Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Commissioner for Development of Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area promotes GBA opportunities and Hong Kong’s strengths in London
During the visit, Miss Lam attended the “Hong Kong • Global Talent & Career Showcase” organised by Hong Kong Talent Engage to introduce GBA opportunities and Hong Kong’s strengths. In her keynote speech, she said that Hong Kong’s First Five-Year Plan clearly states that Hong Kong will continue to participate in the development of the GBA into an international first-class bay area with global influence. Among the initiatives, the Northern Metropolis serves as the main platform for Hong Kong to deeply engage in the development of the GBA, and to actively integrate into and serve overall national development. The Hong Kong Park in the Hetao Shenzhen‑Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Co‑operation Zone is a cross-boundary co-operation platform that is a key national development priority, where enterprises and international professionals can leverage Hong Kong’s internationalised innovation and technology (I&T) research and business environment to gain easy access to the industrial chains and markets of Shenzhen and other GBA cities, bringing unprecedented opportunities for global talent.
Miss Lam also attended a business luncheon jointly organised by the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Development Office (GBA Office) and the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in London. She briefed representatives from the business sector, including the China-Britain Business Council and the Hong Kong Association, on Hong Kong’s First Five-Year Plan, as well as Hong Kong’s outstanding performance in economic freedom, competitiveness and financial markets. She stressed that over the next five years, Hong Kong will consolidate and enhance its traditional strengths, strengthen I&T co-operation and prioritise the Northern Metropolis for future development to open a new chapter for I&T. She encouraged enterprises to leverage Hong Kong’s advantage of being closely connected to both the Chinese Mainland and the rest of the world, and to establish a presence in the city to tap into the huge GBA market .
On the youth and cultural front, Miss Lam met with Hong Kong students studying in the UK, and introduced the diverse opportunities available for young people across various sectors under the GBA development as set out in Hong Kong’s First Five-Year Plan. She also attended a cocktail reception to promote culture and the arts in the GBA. In her speech, she highlighted that during the National 15th Five-Year Plan period, Hong Kong will continue in its important role as an East-meets-West centre for cultural and artistic exchange. Hong Kong is among the world’s top three arts trading centres. The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government will further expand the scale of Hong Kong’s cultural and creative industries. She encouraged collectors, museums, and arts and cultural institutions around the world to make good use of Hong Kong’s role as the “super connector” and “super value-adder” to connect with the vast cultural and arts markets and resources in the GBA.
While in London, Miss Lam also called on the Minister and Chief of the Economic and Commercial Section of the Chinese Embassy in the UK, Mr Yu Benlin, and briefed him on Hong Kong’s First Five-Year Plan and the work of the HKSAR Government in taking forward GBA development.
The GBA Office will continue to step up promotion of the opportunities in GBA development and Hong Kong’s strengths through overseas visits and by leveraging the international connections of overseas Economic and Trade Offices and partner organisations.
Issued at HKT 10:00
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Appeal for information on missing man in Sheung Shui
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
Police today (October 18) appealed to the public for information on a man who went missing in Sheung Shui.
Ho Ting-hin, aged 33, went missing after he was last seen at Luen Hing Street on October 2 morning. His family made a report to Police on October 16.
He is about 1.8 metres tall, about 90 kilograms in weight and of fat build. He has a round face with yellow complexion and short black hair. He was last seen wearing a black short-sleeved shirt and black shorts.
Anyone who knows the whereabouts of the missing man or may have seen him is urged to contact the Regional Missing Persons Unit of New Territories North on 3661 3113 or email to rmpu-ntn-1@police.gov.hk, or contact any police station.
Director of Health attends WHO Western Pacific Regional Committee meeting
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
The Director of Health, Dr Ronald Lam, today (October 19) led a delegation from the Department of Health (DH) to attend the 77th session of the World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Committee for the Western Pacific in Manila, the Philippines. He engaged in in-depth discussions with representatives from other countries and regions on major health issues of common concern. They explored practical response strategies and effective ways to strengthen the resilience of health systems.
During the opening session today, Dr Lam reported on the latest developments and challenges in public health in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR).
He said, “The latest progress report announced by the WHO shows that the Western Pacific Region’s Universal Health Coverage index has risen significantly, with particularly notable progress in communicable disease prevention and control, demonstrating the powerful force of regional collaboration. The HKSAR is committed to maintaining a resilient public health system, including accessible healthcare services, comprehensive disease prevention and control, surveillance and early warning, and emergency response and preparedness. As a result, the HKSAR has consistently ranked among the world’s best in core health indicators, such as life expectancy, and maternal and infant mortality rates. However, like other economies in the region, the HKSAR faces a number of public health challenges, such as the growing burden posed by non-communicable diseases, healthcare workforce, communicable diseases, and climate-related health risks. The HKSAR is actively leveraging digital health tools and artificial intelligence to optimise resource allocation and enhance the efficiency of primary healthcare. We are adopting a ‘life-course approach’ to ensure that our public health measures protect all people, especially the vulnerable.”
The Chief Executive recently announced the First Five-Year Plan for Economic and Social Development of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (2026-2030) (Hong Kong’s First Five-Year Plan) and the Chief Executive’s 2026 Policy Address (Policy Address), providing a strategic vision for a bright new era and enhancing livelihood. In terms of healthcare, three key directions are covered, including deepening healthcare system reform, developing Hong Kong into a health and medical innovation hub with global influence, and playing the role of a healthcare ‘superconnector’ for the HKSAR to deepen cross-boundary healthcare co-operation, align with national standards and deepen international co-operation.
Dr Lam added, “The WHO Western Pacific Region’s vision of ‘Weaving Health for All’ closely aligns with the strategic development directions and objectives on healthcare outlined in Hong Kong’s First Five-Year Plan and the Policy Address. Hong Kong, China, will continue to collaborate closely with the WHO, leveraging the advantage under ‘one country, two systems’ to continuously deepen exchanges and co-operation on health with various regions, deeply participate in global health governance, and make positive contributions to improving the health and well-being of people around the world.”
During the meeting, participants will also discuss artificial intelligence, hypertension control, immunisation, tobacco control, as well as regional health essential stockpile and pooled procurement mechanism, among other topics.
With the continued support of the National Health Commission of the People’s Republic of China, the DH has actively integrated into and served the national health development framework, actively supporting the WHO in advancing global health issues and addressing various public health challenges, contributing to global public health. The DH has been designated by the WHO as a Collaborating Centre for Smoking Cessation and Treatment of Tobacco Dependence and a Collaborating Centre for Traditional Medicine for over ten consecutive years. The DH also serves as a reference laboratory for various communicable diseases, contributing to global disease surveillance and talent training.
Dr Lam added that the Microbiology Division of the Public Health Laboratory Services Branch under the Centre for Health Protection of the DH was appointed by the WHO this year as a “Collaborating Centre on Quality and Capacity Building for the Global Influenza Surveillance and Response System”, and has successively hosted international expert meetings on WHO’s surveillance, response, and prevention and control of global influenza, and on the formulation of the International Herbal Pharmacopoeia, fully demonstrating the HKSAR’s important bridging role in the healthcare field and its contribution to improving global health governance. With the support of the Central Government and under the principle of “one country, two systems”, the DH will continue to maintain close liaison with the WHO member states and regions on various issues concerning the protection of public health. Through multilateral collaboration and consensus-building, the DH will further enhance and safeguard overall public health in the region.
Latest updates on passenger traffic at Huanggang Port
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
The Security Bureau (SB) today (October 18) said that outbound passenger flow at the Huanggang Port had increased significantly since around 11am this morning. Around 19 000 passengers departed for the Mainland via the Huanggang Port between 12 noon and 2pm, representing an increase of 835 per cent (over eight times) compared with the same period in the past at the Huanggang Port/Lok Ma Chau Control Point. During the peak hour between 1pm and 2pm, as many as 9 728 outbound passenger trips were recorded within one hour, representing an increase of 899 per cent (nearly nine times) compared with the same period in the past at the Huanggang Port/Lok Ma Chau Control Point.
In view of this, the Immigration Department (ImmD) immediately opened all clearance channels and counters at the departure hall on L5 to expedite passenger flow, and implemented crowd diversion and control measures on L2 and L5 in collaboration with the Police. For passengers entering the Huanggang Port during the peak hours mentioned above, the waiting time for crowd diversion arrangements on L2 was about 30 to 45 minutes, while the waiting time inside the departure hall on L5 was maintained within 30 minutes.
The ImmD has disseminated the latest waiting time information via the “Easy Boundary” platform, and advised members of the public and travellers to plan their journeys in advance and consider using other boundary control points for departure.
The outbound peak gradually subsided from around 2pm today. Crowd diversion and control measures on L2 were lifted at 2.10pm, and the waiting time at the departure hall on L5 had dropped to under 15 minutes by 2.40pm.
In fact, relevant departments had already assessed the potential surge in passenger flow during peak hours and formulated plans for diversion, queue management and inter-departmental co-ordination during an earlier large-scale drill at the Huanggang Port involving around 20 000 participants. Faced with this sudden surge in passengers, the various contingency plans were activated promptly and overall operations remained generally smooth.
The SB will continue to work with the ImmD, the Police and other relevant departments to closely monitor the situation at the port and passenger flow. Timely reviews will be conducted and corresponding contingency measures will be adopted in light of actual circumstances to ensure the smooth operation of clearance arrangements and public services.
Secretary for Health attends World Conference on Traditional Medicine 2026 in Beijing
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The Secretary for Health, Professor Lo Chung-mau, led a delegation to attend the World Conference on Traditional Medicine 2026 held in Beijing today (October 17) to have in-depth discussions and exchanges with senior health officials from around the world, as well as experts and academics in the traditional medicine field on issues related to traditional medicine, including legislation, policy and regulation, scientific research, talent cultivation, empowerment of artificial intelligence, as well as promotion of integration of traditional medicine into healthcare service systems.
The conference is jointly organised by the People’s Government of Beijing Municipality, the National Health Commission (NHC), the National Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine and the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) in collaboration with the World Health Organization. At the opening ceremony, Professor Lo listened to Premier Li Qiang’s keynote speech. Speaking at the panel discussions of the traditional medicine government forum, Professor Lo shared with attendees the strategic direction for integrating Chinese medicine (CM) into the healthcare system in Hong Kong.
“The HKSAR Government will step up efforts to promote the development of CM. Through the two flagship institutions, The Chinese Medicine Hospital of Hong Kong (CMHHK) and the Government Chinese Medicines Testing Institute, Hong Kong will strive to promote pure CM and integrated Chinese-Western medicine services as the ‘Hong Kong model’ in the modern healthcare system. Furthermore, by further advancing local integrated Chinese and Western medicine services and CM talent cultivation, fostering international research collaboration in herb-drug interaction, and establishing rigorous quality standards for Chinese herbal medicines, Hong Kong will fully leverage our role as a bridgehead to provide a high-standard reference model for the world,” he added.
Professor Lo said to Mr Zheng, “With our high-quality healthcare professionals and highly efficient healthcare system, Hong Kong boasts a number of world-leading health indicators, and is among the regions with the longest life expectancies in the world. Hong Kong’s First Five-Year Plan is interconnected with the National 15th Five-Year Plan. In line with the strategic initiative of accelerating the building of a ‘Healthy China’ of the National 15th Five-Year Plan, Hong Kong’s First Five-Year Plan proposes deepening healthcare system reform, advancing the high-quality development of primary healthcare, and enhancing the resilience of Hong Kong’s healthcare services, thereby building a healthy and vibrant Hong Kong with concerted efforts.”
During the meeting with Mr Huang, Professor Lo provided him with details on the latest progress of the establishment of the Hong Kong Centre for Medical Products Regulation (CMPR), including the establishment of the CMPR by the end of this year, the appointment of Mr Li Zili as the Controller for Medical Products Regulation, and the application for accession as a member of the International Council for Harmonisation of Technical Requirements for Pharmaceuticals for Human Use. The CMPR will progressively establish a robust drug approval system, aiming for the full implementation of “primary evaluation” mechanism for new drug registration by 2030, thereby becoming an internationally recognised regulatory authority for medical products.
Members of the Hong Kong delegation include the Director of Health, Dr Ronald Lam, and the Controller-designate for Medical Products Regulation, Mr Li Zili, as well as representatives of the Health Bureau, the Department of Health (DH) and the Hospital Authority. The Hospital Chief Executive of CMHHK, Professor Bian Zhaoxiang, also joined the delegation for the conference.
Members of the Hong Kong delegation will continue to attend the conference tomorrow (October 18). Professor Lo will participate in the high-level government forum: “Belt and Road Traditional Chinese Medicine Development Conference (Ministerial Level) Roundtable Dialogue” at the conference. A representative of the DH will also share the latest progress regarding the regulation of Chinese medicines during the parallel session of the conference. Professor Lo and his delegation will return to Hong Kong tomorrow afternoon (October 18).
FEHD reminds public to comply with regulations when dining out with dogs during Halloween
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
FEHD reminds public to comply with regulations when dining out with dogs during Halloween
A spokesman for the FEHD stressed that both restaurant operators and dog owners have the responsibility to comply with the relevant regulations. Restaurants without permission must observe the law and must not allow customers to bring dogs onto their premises. Members of the public who bring dogs into non-permitted restaurants also commit an offence. The department will continue to conduct risk-based inspections and take enforcement action against any irregularities.
The spokesman added that, since the measure of allowing dogs to enter permitted restaurants was implemented on July 9, the FEHD has assisted the trade and members of the public in complying with the relevant requirements through ongoing inspections, publicity and education. Following the initial one-month adaptation period, the department has adopted a pragmatic and flexible enforcement strategy, conducting risk-based inspections to strike an appropriate balance between promoting pet inclusivity and safeguarding food safety and public hygiene.
Regarding restaurants which unlawfully allow dogs to enter, the FEHD has, to date, initiated 20 prosecutions against offending restaurants and seven prosecutions against persons who unlawfully brought dogs into such restaurants. In addition, the FEHD has taken stringent enforcement action against serious breaches committed by customers bringing dogs to permitted restaurants, including four prosecutions for failing to keep dogs securely on a leash.
The spokesman reiterated that permitted restaurants must strictly comply with the law and licensing conditions. These include prohibiting open-flame cooking at dining tables; refusing entry of fighting dogs or known dangerous dogs; and forbidding dogs access to food rooms. At all times while in a restaurant, a dog must be securely held by an adult on a leash not exceeding 1.5 metres in length, or securely tethered to a fixture. Dog owners must also ensure that their dogs are properly controlled at all times. The FEHD will take decisive enforcement action against any violations.
The FEHD again appealed to restaurants and customers to comply with the law and the relevant requirements, fulfil their respective responsibilities and help maintain a pleasant dining environment and public hygiene, thereby promoting pet inclusivity. Members of the public may visit the FEHD’s dedicated webpage (www.fehd.gov.hk/english/licensing/dog_restaurants/dog_restaurants_list.htmlIssued at HKT 14:00
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CHP investigates fatal case of invasive pneumococcal disease
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) is today (October 18) investigating a fatal case of invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD), and reminded the public to observe hygiene practices against the disease.
The patient was a nine-year-old boy with good past health, who had developed fever, runny nose, cough, and chest pain associated with the coughing since October 10. He was brought to private clinics on October 10 and 13. On October 14, he was brought to the Accident and Emergency Department at Tin Shui Wai Hospital due to persistent symptoms and shortness of breath. He was transferred to the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit at Tuen Mun Hospital for further management. His condition deteriorated and he passed away on October 15.
His pleural fluid specimen tested positive for Streptococcus pneumoniae upon laboratory testing. The clinical diagnosis was severe pneumonia complicated with empyema, septic shock and acute renal failure. The CHP will arrange further testing and serotype analysis of patient’s bacterial samples.
Initial enquiries revealed that the boy had no travel history during the incubation period. His home contacts have remained asymptomatic so far. Investigations are ongoing. The case will be referred to the Coroner for investigation.
Pneumococcal infection is caused by the bacteria Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus). It causes a wide range of diseases. More common ones include middle ear infection and chest infection. It may also cause various forms of IPDs, such as infection of the brain membranes and blood stream. The infection can be serious or even life-threatening. Local data showed that about three per cent of the cases of paediatric IPD recorded over the past decade have been fatal.
Pneumococci are commonly found in the nose and throat of healthy people, particularly in children. Occasionally, these bacteria will cause an infection. They mainly spread through droplets via coughing and sneezing, close contact with the patients or contact with materials soiled with the bacteria.
Scientific research data from around the world indicated that the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) can provide direct protection effectively, and achieve herd immunity by reducing transmission. Receiving PCV can reduce the risk of IPD among children by 60 per cent to 90 per cent, demonstrating the effectiveness of the vaccine. In light of this, the DH has incorporated PCV into the Hong Kong Childhood Immunisation Programme (HKCIP) since September 2009, providing free vaccinations for children. Local research data showed a significant decrease in the number of cases of IPD after the HKCIP was launched. The incidence of children aged two years or below, and children aged two to five years dropped by 85 per cent and 35 per cent respectively. Parents should ensure that their children receive PCV according to the schedule of the HKCIP. Elderly and high-risk individuals should also receive pneumococcal vaccine to safeguard their health.
The health condition of children with IPD can deteriorate rapidly. Parents should bring their children to seek medical attention as soon as possible if they develop a fever or respiratory symptoms. If the condition persists or deteriorates with symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain, blue lips, convulsions, drowsiness, stiff neck, refusal to eat, persistent vomiting or decreased urination, they should attend an accident and emergency department for treatment immediately.
To prevent pneumococcal infection, the CHP appealed to the public for pneumococcal vaccination and hygiene practices. The public may visit the CHP’s invasive pneumococcal disease page for more information.
CE expresses sorrow over passing of Mr Ng Hong-mun
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, today (October 18) expressed sorrow over the passing of former Hong Kong Special Administrative Region deputy to the National People’s Congress (NPC) Mr Ng Hong-mun.
Mr Lee said, “Mr Ng devoted his life to the country and Hong Kong. He became a deputy to the NPC in the 1970s and served in the position for over 30 years. Mr Ng had held such important positions as member of the Preparatory Committee of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and Hong Kong Affairs Adviser, making sterling contributions to the smooth process of Hong Kong’s return to the motherland and the maintenance of the city’s long-term stability and prosperity. Over the years, Mr Ng served as Principal and Supervisor of Pui Kiu Middle School, and as Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Pui Kiu Education Foundation, nurturing generations of students with great dedication. He dedicated his life to patriotic education and had cultivated a wealth of outstanding talent for the country and Hong Kong. He was an extraordinary educationalist with remarkable contributions. Mr Ng was awarded the Grand Bauhinia Medal in 1998.
“I am saddened by the passing of Mr Ng. I extend my deepest condolences to his family.”
SJ to attend China-ASEAN Prosecutors-General Conference in Brunei
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
SJ to attend China-ASEAN Prosecutors-General Conference in Brunei
Mr Lam will attend the conference as a member of the Chinese delegation, and will speak on the theme of protecting children in the digital age at a plenary session. He will discuss with the member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) enhancing international co-operation with a view to protecting children from the threat of cybercrime.
Technological innovations offer diverse opportunities for children’s development, but also exposes them to multiple unprecedented risks, including safety concerns such as non-consensual sharing of intimate images and deepfakes. As cybercrimes targeting children transcend geographical boundaries, close cross-border co-operation is indispensable. Mr Lam will introduce to ASEAN member states Hong Kong’s existing legal framework in protecting children from cybercrimes, and Hong Kong’s policy direction and initiatives in response to the emerging risks.
During his visit in Brunei, Mr Lam will also attend bilateral meetings between the Chinese delegation and member states of ASEAN to deepen exchange and collaboration.
Accompanying Mr Lam on the visit will be the Director of Public Prosecutions, Mr Anthony Chau, and government counsel.
Mr Lam will conclude his visit and return to Hong Kong on October 23. During Mr Lam’s absence, the Deputy Secretary for Justice, Dr Cheung Kwok-kwan, will be the Acting Secretary for Justice.
Issued at HKT 9:00
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STL to attend North Bund Forum in Shanghai
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
STL to attend North Bund Forum in Shanghai
The 2026 North Bund Forum is themed “Common Challenge, Shared Mission – Promoting the Resilient Development of Global Shipping & Aviation”. Ms Chan will attend the opening ceremony and the international shipping forum to exchange views with other participants on global maritime development and enhancing collaboration.
She will then visit a leading port enterprise to learn about its operation and the latest developments in the port and logistics industry.Issued at HKT 9:30
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