Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

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).

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Action Committee Against Narcotics (ACAN) convened a meeting chaired by the Chairman of ACAN, Dr Donald Li, today (September 15). Members noted the figures of the Central Registry of Drug Abuse (CRDA) and other drug-related figures for the first half of 2026 at the meeting. ACAN noticed that the total number of reported drug abusers in the first half of 2026 was lower than that of 2025.
 
     Figures from the CRDA revealed that the total number of reported drug abusers in the first half of 2026 decreased by 9 per cent (from 2 955 to 2 688) when compared with that of 2025. The most common reported type of drug abused in the first half of 2026 was heroin, followed by methamphetamine (commonly known as “Ice”) and cocaine.
 
     The number of reported young drug abusers aged under 21 in the first half of 2026 decreased from 458 to 404 when compared with that of 2026. In this age group, etomidate continues to be the most common type of drugs abused, followed by cannabis and cocaine.
 
     Dr Li, said, “Prevention programmes for communities, schools and families can ensure that the younger generation grow up healthy and remain free from the influence of drugs throughout their lives. ACAN supports the Government’s latest strategy to advance preventive education and reach out to children on anti-drug awareness. ACAN will closely monitor the situation in the remaining quarters of 2026 and continue its anti-drug efforts.”
 
     A spokesperson for the Narcotics Division (ND) of the Security Bureau said, “The ND has launched a range of community engagement activities targeting kindergarten and primary school students as well as young parents starting this year. Unlike a conventional deterrence approach that explains the severe consequence of abusing dangerous drugs, the relevant community engagement activities help children learn anti-drug knowledge in a relaxed and fun atmosphere.
 
     “In the lead-up to World Drug Day on June 26, the ND organised a two-day pop-up anti-drug game booth on June 26 and 27 at a shopping mall in San Po Kong to promote anti-drug knowledge and the importance of developing healthy lifestyle habits to the public through simple games, attracting nearly 3 000 participants. In addition, the ND publicised a rehabilitee couple interview video ‘Making it through to a new life: Walking the Road to Recovery Together’ on World Drug Day, generating a viewership of over 512 000 across different social media platforms. A 30-minute TV infotainment programme ‘Listen to Me: Let’s Stand Firm. Knock Drugs Out!’ was also aired on June 27, focusing on the Government’s targeted efforts to combat etomidate. The infotainment successfully reached a viewership of nearly 1 million.
 
     “As for the thematic booth called ‘Anti-drug Ambassadors Express’ set up during the Hong Kong Book Fair this July, it attracted nearly 17 000 visitors. Led by the anti-drug ambassadors Agent Don’t and Agent Hope, the booth invited families to complete a series of interactive anti-drug missions – including a ‘Drug-taking Facial Filter’ which simulates the physical toll of drug abuse, and edutainment games. The public response has been enthusiastic, fully demonstrating that parent-child interactive games are effective in nurturing positive values and establishing a drug-free lifestyle for children from an early age.”
 
     According to statistical figures from law enforcement agencies, the number of persons arrested for drug offences in the first half of 2026 decreased by 10 per cent (from 1 938 to 1 749) when compared with that of 2025. The number of young arrestees aged under 21 also decreased by 3 per cent (from 307 to 298). Etomidate, cocaine and cannabis were the main drugs involved in these arrests.
 
     According to court cases concluded in the same period, the conviction rate of persons being prosecuted for drug offences was as high as 87 per cent. As for young offenders aged under 21 who were sentenced to imprisonment for drug trafficking, more than half of them were sentenced to over five years in prison, with the longest imprisonment being 28 years.
 
     The statistical figures of the CRDA for the first half of 2026 are available on the website of the ND (www.nd.gov.hk/en/crda_main_charts_and_tables.html). The ND’s website (www.nd.gov.hk) contains detailed information about drugs, including frequently asked questions about etomidate, cocaine and cannabis, for the public’s reference. The public can also visit the ND’s social media accounts (narcotics.divisionhk) on Facebook and Instagram for more information.
 
     If members of the public encounter any drug problems, they can send messages to 98 186 186 on instant messaging applications WhatsApp and WeChat, or call the 24-hour hotline 186 186 to seek information or assistance from professional social workers. The Police also operates a 24-hour etomidate reporting hotline (number: 6629 2966). Members of the public can also file reports via instant messaging applications WhatsApp (number: 6629 2966) or WeChat (account: eto-report).

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     Following is the speech by the Secretary for the Civil Service, Mrs Ingrid Yeung, at the opening ceremony of the Government Career Fair 2026 at City University of Hong Kong (CityU) today (September 15):
 
Professor Chan (Vice-President (Community Engagement) of CityU, Professor Chan Chi-hou), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
 
     Good morning. It is always a pleasure to come to the lively campus of CityU. May I first express my warmest congratulations to CityU for its stellar accomplishment in advancing to the ranking of 52nd in the latest 2027 QS (Quacquarelli Symonds) World University Rankings. To make it to the top tier of global universities is no mean achievement. Well done CityU and all of you students and staff. Together you have made it and should rightfully be proud of yourself.
 
     With the excellent nurturing of the university, those of you who are nearing the completion of your academic studies may be wondering what path you can turn into. Graduation is truly one of the most critical turning points in one’s life. It is not just about finding a job. It is the beginning of a journey to discover a vocation – a mission that resonates with your ambition and values.
 
     The civil service is the backbone of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government. Every major policy that drives our city’s economic vitality, every infrastructure project that connects our communities, and every public service that improves daily life is planned and executed by our dedicated civil servants. Whether it is accelerating smart city innovation, advancing green technology, revitalising our tourism landscape, or expanding education opportunities, civil servants are at the direct helm of positive change. When you work for the Government, your daily work directly contributes to the long-term well-being of your fellow citizens and to the prosperity of Hong Kong.
 
     Having devoted decades to public service, I can share with you candidly that I have never regretted this decision, not for a second. A civil service career is unlike any other. While it enables a decent standard of living, the true reward comes from knowing that your daily work could bring tangible improvements to the lives of our citizens and direct positive changes in society.
 
     Every time I meet with university students, I am deeply impressed by their passion, creativity and drive – the very qualities that are vital to the advancement and continued development of Hong Kong. It is precisely for this reason that we spare no effort in attracting aspiring young people to join the civil service. To provide the younger generation with more opportunities and earlier career clarity, we started to recruit penultimate year university students since 2023. By making a conditional offer to outstanding students in their penultimate year of study, we provide a guarantee of a rewarding career in the civil service after graduation and a clear path of career advancement.
 
     Furthermore, joining the Government opens doors to extensive leadership development. We invest heavily in our workforce through continuous training at the Civil Service College, national studies programmes, and mid-career back-to-campus learning opportunities. We also field outstanding young officers to join exchange programmes with Mainland cities to broaden their horizon, and offer numerous opportunities for them to gain international exposure through overseas postings to Hong Kong’s overseas economic and trade offices, and secondment to international organisations as well. You will also have noticed from the media that we send young civil servants to participate in the United Nations Junior Professional Officer Programme at the recommendation of the Central People’s Government’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Just last week we announced that a third batch of 16 young civil servants would depart Hong Kong for United Nations organisations around the world in the coming few months. This experience of becoming an international civil servant is unique and is not available to any other person outside the Government.
 
     Today, we have gathered representatives from more than 30 government departments and over 50 civil service grades in this career fair. I encourage you to take full advantage of this opportunity to visit our exhibition booths, interact with our serving officers, ask questions, attend career talks, and explore how you can unleash your potential in the civil service.
 
     We have also just launched the Joint Recruitment Exercise for six civil service grades, namely Administrative Officer, Executive Officer, Information Officer, Trade Officer, Management Services Officer, and Transport Officer, and we look forward to receiving your applications. Here is your chance to embark on a career journey with us where you can gain rich professional exposure, achieve lasting personal fulfillment, and directly impact the future of our city.
 
     Before I close, I have to extend my heartfelt gratitude to Professor Chan and his team for their unwavering support in making this event possible. Thank you, and congratulations again for your great academic achievements and I wish you continued success in the years to come.
 
     I wish you all a fruitful day ahead as you take these key steps toward unlocking a career you love – one marked by continuous growth, impactful service, and lasting fulfillment. Thank you.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

Attention TV/radio announcers:

Please broadcast the following as soon as possible:

     Here is an item of interest to swimmers.

     The Leisure and Cultural Services Department announced today (September 15) that the Environmental Protection Department has classified the water quality at Trio Beach in Sai Kung District as Grade 4, which means that the beach is not suitable for swimming. The red flag has been hoisted. Beachgoers are advised not to swim at the beach until further notice.

Source: Government of Singapore