Dog control inspections stepped up

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Agriculture, Fisheries & Conservation Department (AFCD) will launch special inspection and enforcement operations across Hong Kong on August 30, September 5 and September 6 to ensure dog keepers properly control their pets in public places.

The operations aim to raise awareness of public safety and reduce the risk of dog attacks.

During the three-day exercise, AFCD officers will step up patrols at popular public places where dogs congregate. The department warned that immediate enforcement action will be taken against anyone failing to comply with legal requirements, and no prior warnings will be issued.

Officers will also distribute educational materials to promote responsible pet ownership and explain statutory requirements to the public.

Under the Rabies Ordinance, all dogs must be kept on a leash or otherwise under control in public places. Additionally, the Dangerous Dogs Regulation stipulates that large dogs weighing 20kg or more must be securely held on a leash no longer than 2m by a person when in public areas.

2026 Taiwan-Thailand Industrial Collaboration Summit Taiwan and Thailand Deepen Smart Technology Collaboration to Shape the Future of High-Value Industries

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

The 10th Taiwan-Thailand Industrial Collaboration Summit took place on August 18, 2026, at the ILLUME Hotel in Taipei. Co-hosted by the Chinese National Federation of Industries (CNFI) and the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI), and organized in collaboration with the Food Industry Research and Development Institute (FIRDI) of Taiwan and the National Food Institute (NFI) of Thailand, the summit brought together over 200 industry representatives from Taiwan and Thailand.

At the opening ceremony, Mr. Chin Tsai Chen, Vice Chairperson of the CNFI; Mr. Veerachai Monsintorn, Vice Chairman of the FTI; Mr. Kuo-Hsuan Chen, Deputy Director General of the Industrial Development Administration, Ministry of Economic Affairs; and Mr. Narong Boonsatheanwong, Executive Director of the Thailand Trade and Economic Office (Taipei), delivered remarks. They encouraged industries on both sides to leverage AI-driven innovation to deepen Taiwan-Thailand industrial cooperation and open a new chapter of smart development.

In 2026, industrial cooperation between the Chinese National Federation of Industries (CNFI) and the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) entered its tenth year. Over the past decade, the two sides have used this platform to promote industry dialogue, deepen mutual trust, and create diverse opportunities for collaboration, establishing the summit as an important bridge for strengthening economic and industrial linkages between Taiwan and Thailand.

This year, the 10th Taiwan-Thailand Industrial Collaboration Summit continued to focus on four major areas: Smart Health, ICT Smart Technology, Smart Cities, and Smart Vehicles. The summit also facilitated the signing of four new MOUs.

eCaaS CARE Inc. and Thaiway Products Co., Ltd. will collaborate on elderly housing projects and remote health monitoring applications for public hospitals under Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health, with the aim of expanding business opportunities in Thailand’s elderly care sector.

JustXtar CO., LTD. and Thai Subcontracting Promotion Association will strengthen Taiwan-Thailand industrial collaboration by promoting digital transformation and AI applications and advancing cooperation on ICT industry upgrading.

DataYoo and IFlowdev will collaborate on data analytics applications and jointly promote Taiwan’s AI smart agriculture solutions in the Thai market, further advancing smart agriculture applications and development in Taiwan and Thailand.

Taiwan Smart Electric Bicycle Association and Electric Vehicle Association of Thailand will strengthen Taiwan-Thailand industrial linkages in electric vehicles and smart electric two-wheelers by enhancing technology and market exchanges. They will also advance carbon-credit collaboration to expand green business opportunities and support the net-zero transition.

In recent years, Thailand has actively advanced high-value manufacturing, smart technologies, and green transformation, while strengthening its strategic development in electric vehicles, biotechnology, and the digital economy. These priorities complement Taiwan’s strengths in advanced manufacturing and technological innovation. Building on AI-enabled smart technologies, the 10th Taiwan-Thailand Industrial Collaboration Summit is expected to create new opportunities for industrial collaboration between the two countries.

President Lai presides over eighth meeting of Healthy Taiwan Promotion Committee

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

On the afternoon of August 27, President Lai Ching-te presided over the eighth meeting of the Healthy Taiwan Promotion Committee. In his opening statement, the president said that achieving universal healthcare coverage is a necessary condition for building a sustainable and resilient nation. He noted that through the 15 core strategies of the national action plan for indigenous peoples’ health resilience, the government is actively enhancing local medical capacities, building a feeling of cultural safety, and fostering tribal talent to promote health equity.
The president also announced that in October of this year, the Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHW) will launch the Health Coins policy, which will use a reward mechanism to encourage citizens to make healthy behaviors a part of everyday life. He stated that through the government’s establishment of the system, and the joint participation of the public and private sectors, we will work together to create an ecosystem that promotes public health, as well as a healthier, more inclusive, and more resilient Taiwan.
A translation of President Lai’s opening statement follows:
This month marks two years since the Healthy Taiwan Promotion Committee was established, and today is the first time the members of the third committee have convened.
In appointing committee members for this term, we have purposefully expanded the number of experts and scholars from related fields in the private sector, incorporating professional expertise in public health, dementia and long-term care, as well as medical research. Through even more diverse perspectives, we look forward to providing more forward-looking recommendations for health policy.
You are all very familiar with the newly appointed advisor and committee members here with us today. I will introduce them one by one, so please welcome them with a round of applause.
First is Advisor Sytwu Huey-kang (司徒惠康), president of the National Health Research Institutes. Next are our new committee members: Chen Hsiang-kuo (陳相國), chairman of the Taiwan Medical Association; Su Shou-yi (蘇守毅), chairman of the National Union of Chinese Medical Doctors’ Association; Hsu Yu-shan (許有杉), chairman of the New Taipei City Pharmacists Association; Cheng Shou-hsia (鄭守夏), distinguished professor at National Taiwan University’s College of Public Health; and Tsuann Kuo (郭慈安), a deputy superintendent at Chung Shan Medical University Hospital. Once again, welcome, everyone. Let us work together to contribute our knowledge and efforts to Taiwan’s health policies.
For today’s meeting, the first agenda item is the national action plan for indigenous peoples’ health resilience, which is related to both health equity and national resilience.
The prosperous coexistence of diverse groups is a precious asset for Taiwan. This includes indigenous peoples, who laid the foundation of Taiwan’s rich historical and cultural heritage.
However, statistics show a 7.54-year gap in average life expectancy between indigenous peoples and the general population. This not only highlights that there is still room for greater efforts regarding health equity, but also reminds us that we must accelerate efforts to strengthen healthcare for our friends in indigenous communities.
Previously, during my tenure as premier, the government actively promoted the Indigenous Peoples Health Act in the legislature to ensure the health rights of indigenous peoples and reduce inequality in medical care. With joint efforts and support from both the ruling and opposition parties, the act was promulgated and entered into force in 2023, providing for generous budget allocations at the statutory level, expanding participation by indigenous peoples, and establishing a healthcare policy centered around indigenous peoples.
When I ran for president, I especially included strengthening health services for indigenous peoples as an important goal of the National Project of Hope and the Healthy Taiwan initiative. After I took office, the government has made every effort to make that happen.
Today, I am very pleased to see that through the 15 core strategies of the national action plan for indigenous peoples’ health resilience, the MOHW is actively enhancing local medical capacities, building a feeling of cultural safety, and fostering tribal talent so that healthcare networks tailored to each locality become the most reliable support system protecting the health of indigenous peoples.
Achieving universal healthcare coverage is a necessary condition for building a sustainable and resilient nation; ensuring healthcare for indigenous peoples is an indispensable and crucial piece of the puzzle in promoting health equity. I hope we will continue to work hard.
In addition, the core goal of the Healthy Taiwan initiative is not just to ensure that citizens live long lives, but that they live healthy lives.
Taiwan has already become a super-aged society, and chronic diseases have become a significant challenge to public health. Our health policies must also gradually shift from disease treatment to health promotion and preventive medicine, encouraging the public to actively establish healthy lifestyle habits.
Therefore, in October this year, the MOHW will launch the Health Coins policy. Using innovative digital health technology, it aims to encourage healthy behaviors through a reward mechanism so that more people will be willing to undergo health check-ups, cancer screenings, preventive healthcare, and health management, making healthy behaviors a part of everyday life.
Health Coins are not merely a health reward system. They are also a new model for the government’s promotion of digital health governance. Through the government’s establishment of the system, and the joint participation of the public and private sectors, we will work together to create an ecosystem that promotes public health.
I would like to take this opportunity to express my special thanks to the MOHW for their courage in creating innovative health and welfare policies. I also request that, later in the meeting, all advisors and committee members weigh in with their professional suggestions so that the government can advance various health policies on a steadier footing.
All our small steps for better health add up to a major advance toward national resilience. So, let us work together to create a healthier, more inclusive, and more resilient Taiwan.
Following his statement, President Lai heard a report on the progress of items listed in the seventh committee meeting from Executive Secretary and Minister of Health and Welfare Shih Chung-liang (石崇良), a report on the national action plan for indigenous peoples’ health resilience from Deputy Minister of Health and Welfare Lin Ching-yi (林靜儀), and a report on Health Coins policy promotion planning from Health Promotion Administration Director General Shen Ching-fen (沈靜芬). Afterward, President Lai exchanged views with the committee members regarding the content of the reports.

Considerate Contractors Site Award Scheme recognises exemplary construction safety performance

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The 32nd Considerate Contractors Site Award Scheme Award Presentation Ceremony, co-organised by the Development Bureau (DEVB) and the Construction Industry Council (CIC), was held today (August 28) to commend construction contractors, site supervising teams, project leaders, frontline supervisors and workers with outstanding safety performance. Over 420 public and private construction sites participated in the Scheme this year.
      
Speaking at the ceremony, the Permanent Secretary for Development (Works), Mr Ricky Lau, said that site safety has always been a top priority for the construction industry. He stressed the need to cultivate a safety habit and culture, with every member of the project team fulfilling their dual responsibilities by carrying out both their core duties and safety responsibilities. The Government will issue relevant guidelines on these roles and responsibilities for public works projects within this year. In addition, the DEVB further strengthened the regulatory mechanism for public works projects early this year, taking stricter regulatory action against underperforming personnel of contractors and resident site staff. Encouraging the industry to actively and widely adopt the Smart Site Safety System (4S), he noted that the CIC has set up a dedicated team to conduct surprise inspections on construction sites with 4S labels issued to ensure effective implementation of the 4S. If a site fails to properly adopt the 4S, its 4S label will be revoked immediately. He expressed his hope that, through this series of measures, the construction industry will be driven towards a new milestone of greater safety and sustainability.

Also officiating at the ceremony, the Chairman of the CIC, Professor Thomas Ho, emphasised that the construction industry should continue promoting a safety culture under the theme “Build Smart. Care with Heart. Own the Task.” He stressed the importance of making good use of technologies to safeguard the wellbeing of every worker. He also encouraged all industry stakeholders to fulfil their respective safety roles and responsibilities. Top management should visit construction sites more frequently to demonstrate their commitment to safety, while workers should take care of one another and foster a caring culture that enhances site safety and promotes good working practices. By working together, the industry would contribute to construction safety.

Awards were presented to a total of 68 construction sites this year and the list of awardees of the Scheme is available on the website of Construction Safety Week (www.safetyweek.hk).

        

Sydney ETO supports “Wave of Life” exhibition tour in Australia

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, Sydney (Sydney ETO) is supporting Hong Kong artist Prudence Mak in presenting the “Wave of Life” ink art exhibition tour in Sydney and Melbourne, Australia, promoting Hong Kong’s vibrant arts and cultural scene and showcasing the talent of Hong Kong artists.

     The exhibition features a collection of Mak’s contemporary ink paintings, ceramics and large-scale installations, reflecting her exploration of life, memory, nature, culture and self-discovery. Through layered ink washes, expressive brushwork and imaginative compositions, Mak’s works reinterpret traditional Chinese ink aesthetics through a contemporary visual language, creating a dialogue between Eastern and Western cultures and demonstrating the evolving possibilities of Chinese ink art on the international contemporary art stage.

     The exhibition tour commenced in Sydney from August 21 to 24. The tour continued in Melbourne with an opening ceremony held yesterday (August 27), followed by the exhibition which runs until September 6. 

     Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Director of the Sydney ETO, Mr Ricky Chong, said that Hong Kong and Melbourne have long enjoyed close ties in arts and culture. He highlighted the growing arts and cultural exchanges between the two places, including collaborations involving the West Kowloon Cultural District and museums and universities in Melbourne.

     “The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government is dedicated to supporting Hong Kong’s cultural development, and the Sydney ETO is keen to promote arts and cultural exchanges with local communities here in Australia. Exhibitions like ‘Way of Life’ provide a wonderful platform to showcase Hong Kong’s creative talent to audiences around the world,” Mr Chong said.

     Complementing the exhibition, a series of workshops led by Mak and her team provides participants with an opportunity to experience Chinese ink painting first-hand. Participants can explore traditional Chinese ink painting techniques and aesthetics while developing their own creative interpretations, further promoting appreciation and understanding of Chinese art and culture.

                 

Fourth AMRO-HKMA-ADBI-SEACEN Financial Leadership Training Program held in Hong Kong

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Fourth AMRO-HKMA-ADBI-SEACEN Financial Leadership Training Program held in Hong Kong (with photo) 
     The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA), in collaboration with the ASEAN+3 Macroeconomic Research Office (AMRO), the Asian Development Bank Institute (ADBI), and the South East Asian Central Banks Research and Training Centre (SEACEN Centre), hosted the fourth Financial Leadership Training Program (Program) in Hong Kong from August 25 to 28. Building upon the success of the event in the last three years, this year’s Program welcomed over 35 senior representatives from central banks, ministries of finance, and related government agencies in the ASEAN+3 and SEACEN member economies as well as international organisations.
      
     The Program aims to enhance participants’ capabilities in safeguarding regional macroeconomic and financial stability. It provides a platform for attendees to engage in wide-ranging discussions on critical regional issues, strengthen leadership skills, and deepen professional expertise. During the Program, participants exchanged views with industry leaders, regulators and academia representatives on topical issues including AI, transition finance and financial digitalisation.
      
     Deputy Chief Executive of the HKMA Mr Darryl Chan said, “The success of this year’s Program highlights the growing synergy among our regional partners and institutions. As the financial landscape evolves with rapid technological advancements and shifting economic dynamics, it is crucial that we equip senior public sector officials with the latest insights and strategic tools. By fostering deeper collaboration and knowledge sharing, we are not only strengthening individual institutional capacity but also building a more resilient and cohesive financial ecosystem across Asia.”
 
About AMRO

     AMRO is an international organisation that aims to contribute to the macroeconomic and financial resilience and stability in the ASEAN+3 region.  
 
About ADBI 
About SEACEN CentreIssued at HKT 16:30

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Government sells Jardine’s Lookout site for purpose of electric vehicle fast charging station

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Government sells Jardine’s Lookout site for purpose of electric vehicle fast charging station           
     A spokesperson for the Environment and Ecology Bureau (EEB) said, “To promote the green transformation of vehicles and to achieve zero vehicular emissions before 2050, the Government announced in February this year the Updated Version of the Hong Kong Roadmap on Popularisation of Electric Vehicles which outlines the updated strategies and measures adopted by the Government to promote the popularisation of EVs, including a multipronged approach and leveraging market forces through policy guidance to build the public charging network with fast chargers as the backbone, thereby fully supporting the adoption of EVs in Hong Kong. The Government has put forth through open tender six petrol filling station (PFS) sites for FCS purposes, and a site for EV fast charging cum liquefied petroleum gas filling station. The Government will, subject to actual market needs, select suitable PFS sites for conversion into FCSs in a timely manner.”
           
     Inland Lot No. 9105 has a site area of 901.3 square metres and is designated for EV FCS purposes. Land sale documents, including the forms of tender, tender notice, conditions of sale and sale plan of the lot, are now available on the Lands Department (LandsD) website (www.landsd.gov.hk           
     The spokesperson continued, “In order to encourage owners of taxis and public light buses to expedite the adoption of electric taxis (e-taxis) and electric public light buses (e-PLBs), a charging ceiling price mechanism will be established for e-taxis and e-PLBs at designated FCSs. The operators of designated FCSs cannot charge a price that is higher than the ceiling price to be announced by the Environmental Protection Department (EPD) on a monthly basis. The charging price for other EVs will be determined by the market. For details about the calculation of charging ceiling prices for e-taxis and e-PLBs, please refer to the EEB website (
www.eeb.gov.hk/en/resources_publications/guidelines/index.html           
     Details of the charging ceiling price will be posted at designated FCSs when they are in operation and announced regularly on the EPD website (
www.epd.gov.hkIssued at HKT 11:00

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LCSD’s “Hong Kong Artists” Series 2026 to present three new dance works showcasing creative vitality of local choreographers

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The “Hong Kong Artists” Series 2026, presented by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD), will feature three new dance works. Artfully conceived by outstanding local choreographer Kaki Lee as well as emerging choreographers Rosalie Ng and Ching Chu, these pieces showcase the unique creative visions of young choreographic talent. Tickets will be available at URBTIX from 10am on September 1 (Tuesday).

Brief introductions of the programmes are as follows:

“After Silence: Echo” by Kaki Lee
——————————————-
Date and time: October 16 and 17 (Friday and Saturday), 8pm
October 18 (Sunday), 3pm
Venue: Black Box Theatre, Kwai Tsing Theatre
Ticket price: $280

Inspired by Albert Camus’s Philosophy of the Absurd, Kaki Lee translates the conflict between human desire and reality into a distinct dance vocabulary. Using “elastic bands” as a central metaphor, two dancers lock in a continuous struggle—alternating between physical tension and release, and emotional pain and awakening consciousness. Combining stage space, lighting and video elements, the performance mirrors the inexplicable tension and underlying absurdity of life.

Lee graduated from the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts (HKAPA) majoring in contemporary dance. A former full-time dancer with the City Contemporary Dance Company, he is currently the co-artistic director of Rice Journey Production and actively participates in the dance sector as a dancer, choreographer, dance video designer, independent curator and dance educator. 

“How to Build a ______” by Ching Chu and “Dear,” by Rosalie Ng
———————————————————————————-
Date and Time: December 18 and 19 (Friday and Saturday), 8pm
December 19 and 20 (Saturday and Sunday), 3pm
Venue: Black Box Theatre, Tai Po Civic Centre
Ticket Price: $250

Two rising local choreographers will present works with distinct artistic styles: Ching Chu’s “How to Build a ______” draws inspiration from the operation of everyday tools and physical hardware labour. Through task-based movements, material exploration and a stage design that evokes the atmosphere of a workshop, the work explores the collision between the body, technical skill and gendered expectations. Rosalie Ng’s “Dear,” explores the long emotional aftershock of loss, tracing how memories of the past quietly seep into daily life. In the face of inescapable, imminent farewells, the work invites audiences to reflect on what it means to live alongside them. 

Chu graduated from the Department of Fine Arts at the Chinese University of Hong Kong and the School of Dance at the HKAPA majoring in contemporary dance. Her creative practice navigates the realms of visual arts and performing arts. Her recent creations include the solo short pieces “Shifting Still” and “I Dance In This Outfit”, both of which explore female subjectivity. Ng graduated from the University of Hong Kong majoring in translation, and has been actively involved in various theatre productions. Her work “Through THE LENS” was invited to be part of the City Contemporary Dance Festival. She has recently performed in numerous productions with the Beyond Dance Theater. 

“How to Build a ______” and “Dear,” are featured as a double-bill programme under the LCSD’s “Hong Kong Artists” Series 2026, which offers a platform for local young choreographers, enabling them to develop new medium-scale dance works in a professional setting, thereby elevating their creative quality and production capabilities.

Tickets for the above-mentioned programmes will be available from September 1 onwards at URBTIX (www.urbtix.hk). For telephone bookings, please call 3166 1288. A 30 per cent early bird discount will be offered from September 1 to September 14 (Monday) for purchases of standard tickets of the programmes. Package discounts and group booking discounts are also available. For programme enquiries and concessionary schemes, please call 2268 7323 or visit www.lcsd.gov.hk/CE/CulturalService/Programme/en/music/groups_1985.html.

In addition to the above-mentioned dance programmes, the “Hong Kong Artists” Series 2026 will present four recitals from September to November, bringing together a number of outstanding local musicians. They will perform on percussion, saxophone, piano and dizi, showcasing the musical pulse and cultural vitality of Hong Kong’s new generation. 

        

Appointment to Hong Kong Examinations and Assessment Authority Council announced

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Appointment to Hong Kong Examinations and Assessment Authority Council announced      
     The Secretary for Education, Dr Choi Yuk-lin said, “As an important partner of the Education Bureau, the HKEAA consistently delivers high‑quality examination and assessment services that command worldwide recognition. I am confident that the HKEAA, under the guidance of its members, will further enhance its professional expertise, and jointly drive the future development of education in Hong Kong.”
      
     She also expressed gratitude to the outgoing member, Mr Choy Sai-hung, and the outgoing ex-officio member, Ms Kitty Yu Wai-hing, for their invaluable contributions and support to the work of the Authority.
      
     The HKEAA is a statutory body established under the Hong Kong Examinations and Assessment Authority Ordinance (Chapter 261) to conduct public examinations and other examinations or assessments approved by the Chief Executive. The composition of the Authority is stipulated in Schedule 2 of the Ordinance, comprising school principals, teachers, representatives of tertiary institutions, a person who represents the interests of parents, and persons experienced in commerce, industry or a profession.  
                                                                                            
     Following is the membership list of the Council with effect from September 1, 2026:
 
Appointed members:
Professor Paul Lam Kwan-sing (Chairman)
Mr Frederick Poon Siu-chi (Deputy Chairman)
Mr Eric Chan Cheung-wai
Mr Kenny Chan Ngai-sang
Dr Cheung Pui-shan
Professor Alan Lam Hiu-fung
Mr Eddie Lam Tak-yuk (new member)
Mr Lee Wai-hung
Mr Gilbert Mo Sik-keung
Mr Albert Su Yau-on
Mr Addy Wong Wai-hung
 
Ex-officio members:
Two persons nominated by the Heads of Universities Committee
The Chairman of the Curriculum Development Council, or his/her representative
The Executive Director of the Vocational Training Council, or his/her representative
The Permanent Secretary for Education, or his/her representative
The Secretary General of the HKEAA
Issued at HKT 11:30

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