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.

Ends/Monday, June 1, 2026
Issued at HKT 18:12
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80th round of computer ballot registration for submitting applications for Northbound Travel for Hong Kong Vehicles to be open June 1 to 4

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

80th round of computer ballot registration for submitting applications for Northbound Travel for Hong Kong Vehicles to be open June 1 to 4 
  Eligible applicants for the scheme can register for computer balloting through the designated website (www.hzmbqfs.gov.hkIssued at HKT 10:00

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Red flags lowered at Stanley Main Beach and Clear Water Bay Second Beach

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

Attention TV/radio announcers:

Please broadcast the following as soon as possible and repeat it at regular intervals:

Here is an item of interest to swimmers.

The Leisure and Cultural Services Department said today (May 30) that the red flags at Stanley Main Beach in Southern District, Hong Kong Island and Clear Water Bay Second Beach in Sai Kung District have been lowered.

The red flags were hoisted at the beaches earlier due to big waves.

Companies fined $251,800 for contravening Employment Ordinance

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Companies fined $251,800 for contravening Employment Ordinance      
     The three companies wilfully and without reasonable excuse contravened the requirements of the EO, failing to pay wages to a total of 47 employees within seven days after the expiry of the wage periods and the termination of employment contracts, totalling about $1,360,000. Vast Luck Limited failed to pay annual leave pay to one employee within the statutory time limit, amounting to around $7,600, and also failed to pay the awarded sum of about $81,000 to one employee within 14 days after the date set by the Labour Tribunal (LT).

     “The ruling will disseminate a strong message to all employers that they have to pay wages to employees within the statutory time limit stipulated in the EO, as well as the sums awarded by the LT or the Minor Employment Claims Adjudication Board,” a spokesman for the LD said. Issued at HKT 19:10

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CE leads delegation to begin visit programme to Kazakhstan

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

CE leads delegation to begin visit programme to Kazakhstan (with photos/video) 
     In the morning, Mr Lee met with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Economy of Kazakhstan, Mr Serik Zhumangarin, to exchange views on deepening economic co-operation between the two places. Mr Lee said that Kazakhstan has been actively promoting reforms on various fronts to bring about rapid economic growth. As one of the world’s three major financial centres, and the world’s largest cross-boundary wealth management centre and offshore Renminbi (RMB) business hub, Hong Kong can provide diversified and flexible support including capital and asset allocation for Kazakhstan’s economic reforms and infrastructure development. He cited as examples last year’s dual listing of a Kazakhstani company in Hong Kong and Astana, and the first issuance of RMB “dim sum” bonds in Hong Kong by the Development Bank of Kazakhstan, as landmark achievements in financial co-operation between the two places. He welcomed Kazakhstan’s government and its enterprises to continue making use of Hong Kong’s financial hub advantages by listing, issuing bonds and conducting project financing to connect with global investors and raise international funds for, and add value to, local development projects.
 
     At noon, Mr Lee met with the President of Kazakhstan, Mr Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, and attended a luncheon hosted by the President, to exchange views on deepening bilateral relations. Mr Lee said that President Xi Jinping first proposed the joint building of the Silk Road Economic Belt in Kazakhstan in 2013. As the place where the Belt and Road Initiative was first proposed, Kazakhstan is also Hong Kong’s largest trading partner in Central Asia, with close economic and trade ties, and broad prospects for co-operation. He noted that Kazakhstan is committed to driving economic diversification and, like Hong Kong, it is an important economic powerhouse for regional development and a gateway for trade. As one of the world’s most competitive economies, Hong Kong enjoys the advantage of being connected with both the Chinese Mainland and international markets, which aligns closely with the needs of Kazakhstan’s industrial transformation. Mr Lee noted that this visit is the first overseas trip led by him since the establishment of the Task Force on Supporting Mainland Enterprises in Going Global, and it is also the largest in scale, with over 70 enterprise and professional representatives from Hong Kong and the Mainland. He said that he looks forward to reaching multiple co-operation agreements during this visit to deepen collaboration in such areas as trade and investment promotion, financial services, I&T, and culture and tourism, as well as further exploring emerging markets and strengthening bilateral economic ties.
 
     Mr Lee said that Hong Kong enjoys the unique advantages of having the strong support of the motherland and being closely connected to the world under the “one country, two systems” principle, and serves as a functional platform for the Belt and Road Initiative. He said that Hong Kong will continue to play its roles as a “super connector” and a “super value-adder”, as it further deepens international exchanges and co-operation, and accelerates the development of new growth areas for the economy. He said that he looks forward to strengthening two-way co-operation between the two places, encouraging enterprises in Kazakhstan to make use of Hong Kong’s professional services and business advantages to explore the markets of the Chinese Mainland and Asia, while enabling Hong Kong and Mainland enterprises to go global, as they seize the development opportunities arising from Kazakhstan’s economic reforms and set up business operations in Central Asia. He noted that with joint efforts, these enterprises could inject new impetus into the high-quality development of the Belt and Road Initiative.
 
     In the afternoon, Mr Lee visited the Astana Hub, a local technology and innovation park, to learn about the latest developments of Kazakhstan in the field of AI. He met with Deputy Prime Minister and the Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development of Kazakhstan, Mr Zhaslan Madiyev. Mr Lee remarked that this year is the “Year of Digitalization and Artificial Intelligence” of Kazakhstan, and that the Astana Hub, as a major international innovation cluster in Central Eurasia, brings together a large number of start-ups. Mr Lee also introduced Hong Kong’s developments in I&T, noting that Hong Kong is actively advancing AI development and driving digital transformation to empower industrial upgrading and transformation. Hong Kong ranks fourth globally in digital competitiveness, and the Shenzhen-Hong Kong-Guangzhou innovation cluster ranks first globally. Hong Kong is committed to becoming an international I&T centre, with the Northern Metropolis being developed at full speed. Covering such projects as the Hong Kong Park in the Loop, the San Tin Technopole, and the Sandy Ridge Data Facility Cluster, the Northern Metropolis will further promote the full integration of technological innovation and industrial innovation, and foster new quality productive forces. He expressed confidence that the Astana Hub and Hong Kong will strengthen connectivity in research collaboration and other areas, and welcomed Kazakhstan’s technology and innovation enterprises to set up operations in Hong Kong, leveraging Hong Kong’s vibrant innovation ecosystem and robust research and development capabilities to venture into international markets and jointly seize the immense opportunities in technological development.
 
     Mr Lee then visited the Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC) to learn about Kazakhstan’s experience in promoting the development of the non-bank financial sector, and meet with the Governor of the AIFC, Mr Renat Bekturov. The AIFC is a national-level financial special zone established by Kazakhstan in 2018. It ranks first in Eastern Europe and Central Asia as a financial centre and has attracted over 5 500 enterprises to register. Hong Kong, meanwhile, ranks third globally and first in Asia in the Global Financial Centres Index. The two financial centres, both operating under the common law system, share the same direction and can strengthen co-operation in such areas as capital markets connectivity, asset management, green and sustainable finance, and financial technology, creating synergy in the joint promotion of regional economic development.
 
     In the evening, Mr Lee attended a dinner hosted by the Prime Minister of Kazakhstan, Mr Olzhas Bektenov.
 
     Mr Lee will continue to lead the delegation during its visit to Kazakhstan tomorrow (June 2).
Issued at HKT 20:57

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Harnessing Central Asia’s potential

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     Hong Kong’s economic and trade exchanges with the Central Asian region have been growing rapidly in recent years, with the total merchandise trade in 2025 rising by 27 per cent compared with 2020. In June, the Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, will lead a delegation to visit Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan to further promote economic and trade development.

     News.gov.hk interviewed the Commissioner for Belt and Road, Mr Nicholas Ho, who shared insights on the economic and trade situation, as well as development opportunities, between Hong Kong and Central Asian countries. He also spoke about the new prospects to be brought by the Chief Executive’s upcoming visits to the two countries.

     The story is available at www.news.gov.hk/eng/feature from today (May 31) in text and video format.

Temporary liquefied petroleum gas fuel subsidy implemented smoothly

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Government has, starting from 0.00am today (May 31), provided a fuel subsidy of HK$0.5 per litre of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) for taxis, public light buses and school private light buses for two months. The temporary measure has been implemented largely smoothly.

     The Commissioner for Transport, Miss Winnie Tse, visited different dedicated LPG filling stations this morning to observe how oil companies have directly offered discounts to eligible vehicles to ease the pressure on relevant trades in coping with rising fuel prices. In accordance with the agreements signed between the Government and oil companies, discounts are clearly identified on receipts issued to drivers who benefit from the measure. The Government will reimburse oil companies for the actual amount of subsidies provided.

     The Transport Department (TD) has displayed posters of the temporary measure at LPG filling stations and TD licensing offices, and will continue to steer oil companies to ensure smooth system operations and closely monitor the implementation of the subsidy. The temporary measure will last until 11.59pm on July 30 (Thursday). Eligible drivers are not required to submit any application and may refer to the TD’s website (www.td.gov.hk) or the HKeMobility mobile app for details.

           

CFS found a sample of growing up formula powder with possible presence of Cereulide produced by Bacillus cereus

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department said today (May 31) that the CFS collects powdered infant and young children formula under its Food Surveillance Programme. The test results revealed that a sample collected from a retail outlet possibly contained the heat-stable toxin Cereulide produced by Bacillus cereus.

For the sake of prudence, and as a precautionary measure, the CFS has instructed the retailer and importer concerned to stop sales and remove from shelves the affected batch of the product concerned. The retailer and importer have also initiated a precautionary recall.

Product details of the batch of the growing up formula powder are as follows:

Product name: Aronurish Growing Up Formula Powder
Brand: Aronurish
Place of origin: Inner Mongolia
Pack size: 750 grams
Manufacture date: April 23, 2025
Best-before date: April 22, 2027
Importer: Hong Kong Golden Nutrition Trading Co., Limited

A preliminary investigation by the CFS has found that the above mentioned importer had imported 220 boxes of 1 320 cans of the affected product. The CFS has been jointly following up with the retailer and the importer concerned and had already marked and sealed about 488 cans of the suspected affected batch of product. Members of the public may call the retailer’s hotline at 2299 3398/ email:cs@mannings.com.hk/ WhatsApp:5423 2088 during office hours for enquiries about the recall.

Bacillus cereus is commonly found in the environment. Unhygienic conditions in food processing and storage may give rise to its growth. Cereulide is a heat-stable toxin produced in food by some strains of Bacillus cereus. Consuming food contaminated with excessive Bacillus cereus or its heat-stable toxins may cause gastrointestinal upset such as vomiting and diarrhoea. In most cases, these symptoms usually subside spontaneously within 24 hours.

As a precautionary measure, the CFS urged members of the public not to let infants and young children consume the affected batch of the product, and to seek medical treatment for infants or young children who felt unwell after taking the product concerned. The trade should also stop using or selling the affected batch of the product immediately. According to the record, at present, no relevant food complaint cases have been recorded.

The CFS has alerted the trade and relevant department over the incident, and will continue to follow up and take appropriate action. The CFS will continue to enhance the surveillance on powered formula.