LCQ14: Regulation on disposable plastic products

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     Following is a question by the Hon Chan Siu-hung and a written reply by the Secretary for Environment and Ecology, Mr Tse Chin-wan, in the Legislative Council today (May 7):

Question:
 
     The Environment and Ecology Bureau implemented the first phase regulation on disposable plastic products (the Regulation) in late April last year. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
 
(1) of the number of verbal warnings issued and prosecutions initiated to catering premises violating the Regulation to date;
 
(2) given that some catering premises have reportedly purchased through online shopping platforms products claimed to be paper straws and paper tableware for use in their premises, but it is difficult to tell simply by visual inspection whether such products contain plastic components or other impurities, how the authorities ensure that the tableware used by these catering premises is in compliance with the “plastic-free” requirement of Hong Kong;
 
(3) as there are views pointing out that replacing plastic tableware with paper tableware may result in waste diversion, and it is learnt that paper tableware can be recycled into paper hand towels after proper cleaning, whether the authorities have plans to step up efforts to promote the clean recycling of paper tableware, and provide appropriate support to reduce the cost burden on the industry; and
 
(4) given that the Government advised in its reply to a question raised by a Member of this Council on the 16th of last month that before implementing the second phase of the Regulation, it would thoroughly consider the maturity, availability, and affordability of the non-plastic alternatives and would consider the programme of further regulation in light of the prevailing circumstances, of the current progress of the Government’s evaluation of such alternatives, and the estimated timeline for implementing the second phase of the Regulation?
 
Reply:
 
President,
 
     The regulation on disposable plastic products (the Regulation) commenced its first phase on April 22, 2024. It regulates the supply of disposable plastic tableware and other plastic products and encourages the public to go “plastic-and-disposable-free”. Since the implementation of the Regulation, the trades have actively complied with the Regulation by stopping the sale or provision of regulated disposable plastic products. The public’s habit of using relevant products in their daily lives has also changed, with “bring your own reusable tableware” and “plastic-free” cultures being developed gradually in the society, resulting in effective waste reduction.
 
     The reply to the question raised by the Hon Chan Siu-hung is as follows:
 
(1) Since the implementation of the Regulation, the Environmental Protection Department (EPD) has arranged for staff to inspect about 48 000 catering premises, retail stores, hotels and guesthouses in Hong Kong. As at April 22, 2025, the EPD issued a total of 144 written warnings to cases of suspected violations, requiring the persons-in-charge to make improvements within 10 working days; otherwise, a fixed penalty notice would be issued. The EPD has followed up all the cases, of which 21 premises being persistently incompliant after receiving written warnings were issued with fixed penalty notices of $2,000 by the EPD staff. The incompliances have then been corrected.
 
(2) According to the Regulation, should relevant disposable tableware be wholly or partly made of plastic (including plastic lining), it will be regarded as regulated disposable plastic tableware. Testing or material analysis could determine whether or not a product contains plastic content. The EPD had engaged the Hong Kong Quality Assurance Agency to establish the Green Tableware Platform (the Platform) (www.greentableware.hk) in January 2022. Currently, the Platform has enlisted more than 170 tableware suppliers and more than 2 000 non-plastic disposable tableware products for the catering trade’s reference. We encourage the catering trade to use the Platform to source non-plastic alternatives (such as paper straws and paper spoons) which meet their operational needs in terms of quality and functionality, or to contact the EPD for enquiries through the hotline at 2838 3111. 
 
     The EPD will also continue to monitor the latest development of the non-plastic alternatives market and identify alternatives which meet the needs of the trades and the public. If a paper tableware is suspected of containing plastic content during our inspections, the EPD will collect samples for testing and notify the relevant persons-in-charge of the result for switching to an alternative fulfilling the requirement of “plastic-free”.
 
(3) As mentioned above, the primary objective of the Regulation is to reduce the use of plastic at source with a view to minimising the harm brought by waste plastics to the environment and human health. As such, we encourage the public to reduce waste at source by bringing their own reusable tableware and avoiding the use of any disposable tableware. Only if the use of disposable tableware is unavoidable should non-plastic tableware be used, rather than a mere waste diversion.
 
     Paper-based disposable tableware is one of the common types of non-plastic alternative tableware nowadays. Given that used paper-based disposable tableware is likely to have residual grease or oil and is prone to mould growth in case they are not dried after washing, it would cause potential contamination of other waste papers (such as cardboard, office paper or newspapers) during the recycling process, thus affecting the recovery process and quality. We therefore do not recommend the recycling of the relevant paper-based disposable tableware. 
 
     In fact, since the commencement of the first phase of the Regulation on disposable plastic tableware, the public has progressively switched to reusable tableware. Some businesses reported that a surging number of customers not requiring disposable cutlery when ordering takeaways, indicating that the society has begun to accept and develop the habit of using reusable tableware which is conducive to the environment in the long run. The EPD will continue to strengthen publicity and education, and encourage the members of the public to use reusable tableware.
 
(4) Since March 2025, the EPD has been meeting with various catering trade associations to gather their views and concerns regarding the second phase of the Regulation, as well as to exchange on the latest development of non-plastic alternatives. While there are currently several alternative options available in the market with steady reduction in prices, the diverse range of food items provided by the catering industry necessitates varying requirements for food containers. As the second phase of the Regulation would cover soup containers and plastic lids etc., some members of the trade reflected that such takeaway containers used for serving items like sauces, soups and beverages require a higher standard of safety and sealing performance, and thus requiring identification of suitable and practical alternatives. The Government will continue to actively collaborate with the suppliers of non-plastic alternatives to explore ways to enhance the quality of their products, accommodating the practical needs of the catering trade. We expect to partner with some large chain restaurant groups to conduct testing of various alternatives available in the market in mid-2025, and review the testing outcomes afterwards. 
 
     Before implementing the second phase of the Regulation, the Government will thoroughly consider the maturity, availability and affordability of the relevant non-plastic alternatives with a view to striking a balance between environmental protection and sustainable development of the trades. While there is no implementation timetable at the moment, we will consider the progress of further regulation in light of the prevailing circumstances. The Government will continue to promote going “plastic-and-disposable-free” and join hands with different sectors of the community to promote a culture of green and low-carbon living in Hong Kong.

LCQ3: Promoting development of innovation and technology enterprises

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     Following is a question by Professor the Hon William Wong and a reply by the Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Professor Sun Dong, in the Legislative Council today (May 7):

Question:

     In the country’s Report on the Work of the Government this year, the Central Government for the first time highlights the need to support the development of gazelle enterprises. Gazelle enterprises refer to high-growth small and medium-sized scientific and technological enterprises characterized by strong innovation capabilities, new fields of expertise and great development potential. It is learnt that a number of Mainland provinces and municipalities have introduced preferential measures such as incentive subsidies and interest-free loans to accelerate the development of gazelle enterprises. In particular, Hangzhou implemented support policies for eligible gazelle enterprises as early as 2020, encouraging them to collaborate with higher education institutions and scientific research institutes on research and development. This, complemented by other innovation and technology (I&T) support, has fostered a robust innovation ecosystem in Hangzhou, thereby nurturing a number of I&T enterprises, among which the six companies collectively known as Hangzhou’s “Six Little Dragons” are particularly outstanding. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:

(1) whether it will set a definition for gazelle enterprises in Hong Kong and compile statistics on the number of gazelle enterprises in the territory;

(2) whether it has studied the provision of targeted policy support for gazelle enterprises; if so, of the details; if not, whether it will conduct a study; and

(3) as it has been reported that Hangzhou’s “Six Little Dragons” are interested in strengthening cooperation with Hong Kong, and the Chief Executive has also indicated that assistance will be provided to them, whether the Government will take the initiative to liaise with and invite such enterprises to establish a presence in Hong Kong, so as to inject new momentum into the I&T ecosystem?

Reply:

President,

     Thank you Professor the Hon Wong Kam-fai for the question. My consolidated reply is as follows.

     The National “Government Work Report” of this year strongly supports the development of innovation and technology (I&T) enterprises of all development stages, comprehensively planning to accelerate the growth of emerging and future industries. To proactively align with the national development strategy and to promote technological and industrial innovation, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government has been adopting a multi-pronged strategy under the overarching framework of the Hong Kong I&T Development Blueprint over the past two years. On one hand, we are striving to nurture local I&T start-ups; on the other hand, we are actively attracting enterprises to set up businesses in Hong Kong. This fully leverages our unique advantages under the “one country, two systems” principle, that is, enjoying strong support from the Motherland and being closely connected to the world, with a view to seizing the historic opportunity of this new round of technological innovation and industry transformation.

     On nurturing Hong Kong’s I&T start-ups, the Innovation, Technology and Industry Bureau (ITIB) has provided a full range of support services to start-ups through the two Hong Kong I&T flagships, namely the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTPC) and Cyberport. The HKSTPC has been committed to providing support for entrepreneurial technology talent through various incubation programmes, including the provision of research and development (R&D) space and supporting facilities, funding, technical and management assistance, investor matching, mentorship support, promotion and business development support. Meanwhile, Cyberport has provided different financial and professional support through various public mission-driven incubation, accelerator, and support programmes tailored to the different development stages of start-ups. Also, with the imminent opening of the Hong Kong Park in the Loop within this year, the HSITPL (i.e. the Hong Kong-Shenzhen Innovation and Technology Parks Limited) will also launch an incubation programme to provide funding support and comprehensive support services to start-up teams and enterprises in the Park that have development potential and are engaged in life and health technologies. The number of start‑ups in Hong Kong surged from around 1 000 in 2014 to around 4 700 in 2024, reflecting the increasingly vibrant I&T ecosystem in Hong Kong. Our policy objective is to nurture I&T start-ups with independent R&D capabilities which can make substantive contributions to the economy and society, with a view to fostering the high-quality development of Hong Kong’s economy.

     We also recognise the importance of and the long-term need for supporting the development of start-ups as well as the necessity to keep abreast of the times in our policy initiatives. In recent years, the ITIB and the Innovation and Technology Commission have introduced and implemented a number of policies to enhance support for start-ups at various development stages, including the nurturing of start-ups. For example, the $10 billion Research, Academic and Industry Sectors One-plus Scheme was launched in 2023, which aims to fund, on a matching basis, research teams from universities with good potential to become successful start-ups to transform and commercialise their R&D outcomes.  To attract more venture capital to co-invest in local I&T start-ups, we launched the Innovation and Technology Venture Fund enhanced scheme in end-2024 by redeploying up to $1.5 billion to set up funds jointly with the market, on a matching basis, to invest in start-ups of strategic industries, thereby empowering start-ups with more financing support.

     Furthermore, we are preparing for the launch of the Pilot I&T Accelerator Scheme, which aims to attract professional start-up service providers with proven track records in and beyond Hong Kong to set up accelerator bases in Hong Kong to foster the robust growth of start-ups and enhance the I&T ecosystem.

     Apart from nurturing Hong Kong’s I&T start-ups, we have also taken the initiative to assist Mainland enterprises to “go global” and attract overseas resources, and strive to play the roles of “super connector” and “super value-adder”, thereby bringing new opportunities and opening up new horizons for Hong Kong’s I&T development. As at April 2025, in collaboration with other government departments, the ITIB has negotiated with more than 200 high-potential or representative enterprises to set up or expand their businesses in Hong Kong. During his recent visit to Zhejiang, the Chief Executive invited I&T enterprises such as “Hangzhou’s Six Little Dragons” to set up businesses in Hong Kong, encouraging them to make use of Hong Kong’s strengths to actively expand their business overseas. The ITIB is following up on these co-operation opportunities with a view to bringing them to fruition as soon as possible. We believe that the establishment of more I&T enterprises in Hong Kong will further promote the vibrant development of Hong Kong’s I&T ecosystem, bring new impetus to the local I&T ecosystem, and further enhance the development of related industries.

     We will continue to strengthen our I&T ecosystem in the following ways: first, continue to optimise our existing policies to enhance our support for I&T start-ups; second, facilitate more I&T enterprises in strategic industries to set up their businesses in Hong Kong; and third, engage with enterprises through various channels to understand their needs timely, dynamically adjust relevant policies and roll out new initiatives so as to ensure that our support measures align with industry needs to accelerate Hong Kong’s I&T development.

     Thank you.

LCQ15: Promoting pop culture industry

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Following is a question by the Hon Kenneth Fok and a written reply by the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Miss Rosanna Law, in the Legislative Council today (May 7):
 
Question:
 
The Government in the Blueprint for Arts and Culture and Creative Industries Development (the Blueprint) published in November last year explicitly proposed that Hong Kong should be developed into a “capital of pop culture”. Measures include promoting the development of the pop culture industry, supporting the innovative development of pop culture, and promoting the organisation of more events such as concerts and music festivals. However, some members of the industry have relayed that the existing measures on venue provision, ancillary support and talent nurturing are not in line with the policy objectives, which affect the competitiveness of Hong Kong’s pop culture. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
 
(1) of the details of the use of the venues under the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) for organising pop culture activities in the past three years, including the venues involved, the number of sessions of the programmes held, the types of activities, the number of participants and the utilisation rates of seats (set out in a table);
 
(2) as some members of the industry have relayed that it is difficult for emerging artists and independent groups to be allocated time slots in LCSD venues, whether the Government will review the existing venue allocation mechanism and scoring criteria, so as to address the industry’s demand for small and medium-sized commercial performance venues; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that;
 
(3) given that the 2022 Policy Address has proposed to increase the number of seats at performance venues by about 50 per cent, of the number of newly-built or converted venues and the number of additional seats at present, and whether it has reviewed if the progress of work in achieving this policy objective is in line with expectations;
 
(4) whether the authorities will comprehensively enhance the relevant measures to solve the problem of insufficient performance venues for the pop culture industry (including reviewing the Venue Partnership Scheme to increase the quota for small and medium-sized performing groups; enhancing the transparency of the scoring criteria for booking LCSD venues; relaxing the restriction on the use of some government venues (e.g. sports grounds and vacant school premises) for performances; and studying the provision of dedicated venues for pop culture); if so, of the specific plans; if not, the reasons for that; and
 
(5) given that the Blueprint has proposed to promote the private sector to organise more pop culture events in Hong Kong, of the authorities’ specific plans in place to encourage enterprises and investors to support the development of local pop culture, and whether it will provide incentives to attract more market resources, so as to assist the industry in exploring commercial performance opportunities and support the nurturing of talents for the industry?
 
Reply:
 
President:
 
Hong Kong’s unique pop culture is an important brand of our culture. The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region  Government endeavours to promote the development of pop culture, with a view to developing Hong Kong into the “capital of pop culture”, in accordance with the Blueprint for Arts and Culture and Creative Industries Development (the Blueprint), consolidating Hong Kong’s role as an East-meets-West Centre for international cultural exchange.
 
In consultation with the Development Bureau, my reply to the question raised by the Hon Kenneth Fok is as follows:
 
(1) The number of performances and attendance of pop culture activities held at the performance venues under the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) in the past three years are tabulated as follows (with numbers of attendance in parenthesis):
 

Venue / Year 2022 (Note 3) 2023 2024
Stadia (Note 1) 90
(667 954)
114
(803 632)
117
(938 522)
 
Performing arts venues (Note 2) 420
(82 562)
607
(125 764)
721
(133 318)
 

 
Note 1: Stadia include the Hong Kong Coliseum and the Queen Elizabeth Stadium.
Note 2: Performing arts venues include the Hong Kong Culture Centre, the Hong Kong City Hall, the Sheung Wan Civic Centre, the Sai Wan Ho Civic Centre, the Ko Shan Theatre, the Ngau Chi Wan Civic Centre, the Sha Tin Town Hall, the North District Town Hall, the Tsuen Wan Town Hall, the Kwai Tsing Theatre, the Tuen Mun Town Hall and the Yuen Long Theatre. The Sai Wan Ho Civic Centre was closed for the renovation and improvement project since April 2022.
Note 3: Owing to COVID-19, all performance venues were closed for 104 days in 2022.
 
(2) to (4) The Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau (CSTB), the LCSD and the West Kowloon Cultural District (WKCD) etc., endeavour to provide venues for various arts and culture activities. We are aware that there has been a strong demand for performance venues from the public as well as the arts and culture sectors. Therefore, we have been building new performance venues and upgrading existing facilities over the past few years. The newly built East Kowloon Cultural Centre and the upgraded Tai Po Civic Centre and Sai Wan Ho Civic Centre are expected to open in full this year; The WestK Performing Arts Centre is expected to be completed in 2026; and we are also building the New Territories East Cultural Centre. A total of around 8 300 seats will be available at these performance venues. Besides, the Kai Tak Sports Park (KTSP) officially commissioned on March 1, 2025, providing venues for hosting large-scale pop culture events.
 
Since its full commissioning in March 2025, the KTSP has provided an option of a brand-new and attractive venue for sports and cultural mega events in Hong Kong, including concerts and pop culture events. The KTSP features a 50 000-seat Kai Tak Stadium, a 10 000-seat Kai Tak Arena, a 5 000-seat Kai Tak Youth Sports Ground and other ancillary facilities. In the past two months, various large-scale concerts of various renowned international, Asian and local bands and singers took place at the Kai Tak Stadium and Kai Tak Arena.
 
The Government has also been supporting small and medium-sized arts groups and emerging artists through various measures, such as providing funding support for large-scale and cross-year arts and cultural initiatives/activities through the Arts Capacity Development Funding Scheme. Programme offices of the LCSD also provide support to local small and medium-sized arts groups and emerging artists through different modes of collaboration to promote continuous innovation and development of arts groups in Hong Kong.
 
We are reviewing the usage and hiring arrangements of our venues (including reviewing the Venue Partnership Scheme), with an aim to make more effective use of venues resources, offer more booking slots for use of different arts groups and cater for the needs of the arts and culture sectors, thereby building a vibrant, diverse and flourishing ecosystem. On setting up of a dedicated venue for pop culture, the LCSD is currently identifying a suitable site for the Pop Culture Centre, and will discuss with and consult various stakeholders and expert advisers on related matters, such as the long-term planning and facilities of the Pop Culture Centre etc., with a view to formulating appropriate plans for developing it into a cultural landmark and tourism hotspot.
 
The public pleasure grounds under the LCSD have all along been open to applications for non-designated uses, such as charitable activities or festive celebrations. When processing relevant applications, the LCSD will consider factors such as the proposed duration of hire, the area to be hired, as well as the purpose and nature of the activity. Given the very keen public demand for sports facilities, the LCSD will strive to strike a balance to meet the needs of different venue users.
 
On the use of school venues, the Government has launched the Pilot Scheme on the Use of School Venues by Arts Groups in 2024 to open up parts of school venues for rehearsals by arts groups after school hours on a pilot basis. Any organisation/institution that wishes to use vacant school premises (VSP) for long-term or short-term uses could liaise and seek support from the relevant policy bureau(s) for its application of using the VSP.
 
(5) On promoting the development of local pop culture and industries, LCSD has been collaborating with the sector to organise the annual Hong Kong Pop Culture Festival (PCF) since 2023. The first two editions of PCF attracted about 530 000 and over 640 000 participants respectively. The third edition of PCF is being held from April to July 2025 with the theme “More Than Joy” to promote Hong Kong’s unique comedy. PCF offers rich and diverse activities, supports local young artists and emerging art groups, and promotes cross-generation and cross-genre collaboration. We will step up the promotion of pop culture programmes to the Mainland and overseas facilitate Hong Kong’s pop culture to “go global”, thereby establishing overseas collaboration networks for local artists and the brand of PCF.
 
The CSTB has been supporting mega arts and cultural events organised by the private sector or non-governmental organisations in Hong Kong through the Mega Arts and Cultural Events (ACE) Fund, including mega events on pop culture such as ComplexCon Hong Kong 2025 and Hypefest Hong Kong 2024. The Mega ACE Fund has enhanced its operation since January 1, 2025. To enhance the level of participation of commercial organisations, matching grant has been introduced in the new application mechanism. The initiative aims to encourage the event organisers to solicit commercial sponsorship, thereby boosting the market feasibility and business potential of events and to follow the over-arching principle of industry building.
 
Besides, the West Kowloon Cultural District Authority (WKCDA) actively makes use of its museums, performing arts venues and public spaces to promote pop culture through various cultural and artistic programmes. For example, the WKCDA held “WestK POPFEST” in 2023 and 2024, which has been sponsored by private enterprises for two consecutive years, has brought together local young singers and groups, blending pop culture with artistic creation. The events were well-received by music fans, attracting over 60 000 participants in 2024, breaking the attendance record for different types of music festivals held in the WKCD over the years.
 
The Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA) continues supporting the co-production of television variety programmes by local television stations with their counterparts in the Mainland and Asia through the CreateSmart Initiative, so as to help the industry explore business showcasing opportunities in the Mainland and overseas, uplift the soft power of Hong Kong pop culture and enhance economic benefits. The scheme has so far accepted two rounds of applications. Eight project had been approved, among which five were broadcast.
 
On talent nurturing, sponsored by the CCIDA, the “Make Music Work – Music Creation and Production Talents Nurturing Scheme” was launched in 2019 to support the development of emerging local music talent. In the latest edition, 12 units each comprising a composer, lyric writer and arranger were matched with experienced music producers and singing units for a series of support and training to produce original songs, and were provided with a platform and live concert to release and perform their original songs, so as to promote local original music development. 
 
We will continue to foster the industry to explore private market and investment actively, as well as exploring business showcasing opportunities and support talent nurturing of the industries, so as to align with the strategic directions of the Blueprint.

Hongkong Post to issue “Victoria Harbour Promenades” special stamps (with photos)

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

​Hongkong Post announced today (May 7) that a set of special stamps and associated philatelic products on the theme of “Victoria Harbour Promenades” will be released for sale on May 22 (Thursday).
 
Victoria Harbour is a world-famous natural harbour recognised as an icon of Hong Kong. The Government and the Harbourfront Commission have been committed to enhancing the harbourfront of Victoria Harbour for the past 20 years, with a view to creating an attractive, vibrant, accessible and sustainable harbourfront. Hongkong Post will release a set of four stamps, a stamp sheetlet and associated philatelic products themed on “Victoria Harbour Promenades”, which feature the scenic waterfronts on both sides of the Harbour. The stamps showcase the stunning harbour views by day and night and highlight the achievements in enhancing the promenades, thereby encouraging the public to appreciate and enjoy the quality and diversified harbourfront spaces.
 
To enhance youth participation, the design of the $10 stamp sheetlet is based on the winning entry of the Student Group in the Victoria Harbourfront Photo and Short Video Competition jointly organised by the Harbourfront Commission and the Harbour Office of the Development Bureau in 2023. The award-winning photograph captures Victoria Harbour at sunset, with the sun casting glowing beams between the skyscrapers, illuminating a boat on the water and showcasing the stunning sunset view of Victoria Harbour.
 
Official first day covers for “Victoria Harbour Promenades” will be on sale at all post offices and Hongkong Post’s online shopping mall ShopThruPost (shopthrupost.hongkongpost.hk) from tomorrow (May 8). This set of special stamps and associated philatelic products will be on sale at all post offices and ShopThruPost from May 22, while serviced first day covers affixed with the special stamps and postage prepaid picture cards (air mail) will be available at philatelic offices only.
 
A hand-back date-stamping service will be provided on May 22 at all post offices for official first day covers/souvenir covers/privately made covers bearing the first day of issue indication and a local address.
 
Information about this set of special stamps and associated philatelic products is available on the Hongkong Post Stamps website (stamps.hongkongpost.hk).

           

Tender of 10-year RMB HKSAR Institutional Government Bonds to be held on May 13

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), as representative of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government (HKSAR Government), announced today (May 7) that a tender of 10-year RMB Institutional Government Bonds (Bonds) under the Infrastructure Bond Programme will be held on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, for settlement on Thursday, May 15, 2025.
 
A total of RMB1.0 billion 10-year RMB Bonds will be tendered. The Bonds will mature on May 15, 2035 and will carry interest at the rate of 2.29 per cent per annum payable semi-annually in arrear.
 
Tender is open only to Primary Dealers appointed under the Infrastructure Bond Programme. Anyone wishing to apply for the Bonds on offer can do so through any of the Primary Dealers on the latest published list, which can be obtained from the Hong Kong Government Bonds website at www.hkgb.gov.hk. Each tender must be for an amount of RMB50,000 or integral multiples thereof.
 
Tender results will be published on the HKMA’s website, the Hong Kong Government Bonds website, Bloomberg (GBHK ) and Refinitiv (IBPGSBPINDEX). The publication time is expected to be no later than 3pm on the tender day.
 
HKSAR Institutional Government Bonds Tender Information

Tender information of 10-year RMB HKSAR Institutional Government Bonds:
 

Issue Number : 10GB3505001
Stock Code : 85024 (HKGB2.29 3505-R)
Tender Date and Time : Tuesday, May 13, 2025
9.30am to 10.30am
Issue and Settlement Date : Thursday, May 15, 2025
Amount on Offer : RMB1.0 billion
Maturity : 10 years
Maturity Date : Tuesday, May 15, 2035
Interest Rate : 2.29 per cent p.a. payable semi-annually in arrear
Interest Payment Dates : May 15 and November 15 in each year, commencing on the Issue Date up to and including the Maturity Date, subject to adjustment in accordance with the terms of the Institutional Issuances Information Memorandum of the Infrastructure Bond Programme and Government Sustainable Bond Programme (Information Memorandum) published on the Hong Kong Government Bonds website.
Method of Tender : Competitive tender
Tender Amount : Each competitive tender must be for an amount of RMB50,000 or integral multiples thereof. Any tender applications for the Bonds must be submitted through a Primary Dealer on the latest published list.
Other Details : Please see the Information Memorandum available on the Hong Kong Government Bonds website or approach Primary Dealers.
Expected commencement date of dealing on
the Stock Exchange
of Hong Kong Limited
: Friday, May 16, 2025
Use of Proceeds : The Bonds will be issued under the institutional part of the Infrastructure Bond Programme. Proceeds will be invested in infrastructure projects in accordance with the Infrastructure Bond Framework published on the Hong Kong Government Bonds website.

Tender of 5-year RMB HKSAR Institutiovnal Government Bonds to be held on May 13

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Tender of 5-year RMB HKSAR Institutiovnal Government Bonds to be held on May 13 

Issue Number9.30am to 10.30amthe Stock Exchange
of Hong Kong LimitedIssued at HKT 17:30

NNNN

Tender of 2-year RMB HKSAR Institutional Government Bonds to be held on May 13

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Tender of 2-year RMB HKSAR Institutional Government Bonds to be held on May 13 
A total of RMB1.5 billion 2-year RMB Bonds will be tendered. The Bonds will mature on May 17, 2027 and will carry interest at the rate of 1.71 per cent per annum payable semi-annually in arrear.
 
Tender is open only to Primary Dealers appointed under the Infrastructure Bond Programme. Anyone wishing to apply for the Bonds on offer can do so through any of the Primary Dealers on the latest published list, which can be obtained from the Hong Kong Government Bonds website at www.hkgb.gov.hk 
Tender results will be published on the HKMA’s website, the Hong Kong Government Bonds website, Bloomberg (GBHK ) and Refinitiv (IBPGSBPINDEX). The publication time is expected to be no later than 3pm on the tender day. 

Issue Number9.30am to 10.30amthe Stock Exchange
of Hong Kong LimitedIssued at HKT 17:30

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INTERNATIONAL MARITIME DEFENCE EXHIBITION (IMDEX) – 2025

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 07 MAY 2025 2:54PM by PIB Delhi

Indian Naval Ship INS Kiltan arrived in Singapore to participate in IMDEX Asia 2025 at the Changi Exhibition Centre.

The visit is part of the Indian Navy’s operational deployment and underscores the robust maritime partnership between India and Singapore.

During the stay, the ships’ crew will engage in a series of bilateral/ multilateral activities, including professional exchanges with the Republic of Singapore Navy and other participating navies of IMDEX Asia 2025.

These engagements aim to strengthen naval cooperation, enhance interoperability, and promote mutual understanding between the two navies.

Guided tours for school children, cross deck visits with participating Navies and curated visits for defence industries are planned to foster greater awareness of maritime security and India’s naval heritage.

The visit highlights the Indian Navy’s commitment to regional security, stability, and the longstanding friendship between the two maritime partners India and Singapore.

****

VM/SKS                              

(Release ID: 2127494) Visitor Counter : 90

“I’m So Smart” Community Health Promotion Programme Recognition Ceremony held by DH encourages cross-sectoral co-operation to promote healthy lifestyle (with photos)

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     The Department of Health (DH) today (May 7) presented commendations to over 70 participating organisations at the “I’m So Smart” Community Health Promotion Programme Recognition Ceremony for their collaborative efforts in promoting the messages of a healthy diet, regular physical activities and obesity prevention.

     Addressing the recognition ceremony, the Controller of the Centre for Health Protection of the DH, Dr Edwin Tsui, said, “The DH launched the ‘I’m So Smart’ Community Health Promotion Programme in 2012 to promote the messages of a healthy diet, regular physical activity and obesity prevention through cross-sectoral collaboration so that they become rooted in the hearts of the general public for practice in their daily life. We are grateful for the staunch support from the community. In 2024-2025, the number of participating organisations reached a record high of 124, with nearly 60,000 participants joining different health promotion activities across the territory gaining insights of the importance of a healthy lifestyle.”

LCQ4: Use of mechanised and automated cleaning technologies

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     Following is a question by the Hon Andrew Lam and a reply by the Secretary for Environment and Ecology, Mr Tse Chin-wan, in the Legislative Council today (May 7):
 
Question:
 
     The 2017 Policy Address proposed to explore the introduction of automated cleaning machines or technology for trial use at suitable venues or after large scale events. According to the Government’s paper submitted to the Subcommittee on Issues Relating to the Improvement of Environmental Hygiene and Cityscape of this Council in 2021, the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) has in recent years fully deployed technologies for mechanisation and automation of cleaning operations. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
 
(1) of the items of cleaning machinery or technology deployed by the FEHD in various districts of Hong Kong, and the average annual utilisation rates of such items, with breakdowns by each of the 18 districts across the territory; and
 
(2) whether the Government has regularly promoted and monitored the deployment of mechanised and automated technologies in cleaning operations by outsourced service contractors; if so, of the details; if not, how the Government will step up monitoring efforts?
 
Reply:
 
President,
 
     In recent years, the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) has been actively introducing new technologies to improve the quality and efficiency of street cleansing and refuse collection services, enhance the occupational safety of frontline staff and strengthen enforcement effectiveness.
 
     My reply to the question raised by the Hon Andrew Lam is as follows:
 
(1) The FEHD has widely adopted the following technologies and equipment in public cleansing services, including:
 
(i) Mini street washing vehicles equipped with high pressure hot water cleaners and pressure washer surface cleaners have been introduced in various districts, which can quickly remove dirt from pavements and come with the advantages of saving time and energy, being flexible, reducing disturbances to pedestrians, etc. Since early this year, 67 teams have been using mini street washing vehicles with pressure washer surface cleaners for street washing across the territory, and the locations covered by these vehicles have increased to about 3 600, including those with stubborn dirt or moss, with a view to bringing substantial enhancement to the cleanliness of such locations;
 
(ii) Litter sweeping plays an important role in street cleansing. The FEHD has widely deployed 11 teams of new mechanical street sweepers in various districts to sweep roads, footbridges and central dividers. It has also provided 118 low-entry driver cab type refuse collection vehicles to enable drivers and cleaning workers in collecting and transporting refuse;
 
(iii) To improve the refuse collection facilities in rural or remote sites and for better environmental hygiene, the FEHD is implementing a scheme to improve waste collection facilities, under which 287 solar-powered aluminium refuse collection points as well as 51 solar-powered compacting refuse bins and solar-powered refuse compactors have been set up in rural sites. These facilities feature a solar sensor or a foot pedal for touchless control of the inlet openings, and are more convenient and hygienic to use. Their enclosed design can also reduce odour emission and prevent pest infestation. Some of these collection facilities are equipped with a compacting function which will compact refuse to increase storage capacity when the refuse yield reaches a certain level, thereby reducing the need for provision of more refuse containers or more frequent refuse collection; and
 
(iv) The FEHD also utilises technologies to monitor the cleanliness condition in order to step up the combat against illegal deposit of refuse. Currently, Internet Protocol (IP) cameras have been installed at over 500 illegal refuse deposit blackspots in various districts. The footage captured will be analysed by artificial intelligence to identify the acts of illegal deposit of refuse so that the Department can plan more effective enforcement actions, and institute prosecutions directly. Recently, IP cameras have been installed on traffic roads at over 30 suitable locations in various districts to combat littering from vehicles by irresponsible drivers or passengers. The footage captured will be used for prosecution. In 17 remote coastal sites, 360-degree cameras are used to remotely monitor their cleanliness for timely removal of refuse.
 
     Given the extensive use of the above technologies and equipment in the discharge of regular duties, the FEHD does not keep any specific statistics on their utilisation rates. The summary of the utilisation of the equipment is set out in Annex.
 
     The FEHD has made continuous effort in examining and testing out new technologies not only for greater work efficiency, but also for enhanced protection of the safety of frontline staff, who will have a reduced chance of sustaining work-related strains and injuries. For example:
 
(i) The FEHD is working with the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD) on the application of automated sweeping robots, which will be used for street cleansing so as to reduce the physical exertion of cleansing staff. The robots have been tested in the Hong Kong Science Park, and will undergo the second phase of testing on suitable pavements in due course;
 
(ii) Electrically assisted trolleys are introduced to ease the physical burden on frontline street cleansing staff. These trolleys, apart from being electrically assisted, are equipped with indicator lights, buffers, reflective stickers, etc, which help enhance safety and work efficiency; and

(iii) The FEHD is also bringing in the most advanced industrial grade robot dogs from the Mainland with a view to enhancing the efficiency in transportation of refuse and reducing the risk of injuries of cleansing workers caused by handling heavy objects. The Department will conduct tests on the refuse handling capacity of the robot dogs at specific locations, such as slopes, stairs and rugged areas. It will also explore ways to upgrade the ancillary facilities.
 
     In addition, the FEHD plans to, in collaboration with the EMSD, commence a trial on hydrogen fuel cell street washing vehicles in Yuen Long District and North District in mid-May this year to promote the use of cleaner hydrogen energy, which will contribute to achieving the carbon neutrality target of Hong Kong.

     After the trial use of new technologies, the FEHD will review their effectiveness and solicit views from different stakeholders for consideration of whether and how they should be put into wider use. It will also continue to identify technologies and equipment for improving street cleansing service and refuse collection work through various channels, such as drawing on the local, Mainland and overseas experiences.
 
(2) The FEHD encourages the contractors bidding for service contracts to put forward suggestions on innovative applied technologies. If any suggestion(s) is/are rated as effective and practical, extra scores will be given to the tender. If the contractor is awarded the contract, such suggestion(s) will become the contract terms that shall be implemented. Innovative applied technologies proposed by contractors in recent years include the use of on-board refuse bin cleaners, which can help reduce the need for manual washing and enhance efficiency. The FEHD will progressively extend their scope of application in view of the satisfactory results.
 
     On the monitoring of contractors, the FEHD’s public cleansing service contracts will clearly set out the mechanical and automated cleaning equipment that shall be provided by contractors. The FEHD will monitor contractors’ performance (including whether applied technologies and equipment are provided as required in the contracts) through site inspections, surprise checks and examination of job records. In the event of any non-compliance with the contract requirements, the Department will take follow-up actions, which include the issue of warnings, default notices as well as deduction of monthly service charges. Contractors’ service performance records will also have a bearing on their eligibility or rating in future bidding for the FEHD’s outsourced service contracts.
 
     Thank you, President.