Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Appeal for information on missing girl in Tai Po
She is about 1.68 metres tall and of thin build. She has a round face with yellow complexion, long blonde hair and a tattoo on her right forearm. She was last seen wearing a khaki jacket, black pants and pink slippers.Issued at HKT 14:35
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SLW’s opening remarks on welfare, poverty alleviation and children policy areas tabled at LegCo Finance Committee special meeting
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
Following is the English translation of the opening remarks by the Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Mr Chris Sun, on welfare, poverty alleviation and children policy areas tabled at the special meeting of the Legislative Council Finance Committee today (April 17):
Chairman and Honourable Members,
In 2026-27, government recurrent spending on social welfare is estimated to be $135.9 billion, accounting for 22.7 per cent of the total recurrent government expenditure for the year, making it first among all policy area groups. Compared with the revised estimate for 2025-26 of $123.6 billion, there is an increase of about $12.3 billion in recurrent spending on social welfare. The increase is about 9.9 per cent. Now, let me highlight how the Labour and Welfare Bureau (LWB) will make use of these resources.
Elderly services
On elderly services, the recurrent government expenditure this year is estimated to reach about $17.5 billion, representing an increase of about 27 per cent over about $13.8 billion five years ago (i.e. 2021-22).
Starting from 2026-27, we will increase the number of Community Care Service Vouchers for the Elderly by 4 000 to a total of 16 000 and the number of Residential Care Service Vouchers for the Elderly by 1 000 to a total of 7 000. The two voucher schemes involve an annual expenditure of about $1.2 billion and $1.97 billion respectively.
Cash assistance
This year’s Budget proposes to provide a one-off extra one-month allowance to eligible recipients of social security payments, which will incur an expenditure of about $6,290 million. Similar arrangements will apply to Working Family Allowance households, incurring an expenditure of about $196 million.
To further facilitate cross-border retirement for elderly persons, the 2025 Policy Address announced improvements to disbursement arrangements for portable cash assistance so that Hong Kong elderly beneficiaries retiring in Guangdong and Fujian Provinces may opt to receive government cash assistance directly through their accounts with designated Mainland banks. The new service is expected to be launched in the middle of this year.
Support for persons with disabilities
On support for persons with disabilities, this year’s Budget announced two major measures to enhance rehabilitation services, namely to provide about 450 additional spaces for day, residential and pre-school services in financial year 2026-27; and for children with special needs receiving On-site Pre-school Rehabilitation Services, to provide bridging and support services during their first term in primary school starting from the 2026/27 school year. These two measures will in total involve an additional annual expenditure of about $367 million.
Assist working families in childbearing
To assist working families, 15 new aided standalone child care centres will be set up over the next three years starting from 2026-27, almost doubling the existing number of service places.
Child protection
The Mandatory Reporting of Child Abuse Ordinance came into effect on January 20 this year. The Government will continue to ensure the smooth operation of the Ordinance, including continuously monitoring the operation of the mandatory reporting mechanism, ensuring the adequacy of relevant supportive measures such as emergency placement and professional support, and continuing to provide training for specified professionals.
To strengthen the prevention of child abuse at source, the Government will allocate an additional provision of $96.9 million from 2025-26 to 2029-30 for setting up four Community Parents and Children Centres on a pilot basis, promoting parent-child interaction through play-based services and instilling positive parenting skills in parents. Three of the Centres commenced operation earlier this month, while the fourth is set to begin service shortly.
Implementation of Productivity Enhancement Programme
The Financial Secretary announced in this year’s Budget that the Government will take forward the Productivity Enhancement Programme (PEP) as planned. To support non-governmental organisations operating subvented welfare services (NGOs) in implementing the PEP, the LWB and the Social Welfare Department (SWD) have reallocated internal resources and adjusted priorities to help alleviate some of the financial burden on NGOs. In addition, since March 2025, the SWD has relaxed the utilisation of various reserves, streamlined cost apportionment procedures, refined the Funding and Service Agreements signed with NGOs, and more, Since April this year, we have also rolled out a series of new support measures, including extending the coverage of streamlined cost apportionment procedures to the Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust, the Community Chest and three additional government-funded projects, refining and streamlining the Service Quality Standards, and enabling a more flexible use of the Block Grant provided under the Lotteries Fund, with a view to enhancing NGOs’ financial flexibility and streamlining administrative work, assisting them to implement the PEP while focusing their resources and efforts on delivering services, thereby maximising the effectiveness of the use of public money.
Government Public Transport Fare Concession Scheme for the Elderly and Eligible Persons with Disabilities ($2 Scheme)
The Government announced in last year’s Budget changes to the $2 Scheme, introducing “$2 flat rate or 80 per cent discount”, which has successfully taken effect on April 3 this year, and the overall operation has been smooth. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to all Legislative Council Members, District Council members, Care Team members, the local community, and social welfare organisations, among others, for their assistance in the promotion. It is estimated that the implementation of this enhancement measure will save approximately $550 million in public expenditure for 2026-27, including the savings resulting from the reduction of “taking long-haul routes for short journeys” by beneficiaries. The relevant resources can be utilised to address other needs in society, including the aforementioned elderly services and support services for persons with disabilities.
Chairman, this concludes my opening remarks. Members are welcome to raise questions.
Clearance and rehousing arrangements for redevelopment of Wah Fu Estate Phase 1b advancing as planned, supporting residents’ smooth transition to new community
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Clearance and rehousing arrangements for redevelopment of Wah Fu Estate Phase 1b advancing as planned, supporting residents’ smooth transition to new community
Ample 59-month notification for relocation
The HA’s Strategic Planning Committee, Commercial Properties Committee and Subsidised Housing Committee (SHC) approved the relevant clearance and rehousing arrangements today. From today until the target clearance date in March 2031, affected tenants of these three buildings will have a notification period of as long as about 59 months to make detailed planning and preparations for a smooth relocation.
Preserving community ties through rehousing in reception estates
Neighbouring public housing development projects on Wah Lok Path and in Wah Fu North will serve as reception estates with anticipated intake in 2028 and 2030 respectively, providing a total of 2 243 units, more than enough for the approximately 1 980 affected households currently living in Wah Cheong House, Wah Tai House and Wah Kin House. This arrangement preserves community ties and a sense of belonging while helping residents adapt more quickly to their new environment. Affected tenants may also opt to move to surplus units at the reception estate for the redevelopment of WFE Phase 1a on Wah King Street or to the recovered public rental housing (PRH) units in any districts, subject to availability.
Professional care for elderly residents
Honouring heritage and local character
WFE has a unique and deep-rooted local cultural heritage. Since 2018, the HA has been engaging residents and stakeholders through in-depth dialogue. By listening to residents share their life stories and memories about WFE spanning over the last half-century, the HA will explore incorporating the distinctive features of WFE into the redevelopment plan and design at an elevated level so as to preserve the unique identity and sense of place of WFE as the community evolves.
Domestic Removal Allowance and priority flat selection
All domestic tenants affected by the clearance will be offered a Domestic Removal Allowance ranging from $10,350 to $33,050, depending on the household size, to help meet part of their moving expenses. Eligible one-person and two-person households may also opt for cash in lieu of rehousing to a PRH unit under the Alternative Rehousing Allowance, with the rates endorsed by the SHC today standing at $79,440 and $98,400 for one-person households and two-person households respectively.
Refurbished vacant units for PRH applicants
The HA will announce the latest updates and developments in due course based on the progress of other phases of the WFE redevelopment.
Issued at HKT 16:10
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Draft Clear Water Bay Peninsula North Outline Zoning Plan approved
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Draft Clear Water Bay Peninsula North Outline Zoning Plan approved
Copies of the approved OZP are available for sale at the Map Publications Centre in North Point. The electronic version of the OZP can be viewed on the Town Planning Board’s website (www.tpb.gov.hkIssued at HKT 16:00
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Tenders invited for contract for Management of Sediment Disposal Facility to West of Lamma Island
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Tenders invited for contract for Management of Sediment Disposal Facility to West of Lamma Island The works are scheduled to commence in August 2026 and will take about 60 months to complete.
Interested contractors can download the tender forms and other particulars from the e-Tendering System (e-TS). Tenderers must submit tenders in electronic format via the e-TS.Issued at HKT 14:32
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Report on “Navigating the Green Shift: Opportunities and the Evolving Landscape of Transition Finance”
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Report on “Navigating the Green Shift: Opportunities and the Evolving Landscape of Transition Finance”
The report reviews the global transition finance landscape, examining the importance of multistakeholder collaborations and international best practices in preventing greenwashing and maintaining transparency. Based on a survey and in-depth interviews commissioned by the HKIMR, the study captures insights from a diverse range of global stakeholders – including financial institutions and multilateral organisations – offering a detailed analysis of the current state, emerging trends, and future trajectory of the international transition finance ecosystem.
The study reveals a clear momentum in transition finance, with 60 per cent of survey respondents already either active in or exploring transition finance developments. Among a diverse range of financial instruments, equity and fund investments as well as debt instruments were the most commonly used tools to channel capital towards transition projects. As the ecosystem progressively matures, a gradual shift towards more specialised instruments is anticipated. Respondents further observed that collaborative models, including blended finance approaches, can draw in private capital by enhancing the risk-return profiles of investments in transition projects.
The study also indicates that market outlook is cautiously optimistic, with 74 per cent of respondents anticipating a stable or growing global transition finance market over the next three years. Positive sentiment is most pronounced in the Asia-Pacific region, where 91 per cent of respondents expected stability or growth. Finally, the study outlines several considerations, including maintaining a high level of regulatory and policy clarity, and deepening regional collaborations, to support the development of a vibrant transition finance ecosystem in Hong Kong.
The Chief Executive Officer of the AoF and Executive Director of the HKIMR, Mr Enoch Fung, said, “By facilitating informed dialogues, cross-boundary collaborations, and continued innovation, Hong Kong can further reinforce its role as a leading sustainable finance hub and contribute to the long-term goals of climate resilience and sustainable economic development. This report offers actionable insights in consolidating Hong Kong’s existing strengths in green and sustainable development.”
The report
About the AoF
About the HKIMRIssued at HKT 14:00
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Hong Kong Customs seizes suspected counterfeit goods and alternative smoking products worth about $3 million (with photo)
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Hong Kong Customs seizes suspected counterfeit goods and alternative smoking products worth about $3 million (with photo)
Through risk assessment, Customs on that day intercepted an incoming lorry at the HZMB Hong Kong Port. After inspection, Customs officers found the batch of suspected counterfeit goods and alternative smoking products inside the cargo compartment of the lorry. A 48-year-old male driver was subsequently arrested.
An initial investigation revealed that the batch of suspected counterfeit goods and alternative smoking products would have been transhipped to overseas regions.
The investigation is ongoing and the arrested man has been released on bail pending further investigation.
Customs will continue to take stringent enforcement action against counterfeit goods and smuggling activities through risk assessment and intelligence analysis.
Under the Trade Descriptions Ordinance, any person who imports or exports any goods to which a forged trademark is applied commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $500,000 and imprisonment for five years.
Under the Import and Export Ordinance, any person found guilty of importing or exporting unmanifested cargo is liable to a maximum fine of $2 million and imprisonment for seven years upon conviction.
Members of the public may report any suspected violation of the above-mentioned Ordinances to Customs’ 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hkIssued at HKT 12:02
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Speech by PSCST at opening ceremony of Centre for Exercise Science and Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University (English only)
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Speech by PSCST at opening ceremony of Centre for Exercise Science and Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University (English only)
Dr Wong (Chairman of the Council and the Court of HKBU, Dr Kennedy Wong), Professor Wai (President and Vice-Chancellor of HKBU, Professor Alex Wai), Professor Pigozzi (President of the International Federation of Sports Medicine, Professor Fabio Pigozzi), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen:
Good morning.
I am very happy to join you all today at the opening ceremony of the Centre for Exercise Science and Medicine at the Hong Kong Baptist University.
Sports development in Hong Kong has witnessed remarkable growth in recent years, which is evident in athletes’ outstanding achievements. Our elite athletes brought home a record of two golds and two bronzes at the Paris Olympic Games in 2024, and set another record by capturing 19 medals at the 15th National Games last year. Such triumphs not only speak for the talent and strength of our athletes, but also demonstrates the contributions of our sports medicine and sports science professionals.
The Government has shown continuous support in the development of sports medicine and sports science, which is essential to elite sports development in Hong Kong.
The Government and the Hong Kong Jockey Club jointly committed $300 million to launch the Sports Science and Research Funding Scheme in 2022, which aims to enhance athletes’ competitiveness in major international games. As of today, a total of 31 research projects have been approved with the funding amount reaching $198 million. The Hong Kong Baptist University has taken part in one of these projects on monitoring athletes’ health, the results of which have been applied to support athletes’ training. The Hong Kong Sports Institute will continue to explore more research projects with research institutes to further enhance the training effectiveness of our elite athletes.
The opening of the Centre for Exercise Science and Medicine today represents an important milestone in the development of sports medicine and sports science in Hong Kong. As the first collaborating centre of the International Federation of Sports Medicine in Hong Kong, it is expected to foster exchanges between the sports medicine and sports science community in Hong Kong and that around the world.
I would like to express my gratitude to the Hong Kong Baptist University for your long-standing commitment to and support in nurturing sports talents over the years. With the establishment of this new Centre, I am confident that the University will continue to contribute to the excellence of our athletes, advance research in sports medicine and sports science, and further enhance professionalism in the wider sports community.
Congratulations again to the Hong Kong Baptist University. May this Centre serve as a platform where academic excellence and commitment to sports continue to flourish.
Thank you.
Issued at HKT 11:58
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Labour Department to hold briefing for employers of foreign domestic helpers
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
The Labour Department (LD) will hold a briefing on the employment of foreign domestic helpers (FDHs) on May 20 (Wednesday), at 7pm at the Hall of Moreton Terrace Activities Centre, 20 Tung Lo Wan Drive, Causeway Bay. Enrolment is now open.
The briefing will provide an overview of the employment rights and obligations of employers of FDHs. A representative from the Office of the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data will also speak on the protection of personal data privacy for employers and FDHs. Employers of FDHs, especially first-time employers, are welcome to attend.
The briefing will be conducted in Cantonese, and admission is free. Interested parties may register online at the LD’s dedicated FDH Portal (www.fdh.labour.gov.hk), or download the enrolment form (www.fdh.labour.gov.hk/res/pdf/Enrolment_Form_ER.pdf) and submit it by email (fdh-enquiry@labour.gov.hk) or by fax (3101 0604). The deadline for enrolment is May 18 (Monday). The quota will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. For enquiries, please contact the LD at 3582 8995.
Tenderers invited to apply for prequalification for “Design, Build and Operate Yuen Long South Effluent Polishing Plant”
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
The Drainage Services Department (DSD) today (April 17) gazetted a notice to invite interested tenderers for the contract “Design, Build and Operate Yuen Long South Effluent Polishing Plant” (Contract No. DC/2026/03) to apply for prequalification. The closing time for the prequalification application is noon on June 12, 2026.
The scope of works under the contract comprises the design, construction, operation and maintenance of the proposed Yuen Long South Effluent Polishing Plant (YLSEPP) with a sewage treatment capacity of 65 000 cubic metres per day (in average dry weather flow). The contract is scheduled to commence in August 2027. In addition to the design and construction works, the contract includes the operation and maintenance of the YLSEPP for a period of 10 years (extendable by five years at most).
The Government intends to prequalify no more than five applicants as prequalified tenderers. They would then be invited to join the tender exercise tentatively scheduled to be held in September 2026. Applications will be considered in accordance with the selection criteria and the marking scheme as set out in the prequalification documents.
The DSD has commissioned Arup – Binnies Joint Venture as the project’s engineering consultant. Interested contractors may obtain the prequalification documents from the office of the consultant at Level 5, Festival Walk, 80 Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong.
Details of the notice are available on the DSD website (www.dsd.gov.hk/EN/Tender_Notices/Current_Tenders/index.html). For enquiries, please contact the person-in-charge of the consultant, Dr Simon Tsang (tel: 2268 3595; fax: 2268 3953, email: arupylsepp@arup.com), during office hours.