Month: July 2026

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

Following is the speech by the Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr Christopher Hui, at the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signing ceremony with the Ministry of Finance of Laos today (July 20):

Your Excellency Deputy Prime Minister Phomvihane (Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance of Laos, Mr Santiphab Phomvihane), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

It is my great pleasure to welcome you all to this very significant signing ceremony today. The Memorandum of Understanding we are about to sign marks a milestone in the deepening friendship and economic partnership between Hong Kong and Laos. Under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative, our two sides are building upon warm and growing ties to create new opportunities for mutual interests and prosperity.

Hong Kong has long served as an international financial centre with world-class infrastructure, deep capital markets, and a robust regulatory environment. We are now accelerating our development as a leading gold trading, clearing, and reserve hub for Asia and beyond. Earlier this month, Hong Kong’s new central gold clearing and settlement system commenced trial operation, and we have announced a comprehensive package of targeted initiatives to support our gold market development. These include a co-operation initiative with the Shanghai Gold Exchange, the launch of a new HAU price ticker in which AU is the reference to gold in the periodic table while H refers to Hong Kong, expansion of storage capacity to beyond 2 000 tonnes in three years’ time, diversification of gold investment products such as ETFs (exchange-traded funds) and futures, exploration of tax incentives, co-ordinated insurance arrangements, and the establishment of an industry-led trade association. These steps closely align with our country’s 15th Five-Year Plan, and will support Hong Kong in building and enhancing our commodity trading ecosystem. These initiatives will enhance physical delivery, risk management, connectivity with the Mainland, and our overall market depth – creating new investment opportunities and injecting fresh momentum into our financial sector.

Our MOU with Laos to be signed today on fostering gold market co-operation perfectly complements these developments. It represents our shared commitment to strengthen communication and knowledge exchange in financial services, with a particular focus on gold market development. Through this partnership, we will work together to realise a seamless, efficient, and trusted gold corridor that benefits producers, refiners, traders, and investors in both our economies.

The MOU outlines clear areas of collaboration. We will promote physical gold flows by facilitating access for qualified Lao gold owners to Hong Kong’s accredited refining network and encouraging the use of refined gold bars meeting international standards in our market. We will strengthen financial market linkages – leveraging Hong Kong’s capital markets and infrastructures – to provide Lao market participants with liquidity, efficient price discovery, and international capital. We will also pursue joint international promotion across Belt and Road partner countries, foster talent development and fintech collaboration including tokenisation solutions, enhance regulatory collaboration on AML (anti-money laundering) and best practices, and promote a conducive business environment. Hong Kong’s competitive tax regime – with no sales tax nor import duty on investment-grade gold, and no capital gains tax – positions us as an efficient hub, and we look forward to exploring more targeted initiatives with Laos.

Co-operative activities will be flexible and practical, including exchange of best practices, joint projects, workshops and exchange visits. Each side may involve relevant regulators, institutions, and industry representatives as appropriate.

Ladies and gentlemen, today’s signing is the beginning of a dynamic and evolving partnership. By combining Laos’ natural gold endowment with Hong Kong’s world-class infrastructure, expertise, and international connectivity, we can transform resources into investable, transparent assets that drive sustainable economic growth for both markets.

I extend my sincere appreciation to our Laos’ counterparts for their vision and collaborative spirit. Thank you.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

Attention duty announcers, radio and TV stations:

Please broadcast the following special announcement immediately, and repeat it at frequent intervals:

“The Social Welfare Department announces that while the Red Rainstorm Warning Signal has been issued, all units providing child care centre services, services under the Neighbourhood Support Child Care Project, and after school care programmes for pre-primary or primary school children, elderly services centres, day pre-school rehabilitation services units and day rehabilitation units including integrated vocational rehabilitation services centres, integrated vocational training centres and day activity centres will remain open during their normal operating hours. If necessary, members of the public can contact the centres or services units to make arrangements for the safe return home of their children and family members.”

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

The Hospital Authority (HA) spokesperson announced today (July 19) that the public healthcare fees and charges reform, which has been implemented for half a year, has not only effectively enhanced efficiency and reduced waste, but also significantly strengthened protection for poor, acute, serious, and critical patients. The HA will analyse the effectiveness of the Reform at this stage and study further reform measures to make the public healthcare system a safety net better safeguarding the health of the public.

The public healthcare fees and charges reform has yielded remarkable results in its measures to protect poor patients. The expansion of the medical fee waiver mechanism has drastically increased the potential number of beneficiaries from about 900 000 in the past to approximately 2 million. Since the implementation of the reform, the number of beneficiaries of medical fee waivers has surged. As of June 30, the HA had received a total of 289 799 applications, of which 264 087 were approved. The approval rate exceeded 90 per cent, which is nearly 19 times of approximately 14 000 patients who received medical fee waivers in the full year prior to the reform. Excluding those who have been benefiting from medical fee waivers both before and after the reform (including Comprehensive Social Security Assistance recipients, recipients of Old Age Living Allowance aged 75 or above, and holders of Level 0 Vouchers under the Residential Care Service Voucher Scheme for the Elderly), there were already about 900 000 patient attendances benefited from the enhanced medical fee waiver mechanism in the first half of this year, with the vast majority being fully waived.

Furthermore, the HA has introduced a cap on annual spending of $10,000 without requiring financial assessment, providing more comprehensive protection for members of the public who unfortunately suffer from serious or chronic illnesses, thereby protecting them from impoverishment due to illness. As of June 30, for the 10 595 patients whose applications were approved, all other eligible medical fees for the remainder of this financial year will be fully waived.

The public healthcare fees and charges reform has also strengthened subsidies for the application of innovative drugs and medical devices for critical patients. Over the past six months, the HA has incorporated 16 new drugs (including seven targeted therapy drugs for cancer treatment) into the HA Drug Formulary. Among them, six were included in the Special Drugs category, meaning patients only need to pay the standard drug fee (i.e. $20 every four weeks) under specific clinical applications; another five are self-financed drugs subsidised by the safety net. The estimated additional annual expenditure involved is $134 million.

In addition, during the same period, 17 newly added drugs/medical devices or relaxations of clinical indications (including 10 items related to cancer drugs) were covered under the scope of the Samaritan Fund (SF) subsidy, involving an estimated additional annual expenditure of $46 million. Concurrently, the HA will include another 10 newly added drugs or expanded clinical indications and 26 self-financed medical devices into the subsidy scope of the SF this month.

The reform has also relaxed the financial assessment criteria for SF subsidies, strengthening drug and medical device support for critical patients, including those from middle-income families. Compared with the same period in the first half of last year, the approved subsidy amounts for drug and non-drug items under the SF increased by about 22 per cent and 10 per cent to $1.28 billion and $220 million respectively. The number of approved applications for drug and non-drug items involving non-Comprehensive Social Security Assistance recipients increased by about 21 per cent and 10 per cent to about 4 500 and 2 100 cases respectively. Among them, the patient’s contribution in about 1 070 drug subsidy cases decreased due to the relaxation of the Fund’s application eligibility, while over 80 non-drug subsidy cases changed from generally not being subsidised by the Fund before the relaxation to receiving subsidies.

Following the implementation of the public healthcare fees and charges reform, the service and efficiency of Accident and Emergency Departments (A&Es) have also been enhanced. In the first six months of this year, a total of 913 248 attendances were recorded across the 18 A&Es under the HA, representing a decrease of 3.9 per cent compared with the same period last year. Among them, priority treatment for Triage Category I (Critical) and Category II (Emergency) cases fully met the target, and these 44 522 attendances were fully exempted from A&E fees under the new fees and charges mechanism. The proportion of Triage Category III (Urgent) cases treated within 30 minutes meeting the service pledge target increased from 81.4 per cent to 88.5 per cent, with the average waiting time reduced from 23 to 20 minutes. Attendances for Triage Category IV (Semi-urgent) and Category V (Non-urgent) cases decreased by about 10 per cent, with non-urgent cases dropping by about 20 per cent.

The HA spokesperson added that following the implementation of the public healthcare fees and charges reform, the HA can deploy more resources to strengthen care for emergency patients and critical patients. A&Es focus resources on critical care, serving as the most effective protection for emergency patients. The HA’s safety net also provides better protection for critical patients, with more effective medical devices and drugs with fewer side effects being included in the subsidy scope, thereby enhancing treatment efficacy.

These results reflect the positive impact of the fees and charges reform in guiding patients to use healthcare services appropriately, reducing default appointments and resource wastage, and improving the utilisation efficiency of public healthcare resources. Following the implementation of the new booking and payment arrangements in mid-April, the number of default appointments for Computed Tomography (CT), Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), and Ultrasonography scans between April and June this year decreased by about 28 per cent, 40 per cent, and 35 per cent respectively compared with the same period last year. Preliminary estimates suggest that these improvements equate to an annual saving of about 6 000 CT, 2 500 MRI, and 9 000 ultrasonography appointments, which is roughly equivalent to the annual service capacity of one CT scanner, one MRI scanner, and two ultrasound scanners. This further enhances examination capacity and resource utilisation efficiency, allowing patients in need to undergo examinations sooner.

Patients’ habits when using public healthcare services have also changed, as they have become more prudent in utilising limited services and resources. Taking the habit of collecting “as needed” medications (such as artificial tears or topical preparations for pain) as an example, as of June 30, the demand for “as needed” medications has generally dropped by about 12 per cent compared with the same period last year.

The HA spokesperson stressed that the data clearly reflects the correct direction of the public healthcare fees and charges reform, which is yielding initial results. In accordance with the policies of the Health Bureau, the HA is summarising the reform experience at this stage to prepare for the next phase of the public healthcare fees and charges reform, progressing step by step in the direction of the reform to continuously enhance public healthcare services for the benefit of patients.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

 ​A man was sentenced today (July 20) at the West Kowloon Magistrates’ Courts to six months’ imprisonment for illegally importing 36 200 alternative smoking products. The Department of Health (DH) welcomed the verdict and reminded members of the public and visitors not to bring alternative smoking products such as e-cigarettes, heated tobacco products or herbal cigarettes into Hong Kong, and not to use any alternative smoking products.

     The Tobacco and Alcohol Control Office (TACO) of the DH was notified by Hong Kong Customs on July 10 that 36 200 alternative smoking products had been intercepted in the luggage of the aforesaid man arriving from Japan. TACO immediately arrested and prosecuted the individual.

Since the amendments to the Tobacco Control Legislation (Amendment) Ordinance 2025, which conferred arrest powers on TACO inspectors, took effect on September 19, 2025, TACO has prosecuted 28 cases involving the importation of large quantities of alternative smoking products. Thirty persons have been convicted and sentenced to prison terms ranging from four weeks to eight months.

According to the Import and Export Ordinance (Cap. 60), a person who imports alternative smoking products, including electronic smoking products, heated tobacco products and herbal cigarettes, commits an offence and is liable on summary conviction to a fine of $500,000 and imprisonment for two years; or liable on conviction on indictment to a fine of $2 million and imprisonment for seven years.

Under the Smoking (Public Health) Ordinance (Cap. 371), no person may promote, manufacture, sell, or possess for commercial purposes alternative smoking products. An offender is liable to a fine of $50,000 and imprisonment for six months.

     TACO will continue to closely monitor and enforce the law to combat related offences.

In addition, the DH also cautions the public that alternative smoking products are addictive and are not effective smoking cessation tools. E-cigarettes may increase the risk of cancer, respiratory diseases, and cardiovascular diseases. Smokers are urged to quit smoking as early as possible for their own health and that of others. For assistance, please call the DH’s Integrated Smoking Cessation Hotline on 1833 183, or visit www.livetobaccofree.hk for information on quitting.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Electoral Affairs Commission (EAC) today released the proposed guidelines on election-related activities regarding the Rural Representative Election (RRE).

A public consultation on the guidelines will be held from now until August 18.

EAC Chairman David Lok stated that the guidelines explain electoral laws in simple terms to remind candidates and stakeholders of all statutory requirements. He added that the guidelines also provide a code of conduct based on the principles of fairness and equality for activities not explicitly stipulated by law.

Mr Lok emphasised that formulating these guidelines is crucial to ensuring all public elections are conducted in an open, honest and fair manner.

The 2027 Rural Ordinary Election will take place early next year. In accordance with established practice, the EAC updates its election guidelines ahead of each rural ordinary election cycle.

The newly proposed guidelines are built upon the October 2022 guidelines for the RRE, incorporating supplementary updates introduced for the May 2026 Rural By-election.

The latest amendments fall into four main categories:

(1) Legal updates to reflect recent legislative changes, including revised penalties for the unlawful display of election advertisements.

(2) Modernised arrangements that introduce new digital options, such as allowing candidates to submit election forms electronically.

(3) Enhanced clarity elaborating on key sections to help candidates easily understand crucial compliance areas.

(4) Structural reorganisation to consolidate chapters and use lists or flowcharts to make the proposed guidelines more concise and reader-friendly.

The proposed guidelines can be downloaded online or viewed at designated Registration & Electoral Offices, Home Affairs Enquiry Centres, and major and district public libraries.

Written representations must be submitted to the EAC Secretariat by email, by post to 8/F, Treasury Building, 3 Tonkin Street West, Cheung Sha Wan, Kowloon, or by fax to 2511 1682 on or before August 18.

Call 2891 1001 for enquiries.

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

The Department of Industrial Technology (DoIT) under Taiwan’s Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) today (July 16) unveiled 10 cutting-edge biomedical innovations at BIO Asia-Taiwan 2026, leading a Technology Program Pavilion jointly organized by the Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI), the Development Center for Biotechnology (DCB), and the Food Industry Research and Development Institute (FIRDI). The featured technologies span three strategic application areas-regenerative medicine, precision medicine, and high-value food technologies-demonstrating Taiwan’s latest achievements in technology commercialization and industrial innovation.

On the opening day of the exhibition, ITRI signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with BenQ Dialysis Technology Corporation to jointly promote the localization of critical consumables and automation system for extracellular vesicle (EV) purification. The collaboration aims to strengthen the resilience and self-reliance of Taiwan’s precision medicine supply chain while accelerating the commercialization of next-generation regenerative medicine technologies.

According to Chou Chung-Pin, Deputy Director General of DoIT, the rapid evolution of biotechnology, together with the transformative impact of artificial intelligence, is reshaping the global healthcare industry. Leveraging its strengths in semiconductors, information and communications technology (ICT), and healthcare, Taiwan is well positioned to drive biotechnology upgrading and cross-disciplinary innovation.

Through continuous support for forward-looking R&D under the Technology Development Program, DoIT bridges scientific research and industrial applications. The 10 technologies showcased this year highlight Taiwan’s growing capabilities across regenerative medicine, precision medicine, and high-value food innovation.

Among them, ITRI introduced its pioneering Automated EV Concentration and Purification System, developed jointly with BenQ Dialysis. The collaboration successfully upgrades medical-grade filtration columns into high-performance consumables for EV purification, boosting production of critical tangential flow filtration (TFF) columns. Equipped with real-time pressure monitoring and automated process control, the system shortens the EV concentration process from 12 hours to just two hours while maintaining high purity and stable product quality. The technology significantly improves manufacturing efficiency and supports the development and commercialization of EV-based therapeutics and regenerative medicine applications.

DCB presented its LYSward-Advanced Antibody-Drug Conjugate (ADC) Platform, which incorporates the upgraded LYSward technology to enhance targeted cancer therapy. By responding to changes in the intracellular pH environment of cancer cells, the platform enables highly selective drug delivery to lysosomes, where therapeutic payloads are released with greater precision. Animal studies have demonstrated tumor inhibition rates exceeding 90%, underscoring the platform’s strong potential for next-generation antibody-drug conjugates and reinforcing Taiwan’s competitiveness in precision medicine and oncology drug development.

FIRDI showcased its pioneering Smart Tea Aroma Extraction and Profile Modeling Technology, integrating artificial intelligence with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) to establish comprehensive aroma profiles for Taiwan’s specialty teas. The technology identifies key aroma compounds responsible for flavor characteristics while developing quantitative standards and predictive models that enable precise aroma analysis and quality control. Successfully adopted by Yuanyou Food Enterprise Co.,Ltd., the technology has increased aroma recovery by more than 30%, helping traditional tea manufacturers enhance product consistency, improve production efficiency, and accelerate the digital transformation and value-added development of Taiwan’s tea industry.

Together, the 10 technologies presented at BIO Asia-Taiwan 2026 demonstrate Taiwan’s ability to translate research excellence into practical industrial solutions. By integrating AI, biotechnology, and advanced manufacturing, MOEA continues to strengthen Taiwan’s innovation ecosystem and foster greater international collaboration, creating new opportunities for sustainable growth in the global biomedical and health industries.