Category: MIL-OSI

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Immigration Department (ImmD) mounted a series of territory-wide anti-illegal worker operations codenamed “Twilight”, “Greenlane”, “Fastrack” and “Contribute”; anti-illegal worker joint operations with the Hong Kong Police Force, and a joint operation with Hong Kong Customs, the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department, the Leisure and Cultural Services Department and the Hong Kong Police Force, from April 30 to yesterday (May 7). 
 
During the anti-illegal worker operations, investigators raided multiple target locations including warehouses, massage parlours and flats under renovation. Sixteen suspected illegal workers, five suspected employers and two overstayers were arrested. The arrested suspected illegal workers comprised seven men and nine women, aged 21 to 63. Among them, one man was holding a recognisance form which prohibits him from taking any employment, and one woman was suspected of using and being in possession of a forged Hong Kong identity card. Three men and two women, aged 37 to 66, were suspected of employing the illegal workers and were also arrested. An investigation into the suspected employers is ongoing, and the possibility of further arrests is not ruled out.
 
An ImmD spokesman said, “Any person who contravenes a condition of stay in force in respect of him or her shall be guilty of an offence. Also, visitors are not allowed to take employment in Hong Kong, whether paid or unpaid, without the permission of the Director of Immigration. Offenders are liable to prosecution and upon conviction face a maximum fine of $50,000 and up to two years’ imprisonment. Aiders and abettors are also liable to prosecution and penalties.”

The spokesman warned, “As stipulated in section 38AA of the Immigration Ordinance, an illegal immigrant, a person who is the subject of a removal order or a deportation order, an overstayer or a person who was refused permission to land is prohibited from taking any employment, whether paid or unpaid, or establishing or joining any business. Offenders are liable upon conviction to a maximum fine of $50,000 and up to three years’ imprisonment. As stipulated in section 20(1)(a) of the Immigration Ordinance, the Chief Executive may make a deportation order against an immigrant, prohibiting the immigrant from being in Hong Kong at any time thereafter if the immigrant has been found guilty in Hong Kong of an offence punishable by imprisonment for not less than two years. Under the prevailing laws, it is an offence to use or possess a forged identity card or an identity card related to another person. Offenders are liable to prosecution and upon conviction face a maximum fine of $100,000 and up to 10 years’ imprisonment.”
 
The spokesman stressed that it is a serious offence to employ people who are not lawfully employable. Under the Immigration Ordinance, the maximum penalty for an employer employing a person who is not lawfully employable, i.e. an illegal immigrant, a person who is the subject of a removal order or a deportation order, an overstayer or a person who was refused permission to land, has been significantly increased from a fine of $350,000 and three years’ imprisonment to a fine of $500,000 and 10 years’ imprisonment to reflect the gravity of such offences. The director, manager, secretary, partner, etc, of the company concerned may also bear criminal liability. The High Court has laid down sentencing guidelines that the employer of an illegal worker should be given an immediate custodial sentence.
 
According to the court sentencing, employers must take all practicable steps to determine whether a person is lawfully employable prior to employment. Apart from inspecting a prospective employee’s identity card, the employer has the explicit duty to make enquiries regarding the person and ensure that the answers would not cast any reasonable doubt concerning the lawful employability of the person. The court will not accept failure to do so as a defence in proceedings. It is also an offence if an employer fails to inspect the job seeker’s valid travel document if the job seeker does not have a Hong Kong permanent identity card. Offenders are liable upon conviction to a maximum fine of $150,000 and to imprisonment for one year. In that connection, the spokesman would like to remind all employers not to defy the law by employing illegal workers. The ImmD will continue to take resolute enforcement action to combat such offences.
 
Under the existing mechanism, the ImmD will, as a standard procedure, conduct an initial screening of vulnerable persons, including illegal workers, illegal immigrants, sex workers and foreign domestic helpers, who are arrested during any operation with a view to ascertaining whether they are trafficking in persons (TIP) and/or forced labour victims. When any TIP and/or forced labour indicator is revealed in the initial screening, the ImmD officers will conduct a full debriefing and identification by using a standardised checklist to ascertain the presence of TIP and/or forced labour elements. Identified TIP and/or forced labour victims will be provided with various forms of support and assistance, including urgent intervention, medical services, counselling, shelter or temporary accommodation and other supporting services. The ImmD calls on TIP and/or forced labour victims to report crimes to the relevant departments immediately.
 
For reporting illegal employment activities, please call the dedicated hotline 185 185, fax 2824 1166, email anti_crime@immd.gov.hk, or submit the “Online Reporting of Immigration Offences” form at www.immd.gov.hk.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 3

The symposium is organised by the Arts Education (AE) Section of the Curriculum Development Institute (CDI), the Education Bureau (EDB), with support from 13 local universities. Themed “Visual Innovation”, the symposium aims to enhance the learning and teaching of visual arts and design, facilitate participants’ grasp of the latest developments in the design field and the application of innovative technologies, cultivate visual thinking and higher-order thinking skills, strengthen vocational and professional education and training, and provide a platform for exchange among teachers and students.15 May 2026 (Friday) 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
16 May 2026 (Saturday) 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Venue

Exhibition Gallery, G/F, Hong Kong Central Library

For further details of the symposium and the exhibition, please visit the Arts Education Key Learning Area Webpage: Click Here

 

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Development Bureau (DEVB) announced today (May 8) that, on the approval of the Chief Executive, the Government has appointed Mr Jeffrey Lam Kin-fung to be the Chairperson of the Board of Directors (BoD) of the Hung Shui Kiu Industry Park Company Limited (Hung Shui Kiu Industry Park Company), as well as five official and five non-official members, for a three-year term with effect from June 1, 2026. 
 
The five official directors are the Secretary for Development; the Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury; the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development; the Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry; and the Secretary for Transport and Logistics.  The five non-official directors are Dr Wingco Lo Kam-wing, Mr Sunny Tan, Mr Wai Chi-sing, Mr Albert Wong Hak-keung and Mr Kenneth Wong Kin-wah.
 
  The Secretary for Development, Ms Bernadette Linn, said, “The National 15th Five-Year Plan explicitly backs Hong Kong in accelerating the development of the Northern Metropolis (NM), and the development of the NM will also be an important component in Hong Kong’s first five-year plan. At present, the development of the NM has entered a critical phase for substantive construction and bringing in enterprises.  Establishing wholly government-owned companies is one of the tools for the Government to drive industry development in the NM through diversified approaches, and the Hung Shui Kiu Industry Park Company is among those that will be responsible for the development and operation of the around 23-hectare industry sites.”
 
She continued, “Mr Jeffrey Lam, who will soon take up the post of the Chairperson of the BoD of the Hung Shui Kiu Industry Park Company, is a veteran industrialist. He not only possesses extensive experience in public service and administrative management, but also has an extensive network in the industrial and commercial sectors. He will certainly be able to effectively lead the Company in attracting high-value-added manufacturers to establish a foothold in Hung Shui Kiu, and bringing in technology, employment opportunities and economic output. The other non-official directors being appointed have backgrounds and experience in new industries, innovation and technology, engineering and finance, etc, and can help the Company to draw on expertise from outside the Government. The Government will also participate directly in the major decisions of the Company through the official directors. I firmly believe that, with Mr Lam’s leadership as well as the advice and insights of the other directors, the Hung Shui Kiu Industry Park Company will be able to formulate a forward-looking development positioning and strategy, whilst better integrating market forces with the adoption of public-private partnerships, so as to lay a solid foundation for the long-term development of the Industry Park.”
 
Established in January 2026, the Hung Shui Kiu Industry Park Company is wholly owned by the Government through the Financial Secretary Incorporated. The Executive Council has approved a land grant of the 23-hectare industry sites to the Company at a nominal land premium. The Hung Shui Kiu Industry Park Company will capitalise on the locational advantage of Hung Shui Kiu for its good transport network and proximity to Qianhai in Shenzhen to drive the development of industries with a competitive edge, such as high value-added or smart production (e.g. pharmaceutical manufacturing and food processing) and advanced construction; and also provide one-stop high value-added professional support services (such as testing and certification, talent scouting and staff training, business matching and networking services, and equipment rental). To facilitate the Company to develop a diverse range of industries and supporting facilities, the rezoning procedures are underway to maximise land use flexibility. This will cover the production stages of various suitable industries, and accommodate supporting facilities including testing and certification, convention and exhibition facilities, talent accommodation, training venues, etc. The DEVB will soon seek the approval of the Legislative Council on the equity injection of $10 billion to the Company, and complete the recruitment exercise of the Chief Executive Officer as soon as possible, such that the Company will commence operation mid-year.
 
The membership of the BoD of the Hung Shui Kiu Industry Park Company, with effect from June 1, 2026, is as follows:
 
Chairperson
———–
Mr Jeffrey Lam Kin-fung
  
Official members
———–
Secretary for Development (or representative)
Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury (or representative)
Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development (or representative)
Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry (or representative)
Secretary for Transport and Logistics (or representative)
 
Non-official members
———–
Dr Wingco Lo Kam-wing
Mr Sunny Tan
Mr Wai Chi-sing
Mr Albert Wong Hak-keung
Mr Kenneth Wong Kin-wah

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (May 8) launched the Preparedness and Response Plan for Dengue Fever (DF) and Chikungunya Fever (CF) (the Plan for DF and CF), which outlines the command structure and corresponding control measures for each response level when either of these two mosquito-borne diseases poses a significant threat to public health in Hong Kong. The Plan provides guidance and a basis for the response efforts of various government departments and stakeholders, enabling early risk prevention, the continuous optimisation of response arrangements, and the effective safeguarding of public health. The CHP also announced the latest situation regarding DF and CF.
 
Preparedness and Response Plan for DF and CF
———————————————————-
 
      “The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government launched the Preparedness and Response Plan for DF (the Plan for DF) in 2019, which outlines contingency arrangements to be implemented should DF pose a significant threat to public health in Hong Kong. The Plan also details follow-up actions to be taken by various government departments and organisations to mitigate the threat to public health. Over the years, relevant departments and organisations have continuously strengthened interdepartmental collaboration in accordance with the Plan for DF, mobilising all sectors to implement various prevention and control measures. This has effectively prevented and managed the risk of DF transmission in Hong Kong. Last year, when the first local case of CF was recorded in Hong Kong, the CHP immediately took comprehensive response actions based on the Plan, successfully preventing a large-scale outbreak. Given that both DF and CF are primarily transmitted by female Aedes mosquitoes, and have similar prevention and control strategies, the CHP has conducted a comprehensive review of the original plan. After consulting with relevant departments, the CHP has updated and revised into the Plan for DF and CF. The updated Plan for DF and CF has been uploaded to the CHP website and distributed to relevant departments and organisations,” the Controller of the CHP, Dr Edwin Tsui, said.
 
      “The Plan for DF and CF provides the Government with the core capabilities to swiftly, efficiently and coordinately prevent, detect, control and respond to outbreaks of these two mosquito-borne diseases, thereby safeguarding public health and the health of citizens. The Plan for DF and CF continues to envisage a three-tiered Emergency Response Level (Alert, Serious and Emergency). Based on the latest scientific evidence and the impact of the diseases on the community, the Government will assess risks to determine whether to activate or deactivate the relevant levels and implement corresponding prevention and control measures. Relevant organisations should also refer to this Plan for DF and CF when formulating their own contingency plans,” he added.
 
Dengue fever
—————-
 
From May 1 to yesterday (May 7), no new cases of DF had been recorded.

     Hong Kong has recorded 17 DF cases so far this year, including 16 imported cases and one local case. A total of 59 DF cases were recorded last year (2025), all of which were imported cases. In 2024, 161 DF cases were recorded, including 156 imported cases and five local cases.

     According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the global incidence of DF has markedly increased over the past two decades, posing a substantial public health challenge. In 2024, the WHO recorded over 14 million cases, which was a record number. From January to July 2025, over 4 million cases and over 3 000 DF-related deaths were reported in 97 countries/territories.
 
     DF is prevalent in many neighbouring tourist destinations. In 2025, Indonesia, India and Vietnam each recorded over 120 000 cases; Malaysia and Thailand each recorded over 50 000 cases; and Singapore recorded over 4 000 cases. Meanwhile, as of May 3, the Guangdong Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention recorded 86 cases in Guangdong Province this year, including six locally infected cases. Guangdong Province recorded over 3 500 locally infected cases in 2025.

     Detailed information on the latest DF situation in Hong Kong, as well as neighbouring and overseas countries and areas, has been uploaded to the CHP’s website.
 
Chikungunya fever
———————–

     From May 1 to yesterday, no new cases of CF had been recorded. Hong Kong has recorded two confirmed CF cases so far this year, both of which were imported cases. Hong Kong recorded a total of 82 confirmed CF cases last year. Among them, 11 were local cases, and the rest were imported cases.

     In 2025, a total of 502 264 CF cases and 186 CF-related deaths have been reported in 41 countries/territories. Cases have been reported in the Americas, Africa, Asia, and Europe. Meanwhile, as of May 3, the Guangdong Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention recorded four cases in Guangdong Province this year, including one locally infected case.
 
Preventive measures to be taken by the public
—————————————————-
 
According to the latest surveillance data from the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD), the mosquito infestations in Hong Kong worsened in April. In addition, the average temperature and rainfall in April this year were higher than those of the same period last year, creating favourable conditions for mosquito growth and breeding. Therefore, the CHP reminded members of the public to maintain good environmental hygiene, and to take appropriate measures to prevent mosquito bites and mosquito breeding, both in Hong Kong and when travelling to areas affected by mosquito-borne diseases, in order to prevent mosquito-borne diseases.
 
Mosquito-borne diseases such as DF and CF are endemic in various countries worldwide. The risk of importation persists. Members of the public should check the situation at their destinations before travelling abroad, especially when travelling to Southeast Asian countries. Additionally, whether travelling or not, members of the public should use DEET-containing insect repellents or other effective active ingredients properly to prevent mosquito bites, but the following precautions should be taken when using them:
 

• read the label instructions carefully first;
• apply right before entering an area with a risk of mosquito bites;
• apply on exposed skin and clothing;
• use DEET of up to 30 per cent for pregnant women and up to 10 per cent for children (for children who travel to countries or areas where mosquito-borne diseases are endemic or epidemic, and where exposure is likely, those aged 2 months or above can use DEET-containing insect repellents with a DEET concentration of up to 30 per cent);
• apply sunscreen first, then insect repellent;
• reapply only when needed and follow the instructions; and
• in addition to DEET, there are other insect repellents available on the market containing different active ingredients, such as IR3535 and picaridin. When using any insect repellent, the public should follow the usage instructions and precautions on the product label.

     
​The FEHD also appeals to members of the public to continue to stay alert and work together to carry out mosquito prevention and control measures early, including inspecting their homes and surroundings to remove potential breeding grounds, changing water in vases and scrubbing their inner surfaces, removing water in saucers under potted plants at least once a week, and properly disposing of containers such as empty cans and lunch boxes. The FEHD also advises members of the public and property management agencies to keep drains free of blockage and level all defective ground surfaces to prevent the accumulation of water. They should also scrub all drains and surface sewers with an alkaline detergent at least once a week to remove any mosquito eggs.

     ​The public should call 1823 in case of mosquito problems, and may visit the following pages for more information: the CF page of the CHP and the Travel Health Service, the latest Travel Health News, tips for using insect repellents, and the CHP Facebook Page, Instagram Account and YouTube Channel, and also the Mosquito Prevention and Control dedicated page of the FEHD.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) today (May 8) announced that the monthly gravidtrap index for Aedes albopictus mosquitoes in April was 7.9 per cent, at Level 2, indicating that the distribution of Aedes albopictus mosquitoes in the survey areas was fairly extensive. The FEHD and relevant government departments have stepped up mosquito prevention and control actions. 

In April, among the 62 survey areas, the area gravidtrap indexes (AGI) in Tai Po East, Tai Po District, and Sheung Shui, North District, exceeded 20 per cent, reaching the Level 3 alert level. The gravidtraps were mostly located in the vicinity of private residential areas, public housing estates, schools, hospitals, recreational and sports facilities and public places. The FEHD has collaborated with relevant government departments by taking immediate actions to strengthen mosquito prevention and control work in the areas concerned.

Moreover, the monthly density index for Aedes albopictus in April was 1.3, which represented that an average of 1.3 Aedes albopictus adults were found in the Aedes-positive gravidtraps, indicating that the number of adult Aedes albopictus was not abundant in the survey areas. The gravidtrap and density indexes for Aedes albopictus in different survey areas, as well as information on mosquito prevention and control measures, are available on the department website at www.fehd.gov.hk.

A spokesman for the FEHD said, “With reference to the data from the past few years, the gravidtrap indexes start to rise from April or May every year. The actual timing of the increase and its extent are affected by factors like weather and rainfall. The average temperature and rainfall in April this year were higher than those of the same period last year, creating favourable conditions for mosquito growth and breeding and thus leading to the earlier rise of gravidtrap indexes this year, but the overall trend and extent of the increase are similar to those of previous years. In response to the rise of gravidtrap indexes, the FEHD, together with relevant departments and stakeholders, has implemented rapid response measures and deployed targeted actions. The FEHD has continued to intensify the mosquito prevention and control work with relevant government departments in areas under their purview, including eliminating mosquito breeding places, applying larvicides, conducting fogging operations to eradicate adult mosquitoes, and placing mosquito trapping devices at suitable locations. The FEHD has also conducted site inspections with relevant departments, and provided them with professional advice and technical support to assist them in formulating and implementing effective anti-mosquito measures swiftly. At the same time, the FEHD has strengthened publicity and education. The FEHD will continue to monitor the mosquito infestation in all districts, and will conduct prompt and effective mosquito prevention and control work.”

The FEHD continues to conduct a three-phase Anti-mosquito Campaign this year. The second phase began on April 13 and will run until June 12. During the period, the district offices of the FEHD are targeting residences, schools, construction sites, public housing estates, hospitals, illegal cultivation sites, waterfront public and private cargo working areas, land boundary control points, typhoon shelters and cross-boundary ferry terminals to remove accumulated water and carry out mosquito prevention and control work. To further enhance the effectiveness of mosquito control, the FEHD and relevant government departments have launched phase one and phase two of the All-out Anti-mosquito Operations on March 25 and April 30 respectively. Departments will continue with the work of phase one including eliminating potential mosquito breeding places and arranging for necessary structural repairs to minimise mosquito breeding places, and have already started the work of phase two to conduct regular ultra-low volume fogging operations at places with mosquito infestation to control the mosquitoes. The FEHD called on property management entities to continue actively participating in the All-out Anti-mosquito Operations. 

The FEHD currently makes regular announcements on gravidtrap indexes for Aedes albopictus on its webpage. To allow more citizens to quickly grasp the mosquito infestation situation, the FEHD has strengthened information dissemination by promptly announcing the latest gravidtrap indexes through press releases and social media.

In addition, to further reduce the risk of transmission of chikungunya fever (CF), the FEHD has extended its intensified mosquito control work, which was originally activated when the AGI reaches 20 per cent, to cover areas with the AGI falling between 10 and 20 per cent. Specifically, the FEHD will conduct detailed risk assessments in the areas concerned to identify locations with higher mosquito infestation risks and, in collaboration with relevant departments and stakeholders, conduct intensive and targeted mosquito control work. The FEHD will also notify nearby housing estates, advising property management agents and residents to stay vigilant and work together to take mosquito prevention and elimination measures.

To reduce the risk of transmission of CF and dengue fever (DF), the FEHD continues to step up mosquito prevention and control measures across all districts and conduct vector investigations and targeted mosquito control operations within a 250-metre radius of the residence of patients and the places that patients had visited during the infectious period. Actions include removing mosquito breeding grounds, applying larvicides to stagnant water that cannot be cleared, and carrying out ultra-low volume fogging operations in adult mosquito habitats such as densely wooded areas, dark and secluded places, and abandoned structures to eliminate adult mosquitoes.

The FEHD appeals to members of the public to continue to stay alert and work together to carry out mosquito prevention and control measures early, including inspecting their homes and surroundings to remove potential breeding grounds, changing water in vases and scrubbing their inner surfaces, removing water in saucers under plant pots at least once a week, properly disposing of containers such as empty cans and disposable meal boxes. The FEHD also advises members of the public and estate management bodies to keep drains free of blockage and level all defective ground surfaces to prevent the accumulation of water. They should also scrub all drains and surface sewers with an alkaline detergent at least once a week to remove any mosquito eggs.

​Aedes albopictus is a kind of mosquito that can transmit DF and CF. DF is commonly found in tropical and subtropical regions of the world, and has become endemic in many countries in Southeast Asia. In 2024, the World Health Organization (WHO) recorded over 14 million DF cases, which was a record number. Furthermore, according to the WHO, CF cases have been recorded in more than 110 countries/regions. Many countries worldwide experienced CF outbreaks last year; as of December 10, 2025, more than 500,000 cases had been reported in over 40 countries/regions worldwide. Cases have been reported in the Americas, Africa, Asia, and Europe. Temperatures in subtropical and some temperate regions remain elevated due to climate change, creating favourable conditions for mosquito breeding. In addition, CF outbreaks continue to occur in many countries worldwide. The risk of imported cases persists. Members of the public should check the situation of their destinations before travelling abroad, especially when travelling to Southeast Asian countries.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

Following is the speech by the Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, at the Global Mediation Summit today (May 8):

Commissioner Cui Jianchun (Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region), Secretary-General Teresa Cheng (Secretary-General of the International Organization for Mediation), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

Good morning. Welcome to Hong Kong, and the Global Mediation Summit of the IOMed – the International Organization for Mediation. Today’s global gathering comes on the first anniversary of the signing ceremony for the Convention on the Establishment of the IOMed.

The inauguration of IOMed followed, last October, here in Hong Kong. That cheering event has placed much expectation and hope, worldwide, on the new institution and its promise of contributing to the peaceful settlement of international disputes through mediation – and doing so in line with the United Nations Charter.

I’m pleased to note that, since last October’s inauguration ceremony, the number of signatory states has climbed from 37 to 41, while the number of contracting states has gone from eight to 13.

In these perilous times, when global affairs have become increasingly complex and volatile, the pursuit of peace – and peaceful resolutions – is imperative. Which makes today’s Summit especially timely.

And it is a great pleasure to see more than 400 leaders, policymakers and distinguished professionals from 48 countries and regions gathered, here in Hong Kong, to share their invaluable experience and insights on international mediation.

Hong Kong has long supported mediation. Mediation echoes concord and coexistence, creating co-operation where there was conflict. Concord and coexistence are values deeply rooted in Chinese culture. They are indispensable for resolving disputes and restoring trust. They preserve relationships, encouraging meaningful co-operation between disputing parties.

Hong Kong is committed to becoming a global mediation capital. And we are well-positioned to do so.

Under “one country, two systems”, Hong Kong is a thriving hub for international finance, shipping and trade. We benefit from our country’s strong support and the opportunities it gives us, while maintaining extensive international connectivity as a world city. 

Indeed, the recent Global Financial Centres Index ranked Hong Kong third, globally, and first in “fintech offerings”, “banking”, “finance” and “insurance”, while claiming second place in “investment management”. And we topped the entire Asia-Pacific region.

Our status as a leading financial centre and global investment hub is reinforced by our robust rule of law and legal system, the cornerstone of our longstanding success.

Hong Kong is the only common law jurisdiction in China, our country. And our legal professionals are internationally acknowledged for their professionalism and integrity.

And now, as IOMed’s headquarters, Hong Kong is at the very heart of global dispute resolution and its promising future.

The National 15th Five-Year Plan, I’m pleased to note, has expressed support to IOMed. That ensures that Hong Kong will play a key role in the peaceful resolution of disputes by mediation, long down the road.

And I can assure you that Hong Kong will continue to build on our partnership with the International Organization for Mediation. Together, we will work to develop Hong Kong as a global mediation centre. And we invite governments, companies, investors and others to make optimal use of the mediation services provided by IOMed, right here in Hong Kong.

Our commitment to mediation, locally and globally, is clear in the five-day Mediation Week programme that ends today with this Summit. Mediation Week events spotlighted disputes related to schools, sports, neighbourhoods and the elderly. The goal in each case was to apply mediation structure and skills to achieve peaceful and rational solutions to our problems.

And that, ladies and gentlemen, is exactly what today’s world, fraught with geopolitical tensions and disorder, is desperately in need of.

I wish you all a rewarding Global Mediation Summit and a memorable stay in Hong Kong, Asia’s world city. And soon enough, the world’s mediation city.

Thank you.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Government today (May 8) announced details of the arrangements for residents of the seven fire-affected blocks at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po to return to their units again to collect personal belongings. Residents will return in batches over a nine-day period from May 21 to 29.
 
     The seven blocks will be opened in phases, with two to three blocks accessible each day. Within each block, 10 floors will be opened on a staggered basis, starting from the lower floors. Residents will return according to the day and session arranged for them. The opening schedule for the seven blocks is as follows:
 

May 21 to 23 (Thursday to Saturday)	Wang Yan House	Wang Sun House		Wang Tai House
May 24 to 26 (Sunday to Tuesday)	Wang Kin House		Wan Cheong House
May 27 to 29 (Wednesday to Friday)	Wang Tao House		Wang Shing House

     Other arrangements for access to the blocks are broadly similar to those previously implemented. The morning session will run from 9am to 1pm, and the afternoon session from 2.30pm to 6.30pm. A total of four residents per unit may enter the building at the same time. Residents may stay in their unit for up to three hours and may make multiple trips during the period.
 
     Under the “one social worker per household” service, social workers will notify households of their allocated timeslots and the important points to note, and assist with the pre-registration of persons returning to the units. On the day of access, pre-registered persons may proceed directly to Kwong Fuk Community Hall for registration and collection of protective gear and other supplies before going to their units to collect belongings.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD) today (May 8) announced that the department collected five liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) samples from auto-LPG filling stations and LPG terminals on a random basis in April 2026 for laboratory tests. The results show that the LPG quality of all these samples complied with auto-LPG specifications.

The detailed test results are available on the EMSD’s website (www.emsd.gov.hk/en/gas_safety/lpg_vehicle_scheme/publications/general/results_of_lpg_sample_analysis/index.html). Enquiries can also be made to the EMSD’s hotline on 2333 3762.

In addition, the EMSD has been vetting independent third-party test reports submitted by LPG supply companies for each shipment to ensure that the quality of imported LPG complies with the specified requirements.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region