Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The Government announced today (December 19) the appointment of Dr Levin Wang Lei as a new member, and the reappointments of incumbent members, Dr Sunny Chai Ngai-chiu and Dr Kennedy Wong Ying-ho, to the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) for a term of two years.
The term of Dr Chai and Dr Wang will take effect from January 1, 2026, while that of Dr Wong will commence on February 1, 2026.
Meanwhile, incumbent member Dr Lin Yong will retire from the HKTDC upon completion of his term on December 31, 2025. A spokesman for the Commerce and Economic Development Bureau expressed gratitude to Dr Lin for his devoted services and contributions towards various aspects of the HKTDC’s work.
Appointments of members to the HKTDC are made by the Financial Secretary in exercise of the powers delegated to him by the Chief Executive and pursuant to section 11(1)(d) of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council Ordinance (Chapter 1114).
The composition of the HKTDC with effect from February 1, 2026, is as follows:
Chairman
————
Professor Frederick Ma Si-hang
Members
————-
Ms Shirley Chan Suk-ling
Ms Ronna Chao Wei-ting
Mr Victor Chu Lap-lik
Dr Sunny Chai Ngai-chiu
Dr Kennedy Wong Ying-ho
Dr Levin Wang Lei
Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development
Director of Information Services
Chairman of the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce
Chairman of the Federation of Hong Kong Industries
President of the Chinese Manufacturers’ Association of Hong Kong
Chairman of the Chinese General Chamber of Commerce, Hong Kong
Chairman of the Hong Kong Tourism Board
Chairman of the Hong Kong Association of Banks
Representative member of the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce
Representative member of the Federation of Hong Kong Industries
Representative member of the Chinese Manufacturers’ Association of Hong Kong
Representative member of the Chinese General Chamber of Commerce, Hong Kong
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
​The Immigration Department (ImmD) announced today (December 19) that, with effect from next Monday (December 22), the eligible age for using the self-service immigration clearance (e-Channel) service by holders of Electronic Exit-Entry Permit for Travelling to and from Hong Kong and Macao (e-EEP), People’s Republic of China (PRC) passport holders, and departing visitors using “Smart Departure” will be adjusted to 7 years old or above.
The ImmD has consistently leveraged technology and implemented various measures to enhance service standards and increase passenger processing capacity at control points. At present, holders of e-EEP, PRC passport holders and departing visitors using “Smart Departure” who are aged 11 or above are eligible to use the e-Channel service. To further enhance clearance efficiency at control points and enable more eligible visitors to Hong Kong to use the fast and convenient e-Channel service, the ImmD will adjust the applicable age for such visitors to use the e-Channel service starting from next Monday. Eligible visitors aged 7 or above may use the e-Channels for self-service immigration clearance at all control points.
For details regarding the use of the e-Channel service by holders of e-EEP, PRC passport holders and departing visitors, please visit the ImmD website (www.immd.gov.hk/eng/services/echannel_visitors.html). For enquiries, please call the enquiry hotline at 2824 6111, fax to 2877 7711 or send an email to enquiry@immd.gov.hk.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The Transport Department (TD) today (December 19) announced that the 56th Personalised Vehicle Registration Marks (PVRMs) Scheme will be open for applications from January 1 to 31, 2026.
Starting from January 1, 2026, applications will be invited for the allocation of PVRMs upon sale by auction. Completed application forms should reach the TD no later than January 31, 2026. If there are more than 1 500 applications, those to be considered will be selected by lot.
Interested persons should complete and submit the application form through one of the following ways:
(a) By post to the Vehicle Registration Marks Unit, Transport Department, 12/F, South Tower, West Kowloon Government Offices, 11 Hoi Ting Road, Yau Ma Tei, Kowloon. Applications received by post will be dated by the postmark;
(b) Via the drop-in box at any of the TD’s Licensing Offices at Admiralty, Cheung Sha Wan, Kwun Tong and Sha Tin. For easy identification, please mark “PVRM Application” on the envelope of the application; or
(c) Through the online application service on the GovHK website (www.gov.hk/en/residents/transport/vehicle/ospvrm.htm) if the applicant possesses an “iAM Smart+” account with the digital signing function (for Hong Kong residents only) or a digital certificate.
Applicants are advised to read carefully the Guidance Notes for details of the scheme before completing the application form. They can also check whether a proposed PVRM is in compliance with the basic combination requirements by using the online service on the GovHK website.
No payment of deposit is required when submitting an application. Each applicant can submit only one application in each exercise. If an applicant submits more than one application, all of his or her applications will not be processed. Once submitted, the applicant cannot withdraw the application or change the arrangement of the PVRM stated in the application form.
Upon successful submission of an online application, the applicant will receive an acknowledgement immediately. Those who submit applications by post or drop-in box will receive the TD’s acknowledgement by ordinary post within two weeks after submission. Applicants who do not receive the acknowledgement within this time frame should call 2804 2600.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
HYAB launches new round of HYAB – United Nations Volunteer Internship Programme In the 2025 Policy Address, the Chief Executive emphasised that the Government would continue to promote youth development. This includes providing more opportunities for young people to participate in the internships of international organisations and attend international conferences, in order to broaden their international horizons and cultivate a holistic outlook. The HYAB – United Nations Volunteer Internship Programme provides local undergraduate students with valuable opportunities to undertake six-month volunteer internships in the overseas field units of various United Nations (UN) agencies. Interns will be able to develop their personal capacities and gain insights into global issues, as well as contribute to the international community as Chinese youth volunteers. So far, around 150 students have participated in the Programme. The selected university students for the Programme in 2025 undertook internships in UN agencies located in different countries, including the UN Development Programme, the UN Children’s Fund, and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN. By participating in international affairs, they contributed their expertise and acquired valuable work experience in international organisations.
The new round of the Programme will offer a total of 20 internship placements in different UN agencies located in the Belt and Road region, including Kazakhstan, Laos, Nepal, Thailand, Uzbekistan and Vietnam. The volunteer internships will cover specific areas, such as health and education, environment and innovation management, and will run from July to December 2026. Applicants should be full-time undergraduate students of local universities. The HYAB will provide full funding, including round-trip air tickets and monthly living allowances, and offer suitable pre-departure training for participants in collaboration with the AVS.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
Hong Kong Customs mounted a territory-wide enforcement operation codenamed “Magpie” between December 3 and 10 to combat illegal activities involving party room operators providing infringing karaoke songs to customers in the course of business.
Through intelligence analysis and with the assistance of copyright owners, Customs earlier identified a number of party rooms suspected of possessing and providing infringing karaoke songs to customers in the course of business. Customs officers then took enforcement action and raided eight party rooms in various districts, including Kwun Tong, Kowloon Bay, San Po Kong, Mong Kok, Cheung Sha Wan, Kwai Chung and Yuen Long. A total of eight sets of karaoke devices used for playing suspected infringing songs, one set of suspected infringing game console and a batch of audio and video equipment with a total estimated market value of about $240,000 were seized. Two male persons-in-charge of the party rooms, aged 27 and 42, were arrested on suspicion of contravening the Copyright Ordinance. Both arrested persons were released on bail pending the investigation. The investigation is ongoing and further arrests are not ruled out.
During the investigation, Customs found six party rooms located in industrial buildings that were suspected of breaching the lease conditions, and the cases have been referred to the Lands Department for further follow-up action.
Customs reminds business operators to comply with the Ordinance and to make enquiries to copyright owners on matters relating to the use of musical visual recordings in the course of business.
With the Christmas and New Year holidays approaching, Customs will continue to step up inspection and enforcement to resolutely combat different kinds of infringing activities to safeguard the rights of copyright owners.
Under the Ordinance, any person, who without the licence of the copyright owner of a copyright work, possesses infringing copies of a copyright work for the purpose of, or in the course of, any trade or business with a view to it being used by any person commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $50,000 per infringing copy and imprisonment for four years.
Members of the public may report any suspected infringing activities to Customs’ 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002).
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The Buildings Department approved six building plans in October, with two on Hong Kong Island, three in Kowloon and one in the New Territories.
Of the approved plans, three were for apartment and apartment/commercial developments, two were for commercial development, and one was for factory and industrial development.
In the same month, consent was given for works to start on six building projects which, when completed, will provide 100 934 square metres of gross floor area for domestic use involving 2 144 units, and 5 614 sq m of gross floor area for non-domestic use. The department has received notification of commencement of superstructure works for six building projects.
The department also issued 19 occupation permits, with six on Hong Kong Island, four in Kowloon and nine in the New Territories.
Of the buildings certified for occupation, the gross floor area for domestic use was 182 437 sq m involving 3 820 units, and 85 543 sq m was for non-domestic use.
The declared cost of new buildings completed in October totalled about $7.3 billion.
In addition, two demolition consents were issued.
The department received 2 636 reports about unauthorised building works (UBWs) in October and issued 406 removal orders on UBWs.
The full version of the Monthly Digest for October can be viewed on the Buildings Department’s homepage (www.bd.gov.hk).
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Subsidy amount for Non-means-tested Subsidy Scheme for Self-financing Undergraduate Studies in Hong Kong in 2026/27 academic year announced The level of subsidy will apply to both new and continuing eligible students. The subsidy is tenable for the normal duration of the programmes concerned. Eligible students enrolling in the relevant programmes will pay a tuition fee with the subsidy applied. Students in need may still apply for student financial assistance from the Student Finance Office of the Working Family and Student Financial Assistance Agency in respect of the actual amount of tuition fee payable.
Launched in the 2017/18 academic year, the NMTSS provides a non-means-tested annual subsidy for eligible students pursuing full-time locally accredited local and non-local self-financing undergraduate (including top-up degree) programmes offered by eligible institutions in Hong Kong. In line with the policy to promote vocational and professional education and training (VPET) as stated in “The Chief Executive’s 2022 Policy Address”, with effect from the 2023/24 academic year, the eligibility criteria of the NMTSS have been rationalised to benefit students from different backgrounds, including those with VPET qualifications.
The subsidy applies to all eligible students enrolling in programmes covered by the Scheme. Applications for the subsidy need to be made through the institutions concerned. A list of the 15 eligible institutions and programmes for the 2026/27 cohort is in the Annex. The list may be updated according to the latest information provided by the institutions. Please visit the NMTSS website (www.cspe.edu.hk/en/nmt/nmt-prog-searchIssued at HKT 11:30
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Speech by SFST at International Forum “Problem-Solving City: Hong Kong as a Disputes Resolver” (English only) Ladies and gentlemen, distinguished guests,
It is a great honour to address you for this esteemed forum, “Problem-Solving City: Hong Kong as a Disputes Resolver”. I extend my sincere thanks to the organisers – the Hong Kong Coalition, Friday Culture Limited, and the AALCO (Asian-African Legal Consultative Organization) Hong Kong Regional Arbitration Centre – for convening this timely event. While I am not with you at the event physically due to other commitments, I know you are gathering at the historic Former French Mission Building, and it is a symbol of Hong Kong’s rich heritage and forward-looking spirit, reminding us of our city’s unique ability to bridge traditions and innovations. I also commend my colleague, the Secretary for Justice, for his insightful keynote earlier, which set a strong foundation for discussions on dispute resolution. I am delighted to share the Government’s vision and policy measures with you that align with the forum’s key themes, particularly in fostering standards and resolutions in emerging sectors such as Web 3.0 and digital assets.
Hong Kong has long been recognised as a global problem solver, leveraging our robust legal framework and international connectivity to resolve disputes across borders and industries. This role extends beyond traditional arbitration and mediation into the financial and technological realms, where rapid evolution demands proactive governance. The forum’s focus on mediating disputes in sports and setting standards for Web 3.0 resonates deeply with the Government’s commitment to creating an ecosystem that promotes fairness, innovation, and sustainable growth. In sports, effective mediation ensures that conflicts do not hinder athletic progress or international collaboration. Similarly, in the digital economy, harmonising standards is essential to mitigate risks, build trust, and resolve potential disputes before they escalate. Our policies are designed to position Hong Kong not only as a dispute resolver but as a proactive architect of global standards, ensuring that economic activities thrive in a regulated yet dynamic environment.
Central to this vision is our dedication to developing a trusted and innovative digital asset ecosystem. In June this year, my bureau issued the Policy Statement 2.0 on the Development of Digital Assets in Hong Kong, building upon the foundational measures from the inaugural statement from 2022. This 2.0 statement reinforces our commitment to establishing Hong Kong as a global hub for digital asset innovation. It introduces the “LEAP” framework, which emphasises Legal and regulatory streamlining, Expanding tokenised products, Advancing use cases through cross-sectoral collaboration, and developing People and partnerships. This approach directly addresses the need for harmonised standards in Web 3.0, where decentralised technologies like blockchain and tokenisation present both opportunities and challenges in dispute resolution.
One of the cornerstones of our regulatory enhancements is the Stablecoins Ordinance, which came into effect on August 1 this year. This legislation establishes a licensing regime for issuers of fiat-referenced stablecoins, ensuring that any entity issuing such assets in Hong Kong, or marketing them to our public, obtains approval from the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA). Guided by the principle of “same activity, same risks, same regulation”, we adopt a risk-based approach that aligns with international standards while reflecting local circumstances. The HKMA’s stablecoin issuer sandbox, launched last year, has allowed institutions from diverse sectors – including banking and technology – to test business models in a controlled environment. By end-September this year, we received 36 licence applications from a broad spectrum of applicants, and we anticipate granting a handful of licenses in early next year, prioritising robust reserve management, price stabilisation, and anti-money laundering measures. These steps not only protect investors but also facilitate the resolution of potential disputes by embedding clear compliance pathways, reducing ambiguities that could lead to conflicts in transactions.
Furthermore, we are advancing regulatory regimes for digital asset dealing and custodian service providers. Following public consultations, my bureau, in collaboration with the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC), are formulating details for licensing regimes, with a bill targeted for introduction to the Legislative Council next year. This comprehensive framework will cover key nodes in the digital asset industry, balancing risk management with innovation. In parallel, the licensing regime for digital asset trading platforms, operational since June 2023 under the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorist Financing Ordinance, has seen 11 platforms licensed. Recent circulars from the SFC allow these platforms to share global order books and expand offerings, enhancing liquidity and connectivity. Such frameworks and measures ensure that disputes arising from trading or custody are resolved efficiently through established regulatory channels, reinforcing Hong Kong’s role as a dispute resolver in the digital space.
Tokenisation of real-world assets is another pivotal area where our policies promote harmonisation and dispute prevention. The SFC’s circulars in November 2023 and the HKMA’s guidance in February last year provide clarity on tokenised securities and custodial services, enabling banks and intermediaries to engage safely. Last year, we authorised the first retail tokenised gold product and five tokenised money market funds, with assets under management reaching $4 billion in August this year. The Project Ensemble Sandbox, launched by the HKMA in August last year with the SFC as a key partner, tests tokenisation use cases, paving the way for innovative financial infrastructure. These initiatives extend to Web 3.0 by standardising tokenisation processes, which can minimise disputes over asset ownership or valuations through transparent, blockchain-based records.
Our efforts also encompass intermediaries providing digital asset services. A joint circular from the SFC and the HKMA was updated in 2023 allowing retail access to dealing, advisory, and asset management services. We have pioneered the listing of digital asset futures ETFs (exchange-traded fund) in December 2022, spot ETFs in April last year, and an inverse product in July last year. The SFC’s “ASPIRe” roadmap, announced in February this year, facilitates staking, borrowing, and lending services, with guidance issued to manage risks. These policies ensure that Web 3.0 participants operate under consistent rules, facilitating mediation and resolution when issues arise.
Beyond digital assets, our broader policies strengthen Hong Kong as an international financial centre and our country’s global financial gateway, as outlined in the 14th Five-Year Plan. Measures like enhancing stock market competitiveness – through the Technology Enterprises Channel, optimising listing rules, and facilitating overseas listings – bolster our platform for resolving financial disputes. Expansions in mutual access schemes, such as Swap Connect enhancements this year, including extended tenors and increased quotas, deepen connectivity. In green and sustainable finance, the Government Sustainable Bond Programme has issued bonds equivalent to $250 billion as of November this year, with innovative tokenised issuances.
In conclusion, the Hong Kong Government’s policy measures are meticulously crafted to harmonise standards in Web 3.0 and digital assets, positioning our city as a premier dispute resolver. By prioritising investor protection, regulatory clarity, and international alignment, we create an environment where innovation flourishes without compromising stability. Together, we can ensure Hong Kong remains a beacon of problem-solving in the global arena. Thank you. Issued at HKT 16:00
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
To encourage recycling and upcycling of yard waste in the community, the Environmental Protection Department (EPD) today (December 19) called on members of the public and commercial and industrial (C&I) organisations to recycle their natural Christmas trees waste (NCTs) intended for disposal under the 2025-26 NCTs Recycling Programme. The NCTs collected will be processed at Y·PARK and turned into different recycled products, such as mulch and sawdust for planting and gardening. The programme arrangements are as follows:
Collection Period: January 3 to 7, 2026 (five days)
Collection Points: The following Central Collection Point and District Collection Points
Central Collection Point (CCP)
Address
Telephone
Collection Time
Y·PARK
Lung Kwu Sheung Tan, Tuen Mun (Location is attached at Annex)
5743 9221
9am to 6pm
District Collection Points (DCPs)
(including EPD’s Recycling Stations and Food and Environmental Hygiene Department’s Public Refuse Collection Points (RCPs))
Address
Telephone
Collection Time
(Only household NCTs 2 metres tall or below will be accepted.)
Hong Kong Island
1. GREEN@EASTERN
30 Oi Shun Road, Shau Kei Wan
2778 2330
8am to 8pm
2. GREEN@WAN CHAI
6 Wan Shing Street, Wan Chai
2811 1567
3. Ap Lei Chau Municipal Services Building RCP
Ap Lei Chau Municipal Services Building, 8 Hung Shing Street, Ap Lei Chau
Not applicable
7am to 11.30pm
4. Arbuthnot Road RCP
Junction of Arbuthnot Road and Caine Road, Central
6.30am to 5.30pm
5. Paterson Street RCP
Junction of Paterson Street and Gloucester Road, Causeway Bay
24 hours
Kowloon
6. GREEN@KWUN TONG
27 Sheung Yee Road, Kowloon Bay
2776 5700
8am to 8pm
7. GREEN@SHAM SHUI PO
339 Tung Chau Street, Sham Shui Po
2522 4388
8. GREEN@WONG TAI SIN
168, Po Kong Village Road, Wong Tai Sin
5305 3326
9. Sai Yee Street (Flower Market Road) RCP
188 Sai Yee Street, Mong Kok
Not applicable
6.30am to 11pm
New Territories
10. GREEN@SHA TIN
10 On Ping Street, Shek Mun
2285 9433
8am to 8pm
11. GREEN@YUEN LONG
65 Tin Wah Road, Tin Shui Wai
5407 7435
12. GREEN@TUEN MUN
5 Lung Chak Road, Tuen Mun
2496 4288
13. GREEN@KWAI TSING
12 Tam Kon Shan Road, Tsing Yi
3905 4840
14. GREEN@TAI PO
25 Dai Wah Street, Tai Po
3468 8073
15. GREEN@ISLANDS
1 Chung Mun Road, Tung Chung
2499 2308
16. GREEN@SAI KUNG
3 Po Lam Lane, Tseung Kwan O
2727 7330
Note: If members of the public and C&I organisations have to recycle NCTs before January 3 or during January 8 to 20, 2026, please deliver them to Y·PARK during its operating hours (9am to 6pm, Monday to Saturday, except public holidays).
An EPD spokesman said the Programme is limited to the recycling of NCTs, and all lighting, plastic stands, decorations and tape on the NCTs should be removed before delivery to facilitate the subsequent recycling processes. Artificial Christmas trees and other festival decorations can be kept for reuse to help reduce waste and conserve resources, while small potted plants such as poinsettias can be replanted.
An e-certificate will be issued to the participants who deliver NCTs to the CCP or the Recycling Stations for recycling. Participants will also receive a gift upon delivery of NCTs to the Recycling Stations while stocks last. For details of the NCTs Recycling Programme, please visit the Hong Kong Waste Reduction website at www.wastereduction.gov.hk/en-hk/article/2025-26-natural-christmas-trees-recycling-programme.
The EPD also welcomes other organisations and associations to provide recycling services for NCTs to help the public and C&I organisations participate and enhance waste reduction efforts for all.