Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
SJ leads cross-professional delegation to Uzbekistan to deepen legal co-operation
This morning, Mr Lam met the Minister of Justice of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Mr Akbar Djurabayevich Tashkulov. Mr Lam explained how Hong Kong’s advantages of being connected to the Chinese Mainland and the world, as well as its common law system, can assist Uzbek enterprises in expanding into Hong Kong, the Chinese Mainland, and international markets. A Memorandum of Understanding was signed by two sides to enhance collaboration between the Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Department of Justice of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government, including exchanges on legal frameworks and policies regarding dispute resolution, as well as sharing experiences in the application of AI technology in the legal sector. Mr Lam then attended a lunch hosted by the Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Uzbekistan.
In the afternoon, Mr Lam visited the Center for Islamic Civilization to learn about local efforts in cultural preservation, academic research and education promotion.
In the morning of August 27, Mr Lam and the delegation visited the Tashkent State University of Law and met with the senior management of the university to discuss legal talent training and exchanges.
Mr Lam then attended a lunch with the Mayor of Tashkent City, Mr Umurzakov Shavkat Buranovich, to introduce Hong Kong’s distinctive institutional advantages under the “one country, two systems” principle and explore opportunities for co-operation.
In the afternoon, Mr Lam and the delegation met with representatives from the Uzbek Chamber of Commerce for Chinese Entrepreneurs and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Uzbekistan. The Director of the Tashkent International Arbitration Centre, Ms Diana Bayzakova Hamwi, also attended the meeting. Mr Lam introduced Hong Kong’s unique advantages and learned about their specific demands for legal services. They also jointly explored ways to strengthen co-operation between the two places to support enterprises in leveraging Hong Kong’s professional services to expand into international markets.
Mr Lam and the delegation visited the Ministry of Economy and Finance of the Republic of Uzbekistan to meet with Deputy Minister Mr Abidkhadjaev Umid Kutpitdinovich and the Advisor to the Minister, Mr Jasur Karshibaev yesterday (August 28). They also visited the Ministry of Investment, Industry and Trade of the Republic of Uzbekistan to meet with Deputy Minister Mr Kasimov Ilzat Ablakhatovich. Mr Lam and the delegation shared Hong Kong’s professional experiences in areas such as investment, cross-border trade, commercial and dispute resolution under the common law system, and explored how Hong Kong could help advance the development of the Tashkent International Financial Centre.
In the afternoon, Mr Lam and the delegation visited and had a lunch with the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People’s Republic of China to the Republic of Uzbekistan, Mr Yu Jun. They exchanged views on topics including consolidating Hong Kong’s role as an international legal hub and strengthening co-operation with international legal and dispute resolution institutions. Mr Lam then met with the Chairman of the Chamber of Advocates of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Mr Shukhrat Shavkatovich Sadikov, to discuss ways to deepen exchanges and collaboration between legal professionals in the two places.
In the evening, Mr Lam attended a Uzbekistan Independence Day celebration activity.
Mr Lam concluded his visit today and will return to Hong Kong tomorrow (August 30).
Issued at HKT 20:29
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Hong Kong Customs alerts public to not use unsafe external power bank with wireless charging function
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Hong Kong Customs alerts public to not use unsafe external power bank with wireless charging function (with photo) Customs is committed to the protection of consumer interests and regularly conducts spot checks and safety tests on consumer goods to ensure that they are reasonably safe for use by consumers.
Customs also reminds traders to comply with the statutory requirements of the CGSO to protect the safety of consumers. Under the CGSO, it is an offence to supply, manufacture or import into Hong Kong consumer goods unless the goods comply with the general safety requirements for consumer goods. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $100,000 and imprisonment for one year on first conviction, and $500,000 and imprisonment for two years on subsequent conviction.Issued at HKT 14:26
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SED officiates at opening ceremony of new school premises of Tai Po Baptist Public School
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
SED officiates at opening ceremony of new school premises of Tai Po Baptist Public School
Dr Choi said that the relocation of TPBPS to its new premises at Fu Shin Estate is not merely a change of location, but also a significant moment for all teachers and students to reunite and embark on a new page together. The new school premises not only represent a safe, stable and conducive learning environment created through the collaborative efforts of all parties for teachers and students, but also embody the professionalism and perseverance of the principal and staff, the efforts of the students, and the support of parents, fellow schools and the wider community.
To ensure that TPBPS can operate in the new premises at Fu Shin Estate as scheduled in the new school year, the Education Bureau (EDB) proactively took forward the renovation works, and the premises were delivered in accordance with the standards applicable to new school premises, with a view to meeting the school’s needs. The works included refurbishment of the external walls, classrooms, toilets and the assembly hall, resurfacing of the ball court, and replacement of electrical units, air-conditioning units and the lift, among other items. The total estimated cost of the aforesaid works and the subsidy for the school to procure additional furniture and equipment (including network and communication facilities) is about $43.6 million. In addition, the EDB has set aside a one-off grant of $1 million for TPBPS to meet expenses related to its relocation to the new premises at Fu Shin Estate for supporting the school’s smooth relocation to the new school premises.Issued at HKT 11:30
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Red flags hoisted at Stanley Main Beach and Pui O Beach
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
Attention TV/radio announcers:
Please broadcast the following as soon as possible:
Here is an item of interest to swimmers.
The Leisure and Cultural Services Department announced today (August 30) that due to big waves, red flags have been hoisted at Stanley Main Beach in Southern District, Hong Kong Island and Pui O Beach in Islands District. Beachgoers are advised not to swim at these beaches.
Deadline for Wang Fuk Court owners to accept Government’s acquisition plan expires Monday
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Deadline for Wang Fuk Court owners to accept Government’s acquisition plan expires Monday
Owners may hand over the duly signed “Letter of Acceptance” to their designated Engagement Team member or submit it with the return envelope enclosed with the “Letter of Offer” by post, by hand or by courier to the following address:
Housing Bureau, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government
c/o Wang Fuk Court Property Rights Acquisition Limited
1/F, Block 2, Hong Kong Housing Authority Headquarters,
33 Fat Kwong Street, Ho Man Tin, Kowloon, Hong Kong
For owners who opt to send the return by post, the postmark date will be taken as the submission date. Owners must therefore send their return by post before the cut-off time ends on August 31 to ensure the envelope is postmarked with that date. Owners may also choose to submit the return in person to the drop-off box at the above address at or before 5pm on August 31.
With the reply deadline approaching, the Engagement Team co-ordinated by the Housing Bureau is stepping up contact with owners who have not yet responded, to ascertain their intentions and provide the assistance required. The Engagement Team will continue to communicate with Wang Fuk Court owners. If owners have any enquiries, they may contact their designated Engagement Team member or call the hotline at 2129 8133. Owners may also visit the dedicated website for the Wang Fuk Court long-term housing arrangements plan (www.hb.gov.hk/wfcIssued at HKT 12:08
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Remarks by SFST on financial development
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
Following are the remarks by the Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr Christopher Hui, at a media session after attending a radio programme this morning (August 30):
Reporter: On the programme, you mentioned that Hong Kong’s achievements are not magic, but the result of careful assessment of local, national, and global developments. Could you share a specific example where you had to adjust your original policy plan because the global market shifted faster than expected, and how did you pivot from that? Also, there was talk about family offices, and the eight measures introduced at a time when global positioning was unclear. Looking ahead, how do you plan to differentiate Hong Kong from other regional competitors, especially in attracting high-net-worth families and digital asset innovators?
Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury: As I mentioned on the programme, I think there are two key trends affecting everybody, economies and individuals together, globally and regionally. One is about geopolitics, a time when there is the increasing need for corporates, individuals, or even family offices to diversify their investments. The other key trend you highlighted is the trend of emerging technologies, AI and others. On these two, I would say what we have done so far is to ensure Hong Kong can leverage our advantages under “one country, two systems”, and to ensure that we continue to be a relevant, trusted, stable and safe investment hub for all these capital that are willing and ready to put into Hong Kong.
At the same time, apart from the original business that we have in terms of equity and bonds, what we should do is to diversify our portfolio in terms of service offering. That’s why this government has been embarking on an initiative to develop Hong Kong as an international gold trading centre, with the clearing system now in pilot operation. And apart from equities, we are also pursuing developments on the bond side, including the setup of a bond trading platform (the electronic fixed income and currency trading platform between the China Foreign Exchange Trade System and the Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited). So all these are part and parcel of our overall strategy to continue enhancing our role as an international financial centre and to make Hong Kong continuously relevant in this changing era.
(Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the remarks.)
CHP reminds schools and parents to take measures to prevent communicable diseases in new school year
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
CHP reminds schools and parents to take measures to prevent communicable diseases in new school year
“Schools are places where children gather to learn and play. Some young children have yet to fully master proper personal hygiene practices, making it easier for communicable diseases to spread through close contact on school campuses. As students return to school, the CHP has sent a letter through the Education Bureau to all schools in Hong Kong, reminding school management to take appropriate measures to reduce the risk of transmission of communicable diseases in schools. I would like to remind the public that Hong Kong is still in the midst of the influenza season. I hope that all schools and parents will actively participate in the 2026/27 Seasonal Influenza Vaccination School Outreach Programme (SIVSOP) and use the Electronic Consent Form via eHealth newly launched this year to complete the consent process early. This will allow schools to plan and arrange seasonal influenza vaccination (SIV) activities earlier. If schools————————————-
Hong Kong entered the influenza season in late June. So far, 11 cases of severe paediatric influenza infection have been recorded. Eight patients have recovered and been discharged from hospital, two patients remain in critical condition and there was one fatal case. The CHP’s latest surveillance data shows that influenza activity level remains high. Due to widespread influenza transmission in the community in recent months, the number of infections has increased significantly, leading to a corresponding rise in severe cases. The CHP expects that influenza will remain active at the beginning of the new school year, and that influenza outbreaks may occur in schools. Therefore, schools and parents must remain vigilant and take preventive measures.
COVID-19 activity level has also been on an upward trend since June, and began to decrease after reaching a peak in early August. The CHP has recorded two severe paediatric cases of COVID-19 infection since June. Neither child had received COVID-19 vaccination. Regarding other respiratory pathogens, the activity level of respiratory syncytial virus has shown a slight upward trend recently, though it remains below the peak levels recorded in recent years.
Vaccination remains the most effective way to prevent seasonal influenza, COVID-19 and their complications. It also reduces the risk of hospitalisation and death. In addition, members of the public should maintain good personal, hand and environmental hygiene to prevent respiratory infections. Students and school staff with respiratory symptoms, even if the symptoms are mild, should wear a surgical mask, refrain from going to work or attending classes, avoid crowded places and seek medical advice promptly. They should also maintain hand hygiene before putting on and after removing a mask. High-risk individuals should wear surgical masks when visiting public places. The general public should also wear surgical masks when taking public transport or staying in crowded places.
Mosquito-borne diseases
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Although mosquito-borne diseases, such as dengue fever (DF) and chikungunya fever (CF), are not transmitted from person to person, schools should take measures to strengthen efforts to eliminate stagnant water and prevent mosquito breeding, such as changing water for plants at least once a week, covering all water containers tightly and keeping all drains free from blockage. School management is advised to appoint designated staff to be responsible for mosquito prevention and control on campus. Details are available from the guidelines published by the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department
As of August 27, Hong Kong has recorded a total of 28 DF cases (comprising 26 imported cases and two local cases) as well as two imported CF cases this year.
Hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD)
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HFMD is a common disease in children usually caused by enteroviruses, such as coxsackie viruses and enterovirus 71. In Hong Kong, the peak season for HFMD is usually from May to July, with a smaller peak occurring from October to December after the start of the school year. In June and July this year, surveillance data showed that HFMD activity level had increased and remained high. Since mid-August, it has declined to a lower level. When classes resume, close contact among young children in schools and institutions will make the disease easier to spread, and sporadic outbreaks may occur.
The CHP reminded schools to implement prevention and control measures, and handle outbreak cases in accordance with the Guidelines on Prevention of Communicable DiseasesIssued at HKT 15:00
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Deadline for Wang Fuk Court owners to accept Government’s acquisition plan expires tomorrow
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Deadline for Wang Fuk Court owners to accept Government’s acquisition plan expires tomorrow c/o Wang Fuk Court Property Rights Acquisition Limited
1/F, Block 2, Hong Kong Housing Authority Headquarters,
33 Fat Kwong Street, Ho Man Tin, Kowloon, Hong KongIssued at HKT 16:00
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CAS Cadet Corps holds 155th Cadets Passing-out Parade
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
The Civil Aid Service (CAS) Cadet Corps held the 155th Cadets Passing-out Parade at the CAS Headquarters today (August 29). Nearly 70 cadets participated in the parade. The parade was reviewed by the Commissioner of the CAS, Mr Victor Pang.
Speaking at the parade, Mr Pang congratulated all the new cadets on completing their training. He said that the CAS has always encouraged its members to take part in wholesome activities and training programmes, which not only equip cadets with practical skills and leadership abilities, but also build their confidence and sense of responsibility. More importantly, these programmes foster among cadets the spirit of self-discipline and self-improvement, unleashing potential, broadening horizons, benefiting the community, and nurturing generations of leaders dedicated to serving society.
Regarding the promotion of national security education, Mr Pang said the CAS has always placed great emphasis on youth development and the passing on of values. This year, the CAS Cadet Corps organised a number of exchange activities in the Chinese Mainland, Macao and overseas, with more than 300 participants visiting Jiuquan, Beijing, Shenzhen, Xi’an, Hunan, Zhejiang, and Singapore, among other places, to gain first-hand experience of the nation’s development. These activities enabled the youngsters to deepen their understanding of the Motherland’s culture and appreciate the importance of safeguarding national security, thereby fostering their commitment to loving the country and Hong Kong, and to serving the community.
Mr Pang added 38 cadets had completed training and been appointed as National Security Youth Ambassadors. They would promote national security messages within the CAS and among cadets, and provide guided tours of the National Security Exhibition Gallery, further embedding national security education among the younger generation. Looking ahead, the number of National Security Youth Ambassadors trained by the CAS would continue to grow steadily, and they would contribute more actively to the promotion of national security.
Recruitment of CAS cadets is open for application throughout the year. Recruitment details and application forms are available on the CAS website (www.cas.gov.hk/eng/org/cadet_corps.html).
Second cross-boundary large-scale stress test conducted at Huanggang Port
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government today (August 29) conducted the second cross-boundary stress test at the Huanggang Port with the relevant units of Shenzhen. The drill focused on testing the peak carrying capacity by further increasing passenger and vehicular flows to ensure comprehensive preparation for the opening of the port.
The drill marked the first test of the “joint one-stop” vehicle lanes for vehicle clearance. Automobile associations, associations, and chambers of commerce were invited to assist in recruiting private vehicles permitted to travel between the two places. The vehicles participated in cyclical trials with more than 1 000 vehicle trips made to test the operation and tuning of the lane systems and vehicular flow management. Participating vehicles were instructed to enter the port through the new connecting road in batches. They underwent risk assessment at the “customs front kiosks”, and then entered the “joint one-stop” vehicle lanes for “five-party inspection” to complete clearance procedures for the Shenzhen General Station of Exit and Entry Frontier Inspection, the Shenzhen Customs, as well as the Customs and Excise Department, the Department of Health and the Immigration Department of Hong Kong in one go, through the “integrated information collection devices” next to the lanes to complete the collection of body temperature, travel document data, facial features and fingerprints. The drill also simulated scenarios such as passengers disembarking and proceeding to the immigration clearance hall for on-board passengers to undergo passenger clearance procedures, as well as vehicles being selected at the “customs front kiosks” to proceed to the inspection area for inspection. Vehicles participating in the drill first departed and then returned to the Hong Kong Port Area via the Shenzhen side’s vehicle clearance level for departure to conduct the cyclical trials.
To assess the port’s capacity under sustained ultra-high passenger flow, over 20 000 civil servants from more than 70 bureaux and departments were mobilised. Participants were instructed to take various public transport to arrive at the port. They passed through the “collaborative inspection” automated channels or manual counters to depart from the Hong Kong Port Area. After returning from the Shenzhen side, they left the port by taking vehicles dispatched by public transport operators, undergoing cyclical trials involving more than 600 departures. The stress test also advanced the “crowd concentrated-flow test” by releasing large batches of people several times within a short period of time to create greater crowd pressure. This simulated a situation where a large number of arriving passengers arrive Hong Kong via the Huanggang Port during peak hours and take different public transport (including franchised buses, minibuses, cross-boundary coaches, and taxis) at the public transport interchange, thereby testing the management of passenger and vehicular flows, as well as co-ordination of supporting arrangements.
After that, the Fire Services Department conducted a fire drill, simulating an electric vehicle catching fire. Personnel from the Huanggang Fire Station fought the fire with water jets and used specialised equipment such as high-pressure fog applicators and fire blankets to extinguish the blaze. Ambulance personnel were also on-site to treat the injured.
The Secretary for Security, Mr Tang Ping-keung, inspected the drill on-site and held a meeting with participating departments immediately after the drill to review procedures and participants’ feedback. Meetings will be arranged between the relevant Hong Kong and Shenzhen units to review and identify areas for improvement in the management of passenger and vehicular traffic, emergency response and collaborative mechanisms of the two places, so as to ensure the port’s safe and smooth operation and a positive passenger experience to prepare for the opening of the port.
To further facilitate travel between Hong Kong and the Mainland for Hong Kong residents, both places will implement the arrangement that Hong Kong residents who hold both Mainland Travel Permits for Hong Kong and Macao Residents (including non-Chinese) (commonly known as the Home Visit Permit), and Hong Kong permanent identity card or Hong Kong non-permanent identity card, may choose to use either their Hong Kong identity card or Home Visit Permit at the first gate of the “collaborative inspection” automated channels, for completing immigration clearance procedures of both Hong Kong and Shenzhen, regardless of whether they are travelling “northbound” or “southbound”.
Representatives from various bureaux, departments and organisations participated in the drill, including the Security Bureau, the Transport and Logistics Bureau, the Civil Service Bureau, the Hong Kong Police Force, the Transport Department, the Highways Department, the Immigration Department, the Hong Kong Customs and Excise Department, the Department of Health, the Fire Services Department, the Architectural Services Department, the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department, the Government Property Agency, the Digital Policy Office, the Office of the Communications Authority, the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department, the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department, the Civil Aid Service, the Auxiliary Medical Service, and various public transport operators.