Speech by S for S at Opening Ceremony of International Aquatic Rescue Technical Exchange 2025 (English only)

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     Following is the speech by the Secretary for Security, Mr Tang Ping-keung, at the Opening Ceremony of the International Aquatic Rescue Technical Exchange 2025 today (November 25):

     Deputy Director Xu Zhongshun (Deputy Director General of the National Fire and Rescue Administration), distinguished guests, respected colleagues, ladies and gentlemen,

Visa-free access to Algeria for HKSAR passport holders

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) has received notification from the Government of the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria that HKSAR passport holders may visit Algeria visa-free for a stay of up to 14 days. 
 
     An Immigration Department spokesman said, “Algeria is along the Belt and Road. Under the Belt and Road Initiative, this visa-free arrangement will bring travel convenience to holders of HKSAR passports and strengthen the tourism, cultural and economic ties between the two places.”
 
     As of today, 174 countries and territories have granted visa-free access or visa-on-arrival to HKSAR passport holders. Please visit the following website for details:
www.immd.gov.hk/eng/service/travel_document/visa_free_access.html or scan the QR code in the attachment.

2 national security arrests made

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Police’s National Security Department, during an enforcement operation in Kwai Chung yesterday, arrested a 32-year-old local man and a 27-year-old local woman.

The pair are suspected of committing the offences of “doing an act with seditious intention” under the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance, “assisting offenders” and “possession of dangerous drugs”. They are now being detained for further enquiries.

An investigation revealed that from October 2020 to October 2025, the man was allegedly involved in repeatedly publishing posts with seditious intention on his shop’s social media platform as well as funding activities endangering national security.

Acting on a court warrant, Police also searched the man’s shop in Kwai Chung. Cash and related invoices were seized.

Officers also seized a small quantity of suspected cannabis at the suspects’ residence in Kwai Chung. 

HKMC’s record HK$25.3 billion public benchmark bond issuance

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority:

The Hong Kong Mortgage Corporation Limited (HKMC) announced today (November 25) the successful issuance of its multi-currency public benchmark bonds totalling HK$25.3 billion (or US$3.3 billion equivalent) (Issuance) under its US$30 billion Medium Term Note Programme. 

Following a series of effective investor roadshows, the Issuance was book-built and priced in Hong Kong on November 18, 2025. The landmark Issuance was the HKMC’s largest-ever public bond offering, breaking its own record set in October 2024 when it launched its third social bonds of HK$23.8 billion equivalent.

The multi-currency benchmark bond issuance with four tranches comprises HK$10 billion 2-year, CNH 5 billion 3-year and US$1 billion 5-year bonds in conventional bond format; and a 30-year HK$2 billion bond in social bond format. The Issuance was well received by a diverse group of high-quality local, Southbound Bond Connect and international institutional investors, including multilateral development banks, government-related funds, banks, insurance companies, MPF and pension funds, asset management companies and private banks, with a combined peak orderbook of around HK$80 billion equivalent and final allocation to around 250 accounts. 

The 30-year Hong Kong dollar (HKD) social bond tranche is the largest-ever 30-year HKD bond issuance in Hong Kong, and also the first-ever social bond issuance in Asia Pacific with proceeds being used to support the HKMC’s Reverse Mortgage Programme (RMP) that provides essential financing for the elderly in Hong Kong. Major terms of the Issuance are highlighted in the Annex.

The RMP is one of the “HKMC Retire 3” products offering retirement planning solution for elderly homeowners to unlock the values of their properties to provide a supplementary cashflow, thereby helping the elderly to maintain their quality of life during retirement, and to meet healthcare and other livelihood needs. As at end-October 2025, the HKMC has received 8 776 applications under the programme with an average property value of around HK$5.5 million and average monthly payout of around HK$15,900. The average age of borrowers was 69 years old.

     Deputy Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority and Executive Director of the HKMC Mr Howard Lee said, “This landmark multi-currency bond issuance has further solidified Hong Kong’s position as Asia’s leading international bond issuance hub and the premier offshore Renminbi business centre. The Issuance also further underscored the HKMC’s role in fostering the development of public bond market across various currencies and tenors, paving the way for other issuers to better connect with local, Chinese Mainland and overseas investors.”

     Executive Director and the Chief Executive Officer of the HKMC, Mr Colin Pou, said, “This record-breaking bond issuance has proven to be highly effective in bringing new investors to the Hong Kong capital market. It was also a testament to investors’ unwavering confidence in Hong Kong and the HKMC. Moreover, the first-ever social bond tranche dedicated for reverse mortgage loans not only promoted sustainable financing and financial inclusion for the elderly, but also made contribution to the development of retirement planning market and silver economy in Hong Kong.”

The HKMC appreciates the professional advice and tremendous support from the Joint Global Coordinators, Joint Bookrunners, Joint Lead Managers and the Joint Structuring Banks, which comprised a total of 29 local and international financial institutions, in making the Issuance successful. The list of participated financial institutions is set out at the Annex.

The social bond tranche was issued pursuant to the HKMC’s Social, Green and Sustainability Financing Framework (SGS Framework). Details of the SGS Framework, the Second-Party Opinion for the SGS Framework, and the Pre-issuance Second-Party Opinion report for the transaction are available at www.hkmc.com.hk/eng/investor_relations/sustainable_finance.html.

Adjustment in ceiling prices for dedicated LPG filling stations in December 2025

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD) today (November 25) announced an adjustment to the auto-LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) ceiling prices for dedicated LPG filling stations from December 1 to December 31, 2025, in accordance with the terms and conditions of the contracts for dedicated LPG filling stations.

     A department spokesman said that the adjustment on December 1, 2025, would reflect the movement of the LPG international price in November 2025. The adjusted auto-LPG ceiling prices for dedicated LPG filling stations would range from $3.05 to $3.96 per litre, amounting to a decrease of $0.07 to $0.08 per litre. 

     The spokesman said that the auto-LPG ceiling prices were adjusted according to a pricing formula specified in the contracts. The formula comprises two elements – the LPG international price and the LPG operating price. The LPG international price refers to the LPG international price of the preceding month. The LPG operating price is adjusted on February 1 and June 1 annually according to the average movement of the Composite Consumer Price Index and the Nominal Wage Index. 

     The auto-LPG ceiling prices for respective dedicated LPG filling stations in December 2025 are as follows:
 

Location of
Dedicated
LPG Filling Station
Auto-LPG
Ceiling Price in
December 2025
(HK$/litre)
Auto-LPG
Ceiling Price in
November 2025
(HK$/litre)
Kwai On Road, Kwai Chung 3.05 3.12
Sham Mong Road, Mei Foo 3.11 3.19
Wai Lok Street, Kwun Tong 3.17 3.24
Cheung Yip Street, Kowloon Bay 3.21 3.28
Ngo Cheung Road, West Kowloon 3.22 3.30
Yuen Chau Tsai, Tai Po 3.28 3.35
Tak Yip Street, Yuen Long 3.38 3.46
Hang Yiu Street, Ma On Shan 3.41 3.48
Marsh Road, Wan Chai 3.42 3.49
Fung Mat Road, Sheung Wan  3.44 3.51
Yip Wong Road, Tuen Mun 3.54 3.61
Fung Yip Street, Chai Wan  3.96 4.04

 
The spokesman said that the details of the LPG international price and the auto-LPG ceiling price for each dedicated LPG filling station had been uploaded to the EMSD website (www.emsd.gov.hk) and posted at dedicated LPG filling stations to enable the trades to monitor the price adjustment.

Details of the pricing adjustment mechanism for dedicated LPG filling stations can also be viewed under the “What’s New” section of the department website at www.emsd.gov.hk/en/what_s_new/current/index.html.

Speech by SCST at opening ceremony of “Play, Pose & Pixel” Digital Fashion Exhibition (English only)

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     Following is the speech by the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Miss Rosanna Law, at the opening ceremony of the “Play, Pose & Pixel” Digital Fashion Exhibition today (November 25):

Madame Drulhe (Consul General of France in Hong Kong and Macau, Ms Christile Drulhe), Mr Serge Carreira (representative of the Paris Fashion Week), Joseph (Chairman of the Hong Kong Design Centre, Mr Joseph Lo), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, 

     Bonjour. Good morning. It is my great pleasure to join you at the opening ceremony of the “Play, Pose & Pixel” Digital Fashion Exhibition, curated by the Hong Kong Design Centre and our dear friends from the Paris Fashion Week.

     Digital fashion has surged in popularity over the past decade and is now integrated across the entire fashion chain – from design to manufacturing and retail. It saves time and materials in sample production, enables business without physical products, and transcends geographic limits with virtual try-ons. Without a doubt, it is a key trend shaping the future of fashion.

     I am delighted that the Hong Kong Design Centre is presenting this “Play, Pose & Pixel” Digital Fashion Exhibition in partnership with the prestigious Fédération de la Haute Couture et de la Mode, in short FHCM, the organiser of the Paris Fashion Week. This exhibition explores pioneering fashion technology and showcases the boundless possibilities of digital fashion. In fact, it stands as one of the most anticipated highlights of this year’s Hong Kong Fashion Fest.

     The curatorial team behind the exhibition, FabriX, continues to surprise and inspire by merging augmented reality (AR) with the latest fashion. Today, they return with their iconic AR Try-on Kiosk, allowing users to try on digital outfits. Even if you are as short as me, you can look really good in their kiosks trying on the latest fashion. It captures selfies and collects photos of their favourite virtual fashion pieces.

     Among the seven designers featured in the virtual experience, three are emerging local Hong Kong talents, showcasing the vibrant creativity of Hong Kong’s new generation of designers. This also reflects our commitment to nurturing local creators and elevating them onto the global stage.

     Before arriving in Hong Kong, the exhibition had already made a presence at the Paris Fashion Week this past September. Some of the works you see here today were first shown in Paris, including collaborations between international designers and multidisciplinary artists. Through photography, dance, 3D animation and AI, these pieces blur the lines between fashion, performance and digital arts.  

     Now, for the first time, the exhibition is staged in Hong Kong. I encourage you all to explore it fully and immerse yourselves in the dynamic world of digital fashion.

     The next two weeks will be filled with fashion events across the city. Curated by various partner organisations and sponsored by the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency, the Hong Kong Fashion Fest will run until December 7, offering a rich series of design experiences in multiple locations. I warmly invite you to be part of this exciting journey.

     My congratulations to the Hong Kong Design Centre for bringing this visionary fashion event to life – infusing fresh energy and innovation into our fashion scene and showcasing the achievements of Hong Kong designers. My thanks also go to the FHCM for their partnership and dedication to advancing digital fashion, inspiring the future of the fashion industry.

     Last but not least, I wish this exhibition every success. And to everyone in the audience, stay joyful and glamorous. Thank you very much.

Speech by SCST at kick-off ceremony of “Fashion to Reconnect: A Tale of Two Style Capitals” (English only)

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

Following is the speech by the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Miss Rosanna Law, at the kick-off ceremony of Fashion to Reconnect: A Tale of Two Style Capitals today (November 25):

Vice President Li (Vice President for Talent and International Strategy and Chair Professor of Biomedical Engineering, Department of Mechanical Engineering, the City University of Hong Kong, Professor Li Wen-jung), Professor Ho (Dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences of the City University of Hong Kong, Professor Alfred Ho), Consul General Ficarra (Consul General of Italy in Hong Kong and Macao, Mr Carmelo Ficarra), Mr Naldini (Director of Fondazione Pistoletto Cittadellarte and representative of Third Paradise, Mr Paolo Naldini), Ms Maino (Ambassador of Camera Nazionale della Moda Italiana (CNMI), Ms Sara Sozzani Maino), Mr Guardini (Conscious Creative Director of the Fashion to Reconnect, Mr Tiziano Guardini), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

Good afternoon, and a very warm welcome to “Fashion to Reconnect: A Tale of Two Style Capitals”.

It is my tremendous pleasure to join you at this special moment, where Hong Kong and Italy meet through the powerful lenses of fashion, art and sustainability. 

“Fashion to Reconnect” is organised by the City University of Hong Kong, supported by the Consulate General of Italy in Hong Kong, and brought to life in partnership with Fondazione Pistoletto Cittadellarte, and Camera Nazionale della Moda Italiana, or CNMI in brief, the esteemed organiser of Milan Fashion Week. My heartfelt thanks to all our partners for making this visionary programme a reality in Hong Kong. We eagerly anticipate even closer collaborations between Hong Kong and Italy in the cultural and creative industries.

At the heart of this project is the visionary concept of the Third Paradise by Michelangelo Pistoletto – a call to rebalance artifice and nature. Hong Kong’s interpretation is both ambitious and uniquely our own: six site-specific Third Paradise art installations are unfolding across five of our city’s cultural landmarks. These include the Sophia Loren House in Wan Chai, Hong Kong International Airport, the main campus of the City University of Hong Kong, the Hong Kong Cultural Centre, and the Hung Hom Harbourfront Promenade. These works invite everyone to experience sustainability in familiar urban spaces, reimagined through fabrics, movement, light and storytelling.

Here at ArtisTree, the “Fashion to Reconnect” exhibition, curated by Mr Tiziano Guardini, brings together sustainable masterpieces from 16 Italian brands and artisans with the creativity of nine Hong Kong-based designers. From couture craftsmanship to circular materials, from archive footwear to experimental silhouettes, this is a journey that elevates fashion as both an artistic medium and a social fabric. 

In the coming days, we will convene a symposium, a roundtable and seminars, gathering elite professionals from Italy, Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area. These platforms are designed to exchange perspectives on sustainable fashion and cross-sector collaboration, fostering partnerships that will amplify the impact of creativity across global markets.

“Fashion to Reconnect” is a highlight of the Hong Kong Fashion Fest 2025. Sponsored by the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency and organised by our industry partners, the Hong Kong Fashion Fest is transforming our city into a dazzling stage for global fashion and creative dialogue from November 22 to December 7. We are proud to “bring in” global excellence, while “going out” with Hong Kong’s distinctive voice.

Finally, as we look to the future, I would like to encourage all eligible voters in Hong Kong to fulfil our civic responsibility by voting in the 2025 Legislative Council General Election on December 7. Together, we can continue to build a better Hong Kong.

Before I close, I wish to congratulate “Fashion to Reconnect” on a grand opening and convey my very best wishes for “Fashion to Reconnect” a resounding success. Thank you.

Auction of vehicle registration marks to be held on December 13

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     The Transport Department (TD) today (November 25) announced that the auction of vehicle registration marks will be held on December 13 (Saturday) at Meeting Room S421, L4, Old Wing, Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, Wan Chai.

     “A total of 100 personalised vehicle registration marks (PVRMs) will be put up for public auction in the morning session, and 220 traditional vehicle registration marks (TVRMs) will be put up for auction in the afternoon session. The list of marks has been uploaded to the department’s website, www.td.gov.hk/en/public_services/vehicle_registration_mark/index.html(ii) the identity document of the purchaser if it is different from the successful bidder;
(iii) a copy of the Certificate of Incorporation if the purchaser is a body corporate; and
(iv) a crossed cheque payable to “The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region” or “The Government of the HKSAR”. Any bidder who wishes to bid for both TVRMs and PVRMs on the same day, should bring along at least two crossed cheques for payment of auction prices (for an auctioned mark paid for by cheque, the first three working days after the date of auction will be required for cheque clearance confirmation before processing of the application for mark assignment can be completed). Successful bidders may also pay through the Easy Pay System (EPS), but are reminded to note the maximum transfer amount on the same day of the payment card. Payment by post-dated cheque, cash, credit card or other methods will not be accepted.

Import of poultry meat and products from areas in Portugal, Poland, Italy, Belgium, Ireland and UK suspended

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department announced today (November 25) that in view of notifications from the General Directorate of Food and Veterinary of Portugal and the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) about an outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza in Santarém District in Portugal, and outbreaks of highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza in areas in Poland, Italy, Belgium, Ireland and the United Kingdom (UK) respectively, the CFS has instructed the trade to suspend the import of poultry meat and products (including poultry eggs) from the relevant areas with immediate effect to protect public health in Hong Kong.

     The relevant areas are as follows:

Portugal
—-
(1) Santarém District

Poland
—-
Opolskie Region
(2) NamysÅ‚ów District

Italy
—-
Lombardia Region
(3) Province of Varese

Belgium
—-
(4) Namur Province

Ireland
—-
(5) County Laoighis

UK
—-
South Yorkshire County
(6) City of Doncaster

     A CFS spokesman said that Hong Kong has currently established a protocol with Ireland for the import of poultry meat but not for poultry eggs. According to the Census and Statistics Department, in the first nine months of this year, while no poultry meat or eggs were imported into Hong Kong from Portugal, Hong Kong imported about 1 870 tonnes of frozen poultry meat from Poland; about 90 tonnes of frozen poultry meat and about 9 000 poultry eggs from Italy; about 30 tonnes of frozen poultry meat from Belgium; about 20 tonnes of frozen poultry meat from Ireland; and about 770 tonnes of chilled and frozen poultry meat and about 1.17 million poultry eggs from the UK.

     “The CFS has contacted the Portuguese, Polish, Italian, Belgian, Irish and British authorities over the issues and will closely monitor information issued by the WOAH and the relevant authorities on the avian influenza outbreaks. Appropriate action will be taken in response to the development of the situation,” the spokesman said.

Flagstaff House Museum of Tea Ware stages “Hong Kong Artist Dialogue Series: Shape of Tea” exhibition (with photos)

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Flagstaff House Museum of Tea Ware will stage the “Hong Kong Artist Dialogue Series: Shape of Tea” exhibition starting from tomorrow (November 26), featuring 35 sets of tea ware of various types, such as tea bowls, tea caddies and teapots, from the museum’s collections spanning the Song dynasty to the 20th century, along with 20 sets of new wood and bamboo works created by Hong Kong artists Yan Yung and Inkgo Lam. The two artists integrate the aesthetics of the Song dynasty, with rustic simplicity and unpretentious elegance, into daily life. They delve into tea culture and uncover its intriguing connection to Hong Kong, engaging visitors in a journey that transcends tradition and modernity.

The exhibition is divided into four galleries: “Aesthetic Ambience”, “Accumulation of Time”, “Frozen in Space” and “Art of Tea Tasting”. Exhibits include a tea bowl with hare’s fur russet markings in black glaze Jian ware from the Southern Song dynasty; a globular shaped teapot with a hen and butterflies design in reserved panels on red enamel and gilt on blue ground from the Qing dynasty; a purple clay teapot encased in carved red lacquer with archaic dragons on diaper ground, and a cylindrical shaped teapot with an eight-lobed outer wall pierced with a bamboo motif from the 18th century.

Drawing inspiration from the museum’s collections, wood artist Yung and bamboo artist Lam created nine and 11 sets of works, respectively. The works inherit the traditional craftsmanship of joinery and bamboo weaving, and integrate expressions of contemporary art. Their works are diverse in form, featuring small tea bowls that highlight the natural grains of wood, exquisite bamboo carved tea ware, as well as mortise tea racks approximately 2 metres tall and bamboo woven tea tables over 3m long, interpreting the enjoyment of tea drinking among urbanites who capture moments of leisure amidst their busy lives.

The artists emphasise intriguing connections with Hong Kong during their creative process. They draw inspiration from flora and fauna named after Hong Kong, as well as urban and rural landscapes. Through warm wood and resilient bamboo, they express their visions of Hong Kong’s uniqueness in their works.

The tea room, meticulously constructed by Yung in the museum’s Activity room on the G/F, will provide visitors with a space to relax and reflect. Various tea-related activities will also be held in the tea room, including a tea demonstration and a special “tea contest”, as well as artist workshops on wooden and bamboo tea-ware making.

The Flagstaff House Museum of Tea Ware is located at 10 Cotton Tree Drive, Central (inside Hong Kong Park). For details of the exhibition, please visit the website at hk.art.museum/en/web/ma/mt-thematic-exhibition.html.