Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
The Transport Department (TD) today (June 17) said that the passenger and vehicle traffic at land-based boundary control points (BCPs) will significantly increase before and after the Tuen Ng Festival holiday, especially amid the inbound peak on Sunday (June 21) afternoon and evening, when waiting times for public transport (PT) services will be longer. Cross-boundary travellers are urged to plan their trips early and properly, allow sufficient travelling time and avoid travelling during peak hours as far as possible. They should heed the latest information broadcast at major stations and BCPs.
Enhancing services for travel convenience
The TD has been steering local and cross-boundary public transport operators (PTOs) to strengthen their services before and after the Tuen Ng Festival for the convenience of residents and visitors, including:
The MTR Corporation Limited will enhance the train services of the East Rail Line between Admiralty and Lo Wu/Lok Ma Chau Stations at different times from June 18 to 21 based on passenger demand;
The train service of the Hong Kong Section of the Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Express Rail Link between Hong Kong West Kowloon and designated Mainland stations will operate additional temporary train trips on June 19 and June 21 (see details at the 12306.cn website);
The frequencies of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge (HZMB) shuttle bus (Gold Bus) and the Lok Ma Chau-Huanggang cross-boundary shuttle bus (Yellow Bus) will be increased to an average of about one minute and two minutes respectively during peak hours;
The quota of cross-boundary coaches will be increased to strengthen services; and
The frequency of local franchised bus B routes connecting various land-based BCPs will also be increased beyond the normal weekend level, and the operators concerned will reserve sufficient vehicles and manpower to meet passenger demand.
Travel during non-peak hours
It is anticipated that the waiting time for PT services, including the Gold Bus and the franchised bus B routes, may be longer. Travellers should avoid travelling during peak hours as far as possible. Passengers are advised to maintain order while queuing and heed the advice of on-site Police and staff of PTOs concerned. Passengers planning to take cross-boundary coaches are also advised to reserve their coach tickets in advance.
HZMB users travelling to Zhuhai should note that the temporary link bridge connecting the HZMB Zhuhai Port and Qinglu South Road has been closed to all traffic, and the traffic at Zhuhai Port and neighbouring roads has become very busy during holiday peak periods. They should use PT services as far as possible, plan their trips early, allow sufficient travelling time and remain patient while waiting.
As for motorists of cross-boundary private cars, they are advised that special traffic arrangements may be implemented at the Lok Ma Chau Control Point and Shenzhen Bay Port, subject to actual traffic conditions, before and after the Tuen Ng Festival to secure smooth access for PT vehicles to the above BCPs. Cross-boundary private cars may experience longer waiting times for crossing the BCPs during peak periods. Motorists should pay extra attention to variable message signs and traffic signs along the roads. In case of traffic congestion, they should remain patient and follow the instructions of on-site Police.
Information dissemination
To plan their journeys ahead, members of the public can make use of the TD’s HKeMobility mobile app or website (hkemobility.gov.hk/en/traffic-information/live/cctv) to access snapshots of traffic conditions at the inbound and outbound vehicle plazas of the HZMB Hong Kong Port. They can also check real-time situations of the vehicle clearance plaza of the Zhuhai Port through the WeChat official accounts “hzmbzhport” or “zhuhaifabu” (traffic-info.gzazhka.com:5015/#/) (Chinese only). Moreover, motorists are reminded to always comply with traffic control measures implemented by the Zhuhai authority when driving on the HZMB Main Bridge. Vehicles must not occupy the emergency lane unless instructed by the Zhuhai authority.
The public and visitors may visit the one-stop information platform on immigration clearance “Easy Boundary” (www.sb.gov.hk/eng/bwt/status.html?type=outbound) of the Security Bureau or the HKeMobility for the latest information on various land-based BCPs more conveniently. The TD will provide information on the services and waiting times of the Gold Bus, the Yellow Bus and the MTR. Members of the public are advised to check the latest traffic news through radio and television broadcasts, the TD’s website (www.td.gov.hk) and the HKeMobility. PTOs and relevant departments of BCPs will also disseminate the latest information to passengers through public announcement systems or other channels at major stations and BCPs.
The TD’s Emergency Transport Co-ordination Centre operates round the clock to closely monitor the traffic conditions and PT services across various districts, BCPs and major stations, and to implement contingency measures when necessary to meet service demand.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Following is a question by the Hon Maggie Chan and a reply by the Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Mr Chris Sun, in the Legislative Council today (June 17):
Question:
The Government increased the Child Care Centre Parent Subsidy to a maximum of $1,000 per month in April 2024, and further expanded the School-based After School Care Service Scheme (the Scheme) in the 2025-2026 school year. As at February this year, there were already 205 primary schools participating in the Scheme, providing over 10 000 service places. Regarding the strengthening of support for working families in childbearing, will the Government inform this Council:
(1) of the number of cases that have received the Child Care Centre Parent Subsidy in full since April 2024; among them, the proportion of infants and toddlers from birth to under the age of two who have benefited;
(2) given that under the Scheme, care services on weekdays are provided until 6pm or 6.30pm, and may be extended to 7pm in individual schools, whether the Government has plans for extending the service hours of the Scheme to 7pm across the board; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that; and President,
To support parents in taking care of their children, the Government subsidises non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to provide a variety of day child care services, including the full-day Child Care Centre (CCC) service, the After School Care Programme (ASCP) and the Extended Hours Service (EHS) for school-aged children, the district-based and flexible Occasional Child Care Service (OCCS) and the Neighbourhood Support Child Care Project, as well as implements the School-based After School Care Service Scheme (SBA), to meet the different needs of parents and children. The reply to the Member’s question on the three parts is as follows: Currently, there are a total of 21 aided standalone CCCs in Hong Kong, providing 1 536 service places. The SWD is setting up 15 additional aided standalone CCCs in different districts (including North District and Yuen Long) in phases. It is estimated that a total of about 1 500 additional service places will be provided progressively by the end of 2029, almost doubling the existing supply.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
Following is a question by the Hon Chan Hak-kan and a reply by the Acting Secretary for Environment and Ecology, Miss Diane Wong, in the Legislative Council today (June 17):
It has been reported that the smuggling of animals into Hong Kong has become an increasingly serious issue in recent years. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
(1) as it has been reported that there are quite a number of messages on Mainland social media and online shopping platforms advertising the cross-boundary sale of animals, using gimmicks such as the provision of “pet consignment”, “quarantine-free” and “same-day delivery” to attract customers, whether the Government has worked closely with these platforms to strengthen intelligence exchange, with a view to swiftly taking down non-compliant content, so as to combat the smuggling of animals; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that;
(2) given that according to government information, the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department received 377 complaints in relation to animal trading and breeding activities last year, yet there were only 26 cases of successful prosecutions for breach of licensing conditions, of the reasons for that; among these complaints, the number of cases involving animal smuggling and the number of convictions; and
(3) of the following information regarding animal smuggling cases: (i) the number of cases involving the illegal import of cats and dogs so far this year, and the number of cats and dogs involved, (ii) the average time taken from enforcement to the conclusion of court proceedings in animal smuggling cases, (iii) the number of confiscated animals that have been adopted and the relevant percentage, and (iv) the resources or funding provided by the Government to organisations responsible for offering temporary shelter for and adoption of confiscated animals?
Reply:
President,
Illegal animal smuggling and trading activities not only endanger animal health but also pose a significant risk to public health and safety in Hong Kong. To this end, the Government adopts a multipronged strategy to combat these illegal activities through legislative regulation, inspection and enforcement, intelligence sharing as well as publicity and education. We continuously review and enhance the effectiveness of these measures to tackle the ever-changing illegal smuggling and trading methods, thereby safeguarding public and animal health.
With regard to the importation of animals, under the Public Health (Animals and Birds) Regulations (Cap. 139A) and the Rabies Regulation (Cap. 421A), any person who imports animals without a permit is liable to a maximum fine of $50,000 and imprisonment for one year.
As for animal trading, the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) strictly regulates the operations of physical shops, online animal sellers and dog breeding premises under the Public Health (Animals and Birds) (Trading and Breeding) Regulations (Cap. 139B). It requires licence holders to comply with licence conditions and codes of practice, including the proper care of animals, the administration of vaccinations, and the provision of proof of the animals’ lawful origin, to ensure the animals are in good health. Any person selling animals without a licence is liable to a maximum fine of $100,000, whilst a breach of licence or permit conditions is punishable by a maximum fine of $50,000.
In response to the question raised by the Hon Chan Hak-kan, and following consultation with the Security Bureau, my reply is as follows:
(1) To tackle illegal animal trading on online platforms, the AFCD has set up a dedicated investigation team to conduct proactive investigations, including the regular monitoring of online advertisements for the sale and breeding of animals. Upon receiving complaints or detecting suspicious cases, the dedicated team will immediately launch in-depth investigations, including deploying undercover (decoy) operations to gather evidence. At the same time, the AFCD has established a close intelligence-sharing mechanism with the Customs and Excise Department (C&ED) to enhance the effectiveness of monitoring online violations and strengthen joint enforcement efforts.
Regarding claims by certain Mainland online sellers that they can deliver animals such as cats and dogs to Hong Kong “without quarantine”, we must solemnly point out that such acts constitute illegal animal smuggling, in order to set the record straight. Since last year, the AFCD has proactively requested assistance from the Mainland regulatory authorities and the heads of major Mainland social media platforms to combat such smuggling activities, and has received positive responses. Mainland regulatory authorities are actively exploring ways to strengthen supervision and enforcement against social media platforms. Meanwhile, Mainland social media platforms will strictly review suspicious accounts and remove non-compliant content at the AFCD’s request.
Furthermore, the AFCD’s quarantine detection dogs carry out detection operations daily at various locations, including the Hong Kong International Airport, the Air Mail Centre and various import and export control points; the department also conducts targeted joint enforcement operations with the C&ED at the airport and major land border control points, and it continues to deepen intelligence exchange and joint operations with Mainland and overseas law enforcement agencies.
(2) The AFCD has been conducting regular inspections and surprise checks on licensed animal trading and breeding premises. Where there is evidence of non-compliance, the AFCD will initiate prosecution proceedings. In 2025, the AFCD received a total of 377 complaints concerning the illegal sale and breeding of animals. One hundred and three cases were substantiated after investigation, of which 65 resulted in successful prosecutions. These included 39 cases of selling animals without a valid licence or permit, and 26 cases of breaching licence conditions. None of the aforementioned complaint cases involved illegal animal smuggling.
(3) As of the end of May 2026, the Government had successfully detected 11 cases of illegal importation of cats and dogs, involving a total of 21 animals (comprising 18 cats and three dogs). Law enforcement agencies are currently conducting investigations and gathering evidence, and will initiate prosecutions against the persons involved once sufficient evidence is secured.
In 2025, cases involving the smuggling of animals took an average of approximately five months from the time of enforcement to the conclusion of court proceedings, a period encompassing necessary legal procedures including evidence collection and formal charges being laid by law enforcement officers, as well as court appearances and trial conclusions. Under the law, those involved may choose to transport the animals out of Hong Kong at their own expense, send the animals to a quarantine centre for quarantine, or surrender custody of them. Upon receiving animals whose custody has been surrendered, the AFCD immediately places them under quarantine, provides care and behavioural training to enhance their chances of adoption, and subsequently transfers suitable animals to the department’s partner organisations for adoption arrangements. In 2025, 12 cats and dogs (comprising seven cats and five dogs) were surrendered by the persons carrying the animals. Of these, 11 (six cats and five dogs) have been transferred to the department’s partner animal welfare organisations for public adoption, whilst the remaining one is still under observation by the AFCD.
The AFCD selects animals that are docile and in good health from among those abandoned or are unclaimed, and transfers them to partner animal welfare organisations for public adoption. Through the annual subvention scheme, the AFCD provides financial support to these animal welfare organisations to implement publicity and education, provide adoption services, and undertake animal management work.
In addition, the AFCD utilises multiple channels to step up public education and publicity to promote pet adoption, including broadcasting educational videos and Announcements in the Public Interest on various platforms; establishing a thematic website; distributing leaflets, posters and booklets; and regularly organising seminars in schools and residential estates, roving exhibitions across the 18 districts, dog training courses and pet adoption days.
Overall, to effectively combat illegal animal smuggling and trading, active co-operation from the public is crucial, in addition to rigorous enforcement by the Government. Members of the public must remain vigilant, particularly when purchasing pets via online platforms, and be aware that illegal or unscrupulous traders may provide misleading information about pets in order to entice people to buy animals of unknown origin or in poor health. Consumers not only suffer financial losses but often find it difficult to hold these traders legally accountable later on. Therefore, the Government strongly advocates the principle of “adopting rather than buying pets”, encouraging the public to prioritise adoption through legitimate channels. If choosing to purchase a pet, members of the public should buy from licensed animal traders to avoid acquiring animals of unknown origin through unofficial channels. Furthermore, the Government will continue to make good use of diverse channels, such as social media, dedicated webpages and advertisements, to conduct public education campaigns, with a view to enhancing public awareness of the relevant legislation and associated risks, thereby safeguarding public and animal health.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
LCQ19: Museums under Leisure and Cultural Services Department Question:
The National 15th Five-Year Plan emphasises its support for Hong Kong to develop into the East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange. There are views that museums under the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) play a vital role in collecting, conserving and exhibiting collections, thereby ensuring the preservation of these endowments. However, it is learnt that since the COVID-19 pandemic, attendances at these museums have shown signs of slowing down, and there are disparities in popularity between the various museums. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
(1) of the annual attendance of each museum under the LCSD since 2023 (set out in a table);
(2) of the respective latest progress of and timetable for setting up (i) a Pop Culture Centre and (ii) a museum to showcase the development and achievements of our country;
(3) as it is learnt that in recent years, Mainland cities of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area have successively completed a number of sizeable and modern museums integrating the latest technology, of the specific strategies the Government will put in place to enhance the appeal and competitiveness of Hong Kong’s museums in the future;
(4) of the resources the LCSD has devoted and plans to devote for promoting “smart museums” and the adoption of technologies such as AI and augmented reality to enhance museum exhibition experience, and the relevant details; and
(5) as it is learnt that most museums under the LCSD currently operate on a model where each museum curates its own exhibitions independently, whether the authorities will consider reorganising or optimising the existing management structure and mode of operation of museums to enhance the efficiency of cross-museum resource allocation and the appeal of museums?
Reply:
President,
The reply to the question raised by the Hon Lee Chun-keung is as follows:
(1) The attendance figures for museums and art spaces under the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) for the years 2023-24 to 2025-26 are set out in the table below:
MuseumNote 1: In 2024, the Hong Kong Museum of Art, the Hong Kong Heritage Museum and the Hong Kong Science Museum each organised well received exhibitions (including exhibitions of art collections, exhibitions to mark the birth anniversaries of notable figures, as well as exhibitions and programmes themed on national achievements), resulting in higher attendance for that year. The Hong Kong Heritage Museum also organised a well received commemorative exhibition of a notable figure in 2023.
Note 2: The permanent exhibition has been closed since October 19, 2020, to facilitate upgrading works, and has been reopened in phases with effect from November 27, 2024.
Note 3: The venue was closed from May 1, 2024, to November 6, 2025, to optimise the design and display content of the permanent galleries, and to carry out repair and improvement works.
(2) The Pop Culture Centre is currently in the site selection phase. Once the location is confirmed, we will consult with various stakeholders and expert advisors on its long-term planning, curatorial direction, and exhibition content to develop an appropriate plan to establish the centre as a cultural landmark and tourist attraction.
The museum showcasing the development and achievements of our country will be located in the Kwu Tung North New Development Area of the Northern Metropolis. The Architectural Services Department is conducting feasibility studies for the construction project, and we are simultaneously discussing the curation of the museum with relevant national museums actively.
(3) Museums under the LCSD are committed to preserving, researching, and displaying Hong Kong’s diverse cultural resources, including history, art, science, film, intangible cultural heritage (ICH), and pop culture. Building on Hong Kong’s distinctive East-meets-West cultural character and its international connections as important foundations for enhancing appeal and competitiveness, efforts are made to strengthen the quality and influence of Hong Kong’s museums through exhibition planning, enhancement of visitor experience, application of technology, integration of culture and tourism, as well as regional and international collaboration.
In terms of exhibitions and visitor experience, the LCSD will continue to organise large-scale and representative thematic exhibitions, introducing important collections and exhibits from the Chinese Mainland and overseas while making full use of local collections. More cross-museum exhibitions and activities tailored to the unique positioning and strength of individual museums will also be commissioned at the same time. For example, the Hong Kong Museum of Art is currently hosting Blooming: The Art of Gardens in East and West, which brings together over 100 selected artworks and artifacts for the first time in Hong Kong from the Palace Museum in Beijing, the Art Institute of Chicago, the Palace of Versailles in France, and the Hong Kong Museum of Art, fully demonstrating and leveraging Hong Kong’s important role as a window for cultural exchange between Eastern and Western civilisations. The LCSD will also continuously enhance its curatorial approach, educational activities, and interactive experiences, while enhancing the use of new technologies and social media to attract residents and tourists of all ages.
Regarding integration of culture and tourism, the LCSD actively promotes the integrated development of culture, creativity, sports, and tourism. Different museums, cultural venues, ICH projects and community resources will be connected to support the planning of large-scale cultural events that appeal to both residents and tourists, including the Chinese Culture Festival, Hong Kong Pop Culture Festival, Hong Kong ICH Month, and Muse Fest HK. Through the international platform of the Museum Summit, efforts will be made to enhance the international influence and attractiveness of Hong Kong’s museums, further leveraging their role in enriching visitors’ cultural experiences and promoting cultural-tourism integration.
LCSD museums will also continue to strengthen collaboration with Chinese Mainland and overseas museums in exhibitions, collections, academic research, and talent development. By combining the rich historical and cultural resources of the Chinese Mainland with Hong Kong’s international networks and multicultural perspectives, Hong Kong’s role as East-meets-West Centre for international cultural exchange will be further enhanced. For example, the 4th Museum Summit held in March 2025 brought together over 30 cultural leaders and professionals from renowned museums and institutions across 17 countries, as well as over 40 museum professionals from the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Museum Alliance and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, with over 7 000 registered participants sharing valuable professional experience, research findings, and innovative ideas.
(4) When planning exhibitions, LCSD museums have always actively explored the feasibility of applying innovative technologies and AI, taking into account the exhibition theme and venue conditions, to enhance curation quality and visitor experience. The “Glorious Voyage: Splendid Achievements of the People’s Republic of China in Its 75 Years” exhibition series, held from September 2024 to February 2025, featured a core theme of AI in its Era of Intelligence exhibition, aiming to popularise AI knowledge among the public through interactive exhibits that allow visitors to directly experience how technology integrates into daily life.
The Hong Kong Science Museum launched its AI Gallery and Living Tech Gallery in February this year, combining generative AI and deep learning technologies to showcase AI’s integration with culture, art and science through interactive exhibits such as painting, music composing, chess playing, and rock-paper-scissors, enhancing the fun of science education. Additionally, current exhibitions such as The Hong Kong Jockey Club Series: Prosperity and Magnificence-Civilisation of the Sui and Tang Dynasties in Shaanxi Province at the Hong Kong Museum of History, Proudly from Canton: The Muwen Tang Collection of Cantonese and Export Art at the Hong Kong Museum of Art, and The Hong Kong Jockey Club Series: Meet Mona Lisa & Portraying the Renaissance at the Hong Kong Heritage Museum all apply AI, augmented reality, and virtual reality technologies to create interactive exhibits, enriching the visitor experience.
(5) The Blueprint for Arts and Culture and Creative Industries Development proposes to integrate and optimise the overall planning of museums, and to highlight their respective characteristics, content and positioning. In this connection, the Chinese Culture Promotion Office (CCPO), established in 2024, is responsible for co-ordinating museums and other venues under the purview of the LCSD relating to Chinese culture, promoting cross‑museum and cross‑disciplinary collaboration, and planning thematic exhibitions, educational activities, performing arts programmes, exchanges and co‑operation relating to Chinese culture, including two signature projects, namely the annual Chinese Culture Festival and the General History of China Exhibition Series co-organised with the Hong Kong Museum of History. Starting from 2025, the CCPO, in collaboration with various museums, has organised annual exhibitions on national development and achievements, taking themes such as history, ICH and technological development as entry points to introduce the latest developments of the country in various fields. The CCPO will continue to further promote Chinese history and culture in the community.
In addition, the highlight programme held during this year’s Hong Kong ICH Month – The Journey of the Horse: A Legacy of Arts and Culture light show – integrates ICH and astronomical elements through collection items from various museums under the LCSD for the first time, and is currently being projected onto the dome façade of the Hong Kong Space Museum, fully demonstrating and putting into practice the concepts of inter-museum collaboration and the integration of culture and tourism.
Held annually in November, Muse Fest HK leverages the 17 museums and art spaces under the LCSD as a foundation. Under the theme Hong Kong H.A.S. Museums (History, Art and Science), the festival promotes cross-museum and cross-disciplinary integration to offer a rich and diverse array of programmes. While showcasing the distinct and fascinating collections of individual museums, it also introduces the unique cultural history and vibrant artistic landscape of Hong Kong to both local citizens and visitors, effectively linking museums across various districts into an interconnected urban network for exploration. Issued at HKT 17:32
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Following is a question by Professor the Hon Priscilla Leung and a written reply by the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Algernon Yau, in the Legislative Council today (June 17):
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Government to introduce resolution to adjust fees payable by banks and other financial institutions to Government prescribed in Second Schedule to Banking Ordinance Under the Ordinance, authorized institutions (AIs) (including licensed banks, restricted licence banks and deposit-taking companies), LROs and AMBs are required to pay to the Director of Accounting Services the licence fees, registration fees, establishment fees for local and overseas branches or overseas representative offices, and approval fees, upon authorisation or approval by the Monetary Authority, and the relevant renewal fees upon the anniversary in each year of the date on which an AI was authorised (including the fees of relevant local and overseas branches and overseas representative offices), or the date on which an LRO or AMB was approved. The levels of the fees are specified in the Second Schedule to the Ordinance.
As announced in the 2024-25 Budget, the Government will review different fees and charges in a timely manner. Following the adjustments in 2024, the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) has recently completed a further review of the fees prescribed in the Second Schedule to the Ordinance, and proposes to raise the related fees.
A Government spokesperson said, “In making the proposal, the HKMA has taken into consideration relevant factors, including general price inflation, corresponding fee levels in other jurisdictions, and the operating cost of the financial institutions. The impact on Hong Kong’s competitiveness as an international financial centre has also been assessed and taken into account. As the total licence fees account for an insignificant portion of the total operating expenses of AIs and AMBs, we expect that the impact on the affected financial institutions will be minimal. The financial competitiveness of Hong Kong will not be affected.”
Subject to the legislative process, the Government will move the resolution in LegCo on July 8. Issued at HKT 17:40
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority:
The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA), as representative of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government (HKSAR Government), announced today (June 17) that a tender of 5-year HKD Institutional Government Bonds (Bonds) under the Infrastructure Bond Programme will be held on June 24, 2026 (Wednesday), for settlement on June 25, 2026 (Thursday).
A total of HK$1.75 billion 5-year HKD Bonds will be tendered. The Bonds will mature on June 25, 2031 and will carry interest at the rate of 2.96 per cent per annum payable semi-annually in arrear.
Tender is open only to Primary Dealers appointed under the Infrastructure Bond Programme. Anyone wishing to apply for the Bonds on offer can do so through any of the Primary Dealers on the latest published list, which can be obtained from the Hong Kong Government Bonds website at www.hkgb.gov.hk. Each tender must be for an amount of HK$50,000 or integral multiples thereof.
Tender results will be published on the HKMA’s website, the Hong Kong Government Bonds website, Bloomberg (GBHK ) and Refinitiv (IBPGSBPINDEX). The publication time is expected to be no later than 3pm on the tender day.
HKSAR Institutional Government Bonds Tender Information
Tender information of 5-year HKD HKSAR Institutional Government Bonds:
Issue Number
:
05GB3106001
Stock Code
:
4206 (HKGB 2.96 3106)
Tender Date and Time
:
June 24, 2026 (Wednesday)
9.30am to 10.30am
Issue and Settlement Date
:
June 25, 2026 (Thursday)
Amount on Offer
:
HK$1.75 billion
Maturity
:
5 years
Maturity Date
:
June 25, 2031 (Wednesday)
Interest Rate
:
2.96 per cent p.a. payable semi-annually in arrear
Interest Payment Dates
:
June 25 and December 25 in each year, commencing on the Issue Date up to and including the Maturity Date, subject to adjustment in accordance with the terms of the Institutional Issuances Information Memorandum of the Infrastructure Bond Programme and Government Sustainable Bond Programme (Information Memorandum) published on the Hong Kong Government Bonds website.
Method of Tender
:
Competitive tender
Tender Amount
:
Each competitive tender must be for an amount of HK$50,000 or integral multiples thereof. Any tender applications for the Bonds must be submitted through a Primary Dealer on the latest published list.
Other Details
:
Please see the Information Memorandum available on the Hong Kong Government Bonds website or approach Primary Dealers.
Expected commencement date of dealing on
the Stock Exchange
of Hong Kong Limited
:
June 26, 2026 (Friday)
Use of Proceeds
:
The Bonds will be issued under the institutional part of the Infrastructure Bond Programme. Proceeds will be invested in infrastructure projects in accordance with the Infrastructure Bond Framework published on the Hong Kong Government Bonds website.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority:
The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA), as representative of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government (HKSAR Government), announced today (June 17) that a tender of 10-year HKD institutional Government Bonds (Bonds) through the re-opening of existing 10-year Government Bond issue 10GB3507001 under the Infrastructure Bond Programme will be held on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, for settlement on Thursday, June 25, 2026.
An additional amount of HK$1.25 billion of the outstanding 10-year Bonds (issue no. 10GB3507001) will be on offer. The Bonds will mature on July 24, 2035 and will carry interest at the rate of 3.17 per cent per annum payable semi-annually in arrear. The Indicative Pricings of the Bonds on June 17, 2026 are 99.41 with an annualised yield of 3.271 per cent.
Tender is open only to Primary Dealers appointed under the Infrastructure Bond Programme. Anyone wishing to apply for the Bonds on offer can do so through any of the Primary Dealers on the latest published list, which can be obtained from the Hong Kong Government Bonds website at www.hkgb.gov.hk. Each tender must be for an amount of HK$50,000 or integral multiples thereof.
Tender results will be published on the HKMA’s website, the Hong Kong Government Bonds website, Bloomberg (GBHK ) and Refinitiv (IBPGSBPINDEX). The publication time is expected to be no later than 3pm on the tender day.
HKSAR Institutional Government Bonds Tender Information
Tender information of 10-year HKD HKSAR Institutional Government Bonds:
Issue Number
:
10GB3507001
Stock Code
:
4294 (HKGB 3.17 3507)
Tender Date and Time
:
Wednesday, June 24, 2026
9.30am to 10.30am
Issue and Settlement Date
:
Thursday, June 25, 2026
Amount on Offer
:
HK$1.25 billion
Maturity
:
10 years
Remaining maturity
:
Approximately 9.08 years
Maturity Date
:
Tuesday, July 24, 2035
Interest Rate
:
3.17 per cent p.a. payable semi-annually in arrear
Interest Payment Dates
:
January 24 and July 24 in each year, commencing on the Issue Date up to and including the Maturity Date, subject to adjustment in accordance with the terms of the Institutional Issuances Information Memorandum of the Infrastructure Bond Programme and Government Sustainable Bond Programme (Information Memorandum) published on the Hong Kong Government Bonds website.
Method of Tender
:
Competitive tender
Tender Amount
:
Each competitive tender must be for an amount of HK$50,000 or integral multiples thereof. Any tender applications for the Bonds must be submitted through a Primary Dealer on the latest published list.
The accrued interest to be paid by successful bidders on the issue date (June 25, 2026) for the tender amount is HK$ 651.37 per minimum denomination of HK$50,000.
(The accrued interest to be paid for tender amount exceeding HK$50,000 may not be exactly equal to the figures calculated from the accrued interest per minimum denomination of HK$50,000 due to rounding).
Other Details
:
Please see the Information Memorandum available on the Hong Kong Government Bonds website or approach Primary Dealers.
Expected commencement date of dealing on
the Stock Exchange
of Hong Kong Limited
:
The tender amount is fully fungible with the existing 10GB3507001 (Stock code: 4294) listed on the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong.
Use of Proceeds
:
The Bonds will be issued under the institutional part of the Infrastructure Bond Programme. Proceeds will be invested in infrastructure projects in accordance with the Infrastructure Bond Framework published on the Hong Kong Government Bonds website.
Compiled by the Curriculum Development Council, the blueprint aims to boost students’ digital literacy and equip the younger generation to navigate the opportunities and challenges of the digital era. It focuses on artificial intelligence (AI) education and covers critical dimensions including overall school planning, teacher training, student development, infrastructure optimisation and cross-sector collaboration.
Aligned with the recommendations of the Steering Committee on Strategic Development of Digital Education, the blueprint proposes four key focuses and 10 distinct strategies.
The first focus centres on nurturing talent with both digital literacy and humanistic qualities. Related strategies involve formulating the AI Literacy Learning Framework for Primary & Secondary Schools, strengthening mathematics, science and technology curricula to boost innovation capabilities and integrating digital learning elements across primary and secondary classrooms.
The second focus aims to enhance teacher training to drive educational transformation. This will be achieved by establishing professional training requirements for teachers and providing tiered, diversified development activities in digital education.
The third focus targets infrastructure optimisation to build smart campuses. Strategies include exploring how AI can streamline school administrative work, leveraging the enhanced School Development & Accountability Framework for school improvement and creating a comprehensive digital learning resource platform.
The fourth focus involves promoting cross-sector collaboration to build a cohesive digital education ecosystem. The document calls for strengthening home-school co-operation to foster proper values in students, while uniting professional bodies and other stakeholders to support schools.
To support the initiatives, the bureau today disbursed a one-off grant of $500,000 to all publicly funded schools to launch a three-year AI for Empowering Learning & Teaching Funding Programme. Schools are required to incorporate digital education into their development or annual plans in the 2026-27 school year, formulating school-based strategies with reference to the blueprint.
Secretary for Education Choi Yuk-lin welcomed the blueprint, noting it aligns with strategic planning to connect with the National 15th Five-Year Plan and the trend of “AI + Education”.
“The restructuring of education in the digital age is a systemic transformation. We are not only focusing on hardware upgrades, but also actively promoting a deep shift in teaching and learning paradigms and comprehensively implementing AI education for students,” she added.
The Hong Kong Police Force, in collaboration with various government departments and other relevant organisations, conducted a large-scale inter-departmental counter-terrorism, major incident and protective security exercise at Hong Kong International Airport and Tung Chung overnight.
The exercise, which began last night and concluded in the early hours of this morning, was staged in preparation for major international conference due to be held in Hong Kong later this year.
It simulated a scenario prior to an international conference, as delegations from around the world arrived in Hong Kong. Armed terrorists attacked members of the public and placed suspicious objects inside a passenger terminal at the airport. Concurrently, a series of knife attacks against pedestrians and a large-scale power outage occurred at a large shopping mall in nearby Tung Chung.
Various departments and organisations swiftly activated their emergency response mechanisms to address the incidents.
The exercise tested the co-ordination of relevant stakeholders across critical areas. This involved immediate tactical interventions, triage and emergency medical treatment of casualties, handling of suspicious objects, response to power failures, and management of affected people.
By testing contingency protocols, the exercise enhanced inter-departmental counter-terrorism readiness and incident response capabilities.
It mobilised over 1,400 personnel from departments and organisations including the Police Force, the Fire Services Department, the Hospital Authority, the Customs & Excise Department, the Immigration Department, the Civil Aviation Department, the Airport Authority Hong Kong, and the Aviation Security Company.
Commissioner of Police Chow Yat-ming observed the exercise on site, and commended the professionalism and collaboration of all participating units.
Hong Kong will host three major international conferences later this year, namely the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Finance Ministers’ Meeting, the 94th INTERPOL General Assembly, and the XXVIII Association of National Olympic Committees General Assembly.
The force said it will maintain close liaison with relevant government departments and stakeholders, robustly implement security measures, and continuously review incident contingency plans, making every effort to ensure comprehensive and meticulous preparations ahead of these important international conferences.