Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

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New grading standards under Mandatory Energy Efficiency Labelling Scheme to take full effect

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Electrical and Mechanical Services Department today (September 26) announced that the new energy efficiency grading standards for refrigerating appliances, washing machines and storage type electric water heaters under the Mandatory Energy Efficiency Labelling Scheme (MEELS) will be fully implemented on September 30. The new standards aim to encourage suppliers to introduce more energy-efficient models and help consumers select such products.

Starting from September 30, refrigerating appliances, washing machines and storage type electric water heaters must bear energy labels in compliance with the new energy efficiency grading standards before they are supplied to the local market. The reference number of the new energy label will carry the prefix “U3”.

The implementation of the new energy efficiency grading standards is expected to bring an additional energy saving of about 270 million kilowatt-hours per year, which is equivalent to an annual reduction of carbon emissions by about 189 000 tonnes.

The Code of Practice on Energy Labelling of Products was revised last year with the energy efficiency grading standards for the aforementioned three products raised by about 30 per cent. The 15-month transitional period will end on September 29, 2025. For further information about MEELS and the new energy efficiency grading standards, please visit the thematic website of the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (www.emsd.gov.hk/energylabel/en/home.html).

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Hong Kong and Zambia sign agreements on surrender of fugitive offenders, mutual legal assistance in criminal matters and transfer of sentenced persons (with photos)

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Secretary for Security, Mr Tang Ping-keung, and the Minister of Home Affairs and Internal Security of the Republic of Zambia, Mr Jack Mwiimbu, signed bilateral agreements on the surrender of fugitive offenders (SFO), mutual legal assistance in criminal matters (MLA) and the transfer of sentenced persons (TSP) in the Central Government Offices today (September 26) on behalf of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) and the Government of Zambia respectively.

“Both Hong Kong and Zambia are committed players in the international efforts to fight crime. The signing of the agreements on SFO, MLA and TSP today represents an important step forward in legal co-operation between Hong Kong and Zambia,” Mr Tang said at the signing ceremony.

Under the Basic Law, the Government of the HKSAR may, with the authorisation of the Central People’s Government, make appropriate arrangements with foreign states for reciprocal juridical assistance.

The SFO agreement sets out the conditions for the surrender of fugitive offenders between the HKSAR and Zambia and contains the usual safeguards found in similar international agreements, including that the conduct must constitute an offence according to the laws of both parties, and surrender may be refused if the offence is punishable by the death penalty.

The MLA agreement between the Government of the HKSAR and the Government of Zambia contains the essential features and safeguards of international agreements of this type. Assistance covered by the agreement includes identifying and locating persons, serving documents, taking evidence, executing requests for search and seizure, providing information, confiscating proceeds of crime, and more.

The TSP agreement embodies the shared conviction of Hong Kong and Zambia that allowing sentenced persons to return to their places of origin, where there are no language or cultural barriers and where friends and relatives can pay more regular visits, is conducive to their rehabilitation. Hong Kong’s policy is therefore to facilitate such transfers between Hong Kong and other jurisdictions as far as possible.

A list of the major bilateral international agreements (including SFO, MLA and TSP agreements) of the HKSAR that have come into force can be found at www.doj.gov.hk/en/external/international_agreements.html.

     

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Government proposes to provide duty exemption for methyl alcohol for use as fuel in outbound vessels

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Government announced a proposal to amend the Dutiable Commodities Regulations (Cap. 109A) under the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance (Cap. 109). The suggested amendment will provide duty exemption for methyl alcohol (MA) to be placed in the fuel tank of an outbound vessel for use as fuel to encourage the development of the local bunkering industry and support the development of Hong Kong as a green maritime fuel bunkering centre.

     The spokesperson for the Transport and Logistics Bureau said, “Hong Kong is an international maritime centre and a major maritime fuel bunkering port. To support the green transformation of the international shipping industry, we promulgated the Action Plan on Green Maritime Fuel Bunkering in November 2024, setting out a multi-fuel strategy to develop Hong Kong into a green maritime fuel bunkering and trading centre. Out of different green maritime fuels, only MA (including both green MA produced sustainably and conventional MA) is subject to duty under Cap. 109. Therefore, it was announced in the Supplement of the Chief Executive’s 2025 Policy Address that duty concessions would be provided for methanol used for bunkering of outbound vessels to increase the attractiveness of MA bunkering in Hong Kong and foster the development of the relevant industry.”

     The Legislative Council can by resolution approve the Dutiable Commodities (Amendment) Regulation 2025 made by the Chief Executive in Council under Cap. 109. The Secretary for Transport and Logistics will move a motion at the Legislative Council meeting on October 15 to pass the resolution.

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InvestHK leads delegation to Europe showcasing Hong Kong’s strengths as leading family office hub (with photos)

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     The Global Head of Family Office at Invest Hong Kong, Mr Jason Fong, yesterday (September 25) concluded a European mission spanning London, Zurich, Geneva and Milan, where he led a delegation to highlight Hong Kong’s strengths as a leading global family office hub. This trip has prompted greater interest among European families and professionals in exploring the opportunities available in Hong Kong.

     During the visit, Mr Fong and the delegation held a series of in-depth exchanges with European family offices, family representatives, asset owners, wealth managers and professional service providers. These engagements included roundtables, panel sessions, high-level forums, investor luncheons and one-on-one meetings. The meetings highlighted Hong Kong’s advantages as Asia’s leading international financial centre – an open-architecture capital market. The robust legal system in Hong Kong and the unique positioning under “one country, two systems” showcase the city as the ideal hub for European investors seeking to access Chinese Mainland and Asian markets.

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PS(Ed) leads National Day and Professional Exchange Delegation from Hong Kong Education Sector to visit Nanjing and Beijing (with photos)

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

PS(Ed) leads National Day and Professional Exchange Delegation from Hong Kong Education Sector to visit Nanjing and Beijing  
Ms Chan and the delegation were received and welcomed by the Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of the 14th National People’s Congress, Mr Peng Qinghua, at the Great Hall of the People. They then met with officials of the Ministry of Education. Ms Chan said that this year marks the 80th Anniversary of the Victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. It was profoundly meaningful to travel to Nanjing and Beijing with representatives from the education sector before National Day, visiting the Memorial Hall of the Victims in Nanjing Massacre by Japanese Invaders, and the Museum of the War of Chinese People’s Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the Marco Polo Bridge in Beijing, commemorating and remembering the nation’s martyrs and bearing in mind the profound inspiration of “taking history as a mirror and cherishing peace”.
 
Ms Chan expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Education, the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, the Department of Education of Jiangsu Province and various Mainland units for their strong support, facilitating the smooth conduct of the exchange programme.
 
This year, the delegation comprised around 130 participants from the education sector, including representatives from tertiary education institutions and professional education organisations, as well as principals, vice-principals and teachers from primary and secondary schools and kindergartens. The delegation began a six-day visit on September 22. Apart from visiting significant sites of the War of Resistance in Nanjing and Beijing and observing the flag-raising ceremony at Tiananmen Square, they also toured the Regional University-Industry Technology Transfer Center (Jiangsu), Peking University, Nanjing University, primary and secondary schools, kindergartens, and an innovation technology enterprise to learn about the latest national developments in education and innovation technology and strengthen exchanges with Mainland educators, broadening professional horizons.
 
Ms Chan and the delegation will conclude their visit and return to Hong Kong tomorrow (September 27).
Issued at HKT 18:15

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Hong Kong Mortgage Corporation Limited interim results highlights for 2025

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Hong Kong Mortgage Corporation Limited interim results highlights for 2025
 Debt Issuance
 Mortgage Insurance Programme (MIP)
 SME Financing Guarantee Scheme
 Dedicated 100% Loan Guarantee Schemes
 Annuity Business
 Reverse Mortgage Programme
 Financial Highlights

The unaudited consolidated profit after tax of the HKMC for 1H 2025 was HK$53.3 million (1H 2024: HK$9 million). The improvement in profitability was largely attributable to the increase in income from the placements with the Exchange Fund, reduced negative impact on fast-growing reverse mortgage business from movement of property price for 1H 2025 as compared to 1H 2024, foreign exchange gain arising from exposures in cash and debt investments amid favourable market conditions, and increase in net interest income. Such gains were partly offset by the increase in accounting loss from insurance results of annuity business, reflecting the increase in new policies written from the spillover effect of the payout enhancement and discount campaign launched in 2024.Issued at HKT 18:00

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APEC holds Workshop on Hydrogen for Land Transport in Hong Kong, China (with photos)

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

APEC holds Workshop on Hydrogen for Land Transport in Hong Kong, China  
In a video welcoming speech, the Secretary for Environment and Ecology, Mr Tse Chin-wan, highlighted that climate change is one of the greatest challenges of this era and underscored Hong Kong, China’s commitment to four decarbonisation strategies, namely “Net-zero electricity generation”, “Energy saving and green buildings”, “Green transport”, and “Waste reduction” under its Climate Action Plan 2050, with a view to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050.
 
Mr Tse said that apart from electric vehicles, hydrogen is a possible alternative for green transportation, particularly for heavy-duty and long-range transport applications. He added that the Government has set out the Strategy of Hydrogen Development in Hong Kong with a view to creating a local environment conducive to the development of hydrogen energy in a prudent and orderly manner. In addition, the Inter-departmental Working Group on Using Hydrogen as Fuel has been set up to introduce interim standards for hydrogen applications, and supported pilot projects such as hydrogen fuel cell buses, street-washing vehicles and cross-boundary hydrogen transportation, to remove barriers and facilitate commencement of local hydrogen applications. Mr Tse also mentioned that Hong Kong, China is well positioned to serve as a hub for hydrogen technologies, green finance and professional services, and reiterated Hong Kong, China’s support for APEC’s shared vision of clean energy transition and sustainable growth.
 
The Director of Electrical and Mechanical Services, Mr Poon Kwok-ying, shared at the workshop Hong Kong’s latest hydrogen developments concerning the application of land transport. He thanked the APEC member economies for their participation, exchanging insights and experience and exploring collaboration to unlock the potential of hydrogen energy in establishing a greener and more sustainable future.
 
The APEC EWG aims to further APEC’s goals to facilitate energy trade and investment to ensure that energy contributes to the enhancement of economic, social and environmental conditions of APEC member economies. The EWG consists of members from 21 APEC member economies and convenes meetings twice a year. It holds workshops on various themes to facilitate the achievement of APEC’s energy goals.   
Issued at HKT 17:30

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Reminder to public about fraudulent SMS messages purporting to be issued by CA or OFCA

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Reminder to public about fraudulent SMS messages purporting to be issued by CA or OFCA 
     OFCA solemnly clarified that the CA and OFCA have never issued and will not issue such SMS messages and has already reported the case to the Police.
 
     Members of the public should stay alert when receiving any suspicious SMS messages, should not call the fake OFCA hotline or click on suspicious links provided in the SMS messages, and under no circumstances should they disclose any personal information or transfer money. 
 
     In case of doubt, members of the public may call OFCA’s hotline 2961 6333 or the Police’s Anti-Scam Helpline 18222 for enquiries. They may also report cases of suspected phone scams to the Police. 
 
Issued at HKT 17:16

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FEHD releases sixth batch of gravidtrap indexes for Aedes albopictus in September

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

FEHD releases sixth batch of gravidtrap indexes for Aedes albopictus in September 

District

DistrictAmong the sixth batch of First Phase Gravidtrap Indexes covering nine survey areas and Area Gravidtrap Indexes covering seven survey areas in September, all were below 10 per cent.

The FEHD has so far released six batches of gravidtrap indexes for Aedes albopictus in September 2025, covering 58 survey areas. Among these 58 survey areas, 49 recorded a decrease or remained unchanged in the individual gravidtrap index as compared to the Area Gravidtrap Index last month, i.e. August 2025, representing that the areas’ mosquito infestation had improved or maintained a low level. Nine other areas recorded a slight increase, but the indexes were lower than 10 per cent. 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 will disseminate 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’ 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#Issued at HKT 17:00

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