Category: MIL-OSI

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     Following is the speech by the Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, at the Inauguration Ceremony of the International Organization for Mediation today (October 20):

Honourable Vice Minister Hua Chunying (Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs), Your Excellencies, representatives of contracting states, ministers and officials from around the world, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
 
     Good morning. I am very honoured to join you today, for the inauguration of the International Organization for Mediation.

     I would like to begin by expressing my gratitude to my country, China, for its steadfast support; and to the International Organization for Mediation’s contracting states and signatory states, for their confidence in Hong Kong, as home to the Organization’s headquarters.
 
     The headquarters is housed in this newly renovated building, a police station for almost a century. The renovation, completed within 14 months, harmoniously blends the building’s historic origins with modern design, preserving architectural features, while drawing inspiration from Chinese porcelain.

     More than stone and mortar, this thoughtful transformation embodies the essential spirit of mediation – uniting diverse elements in balance and harmony, creating a place ideally suited for peaceful resolution.
 
     In these times of global instability, international mediation is indispensable for resolving disputes, preserving relationships and encouraging meaningful co-operation. With our world-class professional services, Hong Kong is dedicated to supporting the cause of dispute resolution.

     Under the unique “one country, two systems” principle, Hong Kong enjoys both the China advantage and the global advantage. We pride ourselves with our established tradition of the rule of law, and a common law regime shared by many global financial hubs. Our three law schools are all ranked within the world’s top 60, and nurture outstanding talent in legal and dispute resolution services.

     Our flagship legal event Hong Kong Legal Week, in December, will include a session on international mediation. And in 2026, during Hong Kong Mediation Week, we will organise a global mediation summit, bringing together mediation practitioners, policymakers and thought leaders from around the world.
 
     We are equally committed to capacity building. The Hong Kong International Legal Talents Training Academy, launched last year by our Department of Justice, equips mediators and legal professionals with the skills to meet international standards.
 
     In my Policy Address last month, I announced the development of the Hong Kong International Legal Service Building, on a site adjacent to us here. It will provide additional facilities for the Organization, and be home to the International Legal Talents Training Academy.
 
     Ladies and gentlemen, today’s inauguration is a testament of our shared commitment to a future in which dialogue, co-operation and mutual respect prevail over acrimony and conflict.
 
     As I said in May, at the signing of the convention establishing the Organization, Hong Kong builds bridges. We take pride in being a “super connector” and “super value-adder”. And we are honoured to serve as the Organization’s home.
 
     I am confident that, under the joint dedication of all contracting states and the Secretary‑General’s stewardship, the International Organization for Mediation will rise as a respected and trusted body for resolving disputes through mutual respect and understanding.

     I wish the International Organization for Mediation every success.
 
     Thank you.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Secretary for Justice, Mr Paul Lam, SC, will depart for Korea tomorrow afternoon (October 21) to attend the 2025 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Structural Reform Ministerial Meeting in Incheon and speak at the discussion sessions. The Law Officer (International Law) of the Department of Justice (DoJ), Dr James Ding, will also accompany Mr Lam on the visit.

Mr Lam will attend a joint session of the Finance Ministers’ Meeting and the Structural Reform Ministerial Meeting, and the Structural Reform Ministerial Meeting on October 22 and 23. The Structural Reform Ministerial Meeting this year is themed “Future Direction and Role of Structural Reform in addressing emerging challenges”, and ministers from APEC member economies will discuss how to build a sustainable future through structural reforms and the implementation of law and policies.

During his trip to Korea, Mr Lam will also attend a joint legal workshop co-organised by the DoJ and the Ministry of Justice of Korea, and visit the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law Regional Centre for Asia and the Pacific, and a local arbitration institution.

Mr Lam will return to Hong Kong on October 25. During his absence, the Deputy Secretary for Justice, Dr Cheung Kwok-kwan, will be the Acting Secretary for Justice.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

A spokesman for the Transport and Logistics Bureau (TLB) expressed deep concern over an accident that occurred at Hong Kong International Airport in the early hours of today (October 20), where a cargo aircraft ditched into the sea. The four crew members on board were rescued and sent to the hospital. The TLB is saddened by the loss of two ground staff members in the accident and extends its deepest condolences to their families.

The spokesman added that flight safety is of utmost importance. The Air Accident Investigation Authority will actively investigate the cause of the accident, while the Civil Aviation Department and the Airport Authority Hong Kong will fully co-operate to ensure the safety of airport operations.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Office of the Communications Authority (OFCA) announced today (October 20) that after a total of three rounds of bidding, the auction of radio spectrum in the 2.5/2.6 GHz band was concluded. A total of 50 MHz of spectrum in five frequency blocks was auctioned off to three mobile network operators at total spectrum utilization fees (SUFs) of $202 million.
 
     The results of the auction are listed in the table below:
 

Frequency block	Frequency range (MHz)	Provisional successful bidder	SUF payable ($)
A1	2515 – 2520 paired with 2635 – 2640	China Mobile Hong Kong Company Limited	40,000,000
A2	2520 – 2525 paired with 2640 – 2645	SmarTone Mobile Communications Limited	40,000,000
A3	2525 – 2530 paired with 2645 – 2650	SmarTone Mobile Communications Limited	40,000,000
A4	2530 – 2535 paired with 2650 – 2655	Genius Brand Limited	40,000,000
A5	2535 – 2540 paired with 2655 – 2660	Genius Brand Limited	42,000,000

     “The spectrum auction has made available suitable radio spectrum to the market in a timely manner, which helps strengthen Hong Kong’s position as a regional telecommunications hub. Successful bidders, apart from using the relevant spectrum for continued provision of mobile communications services, may also refarm it to further support the applications of future mobile services, including the sixth generation (6G), driving the sustainable development of Hong Kong’s communications technology,” a spokesman for OFCA said.
 
     The assignment of the frequency blocks will be valid for a period of about 10 years and 10 months. Each provisional successful bidder is required to submit a Letter of Credit by December 9, 2025, in full amount to guarantee payment of the SUF as specified in the table above. The provisional successful bidders are also required to submit performance bonds, where applicable, to ensure compliance with the network and service rollout requirement before the actual frequency assignment takes effect.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Professor Sun Dong, chaired the seventh meeting of the Committee on Innovation, Technology and Industry Development (CITID) this morning (October 20).
 
     At the meeting, members were briefed on the major initiatives in “The Chief Executive’s 2025 Policy Address” that were related to the purview of the Innovation, Technology and Industry Bureau. They then shared their views on the relevant measures.
 
     Professor Sun said, “Our country places innovation and technology (I&T) at the core of its overall development. The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government spares no effort in dovetailing with the national strategy for technological development to drive industry restructuring, actively nurturing emerging industries including advanced manufacturing, life and health technology, new energy, AI and robotics, etc, with a view to creating more high-quality job opportunities, enhancing economic efficiency, and benefitting people’s livelihood. The Government will strive to implement the relevant measures announced in the Policy Address, charting Hong Kong in moving full steam towards the vision of becoming an international I&T centre.”
 
     Established on March 3, 2023, the CITID advises the Government on the directions and strategies as set out in the Hong Kong Innovation and Technology Development Blueprint on promoting the development of I&T in Hong Kong, and enhances co-operation among stakeholders.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr Christopher Hui, announced today (October 20) that the Government Logistics Department (GLD) had implemented six quick-win measures focusing on three aspects, namely institutional change, enhancement of cross-departmental information exchanges and reshaping of work culture, as proposed by the Task Force on Review of Government Procurement Regime (Task Force) to plug loopholes in government procurement procedures as soon as possible. Furthermore, the Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau (FSTB) released in full the management letter submitted by the Audit Commission on its review of the incident on the Government’s procurement of bottled drinking water to demonstrate the Government’s transparency in handling the incident and its commitment to revamp its procurement and contract management regime.
 
Mr Hui said, “While the incident on the procurement of bottled drinking water clearly involved suspected fraudulent acts by a particular company, it also revealed that the perceptiveness and alertness of the relevant officers in conducting due diligence checks and addressing potential fraudulent acts could not adapt to the current business environment and were obviously below reasonable expectations. The Task Force and I consider it essential to tackle the problem at source through reshaping the work culture, enhancing the capability of procurement officers in exercising due diligence and empowering officers with sufficient authorities on the regime level. This will help ensure greater effectiveness for officers in handling procurement matters in future, not only serving as advocates of fair competition, but more importantly, as gatekeepers for government procurement.”
 
He stated that the Task Force, since its establishment in August, had been exploring measures to enhance the tendering and procurement regime and procedures. Among them, the Task Force considered that six quick-win measures should be launched sooner to plug loopholes at the earliest time. The FSTB has directed the GLD to implement these six measures immediately. Details are as follows:
 
(1) Promulgate internal guidelines to stipulate specific requirements on due diligence checks: The GLD issued an internal memorandum to government officers in late August to remind them of the aspects in the procurement and contract management processes which require proper due diligence checks. The GLD further promulgated today internal operational guidelines which set out specific requirements and provide detailed guidelines on conducting due diligence checks at various stages, including preparation of tender documents, tender evaluation and contract management, to help procurement officers guard against potential fraudulent acts more effectively;
 
(2) Set up a Procurement and Stores Management Audit Section to step up inspections: The GLD has expanded the functions of its original internal audit team and reorganised it into the Procurement and Stores Management Audit Section starting from October. As a dedicated team for conducting third-party audits, the Section steps up inspections of due diligence work on departments’ procurements under a risk-based approach and reports to the relevant Heads of Departments for attention as appropriate;
 
(3) Revise Standard Terms and Conditions of Tenders and Contracts (STC) to strengthen vetting and contract management power: The GLD has revised the STC today to strengthen the Government’s power in tendering and contract management, including requiring tenderers and contractors to give consent to the Government for verifying directly with third parties the authenticity of information submitted, allowing the Government to conduct site visits during the tender evaluation process and throughout the contract period, etc. The revised STC also empowers the Government to terminate contracts immediately if contractors are found to have made material misrepresentations or provided false information;
 
(4) Establish a digital database for information sharing: Procurement work is not confined to the GLD, as departments may also procure services and goods on their own. To leverage the procurement experience of departments, the GLD established an internal digital database in mid-October to keep collecting from departments information related to contractors’ tendering situations and contract performances. The database serves as a government-wide procurement information portal that can be accessed by procurement officers anytime, assisting them to identify high-risk tenderers in a more effective and timely manner;
 
(5) Strengthen staff training to guard against fraud: The GLD, in collaboration with the Hong Kong Police Force and the Hong Kong Customs and Excise Department, organised five seminars in September. The seminars, with a total attendance of over 750, focused on introducing scam tactics and identification techniques to officers involved in procurement and finance matters for departments to heighten their anti-fraud awareness. Moreover, the GLD is arranging training courses to brief staff thoroughly on the newly issued internal operational guidelines to assist them to grasp the implementation details; and
 
(6) Build a culture of ownership at work: While procurement work requires adherence to rules, proper execution by staff is of the utmost importance. In working out and implementing the various measures, the GLD encouraged staff to offer their views through multiple channels, including two staff engagement sessions held in September to gauge feedback on due diligence work and the relevant procedures to foster a greater sense of involvement and commitment in the enhancement measures among staff and build a culture of ownership at work. The GLD will continue to instil the ownership mindset of “procuring for the people with due diligence and dedication” in the work culture through induction training, regular training activities and staff engagement sessions, etc, such that staff will take ownership of government procurement and be more proactive and prudent.
 
The Task Force is considering other proposals involving a broader scope, and expects to publish a review report before the end of this year to put forward solutions that address both symptoms and root causes, with a view to further enhancing the Government’s procurement work.
 
Separately, the GLD is reviewing in detail the tender requirements of the contract for the supply of bottled drinking water to government offices. In order to keep tabs on the market pulse prior to tendering, the GLD published a market research notice on its website today, inviting interested suppliers to submit responses in a month’s time. The GLD aims to launch the tender exercise for the supply of bottled drinking water to government offices on Hong Kong Island and parts of the outlying islands, with the relevant responses taken into account, by the end of this year.
 
Mr Hui also released today the management letter (at Annex) submitted by the Audit Commission on its review of the tender exercise for the procurement of bottled drinking water. He thanked the Audit Commission for providing numerous recommendations, the directions of which align with the six quick-win measures aforementioned and the long-term enhancement measures being explored by the Task Force. The Task Force will examine the management letter in detail to refine the long-term enhancement measures for announcement before the end of the year.
 
Mr Hui also announced that Ms Alice Lau, Administrative Officer Staff Grade A1, had been invited to conduct a disciplinary investigation on the human errors identified in the management letter.
 
The Task Force on Review of Government Procurement Regime was established in August to review the existing government procurement regime and procedures arising from the incident on the Government’s procurement of bottled drinking water under a cross-bureau and cross-departmental approach. The Task Force is chaired by Mr Hui, with members that include the Permanent Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury (Treasury), the Director of Government Logistics, and representatives from the Civil Service Bureau, the Commerce and Economic Development Bureau, the Development Bureau and the Department of Justice.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     Following is the speech by the Deputy Secretary for Justice, Dr Cheung Kwok-kwan, at the Global Youth Powerhouse Summit 2025 today (October 20):
 
Dr Kevin Lau (Founding Convenor of the Hong Kong Youth Professional Global Advocacy), distinguished guests, young leaders, ladies and gentlemen,

     It is my pleasure to join you all today at the Global Youth Powerhouse Summit 2025. Let me begin by extending my heartfelt congratulations to the Hong Kong Youth Professional Global Advocacy for your unwavering commitment to empowering young talent and building bridges across borders. Bringing together such a vibrant and diverse group from over 30 nationalities is a remarkable achievement and a testament to your vision.

     Standing here in Hong Kong, a city where East meets West, and where tradition meets innovation, I am reminded of our city’s unique role as a global crossroads. Just as Hong Kong has long been connecting people and ideas from across the world, today’s summit brings together bright minds and ambitious spirits, symbolising the energy and promise of Hong Kong and our youth.

     This is a time of both challenges and opportunities for young professionals. The world you are navigating is fast changing. Geopolitical shifts, economic uncertainties, rapid advances in technology, and issues like climate change, gender and public health are reshaping the global landscape. The digital revolution has further hastened the pace and impact of changes. What happens in one corner of the world can quickly ripple across the globe.

     For young people nowadays, these changes may spark unease. But they also create new horizons. For example, in Hong Kong, our city’s unique position under “one country, two systems” gives us unmatched advantages in connecting with both the Mainland and the wider world. With national strategies like the Belt and Road Initiative and the development of the Greater Bay Area, there are new opportunities in fields such as finance, healthcare, technology, and the creative industries. The future is not just something to wait for. It is something our younger generation is already helping to shape.

     But to seize these opportunities, I encourage you to keep an open and forward-looking mindset. Think beyond your own field and even your own city. Engage with the pressing issues of our times, whether it is the rise of AI, the need for sustainable development, or the need to bridge divides among cultures. By telling your stories, listening to and seeking to understand others, you can help build a global community founded on respect, innovation, and shared purposes.

     Let me share a quick example from my own field, the legal profession, which has undergone profound changes thanks to lawtech and AI. Tasks that once took hours, like document review or drafting contracts, can now be completed in minutes. This has brought significant gains in efficiency, affordability, and access to justice. But it also challenges us to rethink our roles and responsibilities, to safeguard trust, privacy, and fairness even as we embrace innovation. 

     Regardless of your professional fields or interests, the lesson is the same: Technology is a powerful tool, but it cannot replace the human qualities that matter most, such as empathy, judgment, and integrity. As you move forward, keep learning, stay open to new ideas, and remember the value of your own voice.

     Dear friends, the future truly is in your hands. Think big, think boldly. Don’t be afraid to reach beyond what seems possible. Your determination and creativity will be the impetus for the future development of our city and the world.

     I wish you all a rewarding and enjoyable Summit. Thank you very much.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, will depart in the afternoon today (October 20) for Korea to attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Finance Ministers’ Meeting and related events in Incheon. He will then proceed to visit Beijing on October 22.
 
The APEC Finance Ministers’ Meeting this year is themed “Sustainable Growth and Shared Prosperity in the Region”, and will explore topics such as global and regional economic and financial developments, digital finance and fiscal policy. Mr Chan will also attend a joint session of the Finance Ministers’ Meeting and the Structural Reform Ministerial Meeting on October 22 and take part in discussions on regional innovation and digitalisation. While in Incheon, Mr Chan will hold bilateral meetings with officials from other economies to exchange views on issues of mutual concern.
 
Upon completion of his visit to Incheon, Mr Chan will proceed to visit Beijing and return to Hong Kong on October 25. During his absence from Hong Kong, the Deputy Financial Secretary, Mr Michael Wong, will act as Financial Secretary.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

Attention TV/Radio announcers:

Please broadcast the following as soon as possible and repeat it at regular intervals:

     Here is an item of interest to swimmers.

     The Leisure and Cultural Services Department announced today (October 20) that, as lifeguards are unable to go to Trio Beach and Hap Mun Bay Beach in Sai Kung District by ferries due to rough sea conditions, lifesaving services at these beaches have been suspended until further notice. Beachgoers are advised not to swim at these beaches.
 
     Red flags were hoisted earlier at the beaches due to big waves. 

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

Following are the remarks by the Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr Christopher Hui, on quick-win measures proposed by the Task Force on Review of Government Procurement Regime today (October 20):

Reporter: We would like to ask if the Government would consider mobilising the senior civil servants accountability mechanism if human error was identified among such kind of civil servants. And would you elaborate a little bit on the role of the new Procurement Management Audit Section (Procurement and Stores Management Audit Section) of the GLD (Government Logistics Department) compared to its previous roles? Thank you.

Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury: I’ll address the second part of your question first. Basically, if you look at the current setup or the role of the GLD’s audit team, it’s more about the goods, also inspection of goods and services being available, and at the same time to ensure compliance with the relevant government regulations in the procurement process. But as I said at the outset, one of the key elements that we’ve identified in this current exercise is that the importance of due diligence is something we need to pay more attention to. That’s why, in line with this discovery and also in line with this revelation, the scope of work of this audit team was expanded to cover and to ensure that the due diligence work of our colleagues is being well taken care of in the process of their procurement efforts. And that’s why, to couple with that, we also have clear guidelines being set out in such a way that they know what to do. The audit team will, on a random checking basis, identify those high-risk areas and also high-risk items, and look at those items to ensure that proper due diligence is being looked into. This is the response to your second question. 

For the first question about the interface of this investigation with the accountability system set out in the Policy Address: As you may appreciate, the accountability system set out in the Policy Address needs certain legislative amendments to be effective. This is something to be done by our Civil Service Bureau. So this current exercise is undertaken in the context of the current regime with no regard to the future regime because that future regime is yet to be effective.

Reporter: Firstly, what was the issue with the past due diligence checks and what way can the Government rectify the problem, if you could elaborate more. And secondly, on the disciplinary investigation, how many people are subject to this investigation? Why is Ms Lau the right person to be in charge? Did the Government consider having a retired judge to head the probe? Could the internal disciplinary investigation eventually lead to any criminal proceedings? Thank you.

Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury: If you look at how the current procurement is being done, as I said earlier and also responded to some of the questions asked, basically we very much relied on submissions or documents being presented to us. But in this fast-changing world, in light of the fact that fraud can take different forms, I think we need to take a more proactive approach in terms of enhancing our due diligence capabilities. That’s why, throughout these interim measures I just introduced, which are being implemented, one of the key areas that we look into is how we can enhance that area. Like, for example, we already issued guidelines to make sure that our colleagues on the procurement side are here to do due diligence work, including not just the paper exercise, but also checking of information online. And also, at the same time, if there’s a need, they could do on-site inspection to really look into the information being available to them, to see if they are genuine or not. At the same time, there will also be provisions being given to them to allow third-party checking of the information that they’re given, so they don’t really have to rely solely on the source of information to verify the information but rather they can resort to third-party checking to ensure that information that they are given is genuine. So what we are trying to do is to ensure first of all, our colleagues are being empowered with the right tools and means to enhance their due diligence work. At the same time, in terms of mindset, they have the ability and also have the willingness to exercise those rights and powers. That’s exactly one of the key areas that we emphasise.

In terms of your second question about the scope of work of the investigation, as I said and also as Alice (Administrative Officer Staff Grade A1 Ms Alice Lau) just mentioned, taking into account the scope of the current work, it will include around more than 10 of our GLD and also our FSTB (Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau) colleagues. At the same time, regardless of whether they are retired or not, they are also subject to the investigation. For those that involved criminality, these will be taken care of by our law enforcement agencies. This is not something that we are looking into. But rather, as said by Alice, we will look into potential disciplinary and also management issues and deal with them head-on in light of the current regime.

(Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the remarks.)