Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Chairman and members of Advisory Committee on Gifted Education appointed
The incumbent Chairman reappointed is Dr Eugene Chan Kin-keung and the seven incumbent members reappointed are Professor Eric Chan Sze-yuen, Ms Joanne Chong Sze-pui, Ms Dung Yi-ping, Mr Lau Kwong-yip, Mr Rex Sham Pui-sum, Professor Tse Chi-kong and Ms Ayse Wong Oi-sze. The three newly appointed members are Dr Kong Novia Mozart, Mr Edwin Lau Wah-shun and Mr Charles Wong Shun-kit.
The Secretary for Education, Dr Choi Yuk-lin, said, “With the reappointment and new appointment of members to the ACGE, I am confident that the Gifted Education Fund (GE Fund) will continue to achieve outstanding results in promoting gifted education in Hong Kong, and enable more gifted students to unleash their potential, enriching the talent pool and enhancing the competitiveness of Hong Kong.”
Dr Choi also expressed her gratitude to the three outgoing members, Mr Brian Cheng Ho-wai, Professor Chui Yat-hung and Dr Ada Li Yuen-yung, for their valuable contributions to and support for the ACGE over the years.
The GE Fund was established in 2016 to support the Hong Kong Academy for Gifted Education in optimising services, providing diversified student activities for gifted students, and arranging them to participate in more training, activities and competitions at the Hong Kong, cross-territory, national and international levels, thereby broadening their horizons and giving them more opportunities to showcase their talents. The GE Fund also supports different organisations to provide Off-school Advanced Learning Programmes for exceptionally gifted students to acquire high-quality and challenging learning experiences in a wider range of areas and even cross-disciplinary fields, and develop their multifaceted potential.
The ACGE advises the Secretary for Education on the overall policy and strategic development of gifted education in Hong Kong, new measures and initiatives for promoting gifted education, and the use and management of the GE Fund.
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The membership list of the ACGE with effect from April 1, 2025, is as follows:
Chairman
————
Dr Eugene Chan Kin-keung
Non-official members
————————–
Professor Eric Chan Sze-yuen
Ms Joanne Chong Sze-pui
Ms Dung Yi-ping
Dr Kong Novia Mozart #
Mr Lau Kwong-yip
Mr Edwin Lau Wah-shun *
Mr Rex Sham Pui-sum
Professor Tse Chi-kong
Ms Ayse Wong Oi-sze
Mr Charles Wong Shun-kit #
* new member
# new members recruited under the MSSY
Ex-officio members
————————
Permanent Secretary for Education
Deputy Secretary for Education (5)
Chairman, Board of Directors of the Hong Kong Academy for Gifted Education
Chairperson, Committee on Gifted Education of the Curriculum Development Council
Issued at HKT 11:32
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Residential mortgage survey results for February 2025
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Residential mortgage survey results for February 2025
The number of mortgage applications in February increased month-on-month by 0.4 per cent to 6 542.
Mortgage loans approved in February increased by 4.3 per cent compared with January to HK$26.1 billion. Among these, mortgage loans financing primary market transactions increased by 21.6 per cent to HK$12.1 billion and those financing secondary market transactions decreased by 9.9 per cent to HK$11 billion. Mortgage loans for refinancing increased by 4.4 per cent to HK$3 billion.
Mortgage loans drawn down during February increased by 12.8 per cent compared with January to HK$17.6 billion.
The ratio of new mortgage loans priced with reference to HIBOR increased from 93 per cent in January to 94 per cent in February. The ratio of new mortgage loans priced with reference to best lending rates decreased from 3.4 per cent in January to 2.4 per cent in February.
The outstanding value of mortgage loans increased month-on-month by 0.2 per cent to HK$1,876.7 billion at end-February.
The mortgage delinquency ratio stood at a low level of 0.12 per cent and the rescheduled loan ratio was unchanged at nearly 0 per cent.
Issued at HKT 16:31
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Postal services to Korea return to normal
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
​Hongkong Post announced today (March 31) that, as advised by the postal administration of Korea, mail delivery services to the areas with the postcodes 364xx-367xx and 374xx previously impacted by wildfires have returned to normal.
Monetary statistics for February 2025
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Monetary statistics for February 2025
Total loans and advances decreased by 0.2 per cent in February, and decreased by 0.5 per cent in the first two months of 2025. Among the total, loans for use in Hong Kong (including trade finance) and loans for use outside Hong Kong decreased by 0.2 per cent and 0.4 per cent respectively in February. The Hong Kong dollar loan-to-deposit ratio decreased to 73.5 per cent at the end of February from 75.7 per cent at the end of January, as Hong Kong dollar deposits increased while Hong Kong dollar loans decreased.
Hong Kong dollar M2 and M3 both increased by 1.8 per cent in February, and both increased by 6.8 per cent when compared to a year ago. The seasonally-adjusted Hong Kong dollar M1 increased by 4.4 per cent in February and increased by 5.3 per cent compared to a year ago, reflecting in part investment-related activities. Total M2 and total M3 both increased by 0.9 per cent in February. Compared to a year earlier, total M2 and total M3 both increased by 10.4 per cent.
As monthly monetary statistics are subject to volatilities due to a wide range of transient factors, such as seasonal and IPO-related funding demand as well as business and investment-related activities, caution is required when interpreting the statistics.
Issued at HKT 16:31
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Public library opening hours for Ching Ming Festival and Easter
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The Leisure and Cultural Services Department announced today (March 31) that all public libraries will be closed on Good Friday (April 18), while students’ study rooms will be open from 8am to 9.30pm.
Apart from individual libraries’ closing days, the opening hours of all public libraries on Ching Ming Festival (April 4), the day following Good Friday (April 19), and Easter Monday (April 21) will be the same as those for public holidays.
To carry out system maintenance work, the Multimedia Information System and online reservation of computer facilities services will be suspended from 9pm on April 17 to 7am on April 19. Moreover, the following services will also be suspended from 0.30am on April 18 to 7am on April 19:
- library mobile app services and Internet and telephone renewal services;
- other online library services, including the library catalogue, borrowers’ record enquiries, reservation of library materials and electronic resources (e-books and e-databases); and
- self-service library stations (readers may still return books to the stations before the due date, and the loan record will be updated within two working days).
Details can be obtained from notices posted at all public libraries and on the website at www.hkpl.gov.hk/en/library-notices/library-notices-list.html. For enquiries, please call 2921 0208.
Hong Kong Customs seizes suspected ketamine worth about $50 million at airport (with photos)
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
​Hong Kong Customs detected two drug trafficking cases involving baggage concealment at Hong Kong International Airport over the past two days (March 29 and 30) and seized a total of about 102 kilograms of suspected ketamine with an estimated market value of about $50 million.
The first case involved two female passengers, both aged 23, who arrived in Hong Kong from Frankfurt, Germany, on March 29. During customs clearance, Customs officers found about 81kg of suspected ketamine inside their check-in suitcases. They were subsequently arrested. The arrested persons have been jointly charged with one count of trafficking in a dangerous drug.
In the second case, a 27-year-old female passenger arrived in Hong Kong from Amsterdam, the Netherlands, yesterday (March 30). Customs officers seized about 21kg of suspected ketamine from her checked-in suitcase during customs clearance. The woman was subsequently arrested.
The two cases will be brought up at the West Kowloon Magistrates’ Court tomorrow (April 1).
Customs will continue to step up enforcement against drug trafficking activities through intelligence analysis. The department also reminds members of the public to stay alert and not participate in drug trafficking activities for monetary return. They must not accept hiring or delegation from another party to carry controlled items into and out of Hong Kong. They are also reminded not to carry unknown items for other people.
Customs will continue to apply a risk assessment approach and focus on selecting passengers from high-risk regions for clearance to combat transnational drug trafficking activities.
Under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, trafficking in a dangerous drug is a serious offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $5 million and life imprisonment.
Members of the public may report any suspected drug trafficking activities to Customs’ 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002/en).
AFCD reminds public not to enter Sham Wan Restricted Area during restricted period
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) reminds members of the public today (March 31) not to enter the Sham Wan Restricted Area, Lamma Island, from tomorrow (April 1) to October 31 to protect nesting green turtles.
The Sham Wan Restricted Area includes a beach of 0.5 hectare and a sea inlet of 98.2 hectares adjoining the beach at Sham Wan (see Annex). The restricted period lasts seven months, from April 1 to October 31.
An AFCD spokesman said, “The green turtle is an endangered species protected by the Wild Animals Protection Ordinance (Cap. 170) in Hong Kong. It is also the only sea turtle species that nests locally. The sandy beach at Sham Wan on Lamma Island is the only site in Hong Kong and one of the few sites in the South China Sea at which green turtles nest from time to time. Green turtles are known to stay in waters adjacent to their natal beaches before and in between their nesting. During the period, breeding green turtles are particularly sensitive to human disturbances, which may frighten them and cause them to abandon nesting. The designation of the Sham Wan Restricted Area helps protect endangered green turtles and their breeding ground. It can bring about a positive impact on the survival and breeding of green turtles in the long run.”
The spokesman pointed out that AFCD staff will conduct patrols to prevent unauthorised entry to the area and monitor the occurrence and nesting activities of green turtles. Unauthorised entry to the restricted area is subject to a maximum fine of $50,000 upon conviction.
Speech by SITI at Laservall – “From Hong Kong To Global: The Future of Advanced Manufacturing and Microelectronics” (English only)
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Following is the speech by the Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Professor Sun Dong, at the Laservall – “From Hong Kong To Global: The Future of Advanced Manufacturing and Microelectronics” event today (March 31):
Ms Lee (Korean Consul (Commerce), Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in Hong Kong, Ms Jaeyon Lee), James (Chairman of Laservall, Mr James Kang), Andrew (Chief Executive Officer of Laservall, Mr Andrew Kim), Albert (Chief Executive Officer of the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation, Mr Albert Wong), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
Good morning. It is my pleasure to stand before you today to celebrate Laservall’s global expansion in Hong Kong – a milestone that marks the company’s distinctive success achieved in developing advanced high-precision laser inter-connect solutions and automation system for advanced manufacturing.
Founded in Hong Kong in 2003 and commencing its amazing journey at the Hong Kong Science Park in 2024, a cradle that nurtures thousands of innovation and technology (I&T) companies, Laservall has evolved into a world leader in the advanced manufacturing industry today. With its extensive clientele including some renowned global brands in the industry of smartphone camera modules, electronics and automotive, Laservall continues to expand its operations with R&D (research and development) centres and production facilities across Asia.
We are so excited to witness Laservall’s success today, as advanced manufacturing has been a pivotal sector and significant power engine to drive the development of new industrialisation in Hong Kong.
Following the promulgation of the Hong Kong Innovation and Technology Development Blueprint in December 2022, the Hong Kong SAR Government has been actively promoting new industrialisation through supporting the advanced manufacturing industries and encouraging the upgrading and transformation of traditional manufacturing sector through the use of I&T, with the aim of driving sustainable economic growth and creating high-quality employment opportunities.
To bolster the development of new industrialisation, our Government has stepped up its efforts by implementing a series of supporting policies and measures. For example, the New Industrialisation Funding Scheme was enhanced to reinforce our efforts in supporting enterprises to adopt smart manufacturing. As of February 2025, the scheme had supported more than 100 new smart production lines. To extend our dedication, we launched the New Industrialisation Acceleration Scheme last year to provide funding support for enterprises engaging in industries of strategic importance. We will also earmark another $100 million for the Pilot Manufacturing and Production Line Upgrade Support Scheme to provide financial support to companies setting up smart production facilities in Hong Kong.
Today, Laservall announces its plan of investing $300 million over the next five years and doubling the size of R&D team by 2026, and extending their R&D team eventually by sixfold by 2028. This not only reflects the company’s commitment to innovation but also its unwavering confidence in Hong Kong’s I&T industry. Its expansion at the Science Park is a perfect example of how it is leveraging Hong Kong’s unique role as a “super-connector” and a “super value-adder” to strengthen its presence in the global market.
May I once again extend my sincere congratulations to Laservall for its outstanding I&T achievement. I am confident that we will soon witness more local companies, like Laservall, stepping onto the global I&T stage and demonstrating the remarkable outcomes of Hong Kong’s R&D capabilities to the world in the near future. Thank you.
Appointments to Community Investment and Inclusion Fund Committee
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The Government announced today (March 31) the reappointment of six incumbent members of the Community Investment and Inclusion Fund (CIIF) Committee. The appointment of Mr Shum Ho-kit and Miss Amy Chan Lim-chee as the new Chairman and Vice-Chairman, and Miss Louisa Cheung Yee-sha, Mr Lawrence Lam Chi-bun, Miss Charlotte Lau Hei-lam, Dr Michael Liu Tsz-chung, Professor Ming Wai-kit, Ms Ng Mei-yee, Mr Wilson Or Chong-shing, Ms Tse Yi-lam, Ms Macy Wong Chor-kei and Mr Yim Chi-fung as new members, was also announced. The appointment of these 18 members will take effect from April 1, 2025, to March 31, 2027.
The Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, Miss Alice Mak, welcomed the appointments and looked forward to the new members continuing to demonstrate the care for community and cross-sectoral collaboration that the CIIF seeks to promote. She also expressed her appreciation to the outgoing Chairman, Mr Kwan Chuk-fai, and members Professor Alan Chow Ping-kay, Dr Fan Ning, Ms Amy Fung Dun-mi, Professor Vivian Lou Wei-qun, Miss Yanice Mak Wing-yan, Mr Francis Ngai Wah-sing, Miss Joanna Wong Kwan-chiu, Ms Wong May-kwan and Mr Wong Wai-kit, for their efforts and contributions to the CIIF during their term of service.
The membership list of the CIIF Committee, with effect from April 1, 2025, is as follows:
Chairman
———–
Mr Shum Ho-kit
Vice-Chairman
—————-
Miss Amy Chan Lim-chee
Members
———-
Ms Karin Ann
Miss Louisa Cheung Yee-sha
Mr Lawrence Lam Chi-bun
Miss Charlotte Lau Hei-lam
Mr Lau Hing-wah
Ms Janus Lau Yuen-yee
Mr Lee Kwong-yu
Miss Leung Sze-wan
Dr Michael Liu Tsz-chung
Professor Ming Wai-kit
Ms Ng Mei-yee
Mr Wilson Or Chong-shing
Dr Johannes Poon Yin-kwong
Ms So Lai-chun
Mr Johnny Sze Chun-hong
Ms Tse Yi-lam
Mr Andy Wan Ka-kit
Ms Macy Wong Chor-kei
Mr Yim Chi-fung
Mr Yu Hon-kwan
The CIIF was established in 2002 to promote social capital development through encouraging mutual support in the neighbourhood, community participation and cross-sectoral partnership. The CIIF Committee is tasked to handle applications for funding under the CIIF and advise the Government on the administration of the CIIF as well as the development of social capital in Hong Kong.
Preliminary Report and Public Notice on serious incident of Airbus A330-343 P2F and Boeing 777-200F freighters released
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The Air Accident Investigation Authority (AAIA) released the Preliminary Report and Public Notice PLR-2025-01 on a serious incident concerning the loss of separation between an Airbus A330-343 P2F freighter operated by MNG Airlines (registration mark TC-MCN) and a Boeing 777-200F freighter operated by Silk Road Western Airlines (registration mark VP-BMU) after take-off at Hong Kong International Airport on February 27, 2025.
A spokesperson for the AAIA said that the Preliminary Report has been published to provide factual information established in the investigation’s early evidence collection phase to both the aviation industry and the general public in a timely manner, and should be regarded as tentative. The full report is available for download from the AAIA webpage (www.tlb.gov.hk/aaia/eng/investigation_reports/index.html).
“The investigation team is conducting a detailed analysis of the data and information collected in order to determine the circumstances and causes of this occurrence with a view to preventing a recurrence in conjunction with identifying areas for further investigation or lines of inquiry to follow up,” the spokesperson said.
The AAIA, an independent investigation authority formed under the Transport and Logistics Bureau, is responsible for the investigation of civil aircraft accidents and incidents in accordance with the Hong Kong Civil Aviation (Investigation of Accidents) Regulations (Cap. 448B) and with reference to the International Civil Aviation Organization’s standards.