CHP investigates two epidemiologically linked measles infection cases

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

CHP investigates two epidemiologically linked measles infection cases 
The two cases are family members living together. The first case involves a six-month-old baby boy. He presented with fever on June 21, and developed cough, runny nose and skin rash the following day. He was brought to the Accident and Emergency Department of Kwong Wah Hospital on June 23 and was admitted for treatment. His respiratory specimen sample tested positive for the measles virus upon nucleic acid testing.

During contact tracing, the CHP found that the boy’s 29-year-old father also presented symptoms of measles, including fever and cough, on June 20 and developed skin rash on June 23. The CHP arranged the patient to attend the Accident and Emergency Department of Kwong Wah Hospital for isolation and testing on June 24. His respiratory specimen sample tested positive for the measles virus upon nucleic acid testing. 
An epidemiological investigation revealed that the baby boy has not yet reach the age to receive the first dose of the measles vaccine, while his father was uncertain whether he had received measles vaccination. One of their household contacts also presented relevant symptoms earlier and has recovered now. Testing is being arranged for this household contact.
 
The CHP continues to investigate the cases to identify potential sources of infection and high-risk exposure. Initial investigation revealed that no epidemiological linkages have been established between these two cases and other confirmed cases previously recorded in Hong Kong. 
The number of measles cases in some overseas countries remains at a high level this year. The outbreaks in North America (including the United States and Canada), Europe and neighbouring areas (including Vietnam, Cambodia and the Philippines) are ongoing due to the relatively low vaccination rate. Furthermore, an increasing number of measles cases have also been recorded in Japan and Australia this year. For those who plan to travel to measles-endemic areas, they should check their vaccination records and medical history as early as possible. If they have not been diagnosed with measles through laboratory tests and have never received two doses of measles vaccine or are not sure if they have received a measles vaccine, they should consult a doctor at least two weeks prior to their trip for vaccination.
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Besides being vaccinated against measles, members of the public should take the following measures to prevent infection:
 For more information on measles, the public may visit the CHP’s measles thematic pageIssued at HKT 20:37

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Civil Service College holds thematic briefing session on “International Landscape and China’s Foreign Relations in 2025” (with photos)

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Civil Service College holds thematic briefing session on “International Landscape and China’s Foreign Relations in 2025”  
Mr Lee delivered the opening remarks at the session. He expressed gratitude for Mr Cui’s attendance at the session to share insights on the current international environment and national foreign strategies, and provided an analysis in an easy-to-understand manner on the evolving global dynamics and the country’s response strategies to provide support for the HKSAR Government in promoting Hong Kong’s deepening of international exchanges and co-operation, better integration into the overall national development, and co-ordination of high-level security and high-quality development.
 
Mr Lee pointed out that the complex and fast-changing international environment and the groundbreaking developments of AI and biotechnology profoundly affect the trajectory of the world order and highlight the close connection between security and development. Mr Lee said the country’s diplomatic work plays a vital role in effective co-ordination of security and development, and provides opportunities for Hong Kong to better fulfil its role as a “super connector” and a “super value-adder”. He thanked the Central Government for its strong support for Hong Kong to become the headquarters of the International Organization for Mediation, and pointed out that the establishment of its headquarters in Hong Kong reflects the trust and recognition of the international community in Hong Kong, which not only demonstrates the success of the Hong Kong National Security Law (NSL) in creating a stable environment but also serves as a vivid manifestation of the country’s diplomatic soft power. Mr Lee stated that the HKSAR Government officials should have a deep understanding of the country’s foreign policies, accurately grasp changes in the international landscape, and better co-ordinate the relationship between and the opportunities from security and development.
 
The Secretary for the Civil Service, Mrs Ingrid Yeung, said during the session that this event is of great significance. It not only heralds this year’s series of talks on the country’s foreign affairs but is also a highlight event of the seminar series for civil servants on the fifth anniversary of the promulgation and implementation of the NSL. The CSC will continue to enhance training to strengthen civil servants’ patriotism and awareness of national security, and encourage everyone to consciously safeguard national sovereignty, security and development interests. The various training programmes organised by the CSC also deepen civil servants’ understanding of the country’s history and culture, and contemporary development, equipping them to better fulfil Hong Kong’s role as a bridge connecting the country with the world in their respective fields, effectively utilising Hong Kong’s international platform to tell good stories of China and Hong Kong.
 
The CSC will continue to collaborate with the OCMFA to run a series of talks on the country’s foreign affairs in 2025, including today’s thematic briefing session as well as subsequent talks on topics such as participation in international organisations and multilateral affairs, major country diplomacy with Chinese characteristics, China-United States relations, and civil diplomacy.  Since the launch of this series at the end of 2021, it has been well received by colleagues. To date, 20 talks have been held, with a total attendance of nearly 5 000 directorate and senior-level civil servants.
Issued at HKT 20:25

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Passage of unions bill welcomed

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Government has welcomed the Legislative Council’s passage today of the Trade Unions (Amendment) Bill 2025, which amends the Trade Unions Ordinance.

It said the bill fulfills a duty to safeguard national security and improves the trade union regulatory regime. The amendments strengthen the statutory powers of the Registrar of Trade Unions to supervise and regulate unions.

The Government stressed that the amendments give due regard to the freedom and right of Hong Kong residents to form and join trade unions and will not adversely affect the operation of law-abiding trade unions.

It added that the amended ordinance will ensure that trade unions uphold the principal object of safeguarding and promoting the occupational interests of their members, which will be conducive to unions’ healthy development.

The Trade Unions (Amendment) Ordinance 2025 will be published in the Government Gazette on July 4, and will come into operation on January 5 next year.

The Labour Department will step up publicity efforts and publish reference materials to help trade unions understand and comply with the new requirements.

Housing Authority wins two awards at Asia Pacific GovMedia Awards 2025 (with photos)

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Housing Authority wins two awards at Asia Pacific GovMedia Awards 2025  
     The Hong Kong Housing Authority (HA) today (June 25) said that the HA won two prestigious awards for its innovative projects at the GovMedia Awards 2025 ceremony held in Singapore this month including the Hong Kong Public-Private Partnership of the Year – Housing and Hong Kong Public Sector Initiative of the Year – Youth. These accolades highlight the HA’s outstanding achievements in advancing construction robotics and supporting young entrepreneurs.
 
     Since 2020, the HA has introduced new requirements on the use of construction robot technology for tender assessments of new building contracts. Through collaborations with robotics firms and the Hong Kong Center for Construction Robotics, the HA has adopted a “pioneer and pilot” approach to improve robot efficiency in a context-specific manner, driving broader adoption of construction robotics. In addition, robotic applications have been expanded to estate management, from cleaning robots to smart patrol systems, providing residents with enhanced community services. By proactively adopting robotics in construction and housing, the HA has driven innovation in housing construction and management. The Hong Kong Public-Private Partnership of the Year – Housing award recognises the HA’s leadership and impact in adopting various robotics.
 
     The Hong Kong Public Sector Initiative of the Year – Youth award acknowledges the HA’s Well Being • Start-Up programme which supports young people in pursuing their entrepreneurial dreams. Launched in July 2024, this initiative provides cost-reducing opportunities for young entrepreneurs to start their businesses. By offering rent-free retail spaces under the HA, the programme lowers the barriers to entrepreneurship and brings new vitality and creativity to the community. The programme has received widespread support since its inception. In April 2025, the HA announced Well Being • Start-Up 2.0 which has garnered responses from over 10 business enterprises, further expanding support for young entrepreneurs.
 
     The GovMedia Awards celebrate the outstanding achievements of government projects and initiatives in the Asia-Pacific region and recognise public organisations that demonstrate leadership, creativity and impacts in public services.
Issued at HKT 19:05

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Post-secondary edu reform passed

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Government welcomed the passage of the Post Secondary Colleges (Amendment) Bill 2025 by the Legislative Council today, which aims to enhance the regulatory and quality assurance mechanisms of self-financing post-secondary institutions.

 

The goal of the bill is to facilitate the healthy and sustainable development of the self-financing post-secondary education sector.

 

The bill, which amends the Post Secondary Colleges Ordinance, reforms the regulatory regime for the self-financing post-secondary education sector to improve governance, ensuring the quality, transparency and accountability of self-financing institutions, the Government explained.

 

In addition, the bill suitably removes barriers, including rationalising the arrangements for self-financing institutions to award degrees, and enhance efficiency and effectiveness. Furthermore, it forges a unified regulatory framework to promote coherence in quality assurance, governance, positioning and overall co-ordination.

 

Secretary for Education Choi Yuk-lin said that the passage of the bill signifies an important milestone for the development of the self-financing sector.

 

“We envisage that the enhanced regulatory framework can further support the capacity expansion and quality enhancement of the self-financing sector, with a view to harnessing its advantages in terms of flexibility and diversity to cultivate talent for the country and Hong Kong, and make more proactive contributions towards Hong Kong’s development into an international post-secondary education hub and building China into a leading country in education.”

 

The Post Secondary Colleges (Amendment) Ordinance 2025 will be published in the Government Gazette on July 4. For relevant institutions that are not currently registered under the Post Secondary Colleges Ordinance, there will be a transitional period of around three years, until July 31, 2028, for them to complete the registration procedures.

 

The Education Bureau, in collaboration with the Hong Kong Council for Accreditation of Academic & Vocational Qualifications, will maintain close liaison with self-financing institutions to ensure the smooth implementation of the enhanced regulatory framework and transitional arrangements.

Geographical constituency boundaries for 2025 Legislative Council General Election

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Geographical constituency boundaries for 2025 Legislative Council General Election

The Chief Executive in Council has accepted all the recommendations of the Electoral Affairs Commission (EAC) regarding the boundaries and the names of geographical constituencies (GCs) for the eighth-term Legislative Council (LegCo) general election in 2025.

A Government spokesman said today (June 25) that the decision of the Chief Executive in Council would be effected by way of the Declaration of Geographical Constituencies (Legislative Council) Order 2025, which will be published in the Gazette on Friday (June 27) and tabled at the LegCo on July 2 for negative vetting.

The report of the EAC, submitted to the Chief Executive on June 13, was tabled at the LegCo today as required by law.

The EAC recommended, with the exception to include the Loop in the only contiguous New Territories North (LC7) GC, to maintain the boundaries of the nine remaining GCs, and to retain the existing names and codes of the 10 GCs. The 10 GCs are Hong Kong Island East (LC1), Hong Kong Island West (LC2), Kowloon East (LC3), Kowloon West (LC4), Kowloon Central (LC5), New Territories South East (LC6), New Territories North (LC7), New Territories North West (LC8), New Territories South West (LC9), and New Territories North East (LC10).

The EAC conducted a public consultation on its provisional recommendations on the GC boundaries from May 2 to 31 this year.

“Before making its final recommendations, the EAC has given careful consideration to all the representations received. The EAC also examined the content of the representations having regard to the relevant statutory requirements and working principles,” the spokesman said.

The EAC report is available for public viewing at the Home Affairs Enquiry Centres of all District Offices, the Registration and Electoral Office, and major and district public libraries during ordinary business hours starting from today. The content of the report can also be viewed on the EAC’s website (www.eac.hk).

Ends/Wednesday, June 25, 2025
Issued at HKT 14:30
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Special traffic and transport arrangements for Kai Tak Sports Park concerts on June 27 to 29

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Special traffic and transport arrangements for Kai Tak Sports Park concerts on June 27 to 29

The Transport Department (TD) today (June 25) said that, to facilitate the holding of concerts at the Kai Tak Sports Park (KTSP) on the evenings of June 27 to 29, special traffic and transport arrangements will be implemented to provide convenience for spectators to travel to and from the KTSP. Concertgoers from the Mainland are urged to purchase tickets in advance, plan their journeys early and use the MTR or cross-boundary coach services. During the event period, as the traffic in the vicinity of the KTSP is expected to be heavy, concertgoers should opt for public transport, avoid driving or taking private cars (including cross-boundary private cars). The TD has co-ordinated with local and cross-boundary public transport operators to strengthen their services during dispersal. The MTR will enhance the interval between trains of the Tuen Ma Line (TML). Franchised bus companies will provide a total of 11 special bus routes at the Sung Wong Toi Road Pick-up/Drop-off Area (PUDOA) to Lok Ma Chau (San Tin) Public Transport Interchange (PTI), the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge (HZMB) Hong Kong Port and Airport, and major districts across the territory. In addition, the KTSP will arrange cross-boundary coach services during dispersal to facilitate travellers’ return to the Mainland via the Lok Ma Chau/Huanggang (LMC/HG) Port, the HZMB and the Shenzhen Bay Port. Passengers should purchase tickets in advance. On-site ticket 25/06/2025, 11:06 Special traffic and transport arrangements for Kai Tak Sports Park concerts on June 27 to 29 https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202506/25/P2025062400590p.htm 1/3 sales will not be available during dispersal. They should refer to the operators’ website (Eternal East Bus: www.myeebus.com/eebusfans; CTG Bus: m.hkctgbus.com/#/layout/home) for the latest ticket information. For taxi services, the Kai Tak Stadium Taxi PUDOA will be open for taxi pick-up and drop-off. The Sung Wong Toi Road PUDOA will be open for taxi drop-off only during admission (4pm to 7pm) and suspended from taxi pick-up/drop-off during dispersal. The expected waiting time will be longer amid an outflux of spectators and passengers’ patience is appreciated. Concertgoers who plan to return to the Mainland on the same day after the concert should pay special attention that, if they use the Lo Wu Control Point, they should catch the last relevant MTR TML train departing from Sung Wong Toi Station at 10.59pm and Kai Tak Station at 11.01pm, followed by interchanging at Tai Wai Station on the East Rail Line (ERL) to Lo Wu Station. Travellers should plan their journeys ahead and arrive at the station platform in advance. Travellers who opt for LMC/HG Port (operating 24 hours daily) may also take the ERL to Sheung Shui Station and then KMB route No. 276B or N73, or take the special bus route No. SP12 directly at the Sung Wong Toi Road PUDOA to the Lok Ma Chau (San Tin) PTI, and transfer to the LMC-HG crossboundary shuttle bus (Yellow Bus) for their journey to the Mainland. A spokesman for the TD said that, as a large number of travellers may use the LMC/HG Port after the concert, and concerts will also be held at AsiaWorld-Expo on the evening of June 28, the Port is expected to be very busy. Travellers’ patience is appreciated. To ensure the smooth operation 25/06/2025, 11:06 Special traffic and transport arrangements for Kai Tak Sports Park concerts on June 27 to 29 https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202506/25/P2025062400590p.htm 2/3 of public transport services, dedicated public transport lanes will be arranged at the LMC/HG Port after midnight during the event period when necessary for the smooth operation of the Yellow Bus and crossboundary coach services as well as effective dispersal of a large number of crossboundary travellers. Other cross-boundary private cars and their passengers are expected to have a longer clearance time. The TD has steered operators to reserve standby vehicles and manpower to meet passengers’ demand. Spectators are advised to heed the real-time information via the on-site broadcast and the “Easy Leave” platform (easyleave.police.gov.hk) as well as the latest traffic news through the TD’s website (www.td.gov.hk), the “HKeMobility” mobile application and radio and television broadcasts. Ends/Wednesday, June 25, 2025 Issued at HKT 10:00 NNNN

SFST looks for more co-operation opportunities with AIIB member states at its 10th Annual Meeting of Board of Governors in Beijing (with photos)

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

SFST looks for more co-operation opportunities with AIIB member states at its 10th Annual Meeting of Board of Governors in Beijing  
     Speaking at the side event on “Implementing the International Financial Reporting Standards – Sustainability Disclosure Standards (ISSB Standards) from the Ground Up: The AIIB Journey”, Mr Hui noted that while the AIIB is one of the first multilateral development banks to adopt the ISSB Standards, Hong Kong was also confirmed by the International Financial Reporting Standards Foundation earlier this month as among the initial set of jurisdictions having set a target of fully adopting the ISSB Standards.
 
     He said, “By aligning with a global standard, we ensure international comparability of our data. This not only boosts investor confidence but also creates a strong foundation for new opportunities. The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government will continue to work in collaboration with financial regulators and stakeholders to support the pragmatic implementation of the ISSB Standards through enhancing capacity building and promoting the use of technological solutions.”
 
     This afternoon, Mr Hui also spoke on “Fostering Development and Infrastructure Connectivity” at the Governors’ Business Roundtable. He shared with delegations from other member states Hong Kong’s efforts in fostering development in sustainable finance as well as developing diverse and innovative financial products. The latter includes the roll-out of the Infrastructure Bond Programme and the issuance of infrastructure loan-backed securities by the Hong Kong Mortgage Corporation Limited (HKMC) with the AIIB as an anchor investor. He told the delegations that a third issuance by the HKMC can be expected this year.
 
     At the AIIB President’s Reception and the Special Session of the Board of Governors’ meeting held yesterday (June 24), Mr Hui met with the President of the AIIB, Mr Jin Liqun, and the President-elect of the AIIB, Ms Zou Jiayi. He also met financial officials of other member states to update them on Hong Kong’s latest developments in green and sustainable finance, and the recent vibrant financial market situation.
 
     In addition, Mr Hui held bilateral meetings separately with delegations from Egypt, Germany and Poland on the sidelines of the Annual Meeting to explore opportunities for further co-operation.
 
     During his stay in Beijing, Mr Hui met with the President of the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, Mr Liu Jun, and the Chief Financial Officer of the China Construction Bank, Mr Sheng Liurong. He will return to Hong Kong tonight.
Issued at HKT 17:41

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LCSD to hold Sport For All Day 2025 and invite public to join

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

LCSD to hold Sport For All Day 2025 and invite public to join

To promote “Sport for All”, the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) will hold the Sport For All Day (SFAD) 2025 on August 3 (Sunday). The public is welcome to join. The LCSD promotes “Stay Active, Healthy and Happy!” encouraging people of different ages and abilities to participate in regular sports and physical activities. With Hong Kong cohosting the 15th National Games (NG), the 12th National Games for Persons with Disabilities (NGD) and the 9th National Special Olympic Games (NSOG) with the Guangdong Province and the Macao Special Administrative Region for the first time, SFAD 2025’s theme, “Coalescing together for the National Games”, echoes these national sports events together with members of the public. On August 3, the LCSD will open a number of leisure facilities for public use free of charge, including indoor badminton courts, volleyball courts, basketball courts, squash courts, table tennis tables, fitness rooms, activity rooms, dance rooms, etc; outdoor tennis courts, bowling greens, archery ranges, golf facilities, etc; and public swimming pools and water sports centres (craft hiring). On the same day (from 2pm to 6pm), a series of free recreation and sports programmes promoting the items of the 15th NG, the 12th NGD and the 9th NSOG (such as golf, fencing, rugby sevens and triathlon) will be conducted at designated sports centres across the 18 districts. Activities will cover fitness items, health talks, sports demonstrations and a fun day for families, children, 25/06/2025, 11:04 LCSD to hold Sport For All Day 2025 and invite public to join https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202506/25/P2025062400251p.htm#:~:text=LCSD to hold Sport For All Day 2025 and invite public to join&text=To promot… 1/2 youngsters, the elderly and persons with disabilities. The arrangements for booking leisure facilities and distributing free activity coupons will be announced in midJuly. To further promote “Sport for All” in the community, the LCSD continues to collaborate with the Sports Federation & Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China (SF&OC), and is joining hands with the China Hong Kong Paralympic Committee (HKPC) to launch various activities at the SFAD 2025 prime venue. Many organisations will also open up their facilities or roll out recreation and sports programmes on August 3 for the public free of charge. The latest SFAD 2025 information will be provided on the dedicated website (www.lcsd.gov.hk/en/sfad). SFAD 2025 is co-organised by the SF&OC, the HKPC, Department of Health, the Sports Medicine Team of the Chinese University of Hong Kong, the Sports Medicine and Health Science Alumni Association of the Chinese University of Hong Kong, and the Physical Fitness Association of Hong Kong, China. Ends/Wednesday, June 25, 2025 Issued at HKT 11:05 NNNN