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LCQ16: Law enforcement actions against illegal fishing

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     Following is a question by the Hon Chan Pok-chi and a written reply by the Secretary for Environment and Ecology, Mr Tse Chin-wan, in the Legislative Council today (May 13):
  
Question:

     Given that some local fishermen have relayed that some people have been engaging in illegal fishing within Hong Kong waters from time to time by using means forbidden by the law, and there have been repeated incidents of near-collisions involving fishing vessels. Such activities not only affect maritime safety, but also damage Hong Kong’s fisheries resources and marine ecosystem, and affect the livelihood of local fishermen in the long run. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:

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LCQ4: Improving employment environment for university graduates

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     ​Following is a question by Professor the Hon Priscilla Leung and a reply by the Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Mr Chris Sun, in the Legislative Council today (May 13):

Question: 
(2) and (3) Through the triennial Planning Exercise, the eight University Grants Committee-funded universities will review and launch new programmes. In the 2025-28 triennium, in response to the government’s policy steer, as well as market demand and industry trends, the universities will introduce 30 new programmes to meet Hong Kong’s developmental needs. These programmes cover emerging sectors which have developed rapidly in recent years and are widely popular among young people, such as AI, cybersecurity, creative industries, sustainable development and data science. This can bolster Hong Kong’s development in innovation and technology as well as the “eight centres”, while creating opportunities for young people to develop their strengths.

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LCQ15: Enhancing quarantine arrangements for pets returning from the Mainland after travel

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     Following is a question by the Hon Dominic Lee and a written reply by the Secretary for Environment and Ecology, Mr Tse Chin-wan, in the Legislative Council today (May 13):

Question:

     It is learnt that in recent years, many Hong Kong people travel to and from the Mainland with their pets. There are views suggesting that although the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) has shortened the quarantine period for cats and dogs upon their arrival in Hong Kong from the previous 120 days to 30 days since June 3 last year, the procedures remain cumbersome with a relatively long waiting time. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:

(1) whether it will further enhance the current procedures for applying for a Special/Import Permit for animals, for example, by streamlining the application process and introducing an electronic payment function, so as to shorten the time for vetting and approval; if so, of the details and timetable; if not, the reasons for that;

(2) whether it has compiled any statistics on the respective numbers of applications and approvals for Import Permits required for Hong Kong people to bring cats and dogs back to Hong Kong after travelling to the Mainland with them in each of the past five years and the average number of days taken for vetting and approval; and

(3) whether AFCD has any plans to introduce targeted measures, such as setting up a “fast-track quarantine channel for the entry of pets brought by Hong Kong people” at designated boundary control points, so as to facilitate the quarantine procedures for pets brought back to Hong Kong by Hong Kong people after travelling to the Mainland with them; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that?

Reply:      

President,

     Rabies is a contagious disease that causes fatality to mammals (including humans) and no specific treatment is available at present, patients generally die once clinical signs appear, and nearly 60 000 people die of rabies globally every year. To protect public health, the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) regulates the import of live animals under the Public Health (Animals and Birds) Regulations (Cap. 139A) and the Rabies Regulation (Cap. 421A). Under effective control measures, Hong Kong has long been widely recognised as a rabies-free place by other places.

     The reply to the question from the Hon Dominic Lee is as follows:

(1) To import dogs and cats from the Mainland into Hong Kong, an Import Permit must be applied from the AFCD, and the animals must undergo quarantine upon arrival. Applicants may submit their permit applications online, by email, by post or in person, and may choose to apply to either the AFCD or the Hong Kong Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) for the use of quarantine facilities. From June 2025, the AFCD has enhanced quarantine arrangements for dogs and cats imported from the Mainland, significantly reducing the quarantine period from 120 days to 30 days. The AFCD and the SPCA have also increased the number of quarantine facilities for dogs and cats to reduce waiting times.

Once the AFCD has verified the required application documents and confirmed the applicant has reserved quarantine facilities, an Import Permit will be issued within five working days free of charge. Quarantine fees are payable only after the dogs and cats have arrived in Hong Kong from the Mainland, and can be settled via Faster Payment System (FPS) and other electronic payment methods, by cheque or in cash. 

(2) The number of Import Permits issued for dogs and cats imported into Hong Kong from the Mainland over the past five years is set out at Annex. The AFCD does not maintain the breakdown of Hong Kong residents who applied for Import Permit to Hong Kong after bringing dogs and cats to the Mainland.

(3) As dogs and cats may come into contact with animals infected with rabies whilst staying in the Mainland or overseas places, they must be imported in accordance with the quarantine requirements specified for the risk level of that region upon return to Hong Kong. As the incubation period for rabies can last up to several months, to ensure public health and safety, it is not appropriate to replace quarantine with “fast-track quarantine”. The AFCD will continue to liaise with the Mainland authorities and, taking into account actual operational situations, risk assessment and stakeholder opinion, timely review whether the quarantine arrangements for imported cats and dogs could be further optimised.

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LCQ8: Ancillary facilities at West Kowloon Station of Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Express Rail Link

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

LCQ8: Ancillary facilities at West Kowloon Station of Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Express Rail Link 
Question:
 
     Many members of the public have relayed that certain ancillary facilities at the West Kowloon Station (WEK) of the Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Express Rail Link (XRL) are inadequate, including insufficient seating in the waiting hall for departing passengers and a lack of convenient food and beverage (F&B) services and retail facilities (e.g. vending machines), which fail to meet passengers’ actual needs and affect their waiting experience. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
 
(1) whether it has compiled statistics on the monthly total patronage, the highest daily patronage and the date concerned, and the average daily patronage during peak and non-peak periods of the Hong Kong Section of XRL, from January 1, 2025, to the end of April this year;
 
(2) whether it has compiled statistics on the average number of passengers waiting in the waiting hall at WEK during peak and non-peak periods from January 1, 2025, to the end of April this year; of the current number of seats in the waiting hall; whether the MTR Corporation Limited (MTRCL) has any plans to increase the number of seats and other facilities in the waiting hall; if so, of the details (including the proposed number of additional seats and the proportion of such seats equipped with USB charging ports) and timetable;
 
(3) given that the Transport and Logistics Bureau, in its reply to a question from a Member on June 4, 2025, stated that the Government would work with MTRCL on refining the arrangements for providing F&B services and shops in the waiting hall in the Mainland Port Area, and that it had already had preliminary discussions with the Mainland authorities regarding the operation and regulatory arrangements for such shops, of the latest progress of the work concerned (including the F&B services and facilities added or to be added, and the number, location and regulatory arrangements of the shops involved); and
 
(4) of the operating revenues and expenditures of MTRCL in operating WEK and the Hong Kong Section of XRL over the past three financial years; and of the percentage of the operating expenditures spent on the maintenance, enhancement, upgrading and management of passenger convenience facilities at the station in each of those years?
 
Reply:
 
President,
 
     The Hong Kong Section of the Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Express Rail Link (XRL) was commissioned on September 23, 2018, connecting with the national high-speed rail network which currently spans over 50 000 kilometres. Since January 2026, the number of Mainland destinations directly accessible from the Hong Kong West Kowloon Station (WEK) has increased from 44 at the beginning of its operation to the current 110. The XRL patronage has been steadily on the rise and striking new highs in recent years. In 2025, the patronage of the XRL Hong Kong Section reached an annual total of over 30 million passenger trips, and the cumulative patronage surpassed 100 million passenger trips thus far. The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government and the MTR Corporation Limited (MTRCL) will continue to work with the Mainland authorities to enhance the XRL services continuously, so as to meet passengers’ travelling needs and the long-term development of the XRL.
 
     In consultation with the MTRCL, a reply to the question raised by the Hon Duncan Chiu is as follows:
 
(1) The monthly number of arrival and departure passenger traffic via the Hong Kong West Kowloon Control Point from January 1, 2025, to April 30, 2026, are tabulated below:
 

Month/Year 
     The HKSAR Government acknowledges that providing shops and food and beverage services at the waiting hall in the WEK will help enhance the travelling experience of passengers. The HKSAR Government is actively discussing with the MTRCL and the relevant Mainland authorities to take forward the relevant operational and supporting arrangements for shops under the framework of the “co-location arrangement”.Issued at HKT 12:35

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LCQ10: Accelerated settlement for cash market

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

LCQ10: Accelerated settlement for cash market 
Question:
 
     Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited (HKEX) has published a consultation paper on transitioning the settlement cycle for the Hong Kong cash market from “T+2” to “T+1”. The proposal aims to enable post-trade activities to be completed earlier on the trading day (T-day), giving market participants sufficient time to prepare for smooth settlement on the next business day (T+1). As major global securities markets gradually adopt shorter settlement cycles, there are concerns regarding how Hong Kong can seize this opportunity to enhance settlement efficiency and maintain the competitiveness of its market infrastructure. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
 
(1) whether the authorities and HKEX have conducted a quantitative analysis of the substantive benefits of changing from “T+2” to “T+1”, including (i) market and settlement risk management; (ii) the efficiency of capital utilisation; and (iii) impact on market investors and specific products; if they have, the findings of the assessment (including a breakdown of the findings across the three areas mentioned above); if not, the reasons for that;
 
(2) against the background of global securities markets gradually moving towards shorter settlement cycles, whether the authorities will use the reform to introduce a “T+1” settlement cycle as an opportunity to encourage the Hong Kong stock market to streamline and automate the relevant processes; and
 
(3) given that there are views that shortening the stock settlement cycle will have far-reaching implications for the Hong Kong stock market as a whole, and that a number of market reform measures are currently being actively prepared or are being implemented in stages (including optimising the lot framework and promoting the uncertificated securities market regime), whether the authorities have assessed the synergistic of these measures to enhance their overall benefits to the securities market; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that?
 
Reply:
 
President,
 
     The Government is committed to driving the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) and Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited (HKEX) to study and enhance measures relating to trading, clearing and settlement mechanisms, with a view to improving the efficiency, risk management capability and international competitiveness of the Hong Kong market.
 
     In view of the global trend towards shorter settlement cycles in major markets, HKEX published a discussion paper in July 2025 to explore with the market shortening the settlement cycle of Hong Kong’s cash equities market to T+1, and further issued a consultation paper in April this year to seek market views broadly on the specific operational model and implementation timetable.
 
     In consultation with the SFC and HKEX, the reply to the three parts of the question is as follows:
 
(1) The settlement cycle is a fundamental element of cash equities market trading. In promoting the shortening of the settlement cycle to T+1, HKEX has analysed its impact across different aspects of the market, including market and settlement risk management, capital utilisation efficiency as well as potential opportunities and challenges for investors and specific product arrangements. On this basis, HKEX has engaged in in‑depth discussions with market participants to build consensus.
 
     From the perspective of risk management and capital utilisation efficiency, a T+1 settlement cycle shortens settlement to the next business day, meaning that only one day’s worth of unsettled trades will be outstanding on each day. This helps reduce market risk arising from unsettled positions and correspondingly lowers systemic risk. Drawing on the experience of other major markets, the arrangement also facilitates a reduction in clearing fund requirements, thereby enhancing capital utilisation efficiency for clearing participants and market intermediaries. According to a relevant market report, the United States market saw a reduction of over 20 per cent in clearing fund levels following the implementation of T+1. Moreover, shortening the settlement cycle from T+2 to T+1 enables investors to receive proceeds from sell trades one business day earlier which improve cash flow efficiency and allow investors to reinvest more flexibly and promptly, bringing potential positive effects on market activity.
 
     While drawing on international experience, HKEX has also taken into account the characteristics of the Hong Kong market, including its highly international investor base and market structure. Statistics show that trading by international institutional investors or related proprietary trading accounts for over 60 per cent of total turnover, the proportion of which to retail participation is relatively higher compared with other major global markets. Given that international investors are likely to trade across multiple markets, the reform will facilitate smoother cross‑market capital flows for investors along the gradual transition of global major markets towards T+1 settlement cycles.
 
     On the other hand, as some market participants (including international investors, their brokers and custodians) operate across different time zones, and certain products and market activities under a T+1 settlement cycle may involve additional factors to consider (such as subscription and redemption of exchange‑traded products of multiple asset classes, securities lending activities, and the exercise and transfer of stock options), market participants may need to undertake appropriate system upgrades, promote process automation, and co-ordinate across the market to maintain overall operational efficiency and stability.
 
     To ensure an orderly transition to a shortened settlement cycle in the Hong Kong cash equities market, HKEX is consulting the market on specific proposed adjustments to trading and settlement processes and the implementation timetable. The consultation period will end on May 18 this year. HKEX will then carefully consider market feedback to finalise the arrangements, allowing sufficient preparation time for the industry to transition to the T+1 settlement cycle and providing appropriate support.
 
(2) and (3) Improving market efficieny and promoting dematerialisation and digitalisation are irreversible development trends in global financial markets. Relevant work is of critical importance to consolidating and enhancing Hong Kong’s position as an international financial centre. To effectively improve market efficiency, we need to comprehensively enhance market infrastructure across all fronts, from listing, trading, clearing to settlement, thereby optimising the full-cycle and full-chain financial ecosystem.
 
     The shortening of settlement cycle in the cash equities market to T+1 is one of the key initiatives to enhance market infrastructure. Since commencing discussion with the market on the topic last year, HKEX has introduced new functionalities and upgraded post‑trade systems to ensure compatibility of the existing Central Clearing and Settlement System with the T+1 settlement cycle such that technical preparations could be completed in advance. The T+1 proposal put forward for industry consultation provides the industry with a common timetable and a clear direction, which are conducive to encouraging participants to review and enhance their post‑trade processes under a consistent market framework, thereby promoting systemic advancement of the securities market infrastructure.
 
     Meanwhile, HKEX has also actively taken forward various measures to enhance the efficiency and competitiveness of the full-chain operation of the Hong Kong market. Examples include launching a new digitalised initial public offering (IPO) settlement platform (FINI) which substantially shortened the cycle from IPO pricing to commencement of trading from T+5 to T+2; maintaining normal operation of the securities and derivatives markets (including Stock Connect, holiday trading of derivatives and after‑hours trading sessions) under severe weather conditions; and narrowing the minimum price spreads for equities to enable stock prices to reflect market conditions more promptly. In addition, HKEX has consulted the market on measures to enhance board lot sizes and is actively reviewing the feedback received. The Government, together with the SFC, HKEX and the industry, will also launch the uncertificated securities market regime this year, further enhancing market efficiency and infrastructure standards, while strengthening investor protection and market transparency.
 
     This series of measures will generate significant synergy and comprehensively optimise market infrastructure, so as to enhance the overall operational efficiency of Hong Kong’s securities market, consolidate Hong Kong’s competitive edge as an international fundraising centre and diversified trading platform, and lay a more solid foundation for the market’s long‑term sustainable development. We will maintain close communication with the market and continue to explore measures to further enhance market efficiency and competitiveness.
Issued at HKT 12:35

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LCQ22: Enhancing visa arrangements for entry into Hong Kong for training or internships

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     Following is a question by the Hon Sunny Tan and a written reply by the Acting Secretary for Security, Mr Michael Cheuk, in the Legislative Council today (May 13):

Question:

     It has been reported that there are over 50 million small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the Mainland. There are views pointing out that, given the opportunities presented by the 15th Five-Year Plan, many Mainland SMEs require support from Hong Kong in serving as a platform for them to go global. These Mainland SMEs also hope that they can send their staff to Hong Kong for training. However, under the existing visa arrangements for entry into Hong Kong for training, the Administration will only consider applications from Mainland residents who are employees and business associates of well-established and multinational companies based in Hong Kong. In addition, there are views pointing out that, while quite a number of the organisations in Hong Kong offer global internship opportunities or internship opportunities open for application by non-local university students, the existing mechanism for entry visas lacks a dedicated channel for Mainland students from leading Mainland universities to apply for visas to undertake internships in Hong Kong. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:

(1) whether it will strengthen communications and collaborations with the Task Force on Supporting Mainland Enterprises in Going Global to expeditiously review and relax the eligibility criteria for entry visas for undergoing training in Hong Kong, so as to include Mainland residents who are employees and business associates of Mainland SMEs, thereby providing a more convenient visa application mechanism for them to undergo training in Hong Kong; and

(2) whether the Immigration Department will strengthen communications and collaborations with the Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau to study the establishment of a visa mechanism for internships in a wider range of industries targeting Mainland students from leading Mainland universities, by drawing on experience from the implementation of the GBA Fintech Two-way Internship Scheme for Post-secondary Students, with a view to effectively expanding the pool of high-calibre talents in Hong Kong?

Reply:

President,

     The Government is committed to building Hong Kong into an international hub for high calibre talents, with a view to fully leveraging Hong Kong’s strategic role in “connecting with both the Mainland and the world”, contributing to our country’s high‑standard opening up, and better integrating into and serving the overall national development. While maintaining effective immigration control, the Government continues to enhance visa arrangements for entry, so as to facilitate the convergence of talents for exchanges in Hong Kong.

     In consultation with the Commerce and Economic Development Bureau, the Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau (FSTB), the Transport and Logistics Bureau, the Innovation and Technology Commission (ITC) and the Immigration Department (ImmD), my reply to the question raised by the Hon Tan is as follows:

(1) According to the prevailing entry policy for training, non-local persons may apply to enter Hong Kong for training for a limited period (not more than 12 months) to undergo employment-related activities such as on-the-job training, secondment or internship, with a view to acquiring special skills and knowledge not available in their country/territory of domicile. For Mainland residents, if they are Mainland employees and business associates of well-established and multinational companies based in Hong Kong, or if their applications are sponsored by bureaux/departments (B/Ds) or statutory bodies, they may also apply to enter Hong Kong for training.

     The entry arrangement for training aims at facilitating persons with genuine needs to enter Hong Kong for training, enabling them to acquire local knowledge, experience or skills. It also helps promote and consolidate Hong Kong’s role in assisting Mainland enterprises in going global. This arrangement plays a vital role in consolidating and enhancing Hong Kong’s competitive advantages and in developing the city into an international hub for high calibre talents.

     In 2025, a total of 6 938 applications for training visa/entry permit were approved by the ImmD, of which about 32 per cent (2 244 cases) were from Mainland residents. In the first quarter of 2026, a total of 1 582 applications for training visa/entry permit were approved by the ImmD, of which about 34 per cent (538 cases) were from Mainland residents.

     The Government reviews the entry arrangement for training from time to time, to ensure that the arrangement keeps pace with the times and meets the development needs of Hong Kong, while ensuring that the risks are manageable. In considering whether to further relax the entry arrangement, the Government will take into account the impact on the local workforce and training opportunities for local talents, as well as the risk of abuse (including illegal employment or exploitation of those coming for training in Hong Kong as cheap labour).

     The Task Force on Supporting Mainland Enterprises in Going Global (Task Force) mentioned in the question was established in October 2025. The Task Force is steered by the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development to co-ordinate efforts across relevant bureaux, departments and agencies, and work together to provide one-stop support for Mainland enterprises to go global through Hong Kong. As a member of the Task Force, Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK) supports Mainland enterprises in establishing presence in Hong Kong through assisting them in applying to relevant departments for the required documents, such as visas/entry permits for staff. In addition, InvestHK stays attuned to the challenges and difficulties faced by those enterprises when setting up businesses in Hong Kong, in order to timely reflect the issues to relevant departments for exploring suitable solutions as appropriate. The ImmD has been in communication with InvestHK and provided assistance to staff of Mainland enterprises in applying for visas/entry permits.

     The Government will continue to closely monitor the implementation of the entry arrangement for training, as well as the views of the relevant departments and sectors concerned, and timely review the entry arrangement for training to strike an appropriate balance between immigration control and facilitation.

(2) The GBA Fintech Two-way Internship Scheme for Post-secondary Students mentioned in the question was launched in 2023 by the FSTB through the existing entry arrangement for training. The internship programme subsidises, inter alia, Mainland students studying fintech-related subjects in post-secondary institutions in Mainland cities of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) to undertake internships at fintech companies in Hong Kong. Apart from this internship programme, the ImmD also actively collaborates with various B/Ds or their statutory bodies to enable Mainland students or youths to participate in internship programmes in relevant sectors through the entry arrangement for training, thereby expanding the talent pool of Hong Kong. These internship programmes include:

(a) The InnoTalent Programme launched by the Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC) in 2020. Under this programme, university students from renowned Mainland and overseas institutions can participate in work shadowing at the HKPC, engaging in practical research and development (R&D) and project management work, as well as conducting field studies at factories and enterprises in the GBA. The programme covers cutting-edge fields such as new industrialisation, artificial intelligence (AI), green technology and smart cities;

(b) The STEM Internship Scheme launched by the ITC in 2020. The internship programme subsidises university students taking STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) programmes in designated local universities to undertake short-term internships, thereby letting them to gain innovation and technology (I&T)-related work experience, including AI, biotechnology, fintech and other I&T areas, and fostering their interest in pursuing a career in I&T after graduation. In June 2023, the scheme was expanded to cover government-funded R&D centres and the HKPC, providing internship opportunities in Hong Kong for STEM students from both local and overseas universities (including GBA campuses established by designated local universities); and

(c) The GBA Youth Aviation Industry Internship Programme launched by the Hong Kong International Aviation Academy (established and managed by the Airport Authority Hong Kong) in 2023. The internship programme paves the way for Mainland youths aspiring to pursue careers in the aviation industry within the GBA to undertake internships at the Hong Kong International Airport.

     The Government will continue to review various visa policies in a timely manner and, subject to the premise of ensuring effective immigration control, help facilitate more non-local talents in visiting Hong Kong for exchanges, thereby expanding the local pool of high-calibre talents and consolidating Hong Kong’s role as a “super connector”.

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Registration for public tours of LCSD’s “The Hong Kong Jockey Club Series: ICH Highlight Tours” starts on May 15

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Registration for public tours of LCSD’s “The Hong Kong Jockey Club Series: ICH Highlight Tours” starts on May 15  
     Highly acclaimed last year, the tours will expand to a total of 40 field trips this year, extending the coverage to eight districts. Apart from the two popular routes from last year in Islands District and Yau Tsim Mong District, seven new routes across six new districts will also be introduced, including Wan Chai (two routes), Kowloon City, Kwai Tsing, North, Sai Kung and Sham Shui Po Districts, offering a total of nine different ICH-themed routes. Each route has two public tours and accommodates 20 participants, and is conducted in Cantonese.

     The dates and relevant ICH items of the public tours are as follows:
 

Date      Members of the public can register through the ICHO’s website (www.icho.hk/en/web/icho/hk_ich_month_2026_tours.html     
     The Hong Kong ICH Month 2026 is presented by the LCSD and organised by the ICHO, with the Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust as the sole sponsor of “Hong Kong ICH Month 2026 The Hong Kong Jockey Club Series”, and ICH June as a strategic partner. For details of the programmes, please visit the website www.icho.hk/en/web/icho/hk_ich_month_2026.htmlIssued at HKT 18:40

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LCQ3: Nurturing artificial intelligence talents

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

LCQ3: Nurturing artificial intelligence talents 
Question:
 
     There are views pointing out that there is a strong global demand for artificial intelligence (AI) talents. Regarding the enhancement of Hong Kong’s AI talent pool to enable the country to gain a greater influence in the global AI competition, will the Government inform this Council:
 
(1) as it has been reported that eight local universities in Hong Kong are ranked among the top 100 universities in Asia, with five of them even ranked among the world’s top 50 in the fields of data science and AI, how the Government will step up efforts to promote Hong Kong’s AI education in the Mainland and emerging market countries along the Belt and Road, with a view to attracting more relevant talents to Hong Kong for further studies in AI;
 
(2) as there are views pointing out that AI is a systematically complex subject involving multiple challenges across areas such as ethics, law and governance, how the Government will enhance the development of the local interdisciplinary framework, promote the integration and innovation of humanities subjects and computer science, and cultivate a group of interdisciplinary talents who possess both technical knowledge and AI governance capabilities; and
 
(3) whether it will draw on the experiences of the “AI Apprenticeship” programmes in Singapore and the United States to provide local talents with paid training and internship opportunities for in-depth participation in the application of AI in industries, so as to nurture them into AI professionals?
 
Reply:
 
President,
 
     Hong Kong’s higher education sector is internationalised and diversified; approximately a quarter of students enrolled in the University Grants Committee (UGC)-funded programmes come from outside Hong Kong, with the majority from the Chinese Mainland and Belt and Road (B&R) countries. Notably, five UGC-funded universities rank among the world’s top 100, demonstrating outstanding performance in academic influence, research standards and internationalisation, and nurturing outstanding talent for our nation and Hong Kong across various fields, including innovation and technology (I&T). Furthermore, the Education Bureau and the UGC have all along prioritised the promotion of I&T education to enhance the attractiveness and competitiveness of Hong Kong’s higher education in fields such as artificial intelligence (AI).
 
     As regards the question raised by the Hon Andrew Yao, having consulted the Innovation, Technology and Industry Bureau, our reply is set out below:
 
(1) To support universities in strengthening the promotion of “Study in Hong Kong” and showcasing Hong Kong’s world-class universities and academic subjects, including AI and I&T education, to the global community, the UGC has provided a funding of around $40 million in the 2025-28 triennium for the Heads of Universities Committee’s Standing Committee on Internationalisation (HUCOMSCI), which involves the eight UGC-funded universities, to organise and participate in various overseas activities, with a view to promoting the “Study in Hong Kong” brand worldwide and attracting more students to pursue their studies in Hong Kong. The UGC has also provided a funding of about $10 million to support the HUCOMSCI in promoting Hong Kong’s higher education to the countries along the B&R, including the formulation of publicity and promotion strategies and the production of publicity materials and videos.
 
     In terms of academic exchange, the universities have been actively organising a variety of large-scale international academic events, inviting the participation of representatives and renowned scholars from universities in different parts of the Chinese Mainland and overseas. The events held in 2025 included the International Low-Altitude Economy Summit organised by the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, with the support of the Working Group on Developing Low-altitude Economy of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government and the Greater Bay Area Low Altitude Economy Alliance; the Digital Universities Asia 2025 co-hosted by the Lingnan University in partnership with Times Higher Education; and the 25th Asian Quantum Information Science Conference co-organised by the University of Hong Kong and the Hong Kong Institute of Quantum Science & Technology. These conferences and exhibitions further foster collaboration and exchanges between universities and institutions worldwide by bringing together higher education leaders and representatives from around the globe (including the Chinese Mainland and B&R countries), thereby enhancing the promotion of the “Study in Hong Kong” brand.
 
(2) Through the Planning Exercise for the 2025-28 triennium, the UGC serves as a vital bridge connecting national strategies, the needs of Hong Kong and the universities’ development. It encourages the universities to review and launch new programmes in response to the Government’s policy steer, market demand and industry trends. This enables institutions to keep pace with the times and provide students with appropriate curricula to navigate future social developmental changes.
 
     In the 2025-28 triennium, the UGC-funded universities collectively introduce 27 new undergraduate programmes related to STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) or the “eight centres”, covering areas such as AI, creative industries and data science to create opportunities for young people to unleash their potential. The universities are also launching interdisciplinary programmes and programmes that integrate technology with traditional fields, such as educational technology and digital humanities, to cultivate specialists with cross-discipline expertise through innovative curriculum content.
 
     Moreover, the Government launched the Hong Kong Future Talents Scholarship Scheme for Advanced Studies in the 2025/26 academic year to encourage more local students to pursue postgraduate studies in priority areas that are beneficial to Hong Kong’s development and to expand the pool of high-calibre talent across different fields. Digital transformation and innovation is one of these priority areas.
 
     At the same time, to align with developments in teaching and learning as well as evolving societal needs, the UGC launched the Fund for Innovative Technology-in-Education (FITE) in 2023 with an allocation of $100 million to support UGC-funded universities in applying innovative technologies in teaching and learning and in nurturing digitally competent and technologically responsible talents. The FITE encourages universities to develop teaching, curriculum and student support initiatives related to AI and other emerging technologies, and to promote inter-institutional collaboration and engagement with the industry. The universities may utilise the fund to advance AI-related curriculum reform, teaching innovation and student development initiatives, including the strengthening of AI literacy, data security, academic integrity and education on technological ethics.
 
     In addition, the UGC has increased the Teaching Development and Language Enhancement Grant for the 2025-28 triennium to $919.8 million. The universities may use the grant to address changes and challenges in teaching and learning, including the integration of generative AI and innovative technologies, thereby supporting universities in advancing AI education.
 
(3) The UGC has always encouraged the UGC-funded universities to strengthen collaboration with industry and the community, so as to provide students with more practice-oriented learning opportunities, including internships, work experience, industry partnership projects and joint teaching arrangements. In addition, one of the four key themes supported under the FITE is fostering academia-industry collaboration for authentic learning experience, which strongly encourages the universities to develop innovative projects related to the industry and the community, enabling students to experience AI applications in real-life settings and enhancing their practical skills in an innovation- and technology-driven environment, thereby helping students accumulate experience in actual workplace contexts.
 
     Furthermore, the Innovation and Technology Commission launched the STEM Internship Scheme in 2020 with the aim to subsidise full-time university students enrolling in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics)-related programmes to take up short-term internships, so that they could gain I&T-related work experience and cultivate their early interest in pursuing a career in I&T after graduation, thereby enlarging the local I&T talent pool. Internships funded by the Scheme must be related to I&T, including AI and other I&T areas.
 
     In addition, the New Industrialisation and Technology Training Programme under the Innovation and Technology Fund also subsidises local enterprises on a 1 (Government): 1 (enterprise) matching basis for them to arrange training in advanced technologies (including training related to AI) for their staff. Moreover, the Hong Kong Productivity Council is committed to providing various upskilling training courses to employees of enterprises undergoing digital transformation. Focus of these courses includes different soft skills such as AI, equipping employees with knowledge in different technology areas.
 
     Thank you, President.
Issued at HKT 17:37

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LCQ20: Handling of cases of unauthorised building works

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

LCQ20: Handling of cases of unauthorised building works 
Question:
 
     In recent years, the Government has indicated that it will step up efforts to combat unauthorised building works (UBWs). However, it is learnt that UBWs remain prevalent in the southwest New Territories (including Kwai Tsing and Tsuen Wan districts), with many cases involving serious structural or fire safety risks. There are views that if a large number of UBWs involving serious safety hazards are left unaddressed for a long time, they will not only pose threats to public safety, but also constitute major obstacles to the overall maintenance and management of the buildings. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
 
(1) of the respective numbers of cases among the UBW reports received and those identified through proactive inspections by the Buildings Department over the past three years, which were assessed as “posing safety risks” or “posing imminent danger to the public”, together with a breakdown by district and building age;
 
(2) whether the authorities have compiled statistics on (i) the number of buildings for which mandatory building inspections or maintenance works of the entire building have been delayed; and (ii) the number of cases in which an application for an extension to the time limit for a mandatory building inspection was required, due to serious UBWs in individual units;
 
(3) in respect of UBWs in the southwest New Territories over the past three years, of (i) the number of cases in which the authorities proactively intervened to carry out defaulted works (i.e. first removing UBWs and then recovering the costs of the works from the owners), and the average time taken from the issuance of a removal order to the actual commencement of removal works; (ii) the number of cases in which criminal prosecutions were instituted against owners who failed to comply with removal orders, the number of convictions and the average amount of fine imposed;
 
(4) whether the authorities have set a clear “mandatory removal deadline” for UBWs; whether they have compiled statistics on the number of “high-risk UBW” cases in the southwest New Territories for which removal orders have been issued but not complied with to date, as well as the average backlog time; and set out the details of the 10 cases that have taken the longest time to handle (from receipt of the removal order to completion of removal);
 
(5) regarding the long-standing and risky UBW cases, whether the authorities have assessed the removal progress for the coming three years; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that; and
 
(6) regarding UBW locations prone to danger during the rainy season and under extreme weather conditions (e.g. loose UBWs on external walls or those on slopes), whether the authorities have set up a priority monitoring list; whether it has assessed the effectiveness of the large-scale enforcement operations proactively conducted by the authorities over the past year (including the numbers of prosecutions and convictions)?
 
Reply:
 
President,
 
     If an unauthorised building work (UBW) constitutes an obvious hazard or imminent danger to life or property, serious hygiene or environmental nuisance, the Buildings Department (BD) will accord priority to enforcement in accordance with the Buildings Ordinance (Cap. 123) (BO) by issuing a removal order to the owner and registering the order at the Land Registry (commonly known as “imposing an encumbrance”). If the owner fails to rectify the situation within the specified period without reasonable excuse, the BD will consider instigating prosecution against the owner concerned. In special circumstances (such as when the owner has passed away, is missing, or is an elderly and unable to arrange the demolition work by himself/herself), the BD will carry out the works on behalf of the owner in respect of removal orders that pose a higher risk or are outstanding for a long period of time. In addition, if an UBW becomes dangerous, the BD will also arrange emergency work to ensure public safety.
      
     A reply to the various parts of the question is as follows:
      
(1) From 2023 to 2025, the number of UBWs, with breakdown by district and building age, identified by the BD as “higher-risk” (i.e. posing potential risk to structural or fire safety) through public reports received and proactive large-scale operations are set out in Annex 1.
 
(2) If building owners receive statutory notices served under the Mandatory Building Inspection Scheme, they must carry out the prescribed inspection and prescribed repairs for the building within the time limit specified in the statutory notice. A registered inspector must conduct an inspection of the entire building to identify and record all UBWs in the inspection report for submission to the BD. If it is found that such UBWs pose an obvious hazard or imminent danger to residents or the public, the BD must be notified immediately. If the prescribed inspection or prescribed repairs cannot be completed within the specified timeframe due to the need to handle the UBWs, building owners may submit a written application to the BD requesting an extension of time for completing the prescribed inspection or prescribed repairs. The BD will consider granting an extension on a case-by-case basis.
 
     It is uncommon that the handling of UBWs would result in delay in carrying out the prescribed inspections and repairs under the Mandatory Building Inspection Scheme, but the BD does not maintain relevant statistics.
      
(3) From 2023 to 2025, the number of works carried out by the BD in default of owners in Kwai Tsing and Tsuen Wan Districts in respect of outstanding removal orders, the average duration of such works, as well as the number of prosecutions instigated, the number of convictions and the average fines are set out in Annex 2.
 
(4) Depending on the nature of the case, the BD generally grants the relevant owners a period of 60 to 180 days to comply with the removal order. If an owner encounters practical difficulties in complying with the order and needs to apply for an extension, the BD will consider whether to grant the extension based on the actual circumstances of each individual case. As of March 2026, in the southwestern New Territories, there were 129 removal orders issued against “higher-risk” UBWs that had not been complied with, of which 46.5 per cent had been overdue for three years or below. The average overdue period for other more complex cases exceeded three years, the majority of which involved prosecution. In quite some other cases, the owners faced practical difficulties requiring assistance, or UBWs involved property ownership issues or legal disputes.
 
     According to the BD’s historical records, among the removal orders issued against “higher-risk” UBWs in the southwestern New Territories that have been complied with, the cases with the longest processing time took over 10 years. These cases involved special and complex circumstances, such as legal disputes, the passing away of the owner, the unit being vacant, or the owner only rectifying part of the irregularities, thus resulting in a longer period in complying with the removal orders. However, during this period, the BD conducted inspections from time to time to ensure that the UBWs did not pose an imminent danger. In the southwestern New Territories, approximately 2 600 removal orders issued against “higher-risk” UBWs have been complied with, and the average time required for compliance is 2.5 years.
      
(5) The BD issues approximately 7 000 to 10 000 removal orders every year. The number of unauthorised structures removed and irregularities rectified in existing buildings is about 20 000 every year (involving approximately more than 10 000 removal orders).
 
     The BD has a dedicated special duties unit to follow up on non-compliant cases in order to expedite the clearance of outstanding removal orders. In recent years, there has been a downward trend in terms of the annual number of non-complied removal orders. The BD will continue to review and set targets for handling non-compliant removal orders annually. The BD will take appropriate follow-up actions, including initiating prosecutions and arranging default works, in order to expedite the handling and actively clear the backlog of non-complied removal orders.
      
     The Development Bureau (DEVB) will amend the BO, including rationalising the policy for handling UBWs. On one hand, we will tackle “minor UBWs” in a pragmatic and facilitating manner; on the other hand, we will enhance the effectiveness of enforcement against “serious UBWs” by focusing enforcement resources through measures such as increasing penalties. The DEVB aims to introduce the bill into the Legislative Council for scrutiny in the second half of this year. The BD will adjust its enforcement policies regarding UBWs in accordance with the amended BO.
      
(6) Given the large number of cases, the BD adopts a pragmatic “risk-based” approach to determine enforcement priorities and selects target buildings for large-scale operations. Various factors will be taken into account, including reports and referrals received from the public and other relevant information. Priority is given to buildings with UBWs that constitute an obvious hazard or imminent danger to life or property. In addition, the BD will adjust enforcement priorities from time to time in light of actual circumstances. For example, the landslide at Redhill Peninsula after the series of torrential rains in 2023 revealed that UBWs in detached houses located on slopes would pose safety risks. In response, the BD, in collaboration with the Lands Department, inspected many detached houses situated on slopes and took enforcement action based on the findings of the investigation.
 
     The number of removal orders issued, cases prosecuted and convictions resulting from large-scale operations conducted by the BD proactively between 2023 and 2025 are set out in Annex 3. These large-scale operations target buildings were selected on a risk-basis, enabling the BD to make effective use of limited resources to identify and prioritise the handling of “higher-risk” UBWs.
Issued at HKT 17:35

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SHYA to attend APEC Women and Economy Forum in Shanghai

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

SHYA to attend APEC Women and Economy Forum in Shanghai      
     The 2026 APEC Women and the Economy Forum, themed “Promoting Women’s Economic Empowerment to Prosper Together in the Asia-Pacific”, will focus on exchanges and discussions on key topics including women’s participation in digital and smart development, green and low-carbon development, as well as employment and entrepreneurship.
      
     Miss Mak will attend the High-Level Policy Dialogue on Women and the Economy with ministers from other member economies and deliver a speech at the session. She will also participate as a guest speaker in a panel discussion on “Advancing Economic and Trade Cooperation” under the Public-Private Dialogue on Women and the Economy.
      
     In addition to attending the APEC meetings, Miss Mak will conduct visits and exchange views on co-operation between the Chinese Mainland and Hong Kong in promoting women’s development and family building affairs.
      
     During the visit, the Chairperson of the Women’s Commission, Dr Eliza Chan, and the Deputy Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs (Home Affairs), Mr Paul Wong, will also attend the activities.
      
     Miss Mak will return to Hong Kong on the evening of May 16. During her absence, the Under Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, Mr Clarence Leung, will act as the Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs.
Issued at HKT 17:00

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