Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

  ​   Hong Kong Customs will set up a service counter at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC) for the JGW September (Jewellery & Gem World Hong Kong September), from tomorrow (September 16) for five consecutive days to publicise the Dealers in Precious Metals and Stones Regulatory Regime (the Regime). Customs officers will provide on-site services to assist non-Hong Kong dealers in submitting cash transaction reports during their participation in the exhibition.

     According to the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorist Financing Ordinance (Cap. 615), unless exempted, any person who is seeking to carry on a business of dealing in precious metals and stones and engage in any transaction(s) (whether making or receiving a payment) with a total value at or above HK$120,000 in Hong Kong is required to register with Hong Kong Customs and fulfil his/her anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing statutory obligations as appropriate. All dealers in precious metals and stones must successfully obtain a relevant registration before they can carry out any cash or non-cash transaction(s) with a total value at or above HK$120,000.

     For non-Hong Kong dealers fulfilling the prescribed conditions (including those who come to Hong Kong to participate in exhibitions), although they are exempt from registration, they are required to submit to Hong Kong Customs a cash transaction report for any cash transaction(s) (whether making or receiving a payment) with a total value at or above HK$120,000 carried out in Hong Kong within one day after the transaction, or before the dealer or the person acting on behalf of the dealer leaves Hong Kong, whichever is earlier.

     Non-Hong Kong dealers can make an online submission of a cash transaction report via the Regime’s webpage at www.drs.customs.gov.hk by accessing the Dealers in Precious Metals and Stones Registration System. For details, please refer to relevant procedures.
 
     Non-Hong Kong dealers can also download the related form and then submit the report in person at the Hong Kong Customs’ counter in the exhibition. 

     The Hong Kong Customs’ counter (No. 1M015) is located at HKCEC Hall 1 Concourse and will be open from 10am to 6pm between September 16 and September 19 and from 10am to 5pm on September 20.

     Dealers can visit the relevant website for more information about the Regime.

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

MOFA response to erroneous article by Solomon Islands media outlet claiming Taiwan uses financial assistance to secure diplomatic ties

September 2, 2026  

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs strongly condemns a malicious report published on September 1 by Solomon Islands media outlet Solomon Star. The report clearly deviated from the facts, erroneously stating that Taiwan used financial assistance to secure diplomatic recognition.
 
First, numerous statements in the report, including the claim that Taiwan offers cash gifts to prominent political figures in Palau, are completely untrue. Furthermore, Taiwan’s cooperation initiatives with Palau and other diplomatic allies, including Palau’s use of funding provided by Taiwan, focus on meeting local needs and uphold the administrative procedures of both parties. In such instances, Taiwan follows the same principles used by other like-minded countries in collaborative projects in the Pacific region.
 
By offering financial assistance to support the national development of diplomatic allies, Taiwan seeks to not only strengthen ties with its partners but also fulfill its obligations as a responsible member of the international community. Taiwan’s related policies emphasize investment in allied countries and encourage domestic manufacturers and enterprises to participate. Over the years, these efforts have yielded tangible results in such areas as clean energy, health care, and infrastructure for Taiwan’s allies.
 
Previously, foreign media have reported that certain Solomon Islands media outlets were receiving funding from China, casting doubt on the independence and impartiality of those outlets. It is regrettable that this most recent misleading article by Solomon Star reinforces such concerns and falls short of journalistic independence, fairness, and professionalism.
 
Taiwan has always upheld the spirit of the Pacific Way when interacting with nations in the region. Through the integrated diplomacy policy promoted by Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung and the Diplomatic Allies Prosperity Project, Taiwan engages in exchanges and cooperation with its allies, other friendly countries in the region, and the Pacific Islands Forum. 
 
As a responsible member of the Pacific family and a force for good, Taiwan has long contributed to regional peace and prosperity initiatives, with its efforts receiving wide recognition. In the future, Taiwan will continue to uphold shared ideals and move forward hand in hand with other nations in the Pacific.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

​Government Career Fairs are being held in succession at 10 local universities from this week until early October, with serving officers from various grades of the Government introducing the work of the civil service to students and answering their questions on job applications. The Secretary for the Civil Service, Mrs Ingrid Yeung, today (September 15) encouraged university students who aspire to join the Government to learn more about the work of different government departments and the range of career development opportunities on offer for young people.

Mrs Yeung, together with the Vice-President (Community Engagement) of City University of Hong Kong (CityU), Professor Chan Chi-hou, presided over the opening ceremony of the Government Career Fair at CityU, toured the exhibition booths of the departments, and took the opportunity to chat with students about their career aspirations. Many students visited the recruitment booths during their break or at lunchtime to learn about job requirements, attend career talks or take on-site written tests.

Speaking to students, Mrs Yeung said that the Government’s annual joint recruitment exercise is open to both Year Four and Year Three students of four-year undergraduate degree programmes. She encouraged students who commit to serve the community, unleash their potential and ambitions, and embrace challenges to first understand their own aspirations and interests, equip themselves and prepare early for their applications. She shared with students practical tips, such as keeping abreast of government policies, particularly the announcement of Hong Kong’s First Five-Year Plan and the subsequent Policy Address by the Chief Executive tomorrow (September 16), to understand the economic and social developments over the next five years, and the forward-looking, strategic and directional development blueprint.

Since 2023, the Civil Service Bureau (CSB) has been co-ordinating with various bureaux and departments in organising Government Career Fairs at local universities. Today’s career fair at CityU attracted the participation of around 30 bureaux and departments, showcasing around 60 grades, including Administrative Officer (AO), Executive Officer (EO), Labour Officer, Engineering Graduate, Chemist, Health Inspector, Transport Officer (TO), Statistician, Town Planner, Survey Officer, Valuation Officer, Analyst/Programmer, education-related grades, as well as various disciplined services grades.

This year’s joint recruitment exercise for six graduate grades, namely AO, EO II, Assistant Information Officer (General), Assistant Trade Officer II, Management Services Officer II and TO II, has commenced, and the application period will close on October 2. Prospective applicants must attain the requisite results in the relevant papers in the Common Recruitment Examination and the Basic Law and National Security Law Test. Recruitment for other grades will also get under way in due course. For details, please refer to the CSB website (www.csb.gov.hk/english/recruit/7.html).

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

Computerised random-ordering ballot drawing for the Special Sales Exercise (SSE) for Wang Fuk Court (WFC) Owners was conducted today (September 15) to determine the sequence of the last two digits of the application numbers held by the applicants and their order of priority for flat selection.
 
Flat selection priority based on computerised random-ordering ballot drawing results
 
     “The flat selection priority under the SSE was determined in batches according to the date on which the duly signed ‘Letter of Acceptance’ from the owners was returned to the Government. The deadline for the first batch was June 30, and the deadline for the second batch was August 31. The flat selection priority for applicants within the same batch would be further determined by their sequence as drawn in the computerised random-ordering ballot today. The Housing Bureau has conducted separate computerised random-ordering ballots for the two batches of applicants to determine the sequence of the last two digits of the application numbers held by the applicants. Based on the ballot results, the Housing Bureau has randomly generated the order of all applicants with the same last two digits by computer,” a Government spokesman said.
 
Same-day online announcement of ballot results
 
The ballot results and the order of priority based on the computerised random-ordering ballot drawing for the two batches of applicants under the SSE have been uploaded to the designated website of SSE (www.housingauthority.gov.hk/ssewfc) and displayed at the office of the Green Form Subsidised Home Ownership Scheme Sales Unit of the Hong Kong Housing Authority (HA) in Kwun Tong. Applicants may contact their designated Engagement Team member or call the enquiry hotline for Wang Fuk Court long-term housing arrangement plan at 2129 8133 for enquiries of the results.
 
Flat selection to commence from late September with notification letters to owners
 
     “Flat selection for the SSE is expected to commence in late September this year. The Housing Bureau will, in accordance with the order of priority, issue letters in batches to notify applicants of the priority order and invite eligible applicants to attend flat selection sessions at the office of the Green Form Subsidised Home Ownership Scheme Sales Unit in Kwun Tong within specified date and time slots,” the spokesman said.
 
Supply of over 4 400 flats in 10 projects with diverse choices
 
The Government has reserved over 4 400 flats in a total of 10 development projects of the HA and the Hong Kong Housing Society (HKHS) for owners who have sold their titles of WFC flats to the Government to purchase or to participate in the “Flat-for-Flat” arrangement. The 10 development projects are located in Kowloon Bay, Kai Tak, Kam Tin, Tseung Kwan O, Ping Shan, Tung Chung, Tai Po, Fanling and Kwun Tong with saleable areas ranging from about 26.0 square metres to about 52.0 sq m (about 280 square feet to about 560 sq ft) with larger flats (saleable area of ​​37 sq m or 400 sq ft) or above accounting for over 60 per cent (i.e. a total of about 2 800 flats), which has far exceeded the total number of 1 984 flats in WFC. Other flat types can also cater for the needs of different owners, providing a diverse range of choices. As the number of flats reserved greatly exceeds the number of WFC owners participating in the SSE, owners have ample choice of flats regardless of their order of priority in flat selection.
 
Continue taking forward long-term housing arrangement plan
 
     The Government announced the long-term housing arrangement plan for Wang Fuk Court on February 21 and further announced the follow-up arrangements for Wang Chi House on April 28 and June 26 respectively. The Government confirmed that it would continue to take forward the acquisition work of Wang Chi House on September 3. Upon expiry of the deadline for WFC owners to accept the Government’s acquisition on August 31, a total of 1 971 owners (99.3 per cent) from the eight buildings from Blocks A to H of WFC have signed and returned the “Letter of Acceptance” to confirm their intention to sell their titles to the Government. Among them, about 1 700 owners opted to participate in the SSE. Up to September 14, the Government has signed the Agreement for Sale and Purchase with 1 702 households (about 85.8 per cent) of the eight buildings from Block A to H of WFC.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

​The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) today (September 15) signed a contract with the Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups for the Pilot Project on Urban Farming at Laguna Park.
 
An AFCD spokesman said, “Following the successful implementation of the first Pilot Project on Urban Farming in Ma On Shan, the first modernised urban farm pilot project in Kowloon will be rolled out at Laguna Park in Kwun Tong. The project fully aligns with the Government’s Blueprint for the Sustainable Development of Agriculture and Fisheries by integrating modern agricultural production into urban spaces. It will provide the public with locally produced, safe and reduced-carbon high-quality fresh produce, as well as modernised farming experiences, thereby enhancing the quality of urban life.”
 
Under the project, a modernised indoor crop farm with a land area of around 500 square metres will be set up in the park. It is scheduled to commence operation in 2027. The farm will adopt advanced, clean indoor soilless hydroponic technology to produce high-quality vegetables, including salad greens, local leafy vegetables, tomatoes and cucumbers. In addition to daily production, the farm will offer a diverse range of activities, such as guided farm tours, agri-tech workshops, modernised farming experiential activities and creative bazaars. Adjacent to the Cha Kwo Ling Promenade, the farm is nestled between large-scale residential estates and commercial districts in Kwun Tong. This prime location allows urban farming to truly thrive, integrating into the community and fostering a unique connection with citizens.
 
The launch of the Pilot Project on Urban Farming at Laguna Park marks a new step in the development of modernised urban farming in Hong Kong. The Government will continue to identify suitable parks and government facilities to set up urban farms. The Tin Shui Wai Public Market, which is under construction and slated for completion in 2027, will be the first to introduce a modernised hydroponic farm-cum-stall.
 
The Government will continue to promote urban farming through a multipronged approach, integrating agriculture into urban life and fostering the harmonious development of the city and agriculture.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     Following is the speech by the Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, at the Association of the Electricity Supply Industry of East Asia and the Western Pacific (AESIEAP) CEO Conference 2026 today (September 15):

Joseph (President of AESIEAP and Managing Director of CLP Power Hong Kong Limited, Mr Joseph Law), TK (Executive Director of CLP Holdings Limited, Mr Chiang Tung-keung), CEOs and representatives of power industries in Asia and the Pacific, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,     
     This meeting brings together energy leaders from across Asia and the Western Pacific to share insights, strengthen partnerships and help shape the future of the power industry. It is an opportunity to learn from one another – and turn shared ambitions into practical progress.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

With the 20th Asian Games to be held from September 19 to October 4 this year, the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) will set up the “Asian Games Focal Site” at designated sports centres across the 18 districts to broadcast Asian Games competitions. Members of the public are welcome to watch the competitions at the focal sites, cheer for the athletes of the country and Hong Kong, China. The focal sites will open on September 19 from 5pm to 8pm and thereafter daily from 8am to 9pm up to October 4. Details are available on the dedicated website (www.lcsd.gov.hk/en/agfs/index.html). Any adjustments to the opening hours of the focal sites will be announced on the dedicated website.

On September 19 (2 pm), the Asian Games opening day, the LCSD will hold the “Sports Fun For All cum Asian Games Focal Site Launching Ceremony” at Hong Kong Park Sports Centre to commence the Asian Games Focal Sites as well as the “Sports Fun For All” sports days. The “Sports Fun For All” sports days will be held from September to December at the LCSD’s six designated sports centres. With volleyball as the focus, the sports day on September 19 will feature “three major ball games”, covering volleyball, football and basketball skill demonstrations, sharing sessions by renowned athletes Sun Yue, Sze Hang-yu, and Lee Ho-ching. Other appeals include fitness exercises performances, elite friendly matches, fitness activities, DIY workshops, and interactive games. Members of the public are welcome to join the ceremony and sports day. For details, please visit the dedicated website (www.lcsd.gov.hk/en/tsd/2026/index.html).