Category: MIL-OSI

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Working Group on Public Transport Service Special Applications (Working Group), under the Inter-departmental Task Force on Monitoring Fuel Supply, convenes the first meeting today (April 16).

Led by the Secretary for Transport and Logistics, Ms Mable Chan, the Working Group has listened to the three franchised bus operators (i.e. The Kowloon Motor Bus Company (1933) Limited / Long Win Bus Company Limited, Citybus Limited and New Lantao Bus Company (1973) Limited) on their current business environment and operation situation as well as the measures they have taken to address the rising fuel costs. The Under Secretary for Environment and Ecology, the Commissioner for Transport and the Government Economist also attended the meeting. During the meeting, the Working Group conducted dialogues in a frank and exchanged manner with the operators, and expressed appreciation for their continued dedication to providing stable public transport services despite the challenging operating environment.

The Government will continue to monitor changes in fuel costs and the latest developments, and maintain communication with public transport service operators. Taking into account the overall operating environment, operators’ costs, and public affordability, while maintaining the stability and normal operations of public transport services, the Working Group will consider targeted temporary measures to help operators save energy and enhance operational efficiency in response to oil price fluctuations.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki; the Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan; and the Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs, Miss Janice Tse Siu-wa, visited Beijing today (April 16). The Director of the Hong Kong and Macao Work Office of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council, Mr Xia Baolong, met with the delegation this morning to discuss and exchange on the work of Hong Kong to proactively align with the National 15th Five-Year Plan, and to better integrate into and serve the overall national development.
 
The Executive Deputy Director of the Hong Kong and Macao Work Office of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council, Mr Xu Qifang, and Deputy Director Ms Zhang Dongmei also joined the meeting.

The delegation of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government officials concluded their visit to Beijing and returned to Hong Kong this afternoon.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Hong Kong Police Force (HKPF) today, in collaboration with INTERPOL and police forces from other jurisdictions, a cybersecurity agency and operators of critical infrastructures, conducted the Counter Cyber & Physical Terrorism Joint Exercise 2026 to enhance counter-terrorism preparedness across various sectors, and strengthen preparedness for potential terrorist activities and future large-scale international events.

The exercise was co-ordinated by the HKPF’s Crime Wing and Operations Wing, with the participation of INTERPOL, the Macao Judiciary Police, the Singapore Police Force, the Cyber Security Agency of Singapore and the Korean National Police Agency.

More than 380 participants, including representatives from the Hong Kong Monetary Authority, a local bank and the Macau branch of a bank, took part in the exercise. Commissioner of Police Chow Yat-ming attended and oversaw the exercise.

The exercise first simulated a terrorist financing scenario, showcasing the close collaboration between the enforcement agencies, financial regulatory and operating institutions.

Subsequently, a cross-boundary terrorist cell launched cyber and physical attacks against the financial, aviation and healthcare systems across Hong Kong, Macau, Singapore and Korea in an attempt to paralyse essential public services.

The scenarios involved terrorists placing explosive devices and deploying drones at major event venues intended to create chaos.

These simulations were designed to test and strengthen the capabilities of relevant organisations and units in intelligence sharing, co-ordinated rapid response, and joint operations under high pressure situations in addressing emerging hybrid terrorist threats.

The exercise also strengthened collaboration between law enforcement agencies and operators of critical infrastructures, including financial institutions, to bolster overall defense and response capabilities.

The exercise also invited a cybersecurity company to be a member of the Cybersecurity Task Force to conduct intelligence analysis, as well as to provide professional advice and assessments on neutralising cyber threats and malware attacks.

The exercise not only enhanced the co-ordination capabilities of the participating law enforcement agencies in responding to hybrid terrorist threats, but also strengthened regional counter-terrorism co-operation, safeguarding public safety and social stability.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

To further combat cruelty to animals, the Government has been conducting research on the amendment of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Ordinance and will strive to provide a concrete update within this year.

The Agriculture, Fisheries & Conservation Department (AFCD) made the statement in response to the direct investigation operation report on the Government’s work in combating cruelty to animals released by the Office of The Ombudsman today.

The Ombudsman recommended that the Government consider amending the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Ordinance in stages.

The AFCD stated that the Government has always attached great importance to animal welfare and deters acts of cruelty to animals through stringent enforcement and preventive education initiatives, and the AFCD accepts the office’s recommendations and will actively follow up on them.

To improve the handling of suspected animal cruelty cases, the AFCD updated its departmental guidelines in the fourth quarter of 2025, covering all procedures for handling reported cases involving suspected animal cruelty, and has conducted staff training.

The AFCD will take reference from the report’s recommendations to further include more specific criteria and indicators in the guidelines, so as to strengthen the monitoring of case follow-up and enhance file management.

Additionally, it will continue to enhance staff training and promote experience exchange to strengthen the experience and skills of staff, as well as their communication, investigation and enforcement capabilities.

Since 2011, the AFCD together with Police and the Hong Kong Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) have jointly implemented the Animal Watch Scheme. Through a multi-agency collaboration, the scheme proactively prevents and detects suspected cases of animal cruelty, and has achieved notable results.

The AFCD has liaised with Police and the SPCA on strengthening information exchange and the sharing of investigation outcomes, with a view to formulating appropriate measures to more effectively combat acts of cruelty to animals.

The AFCD has been committed to combating illegal hunting activities through regular patrols and strengthened patrols at illegal hunting black spots, the removal of illegal hunting appliances, and appropriate enforcement actions against offences such as unlawful possession.

In response to the office’s recommendations, the AFCD will review its patrol strategies, strengthen intelligence gathering, and make good use of technology to enhance enforcement effectiveness. The AFCD will also review the relevant legislation and penalties in a timely manner.

In terms of prevention at source, the AFCD will maintain close collaboration with departments such as Customs and Police, to strengthen intelligence exchange and conduct joint operations. The AFCD has already provided relevant guidelines to Customs to assist in identifying hunting appliances in order to curb their illegal importation.

Moreover, the AFCD will continue to promote public education and publicity to raise public awareness of the dangers posed by illegal hunting appliances, encourage the public to report suspicious cases, and remind the public to use managed and maintained hiking trails in the countryside for their own safety.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

To tie in with “Hong Kong Reading for All Day” on April 23, Hong Kong Public Libraries (HKPL) will hold Hong Kong Reading Week 2026 from April 20 to 26.

Under the theme of “Delight/LIBRARY”, this year’s reading week will comprise about 470 events aimed at cultivating good reading habits among the public.

HKPL will participate in 2026 Hong Kong Reading+, a reading promotion initiative organised by the Hong Kong Publishing Federation (HKPF) and sponsored by the Cultural & Creative Industries Development Agency, at New Town Plaza in Sha Tin from April 18 to 26.

HKPL and HKPF will hold an opening ceremony for Hong Kong Reading Week 2026 and 2026 Hong Kong Reading+ at the venue on April 18. HKPL will introduce its electronic resources and hold handicraft workshops, as well as parent-child reading activities.

On Hong Kong Reading for All Day on April 23, reading locations will be set up at selected Leisure & Cultural Services Department venues, public libraries, community libraries, higher education institutions, and primary and secondary schools, to facilitate the event “Read Together for Half an Hour”.

HKPL and the Hans Andersen Club will also co-host a “Joyful Family Reading Carnival” at East Kowloon Cultural Centre.

Fun day activities suitable for people of all ages will be staged on April 25 and 26 at the Hong Kong Central Library. These include a music and story sharing session hosted by the pop singer Phil Lam, a magic performance and workshops by Harry Wong, interactive guide dog sessions, a Miniature World of Hong Kong exhibition, and musical interludes featuring classical pieces by Chinese and Western ensembles under the Music Office. An interactive device “The Happiness Explorer” will be set up to recommend good books.

In addition, the Pop-up Library@Hong Kong Reading Week 2026 – under the theme “Happiness Is Just Around the Book Corner” – will be held at Festival Walk in Kowloon Tong on April 25.

On April 25 and 26, selected public libraries across Hong Kong will hold storytelling and handicraft workshops, with self-service photo booths adding to the fun for patrons.

Click here for details.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Education Bureau today announced the Values Education Curriculum Framework (2026), providing a roadmap for primary and secondary schools to implement values-based learning starting from the 2026-27 school year.

Drafted by the Standing Committee on Values Education under the Curriculum Development Council, the framework adopts the core theme: “Taking root in Chinese Culture, Connecting with the World, Embracing the Future”. The Bureau emphasised that Chinese culture serves as the backbone of this overarching direction.

The new document outlines key focuses for schools to strengthen, including detailed curriculum content, planning and implementation strategies. It also establishes expected learning outcomes for students at various stages and provides a suite of resources and support for educators.

The bureau noted that the document also provides schools with a clearer and more forward-looking direction to further enhance values education, and supports schools in equipping students to face current and future opportunities and challenges.

It added that in response to rapid social and technological changes, the curriculum framework recommends that schools continue to strengthen learning in several key areas. These include Chinese culture, national education, life education, sex education and health education, alongside content related to sustainable development.

The framework also aims to foster students’ media and information literacy, international perspectives and an awareness of “building a community with a shared future for mankind”. The objective is to nurture self-disciplined, committed and aspiring future pillars of society who possess an affection for Hong Kong and a strong sense of national belonging.

Following the release of the Values Education Curriculum Framework (Pilot Version) in 2021, primary and secondary schools have already begun reviewing and refining their school-based values education curricula based on their individual developmental progress. 

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The kick-off ceremony of the Hong Kong/Shanghai Co-operation Open Data Challenge 2026 (HSODC 2026) jointly organised by the Digital Policy Office (DPO) of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government and the Shanghai Municipal Bureau of Data was held at the InnoEX on April 13. Themed “Co-creating a Data Industry Platform for the Two Cities”, this year’s competition is based on open data of the governments of the two places and their latest urban development needs. It reflects the search for open data resources that drive social development while exploring collaborative models for open data and industry data, thus promoting the collaborative development of smart city construction between the two cities. This year’s competition incorporates more international elements, encouraging Hong Kong and Shanghai teams to explore global application scenarios, thereby promoting the advancement of digital technologies and innovation capabilities in both cities towards the global stage.

     Addressing the kick-off ceremony, the Acting Commissioner for Digital Policy, Mr Daniel Cheung, stated that the HSODC 2026 provides a platform for young people, research teams and enterprises from both places to showcase their creativity within the national strategic framework, driving high-quality development of the digital economy. In recent years, the HKSAR Government has actively improved open data, data sharing and flow by optimising data governance, thereby promoting data applications within the Government and across various industries. The development and use of data elements is a long-distance journey. With Hong Kong and Shanghai joining forces, the two cities will contribute significantly to the high-quality development of the country’s digital economy.

     The Hong Kong/Shanghai Data Co-operation Pavilion (the Pavilion), staged at the InnoEX, showcased the data application achievements of last year’s competing teams in four major areas: Smart Mobility, Smart Living, Smart Environment, and Smart Economy. The Pavilion highlighted how these teams utilised data to solve real-world problems and create social value. Furthermore, a forum titled Hong Kong/Shanghai Data Co-operation was held on April 14 under the theme “Research Data Platforms”. During the forum, data experts and research institution practitioners from both Hong Kong and Shanghai shared various case studies, including the integration of industry, academia, and research; the development and application of open datasets for new energy vehicles; the core advantages and industrial practices of data intelligence; and compliant data-sharing agreements for scientific research. 

     The HSODC 2026 is now open for registration until June 15. This year’s competition continues to focus on four key areas: Smart Mobility, Smart Living, Smart Environment, and Smart Economy, encouraging participants to leverage open data resources from both cities to build innovative projects and pioneer frontier application solutions. Participants will be offered professional training to gain an in-depth understanding of the unique characteristics and advantages of urban data resources in both cities. Shortlisted teams will receive technical training from late June to August, with the opportunity to attend the grand finale to be held in Shanghai in August, showcasing their innovative and unique data technology solutions in front of judges. For more details, please visit the website: hkshadata.org.

     The DPO organised a series of innovation and technology (I&T) events in April to showcase Hong Kong’s vibrant I&T ecosystem. These include the Smart Hong Kong Pavilion at the InnoEX, the World Internet Conference Asia-Pacific Summit, organised by the HKSAR Government and co-organised by the Innovation, Technology and Industry Bureau, and the HSODC 2026.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

​Four co-owners were convicted and fined $128,720 in total, of which $118,720 was the fine for the number of days that the offence continued, at the Kwun Tong Magistrates’ Courts on Tuesday (April 14) for failing to comply with a removal order issued under the Buildings Ordinance (BO) (Cap. 123).  

The case involved unauthorised building works (UBWs) encroaching a common corridor and portion of a front and rear staircase landing of a composite building on Shanghai Street, Yau Ma Tei. As the works were carried out without prior approval and consent from the Buildings Department (BD), a removal order was served on the co-owners under section 24(1) of the BO. Failing to comply with the removal order, they were prosecuted by the BD.

A spokesman for the BD said today (April 16), “UBWs 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 sixth-term Commission on Poverty convened its sixth meeting this afternoon (April 16).
 
At the meeting, members noted that the Report on Impact of Targeted Poverty Alleviation Strategy in Hong Kong is being finalised. The Report will elaborate on the content and impact of the Government’s targeted poverty alleviation measures. It will also reflect, from a macro perspective, how the Government’s major policies alleviate, combat and prevent poverty, thereby effectively enhancing people’s sense of achievement and satisfaction. The Report will also outline future strategies for relevant work. It is expected to be released by mid-2026.
 
Members also noted that the Government will continue to support vulnerable groups through the tripartite collaboration among the Government, the business sector and the community, including establishing a platform to encourage family offices involved in philanthropic endeavours to provide resources for implementing projects that benefit disadvantaged groups.