Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
Following is the speech by the Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Professor Sun Dong, at “Session 3: Supporting Digital Inclusion and Digital Skills Improvement” of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Digital and AI Ministerial Meeting in Chengdu today (July 23):
Chair (APEC Digital and AI Ministerial Meeting Chair, Minister of Industry and Information Technology, Mr Li Lecheng), and distinguished fellow colleagues,
Good afternoon. It is my pleasure to share Hong Kong, China (HKC)’s efforts in digital inclusion and digital skills improvement.
HKC implements a comprehensive range of digital inclusion measures, including outreach activities, mobile digital service stations and a web-based learning portal to equip citizens with the knowledge and confidence to navigate the digital world safely and effectively. In particular, we set up community digital support stations under the “Smart Silver” Digital Inclusion Programme to provide technical support and basic digital training for the elderly and other people in need. For seniors with foundational skills, the Enriched Information and Communications Technology Training Programme for the Elderly offers free advanced courses.
The Government of HKC further promotes the widespread adoption of AI and training through the “AI for All” initiative, aiming to foster the broad application of AI across society. We have engaged three public organisations to organise, in collaboration with technology companies and tertiary institutions, a wide array of courses, competitions, and activities tailored to different target groups.
Specifically, participating organisations will design activities for the vulnerable groups, including the elderly, persons with disabilities, ethnic minorities and low-income families, with multilingual support and community outreach training as necessary. They will also collaborate with schools to help students with special educational needs adopt AI through gamified learning.
We are also empowering our broader workforce through digital transformation. Our citizens can access I&T training through multiple channels. For example, our Employees Retraining Board will be upgraded as Upskill Hong Kong, offering a wide range of skill-based courses, including AI applications.
Within the Government, we are strengthening digital capability to enhance public service delivery. Regular briefings, thematic seminars and training are organised to enhance the core digital skills of senior management, who are instrumental in leading public service innovation. Guided by the AI Efficacy Enhancement Team, we collaborate with industry experts to expand AI adoption, provide technical support and strategic advisory services, as well as upskill government tech talents to build a digital-ready and well-prepared team for ongoing digital transformation and technological innovation.
While we develop the workforce of today, we are mindful of the need to nurture responsible digital citizens of tomorrow. Last month, HKC launched the Blueprint for Digital Education Development in Primary and Secondary Schools. It sets out clear guidance and implementation strategies for promoting digital transformation of education in schools, with a view to enhancing students’ digital literacy and equipping the younger generation to leverage the opportunities and rise to the challenges of the digital era.
Digital inclusion and digital skills improvement are not final destinations but an ongoing journey. HKC stands ready to share our experience and learn from our partners across the APEC community. Working together, I am sure we will build a human-centric and inclusive digital society. Thank you.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Speech by SITI at “Session 1: Enhancing Digital and AI Technologies for Development” of Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Digital and AI Ministerial Meeting in Chengdu (English only) Chair (APEC Digital and AI Ministerial Meeting Chair, Minister of Industry and Information Technology, Mr Li Lecheng) and distinguished fellow colleagues,
Good morning. On behalf of Hong Kong, China (HKC), it is my great pleasure to participate in the APEC Digital and AI Ministerial Meeting in Chengdu, with our motherland as the host of APEC 2026.
Nowadays, digital and AI technologies underpin economic resilience, social inclusion and sustainable development. Guided by the Hong Kong Innovation and Technology (I&T) Development Blueprint, HKC has been making continuous efforts to harness the immense opportunities brought by technological advancement. We have identified AI as a core industry and are advancing the “AI+” initiative for high-quality development for both HKC and China.
Quality world-class research and development (R&D) is fundamental to impactful innovation. HKC is home to five of the world’s top 100 universities. Building on this strength, we have developed an I&T ecosystem anchored by three major I&T parks and five key R&D institutions. Together, they form a full pipeline, from upstream research, to midstream technology transfer, to downstream industrial application, creating a robust and internationally competitive landscape.
Our flagship R&D initiative, InnoHK, embodies our ambition to build a global innovation powerhouse. With more than 30 laboratories in AI robotics and health technologies, we have forged collaborations with over 30 world-renowned universities and research institutes from 12 economies, pooling together around 3 000 international research talents. Through these research clusters, HKC stands ready to work with global partners to advance R&D excellence and delivering breakthroughs that benefit the region and the world.
Ensuring that R&D achievements deliver real-world impact is equally important. HKC has put in place substantial policy and financial support, including three HK$10 billion initiatives. We launched the Research, Academic and Industry Sectors One-plus Scheme to accelerate commercialisation of university R&D outcomes, and the New Industrialisation Acceleration Scheme to support enterprises in setting up new smart production facilities. To dovetail with China’s strategy of developing patient capital, we will soon launch a fund-of-funds called the I&T Industry-Oriented Fund to encourage market capital to invest in strategic industries such as AI, robotics and digitalisation.
Recognising that small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are the backbone of our economy, we launched the Digital Transformation Support Pilot Programme to subsidise SMEs in adopting ready-to-use digital solutions. Building on this success, we plan to launch an enhanced version focusing on ready-to-use AI and cybersecurity solutions, enabling SMEs to upgrade, transform, and strengthen competitiveness in the digital era.
HKC is also promoting AI empowerment across sectors. At the strategic level, we established the Committee on AI+ and Industry Development Strategy to steer AI-driven industrial transformation, with an initial focus on embodied AI. The Government has also set up a dedicated AI Efficacy Enhancement Team to co-ordinate intergovernmental efforts in AI adoption and re-engineering processes. By the end of this year, we will roll out AI tools covering 100 public administration procedures, expanding to no less than 200 by end-2027.
As we navigate this transformative era, HKC is fully committed to promoting global synergies and working hand in hand with all members. Through concerted efforts with our APEC colleagues, we look forward to promoting advances in digital and AI technologies and their sustainable development across the Asia???Pacific community. Thank you. Issued at HKT 11:25
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Results of 1-year RMB HKSAR Institutional Government Bonds tender through re-opening A total of RMB0.75 billion 1-year Government Bonds were offered today. A total of RMB6.628 billion tender applications were received. The bid-to-cover ratio, i.e. the ratio of bonds applied for to bonds issued, is 8.84. The average price accepted is 100.34, implying an annualised yield of 1.286 per cent.
HKSAR Institutional Government Bonds Tender Results
Tender results of 1-year RMB HKSAR Institutional Government Bonds:
Tender Date*Calculated as the amount of bonds applied for over the amount of bonds issued.
Note: The yields stated above are annualised yields. For reference, the semi-annualised yields corresponding to the average price accepted, lowest price accepted, and average tender price are 1.282 per cent, 1.284 per cent, and 1.382 per cent respectively. Issued at HKT 19:00
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Results of 10-year RMB HKSAR Institutional Government Bonds tender through re-opening A total of RMB1.25 billion 10-year Government Bonds were offered today. A total of RMB10.810 billion tender applications were received. The bid-to-cover ratio, i.e. the ratio of bonds applied for to bonds issued, is 8.65. The average price accepted is 104.42, implying an annualised yield of 1.754 per cent.
HKSAR Institutional Government Bonds Tender Results
Tender results of 10-year RMB HKSAR Institutional Government Bonds:*Calculated as the amount of bonds applied for over the amount of bonds issued.
Note: The yields stated above are annualised yields. For reference, the semi-annualised yields corresponding to the average price accepted, lowest price accepted, and average tender price are 1.746 per cent, 1.780 per cent, and 1.859 per cent respectively.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Results of 3-year RMB HKSAR Institutional Government Bonds tender through re-opening A total of RMB1.0 billion 3-year Government Bonds were offered today. A total of RMB7.520 billion tender applications were received. The bid-to-cover ratio, i.e. the ratio of bonds applied for to bonds issued, is 7.52. The average price accepted is 103.02, implying an annualised yield of 1.454 per cent.
HKSAR Institutional Government Bonds Tender Results
Tender results of 3-year RMB HKSAR Institutional Government Bonds:
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
The Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, Miss Alice Mak, attended the closing ceremony of the Youth Internship Programme at Hunan on Media Industry (the Programme) under the HYAB (Home and Youth Affairs Bureau) Thematic Youth Internship Programmes to the Mainland in Hunan today (July 23). She encouraged the Hong Kong youth interns to gain an in-depth understanding of the Mainland’s media landscape, industry operations and development trends through the Programme.
Miss Mak arrived in Hunan yesterday (July 22) and immediately commenced her visit programme by calling on Deputy Director of the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the Hunan Provincial People’s Government Ms Guo Xiangli. Miss Mak introduced the latest work and future plans of the HYAB, covering areas including youth development, district governance and women’s affairs, and exchanged work experience with Ms Guo.
This morning, Miss Mak visited the headquarters of the audio-visual platform under Hunan Broadcasting System and toured its facilities with the Hong Kong youth participating in the Programme. To promote Hong Kong young people’s understanding of the country and support their integration into and service for the overall national development, the HYAB collaborates with relevant Mainland institutions to provide diverse, distinctive and in-depth thematic internship opportunities every year under the HYAB Thematic Youth Internship Programmes to the Mainland. The Chief Executive announced in the 2025 Policy Address that a new media thematic internship programme on the Mainland, the Youth Internship Programme at Hunan on Media Industry, will be launched as part of the Young Talent Training Programme. Co-organised by the HYAB and Hunan Satellite TV, the Programme provides post-secondary students studying communication-related disciplines with internship opportunities at a large-scale Mainland media organisation.
Speaking at the closing ceremony, Miss Mak said that the Programme provides opportunities for Hong Kong youth to work alongside professional programme production teams and gain hands-on experience in various areas such as programme planning, scriptwriting and post-production. Through this experience, they can gain an in-depth understanding of the Mainland’s media landscape, industry operations and development trends, equipping them to become important bridges for connecting society, transmitting values, and telling good stories in the future. Miss Mak was pleased to learn that the 16 student interns had worked hard and given their full effort in the challenging internship environment. She encouraged them to apply the knowledge they have learnt upon returning to Hong Kong and to share their experiences and insights with people around them.
Miss Mak added that the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) is drawing up Hong Kong’s First Five-Year Plan. The HKSAR Government has always attached great importance to youth development. In line with the 15th Five-Year Plan and on the basis of the Youth Development Blueprint, the HYAB will continue to promote youth development work, enabling young people to unleash their strengths and proactively integrate into and serve the overall development of the country.
Miss Mak concluded her visit and returned to Hong Kong this afternoon.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Brussels (Brussels ETO) supported two film festivals in Spain in July 2026, namely the Asian Summer Film Festival, held in Vic from July 14 to 19 (Vic time), and the Cines del Sur International Film Festival, held in Granada from July 17 to 25 (Granada time).
A long-standing partner festival attracting more than 14 000 visitors each year, the Asian Summer Film Festival screened six Hong Kong films supported by Brussels ETO, showcasing a mix of new releases and classic Hong Kong cinema: Jill Wong’s “Pass and Goal”, Dickson Leung’s “Good Game”, Albert Mak’s “Hit N Fun”, Albert Njo’s “Road to Vendetta”, Kwok Ka-hei and Jack Lee’s “Unidentified Murder” and Chang Cheh’s “The Five Venoms”.
The Hong Kong Day, held on July 17 (Vic time), was a highlight of the festival, featuring the screenings of five Hong Kong films, a breakfast meeting introducing the Hong Kong film selection to media and industry professionals, and a Hong Kong Night where guests enjoyed a special tribute to Hong Kong’s action and marital art cinema, the screening of “Good Game”, as well as Hong Kong style street food.
Speaking at the breakfast meeting on July 17 (Vic time), the Deputy Representative of Brussels ETO, Mr Kasper Ng, said that “The Hong Kong programme this year featured a wide range of genres highlighting the diversity, creativity and energy of Hong Kong cinema today. We hope the Hong Kong films will inspire you to know more about Hong Kong and visit us, including attending our annual FILMART, Asia’s largest film and entertainment content marketplace, and visiting our iconic cultural landmarks such as the West Kowloon Cultural District.”
During the “Hong Kong Night”, Mr Kasper Ng presented the festival honorary award to Lo Mang in recognition of his outstanding career. The award was accepted on his behalf by actor and action director Ken Law of “Good Game”, who attended the festival.
This year also marked Brussels ETO’ first collaboration with the Cines del Sur International Film Festival, which screened Oliver Siu Kuen Chan’s “Montages of a Modern Motherhood” on July 18 (Granada time) in Granada.
Addressing the audience before the screening, Mr Kasper Ng said that “Hong Kong may be best known internationally for its action and martial arts classics, but today’s filmmakers are also telling intimate, contemporary stories that reflect the changing aspirations and diversity of our society. We are delighted to share this side of Hong Kong cinema with audiences in Spain.”
Attracting around 13 000 spectators each year, the Cines del Sur International Film Festival showcases cinema from Asia, Africa and Latin America.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Professor Sun Dong, attended the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Digital and AI Ministerial Meeting (DMM) and other Digital Weeks high-level events in Chengdu today (July 23). Under this year’s theme “Digital and AI Technologies for Empowerment of the Asia-Pacific Community”, Professor Sun called for APEC’s concerted efforts to advance digital and AI technologies and their sustainable development across the Asia-Pacific community, and build a human-centric and inclusive digital society.
In his speech at the thematic session “Enhancing Digital and AI Technologies for Development”, Professor Sun said that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government has identified AI as a core industry and is advancing the “AI+” initiative to support the high-quality development for both the nation and Hong Kong. Hong Kong has developed an innovation and technology (I&T) ecosystem anchored by three major I&T parks and five key research and development (R&D) institutions. Through the InnoHK research clusters, Hong Kong stands ready to work with global partners to build a global innovation powerhouse. Hong Kong has also put in place substantial policy and financial support measures, including three $10 billion funding schemes and the Digital Transformation Support Pilot Programme, to accelerate R&D commercialisation and new industrialisation, and while enabling small and medium-sized enterprises to upgrade and transform.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
DH clamps down on illegal sale of alternative smoking products (with photo) TACO earlier received a complaint about the distribution of promotional leaflets for smoking products. Following investigation, enforcement action was taken yesterday, during which a 39-year-old man was stopped on suspicion of illegally selling and possessing ASPs for commercial purposes. A total of 400 ASPs were seized. TACO is continuing its investigation and will initiate prosecution once sufficient evidence has been obtained.
According to the Import and Export Ordinance (Cap. 60), a person who imports ASPs, including e-cigarettes, heated tobacco products and herbal cigarettes, commits an offence and is liable on summary conviction to a fine of $500,000 and imprisonment for two years, or liable on conviction on indictment to a fine of $2 million and imprisonment for seven years. The Smoking (Public Health) Ordinance (Cap. 371) prohibits the promotion, manufacture, sale and possession for commercial purposes of ASPs. Offenders are subject to a maximum fine of $50,000 and imprisonment for six months. From April 30, 2026, any person who possesses specified ASPs, including e-cigarette capsules, liquids, heat sticks and herbal cigarettes in public places is liable to a fixed penalty of $3,000. If the quantity possessed exceeds the specified limit or involves commercial purposes, the maximum penalty is a fine of $50,000 and imprisonment for six months.
The DH reminds the public that promoting and selling ASPs through any channel, including the Internet, carries criminal liability. Purchasing ASPs online may also involve importation and breach the law.
The DH also reminds members of the public that ASPs are addictive and are not effective smoking cessation tools. E-cigarettes may increase the risk of cancer, respiratory diseases, and cardiovascular diseases. Smokers are urged to quit smoking as early as possible for their own health and that of others. For assistance, please call the DH’s Integrated Smoking Cessation Hotline on 1833 183, or visit www.livetobaccofree.hkIssued at HKT 17:40
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
A 54-year-old Mainland female resident, charged with two counts of conspiracy to transfer a forged identity card and one count of conspiracy to make a false instrument, was convicted and sentenced to 32 months’ imprisonment by the District Court today (July 23).
During a follow-up investigation into cases involving multiple Mainland residents suspected of using forged Hong Kong identity cards for illegal employment in Hong Kong by the Immigration Department (ImmD), it was suspected that the defendant, acting as a middleman, arranged illegal employment and provided forged Hong Kong identity cards. Through comprehensive investigation and intelligence analysis, investigators arrested the defendant and photos of forged Hong Kong identity cards were found in the defendant’s mobile phone. The defendant admitted under caution that she had used social media platforms to solicit multiple Mainland residents to take up illegal employment in Hong Kong since 2024, and provided one-stop service that included providing forged Hong Kong identity cards and arranging accommodation for them in Hong Kong. The defendant charged each Mainland resident an intermediary fee ranging from several thousand Renminbi (RMB) to RMB10,000.
The defendant was subsequently charged with two counts of conspiracy to transfer a forged identity card and one count of conspiracy to make a false instrument. After trial, the defendant was convicted and sentenced to 32 months’ imprisonment today.
Using the same tactic, the defendant provided a forged Hong Kong identity card and arranged another Mainland resident for illegal employment in Hong Kong earlier. In November 2024, the defendant was convicted of offences including transferring a forged identity card and sentenced to 10 months’ imprisonment by the Shatin Magistrates’ Courts.
Three illegal workers in the case were previously convicted of offences including breach of condition of stay, possession of false instruments, and possession of forged identity cards, and sentenced to 12 to 14 months’ imprisonment. An investigation into the suspected employers is ongoing, and the possibility of further arrests is not ruled out.
The ImmD spokesman said, “under the laws of Hong Kong, anyone who uses or possesses a forged identity card commits an offence. Offenders are liable to prosecution and, upon conviction, a maximum penalty of a fine of $100,000 and 10 years’ imprisonment. Any person who without lawful authority or reasonable excuse transfers to another person an identity card commits an offence. Offenders are liable to prosecution and, upon conviction, a maximum penalty of a fine of $100,000 and 10 years’ imprisonment. Furthermore, it is an offence to make, possess or use false instruments. Upon conviction, offenders are liable to a maximum penalty of 14 years’ imprisonment.”
The spokesman warned, “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, “As stipulated in section 38AA of the Immigration Ordinance, 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 is prohibited from taking any employment, whether paid or unpaid, or establishing or joining any business. Offenders are liable upon conviction to a maximum fine of $50,000 and up to three years’ imprisonment.
The spokesman reiterated 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 stating 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 this 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.