Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
CDP attends 2025 Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Software Industry High-quality Development Conference, 13th Guangdong-Hong Kong Cloud Computing Conference and 8th Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao ICT Conference in Guangzhou
Speaking at the main forum of the conference, Mr Wong said that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government has been endeavouring to develop artificial intelligence as a core industry in recent years and to promote the robust development of the AI ecosystem in Hong Kong on all fronts. In this regard, Cyberport’s AI Supercomputing Centre (AISC) has commenced operation. Meanwhile, the HKSAR Government has launched a $3 billion AI Subsidy Scheme to support local institutions, research and development (R&D) centres and enterprises in leveraging the computing power of the AISC to achieve scientific breakthroughs. The HKSAR Government also supported, through the AIR@InnoHK under the InnoHK Research Clusters focusing on the development of AI and robotics technologies, the establishment of the Hong Kong Generative AI Research and Development Center (HKGAI). HKGAI is formed by a group of R&D teams from local universities and focuses on R&D of local self-developed general-purpose large language models and applications, including the document processing application “HKPilot”, which is now in pilot use in all government departments.
In addition, Mr Wong mentioned that the Digital Policy Office (DPO) is actively taking forward the preparatory work on the establishment of the Hong Kong AI Research and Development Institute, facilitating upstream R&D of AI, midstream and downstream transformation of R&D outcomes and application scenarios. He invited Guangdong technology enterprises and talent to learn more about Hong Kong’s I&T development and to leverage Hong Kong’s distinctive advantages under the “one country, two systems” principle of having strong support of the motherland and being closely connected to the world, to jointly venture into the global market with Hong Kong’s I&T industry and tell good stories of the country’s I&T development.
The conference attracted around 400 industry experts, scholars and practitioners from Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao. Government representatives from the three places and representatives from research institutions and industry organisations also attended the conference. Being one of the major annual events of the Hong Kong/Guangdong co-operation in informatisation, the conference was jointly organised by the Guangdong Software Industry Association, the Yangcheng Evening News, the Hong Kong Cyberport Management Company Limited, the Computer Chambers of Macau and the China Software Industry Association, under the steer of the Department of Industry and Information Technology of Guangdong Province, the DPO of the HKSAR Government, the Economic and Technological Development Bureau of the Government of the Macao Special Administrative Region and the Yangcheng Evening News Group.
Mr Wong visited two local technology enterprises in Guangzhou in the afternoon. He was briefed by the enterprises’ representatives on products and solutions of new-generation information technology application innovation and cybersecurity, and also learned how the enterprises apply large language models and generative AI technology to product development.
Mr Wong returned to Hong Kong this afternoon after the visit.
Issued at HKT 19:50
NNNN
DoJ holds first roundtable to promote sector’s understanding of lawtech (with photos)
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
DoJ holds first roundtable to promote sector’s understanding of lawtech
He also noted that, to further enhance the sector’s understanding of the application of lawtech, the DoJ organised the roundtable following the Consultation Group’s recommendations and plans to hold a series of related events this year. In the long term, the DoJ will promote the connection between lawtech service providers and legal practitioners, enhance the capabilities of legal professionals in lawtech, and disrupt traditional work models in the legal sector to create an ecosystem conducive to the development of lawtech in Hong Kong.Issued at HKT 19:32
NNNN
Green Form flats to go on sale
Source: Hong Kong Information Services
The Housing Authority will launch a new round of the Sale of Green Form Subsidised Home Ownership Scheme (GSH) Flats in the third quarter offering a total of 2,576 flats from the new GSH project Wang Chi Court in Kowloon Bay.
The GSH 2024 will also involve rescinded or unsold flats which were first put up for sale under GSH 2020-21 and GSH 2022, and a new batch of recovered Tenants Purchase Scheme flats.
The Wang Chi Court flats have saleable areas of about 17.9 sq m to about 43.3 sq m. More than a quarter of them are large flats, with saleable areas of about 41.8 sq m to about 43.3 sq m.
Pursuant to the prevailing pricing mechanism, GSH flats will be sold at a discount greater than that in the preceding Home Ownership Scheme (HOS) sale exercise. As the discount rate for the sale of HOS 2024 flats was 30%, the discount rate for all GSH flats offered under this sale exercise will be set at 40%.
The selling prices of Wang Chi Court flats range from about $1.15 million to about $3.49 million, the authority added.
As an enhancement measure, this sale exercise will allocate an extra ballot number to applicants who had failed to purchase a flat in GSH 2022 and GSH 2023, so as to increase their chances of success.
HK to adopt int’l disclosure rules
Source: Hong Kong Information Services
The Government has welcomed the publication today of jurisdictional profiles by the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) Foundation, with Hong Kong being confirmed as one of the first jurisdictions to set a target of fully adopting the IFRS Sustainability Disclosure (ISSB) Standards.
The Government said this demonstrates the city’s commitment to enhancing the transparency of information on sustainablity in capital markets, enabling investors to make informed investment decisions.
Secretary for Financial Services & the Treasury Christopher Hui said the IFRS Foundation’s confirmation affirms Hong Kong’s efforts and determination to support and promote a common international language on sustainability disclosures.
“It also demonstrates Hong Kong’s strengths in the field of sustainable finance, helping to consolidate Hong Kong’s position as an international sustainable finance hub.
“As a leading international financial centre, Hong Kong will continue to be at the forefront in aligning with international standards and promoting market best practices.”
The Hong Kong Institute of Certified Public Accountants published in December last year the Hong Kong Sustainability Disclosure Standards (Hong Kong Standards), which will be effective from August 1 this year. These standards are fully aligned with the ISSB Standards.
The Financial Services & the Treasury Bureau also launched, in December last year, a Roadmap on Sustainability Disclosure in Hong Kong, which sets out Hong Kong’s approach to requiring publicly accountable entities (PAEs) to adopt the ISSB Standards, and provides a well-defined pathway for large PAEs to fully adopt these standards no later than 2028.
Speech by FS at Reception in Celebration of 127th Anniversary of Proclamation of Philippine Independence (English only)
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Speech by FS at Reception in Celebration of 127th Anniversary of Proclamation of Philippine Independence (English only)
Good evening. It is a great pleasure to join you tonight in celebrating the 127th anniversary of the Republic of the Philippines’ proclamation of independence.
Let me take this opportunity to extend a formal and warm welcome to Consul General Israel, who assumed his new post in Hong Kong this April. With your extensive diplomatic career in the Philippines and abroad, I am confident that your experience and insight will further help strengthen the close ties between Hong Kong and the Philippines.
Tourism is a shining example. Last year, we welcomed nearly 1.2 million visitors from the Philippines, a remarkable increase of over 55 per cent compared to 2023. This positive momentum has continued, with over 550 000 Filipino visitors arriving in the first five months of this year, representing a 27 per cent year-on-year growth.
Our trade relationship remains robust. Hong Kong plays a vital role as a gateway for China’s exports to the Philippines. Hong Kong is the Philippines’ fifth largest trading partner. Last year, our value of merchandise trade grew to HK$108 billion. Hong Kong handled around 13 per cent of the total merchandise trade between China and the Philippines.
Besides, I am pleased to note that we have started negotiations on a Comprehensive Avoidance of Double Taxation Agreement. I trust such an agreement will further simulate our bilateral trade and investments.
All these encouraging developments point to a future of even closer business ties and new opportunities for collaboration.
The Philippines stands out as one of the fastest-growing economies in ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations). I am pleased to learn that your Government is making proactive efforts to implement pro-business reforms to simplify company formation process, lower entry barriers and attract foreign businesses. These measures will facilitate trade and investments with your economic and trade partners. Meanwhile, more infrastructure flagship projects will bolster the economy, improve connectivity and make your country more attractive to businesses from abroad.
In an era marked by rising protectionism and increasing geopolitical uncertainty, globalisation is facing backlashes. Countries are seeking to diversify their export markets and development drivers. In this context, enhancing intra-regional trade and collaboration will be key to achieving sustainable growth. In this connection, we greatly appreciate the Philippines’ continued support for our accession to the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP).
Under the “one country, two systems” arrangement, Hong Kong is a “super connector” and “super value-adder” between the Chinese Mainland and the rest of the world. We steadfastly uphold our free port status, with the free movement of goods, capital, information and talent. Our world-class transport and logistics infrastructure provides a perfect springboard for your country’s products and services to reach the Mainland, across North Asia, and beyond.
Now, given the policy uncertainties in the US and shifting global investment landscape, Hong Kong has emerged as a safe harbour for international capital. This is reflected by capital inflows and investors’ optimism. Our stock market has performed exceptionally well, rising by 20 per cent so far this year, on top of the 18 per cent increase last year. It is one of the top-performing markets globally.
With deep liquidity and a comprehensive suite of funding options, Hong Kong offers an ideal platform for Filipino enterprises to raise funds to support their business development. They can consider listing on our Stock Exchange, or connecting with angel investors, venture capital and private equity for collaboration.
For sure, Hong Kong has more to offer. You will find Hong Kong an ideal location to raise funds for quality infrastructure and green transition projects. Beyond traditional means, such as bond issuance, there are innovative financing models such as infrastructure loan securitisation, or catastrophe bonds, which are designed to share natural disaster risks with investors. Hong Kong has already issued seven catastrophe bonds, covering events from earthquakes to storms across Asia and the Americas.
In short, the potential for deeper co-operation between our two economies is vast and far-reaching.
Before I conclude, I would like to express my heartfelt appreciation to the more than 220 000 Filipino nationals in Hong Kong. They are an integral part of our community and have made invaluable contributions to the economic and social fabric of this city.
On behalf of the Hong Kong SAR Government, I extend my warmest congratulations to the people of the Philippines on your Independence Day. May the friendship between Hong Kong and the Philippines continue to flourish and prosper for years to come.
I wish you all a most enjoyable evening. Thank you very much.
Issued at HKT 19:30
NNNN
Drug abuse and drug situation in Hong Kong in first quarter of 2025
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
​The Action Committee Against Narcotics (ACAN) noted at its meeting today (June 12) the figures of the Central Registry of Drug Abuse (CRDA) and other drug-related figures for the first quarter of 2025. ACAN noticed that the total number of reported drug abusers in the first quarter of 2025 was lower than that of 2024. However, the figures tend to show greater volatilities in the first quarter of each year. The ACAN will closely monitor the situation in the remaining quarters of 2025, and will at the same time continue to carry out its anti-drug work.
Figures from the CRDA revealed that the total number of reported drug abusers in the first quarter of 2025 was 1 644 while that of the same period in 2024 was 1 738. The most common type of drug abused in the first quarter of 2025 was heroin, followed by cocaine and cannabis.
The number of reported young drug abusers aged under 21 in the first quarter of 2025 was 285, of which 128 abused the “space oil drug”. The “Space oil drug”, followed by cannabis and cocaine, has replaced cannabis to become the most common type of drug abused among reported young drug abusers.
Regarding the main active ingredients currently found in the “space oil drug”, the Government has listed etomidate and its three analogues (metomidate, propoxate and isopropoxate) as dangerous drugs, which are regulated under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance (DDO) (Cap. 134). The Government plans to list the remaining etomidate analogues as dangerous drugs, and has consulted the Legislative Council Panel on Security earlier this month.
The Chairman of ACAN, Dr Donald Li, said, “When facing the ‘space oil drug’, the Government should not lower its guard. ACAN fully supports the Government’s proposal to list all etomidate analogues as dangerous drugs under the DDO, with a view to nipping this drug abuse problem in the bud. Apart from the legislation, ACAN will continue to carry out relevant publicity and education work.”
On the enforcement front, according to the figures from the law enforcement agencies, the total number of persons arrested for drug offences in the first quarter of 2025 was 940. Among them, 140 of them are youngsters aged under 21. The “space oil drug”, cannabis and cocaine were the main drugs involved in these arrests in the first quarter. According to the court cases concluded for the same period, the conviction rate of persons being prosecuted for drug offences was as high as 86 per cent. As for young offenders aged under 21 who were sentenced to imprisonment for drug trafficking, more than half of them were sentenced to over five years in prison, and the longest imprisonment was 20 years.
A spokesman for the Security Bureau (SB) said, “As the summer holidays approach, we remind youngsters not to participate in drug trafficking out of greed or gambling on luck, including giving out their addresses for receiving ‘drug parcels’ and joining free trips to transport dangerous drugs across borders as ‘drug mules’. Young age is not a valid mitigating factor for drug offences. A plea of ignorance is not an excuse to avoid legal liability. Young drug offenders will also be sentenced to lengthy imprisonment.”
Moreover, the spokesman reminded youngsters that they need to stay vigilant at all times when travelling outside Hong Kong, with a view to avoiding drug traps when trying something new. Foods and drinks, or even health supplements, skincare products (such as facial masks, massage oil), etc, may contain dangerous drugs. Products that are marked with the words “CBD”, “THC”, “cannabis”, “cannabinoids”, “ganja”, “hemp extracts” or “marijuana”, or with a picture of a cannabis leaf, may contain substances that are illegal in Hong Kong or prohibited for transit at the airport. Members of the public are reminded to pay close attention to product labels during online or in-store shopping. If in doubt, members of the public should not risk purchasing, consuming or bringing these products back to Hong Kong to not to breach the law inadvertently. Information and a video about examples of CBD products have been uploaded onto the Narcotics Division’s (ND) dedicated webpage about CBD (www.nd.gov.hk/en/CBD.html) for the public’s reference.
The ACAN also noted the findings of the 2023/24 Survey of Drug Use among Students (Survey). The Survey is a triennial research project conducted by a research institute commissioned by the ND of the SB, with the aim of obtaining the latest drug taking trends in students and knowing more about students’ knowledge of drugs as well as their attitudes towards drug taking. Such information assists the Government in formulating anti-drug initiatives that would respond better to the actual situation. The Survey successfully surveyed 99 600 students from upper primary to post-secondary levels, accounting for about 15 per cent of the student population in Hong Kong.
The Survey results indicated that the proportion of students who claimed to have taken dangerous drugs rose to 2.7 per cent from 2.5 per cent in the previous survey (i.e. the one conducted in 2020/21). Psychotropic substances are the most common types of drugs abused by these students. These findings are in line with the statistics recorded by the CRDA.
The CRDA figures for the first quarter of 2025 are available on the ND’s website (www.nd.gov.hk/en/index.html).
The ND’s website, as well as its official accounts (narcotics.divisionhk) on Facebook and Instagram, also contain detailed information about dangerous drugs including the “space oil drug” for reference by the public.
PRH flat allocation announced
Source: Hong Kong Information Services
About 29,700 public rental housing (PRH) flats will be available for allocation in 2025-26, the Housing Authority announced today.
In its estimated PRH allocation for 2025-26, the authority stated that there will be 8,800 new flats and 20,900 recovered flats for allocation to various categories of applicants, with 78.6% to be allocated to PRH applicants.
The allocation for non-elderly one-person applicants under the Quota & Points System is set at 10% of the total number of flats to be allocated to PRH applicants, with an upper limit of 2,200 flats.
As regards the allocation for other categories of applicants, the authority will reserve 1,200 flats to rehouse residents affected by contingencies such as clearance projects, emergency clearances and unauthorised rooftop structure clearances. Three hundred of these will be set aside to rehouse residents affected by the Urban Renewal Authority’s redevelopment projects scheduled for 2025-26.
In response to the clearance programme at Wah Fu (I) Estate and Choi Hung Estate, 100 flats will be reserved under the authority’s Estate Clearance & Major Repairs category. In addition, 350 flats will be reserved for compassionate rehousing.
Some 3,700 flats will be used for transfers, which encompasses the transfer of under-occupied households, the Transfer Scheme for Improving the Living Environment, and other transfer initiatives.
One thousand flats will be reserved for junior civil servants in 2025-26.
Separately, for 2024-25, the authority reported that the actual allocation was 29,114 flats.
Research Grants Council Forum held
Source: Hong Kong Information Services
The Research Grants Council (RGC) Forum 2025, officiated by Acting Secretary for Education Sze Chun-fai, was held today with an aim of fostering mutual understanding and exchanges between the council and local scholars.
The forum was well-received with participation from senior management of the eight University Grants Committee (UGC)-funded universities and more than 400 local and overseas scholars.
Speaking at the forum’s opening session, Mr Sze said that the Government attaches great importance to investing in education and developing strategies and initiatives to establish a comprehensive research and development policy framework to ensure Hong Kong remains technologically and economically equipped for future challenges.
Through strengthening support for researchers and cultivating a research-centric environment, Hong Kong’s long-term competitiveness will be elevated by strong research competence, thereby upholding Hong Kong’s status as a world-class city and an international hub for higher education.
“We firmly support funding research projects and activities across the eight UGC-funded universities as well as the self-financing degree sector. With the backing of the RGC, numerous research initiatives are in progress, aiming at nurturing research capabilities, fostering a conducive research atmosphere and delving into uncharted realms of knowledge,” he added.
Mr Sze highlighted that to attract more exceptional students to study and conduct research in Hong Kong, the quota of the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme will increase to 400 places in the 2025-26 academic year.
The forum featured engaging presentations by the RGC Panel Chairs and their representatives, who shared observations on research funding applications in the latest round of the exercise, pointers for crafting competitive research proposals as well as the latest trends and developments in their respective research fields.
Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency leads industry delegation to participate in Annecy International Animation Film Festival and Market 2025 in France
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency leads industry delegation to participate in Annecy International Animation Film Festival and Market 2025 in FranceIssued at HKT 16:40
The Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA) of the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau led an industry delegation to participate in the Annecy International Animation Film Festival and Market 2025 in France and joined forces with the Hong Kong Digital Entertainment Association (HKDEA) to set up the Hong Kong Pavilion themed “AI-assisted Animation Production” and organised a series of activities, with the aim of increasing overseas exposure of Hong Kong original animation works and creative teams, enhancing their reach in market development, and enabling them to explore collaboration opportunities.
As the international animation film festival with a rich history and the largest scale of its kind, the Annecy International Animation Film Festival commands high respect from the global animation industry. Its film market, the Annecy International Animation Film Market, is a prominent annual business-oriented exhibition that takes place from June 10 to 13 (Annecy time). In the opening ceremony of the Hong Kong Pavilion held on June 10, the Assistant Commissioner for Cultural and Creative Industries, Mrs Lowell Cho, expressed hope that through a series of activities during this promotion, the CCIDA and the industry join hands to promote Hong Kong animation works to the animation industry professionals and audiences from all over the world, hence enabling the original animation by Hong Kong to shine bright on the international stage and to strive for opportunities to strengthen ties with global industry counterparts. She also warmly congratulated the film “Another World”, funded by the Film Development Fund (FDF) and produced by an animation creative team from Hong Kong, for being selected for the non-competitive section of the Annecy International Animation Film Festival 2025 and that it will be screened at the “Midnight Specials” session on the evening of June 13 (Annecy time). “Another World” brings international recognition, which serves as a significant booster for the Hong Kong animation industry, showcasing the global appreciation for Hong Kong animation.
The Hong Kong animation film “Another World” is directed by Tommy Ng, and produced and scripted by Polly Yeung. The production team attended the Annecy International Animation Film Festival in person to engage with audiences and industry counterparts. In 2019, the team participated in the sixth Animation Support Program, a project funded by the CCIDA through the CreateSmart Initiative (CSI), and was granted a subsidy to initiate the production of the short version of “Another World”, which won the Gold Award under the Small Animation Enterprises (Advanced Production) category. Subsequently, the team, with its proposal to develop “Another World” into a feature-length animation film, successfully applied for the Film Production Financing Scheme under the FDF and was granted the subsidy to bring the debut animation feature film directed by Ng into fruition, paving the way for the film’s global premiere at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival. Yeung was also invited by the Hong Kong Film Development Council to participate in the 81st Venice International Film Festival in Italy and the 78th Cannes Film Festival in France to seek production investment, attend various producer matching activities, and exchange ideas with filmmakers from all over the world, increasing publicity for “Another World” and opening doors for overseas distribution of the film project.
During the exhibition period, a series of networking and exchange activities were launched at the Hong Kong Pavilion, and six short original animated works created with AI assistance were also showcased, demonstrating to the international market the creativity and unique charisma of Hong Kong productions. The Hong Kong Partner Pitches was held on June 11, where the six Hong Kong companies selected under the 2nd Future Animation – AI-assisted Animation Production Support Scheme organised by the HKDEA and sponsored by the CCIDA, namely 924 Studio Limited, Astro Heart Limited, Free-D Workshop, ManyMany Creations Ltd, Morph Workshop and Stepc, conducted exchanges with elite animation companies from all over the world. They took the opportunity to broaden their horizons, enhance their promotion to overseas practitioners and investors, and pursue more collaboration possibilities.
The Animation Support Program, a government-funded project under the CSI, is now in its 12th edition. It focuses on supporting local start-ups and small animation companies and cultivating local animation talent. Over the years, it has assisted more than 250 local animation companies and enabled them to produce more than 270 original animation works. As a scheme under the FDF with the longest history and well-received by the film industry, the Film Production Financing Scheme aims to provide government financing for film productions with small-to-medium production budgets. As of the end of May 2025, approved films have received more than 150 local and international film awards.
Issued at HKT 16:40
SITI to visit France and Netherlands
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
SITI to visit France and NetherlandsIssued at HKT 15:00
The Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Professor Sun Dong, will depart for a visit to France and the Netherlands this evening (June 12) to strengthen Hong Kong’s ties and co-operation in innovation and technology (I&T) with France and the Netherlands.
Professor Sun will attend Viva Technology 2025 (VivaTech) in Paris, France, and deliver a keynote speech on “From Hong Kong to the World: Embarking on the New Journey of Innovation” at a seminar and networking reception organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council. VivaTech, being held from June 11 to 14, is Europe’s annual start-up and technology event that brings together start-ups, tech leaders, corporates and investors to drive I&T and business collaboration.
During the visit, Professor Sun will also meet with leaders of the local I&T sector as well as technology enterprises and tour the I&T and advanced manufacturing enterprises there.
Professor Sun will return to Hong Kong on June 18. During his absence, the Under Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Ms Lillian Cheong, will be the Acting Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry.
Issued at HKT 15:00