Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     The Transport Department (TD) today (September 24) announced that the auction of vehicle registration marks will be held on October 10 (Saturday) at Meeting Room S221, Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, Wan Chai.

     “A total of 100 personalised vehicle registration marks (PVRMs) will be put up for public auction in the morning session, and 220 traditional vehicle registration marks (TVRMs) will be put up for auction in the afternoon session. The lists of marks have been uploaded to the department’s website, www.td.gov.hk/en/public_services/vehicle_registration_mark/index.html(i) the identity document of the successful bidder;
(ii) the identity document of the purchaser if it is different from the successful bidder;
(iii) a copy of the Certificate of Incorporation if the purchaser is a body corporate; and
(iv) a crossed cheque payable to “The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region” or “The Government of the HKSAR”. Any bidder who wishes to bid for both TVRMs and PVRMs on the same day, should bring along at least two crossed cheques for payment of auction prices (for an auctioned mark paid for by cheque, the first three working days after the date of auction will be required for cheque clearance confirmation before processing of the application for mark assignment can be completed). Successful bidders may also pay through the Easy Pay System (EPS), but are reminded to note the maximum transfer amount in the same day of the payment card. Payment by post-dated cheque, cash, credit card or other methods will not be accepted.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Government today announced its decision not to appeal against the Court of Appeal’s recent judgment in relation to a judicial review of an environmental impact assessment (EIA) report on the development of public housing on a former area of Fanling Golf Course.

It said its decision was made after holistic consideration of legal advice and other assessments.

The Court of Appeal’s judgment upheld that of the Court of First Instance, which quashed the decision of the Director of Environmental Protection to approve the project’s EIA report.

The Government said the judgment provided legal clarity on issues including applicable criteria under the Environmental Impact Assessment Ordinance, statutory public consultation procedures for additional information relating to an EIA report, and procedural fairness.

It added that the Court of Appeal’s judgment clarified a number of important legal principles under Hong Kong’s EIA regime, including that not all additional information outside of an EIA report is required to be included in the statutory public consultation process: rather, this depends on the circumstances of each case. 

In respect of the judicial review, the court considered that the original EIA report contained deficiencies which could have been rectified by providing additional information.

It said that, based on the principle of fairness, it was necessary to conduct a further but limited public consultation in relation to the additional information.

The Environmental Protection Department will study the legal guidance set out in the judgment carefully and will strictly adhere to the relevant ordinance and the legal principles established by the court in carrying out EIA approval work in the future. In doing so, it aims to uphold the reasonableness, legality, transparency and credibility of Hong Kong’s EIA regime.

As the judgment overturned the approval granted by the Director of Environmental Protection to the EIA report, the Government said it will review the way forward for the proposed public housing at the site, including impacts on the scale and timing of the development resulting from the report’s non-approval.

The Government said it will announce a way forward at an appropriate time.

Source: Government of Singapore

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Registration & Electoral Office (REO) will hold an Electoral Information Centre Open Day on October 1 to celebrate the 77th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China.

The open day will feature talks on electoral information, along with various interactive games. Participants can take photos with the Ballot Box Family mascots and will have a chance to win souvenirs.

Located at 7/F, Treasury Building, 3 Tonkin Street West, Cheung Sha Wan, Kowloon, the centre will be open for visitors from 2pm to 6pm during the event. Entry is free of charge and on a first-come, first-served basis.

For enquiries, call the REO’s hotline on 2891 1001 between 8.45am and 6pm from today until September 30.

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

The Bureau of Industrial Parks (BIP) of the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) held the “2026 Industrial Park Development Policy Summit Forum” on August 29, under the theme “Smart Governance and the Transformation and Development of Industrial Parks.” The forum brought together representatives from the National Science and Technology Council (NSTC), Taiwan’s six special municipalities, as well as government, industry, academia, and research institutions to exchange views and experiences. Discussions focused on AI applications, smart governance, low-carbon transformation, and industrial cluster development, fostering a shared vision between central and local governments for advancing the transformation and upgrading of industrial parks. Through cross-sector resource integration and experience sharing, the forum aims to further strengthen industrial linkages and the competitiveness of industrial parks, injecting new momentum into Taiwan’s industrial upgrading, supply chain resilience, and international expansion.

Minister of MOEA Ming-Hsin Kung said that Taiwan’s industrial parks have continuously evolved in response to changing needs over the years, from the early Export Processing Zones and industrial parks to science parks, and have consistently served as a key pillar of economic development. In response to emerging needs, Taiwan should continue to enhance the quality of industrial park management and services, adopt new technologies such as AI, and strengthen industrial clustering and administrative efficiency. Minister Kung further noted that the development of industrial clusters and the high efficiency of Taiwan’s industrial parks have attracted international attention. This includes Taiwan’s expertise in semiconductor industry development, its commitment to democratic and liberal values and resilience, as well as its industrial cluster model. Looking ahead, industrial clustering can evolve from “intra-park clustering” within individual parks to “inter-park clustering” across different industrial parks, and further to “cross-border clustering” as Taiwanese companies expand their global presence. This approach will connect domestic and international capabilities in materials, equipment, and supply chains. The MOEA will also sign a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Taiwan Electrical and Electronic Manufacturers’ Association (TEEMA) to jointly promote the development of overseas industrial clusters. Through international cooperation and the sharing of Taiwan’s experience in industrial park management, administrative efficiency, and industrial clustering, Taiwan’s industrial park model can be brought to the global stage and developed into an international benchmark.

The Bureau of Industrial Parks (BIP) stated that the forum specially invited representatives from the governments of Taiwan’s six special municipalities to share their practical experience in local governance, demonstrating how AI computing power, digital twins, and low-carbon transformation can be deeply integrated into industrial spaces, public infrastructure management, and urban development. Traditional industries remain an important pillar of employment and economic development in Taiwan. In the face of the AI revolution, Taiwan should seize the opportunities created by technological innovation and leverage AI as a catalyst for upgrading traditional industries, thereby enhancing the overall competitiveness of industrial parks. BIP hopes to establish a regular platform for central-local government collaboration, facilitating exchanges on industrial park development issues, supporting businesses in upgrading, transformation, and development, and building resilient, innovative, and sustainable industrial ecosystems.

The “2026 Industrial Park Development Policy Summit Forum” opened with remarks by Minister of Economic Affairs Kung Ming-Hsin and was chaired by Deputy Minister Ho Chin-Tsang. Speakers and panelists included Yang Chih-Ching, Director General of the Bureau of Industrial Parks; Su Chen-Kang, Deputy Minister of the National Science and Technology Council; Chan Wen-Nan, President of the Digital Transformation Research Institute (DTRI); Hsiao Wei-Cheng, Vice President of International Integrated System Inc.; Liu Ho-Jan, Deputy Mayor of New Taipei City; Chang Wen-Te, Deputy Mayor of Taipei City; Wang Ming-Chu, Deputy Mayor of Taoyuan City; Huang Chung-Tien, Secretary-General of Taichung City Government; Chao Ching-Hui, Deputy Mayor of Tainan City; Lin Chin-Jung, Deputy Mayor of Kaohsiung City; and Wu Tsung-Ming, Standing Director of the Manufactures United General Association of Industrial Park of R.O.C., among other representatives from government, industry, academia, and research institutions.

Spokesman: Mr. Liu (Deputy Director General, BIP)
Contact Number: 886-7-3613349

Contact Person: Section Chief Chang (Industrial Park Development Division, BIP)
Contact Number: 886-6-3611212 ext.101

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Education Bureau announced today that applications for the sixth cohort of the School Nominations Direct Admission Scheme will run from October 7 to December 2.

The scheme provides an alternative university pathway for local Secondary 6 students with exceptional talents and interests in specific disciplines. It targets those whose diverse abilities may not be fully assessed by the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE) Examination.

Applications are open to students who will be taking the 2027 HKDSE and are planning to begin to their undergraduate studies in September 2027.

Under the scheme, each local secondary school can nominate up to two students. Nominees may apply for admission to one of the more than 300 designated undergraduate programmes funded by the University Grants Committee (UGC).

The eight participating UGC-funded universities have established custom admission criteria for individual programmes that bypass regular HKDSE Examination results. Universities will conduct interviews for all nominated students and extend direct admission offers to successful candidates before the 2027 HKDSE Examination results.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Government will expand two immigration facilitation schemes starting October 1 to boost economic and trade interactions and exchanges by allowing more visitors to Hong Kong.

Among them, the coverage of the Immigration Facilitation Scheme for Invited Persons will extend beyond current Association of Southeast Asian Nations member states to countries and regions in Central Asia and the Middle East.

Newly covered Central Asian countries include Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan.

Gulf Cooperation Council nations will also be included: Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

Consequently, all bureaus and departments can issue invitations under the initiative to facilitate invited people to visit Hong Kong for exchanges.

The second one to be expanded is the Immigration Facilitation Scheme for Visitors Participating in Short-term Activities in Designated Sectors (STV Scheme).

Following a review, the STV Scheme will add the social welfare sector to its existing 17 categories, enabling non-local talent to enter Hong Kong for specified short-term activities such as symposiums, workshops and research.

Additionally, more authorised organisations and specified short-term activities are added across three existing fields, including international/mega events, higher education and finance.

Invited people can visit Hong Kong for these activities as visitors without needing employment visas or entry permits from the Immigration Department.

All participating bureaus and departments will ensure the implementation of the scheme consistently meets relevant policy objectives, avoiding displacement of the local workforce and minimising abuse risks. 

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     Sponsored by the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA) under the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau and organised by the Hong Kong Digital Entertainment Association (HKDEA), the 14th Animation Support Programme (ASP) held its launch ceremony today (September 23). ASP aims to support local start-ups and small companies with strong potential in animation production with funding and comprehensive support measures to enhance the quality of the local animation industry. 
 
     This year’s ASP comprises three categories (Start-up Category, Small Animation Enterprises with Training in Basic Productions Category, and Small Animation Enterprises with Training in Advanced Productions Category) with a total of 15 local animation enterprises to be selected. Each selected company will receive a subsidy ranging from $130,000 to $600,000, depending on their category, for the production of one original professional narrative animation. Assistant Commissioner for Cultural and Creative Industries Miss Yvonne Ip, when officiating at today’s ceremony, said that the selected works of this edition cover a diverse range of themes. Seeing that many of the selected companies and animators have demonstrated their original creative perspectives, she said she was confident that the completed animation works will deeply impressive.
 
     To assist enterprises in enhancing production quality, ASP will continue to invite seasoned industry practitioners to offer professional guidance covering content creation, production techniques and business development to the selected enterprises. A series of free training courses will also be organised, spanning topics such as animation scriptwriting, directing, sound production, marketing and promotion, as well as licensing, with a view to providing comprehensive technical training and support.
 
     With respect to promotion of the works, selected animation works will be screened in cinemas and on online platforms. ASP will also subsidise the selected enterprises to participate in major trade exhibitions, such as the Hong Kong International Film and TV Market (FILMART), and recommend outstanding works for international competitions, proactively assisting local animation enterprises to explore business opportunities and further enhancing the international visibility of Hong Kong animation.
 
     Since its inception in 2012, ASP has subsidised over 100 local animation enterprises, with some works having been shortlisted for or won multiple international animation awards, achieving outstanding results. For more information on ASP, please visit www.animation-ssp.com/en.
 
     As stated in the First Five-Year Plan for Economic and Social Development of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (2026-2030) and the Chief Executive’s 2026 Policy Address, CCIDA will make good use of Hong Kong’s rich blend of local and international cultures to facilitate innovative international communication and collaboration in the cultural and creative industries, and will continue to engage and collaborate with Mainland and overseas cultural, arts and creative sectors with a view to driving high-quality development and continuous innovation in the sector and enhancing its sustainable ecosystem.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     The Police announced today (September 23) that special traffic arrangements will be implemented on Hong Kong Island and in the New Territories from September 24 to 26 to facilitate the celebration of the Mid-Autumn Festival.

Hong Kong Island
———————–
Tai Hang
————
     To facilitate the holding of the Tai Hang Fire Dragon Dance, the following special traffic arrangements will be implemented from September 24 to 26.- Lin Fa Kung Street East;
– Lin Fa Kung Street West;
– Lily Street;
– Wun Sha Street;
– Ormsby Street;
– Brown Street;
– Warren Street;
– Jones Street;
– Lai Yin Street;
– School Street;
– King Street;
– Shepherd Street;
– Sun Chun Street; and
– Second Lane.- Vehicles on eastbound Tung Lo Wan Road must turn left to Tung Lo Wan Drive; and
– Vehicles on southbound Tung Lo Wan Drive must turn right to Moreton Terrace.——————-
A. Pedestrianisation- East Point Road; and
– Great George Street west of Paterson Street.- Paterson Street between Kingston Street and Great George Street;
– Gloucester Road between Victoria Park Road flyover and Causeway Road, except for vehicles on Tai Hang Road flyover heading for northbound Gloucester Road;
– Westbound Kingston Street between Gloucester Road and Paterson Street;
– Great George Street east of Paterson Street; and
– Hing Fat Street will be closed intermittently, except for franchised buses and green minibuses.- Eastbound Kingston Street between Paterson Street and Gloucester Road; and
– Paterson Street between Kingston Street and Gloucester Road.- Vehicles on  southbound Paterson Street must turn left to eastbound Kingston Street;
– Vehicles on Cleveland Street will be prohibited from turning right to westbound Kingston Street; and
– Vehicles on northbound Gloucester Road and northbound Tai Hang Road flyover will be prohibited from turning left to westbound Kingston Street.- Access to car parks at Great George Street will be restricted from 7pm to 11.59pm on September 24 and 26, and from 7pm on September 25 to 3am of the following day; and
– Disabled parking spaces along northbound Gloucester Road near Sugar Street will be suspended from 7pm to 11.59pm on September 24 and 26, and from 7pm on September 25 to 3am of the following day.- Tin Lok Lane;
– Tung Lo Wan Road;
– Hing Fat Street;
– Electric Road between Wing Hing Street and Yacht Street;
– Northbound Morrison Hill Road;
– Hennessy Road east of Marsh Road;
– Tin Hau Temple Road between Fortress Hill Road and Causeway Road; and
– Causeway Road.————– Vehicles on northbound Peak Road heading for Lugard Road, Harlech Road and Mount Austin Road will be diverted to southbound Peak Road via the slip road next to the car park entrance of the Peak Galleria, except for residents’ vehicles or vehicles with permits.——————————————
     To facilitate the holding of the Fire Dragon Dance, the following road closure will be implemented on September 25:- Wu Nam Street;
– Lok Yeung Street;
– Aberdeen Main Road;
– Aberdeen Old Main Street;
– Sai On Street;
– Chengtu Road;
– Nan Ning Street;
– Fung Tin Street; and
– Wu Pak Street.- Chi Fu Road near Pok Fu Lam Village;
– Chi Fu Road flyover;
– Wah Fu Road; and
– Waterfall Bay Road.—————-
A. Traffic arrangements- Vehicles on Beach Road may be diverted to northbound South Bay Road for leaving the area if the car parks on South Bay Road are full, except for residents’ vehicles;
– Vehicles on eastbound Repulse Bay Road may be prohibited from making a U-turn at its junction with South Bay Road; and
– Vehicles on Repulse Bay Road may be banned from waiting outside the car park of Repulse Bay if it is full.- All metered and motorcycle parking spaces on Beach Road.———
A. Road closure- Big Wave Bay Road; and
– Access roads to the car parks in Shek O and Big Wave Bay (if the car parks are full).——————-
Tuen Mun
————
     The following roads will be intermittently closed from 5pm to 5am of the following day daily on September 25 and 26, except for authorised vehicles:- The unnamed access road leading to the public car park at Cafeteria Old Beach;
– Tsing Yan Street between Castle Peak Road and the entrance of the public car park at Kadoorie Beach; and
– The unnamed access road leading to the public car park at Butterfly Beach.————–
A. Road closure- The section of Shing Mun Road between Pineapple Dam and the Main Dam.—————
     Depending on the crowd and traffic conditions, the following roads will be intermittently closed from 4.30pm on September 25 to 3am of the following day, except for residents’ vehicles:- Yiu Sha Road north of its junction with Wu Kai Sha Road roundabout; and
– Yiu Sha Road from its junction with the unnamed road towards To Tau Wan Village.
     
     The Police will implement appropriate arrangements subject to the prevailing traffic and crowd conditions. Motorists are advised to exercise patience and tolerance, and take heed of instructions of the police officers on site.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     The Immigration Department (ImmD) mounted a series of territory-wide anti-illegal worker operations codenamed “Swordfish” from August 4 to September 23, targeting foreign domestic helpers who breached their conditions of stay. A total of 20 persons, including 11 suspected illegal workers and nine suspected employers, were arrested.

     During the operations, ImmD investigators raided 118 target locations, including restaurants, retail shops, food factories, hair salons, industrial and commercial buildings, and residential buildings. The arrested 11 suspected illegal workers comprised two men and nine women, aged 34 to 51, most of them were of Indonesian and Filipino nationalities. Among them, three persons were current helpers, five persons were overstaying ex-helpers and three persons were overstaying visitors. The suspected illegal workers were found performing dish washing, food processing and cleaning duties etc. Meanwhile, nine suspected arrested employers, comprising two men and seven women aged 34 to 54, were owners or persons-in-charge of the companies and restaurants involved. A copy of a forged Hong Kong identity card was also seized during the operation. The relevant cases are still under investigation, and the ImmD does not rule out the possibility of further arrests.