Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
FEHD releases second batch of gravidtrap indexes for Aedes albopictus in June
District
District With reference to the data from the past few years, the gravidtrap indexes start to rise from April every year. The indexes are higher from May to June. The actual timing and extent of the rise are affected by factors like weather conditions and rainfall. As compared with last year, the temperature began to climb earlier this year and the rainfall in April and May increased substantially, creating favourable conditions for mosquito growth and breeding. As a result, the rise in gravidtrap indexes occurred earlier this year. Depending on factors like rainfall, the indexes may rise further, but the overall trend of gravidtrap indexes this year is similar to those of previous years.
For survey areas 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, including eliminating mosquito breeding grounds, applying larvicides, conducting fogging operations to eradicate adult mosquitoes, and ensuring that mosquito trapping devices are placed at appropriate locations, as well as to strengthen efforts in publicity and education. Moreover, the FEHD has initiated three prosecutions against the relevant estate management company and property management companies following the discovery of mosquito breeding respectively at a public housing estate and two private housing estates in Kwun Tong District. In addition, following the discovery of stagnant water or stagnant water containers in three public housing estates and three private housing estates in Kwun Tong District and North District, the FEHD has issued six statutory notices to the responsible persons-in-charge, requiring the clearance of such items within a specified timeframe. The FEHD, the relevant departments and stakeholders 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. 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#Issued at HKT 20:53
The Chinese Culture Festival (CCF) 2026 opened today at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre (HKCC), launching over 280 performances and activities to be held from June to September.
Chief Executive John Lee addressed the opening ceremony via a video speech. Secretary for Culture, Sports & Tourism Rosanna Law; Deputy Director-General of the Department of Publicity, Cultural & Sports Affairs of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Lin Nan; and Director of Leisure & Cultural Services Manda Chan officiated the ceremony at the HKCC.
Pointing out that the National 15th Five-Year Plan calls for advancing the promotion of building a strong cultural nation and supports Hong Kong in developing into an East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange, Mr Lee said the Hong Kong SAR Government has formulated the Blueprint for Arts & Culture & Creative Industries Development. The Chinese Culture Promotion Office has also been set up for bringing culture into the community and enhancing the public’s sense of national identity, belonging and pride.
In addition, he highlighted that the CCF makes fine use of Hong Kong’s international network, allowing local citizens and overseas visitors alike to experience the historical spirit and contemporary flair of Chinese civilisation.
The CCF promises to become a cultural bridge connecting Hong Kong with the Chinese Mainland, while reaching out to the world, he stressed.
The opening programme of this year’s CCF, dance drama “Lady White Snake”, which assembles a distinguished creative team of top-tier artists from various disciplines, was staged this evening to a full house. By weaving a dual tapestry of Eastern and Western choreographic languages, the work offers a modern reinterpretation of a millennial folk legend.
Moreover, the “Chinese Culture for All: A Special Performance Series” was held this afternoon at the HKCC Grand Theatre, where over 500 students, teachers and members of the community viewed an open rehearsal of “Lady White Snake”.
Separately, an exhibition of the CCF 2026 opened today and will run until June 25 at the Foyer Exhibition Area of the HKCC, showcasing the CCF’s distinctive stage programmes and activities. A photo-worthy spot featuring the CCF’s special edition of the Leisure & Cultural Services Department mascots has also been set up outside the HKCC.
The Committee on Education, Technology & Talents (CETT), chaired by Chief Secretary Chan Kwok-ki, today held the third engagement session with the Panel of Advisors to the CETT.
The session aimed to gather views from the CETT advisors on the formulation of Hong Kong’s first five-year plan.
At the engagement session, the panel put forward various suggestions regarding the development of innovation and technology (I&T), education and talent in the five-year plan.
It supported the Hong Kong SAR Government in accelerating the development of the Hong Kong Park at the Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science & Technology Innovation Co-operation Zone and the San Tin Technopole.
The advisers recommended attracting more quality technology enterprises from the Chinese Mainland and overseas to establish a presence in the parks.
In addition, they fully recognised the significant success achieved by the current-term Government in its talent initiatives.
Among others, the panel supported the Government’s ongoing efforts to expand the city’s talent pool through local training and recruiting global elites, while seizing the opportunities brought about by technological advancements at the same time.
There were also discussions on the development strategies for vocational and professional education and training, as well as that for skills training.
The Panel of Advisors also explored the development of local industries, education, and the labour market in response to the rapid rise of artificial intelligence technology.
Mr Chan briefed the panel on the insights gained by the Working Group on Planning & Construction of the University Town during its earlier visits to the Mainland, Korea, Germany and Switzerland to study local higher education and I&T infrastructure.
The CETT will continue to maintain close communication and co-operation with the Panel of Advisors to formulate strategies for developing Hong Kong into an international I&T centre and international hub for high-calibre talent.
Also attending the session were Secretary for Labour & Welfare Chris Sun and Under Secretary for Education Jeff Sze.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Appointments to Council on Human Reproductive Technology announced Established in 2001 under the Human Reproductive Technology Ordinance, the Council on Human Reproductive Technology is tasked with regulating reproductive technology activities, including regulating the provision of reproductive technology procedures and embryo research, in Hong Kong through a licensing system, and formulating the Code of Practice for the relevant sectors.————– Professor Raymond Liang Hin-suen————————- Professor Wong Man-sau———– Mr Philip Chiu Kwok-leung Ms Eva Choi Doi-kwan Professor Chow Ka-ming Mr James Mathew Fong Dr Go Wing-wa Ms Iris Hsu Mei-kuen Mr Frederick Hui Cheuk-kit Dr May Lam Mei-ling Ms Lau Tsz-on Dr Leung Kwok-yin Reverend Leung Yuen-yiu Mr Jeffrey Lo Cheuk-fei Mr Ng Chak-hang Professor Ernest Ng Hung-yu Reverend Ng Sui-lung Ms Ng Wing-wing Dr Charas Ong Yeu-theng Ms Vanessa Wan Lai-shan Professor Dennis Wong Sing-wing Ms Yip Lai-wa Principal Assistant Secretary, Health Bureau Assistant Director, Department of Health Assistant Director, Home Affairs Department Chief Social Work Officer, Social Welfare Department Issued at HKT 11:00
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
The Department of Health (DH) today (June 12) reminded the trade that medical gases will be regulated as pharmaceutical products starting from Sunday (June 14). All companies involved in the manufacture, wholesale or retail sale of medical gases must obtain the relevant drug dealer’s licence(s) in accordance with the Pharmacy and Poisons Ordinance (Cap. 138) in order to operate lawfully. In addition, medical gases must be registered with the Pharmacy and Poisons Board of Hong Kong before they can be legally sold in Hong Kong, ensuring that the products meet the required standards of safety, efficacy and quality.
Any person who illegally possesses or sells pharmaceutical products or prescription drugs that are not registered under the Ordinance, or who operates the manufacture or wholesale of pharmaceutical products without the relevant licence, commits a criminal offence. The maximum penalty for each offence is a fine of $100,000 and two years’ imprisonment upon conviction.
Drug retailers that only engage in the retail sale of medical gases that are not specified in the Poisons List under the Ordinance (such as medical oxygen), are not required to hold a retail licence.
The Board decided on June 14, 2024, that medical gases should be regulated as pharmaceutical products under the Ordinance. In addition, pharmaceutical products containing nitrous oxide (laughing gas) and nitric oxide should be regulated as prescription drugs. A two-year preparation period has been provided to the trade for obtaining the relevant licences and registering their related products.
Since 2024, the DH has maintained ongoing communication with the trade and stakeholders regarding the new regulatory arrangements, including sending letters to medical gas and pharmaceutical traders, healthcare professional organisations, healthcare facilities and other relevant stakeholders, reminding them to make early preparations. In addition, the DH has provided the pharmaceutical industry with guidelines to help them understand and comply with the relevant statutory requirements.
A list of local licensed traders dealing with medical gases and a list of medical gases registered as pharmaceutical products have been uploaded to the DH’s Drug Office website. The DH reminded the industry to purchase relevant pharmaceutical products from licensed dealers in future in order to safeguard product quality and public safety.
Members of the public can visit the DH’s website for more information and frequently asked questions on the regulation of medical gases, relevant licences and application details.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
The Government today (June 12) gazetted the Evidence (Amendment) Bill 2026 (the 2026 Bill) to reform the rule against hearsay in criminal proceedings.
According to the common law rule against hearsay (hearsay rule), hearsay evidence is generally inadmissible in criminal proceedings unless it falls within one of the common law or statutory exceptions to the rule. The hearsay rule has been criticised over the years for being too strict and inflexible, and for excluding hearsay evidence even if it is cogent and reliable, which can result in injustice. The Law Reform Commission of Hong Kong (LRC) published a report on “Hearsay in Criminal Proceedings” in November 2009, recommending that the relevant rule be reformed by way of a detailed legislative scheme.
The Government previously introduced the Evidence (Amendment) Bill 2018 (the 2018 Bill) to implement the recommendations of the LRC. However, the 2018 Bill lapsed due to insufficient time to complete the legislative process by the end of the term of office of the sixth-term Legislative Council (LegCo). The Department of Justice (DoJ) subsequently conducted a comprehensive review. After re-examining the LRC’s recommendations and carefully considering the views received in the 2017 consultation exercise and the deliberations of LegCo on the 2018 Bill, together with the latest legal and policy developments, the DoJ has put forward the 2026 Bill for introduction into LegCo.
The new regime under the 2026 Bill generally applies to criminal proceedings, but does not apply to cases concerning national security. Apart from preserved common law exceptions and other statutory exceptions, hearsay evidence may be admitted if both the prosecution and the defence agree, if no party opposes its admission, or, in the event of opposition, if the court grants permission upon certain conditions being satisfied. These conditions include necessity (for example, where a witness is unfit to testify because of the witness’s physical or mental condition), threshold reliability (the court will holistically consider various factors to ensure that the reliability of the evidence is reasonably assured), and that the probative value of the hearsay evidence is greater than any prejudicial effect it may have.
A spokesman for the DoJ said, “Compared with the 2018 Bill, the 2026 Bill introduces a number of improvements, including conferring on the court greater procedural discretion and refining the mechanism for the exclusion of hearsay evidence admitted with the court’s permission. These measures not only provide robust protection for the defendant’s right to a fair trial, but also meet the court’s need to ascertain the truth, thereby enabling appropriate reform of Hong Kong’s criminal evidence law.”
In December 2025, the DoJ issued a consultation paper together with a draft of the 2026 Bill to various stakeholders, including the Judiciary, legal professional bodies, and university law schools, for consultation. The stakeholders in general supported the legislative proposal. The DoJ also briefed the LegCo Panel on Administration of Justice and Legal Services in March this year on the consultation exercise and policy aspects of the Bill, with members of the Panel indicating their support.
The 2026 Bill will be introduced into LegCo for first reading on June 24.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Speech by CE at Opening Ceremony of Chinese Culture Festival 2026 (with video) Let me now say a few words to our English-speaking friends.
Good evening. I am delighted to welcome you to the Opening Reception of the Chinese Culture Festival 2026. Let us savour the timeless charm of Chinese culture together.
Chinese culture is distinguished by its long history, vast scope and profound depth. Hong Kong is rooted in Chinese culture and enjoys a global vision. Under the “one country, two systems” principle, our city connects closely with both the Mainland and the world. We have wide-ranging experience in cultural exchanges. And we are determined to better integrate into national development, extending the reach of Chinese culture, presenting a credible and appealing China to the world, while telling the good stories of our country and Hong Kong.
To do this effectively requires sustained effort – it is not a short-term task. The HKSAR Government has formulated the Blueprint for Arts and Culture and Creative Industries Development. It has set up the Chinese Culture Promotion Office, dedicated to bringing culture into our community and enhancing our people’s sense of national identity, belonging and pride.
The Chinese Culture Festival, one of our annual flagship projects, features performances, exhibitions and outreach activities. It makes fine use of Hong Kong’s international network, allowing local citizens and overseas visitors alike to experience the historical spirit and contemporary flair of Chinese civilisation.
The past two editions of the Festival were warmly received, attracting over 1.8 million participants. And the “Chinese Culture for All: A Special Performance Series” benefited more than 15 000 teachers, students and community members, infusing patriotic education with a lively and dynamic presentation.
”Legends” is the theme of this year’s Festival, presenting a rewarding variety of programmes related to Chinese mythology and folktales.
Tonight’s opening programme, the dance drama “Lady White Snake”, is masterfully produced by the Shanghai Grand Theatre. Drawing from the beloved legend “The Legend of the White Snake”, it fuses Western ballet with Chinese classical dance, weaving modern vision with timeless beauty.
Beyond tonight’s performance, this year’s Chinese Culture Festival presents an inviting selection of Chinese operas and original local works, along with themed exhibitions and community outreach activities. Together, they allow you to appreciate the boundless diversity of Chinese culture.
The Chinese Culture Festival promises to become a cultural bridge connecting Hong Kong with the Mainland, while reaching out to the world.
I wish this year’s Chinese Culture Festival great success and its audiences unforgettable performances from beginning to the final curtain call. Thank you. Issued at HKT 20:00
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Panel of Advisors to Committee on Education, Technology and Talents convenes third engagement session This year marks the beginning of the National 15th Five-Year Plan. The Hong Kong Government will proactively align with the vast opportunities brought by the National 15th Five-Year Plan, and draw up Hong Kong’s first five-year plan at full speed. At the engagement session, the Panel of Advisors pointed out that a forward-looking and strategic medium-to-long-term plan could further strengthen policy synergy, driving the integration of education, technology, and talent, and facilitating Hong Kong’s better integration into and service of the overall national development.
During the engagement session, the Panel of Advisors put forward various suggestions regarding the development of innovation and technology (I&T), education and talent in the five-year plan. The Panel of Advisors supported the Government in accelerating the development of the Hong Kong Park of the Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Co-operation Zone and the San Tin Technopole. The Panel of Advisors also recommended attracting more quality technology enterprises from the Chinese Mainland and overseas to establish a presence in the parks. This would create a cluster effect, conducive to building a comprehensive I&T industry chain for providing development opportunities for incoming and local I&T talent.
The Panel of Advisors fully recognised that the current-term Government has achieved significant success in its talent initiatives. It supported the Government’s continued efforts to expand Hong Kong’s talent pool through local training and recruiting global elites, while seizing the opportunities brought about by technological advancements at the same time, strengthening the professional development of teachers, enhancing the effectiveness of nurturing local talent to inject new impetus into Hong Kong’s high-quality development continually. Participants of the meeting also attached great importance to nurturing diversified talent to meet the needs of Hong Kong’s economic and I&T development, and exchanged views on the development strategies for Vocational and Professional Education and Training, as well as that for skills training. The Panel of Advisors also explored the development of local industries, education, and the labour market in response to the rapid rise of artificial intelligence technology.
Mr Chan expressed gratitude for the valuable suggestions raised during the engagement session, which would provide an important reference for the Government in formulating the five-year plan more comprehensively. Mr Chan also briefed the Panel of Advisors on the insights gained by the Working Group on Planning and Construction of the University Town during its earlier visits to the Mainland, Korea, Germany and Switzerland to study local higher education and I&T infrastructure. CETT will continue to maintain close communication and co-operation with the Panel of Advisors to formulate strategies for developing Hong Kong into an international I&T centre and international hub for high-calibre talent.
The Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Mr Chris Sun; the Under Secretary for Education, Dr Jeff Sze; Permanent Secretaries or representatives of the Innovation, Technology and Industry Bureau, Education Bureau and Labour and Welfare Bureau attended the engagement session today. Issued at HKT 20:02
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
Hong Kong Customs and the Fire Services Department (FSD) mounted a territory-wide blitz operation targeting illicit fuel activities on June 10. During the operation, officers of the two departments detected two related cases and seized about 3 200 litres of illicit motor spirit, with an estimated market value of about $104,000 and a duty potential of about $20,000. Two persons were arrested, and one vehicle connected with one of the cases was also seized.
In the afternoon on June 10, during a joint anti-illicit fuel operation in Tung Chung, officers of Customs and the FSD raided an illegal fuelling station at Shek Lau Po and seized about 1 600l of illicit motor spirit and a batch of oil filling equipment. The case is under investigation. The likelihood of arrests is not ruled out.
In the evening on the same day, Customs and FSD officers continued the joint operation in Kwai Chung and raided an illegal mobile fuelling station at the roadside of Kwai Tai Road. About 1 600l of illicit motor spirit, a batch of oil filling equipment and a lorry connected with the case were seized. Two non-local men, aged 57 and 33, were arrested. They were suspected to be the operator of the illegal fuelling station and the driver of the lorry used to transport illicit motor spirit respectively.
They were suspected of dealing with illicit fuel, violating various ordinances including the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance (DCO) (Cap. 109) and the Dangerous Goods Ordinance, and have been charged with dealing with goods to which the DCO (Cap. 109) applies.
According to the DCO, any vehicle found conveying illicit motor spirit, as well as any tools, equipment, or articles used or intended to be used in connection with the commission of related offences, shall be liable to forfeiture whether or not any person is convicted of any offence. Anyone involved in dealing with, possession of, selling or buying illicit motor spirit commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $1 million and imprisonment for two years.
Under the Fire Services (Fire Hazard Abatement) Regulation, it is an offence to possess or control any controlled substance for the business purpose of transferring it into vehicle fuel tanks. The Dangerous Goods Ordinance also provides that no person shall manufacture, store, convey or use any dangerous goods unless they possess a licence or exemption granted. Upon conviction, the maximum penalty for the first offence is a fine of $100,000 and imprisonment for six months. For each subsequent offence, the maximum penalty will be a $200,000 fine and imprisonment for one year.
Customs and the FSD will continue to take enforcement action against illicit fuel activities. Members of the public may report suspected illicit fuel activities via the Customs’ 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or the FSD’s 24-hour hotline 5577 9666. The public may also report through the Illicit Fuelling Activities on the Fire Hazard Electronic Complaint Portal of the FSD (fhcp.hkfsd.gov.hk).
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Marine parks 30th anniversary “Together We Treasure, Together We Explore” series celebration events (with photos/video) From now until December this year, the AFCD will organise a wide range of marine parks 30th anniversary celebration events under the theme of “Together We Treasure, Together We Explore”. Through roving exhibitions, ecotours, workshops and various experiential activities, the AFCD will introduce Hong Kong’s rich marine biodiversity and years of conservation achievements to the public, and encourage the public to experience the natural beauty of marine parks and actively participate in marine conservation.
The “Marine Parks 30th Anniversary” Roving Exhibition showcases the history and conservation journey of marine parks and marine reserve over the years. It also promotes responsible marine life appreciation practices and sustainable marine recreational activities. The exhibition features information panels, interactive installations such as virtual reality experiences, photo spots, and marine conservation booths. On weekends, free public workshops such as marine wildlife illustration, coral reef clay-making, seashell upcycling, and fishing net weaving experiences will be held to bring marine conservation education closer to the community.
In addition, the AFCD, in collaboration with partner organisations, will launch various ecotours, including glass-bottom boat tours in Hoi Ha Wan Marine Park, coral-safe snorkelling tours, and Chinese White Dolphin tours. All activities are free of charge. Through hands-on experiences, the public will be encouraged to explore and cherish the ocean in a friendly, responsible, and sustainable manner.