Category: MIL-OSI

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The launching ceremony of the Pilot Scheme on Sports Dispute Resolution was held at Kai Tak Stadium today (December 11).
 
     The pilot scheme, launched by the Department of Justice (DoJ) and supported by the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau (CSTB) as one of the initiatives under the Policy Address, aims to provide the sports sector with a fair, efficient and convenient mechanism for resolving sports disputes through mediation and arbitration, thereby contributing to the sustainable development of Hong Kong’s sports industry and promoting Hong Kong as an international centre for sports dispute resolution.
 
     The Deputy Secretary for Justice and Chairperson of the Advisory Committee on Sports Dispute Resolution, Dr Cheung Kwok-kwan; ​​the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Miss Rosanna Law; the Director-General of the Department of Law of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Mr Liu Chunhua; the Commissioner for Sports, Mr George Tsoi; and Vice-President of the Sports Federation & Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China (SF&OC), Mr Kenneth Fok, attended the launching ceremony. Over 160 representatives from the sports and legal sectors, including the SF&OC, the Hong Kong Sports Institute, the Hong Kong Bar Association, the Law Society of Hong Kong and national sports associations, as well as some current and retired Hong Kong athletes, also joined the ceremony.
 
     Delivering a speech at the ceremony, Dr Cheung said that with the vibrant development of the sports industry, sports disputes are an inevitable result of interactions among stakeholders; therefore, establishing a dedicated mechanism for resolving sports disputes is an important foundation for advancing the sports industry to new heights.
 
     Dr Cheung stated that the DoJ has been working closely with the sports and legal sectors on the launch of the pilot scheme over the past two years. This scheme provides a fair, efficient, and convenient mechanism for resolving sports disputes through mediation and arbitration, promoting the development of the sports industry through free competition in a fair market. The DoJ will continue to collaborate with the legal and sports sectors to organise various promotional and training activities to further enhance public awareness of sports dispute resolution. He also encouraged professionals from different fields to actively participate in and make further contributions to the development of sports industry and dispute resolution services in Hong Kong.
 
     Miss Law in her speech said that the CSTB fully supports the DoJ as well as the legal and sports sectors in jointly promoting the Pilot Scheme on Sports Dispute Resolution, which establishes a neutral, fair, and efficient mechanism to effectively handle various sports-related disputes and safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of athletes, coaches, sports organisations and all stakeholders. The pilot scheme not only addresses the current practical needs of the sector, but also contributes to creating a healthier and more sustainable development environment, laying a solid foundation for the long-term future of sports in Hong Kong.
 
     At the launching ceremony, Dr Cheung, on behalf of the DoJ, signed a memorandum of understanding with the representatives from the AALCO Hong Kong Regional Arbitration Centre (AALCO-HKRAC) and the eBRAM International Online Dispute Resolution Centre (eBRAM). The AALCO-HKRAC will administer the pilot scheme and provide institutional support for the conduct of mediation and arbitration, while eBRAM will provide the technological infrastructure and support required for the operation of the pilot scheme, with a view to promoting a wider use of lawtech and online dispute resolution services.
 
     In the subsequent panel discussions, speakers from the legal and sports sectors, as well as the DoJ, engaged in in-depth discussions on the advantages of mediation and arbitration in resolving sports disputes and introduced the features of the pilot scheme.
 
     To implement the pilot scheme, the DoJ established the Advisory Committee on Sports Dispute Resolution, comprising representatives from the CSTB, the Hong Kong Bar Association, and the Law Society of Hong Kong early this year. It also invited proposals from interested dispute resolution institutions and online dispute resolution institutions for the operation of the pilot scheme in June. The Advisory Committee then conducted a rigorous review of the proposals received based on a set of published assessment criteria. The AALCO-HKRAC and the eBRAM have been selected to serve respectively as the administering body and the technology provider of the pilot scheme.
 
     The pilot scheme will begin accepting case applications at the beginning of the first quarter of 2026, with an operational period of two years followed by a review. It will adopt a “mediation first, arbitration next” approach to resolve both commercial and non-commercial sports disputes. The pilot scheme features an online mediation and arbitration platform, as well as expedited procedures to enhance the efficiency of dispute resolution and address urgent disputes that may arise during competition. The Government will provide subsidy for eligible cases.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 3

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     Following is the speech by the Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr Christopher Hui, at the HKQAA Green and Sustainable Finance Forum Luncheon 2025 today (December 11):
 
Simon (Chairman of the Hong Kong Quality Assurance Agency (HKQAA), Professor Wong Ka-wo), Professor Sun (Deputy Secretary of the CPC Xi’an Jiaotong University Committee, Professor Sun Zao) distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
 
     Good morning. It is a great honour and pleasure for me to join you today at the HKQAA Green and Sustainable Finance Forum Luncheon 2025. I am very delighted to be here among such a distinguished gathering of industry leaders, experts, and stakeholders committed to advancing sustainable development. Let me begin by acknowledging the excellent theme curated by the HKQAA for this forum: “Fostering the Development of Sustainable Finance and Technology, Promoting Climate Risk and ESG Disclosure”. This theme is timely and relevant amid global challenges including climate change and environmental conservation, emphasising innovative solutions for economic resilience and planetary protection.
 
     I must also take this opportunity to express my appreciation for the outstanding work that the HKQAA has accomplished in the realm of sustainable finance and beyond. The HKQAA has actively participated in shaping international standards for green finance. This agency has launched the Green and Sustainable Finance Certification Scheme, providing credible verification for issuers and building trust in the market. Your support for Hong Kong’s sustainability disclosure roadmap is equally commendable, exemplified by the development of pioneering industry-based technical guidance on climate disclosure. This guidance represents one of the initial global efforts in this area, highlighting Hong Kong’s strengths and leadership in sustainability reporting.
 
     Furthermore, the HKQAA’s initiatives in capacity building, such as offering workshops and digital tools like the GHG (greenhouse gas) Scope 3 Emission Calculator, have been instrumental in preparing the business community for enhanced climate disclosures. All these tools empower companies to measure and manage their environmental impact effectively. In the domain of carbon markets and low-carbon ecosystems, the HKQAA has introduced innovative initiatives in carbon inclusion, event carbon offsetting, and low-carbon transportation infrastructure. These efforts not only support the growth of carbon trading but also contribute to building a comprehensive low-carbon ecosystem.
 
     Turning to the broader landscape, the Central People’s Government has outlined in the 14th Five-Year Plan a commitment to green transformation, aiming to peak carbon emissions before 2030 and achieve neutrality before 2060. Hong Kong aligns with these goals, targeting carbon neutrality before 2050 and a 50 per cent emissions reduction before 2035. Globally, climate finance reached US$1.3 trillion in 2021/22, but is estimated to hit US$9 trillion annually by 2030 and US$10 trillion by 2050. This highlights the demand for green finance, where Hong Kong plays a key role in capital mobilisation.
 
     As a premier international financial centre, Hong Kong is uniquely positioned as a “super connector” linking the Chinese Mainland with global markets. We leverage robust regulatory frameworks, expertise in standards, and connectivity to global capital. Last year, green and sustainable debt issued here exceeded US$84 billion, with bonds at US$43 billion – capturing 45 per cent of Asia’s total, ranking first for seven years since 2018. This success stems from comprehensive government policies working together with the industry, of course also with the HKQAA, to foster green finance, technology integration, and of course disclosure efforts, as highlighted by the theme of this forum.
 
     The Government has been taking the lead to promote green finance. Under the Government Sustainable Bond Programme, we have issued bonds totalling about HK$250 billion equivalent since 2019. Notable issuances include two batches of retail green bonds of HK$20 billion each in 2022 and 2023 – the 2022 issuance being the largest retail green bond globally at the time. At the same time, we have multicurrency green bonds in RMB (Renminbi), USD (US dollars), and euro totalling around HK$45 billion equivalent in 2023, marking the largest ESG (environmental, social and governance) bond issuance in Asia; and innovative tokenised green bonds, including the world’s first multitranche digitally native green bonds last year and a HK$10 billion equivalent issuance last month that integrated tokenised central bank money like e-CNY and e-HKD for settlement.
 
     To incentivise market participation, the Government launched the Green and Sustainable Finance Grant Scheme in 2021 to provide subsidy for eligible bond issuers and loan borrowers to cover part of their expenses on bond issuance and external review services. The Scheme has been extended by three years from 2024 to 2027, with an expanded scope of subsidies to cover transition bonds and loans. These measures encourage relevant industries in the region to make use of Hong Kong’s transition financing platform towards decarbonisation. As of end-November this year, we have granted around HK$410 million to over 640 green and sustainable debt instruments issued in Hong Kong, involving a total underlying debt issuance of over HK$1.3 trillion.
 
     Innovation is at the heart of our strategy, particularly in green fintech. The Green and Sustainable Finance Cross-Agency Steering Group, co-chaired by regulators, launched the Hong Kong Green Fintech Map 2025 in June this year, developed with stakeholders like Cyberport and Invest Hong Kong. This map provides one-stop information on green fintech companies in Hong Kong, enhancing their visibility. And in June last year, we introduced the Green and Sustainable Fintech Proof-of-Concept Funding Support Scheme, approving 39 applicants for 60 projects with HK$150,000 grants each to foster commercialisation.
 
     On sustainability disclosure, my bureau FSTB (Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau) launched in December last year the Roadmap on Sustainability Disclosure in Hong Kong. The roadmap sets out Hong Kong’s approach to require publicly accountable entities (PAEs), which are essentially our listing companies, to adopt the ISSB Standards (International Financial Reporting Standards – Sustainability Disclosure Standards). It provides a well-defined pathway for large PAEs to fully adopt the ISSB Standards no later than 2028. In June this year, the International Financial Reporting Standards Foundation (IFRS Foundation) published the jurisdictional profiles on adoption of the ISSB Standards and Hong Kong was confirmed as among the initial set of jurisdictions having set a target of fully adopting the ISSB Standards. This demonstrates Hong Kong’s commitment to enhancing the transparency of information on sustainable development in the capital markets, facilitating investors to make investment decisions and promoting global capital flows. My bureau in collaboration with financial regulators and stakeholders will continue to support the pragmatic implementation of the Hong Kong Standards through enhancing capacity building and promoting the use of technological solutions.
 
     Another key topic is about carbon markets, we are extending our efforts to build Hong Kong into an international credible market to connect opportunities across the Mainland, Asia and the rest of the world. The Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited (HKEX) launched an international carbon marketplace Core Climate in October 2022, which is currently the only carbon marketplace that offers HKD (Hong Kong dollars) and RMB settlement for the trading of international voluntary carbon credits. The number of participants on the platform reached 100 by the end of last year. The HKEX signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in September this year with Guangzhou Emissions Exchange, Shenzhen Green Exchange and Macao International Carbon Emission Exchange to co-operate in accelerating the carbon markets and green finance ecosystem development across the Greater Bay Area. Under the MOU, the four exchanges will work closely to explore new opportunities in carbon markets and green finance. This collaboration aims to foster deeper dialogue and facilitate the exchange of expertise among the exchanges and markets participants, supporting the development of a robust and vibrant green finance ecosystem across Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area.
 
     Looking forward, Hong Kong’s leadership in sustainable finance requires unwavering commitment, innovation, and collaboration. This forum, with insights from a lineup of distinguished speakers, will provide visionary perspectives helping us to drive further development. Through partnerships with all stakeholders, we will continue to unlock capital for a greener future, extending beyond Hong Kong to Asia and globally. Thank you once again for having me today and at the same time, to the HKQAA for organising this event. I wish the forum every success and look forward to fruitful discussions and more insights to inform us to make better decisions going forward.
 
     Thank you.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA) under the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau led an industry delegation to participate in UnitedXR Europe 2025 in Brussels, Belgium, from December 8 to 10 (Brussels time).

     Sponsored by CCIDA, the Hong Kong Pavilion at UnitedXR Europe showcased Hong Kong’s innovative capabilities of 20 Hong Kong digital entertainment companies in extended reality (XR), virtual reality (VR) and artificial intelligence (AI) technologies across gaming, training and education, animation, art-tech, and immersive experiences. During the exhibition period, CCIDA also organised a series of exchange activities, business meetings and company visits to enable the exhibiting Hong Kong companies to explore business and collaboration opportunities with their international counterparts and to enhance their understanding of the European XR market and industry development trends.

     Speaking at the opening ceremony of the Hong Kong Pavilion on December 9 (Brussels time), the Commissioner for Cultural and Creative Industries, Miss Drew Lai, remarked that CCIDA is dedicated to supporting local creative talent in applying leading XR technologies to Hong Kong’s creative industries, as well as engaging and collaborating with XR ecosystems worldwide. The Hong Kong Pavilion at UnitedXR Europe not only presents Hong Kong’s cutting-edge technologies and creative applications in digital entertainment but also demonstrates its commitment to advancing creative technologies and strengthening Hong Kong’s connections with Europe and the global community.  

     The Hong Kong Pavilion is also supported by the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Brussels. The Special Representative for Hong Kong Economic and Trade Affairs to the European Union, Ms Shirley Yung, also attended the opening ceremony.

     UnitedXR Europe this year combines the Augmented World Expo EU and Stereopsia for the first time to launch Europe’s leading XR event. For more information about UnitedXR Europe 2025 and the Hong Kong Pavilion, please visit unitedxr.eu/ and www.hkpavilion.com/ respectively.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

Hong Kong Customs detected two suspected smuggling cases involving two river trade vessels on November 19 and 20 respectively. A large batch of suspected smuggled goods with a total estimated market value of about $75 million was seized.
 
Through intelligence analysis and risk assessment, two river trade vessels departing from Hong Kong for Macao were selected for inspection on the abovementioned dates. Upon examination, Customs officers aboard the vessels found a large batch of suspected smuggled goods, including suspected pharmaceutical products, suspected scheduled endangered mobula plate gills and plants, dried seafood, cigars, and electronic products.
 
Investigations are ongoing. The likelihood of arrests is not ruled out.
 
Being a government department primarily responsible for tackling smuggling activities, Customs has long been combating various smuggling activities at the forefront. Customs will keep up its enforcement action and continue to resolutely combat sea smuggling activities through proactive risk management and intelligence-based enforcement strategies, and carry out targeted anti-smuggling operations at suitable times to crack down on relevant crimes.
 
Smuggling is a serious offence. Under the Import and Export Ordinance, any person found guilty of importing or exporting unmanifested cargo is liable to a maximum fine of $2 million and imprisonment for seven years upon conviction.
 
Under the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance, any person importing, exporting or possessing specimens of endangered species not in accordance with the Ordinance commits an offence and will be liable to a maximum fine of $10 million and imprisonment for 10 years upon conviction with the specimens forfeited.
 
Members of the public may report any suspected smuggling 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

     The Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) today (December 11) announced that Po Leung Kuk has been selected as the partner to operate the cultural and creative arts bazaar at Victoria Park (V Mart).

     Located at the Water Fountain Plaza and the South Pavilion Plaza in Victoria Park, V Mart is one of the nine hotspot projects announced in May this year by the Working Group on Developing Tourist Hotspots led by the Deputy Chief Secretary for Administration. V Mart will commence trial operations on December 12. It will then be open from noon to no later than 9pm on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays (operation period subject to changes in light of major events to be held at Victoria Park) up to end-November next year. V Mart will feature new themes from time to time, with about 30 stalls showing different products, handmade crafts, trendy food and beverage, etc, as well as photo spots attractive to local residents and tourists.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Hong Kong Museum of Art (HKMoA), upon invitation from the Hong Kong Arts Development Council (HKADC), is collaborating with the HKADC for the first time to participate in the Collateral Event of the 61st International Art Exhibition – La Biennale di Venezia in Venice, Italy, from May to November 2026. The HKMoA and the HKADC will jointly present selected works of Hong Kong artists Kingsley Ng and Angel Hui at the exhibition to showcase Hong Kong’s artistic diversity on the international stage.
 
     Curated by the HKMoA, the exhibition explores the poetic rhythms of everyday life, engaging in a dialogue with the curatorial theme “In Minor Keys” of the 61st International Art Exhibition – La Biennale di Venezia. Drawing on familiar yet fleeting moments from daily life in Hong Kong, the exhibition guides visitors on a journey of self-discovery within the flow of life.
 
     Born and raised in Hong Kong, the two participating artists excel in drawing inspiration from Hong Kong’s cultural context and quotidian experiences, reinterpreting daily-life rhythms and aesthetics through varied mediums such as light, sound and installation. Ng, an established media artist, is known for his poetic, site-specific installations that extend the viewer’s perceptions of life. His works have been presented extensively in notable exhibitions locally and internationally. Hui, a promising emerging artist, is skilled at integrating traditional Chinese cultural elements with contemporary artistic language, recreating everyday objects to evoke cross-cultural artistic possibilities. Together, the two Hong Kong artists, as keen observers of the nuances of urban daily life, are transforming their reflections into creative inspirations for connecting Hong Kong and Venice – two international metropolises from various perspectives, thereby demonstrating the vitality and accomplishment of Hong Kong art to the international audience.
 
     Established in 1895, the International Art Exhibition – La Biennale di Venezia is the world’s oldest international exhibition of contemporary visual arts. In each edition, some 100 countries and regions join the national pavilions and collateral events. Since 2001, the HKADC has been participating in the International Art Exhibition – La Biennale di Venezia through a collateral event, aiming to promote Hong Kong’s art development as well as cultural exchanges at international art platforms.
 
     To foster broader participation from fellow art practitioners and create opportunities for Hong Kong artists to advance their careers on the international stage, the selection of artists to participate in the exhibition was guided by a nomination and assessment process. The HKMoA had invited nominations from local tertiary institutions as well as professional art organisations. Artists or artist collectives directly commissioned by the museums and offices of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) in recent years were also included. The nomination list covered over 200 artists. A professional selection panel then shortlisted artists for the HKMoA’s final consideration. The HKMoA has selected Ng and Hui from the shortlist.
 
     The curatorial team of the HKMoA is deeply honoured to be curating the Hong Kong Exhibition at the International Art Exhibition – La Biennale di Venezia. Established in 1962, the HKMoA is the city’s first public art museum. For over six decades, it has been committed to collecting and promoting Hong Kong art, as well as fostering strong collaborative relationships within the sector. It has built up a wide network and extensive experience, nurturing the growth of local artists and actively fulfilling its role as “the art museum of Hong Kong”. The HKMoA expressed hope that, by joining hands with the two artists, representative Hong Kong art will be impressively brought onto the global stage.

     The members of the selection panel are: Guest Professor of School of Intermedia Art of the China Academy of Art Professor Johnson Chang; Museum Expert Adviser of the LCSD Dr William Lim; Senior Advisor of the Mori Art Museum, Japan, Mr Fumio Nanjo; the Chairman of the Museum Advisory Committee of the LCSD, Professor Douglas So; Professor Wang Huangsheng from the Central Academy of Fine Arts; the Museum Director of the HKMoA, Dr Maria Mok; and the Curator (Modern and Hong Kong Art) of the HKMoA, Ms Prudence Ma.

     The Hong Kong Exhibition at the 61st International Art Exhibition – La Biennale di Venezia is presented by the LCSD and the HKADC and organised by the HKMoA and the HKADC. It will be held in Venice, Italy (Campo della Tana, Castello 2126, 30122), from May 9 to November 22, 2026.

     For details of the two participating artists, please refer to the Annex.