Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) today (November 4) released the eighth batch of gravidtrap indexes and density indexes for Aedes albopictus in October, covering 15 survey areas, as follows:​
 

District	Survey Area	October 2025
		Area Gravidtrap Index	Area Density Index
Islands	Cheung Chau South	0.0%	N/A
	Cheung Chau North	1.4%	1.0
	Tung Chung	0.0%	N/A
Sham Shui Po	Cheung Sha Wan	1.8%	1.5
	Lai Chi Kok	0.0%	N/A
	Sham Shui Po East	0.0%	N/A
Kowloon City	Kowloon City North	0.0%	N/A
Sai Kung	Tseung Kwan O West	0.0%	N/A
	Tseung Kwan O East	0.0%	N/A
	Tseung Kwan O North	4.5%	1.0
	Sai Kung Town	9.3%	1.2
	Ngau Liu and Muk Min Shan	4.2%	1.0
Tsuen Wan	Sheung Kwai Chung	0.9%	1.0
Kwai Tsing	Kwai Chung	3.5%	1.0
	Lai King	0.0%	N/A

Among the eighth batch of Area Gravidtrap Indexes covering 15 survey areas in October, all were below 10 per cent.

The FEHD has so far released eight batches of gravidtrap indexes for Aedes albopictus in October 2025, covering 64 survey areas. Among these 64 survey areas, 43 recorded a decrease or remained unchanged in the individual gravidtrap index as compared to the Area Gravidtrap Index the previous month, i.e. September 2025, representing that the areas’ mosquito infestation improved or maintained a low level. Nineteen other areas recorded a slight increase, but the indexes were lower than 10 per cent.

Public participation is crucial to the effective control of mosquito problems. The FEHD appeals to members of the public to continue to work together in strengthening personal mosquito control measures, including:

• tidy up their premises and check for any accumulation of water inside their premises;
• remove all unnecessary water collections and eliminate the sources;
• check household items (those placed in outdoor and open areas in particular), such as refuse containers, vases, air conditioner drip trays, and laundry racks to prevent stagnant water;
• change the water in flower vases and saucers of potted plants at least once every seven days;
• properly cover all containers that hold water to prevent mosquitoes from accessing the water; and
• properly dispose of articles that can contain water, such as empty lunch boxes and cans.

Starting in August this year, following the completion of the surveillance of individual survey areas, and once the latest gravidtrap index and the density index are available, the FEHD is disseminating the relevant information through press releases, its website, and social media. It aims to allow members of the public to quickly grasp the mosquito infestation situation and strengthen mosquito control efforts, thereby reducing the risk of chikungunya fever (CF) transmission.

​Following the recommendations from the World Health Organization and taking into account the local situation in Hong Kong, the FEHD sets up gravidtraps in districts where mosquito-borne diseases have been recorded in the past, as well as in densely populated places such as housing estates, hospitals and schools to monitor the breeding and distribution of Aedes albopictus mosquitoes, which can transmit CF and dengue fever. At present, the FEHD has set up gravidtraps in 64 survey areas of the community. During the two weeks of surveillance, the FEHD will collect the gravidtraps once a week. After the first week of surveillance, the FEHD will immediately examine the glue boards inside the retrieved gravidtraps for the presence of adult Aedine mosquitoes to compile the Gravidtrap Index (First Phase) and Density Index (First Phase). At the end of the second week of surveillance, the FEHD will instantly check the glue boards for the presence of adult Aedine mosquitoes. Data from the two weeks of surveillance will be combined to obtain the Area Gravidtrap Index and the Area Density Index. The gravidtrap and density indexes for Aedes albopictus in different survey areas as well as information on mosquito prevention and control measures are available on the department’s webpage (www.fehd.gov.hk/english/pestcontrol/dengue_fever/Dengue_Fever_Gravidtrap_Index_Update.html#).

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     Following is the speech by the Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, at the Global Financial Leaders’ Investment Summit luncheon today (November 4):

Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

     Good afternoon.

     A very warm welcome to the Investment Summit luncheon.

     Like many of you, I am very much looking forward to the fireside chat featuring Larry Fink (Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of BlackRock) and Ken Griffin (Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Citadel).

     Before we hear from them, allow me to offer an update of Hong Kong to whet your appetite.

Trekking a shifting terrain  

     History tells us that the world’s great financial centres do not stand still. Their success depends on their ability to serve the economy, anticipate what lies ahead, embrace technological advancement, and adapt to shifting mega trends.

     Hong Kong is no exception. Today, once again, we are at a moment of profound transformation – one defined by shifting geopolitics, regional integration, rapid technological advancement and climate challenges. But these are not necessarily headwinds. In fact, they can be powerful tailwinds for those ready to respond with agility and vision.

A renewed role as a super connector 

     At the heart of our response is an elevated role for Hong Kong as a “super connector” and “super value-adder” – one that connects markets, capital, innovation and opportunity across borders and regions. That role is now being shaped by a few converging forces.

     First, a global shift from globalisation to regionalisation. Trade and economic co-operation within regional blocs – like Asia – are gaining momentum. We see this in the expansion of frameworks like the RCEP (Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership) and the CPTPP (Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership), and most recently, the FTA 3.0 between China and ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations). These developments are reshaping global trade and investment patterns, and Hong Kong stands at a strategic position.

     Second, many economies are actively seeking diversification in economies, markets, sources of capital, supply chains and others. The Middle East, for example, is increasingly looking eastward. Trade between the Gulf and emerging Asia has been growing at some 7 per cent annually over the past decade or so, and trade between Saudi Arabia and China is expected to surpass that with the West by 2027. These statistics reflect not merely a change in trade flows but a structural shift in strategic orientation and cross-border co-operation.

     Third, China’s development must be reckoned on multiple fronts. Despite a complex global environment, our country continues to press ahead with high-quality development. The recent Fourth Plenary Session of the CPC Central Committee has laid out recommendations for the country’s 15th Five-Year Plan.  It has reaffirmed China’s commitment to high-level two-way opening up. It has placed emphasis on technological self-reliance, with strong support for technology and innovation across the entire value chain. And the deep integration of technological innovation with industry development is particularly noteworthy. 

     All of the above developments are elevating Hong Kong’s role as a two-way platform for trade, investments and technological collaboration.

International financial centre

     As part of the national strategy, Mainland enterprises are being encouraged to go global in the attempt to reconfigure their supply chain and industry chain. As they do so, they look to Hong Kong not only for capital, but also for a full suite of high-value services.

     At the same time, capital is flowing to this part of the world, too. 

     Investors’ optimism has grown particularly since the DeepSeek moment earlier this year – where the technological prowess of China surprised the global investment and tech communities. And their valuation is highly attractive.   

     Separately, we have noticed strong interest in our capital market from the Global South. They are seeking capital to support their ambitious infrastructure and economic development plans. 

     The Middle East is a good example. Last year, we strengthened cross-border collaboration with Saudi Arabia through mutual listing of ETF (exchange-traded fund)’s tracking each other’s market. Now, we will soon welcome the first Middle Eastern company to list on our stock exchange. In fact, our financial regulators have already signed MOUs with their respective counterparts for cross-border regulatory collaboration, paving the way for more companies to list here or to do a dual listing on both stock exchanges.  

Innovation and technology: a new growth engine

     Another important development in Hong Kong is our ambition in innovation and technology.

     Over the past few years, we have made over HK$200 billion in related investments and laid out a clear strategic roadmap to nurture technology and innovation as a new engine of growth – from supporting basic and translational research, nurturing start-ups, to attracting global and Mainland enterprises and talent to Hong Kong, and rolling out special initiatives to promote advanced manufacturing. The aim is to integrate technology and innovation with industry development. 

     Our focus is on four key areas, namely AI and data science, biotech, fintech, and new energy and new materials, and the carrier of this vision is the Northern Metropolis.  

     If I may use AI, one of the key areas of focus, as an example to elaborate further. We adopt a twin-engine strategy: developing AI as a core industry, and promoting AI as an enabler to upgrade traditional sectors. We call this “AI+”. Our strategy rests on six pillars: computing power, algorithms, data, application scenarios, capital and talent.

     Apart from building a supercomputing centre and experimenting with cross-boundary flows of data and biosamples from the Mainland to Hong Kong, we have been going all out to attract leading companies engaged in cutting-edge technologies. So far, we have attracted over 100 such enterprises. 

     This is supported by a vibrant ecosystem of some 4,700 tech start-ups, many of them are based in our Science Park and Cyberport.  

     As to talent, we have modified the various talent admission schemes since the end of 2022. To date, we have received more than 540,000 applications, approved about 360,000 of them. And more than 240,000 individuals have arrived in Hong Kong.  

     Of course, these technology companies need capital to scale. Beyond the full spectrum of funding options available, from angel investors to IPOs (initial public offerings), we have established the Hong Kong Investment Corporation as patient capital to channel private capital into sectors that we would like to develop, such as deep tech, biotech and green tech.

Reinventing Hong Kong

     Ladies and gentlemen, Hong Kong’s story has always been one of reinventing itself, time and again. We capitalise on our unique strengths under the “one country, two systems” framework, and ride through the waves of changes and challenges with determination, agility and perseverance.

     Thank you for walking this journey with us over the years. Your support has been highly appreciated. I wish you all an enjoyable luncheon and a thought-provoking conversation ahead. Bon appétit.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Census and Statistics Department (C&SD) released the latest provisional figures on restaurant receipts and purchases today (November 4).
 
The value of total receipts of the restaurants sector in the third quarter of 2025, provisionally estimated at $26.7 billion, remained at a similar level when compared with a year earlier. Over the same period, the provisional estimate of the value of total purchases by restaurants decreased by 1.0% to $8.6 billion.
 
After netting out the effect of price changes over the same period, the provisional estimate of the volume of total restaurant receipts decreased by 1.4% in the third quarter of 2025 compared with a year earlier.
 
Analysed by type of restaurant and comparing the third quarter of 2025 with the third quarter of 2024, total receipts of Chinese restaurants decreased by 3.5% in value and 4.8% in volume. Total receipts of non-Chinese restaurants increased by 3.7% in value and 3.2% in volume. Total receipts of fast food shops increased by 0.3% in value, but decreased by 1.0% in volume. Total receipts of bars increased by 2.4% in value and 1.0% in volume. As for miscellaneous eating and drinking places, total receipts decreased by 4.0% in value and 5.6% in volume.
 
Based on the seasonally adjusted series, the provisional estimate of total restaurant receipts decreased by 0.8% in value and 1.7% in volume in the third quarter of 2025 compared with the preceding quarter.
 
Comparing the first three quarters of 2025 with the same period in 2024, total restaurant receipts remained virtually unchanged in value but decreased by 1.2% in volume.
 
To facilitate further understanding of the short-term business performance of the restaurants sector, statistics in respect of the restaurant receipts and purchases in individual months of the reference quarter are also compiled.
 
Analysed by month, it was provisionally estimated that the value of total receipts of the restaurants sector increased by 1.3%, increased by 1.2% and decreased by 3.6% respectively in July, August and September 2025, compared with the corresponding months in 2024.
 
After discounting the effect of price changes, it was provisionally estimated that the volume of total restaurant receipts increased by 0.2%, increased by 0.1% and decreased by 4.6% respectively in July, August and September 2025, compared with the corresponding months in 2024.
 
Commentary
 
A Government spokesman said that the value of total restaurant receipts declined slightly by 0.3% in the third quarter from a year earlier. Following the increases in July and August, the value of receipts declined in September mainly due to the high base of comparison as the Mid-Autumn Festival fell in early October this year but in mid-September last year, as well as more occurrences of extreme weather conditions during the month.
 
Looking ahead, restaurant business performance should be underpinned by improving local consumption sentiment, the increase in employment earnings, and the sustained growth in inbound tourism.
 
Further information
 
Table 1 presents the revised figures of restaurant receipts by type of restaurant and total purchases by the restaurants sector for the second quarter of 2025 as well as the provisional figures for the third quarter of 2025.
 
Table 2 and Table 3 present the revised value and volume indices respectively of restaurant receipts by type of restaurant for the second quarter of 2025 and the provisional indices for the third quarter of 2025.
 
Table 4 presents the year-on-year rate of change in total restaurant receipts in value and volume terms based on the original quarterly series, as well as the quarter-to-quarter rate of change based on the seasonally adjusted series.
 
The revised figures on restaurant receipts and purchases for the third quarter of 2025 (with breakdown by month) will be released through the website of C&SD (www.censtatd.gov.hk/en/scode540.html) and relevant publications of the Department from December 19, 2025.
 
The classification of restaurants follows the Hong Kong Standard Industrial Classification (HSIC) Version 2.0, which is used in various economic surveys for classifying economic units into different industry classes.
 
More detailed statistics are given in the “Report on Quarterly Survey of Restaurant Receipts and Purchases”. Users can browse and download the publication at the website of the C&SD (www.censtatd.gov.hk/en/EIndexbySubject.html?pcode=B1080002&scode=540).
 
Users who have enquiries about the survey results may contact the Distribution Services Statistics Section of C&SD (Tel: 3903 7401; e-mail: qsr@censtatd.gov.hk).

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

A man was prosecuted by the Labour Department (LD) for operating an employment agency (EA) without a valid licence in violation of the requirements under Part XII of the Employment Ordinance (EO). The man was convicted at Fanling Magistrates’ Courts today (November 4) and was fined $10,000. 
 
In February 2025, the LD received a complaint against a man from an employer of a foreign domestic helper. As subsequent investigations indicated sufficient evidence that the man was operating an EA without a valid licence, the LD took out prosecution against him.

All establishments or persons operating a business in Hong Kong for the purpose of obtaining employment for another person or supplying personnel to an employer are governed by Part XII of the EO and the Employment Agency Regulations. Irrespective of the mode of operation or the types of jobs involved, all EAs must obtain a licence issued by the LD before undertaking any EA activities. Except for the EA licence holder or his/her associates, no one shall operate, manage or assist in the management of an EA. Offenders may face prosecution.
 
The LD reminds EAs to operate in full compliance with the law as well as the Code of Practice for EAs at all times. Failure to do so may lead to prosecution and/or revocation of licence. The maximum penalty for the offences of unlicensed operation of an EA or overcharging commissions from job seekers is a fine of $350,000 and imprisonment for three years.
 
Should there be enquiries about matters related to EAs or complaints about suspected violations of EAs, please contact the Employment Agencies Administration of the LD (telephone: 2115 3667; email: ea-ee@labour.gov.hk; address: Unit 906, 9/F, One Mong Kok Road Commercial Centre, 1 Mong Kok Road, Kowloon).

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The HOUSING · I&T Summit, organised by the Housing Bureau and the Hong Kong Housing Authority (HA), opened today (November 4). Held over four days from today under the theme “Pioneering Innovative Housing for a Sustainable Future “, the Summit has brought together experts, scholars, and industry leaders in public housing from over 15 countries and cities worldwide to participate. The first two days of the Summit are being held at the Sham Shui Po Leisure and Cultural Building, featuring a symposium centred on four key themes, “Smart · Housing”, “Smart · Innovation”, “Smart · Community” and “Smart · Living”, alongside an intelligent technology exhibition area for participants to exchange ideas and explore innovation and developments in housing construction technology. For the following two days, participants will conduct site visits in Zhuhai and Hong Kong. The Summit has attracted over 400 professionals from various sectors.
 
     Under the HOUSING · I&T initiative this year, the Housing Bureau has organised a series of events, including today’s international symposium, a construction robotics competition in May, and a secondary school housing construction robotics design competition in September to foster the development of the construction technology industry.
 
     In her welcoming remarks at the opening ceremony this morning, the Secretary for Housing, Ms Winnie Ho, said, “We are delighted to bring together experts and industry leaders from around the world to explore how innovative technology can drive sustainable housing construction and development. We have visited other foreign cities and countries like Singapore, Portugal, Spain and France in the past few years and I am very excited to see them visiting Hong Kong this time. Some of them will also join our visit on November 6 to Zhuhai to see the factories and innovative construction base in the Greater Bay Area (GBA). Hong Kong will continue to play the roles of a ‘super connector’ and ‘super value-adder’ to foster cross-regional collaboration, building safer, more livable, and quality homes for our people.”
 
     This was followed by speeches by Deputy Director General of the Department of Standard and Norms of the Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development Mr Wu Luyang and the Deputy Director of Housing (Development & Construction), Mr Daniel Leung, on strengthening exchanges and co-operation to jointly build an upgraded version of China construction and “MiTech – A Paradigm Shift in Smart Public Housing Construction” respectively. Other speakers included the Minister of Housing and Local Government of Malaysia, Mr Nga Kor Ming; Assistant Professor of the Business School of the University of Hong Kong Professor Michael Wong; the Global Digital Services Leader of Arup of the United Kingdom, Dr Will Cavendish; Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Bouygues Construction Group Mr Pierre-Éric Saint-André; the Senior Vice President of AECOM Global Group Limited of Australia, Mr Marc Colella; Professor of Department of Civil Engineering of Tsinghua University Professor Lu Xinzheng; Professor of the University of Melbourne of Australia Professor Nelson Lam; Senior Lecturer of the National University of Singapore Dr Du Hongjian; the Chief Executive Officer of the Nano and Advanced Materials Institute, Mr Andy Fung, and representatives of different institutions and government departments in Hong Kong.
 
     The Summit sessions this morning, under the theme “Smart · Housing”, brought together global perspectives and local experiences to discuss shaping the future of housing and urban development. The afternoon sessions, focusing on “Smart · Innovation”, explored how intelligent innovations like AI, component-based construction, and advanced materials are transforming the construction and real estate industries.
 
     During the Summit, Ms Ho and other guests visited the intelligent technology exhibition area to interact with participants and learn about the active research and developments in innovative technology by tech companies. They also visited the Better Housing Exhibition on display at the Sham Mong Road Playground. This mobile exhibition is organised and instructed by the Centre of Science and Technology Industrial Development of the Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development (MOHURD), technically supported by the smart low-carbon construction technology innovation centre and whole-house smart key laboratory of the MOHURD, and has been exhibited in different places including Beijing, Urumqi, Guilin and Shenzhen. This exhibition serves to inspire both the private and public housing around the world to consider new possibilities for future living.
 
     Tomorrow morning’s sessions will focus on “Smart · Community”, exploring smart cities and integrating technology into housing management. The Permanent Secretary for Housing/Director of Housing, Miss Charmaine Lee, will deliver the opening remarks. Speakers will include the Chief Executive Officer of Housing and Development Board of Singapore, Mr Tan Meng Dui; the General Manager of China Merchants Property Digital Technology (Shenzhen) Co Ltd, Mr Shou Quan; the Director of Public Housing Redevelopment Department of Seoul Housing and Urban Development Corp, Mr Oh Sang Wook; GIS Specialist of SH Urban Research Institute of South Korea Dr Hwang Jong A; the Chair Professor (Digital Construction) and Head of the Department of Real Estate and Construction of Faculty of Architecture of the University of Hong Kong, Professor Wilson Lu; Professor of ETH Zurich Professor Benjamin Dillenburger; and the Associate Head and Professor of the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering of the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Professor Jack Cheng. The afternoon sessions, under the theme “Smart • Living”, will examine how various innovative technologies enhance site safety and operational efficiency. Speakers will include the Deputy Director of Housing (Estate Management), Mr Michael Hong; the Managing Director of Apply Structure Ltd of the United Kingdom, Mr Anthony Pearce; the General Manager of Building Construction Department of China State Construction Engineering (Hong Kong) Limited, Mr Sunny Au; the Chairperson of Construction Industry Safety and Health Steering Committee of the Occupational Safety and Health Council, Professor Ada Fung; the Chairman of the Construction Industry Council, Professor Thomas Ho; and the General Manager of Lighthouse Inno-Lab Limited, Mr Eddie Ho.
 
     To capitalise on Hong Kong’s distinctive advantages of enjoying strong support of the motherland and being closely connected to the world, and its prime location linking the GBA, the Housing Bureau and the HA have arranged for over 50 participants, including participants from Portugal, Australia, the United Kingdom, Cambodia, Macao and Hong Kong to visit Zhuhai on the third day of the Summit (November 6) for site visits to a smart factory. They will tour advanced production lines featuring high automation and robotics applications, gaining insights into the production processes for both concrete and steel-structured Modular Integrated Construction (MiC), alongside high-quality supervision and inspections. The itinerary also includes visits to an outdoor product exhibition hall and a construction technology pavilion, allowing participants to experience firsthand how advanced construction technology and MiC are shaping the future of housing. A sharing session will be held before concluding the visit to facilitate experience exchanges between participants and factory representatives, jointly exploring future directions for housing construction technology.
 
     On the fourth day (November 7) of the Summit, over 60 participants will conduct site visits in Hong Kong. They will first visit the Light Public Housing (LPH) site of the Housing Bureau at Olympic Avenue, Kai Tak, and Choi Hing Road LPH, Ngau Tau Kok, to understand how the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government employs standardised, simple designs and steel-structured MiC technology to build LPH swiftly, addressing the needs of families urgently requiring improved living environments. The project team will conduct demonstrations of modern construction technologies, including the smart inspection, logistics, and installation monitoring system for MiC (collectively known as the MiC Trio), developed in collaboration with the iLab of the Faculty of Architecture of the University of Hong Kong, allowing participants to learn about the latest achievements in public housing developments and gain insights into the latest technologies such as MiC and 4S Smart Site Safety System.
 
     Through two days of guided tours and interactive Q&A sessions, participants from around the world will gain a deeper understanding of various innovative construction methods. These new technology and solutions hold the potential to assist participants in tackling housing problems in their respective countries and cities. The Summit aims to maintain close exchanges and to create greater mutual benefits for all parties involved.
 
     Hong Kong has long played a pivotal role as a “super connector” and “super value-adder” in driving technological innovation in the industry. The HOUSING · I&T Summit offers a valuable platform to foster in-depth technical exchanges within the industry locally and internationally, jointly exploring solutions to housing challenges. Participants can also witness the practical applications of smart construction technologies firsthand. By promoting cross-regional collaboration, the Summit marks a significant step in consolidating Hong Kong’s position as a hub in the field of housing technology. It aims to attract more innovative practical experience, injecting fresh ideas and momentum into the future development of housing in Hong Kong, and accelerating the pace of building better homes for the public.
 
     Details of the Summit are available on the thematic website: housinginnotech.hk/summit.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     In the latest World Digital Competitiveness Ranking (WDCR) 2025 published by the International Institute for Management Development (IMD), Hong Kong ranked fourth globally, up further by three places after rising by three places last year.
 
     Among the three factors in WDCR 2025, Hong Kong continued to perform well and remained third and fifth globally in “Technology” and “Knowledge” respectively, while our ranking in “Future readiness” improved notably by five places to tenth. At the sub-factor level, “Technological framework” and “Adaptive attitudes” ranked first globally. “Talent” and “Training and education” ranked among the top five globally.
 
     A Government spokesman said today (November 4), “The IMD’s WDCR 2025 continued to recognise Hong Kong as one of the most digitally competitive economies in the world. Our country supports Hong Kong to develop into an international innovation and technology (I&T) centre. The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government has been striving to enhance the strategic layout of I&T infrastructure, with three major I&T parks and five key research and development (R&D) institutions as the framework, so as to actively drive I&T development and cultivate new quality productive forces. With the staunch support from our country and Hong Kong’s international prospects, coupled with a thriving start-up ecosystem, a free, open and fair business environment, a simple low tax system and strong policy support, Hong Kong is well positioned to attract enterprises, talent and technology from around the world, thereby laying a solid foundation for further advancing the I&T collaboration and development.”
 
     The spokesman added, “The Chief Executive announced in the 2025 Policy Address a series of measures aimed at implementing the development of the international I&T centre. To promote R&D, the Government is taking forward the set-up of two pilot lines by the Hong Kong Microelectronics Research and Development Institute, and will complete the preparatory work for the establishment of the Life and Health Technology Research Institute(s) and the Artificial Intelligence Research and Development Institute within next year. To accelerate the development of ‘new industrialisation’, we will expedite the development of the third InnoHK research cluster, relax the application threshold for the ‘New Industrialisation Acceleration Scheme’ and launch the ‘I&T Industry-Oriented Fund’ in 2026-27. The Government will also continue to promote the development of artificial intelligence (AI) and data science industries, guided by the strategy of ‘strengthening infrastructure and promoting the application-oriented approach’, with a view to achieving ‘industries for AI’ and ‘AI for industries’. On infrastructure, the computing power of Cyberport’s AI Supercomputing Centre will be ramped up this year to meet the strong demand from sectors in Hong Kong, complemented by the $3 billion AI Subsidy Scheme that has been launched. The Government has also put up a site of about 10 hectares at Sandy Ridge in the North District for the development of a data facility cluster for open tender. On application, the HKSAR Government will continue promote AI business applications. Besides, the Hong Kong Park of the Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Co-operation Zone will commence operation this year, and the Conceptual Outline of the Development Plan for the Innovation and Technology Industry in the San Tin Technopole will also be published this year.  Going forward, the HKSAR Government will continue to promote closer collaboration among the Government and the industry, academia, research and investment sectors, consolidate and enhance our competitive edge in the global market, as well as foster the cultivation of new quality productive forces.”

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Government today announced that Deputy Secretary for Financial Services & the Treasury (Treasury) Bruno Luk will take up the post of Land Registrar on November 6. He will succeed Joyce Tam, who will proceed on pre-retirement leave on the same day.

Secretary for the Civil Service Ingrid Yeung commented that Mr Luk is a seasoned administrative officer with proven leadership and management skills.

“I have every confidence that he will continue to serve the community with professionalism in his new capacity.”

On the retirement of Joyce Tam, Mrs Yeung highlighted that as Land Registrar Ms Tam demonstrated exemplary leadership in steering the continuous enhancement of the land registration system.

Mrs Yeung added that Ms Tam spearheaded the legislative progress of the Registration of Titles & Land (Miscellaneous Amendments) Bill 2025, which lays a solid foundation for the implementation of the title registration system.

The civil service chief wished Ms Tam a fulfilling and happy retirement.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Development Bureau today announced that enhanced arrangements for exempting car parks in the calculation of gross floor area (GFA) in private development projects have taken effect, along with a series of related measures.

A measure to allow full GFA exemption for up to two levels of aboveground parking, while also doing away with the requirement of locating some of the car parks underground, was included in the 2025 Policy Address.

The bureau highlighted that as construction costs for aboveground carparks are lower, and construction times shorter, the measures will reduce construction costs and expedite developments.

The enhanced measure is applicable to both types of car parks in private development projects: “private carparks” (also known as “ancillary carparks”) that provide parking for residents and visitors; and “public carparks”, which are provided by project developers for the benefit of the general public, as per the Government’s requirements for local parking facilities.

Moreover, in private developments with three or more levels of aboveground parking, a 50% GFA will be granted for each level beyond the second, regardless of whether these car parks are for private or public parking. In the past private and public carparks were subject to different arrangements.

Other arrangements pertaining to cark park GFA exemptions will continue to apply, such as all underground carparks continuing to enjoy full GFA exemption regardless of whether they are private or public.

To facilitate the enhanced measure’s implementation, town planning procedures relating to aboveground car park height approvals will be streamlined.

If developers submit applications for minor relaxations of height restrictions in relation to the construction of up to two levels of aboveground parking, under most circumstances they will need to submit only visual appraisals, and – if the site involves major breezeways – simple air ventilation impact assessments.

The Planning Department has reviewed the situation at New Development Areas, where most development sites have height restrictions sufficient to accommodate two levels of aboveground parking.

For the remaining sites in New Development Areas where relaxation of height restrictions is required, the Government will initiate applications in accordance with town planning procedures next year.

Details of the enhanced arrangements can be found in the Building Department’s updated Practice Note for Authorized Persons, Registered Structural Engineers and Registered Geotechnical Engineers APP-2.

They are also available in the Lands Department’s latest Lands Administration Office Practice Note 9/2025.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region