Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Additional batch of Approval Letters to be issued to successful applicants under White Form Secondary Market Scheme 2024
Following the issuance of a batch of Approval and Confirmation Letters in October 2025 to successful applicants who have passed detailed vetting of their eligibility under the White Form Secondary Market (WSM) Scheme 2024 (WSM 2024), the Hong Kong Housing Authority (HA) will issue an additional batch of Approval and Confirmation Letters tomorrow (December 30).
“The HA’s Subsidised Housing Committee (SHC) endorsed in November 2025 a series of measures that encourage upward mobility through the housing ladder, which include, amongst others, enhancing the arrangements of the WSM. We noted that some successful applicants under the WSM 2024 awarded with a quota in October 2025 did not apply for the Certificate of Eligibility to Purchase (CEP) within the specified six-week period for purchasing a subsidised sale flats (SSF) with premium unpaid in the secondary market. To ensure full utilisation of WSM 2024 quotas, we will issue an additional batch of Approval Letters to successful applicants according to the ballot order to cover unused quotas. Moreover, any unused family quotas will be allocated to one-person applicants, which is consistent with the practice adopted for the primary SSF sale exercise,” a spokesman for the HA said.
Each successful applicant will be issued with one Approval Letter and two Confirmation Letters. The two Confirmation Letters are applicable to the HA’s Home Ownership Scheme (HOS) Secondary Market and the Hong Kong Housing Society (HKHS)’s Flat-for-Sale Scheme (FFSS) Secondary Market respectively. Within six weeks from the date of issuance, holders of Approval Letters may submit the Confirmation Letters to the HA and/or the HKHS respectively for application for the CEP to purchase a flat with the premium not yet paid in the HA’s HOS Secondary Market or the HKHS’s FFSS Secondary Market.
The CEP is valid for 12 months from the date of issuance, and no extension will be granted upon its expiry. To complete the transaction, holders of the CEP need to apply for a Letter of Nomination from the HA or the HKHS after they have entered into a Provisional Agreement for Sale and Purchase (PASP). The applicant and the family member(s) named in the application form must meet the eligibility criteria of the WSM 2024 from the date of application submission up to the date of signing the PASP. Moreover, the SSF shall be occupied by the owner and all family members named in the Application Form for the purchase of the flat.
The list of successful applications will be uploaded tomorrow to the website for the WSM 2024 (www.housingauthority.gov.hk/wsm/2024
The SHC endorsed in January 2025 that the quota for the WSM 2024 will increase significantly by 1 500 to 6 000. All of the 1 500 additional quotas will be allocated to young applicants aged below 40 under the Youth Scheme (WSM) in order to encourage young people to move up the housing ladder. Among the applications received, over 80 per cent came from young applicants opting to join the newly implemented Youth Scheme (WSM), demonstrating that the scheme is well received by young applicants.
Issued at HKT 14:30
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Results of applications for Signature Performing Arts Programme Scheme announced
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Results of applications for Signature Performing Arts Programme Scheme announced
On the advice of the Assessment Panel, among the 21 applications received, the Government selected two productions, namely “My Life as McDull Stage Show” by Bliss Concepts Limited and “Art Tech Dance Drama: Storm Clouds Realm of Infinite” by the Hong Kong Dance Company Limited and Pash Limited. Embodying distinctive Hong Kong characteristics and local brand intellectual property, the selected productions showcase the capacity and creativity of local arts talent, highlight the performing arts capability of Hong Kong and have potential to become long-running performances. The productions are expected to be staged in 2027.
The Assessment Panel comprises experts, veteran arts and cultural practitioners, professionals with rich business acumen and experience and representatives from the Government. The Assessment Panel has examined each application’s artistic merits, effectiveness in consolidating Hong Kong’s position as an East-meets-West centre for cultural exchange, representativeness of Hong Kong, marketing and promotion strategy, attractiveness to a broad range of local and overseas audience, as well as viability and potential for being a long-running performance.
SPAPS aims to nurture world-class performing arts productions and international cultural brands that represent Hong Kong. Each selected production must stage at least 15 performances in Hong Kong and attract at least 10 000 paid audience members. Each selected production will receive a direct subsidy of up to $10 million and a matching subsidy of up to $5 million.
Issued at HKT 14:30
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Government launches industry consultation on proposed legislative amendments to facilitate digitalisation of business-to-business trade documents
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Government launches industry consultation on proposed legislative amendments to facilitate digitalisation of business-to-business trade documents
International trade involves presentment or submission of various trade documents, including “Business-to-Government” (B2G) documents (such as import and export declarations, cargo manifests and various licences or permits) and B2B documents (such as bills of lading and bills of exchange). While the trade may already submit most of the B2G trade documents through the Government Electronic Trading Services and the Trade Single Window, transactions involving certain B2B trade documents still rely largely on paper-based means due to legal requirements and industry practice. As technology advances, the digitalisation of these documents has emerged as a new trend.
As announced in the 2025-26 Budget and the 2025 Policy Address, the Government will make reference to the Model Law on Electronic Transferable Records (MLETR) advocated by the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law and consider legislative amendments to facilitate digitalisation of trade documents. Upon careful consideration by relevant authorities, the consultation paper outlines and seeks industry opinions on the proposed framework to amend the Electronic Transactions Ordinance (Cap. 553) (ETO) and relevant legislation for implementing MLETR provisions, covering various key aspects including the scope of application, assessment of reliability and operational requirements.
The legislative amendments will provide the legal basis for the use of electronic transferable records, which are the electronic version of transferable documents or instruments. Suitable MLETR provisions will be codified into the ETO as far as practicable, with a view to aligning with international standards and promote cross-border interoperability.
A spokesman for the Commerce and Economic Development Bureau (CEDB) said, “The Government endeavours to maintain a business-friendly environment to enhance Hong Kong’s competitiveness in international trade. Digitalisation of B2B trade documents may reduce processing time and costs, enhance transparency and integrity, and facilitate international trade. We hope that the legislative proposal would empower the industry to develop technical solutions that suit their actual needs, thereby further enhancing Hong Kong’s competitiveness as an international financial, maritime and trade centre.”
The consultation paper is available on the CEDB website (www.cedb.gov.hkIssued at HKT 12:30
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Adjusted fixed penalties for traffic contraventions to take effect on January 1, 2026
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The Government today (December 29) reminds members of the public that the fixed penalties for illegal parking and 19 traffic contraventions related to road safety and traffic congestion have been adjusted and will take effect on January 1, 2026.
The resolution to increase such fixed penalties (including the effective date) was passed by the Legislative Council on July 30. The relevant traffic contraventions and the adjusted penalty charges are as follows:
- The fixed penalty for illegal parking offences under the Fixed Penalty (Traffic Contraventions) Ordinance (Cap. 237) will be increased from $320 to $400; and
- Fixed penalties for 19 traffic contraventions related to road safety and traffic congestion under the Fixed Penalty (Criminal Proceedings) Ordinance (Cap. 240) will be increased from the current range of $320 to $1,000 to a revised range of $480 to $1,500 (see details in the Annex).
The spokesperson for the Transport and Logistics Bureau said, “The fixed penalties for illegal parking and many traffic contraventions have remained unchanged for 31 years. Compared with other jurisdictions, Hong Kong’s current penalty levels are significantly lower, and their deterrent effect has gradually diminished due to inflation. To address the persistent – and in some cases rising – trend of traffic contraventions, measured adjustments to the relevant penalty charges will help enhance road safety and traffic flows. At the same time, the Government will strive to increase the supply of parking spaces to meet public demand and will strengthen publicity and education efforts on road safety.”
HKMA announces total quota allocated for RMB Business Facility and list of participating banks from Phase 2 onwards
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
HKMA announces total quota allocated for RMB Business Facility and list of participating banks from Phase 2 onwards
The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) announced today (December 29) the expanded list of 40 participating banks (see Annex) starting from Phase 2 of the RMB Business Facility (RBF), with the total quota allocated to participating banks increased to RMB100 billion, from RMB50 billion in the previous phase.
As announced by the HKMA on September 26 (please refer to the Circular
Starting from Phase 2, which commenced on December 1, the 40 participating banks can apply for RMB funds from the HKMA within their assigned quota under the RBF, to provide RMB financing to local and overseas corporates in support of the real economy.
The specific quota assigned to each of the 40 participating banks is based on the bank’s existing scale of relevant business, expected pipeline, as well as the geographical reach of its overseas intragroup banking entities, all of which reflect its potential in enhancing Hong Kong’s capacity in channelling offshore RMB funds to the global market. When determining the quota allocation, facility usage of the 24 banks that participated in the previous RMB Trade Financing Liquidity Facility and Phase 1 of the RBF has also been taken into account.
The Chief Executive of the HKMA, Mr Eddie Yue, said, “With the support from the People’s Bank of China, the HKMA will continue to closely monitor the progress of the RBF, and will consider adding more participating banks as appropriate, subject to actual facility usage and market demand, with a view to further promoting the use of RMB in the real economy and fostering the growth of offshore RMB business in Hong Kong.”
Terms and operation details of the RBF can be found in the aforementioned Circular.
Issued at HKT 12:00
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Appointments to Advisory Committee on Cruise Industry announced
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Appointments to Advisory Committee on Cruise Industry announced
The membership of the ACCI with effect from January 1, 2026, is as follows:————-
Commissioner for Tourism————
Mr Anthony Lau Chun-hon (Executive Director of the Hong Kong Tourism Board, ex-officio member)
Mr Tommy Tam Kwong-shun (Chairman of the Travel Industry Council of Hong Kong, ex-officio member)
Mr Benjamin Bouldin*
Ms Gee Chan
Mr Roger Chen Ranfeng*
Mr Dickson Chin Lap-kong
Ms Eunice Lee Sau-yan
Ms Leong Mei-cheng
Mr Jerry Leong Wai-loon *
Mr Ricky Li Wai-keung *
Mr Jason Shum Jiu-sang
Mr Tim Sypko*
Dr Frederick Yip Yeung-faiIssued at HKT 12:00
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DH reminds public that new phase of tobacco control measures to take effect on January 1, 2026 (with photos)
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The Department of Health (DH) today (December 29) reminded the public that three amendments relating to smoking offences under the Tobacco Control Legislation (Amendment) Ordinance 2025 (the Amendment Ordinance) will take effect on Thursday (January 1, 2026):
- extension of statutory No Smoking Areas (NSAs) to public places that lie within three metres outside the entrances/exits exclusively used for child care centres, residential care homes, schools, hospitals and specified clinics or health centres;
- prohibition of smoking while queuing (including queuing to board a public transport carrier at a designated boarding location, staying in the delineated area for a designated boarding location, while queuing to enter specified premises (see Annex), or while queuing within specified premises); and
- increase of the fixed penalty for smoking offences from $1,500 to $3,000.
The Tobacco and Alcohol Control Inspectors of the DH will prosecute any person who does a smoking act in NSAs without prior warning. Offenders will be liable to a fixed penalty of $3,000.
The Tobacco and Alcohol Control Office (TACO) has prepared FAQs, pamphlets and other resources to help the public comply with the new law. Members of the public may visit the TACO website for more detailed information. To ensure smooth implementation of the new measures, TACO has enhanced publicity and education efforts over the past few months, such as Announcements in the Public Interest on TV and radio; advertisements on public transport areas at bus stops and at MTR stations; enhanced social media promotion; and the production of guidelines to educate the public. For visitors, TACO has stepped up anti-smoking promotions at all boundary control points, major tourist attractions and bus stops, including distributing leaflets in major tourist spots in collaboration with district councillors and has created an infographic “Visitors’ Guide” to enhance visitors’ understanding of the new measures. TACO is also promoting to visitors through Chinese Mainland social media.
TACO has also issued implementation guidelines and enhanced interdepartmental co-ordination mechanisms for the new offences under the Smoking (Public Health) Ordinance to ensure smoother enforcement. Briefings have been held for venue managers to explain the details of the amendment and their enforcement. Beyond enforcement, TACO continues to promote smoking prevention and cessation services, including conducting smoke-free publicity and education in the community to raise public awareness of smoking hazards.
The new phase of tobacco control measures will be implemented in phases. Among them, the increased penalties for illicit cigarettes and the prohibition on provision of smoking products to persons under the age of 18 have already taken effect upon the gazettal of the Amendment Ordinance (September 19, 2025). The provision prohibiting the possession of alternative smoking product (ASP) substances (e.g. e-cigarette liquids/cartridges/ and heat sticks) in public places will take effect on April 30, 2026, i.e. four years after the implementation of the ban on the importation and sale of ASPs. TACO will continue to strengthen publicity, education, etc, in the future to ensure the effective implementation of the relevant tobacco control measures.
For the health of individuals, families and the community, the Government urges smokers to quit smoking as soon as possible. Members of the public may call the Department of Health Integrated Smoking Cessation Hotline at 1833 183. The hotline is answered by registered nurses who provide professional counselling and referral to a wide range of free smoking cessation services.
Major Sports Events Committee awards “M” Mark status to Bank of China Hong Kong Tennis Open 2026
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
The following is issued on behalf of the Major Sports Events Committee:
​The Major Sports Events Committee (MSEC) has awarded “M” Mark status to the Bank of China Hong Kong Tennis Open 2026 to be held from January 4 to 11, 2026 at the Victoria Park Centre Court.
The Chairman of the MSEC, Mr Wilfred Ng, said today (December 29), “As the first ‘M’ Mark event in 2026, the Bank of China Hong Kong Tennis Open 2026 will attract visitors from around the world, along with local fans, to gather in Hong Kong to witness world-class tennis players compete at the highest level, heralding the start of the new year of major sports event in Hong Kong.”
The “M” Mark System aims to encourage and help local National Sports Associations and private or non-government organisations to organise more major international sports events and nurture them into sustainable undertakings. Sports events meeting the assessment criteria will be considered for “M” Mark status by the MSEC. Funding support will also be provided to some events. The “M” Mark System aims to promote the development of major sports events, cultivate a sustainable sporting culture, enhance Hong Kong’s image as a centre for major international sports events and bring tangible economic benefits to the community.
For details of “M” Mark events, please visit www.mevents.org.hk.
Special traffic and transport arrangements for Kai Tak Stadium concerts on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The Transport Department (TD) today (December 29) said that special traffic and transport arrangements will be implemented to facilitate the holding of concerts at Kai Tak Stadium on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day evenings. As the traffic in the vicinity of the Kai Tak Sports Park (KTSP) is expected to be heavy, concertgoers should opt for public transport and avoid driving or taking private cars (including cross-boundary private cars).
The TD has co-ordinated with local and cross-boundary public transport operators to strengthen their services during dispersal. The Tuen Ma Line (TML) and East Rail Line (ERL) of MTR will shorten the interval between trains or arrange standby trains to strengthen services when necessary. Franchised bus companies will provide 11 special bus routes at the Sung Wong Toi Road Pick-up/Drop-off Area (PUDOA) to Lok Ma Chau (San Tin) Public Transport Interchange, the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge Hong Kong Port and Airport, and major districts across the territory.
The Kai Tak Stadium Taxi PUDOA will be open. The Sung Wong Toi Road PUDOA will be open for taxi drop-off only during admission (6.30pm to 9pm on New Year’s Eve and 4.30pm to 7pm on New Year’s Day) and suspended for taxi pick-up/drop-off during dispersal. The expected waiting time will be longer amid the outflow of spectators, and passengers’ patience is appreciated.
According to the organiser, the two concerts are expected to end at around 0.30am and 10.30pm on New Year’s Day. Concertgoers who plan to return to the Mainland on the same day should pay special attention to the operating hours of public transport services to boundary control points:
(1) Lo Wu Control Point: Travellers should catch the last relevant MTR TML train, followed by interchanging at Tai Wai Station on the ERL to Lo Wu Station. They should plan their journeys ahead and arrive at the station platform in advance. Departure times of relevant trains are as follows:
| Concert on December 31, 2025 | Concert on January 1, 2026 | |
| Sung Wong Toi Station | 0.58am on New Year’s Day | 10.59pm |
| Kai Tak Station | 1am on New Year’s Day | 11.01pm |
(2) Lok Ma Chau/Huanggang (LMC/HG) Port (operating 24 hours): Travellers may also take the ERL to Sheung Shui Station and then KMB route No. 276B or N73, or take the special bus route No. SP12 directly at the Sung Wong Toi Road PUDOA to the Lok Ma Chau (San Tin) Public Transport Interchange, and transfer to the LMC-HG cross-boundary shuttle bus (Yellow Bus) for their journey to the Mainland.
(3) Shenzhen Bay Port (passenger clearance services to operate round the clock on New Year’s Eve): Franchised bus companies will operate two special bus routes, Nos. NB2 and NB3, during the small hours, providing services to and from Yuen Long/Tin Shui Wai, and to and from Tuen Mun, respectively. Travellers of the New Year’s Eve concert can also take the TML to Yuen Long Station/Tin Shui Wai Station and Tuen Mun Station, and interchange with special bus routes, Nos. NB2 and NB3 respectively, to the Shenzhen Bay Port.
In addition, concertgoers may take the KTSP’s cross-boundary coach services to return to the Mainland during dispersal. Passengers should purchase tickets from the operators’ online platforms in advance. On-site ticket sales will not be available during dispersal.
Spectators are advised to heed the real-time information via the on-site broadcast and the “Easy Leave” platform (easyleave.police.gov.hk) as well as the latest traffic news through the TD’s website (www.td.gov.hk), the HKeMobility mobile app and radio and television broadcasts.
HKSAR Government sets up Hong Kong Cross-boundary Public Services self-service kiosk and “iAM Smart” self-registration kiosk in Macao (with photos)
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The Digital Policy Office (DPO) announced today (December 29) the setting up of a Hong Kong Cross-boundary Public Services self-service kiosk in Macao Special Administrative Region (Macao), enabling residents and enterprises in Macao to access public services of Hong Kong without the need to travel to Hong Kong in person.
The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government has been actively advancing the initiative of Cross-boundary Public Services. Following the installation of the self-service kiosks earlier in the nine Mainland cities of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA), the newly set up Cross-boundary Public Services self-service kiosk in Macao provides a total of 70 public services from 14 Hong Kong government bureaux and departments as well as related organisations, encompassing areas commonly used by enterprises and the public. These include taxation, company registration, property and vehicle enquiry and registration, personal identification documents and talent admission applications, welfare and education, healthcare, immigration clearance, urgent assistance, culture and tourism as well as voter registration.
Starting today, the public can use the Hong Kong Cross-boundary Public Services self-service kiosk located at the Macao Government Services Centre to perform data entry, document scanning and result printing, enabling one-stop access for applying various public services of Hong Kong.
The opening hours of the self-service kiosk at the Macao Government Services Centre are 9am to noon and 1pm to 6pm, Monday to Friday (except public holidays in Macao). An “iAM Smart” self-registration kiosk is also set up at the Services Centre to enable Hong Kong residents working and living in Macao to register for “iAM Smart+” and directly access over 1 300 online services provided by the Government and public/private organisations and e-Forms through the “iAM Smart” mobile app. These include eMPF registration, renewal of vehicle licences, applications for International Driving Permits and eHealth registration.
The Hong Kong Cross-boundary Public Services self-service kiosks and “iAM Smart” self-registration kiosks have fully covered the nine Mainland cities of the GBA and Macao. The DPO will continue to enhance the Cross-boundary Public Services, with a view to coping with the demands of residents and enterprises in the GBA for Hong Kong public services.
For details, please visit the Hong Kong Cross-boundary Public Services website at www.crossboundaryservices.gov.hk/en/home/index.html and the “iAM Smart” website at www.iamsmart.gov.hk/en/reg.html.