Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Following are the closing remarks by the Deputy Secretary for Justice, Dr Cheung Kwok-kwan, at the Capital of Mediation event under Hong Kong Legal Week 2025 today (December 3):

Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

Good afternoon. Allow me to conclude this afternoon’s enriching dialogue and meaningful exchanges with a few words.

As a true advocate for alternative dispute resolution, the Government has been making consistent and focused efforts in enhancing the culture of communication and understanding within society. Since the introduction of the “Deepening Mediation Culture” initiative in the 2023 Policy Address, we have stepped up the promotion of mediation and arbitration services, solidifying Hong Kong’s position at the forefront of both global and regional dispute resolution. As this session’s theme suggests, Hong Kong is well positioned as the Capital of Mediation.

From the two panel discussions, with the valuable contributions and sharing from our speakers, we covered the role of mediation from both international and local standpoints. From dealing with inter-state disputes, commercial conflicts, and financial matters to community frictions, it has been shown that mediation can play a crucial role at the national level as well as in various aspects of our daily lives.

From a global perspective, as a prominent international financial centre, Hong Kong provides not only extensive financial services but also specialised financial-related dispute resolution services. Mediation, in particular, plays a critical role in addressing complex multi-borders financial disputes by offering a fair and efficient resolution process focusing on reaching a solution acceptable to all. This capability reinforces confidence among external investors and businessmen, reassuring them that their interests and property are well protected in Hong Kong.

On a local level, disputes are more diverse and seldom carry a clear price tag. Issues that impact our daily lives, such as water seepages, noise complaints from shared walls, or disagreements over communal facilities, can be equally stressful and disruptive. Unlike commercial disputes where parties’ relationship is primarily contractual, these community conflicts involve people whose lives are closely intertwined, making amicable resolutions even more critical. In these cases, mediation has proven to be the most effective way to restore harmony; indeed, conflicts could well escalate and move from one matter to another if they are not peacefully resolved efficiently. Beyond resolving disputes, mediation also builds trust and encourages collaboration, hence fostering a long-term amicable relationship in the neighbourhood. By offering mediation skills training to property management staff, we trust we can greatly enhance the effectiveness of early intervention in community disputes. We hope after each amicable dispute resolution, the neighbours can continue to treat each other with courtesy and enjoy each other’s company in the community.

Looking ahead, I would like to share some upcoming developments on local mediation. As mentioned in this year’s Policy Address, the Government will continue to strengthen the accreditation and disciplinary systems for the mediation profession. Since the establishment of the Working Group on Mediation Regulatory System in 2024, a systematic review of Hong Kong’s regulatory framework for the mediation profession has been conducted, resulting in the formulation of seven preliminary recommendations. The Working Group will continue to work on proposing suitable measures for enhancing the sustainable development of the mediation regulatory system.

Following the completion of the 15th National Games cohosted by Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao, we have witnessed the immense potential for growth in the sports landscape in the region. This provides Hong Kong with new opportunities for even more collaboration and development. With this growth comes the need for a neutral, fair and efficient dispute resolution mechanism to address any conflicts that may arise in areas of sports and related business. In this regard, the Department of Justice will soon launch the Pilot Scheme on Sports Dispute Resolution to promote and support the sustainable development of the sports industry in Hong Kong.

Lastly, this evening, the mediation lecture will explore an emerging area of dispute resolution – entertainment. Our distinguished lecturer, Professor Sungkee Hong, has come all the way from the Republic of Korea to share distinctive perspectives on this topic.

As we conclude today’s session, we would like to impress upon all of you to take mediation into action and to create a community grounded in understanding, collaboration, and lasting harmony. Thank you.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

Two incoming passengers were both sentenced to three months’ imprisonment and fined $500 by the West Kowloon Magistrates’ Courts today (December 3) for importing duty-not-paid cigarettes, dealing with duty-not-paid cigarettes and failing to declare them to Customs officers, in contravention of the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance (DCO).

Customs officers intercepted an incoming male passenger, aged 36, at Hong Kong International Airport yesterday (December 2). About 33 800 duty-not-paid cigarettes, with an estimated market value of about $152,000 and a duty potential of about $112,000, were seized from his personal baggage.

In addition, Customs officers intercepted a 38-year-old female passenger at the airport yesterday, and seized about 38 200 duty-not-paid cigarettes, with an estimated market value of about $172,000 and a duty potential of about $126,000, from her personal baggage.

The two incoming passengers were subsequently arrested. They were both sentenced to three months’ imprisonment and fined $500 by the court today.

Customs welcomes the sentence. The custodial sentence has imposed a considerable deterrent effect and reflects the seriousness of the offences.

Customs reminds members of the public that under the DCO, cigarettes are dutiable goods to which the DCO applies. Any person who imports, deals with, possesses, sells or buys illicit cigarettes commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $2 million and imprisonment for seven years.

Members of the public may report any suspected illicit cigarette activities to Customs’ 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002).

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

In addition to the previous assistance of the Government to persons affected by the fire incident at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po, the Labour Department (LD) today (December 3) announced the arrangements for disbursing a special subsidy of $20,000 to each affected local worker and foreign domestic helper (FDH) as follows:

Subsidy for workers

The subsidy for workers supports those construction workers, cleaning workers and security guards who have originally worked at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po, and assists them to deal with the work difficulties brought about by the fire. The LD is contacting relevant trade unions and service contractors, etc to arrange for the workers to make applications for the subsidy. Moreover, the workers concerned may also download the application form (www.labour.gov.hk/common/public/lrd/applicationform-workersubsidy_en.pdf), and return the completed form by fax: (2697 3394); email (lrd-hq@labour.gov.hk); by post or in person to the Office of Labour Relations Division (Shatin and Taipo) (Address: Rooms 304-313, 3/F, Sha Tin Government Offices, 1 Sheung Wo Che Road, Sha Tin, New Territories). For enquiries on the workers’ subsidy, please call the LD hotline at 2929 4054.

Subsidy for FDHs

The subsidy for FDHs supports FDHs who have originally worked at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po, to help them cope with the difficulties arising from the lack of family support in Hong Kong and the total loss of personal belongings in the fire. The LD is liaising with the relevant consulates-general in Hong Kong and the affected households to arrange applications for the subsidy by the affected FDHs. In addition, the FDHs concerned may download the application form
(www.fdh.labour.gov.hk/res/pdf/applicationform-fdhsubsidy.pdf) and return the completed form by fax (3101 0604), email (fdh-subsidy@labour.gov.hk), by post or in person to the Foreign Domestic Helpers Division of the LD (Address: 16/F, One Mong Kok Road Commercial Centre, 1 Mong Kok Road, Kowloon). For enquiries about the subsidy for FDHs, please call the LD hotline at 3582 8987.

The LD appeals to eligible workers and FDHs to submit their applications as soon as possible. The department will process and verify the applications expeditiously and disburse the subsidies.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health announced that, as of 5pm today (December 3), the CHP has recorded one new local case of chikungunya fever (CF). The CHP is collaborating with the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) to implement appropriate prevention and control measures to minimise the public health impact of the disease in Hong Kong. 
 
Latest case information
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The case involves a 23-year-old female living in Queen’s Road West in Sheung Wan. A preliminary investigation revealed that she developed joint pain on November 27, followed by rash and a fever over the next two days respectively. She attended the Accident and Emergency Department of Queen Mary Hospital on December 1 and was admitted for treatment. Her blood sample tested positive for chikungunya virus upon laboratory testing. She is now in stable condition. The patient’s household contact is currently asymptomatic. The CHP is implemented prevention and control measures according to epidemiological investigations and risk assessment, including providing medical surveillance and health advice to the household contact concerned. If necessary, the CHP will arrange for laboratory testing.  
 
The preliminary investigation also revealed that the patient had no travel history during the incubation period. The case is classified as local. Her residence and usual activity areas do not overlap with areas where imported or local cases have been recorded in the recent month. The epidemiological investigation is ongoing.
 
Hong Kong has recorded a total of 77 confirmed CF cases this year. Among them, eight were local cases, and the rest were imported cases.
 
Government’s comprehensive follow-up actions
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In response to the new local case, the CHP, together with the FEHD, have inspected various locations in the vicinity of patient’s residence and conducted vector investigations and mosquito control operations today with a view to minimising the risk of local transmission.
 
The CHP urged the members of the public residing and working in Queen’s Road West (near Morrison Street and Hollywood Road) who experienced a fever, rash or joint pain on or after November 15 to seek medical advice or contact the CHP immediately. The CHP officers will reach out to individuals in the aforementioned locations to remind them to be aware of relevant symptoms and to maintain good environmental hygiene in their households.
 
Starting tomorrow (December 4), the CHP will set up a health consultation booth at the main entrance of the Sheung Wan Civic Centre from 9am to 6pm to provide assessments to individuals with relevant symptoms. The enquiry hotline (Tel: 2125 2373), which was set up earlier, will continue to operate daily from 9am to 8pm.
 
In addition, the CHP will send letters to doctors, hospitals, schools and institutions, providing the latest information on CF and reminding them to be vigilant. If there are any suspected CF cases, they should contact the CHP for follow up immediately. The CHP will also inform primary care doctors in Central and Western District through the Primary Healthcare Commission, urging them to closely monitor whether their patients present with compatible symptoms and arrange blood tests for those concerned.
 
On the other hand, as some confirmed CF cases have reportedly been bitten by mosquitoes while hiking along the Tsing Yi Nature Trails, the CHP considered the trails to be a higher-risk area. As a precautionary measure, the CHP continued to urge individuals who have recently visited the Tsing Yi North area or hiked along the Tsing Yi Nature Trails to seek medical attention as soon as possible if they develop relevant symptoms and to call the aforesaid enquiry hotline.
 
Specifically targeting confirmed cases who visited the Tsing Yi Nature Trails or the surrounding area, the FEHD has been conducting intensive fogging operations to eliminate adult mosquitoes along the hiking trails. At suitable locations, large ultra-low volume foggers have been deployed, and robot dog is being put on trial to enhance operational effectiveness. The FEHD has also set up new mosquito trapping devices, cleared discarded containers and garbage that could bring stagnant water, and applied larvicide oil or larvicides in areas with stagnant water that cannot be removed immediately. Pamphlets have been also distributed to hikers in the area, urging citizens to be vigilant against mosquito infestations. The FEHD has earlier requested the relevant departments to strengthen efforts in eliminating potential mosquito breeding sites along the Tsing Yi Nature Trails. The FEHD also held meetings of the inter-departmental task forces on anti-mosquito work across districts, to discuss the latest developments regarding the situation and plan accordingly to coordinate relevant departments and stakeholders in strengthening mosquito prevention and control measures in areas under their purview.

Furthermore, the FEHD and relevant departments have comprehensively enhanced the mosquito control operations in Hong Kong since July this year, and this has continued. Among these, the FEHD has conducted vector investigations and targeted mosquito control operations against the imported and local cases. In light of the local cases, the FEHD has immediately conducted follow-up actions, including:
 

• carrying out intensive fogging in scrubby areas within a 250-metre radius of the relevant locations to kill adult mosquitoes;
• carrying out inspections of the locations, removing stagnant water, applying insecticides and disposing of abandoned water containers every week with a view to preventing mosquito breeding; and
• enhancing public education efforts through organising health talks, setting up mobile education stations, and distributing publicity leaflets.

The abovementioned measures will be continued. Furthermore, the Government will further enhance the mosquito control efforts in addition to the existing measures.

Preventive measures to be taken by the public
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Members of the public should use DEET-containing insect repellents or other effective active ingredients properly to prevent mosquito bites, but the following precautions should be taken when using them:
 

• read the label instructions carefully first;
• apply right before entering an area with a risk of mosquito bites;
• apply on exposed skin and clothing;
• use DEET of up to 30 per cent for pregnant women and up to 10 per cent for children (For children who travel to countries or areas where mosquito-borne diseases are endemic or epidemic and where exposure is likely, those aged 2 months or above can use DEET-containing insect repellents with a DEET concentration of up to 30 per cent);
• apply sunscreen first, then insect repellent;
• reapply only when needed and follow the instructions; and
• in addition to DEET, there are other insect repellents available on the market containing different active ingredients, such as IR3535 and picaridin. When using any insect repellent, the public should follow the usage instructions and precautions on the product label.

     â€‹The FEHD also appeals to members of the public to continue to stay alert and work together to carry out mosquito prevention and control measures early, including inspecting their homes and surroundings to remove potential breeding grounds, changing water in vases and scrubbing their inner surfaces, removing water in saucers under potted plants at least once a week, and properly disposing of containers such as empty cans and lunch boxes. The FEHD also advises members of the public and property management agencies to keep drains free of blockage and level all defective ground surfaces to prevent the accumulation of water. They should also scrub all drains and surface sewers with an alkaline detergent at least once a week to remove any mosquito eggs.

The public should call 1823 in case of mosquito problems, and may visit the following pages for more information: the CF page of the CHP and the Travel Health Service, the latest Travel Health News, tips for using insect repellents, and the CHP Facebook Page, Instagram Account and YouTube Channel, and also the Mosquito Prevention and Control dedicated page of the FEHD.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     The Department of Justice (DoJ) is organising for the first time the Hong Kong LawTech Fest 2025 during the Hong Kong Legal Week 2025. The LawTech Fest is being held in the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre for three days from today (December 3), focusing on the development of the integration of lawtech and AI, and featuring a dynamic blend of a thematic conference, a lawtech exhibition, live demonstrations and expert dialogues. It brings together legal practitioners, technology providers, experts, academics and more to explore how technology is reshaping the legal practice and services. The Secretary for Justice, Mr Paul Lam, SC, and the Deputy Secretary for Justice, Dr Cheung Kwok-kwan, attended the LawTech Fest today to exchange views with the sector and learn more about the latest developments in lawtech products and services.

     Mr Lam and Dr Cheung visited the LawTech Exhibition set up outside the main event venue of the Hong Kong Legal Week this morning and listened to briefings on innovative products and services by exhibitors. Fifteen exhibitors presented products and services covering areas such as legal research, drafting, contract analytics, online dispute resolution and hearing support. Apart from live demonstrations, expert consultations were also provided to allow attendees to explore how to integrate technology into real-world workflows.
 
     There was also the Insight Stage with industry leaders sharing the application of AI and lawtech in practice, in terms of case studies, governance structure, change management and skills transformation strategy from a practical and actionable perspective.

     Another highlight of the LawTech Fest will be the main stage lawtech conference The AI Era: Shaping the Legal Landscape in the 21st Century to be held on Friday (December 5). A keynote speech and the 2025 Final Round of the LexGoTech Roundtable Series will be featured to elevate the legal profession’s understanding of the development of lawtech and AI.

     The other events of the Hong Kong Legal Week continued today. A Symposium of the HCCH Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific on Private International Law – Transnational Litigation & Apostille: Innovating Practices under the HCCH Conventions, co-organised by the Hague Conference on Private International Law and the Hong Kong International Legal Talents Training Academy, was held this morning. More than 500 participants, including judges, government officials, academics and legal practitioners from over 30 jurisdictions have registered for the event, sharing their experiences and the challenges faced in implementing the Hague Apostille Convention, Service Convention and Evidence Convention in the digital age and also their recommendations on the way forward.

     The Capital of Mediation event and the Hong Kong Mediation Lecture 2025 were held in the afternoon and the evening respectively. More than 740 sign-ups from participants were received. The two panel sessions of the Capital of Mediation event examined mediation’s role in managing interstate and cross-border commercial disputes, and shared insights on Hong Kong’s deepening mediation culture initiative and other mediation schemes designed to resolve civil and commercial disputes and highlighted the achievements of mediation in areas such as financial services, building management and community relations. The Hong Kong Mediation Lecture 2025 focused on the growing relevance of mediation in the entertainment industries. The two activities fully reflected Hong Kong’s comprehensive strategy for advancing dispute resolution, reinforcing the city’s position as a centre for international legal and dispute resolution services and supporting Hong Kong’s development into a global mediation capital.
 
     The DoJ will organise the Basic Law 35th Anniversary Legal Summit on Constitution Day tomorrow (December 4). An expert will be invited to deliver a keynote speech on “The Basic Law – 28 Years’ Practice and Insights”. Leaders from the financial, aviation, trade and higher education sectors will share their insights on how Hong Kong leverages its institutional strengths under the Basic Law and the principle of “one country, two systems” to consolidate and enhance its status as an international centre in finance, aviation and trade, as well as to promote Hong Kong as an international hub for high-calibre talent.
 
     For more details of the Hong Kong Legal Week 2025, please visit the dedicated website at www.legalweek.hk. A live broadcast will be available on the dedicated website and at webcast.info.gov.hk.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) today (December 3) recorded another severe paediatric influenza infection case. The CHP reiterated its appeal to urge parents to arrange for their children to receive a free seasonal influenza vaccination (SIV) promptly, as it is one of the most effective ways to prevent seasonal influenza and its complications. Vaccinations also reduce the risk of serious illness or death from infection.
                          
     The case involves an 11-year-old girl with underlying illness. She developed a fever, cough and confusion on December 1 and was brought to the Accident and Emergency Department of Queen Elizabeth Hospital on the same day, where she was admitted for treatment. She was in serious condition at one point. Her nasopharyngeal swab specimen tested positive for influenza A (H3) virus upon laboratory testing. The clinical diagnosis is influenza A infection complicated with encephalopathy. She remains hospitalised, but her condition has become stable.
                
     A preliminary investigation revealed that the girl lives overseas and arrived in Hong Kong on November 20. She has not yet received the 2025/26 SIV. Her household contacts are currently asymptomatic.
                
     Including the abovementioned case, there have been 25 severe influenza cases involving children so far this summer influenza season, including three fatal cases. The affected children were aged from 6 months to 17 years. A total of 16 cases have been recorded since the launch of this year’s SIV programmes, with only one having received this year’s SIV four days prior to the onset of illness. As it generally takes two weeks for the body to develop sufficient protection after vaccination, these severe influenza cases are not protected by the vaccine.
                
     “According to the latest surveillance data, influenza activity has gradually declined since late October. However, it remains above the baseline thresholds. As the weather turns cooler, influenza activity may increase again. Moreover, influenza activity has continued to increase or reached a high level in most areas of the Northern Hemisphere. Members of the public who intend to travel should get vaccinated early as it takes about two weeks after receiving SIV for antibodies to develop in the body and provide adequate protection against influenza virus infection. Since influenza can cause serious complications, the CHP recommends that all persons aged 6 months or above receive the SIV, particularly high-risk individuals such as pregnant women, the elderly, children and those with underlying illnesses,” the Head of Communicable Disease Branch of the CHP, Dr Albert Au, said.
                
     He also reminded members of the public that, especially for children, the elderly and those with underlying illnesses, they should seek medical advice promptly for early treatment if they present with fever and respiratory symptoms. As children with influenza can deteriorate rapidly, parents must pay close attention to their children’s condition. They should go to an Accident and Emergency Department immediately if the child’s condition deteriorates, for example, if they develop symptoms such as shortness of breath, wheezing, blue lips, chest pain, confusion, a persistent fever or convulsions.
                     
     Separately, high-risk individuals should wear surgical masks when staying in crowded places. People with respiratory symptoms, even if mild, should wear a surgical mask and seek medical advice promptly. They should also consider whether to attend work or school.

     In addition to issuing timely reminders to healthcare professionals and schools based on the latest seasonal influenza development, the CHP also uploads the latest seasonal influenza information on its website weekly. Members of the public can visit the CHP’s seasonal influenza and COVID-19 & Flu Express webpages.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department announced today (December 3) that in view of a notification from the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) about an outbreak of highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza in County Cavan in Ireland, and a notification from the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries of Japan about an outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza in Tottori Prefecture in Japan, the CFS has instructed the trade to suspend the import of poultry meat and products (including poultry eggs) from the above-mentioned areas with immediate effect to protect public health in Hong Kong.

     A CFS spokesman said that Hong Kong has currently established a protocol with Ireland for the import of poultry meat but not for poultry eggs. According to the Census and Statistics Department, Hong Kong imported about 20 tonnes of frozen poultry meat from Ireland, and about 1 540 tonnes of frozen poultry meat and about 219.73 million poultry eggs from Japan in the first nine months of this year.

     “The CFS has contacted the Irish and Japanese authorities over the issues and will closely monitor information issued by the WOAH and the relevant authorities on the avian influenza outbreaks. Appropriate action will be taken in response to the development of the situation,” the spokesman said.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region