Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Director-General of OASES visits Strategic Enterprise Biren Technology’s exhibition centre to explore innovative computing solutions       
     Biren Technology has continued to expand its business and was listed on the Main Board of Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited in January 2026, becoming the first GPU enterprise to listed in Hong Kong. Biren Technology has also established a new exhibition centre to showcase its latest AI computing products and solutions.
      
     During the visit, Mr Yan stated that Hong Kong is committed to developing innovation and technology (I&T). The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government is actively investing in the Northern Metropolis and through tax incentives, research funding and talent policies, is attracting more strategic enterprises with leading technologies in AI and computing power to develop in Hong Kong. These measures are highly aligned with the strategic direction set out in the National 15th Five-Year Plan to accelerate the development of an international I&T centre and promote collaborative innovation in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. Mr Yan further noted that the 2026-27 Budget has identified AI as a priority, introducing the “AI+” policy framework, including the establishment of the Committee on AI+ and Industry Development Strategy, to enhance computing infrastructure, promote talent cultivation, and transform research outcomes, thereby further strengthening Hong Kong’s AI industry ecosystem. These policies complement existing I&T platforms, providing enterprises with a more favourable environment for growth. Mr Yan stressed that since Biren Technology established its presence in Hong Kong, the company has fully leveraged the city’s combined strengths in international finance, professional services and I&T. It has continued to expand in the Chinese Mainland markets including the Greater Bay Area. Biren Technology’s development in Hong Kong not only demonstrates the city’s attractiveness, but also contributes to the accelerated growth of the local AI industry chain and computing ecosystem.
      
     The Chairman of the Strategy Committee of Biren Technology, Mr Allen Li, said, “Establishing our presence in Hong Kong marks an important step in Biren Technology’s global strategic layout. Hong Kong offers the dual advantages of an international platform and a capital market, providing an ideal environment for the R&D and commercialisation of our GPGPU chips and intelligent computing solutions. With the comprehensive support of the HKSAR Government and the OASES, we are rapidly integrating advanced computing infrastructure into the local ecosystem. Looking ahead, the company will continue to use Hong Kong as a bridge to bring the Chinese Mainland’s independently innovated AI technologies to the world, while working closely with the HKSAR Government to actively align with the country’s overall development strategy.”Issued at HKT 21:50

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Hong Kong Customs seizes suspected cocaine worth about $3.4 million at airport.  An investigation is ongoing.

Customs will continue to step up enforcement against drug trafficking activities through intelligence analysis. The department also reminds members of the public to stay alert and not to participate in drug trafficking activities for monetary return. They must not accept hiring or delegation from another party to carry controlled items into and out of Hong Kong. They are also reminded not to carry unknown items for other people.

Customs will continue to apply a risk assessment approach and focus on selecting passengers from high-risk regions for clearance to combat transnational drug trafficking activities.

Under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, trafficking in a dangerous drug is a serious offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $5 million and life imprisonment.

Members of the public may report any suspected drug trafficking activities to Customs’ 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hkIssued at HKT 20:45

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Speech by CE at International Women’s Day Reception 2026

Allow me to address our English-speaking friends. Today, we celebrate International Women’s Day, a day of profound significance around the world. We are here this morning to honour the global contributions of women and to recognise the inspiring vision, leadership and resilience of women in our community.

Hong Kong women enrich different aspects of our society. Over the years, in so many ways, women have challenged prejudices, erased boundaries and embraced opportunities. And done so through remarkable achievements in government, business, the professions, academia, the arts, innovation, family life, and so much more. Women are a powerful source of energy for social progress, women’s talent and determination are essential to Hong Kong’s continuing success.

Last October, China, our country, hosted the Global Leaders’ Meeting on Women in Beijing. The international gathering brought together leaders and experts from around the world to advance gender equality and the cause of women everywhere. At the Meeting, President Xi Jinping noted that “women play an important role in creating, promoting and carrying forward human civilisation, and the international community has a shared responsibility to advance the cause of women”.

Our country has long championed women’s development, upholding gender equality as a fundamental policy priority. With the nation’s support and a widening global vision, women in the Hong Kong SAR have been able to pursue their dreams and realise their full potential.

The Government has worked closely with the Women’s Commission to expand opportunities for women. One of our flagship events, held in 2024, was the inaugural Family and Women Development Summit.

The second Summit will take place this month, on March 31. And I look forward to the enthusiastic participation of our partners across the community.

I’ve just shared in Cantonese about four traditional Chinese silk fabrics and how they resemble the qualities of Hong Kong women. Each fabric has its own character: one represents clarity and poise with which you balance family and career; another symbolises inclusive spirit, bringing people together and building consensus.
These four fabrics – clarity, inclusivity, resilience, and grace – are woven into the daily lives of women here in Hong Kong. They are the threads of women’s character. And my hope, ladies, is that you will continue to illuminate every corner of this city with that same remarkable spirit.

I wish you all an inspiring International Women’s Day, and continued happiness, health and success. Thank you! 多謝大家。
Issued at HKT 11:55

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Three incoming passengers convicted and jailed for importing duty-not-paid cigarettes and importing alternative smoking products       
     Customs officers intercepted a 33-year-old incoming male passenger at Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) on March 7. About 34 000 duty-not-paid cigarettes with an estimated market value of about $153,000 and a duty potential of about $112,300, as well as 10 000 heat sticks with an estimated market value of about $30,000 were seized from his personal baggage. The passenger was subsequently arrested. He was sentenced to six months’ imprisonment and fined $900 in contravention of the DCO, and was sentenced to four months’ imprisonment in contravention of the IEO today. The sentences run concurrently.

     As well, Customs officers intercepted two male passengers, aged 60 and aged 44 respectively, at HKIA yesterday (March 8). About 49 000 duty-not-paid cigarettes with an estimated market value of about $201,000 and a duty potential of about $162,100 were seized from the former’s personal baggage, while about 28 000 duty-not-paid cigarettes with an estimated market value of about $128,000 and a duty potential of about $94,000 were seized from the latter’s personal baggage. The two passengers were subsequently arrested. They were sentenced to seven months’ imprisonment and fined $1,000 and four months’ imprisonment and fined $1,000 respectively in contravention of the DCO today.
      
     Customs welcomes the sentences. The custodial sentences have imposed a considerable deterrent effect and reflect the seriousness of the offences.      
     Under the IEO, any person who imports an alternative smoking product into Hong Kong commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $2 million and imprisonment for seven years.
      
     Members of the public may report any suspected illicit cigarette activities to Customs’ 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hkIssued at HKT 19:15

Hongkong Post to issue “Hong Kong Museums Collection – Xubaizhai Collection” special stamps       
     Cherished by the renowned art connoisseur, Mr Low Chuck-tiew (1911-1993), the Xubaizhai Collection of Chinese Painting and Calligraphy primarily encompasses masterpieces from the Ming and Qing dynasties through the 20th century. Mr Low donated his collection to the Hong Kong Museum of Art in 1989. Hongkong Post is continuing its Hong Kong Museums Collection series by issuing a set of six stamps, two stamp sheetlets and associated philatelic products on the theme of “Xubaizhai Collection” to present paintings selected from the exhibition “Life Planning of the Chinese Literati: Selected Chinese Painting and Calligraphy from the Xubaizhai Collection”, showcasing the artistic styles and aspirations of traditional Chinese literati.
      
     Official first day covers for “Hong Kong Museums Collection – Xubaizhai Collection” will be on sale at all post offices and on Hongkong Post’s online shopping platform ShopThruPost (shopthrupost.hongkongpost.hk      
     A hand-back date-stamping service will be provided on March 24 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.hkIssued at HKT 12:25