Category: MIL-OSI

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Development Bureau (DEVB) gazetted eight pieces of subsidiary legislation today (October 16), proposing to make four new pieces of subsidiary legislation under the Land Titles Ordinance (Cap. 585) (LTO), and to amend four pieces of subsidiary legislation under the Land Registration Ordinance (Cap. 128) (LRO), the High Court Ordinance (Cap. 4) and the District Court Ordinance (Cap. 336), with a view to setting out implementation details for the title registration system to be implemented on new land in the first half of next year, and aligning certain practices under the current deeds registration system with the title registration system.
 
A spokesperson for the DEVB said, “The Registration of Titles and Land (Miscellaneous Amendments) Ordinance 2025 was passed by the Legislative Council (LegCo) in September last year to amend the LTO, which was enacted in 2004 but has not yet come into operation, so as to implement the title registration system on new land first. To facilitate the implementation of the title registration system in the first half of next year, the DEVB and the Land Registry (LR) immediately commenced preparatory work to implement the new system, including the drafting of relevant subsidiary legislation. Once the new legislation comes into operation, new land will be registered under the new system, whilst existing land under the LRO will continue to be governed by the current deeds registration system until it is converted to the title registration system.”
 
“New land” refers to land held under a government lease granted on or after the date on which the amended Title Ordinance comes into operation. Generally speaking, this will include land granted on or after the operation date by way of land sale, by private treaty grant, and by land exchange.
 
The eight pieces of subsidiary legislation gazetted set out the operational details for the title registration system, including the requirements and procedures for applications for registration, and operational matters relating to the processing of the applications by the LR; the management of the Land Titles Indemnity Fund and the procedures for claiming indemnity; new fee items; the introduction of arrangements such as electronic applications under the current deeds registration system, bringing it in line with the title registration system; and matters relating to proceedings to be brought before the Court. These eight pieces of subsidiary legislation comprise:
 

• Land Titles Regulation;
• Land Titles Indemnity Regulation;
• Land Titles (Fees and Levies) Regulation;
• Land Titles (Determination of Indemnity Cap) Notice;
• Land Registration (Amendment) Regulation 2026;
• Land Registration Fees (Amendment) Regulation 2026;
• Rules of the High Court (Amendment) Rules 2026; and
• Rules of the District Court (Amendment) Rules 2026.

 
The spokesperson added, “Hong Kong is among the few economies that still run a deeds registration system. The implementation of the title registration system on new land will provide certainty in land ownership and simplify property transfer procedures, including eliminating the need to verify documents to confirm title during property transactions and the requirement to keep title deeds for many years. This will benefit the public and the business community, whilst bringing Hong Kong’s land registration system in line with other jurisdictions. The LR will continue to carry out publicity and education campaigns to ensure that the public and industry practitioners understand the detailed implementation arrangements under the new system.”
 
The eight pieces of subsidiary legislation will be tabled at the LegCo next Wednesday (October 21) for negative vetting. Upon passage, certain provisions relating to electronic applications under the Land Registration (Amendment) Regulation 2026 and the Land Registration Fees (Amendment) Regulation 2026 will come into force on October 4, 2027, in tandem with the e-lodgement system. The amended LTO and other subsidiary legislation will come into operation on a date to be specified separately by the Secretary for Development in the first half of 2027.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Accountancy Designated body No. of nomination forms received from designated bodies today Cumulative total Association of Hong Kong Accounting Advisors Limited 0 1 (15 nominees in total)   Chinese medicine Designated body No. of nomination forms received from designated bodies today Cumulative total WFCMS (Hong Kong) Council Members Association Limited 0 1 (15 nominees in total)   Legal Designated body No. of nomination forms received from designated bodies today Cumulative total China Law Society’s HK Council Members Association 0 1 (9 nominees in total)   Sports, performing arts, culture and publication Designated body No. of nomination forms received from designated bodies today Cumulative total Sports Federation & Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China 0 1 (3 nominees in total) China Federation of Literary and Art Circles Hong Kong Member Association Limited 0 1 (9 nominees in total) Hong Kong Publishing Federation Limited 0 1 (3 nominees in total)   Technology and innovation Designated body No. of nomination forms received from designated bodies today Cumulative total The Greater Bay Area Association of Academicians 0 1 (15 nominees in total)   Religious Designated body No. of nomination forms received from designated bodies today Cumulative total Catholic Diocese of Hong Kong 0 1 (13 nominees in total) Chinese Muslim Cultural and Fraternal Association 0 1 (10 nominees in total) Hong Kong Christian Council 0 1 (12 nominees in total) The Hong Kong Taoist Association 0 1 (10 nominees in total) The Confucian Academy 0 1 (10 nominees in total) The Hong Kong Buddhist Association 0 1 (10 nominees in total)   Representatives of associations of Hong Kong residents in the Mainland Designated body No. of nomination forms received from designated bodies today Cumulative total Mainland China (Shenzhen) Consultant Services Centre, The Hong Kong Federation of Trade Unions 0 1 (1 nominee in total) Mainland China (Guangzhou) Consultant Services Centre, The Hong Kong Federation of Trade Unions 0 1 (1 nominee in total) Mainland China (Dongguan) Consultant Services Centre, The Hong Kong Federation of Trade Unions 0 1 (1 nominee in total) Mainland China (Zhongshan) Consultant Services Centre, The Hong Kong Federation of Trade Unions 0 1 (1 nominee in total) Mainland China (Huizhou) Consultant Services Centre, The Hong Kong Federation of Trade Unions 0 1 (1 nominee in total) Mainland China (Fujian, Xiamen) Consultant Services Centre, The Hong Kong Federation of Trade Unions 0 1 (1 nominee in total) Hong Kong Chamber of Commerce in China 0 1 (1 nominee in total) Hong Kong Chamber of Commerce in China—Tianjin 0 1 (1 nominee in total) Hong Kong Chamber of Commerce in China—Shanghai 0 1 (1 nominee in total) Hong Kong Chamber of Commerce in China—Zhejiang 0 1 (1 nominee in total) Hong Kong Chamber of Commerce in China—Guangdong 0 1 (1 nominee in total) Hong Kong Chamber of Commerce in China—Fujian 0 1 (1 nominee in total) Hong Kong Chamber of Commerce in China—Guangxi 0 1 (1 nominee in total) Hong Kong Chamber of Commerce in China—Sichuan 0 1 (1 nominee in total) Hong Kong Chamber of Commerce in China—Wuhan 0 1 (1 nominee in total) Hong Kong Chamber of Commerce in China—Liaoning 0 1 (1 nominee in total) Hong Kong Chamber of Commerce in China—Shandong 0 1 (1 nominee in total) Hong Kong Professionals (Beijing) Association 0 1 (1 nominee in total) Shanghai Hong Kong Association 0 1 (1 nominee in total) Guangzhou Tianhe Hong Kong and Macau Youth Association 0 1 (1 nominee in total) Hong Kong Association of China Business 0 1 (1 nominee in total) Hong Kong Chamber of Commerce, Qianhai, Shenzhen 1 (1 nominee in total) 1 (1 nominee in total) Hong Kong and Macau Entrepreneurs Branch, Chongqing Overseas Association 0 1 (1 nominee in total) Fujian Federation of Overseas Chinese Entrepreneurs 0 1 (1 nominee in total) Hong Kong and Macao Youth Innovation and Entrepreneurship Federation in Zhongkai Huizhou 0 1 (1 nominee in total) The Hong Kong Fellowship in Huadu Guangzhou 0 1 (1 nominee in total) The Hong Kong Fellowship in Chancheng Foshan 1 (1 nominee in total) 1 (1 nominee in total)   Total: 2 (2 nominees in total) 40 (161 nominees in total)

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

As a member of the Chinese delegation, Financial Secretary Paul Chan today attended the plenary session of the Annual Meetings of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank Group (WBG) in Bangkok, Thailand.

Mr Chan also took part in discussions organised by financial media and a think tank, met senior executives of international financial institutions and enterprises, and hosted a dinner for financial leaders.

At a fireside chat organised by Bloomberg, Mr Chan outlined how Hong Kong’s First Five-Year Plan aligns with the National 15th Five-Year Plan, providing clear development directions and goals for the public and businesses.

He said that Hong Kong would focus on developing its “four centres and one hub”, thereby reinforcing and enhancing its status as an international financial, shipping and trade centre. He said Hong Kong would also leverage its strengths and work in tandem with other cities in the Greater Bay Area to advance its development as an innovation and technology (I&T) centre.

Mr Chan stressed that financial development must serve the real economy, adding that Hong Kong will deepen its “Finance+” strategy to empower different industries, support enterprises in their upgrading and transformation efforts, and provide venture capital, patient capital and long-term funding for I&T to accelerate the development of emerging industries.

He remarked that Hong Kong’s international character is a core strength that must be continuously reinforced and enhanced. While strengthening ties with mature markets such as Europe and the US and attracting international capital, Hong Kong will also deepen co-operation with emerging markets in Southeast Asia, the Middle East and Central Asia. Mr Chan elaborated that Hong Kong will open up two-way investment opportunities by bringing together capital and industries to meet development needs across these markets.

Beyond promoting business and trade exchanges, he said, Hong Kong will leverage its strengths in financial and professional services, including green and sustainable finance and trade finance, to support infrastructure, supply chain and industrial development in the region.

On the topic of offshore renminbi business, Mr Chan said Hong Kong is expanding its range of investment products, enhancing custody and collateral management infrastructure, and increasing liquidity to add depth and breadth to the market.

He stressed that “one country, two systems” provides Hong Kong with an institutional advantage in its long-term development, adding that talent is a key driving force for its future growth.

He said Hong Kong will remain free, open, diverse and inclusive, welcoming enterprises and talent from around the world to set up and pursue careers in the city, and young people to study in it.

Mr Chan also took part in a broadcast fireside chat hosted by the Atlantic Council, a US think tank.

He described the latest developments in Hong Kong’s financial markets and how its first five-year plan will advance I&T, promote the integrated development of education, technology, talent and industries in the Northern Metropolis, and deepen co-operation with other bay area cities in I&T industries.

In addition, Mr Chan met WBG Managing Director and Chief Administrative Officer Zhang Wencai for an exchange of views on the global and regional economic outlook and deepening co-operation between Hong Kong and the WBG.

Mr Chan also met the management of a major European digital bank to discuss fintech development, digital banking services and cross-boundary payments, and outlined opportunities in Hong Kong’s financial markets.

In the evening, Mr Chan attended a dinner organised by the Hong Kong Economic & Trade Office in Bangkok. He spoke of developments in Hong Kong’s economy and financial services sector, and discussed opportunities to strengthen financial co-operation.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

A ceremony for the maiden voyage of southbound yachts from Guangdong was held today, marking the scheme’s official implementation.

Attending the cereomony were Acting Financial Secretary Michael Wong, Secretary for Transport & Logistics Mable Chan, Director of Marine Wong Sai-fat, and Director-General of the Economic Affairs Department of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Xu Weigang.

In a speech, Michael Wong stressed that Hong Kong is developing into a regional yachting hub. He remarked that the global yacht market has continued to grow in recent years, with the luxury yacht market in particular experiencing significant expansion.

He added that the market value of the superyacht industry is projected to reach approximately $350 billion by 2032, and that Hong Kong has the capability to secure a share of this market.

Outlining that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government is implementing various measures to promote the yacht economy, he also mentioned that The Festival of Connoisseurs, an international exhibition focusing on superyachts and premium lifestyles, will be held in the city in early November.

He stated that the Government is fully committed to promoting the construction of four new yacht clubs at the airport, Lamma Island, Aberdeen, and Hung Hom. These projects will provide more than 1,100 berths and four highly attractive new clubhouse facilities, significantly enhancing Hong Kong’s yachting infrastructure and ecosystem.

Following the launch of northbound travel for Hong Kong yachts in June, and the signing of work arrangements between Guangdong and Hong Kong in September to establish an institutionalised mechanism for cross-boundary individual yacht travel, southbound travel from Guangdong is the latest building block to be put in place by the two governments. It allows yacht owners in Guangdong to handle cross-boundary procedures more conveniently, thereby promoting greater connectivity in cross-boundary navigation networks and the marine leisure industry.

Under the framework for southbound travel, all Guangdong-registered yachts that have an offshore navigation range of up to 20 nautical miles and a wave resistance capability of not less than 2 metres can apply to visit Hong Kong. Yacht owners and masters intending to travel southbound can complete procedures online, in advance, provided that they have undertaken Chinese Mainland departure inspection formalities at any of six designated control points.

The facilitation measures launched by the Marine Department in June also apply to overseas yachts. These include enhancing the Electronic Business System to allow one-stop online completion of arrival and port formalities; setting up designated anchorage areas and relaxing the requirements for booking yacht club berths prior to arrival in Hong Kong; and authorising Mainland China institutions to conduct the Hong Kong Waters Local Knowledge Examination and provide training for yacht masters before arrival.

Owners and masters of visiting yachts can apply through the Electronic Business System for “Permission to Navigate in Hong Kong Waters”, and book an anchoring location, as early as 30 days before arrival.

The Marine Department has authorised two Mainland examination centres to conduct the Hong Kong Waters Local Knowledge Examination and approved seven Mainland training institutions to offer recognised training courses. The department has received an enthusiastic response, with nearly 300 people already obtaining the relevant qualification.

The department will also recognise online short-term training courses organised by local professional training and examination institutions to allow visiting yacht masters to obtain the qualification to navigate in Hong Kong waters while overseas.

Source: Government of Singapore

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Development Bureau today published in the Government Gazette eight items of subsidiary legislation setting out implementation details for the new property title registration system, due to be launched in the first half of 2027. 

The legislation also aligns certain practices under the existing deeds registration system with the new title registration system, which will apply to new land. 

The bureau has proposed four new items of subsidiary legislation under the Land Titles Ordinance (LTO), and amendments to four existing items of subsidiary legislation under the Land Registration Ordinance, the High Court Ordinance and the District Court Ordinance.

The bureau explained that “new land” refers to land held under a government lease granted on or after the date on which the amended LTO comes into operation. Generally speaking, land granted on or after the date concerned by way of land sale, private treaty grant or land exchange, will be included.

The implementation of the title registration system for new land will provide certainty in land ownership and simplify property transfer procedures. This includes eliminating the need to verify documents to confirm titles during property transactions and the requirement to keep title deeds for many years.

This will benefit the public and the business community, while bringing Hong Kong’s land registration system in line with other jurisdictions, the bureau said.

The eight items of subsidiary legislation will be tabled at the Legislative Council on October 21 for negative vetting.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Housing Bureau today announced that all 13 Light Public Housing (LPH) projects are open for application, providing a total of 30,000 units.

The final two LPH projects, converted from school premises at Shun Lee Tsuen Road in Kwun Tong and Chuk Yuen Road in Wong Tai Sin, will provide around 210 units, and are set for completion in the first quarter of next year, marking the full completion of the entire LPH programme.

Eligible applicants will receive application forms by post in batches starting today. Applications submitted on or before November 6 will be given priority handling, while those who have already applied do not need to reapply. The Government will continue to accept applications from eligible individuals after the initial November 6 deadline.

The Housing Bureau stated that under its direction, all 30,000 LPH units will be completed by the end of March next year. This achievement takes just over four years, beating the original five-year construction target outlined in the 2022 Policy Address.

The Bureau noted that public response has been overwhelming, with over 44,900 applications received by late September. A number of projects have already achieved full intake. As some residents have successfully moved into traditional public rental housing, their vacated LPH units are being reallocated to other families with urgent housing needs.

The LPH projects span Hong Kong Island, Kowloon and the New Territories, each varying in scale and offering unique advantages. With all sites now accepting applications, the Government believes the projects are well-suited to meet the diverse needs of applicants.

Members of the public can visit the website for further details, call 3464 0700, or send an email for enquiries.  

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Secretary for Justice Paul Lam today attended the 2026 Hainan Free Trade Port Legal Week in Hainan.

Mr Lam promoted Hong Kong’s strengths in professional services and sought to deepen co-operation in legal and dispute resolution between Hong Kong and Hainan, focusing on the idea of leveraging “connection of the two ports” as a means of contributing to the country’s high-quality development.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, he remarked that Hong Kong and Hainan maintain close relations, supported by strong personal ties and business connections. During the period of the National 15th Five-Year Plan, Hainan will aim to strengthen its foreign-related rule of law and position the Hainan Free Trade Port as a preferred destination for resolving international commercial disputes.

Mr Lam outlined that for its part Hong Kong will deepen its development as an international legal and dispute resolution services centre, leverage its strengths in professional services to assist Mainland enterprises in “going global”, and develop as an international hub for pooling high-calibre talent. He stressed that Hong Kong’s talent pool can help to serve Hainan’s needs and support the province in optimising its rule of law-governed business environment.

The justice chief also highlighted that Hainan has a key role to play in developing commercial aerospace as a strategic emerging industry, adding that Hong Kong can provide tailored legal and professional services to support the commercialisation of aerospace development. He urged aerospace enterprises from Hainan and across the country to adopt Hong Kong law in their contracts and choose the city as a venue for diversified dispute resolution.

At the ceremony, Mr Lam and Director-General of Hainan’s Department of Justice Qiu Lijun signed a co-operation arrangement to strengthen ties between the two places. The agreement covers legal services co-operation, foreign-related legal talent training, and mutual exchanges between Hong Kong and Hainan.

Mr Lam subsequently attended an exchange session focused on advancing the arrangement’s implementation and met other leaders from the Hainan Department of Justice and representatives of the Hainan Lawyers Association.

Source: Government of Singapore