Category: MIL-OSI

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Speech by SITI at Government-Enterprise Dialogue of 2026 World Internet Conference Asia-Pacific Summit (English only)

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Speech by SITI at Government-Enterprise Dialogue of 2026 World Internet Conference Asia-Pacific Summit (English only) 
     Thank you Secretary-General Ren Xianliang (the Secretary General of the WIC). Good morning, everyone. It is a great honour to cochair this Government-Enterprise Dialogue. A very warm welcome to everyone, and a particular welcome to those visiting Hong Kong for the first time.
 
     Today’s Dialogue brings together distinguished policymakers, leading WIC member enterprises and organisations from all over the world. We are here to hold in-depth discussions on AI security and governance, cross-boundary data flow, and digital financial regulation with a view to shaping a secure, reliable and innovative digital economy for the future.
 
     In Hong Kong, we believe robust partnerships between government, enterprise, academia and research are the cornerstone of technology-driven growth. We have in place various funding schemes to encourage enterprises to transform research and development outcomes into viable solutions and commercial products. We also launched the $10 billion Innovation and Technology Industry-Oriented Fund to channel more social capital to invest in innovation and technology industries and support the development of emerging and future industries of strategic importance to Hong Kong.   
 
     To deepen co-operation with major cities in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA), we have taken steps to facilitate cross-boundary data flows. With the support of the Cyberspace Administration of China, we introduced the Standard Contract for the Cross-boundary Flow of Personal Information Within the GBA (Mainland, Hong Kong), so that all business sectors can use this voluntary, streamlined mechanism to transfer personal data compliantly between Mainland GBA cities and Hong Kong. This not only provides companies with a consistent mechanism to get hold of cross-border data but reduces their operating costs and uncertainty.
 
     Beyond the GBA, Hong Kong also actively engages, collaborates and co-designs with regional partners to shape interoperable and reliable digital frameworks across the Asia-Pacific. As a participant in the Digital Economy Partnership Agreement accession process, we are working towards cross-border data standards and AI governance frameworks that promote seamless digital trade and build confidence across regional markets.
 
     The HKSAR (Hong Kong Special Administrative Region) Government also accords high priority on the governance and risk management of AI applications. To this end, our Digital Policy Office has published and continuously updates documents such as the Ethical AI Framework and the Hong Kong Generative AI Technical and Application Guideline. These documents provide the AI governance framework tailored to the Hong Kong context for the development and application of AI technologies, and cover key principles and safety standards for identifying and managing potential AI risks.
 
     Looking ahead, Hong Kong will continue to serve as an Asia-Pacific hub for digital enterprise co-operation. Through platforms such as the Hong Kong‑ASEAN Summit on Digital Economy Co-operation and the WIC Asia‑Pacific Summit, we aim to deepen public‑private partnerships that facilitate reliable data exchange, advance AI governance dialogue, and foster collaborative innovation across the region.
 
     An innovation ecosystem that fully unleashes technological potentials while safeguarding ethics and data security requires the wisdom and collaboration of all. I very much look forward to your valuable insights and to working together towards a more prosperous and secure digital future. Thank you.
Issued at HKT 12:30

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Visa-on-arrival access to Sri Lanka for HKSAR passport holders

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Visa-on-arrival access to Sri Lanka for HKSAR passport holders 
     An Immigration Department spokesman said, “Sri Lanka is along the Belt and Road. Under the Belt and Road Initiative, this visa-on-arrival arrangement will bring greater travel convenience to HKSAR passport holders and strengthen tourism, cultural and economic ties between the two places.”
 
     Including Sri Lanka, 175 countries and territories have granted visa-free access or visa-on-arrival to HKSAR passport holders. Please visit the following website for details:
www.immd.gov.hk/eng/service/travel_document/visa_free_access.htmlIssued at HKT 14:30

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FEHD releases first batch of gravidtrap indexes for Aedes albopictus in April

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

FEHD releases first batch of gravidtrap indexes for Aedes albopictus in April  

District     Among the first batch of First Phase Gravidtrap Indexes covering 13 survey areas in April, all were below 10 per cent, except for Sai Kung Town in Sai Kung District and Tsing Yi North in Kwai Tsing District.

     For Sai Kung Town in Sai Kung District and Tsing Yi North in Kwai Tsing 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 Sai Kung Town showed that areas with more mosquito problems included parks, schools, and public and private housing estates, while the gravidtrap data for Tsing Yi North showed that areas with more mosquito problems included parks, schools and public housing estates. The relevant departments are following up on the mosquito control work. The FEHD 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 those two areas to review the effectiveness of the mosquito control work.     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 18:30

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Speech by SITI at 3rd Hong Kong World Youth Science Conference and Xiangjiang Nobel Forum 2026 (English only)

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 3rd Hong Kong World Youth Science Conference and Xiangjiang Nobel Forum 2026 today (April 12):
 
Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
 
     Good morning. It is my great pleasure to join you all today at the Xiangjiang Nobel Forum, an invaluable occasion that gathers distinguished scientists and academic leaders from around the world, including Nobel Laureates and Academicians. This Forum is also one of the highlights of Hong Kong’s annual Business of Innovation and Technology Week (BIT Week).
 
     Hong Kong is proud to be a place where ideas take root, and innovation flourishes. The Hong Kong SAR Government is determined to take a bold and proactive step to propel the I&T development. Under the principle of “one country, two systems”, Hong Kong enjoys the distinctive advantages of enjoying strong support of the Motherland and being closely connected to the world.      
 
     In terms of our I&T ecosystem, we support the chain of innovation – from fundamental research to industrial application through targeted policies and infrastructure. We are establishing a new I&T ecosystem with three major I&T parks and five key research and development institutes as its framework. We are also home to five universities ranking among the global top 100. These institutions are producing cutting-edge research and cultivating next generation of scientists and innovators. For talents, we provide dedicated support – both funding and policies – to attract international talents to land in Hong Kong. 
 
     I am happy to share that our efforts have been recognised worldwide. Hong Kong ranks third globally in “Technology” in the World Digital Competitiveness Ranking published by the International Institute for Management Development. Moreover, the Shenzhen-Hong Kong-Guangzhou innovation cluster ranked first globally for the first time in the 2025 Global Innovation Index Ranking of World’s Top 100 Innovation Clusters published by the World Intellectual Property Organization. We take pride in these achievements, but we will not stop there. We will continue to make Hong Kong an ideal partner for global I&T collaboration and business explorations.
 
     Later today and tomorrow, there will be a couple of dedicated sessions on various transformative technologies. From unlocking the secrets of human well-being to exploring how technology shapes the future of humankind, I believe that the dialogues here will spark new insights and collaborations. May the discoveries shared not only expand our understanding in science but also ignite a lasting spark of curiosity and ambition in the next generation of scientists.
 
     Innovation does not happen in isolation but thrives through collaboration. May I thank the Hong Kong Alumni Association of Beijing Universities for organising this event and bringing us together for meaningful exchanges.    
 
     On this note, I wish everyone all the best in your scientific endeavours, and a rewarding time in Hong Kong – the Asia’s world city that is full of opportunities, dynamics and creativity. Thank you.

  

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Tenders invited for licence of fee-paying public car park at North Point Government Offices

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Tenders invited for licence of fee-paying public car park at North Point Government Offices 
     The premises should only be used to operate a fee-paying public car park for the parking of private cars.
 
     The tender notice was uploaded today (April 13) to the GPA Property Portal 
     Interested tenderers who wish to conduct a site inspection of the premises should make a prior appointment with the GPA by calling 3842 6775 by April 24.
 
     Tenderers must submit their tenders by placing them in the Government Logistics Department Tender Box placed on the Ground Floor, North Point Government Offices, 333 Java Road, North Point, Hong Kong, before noon on May 4. Late tenders will not be accepted.
Issued at HKT 14:55

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National Security Education Day 2026 cum Hong Kong Police Force Fun Day held today

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

National Security Education Day 2026 cum Hong Kong Police Force Fun Day held today       
     Addressing the ceremony, the Deputy Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Cheuk Wing-hing, said that national security concerns the well-being of 1.4 billion compatriots including Hong Kong people, and serves as the cornerstone of the country’s peace and stability. In safeguarding national security and stopping violence and curbing disorder, he commended the Force for unequivocally and fearlessly discharging their duties, making enormous and irreplaceable contributions to building an impregnable defence for Hong Kong’s national security, and rendering Hong Kong one of the world’s safest city.

     Citing the white paper on “Hong Kong: Safeguarding China’s National Security Under the Framework of One Country, Two Systems” published by the State Council Information Office in February, he emphasised that safeguarding national sovereignty, security, and development interests remains the overarching principle under the policy of “one country, two systems”. He added that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region must faithfully fulfil its constitutional responsibility to safeguard national security, and create high-standard security in support of the high-quality development of the “one country, two systems” policy. He said that the Government will, through various channels, continuously strengthen publicity and public education on the matter, lead and support all sectors of society to thoroughly study and better comprehend the white paper’s important substance and requirements, thereby enhancing citizen’s awareness of national security and their positivity and spontaneity in safeguarding it.      
     Mr Chow further emphasised that no one can remain a mere spectator in safeguarding national security – every citizen has a duty to play their part. He expressed hope that, through National Security Education Day, members of the public would better understand and embrace the principles set out in the white paper, enhance their awareness of national security, and work together to safeguard national security and Hong Kong’s stability.
      
     The event, held at the “Little Grape”-themed park located at Harcourt Garden in Admiralty, featured “NSafe Voyage”, a national security education exhibition zone that resembled a vessel, to deepen public understanding of the white paper. The “NSpeed Promotional Truck” and the new “NSmarties AI Interactive Platform” engaged the public, especially the younger generation, through interactive games conveying the message that safeguarding national security is everyone’s responsibility and a duty to be fulfilled. In addition, specialised equipment from various units, including the Counter Terrorism Response Unit, the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Bureau, and the Police Dog Unit, was on display, showcasing the Force’s professionalism and the diversity of its work.
Issued at HKT 13:55

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Hong Kong Customs seizes live turtles and live lizards of suspected scheduled endangered species

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Hong Kong Customs seizes live turtles and live lizards of suspected scheduled endangered species       
     Based on risk assessment that day, Customs intercepted an outgoing medium goods vehicle at the control point. Upon X-ray examination, Customs officers spotted irregularities in the images of the vehicle’s undercarriage. Twenty-six black bags were found concealed inside the chassis frame under the cargo compartment of the vehicle. Upon examination, the bags were found to contain the batch of live turtles and live lizards of suspected scheduled endangered species. A 44-year-old male driver was arrested and has been released on bail pending further investigations.
      
     Customs will continue to combat cross-boundary smuggling activities with firm enforcement action based on risk assessment and intelligence analysis.
      
     Smuggling is a serious offence. Under the Import and Export Ordinance, any person found guilty of importing or exporting unmanifested cargo is liable to a maximum fine of $2 million and imprisonment for seven years.
      
     Under the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance, any person importing, exporting or possessing specimens of endangered species not in accordance with the Ordinance commits an offence and will be liable to a maximum fine of $10 million and imprisonment for 10 years upon conviction with the specimens forfeited.
      
     Members of the public may report any suspected smuggling activities to Customs’ 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk 
Issued at HKT 15:30

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Rosanna Law mourns Maisy Ho

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Secretary for Culture, Sports & Tourism Rosanna Law today expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Maisy Ho and extended deepest condolences to her family.

Miss Law said Ms Ho, a prominent figure in the business community, was dedicated to public service.

“She was committed to promoting arts and cultural development over the years, and she provided valuable advice during her tenure with the council of the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts and the Advisory Committee on Arts Development.

“We are deeply saddened by her passing.”

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Special Envoy and Foreign Minister Lin concludes fruitful visit to Marshall Islands, successfully advancing Diplomatic Allies Prosperity Project

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

April 10, 2026  No.138At the invitation of the government of the Republic of the Marshall Islands—one of Taiwan’s diplomatic allies in the Pacific—Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung, serving as special envoy of President Lai Ching-te, led a trade and investment delegation to the Marshall Islands from April 7 to 9. The visit advanced the Diplomatic Allies Prosperity Project in the Marshall Islands and deepened the staunch diplomatic relations between the two countries.

During his stay, Special Envoy Lin met with Marshall Islands President Hilda C. Heine, Nitijela Speaker Brenson Wase, Council of Iroij Chairman Lanny Kabua, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Kalani Kaneko, Minister of Natural Resources and Commerce Anthony Muller, and other ministers and traditional leaders. Special Envoy Lin also laid a wreath and paid his respects at the final resting place of Amata Kabua, founding father and former president of the Marshall Islands. 

In addition to being hosted at a welcome banquet by President Heine, Special Envoy Lin was warmly received by cabinet officials, members of the Nitijela, and prominent figures from a wide range of sectors, underscoring the great importance that the Marshall Islands attached to the delegation.

Special Envoy Lin attended the first preparatory consultation for the Taiwan-Marshall Islands economic cooperation agreement on April 8. Both sides engaged in an in-depth exchange of views on broadening cooperation in the economy, trade, and investment. A Marshall Islands trade and investment promotion seminar was held the same day. At the seminar, Special Envoy Lin announced that Taiwan would continue to help women in the Marshall Islands create a more favorable entrepreneurial environment and strengthen women’s empowerment. 

While hosting a banquet that evening, Special Envoy Lin joined Minister Kaneko in signing a letter of intent on the establishment of a Taiwan-Marshall Islands economic and resilience fund. The fund aims to establish a credit guarantee mechanism to assist local enterprises in expanding their markets.

During the trip, Special Envoy Lin and delegation members from various industries visited Pacific International, Inc. dock facilities, the state-owned Tobolar Copra Processing Authority, and islands near the capital of Majuro to explore projects with investment potential related to tourism, fisheries, and food processing. 

He also presided over the commemorative plaque unveiling ceremony for the Jenrok Sports Complex, which was constructed with assistance from the Taiwan government for the Micronesian Games. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) drone diplomacy task force specially arranged for Taiwan-made drones to release celebratory ephemera from the air, symbolizing the commitment and determination of both nations to further their cooperative partnership. The atmosphere at the event was cheerful and there were enthusiastic rounds of applause.

Special Envoy Lin stated that to demonstrate Taiwan’s resolve in cultivating economic and trade ties with diplomatic allies through public-private partnerships, MOFA encourages private enterprises to invest in diplomatic allies through a strategy of larger enterprises leading smaller ones, public-private collaboration, combining tangible and intangible assets, and advancing foreign engagement through domestic business models.

Moving forward, Taiwan will accelerate the Diplomatic Allies Prosperity Project in line with integrated diplomacy, facilitating development in the Marshall Islands in such domains as health care, agriculture, education, sports, clean energy, and sustainable tourism. Taiwan will also continue working with like-minded countries to safeguard regional peace and stability and bolster economic resilience across the Pacific. (E)

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Sri Lanka visa-on-arrival access set

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Hong Kong Special Administrative Region passport holders who apply online for an Electronic Travel Authorization prior to visiting Sri Lanka may obtain an entry visa for a stay of up to 30 days upon arrival at Sri Lanka’s Bandaranaike International Airport.

The Hong Kong SAR Government made the announcement today following a notification from the Embassy of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka to the People’s Republic of China.

Sri Lanka is along the Belt & Road. The Immigration Department said that under the Belt & Road Initiative, this visa-on-arrival arrangement will bring greater convenience to Hong Kong SAR passport holders, thereby strengthening tourism, cultural and economic ties between the two places.

To date, 175 countries and territories, including Sri Lanka, have granted visa-free access or visa-on-arrival to Hong Kong SAR passport holders.