Category: MIL-OSI

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     Following is the speech by the Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Professor Sun Dong, at the High-Level Forum on Generative AI Governance and Cultural Co-Creation today (October 30):

Professor Guo (Provost of the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Professor Guo Yike), Professor Qu (Dean of Academy of Interdisciplinary Studies, the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Professor Huamin Qu), Professor Song (Director of the Media Intelligence Research Center, the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Professor Celine Song), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

     Good morning. It is my pleasure to join this forum, which brings together visionary minds to explore how trust, governance and innovation can shape the future of artificial intelligence. Let me begin by extending my warmest congratulations on the inauguration of the Media Intelligence Research Center of the HKUST (Hong Kong University of Science and Technology).

     First of all, I am happy to share with you that the National 15th Five-Year Plan has just confirmed the support for Hong Kong in building an international I&T (innovation and technology) centre. We are standing at the forefront of a global technological shift. AI is rapidly reshaping industries, economies and societies. According to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, the global AI market is expected to reach about US$4.8 trillion by 2033, which is a 25-fold increase in 10 years from now. This remarkable growth underscores the urgent need for economies around the world to formulate and implement policies that balance the immense potential and the underlying risks of AI, ensuring its sustainable and inclusive development.

     The Government has spared no effort in promoting sound AI governance while fostering the advancement of industry. One of the cornerstones is the Ethical Artificial Intelligence Framework, first introduced in 2021, which covers 12 core principles from fairness and transparency to human oversight, implementation guidelines and risk assessment tools. The aim is to help organisations embed ethical considerations when implementing IT projects, ensuring that their AI systems are not only effective but also responsible. To keep up with the evolving AI landscape, the updated version introduced in 2023 further sharpened its relevance and recommended clearer practices to address emerging risks.

     Complementing our ethical framework is the Principles of Data Governance promulgated by the Government in 2024, which provide a foundational layer for reliable AI development. As data powers every stage of the life cycle of an AI system, from training to application, its quality, integrity and responsible use are essential. This Data Governance document promotes lawful sharing, privacy protection and accountability, helping organisations unlock the value of data in a responsible and ethical manner. This is crucial to our broader governance efforts.

     In view of the growing use of generative AI across sectors, the Government sees the merits in developing a practical framework for safe and responsible adoption that is tailored to Hong Kong’s context with contribution from professionals. The Hong Kong Generative AI Research and Development Center (HKGAI), under the leadership of Professor Guo Yike, was commissioned to put together the Hong Kong Generative Artificial Intelligence Technical and Application Guideline for release in April 2025. By leveraging the HKGAI’s experience in building Hong Kong’s first locally adapted large language model, the guideline provides clear, pragmatic and actionable advice for developers, service providers and users in the application of AI technology, covering key risks of data leakage, model bias and misinformation, and recommendations on safeguarding model training, deployment and content integrity.

     The Government also takes the lead in building a vibrant AI ecosystem by advancing the integration of AI into public services, recognising its potential to enhance efficiency, responsiveness and citizen experience. As announced in the 2025 Policy Address, a dedicated AI Efficacy Enhancement Team is set up to promote AI applications across government departments and explore process re-engineering to elevate public services. In parallel, the Digital Policy Office will roll out various AI applications in respect of data analysis, customer service and document processing.

     Alongside various initiatives to expand AI application scenarios in public services, the Government introduced the AI Adoption Guide for Government bureaux and departments earlier this year. It outlines strategies, practical guidelines and facilitation measures for AI adoption, with a strong emphasis on top-down leadership and a business-led “AI+” approach. It further encourages departments to identify operational challenges and explore the deployment of AI to enhance efficiency and improve service quality, serving as a catalyst for public service transformation.

     A thriving AI ecosystem counts not only on innovation and technology, but also strong and adaptive governance. Compliance across both public and private sectors is vital to protect data, uphold standards and build public trust. I appreciate the cross-sectoral effort in promoting responsible innovation and reliable AI governance.

     Before I close, I wish this forum every success, and look forward to witnessing Hong Kong’s AI development scaling new heights. Thank you.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Director of Immigration, Mr Benson Kwok, led a delegation to attend the meeting of “1+2” co-ordination mechanism among the Chinese Mainland and the Hong Kong and Macao Special Administrative Regions immigration management authorities in Chongqing on October 28 with the immigration authorities of the Mainland and the Hong Kong and Macao Special Administrative Regions. The meeting brought together representatives from the Exit and Entry Administration of the People’s Republic of China, the Macao Public Security Police Force, and the Macao Identification Services Bureau to exchange views on various immigration matters, including immigration management service arrangements for the 15th National Games of the People’s Republic of China, travel document issuance, immigration clearance facilitation and talent mobility.
 
     Mr Kwok stated that the Immigration Department will strengthen collaboration with the Mainland and Macao counterparts to ensure the 15th National Games are held safely and smoothly. The Department will make advance immigration management service arrangements and deploy manpower as appropriate at control points to facilitate efficient immigration clearance for participating athletes, organisers and visitors travelling among the Mainland, Hong Kong and Macao.
 
     The three sides agreed to continue close collaboration and deepen exchanges to safeguard national security and social stability and to support the successful hosting of the 15th National Games.
 
     At the meeting, the three authorities also discussed measures to further facilitate the travel of residents between the Mainland and the two Special Administrative Regions and to apply innovation and technology to enhance immigration services. Consensus was reached on various initiatives, including expanding the scope of talent endorsement policies, improving identification document processing and immigration clearance efficiency, and improving residency and service facilities arrangements. These aim to provide more convenient and efficient immigration services and to support Hong Kong and Macao in developing into international talent hubs.
 
     Since its launch in 2019 in Qingdao, Shandong Province, the “1+2” co-ordination mechanism has served as a key platform for co-operation in immigration management between the Mainland and the two Special Administrative Regions. Established under the leadership of the Exit and Entry Administration of the People’s Republic of China with the participation from the Immigration Department of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and the Public Security Police Force and Identification Services Bureau of the Macao Special Administrative Region, the “1+2” co-ordination mechanism aims to enhance co-ordination and planning in immigration management across the three regions, facilitate smoother personnel exchanges, and better integrate Hong Kong and Macao into the national development strategy.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Hong Kong Museum of Art (HKMoA) has recently received another significant donation of Hong Kong art. Hong Kong’s renowned artist Kong Kai-ming has generously donated 100 watercolour paintings of Hong Kong’s natural scenery and geological features to the HKMoA’s permanent collection, which demonstrate Kong’s keen observation and portrayal of nature as well as his deep affection for Hong Kong. The Director of Leisure and Cultural Services, Ms Manda Chan, presented a certificate of appreciation to Kong on behalf of the department.
 
Born in 1932, Kong has been dedicated to artistic creation and art education for over 70 years. In addition to painting and teaching, he has released more than 60 art-related publications, making significant contributions to Hong Kong’s art scene. Capturing Hong Kong’s streets and scenery with detailed brushwork, his works document the changes in the city’s urban landscape and natural beauty. As a home-grown Hong Kong artist, Kong gives himself a sense of responsibility to capture and convey Hong Kong’s unique beauty through his art. Since several years ago, he has begun meticulously selecting his most cherished works for donation to the HKMoA as a heartfelt tribute to the city that he loves.
 
The paintings donated were completed between 2011 and 2023. In a realistic approach, Kong captures the stunning beauty of nature through rich compositions, varied perspectives, meticulous brushwork and vibrant colours, presenting the diverse shapes, textures and hues of mountains and rocks. With a soft brush, he masterfully portrays the hardness of stone, such as the twisted rock pillars of the High Island Reservoir and the extraordinary rock formation at the Bluff Head, bringing these scenes vividly to life. Some paintings, such as “Port Island”, provide background information on the rock formation, adding geological significance beyond their artistic value.
 
In 2006, Kong was awarded the Bronze Bauhinia Star by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government, recognising his outstanding contributions to art education.
 
Established in 1962, the HKMoA is the first public art museum in Hong Kong, dedicated to preserving and promoting local art. At present, the HKMoA is the custodian of an art collection of over 19 700 items, spanning historical eras from the Neolithic Age to contemporary times, representing the cultural significance and richness of artistic heritage from Hong Kong and beyond.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK) announced that MKS PAMP, a global Swiss precious metals firm, inaugurated its new regional headquarters in Hong Kong today (October 30), leveraging the city’s position as a premier international gold trading centre to expand its footprint in the Asia-Pacific region. The inauguration was marked by a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by senior executives from MKS PAMP, representatives of InvestHK, and key stakeholders from the financial and precious metals sectors.
      
     MKS PAMP has maintained a substantial presence in Hong Kong for many years, with established offices and deep client relationships in the region. Building on this foundation, the inauguration of its new regional headquarters in the Central district represents an important expansion of the company’s regional footprint. This strategic development elevates Hong Kong to the status of one of the company’s three global trading hubs, alongside Geneva and New York. This provides seamless, round-the-clock coverage across all major time zones and assures the highest level of service to its regional clientele.
      
     Acting Director-General of Investment Promotion of InvestHK Ms Loretta Lee said, “We are delighted to support MKS PAMP’s expansion in Hong Kong. This decision not only reinforces the city’s status as a leading international financial centre but also aligns with the Government’s ongoing efforts to promote the city as an international hub for gold trading. MKS PAMP’s expansion is a testament to Hong Kong’s attractiveness as a destination for global businesses seeking to grow in the Asia-Pacific region.”
      
     The Chief Executive Officer of MKS PAMP, Mr James Emmett, said, “Hong Kong’s world-class infrastructure and established role as a global financial centre make it a natural choice for this expansion. We see Hong Kong not only as a vital link to the Chinese Mainland’s gold market but also its position at the nexus of Asia Pacific’s precious metals market.”
      
     He added, “We value the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government’s ongoing initiatives to strengthen its status as an international gold trading centre. This vision aligns seamlessly with our own, with Hong Kong consequently playing a strategic role in our regional and global aspirations.”
      
     He further explained, “As part of its regional growth strategy, MKS PAMP is expanding its team in Hong Kong and across the Asia-Pacific region. The Hong Kong headquarters will serve as the regional hub for the company’s comprehensive suite of precious metals trading and financial services. Core functions based here will include regional sales and client relationship management, precious metals trading, treasury activities, and operational support.”
      
     For more information about MKS PAMP, please visit www.mkspamp.com.

     For a copy of the photo, please visit: www.flickr.com/photos/investhk/albums/72177720329862261.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, began his visit programme in Korea today (October 30). 
 
     This morning in Busan, Mr Lee received President Xi Jinping, who will attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders’ Meeting and pay a state visit to Korea.
 
     In the afternoon, Mr Lee met and exchanged views in Busan with Hong Kong people and business representatives based in Korea to learn more about their daily lives and developments. Mr Lee encouraged them to leverage their strengths to tell the good stories of Hong Kong and contribute to the economic and trade co-operation, as well as people-to-people exchanges, between the two places.
 
     In the evening, Mr Lee, accompanied by the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Algernon Yau, will attend a dinner with Hong Kong, China’s representative to the APEC Business Advisory Council in Gyeongju to exchange views on various issues including the promotion of Hong Kong’s advantages and the enhancement of regional co-operation.
 
     Mr Lee will participate in the APEC Economic Leaders’ Informal Dialogue with Guests, the APEC Business Advisory Council Dialogue with APEC Economic Leaders, and the Gala Dinner hosted by the organiser for participating leaders tomorrow (October 31).

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

Two incoming male passengers were each sentenced to three months’ imprisonment and four months’ imprisonment by the West Kowloon Magistrates’ Courts today (October 30) for importing alternative smoking products, as well as for possessing duty-not-paid cigarettes and failing to declare them to Customs officers respectively, in contravention of the Import and Export Ordinance (IEO) and the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance (DCO). One of them was also fined $1,500.
 
Customs officers intercepted a 50-year-old and a 32-year-old incoming male passenger at Hong Kong International Airport on August 5 and October 29 respectively. About 11 200 alternative smoking products, with an estimated market value of about $33,600, were seized from the personal baggage of the 50-year-old incoming male passenger. Also, about 46 400 duty-not-paid cigarettes, with an estimated market value of about $209,000 and a duty potential of about $153,000 in total, were seized from the 32-year-old male passenger’s personal baggage. The two persons were subsequently arrested.
​
The 50-year-old male passenger was sentenced to three months’ imprisonment by the court today for contravening the IEO, while the 32-year-old male passenger was sentenced to four months’ imprisonment and fined $1,500 for contravening the DCO.
 
Customs welcomes the sentence. The custodial sentence has imposed a considerable deterrent effect and reflects the seriousness of the offences.
 
Under the DCO, cigarettes are dutiable goods to which the DCO applies. Any person who imports, deals with, possesses, sells or buys illicit cigarettes commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $2 million and imprisonment for seven years.
 
Under the IEO, any person who imports an alternative smoking product into Hong Kong commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $2 million and imprisonment for seven years.
 
Members of the public may report any suspected illicit cigarette 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 – 4

Five owners were convicted and fined $510,190 in total at the Magistrates’ Courts on Tuesday (October 28) for failing to comply with removal orders issued under the Buildings Ordinance (BO) (Cap. 123). 
 
The first case involved three unauthorised structures with a total area of about 75 square metres on a flat roof and rooftop of a residential building on San Lok Street, Sheung Shui. As the unauthorised building works (UBWs) were carried out without prior approval and consent from the Buildings Department (BD), three removal orders were served on the two concerned owners under section 24(1) of the BO. Failure to comply with the removal orders, they were prosecuted by the BD and were fined $317,710 in total, of which $222,710 was the fine for the number of days that the offence continued, upon conviction at the Fanling Magistrates’ Courts.
 
The second case involved a three-storey unauthorised structure with an area of about 100 sq m at Sheung Wo Hang, Sha Tau Kok. Since the Lands Department would not issue a certificate of exemption for the UBWs and they were also carried out without prior approval and consent from the BD, a removal order was served on the two co-owners under section 24(1) of the BO. Failure to comply with the removal order, they were prosecuted by the BD and were fined $104,280 in total, of which $84,280 was the fine for the number of days that the offence continued, upon conviction at the Fanling Magistrates’ Courts.
 
The third case involved unauthorised alterations at the basement of an industrial building at Kwun Tong Road, Kwun Tong, including erection of a structure at the entrance of a staircase, replacement of fire-resisting concrete block walls by glazed walls of an inadequate fire rating and removal of fire-resisting concrete block walls and fire-resisting doors at cold-storage godowns. The alteration works affected the fire-resisting construction of the building and contravened the Building (Construction) Regulation. A removal order was served on the owner under section 24(1) of the BO. Failure to comply with the removal order, the owner was prosecuted by the BD and was fined $88,200 in total, of which $53,200 was the fine for the number of days that the offence continued, upon conviction at the Kwun Tong Magistrates’ Courts.
 
A spokesman for the BD said today (October 30), “UBWs, including unauthorised alterations affecting the fire-resisting construction of a building, may lead to serious consequences. Owners must comply with removal orders without delay. The BD will continue to take enforcement action against owners who fail to comply with removal orders, including instigation of prosecution, to ensure building and public safety.”
 
Failure to comply with a removal order without reasonable excuse is a serious offence under the BO. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $200,000 and one year’s imprisonment, and a further fine of up to $20,000 for each day that the offence continues.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The following is issued on behalf of the Labour Advisory Board:
 
The Labour Advisory Board (LAB) fully supports the upcoming eighth-term Legislative Council (LegCo) General Election to be held on December 7, 2025. This election will return 90 Members to the LegCo, infusing powerful momentum into Hong Kong’s advancement from stability to prosperity and driving sustained prosperity and growth.
 
The Commissioner for Labour and the Chairman of the LAB, Mr Sam Hui, said, “The LAB appeals to all organisations and enterprises in Hong Kong to actively support the Government’s call for implementing flexible arrangements to facilitate their employees’ fulfilment of their civic responsibility to vote. At the same time, we sincerely call on all employees to actively cast their votes on the election day. With the best talent elected, together we build an even better Hong Kong.”
 
     The LAB is a tripartite consultative body comprising representatives of employees and employers to advise the Commissioner for Labour on labour matters.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) announced today (October 30) the following arrangements for lifesaving services at its 39 gazetted beaches during the period between November 1, 2025, and March 31, 2026:

Deep Water Bay Beach, Clear Water Bay Second Beach, Silverstrand Beach, Golden Beach, Lido Beach and Casam Beach
————————————————————————————————————————————–
November 1, 2025, to March 31, 2026
Lifesaving services available from 8am to 5pm daily

Stanley Main Beach, Repulse Bay Beach, Middle Bay Beach, Big Wave Bay Beach and Silver Mine Bay Beach 
————————————————————————————————————————
November 1 to 30, 2025, and March 1 to 31, 2026
Lifesaving services available from 8am to 5pm daily
(Lifesaving services suspended from December 1, 2025, to February 28, 2026)

Lifesaving services at the remaining 28 LCSD beaches will be suspended from November 1, 2025, to March 31, 2026. A detailed list can be found in the attachment. 

     The LCSD calls on members of the public to observe water safety while swimming. People should swim at the beaches only when lifesaving services are available. Please do not enter the water when the red flag is hoisted.

     Members of the public should stay away from the shoreline during inclement weather and should not conduct any water sports activities on beaches to avoid causing danger to themselves and rescue personnel. Any failure to comply with the temporary closure arrangement of beaches is an offence, and the offender would be liable to prosecution.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department announced today (October 30) that in view of notifications from the Ministry of Agriculture of Hungary and the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) about outbreaks of highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza in areas in Hungary, the United Kingdom (UK) and France respectively, the CFS has instructed the trade to suspend the import of poultry meat and products (including poultry eggs) from the relevant areas with immediate effect to protect public health in Hong Kong.

The relevant areas are as follows:

Hungary
—-
(1) Jász-Nagykun-Szolnok County

UK
—-
(2) West Suffolk District of Suffolk County

(3) Denbighshire County of Wales

France
—-
(4) Cher Department

(5) Haute-Marne Department

(6) Vendée Department

(7) Lot-et-Garonne Department

A CFS spokesman said that Hong Kong has currently established a protocol with Hungary for the import of poultry meat but not for poultry eggs. According to the Census and Statistics Department, Hong Kong imported about 110 tonnes of frozen poultry meat from Hungary; about 770 tonnes of chilled and frozen poultry meat and about 1.17 million poultry eggs from the UK; and about 830 tonnes of chilled and frozen poultry meat and about 50 000 poultry eggs from France in the first nine months of this year.

“The CFS has contacted the Hungarian, British and French authorities over the issues and will closely monitor information issued by the WOAH and the relevant authorities on the avian influenza outbreaks. Appropriate action will be taken in response to the development of the situation,” the spokesman said.