Month: June 2026

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Land Registry logged 8,537 sale and purchase agreements received for registration for all building units in May, a drop of 1.8% compared with April and up 32.5% year on year.

The total consideration for building unit sale and purchase agreements in May decreased 0.1% from the previous month to 72.8 billion, representing a 46.1% year-on-year increase.

A total of 7,138 agreements were for residential units, down 3.1% from the previous month and up 39.8% from a year ago.

The total consideration for residential units was $65.6 billion, an increase of 3% compared with the previous month and a rise of 71.5% year on year.

There were 450,201 land register searches last month.

Source: Government of Singapore

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

Recent continued instability in the Middle East has led to significant fluctuations in international crude oil prices, increasing the financial burden on households. As a result, selecting fuel-efficient and energy-efficient vehicles has become an important concern for the public. To assist the public in selecting high energy efficiency vehicles, the Energy Administration, Ministry of Economic Affairs, not only regularly publishes the latest monthly energy efficiency information of certified models online, but also compiles these data annually into the “Vehicle Fuel Economy Guide” for public reference. To further encourage the public to choose energy-saving and carbon-reducing electric vehicles, the “2025 Vehicle Fuel Economy Guide” also includes energy efficiency information of electric vehicles that have completed testing and certification.

The top-performing non-electric vehicles in each category of the 2025 Vehicle Fuel Economy Guide are shown below:

Passenger cars: Honda FIT A522H1502 1498c.c. A1 5D hybrid gasoline passenger car, manufactured by HONDA TAIWAN MOTOR CO., LTD., achieved the best performance with a fuel economy of 26.9 km/L.

Commercial vehicles: TUCSON NX4H-C, 1598c.c. A6 5D hybrid gasoline commercial vehicle, manufactured by Sanyang Motor Co., Ltd., achieved the best performance with a fuel economy of 21.1 km/L.

Motorcycles: HONDA SUPER CUB 109.5c.c. M4, imported by LI LIN MOTORCYCLE CO., LTD., achieved a fuel economy of 96.5 km/L.

According to the Energy Administration, to maximize energy-saving and carbon-reduction performance, it is important not only to carefully choose energy-efficient vehicles but also to maintain good driving habits and perform regular vehicle maintenance, such as reducing vehicle load, accelerating and decelerating smoothly, maintaining proper tire pressure, and avoiding prolonged idling, which are all effective practices for improving fuel economy. Additionally, making greater use of public transportation such as the MRT and buses can also help reduce fuel expenses and energy consumption, while also contributing to climate change mitigation.

The Energy Administration also clarified that the energy efficiency test values published in the 2025 Vehicle Fuel Economy Guide were measured under standardized laboratory conditions. In real-world driving, fuel economy may be affected by various factors such as weather, road and traffic conditions, use of air conditioning, and individual driving habits. Therefore, the actual driving distance per liter of gasoline (or diesel) or per kilowatt-hour of electricity may be lower than the values shown in the Guide, and the public is advised to use the information as a reference.

The 2025 Chinese version of the Vehicle Fuel Economy Guide has been published on the Energy Administration’s official website (https://www.moeaea.gov.tw). The public is welcome to download the guide. You can also visit the following website (https://EA03.moeaea.gov.tw/e0416/) for fuel economy information on specific vehicle models and refer to the “General Inquiry” section or the “EV Energy Efficiency Inquiry” page.

Spokesperson: Deputy Director General, Chung-Hsien Chen
Energy Administration, Ministry of Economic Affairs
Phone Number: 02-2775-7700
Mobile: 0919-998-339
Email: ctchen2@moeaea.gov.tw

Business Contact: Director, Shu-Fang Kao
Phone Number: 02-2775-7773
Mobile: 0918-400-668
Email: sfkao@moeaea.gov.tw

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

The Small and Medium Enterprise and Startup Administration (SMESA) of the Ministry of Economic Affairs has long collaborated with the management consulting industry to promote the upgrading and transformation of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and to enhance their personal data protection capabilities. To further assist management consulting businesses in adapting to the new regulations of the Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA) and meeting client demands for personal data protection, SMESA compiled the “Practical Guideline Manual for Personal Data Protection and Management in the Management Consulting Industry” last year and published it on its website. To date, it has garnered over 40,000 views and downloads. In the afternoon, May 27th, SMESA held the “Management Consulting Industry Personal Data Protection Advocacy Briefing,” featuring opening remarks by Director General Lee. Experts were invited to explain the new PDPA regulations and the practical guidelines for personal data protection and management. Combined with practical case analyses, the briefing aimed to help management consulting businesses quickly grasp the key points of personal data protection and cybersecurity, thereby elevating their awareness and capabilities in personal data management.
SMESA explained that in the process of assisting MSMEs with their transformation, the management consulting industry frequently handles cross-industry and cross-disciplinary client operational data, encompassing diverse fields such as marketing, finance, sustainable development, international certification, and human resources. Furthermore, the necessity of utilizing tools like big data analysis and artificial intelligence to expand business scope has correspondingly increased both the volume and risk of personal data processing. The aforementioned guideline manual was compiled by SMESA based on practical experience in guiding businesses. Its content covers various practical scenarios applicable to both large consulting firms and small-to-medium consulting companies, helping businesses establish compliant systems. By organizing these advocacy briefings, SMESA hopes to encourage more businesses to effectively implement client personal data protection measures.
The briefing invited personal data protection experts from the Science and Technology Law Institute (STLI) of the Institute for Information Industry and KPMG Advisory Services Co., Ltd. to share insights on the new PDPA regulations, key points of administrative inspections, and the practicalities of filling out the self-assessment checklist. Combined with the analysis of management consulting industry cases, this helped businesses grasp the essentials of establishing a personal data protection system. Nearly 50 representatives from the management consulting industry attended the event, demonstrating the industry’s significant focus on client personal data protection issues. SMESA also plans to hold subsequent briefings in Taichung and Kaohsiung in the near future to assist more management consulting businesses in implementing personal data protection tasks. The electronic version of the “Practical Guideline Manual for Personal Data Protection and Management in the Management Consulting Industry” has been made publicly available on the SMESA website (https://www.sme.gov.tw/list-tw-2946). Businesses and enterprises intending to strengthen their personal data protection management are welcome to download and utilize it extensively. SMESA will work hand in hand with the industry to jointly create a trustworthy industrial environment and safeguard the personal data security of corporate clients.

Source: Government of Singapore

2 June 2026 – The National Environment Agency (NEA) and the United Kingdom (UK)’s Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to cooperate in nuclear safety regulation, including the exchange of information and expertise, and the training of scientific and technical personnel. 

2.           The MOU was signed by Ms Koh Li-Na, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Meteorological Services and Radiation Protection, NEA and Mr Paul Dicks, Director of Regulation of New Reactors at ONR. It supports Singapore’s overarching effort to build capabilities in nuclear safety, and to study the feasibility of the safe deployment of nuclear energy in Singapore. 

3.           Ms Koh, NEA Deputy Chief Executive Officer, said, “The MOU with the United Kingdom’s Office for Nuclear Regulation will strengthen Singapore’s capabilities in radiation protection, nuclear safety and assessment. Through partnerships with well-established regulators like ONR, NEA will deepen its technical expertise to understand new reactor technologies and build the institutional capabilities needed to rigorously assess nuclear safety.”

4.           ONR, the UK’s independent nuclear regulatory body that oversees nuclear safety in Great Britain, regulates over 30 nuclear sites in the UK, and is among the first few international regulators to review the safety of SMRs. This collaboration will enhance NEA’s regulatory knowledge as Singapore continues to study the potential role of nuclear energy in its energy future. NEA has also been developing Singapore’s nuclear safety and regulatory capabilities through close partnerships with established regulators in Finland, France and the United States, as well as our ASEAN partners with whom we engage in nuclear safety cooperation and discussions.   

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For more information, please submit your enquiries electronically via the Online Feedback Form or myENV mobile application.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Following is the speech by the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Miss Rosanna Law, at the groundbreaking ceremony of Villa Haw Par today (June 1):

​Consul General Christile Drulhe (Consul General of France in Hong Kong and Macao), Mr Arthur de Villepin (Founder and CEO of Villepin Group), Ms Sara Mao (Executive Director of Villa Haw Par), Mr Kenneth Fok (Chairman of the Hong Kong Arts Development Council), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

Good afternoon. It is my great pleasure to join you at the groundbreaking ceremony of Villa Haw Par. Today marks a truly significant milestone: the transformation of the historic Haw Par Mansion from a static monument into a living, dynamic cultural landmark in Hong Kong.

Built in 1935 by the visionary merchant Mr Aw Boon Haw, more familiarly known to us as Mr 胡文虎 and even more widely known as “the King of Tiger Balm”, Haw Par Mansion is a one-of-a-kind example of Hong Kong’s unique identity – a place where East truly meets West. Its Chinese Renaissance architecture masterfully blends Eastern and Western theories and construction methods. In recognition of its vibrant historical and architectural significance, the Mansion was classified as a Grade I historic building in 2009 – solidifying its role as a precious jewel in Hong Kong’s cultural heritage.

Many of you will remember that before the adjacent Tiger Balm Garden was demolished, it was open to the public free of charge. For decades, Haw Par Mansion and its iconic garden held a special place in the hearts of generations of Hong Kong residents. They are a repository of collective memories, a symbol of family outings, and a testament to our city’s early arts and cultural development.

Preserving our rich cultural heritage while adapting it for modern community use is a core priority for the Government. We saw immense potential in revitalising Haw Par Mansion for arts and cultural purposes. Given its unique background and character, we believe this revitalisation should not merely be about conserving bricks and mortar – it is more about breathing new life into a legendary landmark.

Following an open and fair selection process, the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau engaged the Foundation for Art and Culture (FAC) last year to operate Haw Par Mansion on a non-profit, self-financing basis for arts and cultural use. The project echoes our policy direction of developing Hong Kong into an East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange. We attach great importance to it, with high hopes that it will contribute significantly to realising that vision. Under the FAC, the Mansion has been given a new name – Villa Haw Par – most fitting to its renewed role as an icon of international arts and cultural exchange in Hong Kong. I understand that the FAC has been working diligently over the past few months to build local and international foundations and connections for this project, achieving notable results – including a long-term partnership with the Consulate General of France in Hong Kong and Macao, and active participation in international networks of cultural residencies and villas. These efforts strengthen Villa Haw Par’s role as a platform for dialogue between Hong Kong and the world.

Once the revitalisation is completed, Villa Haw Par will become a dynamic hub for cultural exchange. It will feature diverse arts and cultural programmes – exhibitions, film screenings, performances, workshops and artist residency collaborations with local and international artists. Beyond these conventional uses, I am confident that the FAC will utilise its talent, expertise and connections to unleash the site’s full potential and turn it into an even more creative site. Imagine Villa Haw Par serving as a satellite event venue for Art Month, adding new flavour to Hong Kong’s many arts and cultural offerings, or once again as a must-visit destination for tourists to experience Hong Kong’s history firsthand. With the strong international connections already built for this project, I also hope that Villa Haw Par will act as an inspiring incubator and platform for our local creative talents to showcase their work to the world.

I am sure you all agree with me that Villa Haw Par is a major project – one that requires sustained and substantial efforts. A project of this scale cannot happen in isolation; it needs strong partnerships between the Government, the non-profit sector and the private sector. I would like to take this opportunity to extend my sincere gratitude to the FAC, to the project partners, and to all community stakeholders – especially the Consulate General of France in Hong Kong and Macao. Your support and dedication to the Villa Haw Par project have brought us to this momentous milestone. I would also like to appeal to all friends here today for your active participation and continuous support for this meaningful project.

Ladies and gentlemen, we break ground today to build a vital bridge – connecting our glorious past with a creative, forward-looking future. I am incredibly excited to see this landmark restored to its full glory, and I look forward to visiting the new Villa Haw Par very soon. Thank you very much.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

Attention TV/radio announcers:

Please broadcast the following as soon as possible and repeat it at regular intervals:

Here is an item of interest to swimmers.

The Leisure and Cultural Services Department said today (May 30) that the red flags at Stanley Main Beach in Southern District, Hong Kong Island and Clear Water Bay Second Beach in Sai Kung District have been lowered.

The red flags were hoisted at the beaches earlier due to big waves.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region