Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The annual marine pollution joint response exercises, codenamed “Oilex 2025” and “Maritime Hazardous and Noxious Substances (HNS) 2025”, were conducted by various government departments this morning (October 15) at the waters off Ha Mei Wan of Lamma Island to test their marine pollution responses in the event of a spillage of oil and HNS in Hong Kong waters.
In the test scenario, an oil tanker collided with a container vessel, leading to fuel oil spilling from the oil tanker and five containers loaded with Sodium Hydroxide falling overboard. Subsequently, an oil spill response team arrived at the scene and cleaned up the spilled oil on the sea surface. The Fire Services Department (FSD) and other response groups were also tasked at the scene to contain and handle the probable spilled Sodium Hydroxide as necessary to prevent threats to the nearby environment and facilities.
In the exercises, various participating parties carried out a series of simulated response actions. After the simulated oil spill, the oil tanker anchored at the waters off Ha Mei Wan of Lamma Island, while a salvage team transferred the fuel oil from the damaged tank and patched the leak to stop further oil spillage at the source. Moreover, an oil pollution combat team deployed floating barrier booms to encircle the oil tanker and set up barrier booms in the vicinity to prevent the spill from spreading. The exercise also simulated the spraying of oil dispersant with water from pollution control vessels and a Government Flying Service (GFS) helicopter onto oil on the sea surface, as well as the use of oil skimmers and other equipment. Simultaneously, a shoreline cleaning team conducted a shoreline oil clean-up drill at Tai Wan To, a non-gazetted beach, on Lamma Island. In combating the simulated HNS spill, the response groups lifted the damaged containers out from the sea to stop the pollution at the source.
The joint response exercises were co-ordinated by the Marine Department and the Environmental Protection Department. The participating government departments and organisations included the FSD, the GFS, the Hong Kong Police Force, the Government Laboratory and the Civil Aid Service, as well as several oil companies and a pollution control company jointly formed by them.
The response exercises not only provided hands-on experience for response members but also helped relevant parties to adopt an effective emergency response strategy for preventing pollution according to the properties and extents of spilled substances.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Following is a question by the Hon Stanley Li and a reply by the Secretary for Transport and Logistics, Ms Mable Chan, in the Legislative Council today (October 15):
Question:
Two incidents occurred respectively last month, including a case in which a bus driver was injured while driving by a metal rod propelled into the air from the road surface after being run over by vehicles, and another where a bus was struck by road debris on its windscreen. These incidents have aroused grave public concern about the risks posed by obstructions on road surface to road users. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
(1) whether it will take measures to step up clearance of obstructions on highways, such as by increasing inspection frequency, installing additional closed-circuit televisions along the roads, improving clearance procedures, etc, so as to effectively ensure the safety of all road users; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that; President,
The Government has consistently placed great importance on road safety and the requirement for moving vehicles to properly contain or secure their loads. Having consulted the Hong Kong Police Force (HKPF), the Highways Department (HyD) and the Transport Department (TD), my response to the question raised by the Hon Stanley Li is as follows: The HyD has established a performance pledge for clearing obstacles on expressways, targeting to arrive at the scene within 1.5 hours of receiving a referral and immediately arrange for clearance work. All cases over the past three years have met this target.
Additionally, the HyD actively applies innovative technologies in the maintenance of carriageways. For example, inspection vehicles equipped with laser scanning devices and global satellite positioning technology are deployed to swiftly identify potholes and other potential defects on road surfaces. This enables a comprehensive understanding of road conditions and allows for the precise prioritisation of repair works, thereby enhancing safety and maintenance efficiency. Over the past three years, all departments have consistently strengthened enforcement efforts. Prosecution figures have declined which indicates that enforcement and penalties are effective. We will continue to monitor the situation closely and review the law as appropriate. Moreover, the HKPF continuously monitors data on serious and fatal traffic accidents and conducts territory-wide enforcement operations in response, particularly targeting non-compliance by lorries. These include the “Crackdown on Lorry Offences” operation conducted in September this year, with the aim of enhancing overall road safety.
Relevant departments are proactively exploring the use of new technologies to enhance the enforcement efficiency and strengthen road safety. Recently, the HKPF conducted the first trial of drone-assisted traffic enforcement on non-urban road sections to combat dangerous driving. The HKPF will review the effectiveness of the trial and consider the feasibility of extending the initiative to other areas or offence types, including insecure vehicle loads and overloading. Regarding the incident that members of the public were unable to contact the operator of Tai Lam Tunnel via the hotline from September 15 to the morning of September 16, 2025, the operator has submitted a report to the TD. The report indicates that at the time of the incident, the call transfer mechanism of the telephone conversation recording device malfunctioned, preventing external calls from being transferred to tunnel staff for answering. Following emergency repairs, the system resumed normal on September 16. Due to the operator’s failure to promptly respond to the hotline, the TD has instructed them to strengthen their preparedness and contingency measures for tunnel emergencies to ensure the smooth operation of the systems.
We consider the operator’s failure to maintain effective 24-hour hotline operations unacceptable. The TD has issued a Notice of Default to the operator in accordance with the contract to pursue its liability, and the operator has provided compensation as contractually required. The Department will continue to follow up on this matter seriously and enhance monitoring of the hotline operations.
Members of the public may report road conditions to government departments through multiple channels at present. To enhance incident management, the TD plans to introduce AI-based closed-circuit television systems for detecting road obstructions and incidents when replacing the traffic control and surveillance systems in tunnels and controlled areas.
The TD has been conducting publicity and educational activities through various channels to enhance the goods vehicle trade’s awareness of safe loading. For example, a Code of Practice for the Loading of Vehicles is compiled in accordance with the law, which provides guidelines on safe loading. The TD also issues the Goods Vehicle Trade Newsletter and holds regular meetings with the goods vehicle trade. Reminder messages are affixed on traffic signal controllers and displayed on variable message signs in tunnel areas. The TD and the HKPF will continue to work with the Road Safety Council to conduct publicity and educational programmes, such as publishing and distributing the Road Safety Bulletin, and disseminating information through social media platforms, to enhance road users’ awareness of safety.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Following is a question by the Hon Sunny Tan and a reply by the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Algernon Yau, in the Legislative Council today (October 15):
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
LCQ19: Upgrading facilities at Kowloon Park Question:
There are views that as one of Hong Kong’s major urban parks, Kowloon Park is rich with historical heritage and well located. However, with the changes in time, some facilities in the park have become outdated and underutilised, and the overall development potential has yet to be fully realised. Regarding the upgrading of facilities at Kowloon Park, will the Government inform this Council:
(1) of the numbers of users and utilisation rates of various major facilities at Kowloon Park (such as the Swimming pool, Sports Centre, Children’s Playground, Discovery Playground) in each of the past three years, as well as the results of satisfaction surveys, with a breakdown by type of facility;
(2) as there are views pointing out that Victoria Park, which is a major urban recreational space like Kowloon Park, has become a popular destination for members of the public and visitors due to its frequent hosting of diversified large-scale events, of the comparison of the utilisation of similar facilities between these two parks (such as swimming pool, sports centre/sports venue, children’s playground) in the past three years; whether it has specifically analysed the main reasons for the differences in the utilisation rates of facilities at these two parks;
(3) of the regular mechanisms and specific measures put in place by the authorities to regularly inspect, maintain and revamp the facilities at Kowloon Park to ensure that such facilities meet the needs of the public and remain in good condition; whether it has formulated enhancement plans to raise Kowloon Park’s attractiveness to locals and visitors (such as improving spatial planning and design in the park, organising more diversified events), thereby increasing the utilisation rates of facilities in the park;
(4) whether the authorities will consider adopting a public-private partnership model for the renovation works of Kowloon Park, allowing the private sector to participate in the design, operation and maintenance of specific areas in the park, so as to alleviate the Government’s financial burden and accelerate the revamp of facilities; and
(5) given that the Government announced last year the conversion of Block 58 of the former Whitfield Barracks in Kowloon Park into a Chinese Culture Experience Centre, and the construction of an Annex Block at the nearby Hong Kong Observatory Headquarters, Tsim Sha Tsui to provide facilities including a Public Information and Education Concourse and an exhibition gallery, etc, how the Government integrates the above projects with the existing facilities and activities in Kowloon Park to create a unified space for recreational, cultural and tourism experience; whether it will establish an inter-departmental collaboration mechanism for the above projects and integration efforts to create synergy effects, thereby enhancing visitor flow and public participation in the area?
Reply:
President,
The Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) is committed to offering diversified recreation, sports and leisure facilities in the parks under its management, with a view to meeting the public’s needs for leisure and recreation activities, advocating healthy lifestyle, and promoting sports to the community. The 13-hectare Kowloon Park is one of the LCSD’s major urban parks. It offers a full range of active and passive leisure facilities which are well received by members of the public.
My reply to the questions raised by the Hon Doreen Kong is as follows:
(1) Over the past three years, the usage rates or attendances of the major facilities in Kowloon Park are as follows:
Average usage rate
AttendanceThe LCSD does not keep relevant information on the attendances of the Children’s Playground and the Discovery Playground.
According to a questionnaire survey conducted from July to August 2025, the vast majority (85 per cent) of the respondents were generally “very satisfied” or “satisfied” with Kowloon Park.
(2) Victoria Park and Kowloon Park are popular major parks featuring active and passive facilities. Similar facilities in both parks include swimming pools and children’s playgrounds.
The LCSD does not keep information on the attendances of the children’s playgrounds concerned. As for the swimming pools, the attendances of the Kowloon Park Swimming Pool and the Victoria Park Swimming Pool over the past three years are as follows:
AttendanceMembers of the public choose to go swimming in nearby swimming pools based on their place of residence, place of work and daily schedules etc.???As such, the attendance of a swimming pool is subject to a series of factors. Besides, some facilities of the Victoria Park and Kowloon Park are available for organisations to hire for staging events of various scales and types, offering diversified park experiences to visitors as well as providing various organisations with quality venues to hold events. Over the past three years, various organisations hired Kowloon Park for more than 110 times to host events such as carnivals, exhibitions, and competitions (e.g. the Hong Kong International Handball Championships, the Hong Kong Rowing Indoor Championships and Charity Rowathon, an event celebrating the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, a Tai Chi day, and the opening ceremony of Hong Kong Avenue of Comic Stars phase four). Over the same period, Victoria Park was hired over 40 times for holding events, including multiple major events (e.g. Lunar New Year Fair, Hong Kong Flower Show, Mid-Autumn Lantern Carnival, Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon, and Hong Kong Brands and Products Expo).
(3) and (4) To continually enhance public service standards, the LCSD has all along been making plans for regular repair and large-scale improvement of various facilities of Kowloon Park taking into account the views of visitors and works departments with a view to enhancing the park visitors’ experience, ensuring that the facilities are safe and comfortable, and providing visitors with an even more attractive leisure space.
In the improvement plan for 2024-25, in addition to carrying out routine repair and maintenance works at Kowloon Park, the LCSD has completed the refurbishment works of Chinese Garden and Children’s Playground, as well as the enhancement works of fitness facilities and the Hong Kong Avenue of Comic Stars, bringing a better park experience for visitors. In addition, the LCSD installed specially designed and styled panda displays in the recently completed refurbishment project of the fountain at the Water Garden. Outdoor toilets were also enhanced with the introduction of Kung Fu design element for better visual appeal. As for the improvement plan for 2025-26, it will include projects on renovating toilets of the Discovery Playground as well as beautifying the Aviary and flower plots to further enhance the overall environment of the park, thereby providing visitors with more comfortable leisure space and richer natural landscape.
The LCSD will continue to review the usage of park facilities from time to time and, subject to the availability of resources and suitable venue conditions, formulate and carry out appropriate facility enhancement projects as necessary to continue adding unique features to Kowloon Park and enhancing its attractiveness.
In addition, regarding the public-private partnership, subject to its commercial viability and opportunities, the LCSD will keep an open mind, introduce innovative ideas and actively consider adopting public-private partnership proposals in order to enhance the service quality of facilities, thereby providing members of the public with leisure facilities of higher quality and richer visitor experience.
(5) The LCSD will convert Block 58 of the former Whitfield Barracks in Kowloon Park, with the construction of a new annex, into the Chinese Culture Experience Centre which is aiming at promoting Chinese culture. The Experience Centre will feature a versatile outdoor space harmonised with the natural environment of Kowloon Park, serving as a venue for hosting Chinese culture-related activities while offering citizens and tourists a space that combines cultural elements with natural scenery. The Experience Centre will make good use of technology to offer diversified interactive experiences and object-based learning activities to attract participation of both citizens and tourists. Issued at HKT 12:45
Financial Secretary Paul Chan yesterday began a visit to New York, in the US, by attending the annual Gala Dinner of the National Committee on United States-China Relations (NCUSCR) and met its Chair, the former US Trade Representative Ambassador Charlene Barshefsky.
In their meeting, the two exchanged views on current China-US economic and trade relations, as well as issues relating to trade, investment and financial markets between Hong Kong and the US. Mr Chan also briefed Miss Barshefsky on developments in Hong Kong.
Mr Chan highlighted the strong and close economic and trade ties between Hong Kong and the US. He added that despite the global economy currently facing significant uncertainties, Hong Kong will, under the “one country, two systems” framework, maintain its status as a free port, uphold the common law system and rule of law, sustain a simple and low tax regime, and implement open, stable and predictable economic and trade policies.
He added that Hong Kong continues to welcome US businesses to invest and expand their presence in the city. Recognising the important and active role the NCUSCR has long played in promoting Hong Kong-US economic and trade relations, he expressed hope for continued close co-operation with the committee to create more opportunities for the business communities of both places.
The gala dinner is a major annual event organised by the NCUSCR. It brings together prominent political, business and academic leaders from both China and the US, with a view to facilitating exchange and co-operation between the two countries. This year’s event was attended by around 300 leaders and guests.
Today, Mr Chan will meet local political and business leaders and brief them on the latest developments and opportunities in Hong Kong.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Following is a question by Professor the Hon William Wong and a written reply by the Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Professor Sun Dong, in the Legislative Council today (October 15):
Director General David Cheng-Wei Wu and Mrs. Wu hosted a grand reception to celebrate the 114th National Day of the Republic of China (Taiwan) at the historic Fullerton Hotel.
In his remarks, DG Wu emphasized that:
✅ Amid today’s global geopolitical challenges and authoritarian expansion, no country can safeguard peace alone. Only through solidarity and democratic partnerships can the world maintain lasting peace and prosperity.
✅ According to the Institute for Economics & Peace, Taiwan produces 92% of the world’s most advanced logic chips, 70% of smartphone chips, and 35% of automotive microcontrollers. The IEP also predicts a major conflict in Taiwan could cost the global economy US$10 trillion—far exceeding the global economic impact of the war in Ukraine.
✅ Taiwan does not seek conflict, but rather strives to share prosperity through mutual benefit and cooperation. Our integrated diplomacy leverages Taiwan’s unique position in the democratic values chain, the non-red supply chain, and the first island chain in the Indo-Pacific. This Three-Chain Strategy and our commitment to peace through strength ensure stability in the region.
✅ Over the past year, Taiwan has experienced both highs and lows, including: two-time Olympic gold medalist Lee Yang, Taiwan’s first Minister of Sports. Our national baseball team won the global championship of WBSC Premier12 。The opening of the Taiwan Tourism Information Centre (TTIC) in Sydney.
✅Typhoon Ragasa devastated remote villages in Hualien of Eastern part of Taiwan last month. More than 100,000 volunteer “shovel heroes”. This extraordinary spirit of unity and compassion reflects the resilience of the Taiwanese people. It also silently reveals how Taiwan will defend its beloved homeland: with unshakable resolve and the strength of collective will. A force not to be underestimated.
✅Taiwan is not the problem, Taiwan is the world’s answer. Taiwan is not only a success story, but a living legend. And Taiwan will continue to work hand in hand with Australia and other like-minded partners to build a world that is more secure, more stable, and more prosperous.
Several New South Wales Parliamentarians also delivered remarks, expressing their respect for Taiwan’s courage in upholding shared values. They commended Taiwan’s leading role in democracy, innovation, and economic development, and praised the nation for standing firm and never backing down in the face of pressure from China. They emphasized that Taiwan’s steadfastness carries great significance for maintaining democracy, stability, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region.
They further described the precious friendship between Taiwan and Australia as that of “winter friends” — companions who support each other through difficult times. Australia, they said, will continue to work with Taiwan to uphold shared values, ensure that Taiwan’s voice is heard on the regional and global stage, and contribute together to the progress and prosperity of the world.
The Taiwanese community in Sydney gathered on Double Tenth Day at the International Convention Centre (ICC) Sydney to celebrate the 114th National Day of the Republic of China (Taiwan).
Director-General David Cheng -Wei Wu and Mrs. Wu, together with all colleagues from the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) in Sydney, joined 500 guests for a night filled with pride, joy, and celebration of Taiwan’s birthday.
Michael Wu, Chairperson of the Double Tenth Celebration Committee, expressed heartfelt gratitude to his dedicated team for months of preparation and to the Taiwanese community for their strong support in making this grand celebration possible. He also announced a donation of AUD 10,000 to Ronald McDonald House Charities, sharing the warmth and compassion of the Taiwanese diaspora with children and families in need in Sydney.
DG Wu thanked Chairperson Wu and the organizing team for their tireless efforts, noting that this year’s theme, “Reflections of Culture in an Age of Technology,” highlights Taiwan’s cultural soft power. He also highlighted President Lai’s National Day address, which emphasized “The Power to Move Forward: Six Key Strengths.” Taiwan’s economic growth ranks first among the Four Asian Tigers, and that its foreign exchange reserves have surpassed USD 600 billion for the first time in history—a remarkable milestone. Without Taiwan’s participation, the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) would be incomplete.
Distinguished guests, including Matt Cross, Shadow Assistant Minister for Education, and shadow assistant Minister for government accountability of New South Wales; Trenton Brown, Mayor of Ryde city; Angelo Rozos, Deputy Mayor of Willoughby city, Michelle Chuang, Councillor of Willoughby City; and Barbara Ward, Councillor of Ku-ring-gai City, also joined the celebration. In their speeches, they congratulated Taiwan on its National Day and praised Taiwan’s vibrant democracy as a model for the world.
This year’s celebration was the most spectacular and high-tech National Day banquet ever held by the Sydney Taiwanese community—a four-hour non-stop party of music, dance, and joy! Highlights included the first-ever AI host, Paiwan Indigenous music, a virtual performance of Teresa Teng’s classic “Sweet as Honey”, the Australian Girls Choir, a high-energy “Friday Night” dance, an erhu performance of “Faraway”, stand-up comedy by Peter Huang, and a stunning performance by the HOYI Dance Crew from Taiwan, who led the audience in the lively “Tai-Ke Dance” blending Taiwanese street dance with temple parade traditions, making the night reach a euphoric high. In addition to the amazing performances, the highlight of the event was the grand raffle prize — a China Airlines round-trip Premium Economy ticket between Taiwan and Australia. Everyone was eagerly hoping to be the lucky winner!
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
​Following is a question by Dr the Hon Chan Han-pan and a written reply by the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Miss Rosanna Law, in the Legislative Council today (October 15):
Question:
As announced by the Government, with effective from February 26 this year, a new application fee of $600 has been introduced for various admission schemes for talents and capital investors (specified admission schemes), and the visa/entry permit issuance fees have been raised to $600 (with a limit of stay of 180 days or below) and $1,300 (with a limit of stay of 181 days or more) respectively. There are views relaying that the aforesaid visa fees have put heavy financial pressure on performing groups coming from other places to Hong Kong and relying on donations to maintain their operation (e.g. Shengong opera troupes performing at the Yu Lan Festival), thus affecting the transmission and exchange of traditional cultures. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
(1) of the number of Chinese Mainland traditional folklore performing groups (including Shengong opera troupes) admitted to Hong Kong under the specified admission schemes in each of the past three years, as well as their members involved (set out in a table);
(2) as it is learnt that quite a number of district organisations will invite Chinese Mainland performing groups to perform in Hong Kong during celebration events to promote cultural exchanges, whether the Government will consider waiving visa application and issuance fees or introducing a tiered fee system for members of those performing groups which do not charge the public for their performances, so as to encourage cultural exchanges in the community and promote the transmission of cultural heritage;
(3) of the number of Chinese Mainland performing groups permitted under the Immigration Facilitation Scheme for Visitors Participating in Short-term Activities in Designated Sectors (the STV Scheme) to participate in specified short-term activities in the arts and cultural sector during their stay as visitors since the regularisation of the scheme in 2024; and
(4) as there are views pointing out that although there is strong demand from district organisations for performances by traditional folklore performing groups, the visits of performing groups to Hong Kong via the STV Scheme are subject to the endorsement of the authorised host organisations (e.g. the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau) by way of invitation letters, which involves some difficulties in the process, whether the Government will consider further streamlining the relevant application procedures to enable more performing groups to come to Hong Kong for exchanges without having to apply for employment visas?
Reply:
President,
In consultation with the Security Bureau, the Labour and Welfare Bureau and the Immigration Department (ImmD), the reply to the question raised by Dr the Hon Chan Han-pan is as follows:
(1) Eligible Mainland residents who possess special skills, knowledge or experience of value to and not readily available in Hong Kong may apply to come to work in Hong Kong under the Admission Scheme for Mainland Talents and Professionals (ASMTP) (the “specified admission scheme” as referred to in the question), including short-term or one-off project-based employment, if the conditions are met. In 2022, 2023, and 2024, the numbers of approved applications under the ASMTP related to the Mainland talents of the arts/culture sector were 285, 2 496 and 4 618 respectively. The ImmD does not maintain a breakdown of the statistics on applications involving traditional folk performing groups from the Mainland (including Shengong opera troupes).
(2) to (4) In devising the fee levels for the ASMTP, the Government has balanced various considerations. Among others, noting that some applications relate to short-term/one-off project-based employment, the Government has introduced two tiers of visa/entry permit issuance fee: $600 for visa/entry permit granted with a limit of stay of not more than 180 days, and $1,300 for those with a limit of stay of 181 days or more. The fee levels are modest and affordable. The Government will closely monitor the relevant situation and review the fee structure as appropriate in accordance with the established mechanism.
Besides, to encourage more talents to come to Hong Kong for exchanges, the Government launched a two-year Pilot Scheme on Immigration Facilitation for Visitors Participating in Short-term Activities in Designated Sectors (Pilot Scheme) in June 2022, which was regularised as the Immigration Facilitation Scheme for Visitors Participating in Short-term Activities in Designated Sectors (STV Scheme) in June 2024. Under the STV Scheme, organisations authorised by the relevant government bureaux/departments (B/Ds) can issue invitation letters to relevant non-local talents in their sectors. Invited persons may come to Hong Kong to participate in specified short-term activities as visitors without the need to apply for employment visas/entry permits from the ImmD. They may participate in specified short-term activities for up to 14 consecutive calendar days during each trip to Hong Kong, and receive remuneration for the specified activities concerned.
As of end-June 2025, the Pilot Scheme and the STV Scheme have approved for a total of more than 36 950 non-local talents to enter Hong Kong as visitors to participate in a total of over 6 200 short-term activities and major events. Among others, since the regularisation of the scheme in June 2024, a total of more than 1 520 non-local talents have been approved to participate in the specified short-term activities under the “Arts and Cultural” sector. The ImmD does not maintain statistics of Mainland performing groups entering Hong Kong under the STV Scheme as mentioned in the question.
To ensure that the STV Scheme keeps pace with the times, the Government reviews its coverage and operation mechanism from time to time, with a view to ensuring that it can continue to effectively promote the development of relevant sectors and raise Hong Kong’s international profile while ensuring that the risks are manageable. Since the launch of the Pilot Scheme, the Government has expanded the scheme in February 2023 and June 2024, by adding two sectors, namely “Finance” and “Development and Construction”, to the original 10 designated sectors. The number of authorised organisations has also increased by 18 per cent from around 350 when the scheme was first launched, to more than 400 at present. These authorised organisations include government B/Ds, public/statutory organisations, professional bodies and industry associations. Through an established mechanism, all participating B/Ds are required to assist in ensuring that the implementation of the scheme consistently meets policy objectives. Relevant information of the STV Scheme, including the authorised organisations and specified short-term activities that are currently covered by the scheme, is available on the ImmD’s website: www.immd.gov.hk/eng/services/visas/stv.html.
The Government will continue to closely monitor the implementation of the STV Scheme as well as the views of the relevant departments and the sectors concerned, and timely review the scheme’s coverage to strike an appropriate balance between immigration control and facilitation. In considering whether to further relax the STV Scheme, the Government shall take into account two major principles, i.e. eligible individuals visiting Hong Kong for specified short-term activities under the scheme will not displace the local workforce, and there will not be a risk of abuse (including illegal employment).
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Following is a question by the Hon Chan Yung and a written reply by the Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs, Mr Erick Tsang Kwok-wai, in the Legislative Council today (October 15):
Question:
Regarding the 2025 Legislative Council General Election (LCGE), will the Government inform this Council:
(1) of the preparations for the 2025 LCGE, including the key stages of work, current progress and subsequent material junctures;
(2) of the specific new measures the Government has put in place to promote the 2025 LCGE, and of the progress of preparation and expected outcomes of the relevant publicity work;
(3) of the measures the Government has put in place to provide further convenience to electors, so as to enhance their voting desire and improve their voting experience;
(4) in respect of the application of technologies, whether the Government has plans to introduce more technology initiatives in public elections to further improve electoral processes and efficiency; if so, of the current progress of the study on this front; and
(5) given that during the 2023 District Council Ordinary Election, the Government had encouraged civil servants to duly fulfil their civic responsibilities and vote on polling day through various activities, how the Government will further encourage civil servants to actively participate in voting during the 2025 LCGE so as to set a good example in society?
Reply:
President,
The 2025 Legislative Council General Election (LCGE) will be held on December 7 to return 90 members of the eighth term Legislative Council (LegCo). The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government attaches great importance to the LegCo election as it is directly related to the steadfast and successful implementation of “one country, two systems” and to the good governance and long-term stability of the HKSAR.
Having consulted the Civil Service Bureau, a consolidated reply in response to the various questions raised by the Hon Chan Yung is as follows:
The preparations for the LCGE are currently in full swing. The Registration and Electoral Office (REO) is actively undertaking a wide range of tasks, including the deployment of electoral staff, provision of training and drills for electoral staff, conduct of multiple rounds of testing for election information technology systems, set up polling stations, formulation of security and contingency plans, to ensure that the election will be smoothly conducted in a fair, just, honest, safe and orderly, efficient and user-friendly manner.
The nomination period will run from October 24 to November 6. The REO had made appropriate arrangements and is ready to receive and process nomination forms. Upon the Candidate Eligibility Review Committee’s confirmation of the eligibility of candidates, the REO will hold a briefing session for candidates to explain the polling and counting arrangements. The REO will send poll cards, Introduction to Candidates and related materials to electors and authorised representatives before the end of November, with a view to notifying them of their assigned polling station for casting their votes and enabling electors to gain a better understanding of the candidates concerned.
To facilitate electors in casting their votes and enhance their voting experience, the REO will continue adopting the combined voting arrangement to allow electors to cast all their votes at the same polling station. In general, the REO will assign electors to vote at the polling station within their constituency and close to their registered residential address. Other facilitation measures for voting include:
(i) the REO will set up Near Boundary Polling Stations to facilitate electors who need to travel to and from the Mainland on the polling day. Prior registration will be made for electors who choose to vote at these polling stations;
(ii) besides the poll card, electors may access the Online Voter Information Enquiry System (OVIES) to view their registration details, assigned polling station and location map, and Introduction to Candidates, etc.; The HKSAR Government has been striving to enhance the various electoral procedures and arrangements. We will, in light of the actual circumstances and needs, take holistic consideration of such factors as the application of technology, enhancement of efficiency, safety and security, privacy protection and public perception, etc, in introducing the wider use of information and smart technologies. The REO will: The Government is promoting the election through diverse activities and channels to enhance the public’s understanding of the election and encourage them to vote actively. Specific promotional activities include organising community interactive activities (such as roving exhibitions and game booths, etc), placing outdoor and transport advertisements (such as large outdoor advertisements on external walls of buildings and streets, as well as MTR and bus lightbox advertising, etc), launching promotion through traditional and social media platforms (such as radio, television, Facebook and Instagram, etc), and conducting other large-scale events such as a seminar and variety show, etc. In addition, the Government is reaching out to the community with a novel and down-to-earth approach. For example, the installation of the election mascots Ballot Box Family at various locations across the territory is combined with augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) technologies to invite the public to interact, take photos and upload them to the social media. At the same time, the Government will co-ordinate the promotional efforts for the election and the National Games to create synergetic publicity effect.
As a key component of the HKSAR Government’s governance system, civil servants shoulder the responsibility of fully implementing “one country, two systems” and supporting the governance of the HKSAR Government. Civil servants should take the lead in society and set an example by fulfilling their civic responsibility to vote. A large number of civil servants have been engaged in election-related work, from preparation, polling to counting, who have made concerted efforts to ensure the smooth completion of every task. During the 2023 District Council Ordinary Election, the HKSAR Government appealed to all civil servants as well as electors in Hong Kong to actively cast their votes through various publicity channels, such as writing to civil servants, distributing promotional leaflets to departmental offices, publishing posts/videos on social media platforms, holding events to reach out to the community, etc. The related arrangements were very successful and received overwhelming response from civil servants and the public. For the upcoming LCGE, the HKSAR Government will continue to employ diverse and comprehensive means to proactively optimise various publicity and promotional initiatives, with a view to encouraging civil servants to participate in the election. As for staff who are required to work on the polling day, departmental managers must release those who need to vote to cast their votes at their designated polling stations. Timetables should be prepared accordingly to facilitate staff to leave the office for voting in an orderly manner. Also, such timetables must be submitted to the Heads of Departments concerned. Colleagues may apply for reimbursement of transport (including taxi) fares for travelling between their offices and designated polling stations.