Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     Following is the speech by the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki, at the special visit arranged by the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (OCMFA) to the “United in Arms, Standing for Peace: 80th Anniversary of Chinese Victory in the War of Resistance Exhibition” today (October 17):

Deputy Commissioner Li (Deputy Commissioner of the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Li Yongsheng), Consuls-General, Chamber representatives, ladies and gentlemen, 

     Good afternoon. A very warm welcome to the Hong Kong Museum of History.

     Thank you for joining this special tour of the “United in Arms, Standing for Peace” exhibition. 

     Today, you are not just attending an exhibition. You are looking at a pivotal chapter in the history of China and the world.

     The war began in 1931. For 14 long years, the Chinese nation fought with great courage and a strong will to protect the homeland. The cost was immense. Millions of lives were lost.

     The exhibition shows this history through more than 180 exhibits. Eighty-two of them are from the National Museum of China. About 60 items are being shown for the first time. Eight of these are top-level national treasures. 

     Each item tells a story of struggle and sacrifice. They also show Hong Kong’s role in supporting the national effort.

     The exhibition is about education and remembrance. We must never forget the sacrifices made. We remember the past not to keep hatred alive, but to cherish the peace we have today. We remember to learn from history and to build a better, brighter future for all.

     The exhibition, which runs until mid-December, is a team effort. It is jointly organised by our Leisure and Cultural Services Department, the Hong Kong Museum of History, and the National Museum of China. We also thank the Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust and the Bank of China (Hong Kong) for their generous support. 

     The exhibition is just one part of our effort. We are also organising a variety of related events and activities, including visits to war sites, seminars, thematic lectures, film screenings, book fairs and photo exhibitions across Hong Kong. The goal is to help the public understand the spirit of unity and resilience of the Chinese people in the fight for peace. 

     As announced in the Chief Executive’s 2025 Policy Address, we are repairing war sites in every district with a view to integrating them into tourism routes and educational activities. 

     We will also collaborate with Shenzhen to promote a new red educational route, under the theme of “Chinese Cultural Celebrity Rescue” history, to enhance understanding among people of Hong Kong and tourists of the history of the War of Resistance in Hong Kong.

     Ladies and gentlemen, this exhibition shows the great horrors of war. But it is presented in the name of peace.  

     Thank you.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

Hong Kong Customs, in the capacity of the World Customs Organization (WCO) Vice-Chair for the Asia/Pacific (A/P) Region, hosted the 35th WCO A/P Regional Contact Points Meeting starting October 14 for four consecutive days, with the meeting concluding today (October 17). 

The meeting gathered more than 70 representatives from A/P Customs administrations and the WCO’s regional entities. The agenda featured a series of thematic presentations and discussions that facilitated participants in exchanging views on Customs initiatives, enforcement strategies and training experiences from diverse perspectives, deepening co-operation and connections among A/P members.

The meeting commenced on October 14 with a welcoming speech delivered by the Commissioner of Customs and Excise, Mr Chan Tsz-tat, in the capacity of the WCO Vice-Chairperson for the A/P Region (APVC). Mr Chan emphasised that the meeting provided a vital platform for A/P members and regional entities to discuss and formulate policies for the global Customs community. He encouraged members to take the opportunity to share their experiences and innovative ideas and explore future Customs developments. He also highlighted Hong Kong Customs’ proactive efforts during its first year as the APVC and the impactful events organised that have brought together representatives and experts worldwide to foster knowledge sharing and collaboration across the region.

In his concluding remarks today, Mr Chan highlighted the fruitful outcomes of the four-day meeting, including discussions on current and future regional development strategies and exchanges of experiences in domestic Customs policies. The participants took part in in-depth discussions on an innovative initiative led by Hong Kong Customs in the capacity of the APVC, which was about a blockchain-based validation platform for digital documents designed to accelerate regional logistics and economic development. At the same time, Mr Chan expressed gratitude for all delegates’ active participation, stressing that all the insightful proposals and collective commitment to advancing regional development contributed to the meeting’s success.

The welcoming reception featured a wonderful performance by the Hong Kong Customs & Excise Dragon and Lion Dance Association. Also, the performance by the Ying Wa Primary School Senior Choir at the opening session added brilliance to the meeting, showcasing the talent, creativity, and potential of both Customs officers and Hong Kong’s young generation.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Chief Executive in Council has approved the draft Tseung Kwan O Outline Zoning Plan (OZP).

     “The approved OZP provides a statutory land use planning framework to guide the development and redevelopment within the Tseung Kwan O area,” a spokesman for the Town Planning Board said today (October 17).

The planning scheme area, covering about 1 761 hectares, is located at the southern part of Sai Kung District in the South East New Territories. It is bounded by Clear Water Bay Peninsula to the east, Junk Bay to the south, Lam Tin and Sau Mau Ping areas to the west, and Tseng Lan Shue and the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology to the north. The area is surrounded by steep sloping hills in the north, east and west, and is physically segregated from East Kowloon and Clear Water Bay Peninsula.

The approved OZP has incorporated amendments shown on the draft Tseung Kwan O OZP No. S/TKO/31, which mainly involve (i) incorporation of two sea areas in Fat Tong O into the planning scheme boundary and zoning/rezoning of these sea areas and adjoining Tseung Kwan O Area 137 for primarily residential and government, institution or community developments; and (ii) incorporation of another sea area in Chiu Keng Wan of Tseung Kwan O Area 132 into the planning scheme boundary and zoning it primarily for public facility developments.

The Notes and Explanatory Statement of the OZP have been amended to reflect the above amendments. Opportunity is also taken to update the general information of various land use zones and the planning circumstances, where appropriate.

The approved Tseung Kwan O OZP No. S/TKO/32 is available for public inspection during office hours at (i) the Secretariat of the Town Planning Board, (ii) the Planning Enquiry Counters, (iii) the Sai Kung and Islands District Planning Office, (iv) the Sai Kung District Office, and (v) the Hang Hau Rural Committee.

Copies of the approved OZP are available for sale at the Map Publications Centre in North Point. The electronic version of the OZP can be viewed at the Town Planning Board’s website (www.tpb.gov.hk).

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Chief Executive in Council has approved the draft Tsim Sha Tsui Outline Zoning Plan (OZP). 

     “The approved OZP provides a statutory land use planning framework to guide the development and redevelopment within the Tsim Sha Tsui area”, a spokesman for the Town Planning Board said today (October 17). 

The planning scheme area, covering about 192 hectares, is located at the southern tip of Kowloon Peninsula. It is bounded by Victoria Harbour to the south, southwest and southeast; Jordan Road and Gascoigne Road to the north; and Hung Hom Bay Reclamation to the east.

The approved OZP has incorporated amendments shown on the draft Tsim Sha Tsui OZP No. S/K1/29, which mainly involve revising the building height restriction from 45 metres above Principal Datum (mPD) to 90mPD for the “Government, Institution or Community” zone currently occupied by the main campus of the Hong Kong Polytechnic University at Yuk Choi Road.

The Notes and Explanatory Statement of the OZP have been amended to reflect the above amendments. Opportunity is also taken to update the general information of various land use zonings and the planning circumstances, where appropriate.

The approved Tsim Sha Tsui OZP No. S/K1/30 is available for public inspection during office hours at (i) the Secretariat of the Town Planning Board, (ii) the Planning Enquiry Counters, (iii) the Tsuen Wan and West Kowloon District Planning Office and (iv) the Yau Tsim Mong District Office. 

Copies of the approved OZP are available for sale at the Map Publications Centre in North Point. The electronic version of the OZP can be viewed at the Town Planning Board’s website (www.tpb.gov.hk).

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Town Planning Board today (October 17) announced amendments to the approved Shek Kong Outline Zoning Plan (OZP).

The amendments mainly involve rezoning a site to the south of Kam Sheung Road and west of Lai Uk Tsuen from “Residential (Group D)” to “Residential (Group C)”.
 
The Notes and Explanatory Statement of the OZP are amended to take into account the above amendments. Opportunity is also taken to update the general information of various land use zones and the planning scheme area, where appropriate.

The draft Shek Kong OZP No. S/YL-SK/10, incorporating the amendments, is available for public inspection during office hours at (i) the Secretariat of the Town Planning Board, (ii) the Planning Enquiry Counters, (iii) the Fanling, Sheung Shui and Yuen Long East District Planning Office, (iv) the Yuen Long District Office and (v) the Pat Heung Rural Committee.
 
Any person may make written representations in respect of the amendments to the Secretary of the Town Planning Board on or before December 17. Any person who intends to make a representation is advised to read the Town Planning Board Guidelines No. 29C on “Submission and Processing of Representations and Further Representations” (TPB PG-No. 29C).

Submission of a representation should comply with the requirements set out in TPB PG-No. 29C. In particular, the representer should take note of the following:

* If the representer fails to provide his or her full name and the first four alphanumeric characters of his or her Hong Kong identity card or passport number as required under TPB PG-No. 29C, the representation submitted shall be treated as not having been made; and
* The Secretariat of the Town Planning Board reserves the right to require the representer to provide identity proof for verification.

The Guidelines and the submission form are available at the above locations (i) and (ii) as well as the Town Planning Board’s website (www.tpb.gov.hk).

Copies of the draft Shek Kong OZP are available for sale at the Map Publications Centre in North Point. The electronic version of the OZP can be viewed on the Town Planning Board’s website (www.tpb.gov.hk).

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     Following is the speech by the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Algernon Yau, at the press conference on Hong Kong Fintech Week x StartmeupHK Festival 2025 today (October 17):
 
     Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. Thank you for joining us today.
 
     The StartmeupHK is an initiative which aims at helping founders of innovative and scalable start-ups from outside Hong Kong to set up or expand here. Through this initiative, Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK) offers information about our start-up ecosystem, connects people to the start-up community, and fosters a positive environment for start-ups to thrive.
 
     Start-ups are an important part of any economy. Behind every start-up, there must be an innovative business idea. These new ideas call for changes and refresh our economy. And Hong Kong is just the right place not only for start-ups to be created, but also for them to grow and scale. Apart from the favourable business environment in Hong Kong, the start-ups here are supported by a strong network of incubators and accelerators, a pool of experienced angels and venture capitalists, a host of government-backed programmes and a welcoming business community.
 
     Attracting and grooming start-ups are an important aspect of InvestHK’s work. And it has done a great job. The number of start-ups in Hong Kong has nearly tripled, from about 1 600 start-ups 10 years ago to around 4 700 last year. The impressive expansion is a result of the pro-startup measures taken by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government over the years.
 
     While it is common for start-ups to be set up by local people, it is worth noting that 28 per cent of the founders of our start-ups are from outside Hong Kong. This is obviously a testament to Hong Kong’s appeal as Asia Pacific’s top destination for start-up investment and a start-up talent magnet. Going forward, we will continue to focus on assisting high potential unicorns and scale-ups worldwide across various sectors to grow.
 
     This year, the StartmeupHK initiative has evolved by collaborating with Hong Kong FinTech Week, under the theme “Curating the New Fintech Era”. Building on the success in the past, the 2025 edition highlights the growing convergence of fintech with other frontier technologies – artificial intelligence (AI), greentech, healthtech, and Web3 – which are increasingly deployed as part of comprehensive tech start-up solutions. The Festival offers a unique opportunity to engage with the fintech ecosystem and reinforces Hong Kong’s position as a hub for scalable start-ups and cross-border innovation.
 
     To bring this theme to life, we will expand the main conference from eight to 11 fora, introducing new sessions like “Healthtech & Insurtech” and the “China‑Global Innovation Forum”. We will also cover wider cross-sector themes such as “Blockchain & Web3” and “Digital Finance”. These fora will address important global issues including asset tokenisation, responsible AI, and the growing convergence of healthtech and insurtech. Besides, there will be a new “TechX Forum” to explore how emerging technologies are moving from experimentation to large-scale deployment. These additions encourage earlier practical conversations between founders, regulators, and corporates, helping start-ups move faster from pilot projects to full production.
 
     InvestHK’s Global Fast Track 2025 programme has also grown to include seven verticals, adding “Innovation & Technology” to expand beyond fintech. This reflects the increasing overlap of technology across multiple industries. The year-long hybrid programme provides participants with one-on-one meetings, live pitching opportunities, mentorship, and tailored business matching with corporate clients, investors and service providers. I strongly recommend that the global start-up community joins this programme to assist your start-ups in scaling up by leveraging Hong Kong’s advantages.
 
     Looking ahead, with the StartmeupHK Festival at the heart of this partnership, we are not just celebrating success – together, we are shaping Hong Kong’s future of innovation.
 
     We look forward to welcoming the global start-up community to join us this November. Please come to Hong Kong to connect, to build and to scale. I am sure that you will always find unlimited business opportunities in our city, your ideal destination for business and investment.
 
     Thank you.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

Following is the speech by the Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr Christopher Hui, at the press conference on Hong Kong FinTech Week 2025 today (October 17):
 
Ladies and gentlemen,
 
Good afternoon, and thank you for joining us today. It is with immense pleasure that I unveil the details of this year’s highly anticipated Hong Kong FinTech Week 2025.
 
     This year marks a historic milestone – the 10th anniversary of the event. I have been privileged to witness the tremendous growth and evolution of this event in the past years. This remarkable year is graced with new records. We are welcoming over 37 000 executives, more than 800 renowned speakers, and 700 exhibitors from over 100 economies to celebrate with us.
 
     This powerhouse event, together with the StartmeupHK Festival, will demonstrate how Hong Kong is leveraging technological convergence to elevate the economic impact of fintech and innovation on a global scale.
 
     Hong Kong’s credentials as a fintech leader are not just claims – they are hard, global facts. Consistently ranked among the world’s top three international financial centres and as a leader in Asia, Hong Kong has taken bold strides to solidify its position as a leader in fintech as well.
 
     Today, Hong Kong’s fintech hub is ranked number one globally under the latest Global Financial Centers Index. Our city is home to more than 1 100 fintech firms, and the fintech sector is projected to reach US$606 billion in total revenue by 2032, with an impressive annual growth rate of 28.5 per cent.
 
     In the first half of this year, Hong Kong was also ranked first globally in terms of the amount of funds raised through IPOs (initial public offerings), with many advanced technology companies listing on our exchange.
 
     FinTech Week this year carries the theme “Curating the New Fintech Era”. It is indeed our promise: Hong Kong will not just adapt to the future of fintech. We will lead, we will build and continue to stay at the forefront of it.
 
     None of this success happens by accident. It comes from sustained policy vision, unwavering public-private collaboration, and a commitment to balancing innovation with security. Let me highlight the milestones we have achieved over the past year.
 
     On digital assets, our Policy Statement 2.0 on the Development of Digital Assets in Hong Kong issued in June this year sets out our vision for a trusted and innovative ecosystem that prioritises risk management and investor protection. We also implemented the Stablecoins Ordinance in August to establish a licensing regime for stablecoin issuers, on top of our existing regulatory framework for virtual asset trading platforms that commenced in June two years ago.
 
     On AI (artificial intelligence), we issued a policy statement on responsible adoption of AI in the financial market last October, and have launched two cohorts of GenA.I. Sandbox to assist banks in exploring generative AI’s capabilities in enhancing risk management, anti-fraud measures and customer experience.
 
     On e-payment, we launched Payment Connect with the People’s Bank of China in June this year to implement the linkage of the Internet Banking Payment System on the Mainland and the Faster Payment System, with a view to supporting secure, efficient and also convenient real-time cross-boundary payments.
 
     We also continue to enhance the financial infrastructure, such as the Commercial Data Interchange, and the Central Bank Digital Currency, to explore integrating fintech with the real economy.
 
     Each of these initiatives reflects the collaboration among the Government, financial regulators and industry players. We turn ideas into action, and at the same time action into global leadership.
 
     Looking ahead, we are doubling down on this momentum with a clear, forward-focused strategy. As highlighted in the latest Policy Address, we will leverage the ongoing asset reallocation wave by global investors to consolidate our status as an international financial centre. We will drive fintech development and promote green and sustainable finance to capitalise on these new growth opportunities. This is not just about maintaining our lead; it is about shaping the next chapter of global finance, where capital flows more intelligently and technology addresses real-world economic challenges.
 
     This year Hong Kong FinTech Week will serve this purpose. It will bring together global finance and tech leaders, policymakers, and investors to collaborate, and curate the new fintech era.
 
     So I invite each of you, every one of you here today to join us. Let’s explore the boundless possibilities of fintech. Let us pave the way for a connected, efficient, and sustainable global economy. Thank you.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Lands Department (LandsD) announced today (October 17) that a total of four government sites in North District, Yuen Long and Tai Po will be let by way of short-term tenancy through tender to eligible brownfield operators affected by the land resumption and clearance exercises before or within the fourth quarter of 2028 under relevant government development projects.
 
     Brownfield operators, which were invited to participate in previous relevant tenders for a short-term tenancy two or more times after the completion of clearance exercises of relevant government development projects, will be excluded from this tender.
 
     The tender commences today and will close on November 19. Details of the four sites and the list of relevant government development projects involved are described in a Government Notice gazetted today.
 
     Under the prevailing arrangements, business operators affected by government development projects will be offered statutory compensation in accordance with the law, or ex-gratia allowances as an alternative, subject to the fulfilment of relevant eligibility criteria.
 
     A spokesperson for the LandsD said that in order to facilitate brownfield operators’ relocation of businesses or operations, and to optimise the utilisation of land resources, the department has been identifying suitable vacant sites on government land to let through tender by way of a short-term tenancy.
 
     The four sites to be let through tender are suitable for a range of uses including industrial use, open storage, godown, workshop, recovery and recycling or reprocessing business and fee-paying public carpark. 
 
     The spokesperson stressed that the LandsD will continue to identify vacant sites suitable for use by those brownfield operators required to be displaced, and these sites will be let through tender by way of a short-term tenancy.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Government announced today (October 17) the reappointments of Mr Chu Kin-wing and Miss Barbara Wong as the Chairman and the Deputy Chairman respectively of the Consumer Goods Safety Appeal Board Panel, as well as the reappointments of six incumbent members and the appointments of three new members to the Panel for a term of two years with effect from October 20, 2025.

     The incumbent members who have been reappointed are Mr Chan Chi-ho, Ms Cindy Chan Chui-bik, Mr Chau Chi-chung, Ms Roberta Veronica Cheung, Mr Leung Chi-ho, and Mr Jan Noel Shih. The new members are Ms Rebecca Lee Pui-yi, Dr Mung Wai-yin and Mr Franky Wong Chun-ho.

     Established under section 14 of the Consumer Goods Safety Ordinance, the Consumer Goods Safety Appeal Board Panel is responsible for hearing appeals against enforcement decisions or actions taken by the Commissioner of Customs and Excise under the Ordinance.

     The Panel’s membership with effect from October 20, 2025, will be as follows:

Chairman
————
Mr Chu Kin-wing

Deputy Chairman
———————
Miss Barbara Wong

Members
———–
(1) Scientists or technologists with relevant expertise in consumer goods

Mr Chan Chi-ho
Mr Leung Chi-ho
Dr Mung Wai-yin

(2) Persons from the consumer goods industry

Ms Rebecca Lee Pui-yi
Mr Jan Noel Shih
Mr Franky Wong Chun-ho

(3) General public

Ms Cindy Chan Chui-bik
Mr Chau Chi-chung
Ms Roberta Veronica Cheung

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     Two women who went missing in Tsuen Wan have been located.

     Two Filipino women, Pabuaya Imee-mahilum and Tibay Aleli-perez, aged 24 and 33 respectively, went missing after they were last seen on Yeung Uk Road on October 4 afternoon. Police has respectively received the reports on October 8 and October 6.

    Two women were located at a shopping mall on Sui Wo Road, Sha Tin last night (October 16). They sustained no injuries and no suspicious circumstances were detected.