Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Sixth-term Commission on Poverty convenes third meeting
At the meeting, members were briefed on the progress of preparing the report on the impact of poverty alleviation efforts. The objective of the report is to reflect the substance and impact of the Government’s targeted poverty alleviation strategy, and the effect of the Government’s major livelihood initiatives in empowering those who can help themselves and supporting those who cannot.
Members noted that the Government allocates substantial resources annually on pro-livelihood measures in four macro policy areas, namely education, healthcare, housing, and social welfare and employment services. These measures help individuals with diverse needs who are not able to support themselves and at the same time, foster an enabling environment for people to fulfil their potential by empowering those who can help themselves. The combined effects of these measures are to increase people’s sense of happiness and fulfilment. At the meeting, members offered views on the draft chapter of the Report that covers measures related to social welfare and employment services, as well as public housing. The Government will introduce to CoP the pro-livelihood measures related to education and healthcare policy areas later. The report is expected to be released by mid-2026.
Members also noted the progress and financial position of the assistance programmes funded by the Community Care Fund (CCF). As of the end of March 2025, the CCF endorsed the introduction of 75 assistance programmes. At present, there are 25 ongoing programmes/ programmes to be launched. The Government has regularised 25 CCF programmes, while 25 other programmes have been completed.
Issued at HKT 19:00
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15th NG, 12th NGD and 9th NSOG in Hong Kong to receive sponsorship from Hong Kong Jockey Club
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
15th NG, 12th NGD and 9th NSOG in Hong Kong to receive sponsorship from Hong Kong Jockey Club
The signing ceremony to announce the HKJC’s support for the 15th NG, the 12th NGD and the 9th NSOG for the Hong Kong competition region was held at the Central Government Offices today. The signing ceremony was witnessed by the Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, with the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Miss Rosanna Law, and the Chief Executive Officer of the HKJC, Mr Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges, representing the Government and the HKJC, respectively.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Miss Law emphasised that the successful hosting of the 15th NG, the 12th NGD and the 9th NSOG is a major priority for Hong Kong this year. She highlighted that the staunch support and sponsorship from the HKJC would significantly boost event preparations in Hong Kong, particularly in supporting volunteer service programme, territory-wide community and school promotional activities, and initiatives enabling underprivileged groups and youth to attend the events as spectators. She expressed gratitude for the HKJC’s contribution and reaffirmed Hong Kong’s commitment to co-hosting with Guangdong and Macao a simple, safe and wonderful Games.
Other attending guests included the Chairman of the HKJC, Mr Michael Lee; the Deputy Director-General of the Co-ordination Department for Hong Kong and Macao affairs of the Organising Committee of the 15th NG, Mr Zhang Zhihua; the Permanent Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Ms Vivian Sum, and the Head of the NGCO, Mr Yeung Tak-keung.
The HKJC has been ardently supporting mega sports events hosted by the country, including the 2008 Beijing Olympics, the 2010 Guangzhou Asian Games and the 2022 Hangzhou Asian Games. For the 15th NG, the 12th NGD and the 9th NSOG to be held this year, in addition to the financial support, the HKJC will deploy around 100 members from its volunteer team to provide voluntary services in various areas of the events to be held in the Hong Kong competition region.
The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government looks forward to collaborating with the HKJC to further promote sports development in Hong Kong and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.
Issued at HKT 19:00
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FSD establishes new Building Improvement Support Centres in Wan Chai and Yuen Long (with photos)
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
FSD establishes new Building Improvement Support Centres in Wan Chai and Yuen Long
Members of the public requiring assistance can visit the following BISCs in person or call the hotline on 2272 9112 from 9am to 8pm, Monday to Saturday (except public holidays).- BISC in Kowloon: 3/F, FSD Mong Kok Office Building, 42 Tai Kok Tsui Road, Kowloon
– BISC in the New Territories: M/F, Yuen Long Fire Station, 2 Fung Kam Street, Yuen Long, New Territories
Issued at HKT 18:58
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HKMA and AIIB partner to support emerging Asia venture capital (with photo)
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority:
The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) today (June 26) signed a partnership agreement to support venture capital (VC) in emerging Asia, marking a new milestone in deepening the ties and collaboration between the two institutions.
Under the partnership, the HKMA and the AIIB will collaborate closely to invest in a portfolio of VC funds that prioritise investments across emerging markets in Asia. The HKMA and the AIIB aim to jointly support the development of innovative technologies and business models for green and technology-enabled infrastructure in Asia’s emerging economies, while promoting Hong Kong’s established ecosystem for VCs and innovators across the region.
The Financial Secretary of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government, Mr Paul Chan, said, “Energy transition and infrastructure development of the Global South require substantial financial investment and support from technological applications in various fields. This collaboration combines and leverages the HKMA’s and the AIIB’s knowledge, experience, networks, and strengths. It supports emerging Asian economies in accelerating their development towards more prosperous and inclusive growth through innovation and technology. Additionally, it aids in building a more vibrant venture capital and innovation ecosystem within the region and further reinforces Hong Kong’s status as an international financial, innovation and technology centre.”
The Chief Executive of the HKMA, Mr Eddie Yue, said, “As a leading innovation technology hub, as well as a green finance hub in Asia, Hong Kong has been a staunch supporter of innovation and sustainable investment. We are pleased to join hands with the AIIB, which enables the HKMA to tap into its extensive expertise and network in sourcing investable opportunities in emerging Asia with a proper risk management and governance framework. We believe this strategic partnership will provide a demonstration effect on the scaling of capital for emerging Asia’s innovators.”
The President of the AIIB, Mr Jin Liqun, said, “Hong Kong, China is a valued member of the AIIB and has played a pivotal role in the Bank’s growth, including through its leading global financial centre. The strategic partnership with the HKMA further deepens this relationship. By bringing together our respective strengths and expertise, the partnership will help mobilise capital for infrastructure, foster innovation, and accelerate the transition toward a sustainable and prosperous future across Asia.”
About HKMA
The HKMA is Hong Kong’s central banking institution. The HKMA’s four main functions are: (i) maintaining currency stability within the framework of the Linked Exchange Rate System; (ii) promoting the stability and integrity of the financial system, including the banking system; (iii) helping to maintain Hong Kong’s status as an international financial centre, including the maintenance and development of Hong Kong’s financial infrastructure; and (iv) managing the Exchange Fund.
About AIIB
The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank is a multilateral development bank dedicated to financing “infrastructure for tomorrow,” with sustainability at its core. The AIIB began operations in 2016, now has 110 approved members worldwide, is capitalised at US$100 billion and is AAA-rated by major international credit rating agencies. The AIIB collaborates with partners to mobilise capital and invest in infrastructure and other productive sectors that foster sustainable economic development and enhance regional connectivity.
HKSAR Government strongly condemns untrue and biased remarks on HKNSL and work of HKSAR safeguarding national security by US Consul General to Hong Kong
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) today (June 26) strongly condemned the Consul General of the United States of America (US) to Hong Kong, Mr Gregory May, for totally disregarding the spirit of the rule of law by making untrue and biased remarks to deliberately mislead the public and smear the Hong Kong National Security Law (HKNSL) and the work of the HKSAR safeguarding national security.
A spokesman for the HKSAR Government pointed out, “In accordance with international law and international practice based on the Charter of the United Nations, it is each and every sovereign state’s inherent right to enact laws safeguarding national security, and it is also an international practice. With at least 21 pieces of laws in the US safeguarding national security, US politicians have displayed hypocrisy and exposed their double standards by pointing fingers at the HKSAR’s legal system and enforcement mechanisms to safeguard national security, while entirely disregarding the constitutional duty and practical needs of the HKSAR to legislate, and the positive effects brought by the enactment of the relevant national security legislation on economic development and protection of human rights.”
Work on attracting talent discussed
Source: Hong Kong Information Services
The Committee on Education, Technology & Talents (CETT), led by Chief Secretary Chan Kwok-ki met the presidents of eight University Grants Committee (UGC)-funded universities today to exchange views on the work of promoting integrated development of education, technology and talent.
At the meeting, Mr Chan introduced the CETT’s work plan to the university presidents.
He noted that the Government attracts quality talent from around the world and nurtures local talent through various measures, such as scholarship programmes and increasing the non-local student quota.
Starting from the 2024-25 academic year (AY), the non-local student quota for UGC-funded institutions has been doubled from 20% to 40%, while non-local undergraduate enrolment has increased from 19.9% in 2023-24 AY to 23.2% in 2024-25 AY.
In light of the sudden policy changes regarding higher education overseas, Mr Chan thanked the UGC-funded universities for providing comprehensive support measures for affected students in a holistic approach as well as seizing the opportunity to attract more top talent to pursue their studies in Hong Kong so as to give full play to Hong Kong’s role as an international post-secondary education hub.
Mr Chan stressed that the Government will do its utmost to provide assistance and convenience for overseas talent interested in studying or conducting research in Hong Kong’s higher education institutions, including striving to further expand the non-local student quota based on actual needs.
As at the date of the meeting, the UGC-funded universities have received about 850 transfer enquiries related to the sudden policy changes regarding higher education overseas. In addition, many UGC-funded universities have recorded a double-digit year-on-year increase in the number of applications from non-local students for the new AY.
The meeting also introduced to the presidents the scheme – which will be officially launched in mid-July – jointly implemented by the Education Bureau and the Development Bureau to facilitate the market to increase the supply of student hostels on a self-financing and privately-funded basis.
The presidents of the eight UGC-funded universities expressed their continued full support for the CETT’s work, and will work closely with the Government to attract talent from all over the world and nurture local talent to build a quality talent pool for the future development of Hong Kong and the country.
Secretary for Education Choi Yuk-lin, Secretary for Innovation, Technology & Industry Prof Sun Dong and Secretary for Labour & Welfare Chris Sun also attended the meeting.
Games to receive $450m sponsorship
Source: Hong Kong Information Services
The National Games Coordination Office (Hong Kong) today announced that the 15th National Games (NG), the 12th National Games for Persons with Disabilities (NGD) and the 9th National Special Olympic Games (NSOG) will receive a $450 million sponsorship from the Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC) to support the hosting of these events in Hong Kong.
Chief Executive John Lee witnessed the signing ceremony held at the Central Government Offices today, in which Secretary for Culture, Sports & Tourism Rosanna Law and HKJC Chief Executive Officer Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges represented the Government and the HKJC respectively.
The HKJC will be the exclusive partner sponsor for the Hong Kong competition region of the 15th NG, the 12th NGD and the 9th NSOG.
Speaking at the ceremony, Miss Law emphasised that the successful hosting of the Games is a major priority for Hong Kong this year.
She highlighted that the HKJC’s staunch support and sponsorship would significantly boost event preparations in Hong Kong, particularly in supporting volunteer service programmes, citywide community and school promotional activities, and initiatives enabling underprivileged groups and youth to attend the events as spectators.
The sports chief also expressed gratitude for the HKJC’s contribution and reaffirmed Hong Kong’s commitment to co-hosting with Guangdong and Macao a simple, safe and wonderful Games.
The Culture, Sports & Tourism Bureau added that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government looks forward to collaborating with the HKJC to further promote sports development in Hong Kong and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.
Winnie Ho tours housing project
Source: Hong Kong Information Services
Secretary for Housing Winnie Ho attended the Asia-Pacific Network for Housing Research (APNHR) 2025 Conference at Tsinghua University and visited the Qingtangwan public rental housing project in Beijing today.
The APNHR is an international organisation focusing on housing issues in the Asia-Pacific region. The conference was held at Tsinghua University this year with the theme “Towards Resilience and Inclusivity: Adapting to Multifaceted Challenges in the Asia-Pacific Region”.
The conference convened experts and scholars in the fields of architecture, urban planning, sociology, environmental studies, and others from the Asia-Pacific region to have in-depth exchanges on the housing development and challenges in the region, and to jointly explore ways to promote innovative housing construction and development directions.
At the conference’s roundtable session this morning, Ms Ho shared the opportunities and challenges in housing development faced by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government Housing Bureau (HB) and the Hong Kong Housing Authority (HKHA).
She said that the current-term Hong Kong SAR Government has actively addressed Hong Kong’s housing problems since taking office, overcoming livelihood issues and addressing people’s concerns by identifying sites and enhancing the quantity, speed, efficiency and quality of public housing construction.
The HB is working full steam ahead on implementing groundbreaking innovative policy initiatives, such as Light Public Housing (LPH) and Basic Housing Units, to tackle the long-standing, big and difficult issue that has plagued Hong Kong for many years and to provide the grassroots with options to improve their living environment and quality of life.
Ms Ho highlighted that the HB and the HKHA have been making use of various innovative construction technologies, such as Modular Integrated Construction, construction robots and smart project management platforms, to enhance construction efficiency and build LPH expeditiously, so as to improve the living conditions of those who are inadequately housed as soon as possible.
She also introduced at the conference the “well-being design” guide launched by the HB and the HKHA last year, which serves as a reference for the future design of new public housing and the improvement works of existing public rental housing estates.
Apart from housing construction, the HKHA has also continued to enhance the management efficiency and service quality of its nearly 200 public rental housing estates by actively promoting smart estate management and introducing new technologies to optimise estate management and building maintenance services, to provide a better living environment for its residents.
In the afternoon, Ms Ho visited the Qingtangwan public rental housing project in Beijing. This project is a green residential area that adopted the use of prefabricated components and environmental monitoring platforms. It also implements smart community management through community apps.
Afterwards, Ms Ho met Deputy Director-General of the Bureau of International Cooperation of the State-owned Assets Supervision & Administration Commission of the State Council Xie Hui to exchange views on housing design and planning.
She also shared the adoption of advanced construction technologies from the Mainland in Hong Kong and the outcomes.
Yesterday, Ms Ho visited the Better House Living Tech Lab and was briefed on the practice of combining housing design concepts of quality homes and technologies on the Mainland.
The housing chief will continue her Beijing visit tomorrow before returning to Hong Kong.
Soft ice-cream sample detected with total bacterial count exceeding legal limit
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Soft ice-cream sample detected with total bacterial count exceeding legal limitIssued at HKT 20:45
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Committee on Education, Technology and Talents meets and exchanges with Presidents of UGC-funded universities (with photos)
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Committee on Education, Technology and Talents meets and exchanges with Presidents of UGC-funded universities Issued at HKT 20:44
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