20 persons arrested during anti-illegal worker operations (with photo)

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    The Immigration Department (ImmD) mounted a series of territory-wide anti-illegal worker operations codenamed “Fastrack”, “Lightshadow”, “Twilight”, and a joint operation with the Hong Kong Police Force codenamed “Champion”, for four consecutive days from May 19 to yesterday (May 22). A total of 14 suspected illegal workers, three suspected employers and three overstayers were arrested.

During the anti-illegal worker operations, ImmD Task Force officers raided 75 target locations including commercial buildings, massage parlours, residential buildings, restaurants and retail stores. Twelve suspected illegal workers and three suspected employers were arrested. The arrested suspected illegal workers comprised five men and seven women, aged 36 to 60. Among them, one woman was a holder of recognisance form, which prohibits her from taking any employment. In addition, three women were also suspected of using and being in possession of a forged Hong Kong identity card. Three women, aged 53 to 60, were suspected of employing the illegal workers and were also arrested.

Approved Shau Kei Wan Outline Zoning Plan amended

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Approved Shau Kei Wan Outline Zoning Plan amended* The Secretariat of the Town Planning Board reserves the right to require the representer to provide identity proof for verification. Issued at HKT 16:00

The Town Planning Board today (June 23) announced amendments to the approved Shau Kei Wan Outline Zoning Plan (OZP).

The amendments mainly involve the following items:

(i) rezoning a site at A Kung Ngam Village and its adjacent areas from “Open Space” (“O”), “Green Belt”, “Other Specified Uses” annotated “Business” (“OU(B)”), “Other Specified Uses” annotated “Comprehensive Recreational Development Area” and areas shown as ‘Road’ to “Residential (Group A)6” for public housing development;

(ii) rezoning a site to the north of Ming Wah Dai Ha from “O”, “Residential (Group A)” (“R(A)”) and “Government, Institution or Community” (“G/IC”) to “Residential (Group A)5” for public housing development;

(iii) rezoning a site at 5 A Kung Ngam Village Road from “OU(B)” to “OU(B)1” to facilitate the wholesale conversion of the existing building to hospital; and

(iv) rezoning a site at 456 Shau Kei Wan Road from “G/IC”, “O” and an area shown as ‘Road’ to “G/IC(1)” to facilitate the redevelopment of an existing social services building.

Opportunity is also taken to amend the Notes and Explanatory Statement of the OZP to reflect the above amendments and to update the general information of various land use zonings and the planning circumstances, where appropriate.

The draft Shau Kei Wan OZP No. S/H9/19, incorporating the amendments, is available for public inspection during office hours at (i) the Secretariat of the Town Planning Board, (ii) the Planning Enquiry Counters, (iii) the Hong Kong District Planning Office and (iv) the Eastern Home Affairs Enquiry Centre.

Any person may make written representations in respect of the amendments to the Secretary of the Town Planning Board on or before August 23. Any person who intends to make a representation is advised to read the Town Planning Board Guidelines No. 29B on “Submission and Publication of Representations, Comments on Representations and Further Representations under the Town Planning Ordinance” (TPB PG-No. 29B).

Submission of a representation should comply with the requirements set out in TPB PG-No. 29B. In particular, the representer should take note of the following:

* If the representer fails to provide his or her full name and the first four alphanumeric characters of his or her Hong Kong identity card or passport number as required under TPB PG-No. 29B, the representation submitted shall be treated as not having been made; and
* The Secretariat of the Town Planning Board reserves the right to require the representer to provide identity proof for verification.

The Guidelines and the submission form are available at the above locations (i) and (ii) and the Town Planning Board’s website (www.info.gov.hk/tpb).

Copies of the draft Shau Kei Wan OZP are available for sale at the Map Publications Centres in North Point and Yau Ma Tei. The electronic version of the OZP can be viewed on the Town Planning Board’s website (www.info.gov.hk/tpb).

Ends/Friday, June 23, 2023
Issued at HKT 16:00
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Information Expo on Multiple Pathways 2025; “Smart Parent Net” Recommendation: parent-child code – Harmonious family building (Chinese version only)

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Unlocking the Future of Learning: AI in EducationAs we step into the era of artificial intelligence, parents who wish to better understand their children’s educational needs and optimize their learning experiences must stay informed about the latest technological advancements.At the Summit on 4-5 JulyBoth the Summit and the Technology Showcase are open to the public and free of charge. There will be around 100 paper presentations and teaching demonstrations in Cantonese, Putonghua and English. Members of the public are most welcome to register or check out the latest update at the website (https://events.polyu.edu.hk/AIinLT) now.

HKSAR Government’s response to Fitch’s affirmation of Hong Kong’s “AA-“credit rating and “stable” outlook

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

In response to the report from Fitch today (May 23) on maintaining Hong Kong’s “AA-“credit rating and “stable” outlook, a Government spokesman made the following response:

We noted Fitch’s decision to maintain Hong Kong’s credit rating at “AA-” with a “stable” outlook. Fitch recognised Hong Kong’s strong credit fundamentals, including large fiscal buffers, robust external finances, and a low level of fiscal debt. It also pointed out that our banking sector is resilient, with solid funding and liquidity.

Hong Kong’s financial system remains robust, with a consistently healthy level of overall asset quality in the banking sector according to international standards. Bank deposits have continued to grow. As of the end of March this year, the total amount of bank deposits in Hong Kong was near $18 trillion, marking an 11 per cent year-on-year increase.

Data have demonstrated the continuous reinforcement and enhancement of Hong Kong’s status and functions as an international financial centre. The confidence of global investors in Hong Kong is strengthening. The capital markets are active. For the stock market, the Hang Seng Index rose by 18 per cent last year, and has increased by over 15 per cent since the beginning of this year. The total market capitalisation of Hong Kong stocks has exceeded $41 trillion. The average daily turnover in the first four months of 2025 surpassed $250 billion, representing a 144 per cent increase compared to the same period last year. The initial public offering (IPO) market is also thriving, with cumulative funds raised exceeding $60 billion. This week, the Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited welcomed the world’s largest IPO activity so far this year.

The fiscal situation of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government has remained robust. In the 2025-26 Budget, reinforced fiscal consolidation was set out. It focuses primarily on containing expenditure growth, supplemented by revenue increase. It will gradually restore balance to government accounts. According to the Government’s medium-range forecast, the Operating Account (i.e. the Government’s daily income and expenses) is expected to be largely balanced in this financial year, and will return to surplus in the next financial year (2026-27). The Capital Account mainly involves capital works expenditure, which represents investments for the future, such as the development of the Northern Metropolis. Therefore, the Government will make flexible use of market resources, including increasing the scale of bond issuance, to fast-track the related projects. Even if so, the level of deficit in the Capital Account will gradually decrease starting from the 2026-27 financial year. Overall, after counting the proceeds from bond issuance, the Consolidated Accounts will return to surplus in the 2028-29 financial year.

The tariff war has increased global economic uncertainty, and the world economy is facing broad challenges. However, international trade tensions have recently eased to a certain extent, and the Mainland’s economy has continued to grow steadily, supported by more proactive fiscal policies and moderate expansionary monetary policies. These will benefit the trade performance in Hong Kong and the region. Meanwhile, the Mainland’s high-level two-way opening up, as well as its pursuit of green transition, innovation and technology, and digital economy, will continue to create business and investment opportunities for Hong Kong. 

Leveraging its unique advantages of connecting with both the Mainland and the rest of the world under the “one country, two systems” arrangement, Hong Kong will aptly adjust to the global trade realignment and seize opportunities. In fact, more Mainland and international companies are establishing international headquarters, research and development centres and regional offices in Hong Kong to expand their global business. For example, in 2024, the number of companies in Hong Kong with parent companies located outside Hong Kong increased by about 10 per cent to nearly 10 000, reaching a new historical high. The Office for Attracting Strategic Enterprises and Invest Hong Kong have also achieved good results in attracting businesses and investments.

As a “super connector” and “super value-adder”, Hong Kong will continue to actively link the Mainland with the world. While reinforcing connections with traditional markets, we will also forge more economic and investment networks with new markets, particularly those in the Global South. Furthermore, Hong Kong will deepen integration with the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. These will allow us to open up new growth points and inject greater impetus into our economy.

Fatal traffic accident in Tsing Yi

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Police are investigating a fatal traffic accident happened in Tsing Yi in the small hours today (May 23) in which a man died.

At 0.40am, a private car driven by a 40-year-old man was travelling along Tsing Sha Highway towards Kowloon. When approaching the entrance of Nam Wan Tunnel, the private car reportedly knocked down a 61-year-old male tunnel staff.

Sustaining serious leg injuries, the man was rushed to Princess Margaret Hospital in unconscious state and was certified dead at 2.17am.

The driver was arrested for dangerous driving causing death and is being detained for enquiries.

Investigation by the Special Investigation Team of Traffic, New Territories South is underway.

Anyone who witnessed the accident or has any information to offer is urged to contact the investigating officers on 3661 1446.

“Embracing the e+ Internet Generation Parent Seminar (5): Unlocking E-Book Treasures × Navigating Online Friendships with Caution”; International Summit on the Use of AI in Learning and Teaching Languages and Other Subjects

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Unlocking the Future of Learning: AI in EducationAs we step into the era of artificial intelligence, parents who wish to better understand their children’s educational needs and optimize their learning experiences must stay informed about the latest technological advancements.At the Summit on 4-5 JulyBoth the Summit and the Technology Showcase are open to the public and free of charge. There will be around 100 paper presentations and teaching demonstrations in Cantonese, Putonghua and English. Members of the public are most welcome to register or check out the latest update at the website (https://events.polyu.edu.hk/AIinLT) now.

Speech by SITI at HKSTP x Würth Elektronik Advanced Manufacturing in Hong Kong: Enabling Global Microelectronics Innovations (English only)

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     Following is the speech by the Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Professor Sun Dong, at HKSTP x Würth Elektronik Advanced Manufacturing in Hong Kong: Enabling Global Microelectronics Innovations today (May 23):

Albert (Chief Executive Officer of the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation, Mr Albert Wong), Thomas (Chief Executive Officer of Würth Elektronik eiSos Group, Mr Thomas Garz), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, 

     Good afternoon. It is my pleasure to join you today to celebrate the launch of the Engineering Service Programme, a groundbreaking partnership between Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks (HKSTP) and Würth Electronics at the Advanced Manufacturing Centre (AMC). This collaboration marks a significant milestone for Hong Kong’s innovation and technology (I&T) ecosystem, as Würth Electronics expands its footprint from R&D (research and development) to advanced manufacturing in our city.  

     As a global leader in electronic components, Würth Electronics is synonymous with innovation, precision, and reliability, the qualities that have made it the key partner of industry giants worldwide. By establishing new engineering, testing, and logistics centres at the AMC, Würth Electronics places its confidence in Hong Kong as an ideal hub for cutting-edge innovation and advanced manufacturing. This move also underscores Hong Kong’s unique advantages: our world-class talent, robust R&D capabilities, and seamless connectivity to global markets.

     And this is just the beginning. The Engineering Service Programme will equip our local ecosystem with specialised tools and expertise, accelerating progress in microelectronics and advanced manufacturing. From R&D to prototyping and small-scale production, this programme will support companies at every stage – perfectly aligning with the Government’s strategy to foster high-value, tech-driven industries and cement Hong Kong’s role in the global I&T landscape. With Würth Electronics’ global network and HKSTP’s local support, the programme is poised to become a testing ground for next-generation industrial solutions.

     Hong Kong has long been a frontrunner in microelectronics, and we are building on this strength. Through initiatives like the New Industrialisation Acceleration Scheme and the establishment of the Hong Kong Microelectronics Research and Development Institute, we are providing targeted support for these critical sectors. Beyond that, we are investing heavily in infrastructure, talent development, and strategic partnerships – all to build a thriving, future-ready I&T ecosystem.  

     This partnership is a prime example of how public-private collaboration can drive innovation forward. Once again, my congratulations to Würth Electronics and HKSTP for their bold leadership in shaping Hong Kong into a global microelectronics hub. Together, let us unite the Government, the industry, academia, research and investment sectors to unlock even greater opportunities for technological advancement and economic growth. Thank you.

Film Archive to present “Legends of HK Film Comedies, 1980s and 1990s” exhibition (with photos)

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Film Archive to present “Legends of HK Film Comedies, 1980s and 1990s” exhibition  
     Hong Kong comedy films thrived in the 1980s and 1990s, and many of the popular works produced at the time are now regarded as classics. Through different angles in three thematic zones, the exhibition outlines the local comedy film scene in these two decades.
  
     In the exhibition zone “Roomfuls of Laughter”, nearly 100 exhilarating excerpts from classic Hong Kong film comedies will be screened under four themes, namely “Classic Combos”, “The Art of Exaggeration”, “Laughing with the Times” and “The Nonsensical Art of Mo Lei Tau”. Comedies include “Wheels on Meals” (1984), “It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad World” (1987), “All for the Winner” (1990), and “Forbidden City Cop” (1996), which are selected to depict and deconstruct the design and tactics of the jokes in comedy films.
 
     The other zone in the exhibition, “Oral History: Our Comedy Hour”, will screen two thematic videos of interviews with filmmakers including Wong Jing, Clifton Ko, Tenky Tin, Alfred Cheung and Mak Kai-kwong, along with actors including Teresa Mo and Sandra Ng. The two videos are titled “The Birth of Comedy” and “Behind the Jokes: The Making of a Comedian”. The former unveils the development and creative process of Hong Kong comedy films from aspects such as creative inspiration, story concept and casting, while the latter explores how actors characterise their roles, interact with other actors and provide reflections on their film careers, illustrating the professionalism of Hong Kong comedy film stars.
 
     Decorated as a karaoke lounge, which was popular in the 1980s and 1990s, the exhibition zone “Happy Karaoke Sing-A-Long” features more than 20 theme songs or interludes in film excerpts, including “Ex-love is Like a Dream” from “92 The Legendary la Rose Noire” (1992), “A Love Affair” from “Let’s Make Laugh” (1983) and “We Meet Again Stranger” from “All’s Well End’s Well” (1992). Visitors can enjoy the songs in the videos and revisit the enduring pop culture comedy moments. 
 
     The exhibition features installations for visitors to take pictures for their joyful moments, including a “poster waterfall” comprising numerous posters of classic comedy films, such as “All the Wrong Clues (…For the Right Solution)” (1981), “Aces Go Places” (1982) and “Sixty Million Dollar Man” (1995). There is also a Comedy Wall of Fame displaying actors and filmmakers’ insights into comedy films, as well as a feature wall which integrates multiple classic comedy scenes and iconic landmarks of Hong Kong, such as the Bank of China Tower, the Clock Tower in Tsim Sha Tsui and the Hong Kong Cultural Centre.
 
     Two seminars will be held during the exhibition period. The first seminar will be held at the HKFA Cinema on June 22 (Sunday), featuring director Clifton Ko and actress Teresa Mo, and hosted by veteran film critic Thomas Shin. Details of the second seminar will be announced on the HKFA website (www.filmarchive.gov.hk 
     Admission is free. For details of the exhibition, please visit
www.filmarchive.gov.hk/en/web/hkfa/2025/comedy-e/pe-event-2025-comedy-e.html 
     This year, the LCSD presents the third Hong Kong Pop Culture Festival, themed “More Than Joy”. For more information, please visit
www.pcf.gov.hkIssued at HKT 15:00

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