Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

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Senior govt officials appointed

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Following open and in-service recruitment exercises, the Government today announced the appointment of Chan Chak-ming as Director of Legal Aid, and the appointment of Irina Fan as Government Economist.

Mr Chan will assume office on January 1, 2026, succeeding Chris Chong who will start his pre-retirement leave on the same day. Chief Secretary Chan Kwok-ki thanked Mr Chong for his dedicated service and contributions over the years and sincerely wished him a happy retirement.

Ms Fan will take up the post on January 5, 2026, succeeding Adolph Leung who retired earlier. Financial Secretary Paul Chan thanked Mr Leung for his contributions over the years and sincerely wished him a happy retirement.

Commenting on the appointments, Secretary for the Civil Service Ingrid Yeung said: “Mr Chan has a deep understanding of the legal profession and rich public service experience both locally and internationally. With his professional competence, leadership capabilities and strategic vision, I am confident that he will lead the Legal Aid Department in delivering quality legal aid services.”

“Ms Fan has profound experience in economic analysis and proven leadership and management skills. I am confident that she will be able to lead the Office of the Government Economist to continue providing professional analyses and advice on economic matters to the Government,” she remarked.

Mrs Yeung also thanked Mr Chong and Mr Leung for their loyal and dedicated service to the community, and wished them fulfilling and happy retirements.

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Applications open for UN internships

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Home & Youth Affairs Bureau (HYAB) today launched a new round of the HYAB – United Nations Volunteer Internship Programme and invited local undergraduate students to apply.

The programme provides local undergraduate students with valuable six-month volunteer internships within various United Nations (UN) overseas field units.

Interns will develop their personal skills and gain insights into global issues while contributing to the international community as Chinese youth volunteers.

The new round will offer a total of 20 internship placements in different UN agencies located in the Belt & Road region, including Kazakhstan, Laos, Nepal, Thailand, Uzbekistan and Vietnam.

Running from July to December 2026, the volunteer internships will cover specific areas such as health and education, environment and innovation management.

Applicants should be full-time undergraduate students at local universities.

The bureau will provide full funding, including round-trip air tickets and monthly living allowances, and offer suitable pre-departure training for participants in collaboration with the Agency for Volunteer Service.

The application deadline is noon on January 16, 2026.

Click here for details.

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Issue of GD-HK quota clarified

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The public should guard against fake messages on social media claiming that Hong Kong residents can apply for valid permanent Guangdong-Hong Kong Regular Quotas for their vehicles by their Mainland Travel Permits for Hong Kong & Macao Residents, commonly known as Home Return Permits.

Issuing the advisory today, the Transport Department clarified that applicants for the regular quotas have to meet the requirements stipulated by the Mainland authority and provide it with specified documents, such as business registration documents of both Guangdong and Hong Kong, to apply for the quotas.

Upon receipt of the Mainland Approval Notice from the Mainland authority, they may apply to the Transport Department for closed road permits for the designated land-based boundary control points.

Emphasising that the arrangements of the regular quotas must be jointly deliberated by the governments of both places holistically, the department said citizens should refer to official announcements and verify messages to avoid deception.

The incident will be referred to Police for follow-up, it added.

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6 building plans approved in Oct

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Buildings Department approved six building plans in October – two on Hong Kong Island, three in Kowloon and one in the New Territories.

Of the approved plans, three were for apartment and apartment-commercial developments, two were for commercial development, and one was for factory and industrial development.

Consent was given for works to start on six building projects which, when completed, will provide 100,934 sq m of gross floor area for domestic use involving 2,144 units, and 5,614 sq m of gross floor area for non-domestic use.

Additionally, the department received notification of the commencement of superstructure works for six building projects.

It also issued 19 occupation permits – six on Hong Kong Island, four in Kowloon and nine in the New Territories.

The buildings certified for occupation comprise 182,437 sq m of gross floor area for domestic use, involving 3,820 units, and 85,543 sq m for non-domestic use.

Meanwhile, the department received 2,636 reports about unauthorised building works in September and issued 406 removal orders. Two demolition consents were also issued.

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Undergraduate subsidy announced

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The annual subsidy amount of the Non-means-tested Subsidy Scheme for Self-financing Undergraduate Studies in Hong Kong in the 2026-27 academic year will be $35,120, the Education Bureau announced today.

The scheme will cover eligible full-time locally accredited local and non-local self-financing undergraduate and top-up degree programmes offered by 15 institutions.

Applications for the subsidy need to be made through the institutions concerned.

The subsidy level will apply to both new and continuing eligible students and is tenable for the normal duration of the programmes concerned.

Eligible students enrolling in the relevant programmes will pay a tuition fee with the subsidy applied.

Students in need may still apply for student financial assistance from the Student Finance Office in respect of the actual amount of tuition fee payable.

Click here for details.

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New Civil Aid Service chief named

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Victor Pang has been appointed as the Commissioner of the Civil Aid Service (CAS) for a term of two years, with effect from January 1, 2026, the Government announced today.

The appointment was made by the Chief Executive John Lee using his authority under the Civil Aid Service Ordinance.

Mr Pang joined the CAS as a volunteer member in 2021 and was promoted to Deputy Commissioner in 2025.

Secretary for Security Tang Ping-keung welcomed the appointment of Mr Pang.

“Mr Pang is deeply committed to the CAS, and has exemplary executive and leadership skills. I am confident that under Mr Pang’s leadership, the CAS will continue to be an efficient auxiliary service, providing quality and reliable service to members of the public,” he said.

Mr Tang also thanked outgoing CAS Commissioner Lo Yan-lai, who has served the CAS for 44 years, for his valuable contribution. He noted that during the past seven years as Commissioner of the CAS, Mr Lo has led the service to take part in prominent rescue operations and major events, including operations to combat the COVID-19 epidemic.

Mr Lo has also demonstrated exceptional dedication to youth development work, he added.

“Under his leadership, the CAS has consistently delivered excellent results, rendering timely and professional support to regular disciplined forces, and making solid efforts in maintaining Hong Kong as a safe and livable city,” Mr Tang added.

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2nd Taiwan-Poland Hydrogen Working Group Meeting Convened to Deepen Bilateral Cooperation

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

To further advance cooperation between Taiwan and Poland in the field of hydrogen energy, the 2nd Taiwan-Poland Hydrogen Working Group Meeting was convened on December 16 and hosted by Poland. The meeting was co-chaired by Mr. Chung-Hsien Chen, Deputy Director General of the Energy Administration, Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA), Taiwan, and Mr. Dariusz Kucel, Director of the Department of Electromobility, Fuels and Hydrogen Economy at the Ministry of Energy of Poland. The meeting served as an important platform for both sides to review progress and deepen exchanges on hydrogen-related policies and technologies.

During the meeting, Taiwan and Poland exchanged views on hydrogen promotion policies, low-carbon hydrogen source certification mechanisms, the current status of green hydrogen research and development, and hydrogen refueling station demonstration projects. These discussions reflected the shared commitment of both sides to advancing hydrogen as a key solution for decarbonization across multiple sectors.

Representatives from Taiwan and Poland also explored a range of potential cooperation areas. These included the application of water electrolysis-based low-carbon hydrogen production technologies for synthetic fuel production, support for energy transition efforts in fertilizer and refining industries, fuel cell power generation applications for transportation and data center power supply, and hydrogen bus certification and related regulatory considerations. In addition, given Poland’s higher demand for heat during the winter season, combined power and heat applications using fuel cells or electrolyzers were identified as promising areas for deeper bilateral cooperation.

The ongoing operation of the Working Group builds on the solid foundation established through the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding on the Establishment of the Taiwan-Poland Hydrogen Cooperation Working Group in 2023. In September 2025, Taiwan’s Energy Administration led a Taiwan-Poland Hydrogen Delegation to Poland, engaging with key government institutions and visiting representative hydrogen-related organizations, including ORLEN, ZE PAK, Hydrogen Poland, and the Lower Silesian Hydrogen Valley Association. Through continued dialogue and collaboration, Taiwan and Poland have strengthened alignment in hydrogen policy, technology development, and industrial cooperation. Looking ahead, both sides will continue to leverage the Working Group as a communication platform to enhance policy coordination, integrate industrial value chains, and promote diverse hydrogen applications, jointly advancing toward a net-zero and sustainable energy future.

Spokesperson for Energy Administration, Ministry of Economic Affairs: Deputy Director General, Chih-Wei Wu
Phone Number: 02-2775-7750,0922-339-410
Email: cwwu@moeaea.gov.tw

Business Contact: Director, Hsiu-Fen Tsai
Phone Number: 02-2775-7730,0905-506-258
Email: hftsai@moeaea.gov.tw

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Meeting of Task Force on the Development of the Qianhai Shenzhen-Hong Kong Modern Service Industry Co-operation Zone held in Shenzhen (with photos)

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Meeting of Task Force on the Development of the Qianhai Shenzhen-Hong Kong Modern Service Industry Co-operation Zone held in Shenzhen       
     ​​At the meeting, the Hong Kong and Shenzhen sides reviewed the achievements of the development of Qianhai and explored future co-operation directions, discussing further promotion of Qianhai’s high quality development together. Both sides exchanged views on issues such as deepening the integrated development of technology and finance, joint talent attraction, and the alignment of rules in the field of engineering construction.
      
     ​​Mr Tsang said, “The development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) is a key national strategy personally devised, personally planned and personally driven by President Xi Jinping, and Qianhai is one of the major co-operation platforms in the GBA. Since its development, Qianhai has always adhered to the strategic positioning and objectives of ‘relying on Hong Kong, serving the Chinese Mainland and opening up to the world’, striving to become an important engine for the development of the GBA and the Shenzhen pilot demonstration area. It shall fully leverage its role in demonstrating and leading high-level, high-quality opening-up within the region, while ensuring successful policy experiences radiate throughout the GBA and across the nation. With the staunch support of the Central Government and the joint efforts of Hong Kong and Shenzhen, the Qianhai Shenzhen-Hong Kong Modern Service Industry Co-operation Zone has achieved fruitful results, including deepened alignment of rules and mechanisms among Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao, significant advancement of market integration, matured collaborative development model, closer youth exchanges, and its role as a new engine for GBA development has become increasingly bold and evident.”
      
     “As stated by President Xi during the Chief Executive’s reporting of work, the HKSAR Government shall proactively align with the ’15th Five-Year’ Plan, uphold and enhance the executive-led system, make solid progress in advancing high-quality economic development, deeply engage in the development of the GBA, and better integrate into and serve the overall national development. The HKSAR Government will continue to lead all sectors of the Hong Kong community proactively to fully seize the opportunities of developing the GBA together. With a pragmatic, innovative and change-embracing spirit, the HKSAR Government will ensure the effective implementation of various tasks and continue to strengthen the co-operation with Shenzhen to jointly promote the development of Qianhai. It will serve the country’s needs with Hong Kong’s strengths, and anchor the new strategic positioning and historic mission of the GBA given by President Xi to a greater breadth and depth.”
      
     ​​Mr Wang responded, “Relying on Hong Kong and serving Hong Kong is the inherent responsibility and mission of Qianhai. With the support and assistance of the HKSAR Government and all sectors of the Hong Kong community, we have implemented comprehensive and systematic measures. Tangible and practical measures have been introduced in areas such as the integration of rules and mechanisms, the interconnectivity of infrastructure, and the convergence of people’s livelihoods. We have achieved new progress in developing the area in line with its positioning as a ‘pioneering zone for deepening integration and development between Shenzhen and Hong Kong’. Moving forward, Qianhai will thoroughly study and implement the spirit of the Fourth Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee, deepen the ‘soft connectivity’ of rules and mechanisms, the ‘hard connectivity’ of infrastructure, and the ‘heartfelt connectivity’ between Shenzhen and Hong Kong residents. This will foster closer co-operation between Shenzhen and Hong Kong and serve Hong Kong’s high-quality development.”
      
     ​​At the meeting, the Hong Kong and Shenzhen sides signed four co-operation arrangements, including:     ​​Both sides also witnessed the inauguration ceremony of two projects, namely “SZ-HK Nexus” Qianhai Shenzhen-Hong Kong Dual Headquarters Hub and HK SME Empower Centre.
      
     ​​After the meeting, the delegation of the HKSAR Government visited the Qianhai Co-operation Zone, and was briefed by the Qianhai Authority on the latest developments of Qianhai at Qianhai Exhibition Hall. The delegation then conducted on-site visits to “SZ-HK Nexus” Qianhai Shenzhen-Hong Kong Dual Headquarters Hub, Qianhai Shenzhen-Hong Kong Youth Innovation and Entrepreneur Hub Phase II, Qianhai Hong Kong Charm and the Bay Area Store of Shenzhen Book City “Eyes of the GBA”. They also visited the Vinyl Pop Up exhibition organised by RTHK at the Book City.
      
     ​​Officials of the HKSAR Government attending the meeting also included the Under Secretary for Development, Mr David Lam; the Commissioner for the Development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, Ms Maisie Chan; the Director-General of the OASES, Mr Peter Yan; the Director of Broadcasting, Ms Angelina Kwan; the Director of Hong Kong Talent Engage, Mr Felix Chan and the Deputy Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr Keith Giang.
Issued at HKT 23:10

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Rental Grant and Relocation Grant for Flat Owners and Relocation Grant for Tenants rolled out by the Support Fund for Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Government announced today (December 18) that two new measures rolled out by the Support Fund for Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po will render assistance to residents affected by the fire. 

The first measure is to provide affected flat owners with an annual rental grant of $150,000 and a one-off relocation grant of $50,000. The second measure is to provide affected tenants with a one-off relocation grant of $50,000. The details of the two measures are as follows – 

(1) Rental grant and relocation grant for flat owners

The Support Fund will provide owners of each of the flats in Wang Fuk Court with an annual rental grant of $150,000 to give them more flexibility and choices in their accommodation arrangements. The grant will be provided for two years and disbursed on a semi-annual basis, with each payment being $75,000. 

In tandem with the provision of the rental grant, the Support Fund will provide a one-off relocation grant of $50,000 to the relevant flat owners of Wang Fuk Court to subsidise the relocation and costs for replacing items such as furniture and appliances. Both grants are provided on a non-accountable basis. 

Although Wang Chi House is less affected by the fire, it is still yet to be re-opened. The relevant flat owners also have accommodation needs and therefore the two grants are also applicable to owners of Wang Chi House. 

The first installment of rental grant of $75,000 and the relocation grant of $50,000 will be disbursed starting from December 22 through the “one social worker per household” mechanism. The Social Welfare Department will handle the cases in accordance with the relevant land registration records and flat owners are not required to submit ownership documents. 

(2) Relocation grant for tenants 

Although Wang Fuk Court is not long-term or permanent accommodation for the tenants, the Support Fund will provide a one-off relocation grant of $50,000 to the original tenants of Wang Fuk Court on a discretionary basis. This will facilitate them to move from the accommodation arranged by the Government to the flats in the private market. 

All original tenants of Wang Fuk Court who choose not to stay in the emergency accommodation arranged by the Government (including youth hostel/campsites/hotel rooms), the Housing Bureau’s transitional housing or the Housing Society’s flats can receive relocation grant when they move out from the abovementioned flats/units to the flats arranged by themselves through the private market. The relocation grant will also be provided on a non-accountable basis and through the “one social worker per household” mechanism. 

In addition, for tenants who have moved into the Housing Bureau’s transitional housing or the flats of the Hong Kong Housing Society, or tenants who wish to temporarily move to those flats, they will receive a rent-free period till May 31, 2026. If the tenants choose to stay in these flats of the Housing Bureau or the Hong Kong Housing Society beyond May 31, 2026, they will not receive the $50,000 relocation grant even though they eventually rent their own flats in the private market afterwards. 

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CSD responds to media enquiries about so-called research on latest situations about persons in custody in Hong Kong published by anti-China organization Amnesty International

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

CSD responds to media enquiries about so-called research on latest situations about persons in custody in Hong Kong published by anti-China organization Amnesty International      
     The spokesperson also criticized this anti-China organization for not including in full the written response from the CSD earlier in its so-called research, with a view to presenting a distorted picture with ill intentions.
      
     Amnesty International is an anti-China organization under the guise of an organization purportedly safeguarding human rights. In the past, Amnesty International smeared the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) through fabrication by falsely claiming that a Uyghur student had gone missing in Hong Kong and attributing the incident to the HKSAR Government. In fact, the person concerned had never entered Hong Kong nor been denied entry into Hong Kong. This shows that it is the usual and despicable tactic of this anti-China organization to disseminate false information to smear the HKSAR Government. We must refute its false accusations one by one in order to set the record straight.

     Contrary to the claims made by Amnesty International, the CSD is committed to ensuring a secure, safe, humane, decent and healthy custodial environment and providing appropriate rehabilitation programmes to PICs to help them turn a new leaf with dignity. Its allegations of conditions prevalent within correctional institutions, such as physical violence, extremely high temperatures and poor ventilation inside the institutions in summer, solitary confinement and unsanitary conditions, are wholly unfounded.
 
Zero tolerance of physical abuse
 
     The CSD places utmost importance on discipline and professionalism across all correctional facilities. As provided by the Prison Rules (Cap. 234A), any officer of CSD who, without necessity, uses force in dealing with prisoners or uses undue force, violates discipline and may also be criminally liable in such circumstances. The CSD adheres strictly to statutory requirements on enforcement actions, and to the principles of impartiality and professionalism.
 
Extensive measures to cope with hot weather conditions
 
     The CSD has taken extensive measures to continuously improve the custodial environment and to ensure the well-being of PICs. These include the installation of anti-suicide safety fans and industrial fans, the progressive replacement of ventilation systems, and the installation of new gates and windows with improved ventilation efficiency. The CSD has also taken further steps, including conducting trials of heat-insulating coatings on buildings and providing hand fans and cooling towels to PICs, which demonstrate our proactive approach to address hot weather conditions. 
 
Removal from association having regard to PICs’ interests and according to law
 
     The CSD is devoted to ensuring that all arrangements for removal from association or separate confinement of PICs are appropriate in the circumstances of the case and in strict adherence to the law, and in line with the prevailing practices in other jurisdictions. Rule 68B of the Prison Rules empowers the CSD to remove a PIC from association with other PICs for purposes such as safeguarding the interests or personal safety of the PICs. Where the removal from association is initiated at the request of a PIC, the PIC concerned may request to resume association at any time.
 
Constant attention to sanitation and hygienic condition
 
     The CSD has all along enforced the highest possible degree of cleanliness in the correctional institutions in accordance with the law. Daily inspection are conducted to ensure cleanliness of the correctional institutions and frequent examinations are conducted by the institutional medical officers for purposes of cleanliness and sanitation. Besides, the management of correctional institutions regularly arranges for comprehensive cleaning and disinfection of the institutions, and arranges outside contractors to carry out pest control and rodent eradication work to ensure that the environmental conditions in the institutions are clean and hygienic. 
      
     The CSD has put in place mechanisms, including regular visits from Justices of the Peace, who inspect the prisons to ensure the rights of PICs are protected. PICs who feel aggrieved by any treatment they received could lodge a complaint through various channels within and outside the CSD e.g. the Ombudsman.
      
     The CSD once again strongly condemns Amnesty International for spreading false and biased accusations and deliberately discrediting the CSD in properly carrying out its duties in the management of correctional institutions. 
      
     The CSD will, as always, continue to resolutely and fearlessly discharge its duties in strict accordance with the laws, ensuring the security of correctional institutions while safeguarding the rights, dignity and well-being of all PICs.
Issued at HKT 22:12

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