Category: MIL-OSI

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LC: Speech by CS for proposed resolutions moved under Legal Aid Ordinance

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

LC: Speech by CS for proposed resolutions moved under Legal Aid Ordinance 
Madam President,
 
     I move that my first motion, as printed on the Agenda, be passed to adjust the financial eligibility limits (FELs) for legal aid applicants. Later, I will sequentially move another legal aid-related motion as printed on the Agenda be passed, seeking to adjust the Director of Legal Aid (DLA)’s First Charge.
 
     First, I introduce the first Resolution.
 
     Legal aid services form a cornerstone of the legal system in Hong Kong and are essential to upholding the rule of law in Hong Kong. The policy objective of legal aid is to ensure that all those who comply with the regulations of the LAO (Cap. 91) and have reasonable grounds for pursuing or defending a legal action in the courts of Hong Kong will not be denied access to justice due to a lack of means.
 
     The Legal Aid Department (LAD) has two legal aid schemes, namely the Ordinary Legal Aid Scheme (OLAS) and the Supplementary Legal Aid Scheme (SLAS) which provides assistance to the “sandwich” class. While the beneficiaries and scope of the two schemes differ, both require applicants to pass both the means test and merits test as stipulated under the LAO at the same time to be eligible for legal aid, so as to ensure the prudent use of legal aid resources.
 
     For means test, the applicant’s disposable income and capital must not exceed the amounts of financial resources as specified in the LAO. The amounts of financial resources for OLAS and SLAS are respectively specified in sections 5 and 5A of the LAO. Pursuant to section 7(a) of the LAO, the LegCo may by resolution amend the amounts.
 
     Pursuant to the mechanism established in 1999, FELs are subject to review annually by making reference to the Consumer Price Index (C) (CPI(C)). According to the latest round of review, for the reference period from July 2024 to July 2025, the CPI(C) has increased by 0.6 per cent.  Hence, we propose to accordingly adjust the FELs upwards by 0.6 per cent, namely :
 
(a) from $449,620 to $452,320 for OLAS; and
 
(b) from $2,248,110 to $2,261,600 for SLAS.
 
     Madam President, I now introduce the second Resolution.
 
     Pursuant to the LAO, if a legally aided person is successful in recovering or preserving any money or property in the legally aided proceedings, the person has to pay for the costs and other expenses incurred by the LAD for the person pursuant to section 18A(1) of the LAO. The right of the DLA to recoup such sums required under such money or property is called DLA’s First Charge. 
 
     That being the case, the LAO permits, under specified circumstances, the reduction of amounts recouped under the DLA’s First Charge in accordance with the law. First, when the DLA is satisfied that the exercise of the DLA’s First Charge would cause serious hardship to the legally aided person, the DLA may in accordance with the principles of fairness and justice exercise discretion to reduce the amount to be recouped, provided that the sum to be reduced does not exceed the cap as specified in section 19B(1)(a) of the LAO. Separately, section 18A(5) of the LAO also provides that the DLA’s First Charge does not apply to the first $9,730 of each monthly payment of the maintenance payment.
 
     Pursuant to section 22A of the LAO, the LegCo may, by resolution, amend the rate of maintenance payments that is exempted from the DLA’s First Charge, as well as the cap on the amount by which may be reduced in cases of serious hardship.
 
     In response to the increase in CPI(C) by 0.6 per cent for the reference period from July 2024 to July 2025 as mentioned above, we propose to accordingly adjust the two above-mentioned specific amounts upwards by 0.6 per cent, namely:
 
(a) the amount specified in section 18A(5) upwards from $9,730 to $9,790; and
 
(b) the cap on the amount specified in section 19B(1)(a) upwards from $116,420 to $117,120.
 
     We have informed the LegCo Panel on Administration of Justice and Legal Services of the outcome of the reviews regarding the proposed adjustments via an information paper in February 2026. Members raised no objection to the proposed increase. Subject to the LegCo’s approval of the Resolutions, we will implement the proposals upon gazettal of the Resolution.
 
     I appeal for Members’ support for the above Resolutions. Thank you, Madam President.
Issued at HKT 15:20

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Brussels ETO concludes Year of Horse celebration events with receptions in Portugal and Romania

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Brussels ETO concludes Year of Horse celebration events with receptions in Portugal and Romania               
     At the reception in Bucharest, Ms Yung also invited Romanian professionals in the information technology sector, which is one of the key economic drivers of Romania, to develop or expand their businesses in Hong Kong through the services provided by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) and Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK). 
      
     Together with the HKTDC and InvestHK, Brussels ETO also held a business seminar before the reception in Bucharest with the local wine and liquor trade to promote the business opportunities that Hong Kong offers as a leading hub for wine and liquor trading and auctions, following Hong Kong’s reduction of duty on liquor with an alcoholic strength of more than 30 per cent in 2024.  
 
     The guests of the reception in Bucharest were greeted by a curated performance by Hong Kong musicians based in Europe, featuring a celebratory medley that bridged Chinese and European musical traditions in a contemporary style, showcasing the talents of Hong Kong’s artists as well as the city’s vibrant cultural heritage and spirit of creativity.
Issued at HKT 18:55

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EMSD urges public to stop using two models of Super and JHE adaptors

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

EMSD urges public to stop using two models of Super and JHE adaptors  
     The two models of adaptors concerned are as follows:
 

Brand     The EMSD’s tests found that the above two models of adaptors do not comply with the relevant safety standard. The internal components of the adaptors may experience displacement after prolonged use, thus posing potential electrical shock hazards. The EMSD has liaised with the relevant suppliers regarding the test results for follow-up actions. According to the suppliers, manufacturing defects were found on the adaptors. The suppliers have therefore decided to arrange a recall with refunds for these products.
 
     For details of the products recalls, please visit the website of Golden Edge Group Limited at www.yusco.com.hk     
     For enquiries, please call Golden Edge Group Limited’s customer service hotline at 2558 0163 and Japan Home Centre (H.K.) Limited’s hotline at 2695 9082.
Issued at HKT 15:25

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Inaugural Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao-Shenzhen Joint Financial Regulatory Meeting

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Inaugural Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao-Shenzhen Joint Financial Regulatory Meeting       
     During the meeting, participants exchanged views on industry developments, supervisory work and latest market trends. They also discussed other key topics including banking support for the development of the international innovation and technology hub in the Greater Bay Area, regulatory oversight of AI development and application in the banking sector, as well as insurance services to enhance high-quality city development, facilitation of convenient cross-boundary medical insurance services, and the protection of consumer interests. Through enhanced financial regulatory co-operation and consensus building among Guangdong, Hong Kong, Macao, and Shenzhen, the meeting actively promoted high-quality development of the banking and insurance sectors, contributing to the stable development of financial markets and consumer protection.
Issued at HKT 19:00

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Inland Revenue (Amendment) (Automatic Exchange of Information) Bill 2026 to be gazetted

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Inland Revenue (Amendment) (Automatic Exchange of Information) Bill 2026 to be gazetted      
     As an international financial and trade centre, Hong Kong has been supporting international efforts in enhancing tax transparency and combating cross-border tax evasion. Since 2018, Hong Kong has been conducting automatic exchange of financial account information with partner jurisdictions on an annual basis, in accordance with the Common Reporting Standard (CRS) developed by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and on the premise of data confidentiality and security. This enables the relevant tax authorities to conduct assessment on their tax residents, as well as detect and combat tax evasion.
      
     The Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr Christopher Hui, said, “Since 2024, the OECD has been conducting the second round of peer review on Hong Kong’s implementation of the AEOI regime. Having taken into consideration the OECD’s views, we propose amending the Inland Revenue Ordinance (Cap. 112) to enhance the relevant administrative framework, including requiring reporting financial institutions to register with the Inland Revenue Department (IRD) for strengthening identification, enhancing the requirements on keeping due diligence records, and raising the penalties to increase deterrence. The relevant amendments will take effect from January 1, 2027. Addressing the OECD’s comments in a timely manner will help Hong Kong maintain a favourable rating in the peer review and safeguard Hong Kong’s reputation as an international financial centre.
      
     “The Government conducted a public consultation between December last year and February this year. We are pleased that stakeholders, including professional bodies and the financial sector, generally support the above legislative proposals. We have duly taken into account their views on the implementation details when drafting the Bill.”
      
     To assist the industry in adapting to the new requirements and enhance tax certainty, the IRD will issue relevant guidance in due course and provide technical support to the industry and answer enquiries.
      
     The Bill will be introduced into the Legislative Council for first reading on April 1.
Issued at HKT 15:36

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LCQ18: Development of digital Renminbi and stablecoins

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

LCQ18: Development of digital Renminbi and stablecoins 
Question:
 
     At the end of 2025, the People’s Bank of China (PBoC) released the “Action Plan on Further Strengthening the Digital Renminbi Management Service System and Related Financial Infrastructure Construction” (Action Plan), which officially came into effect on January 1, 2026, launching the next-generation digital Renminbi (e-CNY) measurement framework. Banking institutions will pay interest on the balances of clients’ real-name e-CNY wallets, and the e-CNY of banking institutions operating e-CNY services will also be included in the reserve requirement system framework for management. In addition, in May 2024, PBoC and the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) expanded the scope of cross-boundary e-CNY pilot in Hong Kong to facilitate the set-up and use of e-CNY wallets by Hong Kong residents, as well as the top-up of these wallets via the Faster Payment System. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
 
(1) whether it has compiled statistics on the latest application situation and relevant data regarding the cross-boundary e-CNY pilot in Hong Kong (including the number and trend of e-CNY wallets operated by Mainland operating institutions, the number and trend of e-CNY wallets set up locally, and the number and trend of local retail merchants accepting e-CNY);
 
(2) whether it knows if HKMA will, in response to PBoC’s Action Plan, study with local banks ways to optimise the management of e-CNY wallets; if HKMA will, of the details; if not, the reasons for that; and
 
(3) the Stablecoins Ordinance (Cap. 656) came into effect on August 1, 2025, with its main purpose being to supervise activities involving stablecoins and to introduce a licensing regime for regulated stablecoin activities in Hong Kong; it has been reported that the first batch of stablecoin licences is expected to be issued within this year, whether stablecoins and e-CNY can achieve differentiated development in Hong Kong as envisaged by the authorities?
 
Reply:
 
President,
 
     The Government attaches great importance to promoting fintech development, and has been working closely with financial regulators as well as industry players to adopt multi-pronged measures for driving fintech forward.
 
     In May 2024, the People’s Bank of China (PBoC) and the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) expanded the scope of the next-generation digital Renminbi (e-CNY) pilot in Hong Kong to facilitate the set-up and the use of e-CNY wallets by Hong Kong residents, as well as the top-up of e-CNY wallets via the Faster Payment System (FPS). The e-CNY provides an additional safe, convenient and innovative payment option to residents of the two places, thereby enhancing efficiency and user experience of cross-boundary payment services, as well as promoting interconnectivity of the two places.
 
     In consultation with the HKMA, our reply to the three parts of the question is as follows.
 
(1) The PBoC and the HKMA work closely to optimise the e-CNY arrangements. At present, the number of Mainland operating institutions responsible for operating e-CNY wallets has increased from four in the initial period to five, while the number of local banks in Hong Kong participating in the top-up of e-CNY wallets via the FPS has also increased from 17 in the initial period to 18. The number of e-CNY wallets set up using Hong Kong mobile numbers and their usage have been increasing steadily. According to the PBoC’s information, as at end-January 2026, around 80 000 e-CNY wallets have been registered cumulatively.
 
     The HKMA and the local banks have been actively promoting the application of e-CNY in Hong Kong. Currently, the number of local retail merchants accepting e-CNY have increased from around 300 in the initial period to around 5 200, covering chain retail stores, hotels, travel agencies, catering, convenience stores, supermarkets, etc.
 
(2) The PBoC and the HKMA are exploring the arrangements and feasibility of upgrading e-CNY wallets, with a view to raising the usage limit of e-CNY wallets, expanding application scenarios and enhancing user experience. As the policy and technical details involved require further in-depth discussion, the specific proposals and timetable are not finalised yet.
 
(3) Stablecoins and Central Bank Digital Currencies (e.g. e-CNY), as well as other new payment tools, including tokenised deposits and cross-boundary linkage of fast payment systems, have the potential to be applied in various scenarios such as transaction settlement and local or cross-boundary payments, provided that the relevant legal and regulatory requirements are met. These payment tools have their own characteristics and varying degrees of maturity. Their future development prospects will largely be determined by market forces.
 
     The Government and financial regulators will continue to explore the potential and application scenarios of various new payment tools to better leverage the synergy among them, thereby addressing more pain points in the real economy.
Issued at HKT 14:20

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HK to host Art Basel for 5 years

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Culture, Sports & Tourism Bureau today announced a five-year collaboration arrangement with Art Basel, solidifying Hong Kong’s status as the exclusive regional host city.

The agreement aims to deepen the Government’s partnership with the world-renowned art fair over the next five years.

Beyond the annual fair held each March, Art Basel Hong Kong will continue to promote public art and education in the city. It will also support the bureau in developing strategies to further enhance the local art ecosystem and market.

Speaking at the opening reception of Art Basel Hong Kong 2026 today, Secretary for Culture, Sports & Tourism Rosanna Law said the long-term partnership underscores the Government’s commitment to cementing Hong Kong’s status as a global hub for premium arts trading. She added that the collaboration reinforces the city’s role as a premier centre for international cultural exchange between East and West.

Over the next five years, the Government and Art Basel will work together to elevate Hong Kong’s high-end arts trading platform and showcase the brilliance of local and Asian talent to a global audience.

Miss Law expressed confidence that the partnership will extend beyond the exhibition hall to the wider community.

She noted that Art Basel Hong Kong has consistently served as a powerful engine for the city’s mega-event economy, attracting art enthusiasts, collectors and industry leaders from around the world to experience Hong Kong’s unique energy.

The bureau highlighted that Art Basel Hong Kong has become a flagship event and a key fixture on the city’s international event calendar since its debut in 2013. 

Last year, the five-day fair featured 240 galleries from 42 countries and regions. It attracted over 86,000 visitors with more than half travelling from outside Hong Kong specifically for the event.

Looking ahead, the bureau said that its close collaboration with Art Basel Hong Kong will continue to foster the growth of the cultural and arts industries, delivering sustained economic and social benefits for Hong Kong.

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President Lai meets Japan-Taiwan Friendship Association Chairman Eto Seishiro

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

On the afternoon of March 24, President Lai Ching-te met with a delegation led by Japan-Taiwan Friendship Association Chairman Eto Seishiro. In remarks, President Lai thanked the association for its longstanding support for Taiwan and for promoting exchanges and cooperation between Taiwan and Japan in various fields. He stated that Taiwan and Japan have established models for close cooperation in such key fields as semiconductors and AI, while travel between the two countries has continued to increase. The president expressed hope that bilateral ties will steadily grow, and that Taiwan and Japan can build on their existing foundations to further expand cooperation and contribute even more to regional economic development.
A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows:
I want to extend a warm welcome to Chairman Eto, who is leading a delegation from the Japan-Taiwan Friendship Association on another visit to Taiwan. I look forward to conducting an in-depth exchange of views on a range of important issues with our guests shortly so that we can continue to expand our bilateral cooperation.
I would like to thank Chairman Eto for his strong and longstanding support for Taiwan, and for his outstanding contributions to Taiwan-Japan relations. For many years, under Chairman Eto’s leadership, the Japan-Taiwan Friendship Association has actively promoted bilateral exchanges among legislators and in other fields. These activities have continued to deepen mutual understanding and trust, and have further elevated the friendship between Taiwan and Japan. On behalf of all our citizens, I wish to convey sincere appreciation to our guests.
After Taiwan’s Hualien County was hit by a major earthquake in 2024, the Japan-Taiwan Friendship Association donated funds to assist with reconstruction. Taiwan is  deeply grateful and moved by this gesture. The heartfelt concern and support shown by people from all walks of life in Japan have laid a solid foundation for Taiwan and Japan to cooperate in disaster response and in efforts to strengthen societal resilience. In recent years, due to the continuous expansion of authoritarianism, the issue of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait has received a high level of attention in the international community. I want to thank the government of Japan for emphasizing the importance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait at numerous international venues. Just last week, Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae and United States President Donald Trump held a meeting, following which they issued a fact sheet  reiterating their commitment to the maintenance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. This reflects the concern and support for regional security within the international community.
In the face of regional challenges, besides continuing to strengthen its self-defense capabilities, Taiwan will also deepen cooperation with Japan and other like-minded friends and allies in order to jointly defend regional peace, stability, and prosperity. Taiwanese and Japanese industries have already established models for close cooperation in such key fields as semiconductors and AI, and have played a crucial role in global supply chain stability. I am confident that Taiwan and Japan will be able to build on our existing foundations to further expand cooperation, bringing progress and prosperity to both nations while contributing even more to regional economic development.
Last year, the total number of visitors traveling between Taiwan and Japan exceeded 8.2 million. I hope that in the future, we can push that number beyond 10 million. The Japan-Taiwan Friendship Association has organized delegations to Taiwan many times. I hope that with the support of Chairman Eto and our other guests, the number of visitors traveling between our two countries will grow even more. This will help spur the growth of our tourism sectors and economies, deepen the ties of friendship between our peoples, and enable Taiwan-Japan relations to steadily grow. In closing, I wish the delegation a pleasant and successful visit, and hope you make wonderful and lasting memories here in Taiwan.
Chairman Eto then delivered remarks, first expressing sincere gratitude to President Lai for taking the time to meet with the delegation. He noted that the history of the Japan-Taiwan Friendship Association dates back to 1949, when it was organized as a club . It was later restructured as the East Asia Friendship Association  in 1971, he said, and adopted its current name in 2018. He emphasized that the association has long been dedicated to promoting mutual understanding and exchanges and continuing to deepen bilateral relations, and that its core mission has remained unchanged.
Chairman Eto mentioned that in President Lai’s National Day Address last year, he noted that democratic Taiwan is a crucial link for the peace and stability of the Indo-Pacific, and as such, will work to uphold the status quo; furthermore, peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait are seen as cornerstones of regional economic prosperity.  The chairman then noted the consensus reached at the recent Japan-US summit, where the Japanese prime minister and US president emphasized the critical importance of peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait for regional security and global prosperity.
Chairman Eto stated that amid the changing international situation, Taiwan’s performance in freedom, human rights, and the rule of law has been recognized by the international community, and these core values are increasingly important in the Indo-Pacific region. He emphasized his full support for Taiwan’s participation in international organizations, including the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership, the World Health Organization, the International Civil Aviation Organization, and the International Criminal Police Organization, demonstrating a firm stance of support.
Regarding Taiwan-Japan exchanges, Chairman Eto also noted that the number of visitors between Taiwan and Japan has exceeded 8 million, and they will work toward the goal of 10 million. He stated that grassroots exchanges are also vital, especially interactions between young people, and expressed hope for more frequent and in-depth exchanges between senior high school and junior high school students. The chairman said that he looks forward to continuing to work with Taiwan to further deepen various cooperative relationships. 

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Sha Tin district officer named

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Government announced that Leonie Lee will assume the post of District Officer (Sha Tin) tomorrow, succeeding Frederick Yu.

Ms Lee joined the Administrative Service in 2006. She has served in various bureaus and departments, including the Chief Secretary for Administration’s Office, the then Home Affairs Bureau, the Constitutional & Mainland Affairs Bureau, the Education Bureau, the Development Bureau, the then Food & Health Bureau and the Health Bureau.

Before taking up the new post, Ms Lee was Commissioner for Harbourfront at the Development Bureau.

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2025 Year In Review: NEA Steps Up Cleanliness Efforts With Enhanced Partnerships And Enforcement

Source: Government of Singapore

25 March 2026  – The National Environment Agency (NEA) continued its stepped-up enforcement approach to uphold high standards of public cleanliness in 2025.

Over 13,600 enforcement actions taken for littering offences in 2025 

2.        In 2025, NEA took approximately 13,600 enforcement actions for littering offences islandwide, of which 13,200 were for ground littering. At cleanliness hotspots – identified through localised litter counts, public feedback and sustained ground observations – enforcement efforts were enhanced through visible patrols, standees, surveillance cameras, and ground engagements.

3.         About 300 enforcement blitzes were conducted at hotspots, more than double the blitzes in 2024.  Additionally, NEA issued over 700 Corrective Work Orders (CWO) in 2025, with 60 CWO sessions conducted at cleanliness hotspots to enhance deterrence. These targeted measures proved effective, resulting in a 40 per cent reduction in litter count at hotspots observed over a six-month period. 

About 350 enforcement actions taken for high-rise littering in 2025

4.           High-rise littering feedback has remained stable over the past three years, averaging 28,600 feedback cases annually. In 2025, NEA conducted approximately 2,200 camera deployments and took about 350 [1] enforcement actions for high-rise littering offences.

5.           One notable enforcement outcome involved a case at Ang Mo Kio Ave 6. Following persistent feedback of high-rise littering, surveillance cameras were deployed and successfully captured multiple acts of littering from a unit within a two-week period. The offender was convicted in court and fined a total of $2,800. 

6.            Under the Environmental Public Health Act, any individual who litters is liable on conviction to a court fine of up to $2,000 for a first conviction, $4,000 for a second conviction, and $10,000 for the third and subsequent convictions. The court may also impose a Corrective Work Order, requiring offenders to clean public areas for up to 12 hours. 

Strengthening detection through extended surveillance and partnerships

7.           NEA continues to explore new ways to enhance surveillance and enforcement capabilities. Since August 2025, NEA has extended camera surveillance duration for high-rise littering from 14 days to up to 28 days, to improve the effectiveness of the intervention.  

8.            In October 2025, NEA also introduced a six-month pilot programme with town councils (TCs), providing each TC with two high-rise littering surveillance camera deployments per month, to enable TCs to respond to the ground situation. TCs can deploy cameras at high-rise littering hotspots identified by their ground staff. All TCs have joined the pilot, with 39 cameras deployed since October 2025 with a 30 per cent catch-rate.

About 1,300 enforcement actions for rat-related lapses in 2025

9.            NEA’s two-monthly surveillance cycle showed a decrease in the average number of rat burrows per cycle from about 5,400 in the first half of 2025 to about 4,200 in the second half of the year. Majority of burrows were detected in public housing estates, followed by grass verges along roadsides and in industrial estates. 

10.           Since 1 April 2025, NEA has tightened enforcement against premises managers and owners for rat-related lapses including poor refuse management and housekeeping practices, defects in refuse handling facilities (e.g. bins, bin centres), and presence of rat harbourage. About 1,300 enforcement actions were jointly taken by NEA and the Singapore Food Agency against premises owners for rat-related lapses, of which about 620 were for poor refuse management.  

11.          Targeted operations were conducted in areas such as Little India, which saw stepped up rat control efforts since September 2025. These efforts included engaging stakeholders on good housekeeping and proper refuse management, conducting regular night inspections, and stepped-up enforcement. Between September 2025 and January 2026, a total of 114 enforcement actions were taken against premises owners and operators for rat-related lapses, of which 70 were for poor refuse management [2] . With the collective efforts of stakeholders in the area, NEA’s latest thermal and passive infrared camera deployments showed up to 70 per cent reduction in rat activities at various locations within Little India. 

12.          Sustained efforts from all stakeholders remain crucial, as rat populations can quickly rebound if good housekeeping practices are not maintained consistently. NEA will continue to adopt a multi-pronged approach encompassing enforcement, innovative solutions, and stakeholder engagements, to uphold high standards of public cleanliness. Everyone plays a part to keep Singapore clean. All residents are encouraged to take active ownership of cleanliness in their environment and report public health offences via the OneService app. 

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[1] Data is provisional as of 6 March 2026

[2] Data is provisional as of 6 March 2026

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