Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
SITI congratulates Hong Kong delegation on its remarkable achievements at 51st International Exhibition of Inventions of Geneva The Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Professor Sun Dong, today (March 15), congratulated the Hong Kong delegation on their remarkable achievements at the 51st International Exhibition of Inventions of Geneva. He said, “I would like to extend my warmest congratulations to the Hong Kong representatives for shining on the global innovation and technology (I&T) stage. Hong Kong’s remarkable achievements in scientific research depend on our profound I&T capabilities and talent advantages. The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government will continue to deploy resources to enhance talent training and encourage R&D. To align with the country’s 15th Five Year Plan, the HKSAR Government will proactively integrate with the country’s strategic directions by developing Hong Kong into an international I&T centre, contributing to high-level technological self-reliance of our country.”
Issued at HKT 21:52
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DH invites organisations to submit proposals for Outreach Oral Health Programme for Pre-school Children
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
DH invites organisations to submit proposals for Outreach Oral Health Programme for Pre-school Children The Government is implementing oral health policies and action plans in accordance to the recommendations of the Working Group on Oral Health and Dental Care, adopting the strategies of widely promoting among citizens across all age groups prevention-oriented primary oral healthcare while providing essential dental care services targeting underprivileged groups.
Oral healthcare during the earliest stage of life is extremely important. Establishing appropriate lifestyles during pre-school years helps children maintain lifelong oral and general health. The OOHP is a key component of the strategy of developing community-wide preventive primary oral healthcare, providing kindergarten students with free on-site oral screenings, oral health risk assessments and fluoride application as appropriate, as well as oral health reports for parents and individualised oral care advice. Additionally, participating organisations will conduct oral health talks for the teaching staff of kindergartens. The DH will send letters to all kindergartens introducing the OOHP to facilitate arrangements between participating organisations and kindergartens for students to join the OOHP in the new school year.Issued at HKT 10:30
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Speech by SJ at opening ceremony of 23rd Willem C Vis East International Commercial Arbitration Moot (English only)
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Following is the speech by the Secretary for Justice, Mr Paul Lam, SC, at the opening ceremony of 23rd Willem C Vis East International Commercial Arbitration Moot today (March 15):
Ms Barrington (Director of the Vis East Moot Foundation, Ms Louise Barrington), Ms Tung (Director and the Chief Executive Officer of the Vis East Moot Foundation, Ms Sherlin Tung), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
A very good evening. On behalf of the Department of Justice (DoJ) of Hong Kong , it is my great pleasure to welcome you all to the 23rd Willem C. Vis East International Commercial Arbitration Moot (Moot). Let me begin by expressing my sincere thanks to the Vis East Moot Foundation for once again bringing this prestigious and vibrant event to Hong Kong.
This year, the Moot has reached exciting new heights, bringing altogether over 1 300 students and coaches from 161 university teams from 37 jurisdictions worldwide, alongside more than 500 professionals. It is unfortunate that around 10 teams are unable to come here, and some arbitrators are also unable to be here because of what is happening in the Middle East. This is perhaps a very timely reminder of the importance of resolving international disputes of whatever nature by peaceful means, including arbitration. In any event, the remarkable figures that I have just mentioned reflect the growing influence of the Moot as a global platform for nurturing young legal talent and fostering the next generation of arbitration leaders.
DH announces latest situation regarding Legionnaires’ disease case
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) today (March 16) reported the latest number of Legionnaires’ disease (LD) cases, and reminded the public of the importance of using and maintaining properly designed man-made water systems, adding that susceptible groups should strictly observe relevant precautions.
From March 8 to 14, the CHP recorded one community-acquired LD case, involving a 61-year-old male patient with underlying illnesses living in Kwun Tong District.
The CHP is conducting epidemiological investigations to identify the potential source of infection and high-risk exposure. An initial investigation revealed that this is a sporadic case. No epidemiological linkages have been established between this case and other confirmed cases previously recorded in Hong Kong.
As of March 14, 14 LD cases had been recorded this year. In 2025 and 2024, there were 167 and 135 LD cases respectively.
Men, people aged over 50, smokers, alcoholics and persons with weakened immunity are more susceptible to LD. Some situations may also increase the risk of infection, including poor maintenance of water systems; living in areas with old water systems, cooling towers or fountains; using electric water heaters, whirlpool spas or hot water spring spas; and recent stays in hotels or ships.
Legionellae are found in various environmental settings and grow well in warm water (20 to 45 degrees Celsius). They can be found in aqueous environments such as water tanks, hot and cold water systems, cooling towers, whirlpool spas, water fountains, humidifiers and home respiratory devices that support breathing. People may become infected when they breathe in contaminated droplets (aerosols) and mist generated by artificial water systems, or when handling garden soil, compost and potting mixes.
Immunocompromised persons should:
- Use sterile or boiled water for drinking, tooth brushing and mouth rinsing;
- Avoid using humidifiers, or other mist- or aerosol-generating devices; and
- If using humidifiers, or other mist- or aerosol-generating devices, fill the water tank with only sterile or cooled freshly boiled water, and not water directly from the tap. Also, clean and maintain humidifiers/devices regularly according to manufacturers’ instructions. Never leave stagnant water in a humidifier/device. Empty the water tank, wipe all surfaces dry, and change the water daily.
The public should observe the health advice below:
- Observe personal hygiene;
- Do not smoke and avoid alcohol consumption;
- Strainers in water taps and shower heads should be inspected, cleaned, descaled and disinfected regularly or at a frequency recommended by the manufacturer;
- If a fresh-water plumbing system is properly maintained, it is not necessary to install domestic water filters. Use of water filters is not encouraged as clogging occurs easily, which can promote growth of micro-organisms. In case water filters are used, the pore size should be 0.2 micrometres (µm) or less and the filter needs to be changed periodically according to the manufacturer’s recommendations;
- Drain and clean water tanks of buildings at least quarterly;
- Drain or purge for at least one minute infrequently used water outlets (e.g. water taps, shower heads and hot water outlets) and stagnant points of the pipework weekly or before use;
- Seek and follow doctors’ professional advice regarding the use and maintenance of home respiratory devices and use only sterile water (not distilled or tap water) to clean and fill the reservoir. Clean and maintain the device regularly according to the manufacturer’s instructions. After cleaning/disinfection, rinse the device with sterile water, cooled freshly boiled water or water filtered with 0.2 µm filters. Never leave stagnant water in the device. Empty the water tank, keep all surfaces dry, and change the water daily; and
- When handling garden soil, compost and potting mixes:
- Wear gloves and a face mask;
- Water gardens and compost gently using low pressure;
- Open composted potting mixes slowly and make sure the opening is directed away from the face;
- Wet the soil to reduce dust when potting plants; and
- Avoid working in poorly ventilated places such as enclosed greenhouses.
The public may visit the CHP’s LD page, the Code of Practice for Prevention of LD and the Housekeeping Guidelines for Cold and Hot Water Systems for Building Management of the Prevention of LD Committee, and the CHP’s risk-based strategy for prevention and control of LD.
Additionally, as smokers and alcoholics are more susceptible to LD, the Government urges members of the public to quit smoking and avoid drinking. Members of the public may call the DH Integrated Smoking Cessation Hotline at 1833 183, which is answered by registered nurses who provide professional counselling and referral to a wide range of free smoking cessation services. The public may also visit the smoking cessation thematic website (www.livetobaccofree.hk) for more information on smoking cessation. The DH has also launched the Pilot Alcohol Cessation Counselling Service, which provides free counselling to people identified as having probable alcohol dependence, through a subvented non-governmental organisation, the Tung Wah Group of Hospitals (TWGHs). Information on the service has been uploaded to the DH’s Change for Health website. Eligible persons who are interested can call the enquiry hotline of the TWGHs (2884 9876).
Speech by CS at Hong Kong University of Science and Technology 35th Anniversary Launch Ceremony (English only)
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
Following is the speech by the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki, at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) 35th Anniversary Launch Ceremony today (March 16):
尊敬的羅永綱副主任 (Deputy Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Mr Luo Yonggang), Dr Chan (the Pro-Chancellor of the HKUST, Dr John Chan), Professor Shum (the Council Chairman of the HKUST, Professor Harry Shum), Dr Liao (the Chairman of the HKUST Court, Dr Andrew Liao), Professor Ip (the President of the HKUST, Professor Nancy Ip), Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
Good afternoon. It is a great pleasure and honour to join you today at the launch ceremony of the 35th anniversary of the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology. The theme for this year-long celebration, “Where Miracles Happen”, is truly fitting.
In just 35 years, the HKUST has transformed from a bold, brand-new institution, to become one of the world’s most respected universities.
But this was not simply a miracle. It came from visionary leadership, dedicated faculty and a continuing flow of talented students, all driven by an unwavering commitment to innovative education, research excellence and impactful knowledge transfer.
The HKUST ranked sixth in the 2026 QS Asia University Rankings, and 19th globally in the 2025 Times Higher Education Impact Rankings. These numbers clearly show the HKUST’s proud place on the global stage.
Beyond rankings, the HKUST’s entrepreneurial spirit is just as impressive. Its members have started more than 1 900 active start-ups, including 10 unicorns. These achievements show how the HKUST’s research and discoveries make a real difference in the world.
The Government is committed to strengthening Hong Kong’s status as an international education hub. We are determined to attract talent from every corner of the world, while nurturing our own home-grown talent. And I am proud to say that the HKUST is a shining example of this vision in action.
In the 2025 Policy Address, the Government introduced concrete measures to advance this goal. That includes raising the enrolment ceiling for self-financing, non-local students at publicly funded universities, from 40 per cent to 50 per cent of local student places, and increasing the over-enrolment ceiling for self-financing research postgraduate programmes to 120 per cent. Both take effect in the coming academic year.
We also established a dedicated Task Force on “Study in Hong Kong” to deepen our role as an international hub for post-secondary education.
The HKUST has responded so well to these initiatives. In the current academic year, the University has attracted more than 20 000 undergraduate applications worldwide. It now has a highly diverse non-local student community, with students from over 80 countries and regions. This is exactly how we enrich our talent pool and strengthen global connections.
Looking ahead, the University’s contributions fit very well with the country’s strategic priorities under the 15th Five-Year Plan: high-quality development, greater self-reliance and strength in science and technology, industrial modernisation, as well as advances in original innovation and breakthroughs in core technologies.
The HKUST is a great example of how our universities can support national priorities. It’s already making good progress in areas like AI, data science, life and health sciences, advanced materials and sustainable energy.
And the future looks equally promising. The HKUST School of Medicine will admit its first cohort in the 2028/29 academic year.
This will be Hong Kong’s third medical school, combining medical education with the HKUST’s renowned strengths in research and technology.
The medical school’s future campus will be strategically located – right next to the new integrated hospital in the Northern Metropolis’ Ngau Tam Mei Development Area. That will ensure its close collaboration with the San Tin Technopole and the Northern Metropolis University Town, and strong connectivity with the Greater Bay Area. This will put Hong Kong, and the HKUST, at the forefront of medical innovation.
I know the University is organising many major events this anniversary year, including the Asia Universities Summit in April, as well as the World Top University Presidents Forum in November. In short, there is much to look forward to.
Once again, congratulations to the HKUST on its milestone 35th anniversary. And my sincere thanks to everyone who has played a part in the University’s remarkable rise and shine.
Thank you very much.
CEDD achieves four top accolades of gold medals with congratulations of jury at International Exhibition of Inventions of Geneva
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
CEDD achieves four top accolades of gold medals with congratulations of jury at International Exhibition of Inventions of Geneva
The Director of Civil Engineering and Development, Mr Michael Fong, today (March 15) was encouraged by the department’s remarkable achievements at the Exhibition this year. He said, “The department has been actively engaging in research and development and applying innovative technologies to enhance work efficiency and quality, as well as improving site safety. This achievement affirms the professionalism and innovative spirit of our colleagues.”
In the field of disaster prevention, the in-house team of the CEDD developed the fifth-generation AI Landslip Warning System, applying artificial intelligence and big data technology to analyse the rainfall and landslide data in Hong Kong. This significantly improves the accuracy of risk assessment and issuance of warning signals. In addition, the department also developed a number of intelligent safety management systems, including the occupational health and safety management and monitoring system for confined spaces that can achieve instant alerts and closed-loop management; the CANOPUS – Smart Safety Harness monitoring system focusing on safety for working-at-height which can ensure that safety harnesses are securely attached; and the pioneering multi-channel certification mechanism that can enable real-time tracking and predictive alerts of personnel and equipment. The above inventions all received the gold medals with the congratulations of jury at this Exhibition.• Intelligent occupational health and safety management and monitoring system for confined spaces
• CANOPUS – Smart Safety Harness
• Personnel real-name system and equipment tracking intelligent software• IntelliGuard OS• Heavy machinery and hazardous area monitoring system
• TAMAGO – Smart Falsework Monitoring SystemIssued at HKT 23:30
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Tuen Mun Hospital achieves accreditation under China’s International Hospital Accreditation Standards (2021 Version)
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Tuen Mun Hospital achieves accreditation under China’s International Hospital Accreditation Standards (2021 Version)
The Chief Executive of the HA, Dr Libby Lee, said, “TMH has become the fourth public hospital accredited under the national hospital accreditation standards, further reaffirming that the service quality and management standards of Hong Kong’s public hospitals have aligned with national systems and reached international levels. The HA will continue to co-ordinate and encourage more public hospitals to participate in accreditation, continually enhancing the quality and safety of public healthcare services to international standards.”
Dr Lee stated that hospital accreditation is a significant opportunity for hospitals to thoroughly review and enhance their overall services. The HA expresses gratitude to the expert team from the Shenzhen Hospital Accreditation Research Center and local experts for providing valuable suggestions during the on-site survey. The suggestions are valuable for strengthening the quality of public healthcare.
The Research Center earlier sent experts to conduct on-site accreditation surveys at TMH. The expert team praised the hospital for actively applying new diagnostic and treatment technologies and commended its commitment to public education, medical-community collaboration, and community engagement, all of which were crucial for obtaining accreditation. The expert team recognised that the hospital has a robust management structure and efficient oversight and investigation systems, and a dedication to providing patient-centred healthcare services, as well as continuous innovation in healthcare technology and service models. These factors were recognised as essential foundations for a hospital seeking international standards.
The Director (Cluster Services) of the HA, Dr Wong Yiu-chung, who was also the former Hospital Chief Executive of TMH leading the hospital’s accreditation preparation work, thanked the Health Bureau for its support. Dr Wong remarked, “The successful accreditation of TMH is the best affirmation to the hospital’s long-standing commitment to patient safety and high-quality service. It also proves that the healthcare quality, management and service levels of the hospital have reached international standards and align with national systems, laying a significant foundation for its future development.”
The Hospital Chief Executive of TMH, Dr Deacons Yeung, expressed gratitude to the hospital team for their dedication to the accreditation process over the past year, noting that the hospital conducted a comprehensive review of its existing services through the accreditation process. Dr Yeung stated, “TMH will continue to uphold the value of people-centred care, maintain community connections, and continuously improve and enhance services to provide high-quality healthcare for patients and safeguard public health.”
Issued at HKT 17:25
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Singapore ETO holds Chinese New Year dinner in Vietnam to promote closer relationship
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Singapore ETO holds Chinese New Year dinner in Vietnam to promote closer relationship
Jointly organised with the Hong Kong Business Association Vietnam (HKBAV) and supported by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), the dinner welcomed over 100 guests, including the Consul-General of the People’s Republic of China in HCMC, Mr Tang Li; the Chairman of the HKBAV, Mr Michael Chiu; the Director of Indochina of the HKTDC, Ms Tina Phan; and representatives from government and business sectors, chambers of commerce, and Hong Kong communities in Vietnam. During the dinner, cultural performances were presented, including lion dance performances and live renditions of Chinese and Vietnamese music by a band and performers.
Speaking at the dinner, the Director of the Singapore ETO, Ms Elsa Hung, recapped the multi-front work and achievements of Hong Kong and Vietnam collaborative efforts. Last December, the Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, met with the visiting Deputy Prime Minister of Vietnam Mr Ho Duc Phoc in Hong Kong to exchange views on deepening co-operation between the two places. In the same month, the Commissioner for Belt and Road, Mr Nicholas Ho, led a delegation to Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi to explore business opportunities.
Ms Hung highlighted the growing economic and trade ties between Hong Kong and Vietnam. In 2025, Vietnam became Hong Kong’s third-largest merchandise trading partner, with a total trade volume increasing by an average of 25 per cent annually since 2021. Among the 11 ASEAN member states, Vietnam has risen to become Hong Kong’s largest trading partner in terms of merchandise trade. In addition, exchanges between people of the two places have intensified. For instance, in terms of tourism, the number of Vietnamese visitors to Hong Kong increased by 35 per cent last year compared with 2024.
Ms Hung concluded that Hong Kong will continue to leverage its unique advantages under the “one country, two systems” framework to serve as a “super connector” and “super value-adder” linking the Chinese Mainland with the rest of the world. The Singapore ETO will align with and support Hong Kong’s strategic directions, such as promoting the one-stop Economic and Trade Express (ETE) platform, through the collective efforts of the global network of ETOs, Invest Hong Kong, and the HKTDC, to assist enterprises in going global while attracting more enterprises to invest and establish operations in Hong Kong.
The Singapore ETO held two Chinese New Year dinners – one in Singapore on February 25 and another in Manila, the Philippines, on February 27 – to further strengthen ties and exchanges with local communities.
Issued at HKT 2:09
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Inland Revenue (Amendment) (Tax Concessions, Concessionary Deductions and Allowances) Bill 2026 to be introduced into LegCo for First Reading and Second Reading
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Inland Revenue (Amendment) (Tax Concessions, Concessionary Deductions and Allowances) Bill 2026 to be introduced into LegCo for First Reading and Second Reading
The Legislative Council (LegCo) will hold a meeting on Wednesday (March 18) at 11am in the Chamber of the LegCo Complex. During the meeting, the Inland Revenue (Amendment) (Tax Concessions, Concessionary Deductions and Allowances) Bill 2026 will be introduced into the Council for the First Reading and the Second Reading. The Second Reading debate on the Bill will be adjourned.
Meanwhile, the Stamp Duty (Amendment) Bill 2026 will also be introduced into the Council for the First Reading and the Second Reading. The Second Reading debate on the Bill will be adjourned.
On Government motion, the Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury will move a proposed resolution under the Public Finance Ordinance. The proposed resolution is set out in Appendix 1.
On Members’ motions, Reverend Canon Peter Douglas Koon will move a motion on “Formulating a comprehensive ‘homeless-friendly policy’ to build a caring and inclusive society”. The motion is set out in Appendix 2. Ms Ginny Man will move an amendment to Reverend Canon Peter Douglas Koon’s motion.
Dr Johnny Ng will move a motion on “Better aligning with the national development strategy for promoting high-standard opening up”. The motion is set out in Appendix 3. Mr Lee Chun-keung, Mr Kenneth Fok, Mr Tommy Chung, Mr Lau Ka-keung, Mr Nick Chan, Mr Robert Lee, Mr Erik Yim and Professor Priscilla Leung will move separate amendments to Dr Johnny Ng’s motion.
In addition, Mr Chan Chun-ying will move a motion under Rule 49E(2) of the Rules of Procedure to take note of a report of the House Committee on consideration of subsidiary legislation and other instruments. The motion is set out in Appendix 4.
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 19:02
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Disciplined and auxiliary services to hold open days to promote National Security Education Day
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Disciplined and auxiliary services to hold open days to promote National Security Education Day
Open day venues on April 11 (Saturday):
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