Category: MIL-OSI

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Pak Shek Kok project meeting set

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Government today announced the latest progress on the integrated development project for the proposed Pak Shek Kok (PSK) Station, which is expected to see construction commence in the second half of 2028. Target commissioning for the new station is set for 2033.

The proposed station will be located roughly mid-way between the Hong Kong Science Park and the existing Education University of Hong Kong (EdUHK) Sports Centre site. To unlock the development potential of the vicinity, the project involves reprovisioning the existing sports centre to a site at Tung Tsz on Ting Kok Road, adjacent to EdUHK’s main campus.

Following land resumption and clearance, construction of the sports centre will begin in the second half of 2028 for completion in 2031.  

The Development Bureau noted that because the project involves constructing a station on active running tracks, reprovisioning the sports centre, and upgrading infrastructure, it faces considerable engineering and financing challenges.

To take forward the project, a “station first, residential development later” approach will be adopted. 

The Government will finance the integrated development by granting property development rights to the MTR Corporation for two sites at Pak Shek Kok and Ma On Shan. Residential developments at these sites are expected to commence progressively from 2031 at the earliest.

The Chief Executive in Council has approved the Government inviting the MTR Corporation to proceed with detailed planning and design for the PSK Station project. The approval includes an agreement in principle to grant the property development rights to finance the station, sports centre reprovisioning, and infrastructure works.

The selected station site aims to serve the vast majority of current and future residential and working populations. Proposed works also include a barrier-free elevated footbridge spanning the Tolo Highway to connect the station with Chong San Road near the Science Park.

 The project will be presented to the Tai Po District Council for consultation tomorrow.

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GoGlobal success stories published

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Department of Justice (DoJ) has released the second edition of the “Collection of Success Stories: Hong Kong’s Professional Services Supporting Chinese Mainland Enterprises Going Global”.

Compiling over 160 cases, the new series nearly triples the inaugural volume, showcasing Hong Kong’s capacity to provide comprehensive, full-chain, end-to-end support for Mainland businesses expanding internationally.

This publication builds upon the launch of the Hong Kong Professional Services GoGlobal Platform and the first series of the collection in December. Through this initiative, the DoJ aims to foster collaboration across vital professional sectors, such as accounting and finance, to jointly support Mainland enterprises.

Deputy Secretary for Justice and Chairman of the Expert Committee on Professional Services for Going Global Cheung Kwok-kwan noted that the second series covers a diverse array of cross-disciplinary practices, including the legal, accounting, financial and business consultancy sectors.

He added that these cases vividly demonstrate the unique value of Hong Kong’s professional services. They highlight three defining features: full business lifecycle coverage, representation across diverse industries, and global investment footprints.

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Selection completed for fifth cohort of School Nominations Direct Admission Scheme

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Education Bureau (EDB) today (July 9) announced the completion of the selection process for the fifth cohort of the School Nominations Direct Admission Scheme (SNDAS).

A total of 847 valid SNDAS nominations were received from 433 secondary schools for the fifth cohort. In the past few months, the eight University Grants Committee (UGC)-funded universities participating in the Scheme conducted interviews with the nominated students and carefully considered their individual merits. Direct admission offers were eventually issued to 325 nominees prior to the release of the 2026 Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE) Examination results, of which 319 students accepted the offers and will commence study on their chosen UGC-funded undergraduate programmes in September 2026. A breakdown on the offers accepted by students in various disciplines of study is provided in the Annex.

To promote a culture of multifaceted excellence, the Home and Youth Affairs Bureau has launched the Multi-talent Development Scholarship (MDS) in the 2025/26 academic year, funded by the Board of Management of the Chinese Permanent Cemeteries, for admittees of the SNDAS demonstrating outstanding achievements in arts, sports and/or community service on top of the firm offers made under the SNDAS.
 
Among the students being formally admitted to their respective universities under the SNDAS, each of the eight UGC-funded universities will be invited to nominate SNDAS admittees demonstrating an outstanding performance in arts, sports and/or community service for awarding scholarships in addition to the firm offers made. The quotas of scholarship nominations will be distributed proportionally having regard to the number of students admitted to each university by the SNDAS. Each awardee, not subject to means testing, will be granted a scholarship of $10,000 per year across his/her four-year tuition period. Universities shall enjoy the autonomy to select and nominate awardees for the MDS.

The sixth cohort of the SNDAS will be open for applications by Secondary Six students taking the 2027 HKDSE Examinations and commencing their undergraduate studies in September 2027. Application details will be announced in due course.

The SNDAS was introduced in 2021 as part of the EDB’s response to the recommendations made by the Task Force on Review of School Curriculum, which included enhancing flexibility in university admissions. The eight UGC-funded universities designated over 300 publicly funded undergraduate programmes for the fifth cohort of the SNDAS and set admission criteria that are not based on HKDSE Examination results for individual programmes.

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RTHK Solar Project 2026 Xinjiang study tour concludes

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

RTHK Solar Project 2026 Xinjiang study tour concludes  
     Held under the theme “Cultural and Tourism Junior Reporters”, the programme took the students as Solar Ambassadors to multiple destinations, including Urumqi, Shihezi, the Bortala Mongol Autonomous Prefecture and the Ili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture, where they visited a diverse range of cultural landmarks and engaged in immersive educational activities. Key highlights of the itinerary included Tianshan Tianchi, cotton fields, peach orchards, vineyards, the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps Reclamation Museum, Sayram Lake, Liuxing Street and the Lin Zexu Memorial Hall in Yining City. Throughout the visit, RTHK published daily short videos and photos captured by the Solar Ambassadors on its official social media pages, offering a vivid showcase of their learning experiences and achievements.
 
      Ms Kwan reaffirmed RTHK’s longstanding commitment to youth development, expressing hope that Solar Project, as an established annual youth initiative, will continue to provide young people with first-hand exposure to the nation’s history, culture, and development. She encouraged participants to bring their unique youth perspectives to telling China’s story to the world, and to share their learnings and experiences with family and friends upon returning to Hong Kong.
 
     Ahead of the Xinjiang visit, RTHK had arranged a preparatory exchange visit to Qianhai on June 26, followed by a new media and video production workshop on June 27. Looking ahead, RTHK will host the Solar Project 2026 Closing Ceremony in August, and will broadcast a dedicated feature programme on RTHK TV31, offering a comprehensive record of the programme’s highlights and memorable moments.
 
     Issued at HKT 12:00

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HA Go “Just One Click Away” launches new functions for medical fee waivers and medical report applications

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

HA Go “Just One Click Away” launches new functions for medical fee waivers and medical report applications 
     The Hospital Authority (HA) today (July 9) announced the latest enhancements to its HA Go mobile application, which include one-stop management and booking for medical fee waiver applications, and applying for medical reports from home. The new features offer HA Go members the convenience of being “Just One Click Away”, allowing them to easily access public hospital services and manage their own and their family’s health more effectively.
 
     Starting today, the function for the application of medical fee waivers under the HA Go feature “Medical Fee Assistance” has been further expanded. HA Go full members who meet the following criteria can submit their medical fee waiver applications directly (see Annex 1) and book “Medical Social Services” via HA Go (see Annex 2):     Applicants can fill in the application form and upload supporting documents directly through HA Go. Members can also preliminarily assess their eligibility using the Means Test Calculator before applying. If supplementary documents are required during the process, the hospital will contact the applicant or send a push notification via HA Go. Applicants can then upload the required documents through the app, saving them the hassle of travelling to the hospital, and allowing them to complete the entire process with “Just One Click Away”.
 
     The HA reminded members of the public that although the application process can be initiated via HA Go, applicants are still required to go to the hospital to sign a declaration form before the waiver is formally approved, ensuring the accuracy of the submitted information.
 
     If patients prefer to submit paper applications in person, they can use the new feature, “Book Medical Social Services”, to schedule an appointment for their application. HA Go will provide various time slots for hospitals where they have a scheduled appointment in the coming 60 days, or have received a bill or payment notice in the past 90 days. The earliest available appointment times will also be provided for consideration. These two new features are designed to help applicants manage their medical fee waiver applications anytime, anywhere.
 
     The HA spokesperson said, “Enhancing the medical fee waiving mechanism is one of the measures to strengthen patient protection under the public healthcare fees and charges reform. We aim to streamline the application arrangements to better facilitate patients truly in need. This ensures that no patients will be denied adequate medical care due to lack of means.”
 
     Furthermore, HA Go will introduce a new feature, “Apply Medical Report”, by the end of September, providing a fast channel for patients to apply for medical reports written by doctors. HA Go members aged 18 or above holding Hong Kong Identity Cards are eligible to use this feature as the patient in person. They can submit applications, check their application status, and pay the relevant fees via “Pay HA”. The prevailing fee for a general specialist medical report is HK$1,100. Upon confirmation of their application, HA Go members will receive a push notification and can choose to have the report mailed to their registered address or collect it in person at the hospital.
 
     Due to privacy considerations, registered carers on HA Go are not permitted to apply for medical reports on behalf of their parents or children. For applications for medical records, including photocopying what is commonly referred to as the “patient bedside folder”, applicants are currently still required to submit their applications either in person or by post at the hospital’s Medical Records Office. The HA will continue to explore ways to optimise the features of HA Go, with a view to further facilitating patients in accessing health information and managing their health.
 
     The HA spokesperson added, “Since its launch in 2019, HA Go has been well received by the public. As of the first quarter of this year, HA Go has recorded over 4.5 million downloads, with 3.5 million full members and 400 000 registered carers. We will continue to enhance the features of HA Go, striving to develop it into an essential ‘health manager’ for every citizen.”
Issued at HKT 12:15

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Woman holding charged with murder

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     Police today (July 9) laid a holding charge against a 50-year-old woman with one count of murder.

     The woman was arrested on July 7 in suspected connection with a murder case happened in Aberdeen on the same day, in which a 53-year-old woman died.

     The case will be mentioned at the Eastern Magistrates’ Courts tomorrow (July 10) morning.

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Licence of employment agency revoked

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Labour Department (LD) today (July 9) reminded operators of employment agencies (EAs) to conduct their business in compliance with the law and the requirements of the Code of Practice for EAs at all times.

The LD has revoked the EA licence of HelperFirst Limited in Sai Kung. The EA’s licence was revoked, as a related person of its licensee was earlier convicted of operating an EA without a valid licence. The EA’s appeal against the LD’s revocation of its EA licence was dismissed by the Administrative Appeals Board.

Under section 53(1)(d)(ii) of the Employment Ordinance (Cap. 57) (EO), the Commissioner for Labour may revoke the licence of an EA if he is satisfied that the licensee concerned or a related person of the licensee has contravened any provision of Part XII or any regulation made under section 62 of the EO. 

“The EO stipulates that the Commissioner may refuse to issue or renew a licence, or may revoke a licence, if he is satisfied on reasonable grounds that the licensee or the person intending to be the licensee of an EA, or a related person of or an individual employed by the licensee or the person intending to be the licensee, has contravened any provision of Part XII or any regulation made under section 62 of the EO, such as overcharging job seekers or operating an EA without a licence, or has not complied with the Code issued under section 62A(1) of the EO,” a spokesman for the LD said.

Should there be enquiries about matters related to EAs or complaints about suspected violations by EAs, please contact the Employment Agencies Administration of the LD (telephone: 2115 3667; email: ea-ee@labour.gov.hk; address: Unit 906, 9/F, One Mong Kok Road Commercial Centre, 1 Mong Kok Road, Kowloon).

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Hong Kong Customs conducts interdepartmental anti-illicit cigarette publicity campaigns at Wah Lai Estate and Lai Tsui Court

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

​Hong Kong Customs today (July 9) conducted joint anti-illicit cigarette publicity campaigns with members of the District Council, the Tobacco and Alcohol Control Office (TACO) of the Department of Health and the Housing Department (HD) at Wah Lai Estate in Lai Chi Kok and Lai Tsui Court in Cheung Sha Wan. Customs also publicised the Duty Stamp System.

Customs officers patrolled the housing estates and introduced to residents Customs’ enforcement actions against illicit cigarettes and the latest amendments to illicit cigarette-related legislation, including an increase in the maximum penalty for offences related to duty-not-paid cigarettes to a $2 million fine and seven years’ imprisonment. Customs also explained to estate security personnel how to deal with suspected illicit cigarette activities.
 
Customs officers also introduced to the members of the District Council, residents and cigarette retailers the Duty Stamp System to be implemented in Hong Kong. The three-month Pilot Run for the Duty Stamp System launched by Customs concluded early this year. The department will continue to maintain close communication with all stakeholders and optimise the design and implementation details of the system. Customs expects the Duty Stamp System to achieve the ultimate goal of effective distinguishing of duty-paid cigarettes from duty-not-paid ones, and to combat “cheap whites”.
 
Customs will continue to strengthen publicity and education to raise public awareness of anti-illicit cigarettes. If public rental housing units are found to be involved in illicit cigarette crimes, Customs will notify the HD for follow-up action after the conclusion of court proceedings. Customs reminds members of the public not to buy or sell illicit cigarettes or distribute illicit cigarette leaflets to avoid creating a criminal record that could affect their future.

Under the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance (Cap. 109), anyone involved in dealing with, possession of, selling or buying illicit cigarettes commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $2 million and imprisonment for seven years. Members of the public are urged to report any suspected illicit cigarette activities to Customs’ 24-hour hotline 182 8080, its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002).

In accordance with the Smoking (Public Health) Ordinance (Cap. 371), no person shall distribute any smoking product advertisement (including any promotional leaflet). Any person who contravenes the regulation is liable to a maximum fine of $50,000. Members of the public are also urged to report any suspected activities of illicit cigarette leaflet distribution to TACO’s hotline 2961 8823.

           

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Hong Kong Customs shuts down trading company selling counterfeit mobile phones and other electronic devices online

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Hong Kong Customs shuts down trading company selling counterfeit mobile phones and other electronic devices online (with photo)      
     Customs earlier received information from a trademark owner alleging a trading company was offering counterfeit mobile phones for sale online, and an investigation was then launched. After a detailed investigation, and with the assistance of the trademark owner, Customs officers took enforcement action on July 7 and searched an office unit in Hung Hom, resulting in the seizure of the batch of suspected counterfeit goods.
      
     During the operation, two foreign men and one foreign woman, aged between 35 and 46, were arrested under the Trade Descriptions Ordinance (TDO).
      
     An investigation is ongoing, and the arrested persons have been released on bail pending further investigation. The likelihood of further arrests is not ruled out.
      
     Customs reminds consumers to purchase goods at reputable shops or online shops and to avoid conducting transactions with suspicious traders. They should check with the trademark owners or their authorised agents if the authenticity of a product is in doubt.
      
     Customs strives to protect consumer rights and carries out inspections in the market and on the Internet from time to time. Moreover, Customs officers use a big-data analytics system to carry out risk assessments and analyses to verify whether online shops have complied with the TDO to help safeguard the interests of consumers during online purchases.
      
     Under the TDO, 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.hkIssued at HKT 18:15

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Hong Kong Customs seizes suspected smuggled goods worth about $20 million

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

​Hong Kong Customs detected a suspected smuggling case involving an ocean-going vessel on June 28. A large batch of suspected smuggled goods with an estimated market value of about $20 million was seized.
 
Through intelligence analysis and risk assessment, Customs discovered that criminals intended to use an ocean-going vessel to smuggle goods. Enforcement operations were thus formulated, with a suspicious container scheduled to depart from Hong Kong to Australia via an ocean-going vessel being selected for inspection.
 
Upon examination, Customs officers found a large batch of suspected smuggled goods, including cigarettes, pharmaceutical products, liquors and household goods, from the abovementioned container, which was declared as carrying adapters, packaging boxes and bags, and drawstring bags.
 
An investigation is ongoing. The likelihood of arrests is not ruled out.
 
Being a government department primarily responsible for tackling smuggling activities, Customs has long been combating various smuggling activities on all fronts. Customs will keep up its enforcement action and continue to resolutely combat sea smuggling activities through proactive risk management and intelligence-based enforcement strategies, and carry out targeted anti-smuggling operations at suitable times to disrupt relevant crimes.
 
Smuggling is a serious offence. Under the Import and Export Ordinance, any person found guilty of importing or exporting unmanifested cargo is liable to a maximum fine of $2 million and imprisonment for seven years upon conviction.
 
Members of the public may report any suspected smuggling 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).