Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 3
The Education Bureau (EDB) will hold the Information Expo on Multiple Pathways 2026 (Info Expo) in late May 2026 to provide information on various articulation opportunities for secondary school graduates and help them plan well for their further studies and career pathways.
Details of the exhibition:
Date: 22–23 May 2026 (Friday and Saturday)
Time: 10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.
Venue: Hall 3G of the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre
Around 30 post-secondary institutions and organisations will set up exhibition booths at the Info Expo to provide information on locally accredited post-secondary programmes (including programmes eligible for various government subsidy schemes as well as vocational and professional education and training (VPET) programmes and applied degree programmes), the Diploma of Applied Education programmes, as well as relevant online platforms such as the Information Portal for Accredited Post-secondary Programmes (iPASS), the Electronic Advance Application System for Post-secondary Programmes (E-APP), the Concourse for Self-financing Post-secondary Education (Concourse), and the Qualifications Framework.
In addition, Hok Yau Club and the Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups will offer studies and career guidance services to students.
There will also be talks on multiple pathways, preparation and strategies for articulation to post-secondary education, and experience sharing by post-secondary students. Institution and industry representatives will also provide first-hand information about various programmes and careers development.
Secondary school students, especially graduates, parents and teachers are all welcome to join. Please visit the event website for the exhibitor list and talk schedule.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Speech by SHYA at 2026 APEC Women and Economy Forum High-Level Policy Dialogue on Women and Economy (English only) Thank you Chair and good morning fellow colleagues.
I would like to first express our sincere appreciation to our country, the People’s Republic of China (PRC), for hosting the Women and the Economy Forum (WEF) this year. The theme, “Promoting Women’s Economic Empowerment to Prosper Together in the Asia‑Pacific”, is both timely and relevant.
Economies across the Asia Pacific are navigating rapid shifts in technology, demography and sustainable development. These changes are reshaping labour markets and creating new demands for skills, adaptability, and innovation. It is essential to ensure women’s full and equal engagement in the economy to sustain a long-term and inclusive growth that benefits all.
The PRC hosted the Global Leaders’ Meeting on Women held in Beijing in 2025 to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the Fourth World Conference on Women in Beijing, and called for accelerating the new process for women’s all-round development. Hong Kong, China (HKC) fully supports the call and is committed to carrying forward the spirit of the Beijing Conference in advancing the high-quality development of the women’s cause.
This year’s WEF highlights three interconnected issues that are reshaping opportunities across the Asia Pacific and represent the frontiers of a transformation vital to our future generations, including digital and smart development, green and low‑carbon development, as well as employment and entrepreneurship. Women are the drivers of these strategic focus areas and HKC is firmly committed to fostering an enabling environment that enables their meaningful and sustained involvement in our economy. From robust legal protections against discrimination on gender and family status, to enhanced childcare and after‑school care services, as well as efforts to promote family‑friendly employment practices, these measures form the foundation for women to participate fully and equally in our economy.
To fully leverage women’s roles as key actors and agents of change in economic development, we root our policy direction in strengthening women’s empowerment and capacity building. In this regard, HKC has introduced targeted initiatives that expand women’s access to skills, opportunities and resources. Our flagship initiative, the Women Empowerment Fund established in 2023, subsidises community-led projects that equip women with future‑ready capabilities, including digital literacy and technology adoption, entrepreneurial skill-building, such as knowledge to launch and scale businesses, as well as access to digital marketing. We are mindful that this programme must support women in tackling the challenges highlighted in today’s high-level forum – the impact of AI on our workforce, our responsibility to preserve the Earth for our children’s children, and the pursuit of individual agency and fulfillment.
The Fund has now completed six rounds of applications, approving over 450 projects with a total funding allocation of over HK$66 million, benefitting over 87 000 women in person-times in less than three years. The strengthened efforts will better position women to take up opportunities in new areas of growth and to contribute immensely to HKC’s continued economic development. I am pleased to share with you that we have recently increased our annual allocation to the Women Empowerment Fund by 50% from 20 to 30 million Hong Kong dollars a year, a step taken to scale our impact and further empower women’s all-round development.
We witness the seeds of future leadership taking root when females account for more than half of our student enrolments in undergraduate programmes today. HKC is investing in the next generation of women leaders through our “She Inspires” Mentorship Programme. The programme pairs local female university students with seasoned female leaders in various areas. Through mentors’ guidance and career-focused training, we equip young women with the necessary skills and networks to shatter glass ceilings, and to nurture future women leaders who are represented not only in the workforce, but also in decision-making roles or as trailblazing entrepreneurs who can shape policies, drive innovation and influence the future of our region.
For HKC, we accord high priority to facilitating women’s participation in policy-making. We have long adopted a 35 per cent benchmark for women’s participation in the statutory and advisory bodies, a target we have consistently met year after year, ensuring women’s perspectives are embedded in our policy deliberations. Furthermore, we host flagship events such as the Family and Women Development Summit, bringing together cross-sector stakeholders for meaningful dialogue to explore targeted and effective support for women’s advancement.
As HKC continues to navigate economic transformation, we echo the four proposals raised by President Xi at the Global Leaders’ Meeting on Women in advancing women’s all-round development, and are committed to turning these visionary proposals into actions. As part of this shared journey, we stand ready to collaborate with fellow APEC economies in championing women’s economic empowerment, so that the progress we make today will lay the foundation for a more inclusive and prosperous tomorrow.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Hong Kong Customs detects dangerous drug case and seizes suspected ketamine worth about $22 million (with photo) Through risk assessment, Hong Kong Customs on that day inspected a seaborne consolidated consignment, declared as carrying grease, arriving in Hong Kong from the Netherlands at Kwai Chung Customhouse Cargo Examination Compound. Upon inspection, Customs officers found the batch of suspected ketamine from seven metal barrels containing grease. Upon a follow-up investigation, Customs officers conducted controlled delivery operations and arrested two male consignees, aged 59 and 58, in Kwai Chung and Tuen Mun on May 12 and 14 respectively.
The investigation is ongoing and the two arrested men have been released on bail pending further investigation.
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 15:38
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
General holidays for 2027 published
Every Sunday A Government spokesman said, “As the second day of Lunar New Year in 2027 falls on a Sunday, the fourth day of Lunar New Year will be designated as a general holiday in substitution.” Issued at HKT 11:00
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
Correctional officers stopped a 35-year-old male person in custody from attempting to commit suicide by hanging in Stanley Prison today (May 15).
At 0.26am today, a correctional officer found the person in custody attempting to commit suicide by hanging with a bedsheet tied to the window grille bars of his cell. The officer immediately called for reinforcements to rescue and provide first-aid treatment to him. The person in custody was found unconscious at the time and was subsequently sent to a public hospital for further treatment. The case has been reported to the Police.
A spokesman for the Correctional Services Department said, “The department uses all possible measures to prevent persons in custody from attempting suicide or self-harm. These measures include administrative arrangements, improvement of institution facilities, staff training and first-aid services.”
The person in custody was sentenced to imprisonment for the offence of rape in 2025.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Approved Tsz Wan Shan, Diamond Hill and San Po Kong Outline Zoning Plan amended * The Secretariat of the Town Planning Board reserves the right to require the representer to provide identity proof for verification.Issued at HKT 16:00
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
The Information Expo on Multiple Pathways 2026 (Info Expo), organised by the Education Bureau (EDB), will be held from 10am to 6pm on May 22 (Friday) and 23 (Saturday) at Hall 3G of the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre.
A spokesman for the EDB said today (May 15), “The Info Expo aims to provide the latest information on multiple pathways for senior secondary school students, parents and teachers; and to help students make good preparations for different articulation and career plans. Around 30 post-secondary institutions and organisations will set up exhibition booths to provide information on locally accredited post-secondary programmes (including programmes eligible for various government subsidy schemes, vocational and professional education and training programmes and applied degree programmes) and the Diploma of Applied Education programmes, as well as relevant online platforms such as the Information Portal for Accredited Post-secondary Programmes (iPASS), the Electronic Advance Application System for Post-secondary Programmes (E-APP), the Concourse for Self-financing Post-secondary Education (Concourse) and the Qualifications Framework.”
In addition, Hok Yau Club and the Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups will offer studies and career guidance services to students at the Info Expo. There will also be talks on multiple pathways, preparation and strategies for articulation to post-secondary education, and experience sharing by post-secondary students. Institution and industry representatives will also provide first-hand information about various programmes and career development.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
The Labour Department and the Occupational Safety and Health Council will hold the OSH INNO Expo on June 2 and 3. The Expo will introduce and showcase innovative solutions, products and technologies in the field of occupational safety and health (OSH), with a view to promoting the application of innovative technologies to further elevate the standards of OSH. The Expo is now open for online registration and interested parties are welcome to participate.
The Expo will mainly consist of two parts, namely an exhibition and a conference. The 2nd OSH Innovation & Technology Award will also be presented at the event. The exhibition will bring together over 100 organisations from Hong Kong, the Greater Bay Area, and overseas to showcase technological breakthroughs and the latest applications in OSH, such as smart systems integrated into personal protective equipment to monitor high-risk operations; wearable exoskeleton devices designed to reduce physical strain on workers; and temperature-controlled vests and heat-stress management platforms that help mitigate the risk of heat stroke.
The Expo will also feature a conference with local, Mainland and international OSH experts to discuss the application and effectiveness of innovative OSH technologies. In addition, the 2nd OSH Innovation & Technology Award Sharing Session and Presentation Ceremony will be held during the event. Shortlisted entries from primary schools, secondary schools and open categories will also be displayed at the Expo.
The Expo will be held at Exhibition Hall 1C, Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, Wan Chai, from 9am to 6pm on June 2 and 3. The exhibition, conference and awards presentation ceremony are open to the public for free, but preregistration is required. Interested parties may register online (www.oshexpo.hk/osh-inno-expo/registration). For details of the Expo, please visit the event website (www.oshexpo.hk).
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
IMF commends Hong Kong’s resilient economic growth The Mission notes that Hong Kong’s economy has continued to recover, supported by robust technology-related exports, improving private demand and a rebound in financial market activity.
The Mission reaffirms Hong Kong’s role as an international financial centre and a “super connector”, particularly as a leading fundraising hub and a premier offshore Renminbi centre. The Mission also acknowledges that policy initiatives, including the development of the Northern Metropolis, are conducive to the development of innovation and high-value services in Hong Kong, supporting economic growth and structural transformation.
The Mission considers the fiscal stance in 2026 as appropriate given the current economic conditions, while supporting a focus on achieving stronger medium-term consolidation to rebuild fiscal reserves and address rising spending pressures.
The Mission acknowledges that financial sector risks are manageable, supported by strong buffers and robust regulatory oversight. As noted by the Mission, banks remain well capitalised, liquid, and profitable, while the Linked Exchange Rate System (LERS) continues to be an appropriate and credible anchor for macroeconomic and financial stability. The Mission commends the continued efforts to strengthen the monitoring framework for the non-bank financial institution sector, noting that expanded risk assessments and targeted stress testing have improved early-warning capabilities.
The Mission recognises that Hong Kong is well placed to build further on its digital and sustainable finance agenda, supported by effective implementation and robust systemic oversight. The Mission also highlights that the “Fintech 2030” strategy aims to modernise market infrastructure as well as to promote responsible AI innovation and asset tokenisation within a robust regulatory framework.
The Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, said, “We welcome the Mission’s assessment of Hong Kong’s ongoing economic recovery and its support for the Government’s fiscal policies to drive economic growth and achieve economic diversification.
“The Hong Kong economy expanded robustly in the first quarter of 2026. Looking ahead, Hong Kong’s economic growth outlook is positive, underpinned by strong global demand for AI-related electronics, sustained growth in visitor arrivals and robust cross-boundary financial activities. A favourable business environment and the gradual improvement to consumer sentiment will continue to support domestic demand. We will closely monitor the development of the situation in the Middle East, dynamically assess the economic situation, and react flexibly.
“We note the views in the Concluding Statement on Hong Kong’s commercial real estate (CRE) sector. In the post-epidemic era, the global CRE market has generally faced challenges amid changing office work and consumption patterns. The Government has in recent years introduced a series of market-stabilising policy measures, including suspending the sale of commercial land and encouraging developers to convert suitable vacant office space into student hostels. Currently, Hong Kong’s CRE market has stabilised, with transaction and leasing volumes rising significantly, and prices and rents becoming steady.
“On the pace of fiscal consolidation, the reinforced fiscal consolidation programme is progressing as planned. According to the Medium Range Forecast set out in the 2026-27 Budget, the Operating Account will record surpluses for each of the next five years, with surpluses increasing year by year, reflecting the effectiveness of the Government’s measures to increase revenue and control expenditure. The Capital Account will still record deficits during this period, resulting in a deficit (before issuance and repayment of bonds) in the Consolidated Account, mainly due to the Government’s enhanced infrastructure spending in accelerating the development of the Northern Metropolis and proactively creating capacity for Hong Kong’s high-quality development. These investments for the future will bring broader economic benefits and tax revenues to Hong Kong. We will make good use of market forces to finance these infrastructure projects.
“In fact, two major credit rating agencies have recently affirmed Hong Kong’s credit rating and ‘stable’ outlook, reflecting Hong Kong’s considerable resilience underpinned by its sound economic fundamentals, robust public finances, and a well-established financial system.
“The Government will analyse and study the various recommendations put forward by the Mission.”
The Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority, Mr Eddie Yue, said, “I welcome the Mission’s continued support for the LERS, a key anchor of Hong Kong’s financial system and economy. I am pleased to note the Mission’s recognition of our robust regulatory and supervisory frameworks, underpinned by strong buffers and prudent practices in the banking sector. I also appreciate the Mission’s affirmation of Hong Kong’s role as an international financial centre and a “super connector” between the Chinese Mainland and the rest of the world.”
The Mission visited Hong Kong from March 16 to 27, 2026, with discussions held with HKSAR Government officials, financial regulators and private sector representatives. The Concluding Statement is in the Annex. The relevant full report will be discussed by the IMF Executive Board later this month. Issued at HKT 17:48