Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

Hong Kong Customs detected two drug trafficking cases involving baggage concealment at Hong Kong International Airport yesterday (October 25) and today (October 26) and seized a total of about 30.5 kilograms of suspected cannabis buds with a total estimated market value of about $6.1 million. Three persons suspected to be connected with the cases were arrested.

In the first case, two male passengers, aged 45 and 37, arrived in Hong Kong from Hangzhou and Bangkok, Thailand, respectively yesterday. During customs clearance, Customs officers found a batch of suspected cannabis buds, weighing about 3kg with an estimated market value of about $600,000 concealed in vacuum-sealed bags inside the carry-on suitcase of the 45-year-old male passenger. The two persons were subsequently arrested.

In the second case, a 62-year-old male passenger arrived in Hong Kong from Vancouver, Canada, today. During customs clearance, Customs officers found about 27.5kg of suspected cannabis buds with an estimated market value of about $5.5 million, in his check-in suitcases. He was subsequently arrested.

The two arrested men in the first case have been jointly charged with one count of trafficking in a dangerous drug, and they will appear at the West Kowloon Magistrates’ Courts tomorrow (October 27). For the second case, an investigation is still ongoing.

Customs will continue to step up enforcement against drug trafficking activities through intelligence analysis. The department also reminds members of the public to stay alert and not to participate in drug trafficking activities for monetary return. They must not accept hiring or delegation from another party to carry controlled items into and out of Hong Kong. They are also reminded not to carry unknown items for other people.

Customs will continue to apply a risk assessment approach and focus on selecting passengers from high-risk regions for clearance to combat transnational drug trafficking activities.

Under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, trafficking in a dangerous drug is a serious offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $5 million and life imprisonment.

Members of the public may report any suspected drug trafficking activities to Customs’ 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002).

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki, together with the Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs, Mr Erick Tsang Kwok-wai, and the Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, Miss Alice Mak, today (October 26) attended the “Election into Community” Roving Interactive Exhibition@The Westwood event, where they joined members of the public to know more about the election and experience the election atmosphere in an interactive way.

     Speaking at the event, Mr Chan said, “The 2025 Legislative Council General Election (LCGE) will be held on December 7. The nomination period just started on October 24 and will run for two weeks until November 6. I encourage outstanding individuals with affection for the country and Hong Kong, proven capabilities, a sense of responsibility and a passion to serve the public to stand for the election.”

     He also called on all voters to fulfil their civic responsibility by casting their votes on the polling day for Hong Kong – our home to elect their preferred representatives as Legislative Council members to make concerted efforts for the good governance, progress and prosperity of Hong Kong, where people can live and work in contentment.

     The Constitutional and Mainland Affairs Bureau (CMAB) is actively promoting the 2025 LCGE and debuting the “Election into Community” Roving Interactive Exhibition series this weekend. The first stop of the series was held in The Westwood for two consecutive days (October 25 and 26). Interactive games, an exhibition panel area and a self-service photo booth are set up at the event to deepen public understanding of electoral information. Life-sized mascots of the Ballot Box Family are also on site to interact with the public. 

     The CMAB has earlier rolled out on its election-themed Facebook page the “Let’s find the Ballot Box Family AR mailboxes” activity (www.facebook.com/share/1BdqkmFtrn). Members of the public may redeem a souvenir at the event venues of the “Election into Community” series by posting a photo of mailboxes installed across the territory as a comment at the post.

     “Election into Community” will be held at shopping malls in various districts with opening hours from 11am to 7pm. Admission is free. Details are as follows:
 

Date	Venue
November 1 to 2	Lei Yue Mun Plaza
November 8 to 9	tmtplaza
November 12 to 13	Cheung Fat Plaza
November 29 to 30	Oi Tung Shopping Centre
December 5 to 6	Plaza Hollywood

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The 24-hour Designated Hotline for Carer Support 182 183 operated by social workers, which provides carer support, referral and outreach, handled over 119 000 calls and referred more than 2 200 cases to social welfare units for follow-up by the end of September. The Social Welfare Department (SWD) has also launched the first phase of the Carer Support Data Platform, initially connecting its data with that of the Hospital Authority and the Housing Authority, to identify carer households needing emergency support.

News.gov.hk spoke to a doubleton elderly household who shared their experience of using the hotline, while representatives from both the hotline and the SWD outlined the benefits of the service and related programmes.

The story is available at www.news.gov.hk/eng/feature from today (October 26) in text and video format.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

A total of eight nomination forms for the 2025 Legislative Council General Election were received today (October 25) by the Returning Officers for the 10 geographical constituencies, the 28 functional constituencies and the Election Committee constituency.

     This brings to 31 the total number of nomination forms received since the start of the nomination period on October 24. The nomination period will continue until November 6.

The number of nomination forms received for each geographical constituency is as follows:
 

Geographical constituency	No. of nomination forms received today	Cumulative total
Hong Kong Island East	0	2
Hong Kong Island West	1	2
Kowloon East	0	1
Kowloon West	0	1
Kowloon Central	0	3
New Territories South East	0	2
New Territories North	0	0
New Territories North West	0	1
New Territories South West	0	3
New Territories North East	0	1
Total	1	16

The number of nomination forms received for each functional constituency is as follows:
 

Functional constituency	No. of nomination forms received today	Cumulative total
Heung Yee Kuk	0	0
Agriculture and fisheries	0	0
Insurance	0	0
Transport	0	0
Education	0	0
Legal	0	1
Accountancy	0	0
Medical and health services	0	0
Engineering	0	0
Architectural, surveying, planning and landscape	0	0
Labour	1	2
Social welfare	0	0
Real estate and construction	0	0
Tourism	0	0
Commercial (first)	0	0
Commercial (second)	0	0
Commercial (third)	0	0
Industrial (first)	0	0
Industrial (second)	0	0
Finance	0	0
Financial services	0	1
Sports, performing arts, culture and publication	0	0
Import and export	0	0
Textiles and garment	0	0
Wholesale and retail	0	1
Technology and innovation	0	0
Catering	0	0
Hong Kong Special Administrative Region deputies to the National People’s Congress, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region members of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, and representatives of relevant national organisations	0	0
Total	1	5

     The number of nomination forms received today for the Election Committee constituency is six and the cumulative total number is 10.

Particulars of the nominated persons received today will be uploaded to the election website (www.elections.gov.hk).

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

The Hospital Authority (HA) spokesperson today (October 27) announced that a total of 15 Family Medicine Clinics (FMCs), including Family Medicine Integrated Centres (FMICs), will provide public holiday Family Medicine Outpatient Services on the Chung Yeung Festival holiday (October 29) (see table below). Members of the public can make appointments through the telephone appointment system or the “Book FMC” function on the “HA Go” mobile application.

As influenza activity remains at a high level, the HA spokesperson appeals to members of the public to receive vaccinations early. Public hospitals and outpatient clinics of the HA have started providing seasonal influenza vaccinations to eligible persons to dovetail with the Government Vaccination Programme 2025/26. Eligible patients may receive vaccinations at their scheduled follow-up appointments at clinics. Patients with distant follow-up appointment dates may visit or contact the respective clinics for necessary arrangements.

Meanwhile, the HA spokesperson reminds the public to stay vigilant about personal and environmental hygiene during the holidays to avoid spreading diseases. Members of the public who develop respiratory symptoms should wear masks and seek medical advice promptly. Non-emergency patients should avoid using Accident & Emergency services and instead seek treatment at FMCs and FMICs, private doctors or 24-hour outpatient services at private hospitals to reduce pressure on public hospital A&Es. Members of the public can visit the Health Bureau’s Primary Care Directory www.pcdirectory.gov.hk to choose a family doctor and view related clinic service information.

Family Medicine Outpatient Services arrangements on Chung Yeung Festival (October 29)

Region	List of FMCs and FMICs	Address	General Enquiry	Telephone Booking
Hong Kong Island	Aberdeen Jockey Club Family Medicine Clinic	10 Aberdeen Reservoir Road, Aberdeen	2555 0381	3543 5011
	Shau Kei Wan Jockey Club Family Medicine Clinic	1/F, 8 Chai Wan Road, Shau Kei Wan	2560 0211	3157 0077
	Wan Chai Violet Peel Family Medicine Clinic	LG, Tang Shiu Kin Hospital Community Ambulatory Care Centre, 282 Queen’s Road East, Wan Chai	3553 3116	3157 0000
Kowloon	Kwun Tong Family Medicine Integrated Centre	UG/F, 60 Hip Wo Street, Kwun Tong	2389 0331	3157 0687
	Nam Cheong Family Medicine Clinic	G/F, Treasury Building, 3 Tonkin Street West, Cheung Sha Wan	3742 3876	3543 5795
	Our Lady of Maryknoll Hospital Family Medicine Clinic	G/F, Out-patient Block, Our Lady of Maryknoll Hospital, 118 Shatin Pass Road, Wong Tai Sin	2354 2267	3157 0118
	San Po Kong Robert Black Family Medicine Clinic	600 Prince Edward Road East, San Po Kong	2383 3311	3157 0113
	Yau Ma Tei Jockey Club Family Medicine Clinic	1/F, 145 Battery Street, Yau Ma Tei	2272 2400	3157 0880
New  Territories	Lek Yuen Family Medicine Clinic	G/F, 9 Lek Yuen Street, Sha Tin	2692 8730	3157 0972
	North District Family Medicine Integrated Centre	3/F, North District Community Health Centre Building, 3 Wai Wo Street, Sheung Shui	2957 5186	3157 0965
	Tai Po Jockey Club Family Medicine Clinic	G/F, 37 Ting Kok Road, Tai Po	2664 2039	3157 0906
	Tseung Kwan O (Po Ning Road) Family Medicine Clinic	G/F, 28 Po Ning Road, Tseung Kwan O	2191 1083	3157 0660
	Tsuen Wan Lady Trench Family Medicine Clinic	213 Sha Tsui Road, Tsuen Wan	2614 4789	3157 0107
	Tuen Mun Family Medicine Clinic	11 Tsing Yin Street, San Hui, Tuen Mun	2452 9111	3543 0886
	Yuen Long Jockey Club Family Medicine Clinic	269 Castle Peak Road, Yuen Long	2443 8511	3543 5007

Service hours: 9am to 1pm and 2pm to 5pm

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The South Development and Sustainable Lantau Office (SSLO) of the Civil Engineering and Development Department announced today (October 27) that 12 projects were approved in the 2024-2025 round of the Lantau Conservation Fund (LCF), involving a total amount of about $32 million.

The approved projects comprise one conservation management agreement project in Tai O, nine research projects and two education and engagement projects, covering themes such as the renovation of a Tai O traditional building, history of Tai O development, history of Yam O Wan log storage industry, history of the Chinese people’s War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression on Lantau Island, and ecology of rare animals and plants on Lantau Island.

The LCF aims to promote conservation and related projects on Lantau, with a view to raising community awareness about conservation of Lantau and engaging the community to put conservation into practice, thereby fostering a sustainable quality living environment. The $1 billion LCF provides financial support to eligible organisations and post-secondary education institutions to conduct research and education and engagement projects, or collaborate with local communities and landowners to carry out conservation and related projects on Lantau; as well as supporting minor local improvement works for conservation. A total of 59 projects of over $164 million have been approved since the inception of the LCF in 2020.

The LCF will accept a new round of applications at the end of this year. For information about the LCF, the results of the applications, the event calendar and details of the approved projects, and the invitation for the new round of applications, please visit the LCF’s website (www.lcf.gov.hk/) and the Sustainable Lantau Facebook page (www.facebook.com/lantauhk/), or call 2153 2739.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

Police yesterday (October 26) reclassified a death on arrival case happened in Sheung Shui on October 21 as manslaughter.

At 11.36pm on October 21, Police received a report that a man was found lying inside a unit in Wong Wui House, Queens Hill Estate.

Upon Police arrival, the 35-year-old man, with sutured wounds on his body, was rushed to North District Hospital in unconscious state and was certified dead at 0.40am on October 22.

Initial investigation revealed that the deceased had sought medical attention at hospital on October 18, claiming those stab wounds were self-inflicted. He was treated and discharged from hospital.

After Police in-depth investigation, it was believed that those stab wounds were caused by the deceased’s female friend. The case was reclassified as manslaughter and a 35-year-old woman was arrested for manslaughter in Sheung Shui on October 24. Police yesterday laid a holding charge against the woman with one count of manslaughter. The case will be mentioned at Fanling Magistrates’ Courts this afternoon (October 27).

Investigation by the District Crime Squad of Tai Po District is underway.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Census and Statistics Department (C&SD) released today (October 27) the external merchandise trade statistics for September 2025. In September 2025, the values of Hong Kong’s total exports and imports of goods both recorded year-on-year increases, at 16.1% and 13.6% respectively.
 
     In September 2025, the value of total exports of goods increased by 16.1% over a year earlier to $462.3 billion, after a year-on-year increase by 14.5% in August 2025. Concurrently, the value of imports of goods increased by 13.6% over a year earlier to $512.5 billion in September 2025, after a year-on-year increase by 11.5% in August 2025. A visible trade deficit of $50.2 billion, equivalent to 9.8% of the value of imports of goods, was recorded in September 2025.
 
     For the first nine months of 2025 as a whole, the value of total exports of goods increased by 13.4% over the same period in 2024. Concurrently, the value of imports of goods increased by 13.1%. A visible trade deficit of $293.9 billion, equivalent to 7.2% of the value of imports of goods, was recorded in the first nine months of 2025.
 
     Comparing the third quarter of 2025 with the preceding quarter on a seasonally adjusted basis, the value of total exports of goods decreased by 0.7%. Meanwhile, the value of imports of goods remained virtually unchanged.
 
Analysis by country/territory
 
     Comparing September 2025 with September 2024, total exports to Asia as a whole grew by 18.3%. In this region, increases were registered in the values of total exports to most major destinations, in particular Vietnam (+50.9%), Malaysia (+40.0%), Taiwan (+31.9%), India (+19.5%) and Chinese Mainland (the Mainland) (+16.7%).
 
     Apart from destinations in Asia, increases were registered in the values of total exports to some major destinations in other regions, in particular Switzerland (+138.5%) and Germany (+27.6%).
 
     Over the same period of comparison, increases were registered in the values of imports from most major suppliers, in particular the United Kingdom (+70.3%), Vietnam (+68.7%), Singapore (+33.2%), the Mainland (+19.4%) and Japan (+12.9%). On the other hand, a decrease was recorded in the value of imports from Taiwan (-19.0%).
 
     For the first nine months of 2025 as a whole, increases were registered in the values of total exports to most major destinations, in particular Vietnam (+52.4%), Malaysia (+44.7%), Taiwan (+38.9%), the Mainland (+16.5%) and Japan (+13.4%). On the other hand, a decrease was recorded in the value of total exports to the United Arab Emirates (-11.9%).
 
     Over the same period of comparison, increases were registered in the values of imports from most major suppliers, in particular Vietnam (+79.5%), the United Kingdom (+46.3%), Taiwan (+22.6%), Malaysia (+18.9%) and the Mainland (+12.7%). On the other hand, a decrease was recorded in the value of imports from Korea (-17.1%).
 
Analysis by major commodity
 
     Comparing September 2025 with September 2024, increases were registered in the values of total exports of most principal commodity divisions, in particular “electrical machinery, apparatus and appliances, and electrical parts thereof” (by $43.7 billion or +22.8%) and “telecommunications and sound recording and reproducing apparatus and equipment” (by $6.5 billion or +14.5%). 
 
     Over the same period of comparison, increases were registered in the values of imports of most principal commodity divisions, in particular “electrical machinery, apparatus and appliances, and electrical parts thereof” (by $40.1 billion or +20.3%), “miscellaneous manufactured articles (mainly jewellery, goldsmiths’ and silversmiths’ wares)” (by $9.5 billion or +33.6%) and “telecommunications and sound recording and reproducing apparatus and equipment” (by $9.4 billion or +18.6%).
 
     For the first nine months of 2025 as a whole, increases were registered in the values of total exports of most principal commodity divisions, in particular “electrical machinery, apparatus and appliances, and electrical parts thereof” (by $253.7 billion or +15.9%) and “office machines and automatic data processing machines” (by $117.6 billion or +30.1%).
 
     Over the same period of comparison, increases were registered in the values of imports of most principal commodity divisions, in particular “electrical machinery, apparatus and appliances, and electrical parts thereof” (by $259.8 billion or +16.2%) and “office machines and automatic data processing machines” (by $105.3 billion or +32.5%).
 
Commentary
 
     A Government spokesman said that the value of merchandise exports continued to grow visibly by 16.1% in September over a year earlier. Exports to the Mainland and most other Asian markets saw robust growth, and exports to the United States and the European Union also grew moderately. Meanwhile, exports of most major commodities increased, particularly for exports of electrical equipment, machinery and mechanical appliances which continued to see strong growth.
 
     Looking ahead, Hong Kong’s merchandise trade performance should continue to be underpinned by the sustained expansion in the global economy. The Government’s ongoing endeavour in enhancing economic and trade ties with different markets also helps. Yet, the United States’ trade policy will continue to cast uncertainties on the near-term outlook of international trade flows. The Government will monitor the situation closely and stay vigilant.
 
Further information
 
     Table 1 presents the analysis of external merchandise trade statistics for September 2025. Table 2 presents the original monthly trade statistics from January 2022 to September 2025, and Table 3 gives the seasonally adjusted series for the same period.
 
     The values of total exports of goods to 10 main destinations for September 2025 are shown in Table 4, whereas the values of imports of goods from 10 main suppliers are given in Table 5.
 
     Tables 6 and 7 show the values of total exports and imports of 10 principal commodity divisions for September 2025.
 
     All the merchandise trade statistics described here are measured at current prices and no account has been taken of changes in prices between the periods of comparison. A separate analysis of the volume and price movements of external merchandise trade for September 2025 will be released in mid-November 2025.
 
     The September 2025 issue of “Hong Kong External Merchandise Trade” contains detailed analysis on the performance of Hong Kong’s external merchandise trade in September 2025 and will be available in early November 2025. Users can browse and download the report at the website of the C&SD (www.censtatd.gov.hk/en/EIndexbySubject.html?pcode=B1020005&scode=230).
 
     Enquiries on merchandise trade statistics may be directed to the Trade Analysis Section of the C&SD (Tel: 2582 4691).

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

The Hospital Authority (HA) held the “Health in Your Hand – HA Go Just One Click Away” campaign launching ceremony today (October 27), marking the beginning of a new large-scale promotional initiative to encourage the public to download the HA Go mobile application for easier access to public hospital services. 
 
The launching ceremony took place at the HA Head Office and across seven hospital clusters. During the ceremony, the HA Chairman, Mr Henry Fan, presented designated uniforms to the representatives of the HA Go volunteer team. The latest promotional video for HA Go was also premiered at the event, aiming to enhance the public’s understanding of the diverse functions of HA Go, enabling them to manage their health with just one click.
 
The HA Chief Executive, Dr Libby Lee, said, “Since its launch in 2019, HA Go has been well-received by the public. With HA Go, citizens can access various public hospital services more conveniently, quickly and smoothly, while also helping them manage their personal and family health more effectively. We will continue to enhance the functions of HA Go, aiming to make it an essential ‘health manager’ on every citizen’s smartphone.”
 
As of the third quarter of this year, HA Go has recorded over 4.12 million downloads, with more than 3.25 million registered full members and over 370 000 registered carers.
 
Mr Fan said, “The HA’s promotion of HA Go marks a significant milestone in the development of Hong Kong’s public healthcare services.”
 
Mr Fan added, Hong Kong is advancing from stability to prosperity. I urge citizens not only to download and use HA Go, but also to care about Hong Kong’s future. Let us fulfill our civic responsibilities by voting in the Legislative Council General Election on December 7, electing capable LegCo members to jointly promote the development of Hong Kong and build a better public healthcare system together.
 
The HA will launch a three-week large-scale promotional campaign to highlight HA Go’s features and benefits across various platforms. Hospital clusters will set up promotional booths and arrange for patient service ambassadors and volunteer teams to organise a series of promotional and educational activities to encourage more citizens to download and use HA Go, thereby enhancing the service experience at public hospitals.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Education Bureau today (October 27) invites applications for the 2025/26 Quality Enhancement Support Scheme (QESS) of the Self-financing Post-secondary Education Fund for projects proposed to be launched in the 2026/27 academic year. The application deadline is February 28, 2026.

The QESS is a major support measure to promote the healthy and sustainable development of the self-financing post-secondary education sector, with the aim of enhancing the quality of teaching and learning in the sector. It accepts applications under three project categories, namely theme-based projects, open-ended projects and industrial attachment projects.
    
Applicants in the category of theme-based projects may set their own themes, provided that the projects are conducted in a collaborative manner, i.e. planned and undertaken by more than one eligible institution, to foster closer collaboration and synergy among institutions and benefit the sector as widely as possible.

The applicants in the category of open-ended projects need to submit applications in relation to the relevant areas of the QESS funding. The main areas include:

(1) improving the overall learning experience and language proficiency of students;

(2) developing and improving teaching methodologies and practices, including the development of assessment strategies;

(3) strengthening and improving quality assurance and related measures; and

(4) enhancing student support and career guidance services, including support for non-Chinese speaking students and students with special educational needs.

As regards the category of industrial attachment projects, applicants can submit proposals within the following areas:

(1) incorporating quality assured work-based learning and assessments into programme curricula through close partnerships with industries;

(2) sourcing more industrial attachment opportunities within and/or outside Hong Kong, and/or enhancement of relevant institutional support for students; and

(3) organising visits or short-term training/courses conducted within and/or outside Hong Kong for students, which are directly relevant to industrial attachments.

All non-profit-making education institutions offering full-time locally accredited self-financing sub-degree or bachelor’s degree (including top-up degree) programmes are eligible to apply. Other related bodies such as the federations of these education institutions and quality assurance agencies may also apply. All applications will be considered by the Sub-committee on Support Measures established under the Committee on Self-financing Post-secondary Education.

Since its launch in 2012, the QESS has approved over 120 projects with a total grant of about $455 million. In the 2024/25 round of applications, five out of 33 applications were approved, with a total earmarked grant of about $23 million, which aim to develop an artificial intelligence (AI)-enhanced teaching resource hub for the sector; develop an AI-powered virtual laboratory platform for healthcare education; establish an industry-university partnerships office; enhance students’ emotional wellness and resilience; and provide non-local students with holistic support.

Further details of the QESS, including the scope of various project categories and the application procedures, are available at the Concourse for Self-financing Post-secondary Education (www.cspe.edu.hk/en/qess-project.html).