Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA) of the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau led an industry delegation to participate in the 31st edition of the Beijing International Book Fair (BIBF) and organised the Hong Kong Pavilion themed “Strolling through Hong Kong: Intangible Cultural Heritage and Urban Memories”. Through showcasing a wide range of Hong Kong intangible cultural heritage (ICH) and diverse Hong Kong cultural and creative works as well as publications and printed matters, the Hong Kong Pavilion presented profound Chinese culture and its inheritance and innovation in Hong Kong, at the same time exhibited the charms of literary excellence of Hong Kong, enhancing the reach of Hong Kong publishing and printing industries in market development and further promoting Hong Kong as an East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange. The Hong Kong Pavilion was successfully held from June 18 to 22, with enthusiastic responses and a total of about 120 000 visitors recorded in the pavilion over the five-day fair period.
 
The Commissioner for Cultural and Creative Industries, Mr Victor Tsang, said that the Hong Kong Pavilion demonstrated the continuous strengthened collaborative efforts of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government (HKSARG) and the publishing industry, with the aim of showcasing the power of profound Chinese culture by highlighting the substantial achievements among Hong Kong publications. The Hong Kong Pavilion also unveiled the logo of the World Chinese Literature Festival and marked the launching in Beijing for the eight wordless illustration books published under the Hong Kong Picture Book Publishing Support Programme.
 
The Hong Kong Pavilion comprised four zones, among which the themed exhibition zone, the zone “A Glimpse of Hong Kong Writers” and the Hong Kong Illustration Zone exhibited over 500 items of Hong Kong publications, printed works and other cultural and creative products, attracting the attention of substantial audiences and publishers in the Mainland; while the zone for business negotiation had more than 50 Hong Kong publishers and printing companies exhibiting their latest creations and engaging in business discussions with potential business partners from around the world. Picture book illustrators sponsored to participate in the fair also visited various publishers during the fair period to broaden their business network and open up more business opportunities.
 
A number of Hong Kong ICH bearers were invited to the fairground in Beijing to host a series of workshops and demonstrations, so as to enable audiences to gain an in-depth understanding and experience of the ICH. Two printing industry seminars were also conducted at the Hong Kong Pavilion to promote the latest printing product control practices and discuss industry developments.
 
The Hong Kong Pavilion was presented by the CCIDA, with the Hong Kong Publishing Federation and the Hong Kong Printers Association as joint implementation organisations, the Beijing Office of the HKSARG, the Innovative Entrepreneur Association, the World Chinese Literature Foundation, the Hong Kong Professionals (Beijing) Association and the Advanced Printing Technology Centre as supporting organisations. Upon completion of the exhibition, the CCIDA donated part of the books exhibited to the Capital Library to sustain the cultural exchange between Beijing and Hong Kong.
 
A virtual version of the 31st edition of the BIBF Hong Kong Pavilion is also available online (Website: 2025bookfair.hkbibf.com) until the end of 2025 and beyond, allowing more potential business partners and readers to access outstanding Hong Kong publications and printed works. All members of the public are welcome to visit the website.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     This year marks the 5th anniversary of the promulgation and implementation of the Hong Kong National Security Law (HKNSL). The law complements and integrates seamlessly with the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance which was enacted last year, collectively forming a legal great wall to safeguard national security in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR). At this significant moment in time, the HKSAR Government has organised the 5th Anniversary of Promulgation & Implementation of Hong Kong National Security Law Forum to look back and ahead to the development of the HKSAR’s legal system in safeguarding national security, with a view to enhancing the understanding of the laws on safeguarding national security among various sectors and raising public awareness on national security. 
 
     The Opening Ceremony of the Forum was held this morning. ​The Director of the Hong Kong and Macao Work Office of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council, Mr Xia Baolong, was invited to officiate at the ceremony and deliver a keynote speech. The Chief Executive of the HKSAR and the Chairman of the Hong Kong National Security Committee, Mr John Lee, also delivered a keynote speech at the ceremony.
 
     The Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the HKSAR and National Security Adviser to the Committee for Safeguarding National Security of the HKSAR, Mr Zhou Ji; Vice-Chairperson of the HKSAR Basic Law Committee of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress and Deputy Director of the Legislative Affairs Commission of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress, Mr Zhang Yong; the Head of the Office for Safeguarding National Security of the Central People’s Government in the HKSAR, Mr Dong Jingwei; the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the HKSAR, Mr Cui Jianchun; and the Commander-in-Chief of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army Hong Kong Garrison, Major General Peng Jingtang, also delivered speeches at the ceremony.
 
     Mr Xia said in his speech that the implementation of the HKNSL over the past five years has proven the law to be a “guardian” in defending the “one country, two systems” principle and in safeguarding the prosperity and stability of Hong Kong. It is a good law of great historical significance and immediate importance, he said, stressing that the situation facing Hong Kong in safeguarding national security is still complex and grave, and that it is necessary to grasp the requirements of safeguarding national security under the “one country, two systems” principle to maintain and consolidate the hard-won situation that Hong Kong is now enjoying. Profound changes are taking place in the internal and external environments of Hong Kong. Hong Kong must safeguard national security in the full process of implementing the “one country, two systems” principle; ensure that the governance of the HKSAR is firmly in the hands of the patriots; be steadfast in safeguarding security and promoting development; effectively protect the human rights and freedoms of Hong Kong people, and maintain Hong Kong’s unique position and advantages.
 
     Mr Xia said that the HKSAR Government and all sectors of society must unite and take responsibility to give full play to the institutional advantages of the “one country, two systems” principle, and grasp four key points: first, fully implement a holistic approach to national security to safeguard high-quality development with high-level security; second, leverage Hong Kong’s unique advantages in connecting the Mainland and the world to promote high-quality development through openness; third, utilise Hong Kong’s “golden reputation” vis-à-vis the rule of law to safeguard high-quality development; and fourth, uphold Hong Kong’s executive-led system to improve governance of the SAR and promote high-quality development through reform.

     Mr Xia concluded by saying that the enactment and implementation of the HKNSL is a major event in the implementation of the “one country, two systems” principle and has already made its mark in history. Looking to the future, the HKNSL will surely safeguard the steady and far-reaching journey of the “one country, two systems” principle, enabling Hong Kong to achieve new and greater accomplishments in the grand endeavor of building a strong nation and realising national rejuvenation.
 
     In his speech, Mr Lee thanked Mr Xia for his heartfelt review of the positive significance of the HKNSL in restoring Hong Kong’s stability and implementing the “one country, two systems” principle in the past five years, and for providing direction for Hong Kong’s future security and development. Mr Lee put forward four main points, stressing that the HKSAR must fully and accurately implement the “one country, two systems” principle and thoroughly adopt a holistic approach to national security; adhere to the solid foundation of the rule of law and leverage Hong Kong’s international advantages; cherish the stable situation and seize development opportunities; and enhance traditional advantages, focusing on reform and innovation. He said that the HKSAR should continue to safeguard national security and make good use of the stable situation to focus its efforts on developing a vibrant economy, achieving prosperous development and improving people’s livelihoods to realise people-centered development.
 
     Mr Lee said that under the institutional protection of the “one country, two systems” principle and the safeguarding of the HKNSL, which complements and integrates seamlessly with the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance, Hong Kong’s development and reform will surely continue to advance steadily, thereby making greater contributions to the nation in the building of a great country and advancing toward national rejuvenation.
 
     The young generation plays an important role in passing down the sense of mission and self-awareness on safeguarding national security for it to be deeply rooted and realised. One of the sessions of the forum was a performance with the theme of “Five Years of a New Horizon – Our Commitment to Safeguarding National Security”, which was performed by more than 180 students of different ages. The HKSAR Government has been committed to promoting national security education. The Department of Justice, the Security Bureau and the Education Bureau have organised various activities to raise awareness of national security among the young generation. The awards presentation ceremonies for the Security Bureau Youth Uniformed Groups National Security Quiz Competition, the Territory-wide Inter-school National Security Knowledge Challenge 2024/25, and the “Hong Kong National Security Law – Safeguards and Hopes” Social Media Post Competition were held at the forum to commend the young awardees.
 
     After the award presentation ceremonies, Mr Xia, together with Mr Lee, Mr Zhou, Mr Zhang, Mr Dong, Mr Cui, Major General Peng, and Mr Lam, officiated at the Hong Kong National Security Law – Guarding Every Voyage and Forging a Brighter Future Kick-off Ceremony, symbolising that Hong Kong has embarked on a new journey of advancement from stability to prosperity under the protection of the HKNSL.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

With a view to enhancing the regulation of licensed money lenders, the Government today began a public consultation to gather views from the community.

Secretary for Financial Services & the Treasury Christopher Hui said the Government has been monitoring the money lending market and reviewing prevailing regulatory measures with the aim of inducing more responsible lending behaviour.

“We have proposed a number of measures in the consultation paper, with a view to stepping up efforts in addressing the issue of excessive borrowing and better protecting the public interest.”

The proposed measures including enhancing regulation of unsecured personal loans, and strengthening protection for loan referees.

Other proposals involve optimising and improving borrower affordability assessments for unsecured personal loans, strengthening the complaint handling process, stepping up publicity and education, and enhancing the regulatory regime in relation to money lenders.

Members of the public can submit their views by post to 15/F, Queensway Government Offices, 66 Queensway, Hong Kong, or by email on or before August 22.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Labour & Welfare Bureau and the Labour Department will jointly stage the Talent-Wise Inclusive Job Fair in San Po Kong this Wednesday and Thursday, with more than 700 vacancies on offer to job seekers with disabilities.

Industries represented at the fair include information technology, finance, transport, catering, hotel, property management and social services.

More than 40 organisations will participate, with over 20 hosting booths and conducting recruitment each day.

The positions on offer include systems analyst, accounting assistant, clerk, technician, marketing assistant, customer service officer, room attendant, warehouse worker, railway technical trainee, automotive mechanic apprentice, graphic designer, library material maintenance assistant, cook, waiter, multi-skilled cleaner, property service assistant, laundry steam presser, hair therapist, beauty salon assistant and receptionist.

Job seekers can submit applications and may be selected for on-the-spot interviews. They can also make enquiries about and register for the employment services provided for persons with disabilities by the department’s Selective Placement Division at its counter.

The job fair will be held from 10.30am to 5pm at G/F, Tung Wah Group of Hospitals’ TungPo, in San Po Kong, Kowloon.

Admission is free, and the final admission time will be at 4.30pm each day.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

​The Lands Department (LandsD) announced today (June 23) that a site, Tuen Mun Town Lot No. 569 at Hoi Chu Road, Tuen Mun, New Territories, in the 2025-26 Land Sale List, will be disposed of by public tender. The tender invitation for the lot will commence on June 27 and close on August 8.
 
Tuen Mun Town Lot No. 569 has a site area of about 4 368 square metres and is designated for non-industrial (excluding godown, hotel and petrol filling station) purposes. The minimum gross floor area is 15 725 sq m, and the maximum gross floor area that may be attained is 26 208 sq m. Both exclude the gross floor area of Government Accommodation, being a public transport terminus, to be constructed by the purchaser under the Conditions of Sale.
 
Land sale documents including the Form of Tender, the Tender Notice, the Conditions of Sale and the sale plan of the lot will be available for downloading from the LandsD website (www.landsd.gov.hk) from June 27, while the sale plan will be available for inspection by the public from the same day until the close of the tender. The sale plan in hard copy form may also be purchased at the Survey and Mapping Office of the LandsD, 6/F, North Point Government Offices, 333 Java Road, North Point, Hong Kong, from June 27 until the close of the tender. The particulars of the tender will be gazetted on June 27.

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

The 2025 Double Tenth Celebration Committee held its first planning meeting today, chaired by Chairperson Michael Wu. The meeting was well attended by Overseas Community Affairs Council (OCAC) Commissioners Johnson Hsiung and Shirley Chen, as well as community leaders and representatives from various organizations. Director General David Cheng-Wei Wu and Mrs. Wu were also invited to participate.
Chairperson Wu expressed his hope that senior members of the Taiwanese community would continue to offer their valuable guidance and share their experiences. He also looked forward to greater involvement from the younger generation, to carry on the proud traditions of the Taiwanese community in Sydney. He also gave a briefing on this year’s National Day Gala theme: “Reflections of Culture in an Age of Technology,” which explores how Taiwan’s traditional culture continues to thrive and evolve in the digital era. From classical art forms to innovative reinterpretations, the event highlights the harmony between heritage and technology — showcasing Taiwan’s identity in a modern world.
DG Wu first thanked last year’s Chairperson, Sophia Huang, for her dedication and hard work. DG Wu also commended Chairperson Wu for taking on the responsibility despite his busy schedule. He noted that this year’s theme, which focuses on technology, fully reflects Taiwan’s leading position in the global high-tech industry — with TSMC standing as a pinnacle of semiconductor excellence and cutting-edge research. DG Wu expressed deep appreciation for the unity of the Taiwanese community and their continued support for the government of R.O.C.(Taiwan). Finally, this year’s National Day Gala will be held on the evening of Double Ten Day, symbolizing the celebration’s anticipated success.
The committee also presented budget requirements and outlined the plans of related events. Chairperson Wu thoughtfully prepared a selection of delicious food to thank community members for their participation and support.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

​The Department of Justice (DoJ) welcomed the notice issued by the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) last Friday (June 20) on the details of the 2025 Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Legal Professional Examination (GBA Examination). The examination will be held on October 25 in Shenzhen and Zhuhai, Guangdong. Eligible applicants can apply to sit for the examination through the website of the MoJ from June 25 to July 4. For more details, please visit: www.moj.gov.cn/pub/sfbgw/zwxxgk/fdzdgknr/fdzdgknrtzwj/202506/t20250620_521341.html (in Chinese only).
 
The GBA Examination has been held four times. Currently, over 560 Hong Kong and Macao legal practitioners have passed the examination and obtained the Lawyer’s License (Guangdong-Hongkong-Macao Greater Bay Area) to provide legal services in the nine Mainland municipalities in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) on specified civil and commercial matters to which the Mainland laws apply. The period of the pilot scheme for Hong Kong and Macao legal practitioners to practise in the nine Mainland municipalities in the GBA has been extended until October 4, 2026. The practice experience threshold for enrolment in the GBA Examination has also been lowered from five years to three years.
 
The Secretary for Justice, Mr Paul Lam, SC, said, “As the GBA Examination continues to be held and the team of GBA lawyers continues to grow, the pilot scheme fully harnesses the GBA’s unique advantage of ‘one country, two systems and three jurisdictions’, contributing to the construction of rule of law in the GBA. The pilot scheme will expire next year. We will actively strive for the scheme of GBA lawyers to be regularised.”
 
The DoJ will continue to work closely with authorities including the MoJ and the Department of Justice of Guangdong Province in their work to implement the fifth GBA Examination and provide training for GBA lawyers.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority:

The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) and the Hong Kong Association of Banks (HKAB) today (June 23) jointly organised the launch ceremony for the “Smart Seniors Anti-Scam Ambassador Programme” at Nga Yin Association Neighbourhood Elderly Centre of the Neighbourhood Advice-Action Council to kick start the anti-scam publicity programme for the elderly in the second half of the year.

The HKMA and the banking industry have been conducting anti-scam education and publicity through various channels. The “Smart Seniors Anti-Scam Ambassador Programme” aims to enhance the anti-scam awareness of the elderly. Through visits to elderly centres across all 18 districts in Hong Kong, the programme encourages the elderly to become anti-scam ambassadors and share scam prevention messages with their family and friends.

At the launch ceremony, the HKMA introduced “Money Safe” and other anti-scam measures. With the support of the banking industry, 14 banks (see Annex) will implement interim “Money Safe” measures for the elderly and other customers (Note) by the end of June to provide extra protection to bank deposits. All retail banks will fully implement “Money Safe” by the end of this year.

Two promotional videos themed after vintage Cantonese movies were debuted at the event. The videos deploy the mnemonic “Three Anti-Scam Tactics” – “Keep Calm, Give Nothing, Verify and Seek Help”, and remind the elderly that scams are often old tricks in new disguises.

     Deputy Chief Executive of the HKMA Mr Arthur Yuen said, “The HKMA attaches great importance to scam prevention work for the elderly. Through the ‘Smart Seniors Anti-Scam Ambassador Programme’, we hope to reach out to the community and convey anti-scam messages to more seniors through the elderly ambassadors. We also encourage the elderly to make good use of ‘Money Safe’ and various anti-scam measures provided by banks to better protect themselves.”

     The Chairperson of the HKAB, Ms Mary Huen, said, “Strengthening consumer and investor protection is a top priority for the HKAB. The banking industry has been working closely with the HKMA on anti-fraud efforts and actively implementing measures to ensure the smooth launch of ‘Money Safe’. Earlier this year, we established a dedicated ‘Anti-Fraud Education Taskforce’ to co-ordinate diverse outreach activities and educational programmes targeting various vulnerable groups within the community. We expect over 100 relevant activities will be arranged throughout the year to comprehensively enhance public awareness of fraud prevention.”

Note: During the interim period, some banks only offer “Money Safe” to customers aged 65 or above and service details (such as applicable account types) may also vary among banks. Please contact individual banks for details.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Sir Edward Youde Memorial Fund Council is inviting applications for its overseas fellowships and scholarships for the 2026-27 academic year.

 

The fellowships and scholarships aim to encourage outstanding students to pursue further studies at reputable institutions overseas.

 

Successful candidates are expected to contribute to Hong Kong and be ready to give back to the community upon graduation.

 

The fellowships are for studies leading to postgraduate degrees either by research or coursework. The maximum value of a fellowship is $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 studies leading to undergraduate degrees with a maximum value of a scholarship $280,000 per year, tenable for up to three years.

 

Applicants are responsible for fulfilling all application procedures and admission requirements of the academic institutions of their choice.

 

The application period will end on September 5 and shortlisted applicants will be invited to attend interviews in Hong Kong. The first round of interviews is scheduled for December this year or January next year.

 

Application forms and guidance notes for the applications are available on the Working Family & Student Financial Assistance Agency’s Student Finance Office website.

 

Applications have to be completed and submitted online at the GovHK website.

 

Call 2150 6097 or 2150 6098 for enquiries.