Month: June 2026

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CHP investigates case of influenza A (H9) infection

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

CHP investigates case of influenza A (H9) infection (with photo) 
Case information
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     The boy lives in Sha Tin District. He developed a fever and mild diarrhoea on June 9. On the following day (June 10), he was brought to Prince of Wales Hospital and was admitted for treatment. His clinical specimen tested positive for the influenza A (H9) virus by the Public Health Laboratory Services Branch (PHLSB) of the CHP. The subtyping result is pending. His clinical diagnosis was novel influenza. He is currently in stable condition and has been admitted to an isolation ward at Princess Margaret Hospital for treatment.
      
     The CHP’s preliminary investigation revealed that the patient had no travel history during the incubation period. The case has been classified as a locally acquired case. The patient does not attend school or receive daycare services. He is primarily cared for by his family members and spends most of his time at home or nearby. His household does not keep poultry. According to information provided by his family members, he has neither consumed undercooked poultry nor come into contact with any patients. In early June, one of his family members took him to Wo Che Market on two occasions. During these visits, the patient stayed at a fresh provision shop in the market that sells live chickens to watch the poultry and touched the surroundings of the fresh provision shop. The CHP conducted an investigation with the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) and collected environmental samples from the shop concerned. The shop staff remained asymptomatic. The patient has six household contacts and they remain asymptomatic so far. The CHP has provided them with preventive medication and put them under medical surveillance.
      
     The CHP is continuing to investigate the source of infection of the case and is conducting whole genome sequencing of the virus sample. The CHP will also report the case to the World Health Organization (WHO).
      
     Humans are primarily infected with the influenza A virus through direct contact with infected poultry or through indirect contact with environments contaminated by their droppings. The CHP’s epidemiological investigation indicated that the patient had visited a location where live poultry was sold. It cannot be ruled out that the patient was infected through indirect contact with a contaminated environment at the wet market. As young children have weaker immune systems and are incapable of maintaining good hand hygiene, the CHP advised parents to avoid taking young children to places where live poultry is sold. Transporting poultry may contaminate the ground and the surrounding environment. As young children are shorter in height and easy to be in contact with the surrounding environment, they are at greater risk of coming into contact with poultry droppings or contaminated areas.
      
     In the past ten years, the WHO has received reports of a total of over 160 cases of human infection with influenza A (H9) worldwide. To date, most case of human infection with influenza A (H9) have presented with only mild clinical illness. According to the WHO’s risk assessment, the influenza A (H9) virus has not acquired the ability for sustained human-to-human transmissions.
 
Government’s comprehensive follow-up actions
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     Novel influenza A infection, including influenza A (H9), is a notifiable infectious disease in Hong Kong. Compared to other highly pathogenic avian influenza strains such as H5N1 and H7N9, influenza A (H9) is a low-pathogenic avian influenza strain that causes milder illness. Excluding the aforementioned case, 10 cases of influenza A (H9N2) have been reported since 1999, including four locally acquired cases and six imported cases. No deaths have been recorded so far. In response to the latest local case, the CHP will issue a letter to all doctors in Hong Kong, reminding them of the latest situation of influenza A (H9), and urging them to remain vigilant and report any suspected cases.
      
     Sporadic cases of human infection with avian influenza occur from time to time internationally. Although the current risk of an outbreak is low, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government has consistently implemented preventive measures, including a disease surveillance system, the implementation of livestock control measures at farms, markets and ports, in order to prevent avian influenza.
      
     The PHLSB of the CHP comprises laboratories with high biosafety standards, capable of conducting, testing for high-risk pathogens, and which also possess sufficient testing and genetic analysis capabilities and facilities. Hong Kong currently has sufficient reserve of antiviral medications.
 
Preventive measures to be taken by the public
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     Humans are primarily infected with the avian influenza A virus through contact with infected birds, poultry or other animals (whether alive or dead), or through surfaces or environments contaminated with saliva, mucous and animal faeces (such as wet markets and live poultry markets). The virus has very low transmissibility among humans. People who have close contact with live poultry are more susceptible to contracting avian influenza. The elderly, children and people with chronic illnesses have a higher risk of developing complications such as bronchitis and pneumonia, if infected. Members of the public should remain vigilant and take the following measures to prevent avian influenza:
      ​The public may visit the CHP’s webpages for more information: Avian Influenza WebpageIssued at HKT 22:19

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CHP urges high-risk individuals to receive COVID-19 vaccination at appropriate time as two severe paediatric cases of COVID-19 infection are recorded this week

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

CHP urges high-risk individuals to receive COVID-19 vaccination at appropriate time as two severe paediatric cases of COVID-19 infection are recorded this week      
Case details
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     The case involves a 12-month-old boy with good past health. He developed a fever, cough and runny nose on June 2. On the next day (June 3), he presented with stridor and his family member administered a rapid antigen test for him, which was positive for COVID-19. He was taken to the Accident and Emergency Department of Alice Ho Miu Ling Nethersole Hospital and was admitted on June 4. On the same day, due to severe croup symptom, he was transferred to the pediatric intensive care unit of Prince of Wales Hospital for treatment. He is currently in critical condition. His respiratory specimen tested positive for the SARS-CoV-2 virus upon laboratory testing. The clinical diagnosis was COVID-19 complicated with croup.
 
     The CHP’s preliminary investigation revealed that the boy had not received COVID-19 vaccine and had no travel history during the incubation period. His two household contacts developed mild respiratory symptoms since June 4 and have recovered and did not require hospitalisation.
 
Government’s COVID-19 Vaccination Programme
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     “Scientific evidence shows that COVID-19 vaccines are effective in reducing the risk of severe disease and death. Although COVID-19 has become a common respiratory infection in Hong Kong and around the world, certain high-risk individuals, especially young children, who have not received their initial dose of the COVID-19 vaccine and have not developed immunity through natural infection, face a higher risk of serious complications if they become infected. I would like to specifically remind the public that individuals who have not yet received their initial dose of the COVID-19 vaccine (including children aged six months or above) should get vaccinated as soon as possible, while high-risk individuals (particularly the elderly and those with underlying comorbidities) should also receive booster dose at appropriate times for effective protection against COVID-19.” said the Controller of the CHP, Dr Edwin Tsui.

     “According to the latest surveillance data, while the overall local activity of COVID-19 still remains at a relatively low level, slight increases have been recorded continually since early May. The positive detection rate of specimens collected at the Public Health Laboratory Services Branch of the CHP increased from 0.45 per cent in the early May to 1.39 per cent in the previous week. The COVID-19 activity levels fluctuate, with an upsurge period generally occurred approximately every six to nine months in recent years. Each upsurge is associated with changes in predominant circulating variants and a decline in community herd immunity. It has been nearly a year since the end of the last periodic upsurge of COVID-19 activity in Hong Kong, and it cannot be ruled out that the overall COVID-19 activity will rise further in the coming one to two months,” he added.      Apart from vaccination, in order to prevent COVID-19, influenza, and other respiratory illnesses as well as transmission in the community, the public should maintain strict personal and environmental hygiene at all times and note the following:
      For more information on the COVID-19 Vaccination Programme and the latest recommendations on vaccine use, please refer to the CHP’s websiteIssued at HKT 21:51

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Chinese Culture Festival 2026 opens today

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Chinese Culture Festival 2026 opens today       
     In a video speech addressing the opening ceremony, the Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, said that the National 15th Five-Year Plan calls for advancing the promotion of building a strong cultural nation in a steady and substantive manner, with a view to better promoting Chinese culture to the world, and supporting Hong Kong in developing into an East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange. The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) has formulated the Blueprint for Arts and Culture and Creative Industries Development. It has also set up the Chinese Culture Promotion Office, dedicated to bringing culture into the community and enhancing the public’s sense of national identity, belonging and pride. He said that the CCF, an annual flagship project, features performances, exhibitions, outreach activities and more. It makes fine use of Hong Kong’s international network, allowing local citizens and overseas visitors alike to experience the historical spirit and contemporary flair of Chinese civilisation. He said the CCF promises to become a cultural bridge connecting Hong Kong with the Chinese Mainland, while reaching out to the world.
      
     Officiating guests at the opening ceremony included the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Miss Rosanna Law; the Deputy Director-General of the Department of Publicity, Cultural and Sports Affairs of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the HKSAR, Mr Lin Nan; the Chairman of the Legislative Council Panel on Home Affairs, Culture and Sports, Mr Tang Ka-piu; member of the Working Group on Patriotic Education under the Constitution and Basic Law Promotion Steering Committee and Director of the Paso a Paso Foundation Limited, Ms Melissa Pang; and the Director of Leisure and Cultural Services, Ms Manda Chan.

     The opening programme of this year’s CCF – the dance drama “Lady White Snake” – was also staged this evening to a full house. Produced by the Shanghai Grand Theatre with internationally acclaimed ballet artist Tan YuanYuan as artistic director, the production assembles a distinguished creative team of top-tier artists from various disciplines and a stellar cast of lead dancers from both the Chinese Mainland and abroad. By weaving a dual tapestry of Eastern and Western choreographic languages, the work offers a modern reinterpretation of the millennial folk legend, charting a profound journey of self-discovery for Lady White Snake. The brilliant performances by the lead dancers of the “Moon” cast for the opening night – Ao Dingwen, Wu Husheng, Wang Nianci and Su Hailu, alongside dancers from the Shanghai Opera House Dance Ensemble – captivated the audience with a refreshing rendition of the “White Snake” legend.  Issued at HKT 21:45

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Hospital Authority statement on dismissal of intern doctor

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

​     The Hospital Authority (HA) today (June 12) issued the following statement regarding the dismissal of an intern doctor:

​     The HA holds doctors to the highest standards of professional conduct, behaviour, and discipline. The HA insists that all doctors serving patients in public hospitals must possess both medical competence and conduct themselves in a professional manner. In addition to having professional knowledge to treat patients, they must uphold the strictest professional conduct and place patient well-being, privacy, safety, and care as their foremost priority at all times. The HA has absolutely zero tolerance for any form of behaviour that undermines the professional conduct of doctors. The HA will not permit any doctors concerned to practise in public hospitals to safeguard patient safety.

​     Upon becoming aware of recent discussions on social media posts regarding a series of improper acts by an intern doctor, the HA has taken action to establish an investigation panel to follow up on the event seriously. The panel has completed its investigation and determined that the intern doctor was involved in a series of improper act. The HA has taken action today to dismiss the intern doctor immediately.

​     During its investigation, the panel conducted interviews with the intern doctor and relevant healthcare staff, and carried out a detailed review of various evidence, including clinical and computer system records. The panel concluded that the intern doctor was involved in several serious improper act, including:
 

  • Breach of the professional conduct and integrity expected of doctors;
  • Infringement of patient privacy and professional confidentiality; and
  • Failure to faithfully follow instructions in performing medical procedures.

​     The HA has notified the intern doctor of the dismissal decision, and has also informed the medical school of the relevant university for appropriate follow-up. The HA will continue to investigate the event. If it is determined that any other doctors were involved in improper act, the HA will deal with the issue with the utmost seriousness and without leniency, in order to uphold doctors’ professional conduct and safeguard patient safety.

​     The HA spokesperson reiterates that the HA will not tolerate any conduct that undermines patient safety or doctors’ professional conduct, and strongly condemns such conduct.

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FEHD releases second batch of gravidtrap indexes for Aedes albopictus in June

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

FEHD releases second batch of gravidtrap indexes for Aedes albopictus in June  

District

District     With reference to the data from the past few years, the gravidtrap indexes start to rise from April every year. The indexes are higher from May to June. The actual timing and extent of the rise are affected by factors like weather conditions and rainfall. As compared with last year, the temperature began to climb earlier this year and the rainfall in April and May increased substantially, creating favourable conditions for mosquito growth and breeding. As a result, the rise in gravidtrap indexes occurred earlier this year. Depending on factors like rainfall, the indexes may rise further, but the overall trend of gravidtrap indexes this year is similar to those of previous years.

     For survey areas which recorded indexes exceeding 10 per cent, in accordance with the mechanism implemented by the FEHD in response to the chikungunya fever (CF) situation (i.e. strengthening mosquito control work in areas with a gravidtrap index between 10 per cent and 20 per cent, instead of 20 per cent or above under the original mechanism), the FEHD is collaborating with relevant departments and stakeholders to identify locations with high mosquito infestations and carry out intensive and targeted mosquito control measures, including eliminating mosquito breeding grounds, applying larvicides, conducting fogging operations to eradicate adult mosquitoes, and ensuring that mosquito trapping devices are placed at appropriate locations, as well as to strengthen efforts in publicity and education. Moreover, the FEHD has initiated three prosecutions against the relevant estate management company and property management companies following the discovery of mosquito breeding respectively at a public housing estate and two private housing estates in Kwun Tong District. In addition, following the discovery of stagnant water or stagnant water containers in three public housing estates and three private housing estates in Kwun Tong District and North District, the FEHD has issued six statutory notices to the responsible persons-in-charge, requiring the clearance of such items within a specified timeframe. The FEHD, the relevant departments and stakeholders also organise exhibitions, distribute leaflets and posters, and notify residential estates that have subscribed to the gravidtrap Rapid Alert System, advising property management agents and residents to stay vigilant and work together in taking mosquito prevention and elimination measures.     Starting in August 2025, following the completion of the surveillance of individual survey areas, and once the latest gravidtrap index and the density index are available, the FEHD has been disseminating relevant information through press releases, its website and social media. It aims to allow members of the public to quickly grasp the mosquito infestation situation and strengthen mosquito control efforts, thereby reducing the risk of CF transmission.
     　
     Following recommendations from the World Health Organization and taking into account the local situation in Hong Kong, the FEHD sets up gravidtraps in districts where mosquito-borne diseases have been recorded in the past, as well as in densely populated places such as housing estates, hospitals and schools to monitor the breeding and distribution of Aedes albopictus mosquitoes, which can transmit CF and dengue fever. At present, the FEHD has set up gravidtraps in 62 survey areas of the community, with a surveillance period of two weeks. During the surveillance period, the FEHD will collect the gravidtraps once a week. After the first week of surveillance, the FEHD will immediately examine the glue boards inside the retrieved gravidtraps for the presence of adult Aedine mosquitoes to compile the Gravidtrap Index (First Phase) and Density Index (First Phase). At the end of the second week of surveillance, the FEHD will instantly check the glue boards for the presence of adult Aedine mosquitoes. Data from the two weeks of surveillance will be combined to obtain the Area Gravidtrap Index and the Area Density Index. The gravidtrap and density indexes for Aedes albopictus in different survey areas, as well as information on mosquito prevention and control measures, are available on the department’s webpage (www.fehd.gov.hk/english/pestcontrol/dengue_fever/Dengue_Fever_Gravidtrap_Index_Update.html#Issued at HKT 20:53

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Secretary for Health chairs 21st meeting of Cancer Coordinating Committee

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     The Secretary for Health, Professor Lo Chung-mau, chaired the 21st meeting of the Cancer Coordinating Committee (CCC) today (June 12) to review the implementation of the Hong Kong Cancer Strategy and discuss the response strategies and measures with relevant government departments and organisations.
 
     Professor Lo said, “The Government promulgated Hong Kong’s first Strategy in 2019, setting out the overall direction and related strategies for cancer prevention and treatment. At today’s meeting, we conducted a comprehensive review of the implementation of various cancer prevention and control initiatives. A preliminary assessment indicated that over 80 per cent of the targets were met, covering enhancing the cancer surveillance system, expanding screening programmes, optimising diagnostic and treatment services, strengthening support to survivors, promoting cancer research, and more. The Government will continue to adopt a multipronged approach to promote cancer prevention and control, consolidate Hong Kong’s leading position in cancer research as well as prevention and control, and strive to optimise services and provide appropriate treatment for cancer patients.”

     At the meeting, the CCC reviewed and discussed the progress of various cancer prevention and control measures, including:
 
Surveillance
 
     The Hong Kong Cancer Registry (HKCaR) is responsible for conducting comprehensive cancer surveillance through the collection, analysis, consolidation and dissemination of data of patients diagnosed with cancer from public and major private healthcare institutions in Hong Kong. In recent years, the HKCaR has not only supported evaluating the current cancer screening programmes in Hong Kong (such as the Colorectal Cancer Screening Programme and the Breast Cancer Screening Pilot Programme), but has also strengthened the collection and compilation of more comprehensive cancer surveillance data. This includes providing analysis of survival trends for 20 major solid cancers and early-onset cancers, as well as consolidating and disseminating the most common cancer biomarkers or prognostic indicators of various cancers, with a view to empowering stakeholders with essential information to improve the quality of cancer care and implement cost-effective cancer prevention and control work.
 
     At the meeting, the CCC examined the city-wide population-based cancer surveillance data for 2023. These data include figures on cancer incidence, mortality, survival rates, and early-onset cancer. In particular, a total of 37 953 newly diagnosed cancer cases were recorded in 2023, involving 18 656 males and 19 297 females. In other words, 104 new cancer cases were diagnosed every day. Lung cancer (6 111 cases) remains the most common cancer in Hong Kong, while breast cancer (5 603 cases, including male breast cancer) has for two consecutive years surpassed colorectal cancer (5 467 cases), being the second and third most common cancers, respectively.
 
     In addition, the HKCaR analysed the data from adults diagnosed with 20 major solid cancers over the past decade or so. The results show that the overall cancer survival rate has demonstrated an increasing trend over the years. Notably, the survival rates of the fatal cancers, including lung, liver and pancreatic cancers, improved significantly. The overall number of cancer cases in Hong Kong has been increasing, primarily attributed to an ageing and growing population. Recent data reveal that cancer has increased among females across both younger and older age groups, while remaining stable among males.
 
     In fact, as early as 2006, cancer has been defined as a chronic disease by the World Health Organization. The CCC is concerned about the prevalence of cancer in Hong Kong and the long-term burden it places on public resources, and recognises the importance of existing data. The comprehensive cancer database in Hong Kong not only provides reliable data as a key reference for cancer surveillance, but also serves as a crucial resource for the Government and various stakeholders in formulating cancer prevention and control strategies and advancing healthcare development. More detailed cancer data are available on the HKCaR’s website for reference.
 
Prevention and screening
 
     The Department of Health (DH) has long adopted the promotion of a healthy lifestyle as a key strategy for cancer prevention, and is committed to strengthening public education to enhance public awareness of cancer prevention and screening. Through a variety of channels, including websites, the mass media and social media platforms, health information is disseminated to encourage the public to adopt a healthy lifestyle, such as a healthy diet, regular physical activity and avoidance of smoking and alcohol, to reduce the risk of developing non-communicable diseases including cancer.
 
     For screening, the DH has, in accordance with the recommendations of the Cancer Expert Working Group on Cancer Prevention and Screening (CEWG), successively implemented the Cervical Screening Programme, the Colorectal Cancer Screening Programme and the Breast Cancer Screening Pilot Programme. The majority of cancer cases identified through various screening programmes are at earlier stages, leading to a more favourable prognosis. To enhance cervical screening coverage, the Government initiated the Pilot Scheme on Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Testing of Self-collected Samples at 11 Maternal and Child Health Centres since 2024, and extended the programme to the district health network in January this year. In addition, the DH launched Phase II of the Breast Cancer Screening Pilot Programme in June last year to provide subsidised screening services to females aged 35 to 74 who are at high risk of developing breast cancer. Regarding lung cancer screening, the Research Council chaired by the Secretary for Health has commissioned a local university to conduct a study to provide a scientific basis for developing local screening strategies and to assess the feasibility of lung cancer screening by low-dose computed tomography with artificial intelligence technology for asymptomatic persons at high-risk in Hong Kong.
 
     The Primary Healthcare Commission launched the Hepatitis B Co-care Scheme in February this year to identify people with chronic hepatitis B in the community at an early stage and provide long-term follow-up services, with a view to reducing their risk of having serious complications such as cirrhosis and liver cancer.
 
     The CCC also discussed and endorsed the recommendations on prevention and screening for prostate cancer by the CEWG at the meeting.
 
Diagnosis, treatment and survivorship care
 
     The Hospital Authority (HA) is committed to enhancing cancer diagnosis, treatment and survivorship care by augmenting service capacity and improving service co-ordination. As stipulated in the Chief Executive’s 2025 Policy Address, the HA will increase service capacity by the first quarter of 2027 to provide 12 000 additional Specialist Out-patient attendances annually, over 5 000 additional chemotherapy attendances annually, and nine additional operating theatre sessions per week. The HA has also regularly reviewed and enhanced the Drug Formulary and the coverage of the safety net through the prevailing mechanism, with a view to enhancing cancer treatment services. In addition, the Office for Introducing Innovative Drugs and Medical Devices was set up and commenced operations on June 8 this year. The Office will significantly expedite the process of introducing “new and better” drugs, including cancer drugs, into the HA Drug Formulary, thereby effectively and comprehensively enhancing the treatments provided for patients.
 
     The HA will continue to provide personalised and multidisciplinary cancer care services. Services for lung cancer patients with enhanced diagnosis and treatment procedures will continue to be rolled out in different clusters, including expanding the multidisciplinary fast-track diagnostic services for suspected lung cancer patients to Hong Kong Island Cluster, Kowloon East Cluster and New Territories West Cluster, as well as expanding the cancer case manager service to Hong Kong Island Cluster and New Territories East Cluster. The HA will also implement precision medicine through increasing various genetic and related testing capacities to support more targeted and personalised cancer treatment options, thereby improving treatment efficacy and lessening side effects.
 
     As for the support to cancer survivors, the HA will implement the primary healthcare collaboration model on cancer survivorship by the first quarter of 2027 to facilitate the transition of cancer survivors who are in stable condition from specialist care to primary healthcare services for appropriate care and continuous follow-up.
 
Research
 
     The Health Bureau has long been supporting research related to cancer prevention, diagnosis, treatment and survivorship through the Health and Medical Research Fund (HMRF), with a view to formulating evidence-based health policies in a bid to reduce the morbidity and mortality of cancer as well as improve patients’ conditions and their quality of life. Since the Government’s promulgation of the Strategy, the HMRF has supported over 310 investigator-initiated and health promotion projects and over 40 awardees under the Research Fellowship Scheme, as well as multiple commissioned research related to cancer and its risk factors, including those evaluating the effectiveness of the Colorectal Cancer Screening Programme and Phase I of the Breast Cancer Screening Pilot Programme, and a new commissioned study on the use of artificial intelligence to assist cancer screening targeting high-risk non-smokers. With the launch of the research translation strategy, the HMRF will foster research translation and engagement of end-users for cancer-related projects and continue to support clinical cancer-related research as one of the thematic priorities.
 
     Established in 2001 and chaired by the Secretary for Health, the CCC comprises cancer experts and doctors from the public and private sectors, academics and public health professionals. The CCC makes recommendations on the formulation of strategies for cancer prevention and control, while steering the direction of work in relation to cancer prevention and screening, treatment, surveillance, research, and more. The CEWG under the CCC regularly reviews international and local evidence and makes recommendations on cancer prevention and screening applicable to the local setting. In addition, the Hong Kong Cancer Registry, the HA and the Research and Data Analytics Office of the Health Bureau oversee cancer surveillance, treatment and research respectively.

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Chinese Culture Festival 2026 opens

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Chinese Culture Festival (CCF) 2026 opened today at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre (HKCC), launching over 280 performances and activities to be held from June to September.

Chief Executive John Lee addressed the opening ceremony via a video speech. Secretary for Culture, Sports & Tourism Rosanna Law; Deputy Director-General of the Department of Publicity, Cultural & Sports Affairs of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Lin Nan; and Director of Leisure & Cultural Services Manda Chan officiated the ceremony at the HKCC.

Pointing out that the National 15th Five-Year Plan calls for advancing the promotion of building a strong cultural nation and supports Hong Kong in developing into an East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange, Mr Lee said the Hong Kong SAR Government has formulated the Blueprint for Arts & Culture & Creative Industries Development. The Chinese Culture Promotion Office has also been set up for bringing culture into the community and enhancing the public’s sense of national identity, belonging and pride.

In addition, he highlighted that the CCF makes fine use of Hong Kong’s international network, allowing local citizens and overseas visitors alike to experience the historical spirit and contemporary flair of Chinese civilisation.

The CCF promises to become a cultural bridge connecting Hong Kong with the Chinese Mainland, while reaching out to the world, he stressed.

The opening programme of this year’s CCF, dance drama “Lady White Snake”, which assembles a distinguished creative team of top-tier artists from various disciplines, was staged this evening to a full house. By weaving a dual tapestry of Eastern and Western choreographic languages, the work offers a modern reinterpretation of a millennial folk legend.

Moreover, the “Chinese Culture for All: A Special Performance Series” was held this afternoon at the HKCC Grand Theatre, where over 500 students, teachers and members of the community viewed an open rehearsal of “Lady White Snake”.

Separately, an exhibition of the CCF 2026 opened today and will run until June 25 at the Foyer Exhibition Area of the HKCC, showcasing the CCF’s distinctive stage programmes and activities. A photo-worthy spot featuring the CCF’s special edition of the Leisure & Cultural Services Department mascots has also been set up outside the HKCC.

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HK five-year plan discussed

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Committee on Education, Technology & Talents (CETT), chaired by Chief Secretary Chan Kwok-ki, today held the third engagement session with the Panel of Advisors to the CETT.

The session aimed to gather views from the CETT advisors on the formulation of Hong Kong’s first five-year plan.

At the engagement session, the panel put forward various suggestions regarding the development of innovation and technology (I&T), education and talent in the five-year plan.

It supported the Hong Kong SAR Government in accelerating the development of the Hong Kong Park at the Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science & Technology Innovation Co-operation Zone and the San Tin Technopole.

The advisers recommended attracting more quality technology enterprises from the Chinese Mainland and overseas to establish a presence in the parks.

In addition, they fully recognised the significant success achieved by the current-term Government in its talent initiatives.

Among others, the panel supported the Government’s ongoing efforts to expand the city’s talent pool through local training and recruiting global elites, while seizing the opportunities brought about by technological advancements at the same time.

There were also discussions on the development strategies for vocational and professional education and training, as well as that for skills training.

The Panel of Advisors also explored the development of local industries, education, and the labour market in response to the rapid rise of artificial intelligence technology.

Mr Chan briefed the panel on the insights gained by the Working Group on Planning & Construction of the University Town during its earlier visits to the Mainland, Korea, Germany and Switzerland to study local higher education and I&T infrastructure.

The CETT will continue to maintain close communication and co-operation with the Panel of Advisors to formulate strategies for developing Hong Kong into an international I&T centre and international hub for high-calibre talent.

Also attending the session were Secretary for Labour & Welfare Chris Sun and Under Secretary for Education Jeff Sze.

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Panel of Advisors to Committee on Education, Technology and Talents convenes third engagement session

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Panel of Advisors to Committee on Education, Technology and Talents convenes third engagement session  
     This year marks the beginning of the National 15th Five-Year Plan. The Hong Kong Government will proactively align with the vast opportunities brought by the National 15th Five-Year Plan, and draw up Hong Kong’s first five-year plan at full speed. At the engagement session, the Panel of Advisors pointed out that a forward-looking and strategic medium-to-long-term plan could further strengthen policy synergy, driving the integration of education, technology, and talent, and facilitating Hong Kong’s better integration into and service of the overall national development.
 
     During the engagement session, the Panel of Advisors put forward various suggestions regarding the development of innovation and technology (I&T), education and talent in the five-year plan. The Panel of Advisors supported the Government in accelerating the development of the Hong Kong Park of the Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Co-operation Zone and the San Tin Technopole. The Panel of Advisors also recommended attracting more quality technology enterprises from the Chinese Mainland and overseas to establish a presence in the parks. This would create a cluster effect, conducive to building a comprehensive I&T industry chain for providing development opportunities for incoming and local I&T talent.
 
     The Panel of Advisors fully recognised that the current-term Government has achieved significant success in its talent initiatives. It supported the Government’s continued efforts to expand Hong Kong’s talent pool through local training and recruiting global elites, while seizing the opportunities brought about by technological advancements at the same time, strengthening the professional development of teachers, enhancing the effectiveness of nurturing local talent to inject new impetus into Hong Kong’s high-quality development continually. Participants of the meeting also attached great importance to nurturing diversified talent to meet the needs of Hong Kong’s economic and I&T development, and exchanged views on the development strategies for Vocational and Professional Education and Training, as well as that for skills training. The Panel of Advisors also explored the development of local industries, education, and the labour market in response to the rapid rise of artificial intelligence technology.
 
     Mr Chan expressed gratitude for the valuable suggestions raised during the engagement session, which would provide an important reference for the Government in formulating the five-year plan more comprehensively. Mr Chan also briefed the Panel of Advisors on the insights gained by the Working Group on Planning and Construction of the University Town during its earlier visits to the Mainland, Korea, Germany and Switzerland to study local higher education and I&T infrastructure. CETT will continue to maintain close communication and co-operation with the Panel of Advisors to formulate strategies for developing Hong Kong into an international I&T centre and international hub for high-calibre talent.
 
     The Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Mr Chris Sun; the Under Secretary for Education, Dr Jeff Sze; Permanent Secretaries or representatives of the Innovation, Technology and Industry Bureau, Education Bureau and Labour and Welfare Bureau attended the engagement session today.  
Issued at HKT 20:02

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Speech by CE at Opening Ceremony of Chinese Culture Festival 2026

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Speech by CE at Opening Ceremony of Chinese Culture Festival 2026 (with video) 
　　Let me now say a few words to our English-speaking friends.
 
　　Good evening. I am delighted to welcome you to the Opening Reception of the Chinese Culture Festival 2026. Let us savour the timeless charm of Chinese culture together.
 
　　Chinese culture is distinguished by its long history, vast scope and profound depth. Hong Kong is rooted in Chinese culture and enjoys a global vision. Under the “one country, two systems” principle, our city connects closely with both the Mainland and the world. We have wide-ranging experience in cultural exchanges. And we are determined to better integrate into national development, extending the reach of Chinese culture, presenting a credible and appealing China to the world, while telling the good stories of our country and Hong Kong.
 
　　To do this effectively requires sustained effort – it is not a short-term task. The HKSAR Government has formulated the Blueprint for Arts and Culture and Creative Industries Development. It has set up the Chinese Culture Promotion Office, dedicated to bringing culture into our community and enhancing our people’s sense of national identity, belonging and pride.
 
　　The Chinese Culture Festival, one of our annual flagship projects, features performances, exhibitions and outreach activities. It makes fine use of Hong Kong’s international network, allowing local citizens and overseas visitors alike to experience the historical spirit and contemporary flair of Chinese civilisation.
 
　　The past two editions of the Festival were warmly received, attracting over 1.8 million participants. And the “Chinese Culture for All: A Special Performance Series” benefited more than 15 000 teachers, students and community members, infusing patriotic education with a lively and dynamic presentation.
 
　　”Legends” is the theme of this year’s Festival, presenting a rewarding variety of programmes related to Chinese mythology and folktales.
 
　　Tonight’s opening programme, the dance drama “Lady White Snake”, is masterfully produced by the Shanghai Grand Theatre. Drawing from the beloved legend “The Legend of the White Snake”, it fuses Western ballet with Chinese classical dance, weaving modern vision with timeless beauty.
 
　　Beyond tonight’s performance, this year’s Chinese Culture Festival presents an inviting selection of Chinese operas and original local works, along with themed exhibitions and community outreach activities. Together, they allow you to appreciate the boundless diversity of Chinese culture.
 
　　The Chinese Culture Festival promises to become a cultural bridge connecting Hong Kong with the Mainland, while reaching out to the world.
 
　　I wish this year’s Chinese Culture Festival great success and its audiences unforgettable performances from beginning to the final curtain call. Thank you.
Issued at HKT 20:00

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