Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Chief Secretary Chan Kwok-ki today witnessed 30 probationary inspectors and 182 recruit police constables becoming members of the Police Force as he inspected a passing-out parade at the Police College.

 

He urged the graduates to meet the needs of citizens empathetically, and to efficiently respond to societal concerns.

 

Speaking at the ceremony, Mr Chan said that national security is the foundation for Hong Kong’s prosperous development. He outlined that police officers, as law enforcers, should have a deep understanding of the provisions and spirit of the Hong Kong National Security Law, take precise enforcement actions, and shoulder their legal responsibilities to safeguard the future of Hong Kong and protect the livelihoods of its citizens.

 

Mr Chan remarked that the force is professional, highly efficient and world-renowned. With its extensive experience, advanced technologies and global networks, he added, it has always been indispensable in terms of international collaboration, contributing towards a safer world.

 

He stressed that the badges worn by Hong Kong’s police officers not only represent powers and responsibilities conferred by the law, but also symbolise the trust of over 7 million citizens.

 

The Chief Secretary detailed four aspirations for the graduates, namely:

 

• “Always be loyal and uphold the rule of law” – officers should remain loyal to their work, and ensure that each enforcement action adheres strictly to legal requirements.
• “Be precise and professional, and embrace changes” – officers should constantly enhance their professional capabilities and application of technology, equip themselves with a global vision and insights into global policing developments, and continuously improve their enforcement capabilities under complex international circumstances.
• “Serve the community with compassion, humanity and courage” – officers should always be accountable for the safety of the public and strive to be trustworthy protectors of citizens.
• “Be devoted to our home and country, and expand global horizons” – officers should build a foundation in Hong Kong, serve the country, learn from advanced global experience, and further earn international reputation for the Police Force.

In conclusion, Mr Chan urged the graduates to resolutely safeguard national security and social stability through courage, professionalism and dedication, and to serve the community wholeheartedly.

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

News & activities

News releases

2025-09-06
The Presidential Office will resume monthly open house days beginning September 20, 2025. We welcome your visit.

The Presidential Office will resume monthly open house days beginning September 20, 2025. We welcome your visit.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

In response to media enquiries about the pneumococcal vaccine, including suggestions from members of the public to include the 20-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV20) in the Pneumococcal Vaccination Programme, the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) today (September 5) gave the following response:

Vaccination arrangements are in line with the Scientific Committee’s recommendations
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Due to unique epidemiological factors and circumstances, pneumococcal vaccination programmes vary among different countries and regions.

The Scientific Committee on Vaccine Preventable Diseases (SCVPD), under the CHP, comprises members from the public sector, private sector and the academia. All members are experts in the field of public health and communicable disease. The SCVPD regularly reviews the epidemiology of the vaccine preventable diseases in Hong Kong, the latest recommendations on immunisation from the World Health Organization, the scientific development and application of new vaccines, updates on vaccine components, cost-effectiveness studies, and experiences from other health authorities. It provides advice to the DH from a public health perspective. The DH updates various immunisation programmes periodically, taking the SCVPD’s recommendations into account.

In September 2023, the SCVPD conducted a comprehensive review of the use of the pneumococcal vaccine in Hong Kong based on the latest scientific evidence and developments at that time. After analysing and comparing the 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13), which was in use at that time, with two newer vaccines available on the market, namely the 20-valent pneumococcal conjugated vaccine (PCV20) and the 15-valent pneumococcal conjugated vaccine (PCV15), the SCVPD concluded that the PCV15 induced higher immunogenicity against Serotype 3. It was believed to be more effective in preventing invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) caused by this serotype.

Since Serotype 3 is one of the most common pneumococcal strains causing IPD in Hong Kong, accounting for approximately half of all cases, the SCVPD recommended replacing the PCV13 with the PCV15 in both the Hong Kong Childhood Immunisation Programme (HKCIP) and the Government Pneumococcal Vaccination Programme. High-risk elderly shall administer one dose of the PCV15, followed by one dose of the 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine one year later.

The Government accepted the above recommendations by the SCVPD. Since last August, the PCV15 has been provided to eligible children and elderly through the HKCIP and the Government Pneumococcal Vaccination Programme respectively (including both free and subsidised).

Vaccination rates in Hong Kong are gradually increasing
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In 2024/25, the Government administered approximately 127 000 doses of the pneumococcal vaccine through various vaccination programmes, representing a 12 per cent increase compared to the same period in 2023/24. Under relevant Government vaccination programmes, over 750 000 elderly aged 65 or above received pneumococcal vaccine, with a coverage rate of about 44 per cent, an increased of about 5 per cent compared to the same period in 2023/24. Approximately 65 per cent of the residents in residential care homes for the elderly received pneumococcal vaccine.

For young children, the DH regularly conducts territory-wide immunisation coverage surveys and randomly checks the immunisation records of a sample of pre-school children in Hong Kong to monitor the vaccination coverage rates among this group. The results in the 2024 survey showed that 98 per cent of children had completed the pneumococcal vaccination.

Currently, there is no universally recognised standard for pneumococcal vaccine coverage rate worldwide, and pneumococcal vaccine coverage rates vary significantly across different regions. Nevertheless, local data indicates that the pneumococcal vaccination coverage rate among the elderly is gradually increasing.

The DH will continue its multi-pronged approach, utilising various online and offline channels, including television, radio, social media platforms, websites, newspapers and public transportation, to appeal to and encourage eligible elderly to receive the pneumococcal vaccination. In addition to the Government Vaccination Programme, the DH has collaborated closely with private doctors to implement the pneumococcal vaccination programmes through a public-private partnership model.

DH and SCVPD will review the vaccination programmes as appropriate
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Furthermore, the CHP and the SCVPD will opportunely review the epidemiology situation of IPD in Hong Kong, the latest scientific evidence on the use of relevant vaccines and the development of new vaccines (such as the 21-valent pneumococcal conjugated vaccine). Vaccination recommendations will be updated as necessary. The Government will also review the pneumococcal vaccination programmes in Hong Kong, taking into account the SCVPD’s recommendations and other public health factors, in order to safeguard public health.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

Another owner of a detached house on Redhill Peninsula was convicted by the court for carrying out unauthorised building works (UBWs) in contravention of section 14(1) of the Buildings Ordinance (Cap. 123) (BO), namely, knowingly undertaking building works without prior approval and consent from the Buildings Department (BD). The owner pleaded guilty at the Eastern Magistrates’ Courts yesterday (September 4) and was fined $150,000 in total.

The BD conducted a large-scale operation in September 2023 to inspect houses along the coastal area of Redhill Peninsula. UBWs were found in a number of detached houses, including the aforementioned house. Investigation by the BD found that the owner of the house had knowingly carried out the UBWs without the prior approval and consent from the BD, including adding structures to the garden, courtyard, living room and bedroom floors, and the rooftop, as well as erecting a trellis and a swimming pool, thus contravening section 14(1) of the BO. Hence, the BD instigated prosecution action against the owner under section 40(1AA) of the BO in August last year. 

“The BD has already instigated prosecution actions against 30 detached houses on Redhill Peninsula. This is the twelfth conviction for the UBWs in the same estate, contravening section 14(1) of the BO. Court hearings for the remaining cases are being rolled out.” a BD spokesman said today (September 5).

The spokesman said that property owners should consult building professionals before carrying out building works to ensure compliance with the BO.

Pursuant to section 40(1AA) of the BO, any person who knowingly contravenes section 14(1) (i.e. commencement or carrying out any building works without having first obtained approval and consent from the BD), commits an offence and is liable upon conviction to a maximum fine of $400,000 and imprisonment for two years, and a further fine of up to $20,000 for each day that the offence continues.

The Government will submit a bill to the Legislative Council to amend the BO in the first half of 2026, which will include increasing penalties for offences against serious UBWs to enhance deterrence.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) received a police report yesterday evening (September 4) regarding the discovery of a suspected whale carcass in Mirs Bay. The AFCD staff, together with personnel from Ocean Park Hong Kong and Ocean Park Conservation Foundation, Hong Kong (OPCFHK), immediately attended the scene for investigation.
 
     Upon preliminary assessment by a veterinarian of Ocean Park response team, the whale carcass measured approximately 10 metres in length. Due to the severe decomposition, the species could not be identified currently, though it is preliminarily believed to be a baleen whale. Given the advanced state of decomposition, further necropsy to determine the cause of death was not possible. Staff will continue processing the carcass today, with completion expected this evening.
 
     The deceased whale was not a local species. Based on the degree of decomposition of the carcass, it is estimated to have been dead for some time. It is believed that the carcass drifted into the waters of Mirs Bay from outside area with ocean currents.
 
     According to records, baleen whales are distributed almost globally across oceans, with different species inhabiting distinct waters. Baleen whales typically forage in the cold, high-latitude waters around the Arctic and Antarctic during the summer. In the winter, they migrate to warmer, low-latitude or tropical waters for breeding and nurturing their young.
 
     To enhance co-operation in marine ecological protection in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, Hong Kong and Shenzhen signed the Memorandum of Understanding on the Joint Rescue Mechanism for Large Aquatic Wild Animals on August 15, to jointly safeguard the marine environment and biodiversity in adjacent waters. In this incident, the AFCD maintained close communication with Shenzhen authorities, promptly exchanging relevant information to facilitate follow-up actions.
 
     The AFCD urges the public to report any whale sightings or stranded cetaceans immediately by calling 1823 or using the 1823 mobile application. Members of the public are reminded to maintain a safe distance from cetaceans, refrain from approaching or disturbing them, and prioritise personal safety to avoid dangerous situations.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (September 5) announced a case of severe paediatric influenza A infection and urged the public to maintain good personal and environmental hygiene at all times to prevent contracting influenza and other respiratory illnesses.
           
The case involved a 17-year-old boy with good past health. He developed a fever, cough, sore throat and runny nose on September 3. He went to the Accident and Emergency Department of Tuen Mun Hospital yesterday (September 4) and was arranged to admit to the paediatric intensive care unit of the hospital. His nasopharyngeal swab specimen tested positive for the influenza A (H3) virus upon laboratory testing. The clinical diagnosis was influenza A infection complicated with shock. He is still hospitalised and is in serious condition.

The boy had no travel history during the incubation period. His household contacts, so far, are asymptomatic. 
 
The CHP investigation showed that the boy did not receive the seasonal influenza vaccination (SIV). Five other students in his class recently developed mild flu symptoms between September 2 and 3. They have sought medical treatment and none of them required hospitalisation. There is no outbreak in other classes so far. Officers of the CHP have conducted onsite inspection, and advised the schools on necessary infection controls measures, including advising students of the concerned class to wear masks in school, opening windows where appropriate for better ventilation in individual activity rooms and classrooms, thorough cleaning and disinfection, and stopping inter-class and inter-grade activities. The CHP also recommended the teachers and students to check their temperature every day before going to school. If they develop symptoms or fever, they should not go to school. The CHP will continue to put the school under medical surveillance.

The CHP’s latest surveillance data showed that local influenza activity increased further last week and slightly exceeded the baseline threshold. The CHP will cautiously monitor the short-term trend of influenza activity to determine whether Hong Kong has entered the summer influenza season.

     Vaccination is the first line of defence against seasonal influenza, reducing the chance of serious complications or death after infection. Parents are advised to arrange for their children to participate in the seasonal influenza vaccination (SIV) outreach activities at school or to visit their family doctor for the SIV at the start of the new school year to enhance personal protection. 
  
To protect their health and that of their family members, the public should continue to maintain good personal and environmental hygiene and take the following measures to prevent contracting seasonal influenza and other respiratory illnesses: 
 

• Persons who are symptomatic (even if having mild symptoms) should wear surgical masks to prevent transmission of respiratory viruses; high-risk persons (e.g. persons with underlying medical conditions or persons who are immunocompromised) should also wear surgical masks when taking public transport or staying in crowded places. It is important to wear a mask properly, including performing hand hygiene before wearing and after removing a mask;
• Avoid touching one’s eyes, mouth and nose;
• Practise hand hygiene frequently, wash hands with liquid soap and water properly whenever possibly contaminated;
• When hands are not visibly soiled, clean them with 70 to 80 per cent alcohol-based handrub;
• Cover the mouth and nose with tissue paper when sneezing or coughing. Dispose of soiled tissue paper properly into a lidded rubbish bin, and wash hands thoroughly afterwards;
• Maintain good indoor ventilation;
• Avoid sharing personal items;
• When having respiratory symptoms, wear a surgical mask, consider refraining from going to work or school, avoid going to crowded places and seek medical advice promptly; and
• Maintain a balanced diet, perform physical activity regularly, take adequate rest, do not smoke and avoid overstress.

​​For the latest information, members of the public can visit the CHP’s seasonal influenza and COVID-19 & Flu Express webpages.      

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, met with members of the University Grants Committee (UGC) today (September 5) to exchange views on the latest developments in higher education in Hong Kong. The discussion covered themes including institutional governance, strategic development directions of local and overseas universities, the contribution of higher education to development, and the relationship between research and knowledge transfer. The Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki; the Secretary for Education, Dr Choi Yuk-lin; the Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Professor Sun Dong; the Head of the Chief Executive’s Policy Unit, Dr Stephen Wong; and the Permanent Secretary for Education, Ms May Chan, also joined the meeting.

The UGC Chairman, Mr Tim Lui, briefed Mr Lee on the various initiatives being advanced by the UGC, particularly the strategic development directions under the Planning Exercise 2025-28 and the importance of institutional governance. The UGC will continue to collaborate with UGC-funded universities to nurture local talent and attract elites from around the world, promoting the “Study in Hong Kong” brand and actively contributing to establishing Hong Kong as an international hub for higher education.

Mr Lee expressed his gratitude to UGC members from Hong Kong, the Mainland and overseas countries for their suggestions on the development of Hong Kong’s higher education. He acknowledged the UGC’s contributions to promoting the internationalisation and diversification of UGC-funded universities. He noted that Hong Kong is the only city in the world with five universities ranked among the global top 100, and that the Government and the UGC have been working together to nurture talent, enhance research and knowledge transfer, and support the development of Hong Kong as an international hub for education and high-calibre talent. Highlighting the Government’s efforts towards the development of the Northern Metropolis University Town, Mr Lee expressed his aspiration that the UGC will continue to encourage local universities to collaborate with overseas and Mainland institutions, leveraging Hong Kong’s unique advantages of being backed by the motherland and connected to the world. He added that through flexible and innovative development models, more research collaborations and exchange programmes can be established, enhancing the international influence of Hong Kong’s academic and research endeavours and promoting the development of Hong Kong’s new quality productive forces.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

At the invitation of the National Audit Office of the People’s Republic of China (CNAO), the Director of Audit, Professor Nelson Lam, in the company of Assistant Director of Audit Ms Flora Wan and Senior Auditor Mr Alex Lau, attended the 9th Meeting of the International Organization of Supreme Audit Institutions Working Group on Big Data in Harbin as representatives of the People’s Republic of China. During the trip, Professor Lam briefed the Auditor General of the CNAO, Mr Hou Kai, on the recent work of the Audit Commission (Audit).  

Themed “Partnering for New Advancement in Auditing in the AI Era”, the meeting was organised by the CNAO, chair of the said working group, and attended by over 60 representatives from 22 national supreme audit institutions of different countries and international audit organisations. During the meeting, representatives from various regions had comprehensive exchanges and discussions on issues such as AI and big data auditing, with a united aim to explore better ways to apply emerging technologies to audit work, which would promote audit efficiency and quality, and support the sector to navigate the ever-changing landscape of auditing.  
   
Professor Lam thanked the CNAO for the numerous opportunities it offered, which allowed Audit personnel to take part in international audit events as national representatives. On this occasion, Audit personnel were able to gain up-to-date knowledge on the development of AI and big data auditing, engage in exchanges with industry experts from around the world, and get access to the latest audit technologies and practices. All these would drive Audit to grow with the times. He added that the highly authoritative International Organization of Supreme Audit Institutions Working Group on Big Data, which is chaired by the CNAO, has been issuing series of guidelines, research reports and dissertation collections since its establishment nearly 10 years ago, providing solid support for the exchanges and co-operation in the realm of big data auditing among national supreme audit institutions of different regions. Professor Lam said he looked forward to continued opportunities for Audit personnel to contribute to the working group.  

The 9th Meeting of the International Organization of Supreme Audit Institutions Working Group on Big Data was held between September 1 and 3. Having taken part in the meeting sessions on the first two days, Professor Lam departed for Beijing in the afternoon of September 2 to attend the commemorative rally of the 80th Anniversary of Victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. Ms Wan and Mr Lau, returned to Hong Kong on September 3 after concluding the visits and field studies on projects arranged by the organiser.  

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Environmental Protection Department today said that the smart recycling bin located in the shopping mall at Ocean Shores Phase 3 on O King Road in Tiu Keng Leng, commonly known as the GREEN@SAI KUNG TOWN – TIU KENG LENG BRANCH, will be relocated to the nearby Metro City Shopping Mall for operation in mid-September.
 
The department explained that it has noticed recent misunderstandings among some media and community members, who thought that the recycling services at the above location were being terminated, raising concerns about the potential inconvenience for residents in the area participating in waste separation and recycling.
 
The department hereby clarifies that the relocation of the smart recycling bin is solely due to the expiration of lease at the current site. It will be moved to another location in the same district to continue providing convenient recycling services to the public. A notice regarding the relocation has been posted on the smart recycling bin to inform the public of the arrangements.
 
As the Metro City Shopping Mall is currently undergoing internal renovation works, the department is keeping close communication with the management office. The smart recycling bin is tentatively scheduled to commence operation on September 15.
 
The department thanks the public for their continued support and calls on everyone to continue actively carrying out green actions, working together to contribute to Hong Kong’s environmental protection efforts.
 
Moreover, to further facilitate public participation in recycling, GREEN@SAI KUNG TOWN will set up a Recycling Spot on the pavement outside Exit A2 of Tiu Keng Leng MTR Station every Tuesday and Saturday morning starting from September 16.
 
People can also visit the nearby GREEN@KIN MING located in Kin Ming Estate or use the waste separation and recycling facilities in their housing estates for continuous participation in clean recycling.