Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Visit of LegCo Panel on Administration of Justice and Legal Services to Judiciary
The visit started with an exchange session of the Panel Members with Chief Justice Andrew Cheung, Chief Justice of the Court of Final Appeal; Mr Justice Jeremy Poon, Chief Judge of the High Court; Madam Justice Carlye Chu, Vice-President of the Court of Appeal of the High Court; and Ms Esther Leung, the Judiciary Administrator, at the Court of Final Appeal Building on major issues relating to the administration of justice.
The Members then visited the Mega Courtroom at the Wanchai Law Courts Building, where they were updated on the progress of the development of the new District Court Building on Caroline Hill Road. They were also given a presentation and demonstration on major initiatives on the use of technology in court operations, including the integrated Court Case Management System, guidelines on using generative artificial intelligence, remote hearings, e-bundle hearings, voice-to-text technology, as well as digital evidence presentation and exhibits handling at court hearings.
Members participating in the visit included the Chairman of the LegCo Panel on Administration of Justice and Legal Services, Ms Carmen Kan; the Deputy Chairman of the Panel, Mr Holden Chow; Panel Members Professor Priscilla Leung, Dr Junius Ho, Ms Maggie Chan, Mr Wu Yingpeng, Professor Alex Fan, Mr Nick Chan, and Dr Thomas So; as well as non-Panel members Mr Chan Siu-hung, Mr Aaron Bok, Ms Christine Fong, Mr Lothair Lam, Mr Chong Ho-fung and Mr Tommy Chung.
Issued at HKT 16:25
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Statistics on vessels, port cargo and containers for the first quarter of 2026
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Statistics on vessels, port cargo and containers for the first quarter of 2026
In the first quarter of 2026, total port cargo throughput increased by 2.2% to 42.0 million tonnes over a year earlier. Within this total, inward port cargo and outward port cargo increased by 0.7% and 4.4% to 24.7 million tonnes and 17.4 million tonnes respectively.
On a seasonally adjusted quarter-to-quarter comparison, total port cargo throughput increased by 1.2% in the first quarter of 2026. Within this total, inward port cargo increased by 3.5% while outward port cargo decreased by 1.9% compared with the preceding quarter. The seasonally adjusted series enables a more meaningful shorter-term comparison to help identify possible variations in trends.
Port cargo
In the first quarter of 2026, within port cargo, seaborne cargo decreased by 2.3% to 25.3 million tonnes over a year earlier, while river cargo increased by 9.8% to 16.7 million tonnes over a year earlier.
Comparing the first quarter of 2026 with a year earlier, a double-digit increase was recorded in the tonnage of inward port cargo loaded in Japan (+17.4%). On the other hand, double-digit decreases were recorded in the tonnage of inward port cargo loaded in Chile (-27.4%), Vietnam (-15.6%) and Thailand (-10.1%). For outward port cargo, a double-digit increase was observed in the tonnage of outward port cargo discharged in Brazil (+33.9%). Conversely, double-digit decreases were recorded in the tonnage of outward port cargo discharged in Thailand (-35.5%) and Australia (-11.4%).
Comparing the first quarter of 2026 with a year earlier, double-digit changes were recorded in the tonnage of inward port cargo of “stone, sand and gravel” (+11.2%), “petroleum, petroleum products and related materials” (+10.2%) and “artificial resins and plastic materials” (-12.2%). As for outward port cargo, double-digit changes were recorded in the tonnage of “stone, sand and gravel” (+26.5%) and “pulp and waste paper” (-20.6%).
Containers
In the first quarter of 2026, the port of Hong Kong handled 3.14 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) of containers, representing a decrease of 7.0% over a year earlier. Within this total, laden and empty containers decreased by 2.0% and 22.9% to 2.53 million TEUs and 0.61 million TEUs respectively. Among laden containers, inward and outward containers decreased by 3.1% and 0.7% to 1.34 million TEUs and 1.18 million TEUs respectively.
On a seasonally adjusted quarter-to-quarter comparison, laden container throughput increased by 4.9% in the first quarter of 2026. Within this total, inward and outward laden containers increased by 4.8% and 5.0% respectively.
In the first quarter of 2026, seaborne laden containers decreased by 3.7% to 1.75 million TEUs over a year earlier, while river laden containers increased by 2.0% to 0.77 million TEUs.
Vessel arrivals
Comparing the first quarter of 2026 with a year earlier, the number of ocean vessel arrivals increased by 6.5% to 4 797, increasing the total capacity by 6.1% to 75.1 million net tons. Meanwhile, the number of river vessel arrivals increased by 1.6% to 20 120, increasing the total capacity by 7.1% to 24.7 million net tons.
Further information
Port cargo and laden container statistics are compiled from a sample of consignments listed in the cargo manifests supplied by shipping companies and agents to the C&SD. Vessel statistics are compiled by the Marine Department primarily from general declarations submitted by ship masters and authorised shipping agents. Since 2026, statistics on pleasure vessels and fishing/fish processing vessels plying exclusively within the river trade limits have been covered.
Table 1 presents the detailed port cargo statistics.
Table 2 and Table 3 respectively present the inward and outward port cargo statistics by main countries/territories of loading and discharge.
Table 4 and Table 5 respectively present the inward and outward port cargo statistics by principal commodities.
Table 6 presents the detailed container statistics.
Table 7 presents the statistics on vessel arrivals in Hong Kong.
More detailed statistics on port cargo, containers and vessels are published in the report “Hong Kong Shipping Statistics, First Quarter 2026”. Users can browse and download this publication at the website of the C&SD (www.censtatd.gov.hk/en/EIndexbySubject.html?pcode=B1020008&scode=230
For enquiries about port cargo and container statistics, please contact the Electronic Trading Services and Cargo Statistics Section of the C&SD (Tel: 3863 2473 or email: shipping@censtatd.gov.hkIssued at HKT 16:30
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Provisional statistics of retail sales for April 2026
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The Census and Statistics Department (C&SD) released the latest figures on retail sales today (June 2).
The value of total retail sales in April 2026, provisionally estimated at $31.4 billion, increased by 8.6% compared with the same month in 2025. The revised estimate of the value of total retail sales in March 2026 increased by 12.8% compared with a year earlier. For the first 4 months of 2026 taken together, it was provisionally estimated that the value of total retail sales increased by 11.3% compared with the same period in 2025.
President Lai confers decoration on Czech Republic Senate President Miloš Vystrčil
Source: Republic of China Taiwan
President Lai confers decoration on Czech Republic Senate President Miloš Vystrčil
On the morning of June 2, President Lai Ching-te conferred the Order of Propitious Clouds with Special Grand Cordon on Senate President Miloš Vystrčil of the Czech Republic in recognition of his many years of staunch support for Taiwan and contributions to Taiwan-Czech relations and the defense of global democracy. In remarks, President Lai stated that Taiwan and the Czech Republic share the values of democracy, freedom, and respect for human rights, and will deepen cooperation across various fields, including the economy, trade, technology, culture, and education, to contribute to global peace, stability, and prosperity.
A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows:
First, on behalf of all the people of Taiwan, I would like to extend a warm welcome to Senate President Vystrčil and our distinguished guests on their return visit to Taiwan, demonstrating their support for Taiwan through concrete actions. Although Taiwan and the Czech Republic are geographically separated by thousands of kilometers, we share a firm belief in the values of democracy, freedom, and respect for human rights. It is this conviction that binds us closely together.
In 2020, while the world was still reeling from the impact of the pandemic, Senate President Vystrčil stood undeterred by pressure from China and remained steadfast in visiting Taiwan. During his address to the Legislative Yuan, his declaration – “I am a Taiwanese” – deeply moved our people. It also let the entire world feel the courage of democracy, the power of solidarity, and the great tradition of the Czech people in defending freedom.
Today, on behalf of the Republic of China (Taiwan), I have the honor of conferring the Order of Propitious Clouds with Special Grand Cordon upon Senate President Vystrčil. This is to recognize his staunch support for Taiwan over many years, his outstanding contributions to Taiwan-Czech relations, and his powerful defense of global democracy. This decoration honors his extraordinary courage and symbolizes the highest respect and gratitude of Taiwan’s people. It also stands as a true testament to the friendship between Taiwan and the Czech Republic.
Echoing Senate President Vystrčil’s call for solidarity among democratic nations to defend our common values, Taiwan and the Czech Republic have continuously deepened our partnership in recent years. We have not only protected our shared values of democracy and freedom, but have also achieved fruitful collaborative results across various fields, including the economy, trade, technology, culture, and education.
In 2023, China Airlines launched direct flights between Taipei and Prague, and starting this August, STARLUX will provide direct flights as well. These two air routes bridge our peoples, businesses, and friendships, bringing Taiwan and the Czech Republic even closer together. In the semiconductor sector, we have jointly established an R&D center to strengthen talent development. In the field of AI, the Czech Republic aims to build an AI Gigafactory for the European Union, a vision in which Taiwanese companies are actively taking part. Moving ahead, we look forward to launching even more innovative collaboration in areas such as smart healthcare, information security, and emerging technologies.
As we face the continued expansion of authoritarianism, I would like to emphasize that in the past, both Taiwan and the Czech Republic endured long periods of authoritarian rule. Therefore, we know firsthand that freedom does not come easily, and we stand willing to work together in solidarity to defend democracy.
I firmly believe that in these uncertain times, our nation must send a clear message to the international community. Taiwan and the Czech Republic will continue to march hand in hand, stand on the side of freedom and democracy, and contribute even more to global peace, stability, and prosperity. Once again, I want to thank Senate President Vystrčil and all our distinguished guests for their visit. I look forward to the continuous deepening of Taiwan-Czech relations and the constant creation of new milestones.
Senate President Vystrčil then delivered remarks, expressing that he is deeply honored to be conferred the Order of Propitious Clouds with Special Grand Cordon, a symbol of high distinction. He stated that for him personally, this is an immense privilege, and emphasized that the honor belongs not only to him, but should also be seen as a recognition and commendation of the Czech Senate.
Senate President Vystrčil pointed out that the Czech Senate, first in 2020 and again in 2026, expressed its support for him by an overwhelming majority during its plenary sessions, explicitly recommending that he visit the Republic of China (Taiwan) in his capacity as president of the Senate to further deepen mutually beneficial relations. He added that for Czech senators to make such a decision often requires immense political courage.
Senate President Vystrčil noted that on this ceremonious occasion, he is deeply aware that an individual’s strength is ultimately limited, and that being awarded the Order of Propitious Clouds with Special Grand Cordon would not have been possible without the support and assistance of many people. He extended special thanks to his team, who have stood beside him along the way and always served as his strongest support. He also thanked his family and friends, expressing that walking hand in hand with them is an immense blessing in life. He then paid tribute to the late Czech Senate President Jaroslav Kubera, as well as many other important figures who have provided guidance and inspiration throughout his life.
Senate President Vystrčil mentioned that upon seeing President Lai’s address on his second anniversary of taking office on May 20, he once again felt that Taiwan and the Czech Republic share many similarities. He remarked that whether in Taiwan or the Czech Republic, society frequently focuses on changes in the current international order. Today, he said, the rule of law and fundamental freedoms seem to be gradually taking a back seat, while the importance of power is becoming increasingly prominent – a power that is often accompanied by forces unconstrained by laws and rules, which is not a positive direction for development.
Senate President Vystrčil maintained that our responsibility lies in enhancing national resilience, resisting these trends, and continuing to defend the values of freedom and democracy. It is precisely for this reason, he said, that democratic nations need to support one another and cooperate closely.
In closing, Senate President Vystrčil stated that he has always firmly believed that all the beautiful things an individual receives, be it gratitude, praise, gifts, or such a prestigious decoration, carry a responsibility and commitment that should be kept in mind and practiced throughout one’s life. He pledged to continue working toward this end, expressed his gratitude to Taiwan and the Czech Republic for being important allies to each other, and conveyed his appreciation for the deep friendship between the two sides.
Also in attendance at the ceremony was Representative of the Czech Economic and Cultural Office David Steinke.
Property sales down 1.8%
Source: Hong Kong Information Services
The Land Registry logged 8,537 sale and purchase agreements received for registration for all building units in May, a drop of 1.8% compared with April and up 32.5% year on year.
The total consideration for building unit sale and purchase agreements in May decreased 0.1% from the previous month to 72.8 billion, representing a 46.1% year-on-year increase.
A total of 7,138 agreements were for residential units, down 3.1% from the previous month and up 39.8% from a year ago.
The total consideration for residential units was $65.6 billion, an increase of 3% compared with the previous month and a rise of 71.5% year on year.
There were 450,201 land register searches last month.
More Warm Nights With Onset Of Southwest Monsoon
Source: Government of Singapore
2 June 2026 – Winds over Singapore are forecast to strengthen and blow from the southeast or southwest in early June 2026, as the Southwest Monsoon sets in over the region. The Southwest Monsoon typically extends into September and is generally a drier season compared to other times of the year.
2. In the first fortnight of June 2026, localised short-duration thundery showers are expected over parts of the island in the late morning and early afternoon on some days. In addition, Sumatra squalls may bring widespread thundery showers and gusty winds in the pre-dawn and early morning on a few days. The total rainfall for the first fortnight of June 2026 is forecast to be below average over most parts of the island.
3. The daily maximum temperatures are likely to range between 33 degrees Celsius and 34 degrees Celsius on most days and may reach around 35 degrees Celsius on a few days when there is less cloud coverage. The nights are likely to be warm and humid. On several nights, the temperatures may stay above 28 degrees Celsius.
4. For updates of the daily weather forecast, please visit the MSS website (www.weather.gov.sg), NEA website (www.nea.gov.sg), or download the myENV app.
REVIEW OF THE PAST TWO WEEKS (15 – 31 May 2026)
5 Inter-monsoon conditions prevailed over Singapore and the surrounding region with winds generally light and variable in direction. On some days, the winds shifted to blow from the southeast or southwest.
6. In the second fortnight of May 2026, thundery showers fell over parts of the island in the afternoon on most days. Sumatra squalls also brought thundery showers and gusty winds over Singapore in the pre-dawn and morning on a few days. On 16 May 2026, regional convergence of winds brought heavy thundery showers over many areas of Singapore in the morning. The daily total rainfall of 102.4mm recorded at Tuas South that day was the highest rainfall recorded for the second fortnight of May 2026.
7. The daily maximum temperatures in the second fortnight of May 2026 were above 33 degrees Celsius on most days. The highest daily maximum temperature of 35.7 degrees Celsius was recorded at Ang Mo Kio on 20 May 2026.
8. The eastern, southern and southwestern parts of Singapore recorded above average rainfall while the other parts of the island mostly recorded below average rainfall in the second fortnight of May 2026. The area around Sentosa registered rainfall of 94 percent above average, and the area around Jurong West registered rainfall of 34 percent below average.
CLIMATE STATION STATISTICS
| Long-term Statistics for June (Climatological reference period: 1991-2020) |
||
|---|---|---|
| Average daily maximum temperature: | 31.9 | °C |
| Average daily minimum temperature: | 25.7 | °C |
| Average monthly temperature: | 28.5 | °C |
| Average rainfall: | 135.3 | mm |
| Average number of rain days: | 13 | |
| Historical Extremes for June (Rainfall since 1869 and temperature since 1929) |
||
| Highest monthly mean daily maximum temperature: | 33.2 | °C (1997) |
| Lowest monthly mean daily minimum temperature: | 23.2 | °C (1965) |
| Highest monthly rainfall ever recorded: | 378.7 | mm (1954) |
| Lowest monthly rainfall ever recorded: | 21.8 | mm (2009) |
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2025 Vehicle Fuel Economy Guide and Vehicle Fuel Efficiency Ranking Released
Source: Republic of China Taiwan
Recent continued instability in the Middle East has led to significant fluctuations in international crude oil prices, increasing the financial burden on households. As a result, selecting fuel-efficient and energy-efficient vehicles has become an important concern for the public. To assist the public in selecting high energy efficiency vehicles, the Energy Administration, Ministry of Economic Affairs, not only regularly publishes the latest monthly energy efficiency information of certified models online, but also compiles these data annually into the “Vehicle Fuel Economy Guide” for public reference. To further encourage the public to choose energy-saving and carbon-reducing electric vehicles, the “2025 Vehicle Fuel Economy Guide” also includes energy efficiency information of electric vehicles that have completed testing and certification.
The top-performing non-electric vehicles in each category of the 2025 Vehicle Fuel Economy Guide are shown below:
Passenger cars: Honda FIT A522H1502 1498c.c. A1 5D hybrid gasoline passenger car, manufactured by HONDA TAIWAN MOTOR CO., LTD., achieved the best performance with a fuel economy of 26.9 km/L.
Commercial vehicles: TUCSON NX4H-C, 1598c.c. A6 5D hybrid gasoline commercial vehicle, manufactured by Sanyang Motor Co., Ltd., achieved the best performance with a fuel economy of 21.1 km/L.
Motorcycles: HONDA SUPER CUB 109.5c.c. M4, imported by LI LIN MOTORCYCLE CO., LTD., achieved a fuel economy of 96.5 km/L.
According to the Energy Administration, to maximize energy-saving and carbon-reduction performance, it is important not only to carefully choose energy-efficient vehicles but also to maintain good driving habits and perform regular vehicle maintenance, such as reducing vehicle load, accelerating and decelerating smoothly, maintaining proper tire pressure, and avoiding prolonged idling, which are all effective practices for improving fuel economy. Additionally, making greater use of public transportation such as the MRT and buses can also help reduce fuel expenses and energy consumption, while also contributing to climate change mitigation.
The Energy Administration also clarified that the energy efficiency test values published in the 2025 Vehicle Fuel Economy Guide were measured under standardized laboratory conditions. In real-world driving, fuel economy may be affected by various factors such as weather, road and traffic conditions, use of air conditioning, and individual driving habits. Therefore, the actual driving distance per liter of gasoline (or diesel) or per kilowatt-hour of electricity may be lower than the values shown in the Guide, and the public is advised to use the information as a reference.
The 2025 Chinese version of the Vehicle Fuel Economy Guide has been published on the Energy Administration’s official website (https://www.moeaea.gov.tw). The public is welcome to download the guide. You can also visit the following website (https://EA03.moeaea.gov.tw/e0416/) for fuel economy information on specific vehicle models and refer to the “General Inquiry” section or the “EV Energy Efficiency Inquiry” page.
Spokesperson: Deputy Director General, Chung-Hsien Chen
Energy Administration, Ministry of Economic Affairs
Phone Number: 02-2775-7700
Mobile: 0919-998-339
Email: ctchen2@moeaea.gov.tw
Business Contact: Director, Shu-Fang Kao
Phone Number: 02-2775-7773
Mobile: 0918-400-668
Email: sfkao@moeaea.gov.tw
MOEA Holds Personal Data Briefing to Help Management Consulting Industry Navigate New PDPA Regulations
Source: Republic of China Taiwan
The Small and Medium Enterprise and Startup Administration (SMESA) of the Ministry of Economic Affairs has long collaborated with the management consulting industry to promote the upgrading and transformation of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and to enhance their personal data protection capabilities. To further assist management consulting businesses in adapting to the new regulations of the Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA) and meeting client demands for personal data protection, SMESA compiled the “Practical Guideline Manual for Personal Data Protection and Management in the Management Consulting Industry” last year and published it on its website. To date, it has garnered over 40,000 views and downloads. In the afternoon, May 27th, SMESA held the “Management Consulting Industry Personal Data Protection Advocacy Briefing,” featuring opening remarks by Director General Lee. Experts were invited to explain the new PDPA regulations and the practical guidelines for personal data protection and management. Combined with practical case analyses, the briefing aimed to help management consulting businesses quickly grasp the key points of personal data protection and cybersecurity, thereby elevating their awareness and capabilities in personal data management.
SMESA explained that in the process of assisting MSMEs with their transformation, the management consulting industry frequently handles cross-industry and cross-disciplinary client operational data, encompassing diverse fields such as marketing, finance, sustainable development, international certification, and human resources. Furthermore, the necessity of utilizing tools like big data analysis and artificial intelligence to expand business scope has correspondingly increased both the volume and risk of personal data processing. The aforementioned guideline manual was compiled by SMESA based on practical experience in guiding businesses. Its content covers various practical scenarios applicable to both large consulting firms and small-to-medium consulting companies, helping businesses establish compliant systems. By organizing these advocacy briefings, SMESA hopes to encourage more businesses to effectively implement client personal data protection measures.
The briefing invited personal data protection experts from the Science and Technology Law Institute (STLI) of the Institute for Information Industry and KPMG Advisory Services Co., Ltd. to share insights on the new PDPA regulations, key points of administrative inspections, and the practicalities of filling out the self-assessment checklist. Combined with the analysis of management consulting industry cases, this helped businesses grasp the essentials of establishing a personal data protection system. Nearly 50 representatives from the management consulting industry attended the event, demonstrating the industry’s significant focus on client personal data protection issues. SMESA also plans to hold subsequent briefings in Taichung and Kaohsiung in the near future to assist more management consulting businesses in implementing personal data protection tasks. The electronic version of the “Practical Guideline Manual for Personal Data Protection and Management in the Management Consulting Industry” has been made publicly available on the SMESA website (https://www.sme.gov.tw/list-tw-2946). Businesses and enterprises intending to strengthen their personal data protection management are welcome to download and utilize it extensively. SMESA will work hand in hand with the industry to jointly create a trustworthy industrial environment and safeguard the personal data security of corporate clients.
NEA And UK Office For Nuclear Regulation Sign Memorandum of Understanding On Nuclear Safety Regulation
Source: Government of Singapore
2 June 2026 – The National Environment Agency (NEA) and the United Kingdom (UK)’s Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to cooperate in nuclear safety regulation, including the exchange of information and expertise, and the training of scientific and technical personnel.
2. The MOU was signed by Ms Koh Li-Na, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Meteorological Services and Radiation Protection, NEA and Mr Paul Dicks, Director of Regulation of New Reactors at ONR. It supports Singapore’s overarching effort to build capabilities in nuclear safety, and to study the feasibility of the safe deployment of nuclear energy in Singapore.
3. Ms Koh, NEA Deputy Chief Executive Officer, said, “The MOU with the United Kingdom’s Office for Nuclear Regulation will strengthen Singapore’s capabilities in radiation protection, nuclear safety and assessment. Through partnerships with well-established regulators like ONR, NEA will deepen its technical expertise to understand new reactor technologies and build the institutional capabilities needed to rigorously assess nuclear safety.”
4. ONR, the UK’s independent nuclear regulatory body that oversees nuclear safety in Great Britain, regulates over 30 nuclear sites in the UK, and is among the first few international regulators to review the safety of SMRs. This collaboration will enhance NEA’s regulatory knowledge as Singapore continues to study the potential role of nuclear energy in its energy future. NEA has also been developing Singapore’s nuclear safety and regulatory capabilities through close partnerships with established regulators in Finland, France and the United States, as well as our ASEAN partners with whom we engage in nuclear safety cooperation and discussions.
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Speech by SCST at groundbreaking ceremony of Villa Haw Par (English only)
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Following is the speech by the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Miss Rosanna Law, at the groundbreaking ceremony of Villa Haw Par today (June 1):
Consul General Christile Drulhe (Consul General of France in Hong Kong and Macao), Mr Arthur de Villepin (Founder and CEO of Villepin Group), Ms Sara Mao (Executive Director of Villa Haw Par), Mr Kenneth Fok (Chairman of the Hong Kong Arts Development Council), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
Good afternoon. It is my great pleasure to join you at the groundbreaking ceremony of Villa Haw Par. Today marks a truly significant milestone: the transformation of the historic Haw Par Mansion from a static monument into a living, dynamic cultural landmark in Hong Kong.
Built in 1935 by the visionary merchant Mr Aw Boon Haw, more familiarly known to us as Mr 胡文虎 and even more widely known as “the King of Tiger Balm”, Haw Par Mansion is a one-of-a-kind example of Hong Kong’s unique identity – a place where East truly meets West. Its Chinese Renaissance architecture masterfully blends Eastern and Western theories and construction methods. In recognition of its vibrant historical and architectural significance, the Mansion was classified as a Grade I historic building in 2009 – solidifying its role as a precious jewel in Hong Kong’s cultural heritage.
Many of you will remember that before the adjacent Tiger Balm Garden was demolished, it was open to the public free of charge. For decades, Haw Par Mansion and its iconic garden held a special place in the hearts of generations of Hong Kong residents. They are a repository of collective memories, a symbol of family outings, and a testament to our city’s early arts and cultural development.
Preserving our rich cultural heritage while adapting it for modern community use is a core priority for the Government. We saw immense potential in revitalising Haw Par Mansion for arts and cultural purposes. Given its unique background and character, we believe this revitalisation should not merely be about conserving bricks and mortar – it is more about breathing new life into a legendary landmark.
Following an open and fair selection process, the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau engaged the Foundation for Art and Culture (FAC) last year to operate Haw Par Mansion on a non-profit, self-financing basis for arts and cultural use. The project echoes our policy direction of developing Hong Kong into an East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange. We attach great importance to it, with high hopes that it will contribute significantly to realising that vision. Under the FAC, the Mansion has been given a new name – Villa Haw Par – most fitting to its renewed role as an icon of international arts and cultural exchange in Hong Kong. I understand that the FAC has been working diligently over the past few months to build local and international foundations and connections for this project, achieving notable results – including a long-term partnership with the Consulate General of France in Hong Kong and Macao, and active participation in international networks of cultural residencies and villas. These efforts strengthen Villa Haw Par’s role as a platform for dialogue between Hong Kong and the world.
Once the revitalisation is completed, Villa Haw Par will become a dynamic hub for cultural exchange. It will feature diverse arts and cultural programmes – exhibitions, film screenings, performances, workshops and artist residency collaborations with local and international artists. Beyond these conventional uses, I am confident that the FAC will utilise its talent, expertise and connections to unleash the site’s full potential and turn it into an even more creative site. Imagine Villa Haw Par serving as a satellite event venue for Art Month, adding new flavour to Hong Kong’s many arts and cultural offerings, or once again as a must-visit destination for tourists to experience Hong Kong’s history firsthand. With the strong international connections already built for this project, I also hope that Villa Haw Par will act as an inspiring incubator and platform for our local creative talents to showcase their work to the world.
I am sure you all agree with me that Villa Haw Par is a major project – one that requires sustained and substantial efforts. A project of this scale cannot happen in isolation; it needs strong partnerships between the Government, the non-profit sector and the private sector. I would like to take this opportunity to extend my sincere gratitude to the FAC, to the project partners, and to all community stakeholders – especially the Consulate General of France in Hong Kong and Macao. Your support and dedication to the Villa Haw Par project have brought us to this momentous milestone. I would also like to appeal to all friends here today for your active participation and continuous support for this meaningful project.
Ladies and gentlemen, we break ground today to build a vital bridge – connecting our glorious past with a creative, forward-looking future. I am incredibly excited to see this landmark restored to its full glory, and I look forward to visiting the new Villa Haw Par very soon. Thank you very much.
Issued at HKT 18:12