Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Speech by SCED at opening ceremony of HKTDC Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair and Salon de TIME 2026 (English only)
Sophia (Executive Director of the HKTDC, Ms Sophia Chong), Gary (Chairman of the HKTDC Watches & Clocks Advisory Committee, Mr Gary Lau), SK (Co-chairman of the HKTDC Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair 2026 Organising Committee, Mr Chong Sing-kai), Frankie (Co-chairman of the HKTDC Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair 2026 Organising Committee, Mr Frankie Lam), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
Good morning. It is my great pleasure to join you today and officiate at the opening of the 45th edition of the HKTDC Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair and Salon de TIME.
This year is especially meaningful as we celebrate the 45th anniversary of the Fair. Its enduring success is a testament to the dedication of the HKTDC and its co-organisers, as well as to the resilience, creativity and entrepreneurial spirit of our watch and clock industry.
Over the past 45 years, the Fair has evolved from a regional gathering into a leading international timepiece exhibition and a vital meeting point for the global industry. I am delighted that this year’s Fair carries the theme “Sparkling Moments Through Time”. It perfectly captures the dynamic interplay between tradition and innovation. The Fair showcases everything from luxury timepieces and fashion-forward creations to technological and sustainable innovations, while bringing together the entire industry value chain and connecting businesses from around the world.
We are also pleased to welcome microbrands and independent watchmakers alongside established maisons that have defined elegance for generations. The participation of renowned brands from the Chinese Mainland, ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) economies, Europe and America is a further testament to the Fair’s international reach and its appeal as a premier platform for the global timepiece industry.
Such diversity and connectivity are Hong Kong’s greatest assets. They also resonate strongly with the opportunities presented by our country’s 15th Five-Year Plan, which supports Hong Kong in consolidating and enhancing its status as an international trade centre and in playing a greater role in the country’s high-standard opening up. As a “super-connector” between the Chinese Mainland and the global market, we offer a trusted, familiar and business-friendly environment for international companies seeking access to the vast Chinese Mainland market, while providing Mainland brands with an ideal platform from which to expand their global presence.
In line with the opportunities arising from the 15th Five-Year Plan, the Government is fully committed to reinforcing Hong Kong’s status as a premier global business centre and convention and exhibition hub. In 2025, our two mega event venues, the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre and AsiaWorld-Expo, hosted over 360 internationally renowned events, attracting more than 9 million participants. We will continue to invest in our infrastructure and enhance our policy support, with a view to further strengthening Hong Kong’s position as a preferred destination for global exhibitions and a premier meeting place for ideas, investment and business opportunities.
We welcome more large‑scale international exhibitions to Hong Kong, especially with the added incentive of the Government’s $100 million funding scheme to attract international exhibitions featuring new elements. The economic contribution of the exhibition sector is substantial. Our exhibition industry generated $50.2 billion in total economic output in 2024 while international exhibition visitors spent an average of over $9,300 per trip, about 70 per cent more than the average overnight tourist. These figures highlight the vital role of exhibitions in bringing high-value visitors, driving economic activity and creating new business opportunities.
As we mark this significant 45-year milestone, let us draw inspiration from the past, embrace the possibilities of the present, and look ahead to an even brighter future for the industry. Together, let us continue to create more “Sparkling Moments Through Time”.
Thank you, and I wish you all a successful and memorable Fair, and many fruitful exchanges and partnerships in the days ahead. Thank you.
Issued at HKT 11:43
NNNN
Applications for Sir Edward Youde Memorial Overseas Fellowships and Scholarships 2027/28 to close on Friday
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Applications for Sir Edward Youde Memorial Overseas Fellowships and Scholarships 2027/28 to close on Friday
The Sir Edward Youde Memorial (SEYM) Fund Council reminded interested applicants today (September 1) that applications for the SEYM Overseas Fellowships and Scholarships and the SEYM Overseas Fellowships and Scholarships for Disabled Students for the 2027/28 academic year will close on Friday (September 4).
The fellowships and scholarships aim at encouraging outstanding students to pursue further studies in renowned institutions overseas. Awardees should aspire to contribute to Hong Kong and be ready to give back to the community upon graduation.
The fellowships are for overseas studies leading to postgraduate degrees either by research or coursework. The maximum value of a fellowship is HK$300,000 per year, tenable for up to three years for a doctoral degree or two years for a master’s degree. The scholarships are for overseas studies leading to undergraduate degrees. The maximum value of a scholarship is HK$280,000 per year, tenable for up to three years.
The applicants will be responsible for fulfilling all application procedures and admission requirements of the academic institutions of their choice.
Information notes for the applications are available on the website of the Student Finance Office of the Working Family and Student Financial Assistance Agency (www.wfsfaa.gov.hk/en/resources/forms/form.htm
Shortlisted applicants of the Overseas Fellowships and Scholarships will be invited to attend interviews in Hong Kong. The first round of interviews is scheduled for December 2026 or January 2027. If found suitable, applicants will be invited for a final interview to be held in January or February 2027. For the Overseas Fellowships and Scholarships for Disabled Students, shortlisted applicants will be invited to attend an interview in Hong Kong in January or February 2027.
Issued at HKT 11:00
NNNN
Hong Kong Customs reminds non-local watch exhibitors about statutory requirement to submit cash transaction report under Dealers in Precious Metals and Stones Regulatory Regime
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Hong Kong Customs reminds non-local watch exhibitors about statutory requirement to submit cash transaction report under Dealers in Precious Metals and Stones Regulatory Regime
Non-Hong Kong dealers can also download the related form
Dealers can visit relevant websiteIssued at HKT 11:00
NNNN
Occupational safety and health training courses open for applications
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Occupational safety and health training courses open for applications Unless otherwise specified, the courses will mainly be conducted in Cantonese at the LD’s Occupational Safety and Health Training Centre, 13/F, KOLOUR Tsuen Wan I, 68 Chung On Street, Tsuen Wan. Enrolment is free.
Employers who wish to arrange for their employees to attend the courses can log in to the application website (www.oshtc.labour.gov.hk/wpas/?lang=enIssued at HKT 11:00
NNNN
President Lai attends 2026 EU Investment Forum
Source: Republic of China Taiwan
On the afternoon of September 1, President Lai Ching-te attended the opening of the 2026 European Union Investment Forum. In remarks, President Lai said that Taiwan and Europe are becoming economically closer and that Taiwanese companies are investing in Europe at a larger scale. The president expressed hope that in the face of global industrial competition and the restructuring of supply chains, Taiwan and Europe can combine their advantages in semiconductors and deepen their strategic partnership, and that they can work toward agreements on double taxation and investment so that together, they can build a global supply chain that is more secure, diverse, and resilient.
A transcript of President Lai’s remarks follows:
It’s a pleasure to join you all at [the] EU Investment Forum. I would like to thank the organizers and all [the] participants from Europe and Taiwan.
Taiwan and Europe have become economically closer over the years. Last year, bilateral trade with [the] EU reached almost US$75 billion, making the EU Taiwan’s fifth largest trading partner. Over the last decade, Taiwanese investment in the EU surged by 650 percent, compared with the decade before.
We are very happy to hear the recent announcement from TEEMA [Taiwan Electrical and Electronic Manufacturers’ Association] about establishing a technology park in Poland. In the future, it will be easier for Taiwanese [companies] to invest in [the] EU and cooperate with local industries.
All this showcases our robust economic ties. It also indicates that Taiwanese companies are not just focused on individual investment projects. More and more, they’re taking an integrated approach to investment in Europe, with a longer time frame and larger scale.
We also look forward to more opportunities for Taiwan-Europe cooperation in global technology. On that note, SEMICON Taiwan 2026 kicks off tomorrow. It will bring together leading semiconductor and tech companies, to explore opportunities in AI chips and advanced packaging.
Across the globe, countries are boosting their industrial capabilities. In June, the European Commission announced [the draft] Chips Act 2.0, which aims to speed up commercialization, and bring chips to the market faster. It shows that Europe is determined to build a more competitive chip industry and make its supply chains more resilient.
Taiwan and Europe each have unique advantages in semiconductors. Taiwan already has a highly integrated industrial ecosystem. And Europe offers world-class capabilities in R&D, equipment, materials, and high value-added manufacturing. By combining our advantages, and building a strategic partnership, we can create even greater shared value. Together, we can shape a global semiconductor ecosystem that is more secure, diverse, and resilient.
We hope the European nations will promote agreements on double taxation and investment with Taiwan. This will help unlock our immense potential for investment and industrial cooperation. Looking ahead, Taiwan will keep working closely with Europe to build stronger supply chains, and more resilient economies. Together, we will contribute even more to global prosperity and sustainable development.
To close, I wish this event great success. I’m confident your discussions today will open up more opportunities for cooperation between Taiwan and Europe. I also hope your innovative ideas lead to concrete investments, bringing fruitful outcomes for all of us. Thank you.
Also in attendance at the event was Head of the European Economic and Trade Office Lutz Güllner.
Dry Conditions To Continue Into The First Fortnight Of September 2026
Source: Government of Singapore
1 September 2026 – Dry conditions are expected to continue into the first fortnight of September 2026. Southwest Monsoon conditions are prevailing over Singapore and the surrounding region and are forecast to persist in the coming fortnight, with winds blowing mainly from the southeast or southwest.
2 Fair and occasionally windy conditions are expected on most days, particularly during the first week of September 2026. Localised short-duration thundery showers may occur over parts of the island in the late morning and afternoon on a few days. The total rainfall for the first fortnight of September 2026 is forecast to be below average over most parts of the island.
3 Daily maximum temperatures are likely to range between 33 degrees Celsius and 35 degrees Celsius on most days, and could slightly exceed 35 degrees Celsius on a few days. The nights may also be warm and humid, with minimum temperatures remaining above 27 degrees Celsius on most nights.
4 With the prevailing dry conditions, there has been an escalation in the hotspot and smoke haze situation in the surrounding region. Dense smoke haze was observed over southern and central Sumatra and various parts of Kalimantan on most days since around 21 August 2026. While there may be sporadic showers in the second week of the fortnight, the dry conditions are expected to persist over most of the surrounding region during the fortnight. Under the prevailing southeasterly or southwesterly winds, Singapore may experience hazy conditions should the fires intensify. The National Environment Agency (NEA) will continue to closely monitor the situation and provide updates if the situation changes. Should the 24-hour PSI enter the Unhealthy range, NEA will provide daily haze advisories.
5 For updates of the daily weather forecast, please visit the MSS website (www.weather.gov.sg), NEA website (www.nea.gov.sg), or download the myENV app.
REVIEW OF THE PAST TWO WEEKS (17 – 31 August 2026)
6 Southwest Monsoon conditions prevailed over Singapore and the surrounding region in the second fortnight of August 2026, with winds blowing mostly from the southeast or southwest.
7 Singapore experienced dry conditions in the second fortnight of August 2026, with fair weather on most days. Localised short-duration thundery showers fell over parts of the island on some days. On 30 August 2026, regional wind convergence brought moderate to heavy thundery showers over the eastern, southern, and central parts of Singapore in the early morning. The highest daily total rainfall for the second fortnight of August 2026 was recorded around Telok Blangah on that day, at 53.8mm.
8 The second fortnight of August 2026 was warm, with daily maximum temperatures exceeding 34 degrees Celsius on most days. The highest daily maximum temperature of 35.5 degrees Celsius was recorded at Seletar on 25 August 2026. There were also several nights when minimum temperatures remained above 27 degrees Celsius.
9 Singapore recorded well below average rainfall in the second fortnight of August 2026. The area around Admiralty registered rainfall of about 99 per cent below average.
CLIMATE STATION STATISTICS
| Long-term Statistics for September (Climatological reference period: 1991-2020) |
||
|---|---|---|
| Average daily maximum temperature: | 31.6 | °C |
| Average daily minimum temperature: | 25.2 | °C |
| Average monthly temperature: | 28.0 | °C |
| Average rainfall: | 124.9 | mm |
| Average number of rain days: | 13 | |
| Historical Extremes for September (Rainfall since 1869 and temperature since 1929) |
||
| Highest monthly mean daily maximum temperature: | 33.0 | °C (2019) |
| Lowest monthly mean daily minimum temperature: | 22.4 | °C (1930) |
| Highest monthly rainfall ever recorded: | 440.4 | mm (1988) |
| Lowest monthly rainfall ever recorded: | 22.8 | mm (2019) |
~~ End ~~
For more information, please submit your enquiries electronically via the Online Feedback Form or myENV mobile application.
MOFA response to Etihad Airways in-flight announcement downgrading Taiwan’s sovereign status
Source: Republic of China Taiwan
MOFA response to Etihad Airways in-flight announcement downgrading Taiwan’s sovereign status
August 21, 2026
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) strongly protests the Mandarin-language in-flight announcement by Etihad Airways that downgraded Taiwan’s status.
MOFA solemnly reiterates that the ROC (Taiwan) is a sovereign, independent country and that neither the ROC (Taiwan) nor the People’s Republic of China is subordinate to the other. These are objective facts and the internationally recognized status quo. Any improper practice that diminishes Taiwan’s sovereign status is wholly unacceptable to its government and people.
MOFA has instructed the Commercial Office of Taipei, Dubai, UAE to lodge a solemn protest with Etihad Airways headquarters and has coordinated with the Civil Aviation Administration to contact Etihad Airways representatives in Taiwan. Taiwan has demanded that the airline rectify the improper terminology, issue an apology, and implement corrective measures. MOFA will continue to closely monitor developments to staunchly defend Taiwan’s dignity and sovereignty.
MOFA response to remarks by China’s Taiwan Affairs Office on Uganda’s recent obstruction of entry by Taiwanese citizens, belittling Taiwan’s sovereignty
Source: Republic of China Taiwan
MOFA response to remarks by China’s Taiwan Affairs Office on Uganda’s recent obstruction of entry by Taiwanese citizens, belittling Taiwan’s sovereignty
August 20, 2026 The Ministry of Foreign Affairs immediately responded to Uganda’s recent obstruction of entry by Taiwanese citizens by instructing the Taiwanese Representative Office in Somaliland, which also oversees Uganda, to handle the situation. MOFA also had it coordinate with the Taiwanese Chamber of Commerce in Uganda to actively engage in communication with the Ugandan government. Ugandan airport immigration authorities returned all four confiscated Taiwanese passports on August 19.
MOFA solemnly reiterates that the ROC (Taiwan) is a sovereign and independent country; that neither the ROC (Taiwan) nor the People’s Republic of China (PRC) is subordinate to the other; and that the PRC has never governed Taiwan. This objective fact is recognized by the international community.
China’s false narratives are politically motivated and aim to belittle Taiwan’s sovereignty. They are entirely futile and cannot change the objective reality. Instead, they further highlight the authoritarian nature of China’s external pressure tactics.
MOFA calls on all governments to uphold the principles of professionalism and pragmatism, eliminate unnecessary political interference, and respect Taiwan’s legitimate passports and travel documents. This will help preserve the rights and interests of both countries while pursuing regular economic and trade relations and people-to-people exchanges.
MOEA’s DoIT Showcases 31 Innovative Technologies at Meet Greater South AI Expands Across Industries as Technology Drives Industrial Upgrading in Central and Southern Taiwan
Source: Republic of China Taiwan
On August 28, the Department of Industrial Technology (DoIT), Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA), unveiled 31 innovative technologies at the “2026 Meet Greater South” event, under the theme “Meet Your BEST Solution: Connecting Local Businesses with Tech Solutions.” The showcase was presented in collaboration with startups and research institutions including the Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI), the Metal Industries Research & Development Centre (MIRDC), the Institute for Information Industry (III), and the Food Industry Research and Development Institute (FIRDI).
This year’s pavilion highlights two key areas. The first echoes the theme of “AI Across Industries,” extending AI beyond high-tech manufacturing into fields such as architecture and construction, water quality monitoring, and food production. The second area, “Industrial Upgrading,” focuses on advancing industries in central and southern Taiwan through cutting-edge manufacturing processes and innovative technologies that boost both production efficiency and product quality. A number of these innovations have already been licensed to industry partners, helping companies including Ability opto-Electronics Technology, Li Xiang Machinery, HIWIN Technologies, and TBI Motion Technology secure orders from major international clients. These results demonstrate the tangible benefits of linking technology R&D with industry needs and helping companies expand into global markets.
AI-Optimized Metalens Imaging Breaks Into Global Supply Chains
In line with the government’s “AI Across Industries” policy, DoIT’s pavilion features a range of AI applications, demonstrating how artificial intelligence is being put to work across different sectors. One example is AI-optimized laptop camera lens imaging technology that enables a thinner lens while maintaining sharp image quality. ITRI’s Ultra-thin Structure NanoOptics Chip Technology for Visual Sensing Applications uses a monolithic metalens to overcome the bulkiness of traditional multi-element lenses. Combining semiconductor manufacturing processes with AI to enhance image clarity, the technology reduces lens thickness from the conventional 2.3-3mm down to just 1.3mm. It has already been adopted by Ability opto-Electronics Technology, a leading laptop lens manufacturer, which has integrated the technology into facial-recognition login modules for ultra-thin laptops. The solution has also been adopted by a major U.S. laptop brand. Looking ahead, the technology is expected to expand into visible-light and thermal-infrared imaging applications.
AI Reads Clam Shell Movements to Safeguard Water Quality for Over 2 Million People
AI is also being applied to water quality monitoring, turning clams into biological sentinels for water systems serving more than 2 million people. The Digital Twin Technology for Bio-Water Quality Sensing, developed by III, addresses the high cost traditionally associated with deploying multiple types of water quality sensors. The technology uses freshwater clams as biological sensors, taking advantage of their relatively stable behavioral responses. Cameras non-invasively monitor the clams’ shell movements, while AI analyzes subtle behavioral cues, opening-and-closing patterns, and abnormal group behavior to detect water quality changes in real time. The technology is already deployed at the Bansin Water Treatment Plant, the Sanxia River Pumping Station, and the Shoufeng Water Treatment Plant, which together serve more than 2 million people. It has also been licensed to KETECH Scientific Instrument, extending its use to water quality monitoring for critical processes in high-tech industries such as semiconductors, printed circuit boards, and precision machining.
Through the exhibition, DoIT aims to accelerate the adoption of more innovative technologies and bring new momentum into industrial upgrading across central and southern Taiwan.
DH warns of fake vaccine
Source: Hong Kong Information Services
The Department of Health (DH) is following up on false claims made by medical centres claiming to offer a vaccine that prevents multiple cancers in Hong Kong, urging members of the public not to use unregistered pharmaceutical products.
The department today issued a statement in response to media reports that some medical centres were offering a vaccine called “Wilms’ tumor 1” (WT1), which allegedly prevents multiple types of cancer.
The DH stressed that the WT1 vaccine is not a registered pharmaceutical product in Hong Kong and that it is taking the matter seriously.
The department has launched enforcement actions and notified both Mainland authorities and relevant law enforcement departments in Hong Kong.
In July, the DH received reports alleging that “HK Pacific Asia Medical Centre” and its affiliated organisations were advertising the WT1 vaccine on social media, which was suspected of violating the Pharmacy & Poisons Ordinance.
The DH has carried out multiple unannounced inspections of the premises in question. Today, the department conducted further joint operations across seven premises in Hong Kong and Kowloon, including “HK Pacific Asia Medical Centre”.
The department has reminded operators of relevant premises that providing any unregistered pharmaceutical product illegally constitutes an offence under the Pharmacy & Poisons Ordinance, punishable by imprisonment.
The DH will continue to closely monitor the premises in question and gather relevant intelligence, taking decisive enforcement action against any illegal activities.
The department also reiterated to the public that the WT1 vaccine is not a registered pharmaceutical product in Hong Kong. Currently, no relevant registration records have been found with drug regulatory authorities in the Chinese Mainland or overseas.
It highlighted that advertisements claiming to offer this vaccine for cancer prevention are misleading and suspected of fraud.
Furthermore, any healthcare professional who misleads patients into believing that the unregistered WT1 vaccine prevents or treats cancer is in serious breach of professional conduct.
The DH has notified the Customs & Excise Department to follow up on cases where unregistered pharmaceutical products may have been illegally imported into Hong Kong.
As the case may involve the professional conduct of registered medical practitioners, the DH has also referred it to the Medical Council of Hong Kong for further action.
Separately, the DH found that the content of advertisements placed by the companies in question was suspected of breaching the Undesirable Medical Advertisements Ordinance.
The DH has already issued warning letters to the relevant companies, requesting them to remove the offending material.
The DH has also notified relevant Mainland law enforcement authorities to take follow-up action, given the serious health risks associated with publishing these advertisements on Mainland social media platforms.
The department advised members of the public to consult a registered doctor regarding any queries about disease prevention and treatment, and not to blindly trust unproven medical claims.