Category: MIL-OSI

No. 3 alarm fire on artificial island off Shek Kwu Chau (3)                          
     One person felt unwell and was sent to Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital for treatment.
Issued at HKT 17:00

NNNN

Hong Kong Mortgage Corporation Limited interim results highlights for 2026 
     The Hong Kong Mortgage Corporation Limited (HKMC) today (October 26) announced the highlights of its interim results for 2026.
      
Business Highlights
 
     The HKMC and its subsidiaries continued to fulfil their core missions and social objectives, contributing to the steady growth of Hong Kong’s economy amid an increasingly complex and evolving environment. The missions of the HKMC are to promote: the stability of the banking sector, wider home ownership, the development of the local debt market, and the development of the retirement planning market.
           
Asset Purchase
 Debt Issuance
 Mortgage Insurance Programme (MIP)
 SME Financing Guarantee Scheme
 Dedicated 100% Loan Guarantee Schemes
 Annuity Business
 Reverse Mortgage Programme
 Financial Highlights
 
     The unaudited consolidated profit after tax of the HKMC for 1H 2026 was HK$3.0 billion (1H 2025: HK$53.3 million). The significant increase in profit was primarily driven by (i) a reversal of the accounting loss from the reverse mortgage business amid a property market rebound in 1H 2026; (ii) the narrowed accounting loss in the annuity business mainly due to a decrease in new policies written in 1H 2026 while the spillover effect from the payout enhancement and premium discount campaign of 2024 led to an increase in loss in 2025; and (iii) an increase in investment income from placements with the Exchange Fund in the light of an enlarged investment size and higher rates of return.
      
     In line with its mandate to promote the development of the retirement planning market in Hong Kong, the HKMC is dedicated to advancing its annuity and reverse mortgage businesses, which face increasing sensitivity and volatility of mark-to-market accounting effects. To better reflect its core financial performance, the adjusted profit after tax for 1H 2026 was HK$1,083 million (1H 2025: HK$874 million) after excluding the following items: (i) the accounting results of HKMC Annuity Limited (HKMCA) (Note 1); (ii) the impact of property price changes on the long-term reverse mortgage business; and (iii) the consolidation adjustments in respect of loan portfolios with insurance cover from HKMC Insurance Limited (HKMCI) (Note 2). Accordingly, the annualised return on equity was 7.2 per cent (1H 2025: 6.2 per cent) and the cost-to-income ratio was 11.7 per cent (1H 2025: 14.2 per cent).
      
     As at June 30, 2026, the embedded value of the annuity business was approximately HK$30.1 billion on the basis of the Insurance Ordinance, which comprised HK$27.7 billion of total equity and HK$2.4 billion of present value of future profits. This reflects the HKMCA’s solid financial position to develop the annuity business in the long term.
      
     In accordance with the Guidelines on Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR), the capital ratio calculation follows the basis of consolidation for financial reporting with the exclusion of regulated subsidiaries (i.e. the HKMCA and the HKMCI, both being regulated by the Insurance Authority (IA)) which are subject to statutory capital requirements. Excluding the investment cost of such unconsolidated regulated subsidiaries, the HKMC’s CAR remained solid at 18.6 per cent as at June 30, 2026 (December 31, 2025: 18.1 per cent), well above the minimum requirement of 8 per cent stipulated by the Financial Secretary.
      
     The solvency ratios of the HKMCA and the HKMCI as at June 30, 2026, calculated in accordance with the Insurance (Valuation and Capital) Rules under the Risk-based Capital regime, were approximately 2.4 times and 4.4 times respectively (December 31, 2025: 2.0 times and 3.9 times respectively). Both ratios remained well above the minimum regulatory requirements stipulated by the IA.
      
     Amid uncertain market conditions, the HKMC adopted a prudent prefunding strategy and proactively communicated with local and international investment communities for debt issuance to support its loan purchases and fulfil its refinancing needs. With strong financing capability, solid capital and liquidity positions, the HKMC’s core operations remain resilient and stand ready to cope with any financial turbulence ahead in performing its strategic policy roles and attaining its social objectives. 
      
     Further details of the HKMC’s key financials for 1H 2026 are set out in the Annex.

Note 1: A wholly-owned subsidiary of the HKMC that carries on long term insurance businessIssued at HKT 18:00

NNNN

Government appoints Common Spatial Data Advisory Committee members       
     The CSDAC advises the Government on the enhancement and promotion of the development of the Common Spatial Data Infrastructure (CSDI) in Hong Kong. The CSDI portal is one of the key digital infrastructures underpinning smart city development in Hong Kong. It aims to enhance the use, management, discovery and sharing of spatial data for robust policy-making, driving innovation and value creation for society. Members of the CSDAC comprise representatives from five bureaux/departments and non-official members from various sectors including geospatial and IT-related groups, academia, public utilities, transport operators, the business sector, the construction industry, and social/community services. 
 
     As the Chairman of the CSDAC, the Director of Lands, Mr Maurice Loo, welcomed the newly appointed and reappointed members. He also expressed gratitude to the 14 outgoing members for their dedicated support to the Committee’s work over the past years. Their contributions in developing the 3D Digital Map and advancing the CSDI have been instrumental in driving innovation and enhancing spatial data applications for the city.

     The first meeting of the new term of the CSDAC is scheduled for November 18, 2026.————–
Director of Lands—————————————————————————–
Professor Alain Chiaradia (Hong Kong Institute of Urban Design)
Ms Irene Ip Man-kiu (Hong Kong Institute of Architects)#
Ms Stephanie Lau Chit-yu (Hong Kong Institute of Landscape Architects)#
Professor Li Weifeng (Hong Kong Geographic Information System Association)#
Mr Ken Mao Shu-fai (Hong Kong Institution of Engineers)
Mr Ng Tak-wah (Hong Kong Institute of Planners)#
Professor John Shi Wen-zhong (Smart Cities Research Institute)
Ms Winnie Shiu Wai-yee (Hong Kong Institute of Surveyors)#
Mr Tsang Sun-kiu (Real Estate Developers Association of Hong Kong)#
Mr Wong Hang-chit (Internet Professional Association)#
Professor Paulina Wong Pui-yun (Smart City Consortium)#
Mr Yu Man-kit (Hong Kong Construction Association)#—————————————————————–
Mr Chris Au Young Hing-wang#
Professor Chen Wu#
Mr Herbert Chia Pun-kok
Dr Crystal Fok Lo-ming
Ms Joyce Ho Mei-yee#
Mr Lai Kam-to
Mr Sam Law Cheuk-hang#
Mr Sean Lee Fan-fung#
Mr Patrick Lee Sai-yin#
Professor Wilson Lu Weisheng#
Professor Lawrence Poon Chi-kin#
Dr Charleston Sin Chiu-shun#
Professor Anthony Yeh Gar-on
 
Official members
———————–
Representatives of the Development Bureau
Representative of the Innovation, Technology and Industry Bureau
Representative of the Buildings Department
Representatives of the Lands Department
Representative of the Planning Department————
Senior Land Surveyor (Spatial Data Infrastructure), Development Bureau
 
# new member
Issued at HKT 15:00

NNNN

COVID-19 vaccines for children available from October 29      
     “Scientific evidence shows that COVID-19 vaccines are effective in reducing the risk of severe disease and death. Although COVID-19 has become a common respiratory infection in Hong Kong and around the world, certain high-risk individuals, especially young children, who have not received their initial dose of the COVID-19 vaccine and have not developed immunity through natural infection, face a higher risk of serious complications if they become infected. The World Health Organization (WHO), the Scientific Committee on Vaccine Preventable Diseases and the Scientific Committee on Emerging and Zoonotic Diseases (JSC) under the CHP earlier recommended that COVID-19 vaccines of the LP.8.1, XFG or NB.1.8.1 lineages may be used in the 2026/27 season. In accordance with the above recommendations, the Government has procured the Spikevax XFG mRNA vaccine for children and will begin administering free vaccinations to eligible infants and children aged 6 months to 11 years from Thursday (October 29),” said the Controller of the CHP, Dr Edwin Tsui.
      
     Members of the public can make appointments for eligible infants and children aged 6 months to 11 years through the Government’s online booking platform      
     Infants and children may receive COVID-19 vaccinations at designated Maternal and Child Health Centres or Student Health Service Centres under the DH, Hong Kong Children’s Hospital, or designated Private Clinic COVID-19 Vaccination Stations. For details, please refer to the relevant webpage      
     According to the JSC’s latest recommendations, children aged 6 months to 4 years without prior COVID-19 infection should receive two doses of the COVID-19 vaccine for completion of initial doses, with an interval of at least 28 days between doses. Children aged 5 years or above (regardless of history of infection) and children aged 6 months to 4 years with prior COVID-19 infection require only one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine for completion of the initial dose.
      
     In addition, immunocompetent children aged 6 months to 11 years should receive booster doses at least six months after the last dose or COVID-19 infection (whichever is later), regardless of the number of doses received previously.
      
     Regarding the new batch of COVID-19 vaccines suitable for individuals aged 12 or above, the relevant procurement process is underway. Details will be announced separately.
      
     “Hong Kong entered the influenza season in late June this year. When children receive their COVID-19 vaccine, if they have not yet received the seasonal influenza vaccine, parents may inquire at the vaccination venues about arrangements for the seasonal influenza vaccine. According to scientific evidence, COVID-19 vaccines and seasonal influenza vaccines can be administered at the same time to provide dual protection,” said Dr Tsui.
      
     Members of the public may refer to the CHP’s COVID-19 Vaccination ProgrammeIssued at HKT 15:33

Special traffic and transport arrangements for Northern Metropolis Marathon on November 1 
Affected road sections to reopen in phases by around 3pm

     The three major events of the Northern Metropolis Marathon (namely the marathon, half-marathon and 10km race) will start at Shek Mun, Hong Kong Science Park and Fanling Bypass respectively, and all will finish at Fanling Bypass. Subject to the arrangements and progress of the events, it is estimated that On Lai Street and its vicinity in Shek Mun will be reopened at 8am, the Lung Shan Tunnel (northbound) will be reopened by around 11am and the Fanling Bypass (southbound) will be reopened by around 3pm.
 
Public transport arrangements 
Traffic arrangements 
Plan journeys early      
     The TD and the Police will closely monitor the traffic situation. Other temporary road and traffic control measures, including adjusting the extent of road closures and alteration or suspension of public transport services, may be implemented by the Police at short notice depending on the actual traffic conditions. Members of the public and visitors should heed the latest traffic news via the TD’s website (www.td.gov.hkIssued at HKT 15:45

Inland Revenue (Amendment) (Tax Deductions for Intellectual Property Expenditure) Bill 2026 to be introduced into LegCo for First Reading and Second Reading 
     The Legislative Council (LegCo) will hold a meeting on Wednesday (October 28) at 11am in the Chamber of the LegCo Complex. During the meeting, the Inland Revenue (Amendment) (Tax Deductions for Intellectual Property Expenditure) Bill 2026 and the Supplementary Appropriation (2025-2026) Bill will be introduced into the Council for the First Reading and the Second Reading. The Second Reading debates on the Bills will be adjourned.
 
      
     Mr Tang Fei will move a motion on “Promoting teachers’ professional development in the new era”. The motion is set out in Appendix 2.
 
     Meanwhile, Mr Holden Chow will move a proposed resolution under section 34(4) of the Interpretation and General Clauses Ordinance to extend the period for amending subsidiary legislation. The proposed resolution is set out in Appendix 3.
 
     Members will also ask the Government 22 questions on various policy areas, six of which require oral replies.
 
     The agenda of the above meeting is available on the LegCo Website (www.legco.gov.hkIssued at HKT 16:00

Hong Kong Customs seizes suspected cocaine worth about $1.3 million at airport (with photo)      
     Customs will continue to apply a risk assessment approach and focus on selecting passengers from high-risk regions for clearance to combat transnational drug trafficking activities.
      
     Under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, trafficking in a dangerous drug is a serious offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $5 million and life imprisonment.
      
     Members of the public may report any suspected drug trafficking activities to Customs’ 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hkIssued at HKT 19:51

CS attends Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area High-quality Talent Development Conference (with photos/videos)     ​​
     In his remarks, Mr Chan said that under the “one country, two systems” principle, Hong Kong, with the strong support of the motherland and being closely connected to the world, serves as the country’s international gateway. The city will continue to actively attract the talent required for the development of the country and Hong Kong, and work with GBA cities to continuously advance the alignment of rules and mechanisms, facilitating the flow of talent within the GBA.
          
     ​​​Mr Chan highlighted that Hong Kong’s First Five-Year Plan proactively aligns with the National 15th Five-Year Plan and promotes the integrated development of education, technology and talent. The Northern Metropolis University Town will also closely connect Hong Kong’s strengths in basic research and internationalised education with the innovation and technology (I&T) and talent resources of the GBA. He said he looks forward to working closely with GBA cities to take talent co-operation to a higher level and contribute to the country’s high-quality development.

     ​​Jointly organised by the governments of Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao, the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao GBA High-quality Talent Development Conference has been held in rotation across Guangzhou, Hong Kong and Macao since 2023. It serves as a vital platform for developing a high-calibre talent hub in the GBA. The Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Mr Chris Sun, also attended and officiated at the opening ceremony.
     ​
     ​​After the opening ceremony, Mr Chan and Mr Sun, accompanied by the Director of Hong Kong Talent Engage (HKTE), Mr Felix Chan, toured the exhibition hall and visited the HKTE booth.
      
     ​​Mr Chan and the delegation visited a key I&T enterprise in Dongguan yesterday (October 24) to gain an in-depth understanding of the local co-operation model in scientific research, innovation, and talent nurturing. The delegation subsequently toured the City University of Hong Kong (Dongguan) to learn about the co-operation and synergistic effect between Hong Kong and Dongguan in higher education and talent cultivation, and to explore ways to further achieve complementary strengths and mutual benefits between two places.
      
     ​​Mr Chan and Mr Sun concluded their visit to Dongguan this morning and returned to Hong Kong in the afternoon.​
Issued at HKT 14:20

NNNN

“Mountaineering Safety Promotion Day and Emergency Response Experience Day 2026: Empowering Young People to Safeguard Our Community” held 
     Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Commissioner of the CAS, Mr Victor Pang, thanked the various government departments and mountaineering organisations for their participation. He said that, under the co-ordination of the Security Bureau (SB), this event had added a “Discipline and Auxiliary Forces Youth Groups Zone”. All eight services under the SB, along with their youth uniformed groups, had set up creative booths and interactive games to help the public learn about Hong Kong’s emergency rescue system and the related work of each service.
 
     He said that the CAS’s activity aligns with the First Five-Year Plan for Economic and Social Development of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (2026-2030), encouraging the younger generation to get involved, to use technology and innovative thinking to raise awareness of hiking safety and community emergency response, and, through hands‑on participation, to further broaden their horizons. Moreover, Mr Pang presented certificates of completion to those who had finished the Mountain Casualty Handling Course as well as the Hiking Safety and Mountain Rescue Course in the opening ceremony.
  
     The Chief Staff Officer of the CAS, Mr Leung Kwun-hong, said that in mountain rescue operations, the CAS has consistently worked side by side with various government departments. For example, in August this year, the CAS joined forces with the Hong Kong Police Force, the Fire Services Department (FSD) and the Government Flying Service (GFS) in a joint rescue operation, ultimately locating a woman who had been missing for more than a week at Lei Yue Mun and transporting her to hospital for treatment. This operation fully demonstrated the professional spirit of never giving up and the selfless dedication of all departments.
 
     Mr Leung said that, to improve the efficiency of the CAS’s mountain rescue work and continuously optimise its procedures, the CAS has been actively employing drones in daily tasks and operations. Under the Low-altitude Economy Regulatory Sandbox projects, the CAS will pilot the use of drones for patrols, hill fire detection, and the delivery of mountain-area equipment or emergency supplies such as automated external defibrillators. This initiative will enable rescuers to seize the golden hour more effectively.
 
     Other attending guests included the Commissioner of Police, Mr Chow Yat-ming; Deputy Secretary for Security Mr Howard Yam; the Controller of the GFS, Mr Eddie Liu; the Divisional Commander (New Territories South) of the FSD, Mr Ho Chun-pong; as well as representatives from the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department, the Office of the Communications Authority, the Hong Kong Observatory, the Leisure and Cultural Services Department, the Auxiliary Medical Service, the Lands Department and various mountaineering organisations.
 
     The Promotion Day featured game booths, displays of various types of mountain activity equipment, and, for the first time, eight booths set up by young people to promote hiking safety and introduce the emergency work of the various services and their youth uniformed groups, thereby raising public awareness of mountain safety and community emergency preparedness.
Issued at HKT 16:53

NNNN