Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Property owner fined over $610,000 for not complying with fire safety direction     ​
     Any default in complying with the requirements of the direction may also risk the imposition of a Prohibition Order by the District Court under section 7(7) of the FS(B)O prohibiting the occupation of the subject premises.
Issued at HKT 16:00

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Communications Authority press release 
     This press release summarises the decisions of the Communications Authority (CA) following its 154th meeting held in September 2026.
 
Renewal and termination of “other licensable television programme service” licences
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      The CA approved the application by Dynamic Streaming Service Limited (Dynamic) for renewal of its “other licensable television programme service” licence for the provision of television programme services to hotel rooms in Hong Kong. The renewed licence of Dynamic will be valid for 12 years from March 27, 2028, to March 26, 2040, (both dates inclusive). The CA also approved the application by Gala Hotels Limited (Gala) to surrender its “other licensable television programme service” licence with effect from August 24, 2026. The CA noted that Gala’s surrender of the licence was a commercial decision as its client concerned had ceased operation of its hotel service and hence the related TV programme service was no longer required.
 
     Following the CA’s decision to renew and terminate the above licences, there are 20 “other licensable television programme service” licensees providing television programme services to more than 50 hotels in Hong Kong.
 
Breach of licence requirement regarding broadcast of some hourly news and weather reports on its AM channel by Hong Kong Commercial Broadcasting Company Limited (CRHK)
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     The CA decided to impose a financial penalty of $120,000 on CRHK for contravention of Condition 23.1(b) of its sound broadcasting licence (Licence) (See Note 1), arising from its failure to broadcast hourly news and weather reports at certain hours (See Note 2) on the AM864 Channel (See Note 3) during the period from May 1, 2022, to April 2, 2026.    
 
     The CA acknowledged CRHK’s explanation that the lapse and the inaccurate compliance records submitted during the said period resulted from human error and administrative inadvertence. CRHK made the rectification by resuming all required hourly news and weather reports since April, 3 2026. The CA also noted CRHK’s assessment that the impact on listeners was likely minimal, given the relatively small audience base of its AM channel and the availability of alternative news sources. Nonetheless, CRHK’s non-compliance and submission of inaccurate records to the regulatory authority over a prolonged four-year period was hardly acceptable. This lapse constitutes a breach warranting the specified penalty in accordance with Section 24 of the Broadcasting (Miscellaneous Provisions) Ordinance (B(MP)O) (Cap. 391). 
 
     In imposing the above sanction, the CA had taken into account CRHK’s representations, the specific circumstances of the breach as well as all relevant facts. Apart from the financial penalty, CRHK should enhance internal monitoring to prevent recurrence of incidents of a similar nature. In that connection, the CA has directed CRHK to submit enhanced procedures, to the satisfaction of the CA, to strengthen its internal procedures and monitoring system for ensuring compliance within one month, pursuant to Section 20 of the B(MP)O. 
 
     The CA stresses that licensed broadcasters bear the responsibility of ensuring continued compliance with all regulatory requirements. The CA has written to all licensed broadcasters reminding them of their compliance obligations.
 
Note 1: CRHK is required under Condition 23.1(b) of the Licence to broadcast on AM864 hourly news and weather reports throughout the day. To give some flexibility to the sound broadcasting licensees, by virtue of Condition 23.1, the CA is authorised to approve alternative arrangements for meeting the broadcasting requirements. In this connection, CRHK had been granted approval since 1997 to be exempted from the abovementioned broadcasting requirement on the condition that (a) AM864 continues to broadcast the required hourly reports from 7am to 11pm on a daily basis; and (b) no further changes should be made to such broadcast arrangements without the CA’s prior approval.
 
Note 2: At 7am and from 6pm to 11pm on a daily basis.
 
Note 3: AM864 is an AM channel in English mainly providing music programmes throughout the day.
Issued at HKT 16:00

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Fourth round of Research, Academic and Industry Sectors One-plus Scheme opens for application         
     An ITC spokesman said, “The scheme was well received by universities in the past three rounds of application, with 73 projects supported, covering a wide range of innovation and technology (I&T) fields, including space technology, health and medical sciences, new materials and new energy, artificial intelligence and robotics, as well as advanced manufacturing. The total Government commitment amounted to over $3 billion. We expect the universities to continue their active participation in order to accelerate the transformation and commercialisation of research and development (R&D) outcomes by deepening collaboration among the Government, industry, academia, research and investment sectors.”
      
     The Government spares no effort in dovetailing with the national strategy for technological development, proactively aligning with the 15th Five-Year Plan and developing Hong Kong into an international I&T centre through the RAISe+ Scheme and other support measures. The scheme was launched in 2023 to provide matching funds to research teams from universities funded by the University Grants Committee that have good potential to become successful start-ups to transform and commercialise their R&D outcomes. Assessment criteria of the scheme include the I&T component of the project, commercial viability of project outcomes, technical and management capability of the team, relevance of the project to government policies or the overall interest of the community, and financial considerations of the project.
                 
     Details of the scheme are available on its dedicated website (www.itf.gov.hk/en/raiseplusIssued at HKT 15:00

SFST’s opening remarks at 2026 HKGFA | GBA-GFA Annual Forum (English only)      
Dr Ma (Chairman and President of the HKGFA, Dr Ma Jun), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
      
     Good morning. It is a great privilege of mine to join you this morning at the 2026 HKGFA Annual Forum. I thank Dr Ma and the HKGFA for convening this important gathering and for your tireless work in advancing green finance across Hong Kong, the Greater Bay Area (GBA), and beyond.
      
     This year’s theme, “Bridging Divides: Asia’s Leadership in Transition and Resilience”, captures the defining challenge of our time. As we confront a world marked by fragmentation and uncertainty, we must bridge not just the gap between ambition and action, but also the divides between markets, between developed and developing economies, and between the needs of today and the imperatives of tomorrow.
      
     Asia stands at the forefront of this transition. The region’s economic dynamism underscores the importance of building resilience, making it not an abstract goal but a pressing priority. At the same time, Asia’s rapid growth demands an unprecedented scale of infrastructure investment. And here we have today Dr Kim (Chief Partnerships Officer, Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), Mr Hun Kim) from AIIB who has the mission of the Bank in terms of driving cross-sectoral partnerships, and we are happy to have him here in Hong Kong. The question is not whether to invest, but how to ensure this investment aligns with a low-carbon, climate-resilient development path. This is where Asia’s leadership must emerge – not by copying models from elsewhere, but by shaping our own solutions, tailored to Asia’s diverse economies and developmental stages.
      
     Hong Kong is uniquely positioned to facilitate this leadership. We are not merely a financial centre; but the “super connector” that links the Mainland’s productivity and manufacturing strengths with international capital and expertise. Last year, the total green and sustainable debt issued in Hong Kong exceeded US$76 billion, with green and sustainable bonds arranged in Hong Kong amounting to about US$38 billion, accounting for approximately 40 per cent of the Asian market. This reflects very much the confidence that global investors place in our platform. Within the Greater Bay Area, our collaboration with Shenzhen, Guangzhou, and Macao is deepening. Through the HKEX (Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited)’s Core Climate platform, we are building a vibrant carbon market ecosystem with our GBA partners, with over 130 registered participants and projects verified by Verra and Gold Standard. In particular, Core Climate is working closely with its GBA partners to expand its suite of environmental products, including the inclusion of green electricity certificates on the Core Climate platform.
      
     Beyond the GBA, Hong Kong’s connectivity extends naturally to the Belt and Road regions. Many Belt and Road economies require substantial financing for green development and climate resilience. As a global financial hub, Hong Kong has been at the forefront of facilitating green investment and sustainable infrastructure development across participating economies, leveraging our deep capital markets and professional expertise to structure bankable projects and de-risk investments.
      
     The Green Accelerator, which we will launch later this morning, represents the next phase of this bridging function. Endorsed in this year’s Budget and developed with Mainland and international multilateral financial institutions, this initiative is designed to transform green technologies into investable, scalable projects in emerging markets and developing economies. By providing systematic pre-finance support and project structuring, it addresses a critical bottleneck: the shortage of investment-ready green projects. This initiative will channel private capital towards climate solutions where it is most needed, while creating new opportunities for Hong Kong’s professional services. I very much look forward to joining Dr Ma and the other founders to mark this milestone.
      
     To support this agenda, we are also building a credible and transparent framework that inspires investor confidence. The Hong Kong Sustainability Disclosure Standards, fully aligned with the ISSB (International Sustainability Standards Board) framework, took effect on August 1 last year. Our Roadmap on Sustainability Disclosure (Roadmap on Sustainability Disclosure in Hong Kong: Ambition‧Assurance‧Enablement) provides a clear pathway for large publicly accountable entities to adopt these standards no later than 2028. We are thrilled to strengthen Hong Kong’s sustainability disclosure ecosystem through strong partnerships. The Hong Kong Institute of Certified Public Accountants is now recognised as an IFRS (International Financial Reporting Standards) Foundation training partner, which enhances our capacity to provide world-class disclosure training. Meanwhile, the Hong Kong Quality Assurance Agency has recently expanded its ESG (environmental, social and governance) Connect Program to enhance the quality and credibility of sustainability-related data, reinforcing Hong Kong’s future-ready financial ecosystem.
      
     We are also strengthening the tools that underpin transition finance. The Hong Kong Taxonomy for Sustainable Finance provides a common reference point for identifying green and transition activities. This reduces uncertainty, addresses greenwashing concerns, and facilitates more informed capital allocation. Building on this foundation, prototype of Phase 2B of the Taxonomy, featuring expanded activity coverage and further refinements, will be launched soon during Green Week. Together with our expanded Green and Sustainable Finance Grant Scheme, which now covers transition bonds and loans, we are creating a comprehensive ecosystem that supports credible decarbonisation across sectors.
      
     The transition to a low-carbon future is not a destination to be reached by a single route. Different countries or stakeholders are going through diverse journeys, with different starting points and also different challenges. Hong Kong’s commitment is to be a facilitator, a connector, and a partner in the process. We will continue to deepen our collaboration with the Mainland, the GBA, and the international community, mobilising capital, sharing expertise, and building resilience.
      
     Before I close, with a bit of divergence from my part, as highlighted by Dr Ma just now, next Wednesday will be the time when the Chief Executive announces both documents, which are the first-ever Five-Year Plan for Hong Kong and the Policy Address. Dr Ma mentioned that he doesn’t know the details and actually he shouldn’t be in the know. That said, do watch out for the details about green finance and at the same time financial services at large next Wednesday. I look forward to comments and advice from all of you having read those documents.
      
     Last but not least, I wish you all a productive and insightful forum. I hope today’s discussions will generate new ideas, stronger partnerships, and fresh momentum for Asia’s green and sustainable transition. I also wish you a successful Green Week ahead, filled with meaningful exchanges and impactful actions that drive us closer to our shared sustainability goals.
      
     Thank you.
Issued at HKT 11:28

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Major Sports Events Committee awards “M” Mark status to WXV Global Series Challenger 2026      
     The Major Sports Events Committee (MSEC) has awarded “M” Mark status to the WXV Global Series Challenger 2026 to be held on September 13, 19 and 26 at the Kai Tak Youth Sports Ground.

     The Chairman of the MSEC, Mr Wilfred Ng, said today (September 7), “We are delighted to award the ‘M’ Mark status to the WXV Global Series Challenger 2026. Over three consecutive weekends, the world’s top women’s 15s rugby teams will descend upon Hong Kong for competition. Local fans and visitors can look forward to a thrilling, world-class spectacle that showcases the city’s electric energy and iconic charm on the global stage.”      
     For details of “M” Mark events, please visit www.mevents.org.hkIssued at HKT 11:00