Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Arrangements concluded for residents of seven blocks of Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po to return to their units in batches
The Deputy Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Cheuk Wing-hing, said, “We are very grateful for the understanding and co-operation of the residents. The vast majority of the residents returned to their units within the 15-day period, while only fewer than 10 households required other arrangements. About 50 households decided not to return to their units.
“There were safety hazards at different parts in the seven blocks after the fire. Arranging safe and orderly access for over 1 670 households was highly challenging. To ensure the safety of residents and working staff, meticulous planning was required, including removing unsafe scaffolding, strengthening building structures, installing window safety nets on damaged windows, clearing piles of rubble and debris from common areas, accompanying residents up to the units, providing emotional support, managing crowds, and deploying a large number of interdepartmental supporting staff.”
Mr Cheuk expressed heartfelt appreciation to all staff involved in the arrangements. The staff worked together as one team, displaying commitment and empathy in supporting residents and attentively escorting residents and assisting in transporting their belongings on their way down. Their dedication helped ensure that the arrangements proceeded smoothly.
The Government spared no effort in supporting the residents returning to their units. Each day, the Government deployed over 1 000 personnel from various departments, including the Police, the Civil Aid Service (CAS), the Fire Services Department (FSD), the Auxiliary Medical Service (AMS), the Home Affairs Department (HAD), the Social Welfare Department (SWD), the Housing Bureau, and the Housing Department, as well as District Services and Community Care Teams volunteers (Care Team). The Civil Service Bureau (CSB) also activated the “Government-wide Mobilisation” mechanism to bring together greater interdepartmental deployment to support residents.
The Police were fully engaged in the cross-departmental operation from start to finish. Their roles included traffic management in the vicinity of Wang Fuk Court, crowd management at the registration centre, accompanying residents to and from their buildings and in and out of their units, deploying officers to stand guard at the main lobby of the building and on the floors reopened, handling requests from residents for police assistance,helping residents sift through the rubble and ashes to recover their property, assisting in the opening of safes found in the flats, forming quick response teams to attend to residents who might have felt unwell during their return, and helping residents move their belongings.
CAS personnel accompanied and protected the residents when they went upstairs to collect their belongings from beginning to end. CAS tasks included looking after the residents during their time in the buildings as well as assisting them as they went in and out of their units, assisting the elderly and persons with disabilities up and down the stairs, calming their emotions and helping the residents move big and small packages.
Fire and ambulance personnel from the FSD were stationed at the highest reopened floors, providing emergency and medical services. If needed, they transported injured persons from upstairs to the ground level where they would be taken to hospital by ambulance. The AMS set up a first aid station on-site to provide first aid and medical services to residents.
HAD was responsible for registration of residents at the registration centre at the Kwong Fuk Community Hall. The HAD’s duties included verifying identities, preparing identification badges, and matching staff to support the residents to return to their units, etc. HAD, together with the Care Teams from 18 districts, also distributed protective and lighting equipment (including helmets with hair nets, scratch-resistant gloves, and masks) and hygienic and personal items to residents, disinfected and cleaned helmets and flashlights for reuse, helped take care of accompanying persons in the waiting area, and provided trolleys and helped residents carry their belongings to the waiting area, boarding areas and other destinations.
Personnel of the “one social worker per household” scheme of the SWD notified households of their arranged dates and time slots, assisted with preregistration of persons returning to the units, and provided relevant guidance notes to residents. Video clips and leaflets produced by the SWD’s clinical psychologists were disseminated and explained to residents to better prepare them psychologically by personnel of the “one social worker per household” scheme. The SWD deployed over 1 700 social workers under the “one social worker per household” scheme to support each household during this operation. Additionally, social workers and clinical psychologists formed specialised teams on reopened floors to provide assistance and accompanied residents with special needs (including family members of the deceased) in returning to their units. Upon completion of this retrieval arrangement, social workers under the “one social worker per household” scheme will continue to follow up on residents’ situations, and clinical psychologists of the SWD will also provide counselling service to those in need and help address their emotions.
To ensure a safe and smooth process, engineering teams of the Housing Bureau and the Housing Department performed several months of extensive preparatory work. These efforts included dismantling dangerous and seriously damaged bamboo scaffolding, conducting structural safety inspections, strengthening severely damaged units, manually clearing piles of rubble and debris from corridors, repeatedly inspecting the stability of ceilings and walls to ensure structural safety, cordoning off hazardous zones, installing window safety nets on damaged windows, and setting up temporary lighting systems, toilets and covered safety walkways. During residents’ return trips, structural engineers and other engineering staff stationed on the building’s floors to provide immediate support.
The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department deployed staff to carry out mosquito control work, including clearance of stagnant water and potential mosquito breeding places in the estate, setting up mosquito traps, and conducting fogging operations to kill adult mosquitoes. In addition, the department arranged for a number of mobile toilets to be placed on the ground floor of the buildings for the convenience of residents.
The Transport Department arranged free shuttle bus services to enable residents travelling between Wang Fuk Court and the Tai Po Market MTR Station.
Under the “Government-wide Mobilisation” mechanism, the CSB co-ordinated nine government departments to mobilise civil servants to form Government Quick Response Units to support these access arrangements. These civil servants came from the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department, the Architectural Services Department, the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department, the Environmental Protection Department, the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department, the Lands Department, the Leisure and Cultural Services Department, the Post Office, and the Water Supplies Department. They formed dedicated teams with social workers and clinical psychologists from the SWD, stationed on different floors to provide appropriate support according to residents’ needs, such as providing additional nylon bags and surgical masks, providing flashlight illumination while residents did their packing, helping residents move their belongings, and assisting the Police and the CAS in handling emergencies.
Issued at HKT 20:15
NNNN
Immigration Department and Travel Industry Authority mount joint anti-illegal worker operation
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
The Immigration Department (ImmD) and the Travel Industry Authority (TIA) today (May 4) mounted a joint anti-illegal worker operation to combat illegal workers providing tourist guide and tour escort services in Hong Kong. A Mainland visitor, who is a suspected illegal worker, was arrested.
As there have been suspected illegal workers utilising social media platforms to advertise tour guide and tour escort services in Hong Kong, the ImmD and the TIA initiated an operation. Officers disguised as customers enquired about and booked services from the suspect. The suspect was subsequently arrested while providing such services in Hong Kong. The arrested illegal worker was a man, aged 27. The ImmD will consider prosecution against him for the offence of breaching conditions of stay.
The ImmD and the TIA have also deployed officers to distribute leaflets to the public and visitors at tourist hotspots, conveying the message of “Don’t employ illegal tour escorts or tourist guides”.
An ImmD spokesman said, “Any person who contravenes a condition of stay in force in respect of him or her shall be guilty of an offence. Also, visitors are not allowed to take employment in Hong Kong, whether paid or unpaid, without the permission of the Director of Immigration. Offenders are liable to prosecution and upon conviction face a maximum fine of $50,000 and up to two years’ imprisonment. Aiders and abettors are also liable to prosecution and penalties.”
The spokesman stressed that it is a serious offence to employ people who are not lawfully employable. Under the Immigration Ordinance, the maximum penalty for an employer employing a person who is not lawfully employable, i.e. an illegal immigrant, a person who is the subject of a removal order or a deportation order, an overstayer or a person who was refused permission to land, has been significantly increased from a fine of $350,000 and three years’ imprisonment to a fine of $500,000 and 10 years’ imprisonment to reflect the gravity of such offences. The director, manager, secretary, partner, etc, of the company concerned may also bear criminal liability. The High Court has laid down sentencing guidelines that the employer of an illegal worker should be given an immediate custodial sentence.
According to the court sentencing, employers must take all practicable steps to determine whether a person is lawfully employable prior to employment. Apart from inspecting a prospective employee’s identity card, the employer has the explicit duty to make enquiries regarding the person and ensure that the answers would not cast any reasonable doubt concerning the lawful employability of the person. The court will not accept failure to do so as a defence in proceedings. It is also an offence if an employer fails to inspect the job seeker’s valid travel document if the job seeker does not have a Hong Kong permanent identity card. Offenders are liable upon conviction to a maximum fine of $150,000 and to imprisonment for one year. In that connection, the spokesman would like to remind all employers not to defy the law by employing illegal workers. The ImmD will continue to take resolute enforcement action to combat such offences.
Under the existing mechanism, the ImmD will, as a standard procedure, conduct an initial screening of vulnerable persons, including illegal workers, illegal immigrants, sex workers and foreign domestic helpers, who are arrested during any operation with a view to ascertaining whether they are trafficking in persons (TIP) and/or forced labour victims. When any TIP and/or forced labour indicator is revealed in the initial screening, the ImmD officers will conduct a full debriefing and identification by using a standardised checklist to ascertain the presence of TIP and/or forced labour elements. Identified TIP and/or forced labour victims will be provided with various forms of support and assistance, including urgent intervention, medical services, counselling, shelter or temporary accommodation and other supporting services. The ImmD calls on TIP and/or forced labour victims to report crimes to the relevant departments immediately.
For reporting illegal employment activities, please call the dedicated hotline 185 185, fax at 2824 1166, email anti_crime@immd.gov.hk, or submit the “Online Reporting of Immigration Offences” form at www.immd.gov.hk.
Labour Department highly concerned about fatal work accident in Stanley today
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
The Labour Department (LD) is highly concerned about a fatal work accident that happened at a construction site in Stanley this afternoon (May 4), in which a male worker was struck by a falling object while he was working inside a lift shaft. He was certified dead later in hospital. The LD is saddened by the death of the worker and expresses its deepest sympathy to his family.
The LD’s spokesman said, “We commenced an immediate on-site investigation as soon as we were notified of the accident and issued suspension notices to the contractors concerned, suspending the lift works at the site. The contractors cannot resume the work process until the LD is satisfied that suitable measures to abate the relevant risks have been taken.”
The spokesman added, “We will complete the investigation as soon as possible to identify the cause of the accident, ascertain the liability of the duty holders and recommend improvement measures. We will take actions pursuant to the law if there is any violation of the work safety legislation.”
To prevent workers being struck by falling objects while working inside a lift shaft, the LD reminds employers to plan and coordinate works inside the lift shaft well to avoid incompatible activities being conducted at the same time; and ensure the lift works are conducted under the immediate supervision of a qualified person who is competent by virtue of his/her substantial training and practical experience in relation to the relevant works.
The general duty provisions of the Occupational Safety and Health Ordinance require employers to provide safe working environments, plant and systems of work for their employees. Those who contravene the relevant provisions are liable to a maximum fine of $10 million and imprisonment for two years.
In regard to today’s accident, the LD will issue a Work Safety Alert through its mobile application “OSH 2.0”, website and email, giving a brief account of the accident concerned to duty holders, workers’ unions, professional bodies of safety practitioners and others, and reminding the industry of the importance of following safety precautionary measures to prevent a recurrence of similar accidents.
The LD will also remind the employer concerned of the liability for employees’ compensation under the Employees’ Compensation Ordinance, assist family members of the deceased to claim employees’ compensation and closely follow up on the case. For those with financial difficulties, the LD will assist them to apply for appropriate emergency funds. Subject to the needs and wishes of family members of the deceased, the LD will also liaise with the Social Welfare Department for financial or other assistance.
For the sake of securing the safety and health of employees at work, the LD appeals to employers to provide plant and systems of work that are safe and without risks to health. Employees should co-operate with their employers, adopt all safety measures and use personal protective equipment provided properly to avoid endangering their own work safety and that of other workers.
MOFA strongly condemns Chinese Foreign Minister Wang’s renewed efforts to misrepresent UNGA Resolution 2758 and mislead international community
Source: Republic of China Taiwan
April 30, 2026 No. 168 The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) strongly condemns and protests Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s inappropriate distortion of United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) Resolution 2758 during a recent meeting with President of the 80th session of the UNGA Annalena Baerbock. He falsely claimed that the resolution had resolved the issue of representation for all of China—including Taiwan—and that it had been universally accepted within the UN system.
MOFA reiterates that UNGA Resolution 2758 merely addressed the issue of China’s representation in the United Nations and that it made no mention of Taiwan throughout its entire text. The resolution did not determine that Taiwan was part of the People’s Republic of China (PRC), and it certainly did not authorize the PRC to represent Taiwan in the UN system. Thus, the resolution has no bearing on Taiwan and cannot serve as a basis for precluding Taiwan’s participation in the UN system or other multilateral mechanisms. Only the democratically elected government of Taiwan has the right to represent Taiwan in the UN system and other international organizations and multilateral mechanisms.
MOFA notes that following World War II, the Treaty of San Francisco—which has the force of international law—replaced political declarations such as the Cairo Declaration and the Potsdam Proclamation. The treaty did not grant sovereignty over Taiwan to the PRC, and the PRC has never governed Taiwan. Therefore, Taiwan is by no means part of the PRC.
Moreover, in the mid-1980s, Taiwan began a bottom-up transition toward political liberalization and democratization, culminating in its first direct presidential election in 1996. Since then, the representatives of the executive and legislative branches of the Republic of China (Taiwan) government have all been democratically elected by the people of Taiwan, making the ROC (Taiwan) government the sole lawful government that effectively governs and represents Taiwan internationally. This has also established the objective fact that the ROC (Taiwan) and the PRC exist as equals and the status quo that neither is subordinate to the other. Further, the ROC (Taiwan) has experienced three changes of governing party—in 2000, 2008, and 2016. The continued consolidation of Taiwan’s democratic system and sense of identity reflects the Taiwan people’s staunch belief in and unwavering commitment to the pursuit of freedom and democracy.
MOFA urges the international community to continue taking concrete action to counter China’s misrepresentation of UNGA Resolution 2758 and jointly refute China’s efforts to claim that the issue of Taiwan is an internal matter by improperly linking the resolution to the so-called “one China principle,” thereby attempting to change the objective cross-strait status quo and establish a legal basis for the potential future use of force against Taiwan.
MOFA also calls on the UN system to strictly abide by the principle of neutrality and refrain from acquiescing to China’s unreasonable suppression of Taiwan’s legitimate right to seek participation and acceding to inappropriate statements on behalf of all UN member states.
MOFA emphasizes that Taiwan, as a force for good in the international community, is capable of actively contributing to the UN system’s varied initiatives, including the Sustainable Development Goals and international peace and security. Only by including Taiwan can the United Nations truly realize the principle of universality and the goal of leaving no one behind. (E)
Wang Fuk Court returns complete
Source: Hong Kong Information Services
The 15-day arrangements for residents at seven blocks of Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po to return to their units in batches concluded today.
Among the 1,736 households of the seven blocks, a total of 6,265 residents from 1,674 households have returned to their units.
The Government said the process was generally smooth and completed in an orderly manner.
Deputy Chief Secretary Cheuk Wing-hing expressed his gratitude for the understanding and co-operation of the residents.
He noted that the vast majority of the residents returned to their units within the 15-day period, while only fewer than 10 households required other arrangements. About 50 households decided not to return to their units.
“There were safety hazards at different parts in the seven blocks after the fire. Arranging safe and orderly access for over 1,670 households was highly challenging.
“To ensure the safety of residents and working staff, meticulous planning was required, including removing unsafe scaffolding, strengthening building structures, installing window safety nets on damaged windows, clearing piles of rubble and debris from common areas, accompanying residents up to the units, providing emotional support, managing crowds, and deploying a large number of interdepartmental supporting staff.”
Mr Cheuk expressed heartfelt appreciation to all staff involved in the arrangements, who worked as one team and displayed commitment and empathy in supporting the residents. Specifically, the staff attentively escorted the residents and assisted in transporting their belongings on their way down.
Their dedication helped ensure that the arrangements proceeded smoothly, Mr Cheuk added.
2.77m tax returns issued
Source: Hong Kong Information Services
The Inland Revenue Department today issued about 2.77 million tax returns for individuals for the year of assessment 2025-26.
Taxpayers should file their tax returns by June 4. For sole proprietors, a three-month period is allowed and the filing deadline is August 4. Those filing through eTAX will be granted a one-month extension.
Moreover, starting from today, electronic tax filing services will be further extended to cover the filing of tax returns for claiming exemption of salaries income and relief from double taxation, and by taxpayers running sole proprietorship businesses with a gross income exceeding $2 million.
At a press conference this afternoon, Commissioner of Inland Revenue Benjamin Chan outlined the concessionary tax measures proposed in the latest Policy Address and Budget, including reductions of salaries tax, tax under personal assessment and profits tax; increases in allowances; an increase in the deduction ceiling for elderly residential care expenses; and an extension of the claim period for additional child allowance for newborns.
Mr Chan also noted that the first phase of mandatory electronic filing of profits tax returns came into effect on April 1. The “relevant entities” of multinational enterprise groups subject to the global minimum tax regime are required to file their profits tax returns electronically from the year of assessment 2025-26 onwards. He said the Inland Revenue Department will launch a new function under the Business Tax Portal in the fourth quarter to enable those entities to file top-up tax returns, as well as to view and download the electronic notices of top-up tax assessments.
Separately, on revenue collection, the department collected $458.3 billion for 2025-26, an increase of 22% from the previous year.
The revenue collection for 2026-27 is estimated at $455.1 billion, representing a 0.7% year-on-year decrease.
Mediation week launched
Source: Hong Kong Information Services
The Department of Justice today launched Mediation Week 2026 under the theme “Mediate First: An Attempt of Mediation Harvests Abundant Harmony”, beginning with a school mediation seminar.
The five-day programme, aims to promote mediation as an amicable way to resolve conflicts and foster a more harmonious community. Seminars throughout the week will cover disputes related to schools, sports, the elderly and neighbourhoods.
Addressing the kick-off event, Secretary for Justice Paul Lam said young people are the future and that the Government is committed to embedding a mediation culture within schools.
Mr Lam noted that this year’s Mediation Week aims to promote the values of diversified solutions and harmonious relationships, and he encouraged students to use mediation skills to achieve win-win solutions in a peaceful and rational manner.
The opening seminar, titled “Capital of Mediation: You are the Future”, featured a session where peer-trained students demonstrated how mediation builds communication skills and empowers them to address disputes collaboratively.
A second session highlighted winners of the Mediation Essay Competition 2026. This year, the competition expanded for the first time to include students from across the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.
Five-day Mediation Week 2026 launched today
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Five-day Mediation Week 2026 launched today
The opening of Mediation Week was marked by a School Mediation Seminar with the theme “Capital of Mediation: You are the Future” this morning. In the first session, students trained in peer mediation showcased how mediation builds communication skills and fosters peaceful resolutions, discovering the benefits of peer mediation in creating a harmonious school environment and empowering students to address disputes collaboratively. The second session featured winners from different divisions of the Mediation Essay Competition 2026 sharing their views on mediation, followed by a prize presentation ceremony. This year, for the very first time, the Competition extended beyond Hong Kong, reaching out to students in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area to share their stories and thinking about mediation.
The Secretary for Justice, Mr Paul Lam, SC, in his closing remarks at the event, encouraged students to flexibly make use of mediation skills and attain win-win solutions in a peaceful and rational manner. He said that young people are the future and hope of society, and that the DoJ is committed to embedding a mediation culture in their hearts. Kicking off with the School Mediation Seminar, this year’s Mediation Week aims to promote, starting from schools, the values of diversified solutions and harmonious relationships, Mr Lam added.
With the support of the DoJ and the Hong Kong International Legal Talents Training Academy as the key sponsors, the Global Mediation Summit, organised by the International Organization for Mediation, will be held as the finale on Friday (May 8) at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. The summit will bring together leading mediation experts, policymakers and industry leaders from around the world to explore frontier topics such as cross-cultural international mediation, financial and investment dispute mediation, and the development of a global mediation ecosystem, thereby building Hong Kong into a “global capital of mediation”.
Fully supported by dispute resolution services organisations, government departments and other relevant organisations, Mediation Week 2026 will also feature the following events this week:
May 5
*Sports Mediation Seminar
May 6
*Elder Mediation Seminar – Conflict to Care: The Role of Mediation in Elder Disputes
May 7
*Building a Leak-Free Future
For more details of Mediation Week 2026, please visit its dedicated websiteIssued at HKT 16:35
NNNN
Appointment of Director of Information Services announced
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
The Government announced today (May 4) that Mr John Tse Chun-chung will take up the appointment as Director of Information Services on May 5, 2026, following an open-cum-in-service recruitment exercise.
Commenting on the appointment of Mr Tse, the Secretary for the Civil Service, Mrs Ingrid Yeung, said, “Mr Tse has extensive experience in public administration, is highly skilled in handling media and public relations, and possesses outstanding leadership and management capabilities. I am confident that under his leadership, the Information Services Department will strive to promote public understanding of government policies and positions, and tell the world about the good stories of Hong Kong.”
Mr Tse joined the Government in 1999 and served in various positions both at frontline department and policy bureau. He was seconded to the Chief Executive’s Office under civil service appointment terms to serve as the Communications Secretary in August 2022, and has been serving as Information Co-ordinator since June 2024. In February 2026, the Home and Youth Affairs Bureau conducted a selection process, including an open-cum-in-service recruitment exercise, for the post of Director of Information Services. Following the selection process, Mr Tse has been identified as the most suitable candidate. The Government appointed Mr Tse as the Director of Information Services under the civil service appointment terms, effective on May 5.
Speech by PSITI at opening ceremony of Asia-Pacific Regional International Astronomical Union Meeting 2026 (English only)
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
Following is the speech by the Permanent Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Mr Kevin Choi, at the opening ceremony of the Asia-Pacific Regional International Astronomical Union (IAU) Meeting 2026 today (May 4):
Distinguished guests, esteemed scientists and astronomers, ladies and gentlemen,
Good morning. It is a distinct honour to join you today for the opening ceremony of the Asia-Pacific Regional International Astronomical Union Meeting. To our friends who have travelled from across the region and around the globe, a very warm welcome to Hong Kong. And to local scientists and astronomers, I am sure that you are as thrilled as I am to join this star-studded conference here.
When people speak of Hong Kong, they often envision our iconic skyline, our bustling Victoria Harbour, and our status as a premier hub for finance and trade. But today, I have to invite you to look beyond our skyscrapers – all the way to the stars. Hong Kong is not just a spectator in the cosmos. We are determined, well equipped and well positioned to carving out a unique niche in space technology.
Our nation China has set a visionary strategic direction, and it is accelerating the journey towards becoming a global aerospace powerhouse. Under the unique “one country, two systems” principle, Hong Kong stands as the only city in the world that seamlessly integrates the “China advantage” with a distinct “global advantage”. In fact, the National 15th Five-Year Plan shows unwavering support for Hong Kong’s development into an international innovation and technology (I&T) centre. This makes us the ideal host for this prestigious IAU gathering, among other prominent international scientific conferences.
Our confidence to be the international I&T centre, alongside aerospace developer, is rooted in a bedrock of world-class excellence. Hong Kong is home to five universities ranked among the world’s top 100, creating an open and vibrant research ecosystem. The Government is steadfast in its commitment to supporting our scientists in participating in national space mission projects, leveraging our strengths in basic research to solve the mysteries of the universe.
In terms of concrete investment, our Innovation and Technology Support Programme supported by the Innovation and Technology Commission, has launched the Special Call on Aerospace Technology, allocating over $100 million to support six flagship R&D (research and development) projects. This includes pioneering work led by our hosts today, the University of Hong Kong (HKU). We will continue to work hand-in-hand with the academic sector to foster a sustainable and thriving aerospace research environment.
We are also proud of the Hong Kong Space Robotics and Energy Centre (HKSREC), established under the InnoHK research clusters. In collaboration with local universities including HKU and other esteemed partners, the HKSREC is currently developing a multifunctional lunar surface operation robot. This is not a mere academic exercise; this technology will be directly applied to the Chang’e-8 (嫦娥八號) lunar exploration programme, enabling scientific exploration, instrument deployment, and collaborative operations in the moon’s challenging environment. Imagine Hong Kong is now on the moon’s surface.
Building on this momentum, I am also pleased to share that the newly established SEAM@InnoHK – our third InnoHK research cluster focusing on sustainable development, energy, advanced manufacturing and materials – has admitted eight cutting-edge R&D laboratories. Among them there is the Centre for Space Manufacturing Technology, which will further strengthen Hong Kong’s role in advancing aerospace innovation and contribute to the long-term vision of sustainable space exploration, which is one of the key topics of this conference too.
Equally exciting is the participation of an HKU research team in the country’s Tianwen-3 (天問三號) planetary mission. The Short-Wavelength Infrared Spectrometer, developed right here at HKU, has been officially selected as a payload for the mission. This instrument will be vital for forecasting Martian dust storms and searching for biosignatures. These achievements underscore the Hong Kong Government’s strategic initiative to cultivate a local aerospace industry by leveraging our special, unique geographical and institutional advantages.
Ladies and gentlemen, Hong Kong may be small in landmass, but our scientific ambition is boundless. With robust government backing, world-class talent, and deep cross-boundary synergy, we are not just witnessing the nation’s and the world’s space journey – we are helping to engineer its future.
Lastly, may I wish the IAU Asia-Pacific Meeting every success and hope you all have a rewarding exchange of ideas over these few days.
Thank you very much.