Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     Following is a question by the Hon Duncan Chiu and a written reply by the Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Professor Sun Dong, in the Legislative Council today (April 22): 

Question:

     There are views that the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) offers extensive opportunities for the synergistic development of scientific research between the Mainland and Hong Kong. Hong Kong’s strengths in frontier scientific research, professional services and its internationalised market complement the well-developed industrial chains and large-scale production capabilities of Mainland GBA cities. This creates a co-operation model of “front research, back production; front shop, back factory”, thereby facilitating the development of new quality productive forces. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:

(1) as it has been reported that the Hong Kong Microelectronics Research and Development Institute (MRDI) will complete the setup of its two pilot lines for third-generation semiconductors at the Microelectronics Centre in Yuen Long within this year and put them into operation next year, of the specific timetable for their deployment and commencement of operation; the number of staff MRDI plans to employ for these pilot lines, and among such staff, the proportion of those with backgrounds in scientific research and industry; whether there are plans to deploy additional pilot lines in the future (if so, of the key areas involved); and how the authorities will facilitate MRDI’s pilot lines in functioning as a bridge between innovative research and mass production;

(2) given that applications for fund managers of the Innovation and Technology Industry-Oriented Fund (ITIF) closed on January 16 this year, of the current progress of the selection exercise for fund managers, including the expected timeframe for its completion and announcement of the results; regarding the five thematic areas under the ITIF, the timetables for setting up each sub-fund and their respective fundraising targets; in respect of ITIF’s requirement that at least 25 per cent of the total fund size must be allocated within the investment period for the establishment and operation of production and manufacturing bases in Hong Kong, covering pilot production lines, testing procedures, etc, related to innovation and technology or new industrialisation-related industries, what measures the Government will adopt to ensure effective implementation of this requirement and provide solid support for advancing the development of pilot test and production platforms; and

(3) of the specific strategies and measures the authorities have in place to promote co-operation between Hong Kong and GBA in the joint development of testbeds for new technologies, accelerators and touchstones for emerging industries, to promote the efficiency enhancement of pilot test and production platforms, to strengthen and complement industrial chains, and to further unlock the synergistic advantages of “research and development in Hong Kong + transformation in GBA + going global”, thereby accelerating the commercialisation and application of new technologies?

Reply:

President,

     The National 15th Five-Year Plan emphasises deep integration of scientific and technological innovation with industrial innovation, and building a modern industrial system anchored by advanced manufacturing to consolidate and strengthen the foundation of the real economy. In accordance with this strategic direction, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government has been actively advancing relevant work across various areas.

     Our reply to the question raised by the Hon Duncan Chiu is as follows:

 (1) and (3) The Hong Kong Microelectronics Research and Development Institute (MRDI) is actively preparing its pilot lines for research and development (R&D) and trial production of third generation semiconductors. The installation and tuning of equipment would commence in the second quarter of this year, for commencement of operation of the pilot lines by the end of this year. The MRDI is expected to engage 80 fabrication staff with relevant industry background and R&D experience by the first quarter of 2027 to support the operation of pilot lines. The MRDI will continue to recruit personnel (including management and administrative support, R&D and fabrication staff) with an aim to orderly establishing a team of around 200 staff.  Upon full commissioning of the pilot lines, the initial projection is that around 50 pilot runs would be undertaken by the MRDI annually, including R&D, concept-proofing fabrication, pilot production and low-volume production so as to assist the industry in addressing the pain points and achieving upgrade and transformation, thereby promoting technological innovation. 

     To implement the Co-operation Agreement on the Development of New Quality Productive Forces and the Promotion of New Industrialisation (the Co-operation Agreement) signed with the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT), it has been proposed in the Budget to earmark about $220 million for establishing in Hong Kong the first national manufacturing innovation centre (the innovation centre) outside the Chinese Mainland. The innovation centre will be located at the Microelectronics Centre of the Yuen Long InnoPark. The aim is to facilitate breakthroughs in key technologies, advance commercialisation of technological achievements and bring together international talent. The MRDI will, by building on its existing foundation, undertake the important task of taking the lead to operate the innovation centre. We will also continue to review and introduce appropriate measures to support the R&D and technological application of the semiconductor industry.

     Close economic integration of Hong Kong with the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) brings about opportunities for cross-boundary scientific collaboration, technology transfer and the development of emerging and future industries. The Government is expediting the development of the Hong Kong Park of the Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Co-operation Zone (Hetao Hong Kong Park) and San Tin Technopole to promote the full integration of technological innovation and industrial innovation. The Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Co-operation Zone (the Co-operation Zone), comprising the Hong Kong Park and the Shenzhen Park, is established under the vision of “one river, two banks” and “one zone, two parks”. The Co-operation Zone is the only major co-operation zone with a dedicated focus on technological innovation in the country that spans across two social, economic, and judicial systems. The Hetao Hong Kong Park was officially opened in December 2025. The HKSAR Government is consulting closely with the Shenzhen Municipal Government and relevant central ministries, on the premise of complying with the relevant national security laws and regulations and where risks are under control, in a bid to facilitate the cross-boundary flow of innovation elements between the two parks in Shenzhen and Hong Kong, achieve synergy and improve the efficiency of pilot production for enterprises, through approaches such as “green lane” and “white list”. The Government expects that through the realisation of the development vision of “one zone, two parks” in Hetao, the advantages of the combined strengths with Shenzhen and other Mainland cities in the GBA will be leveraged to bring about opportunities for cross-boundary scientific collaboration, technology transfer and the development of emerging and future industries, and build a globally competitive innovation and technology (I&T) ecosystem together.

     As a natural extension of the Loop, the San Tin Technopole can integrate with the comprehensive industry supply chains in the Mainland cities of the GBA. It can also take up the transformation and industrialisation of research outcomes derived from the Hetao Hong Kong Park, creating a comprehensive industrial ecosystem. While the Loop focuses on R&D, commercialisation, and pilot production in the upstream and midstream levels, the San Tin Technopole will provide a large piece of land which can help accelerate the commercialisation of R&D results by providing industrial space for prototyping, pilot and mass production.

     Moreover, the Pilot Innovation and Technology Accelerator Scheme launched by the Government in January 2026 aims to attract I&T accelerators with proven track records in and beyond Hong Kong to set up accelerator bases in Hong Kong and, through their business networks and experience, support the development and needs of I&T enterprises in a more comprehensive and targeted manner. Subsidy is provided through a matching ratio of 1 (Government): 2 (service provider), up to a ceiling of $30 million to cover the necessary expenditure for establishing and operating I&T accelerators. Eligible I&T enterprise service providers may apply by April 30.

     Meanwhile, under the co-ordination of the MIIT, the HKSAR Government is exploring with the Department of Industry and Information Technology of Guangdong Province (GDDIIT) and the Industry and Information Technology Bureau of the Shenzhen Municipality (SZBIIT) the collaboration development directions for new industrialisation in the GBA during the period of 15th Five-Year Plan in order to implement the Co-operation Agreement to promote industrial collaboration. The overall direction is to jointly foster the in depth integration of technological and industrial innovation in the GBA. This facilitates both Guangdong and Hong Kong to collaborate specifically in the areas of emerging and future industries under the overall planning on new industrialisation of the national 15th Five-Year Plan, with a view to achieving complementarity, mutual benefits and industrial chain synergy to serve the country in building a modernised industrial system with advanced manufacturing as its core. We will continue to maintain close communication with the MIIT, GDDIIT and SZBIIT to take forward the relevant work with concerted efforts.  

(2) The application for fund managers of the Innovation and Technology Industry-Oriented Fund (ITIF) was closed in mid-January this year. We are currently reviewing the applications received to select suitable fund managers. Shortlisted fund managers will be invited to meetings in batches, with a view to commencing the operation of the fund within this year.

     The ITIF will cover five thematic areas, namely life and health technology, AI and robotics, semi-conductors and smart devices, digitalisation, upgrading and transformation, and future and sustainable development. The Government plans to set up one or more sub-funds under each thematic area and select eligible professional fund managers. They will be responsible for setting up the sub-funds and raise market capital in accordance with the fundraising requirements within 12 months upon confirmation as a qualified fund manager. The ITIF will operate in a market-oriented manner, and we will flexibly adjust the composition, number and target size of the sub-funds under the various thematic areas, taking into account the market response and development of the industries. The total amount of contribution of the Government will be capped at $10 billion, and we intend to make an average contribution of $2 billion to each thematic area. The overall target size of the sub-funds will be at least $40 billion. In other words, the capital committed by the market will be at least triple of that of the Government.

     The Government would set up a Steering Committee comprising representatives from the commercial, I&T and investment sectors as well as relevant representatives of the Government to provide independent advice on matters related to the ITIF, including the establishment and management of sub-funds, investment targets, investment management and agreement framework, monitoring and review. In addition, we will put in place appropriate monitoring and review mechanisms. For example, a limited partnership agreement, which sets out the responsibilities and obligations of the fund managers, including at least 25 per cent of the fund size must be allocated within the investment period for the establishment and operation of production and manufacturing bases in Hong Kong, covering pilot production lines, testing procedures, etc, shall be signed with the fund managers. Fund managers shall also submit regular management reports to the Steering Committee and shall be subject to the monitoring of the said Committee.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki, today (April 22) led the delegation of the Working Group on Planning and Construction of the University Town under the Committee on Development of the Northern Metropolis to continue its visit to Korea. The delegation conducted on-site visits to local universities and held meetings with officials, with a view to providing a solid reference for the planning and development of the Northern Metropolis University Town (NMUT).
 
In the morning, the delegation visited the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology in Daejeon and toured its campus facilities. They met with Hong Kong students studying there to learn about their studies and the institute’s efforts in fostering students’ innovation capabilities. The delegation specifically discussed with them student support and ancillary measures on campus, the institute’s strategies for attracting international students, and its liaison and co-operation with industry, accumulating practical observations for the NMUT’s campus ecosystem and industry-academia collaboration.
 
Afterwards, the delegation met with the Vice Mayor for Political Affairs, Economy and Science of Daejeon Metropolitan City, Mr Choi Sung-ah, to learn about the local development of the institutions and innovation districts, governance and funding models, industry-academia-research integration, and talent attraction. They also exchanged views on deepening co-operation in the education sector between the two places.
 
Mr Chan said that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government is fully committed to developing the NMUT, with the aim of establishing it as an international education, innovation, and technology hub. He expressed hope that through this visit, the delegation could learn from Daejeon’s successful experience in attracting top scientific and research talent, its efficient governance and funding models, and could understand how the city transforms scientific discoveries into industrial applications. 
 
In the afternoon, Mr Chan led the delegation to the Institute for Basic Science (IBS) located in the Daedeok Innopolis. Established in 2011, the IBS is Korea’s first institute solely focused on basic science. It possesses advanced shared facilities and large-scale scientific research infrastructure. The delegation visited the Science Culture Center there and met with the Acting President, Dr Kim Yeong-duk. They gained an in-depth understanding of the institute’s experience in areas such as basic research and applied innovation, as well as talent attraction.
 
Mr Chan said that the IBS is devoted to integrating basic research with applied innovation, and focuses on establishing a vibrant scientific research ecosystem. This experience provides valuable reference for Hong Kong in planning the NMUT. He expressed the hope of learning more about the institute’s continuous support for fundamental research and how it facilitates the seamless integration with applied innovation and industry, helping Hong Kong better plan the NMUT, and thereby promoting the transformation of excellent research outputs into impactful scientific discoveries, achieving technological breakthroughs and unlocking potential economic value. 
 
Mr Chan, the Secretary for Education, Dr Choi Yuk-lin, and other members of the delegation arrived in Seoul in the evening and will continue their visit tomorrow (April 23).

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Hospital Authority (HA) said it is very concerned about a fatal work accident at the Kai Tak Hospital Phase II main construction site and has instructed the main contractor to thoroughly investigate the accident’s cause and to submit a report to the HA as soon as possible.

The HA said it was notified by the project’s main contractor this evening that a 59-year-old male worker employed by the subcontractor lost consciousness after being injured while working. The worker was sent to United Christian Hospital but was certified dead after resuscitation.

The HA expressed deep sorrow over the incident and extended its sincere condolences to the deceased worker’s family. It has directed the main contractor to provide appropriate assistance to the family and support them in handling the worker’s after-death arrangements.

The HA added that it is aware that site staff immediately contacted and followed up with the main contractor, China State Construction Engineering (Hong Kong).

The main contractor has been urged to take the incident seriously and adopt all necessary measures expeditiously to ensure site safety.

The HA highlighted that it has always placed paramount importance on industrial safety at hospital construction sites.

It noted that the main contractor will report the incident to the Labour Department (LD) and urge the main contractor to fully co-operate with the LD and other relevant enforcement agencies in their investigation.

The LD said it immediately deployed staff to the scene upon receiving a report of the accident and is now conducting an investigation into its cause.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Today was the third day of phased arrangements for residents of seven blocks of Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po to return to their units. The Government said 264 people from 78 households turned up and the access arrangements were carried out in an orderly manner and operated smoothly.

Eleven high-zone floors of Wang Sun House were opened today.

Concluding the arrangements, the Government said a total of 271 people from 79 households registered to return to their units today through the “one social worker per household” service, while 264 people from 78 households actually turned up.

The average time residents spent entering and leaving the building today was two hours and 34 minutes, with the shortest time being 50 minutes and the longest four hours and five minutes.

About one fourth of the residents stayed in the building for less than two hours, while around 1.5% of them stayed for less than one hour.

A total of 45 people from 21 households went up and down the building more than once. Among them, 32 people from 14 households made one additional trip, seven people from four households made two additional trips, and four people from two households made three additional trips, with the highest record being two people from one household making four additional trips.

The integrated enquiry counter today received seven cases requesting police assistance and five cases involving residents seeking help due to physical discomfort, as well as three cases seeking psychological counselling services.

The seven cases requesting police assistance involved suspected loss of property, including laptop computers, jewellery and gold items. Officers were immediately deployed to assist in searches, and lost property was recovered in six cases. For the remaining one case, there were no signs of ransacking in the unit, and the residents could not provide details on the property concerned. 

The Government outlined that it deploys over 1,000 personnel from various departments each day, including Police, the Civil Aid Service, the Fire Services Department, the Auxiliary Medical Service, the Home Affairs Department, the Social Welfare Department, the Housing Department, and the Housing Bureau, and staff mobilised from other departments, as well as District Services & Community Care Teams members to fully support residents returning to their units.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

A delegation of permanent secretaries and heads of departments of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government completed a national affairs study programme at the National Academy of Governance (NAG) in Beijing this morning, with Vice President of NAG Li Wentang officiating at its closing ceremony.

 

On behalf of the delegation, Secretary for the Civil Service Ingrid Yeung expressed gratitude to the Hong Kong & Macao Affairs Office of the State Council and NAG for their thoughtful arrangements.

 

She said that although the study programme lasted only four days, it offered rich and in-depth content, covering subjects ranging from Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, to the National 15th Five-Year Plan, the international landscape and national technological developments.

 

Mrs Yeung expressed confidence that all participants were deeply inspired and benefited immensely.

 

She also noted that the Beijing trip gave the participants a clearer and deeper understanding of the country’s latest developments and strategies.

 

With the insights gained from this study, Mrs Yeung believes that the permanent secretaries will take a more comprehensive perspective when leading their teams in formulating Hong Kong’s five-year plan, ensuring better alignment with the national development strategies.

 

The delegation arrived in Chengdu this evening. They will visit a supercomputing centre, a low-altitude economy enterprise, and a high-tech industrial development zone over the next two days to gain a first-hand understanding of the latest local developments.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

On day two of their Korea visit, Chief Secretary Chan Kwok-ki and a delegation visited local universities and held meetings with officials, with a view to providing a solid reference for the planning and development of the Northern Metropolis University Town (NMUT).

Mr Chan is leading a delegation of the Working Group on Planning & Construction of the University Town under the Committee on Development of the Northern Metropolis.

In the morning, they visited the Korea Advanced Institute of Science & Technology in Daejeon and toured its campus facilities.

The delegation met Hong Kong students studying there to learn about their studies and the institute’s efforts in fostering students’ innovation capabilities.

The delegation specifically discussed with them student support and ancillary measures on campus, the institute’s strategies for attracting international students, and its liaison and co-operation with industry, accumulating practical observations for the NMUT’s campus ecosystem and industry-academia collaboration.

Afterwards, the delegation met the Vice Mayor for Political Affairs, Economy & Science of Daejeon Metropolitan City Choi Sung-ah to learn about the local development of the institutions and innovation districts, governance and funding models, industry-academia-research integration, and talent attraction.

They also exchanged views on deepening co-operation in the education sector between the two places.

Mr Chan said the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government is fully committed to developing the NMUT, with the aim of establishing it as an international education, innovation, and technology hub.

He expressed hope that through this visit, the delegation could learn from Daejeon’s successful experience in attracting top scientific and research talent, its efficient governance and funding models, and understand how the city transforms scientific discoveries into industrial applications.

In the afternoon, Mr Chan led the delegation to the Institute for Basic Science (IBS) located in the Daedeok Innopolis, where they visited the Science Culture Center and met the institute’s Acting President Kim Yeong-duk.

They gained an in-depth understanding of the institute’s experience in areas such as basic research and applied innovation, as well as talent attraction.

Established in 2011, the IBS is Korea’s first institute solely focused on basic science. It possesses advanced shared facilities and large-scale scientific research infrastructure.

The Chief Secretary said the IBS is devoted to integrating basic research with applied innovation, and focuses on establishing a vibrant scientific research ecosystem, adding that the experience provides valuable reference for Hong Kong in planning the NMUT.

Mr Chan hoped to learn more about the institute’s continuous support for fundamental research and how it facilitates the seamless integration with applied innovation and industry, helping Hong Kong better plan the NMUT, and thereby promoting the transformation of excellent research outputs into impactful scientific discoveries, achieving technological breakthroughs and unlocking potential economic value. 

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Sale of Home Ownership Scheme (HOS) Flats 2025, the Sale of Green Form Subsidised Home Ownership Scheme (GSH) Flats 2025 and the White Form Secondary Market Scheme (WSM) 2025 will accept joint applications from 8am on April 30.

The Housing Authority (HA) made the announcement today, saying there will be a supply of almost 8,000 units in six projects for the sale of HOS and GSH in this batch.

The flats for sale under HOS 2025 include about 7,000 flats in five new HOS developments located in Kai Tak, Kam Tin, Tseung Kwan O, Ping Shan and Tung Chung respectively, with saleable areas ranging from about 26.1 sq m to about 52 sq m.

The discount for HOS 2025 is set at 30% of the assessed market values. The selling prices of the flats in the five new HOS developments range from about $1.5 million to about $4.8 million.

Flats for sale under GSH 2025 include over 800 new flats from the new GSH development in Kowloon Bay, Shing Chi Court, with saleable areas ranging from about 26 sq m to about 43.6 sq m. In addition, a new batch of recovered Tenants Purchase Scheme (TPS) flats will be offered for sale under GSH 2025.

With the discount for GSH 2025 setting at 40% from the assessed market values, the selling prices of flats in the new GSH development range from about $1.68 million to $3.54 million.

The list prices of the unsold TPS flats in the 39 estates range from about $0.16 million to $1.37 million, and the discounts range from 79% to 83% of the assessed market values. The final price range will depend on the recovered TPS flats that will be put up for sale under this sales exercise.

HOS 2025, GSH 2025 and WSM 2025 will implement a series of measures that encourage members of the public to move upward along the housing ladder, including allocating an extra ballot number to young family applicants and young one-person applicants aged below 40 with White Form (WF) status who opted to join the Youth Scheme (HOS).

In addition, an extra ballot number will be allocated to applicants who have failed to purchase a subsidised sale flat (SSF) in the last two consecutive sale exercises of the same type of SSF. The HOS and GSH will be conducted separately.

To encourage public rental housing (PRH) tenants to purchase SSFs, the quota allocation ratio between Green Form and WF will be increased from 40:60 to 50:50.

The alienation restriction period of new SSFs put up for sale in the open market will be shortened from 15 years to 10 years from the date of the first assignment.

As for the WSM quota, it will be further increased by 1,000 to 7,000, which includes 2,000 quotas for young applicants aged below 40, while the remaining 5,000 are ordinary quotas.

Separately, the authority sets a quota of 2,800 new HOS flats under HOS 2025 and 350 new GSH flats under GSH 2025 for family applicants applying under the Priority Scheme for Families with Elderly Members and the Families with Newborns Flat Selection Priority Scheme for ballot and priority flat selection.

To provide one-person applicants with a reasonable opportunity to purchase, the HA has set a quota of 700 new HOS flats under HOS 2025 and 100 new GSH flats under GSH 2025 for one-person applicants.

Eligible applicants may submit an online application or a paper application either in person or by post until 7pm on May 20.

Call the 24-hour hotline at 2712 8000 for enquiries.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The 2026 Voter Registration Campaign was launched today (April 22). The Registration and Electoral Office (REO) appeals to eligible persons/bodies not yet registered as electors/voters of a geographical constituency (GC), a functional constituency and/or an Election Committee subsector to submit registration applications as early as possible before or on the statutory deadline of June 2, so that the registration particulars can be included in the final registers of electors/voters to be published in September this year.
 
     Hong Kong permanent residents who hold an identity document, will reach 18 years of age by September 25 this year and ordinarily reside in Hong Kong are eligible to register as GC electors. Registered electors/voters do not need to register again. However, if there are any changes in their residential addresses or other registration particulars, they should also submit applications for changes of particulars to the REO by the same statutory deadline of June 2.

A spokesperson for the REO said, “Eligible persons may easily check their voter registration status, submit applications for registration or changes of voter registration particulars, as well as providing/updating their mobile phone numbers and email addresses through ‘iAM Smart’.”

New registrations as GC electors or applications for updates of residential addresses must be submitted along with address proofs, except for applicants who are the registered occupants of public rental housing under the Housing Department or subsidised housing under the Hong Kong Housing Society. The REO also encourages applicants to provide their phone numbers and email addresses to facilitate contact. 　

“Under no circumstances would the REO require the provision of an address proof with personal bank information. Members of the public shall remain vigilant in avoiding fraud,” the spokesperson reminded.

To enhance the accuracy and integrity of the registration particulars of electors, the REO continues to implement checking measures and issues inquiry letters to them. A message, “Immediate action required. Your voting right is at stake”, is printed on the envelopes of all inquiry letters to remind electors of the importance of the letters. The REO will, based on the other contact information provided by the electors, contact the electors under inquiry by phone, SMS, email or fax, to remind them to reply as soon as possible. Electors under inquiry must reply to the REO on or before June 2 by scanning the QR code on the letter to upload the reply slip, or by email, post or fax, to maintain their voter registration status. Members of the public who have doubts about their registration status may also check their registration status through “iAM Smart” or the Voter Registration website (vr.gov.hk), or by calling the REO’s hotline (2891 1001).

     Announcements in the Public Interest on the Voter Registration Campaign will be broadcast through various media channels and at different venues starting from today. The relevant information will also be publicised through websites, mobile applications, posters/banners in districts, and displayed in the public transportation system, such as on bus and tram bodies, in MTR stations and at bus shelters. The Ballot Box Family mascots comprising Blue Ballot, Red Ballot and Grandpa Ballot, which are well-received by members of the public, will continue to be adopted for publicity purposes in motivating the public to register.

     Apart from submitting applications through “iAM Smart”, members of the public can also submit applications through specified forms. Specified forms for new registration and changes of registration particulars are available on the Voter Registration website for download, or may be obtained at the District Offices, the management offices of public housing estates and the REO. Completed forms can be submitted by email to form@reo.gov.hk, via the REO e-Form Upload Platform (www.reo-form.gov.hk), by post to the REO, 29/F, Standard Chartered Tower, Millennium City 1, 388 Kwun Tong Road, Kwun Tong, Kowloon, or by fax to 2891 1180.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority:

​The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) and the Hong Kong Association of Banks (HKAB) announced today (April 22) the joint establishment of the Northern Metropolis Financial Advisory Taskforce (Taskforce). The Taskforce will explore financing solutions that support the development of the Northern Metropolis.
 
The Northern Metropolis, which encompasses extensive new development land and industrial projects, plays a pivotal role in driving Hong Kong’s future development and enhancing its competitiveness. With the facilitation of the HKMA, the banking sector initiated dialogues with the Development Bureau in 2025 to understand the development and planning of the Northern Metropolis.
 
To strengthen the banking sector’s communication and collaboration with the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government and other stakeholders, and to explore ways to actively support the Northern Metropolis development through financing, the Taskforce will:
 

1. provide professional advice on financing and banking services for the development of the Northern Metropolis;
2. explore Northern Metropolis opportunities and related financing needs with a view to proposing practical financing recommendations to advance relevant projects; and
3. facilitate the exchange of expertise and experience for the purpose of strengthening the banking sector’s financing support for key Northern Metropolis projects.

 
The Taskforce comprises representatives from the HKMA, the HKAB and 15 banks that possess experience in large-scale project financing (see Annex). In addition, the Chinese Banking Association of Hong Kong will participate as an observer and support the relevant work.
      
     The Taskforce conducted a site visit to Hung Shui Kiu/Ha Tsuen New Development Area and the Loop in the Northern Metropolis yesterday to learn about the latest developments and overall planning of the Northern Metropolis projects, paving the way for more informed future discussions and advice. 
      
     Deputy Chief Executive of the HKMA Mr Arthur Yuen said, “The establishment of the Northern Metropolis Financial Advisory Taskforce provides a vital co-ordination platform for the HKMA and the banking sector to collaboratively advance the development of the Northern Metropolis. The participating banks will draw on their financial expertise and experience to provide practical financing advice and solutions that can help expedite the implementation of the Northern Metropolis projects, thereby providing solid support for Hong Kong’s long-term growth.”
      
     The Chairman of the HKAB and Vice Chairman and Chief Executive of Bank of China (Hong Kong), Mr Sun Yu, said, “With the outline of the 15th Five-Year Plan for the country expressing explicit support for expediting the development of the Northern Metropolis, the Northern Metropolis has not only become a key engine for driving Hong Kong’s economic growth, but also a strategic gateway for Hong Kong to integrate into and contribute to the overall national development. Through the Taskforce, the banking sector will closely align with the development needs of the Northern Metropolis, leveraging its financial expertise in financing, innovation and technology development, attracting business investment and promoting connectivity. We are fully committed to supporting the accelerated development of the Northern Metropolis and creating new growth momentum for Hong Kong’s future.”

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

​The Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) has collaborated with the Shaanxi Provincial Cultural Heritage Administration to present the exhibition “The Hong Kong Jockey Club Series: Prosperity and Magnificence – Civilisation of the Sui and Tang Dynasties in Shaanxi Province” at the Hong Kong Museum of History (HKMH). The exhibition will run from April 25 to August 24, with free admission. Over 165 pieces/sets of selected exhibits will be presented to enable visitors to experience the splendour of the Sui and Tang dynasties. The invaluable cultural relics from Shaanxi have arrived in Hong Kong. The curatorial team in Hong Kong and Chinese Mainland experts are working intensively on preparing the exhibition.
 
As the third exhibition of the LCSD’s General History of China Series, the exhibition journeys from the Wei, Jin and Northern and Southern dynasties, and the Sui dynasty, and mainly narrates the grandeur of the Tang dynasty, exploring its historical context and development origins. The exhibition showcases exhibits from the collections of over 10 museums and cultural institutions in Shaanxi province. Among the exhibits, 18 pieces/sets are grade-one national treasures, including a painted female figurine of dancer with a double-looped bun, a white pottery dancing horse, a silver-gilt incense caddy with scenes showing human figures and a pure gold reliquary casket with a roof-curb-shaped lid.

Female figurine of dancer in elegant dance pose

The painted female figurine of a dancer with a double-looped bun from the Tang dynasty was unearthed from the tomb of Zhang Chenhe, Changwu County, Xianyang City. This figurine is of a tall, slender lady with sloping shoulders and a tiny waist. Her hair is styled in a double spiral bun, and she looks light-hearted and lively, representing highly fashionable young women in the early to high Tang period, and reflecting the standards of female beauty at that time.

White pottery dancing horse beautifully akin as white jade

Another exhibit is a white pottery dancing horse from the Tang dynasty, unearthed from the tomb of Zhang Shigui, Liquan County, Xianyang City. The horse is muscular with an elegant, slender body. Its head is slightly lowered and its right front hoof is raised. Entirely unadorned, it emanates a pure beauty akin to that of white jade, and perfectly shows off the exquisite craftsmanship of Tang dynasty artisans with its extremely high ornamental and artistic value. Dancing horses, a unique form of entertainment combining the movements of horses with music and dance, was introduced into China from the western regions, and was seen as symbols of a prosperous and auspicious age.
 
Masterful engravement of patterns and inscriptions on gold ware

The exhibition presents two relics unearthed from the Underground Palace of Famen Temple from the Tang dynasty. Xiangbaozi (silver-gilt incense caddies with scenes showing human figures) were standard parts of the set used by the Tang people in making offerings of incense. The lid of this incense caddy features a raised surface divided into four petals, each adorned with a flying lion. Its background is of scrolling vines. The lid fits snugly onto the body, divided into four sinuously curving arched panels. Each panel shows a scene from a famous classical story. The other exhibit, the pure gold reliquary casket with its roof-curb-shaped lid was created by a famous esoteric Buddhist monk from the late Tang period, Zhihuilun, for holding the relic of the Buddha’s actual body. An inscription was engraved on the front of the casket, reflecting the wish for peace, prosperity, and good weather.
 
Exhibition layout mirroring city planning of Tang Chang’an

The museum designed the layout of the exhibition mirroring the Tang Chang’an City, vividly presenting the large-scale and well-organised city planning to visitors. Multimedia programmes including projections, animation and interactive games will be used to introduce Emperor Taizong of Tang’s Six Steeds of Zhaoling, a stone relief showing his six beloved horses, famous historic figures in the Sui and Tang dynasties, women’s makeup and the imperial examination system in the Tang dynasty, enabling visitors to view social characteristics of various aspects in Sui Tang period. Apart from the precious cultural relics from Shaanxi, the exhibition will also feature relics of Sui and Tang dynasties unearthed in Hong Kong, including a glazed shard of Changsha ware unearthed from Sham Wan Tsuen, Chek Lap Kok; a spirit jar with its lid unearthed from Shek Kong, Yuen Long; and a celadon cup unearthed from San Tau, Lantau Island, from the Tang dynasty.
 
This exhibition is jointly presented by the LCSD and the Shaanxi Provincial Cultural Heritage Administration, jointly organised by the HKMH and the Shaanxi Cultural Heritage Promotion Center, solely sponsored by the Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust, in collaboration with the Chinese Culture Promotion Office.