Month: June 2026

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government and the Government of Uzbekistan have exchanged notes on an agreement to discuss the implementation details of a mutual visa-free arrangement that would extend visa-free travel to 30 days for both Hong Kong SAR and Uzbek passport holders.

The exchange of notes was witnessed by Chief Executive John Lee and Uzbek Minister of Foreign Affairs Bakhtiyor Saidov. Following the ceremony, both governments will immediately advance discussions to implement the visa-free arrangement as soon as possible.

Currently, Hong Kong SAR passport holders can visit Uzbekistan visa-free for 10 days. Holders of diplomatic and service passports from Uzbekistan can visit Hong Kong visa-free for 14 days, and holders of ordinary passports must apply for a visa to visit Hong Kong.

The Hong Kong SAR Government said the establishment of a mutual visa-free arrangement is aimed at boosting economic, trade and tourism co-operation with Central Asia.

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

The AI X Innovation Pavilion, presented by the Department of Industrial Technology (DoIT) under Taiwan’s Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA), opened on June 2 at InnoVEX. Centered on the theme of “AI innovation” this year’s pavilion brings together achievements from the Taiwan Research Institute Advanced Technology Entrepreneur Ecosystem (TREE) Program and gold and silver winners of the 2026 Best AI Awards. A total of 31 innovations are on display, spanning intelligent machinery, communications, green energy, semiconductor applications, biotech and medical devices demonstrating Taiwan’s comprehensive capabilities in cross-sector AI application. Since the launch of the TREE Program in 2021, DoIT has supported over 60 startups, with cumulative fundraising reaching NT$9.35 billion. TREE-supported teams also secured 25% of the spots in the Top 30 of the Startup Bloom Program entrepreneurship competition, underscoring the growing strength of Taiwan’s research-driven startup ecosystem.

DoIT Deputy Director General Chung-Pin Chou noted that DoIT has long worked to build a robust startup support ecosystem through the TREE Program, while the Best AI Awards identify top-tier AI hardware and software technologies. In response to the rapid global surge in new startups, DoIT will soon launch the A+ Early-Stage Startup Grant Program, which will provide funding support for startup technologies established within three years that already have a functional prototype.

To date, the TREE Program launch has cultivated 210 research teams, driving cumulative fundraising across the program to over NT$9.35 billion. For teams with international expansion potential, the TREE Landing Program further provides access to entrepreneurship training and business model validation at leading institutions including Stanford University and the University of California, Berkeley.

Chou further stated that these cultivation efforts have translated into strong fundraising performance and competition results. In the first half of year in 2026, TREE teams attracted investment from prominent venture capital firms including Acorn Campus, raising over NT$700 million. In the Startup Bloom Program competition organized by the National Development Council, seven TREE-supported teams advanced to the national Top 30. Among them, Aztron Medtech received the Presidential Award while Hao Juen Technology received the Premier Award, demonstrating the strength of Taiwan’s research-driven startup ecosystem.

This year’s AI X Innovation Pavilion features a stellar lineup of breakthrough technologies, including KopherBit, a flagship spinoff from the Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI). The company’s proprietary Automotive Controller Development Platform can significantly shorten automotive software development cycles and has captured over 70% of Taiwan’s electric bus market. KopherBit is now actively expanding into Japan and Southeast Asia, partnering with Japanese Tier 1 manufacturers on Telematics Control Unit (TCU) and Over-The-Air (update) integration solutions; the company generated nearly NT$100 million in revenue in 2025, making it a model case for the internationalization of Taiwan’s automotive electronics supply chain.

Holon Robotics is also featured at the pavilion with HolonOS, an experience-driven robotic operating system that integrates AI, sensors, and multi-brand robotic arms. Through no-code operation and 3D scanning-based automatic path generation, it transforms manufacturing processes that once depended on veteran expertise into replicable digital assets. Holon Robotics made its official debut at NVIDIA GTC Taipei 2026 and has since entered the aerospace and high-end manufacturing markets.

The pavilion also features nine teams honored with gold and silver awards at the 2026 Best AI Awards BioPro Scientific, gold winner in the AI Application category, is showcasing Lilia Neuro next-generation wearable brain-computer interface system, which features Edge AI real-time noise reduction and advanced neuroscience-assisted capabilities. Kneron, gold winner in the IC Design category, presents the KNEO Pi third-generation AI chip, which combines high performance, low power consumption, and multimodal sensing, with applications spanning vehicle blind-spot detection, urban security, and ATM fraud prevention, demonstrating the broad potential of AI technology to drive industrial advancement.

On the opening day of InnoVEX, DoIT also presented the 2026 TREE Award – MOEA Research Institution Entrepreneurship Potential Award The top three emerging startup teams each addressed globally critical needs, reinforcing Taiwan’s industrial competitiveness:
-First Place: Green H2 Innovation from ITRI was recognized for its Anion exchange Membrane Water Electrolysis Hydrogen Technology, which responds to the global trend toward net-zero emissions.
-Second Place: RapidWave from ITRI was recognized for its Silicon Carbide Motor Drive Technology, which targets the massive commercial opportunity in automotive semiconductors.
-Third Place: CircuitFAB from Taiwan Textile Research Institute was reognized for its Smart Elastic Knee Brace, which advances innovations in intelligent medical care.

The DoIT AI X Innovation Pavilion will run through June 5 at Hall 2, 4F, Nangang Exhibition Center. A series of business matchmaking events will be held on-site to help startup teams connect with domestic and international venture capital firms and potential buyers. All investors and industry leaders are warmly invited to visit and witness Taiwan’s research-driven startups expanding their presence in global markets through innovation.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) today (June 3) released the seventh batch of gravidtrap indexes and density indexes for Aedes albopictus in May, covering 15 survey areas, as follows: 
 

With reference to the data from the past few years, the gravidtrap indexes start to rise from April or May every year. The indexes are higher from April 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. 

In response to the rise in gravidtrap indexes in recent months, the FEHD has stepped up mosquito prevention and control work across all districts in Hong Kong, including inspecting construction sites, parks, public and private housing estates, and locations with higher mosquito infestations. Between Apr 1 and June 2 this year, the FEHD has initiated 71 prosecutions against the management companies or responsible persons-in-charge of these venues following the discovery of mosquito breeding, and issued 183 statutory notices requiring the clearance of stagnant water or stagnant water containers. 
    
Furthermore, 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 at appropriate locations are operating properly. The FEHD, the relevant departments and stakeholders also strengthen efforts in publicity and education, including organising exhibitions, distributing leaflets and posters, and notifying 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.  

The FEHD is actively adopting and piloting innovative technologies. At present, an intelligent mosquito trapping device imported from the Mainland, which uses specially formulated mosquito attractants to lure and capture adult mosquitoes, is undergoing a field trial. The device also features artificial intelligence to assist in identifying the species and number of mosquitoes collected in order to provide real-time data to assist in continuous monitoring of mosquito infestation. The FEHD will review the operation of the device to assess the feasibility of its widespread application. 
  
Public participation is crucial to the effective control of mosquito problems. The FEHD appeals to members of the public to continue to work together in strengthening personal mosquito control measures, including:

• tidy up their premises and check for any accumulation of water inside the premises;
• remove all unnecessary water collections and eliminate the sources;
• check household items (those placed in outdoor and open areas in particular), such as refuse containers, vases, air conditioner drip trays, and laundry racks to prevent stagnant water;
• change water in flower vases and scrub their inner surfaces thoroughly, and remove water in saucers under potted plants at least once a week;
• properly cover all containers that hold water to prevent mosquitoes from accessing the water;
• properly dispose of articles that can contain water, such as disposable meal boxes and empty cans; and
• scrub drains and surface sewers with alkaline detergent at least once a week to remove any mosquito eggs.

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#).     

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in London, together with Invest Hong Kong and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, under the Economic and Trade Express platform, supported the Hong Kong Association in hosting a luncheon in London on June 2 (London time) to promote Hong Kong’s value proposition as a leading international financial centre and foster financial collaboration with the United Kingdom (UK). The Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority, Mr Eddie Yue, was the keynote speaker.

     In his address, Mr Yue highlighted Hong Kong’s latest developments in financial innovation and sustainable finance, noting that the city’s strong rebound has continued into this year, with vibrant capital inflows and broad-based first-quarter economic growth. Against the backdrop of global businesses and investors progressively seeking greater diversification to mitigate risks, he emphasised Hong Kong’s role as a “super-connector” and the opportunities this presents for deepening Hong Kong-UK financial collaboration. 

     Following his speech, Mr Yue took questions from the audience and exchanged views on topics including the Linked Exchange Rate System and the modernisation of regulatory regimes.

     The event was attended by over 90 participants, including government officials and senior representatives from the financial, business and legal sectors.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Miss Rosanna Law, expressed sorrow at the passing of Hong Kong theatre veteran Dr Chung King-fai and extended her deepest condolences to his family.

Dr Chung dedicated his life to the performing arts and directed numerous productions. He was committed to promoting the development of theatrical arts in Hong Kong and made remarkable achievements. Drawing on his extensive experience and professional knowledge, Dr Chung served as a member of the Committee on Performing Arts under the then Home Affairs Bureau, a member of an Art Form Panel (now known as the Art Form Sub-committee) under the Programme and Development Committee of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department, and Arts Advisor (Drama) to the Hong Kong Arts Development Council. In these roles, he provided the Government with valuable advice on theatre programming. In 2013, he was awarded the Silver Bauhinia Star.
​
Miss Law said, “King Sir directed and performed in many classic stage productions over the years, including ‘West Side Story’, ‘A Sentimental Journey’, ‘Death of a Salesman’ and ‘Tuesdays with Morrie’. He also appeared in a number of films, leaving us with cherished collective memories. As a teacher at the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, he nurtured numerous renowned artists. His passing is a tremendous loss to Hong Kong’s performing arts sector. We will always treasure the memory of this stage veteran and remain deeply grateful for his distinguished contributions to the performing arts in Hong Kong.”

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

​The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government and the Government of Uzbekistan exchanged notes today (June 3, Tashkent time), agreeing to discuss the implementation details of a mutual visa-free arrangement, which would allow a visa-free period of 30 days for visitors from both sides. Witnessed by the Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan, Mr Bakhtiyor Saidov, representatives from both governments exchanged notes today to confirm the establishment of a mutual visa-free arrangement. Following the exchange of notes, the governments of both places will immediately advance the discussions of the detailed arrangements to strive for early implementation.

Currently, HKSAR passport holders can visit Uzbekistan visa-free for 10 days. Holders of diplomatic and service passports from Uzbekistan can visit Hong Kong visa-free for 14 days, while holders of ordinary passports from Uzbekistan must apply for a visa to visit Hong Kong.

To build closer bilateral relations, the HKSAR Government and the Government of Uzbekistan are establishing a mutual visa-free arrangement. This will extend the visa-free period for HKSAR passport holders visiting Uzbekistan from the current 10 days to 30 days, while all passport holders from Uzbekistan will be able to visit Hong Kong visa-free for 30 days.

A spokesman for the HKSAR Government stated that following the relaxation of the application criteria for multiple-entry visas for business and travel to Hong Kong for nationals from Uzbekistan in September 2025, establishing a mutual visa-free arrangement with Uzbekistan will help further promote economic, trade, and tourism development between Hong Kong and Central Asia.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Chief Executive John Lee today continued his trip to Kazakhstan by visiting a local university and meeting its President to exchange views on strengthening higher education collaboration between the two places.

In the morning, Mr Lee led a delegation to visit Nazarbayev University in Astana and was greeted by its President Prof Waqar Ahmad.

Following a meeting with the professor, Mr Lee attended a signing ceremony for Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) between the university and Hong Kong higher education institutions.

He iterated that Hong Kong is promoting the “Study in Hong Kong” brand and offering the Belt & Road (B&R) Scholarship. Currently, about 500 Kazakhstani students are studying in Hong Kong, making them one of the largest groups among Hong Kong’s B&R student community.

Mr Lee welcomed more Kazakhstani students to come to Hong Kong for study and career development, and further promote people-to-people and cultural exchanges between the two places.

He noted that Nazarbayev University is Central Asia’s No. 1 university, and the place where President Xi Jinping first proposed the joint building of the Silk Road Economic Belt in 2013, marking the profoundly significant genesis of the B&R Initiative.

Nazarbayev University today signed MOUs with the Education University of Hong Kong, and the Hong Kong Polytechnic University to continuously deepen academic exchanges and research collaboration. Today’s signings followed an 2025 MOU that were signed with the Hong Kong University of Science & Technology to launch a bachelor programme in Eurasian business administration.

“These agreements will deepen academic and research collaboration. They will strengthen people-to-people ties between Hong Kong and Kazakhstan. This growing network of institutional partnerships is precisely how we build enduring foundations for long-term co-operation and mutual rewards,” said the Chief Executive.

He added that the partnerships today are just the beginning for more education collaboration between Hong Kong and Kazakhstan in the future to jointly nurture talent with a global vision and contribute to the talent pool of the Belt & Road Initiative.

Mr Lee attended a luncheon hosted by Ambassador Extraordinary & Plenipotentiary of the People’s Republic of China to the Republic of Kazakhstan Han Chunlin, before heading for Uzbekistan.