Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
A spokesman for the Housing Bureau said today (June 30) that as of this morning, a total of 1 698 duly signed “Letters of Acceptance” have been received from the owners of the eight buildings of Wang Fuk Court (Blocks A to H), accounting for about 85.6 per cent of the total number of flats in these eight buildings. Among them, 1 481 letters came from the seven buildings from Blocks A to G, representing about 85.3 per cent of the total number of flats in these seven buildings, and 217 letters came from Wang Chi House (Block H), representing about 87.5 per cent of the total number of flats in Block H.
The Housing Bureau reminds owners of Wang Fuk Court to grasp the opportunity to return the duly signed “Letter of Acceptance” today to confirm their intention to sell their titles to the Government and secure flat selection priority under the Special Sales Exercise in the first batch.
Owners may submit the duly signed “Letter of Acceptance” with the return envelope enclosed with the “Letter of Offer” by post, by hand or by courier to the following address:
Housing Bureau, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government
c/o Wang Fuk Court Property Rights Acquisition Limited
1/F, Block 2, Hong Kong Housing Authority Headquarters,
33 Fat Kwong Street, Ho Man Tin, Kowloon, Hong Kong
For owners who opt to send the return by post, the postmark date will be taken as the submission date. Owners must therefore send their return by post before the cut-off time ends today to ensure the envelope is postmarked today. Owners may also choose to submit the return in person to the drop-off box at the above address, or hand it over to their designated Engagement Team member, who will ensure the letter is delivered to the Housing Bureau before the deadline.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
The Tobacco and Alcohol Control Office (TACO) of the Department of Health (DH) carried out surprise inspections in Central yesterday (June 29) and issued a total of four fixed penalty notices (FPNs) in an effort to clamp down on illegal cigar smoking in no-smoking areas.
During the operation codenamed “Smokeshield”, officers from TACO (including plainclothes officers) carried out inspections and enforcement action at one cigar retail shop in Central, and issued a total of four FPNs to persons smoking cigars illegally at the premises. TACO’s investigation is ongoing, and prosecution may also be taken against operators of the cigar retail shop who are suspected of aiding and abetting smoking offences.
Under the Smoking (Public Health) Ordinance (Ordinance), smoking in a statutory no-smoking area (including indoor areas of shops) is prohibited. Any person who smokes in a statutory no-smoking area is liable to a fixed penalty of $3,000. Venue managers of statutory no-smoking areas are empowered by the Ordinance to request a smoking offender to cease the act. If the offender is not co-operative, the manager of the no-smoking area may contact the Police for assistance.
Moreover, where smoking products (including cigars) are sold, whether in cigar retail shops or otherwise, the restrictions on the promotion and sale of smoking products stipulated in the Ordinance apply. Offenders are liable on summary conviction to a maximum fine of $50,000.
In addition, under the Criminal Procedure Ordinance, any person who aids, abets, counsels or procures the commission by another person of any offence shall be guilty of the same offence.
“From January 2025 to date, the DH has conducted over 100 inspections of cigar shops regarding illegal smoking activities, and issued a total of 13 FPNs for illegal smoking in these premises. The DH will continue to closely monitor and rigorously enforce the law against smoking in no-smoking areas, as well as the illegal sale and promotion of smoking products,” said the Head of TACO, Dr Manny Lam.
He cautioned that cigar smoking is just as harmful to health as other smoking products, and urged smokers to quit as early as possible for their own health and that of their family and friends. The DH has collaborated with the School of Nursing of the University of Hong Kong to launch a pilot AI-assisted smoking cessation counselling service – “Chat to Quit” this year. The AI provides accurate and appropriate smoking cessation information instantly, and offers personalised smoking cessation counselling according to users’ smoking history and quitting preferences. It can also provide emotional support.
The DH also operates an integrated Smoking Cessation Hotline (1833 183) to answer enquiries about smoking cessation and provide professional counselling and referral services. Members of the public can visit the smoking cessation thematic website (www.livetobaccofree.hk) for more information on smoking cessation and related support tools and services. They can also download the “Quit Smoking App” to keep track of their quitting progress and obtain tips on fighting cravings to maintain a tobacco-free life.
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 Central Bank of the Republic of Türkiye (CBRT) today (June 30) announced the exchange of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to strengthen co-operation on financial innovation.
The HKMA and CBRT share a common goal of advancing fintech development in their respective markets. This MOU establishes a formal framework for information sharing and potential collaboration on innovative projects. By fostering collaboration on emerging technologies and issues pertaining to innovation in financial services, the MOU strengthens the strategic partnership between Hong Kong and Türkiye.
The Chief Executive of the HKMA, Mr Eddie Yue, said, “The HKMA has been expanding its international fintech partnerships, and we are pleased to strengthen our collaboration with the CBRT. This MOU provides a solid foundation for exchanging insights and expertise, and we look forward to building a dynamic and innovation-driven future for both Hong Kong and Türkiye.”
The Governor of the CBRT, Mr Fatih Karahan, said, “In today’s rapidly evolving fintech environment, we are pleased to partner with the HKMA to advance our shared objectives. This MOU marks a significant step in deepening our bilateral ties and underscores our strong commitment to fostering a dynamic, technologically advanced, and inclusive financial landscape.”
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 3
LCQ19: Immigration Arrangements for Non-local Graduates Question:
At present, the Immigration Arrangements for Non-local Graduates (IANG) adopt a “2+3+3” year mode of stay. It is learnt that earlier this year, some of those who were admitted to Hong Kong for employment through IANG (e.g. those whose employment contracts were about to expire) were unable to obtain three-year visa renewals smoothly when extending their stay. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
Type of ApplicationsNote: Applications approved/refused in a year may not all be received in the same year.
(2) At present, over 90 per cent of those coming to or staying in Hong Kong under the IANG are fresh graduates. They are not required to have secured offers of employment in Hong Kong upon application. However, when applying for an extension of stay, they are required to have taken up employment in Hong Kong that are at the levels commonly taken up by degree holders and the remuneration packages are on par with the market level. For those who have established or joined in business in Hong Kong, they are required to produce proof of their business upon application for an extension of stay.
Industry/sectorThe Immigration Department does not maintain other breakdowns of statistics mentioned in the question.
(3) Since its launch in 2008, the IANG has received positive response and helped Hong Kong attract and retain talent as well as expanding the talent pool. As at the end of April 2025, a total of 177 567 applications have been received. Among them, 172 043 applications have been approved, with over 90 per cent being recent non-local graduates and 2 825 applications coming from the graduates of the GBA campuses of Hong Kong universities. The statistics on entrants admitted to Hong Kong under the IANG who eventually acquired the right of abode in the past five years are tabulated as follows:
Admission policy/schemeNote: The figures are based on the applicants’ status in Hong Kong at the time of application for the right of abode.
With the development of the GBA, it has become a trend for Hong Kong universities to set up campuses in Mainland cities of the GBA through joint ventures, and their graduates will become an important source of talent in the GBA. Starting from the end of 2022, the Government has extended the IANG on a pilot basis to cover graduates with a bachelor’s degree or higher qualification from Hong Kong universities’ campuses in Mainland cities of the GBA, so as to attract outstanding talent from these institutions to come to Hong Kong for employment and further boost Hong Kong’s human resources and competitiveness. The Chief Executive announced in his Policy Address 2024 to extend the pilot arrangement for two years. This measure not only fosters the exchange of talents in the GBA, but also meets the needs of economic development in the GBA. We will continue to monitor the implementation of the IANG, particularly the response to the inclusion of graduates of Hong Kong universities’ GBA campuses under the IANG, and review its effectiveness in due course.Issued at HKT 16:05
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 3
LCQ21: Safeguarding mental health of academic staff members and students Question:
The mental health of academic staff members and students in Hong Kong draws societal concern. There are views that the Government should strengthen the protection of their physical and mental health as well as to provide appropriate support services to the families of suicide victims concerned. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
(1) of the respective numbers of academic staff members and students committing suicide and attempting to commit suicide in each of the past five years and, among them, the numbers of cases in which death inquests were held, together with a breakdown by types of school (i.e. (i) primary school, (ii) secondary school and (iii) university);
(2) of the Government’s follow-up and support procedures in respect of cases of suicide attempts among academic staff members and students, including the policy bureaux involved, the category of professionals providing support services in those cases and the areas and extent of intervention, as well as details of the support services provided by them; and
(3) in respect of the suicide cases mentioned in (1), whether the Government has provided support services (e.g. professional emotional counselling services) to the families, relatives and friends of the suicide victims; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that; primarily which government departments’ staff members to provide assistance to the families of suicide victims and inform them of their rights under the law (including the rights of the families to request for holding a death inquest)?
Reply:
President,
The Education Bureau (EDB) attaches great importance to the mental health of teachers and students, and has all along been encouraging schools to adopt the Whole School Approach. Through cross-departmental, cross-disciplinary and cross-sector collaboration, the EDB enhances the mental health of teachers and students and provides enhanced support for students with mental health needs (including those with suicidal risk) via various measures and activities directed at three levels, namely Universal, Selective and Indicated. In recent years, the EDB has implemented a number of measures to support students’ mental health. This includes implementing the “4Rs Mental Health Charter” in the 2024/25 school year, with a view to helping students develop healthy living habits and positive interpersonal relationships, and enhancing their resilience. In addition, starting from the 2023/24 school year, the EDB has launched the Mental Health Literacy Resource Packages suitable for students at different learning stages. In consultation with the Social Welfare Department (SWD), our reply to the question raised by the Hon Lillian Kwok is as follows:
(1) and (2) The EDB has all along required primary and secondary schools to report fatal suspected student suicide cases. The numbers of relevant cases in primary and secondary schools in the past five years (2020 to 2024) are tabulated as follows. Of the cases reported, secondary students accounted for about 91 per cent of the total cases, while primary students accounted for about 9 per cent.
Year The EDB does not collect data on fatal suspected suicide cases of school personnel, attempted suicides of students, relevant cases of university students and number of death inquests held.
We continue to strengthen the identification of and support for students with mental health risks. For example, the EDB organises about 40 additional thematic teacher training workshops in the 2024/25 school year to introduce the practical skills, counselling techniques and intervention strategies in supporting students with mental health needs, as well as organises parent education talk series for parents of primary and secondary school students that cover topics related to the mental health of children.
Regarding support measures, if schools suspect the students having suicidal risk, schools will arrange school guidance personnel (for example, student guidance teacher/student guidance personnel or school social worker) for early support. If necessary, schools will solicit professional support from the school-based educational psychologists, clinical psychologists, psychiatrists, medical, or police officers to ensure that appropriate intervention measures will be taken. To enhance cross-sector collaboration, starting from December 2023, the Government has implemented the Three-tier School-based Emergency Mechanism in all secondary schools in Hong Kong by pooling together the schools’ multi-disciplinary teams, the off-campus support network and medical services. The implementation of the Mechanism has been extended till the end of 2025 and related arrangements were enhanced.
Furthermore, the Government established a cross-departmental referral and collaboration mechanism in April 2024. For instance, when police officers handle attempted suicide cases concerning primary and secondary students that happen outside schools, the Police will, upon obtaining the consent from the student concerned and the parent/guardian, refer the case to the school the student is attending, via the EDB, for support services. If the student and parent/guardian wish to receive support services from other organisation(s), the SWD will refer the case for services provided by other social services units, such as Integrated Family Service Centres (IFSCs), Integrated Community Centres for Mental Wellness, and Integrated Children and Youth Services Centres. Schools or relevant social welfare organisations will provide students with emergency intervention services, such as assessments, support and counselling through individual, group or online mode.
Regarding support for teachers’ physical and psychological well-being, the EDB has set up the Teachers’ Helpline since 2006 to support teachers in coping with stress at work and mental health problems. Apart from this, professional counselling services and face-to-face counselling will be provided as and when necessary, and professionals will be arranged to follow up relevant cases. Meanwhile, the service providers will organise talks on how to relieve stress for teachers. In addition, starting from the 2023/24 school year, the EDB has commissioned non-governmental organisations (NGOs) or tertiary institutions to organise courses on physical and mental health for teachers every year, covering topics on mental health, expressive arts, mindfulness and physical health, to enhance teachers’ capacity at work.
(3) The SWD subvents The Samaritan Befrienders Hong Kong to operate the Suicide Crisis Intervention Centre (SCIC), which offers immediate crisis intervention and in-depth counselling services for persons in need. The SCIC also renders support services to persons affected by suicidal behaviours (including familes and friends), including consultation hotline, groups, talks and workshops. Moreover, 67 territory-wide IFSCs (including two Integrated Service Centres), operated by the SWD or subvented NGOs also provide appropriate service and assistance for the families and relatives of suicide victims, including financial assistance, counselling service, and connection with community resources. Issued at HKT 18:56
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
Hong Kong Customs conducted an enforcement operation from June 26 to yesterday (June 29) to combat unfair trade practices at phone repair shops. During the operation, Customs detected four related cases and arrested seven persons, who are suspected of applying a false trade description to the phone repair services supplied and possessing for sale goods with a forged trademark, in contravention of the Trade Descriptions Ordinance (TDO).
Customs noticed that some phone repair shops made false claims to customers that the screens used in their phone repair services were new and original products. An investigation was then launched. With the assistance of the trademark owner, Customs officers conducted test-buy operations in Mong Kok, Tuen Mun and Yuen Long, arresting seven local salesmen aged between 23 and 53. A batch of suspected counterfeit mobile phone components was seized.
Investigations are ongoing. All arrested persons have been released on bail pending further investigation.
Customs reminds traders to comply with the requirements of the TDO. Traders should also be cautious in merchandising, since the sale of counterfeit goods is a serious crime and offenders are liable to criminal sanctions. Consumers should procure services or goods from reputable shops and check with the trademark owners or their authorised agents if the authenticity of a product is in doubt.
Under the TDO, any trader who applies a false trade description to a service supplied or offered to be supplied to a consumer, or any person who sells or possesses for sale any goods with a forged trademark, commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $500,000 and imprisonment for five years.
Members of the public may report any suspected violations of the TDO to Customs’ 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002).
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
CHP investigates two cases of severe paediatric influenza A infection The first case involves a 12-year-old boy with underlying illness. He presented with a fever, cough and shortness of breath on June 27. He was brought to the Accident and Emergency Department of Tuen Mun Hospital for medical attention on the same day and was subsequently admitted to its paediatric intensive care unit (PICU). His respiratory specimen collected on June 29 tested positive for the influenza A virus. His clinical diagnosis was influenza A infection complicated with septic shock. He remains hospitalised in serious condition.
Another case involves a 6-year-old boy with good past health. He presented with a fever on June 27, and attended a private hospital the next day (June 28). Due to persistent seizure, he was transferred to the PICU of Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital for treatment. His respiratory specimen collected on June 29 tested positive for influenza A virus and Haemophilus influenzae. His clinical diagnosis was a co-infection of influenza A and Haemophilus influenzae complicated with severe pneumonia and septic shock. He remains hospitalised in critical condition.
The CHP’s preliminary investigation revealed that both boys had received the 2025/26 seasonal influenza vaccination. They had no travel history during the incubation period. There have been no recent influenza outbreaks at their schools. One of the household contacts of each boy developed upper respiratory symptoms and fever respectively but their conditions were mild and required no hospitalisation. The CHP will continue to investigate the cases.
According to the surveillance data, seasonal influenza activity has been increasing over the past few weeks. Although it still remains slightly below the baseline levels at present, based on past experience, Hong Kong typically experiences a flu season between July and August. Hence, the CHP anticipates a further rise in influenza activity with arrival of an influenza season shortly.
The CHP reminded members of the public, especially children, the elderly and those with underlying illnesses, to seek medical advice promptly for early treatment if they present with fever and respiratory symptoms. As the health condition of children with influenza can deteriorate rapidly, parents must pay close attention to their condition, and visit an accident and emergency department immediately if the child’s condition deteriorates with symptoms such as shortness of breath, wheezing, blue lips, chest pain, confusion, a persistent fever or convulsions.
Separately, the public should maintain good personal and environmental hygiene at all times to prevent contracting influenza and other respiratory illnesses. High-risk individuals should wear surgical masks when staying in crowded places. People with respiratory symptoms, even if mild, should wear a surgical mask and seek medical advice promptly. They should also consider whether to attend work or school.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Activities in celebration of 105th anniversary of founding of Communist Party of China The HKSAR Government will organise a series of activities in celebration of the 105th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China. The launch ceremony will kick off this series of celebratory activities to enable more members of the public to appreciate the nation’s achievements and to promote patriotism.
Prior to the launch ceremony, the HKSAR Government will arrange for guests to watch the event on the celebration of the 105th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China held in Beijing. Arrangements have also been made for Radio Television Hong Kong to broadcast live the proceedings in full on RTHK TV 31 and 32 for the public to watch. Issued at HKT 19:45
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
6th Anniversary of promulgation and implementation of Hong Kong National Security Law: solid institutional safeguards for good governance “In fact, since the implementation of the HKNSL and the SNSO, the livelihood of citizens and the business environment in Hong Kong have steadily improved while our economic performance is consistently scaling new highs. According to the Economic Freedom of the World 2025 Annual Report, Hong Kong has once again been ranked as the world’s freest economy. In the recently published World Competitiveness Yearbook 2026, Hong Kong ranked second globally, which is the highest ranking achieved since 2019, with the city’s global competitiveness rising for the third consecutive year. Hong Kong also ranks among the top three international financial centres, and we came first in the world in terms of funds raised through initial public offerings in 2025, and have become the world’s largest cross-boundary wealth management centre. All these show that the safe and stable business environment of Hong Kong as protected under the HKNSL and the SNSO is widely recognised by the international community. Recent geopolitical tensions have only further accentuated Hong Kong’s role as a ‘safe harbour’ in the world.”
The spokesman emphasised, “The geopolitical situation remains complex and volatile at present. The fight to safeguard national security in Hong Kong has never ceased, and we must stay vigilant at all times. Safeguarding national security is not only the responsibility of the HKSAR Government; each and every one in society should also play the role as a participant and a facilitator in order to safeguard our national security in a comprehensive manner. In view of this, the HKSAR Government is committed to stepping up publicity and education efforts to enhance public awareness of their responsibility in safeguarding national security, such that while we focus our energy on pursuing economic growth, seeking development and improving the livelihood of the people, we will not forget that national security risks still exist and can arise all of a sudden, and that we ‘must not forget the pain even though the wounds have healed’. In this regard, the Government continues to enhance and broaden the scope of promotion and education efforts in national security through a multipronged approach. In response to the white paper’s call to advance national security publicity and education in a steady and substantive manner, the Security Bureau has, amongst others, launched a series of programmes to mark the 6th Anniversary of the promulgation and implementation of the HKNSL, so that the concept of ‘security brings prosperity’ will take root in the community, and the general public will consciously safeguard national security, thereby creating a strong, combined force of the entire community safeguarding national security together. Some of these programmes include a five-episode television series entitled ‘NS files: Decoded’, which features in-depth analyses of national security cases and is being premiered on June 30, revealing to members of the public the severe national security challenges that the HKSAR faced in the past. Besides, a national security interactive drama based on the ‘Andy and Security Bear’ series will be presented to the public in early July, and the Security Bureau Youth Uniformed Groups National Security Quiz Competition was held in early June, enabling university and tertiary students to have exchanges in national security knowledge, showcasing the younger generation’s earnest commitment to safeguarding and promoting national security.”Issued at HKT 18:58
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 3
LCQ5: Boarding facilities in primary and secondary schools Hong Kong’s diverse and quality education is one of the factors attracting talent to Hong Kong. In recent years, the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region has introduced and enhanced various talent schemes to attract talent conducive to Hong Kong’s development and enrich the local talent pool. The Education Bureau (EDB) provides various educational support services to facilitate the school placement of accompanying children (i.e. dependants) of individuals admitted to Hong Kong under various talent admission schemes, and help them integrate into the local learning environment as soon as possible.