Month: June 2026

Over 4 000 blood donors and Elite Partners commended at Annual Donor Award Ceremony for second consecutive year Prudential Hong Kong Limited
Sun Hung Kai Properties Limited
Sino Group
The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited
Bank of China (Hong Kong) Limited
Standard Chartered Bank (Hong Kong) Limited
 
Elite Partnership Award – Community Partners
Tsz Shan Monastery
Scout Association of Hong Kong
Lions Clubs International District 303
Rotary International District 3450
Yan Oi Tong
Evangelical Free Church of China – Yan Fook Church
 
Elite Partnership Award – Community Partners (Blood Donation Vehicle)
Whampoa Garden Management Limited
Lung Mun Oasis
Citygate
 
Elite Partnership Award – University
The Chinese University of Hong Kong
The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
The University of Hong Kong
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
Hong Kong Baptist University
 
Elite Partnership Award – Secondary School
Kellet School
Ng Yuk Secondary School
St. Stephen’s Girls College
Discovery College
Discovery Bay International School
Cheung Sha Wan Catholic Secondary School
HK & Kln Kaifong Women’s Association Sun Fong Chung College
Diocesan Boys’ School
STFA Tam Pak Yu College
TWGHs Chang Ming Thien College
PLK Wu Chung CollegeIssued at HKT 15:38

NNNN

HKSAR Government strongly condemns Washington Post editorial on Subsidiary Legislation safeguarding national security      
     A spokesperson for the HKSAR Government stated, “In accordance with international law based on the Charter of the United Nations, it is each and every sovereign state’s inherent right, as well as an international practice, to enact laws safeguarding national security. With at least 21 pieces of legislation in the United States (US) safeguarding national security, anti-China media, in particular The Washington Post, shamelessly display its hypocrisy and double standards by pointing fingers at the HKSAR as we continuously improve our legal system to fulfill a constitutional duty to safeguard national security.”
      
     In response to the article’s baseless allegations, the spokesperson points out that, “The Procedural Matters Regulation only aims to state clearly the classification mechanism under the Law of the People’s Republic of China on Safeguarding National Security in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKNSL) and the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance (SNSO) for ‘other offences endangering national security under the law of the HKSAR’, thereby bringing even greater certainty to the implementation of the relevant provisions under the HKNSL, the SNSO and other laws.
      
     “Any reasonable and objective person who has studied the three provisions of the Procedural Matters Regulation with care, and observed the relevant discussions at the Legislative Council (LegCo) meetings would have no difficulty in finding that the Procedural Matters Regulation has no retrospective effect at all. It does not create any new offence or alter the penalties of any offence. It certainly does not turn any lawful conduct into an offence. It is not applicable to legal proceedings that are concluded. Yet, The Washington Post falsely and maliciously claimed that ‘people can now be charged retroactively for crimes that didn’t exist when they allegedly committed them’. Its ignorance of facts and betrayal of the basic tenets of responsible journalism are shocking, irresponsible, and totally unacceptable behaviour for any media organisation.
      
     “More important, the Procedural Matters Regulation will in no way infringe any legitimate right of a defendant. Hong Kong is a place underpinned by the rule of law. The guilt or innocence of a defendant remains a matter to be adjudicated by the court independently and in accordance with law. The court will, as always, ensure a defendant’s right to a fair trial. Article 4 of the HKNSL stipulates that human rights shall be respected and protected in safeguarding national security. The rights and freedoms, which the residents of the HKSAR enjoy under the Basic Law and the provisions of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights as applied to Hong Kong, shall be protected in accordance with the law. Article 5 stipulates that the principle of the rule of law shall be adhered to in preventing, suppressing, and imposing punishment for offences endangering national security, which includes protection for the right to defend oneself and other rights in judicial proceedings that a criminal suspect and defendant are entitled to under the law. Section 2 of the SNSO also clearly stipulates that the Ordinance is based on the above principle of respect and protection for human rights and the principle of the rule of law.”
      
     The spokesperson pointed out, “Another allegation by The Washington Post about the issuance of a certificate by the Chief Executive under Article 47 of the HKNSL or section 115 of the SNSO is plainly wrong. The issuance of the certificate by the Chief Executive is a rigorous and solemn action. As the top official with primary responsibility for safeguarding national security in the HKSAR, the Chief Executive has access to all relevant information, including extremely sensitive intelligence and information on acts and activities endangering national security, which are not suitable for public disclosure. Such confidential information may even pertain to threats by state actors. It follows that the Chief Executive must shoulder the important responsibility, and indeed is in the best position, to make the necessary assessments and exercise the power to issue certificates on whether a criminal act involves national security. It must be firmly stated that this is a very rigorous and cautious process, leaving absolutely no room for uncertainty.
      
     “As a matter of fact, it is a well-established principle at common law, upheld by the highest courts of common law jurisdictions including Hong Kong, the US and the United Kingdom, that the courts accord deference to the assessments and judgments of the executive authorities on national security. Constitutionally, the executive authorities have the responsibility for assessing and addressing risks to national security, whereas the court is tasked to administer justice and adjudicate disputes independently. For institutional reasons, the executive has the requisite experience, expertise, resources and access to information and intelligence, which make it best suited to making evaluative judgments on those matters. Notably, a judgment of the Supreme Court of the US in 2010 (which has been applied in many subsequent Supreme Court judgments) explained why the judiciary must defer to the executive authorities’ assessment of national security issues, stating that ‘national security and foreign policy concerns arise in connection with efforts to confront evolving threats in an area where information can be difficult to obtain and the impact of certain conduct difficult to assess’, and ‘the lack of competence on the part of the courts is marked’. Turning a blind eye to the above simply demonstrates The Washington Post’s double standards and ignorance.”
      
     The spokesperson also stressed that the legislative process on the Procedural Matters Regulation is entirely in compliance with all legal and procedural requirements. “The Procedural Matters Regulation is a piece of subsidiary legislation made under section 110 of the SNSO. It is subject to scrutiny by the LegCo under the negative vetting procedure, as in the case of many other pieces of legislation that are currently in force in Hong Kong. In accordance with section 34 of the Interpretation and General Clauses Ordinance (Cap. 1), the LegCo may pass resolution to amend the subsidiary legislation in any manner consistent with the power to make such subsidiary legislation. As a matter of fact, the LegCo convened a subcommittee on June 11 to study the Procedural Matters Regulation. Members of the subcommittee asked Government officials numerous questions concerning the policy, legal and drafting aspects of the Procedural Matters Regulation, and were satisfied that it is in order in all respects.”
      
     Regarding The Washington Post’s baseless claim that Hong Kong is now “a less secure place to visit or do business”, the spokesperson said, “It is most appalling that The Washington Post has to resort to dirty tricks and tell bold-faced lies to smear the HKSAR. In fact, a simple online “fact-check” will reveal this is completely at odds with how investors and businesses around the world perceive the HKSAR: Hong Kong has been heralded the world’s freest economy for decades; in the World Competitiveness Yearbook 2025, Hong Kong’s ranking improved by two places to third globally; Hong Kong continues to rank among the top three international financial centres, and is number one in the world in terms of initial public offering (IPO) fundraising in the first quarter of 2026, as well as the largest cross-boundary wealth management centre. 
      
     “Foreign businesses have no reason to worry about the laws safeguarding national security in the HKSAR. In fact, many entrepreneurs welcome such laws, which ensure a safer and more stable environment for investments and economic development. The findings of a survey by the American Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong earlier this year, showed increased confidence in Hong Kong’s business environment for 2026; 94 per cent of the respondents expressed confidence in Hong Kong’s rule of law, a marked increase from 83 per cent in 2025. It is time for The Washington Post to face facts and respect the truth, including honest opinions expressed by their fellow countrymen who invest their money and do business in and with Hong Kong.
      
     “The HKSAR Government will, as always, resolutely, fully and faithfully implement the HKNSL, the SNSO and other relevant laws safeguarding national security in the HKSAR, to effectively prevent, suppress and impose punishment for acts and activities endangering national security in accordance with the law, while upholding the rights and freedoms of Hong Kong people in accordance with the law, so as to ensure the steadfast and successful implementation of the principle of ‘one country, two systems’.”
Issued at HKT 23:36

NNNN

10th Anniversary Fun Day@HK ICH Centre to showcase diverse Intangible Cultural Heritage of different ethnic groups 
     Highlights of the first day’s performances included an inclusive Cantonese opera performance presented by non-ethnic Chinese children, Hoi Luk Fung unicorn dance, young Chiu Chow music and Hakka Folk Song Duet. A variety of free interactive activities were staged for members of the public, such as workshops on patterned band weaving and prosperity motif embroidery, a traditional architecture preservation technique demonstration and experience led by a veteran historic building restoration master, and the Cantonese Literary Fun Hub. Moreover, visitors could make diffuser stones with auspicious animal designs, 10th anniversary magnets, postcards stamped with the “Ten-Year Imprint”, and more at the fun day, and appreciate creative paper craft products and old photos of Sam Tung Uk.
 
     Highlights for tomorrow include the “Village Chief Leads the Way: Deep Dive into Sam Tung Uk” tour, led by the village chief of Sam Tung Uk Village, Mr Chan Kam-hong, allowing participants to explore the ingenuity of the architectural layout story of Sam Tung Uk, a Hakka walled house with over 200 years of history, from the perspective of an indigenous resident. A Teej performance, with Nepali women singing and dancing in traditional costumes, will also be presented, as well as an Indian festival activity introducing the history, origins, and customs of Indian festivals such as Diwali, offering participants an opportunity to learn about traditional folk dances and chants. Other not-to-be-missed programmes will include the art of Chiu Chow Kung Fu tea demonstration and experience, shadow puppetry performances, as well as stilt house construction technique model demonstrations.
 
     For details of the fun day, please visit the website:　www.icho.hk/en/web/icho/2026_hkich_month_carnival_stum.htmlIssued at HKT 17:04

Commissioner of Police inspects passing-out parade of Police Cadet Training       
     Addressing the ceremony, Mr Chow said the content of the “Diploma of Applied Education (DAE) – Police Cadet Training” programme, which launched in 2024, progresses with time to align more closely with needs, and becomes increasingly systematic, flexible and practical. Drawing on the experience of the first cohort, the course arrangement of the second cohort had been optimised and extended from 22 weeks to 30 weeks, with more instructors and manpower resources allocated, providing the cadets with a better environment to learn and grow.
      
     Mr Chow said that the cadets consolidated their knowledge and built up their abilities in the programme to strengthen their self-confidence, and more importantly, to nurture a team spirit. During the five-day, four-night “hell week” outdoor experiential training, the extreme physical and mental challenges endured by the cadets fostered mutual support and strengthened team cohesion in overcoming the difficulties together.
      
     Mr Chow expressed the hope that the cadets would bear in mind that “self-confidence provides the strength to stand firm, while teamwork enables one to journey further”. He noted that the cadets overcame various challenges during the 30-week rigorous training and developed solid confidence. Instilled with the “can-do” spirit, they can stay resolute in the face of difficulties and challenges. With mutual trust, complementarity, and a shared goal, the power of a team is multiplied, allowing them to go farther.
      
     He encouraged the cadets to persevere and equip themselves, and to fulfill their proper role in the team. He stressed that no one in the Force fights alone, for the team provides staunch support to every individual. He envisaged the cadets becoming a member of the Force, jointly safeguard Hong Kong and contribute to national development.
      
     The “DAE – Police Cadet Training” programme is co-organised by the Police College with the Caritas Institute of Community Education, the Hong Kong College of Technology, and the Hong Kong Institute of Technology, with serving police officers as instructors. Students who successfully complete the programme and pass the Police Constable selection process may commence foundation training at the Police College upon graduation. The application for the 2026/27 programme is now open, with the deadline on July 22. For details, please refer to the programme website (www.police.gov.hk/ppp_en/15_recruit/dae.htmlIssued at HKT 13:17

Government launches public consultation on The First Five-Year Plan for Economic and Social Development of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (2026-2030) (with videos) 
     A Government spokesperson said, “Hong Kong’s First Five-Year Plan is a historic step with profound significance. It will provide a forward-looking, strategic and operable guiding document for Hong Kong’s development during the next five years, enabling Hong Kong to proactively align with the National 15th Five-Year Plan. This will support Hong Kong’s high-quality development, and at the same time help Hong Kong better integrate into and serve the overall national development.

     “Hong Kong’s Five-Year Plan will clearly set out Hong Kong’s development vision and strategic directions for the next five years. It will cover areas such as the economy, industries, spatial planning, infrastructure, green transformation, as well as livelihood aspects including healthcare, education, housing, welfare, and elderly care, providing clear directions for Hong Kong’s economic and social development in the coming five years to create a vision for the future that citizens can looking forward to.      
     The public consultation will run from today until August 14, lasting for two months. The Government will organise multiple consultation sessions to listen to views and suggestions on Hong Kong’s Five-Year Plan from Legislative Council Members, representatives from different sectors as well as the general public. The Government strives to publish the formal document of Hong Kong’s Five-Year Plan within the third quarter of the year.Issued at HKT 12:00

NNNN