Month: July 2026

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Leisure and Cultural Services Department announced today (July 26) that the arena of Lei Yue Mun Sports Centre in Kwun Tong District, to be designated as a temporary shelter operated by the respective District Office of the Home Affairs Department, is temporarily closed until further notice.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The new policy of allowing dogs to enter food premises has been implemented for two weeks since July 9, marking the halfway point of the one-month adaptation period. A spokesman for the Government said today (July 25) that public acceptance of the new policy has been increasing progressively and the overall operation has been smooth and stable. The number of permitted food premises has also grown steadily, rising from 940 at the start of implementation on July 9 to over 970 at present. This indicates that the vast majority of permitted food premises have chosen to continue participating, reflecting an overall stable situation.

The spokesman pointed out that the first phase of the new measure sets a quota of 1 000 food premises, and establishing a waiting list mechanism is an important part of the Government’s policy design. As early as June 26, the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) has already placed unsuccessful applicant food premises on a waiting list according to their ballot order. If an approved food premises withdraws its permission, its quota is swiftly reallocated to applicants on the waiting list in that order. The preset waiting list mechanism is operating quickly and in an orderly manner, catering to the choices of different operators. Upon completion of the replacement procedures, the information of the newly added food premises will be promptly uploaded to the FEHD’s dedicated webpage.

The spokesman added that restaurants make various commercial decisions every day, and the turnover of permitted food premises is a normal market adjustment and a continuous process of refinement, enabling resources to be allocated more effectively and matching supply and demand more accurately. The aim of the policy is to provide choices – giving options to food premises, as well as offering different choices to members of the public with different preferences and needs.

It is worth noting that despite some food premises have withdrawn, even more waitlisted applicants are eager to take up the released quotas. Since the implementation of the new policy, the Government is pleased to see active co-operation from both the public and the trade.

As the adaptation period reaches its midpoint, the FEHD’s 90-member dedicated team continues to provide support to permitted food premises while carrying out publicity and educational work. Dedicated officers have been proactively inspecting food premises across various districts over recent days to observe the implementation status and make every effort to assist the trade in complying with relevant requirements.

The spokesman stressed that during the remaining half-month of the adaptation period, the Government will continue to adopt an “advice before enforcement” approach in handling non-compliance cases. However, this does not mean a relaxation of regulatory oversight. Should serious non-compliance cases or situations affecting environmental hygiene or food safety be detected, the FEHD will definitely take decisive enforcement action to ensure public safety and fairness of the policy.

The Government appeals to persons-in-charge and frontline staff of permitted food premises to continue earnestly fulfilling licensing conditions and legal requirements, while stepping up supervision and reminders for customers bringing dogs. At the same time, members of the public bringing dogs should properly control their dogs and respect other customers, working together to maintain a comfortable and harmonious dining environment and promote pet inclusivity.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

TV/radio announcers, please broadcast the following as soon as possible:
 
As a typhoon is approaching Hong Kong, for safety reasons, the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department urges members of the public to avoid visiting country parks. Those who are currently in country parks should, depending on the actual circumstances, immediately leave or take shelter at a safe place.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Hong Kong Observatory (HKO) will issue Tropical Cyclone Warning Signal No.8 (T8) at 10.10pm tonight (July 25), and will issue the “Pre-No.8 Special Announcement” within about two hours before T8 is expected to take effect. When the HKO issues “Pre-No.8 Special Announcement”, classes of all schools, including evening schools, will then be suspended. Schools should implement contingency measures to ensure the safety of students.  They should ensure that conditions are safe before allowing students to return home.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

Following is the speech by the Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Professor Sun Dong, at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Workshop on New Concepts and Approaches of AI Literacy Enhancement Actions for the Public in Chengdu today (July 25):

王京濤主任 (Deputy Director of the Cyberspace Administration of China, Mr Wang Jingtao), 鄭莉部長 (Member of the Standing Committee and Director General of the Publicity Department of the Communist Party of China Sichuan Provincial Committee, Ms Zheng Li), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

Good afternoon. AI is reshaping the global landscape of technology, industry, and social development at an unprecedented pace. It is essential to enhance public AI literacy so that our citizens can navigate this digital era safely and confidently. It is my pleasure to share with you how Hong Kong, China (HKC), enhances AI literacy for the public at today’s workshop.

HKC is fully committed to fostering AI literacy across all sectors of society. Through the “AI for All” Inclusive Programme, we are adopting a tiered and collaborative model to support the needs of different segments of the community. Tier 1, Basics for All, promotes AI awareness and responsible use of AI for students, parents, the elderly and underprivileged groups. Tier 2, Professional Empowerment, equips university students, young researchers and professionals by translating their knowledge into practical skills and employability. Tier 3, Practical Enhancement, supports working professionals and small and medium-sized enterprises in strengthening efficiency and competitiveness through applied AI knowledge.

To further broaden public understanding, we launched an eight-episode TV series, “AI Masters Series”, this year on free television channels at prime time, bringing AI education into every household. Throughout the series, we invited leading AI experts and industry leaders to share their insights through a lively and engaging approach to present complex technological knowledge as easy-to-understand content, thereby enhancing public awareness of the safe application, future trends and opportunities of AI, making AI a natural part of our social fabric.

Emerging technologies bring vast opportunities, yet the convergence of AI, governance and cybersecurity has become one of the defining challenges of our time. HKC has responded decisively by launching the Ethical AI Framework and the Hong Kong Generative AI Technical and Application Guideline to provide guidance for projects to develop and apply AI technologies in a responsible and ethical manner.

We are also advancing AI-related cybersecurity initiatives to further promote safe AI applications and deepen public awareness. For example, the Secure AI@Work Enablement Campaign boosts the safe application of AI technologies in the workplace. We will also hold the Cyber Attack and Defence Elite Training and Tournament next month, offering free training and simulated practical exercises to nurture cybersecurity talents and strengthen their capability to leverage AI in countering cyber threats.

In parallel, we are equipping our government workforce for the future. This year, we are rolling out online foundation AI training courses for all civil servants. Covering core concepts, guidelines, usage principles and ethical consideration, these courses enable civil servants to apply AI in a more effective and secure manner, with the ultimate goal of delivering more quality and responsive public services to our citizens.

Widespread understanding and secure adoption of AI lay the foundation for an AI-ready society. Through deepening exchanges and strengthening collaboration, let us build an AI-literate Asia-Pacific community where every citizen is empowered to grow and thrive in this AI era. Thank you.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

According to the Environmental Protection Department (EPD)’s forecast, the health risk category of Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) at some air quality monitoring stations may reach the “Serious” level later today (July 25).
      
     The EPD has recorded higher-than-normal air pollution levels in some areas since yesterday (July 24) afternoon. Under the influence of the outer subsiding air of tropical cyclone Noul, the weather in Hong Kong today is fine and very hot with moderate northwesterly winds. Weak winds are unfavourable for pollutant dispersion. The intense sunshine enhances photochemical smog activity, leading to the rapid formation of ozone and fine particulates in the Pearl River Delta region. The high ozone level also promotes the formation of nitrogen dioxide.
      
According to the Hong Kong Observatory, there will be heavy squally showers with windy conditions tomorrow (July 26). It is expected that air quality in Hong Kong will improve by then.
      
With a health risk category in the “Very High” range or above, children, the elderly and persons with existing heart or respiratory illnesses are advised to reduce physical exertion and outdoor activities to a minimum or avoid such activities. The general public is advised to reduce, or reduce to a minimum, outdoor physical exertion, and to reduce time outdoors, especially in areas with heavy traffic. As health effects of air pollutants may vary for individuals, persons who are in doubt or experience discomfort should seek advice from healthcare professionals. The public may visit the Centre for Health Protection’s website (www.chp.gov.hk/en/content/9/460/3557.html) for more information on health effects of air pollution and relevant health advice.

The Education Bureau (EDB) urges all schools to visit the EDB website for appropriate measures to safeguard students’ health and take note of changes in the index. The relevant hyperlink is as follows: www.edb.gov.hk/en/sch-admin/admin/about-activities/sch-activities-guidelines/index.html.

When the air quality health risk category is at the “Very High” level, employers of outdoor workers performing heavy manual work are advised to assess the risk of outdoor work and take appropriate preventive measures to protect the health of their employees, such as reducing outdoor physical exertion and the time of their stay outdoors, especially in areas with heavy traffic. At the “Serious” level, employers of all outdoor workers are advised to assess the risk of outdoor work and take appropriate preventive measures to protect the health of their employees.

Members of the public can check the current AQHI readings on the EPD’s website (www.aqhi.gov.hk/en.html).

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

Attention duty announcers, radio and TV stations:

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

Following the issuing of Tropical Cyclone Warning Signal No. 3, the Home Affairs Department has activated a round-the-clock hotline, 2572 8427, for public enquiries on the tropical cyclone.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region