to existing channels, members of the public can dispute all types of traffic FPNs directly through the “eTTP” and upload supporting documents based on the circumstances of their case. As legal proceedings are involved, identity authentication and digital signing via “iAM Smart+” are required.
 
     To allow sufficient time for members of the public to adapt to the digitalisation of traffic FPNs, the HKPF will continue to maintain the “dual track transitional arrangement” for the time being by issuing both electronic and paper FPNs simultaneously. The HKPF will monitor the implementation status to determine a timetable for full implementation of digitalisation.
 
     The HKPF will also continue to identify and introduce more citizen-centric features to the “eTTP”. For more information and relevant user guides of the new features, please visit the dedicated website 
    The HKPF appeals to the public with the following anti-deception tips:Issued at HKT 7:01

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