Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Chief Secretary Chan Kwok-ki and Secretary for Home & Youth Affairs Alice Mak today visited three veterans in Hong Kong to offer their respects, with this year marking the 80th Anniversary of Victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War.

Mr Chan was joined by Deputy Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (LOCPG) Liu Guangyuan, while LOCPG Secretary General Wang Songmiao accompanied Miss Mak.

Mr Chan said the veterans had shown unwavering determination during the war, sparing no effort, fighting as one against the enemy and dedicating themselves wholeheartedly to defending the country. He added that they demonstrated to the world a profound patriotic sentiment, and that their heroic deeds and patriotism command the highest respect, with their stories serving as vivid lessons in patriotic education.

He also highlighted that in order to deepen and broaden the public’s understanding of the historical significance of victory in the war, and to strengthen their affection for and sense of belonging to the country, the Hong Kong SAR Government has been organising various forms of commemorative and educational activities, and co-ordinating local organisations in doing the same.

The Chief Secreatary called for support from members of the public, in particular young people, in terms of participating in the activities, in order to remember history, honour martyrs, cherish peace, create a great future and pay tribute to the veterans.

Miss Mak said the Home & Youth Affairs Bureau will continue to work alongside district organisations to hold commemorative activities, allowing the public and young people to have a thorough understanding of the War of Resistance, learn from history, cherish peace and foster their sense of patriotism.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Labour Department today announced that it has imposed an administrative sanction on a catering company for displacing local workers with imported workers, thereby violating the requirements of the Enhanced Supplementary Labour Scheme.

With effect from August 27, the department has withdrawn approvals-in-principle for the importation of workers granted to Top One Dance Club & Chinese Cuisine O/B Top One Dance Club under the scheme.

In addition, the department will not process any applications to import workers submitted by the company for a period of two years.

At a media session today, Secretary for Labour & Welfare Chris Sun said the sanction is a combination of two measures to ensure that the Government sends a very strong signal to employers that they must comply with the scheme’s rules and requirements.

After receiving a complaint about the company, the Labour Department conducted an investigation and heard the employer’s explanation. It has come to the view that the complaint is substantiated by facts.

Mr Sun added that the Government will look into suggestions as to the exact terms of initiative sanctions in its coming review, including whether or not the maximum ban should be kept at two years, or lengthened to maintain its power in enforcing the requirements.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Government today announced the launch of a new batch of its Silver Bond series for subscription, offering a minimum interest rate of 3.85%.

Residents who were born in 1966 or before and hold a valid Hong Kong identity card are eligible for subscription.

The target issuance size is $50 billion, with each unit offered at $10,000 and with a tenor of three years. Interest will be paid semi-annually.

The bonds are the retail part of the Infrastructure Bond Programme. Proceeds will be credited to the Capital Works Reserve Fund for investment in infrastructure projects. The Government will publish information on the allocation of the proceeds on an annual basis.

Financial Secretary Paul Chan said the Government is continuing to issue Silver Bonds this year to provide a safe, reliable and low-risk investment option with steady returns for senior citizens.

He stressed that proceeds from this batch will be used to fund the implementation of infrastructure projects for the good of the economy and people’s livelihoods.

A maximum allocation of $1 million per investor will be stipulated, meaning that each investor will be allocated 100 units of retail bonds at most.

The subscription period will start from 9am on September 15 and end at 2pm on September 29. During this time, eligible residents can apply for the bonds through placing banks and designated securities brokers. The bonds will be issued on October 10.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 3

Classes will resume on September 1. The Transport Department urges students to familiarise themselves early with public transport routes to and from their schools and the service frequencies, especially those attending a new school. As the overall road traffic on that day will be busier, students should allow more time. They should also take heed of road safety on their journeys, properly use crossing facilities to cross the road, and not use a mobile phone, listen to any audio device, play mobile games, eat or drink when crossing the road.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK) and the Hong Kong Green Finance Association (HKGFA) today (August 29) announced their collaboration to promote green and sustainable finance in the lead up to Hong Kong Green Week, taking place September 8 to 12. Kicking off with the HKGFA’s 8th Annual Forum on September 8, the week will spotlight Hong Kong’s leadership in green technology, green fintech, and climate innovation, reinforcing its pivotal role in accelerating Asia’s low-carbon transition.

Hong Kong Green Week will highlight Hong Kong’s strategic priorities and achievements in sustainability, including its policy roadmap, robust regulatory framework and commitment to international collaboration. The joint efforts of InvestHK and the HKGFA aim to channel capital into high-impact green projects, catalyse new solutions for transition finance, and support capacity building in developing countries and emerging markets.

The Global Head of Financial Services, FinTech & Sustainability at InvestHK, Mr King Leung, said, “Hong Kong will further solidify its position as a launch pad for green and sustainable capital during the upcoming Hong Kong Green Week. Supported by a robust financial system meeting international standards, world-class infrastructure, and a globally aligned taxonomy, we channeled capital into transformative green projects across regions and industries. Our collaboration with the HKGFA ignited a powerful wave of cross-sector partnerships, advancing sustainability goals.”

The Chairman and President of the HKGFA, Dr Ma Jun, added, “Hong Kong demonstrated its pivotal role in advancing Asia’s climate leadership, particularly amid the context of the United States’ withdrawal from the Paris Agreement. Hong Kong Green Week is set to showcase our capabilities to host regional platforms and dialogues, fostering policy consensus, facilitating innovative cross-border transactions, and driving capacity building in emerging markets.”

HKGFA Executive Vice President Ms Tracy Wong Harris said, “Transition finance is paving the way for corporates to accelerate decarbonisation while maintaining sustainable growth. Through initiatives like the HKGFA’s Transition Planning Knowledge Repository, we are empowering the market with purpose-built tools and insights to develop credible transition strategies aligned with ambitious climate targets. By integrating climate and nature considerations into policy, Hong Kong is further advancing its financial infrastructure and climate risk management system to help the real economy to transition to net-zero.”

HKGFA Executive Vice President Ms Chaoni Huang said, “Robust global connectivity and regional collaboration on expanding leading frameworks such as the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD) are essential to advancing sustainable finance. As a co-convenor of the TNFD in Hong Kong, the HKGFA is at the forefront of building capacity and fostering crucial dialogue to integrate nature-related risks into financial decision-making. By working alongside our members and partners globally, the HKGFA will continue to enhance the ecosystem’s capacity to assess and manage nature-related risks and opportunities, bridging global sustainability standards with regional and local implementation.”

InvestHK and the HKGFA hosted a media briefing today to share insights into Hong Kong’s green and sustainable finance landscape and its central role in accelerating Asia’s climate transition. The briefing also provided a preview of the highly anticipated Hong Kong Green Week, with the HKGFA’s 8th Annual Forum launching the event. Speakers highlighted the importance of cross-agency coordination, policy innovation, and capacity building, alongside key initiatives. Case studies underscored the city’s growing impact in climate-focused investment and regional collaboration.

For a copy of the photos, please visit: www.flickr.com/photos/investhk/albums/72177720328641440.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

Hongkong Post announced today (August 29) that, as advised by the postal administration of the Philippines, mail delivery services to Metro Manila, the provinces of Bulacan, Cavite, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, Batangas, Aurora, Quezon, Rizal, Laguna, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Albay, Sorsogon, Catanduanes, Masbate and Northern Samar, previously affected by severe weather, have returned to normal.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (August 29) investigating a case of invasive Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) infection and hence urged the public to maintain good personal hygiene, especially hand hygiene.

The case involves a 43-year-old female with underlying illnesses. She presented with fever, cough and shortness of breath since August 22. She attended the Accident and Emergency Department of Kwong Wah Hospital the next day (August 23) and was admitted for treatment. The patient is now in critical condition. Her blood and sputum samples tested positive for Hib upon laboratory testing. Her clinical diagnoses were pneumonia and sepsis. 

The patient had no recent travel history. Initial enquiries revealed that two close contacts developed mild respiratory symptoms and were advised to seek medical consultation promptly. Investigations are ongoing.

“Invasive Hib infection has been a statutorily notifiable infectious disease since July 2008. Invasive Hib infection commonly presents clinically as an infection of membranes covering the brain (meningitis), often accompanied by bacteria entering the bloodstream. It may also affect other parts of the body such as the lungs, the epiglottis (upper part of the throat), joints and bones. Prompt antibiotic treatment is necessary,” the Controller of the CHP, Dr Edwin Tsui, said.

“Hib infection can be spread by contact with the nose or throat secretions of a patient. If a persistent fever, unusual changes in behaviour or other deteriorating conditions develop, or if in doubt, seek medical attention immediately,” Dr Tsui added.

Members of the public are advised to observe personal hygiene and take heed of the preventive measures below:
 

• Maintain hand hygiene and clean hands properly;
• Wash hands when they are soiled with respiratory secretions, such as after sneezing or coughing;
• Cover the nose and mouth while sneezing or coughing and dispose of nasal discharge and sputum properly;
• Do not share eating and drinking utensils, and wash them thoroughly after use;
• Avoid going to crowded places if not feeling well; and
• An effective vaccine against Hib is available. For personal protection, seek advice from a healthcare professional.

     The public may visit the CHP’s invasive Hib page for more information.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) today (August 29) released the 10th batch of gravidtrap indexes and density indexes for Aedes albopictus in August, covering five survey areas, as follows:
 

District	Survey Area	August 2025
		First Phase Gravidtrap Index	First Phase Density Index
Central/ Western	Central and Admiralty	3.9%	1.0
Kwun Tong	Yau Tong and Cha Kwo Ling	1.8%	1.0
Tai Po	Tai Po West	5.2%	1.0

 

District	Survey Area	August 2025
		Area Gravidtrap Index	Area Density Index
Kwun Tong	Kowloon Bay	7.5%	1.1
Kwai Tsing	Tsing Yi North	12.8%	1.4

Among the 10th batch of First Phase Gravidtrap Indexes covering three survey areas and Area Gravidtrap Indexes covering two survey areas in August, all were below 10 per cent, except the Area Gravidtrap Index for Tsing Yi North in Kwai Tsing District.

For Tsing Yi North in Kwai Tsing District, which recorded an index over 10 per cent, in accordance with the mechanism implemented by the FEHD in response to the recent chikungunya fever (CF) situation (i.e. strengthening mosquito control work in areas with a gravidtrap index between 10 per cent and 20 per cent, instead of 20 per cent or above under the original mechanism), the FEHD is collaborating with relevant departments and stakeholders to identify locations with high mosquito infestations and carry out intensive and targeted mosquito control measures. In particular, the gravidtrap data for Tsing Yi North indicated that areas with more mosquito problems included parks, public and private housing estates, and the Area Gravidtrap Index for Tsing Yi North survey area dropped from 15.5 per cent in July to 12.8 per cent in August. The relevant departments and stakeholders are actively following up on the mosquito control work. The FEHD will also organise exhibitions, distribute leaflets and posters, and notify the residential estates that have subscribed to the gravidtrap Rapid Alert System, advising property management agents and residents to stay vigilant and join hands in taking mosquito prevention and elimination measures. In addition, the FEHD will strengthen the monitoring of the gravidtrap index in this area to review the effectiveness of the mosquito control work.

The FEHD has so far released 10 batches of gravidtrap indexes for Aedes albopictus in August 2025, covering 62 survey areas. Among these 62 survey areas, 40 recorded a decrease or remained unchanged in the individual gravidtrap index as compared to the Area Gravidtrap Index last month, i.e. July 2025, representing that the areas’ mosquito infestation improved or maintained a low level. Sixteen other areas recorded a slight increase, but the indexes were lower than 10 per cent.

Public participation is crucial to effective control of mosquito problems. The FEHD appeals to members of the public to continue to work together in strengthening personal mosquito control measures, including:
 

• tidy up their premises and check for any accumulation of water inside their premises;
• remove all unnecessary water collection and eliminate the sources;
• check household items (those placed in outdoor and open areas in particular), such as refuse containers, vases, air conditioner drip trays, and laundry racks to prevent stagnant water;
• change the water in flower vases and saucers of potted plants at least once every seven days;
• properly cover all containers that hold water to prevent mosquitoes from accessing the water; and
• properly dispose of articles that can contain water, such as empty lunch boxes and cans.

Starting in August this year, following the completion of the surveillance of individual survey areas, and once the latest gravidtrap index and the density index are available, the FEHD will disseminate the relevant information through press releases, its website, and social media. It aims to allow members of the public to quickly grasp the mosquito infestation situation and strengthen mosquito control efforts, thereby reducing the risk of CF transmission.

​Following the recommendations from the World Health Organization and taking into account the local situation in Hong Kong, the FEHD sets up gravidtraps in districts where mosquito-borne diseases have been recorded in the past, as well as in densely populated places such as housing estates, hospitals and schools to monitor the breeding and distribution of Aedes albopictus mosquitoes, which can transmit CF and dengue fever. At present, the FEHD has set up gravidtraps in 64 survey areas of the community. During the two weeks of surveillance, the FEHD will collect the gravidtraps once a week. After the first week of surveillance, the FEHD will immediately examine the glue boards inside the retrieved gravidtraps for the presence of adult Aedine mosquitoes, to compile the Gravidtrap Index (First Phase) and Density Index (First Phase). At the end of the second week of surveillance, the FEHD will instantly check the glue boards for the presence of adult Aedine mosquitoes. Data from the two weeks’ surveillance will be combined to obtain the Area Gravidtrap Index and the Area Density Index. The gravidtrap and density indexes for Aedes albopictus in different survey areas as well as information on mosquito prevention and control measures are available on the department’s webpage (www.fehd.gov.hk/english/pestcontrol/dengue_fever/Dengue_Fever_Gravidtrap_Index_Update.html#).