Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Hong Kong hosts first 6G Global Summit in Asia-Pacific region to explore future of next-generation communications
With the support of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government, the Communications Authority (CA), which is the statutory regulator for the telecommunications industry, is hosting the Summit in a hybrid format today and tomorrow (May 9). The prominent international conference attracted over 600 participants from more than 80 countries, including high-level representatives from policymakers, regulatory bodies, international organisations, telecommunications operators and corporations, as well as industry experts and scholars.
In his keynote speech at the Summit, the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Algernon Yau, said that Hong Kong’s hosting of the Summit not only reflects the city’s long-standing stature as a global and regional telecommunications hub, but also underscores the Government’s commitment to driving innovation and fostering collaboration in this transformative field.
Mr Yau highlighted Hong Kong’s highly acclaimed position in leading the development of 6G, with the city’s telecommunications market being one of the most advanced and dynamic in the world and having a proven track record of embracing innovation and driving connectivity. He also shared with the audience Hong Kong’s various achievements in telecommunications, which showcase the city’s readiness to embrace the future of telecommunications.
Mr Yau stressed that the Government is fully committed to fostering a conducive environment that drives technological advancement and prepares Hong Kong for the 6G era. These include releasing suitable spectrum through auctions to support the development of advanced mobile communication services, exploring further facilitation measures from telecommunications perspectives to support the development of the low-altitude economy, and conducting a review on streamlining the licensing procedures of Low Earth Orbit satellites to enhance Hong Kong’s competitiveness in satellite development.
Addressing the opening ceremony this morning, the Director-General of Communications, Mr Chaucer Leung, said that the first set of technical standards for 6G is expected to be finalised in 2029 so that commercial service can be introduced in 2030, adding that the Summit serves as an opportunity for the participants to delve into various key aspects of 6G and have better preparation for it.
Delivering his keynote speech in the afternoon session, the Chairman of the CA, Mr Jenkin Suen, outlined the roles and functions of the CA, and emphasised Hong Kong’s unique role as the gateway between Mainland China and the rest of the world. “Being a telecommunications hub in the Asia-Pacific region and a gateway to Mainland China, Hong Kong is an ideal place for exploring, developing and deploying the new generation of mobile technology,” Mr Suen said.
Over the two days, the Summit will feature discussions on the key priorities shaping 6G developments, including standardisation, technological innovations, sustainability and potential applications, as well as the strategic role of the Asia-Pacific region and the opportunities presented by a more connected and intelligent global network. In addition to the main programme, the Summit also includes a networking reception hosted by the Communications Association of Hong Kong. Details of the Summit are available at www.global6gsummit.com
First held as a virtual conference in 2022 by Forum Global, the Summit has entered its fourth edition this year. The previous two editions were held in Bahrain in 2023 and the United Kingdom in 2024.
Issued at HKT 17:42
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Singapore ETO enhances ties with Laos (with photos)
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Singapore (Singapore ETO) concluded an official visit to Vientiane, the capital of Laos, between May 6 and 7 (Vientiane time). The visit aimed to deepen understanding and collaboration with the Laotian government and business sectors, while further strengthening bilateral relations in trade, investment, and people-to-people exchanges.
Upon arrival on May 6, the Director of the Singapore ETO, Mr Owin Fung, met with the Director-General of the Department of Asia-Pacific and Africa, Laos’ Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr Bounthanongsack Chanthalath, to introduce Hong Kong’s latest developments. Both sides exchanged views on the current economic and geopolitical landscape, and explored opportunities to further enhance co-operation and deepen the Hong Kong – Laos bilateral relations.
Members of the Singapore ETO also visited Vientiane Secondary School to learn about the implementation of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed between the school and the Hong Kong Polytechnic University. The MOU, announced by the Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, last July during his visit to the school, offers a dedicated scholarship programme for outstanding students at Vientiane Secondary School.
On May 7, the Singapore ETO organised a business seminar and networking event “Business and Investment Opportunities in Hong Kong – Gateway to Greater Bay Area” in collaboration with Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK) and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC). The event attracted about 70 local business leaders and investors, including executive committee members of the Lao National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LNCCI) and the Lao Chinese Chamber of Commerce (LCCC), which were the event’s supporting organisations. The Commissioner for the Development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, Ms Maisie Chan, also participated in the event.
In his opening remarks, Mr Fung emphasised Hong Kong’s position as a leading international financial, trading, and logistics hub under the “one country, two systems” framework. He reiterated Hong Kong’s strong commitment to multilateralism and free trade.
Other speakers included Assistant Commissioner for the Development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Miss Cathy Li; the Head of Investment Promotion (Singapore Office), InvestHK, Mr Melvin Lee; and the Director of Indochina at the HKTDC, Ms Tina Phan. They shared insights into Hong Kong’s latest investment climate and opportunities in Hong Kong and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA), Hong Kong’s role as a “super-connector” and a “super value-adder” between the GBA and Laos, as well as the range of support services available to Laotian enterprises. Following the seminar, representatives of Singapore ETO, the GBA Development Office, the LNCCI and the LCCC had a networking lunch to explore avenues for stronger co-operation in trade and commerce.
Later that afternoon, Ms Chan and Mr Fung had a working meeting with the Permanent Secretary, Laos Ministry of Industry and Commerce, Dr Buavanh Vilavong. Both sides expressed confidence in the partnership between Hong Kong and Laos business communities which would promote greater regional integration and sustainable economic growth. Mr Fung also sought continued support for Hong Kong’s accession to the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership.
Before the end of the duty visit, Ms Chan and Mr Fung paid a courtesy call on the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People’s Republic of China to the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Ms Fang Hong, to introduce respectively the GBA Development Office’s latest work and Singapore ETO’s efforts and achievements in liaising with the Laos government, business sector and community. Mr Fung also thanked the Embassy for its continuous care and assistance to Hong Kong people in Laos and Hong Kong enterprises investing in Laos.
Appointment of non-permanent judge from another common law jurisdiction of Court of Final Appeal
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The following is issued on behalf of the Judiciary:
Chief Justice Andrew Cheung, Chief Justice of the Court of Final Appeal, today (May 8) welcomed the acceptance by the Chief Executive of the recommendation of the Judicial Officers Recommendation Commission on the appointment of the Honourable Sir William Gillow Gibbes Austen Young as a non-permanent judge from another common law jurisdiction of the Court of Final Appeal. The Chief Justice noted that the Government would be seeking the endorsement of the Legislative Council of the recommended appointment.
The Hong Kong Court of Final Appeal Ordinance (Cap. 484) provides for a list of non-permanent Hong Kong judges and a list of judges from other common law jurisdictions. Currently, there are four non-permanent Hong Kong judges and five non-permanent judges from other common law jurisdictions. The maximum number of non-permanent judges is 30. In hearing and determining an appeal, the Court of Final Appeal is constituted by five judges, i.e. the Chief Justice, three permanent judges and one non-permanent Hong Kong judge or one non-permanent judge from another common law jurisdiction.
The recommended appointment of Sir William Young to the Hong Kong Court of Final Appeal will increase the number of non-permanent judges from other common law jurisdictions from five to six. This will provide greater flexibility in dealing with the caseload of the Court of Final Appeal.
Senior judicial appointment: non-permanent judge from another common law jurisdiction of the Court of Final Appeal
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, has accepted the recommendation of the Judicial Officers Recommendation Commission (JORC) on the appointment of the Honourable Sir William Gillow Gibbes Austen Young as a non-permanent judge from another common law jurisdiction of the Court of Final Appeal. Subject to the endorsement of the Legislative Council, the Chief Executive will make the appointment under Article 88 of the Basic Law and section 9 of the Hong Kong Court of Final Appeal Ordinance (Cap. 484).
Mr Lee said, “I am pleased to accept the JORC’s recommendation on the appointment of Sir William Young as a non-permanent judge from another common law jurisdiction of the Court of Final Appeal. Sir William Young retired from the judicial office of Permanent Judge of the Supreme Court of New Zealand, New Zealand’s final court of appeal, in April 2022. He is a judge of eminent standing and reputation. I am confident that he will contribute substantively to the Court of Final Appeal.
“With the appointment of Sir William Young, the list of non-permanent judges from other common law jurisdictions will consist of six eminent judges from the United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand. The presence of these esteemed overseas jurists as non-permanent judges of the Court of Final Appeal is a manifestation of the independence of the Judiciary in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) as protected by the Basic Law. Their participation demonstrates a high degree of confidence in the HKSAR’s judicial system, and enables Hong Kong to maintain strong links with other common law jurisdictions. I am fully confident that these distinguished jurists from overseas with profound judicial experience will remain as a unique strength of the HKSAR’s judicial system.”
Article 90 of the Basic Law and section 7A of the Ordinance provide that the Chief Executive shall obtain the endorsement of the Legislative Council on the appointment of judges of the Court of Final Appeal. The Government will seek the endorsement of the Legislative Council of the recommended appointment in due course.
The curriculum vitae of Sir William Young is at the Annex.
PAKISTAN’S BID TO ESCALATE NEGATED – PROPORTIONATE RESPONSE BY INDIA
Source: Government of India
Posted On: 08 MAY 2025 2:34PM by PIB Delhi
During the Press Briefing on Operation SINDOOR on 07 May 2025, India had called its response as focused, measured and non-escalatory. It was specifically mentioned that Pakistani military establishments had not been targeted. It was also reiterated that any attack on military targets in India will invite a suitable response.
On the night of 07-08 May 2025, Pakistan attempted to engage a number of military targets in Northern and Western India including Awantipura, Srinagar, Jammu, Pathankot, Amritsar, Kapurthala, Jalandhar, Ludhiana, Adampur, Bhatinda, Chandigarh, Nal, Phalodi, Uttarlai, and Bhuj, using drones and missiles. These were neutralised by the Integrated Counter UAS Grid and Air Defence systems. The debris of these attacks is now being recovered from a number of locations that prove the Pakistani attacks.
Today morning Indian Armed Forces targeted Air Defence Radars and systems at a number of locations in Pakistan. Indian response has been in the same domain with same intensity as Pakistan. It has been reliably learnt that an Air Defence system at Lahore has been neutralised.
Pakistan has increased the intensity of its unprovoked firing across the Line of Control using Mortars and heavy calibre Artillery in areas in Kupwara, Baramulla, Uri, Poonch, Mendhar and Rajouri sectors in Jammu and Kashmir.
Sixteen innocent lives have been lost, including three women and five children, due to Pakistani firing. Here too, India was compelled to respond to bring Mortar and Artillery fire from Pakistan to a halt.
Indian Armed Forces reiterate their commitment to non-escalation, provided it is respected by the Pakistani military.
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SC
(Release ID: 2127670) Visitor Counter : 79
PM Modi Chairs High-Level Meeting with Secretaries of Government of India
Source: Government of India
Posted On: 08 MAY 2025 2:17PM by PIB Delhi
The Prime Minister today chaired a high-level meeting with Secretaries of various Ministries and Departments of the Government of India to review national preparedness and inter-ministerial coordination in light of recent developments concerning national security.
PM Modi stressed the need for seamless coordination among ministries and agencies to uphold operational continuity and institutional resilience.
PM reviewed the planning and preparation by ministries to deal with the current situation.
Secretaries have been directed to undertake a comprehensive review of their respective ministry’s operations and to ensure fool-proof functioning of essential systems, with special focus on readiness, emergency response, and internal communication protocols.
Secretaries detailed their planning with a Whole of Government approach in the current situation.
All ministries have identified their actionables in relation to the conflict and are strengthening processes. Ministries are ready to deal with all kinds of emerging situations.
A range of issues were discussed during the meeting. These included, among others, strengthening of civil defence mechanisms, efforts to counter misinformation and fake news, and ensuring the security of critical infrastructure. Ministries were also advised to maintain close coordination with state authorities and ground-level institutions.
The meeting was attended by the Cabinet Secretary, senior officials from the Prime Minister’s Office, and Secretaries from key ministries including Defence, Home Affairs, External Affairs, Information & Broadcasting, Power, Health, and Telecommunications.
The Prime Minister called for continued alertness, institutional synergy, and clear communication as the nation navigates a sensitive period. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to national security, operational preparedness, and citizen safety.
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MJPS/ST
(Release ID: 2127669) Visitor Counter : 97
DPIIT and Hafele India Sign MoU to Boost Manufacturing Innovation and Localized Supply Chains
Source: Government of India
Posted On: 08 MAY 2025 2:09PM by PIB Delhi
The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) and Hafele India Pvt. Ltd. signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on 07 May 2025 in New Delhi, to strengthen India’s manufacturing and innovation ecosystem by empowering product startups, MSMEs, and entrepreneurs. The partnership reflects a shared commitment to building resilient local supply chains and accelerating India’s vision of becoming a global manufacturing hub.
Under this strategic collaboration, Hafele will drive initiatives that support product innovation, local sourcing, and entrepreneurship through targeted investments, mentorship, and integration into global value chains.
Hafele will expand its support to startups and MSMEs by offering access to infrastructure, supplier development opportunities, technical collaboration, and market access. Hafele has already committed over USD 2.5 million in an Indian appliance manufacturing startup and has extended purchase orders to Indian MSME manufacturers of architectural hardware and furniture fittings. DPIIT will facilitate ecosystem access through Startup India, enabling startup connections, program participation, and co-branding.
Shri Sanjiv, Joint Secretary, DPIIT, stated, “The partnership with Häfele India exemplifies our approach of fostering collaborative industrial ecosystems. It brings together global best practices and local entrepreneurial energy to drive sustainable manufacturing growth aligned with the Make in India vision.”
Frank Schloeder, Managing Director – South Asia, Häfele, added, “At Häfele, we believe that India’s innovation and manufacturing potential is unmatched. Through this MoU, we are excited to deepen our engagement with Indian entrepreneurs and startups and work together toward the vision of ‘India for India’ today and ‘India for the World’ tomorrow.”
The MoU was signed by Dr. Sumeet Jarangal, Director, DPIIT and Mr. Frank Schloeder, Managing Director – South Asia, Hafele India, in the presence of senior officials from both organizations. It will remain in effect for a period of two years from the date of signing, with scope for extension based on mutual agreement.
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Abhishek Dayal/Abhijith Narayanan
(Release ID: 2127664) Visitor Counter : 67
Fraudulent website and internet banking login screen related to DBS Bank (Hong Kong) Limited
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority:
The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) wishes to alert members of the public to a press release issued by DBS Bank (Hong Kong) Limited relating to a fraudulent website and an internet banking login screen, which have been reported to the HKMA. A hyperlink to the press release is available on the HKMA website.
The HKMA wishes to remind the public that banks will not send SMS or emails with embedded hyperlinks which direct them to the banks’ websites to carry out transactions. They will not ask customers for sensitive personal information, such as login passwords or one-time password, by phone, email or SMS (including via embedded hyperlinks).
Anyone who has provided his or her personal information, or who has conducted any financial transactions, through or in response to the website or login screen concerned, should contact the bank using the contact information provided in the press release, and report the matter to the Police by contacting the Crime Wing Information Centre of the Hong Kong Police Force at 2860 5012.
Appeal for information on missing man in Lantau North (with photo)
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Appeal for information on missing man in Lantau North (with photo)
LAW Siu-hang, aged 70, went missing after he left his residence in Yat Tung Estate on May 2 morning. His family made a report to Police yesterday (May 7).
He is about 1.5 metres tall, 60 kilograms in weight and of thin build. He has a pointed face with yellow complexion and long white hair, and with tattoos on his abdomen and arms. He was last seen wearing a blue vest jacket, apricot trousers and white flip flops.
Anyone who knows the whereabouts of the missing man or may have seen him is urged to contact the Regional Missing Persons Unit of New Territories South on 3661 1176 or 9689 6212 or email to rmpu-nts-2@police.gov.hk, or contact any police station.
Issued at HKT 16:15
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Government posts notice of land acquisition for public housing development near Chai Wan Swimming Pool, Chai Wan
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The Lands Department today (May 8) posted a notice in accordance with section 4 of the Land Acquisition (Possessory Title) Ordinance (Chapter 130) for the acquisition of land for a public housing development near Chai Wan Swimming Pool, Chai Wan.
The land with an area of about 23 square metres will be acquired. The said land will vest in the Government upon the expiry of a period of three months from the date of affixing the notice (i.e. August 9).
The Government will closely liaise with the affected parties and handle compensation matters.
The public housing development near Chai Wan Swimming Pool, Chai Wan, will provide about 2 700 public housing units with the earliest population intake anticipated in 2034.