Category: MIL-OSI

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Hong Kong Customs special operation combats sale of counterfeit luxury fashion products (with photo)

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     Hong Kong Customs mounted a special operation in Hung Hom and Quarry Bay between January 6 and 14 to combat the sale of counterfeit luxury fashion products. About 1 000 suspected counterfeit goods, including apparel, shoes, handbags and jewellery, with an estimated market value of about $7.3 million, were seized. Two persons were arrested.

     Through intelligence analysis, Customs earlier discovered a retail shop in Hung Hom selling suspected counterfeit luxury fashion products. Customs officers then took enforcement action and raided the retail shop and its storage facility. About 400 pieces of suspected counterfeit apparel, with an estimated market value of about $700,000, were seized.

     In addition, Customs earlier received information alleging that suspected counterfeit apparel was put on sale at a retail shop in Quarry Bay. After detailed investigations and with the assistance of the trademark owners, Customs officers took enforcement action and raided the retail shop. About 600 suspected counterfeit apparel items, with an estimated market value of about $6,600,000, were seized.

     During the operation, two female shop owners, aged 48 and 53, were arrested.

     The investigation is ongoing, and the likelihood of further arrests is not ruled out.

     With the Lunar New Year around the corner, Customs will continue to step up inspections and enforcement to vigorously combat different kinds of counterfeiting activities.

     Customs reminds consumers to procure goods at reputable shops and to check with the trademark owners or their authorised agents if the authenticity of a product is in doubt. Traders should also be cautious and prudent in merchandising since selling counterfeit goods is a serious crime and offenders are liable to criminal sanctions.

     Under the Trade Descriptions Ordinance, any person who sells or possesses for sale any goods with a forged trademark commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $500,000 and imprisonment for five years.

     Members of the public may report any suspected counterfeiting 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).

  

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Housing Bureau and Development Bureau accept Independent Investigation Report submitted by Architectural Services Department regarding construction malpractices at three Light Public Housing sites and impose punitive measures on Contractor, Structural Engineer, and Project Management Consultant involved

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Housing Bureau and Development Bureau accept Independent Investigation Report submitted by Architectural Services Department regarding construction malpractices at three Light Public Housing sites and impose punitive measures on Contractor, Structural Engineer, and Project Management Consultant involved      
     In light of the investigation results, the DEVB served notices today, in accordance with the regulatory mechanisms, to the companies involved about the following punitive measures to be imposed on them:
 
(1) The Contractor, i.e. Able Engineering Company Limited (Able), which is responsible for the construction and associated quality assurance: suspension of its eligibility to tender under all relevant categories of the List of Approved Contractors for Public Works and the List of Approved Suppliers of Materials and Specialist Contractors for Public Works for one year. As for Chun Wo Construction and Engineering Company Limited that formed the joint venture with Able, since its major involvement in the projects is to provide strategic advice on construction planning and has neither been involved in the site works nor supervision, it is not subject to the punitive measures; 

(2) The Structural Engineer employed by the Contractor, i.e. C M Wong & Associates Limited, which is responsible for providing and managing the resident structural engineer involved: suspension of its eligibility to tender under all relevant categories of the List of Consultants of the Architectural and Associated Consultants Selection Board (AACSB) for one year; and     
     Since the commencement of LPH construction, the ArchSD has always enforced strict quality supervision and proactive inspections, together with reviews on the performance of contractors. The prompt uncovering of malpractices at the three LPH sites during the ArchSD’s proactive inspections was a direct reflection of the effectiveness of the supervision mechanism.
           
     The HB has tasked the ArchSD to continue its stern supervision of the Contractor to take forward the remedial works and the remaining construction works and to closely monitor construction quality and progress. Under the premise of adhering to the original completion dates, every effort shall be made to ensure that all projects comply with the relevant safety requirements. As directed by the ArchSD, the Contractor has implemented a host of remedial measures at full speed since early November last year, including shifting and reinstalling the modules involved, and will bear all costs related to the remedial measures.
      
     Moreover, on the works contract level, the ArchSD requested that the Contractor implement a series of remedial measures and bear all the related costs of the remedial works. In addition, should the remedial measures result in any delay in the contract completion dates, the Contractor will be liable for liquidated damages. Moreover, the ArchSD has required the Contractor to replace all site supervision personnel, including site agents, works supervisors, and resident structural engineers. The ArchSD has also concurrently required the PMC to replace all its resident site supervisors. Meanwhile, the ArchSD has immediately strengthened its supervision by deploying full-time government site supervision staff to monitor the sites and has arranged for its structural engineers to conduct additional on-site spot checks and audits to ensure strict quality control for the projects.
      
     Based on preliminary evidence, Able is suspected of serious negligence or misconduct in the construction works. The ArchSD will inform the Building Authority to refer the case to the Registered Contractors’ Disciplinary Board under Section 13 of the Buildings Ordinance. As provided in the Ordinance, if, upon hearing, negligence or misconduct in construction works were found to have been committed, the Board may order the removal of Able or its directors, senior personnel, or individuals from the relevant lists, impose fines, or issue a reprimand on Able or its directors, senior personnel, or individuals.
      
     As the investigation revealed that the incident may involve criminal acts of providing false statements, the ArchSD has already reported the case to the Police.
      
     The Government will continue to follow up on the case in a serious manner and step up its site supervision efforts to ensure the overall construction quality, safety and progress are not affected, as well as to ensure each LPH project is completed with high quality and high safety standards, thereby providing decent homes for residents in need as soon as possible.
Issued at HKT 15:30

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Good Employer Charter 2026 promotes family-friendly employment culture (with photos)

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Good Employer Charter 2026 promotes family-friendly employment culture       
     Speaking at the ceremony, the Under Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Mr Ho Kai-ming, said that this round of the Good Employer Charter, with the theme “Work-family balance, Together strive for brilliance”, aims to encourage employers to provide appropriate support to assist employees in balancing their work and family needs, thereby helping to unleash the local workforce.
      
     The Chief Executive’s 2025 Policy Address announced a series of initiatives for promoting fertility, including the LD encouraging more employers, through the Good Employer Charter, to adopt flexible arrangements that are conducive to childcare and extend the impact of a family-friendly culture in the workplace.
      
     Furthering the objectives of the charter, Charter 2026 encourages enterprises to offer employment benefits that are more favourable than statutory requirements, introduce employee-caring employment practices, maintain good communication with employees, and render support to employees’ family needs to promote work-life balance, having regard to their operational circumstances.
      
     Charter 2026 is supported by the Chinese General Chamber of Commerce, Hong Kong; the Chinese Manufacturers’ Association of Hong Kong; the Employers’ Federation of Hong Kong; the Family Council; the Federation of Hong Kong Industries; the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce; the Hong Kong General Chamber of Small and Medium Business; the Hong Kong Institute of Human Resource Management; and the Hong Kong Small and Medium Enterprises Association. A sharing session was arranged at the ceremony, and signatories of the last charter were invited to share their successful experiences in implementing family-friendly employment practices.
      
     The LD awarded the first Good Employer Charter in 2018. This year, the LD is launching the fourth round of the charter to encourage more enterprises to join the fleet of good employers. For event details, please visit the website: www.gec.labour.gov.hkIssued at HKT 18:38

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Two men involved in unauthorised transfer of bookings of recreation and sports facilities sentenced to community service orders

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Two men involved in unauthorised transfer of bookings of recreation and sports facilities sentenced to community service orders 
     The LCSD conducted a joint operation with law enforcement agencies at the tennis courts in Victoria Park on July 13, 2024, to combat unauthorised transfer of bookings of recreation and sports facilities and other illegal activities. During the operation, one man suspected of using and possessing another person’s identity card without reasonable excuse was arrested. Another man involved was subsequently charged with “transferring an identity card to another person”.
 
     The LCSD appeals to the public not to engage in any unauthorised transfer of bookings of recreation and sports facilities. Users should not pay scalpers for facility bookings, use another person’s identity card, or lend their own identification documents to another person for check-in to use facilities. Users breaching the LCSD’s “General Conditions of Use of Leisure and Sports Facilities” or the law will have their rights for booking recreation and sports facilities suspended for 360 days.
 
     SmartPLAY has already incorporated conditions prohibiting the use of computer programmes or other automated tools to make bookings. Starting from January 21, 2026, if users breach the said conditions, the LCSD will immediately suspend their accounts for 360 days without giving any prior notice. The LCSD once again reminds users of the necessity of complying with the “Conditions of Use of SmartPLAY”, properly managing the information of their SmartPLAY accounts, and not disclosing their user account numbers and passwords to others. Users having provided their user account numbers and passwords to a third party are advised to change their passwords as soon as possible and regularly to prevent unauthorised use of their accounts.
 
     The LCSD will continue to combat unauthorised transfer and touting of leisure venues and enhance SmartPLAY, as well as implement further anti-touting measures as necessary.
Issued at HKT 18:46

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Speech by SFST at Hong Kong Federation of Insurers Cocktail Party 2026: A Grateful Beginning in Unity (English only)

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Speech by SFST at Hong Kong Federation of Insurers Cocktail Party 2026: A Grateful Beginning in Unity (English only) 
Ellick (Chairman of the HKFI, Mr Ellick Tsui), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, and fellow colleagues in the insurance sector,
 
     Good evening. As we gather here tonight at the HKFI Cocktail Party 2026, I would like to begin by wishing each of you a happy, healthy, and prosperous New Year. May 2026 bring you renewed energy, meaningful achievements, and continued success in all that you do.
 
     Tonight’s theme, “A Grateful Beginning in Unity”, captures the spirit of collaboration and shared purpose that has always defined our industry. Hong Kong remains one of the world’s most open and dynamic insurance centres. We are currently home to around 160 authorised insurers, which 95 incorporated locally, with 65 from the Mainland and over 20 overseas jurisdictions. Remarkably, six of the world’s top 10 insurers are authorised to operate here. This strong international presence reaffirms Hong Kong’s position as a premier hub for insurance and risk management.
 
     Supported by the National 14th Five-Year Plan, we are actively strengthening our roles as an international financial centre and a global risk management centre within the “dual circulation” framework. As a “super connector” and “super value-adder”, Hong Kong serves as a vital two-way bridge on helping Mainland enterprises go global while attracting overseas firms to establish and grow their presence here.
 
     I’m delighted to share some exciting recent developments. Hong Kong now hosts six captive insurers, with two new ones established last year alone. This steady growth highlights the strong and sustained appeal of our city for captive solutions. We will continue to proactively invite Mainland and international enterprises to set up captives here, further enhancing our risk management ecosystem.
 
     Another significant milestone came in November last year with the establishment of an independent, commercial marine specialty risk pool. From early 2026, this pool will provide dedicated coverage for Hong Kong and Mainland vessels. It strengthens contingency protection for shipowners, unlocks new business opportunities under the Belt and Road Initiative, drives growth in our maritime and insurance sectors, and solidifies Hong Kong’s status as a leading international financial and shipping centre.
 
     Ladies and gentlemen, these achievements are the fruit of our collective dedication and unity.
 
     Before I close, I must express my deep appreciation for the industry’s outstanding response to the recent tragic Tai Po fire incident. All of you acted swiftly, activating claims processes and relief measures without delay, so that every affected family received timely and comprehensive support. Your actions not only eased immense hardship but also powerfully demonstrated the professionalism, solidarity, and profound social responsibility that define our sector.
 
     As we look to the year ahead, let us build on this grateful beginning: continuing to innovate, serve our community, and elevate Hong Kong as Asia’s and the world’s premier insurance and risk management hub.
 
     I wish you all a wonderful evening filled with meaningful connections and renewed inspiration. Thank you.
Issued at HKT 19:05

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Complaint system consultation begins

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Secretary for Health Prof Lo Chung-mau today chaired the first consultation meeting with patient groups to hear their views on improving the complaint handling mechanism of the Medical Council of Hong Kong (MCHK).

The Government launched the consultation as it will introduce a bill to the Legislative Council in the first half of this year to amend the Medical Registration Ordinance.

Prof Lo said the public has high expectations of the MCHK in discharging its primary responsibility for safeguarding doctors’ professional standards and ethical conduct, noting that the patient groups are important stakeholders.

“They offered highly constructive suggestions at today’s meeting. I look forward to continuing in-depth discussions with other stakeholders to explore proposals to improve the complaint handling mechanism of the council,” he said.

At the request of the Secretary for Health, the MCHK earlier submitted a report on improving its complaint handling mechanism to the Health Bureau.

The bureau is reviewing the report and the supplementary information provided by the MCHK, and will consider the report’s recommendations and the council’s operational needs in proposing amendments to the ordinance.

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Over 200 eco-achievers recognised

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

More than 200 companies, organisations and schools were awarded for their outstanding contributions to environmental protection in 2024 during a ceremony held today at the Data Technology Hub in Tseung Kwan O InnoPark.

Secretary for Environment & Ecology Tse Chin-wan officiated at the 2024 Hong Kong Awards for Environmental Excellence (HKAEE) Presentation Ceremony, in which 54 organisations won gold, silver or bronze awards, and 183 received certificates of merit.

A record high number of 3,999 entries competed for the 2024 HKAEE, the Environment & Ecology Bureau said.

In a video speech at the ceremony, Chief Executive John Lee commended the winning organisations for integrating environmental concepts into their daily operations, and injecting green momentum into Hong Kong’s high-quality development.

Mr Lee said the Government will continue to work to enhance environmental management and support green transformations, including promoting the development of the new energy industry, building a demonstration base for green technology, and continuously optimising community recycling services and facilities.

He added that the Government will keep working alongside various sectors to promote low-carbon development and jointly create more green opportunities for Hong Kong.

The Hong Kong Green Innovations Awards were also announced on the same occasion to encourage local organisations to address environmental challenges using innovative green solutions to achieve environmental benefits.

In addition, to commend company managers and employees for their dedication to enhancing the environmental performance of their firms and the community, one Most Outstanding Green Achiever, four Outstanding Green Achievers and five Green Achievers were selected.

Meanwhile, 24 organisations were honoured as Outstanding Promotional Partners, and 22 were recognised as Excellent HKAEE Promotional Partners.

The HKAEE is jointly organised by the Environmental Campaign Committee, and co-organised by the Environment & Ecology Bureau along with other organisations and chambers of commerce.

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Tuen Mun light housing tender opens

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Housing Bureau today invited tenders for the operation and management contract of Light Public Housing (LPH) at Tsing Fat Street, Tuen Mun. The deadline is noon on March 6.

The LPH project will provide about 4,200 units, with intake tentatively scheduled in the third quarter of this year.

Same as the previous contracts of other LPH projects, the operation and management services mainly cover occupant management, property management and daily maintenance, as well as the provision of social services, and management and operation of ancillary facilities.

To encourage participation of different stakeholders in the community, the bureau said it welcomes tenders from all capable and experienced service providers, including non-government organisations and those with a valid property management company licence, or a collaboration between them.

The bureau added that it has awarded six LPH operation and management contracts so far. It is now evaluating the tenders for the seventh to the 10th operation and management contracts, which cover the LPH projects at Olympic Avenue, Kai Tak (Phase 2), and Yan Po Road, Tuen Mun.

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Macau clearance to be enhanced

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Immigration Department today announced that enhancements for Hong Kong residents using automated passenger clearance services in the Macao Special Administrative Region will take effect on January 19.

The enhancements will be launched in collaboration with the Public Security Police Force, the Identification Services Bureau and the Public Security Forces Affairs Bureau of Macao.

The new measures include adjusting the eligible age for mutual use of automated immigration clearance services and relaxing the requirements for the use of self-service enrolment kiosks for enrolment of such services.

At present, Hong Kong residents aged 11 or above holding a valid Hong Kong permanent identity card are eligible for using the automated passenger clearance services in the Macao Special Administrative Region after enrolment.

Under the new measure, Hong Kong residents aged seven to 10 holding a valid Hong Kong permanent identity card will also be eligible for using the automated passenger clearance services in the Macao SAR after enrolment.

Similarly, Macau residents aged seven to 10 holding a valid Macau permanent identity card may use e-Channels to complete the automated immigration clearance after enrolment.

Moreover, Hong Kong non-permanent residents aged 18 or above, holding a valid Hong Kong identity card and a valid Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Document of Identity for Visa Purposes with a validity of more than 90 days may perform the self-service enrolment for using the automated passenger clearance services in the Macao SAR at designated locations in Macau.

Under the new measure, these people may also do so at the enrolment kiosks installed at designated control points or at various Registration of Persons Offices in Hong Kong.

Meanwhile, Macau residents aged 18 or above holding a valid Macau non-permanent identity card and a valid visit permit for residents of Macau to the Hong Kong SAR may also perform the self-service enrolment for using e-Channel services at designated locations in the Macao SAR.

For enquiries, call 2824 6111, fax 2877 7711 or send an email to enquiry@immd.gov.hk.

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Green logistics measures rolled out

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Transport & Logistics Bureau announced today the implementation of multiple measures to promote smart, green, sustainable and modern logistics development.

They include the formal rollout of the Port Community System (PCS) and Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Data Collection Tools, as well as the release of the findings of the planning study on the development of a modern logistics cluster in Hung Shui Kiu/Ha Tsuen New Development Area (HSK/HT NDA).

In terms of smart logistics, the PCS, a critical digital infrastructure developed by the Government with over $200 million in funding, was formally rolled out today.

It provides one-stop, round-the-clock, real-time cargo tracking and links up sea, land, and air transport networks, thereby holistically enhancing the transparency, efficiency and interconnectivity of the logistics chain.

Apart from its core function of real-time cargo tracking, the system will also offer value-added electronic services such as the “One-Data-Multiple-Declarations” function. By facilitating cargo import and export declarations by the industry, the system will provide one-stop services for local logistics and trading companies, thereby supporting the upgrading of the industry.

At today’s PCS rollout ceremony, the bureau also signed a tripartite memorandum of understanding with the Logistics & Supply Chain MultiTech R&D Centre and a local logistics startup company, FUNDel, to accelerate the connection between the PCS and data platforms of the logistics industry, as well as study the utilisation of the trusted cargo flow data on the PCS to help financial institutions assess trade finance applications filed by relevant logistics small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), thereby supporting the sustainable development of the logistics industry.

Secretary for Transport & Logistics Mable Chan said the Government will follow the guidance of the Recommendations for Formulating the 15th Five-Year Plan, leverage Hong Kong’s unique advantages of enjoying strong support of the motherland and being closely connected to the world to maintain Hong Kong’s position as the region’s leading international logistics hub, thereby better integrating into and serving the overall national development.

ESG is a new international development trend for the logistics trade. Further to the Government’s announcement of the Roadmap for ESG Development for Logistics Industry last June which outlined a clear way forward for adopting ESG by logistics SMEs, the bureau today further released a set of ESG Data Collection Tools (the Toolkit) tailored for logistics SMEs, with a view to assisting them in taking the first step towards putting ESG into practice.

The Toolkit includes a user-friendly data collection template, a data dictionary and a user manual. It aims to equip SMEs with the ability to collect and record ESG data early and use the collected data to prepare ESG data reports that fulfil international ESG disclosure requirements.

In the long run, logistics SMEs may even utilise the data for reviewing and improving their ESG performance, thereby helping to build up the Hong Kong logistics industry’s sustainability credentials and enhance its competitiveness.

Interested companies may register online to obtain the toolkit for free.

As for the findings of the planning study on the development of  a modern logistics cluster in the HSK/HT NDA, the study suggests that the logistics cluster should adopt three major development directions – enterprise-oriented, have a market-enabling environment and an innovative approach to drive industry development.

It also suggests measures such as providing tailor-made entry terms for anchor enterprises and increasing the flexibility of development modes, with a view to ensuring the development of the logistics cluster meets the trends and demands of the market.