Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Government welcomes approval of Mandatory Provident Fund Schemes (General) (Amendment) Regulation 2025
The Phase One Proposal of “Full Portability” is expected to be implemented within next year. Employees whose employment commences on or after May 1, 2025 (New EEs), may by then transfer accrued benefits derived from employer mandatory contributions in respect of the current employment in its entire amount from a contribution account of the MPF scheme participated in by the employer to a personal account of an MPF scheme of their own choice, once every calendar year or more than once in every calendar year if the governing rules of the MPF scheme from which the accrued benefits are transferred so provide.
The Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr Christopher Hui, said, “As a first step for implementing ‘Full Portability’, the Phase One Proposal will help strengthen New EEs’ control over their MPF benefits, encouraging them to more proactively manage their MPF accounts and investment strategies. It will also help promote competition in the MPF market, and encourage trustees to continue to reduce fees, improve fund performances and enhance service quality, such that the working population’s retirement reserve will be strengthened as a result.
“As regards the Phase Two Proposal benefitting employees whose employment commenced before May 1, 2025, we will commence the relevant legislative amendments within next year to shorten the lead time between the implementation of the two proposals as far as possible.”
Taking into account the onboarding progress of the eMPF Platform and the time required for completing all necessary administrative and other groundwork, as well as putting thorough risk control in place, the Government expects to implement the Phase One Proposal of “Full Portability” within next year. The Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury will separately announce the exact date through a notice published in the Gazette.
Issued at HKT 10:24
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Government launches $3 billion Frontier Technology Research Support Scheme to attract international top-notch talent and foster research in frontier technologies
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
​The Innovation and Technology Commission today (September 26) launched the Frontier Technology Research Support Scheme (FTRSS). Eligible universities are welcome to apply by the deadline on November 25.
“The Government hopes that the FTRSS can attract international top-notch talent and strengthen our support for Hong Kong’s basic research in frontier fields, with a view to expanding Hong Kong’s research capacities, promoting the integrated development of education, technology and talent, as well as dovetailing with the country’s strategic planning of frontier technologies,” a spokesman for the Commission said.
Under the FTRSS, the Government will provide funding support, on a matching basis, to the eight universities funded by the University Grants Committee in attracting international top-notch researchers to Hong Kong and procuring facilities to conduct research projects in frontier technology fields. Each successful application may receive funding support of an amount between $100 million and $300 million. Assessment criteria includes academic achievements of the leading talent and the extent of their commitment to participating in the research projects, as well as the technical excellence, originality and potential of the research projects for scientific breakthroughs in frontier technology fields.
The Commission expects the application results to be announced in the first half of 2026 after assessment of applications. Details are available on the FTRSS website (www.itc.gov.hk/en/fund_app/ftrss/index.html). For enquiries, please contact the Secretariat of the FTRSS (Tel: 3543 5904; e‑mail: ftrss@itc.gov.hk).
Mise en garde contre une escroquerie en ligne visant le président du gouvernement de la Nouvelle-Calédonie
Source: Gouvernement de la Nouvelle-Caledonie
Le gouvernement de la Nouvelle-Calédonie alerte la population au sujet d’une vidéo trompeuse diffusée sur Facebook. Comme en juillet 2025, cette vidéo met en scène, de manière frauduleuse, le président du gouvernement, Alcide Ponga, semblant promouvoir un prétendu « programme QAI destiné à augmenter ses revenus ».
Cette vidéo relève clairement d’une tentative d’escroquerie en ligne. L’image du président a été utilisée sans autorisation et sa voix reproduite par des technologies d’intelligence artificielle à des fins malveillantes. Il s’agit d’une manipulation visant à tromper les internautes et à obtenir d’eux des informations personnelles ou financières.
Le gouvernement de la Nouvelle-Calédonie dénonce fermement cette usurpation d’identité et tient à rassurer les citoyens : aucun programme de ce type n’a été lancé ni annoncé par l’institution.
Nous appelons chacun à faire preuve de vigilance et à ne pas relayer ni cliquer sur des liens suspects.
Pour rappel, toute information officielle est diffusée exclusivement par l’intermédiaire de ses canaux institutionnels :
- le site internet officiel : www.gouv.nc ;
- les comptes officiels sur Facebook, Linkedin et X ;
- les communiqués de presse transmis aux médias ;
- ou tout autre support validé par le gouvernement.
En cas de doute, nous invitons la population à signaler immédiatement la publication frauduleuse àvla plateforme concernée et à ne jamais fournir d’informations personnelles en ligne sans vérification préalable.
Le président du gouvernement se réserve par ailleurs le droit d’engager des poursuites judiciaires contre les auteurs de cette fraude.
Speech by DCS at Welcome Reception of Zonta International 23rd District 17 Conference (English only)
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
Following is the speech by the Deputy Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Cheuk Wing-hing, at the Welcome Reception of the Zonta International 23rd District 17 Conference today (September 25):
President Salla Tuominen (President of Zonta International), Governor Winnie Wong (Governor, Zonta International District 17), Chair Teresa Lin (Chair, Zonta International 23rd District 17 Conference Organising Committee), Secretary Mak (Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, Miss Alice Mak), Zontians, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
Good evening. It is a huge delight to join you tonight. I would like to first extend our warm welcome to all of you. We are honoured that you have chosen our city to kick-start the conference.
Hong Kong is Asia’s world city enjoying the best of East and West. Famous for its hard assets, such as skyscrapers, world-class infrastructure and superb transportation system, Hong Kong also has many soft appeals in terms of mouth-watering delicacies, beautiful countryside, interesting islands, and a vibrant year-round calendar of exciting sports and cultural events.
The other thing that makes Hong Kong a dynamic hub for events is our people. The talent, diversity and drive of our citizens are our greatest asset. Central to this success story of Hong Kong is the incredible and indispensable contribution of women.
Today, women account for over half of our population and are making remarkable strides in all sectors. More than half of our solicitors and public accountants are women, a significant leap from just some 30 per cent two decades ago. Furthermore, the share of women in managerial positions has reached a record high of 38 per cent. The current-term Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) has also set a record, with seven out of 15 directors of bureaux being women. These figures are more than just numbers; they represent a growing cohort of female leaders who are to innovate and make changes to shape the future of Hong Kong.
The HKSAR Government firmly believes in equality for women and the potential and power of women. We have set up a Women Empowerment Fund to provide financial support to projects that help women of all ages and backgrounds to unleash their potential. Last year’s inaugural Family and Women Development Summit provided a platform for dialogues that facilitate the healthy development of families and women, while a one-stop Family and Women Portal centralises useful information related to family education and women’s development for the public. Most recently, we launched a “She Inspires” Mentorship Programme to connect female university students with established women leaders to foster a cycle of empowerment and guidance that will inspire for years to come.
This drive for progress is also being championed in the private sector. One example is the Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing’s requirement for listed companies to eliminate single-gender boards in 2022. The proportion of Hong Kong-listed issuers with at least one female board member has now risen to over 99 per cent. This is a powerful step towards ensuring seats for women at tables where decisions are made.
I am glad to see that our community is collectively championing the cause of gender equality and women’s empowerment. This collective effort is especially important in 2025, as we mark the 30th anniversary of the Fourth World Conference on Women and the adoption of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action. This landmark global agenda for women’s empowerment remains as relevant today as it was three decades ago. Its vision remains a guiding light for our work, and it is heartening to see its principles so strongly espoused here in Hong Kong.
I thank Zonta for hosting the conference, which so effectively focuses our community’s attention on promoting women’s development. The vision of Zonta chimes in perfectly with Hong Kong’s own commitment to progress. We stand with you in the pursuit of a world where every woman is empowered to realise her full potential and where her rights are fundamentally recognised and protected.
In closing, I hope you enjoy the rest of the reception with wonderful company. As you move on to Macao for the main conference tomorrow, I also wish you all a fruitful journey ahead. Thank you very much.
Paracetamol use clarified
Source: Hong Kong Information Services
The Department of Health today said that there is no association between paracetamol use during pregnancy and autism or attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), emphasising that all public health policies and medical advice must be based on scientific evidence.
The department was responding to a media enquiry regarding the use of pharmaceutical products containing acetaminophen, also known as paracetamol by pregnant women.
The department also said that preventing mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of hepatitis B through immunisation is the cornerstone of hepatitis B control in Hong Kong, noting that the Government will closely monitor relevant scientific evidence and developments locally and internationally.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has recently issued a statement, indicating that there is currently insufficient scientific evidence to conclude that paracetamol use during pregnancy causes autism or other neurodevelopmental disorders in children, or that there is any association between the two.
Furthermore, several drug regulatory authorities, including those in the European Union, the UK, Australia and Canada, have emphasised that based on rigorous assessments of existing scientific data, paracetamol remains an important option for pregnant women to relieve pain or fever when clinically indicated and under medical advice.
As high fever in pregnant women may pose risks to the foetus’ life and health, pregnant women shall follow their doctor’s recommendations. Healthcare professionals will conduct assessments based on the mother’s health condition and prescribe necessary medicines, which may include paracetamol at the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration.
The Department of Health emphasised that pregnant women should exercise caution when taking medicines, particularly in the first trimester. Before using any medicines, they should consult healthcare professionals or follow medical advice.
There are about 700 registered medicines in Hong Kong containing paracetamol. According to the department’s record, no reports have been received so far linking paracetamol use during pregnancy to autism in children.
The department will closely monitor safety recommendations and research findings from other international health authorities and drug regulatory authorities regarding the use of various medicines, and to take appropriate follow-up actions as necessary.
As regards hepatitis B vaccination for newborns, according to the WHO’s recommendations, receiving the hepatitis B vaccine at birth and completing the three-dose series as scheduled are crucial to preventing infection and reducing the public health burden of hepatitis B.
The younger the age of acquiring the infection, the higher the risk of developing chronic hepatitis B (CHB). If a newborn is infected, there is up to a 90% possibility of developing CHB, which is the primary cause of liver cancer, cirrhosis, and liver failure among the population in Hong Kong.
Since 1988, the universal childhood hepatitis B immunisation programme has been implemented in Hong Kong. The current vaccination coverage rate among pre-school children has reached 99%.
According to the Population Health Survey 2020-22, prevalence of hepatitis B among those aged under 35 has dropped below 1%, reflecting Hong Kong’s successful progress towards realising the goal of “hepatitis B-free generation”.
The provision of hepatitis B vaccination to newborns has been instrumental in this achievement, the Department of Health said, noting that any proposal to delay newborn immunisations would pose irreversible and significant public health risks to the community.
The Government will closely monitor the local and international development related to hepatitis B, and will promulgate the Hong Kong Viral Hepatitis Action Plan 2025 – 2030 this year to further alleviate the public health burden of viral hepatitis.
DH responds to media enquiry on paracetamol and hepatitis B vaccination for newborns
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
In response to a media enquiry regarding the use of pharmaceutical products containing acetaminophen (also known as paracetamol) by pregnant women and whether newborns should receive hepatitis B vaccination, the Department of Health (DH) today (September 25) emphasised that all public health policies and medical advice must be based on scientific evidence. The medical community has long confirmed through more rigorous large-scale studies that there is no association between paracetamol use during pregnancy and autism or attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Moreover, preventing mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of hepatitis B through immunisation is the cornerstone of hepatitis B control in Hong Kong. The Government will continue to closely monitor relevant scientific evidence and developments locally and internationally.
Paracetamol
—————-
The World Health Organization (WHO) has recently issued a statement indicating that there is currently insufficient scientific evidence to conclude that paracetamol use during pregnancy causes autism or other neurodevelopmental disorders in children, or that there is any association between the two. Furthermore, several drug regulatory authorities, including those in the European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada, have successively emphasised that based on rigorous assessments of existing scientific data, paracetamol remains an important option for pregnant women to relieve pain or fever when clinically indicated and under medical advice. Some authorities have specifically noted that studies suggesting a potential link between the two exhibit significant limitations and in fact failed to establish a causal relationship. Conversely, the medical community has long confirmed through more rigorous large-scale studies that there is no association between paracetamol use during pregnancy and autism or ADHD.
Based on current scientific evidence, claims that taking paracetamol during pregnancy causes autism or other neurodevelopmental disorders in children lack sufficient supporting evidence.
​High fever in pregnant women may pose risks to the foetus’s life and health. The DH therefore advises pregnant women shall follow their doctor’s recommendations. Healthcare professionals will conduct professional assessments based on the mother’s health condition and prescribe necessary medicines, which may include paracetamol at the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration. The DH emphasises that pregnant women should exercise caution when taking medicines during pregnancy, particularly in the first trimester. Before using any medicines, they should consult healthcare professionals or follow medical advice.
Currently, there are about 700 registered medicines in Hong Kong contain paracetamol. According to records of the DH, to date, no reports have been received linking paracetamol use during pregnancy to autism in children. The DH will continue to closely monitor safety recommendations and research findings from other international health authorities and drug regulatory authorities regarding the use of various medicines, and to take appropriate follow-up actions as necessary.
Hepatitis B vaccination for newborns
——————————————–
According to the WHO’s recommendations, receiving the hepatitis B vaccine at birth and completing the three-dose series as scheduled are crucial measures for preventing infection and reducing the public health burden of hepatitis B.
Hepatitis B is transmitted through contact with the blood or body fluids of an infected person. The major transmission routes include MTCT, and through contact with blood and sexual contact. In chronic hepatitis B (CHB) endemic places (including Hong Kong), most people with CHB are infected through MTCT.
The younger the age of acquiring the infection, the higher the risk of developing CHB. If a newborn is infected, there is up to a 90 per cent chance of developing CHB. CHB is the primary cause of liver cancer, cirrhosis, and liver failure among the population in Hong Kong.
Since 1988, the universal childhood hepatitis B immunisation programme has been implemented in Hong Kong. The current vaccination coverage rate among pre-school children has reached 99 per cent. According to the Population Health Survey 2020-22, prevalence of hepatitis B among those under 35 years old has dropped below one per cent, reflecting Hong Kong’s successful progress towards realising the goal of “hepatitis B-free generation”. The provision of hepatitis B vaccination to newborns has been instrumental in this achievement. Any proposal to delay newborn immunisations would pose irreversible and significant public health risks to the community. The DH unequivocally opposes such suggestions.
The Government will closely monitor the local and international development related to hepatitis B, and will promulgate the Hong Kong Viral Hepatitis Action Plan 2025 – 2030 this year to further alleviate the public health burden of viral hepatitis.
HK ranked world’s freest economy
Source: Hong Kong Information Services
The Fraser Institute’s Economic Freedom of the World 2025 Annual Report published today once again ranked Hong Kong as the world’s freest economy.
Among the five areas of assessment in the report, the city maintained the top position in “Freedom to trade internationally”, while securing the third position in “Sound money” and “Regulation”.
In a statement, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government said the Fraser Institute’s report has reaffirmed Hong Kong’s strengths as a free-market economy, as well as its open and efficient business environment with a level-playing field.
Amid the intensifying geopolitical tensions and rising unilateralism and protectionism that disrupt the international trade system and global economic order, Hong Kong will as always steadfastly uphold its status as a free port.
Hong Kong will maintain free trade policies and a simple, low tax regime, while ensuring the free flow of capital, information, goods and talent – fully leveraging its role as a “super connector” and “super value-adder”, the statement said, adding that local and overseas enterprises and talent are welcome to invest and pursue business and career opportunities in the city.
The statement noted that while the global economy has been facing significant uncertainties stemming from unilateral tariffs since the beginning of this year, the nation’s commitment to high-level two-way opening up, along with continuous breakthroughs in technological innovation, has injected stability and growth momentum into the regional and global economies.
Under the “one country, two systems” framework, Hong Kong retains its unique advantages in connectivity, internationalisation, diversity and inclusiveness.
These strengths, combined with stable and predictable economic and financial policies, as well as an open, efficient and fair market environment, continue to attract global investors, enterprises and talent.
Additionally, the strong performance of Hong Kong’s stock market, the sustained growth in bank deposits, and the expanding asset and wealth management sectors, are clear indicators of international investors’ confidence in the city.
Moreover, Hong Kong continues to achieve outstanding results in various global competitiveness rankings across finance, innovation and technology, education and talent, underscoring the international recognition of its core strengths and the Hong Kong SAR Government’s efforts to promote economic and social development.
Looking ahead, the statement said that Hong Kong will proactively integrate into the overall national development plan and align with national development strategies, while maintaining a free, open and fair business environment.
The city will capitalise on its core advantages, and strengthen connectivity with both the Mainland and the world, to create greater value and opportunities for global investors. In addition to consolidating its strengths in the traditional sectors, Hong Kong is committed to nurturing emerging industries and expanding into new sectors.
While deepening ties with established markets, Hong Kong is also making great strides in enhancing its engagement with the Global South, the statement said.
With the country’s staunch support, plus the concerted efforts of the Hong Kong SAR Government and the community at large, Hong Kong’s path from stability to prosperity is set to shine even brighter, it added.
As to references on Hong Kong’s national security laws in the 2025 Report, the statement highlighted that the Hong Kong SAR Government protects the rights and freedoms of Hong Kong residents in strict accordance with the Constitution of the People’s Republic of China and the Basic Law.
Typhoon relief for farmers, fishermen
Source: Hong Kong Information Services
Local farmers, fish farmers and fishermen who suffered serious losses caused by the recent super typhoon can register for assistance from an emergency relief fund, the Agriculture, Fisheries & Conservation Department announced today.
Registration opens tomorrow. The application deadline for affected farmers and fish farmers is October 8, while the deadline for affected fishermen is November 11.
The department’s preliminary investigation revealed that about 300 hectares of farmland in the New Territories, some fish rafts in certain fish culture zones and fishing vessels were affected by the super typhoon.
Affected farmers can submit their applications in person at the department’s Agricultural Extension Office at 5/F, Yuen Long Government Offices, 2 Kiu Lok Square or register online. Call 2476 2424 for enquiries.
Meanwhile, affected fish farmers can submit their applications at the department’s offices at 8/F, Cheung Sha Wan Government Offices, 303 Cheung Sha Wan Road; 100A Shek Pai Wan Road, Aberdeen; 3 Yu On Street, Tai Po; or 5/F, Sai Kung Government Offices, 34 Chan Man Street.
Affected fishermen can submit their applications at the department’s office located at 8/F, Cheung Sha Wan Government Offices.
Submissions can also be made online.
For enquiries, fish farmers can call 2150 7109, while fishermen can dial 2150 7099.
Hong Kong once again ranks as the world’s freest economy
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Hong Kong once again ranks as the world’s freest economy
A spokesman for the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government said, “The Fraser Institute’s report has reaffirmed Hong Kong’s strengths as a free-market economy, as well as its open and efficient business environment with a level-playing field. Amid the intensifying geopolitical tensions, and rising unilateralism and protectionism that disrupt the international trade system and global economic order, Hong Kong will, as always, continue to steadfastly uphold its status as a free port. We will maintain free trade policies and a simple, low tax regime, while ensuring the free flow of capital, information, goods and talent – fully leveraging our role as a ‘super connector’ and ‘super value-adder’. We warmly welcome local and overseas enterprises and talent to invest in Hong Kong and pursue business and career opportunities here.”
“Since the beginning of this year, the global economy has been facing significant uncertainties stemming from unilateral tariffs. Nevertheless, our country’s commitment to high-level two-way opening up, along with continuous breakthroughs in technological innovation, has injected stability and growth momentum into the regional and global economies. Under the ‘one country, two systems’ framework, Hong Kong retains its unique advantages in connectivity, internationalisation, diversity and inclusiveness. These strengths, combined with stable and predictable economic and financial policies, as well as an open, efficient and fair market environment, continue to attract global investors, enterprises and talent. The strong performance of Hong Kong’s stock market, the sustained growth in bank deposits, and the expanding asset and wealth management sectors, are clear indicators of international investors’ confidence in Hong Kong. Furthermore, the city continues to achieve outstanding results in various global competitiveness rankings across finance, innovation and technology, education and talent. These all underscore the international recognition of Hong Kong’s core strengths and the HKSAR Government’s efforts to promote economic and social development.”
“The current-term HKSAR Government has been proactively attracting enterprises, capital and talent to Hong Kong, with remarkable results. As of last year, nearly 10 000 companies with overseas and Mainland parent companies have established a presence in Hong Kong, marking a historic high. Since the end of 2022, the Office for Attracting Strategic Enterprises has successfully brought in over 80 strategic enterprises to set up or expand their operations in the city, many of which are global leaders in cutting-edge technologies. In the first eight months of this year, Invest Hong Kong supported more than 440 enterprises in establishing or expanding their businesses in Hong Kong, representing a 14 per cent increase compared to the same period last year. Overseas and Mainland enterprises each accounted for about half of these projects. These figures demonstrate the strong appeal of Hong Kong’s world-class business environment. On talent attraction, since the end of 2022 to August this year, various talent admission schemes received nearly 530 000 applications, with over 350 000 approvals. More than 230,000 individuals have arrived in Hong Kong.”
“Looking ahead, we will continue to proactively integrate into the overall national development plan and align with national development strategies, while maintaining a free, open and fair business environment. We will capitalise on our core advantages, and strengthen connectivity with both the Mainland and the world, to create greater value and opportunities for global investors. In addition to consolidating our strengths in the traditional sectors, we are committed to nurturing emerging industries and expanding into new sectors. While deepening ties with established markets, we are also making great strides in enhancing our engagement with the Global South. The Policy Address delivered by the Chief Executive last week has set out clear goals and concrete measures to further advance Hong Kong’s economic development – including fast-tracking the development of the Northern Metropolis, promoting the development of industries through reforms, accelerating the growth of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, and consolidating Hong Kong’s status as an international hub. With the staunch support of our country, and the concerted efforts of the HKSAR Government and the community at large, Hong Kong’s path from stability to prosperity is set to shine even brighter.”
As to references on Hong Kong’s national security laws in the 2025 Report, the spokesman said, “The HKSAR Government protects the rights and freedoms of Hong Kong residents in strict accordance with the Constitution of the People’s Republic of China and the Basic Law. The interests of enterprises and investors are also fully safeguarded in accordance with the law. In recent years, the implementation of national security laws has restored a safe and stable environment in Hong Kong. This has not only ensured the rights and freedoms of the general public, but also strengthened Hong Kong’s position as a secure and attractive destination for international capital and investment. Under the “one country, two systems” framework, the HKSAR continues to practise the common law and uphold the rule of law, and maintain a judiciary that exercises powers independently. Various surveys indicate that foreign businesses operating in Hong Kong generally express strong confidence in the city’s rule of law. Hong Kong’s remarkable performance in various international rankings further affirms its globally attractive business environment. The HKSAR Government hopes that, in conducting future assessments for the Economic Freedom of the World, the relevant parties will fully understand and accurately reflect the facts.”
Issued at HKT 21:00
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Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital announces incident involving patient under police arrest
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:
The spokesperson for Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital made the following announcement today (September 25) regarding a patient who was under police arrest:
At around 3am today a staff member in a medical ward discovered that a haemodialysis catheter over the neck of an 83-year-old male patient was dislodged. A male patient was observed standing beside the patient’s bed. The staff immediately reported the incident to the clinical team.
The clinical team performed immediate examinations and treatment for the patient with the dislodged haemodialysis catheter. The patient is currently in stable condition. The patient’s family was informed.
The hospital is very concerned about the incident and has interviewed with the patient’s family. The case was reported to the Police for further investigation. After a preliminary investigation, the Police arrested a male patient in the same ward.
The hospital will fully co-operate with the police investigation. The incident has been reported to the Hospital Authority Head Office via the Advance Incident Reporting System.