Category: MIL-OSI

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

A spokesperson for the Education Bureau (EDB) today (November 20) said that the EDB had received the 2025 Territory-wide System Assessment (TSA) report submitted by the Hong Kong Examinations and Assessment Authority (HKEAA). The data shows that the performance of the Primary Three, Primary Six and Secondary Three students participating in the assessment of the three major subjects of Chinese Language, English Language, and Mathematics this year remains generally steady and similar compared to the results of the previous assessments.

The spokesperson said, “The TSA report assists schools in understanding students’ strengths and areas for improvement in Chinese Language, English Language and Mathematics. The EDB is pleased to note that schools generally agree that the TSA report can provide practical analysis and information regarding the ability and performance of students and, together with schools’ related internal assessment results, enable schools to devise more suitable curriculum plans and learning and teaching strategies to further enhance students’ learning effectiveness, fully reflecting the culture of ‘Assessment for Learning’. The EDB expresses its gratitude to the school sector for continuously adopting diversified teaching strategies and measures to cater for the different needs of students and raise teaching effectiveness.

“The EDB will continue to work closely with all stakeholders and render full support to schools, including arranging teacher training, organising diversified activities and providing appropriate school-based support services, to strengthen teachers’ professional capacities. Meanwhile, the EDB will continue to develop learning and teaching resources, such as continuing to enhance the Student Assessment Repository as a one-stop platform for learning, teaching, and assessment with the ‘Self-selected Assessments’ feature added and exploring the application of artificial intelligence in the repository, with a view to providing schools and students with a more flexible and diversified platform with instant feedback, catering for the different needs of students, and enhancing their learning interests and abilities.”

The HKEAA will later directly provide primary and secondary schools with school-level data for use as feedback on learning and teaching. With a view to promoting and supporting schools in making effective use of assessment data and information to enhance learning and teaching, the EDB will hold thematic seminars on “Promoting Assessment for Learning” in December with regard to the 2025 TSA report. Teachers can enrol via the EDB training calendar.

Student performance figures of the TSA from 2004 to 2025 are shown in the Annex. Details of the TSA are available on the HKEAA website (www.bca.hkeaa.edu.hk).

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA) under the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau (CSTB) has organised the “Hong Kong Cultural and Creative Mosaic” event at the Palace Museum Cultural and Creative Products Hong Kong Space inside the Palace Museum in Beijing. The event officially opened to the public today (November 20) to stage four successive events during the year ahead to showcase cultural and creative products with themes of Hong Kong’s intangible cultural heritage, art toys, fashion and accessories, and lifestyle products.

Addressing the event in Beijing on November 12, the Commissioner for Cultural and Creative Industries, Miss Drew Lai, said CCIDA hopes that the event not only makes the creativity and capability of Hong Kong designers visible to Chinese Mainland museums, but also encourages local designers or cultural and creative IP (intellectual property) owners to enhance collaboration with the Chinese Mainland.

The CSTB promulgated last November the Blueprint for Arts and Culture and Creative Industries Development which sets out that Hong Kong will fully capitalise on the distinctive advantages given by the strong support of the motherland to encourage designers from Hong Kong to collaborate with major museums and cultural and creative institutions on the Mainland to cocreate cultural and creative products. Last year, CCIDA signed Memoranda of Understanding with three Mainland cultural and creative brands, including one for collaboration on the Palace Museum Cultural and Creative Products Hong Kong Space, to continuously strengthen support for local original works to enter Chinese Mainland and international markets.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Department of Health (DH) announced today (November 20) that, starting from January 1, 2026, it will launch a pilot programme to streamline the evaluation and approval process for proprietary Chinese medicines (pCm) registration applications. Along with the existing processing procedures, two new tiers will be introduced, namely “Innovative Drugs” and “Designated Priority Products”, with specified target processing times. The new arrangement aims to expedite processing of registration applications under these new tiers, and allow applicants to plan their business and resources more effectively. This initiative aligns with the policy of developing Hong Kong into an international health and medical innovation hub.

“Enterprises in Hong Kong and the Chinese Mainland holding a wholesaler or manufacturer licence in pCm, issued by the Chinese Medicines Board (CMB) under the Chinese Medicine Council of Hong Kong (CMCHK), may leverage the new mechanism to quickly bring suitable pCm products to the Hong Kong market. The DH will evaluate “Innovative Drugs” within 120 working days and submit them to the Chinese Medicines Committee (the Committee) under the CMB for approval. Furthermore, applicants may designate up to two products annually as “Designated Priority Products”. The DH will complete the evaluations for these products within 150 working days and submit them to the CMB for approval. Compared to the current average processing time, which takes over 250 working days, the new mechanism will significantly accelerate the process and enable the industry to select products to test the market response, establish product positioning and use Hong Kong as a springboard to tap into global markets,” the Assistant Director of Health (Chinese Medicine), Dr Edmund Fong, said.

Applicants may refer to “Frequently Asked Questions 5.B.25” on the CMCHK website for details regarding the definitions of each tier, target processing times, and requirements for supplementary documents during the approval stages.

To help the industry better understand the new mechanism, the DH has notified licensed pCm wholesalers and manufacturers via letters in mid-November. Online seminars detailing the mechanism will be held monthly from now until January next year. Interested parties may visit the CMCHK website for details.

The new mechanism will be piloted for two years. The CMB will continuously review its operation and effectiveness, making timely adjustments for optimisation.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     Following is the speech by the Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, at the UFI Global Congress 2025 today (November 20):

Hugh (President of UFI (Global Association of the Exhibition Industry), Mr Hugh Jones), Chris (Chief Executive Officer of UFI, Mr Chris Skeith), Peter (Chairman of the Hong Kong Tourism Board, Dr Peter Lam), Fred (Chairman of the Airport Authority Hong Kong, Mr Fred Lam), Simon (Chairman of AsiaWorld-Expo Management Limited, Mr Simon Li), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

     Good morning. It is a pleasure to join the opening ceremony of the 92nd UFI Global Congress. This year marks the 100th anniversary of UFI. My heartiest congratulations to you on this momentous occasion.

     For a century, UFI has been the definite leader in the global exhibition industry. Your commitment to high professional standards and international partnership has elevated the global recognition of the exhibition industry and made it a vital driver of global trade and investment.

     This congress brings together 600 participants from some 50 economies. For those who are coming from afar, a very warm welcome to Hong Kong. 

     At its core, exhibitions are about forging business connections and promoting trade in products and services. Your choice of the AWE (AsiaWorld-Expo) at Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) as the congress venue speaks volumes about your focus on connectivity. HKIA is the gateway to the Chinese Mainland, the broader Asian region and beyond, with over 1 100 flights to over 200 destinations every day.

     Indeed, Hong Kong’s role has always been a “super connector”. Under the “one country, two systems” framework, we enjoy convenient and sometimes priority access to the Chinese Mainland market, while maintaining the characteristics that define our success as an international trade, business and financial hub: a common law legal system; rule of law; free port status allowing free flow of goods, capital, information and people; and alignment with the best international standards and practices. We are proud to be recognised as the world’s freest economy and one of the top three international financial centres.

     One of Hong Kong’s major advantages for MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions) events is the easy accessibility by Mainland and international visitors. And the number of visitors has been rising after the pandemic. In the first 10 months of this year, we welcomed more than 41 million visitors, a 12 per cent increase year-on-year. Last year, the AWE and the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre together hosted more than 350 events, drawing over 9 million participants.  This year, the performance of the MICE sector would be even more optimistic.

     MICE events in Hong Kong are remarkable not only in scale, but also in their diversity and impact. Take, for example, the Global Financial Leaders’ Investment Summit held earlier this month. It is a gathering of the world’s most influential bankers, fund managers and investors. Of the 300 participants, about half were from overseas, with 100 of them being chairmen or CEOs of global financial institutions. Or consider the Wine & Spirits Fair or the electronics show, where we proudly showcase a wide range of the finest and most trendy products from around the globe. The jewelry trade show here is also the world’s largest. 

     We often strategically programme major MICE events with signature sports and cultural activities, creating a continuous stream of excitement for participants and visitors. We also integrate these events with Hong Kong’s diverse tourism offerings – from pop concerts and horse racing to fine dining and cultural explorations. Our goal is to enrich visitors’ itineraries and experiences in Hong Kong, so that they would like to stay longer, discover more and return more often.

     We are committed to building long-term partnerships, and many signature events have become permanent fixtures on Hong Kong’s calendar. Art Basel, the Hong Kong Rugby Sevens and LIV Golf are just a few prominent examples.

     We are now expanding our capacity to host world-class exhibitions. The AWE is undergoing a major expansion, adding over 33 000 square metres of space by 2028. Meanwhile, the Government is working to expand the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre to add more exhibition space. These investments reflect our strong commitment and confidence in the future of the exhibition industry in Hong Kong.

     Ladies and gentlemen, the evolving landscape of the exhibition industry is creating new and unprecedented opportunities. Digital innovation and hybrid formats are extending the reach of events, enabling organisers to connect global audiences while enriching the immersive, face-to-face experiences that make exhibitions irreplaceable. These will enable organisers to maximise reach and engagement across platforms, thus creating new revenue streams.

     At the same time, the growing global focus on environmental stewardship is driving innovation in venue design, operational efficiency and supply chain management. Organisers are encouraged to turn sustainability from a regulatory requirement into business opportunities and competitive advantages. 

     Over the next few days, I trust you will enjoy the rich exchanges of ideas and insights this Congress offers. Connect with peers from different regions, forge collaboration and partnerships.

     While you’re here, I invite you to explore all that Hong Kong has to offer: a rich calendar of cultural and sporting events, a breathtaking geopark, country parks, hiking trails, and world-renowned dining and entertainment. We are home to the world’s best hotel and best bar – and, if I might add, we don’t tax on wine!

     Ladies and gentlemen, I wish you a most successful and inspiring Congress, and a memorable stay in Hong Kong. Thank you.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     The Government announced today (November 20) the appointment of Mr Bernard Charnwut Chan as a member of the Culture Commission, from November 17, 2025, to February 28, 2027.
      
     The Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Miss Rosanna Law, said, “Mr Chan is currently the Chairman of the Board of the West Kowloon Cultural District Authority (WKCDA). He has been dedicated to promoting the development of Hong Kong’s arts and culture sectors over the years, and possesses extensive experience in executive management and public services. With the participation of Mr Chan, the Culture Commission will continue to bring together efforts of the cultural community to consolidate Hong Kong’s position as an East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchanges.”
      
     The Government also announced that Mr Henry Tang Ying-yen has resigned as a member of the Culture Commission.
      
     Miss Law expressed her heartfelt gratitude to Mr Tang for his significant contributions during his tenure as a member of the Culture Commission. She remarked, “Mr Tang offered valuable and constructive advice to the Government during the process of formulating the Blueprint for Arts and Culture and Creative Industries Development. He actively promoted the development of arts and culture as well as creative industries, advocated for the enhancement of Hong Kong’s cultural soft power, and fostered cross-sectoral collaboration among the arts, culture and business communities. Under the leadership of Mr Tang, the WKCDA continued to play its role as a major strategic partner of the Government, elevating Hong Kong’s international cultural status and appeal through establishing a cultural landmark that combines international perspectives with local characteristics, and curating diverse performing arts and exhibition projects.”
      
     Following this latest appointment, the membership list of the Culture Commission is as follows:
 
Chairman
————-
Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism
 
Non-official members
———————–
Dr Wilfred Wong Ying-wai (Vice-chairman)
Mr Bernard Charnwut Chan
Dr Adrian Cheng Chi-kong
Mr Vincent Cheng Wing-shun
Ms Lovinia Chiu Siu-yin
Mr Vincent Chow Wing-shing
Mr Kenneth Fok Kai-kong
Mr Andy Hei Kao-chiang
Ms Leonie Ki Man-fung
Dr Lam Ho-yi
Mr Peter Lau Man-pong
Mrs Margaret Leung Ko May-yee
Dr Victor Lo Chung-wing
Ms Lo Kwong-ping
Professor Lui Yu-hon
Professor Fredric Mao Chun-fai
Mr Daryl Ng Win-kong
Mr Eric Tsang Chi-wai
Mrs Bonnie Woo Chan Tak-chi
Mr Charles Yang Chuen-liang
Mr Yang Yong
Mr Alexander Yeung Ching-loong
Dr Frankie Yeung Wai-shing
Mr Yu Chiu-for
Dr Allan Zeman
 
Official members
———————
Secretary for Development or his/her representative
Secretary for Education or his/her representative
Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs or his/her representative

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Government promulgated the Conceptual Outline of the Development Plan for the Innovation and Technology Industry in the San Tin Technopole today (November 20). The Conceptual Outline provides a top-level design for the 210 hectares of new innovation and technology (I&T) land in the San Tin Technopole in terms of development vision, objectives and positioning, industrial spatial layout, and development model, thereby setting a clear development strategy for the San Tin Technopole.

     The Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Professor Sun Dong, said that, “The San Tin Technopole spans across a large area. Its development takes time and needs to be conducted in an orderly manner. Based on the schedule of land supply, the Conceptual Outline proposes a phased development plan, industrial positioning and layout, co-ordinated development of various land zones, and strategy to channel market resources into development. It serves as a clear guideline for the San Tin Technopole to develop into a strategic base for I&T industries.
 
     “The San Tin Technopole has three major advantages. It is adjacent to the Hong Kong Park in the Loop and closely connected to the I&T ecosystems of Futian and Huanggang, giving it a locational advantage. Its provision of 210 hectares of new I&T land can meet the spatial needs of different segments of the industry chain, enterprises of varying scales and different technology fields, giving it a scale advantage. It also enjoys an excellent transportation network, and is close to Shenzhen and the Sam Po Shue Wetland Conservation Park, providing a favourable ecological environment and strengths as a liveable place.
 
     “As a natural extension of the Loop, the new I&T land in the San Tin area can integrate with the comprehensive industry supply chains in the Mainland cities of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. It can also take up the transformation and industrialisation of research outcomes derived from the Hong Kong Park. These would drive economic growth, create high-quality employment opportunities and lead to structural upgrades of industries. By focusing on the interaction between industries, talent, and space, it aims to create a virtuous cycle of enhancing the city’s quality with industries, attracting talent with the city, and developing industries with talent.”
 
     The Innovation, Technology and Industry Bureau commissioned a consultant to conduct a study. With views gauged from industry-related personnel and stakeholders, including I&T enterprises, academic institutions, chambers of commerce, and I&T associations, etc, the positioning of the development of the San Tin Technopole will be anchored on three key strands: (1) providing space for prototyping, pilot production, and small-scale manufacturing, (2) developing high-quality local I&T industries, and (3) pooling global I&T resources and talent.
 
     In terms of industry development, the San Tin Technopole can provide land of larger scale to support the development of strategic I&T industries such as life and health technology, AI and robotics, microelectronics and smart devices, new materials, new energy, and green technology, as set out in the Hong Kong I&T Development Blueprint. It will also focus on the building of Hong Kong’s I&T industrial system with advanced manufacturing as its core.
 
     In terms of a layout plan of the land, the new I&T land in the San Tin Technopole will be divided and developed into three development hubs and three industry development corridors (the three hubs and three corridors). They are the Hetao Hub, Chau Tau Hub,  and Ki Lun Hub from north to south, and the life and health technology corridor, AI and robotics corridor, and microelectronics and advanced industry corridor. This planning structure can cater for the pace of I&T industry development and the relevant timetable for land resumption and site formation works undertaken by works departments. The development will have five phases, from introduction, industry ecosystem expansion, city-industry hub to consolidation.
 
     In taking forward each phase of development, the development hubs will be used for co-ordinating and leading the development of its core advanced industries, emphasising a city-industry integration. This includes attracting enterprises to set up headquarters, creating commercial complexes, and providing talent accommodation which will offer various urban living amenities for I&T talent. The planning also takes into account actual circumstances and allows certain flexibility in development by reserving strategic white space for supporting emerging technology industries at subsequent phases in the future.
 
     In terms of a development model, following the principle of a capable government and an efficient market, consideration can be given to the establishment of a dedicated company to take forward the development of the San Tin Technopole in collaboration with the market, thereby leveraging market resources to accelerate development and optimise development costs.
 
     According to the estimates of the consultant, the San Tin Technopole will contribute some $250 billion or more to Hong Kong’s GDP (Gross Domestic Product) annually upon its full operation, and provide over 300 000 full-time equivalent work positions. 
 
     The new I&T land around San Tin and the Hong Kong Park will together form a crucial node for the integrated development of upstream, midstream and downstream industries, offering full-chain support to I&T industries by providing space for offices, prototyping, test and pilot production, as well as manufacturing. Under the National 14th Five-Year Plan and the recommendations for the 15th Five-Year Plan for Hong Kong as an international I&T centre and Hong Kong’s new industrial layout of a South-North dual engine (finance-I&T) in the future, the San Tin Technopole, as an indispensable key part of Hong Kong’s I&T development, will become a stronghold for the future development of emerging technology industries in Hong Kong and an important base for developing new quality productive forces.
      
　　The Conceptual Outline has been uploaded to the Innovation, Technology and Industry Bureau’s website (www.itib.gov.hk/en/index.html).

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

Upon the invitation of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government, with the approval of the Central People’s Government, the Hong Kong and Macao Work Office of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council invited the member of the publicity delegation, the President of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Mr Hou Jianguo, and the member of the publicity delegation, the Deputy Director of the Office of the Central Commission for Financial and Economic Affairs and the Deputy Director of the Office of the Central Leading Group for Rural Affairs, CPC, Mr Zhu Weidong, to visit Hong Kong to speak on the spirit of the Fourth Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC Central Committee). The HKSAR Government will hold a seminar to promote the spirit of the Fourth Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee to people from various sectors of the community at the Central Government Offices, in the morning of November 25 (Tuesday). 

     “The Recommendations of the CPC Central Committee for Formulating the 15th Five-Year Plan for Economic and Social Development (Recommendations for the 15th Five-Year Plan) adopted at the Fourth Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee provide a top-level design and strategic blueprint for the country’s development over the next five years and are of great significance and impact to Hong Kong. All citizens of Hong Kong should earnestly study and implement the spirit of the Fourth Plenary Session,” a HKSAR Government spokesman said.

     The seminar will be held from 9.30am to 12noon on November 25. Media will be invited to cover the event. In addition to live-broadcast by Radio Television Hong Kong (RTHK) TV 32, the RTHK website (rthk.hk/tv), Information Services Department’s website (webcast.info.gov.hk), the news.gov.hk’s Facebook page (www.facebook.com/govnews.hk) and the Constitutional and Mainland Affairs Bureau’s Facebook page (www.facebook.com/cmab.gov.hk) will stream the seminar online simultaneously. The full version of the seminar will also be uploaded onto the website of the Constitutional and Mainland Affairs Bureau (www.cmab.gov.hk/en/home/index.htm). 

     “It is an invaluable opportunity to have the delegation speak on the spirit of the Fourth Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee in Hong Kong. Members of the public should grasp the opportunity to watch the seminar to study and implement the spirit of the Fourth Plenary Session, as well as fully understand how the Recommendations for the 15th Five-Year Plan will lay a more solid foundation for the country moving toward the basic realisation of socialist modernization,” the spokesman urged.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) announced today (November 20) that the newly built Diamond Hill Water Feature Park will be open for public use from tomorrow (November 21), providing a pleasant and relaxing leisure venue for public enjoyment.
 
     With an area of about 26 400 square metres, the park is located at the site of the demolished Tai Hom Village. Historic buildings of the village, including the Hangar (a Grade III historic building with part of the components preserved), the Pillbox (a Grade II historic building) and the Stone House (former residence of the late film star Roy Chiao), are reinstated within the park, vividly presenting and sustaining the history of Diamond Hill.
 
     The new park offers a leisurely and comfortable environment, with both dynamic and still water features as well as special plants. It also provides a variety of recreational facilities, such as landscaped walkways, multipurpose activity rooms, a multipurpose pavilion, and a children’s play area, which can cater for exhibitions, performances, cultural and recreational activities, and more.

     To visit the park, members of the public can walk from Exit A2 or Exit B of Diamond Hill MTR Station, or take available bus and minibus routes.    
 
     For enquiries, please call the venue officers at 2954 0766, or access the LCSD website (www.lcsd.gov.hk).

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region