Category: MIL-OSI

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Youth Development Commission convened its 21st meeting today (May 5).

At the meeting, members gave views on the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government’s formulation of Hong Kong’s first five-year plan to proactively align with the National 15th Five-Year Plan in respect of youth development, covering numerous subjects such as nurturing young talent, promoting patriotic education, and promoting international youth exchange. The Government will continue to collate views from stakeholders and young people and, on the basis of the Youth Development Blueprint and in line with the National 15th Five-Year Plan, strive to nurture a new generation of youth equipped with a global perspective, a positive mindset, and affection for Hong Kong and the country.

Afterwards, members were briefed by government representatives on the latest implementation progress of the Youth Development Blueprint since its release in December 2022. Members were pleased to note that bureaux and departments have been promoting youth development work at full steam in accordance with the guiding principles as stated in the Blueprint. Apart from actively implementing some 160 specific actions set out in the Blueprint, relevant policy bureaux have also introduced approximately 130 additional youth-related new measures since the release of the Blueprint. This ensures that the Blueprint is progressing with the times and can continue to respond to the changing needs of young people. The various measures are progressing well, and the bureaux will continue to take them forward.

Furthermore, the Home and Youth Affairs Bureau reported the latest progress of youth internship and exchange activities outside Hong Kong organised by various bureaux and departments. These include providing more opportunities for young people to participate in internships with international organisations and at international conferences and introducing a new media thematic internship programme on the Mainland as part of the Young Talent Training Programme. The Government will continue to promote youth internship and exchange activities outside Hong Kong to provide suitable opportunities for young people at different development stages and of different backgrounds, so that they can learn and experience first-hand the latest developments in the country and the world.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) today (May 5) released the sixth batch of gravidtrap indexes and density indexes for Aedes albopictus in April, covering 15 survey areas, as follows:
 

District	Survey Area	April 2026
		First Phase Gravidtrap Index	First Phase Density Index
Tuen Mun	Tuen Mun West	8.0%	1.0

 

District	Survey Area	April 2026
		Area Gravidtrap Index	Area Density Index
Islands	Cheung Chau	7.3%	1.6
Kowloon City	Kowloon City	7.4%	1.1
Kwun Tong	Kowloon Bay	9.8%	1.7
	Lam Tin and Sau Mau Ping	9.4%	1.3
Wong Tai Sin	Diamond Hill and Tsz Wan Shan	8.4%	1.0
	Ngau Chi Wan and San Po Kong	17.8%	1.1
	Wong Tai Sin East	9.8%	1.3
Yau Tsim	Tsim Sha Tsui East and King’s Park	2.8%	1.0
North	Fanling South	8.4%	1.1
Sha Tin	Tai Wai	5.0%	1.2
Kwai Tsing	Kwai Chung West	4.5%	1.0
	Tsing Yi South	8.8%	1.0
Tuen Mun	So Kwun Wat	19.3%	1.4
	Tuen Mun North	7.3%	1.2

     Among the sixth batch of First Phase Gravidtrap Indexes covering one survey area and Area Gravidtrap Indexes covering 14 survey areas in April, all were below 10 per cent, except for the Area Gravidtrap Indexes of Ngau Chi Wan and San Po Kong in Wong Tai Sin District, and So Kwun Wat in Tuen Mun District.

     With reference to the data from the past few years, the gravidtrap indexes start to rise from April or May every year. The actual timing of the increase and its extent are affected by factors like weather and rainfall. The average temperature and rainfall in April this year were higher than those of the same period last year, creating favourable conditions for mosquito growth and breeding and thus leading to the earlier rise of gravidtrap indexes this year, but the overall trend and extent of the increase are similar to those of previous years. In response to the rise of gravidtrap indexes, the FEHD, together with relevant departments and stakeholders, has implemented rapid response measures and deployed targeted actions.

     For Ngau Chi Wan and San Po Kong in Wong Tai Sin District, and So Kwun Wat in Tuen Mun District, which recorded indexes exceeding 10 per cent, in accordance with the mechanism implemented by the FEHD in response to the chikungunya fever (CF) situation (i.e. strengthening mosquito control work in areas with a gravidtrap index between 10 per cent and 20 per cent, instead of 20 per cent or above under the original mechanism), the FEHD is collaborating with relevant departments and stakeholders to identify locations with high mosquito infestations and carry out intensive and targeted mosquito control measures. In particular, the gravidtrap data for Ngau Chi Wan and San Po Kong showed that areas with more mosquito problems included parks, schools and public housing estates, while the gravidtrap data for So Kwun Wat showed that areas with more mosquito problems included parks and private housing estates.

     In response to the high-risk areas identified in the said survey areas, the FEHD has issued a statutory notice to a relevant construction site contractor following the discovery of stagnant water at a construction site in So Kwun Wat in Tuen Mun District, requiring the clearance of such item within a specified timeframe. The FEHD and the relevant departments are following up on the mosquito control work, and will also organise exhibitions, distribute leaflets and posters, and notify residential estates that have subscribed to the gravidtrap Rapid Alert System, advising property management agents and residents to stay vigilant and work together in taking mosquito prevention and elimination measures. In addition, the FEHD will strengthen the monitoring of the gravidtrap index in the areas to review the effectiveness of the mosquito control work.

     The FEHD has so far released six batches of gravidtrap indexes for Aedes albopictus in April 2026, covering 62 survey areas. Among these 62 survey areas, one recorded a decrease or remained unchanged as compared to the Area Gravidtrap Index last month (i.e. March 2026), representing that the area’s mosquito infestation improved or maintained a low level. Fifty-one other areas recorded a slight increase, but the indexes were lower than 10 per cent.

     Public participation is crucial to the effective control of mosquito problems. The FEHD appeals to members of the public to continue to work together in strengthening personal mosquito control measures, including:

• tidy up their premises and check for any accumulation of water inside their premises;
• remove all unnecessary water collections and eliminate the sources;
• check household items (those placed in outdoor and open areas in particular), such as refuse containers, vases, air conditioner drip trays, and laundry racks to prevent stagnant water;
• change water in flower vases and scrub their inner surfaces thoroughly, and remove water in saucers under potted plants at least once a week;
• properly cover all containers that hold water to prevent mosquitoes from accessing the water;
• properly dispose of articles that can contain water, such as disposable meal boxes and empty cans; and
• scrub drains and surface sewers with alkaline detergent at least once a week to remove any mosquito eggs.

     Starting in August 2025, following the completion of the surveillance of individual survey areas, and once the latest gravidtrap index and the density index are available, the FEHD has been disseminating relevant information through press releases, its website and social media. It aims to allow members of the public to quickly grasp the mosquito infestation situation and strengthen mosquito control efforts, thereby reducing the risk of CF transmission.

     Following recommendations from the World Health Organization and taking into account the local situation in Hong Kong, the FEHD sets up gravidtraps in districts where mosquito-borne diseases have been recorded in the past, as well as in densely populated places such as housing estates, hospitals and schools to monitor the breeding and distribution of Aedes albopictus mosquitoes, which can transmit CF and dengue fever. At present, the FEHD has set up gravidtraps in 62 survey areas of the community, with a surveillance period of two weeks. During the surveillance period, the FEHD will collect the gravidtraps once a week. After the first week of surveillance, the FEHD will immediately examine the glue boards inside the retrieved gravidtraps for the presence of adult Aedine mosquitoes to compile the Gravidtrap Index (First Phase) and Density Index (First Phase). At the end of the second week of surveillance, the FEHD will instantly check the glue boards for the presence of adult Aedine mosquitoes. Data from the two weeks of surveillance will be combined to obtain the Area Gravidtrap Index and the Area Density Index. The gravidtrap and density indexes for Aedes albopictus in different survey areas, as well as information on mosquito prevention and control measures, are available on the department’s webpage (www.fehd.gov.hk/english/pestcontrol/dengue_fever/Dengue_Fever_Gravidtrap_Index_Update.html#).

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Hong Kong’s economy in the first quarter increased 5.9% year-on-year, picking up from the 4% growth in the preceding quarter.

The Census & Statistics Department announced the figures today as it released its advance estimates on gross domestic product (GDP) for the first quarter.

On a seasonally adjusted quarter-to-quarter basis, real GDP rose further by 2.9%.

Commenting on the figures, the Government said the Hong Kong economy expanded robustly in the first quarter, marking the strongest quarterly growth in nearly five years.

Underpinned by strong global demand for artificial intelligence-related electronics, sustained growth in visitor arrivals and robust cross-boundary financial activities, the city’s economic growth outlook remains positive, it highlighted, adding that solid business and consumer sentiment is expected to continue supporting domestic demand.

Nonetheless, the Government remarked that persistent tensions in the Middle East pose downside risks to the economic outlook. In response, targeted measures have been taken to safeguard energy supply stability and mitigate the impacts on affected sectors.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     ​Ms Kimmey Ho will assume the post of District Officer (Wong Tai Sin) tomorrow (May 6), succeeding Mr Thomas Wu.
 
     Since joining the Administrative Service in 2008, Ms Ho has served in various bureaux and departments, including the Home Affairs Department, the Commerce and Economic Development Bureau, the then Office of the Government Chief Information Officer and the Housing Department.
 
     She was the Principal Assistant Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury (Treasury) (Works) at the Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau before taking up the new post of District Officer (Wong Tai Sin).

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

A spokesman for the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) said today (May 5) that with the frequent use of air conditioners in summer, the environmental hygiene nuisances caused by dripping air conditioners are expected to be more notable, affecting pedestrians and waiting transit passengers in particular. To this end, the FEHD will carry out large-scale operations from May to September to tackle dripping air conditioners. Targeting more than 300 dripping blackspots across the territory, the third-generation AI Dripping Air Conditioner Investigation System will be deployed to step up enforcement with a targeted strategy, focusing specifically on reducing nuisances to pedestrians and waiting passengers. The operations aim to further enhance enforcement effectiveness and improve environmental hygiene.

The FEHD will fully adopt the third-generation Dripping Air Conditioner Investigation System with AI functions in all districts from this summer. Equipped with high-precision visual image recognition technology, the system can automatically detect dripping locations and accurately identify sources, significantly shortening the time required for observation and evidence collection. It can operate effectively despite low-light conditions during night-time or early morning hours, overcoming the constraints on enforcement posed by the difficulties of pinpointing dripping sources during specific hours. The system’s innovative technology is recognised internationally and has earned it the Bronze Award in the category of Engineering and Robotics – Optical Sensing and Spatial Intelligence at the Edison Awards 2026 this April.

In preparation for the upcoming summer, the FEHD has proactively escalated publicity and education efforts to enhance public awareness and foster a sense of responsibility regarding dripping air conditioners. Over the past two weeks (April 16 to 30), FEHD officers conducted a series of publicity activities across various districts, including closely liaising with District Offices, District Councils (DCs), and local committees to encourage the public to face and follow up on the problem of dripping air conditioners through community networks, and the participation of various DCs and district organisations in related publicity activities and work. The FEHD also actively collaborated with property management companies to facilitate the distribution of promotional leaflets and the display of posters in building premises and housing estates. Additionally, the FEHD set up promotional booths at popular public spots and on streets with high pedestrian flows to promote public knowledge of proper air conditioner maintenance and preventive measures against dripping, and to urge property owners to proactively and promptly check and repair their air conditioners. Throughout the period, about 15 000 related leaflets and posters were distributed across about 390 buildings and housing estates. The department will continuously disseminate practical information on preventing dripping air conditioners to the general public through online platforms and thematic webpages.

The spokesman stressed that, in accordance with the Public Health and Municipal Services Ordinance (Cap. 132), a person shall be guilty of an offence if he allows his air conditioner to discharge water in such a manner as to be a hygiene nuisance to others. If a nuisance is proven, the FEHD will issue a Nuisance Notice to require the owner or occupier of the relevant premises to stop the nuisance within a specified period. A person who fails to comply may be prosecuted and, upon conviction, is liable to a maximum penalty of a fine of $25,000, and a daily fine of $450 as long as the nuisance continues.

The FEHD calls on members of the public to check their air conditioners regularly. If water dripping is detected, they should expeditiously resolve the problem to avoid causing a nuisance to others. For more information on dripping air conditioners, please refer to the leaflet on the FEHD website (www.fehd.gov.hk/english/pleasant_environment/library/aircon/Pamphlet_water_dripping_from_air_conditioner.pdf).     

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

​The exceptionally warm weather in the first quarter of 2026 continued into April 2026, mainly attributed to the warmer-than-normal sea surface temperatures and a stronger-than-usual southerly flow in the lower atmosphere over the northern part of the South China Sea. The monthly mean minimum temperature of 23.8 degrees, mean temperature of 25.5 degrees, and mean maximum temperature of 27.9 degrees were respectively 2.7 degrees, 2.5 degrees, and 2.3 degrees above their corresponding normals. All three values were the second highest on record for April. The monthly rainfall was 160.4 millimetres, about 5 per cent above the normal of 153.0 millimetres. The accumulated rainfall recorded for the first four months of the year was 359.6 millimetres, about 20 per cent above the normal of 300.4 millimetres for the same period.

Under the influence of the northeast monsoon and a band of clouds covering the coast of Guangdong, local weather was mainly cloudy with a slightly cooler morning on the first day of the month. There were also one or two showers at night. Affected by an easterly airstream and a subsequent southerly airstream, the weather of Hong Kong remained cloudy with a few showers on the next two days. With a trough of low pressure lingering over the coastal areas of Guangdong, there were occasional showers and a few squally thunderstorms on April 4 and 5. Showers were heavy at times. More than 40 millimetres of rainfall were generally recorded over the eastern part of Hong Kong, and rainfall even exceeded 80 millimetres over Tai Po District on these two days. The Observatory registered a daily rainfall of 45.1 millimetres on April 5, the second highest on record for the Ching Ming Festival since 1884. 

As a southerly airstream set in, the weather of Hong Kong became hot with sunny intervals during the day on April 6 and 7. Under the influence of a strong easterly airstream and associated cloud bands over the coast of Guangdong on April 8, local weather turned windier and cloudy with a few rain patches. Visibility was relatively low in some areas. With the easterly airstream being replaced by a southerly airstream the following day, local weather was misty with one or two light rain patches in the morning. The visibility in the harbour once fell below 3000 metres in the morning. It was hot with sunny intervals during the day. The southerly airstream continued to affect the coast of Guangdong from April 10 to 16. Local weather remained mainly cloudy from April 10 to 12 and it was hot during the day. An anticyclone aloft brought sunny periods and hot weather during the day to Hong Kong from April 13 to 16. With abundant sunshine, the temperature at the Observatory rose to a maximum of 30.2 degrees in the afternoon on April 16, the highest of the month. 

An area of intense thundery showers associated with a trough of low pressure affected the vicinity of the Pearl River Estuary on the afternoon of April 17. Locally, heavy showers with severe squally thunderstorms were recorded that afternoon, with over 30 millimetres of rainfall on Hong Kong Island and Lantau Island. Hail was reported on Lamma Island. Winds were weak on the next three days. The weather of Hong Kong was mainly fine, hot and dry during the day on April 18 and 19, then turned mainly cloudy with a few showers on April 20. Under light wind conditions, visibility was rather low in some areas on April 18 and the mornings of April 19 and 20. Showers and thunderstorms associated with upper-air disturbances affected the coast of Guangdong on April 21. Locally, the weather was mainly cloudy with a few showers in the morning. Showers were heavier with squally thunderstorms over the eastern part of Hong Kong Island and Sai Kung District. With the departure of upper-air disturbances, the weather improved on the afternoon of April 21 with sunny intervals. Local weather remained hot with sunny periods during the day on April 22 under the influence of a southerly airstream.  

A cold front moved across the coast of Guangdong around noon on April 23. The associated northeast monsoon brought cooler weather later that day with temperatures generally 3 to 5 degrees lower than those of the day before. With the continual influence of the northeast monsoon on the next day, the temperature at the Observatory dropped to a minimum of 19.7 degrees on the afternoon of April 24, the lowest of the month. Upper-air disturbances also brought showers and squally thunderstorms to the territory on April 23 and 24. Around 20 millimetres of rainfall were recorded in the New Territories in the evening on April 23, and rainfall exceeded 30 millimetres over many places on April 24. As the northeast monsoon and a cloud band lingered, local weather was mainly cloudy on April 25 with one or two light rain patches in the morning. A drier easterly airstream affected the coast of Guangdong on the next two days, bringing generally fine and dry weather during the day on April 26 and 27. Upper-air disturbances affected Guangdong on the next two days. Local weather was mainly cloudy with sunny intervals during the day on April 28. There were a few showers and isolated thunderstorms in the afternoon. A cold front moved across the coastal areas of Guangdong on the afternoon of April 29. Locally, it was mainly cloudy with occasional showers and a few squally thunderstorms that day. Showers were heavy at times. Around 30 millimetres of rainfall were recorded over many places, and rainfall even exceeded 50 millimetres over Hong Kong Island. Temperatures started to drop in the late afternoon due to the associated northeast monsoon. As the upper-air disturbances departed and under the influence of the northeast monsoon, local weather was dry during the day with sunny intervals on the last day of the month. It was cooler in the morning. The relative humidity over most parts of the territory during the day fell to around 50 per cent. 

One tropical cyclone occurred over the South China Sea and the western North Pacific in April 2026.

Details of issuance and cancellation of various warnings/signals in the month are summarised in Table 1. Monthly meteorological figures and departures from normal for April are tabulated in Table 2.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

​The Census and Statistics Department (C&SD) released today (May 5) the advance estimates on Gross Domestic Product (GDP) for the first quarter of 2026.
 
According to the advance estimates, GDP increased by 5.9% in real terms in the first quarter of 2026 over a year earlier, compared with the increase of 4.0% in the fourth quarter of 2025.
 
Analysed by major GDP component, private consumption expenditure increased by 5.0% in real terms in the first quarter of 2026 over a year earlier, faster than the increase of 2.5% in the fourth quarter of 2025.
 
Government consumption expenditure measured in national accounts terms recorded an increase of 2.9% in real terms in the first quarter of 2026 over a year earlier, compared with the increase of 1.5% in the fourth quarter of 2025.
 
Gross domestic fixed capital formation increased further by 17.7% in real terms in the first quarter of 2026 over a year earlier, following the increase of 11.7% in the fourth quarter of 2025.
 
Total exports of goods measured in national accounts terms recorded an increase of 23.8% in real terms in the first quarter of 2026 over a year earlier, accelerated further from the growth of 15.4% in the fourth quarter of 2025. Over the same period, imports of goods measured in national accounts terms grew by 29.9% in real terms, compared with the increase of 18.2% in the fourth quarter of 2025.
 
Exports of services rose by 3.5% in real terms in the first quarter of 2026 over a year earlier, after the increase of 4.7% in the fourth quarter of 2025. Imports of services increased by 3.9% in real terms in the first quarter of 2026, compared with the increase of 3.7% in the fourth quarter of 2025.
 
On a seasonally adjusted quarter-to-quarter comparison basis, GDP increased by 2.9% in real terms in the first quarter of 2026 when compared with the fourth quarter of 2025.

Commentary
 
A Government spokesman said that the Hong Kong economy expanded robustly in the first quarter of 2026. According to the advance estimates, real GDP grew by 5.9% over a year earlier in the first quarter, accelerating from the revised 4.0% growth in the preceding quarter (up from the earlier estimate of 3.8%), and marking the strongest quarterly growth in nearly five years. On a seasonally adjusted quarter-to-quarter basis, real GDP rose notably by 2.9%.
 
Looking ahead, Hong Kong’s economic growth outlook remains positive, underpinned by strong global demand for artificial intelligence-related electronics, sustained growth in visitor arrivals and robust cross-boundary financial activities. Relatively solid business and consumer sentiment is expected to continue supporting domestic demand. However, persistent tensions in the Middle East pose downside risks to the economic outlook. In response, the Government has taken targeted measures to safeguard energy supply stability and mitigate the impacts on affected sectors. The Government will stay vigilant and continue to closely monitor the developments.
 
The revised figures on GDP and more detailed statistics for the first quarter of 2026, as well as the revised GDP forecast for 2026, will be released on May 15, 2026.
 
Further information
 
The year-on-year percentage changes of GDP and selected major expenditure components in real terms from the first quarter of 2025 to the first quarter of 2026 are shown in Table 1.
 
When more data become available, the C&SD will compile revised figures on GDP. The revised figures on GDP and more detailed statistics for the first quarter of 2026 will be released at the C&SD website (www.censtatd.gov.hk/en/scode250.html) and the Gross Domestic Product by Expenditure Component report (www.censtatd.gov.hk/en/EIndexbySubject.html?pcode=B1030001&scode=250) on May 15, 2026.
 
For enquiries about statistics on GDP by expenditure component, please contact the National Income Branch (1) of the C&SD (Tel: 3863 2727 or email: gdp-e@censtatd.gov.hk).