Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, will lead a Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government delegation to visit Macao tomorrow (August 5).
 
Members of the HKSAR Government delegation include the Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan; the Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs, Mr Erick Tsang Kwok-wai; the Secretary for Health, Professor Lo Chung-mau; the Secretary for Transport and Logistics, Ms Mable Chan; and the Director of the Chief Executive’s Office, Ms Carol Yip.
 
During his visit to Macao, Mr Lee will meet with the Chief Executive of the Macao Special Administrative Region, Mr Sam Hou-fai, and visit local infrastructure facilities.
 
Mr Lee will return to Hong Kong tomorrow afternoon.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

Following is the speech by the Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Professor Sun Dong, at “Session 3: Creating a Safe and Trustworthy Digital and AI Ecosystem” of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Digital and AI Ministerial Meeting in Incheon, Korea, today (August 4):

Good afternoon, chair and distinguished fellow colleagues.
 
It is my privilege to address this esteemed assembly on the topic that unites us all – fostering a safe and trustworthy digital and AI ecosystem.  
 
As we all recognise, AI is reshaping our world at lightning speed. From transforming industries to optimising operations across sectors, AI has demonstrated its boundless potential in this increasingly digital world.
 
Today, AI technologies play a pivotal role in cyber defence. By leveraging advanced algorithms and real-time data analysis, AI-enabled systems can detect anomalies, neutralise threats, mitigate risks and respond swiftly to potential intrusions. However, this powerful capability is a double-edged sword. 
 
While AI empowers us to respond faster than ever, it also equips malicious actors with unprecedented tools. Cybercriminals could now “weaponise” AI to launch cyberattacks that are more sophisticated, more scalable, and harder to detect. This is not a hypothetical threat but is happening now. This is why a strategic, vigilant, and responsible deployment of AI is imperative for all governments and organisations.
 
In Hong Kong, China, we are taking action. For over two decades, the Hong Kong Computer Emergency Response Team Coordination Centre, or HKCERT in short, has been standing at the forefront of our cybersecurity efforts. Last year, the HKCERT introduced AI-driven applications that detect and remove phishing URLs and alert the public to emerging risks. We have also been closely working with international cybersecurity professional organisations to respond quickly to the latest cyber threats and attacks. But technology alone is not enough. 
 
Awareness is our first line of defence. We have implemented a Government-wide Phishing Drill Campaign using AI to simulate attacks and train our teams. We have also equipped our people with tools like a “Scameter” and a “CyberDefender”, and turned our people into smart and vigilant e-citizens who are ready to navigate the digital world safely.
 
Indeed, good governance is the cornerstone of a safe, responsible and trustworthy AI ecosystem. That is why we have developed in line with global best practices Hong Kong, China’s own Ethical AI Framework and our Generative Artificial Intelligence Technical and Application Guideline. These are not just documents but blueprints for promoting responsible and healthy development of AI technology in Hong Kong, China, balancing its cutting-edge progress with accountability, accuracy and security.
 
Cyber threats do not respect borders, and neither should our solutions. International collaboration is non-negotiable. Only through mutual understanding and collaboration can we succeed in combating cyber threats effectively and harnessing AI’s full potential. Hong Kong, China stands ready to work with all member economies together to build a digital future where innovation thrives, risks are managed, and trust is guaranteed. A future where AI does not just serve the few but safeguards and empowers everyone. Thank you.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Administration Wing of the Chief Secretary for Administration’s Office announced the results of the 2023-24 Recognition Scheme for Provision of Pro Bono Legal Services (the Recognition Scheme) today (August 4) to commend legal professionals, law firms and barristers’ chambers for providing pro bono legal services to the community from January 1, 2023, to December 31, 2024.

A total of 455 legal professionals were commended under the Recognition Scheme. There were 330 legal professionals presented with an Individual Award for having provided pro bono legal services of not less than 30 hours within the recognition period. Furthermore, 125 legal professionals were presented with a Special Award under the Individual Category for having provided pro bono legal services of not less than 50 hours within the recognition period. The awardee with the highest number of pro bono legal service hours has served for 567 hours in total.

Apart from the Individual Award, nine law firms and barristers’ chambers were commended with a Company Award. They demonstrated significant efforts in providing pro bono legal services and their legal professionals had provided the required aggregate hours of pro bono legal services during the recognition period.

The Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki, expressed his gratitude to the awarded legal professionals, law firms and barristers’ chambers for serving the public and contributing to society with professional knowledge. He was delighted to see an increasing number of legal professionals volunteering their pro bono services. The rule of law is the cornerstone and core value of Hong Kong’s success. To maintain and promote the rule of law is of crucial importance to Hong Kong’s long-term prosperity and stability, and to providing a better living and working environment for all. In addition to the provision of legal aid services, the Government is committed to promoting pro bono legal services to enhance members of the public’s access to justice.
 
To serve this purpose, the Government has provided a subvention for the Duty Lawyer Service to run the Free Legal Advice Scheme (FLAS) at nine district offices of the Home Affairs Department to engage volunteer lawyers to provide free legal advice. There are 1 500 pro bono lawyers participating in FLAS, handling nearly 7 200 cases in 2024.

The Administration Wing has implemented the Legal Advice Scheme for Unrepresented Litigants on Civil Procedures (Procedural Advice Scheme). Resident lawyers and volunteer lawyers will provide free legal advice on legal procedures. The Procedural Advice Scheme covers litigants who are parties to or going to commence civil legal proceedings in the Lands Tribunal, Family Court, District Court or courts at levels above.

Furthermore, Free Legal Advice Service on Building Management and Free Outreach Legal Advice Service on Building Management run by the Home Affairs Department in collaboration with the Law Society of Hong Kong, Free Legal Helpline and Free Legal Consultation Service run by the Law Society of Hong Kong, etc are also pro bono legal services recognised by the Recognition Scheme.

Three awardees of the Recognition Scheme shared their takeaways from the scheme in Announcements in the Public Interest (APIs). For more details of the Recognition Scheme, the list of awardees and the APIs, please visit www.admwing.gov.hk/eng/public_service/probonolegalservices.html.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Transport Department (TD) today (August 4) alerted members of the public to fraudulent website addresses (https[:]//ptfss[.]top/hk, https[:]//ptfss[.]cc/hk) that pretend to be for the Public Transport Fare Subsidy Scheme (PTFSS) and seek to deceive members of the public into providing their personal information including their name, Hong Kong identity card number, mobile phone number and credit card account.

     The TD clarifies that the fraudulent websites have no connection with the PTFSS and has referred the case to the Police for follow up. The TD reminds members of the public that they are not required to provide credit card and the abovementioned personal information for collecting subsidies under the PTFSS. For details, please visit the website of the PTFSS (www.ptfss.gov.hk). 

     Members of the public should stay alert when receiving any unidentified messages, and should not visit suspicious websites or disclose any personal information. Anyone who has provided his or her personal information to the websites concerned should contact the Police. Should users of Octopus and AlipayHK have any enquiries about the PTFSS, please call 2969 5500 (Octopus) and 3002 0905 (AlipayHK) respectively.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     Attention TV and radio duty announcers:

     Please broadcast the following special announcement by the Education Bureau concerning schools, and repeat it at suitable intervals:

     As the Red Rainstorm Warning Signal is now in force, students of PM schools do not have to attend school this afternoon. Schools should keep their premises open and implement contingency measures to look after arriving students. Schools which are in session should continue until the end of school hours. They should ensure that conditions are safe before allowing students to return home.
 
     If the Hong Kong Observatory issues the Amber Rainstorm Warning Signal or cancels all Rainstorm Warning Signals at or before 5pm, classes of evening schools will proceed as usual tonight unless advised otherwise.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

Following is the speech by the Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Professor Sun Dong, at “Session 1: Facilitating Digital and AI Innovation to Address Challenges” of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Digital and AI Ministerial Meeting in Incheon, Korea, today (August 4):

     Good morning, chair and distinguished fellow colleagues.

     On behalf of Hong Kong, China, I would like to begin by expressing my heartfelt gratitude to Korea for the warm hospitality and impeccable arrangements for this meeting. It is an honour to stand among leaders who share a common vision – harnessing digital and AI innovation to address the profound socio-economic challenges across the Asia-Pacific region with precision, impact and inclusivity.

     AI is not just the future. It is the here and now. Among the emerging technologies reshaping our world, AI stands out as the defining force of our time. The numbers speak for themselves. According to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, AI is projected to become a US$4.8 trillion global market by 2033. This is not just an opportunity but a call to action. In Hong Kong, China, AI is at the forefront of our strategic agenda, as set out in the Hong Kong Innovation and Technology Development Blueprint. The blueprint underscores our commitment to turning ambition into action by advancing infrastructure, fostering cutting-edge research, and supporting enterprise innovation, thereby harnessing the power of AI to drive economic transformation, strengthen our tech-powered economy, and secure a sustainable future. 

     To realise this vision, Hong Kong, China has made meticulous preparations to build the infrastructure and ecosystems needed to thrive in this AI-driven era. Among them, Cyberport, one of our major tech flagships, has set up an AI Supercomputing Centre to support the growing local demand for high performance computing power. We have also established two research clusters under our InnoHK platform, one of which focuses on AI and robotics technologies and houses the Hong Kong Generative AI Research and Development Center (HKGAI), which developed Hong Kong’s first large language foundation model.

     Here is what is more exciting. The HKGAI is set to launch the “HKChat”, an AI-powered chatbot mobile app powered by our homegrown large language foundation model, bringing the benefits of AI directly to the public this year. Alongside setting up the Hong Kong AI R&D (research and development) Institute, we are doubling down on the R&D and industrial applications of AI.

     But we are not stopping there. Digital transformation is equally central to Hong Kong, China’s strategy for public service excellence, economic upgrading and transformation. Our “iAM Smart” one-stop personalised digital services platform has already transformed how our people access government and commercial online services, providing a seamless, secure and efficient experience. By 2025, it will be the single portal for all online government services. And by the end of 2026, we will have rolled out the “Digital Corporate Identity” platform, which is set to be a game changer for businesses by enabling secure, convenient and frictionless transactions. We are confident that these advanced digital infrastructures will accelerate the development of the digital economy in Hong Kong, China, delivering greater benefits to our people and businesses.

     The promise of digital and AI innovation demands collaboration. Hong Kong, China stands ready to play a more constructive role in advancing this collective vision, advocating for the safe and responsible adoption of AI, ICT (information and communications technology) and digital technologies. By working together, we can boost productivity and efficiency, strengthen resilience, and foster innovation across the region. Let us seize this moment to drive inclusive growth, deepen regional ties, and secure a prosperous and sustainable future for every citizen in the Asia-Pacific region.

     Thank you.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Secretary for Security exercised the powers conferred by sections 89(1) and 89(4) of the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance (6 of 2024) today (August 4) to specify 16 persons who are subject to warrants of arrest issued by the court for being suspected of having committed offences endangering national security outside the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), and to specify the measures to be applied against the 16 relevant absconders by notices published in the Gazette. Details are set out in G.N. (E.) 43 of 2025 and G.N. (E.) 44 of 2025.
 
     The 16 specified relevant absconders are male Ho Leung-mau Victor, female Chan Lai-chun, male Feng Chongyi, female Gong Sasha, male Ng Man-yan, male Tsang Wai-fan, female Chin Po-fun, male Ha Hoi-chun, Paul, male Hau Chung-yu, male Ho Wing-yau, male Keung Ka-wai, male Lam Tony, female Ng Agnes, male Wong Chun-wah, male Wong Sau-wo and female Zhang Xinyan. All of them have persistently engaged in acts and activities endangering national security outside the HKSAR.
 
     The National Security Department of the Hong Kong Police Force announced on July 25 that the above-mentioned 16 absconders and male Yuan Gong-yi, male Fok Ka-chi, male Choi Ming-da were put on the wanted list, with rewards offered in respect of each wanted person. These 19 absconders are suspected of committing offences under the Law of the People’s Republic of China on Safeguarding National Security in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (Hong Kong National Security Law) by organising, establishing, or participating in, outside the HKSAR, a subversive organisation named the “Hong Kong Parliament”. The court has, upon application by the Police, issued arrest warrants against these 19 persons at large.
 
     Among the aforementioned fugitives, the Secretary for Security had already exercised powers conferred by section 89 of the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance, in June and December 2024, to specify Yuan Gong-yi, Fok Ka-chi and Choi Ming-da as absconders and to specify the measures to be applied against them by notices published in the Gazette.
 
     The following three measures are applicable to all 16 relevant absconders specified today: “Prohibition against making available funds etc. or dealing with funds etc.”, “Prohibition against certain activities in connection with immovable property” and “Prohibition in connection with joint ventures or partnerships with relevant absconders”; while the measure of “Cancellation of HKSAR passports etc.” is applicable to most relevant absconders. In addition, the measure of “Temporary removal from office of director” is applicable to individual relevant absconders. The offences endangering national security suspected to have been committed by the relevant absconders and the measures applied against the relevant absconders are detailed in the Annex.
 
     A Government spokesperson stressed that, “These lawless wanted criminals are hiding in the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, Germany, Australia, Thailand, China’s Taiwan region, etc, and continue to blatantly engage in activities that endanger national security. They also intended to incite hatred through smear and slander against the Central Authorities and the HKSAR. We therefore have taken such measures to make a significant impact.”
 
     The Police remind members of the public that, except under the authority of a licence granted by the Secretary for Security, any person, whether directly or indirectly, making available any funds or other financial assets or economic resources to a relevant absconder (including the provision of funds to online platforms or dedicated pages established by the relevant absconders), or dealing with any funds or other financial assets or economic resources belonging to, or owned or controlled by, a relevant absconder; leasing, or otherwise making available, immovable property to a relevant absconder, or leasing immovable property from a relevant absconder; or establishing a joint venture, partnership or any like relationship with a relevant absconder, or investing in such a joint venture, partnership or any like relationship, commits an offence and is liable on conviction to imprisonment for seven years. The Police will take strict enforcement action against the relevant offences. Members of the public are advised not to break the law.
 
     The Secretary for Security has instructed the Police to sort out the relevant evidence for him to consider exercising the power under section 60 of the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance to prohibit the operation of the “Hong Kong Parliament” and the “Hong Kong Democratic Independence Union” in the HKSAR.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

​The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, this afternoon (August 3) attended activities at the Kowloon Park Sports Centre main venue of the Sport For All Day (SFAD) 2025 held by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD), conveying to the public the benefits of regular exercise for physical and mental well-being.
 
With Hong Kong cohosting the 15th National Games (NG), the 12th National Games for Persons with Disabilities (NGD) and the 9th National Special Olympic Games (NSOG) with Guangdong Province and the Macao Special Administrative Region for the first time, the theme of SFAD 2025 is “Coalescing together for the National Games”. The LCSD organised a series of free recreation and sports programmes at designated sports centres, with a focus on promoting various events of the 15th NG, the 12th NGD and the 9th NSOG, inviting the public to celebrate this national sports extravaganza.
 
Accompanying Mr Lee at the event were the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Miss Rosanna Law; the Commissioner for Sports, Mr George Tsoi; the Director of Leisure and Cultural Services, Ms Manda Chan; the Deputy Director of Leisure and Cultural Services (Leisure Services), Miss Winnie Chui; the Chairman of the Community Sports Committee (CSC), Professor Patrick Yung; the Vice Chairman of the CSC, Mr Eric Fok; the Gold Medalist in the Women’s Épée Individual event at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, Miss Vivian Kong; and the three-time Gold Medalist in the Men’s Individual Road race at the Asian Games and National Games, Mr Wong Kam-po.
 
The guests enjoyed the cheerleading and breaking performances, and joined rugby, virtual fencing, virtual triathlon, golf, virtual karting games, as well as table tennis fun activities for persons with different abilities. They also visited the games booth of the Festival of Sport organised by the Sports Federation & Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China (SF&OC).
 
Sixteen Principal Officials also supported SFAD 2025 by joining the recreation and sports activities held at the sports centres in various districts. They were the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki; the Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan; the Deputy Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Cheuk Wing-hing; the Deputy Secretary for Justice, Dr Cheung Kwok-kwan; the Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs, Mr Erick Tsang Kwok-wai; the Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr Christopher Hui; the Secretary for Security, Mr Tang Ping-keung; the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Algernon Yau; the Secretary for Health, Professor Lo Chung-mau; the Secretary for Development, Ms Bernadette Linn; the Secretary for Education, Dr Choi Yuk-lin; the Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, Miss Alice Mak; the Secretary for Transport and Logistics, Ms Mable Chan; the Acting Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Mr Ho Kai-ming; the Acting Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Ms Lillian Cheong; and the Acting Secretary for Environment and Ecology, Miss Diane Wong, enjoying the fun of sports and welcoming the National Games together with members of the public.
 
The LCSD organises SFAD every August. This year, apart from the free recreation and sports programmes at the Kowloon Park Sports Centre main venue and designated LCSD sports centres across the 18 districts, a number of the LCSD’s fee-charging facilities were open for use by members of the public free of charge. Supporting the event, the SF&OC today held the “Sport for All Experience Day” at GO PARK Sai Sha, where the LCSD set up an SFAD activity booth to promote the fun of regular exercise. A number of organisations also opened their venue facilities or launched recreation and sports programmes for free public use today.
 
SFAD 2025 was co-organised by the SF&OC, the China Hong Kong Paralympic Committee, the Department of Health, the Sports Medicine Team of the Chinese University of Hong Kong, the Sports Medicine and Health Science Alumni Association of the Chinese University of Hong Kong, and the Physical Fitness Association of Hong Kong, China.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Land Registry logged 7,271 sale and purchase agreements for all building units in July, down 0.8% compared with June but 37.1% higher year on year.

The total consideration for such agreements in July dropped 17.8% from the previous month to $54.6 billion, with that figure marking a 28% year on year increase.

Of the agreements logged, 5,766 were for residential units, reflecting a 3.2% decrease from June and a 54.9% hike from a year ago.

The total consideration for residential units was $46.4 billion, down 24.1% compared with June and 29.9% higher year on year.

There were 423,893 searches of the land register last month.