Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
41 landlords of subdivided units under regulated tenancies convicted of contravening relevant statutory requirements
The offences of these 41 landlords include (1) failing to submit a Notice of Tenancy (Form AR2) to the Commissioner of Rating and Valuation within 60 days after the term of the regulated tenancy commenced; and (2) requesting the tenant to pay money other than the types permitted under the Ordinance (including requiring the tenant to pay an amount of rent for the second-term tenancy exceeding the maximum amount of rent permitted under the Ordinance). One of the landlords committed eight offences under (1) and (2) and was fined $9,200.
The RVD earlier discovered that the landlords failed to comply with the relevant requirements under the Ordinance. Upon an in-depth investigation and evidence collection, the RVD prosecuted against the landlords.
A spokesman for the RVD reiterated that SDU landlords must comply with the relevant requirements under the Ordinance, including prohibiting landlords from doing any act calculated to interfere with the peace or comfort of members of the tenant’s household, with the intention of causing the tenant to give up occupation of the SDU; or requiring the tenant to pay an amount of rent for the second-term tenancy exceeding the maximum amount of rent permitted under the Ordinance, and also reminded tenants of their rights under the Ordinance, including a four-year (i.e. two years plus two years) security of tenure. He also stressed that the RVD will continue to take resolute enforcement action against any contraventions of the Ordinance. Apart from following up on reported cases, the RVD has been adopting a multipronged approach to proactively identify, investigate and follow up on cases concerning landlords who are suspected of contravening the Ordinance. In particular, the RVD has been requiring landlords of regulated tenancies to provide information and reference documents of their tenancies for checking whether they have complied with the requirements of the Ordinance. If a landlord, without reasonable excuse, refuses to provide the relevant information or neglects the RVD’s request, the landlord commits an offence and is liable to a maximum fine at level 3 ($10,000) and to imprisonment for three months. Depending on the actual circumstances, and having regard to the information and evidence collected, the RVD will take appropriate actions on individual cases, including instigating prosecution against suspected contraventions of the Ordinance. In addition, the RVD has started a new round of publicity and education work to enhance public awareness about key offences and penalties, emphasising that the RVD proactively checks whether landlords have committed the offences under the Ordinance.
The RVD reminds that pursuant to the Ordinance, a regulated cycle of regulated tenancies is to comprise two consecutive regulated tenancies (i.e. the first-term tenancy and second-term tenancy) for an SDU, and the term of each regulated tenancy is two years. A tenant of a first-term tenancy for an SDU is entitled to be granted a second-term tenancy of the regulated cycle, thus enjoying a total of four years of security of tenure. The RVD has been issuing letters enclosing relevant information to the landlords and tenants concerned of regulated tenancies in batches, according to the expiry time of their first-term tenancies, to assist them in understanding the important matters pertaining to the second-term tenancy, and to remind them about the procedures that need to be followed about two months prior to the commencement of the purported second-term tenancy as well as their respective obligations and rights under the Ordinance. These landlords and tenants may also visit the dedicated page for the second-term tenancy on the RVD’s website (www.rvd.gov.hk/en/tenancy_matters/second_term_tenancy.html
For enquiries related to regulated tenancies, please call the telephone hotline (2150 8303) or visit the RVD’s webpage (www.rvd.gov.hk/en/our_services/part_iva.htmlIssued at HKT 16:10
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The Treasury alerts public to fraudulent SMS messages
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The Treasury alerts public to fraudulent SMS messagesIssued at HKT 16:08
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Taisugar Gas Stations Break Records with Over 100 Million Points Donated for Charity, NT$1.2 Million in Supplies Donated to Support Disadvantaged Groups.
Source: Republic of China Taiwan
To continue its commitment to social welfare and support for vulnerable communities, Taiwan Sugar Corporation (Taisugar) held its “Fuel Up with Love: Donate Points for Charity” campaign again this year, following the overwhelming response to last year’s initiative. Launched on March 1, the campaign received enthusiastic support from kind-hearted citizens, accumulating over 119.62 million loyalty points in just 1.5 months, setting a new record. Taisugar has converted the donated points into approximately NT$1.2 million worth of supplies, all of which have been donated to charitable causes. A presentation ceremony was held today (May 8) at Taisugar Chongde Gas Station in Tainan City, where Taisugar Vice President Chien-Chan Tseng presided over the donation ceremony. The event transformed the goodwill of every fuel-up and every point donated into tangible assistance, benefiting 11 charitable organizations and spreading warmth and hope to those in need.
Vice President Tseng noted that since the debut of the donation campaign in November 2024, the initiative has received widespread acclaim. To keep the spirit of giving alive and inspire more public participation, Taisugar brought the campaign back this year with even greater success. This time, the campaign attracted over 250,000 participants, achieving a historic milestone of over 100 million points donated, demonstrating the compassion and generosity of Taiwanese society. In addition, Taisugar gas stations boosted the campaign by matching an extra 10 points for every liter of fuel purchased, amplifying the collective goodwill and encouraging more people to engage in small acts of kindness that make a significant impact for disadvantaged communities.
The accumulated points have been redeemed for supplies, which have been donated to 11 organizations, including Huashan Social Welfare Foundation, Genesis Social Welfare Foundation, Taiwan Fund for Children and Families, Eden Social Welfare Foundation, NT Angel Foundation, Little Lamb Foundation, Erlin Happy Christian Home, Tobias Social Welfare Foundation, Garden of Hope Foundation, Good Shepherd Social Welfare Foundation, and the Taipei Sports Association for the Physically Disabled. During the campaign, customers who fueled 25 liters or more and donated their points also received a Taisugar Glucosamine Plus as a token of appreciation.
This initiative allowed the public to effortlessly contribute to charitable causes through their everyday fuel purchases, seamlessly integrating giving into daily life and empowering citizens to make a difference. Taisugar affirmed its commitment to further strengthening its charity platform, launching more meaningful, community-driven initiatives, and joining hands with the public to foster a cycle of kindness that brings continuous hope and positive change to society.
TSC News Contact Person:
Lin Hsin-Chih
Petroleum Business Devision, TSC
Contact Number: 886-6-632-8703 #802 / 886-939-919-530
Email:a62462@taisugar.com.tw
Tai Chih-Mou
Petroleum Business Devision, TSC
Contact Number: 886-6-632-8703 #101 / 886-988-721-867
Email:a63425@taisugar.com.tw
Petroleum Business Devision Customer Services Phone: 886-6-632-8703 #786 or 788
CFS announces results of seasonal food surveillance on rice dumplings (first phase) (with photo)
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department today (May 16) announced that the test results of 47 rice dumpling samples collected under a recently completed seasonal food surveillance project on rice dumplings (first phase) were all satisfactory.
Rice dumplings are a popular festive food for the Tuen Ng Festival. The project aims to provide information on safe consumption of rice dumplings to consumers and the trade in a timely manner.
“The CFS collected samples of rice dumplings from different retail outlets (including online retailers) and food premises (including restaurants and food factories) for chemical and microbiological analyses. The chemical analyses included tests for colouring matters, preservatives, metallic contamination and pesticide residues. The microbiological analyses covered coagulase-positive staphylococci organisms and Bacillus cereus,” a spokesman for the CFS said.
The spokesman reminded members of the public to observe the following food safety tips in purchasing, preparing, storing and consuming rice dumplings:
Buying rice dumplings
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* Buy rice dumplings from reliable outlets;
* When purchasing non-prepackaged rice dumplings, choose those that are securely wrapped in wrapping leaves; and
* When purchasing prepackaged rice dumplings, check the expiry date and whether the packaging is intact.
Home-made rice dumplings
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* Buy wrapping leaves from reliable suppliers and avoid leaves that are unnaturally bright green or with chemical odours;
* Wash hands and utensils thoroughly before and after handling food; and
* Handle raw and cooked food separately to avoid cross-contamination.
Storing and preparing rice dumplings
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* Consume rice dumplings as soon as possible and avoid prolonged storage;
* Both the glutinous rice and stuffing should be well covered until the rice dumplings are unwrapped. Do not come into direct contact with the strings upon cooking to prevent contamination at all times;
* Store rice dumplings at 4 degrees Celsius or below, or store them properly according to the instructions on the package if they are not consumed or cooked immediately;
* Keep cooked rice dumplings that are not consumed immediately in a covered container and put them in the upper compartment of the refrigerator. Keep raw food in the lower compartment to prevent cross-contamination;
* Reheat rice dumplings thoroughly until the core temperature reaches 75 degrees C or above before consumption;
* Do not reheat rice dumplings more than once; and
* Consume reheated rice dumplings as soon as possible.
Consuming rice dumplings
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* Wash hands with running water and liquid soap, and rub for at least 20 seconds before consumption; and
* Reduce seasonings such as soy sauce or granulated sugar during consumption.
The spokesman said, “Rice dumplings in general are relatively high in energy, fat and salt. During the festival, people should maintain a balanced diet and consume rice dumplings moderately, with due consideration of their health condition. People are recommended to share rice dumplings with their family members and friends, as this not only enhances the festive atmosphere, but also allows them to taste rice dumplings of different flavours and avoid over-consumption. People are also advised to make use of nutrition labels on prepackaged food to compare their nutritional contents for healthier food choices.”
The spokesman also reminded the food trade to purchase food ingredients from reliable suppliers and maintain proper records to facilitate source tracing when necessary. They should follow Good Manufacturing Practice in the preparation of food products and comply with legal requirements when using food additives. The spokesman advised the food trade to adopt the Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point System to identify, assess and control possible hazards in the food production process.
The CFS will continue to conduct surveillance on rice dumplings in the second phase, the results of which will be released in due course to ensure food safety.
Postal services to Pakistan return to normal
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Postal services to Pakistan return to normalIssued at HKT 14:50
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Japanese handcrafted eyewear brand Kaneko Optical upgrades Hong Kong office to international headquarters with new concept store opening (with photos)
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Japanese handcrafted eyewear brand Kaneko Optical upgrades Hong Kong office to international headquarters with new concept store opening
The Acting Director-General of Investment Promotion at InvestHK, Mr Arnold Lau, said, “We are delighted to see the expansion of Kaneko Optical in Hong Kong, just five months after its first launch in the city. It shows confidence not only in Hong Kong’s status as a global hub for international brands but also in our advantages as a global supply chain management hub.”
The Chief Executive Officer of Japan Eyewear Holdings Hong Kong and Japan Eyewear Holdings International, and Director & Head of Global Operations of Kaneko Optical, Mr Toru Akita, indicated that Hong Kong is not only a retail market for the company but also a strategic hub for its international supply chain.
Mr Akita said, “Our Hong Kong office will serve as an international headquarters spearheading the brand’s overseas branding and merchandising operations, including our existing wholesale destinations in over 20 countries, as of the end of 2024. In addition, it will gradually take charge of the company’s international sales development and corporate treasury management outside of Japan.”
He added, “Hong Kong has a rich variety of retail scenarios that we want to tap into. The new concept store in Tsim Sha Tsui, which is our largest presence outside of Japan, will open up new business ties at emerging markets through the growing number of ASEAN, Middle East tourists.”
He explained, “One thing we learned after launching our first concept store in Central is the brilliant mix of high-net worth professionals from different parts of the world. Their spending habits and preferences fit well with our market position, and our brand image gets to spread wide through their international networks.”
Founded in 1958 as an eyeglass wholesaler, Kaneko Optical has become a recognised trendsetter in the Japanese eyewear industry. With its own planning, design, and sales of eyewear brands, it actively collaborates with major collections and apparel manufacturers to create original brands.
For more information about Kaneko Optical, please visit www.kaneko-optical.co.jp/en
To get a copy of the photo, please visit www.flickr.com/photos/investhk/albums/72177720326093396Issued at HKT 14:00
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Land registration fees revised
Source: Hong Kong Information Services
The Government will increase fees for five types of land registration services in three phases through the 2025-26 to 2027-28 financial years, with the increases ranging from around 15% to 35% in each phase.
The scope of fee adjustments will cover registration of instruments, including assignment and mortgage; registration of agreement for sale and purchase; lease registration, agreement, renewal and surrender; registration of other instruments; and registration of instruments whereby any charge or mortgage on any share or interest in a property is assigned or transferred.
The Government explained that these five types of fees for services provided by the Land Registry Trading Fund have not been adjusted for almost 30 years.
The fees were reviewed and adjusted in accordance with an established mechanism and the “user pays” principle, and have been set at levels considered generally adequate for recovering the full costs of providing the services.
The amendment regulation was published in the Government Gazette today and will be tabled in the Legislative Council next Wednesday for its approval by negative vetting.
Thereafter, the revised fees will come into effect in three phases from July 16 of this year, July 1 in 2026, and July 1 in 2027.
Career and study expo to be held
Source: Hong Kong Information Services
The Education Bureau will host the “Information Expo on Multiple Pathways 2025” at the Convention & Exhibition Centre’s Hall 1B on May 23 and 24.
The expo will provide senior secondary school students, parents and teachers with up-to-date information on various study and career pathways.
Around 30 institutions and organisations will have booths at the event.
These will provide information on locally accredited post-secondary programmes, Diploma of Applied Education programmes, Information Portal for Accredited Post-secondary Programmes, Electronic Advance Application System for Post-secondary Programmes, the Concourse for Self-financing Post-secondary Education, and the Qualifications Framework.
Hok Yau Club, the Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups and the Hong Kong Young Women’s Christian Association will offer study and career guidance services to students.
There will also be talks on pathways for school-leavers and strategies for transitioning to post-secondary education. Post-secondary students will share their experiences.
The bureau’s own booth will feature interactive games for expo visitors to participate in.
The expo will run from 10am to 6pm. Admission is free and prior registration is not required.
Govt to meet online car hailing reps
Source: Hong Kong Information Services
The Transport & Logistics Bureau has expressed concern over illegal hire car services being provided by online car hailing platforms, and will meet the platforms’ representatives today to reiterate the need for their operations to comply with the law.
Together with the Transport Department, the bureau held a two-hour meeting with the taxi trade yesterday.
In a frank exchange of views, the Government took note of the trade’s views on improving service quality, regulating online car hailing platforms, and combating the illegal carriage of passengers for hire or reward.
After the meeting, the bureau received a petition letter with signatures from the taxi trade. It will carefully review the letter and maintain close communication with the trade.
The bureau is pressing ahead at full speed with a legislative proposal to regulate online car hailing platforms, with a view to ensuring safe and convenient point-to-point services for citizens and tourists.
SFST’s speech at EY Entrepreneur of the Year[TM] 2025 Launch Ceremony (English only)
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Following is the speech by the Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr Christopher Hui, at the EY Entrepreneur of the Year™ 2025 Launch Ceremony today (May 16):
Jack (EY China Chairman, Mr Jack Chan), distinguished guests, fellow entrepreneurs, ladies and gentlemen,
Good afternoon. It is my great pleasure to join you today to celebrate the official launch of the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year™ 2025 programme here in Hong Kong – and to mark the significant milestone of its 20th anniversary in the Greater China region.
Over the past two decades, this programme has honoured visionary leaders who have not only built successful businesses but also inspired transformation, resilience, and innovation across industries. At the heart of every one of these stories is the spirit of entrepreneurship – the courage to dream, the drive to transform, and the determination to create meaningful change.
In many ways, these qualities mirror the story of Hong Kong itself. As Asia’s premier financial centre, Hong Kong is a place where bold ideas flourish into global businesses. With our open and internationalised market, common law system, free flow of capital and information, and a world-class talent pool, we provide one of the most dynamic platforms for entrepreneurs to launch, scale, and succeed.
We are also evolving with the times. As our country continues to advance high-quality development, Hong Kong is seizing new opportunities – from promoting green and sustainable finance, to accelerating digital transformation and Web3 innovation.
To support this vision, the Government is undertaking a series of strategic initiatives to foster new quality productive forces. These include strengthening our capital markets, enhancing cross-boundary financial connectivity under the Greater Bay Area, and promoting emerging sectors such as green fintech, virtual assets, and artificial intelligence.
But at the core of this transformation is our unwavering support for entrepreneurs – especially those in small and medium enterprises, the true backbone of our economy.
We are facilitating access to finance for SMEs (small and medium enterprises) through platforms such as the Commercial Data Interchange, which enables businesses to share their data with banks to unlock trade financing opportunities. Over 50 000 loan applications, amounting to $41.9 billion, have already been processed since the launch of the Interchange.
We are nurturing innovation ecosystems with tools like Fintech Connect, which bridges financial institutions with cutting-edge fintech solution providers. On green finance, we have launched the Green and Sustainable Fintech Proof-of-Concept Funding Scheme, supporting 60 pioneering projects with early-stage funding.
And we are investing in talent development – from training subsidies for fintech practitioners, to capacity-building schemes in green and sustainable finance. These efforts not only empower individuals but also expand the talent pipeline for the next generation of entrepreneurs.
Entrepreneurship is also about vision – not only seeing what others don’t, but also at the same time believing in what could be done. That is why we are also embracing frontier technologies. The Generative AI Sandbox, co-launched by the HKMA (Hong Kong Monetary Authority) and Cyberport, is helping banks test innovations in a risk-managed environment so as to enhance fraud prevention, compliance, and customer service across the sector.
We are also laying the groundwork for the future of digital finance, including a regulatory regime for stablecoins and a forthcoming policy statement on the development of virtual assets – all designed to support responsible innovation while safeguarding market integrity.
Ladies and gentlemen, as we celebrate two decades of EY’s Entrepreneur Of The Year™ programme, we are reminded that entrepreneurship is not just about building businesses; it’s about building a better future. Hong Kong will continue to stand with our entrepreneurs, as a launchpad for ideas, a platform for innovation, and a partner in growth.
I would like to thank EY, Jack and his team for its unwavering commitment to recognising and empowering entrepreneurial leaders, and I look forward to seeing this year’s nominees continue to push boundaries and turn bold aspirations into reality. Thank you, and I wish the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year™ 2025 programme every success.