Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Lunar New Year auction of vehicle registration marks this Sunday(ii) the identity document of the purchaser if it is different from the successful bidder;
(iii) a copy of the Certificate of Incorporation if the purchaser is a body corporate; and
(iv) a crossed cheque payable to “The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region” or “The Government of the HKSAR”. Any bidder who wishes to bid for both TVRMs and the PVRM should bring along at least two crossed cheques for payment of auction prices (for an auctioned mark paid for by cheque, the first three working days after the date of auction will be required for cheque clearance confirmation before processing of the application for the mark assignment can be completed). Successful bidders may also pay through the Easy Pay System (EPS), but are reminded to note the maximum transfer amount on the same day of the payment card. Payment by post-dated cheque, cash, credit card or other methods will not be accepted.Issued at HKT 14:30
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Princess Margaret Hospital announces a suspected indecent assault incident involving staff members
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Princess Margaret Hospital announces a suspected indecent assault incident involving staff members
Two patient care assistants (PCA) of a medicine and geriatrics ward were suspected to have been indecently assaulted while taking care of a patient on the morning of February 22. The hospital reported the incidents to the Police after receiving reports. A 53-year-old male patient was arrested by the Police in the ward two days ago (February 24).
The hospital is highly concerned about those incidents. The hospital strongly condemns the suspected indecent acts against its staff members, resolutely adopts a zero-tolerance attitude towards such incidents, and will follow up seriously while fully co-operating with the Police investigation. The hospital has expressed sympathy and provided support to the staff members concerned.
Those incidents have been reported to the Hospital Authority Head Office via the Advance Incident Reporting System.
Issued at HKT 15:17
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DH urges public to promptly receive seasonal influenza vaccinations amid rising influenza activity
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
DH urges public to promptly receive seasonal influenza vaccinations amid rising influenza activity
“The CHP’s latest surveillance data shows that the percentage of respiratory specimens tested positive for seasonal influenza viruses last week (February 15 to 21) was 2.29 per cent, up from 1.96 per cent recorded in the previous week (February 8 to 14). During the same period, the influenza admission rate in public hospitals was 0.13 cases per 10 000 population, which is higher than the 0.10 cases per 10 000 population recorded in the previous week. The proportion of influenza B among positive respiratory specimens has gradually increased from around 6 per cent in late January to over 21 per cent last week. Meanwhile, the proportion of influenza A (H3) virus strains has decreased from 91 to 71 per cent. Outside Hong Kong, seasonal influenza activity remains high in Japan and Korea, with the predominant circulating viruses having shifted from influenza A (H3) to influenza B. Japan is experiencing another winter peak driven by influenza B. Influenza B proportions have also increased in many parts of the world recently, including the Chinese Mainland, Taiwan and North America,” the Controller of the CHP, Dr Edwin Tsui, said.
“Based on past experience, Hong Kong’s winter influenza season typically occurs in the first quarter. Given the persistently cold weather, combined with factors such as individuals returning from outbound travel after the long holidays and the shift in circulating virus strains, it cannot be ruled out that influenza activity will continue to increase and Hong Kong may enter the winter influenza season. The CHP will continue to closely monitor the situation. Scientific research indicates that this season’s SIV provides protection against influenza A and influenza B viruses. As it takes about two weeks after vaccination for antibodies to develop in the body for sufficient protection against the influenza virus, I appeal again to all individuals aged 6 months or older, except those with known contraindications, to receive the SIV if they have not yet done so. This is particularly important for high-risk groups such as the elderly, children, and adults with underlying illnesses or immunosuppression. Furthermore, individuals who contracted influenza during the summer influenza season late last year but have not yet received the SIV should also get vaccinated promptly to guard against other circulating virus strains that may emerge during the upcoming winter influenza season. Apart from receiving the vaccination through the DH’s SIV Programmes
“So far this year, five severe paediatric influenza cases have been recorded, involving children aged between 6 months and 15 years old. Three of the affected children had not received an SIV. I would like to remind parents and caregivers that influenza in children may deteriorate rapidly. If a sick child shows any sign of deteriorating condition, for example the emergence of symptoms such as shortness of breath, wheezing, blue lips, chest pain, confusion, a persistent fever or convulsions, the child must be taken to an Accident and Emergency Department immediately,” he added.
For other respiratory pathogens, the latest surveillance data shows increased activity of rhinovirus/enterovirus and parainfluenza viruses. The percentage of respiratory specimens testing positive for parainfluenza virus have risen compared to January. To prevent respiratory infections, members of the public should maintain good personal, hand and environmental hygiene at all times. Furthermore, high-risk individuals should wear surgical masks when staying in crowded places. People with respiratory symptoms, even if mild, should wear a surgical mask and seek medical advice promptly. They should avoid crowded places and refrain from work or attending classes at school.
Members of the public may refer to the CHP’s COVID-19 & Flu ExpressIssued at HKT 17:50
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Immigration Department relaxes eligibility criteria for enrolment of e-Channel service for frequent visitors and simplifies enrolment procedure
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
The Immigration Department (ImmD) announced today (February 26) that to further facilitate visitors and enhance clearance efficiency, with effect from tomorrow (February 27), the eligibility criteria for the self-service immigration clearance (e-Channel) service for frequent visitors will be relaxed, and the enrolment procedure for the e-Channel service will be simplified.
Under the new arrangement, frequent visitors, including those holding valid travel documents and multiple visit visas, who have visited Hong Kong via Hong Kong International Airport two or more times in the past 24 months and who meet the relevant criteria, may enrol for the e-Channel service free of charge. This enables them to perform self-service immigration clearance at all control points in Hong Kong using the e-Channel and enjoy a more convenient and efficient travel experience.
In addition, the enrolment procedure for the e-Channel services has been simplified. When registering at designated enrolment offices, eligible visitors holding valid electronic travel documents are only required to present their valid travel document used for entry, have their photo taken and sign a consent form. Fingerprint collection is no longer required. The enrolment procedure for visitors holding non-electronic travel documents remains unchanged.
To perform arrival clearance, a newly enrolled visitor should place their travel document on the document reader of the e-Channel. Upon entering the e-Channel, visitors using electronic travel documents should look at the camera for facial recognition, while those using non-electronic travel documents should place their enrolled finger flat on the fingerprint scanner for fingerprint verification. Upon successful identity verification and completion of arrival clearance, a landing slip will be issued. The procedure for departure clearance is similar, except that no landing slip will be issued.
For details on the locations and opening hours of the enrolment offices and the e-Channel service for visitors, please visit the ImmD website (www.immd.gov.hk/eng/services/echannel_visitors.html). For enquiries, please contact the ImmD by calling the enquiry hotline (2824 6111), by fax (2877 7711) or by email (enquiry@immd.gov.hk).
President Lai meets 2025 Nobel physics laureate Dr. John M. Martinis
Source: Republic of China Taiwan
President Lai meets 2025 Nobel physics laureate Dr. John M. Martinis
On the morning of February 26, President Lai Ching-te met with Dr. John M. Martinis, 2025 Nobel Laureate in Physics. In remarks, President Lai recognized Dr. Martinis for his contributions to achieving quantum supremacy for the first time. The president noted that Academia Sinica last month unveiled a 20-qubit superconducting quantum computer that was designed and built in-house, a milestone which positioned Taiwan among the world’s frontrunners and marked its entry into the critical domain of large-scale quantum chip fabrication. He said that Taiwan will continue to enhance its international cooperation and fortify its critical global position.
A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows:
First, I would like to extend a warm welcome to Dr. Martinis on his visit to Taiwan and congratulate him on winning the 2025 Nobel Prize in Physics. Dr. Martinis is a pioneer in the field of quantum computing. In 2019, he led the Google quantum team in developing a superconducting processor that achieved quantum supremacy for the first time when it performed in only 200 seconds a task that would have taken a regular supercomputer approximately 10,000 years to complete. This remarkable feat set a significant milestone in human computation history.
Taiwan is a global semiconductor manufacturing hub with complete industrial supply chains and outstanding engineering talent. We firmly believe that quantum science will be at the core of the next-generation computing revolution and are striving to develop relevant technologies. I was glad to see Dr. Martinis in a media interview say that he has a special connection with Taiwan and has enjoyed many years of happy collaboration with colleagues here. I would like to thank him for continuing to assist Taiwan in developing quantum technology.
Also with us today are President James C. Liao and Vice President Chou Mei-yin of Academia Sinica. Dr. Martinis has worked closely with the academy, serving as an advisor to its quantum program and holding weekly videoconferences with its team. Together, they have developed qubit fabrication processes and published research articles. Dr. Martinis has also visited the Academia Sinica South Campus, bringing valuable inspiration for science and technology research teams in Taiwan.
Quantum technology is a key component of the 10 new AI infrastructure initiatives that the government of Taiwan is currently promoting. We have also launched the National Quantum Team. And last month, Academia Sinica unveiled a 20-qubit superconducting quantum computer that was designed and built in-house. This milestone positioned Taiwan among the world’s frontrunners and marked our entry into the critical domain of large-scale quantum chip fabrication.
Moving ahead, we hope to draw upon Dr. Martinis’s expertise and vision to continue to deepen exchanges between Taiwan and top international research institutions. And we hope that more international cooperation will improve our research environment. In closing, I once again thank Dr. Martinis for traveling so far to visit us. I wish you a smooth and successful trip.
Dr. Martinis then delivered remarks, first thanking President Lai for his warm welcome and noting his pleasure at having the opportunity to discuss quantum technology-related issues. He mentioned that after he left Google, he was invited to become an advisor to Academia Sinica, adding that he has enjoyed working closely with the academy and its team there for several years. He pointed out that yesterday he visited the quantum lab at the Academia Sinica South Campus, describing it as a world-class lab with an excellent clean room facility, measurement lab, people, and support. He then thanked Taiwan for its contributions to the quantum field and stated that he is looking forward to working together.
Dr. Martinis stated that he would like to build the world’s first useful quantum computer to solve real problems to help humanity. Acknowledging that we all know the importance of artificial intelligence, he said he thinks that quantum science and quantum AI can be the next big computer revolution. He also noted that to do this, it is likely going to be somewhat harder than the physicists and scientists anticipate, because one must start considering manufacturing and making thousands to millions of qubits.
Dr. Martinis stated that in the future, to reduce the manufacturing costs of qubits and enhance their reliability, they will need a manufacturing technology and a base that knows how to do that. He pointed out that Taiwan is widely known for its proficiency in manufacturing and semiconductor manufacturing, which is one of the reasons he is visiting. He expressed his hope of working with Academia Sinica and Taiwan companies to achieve his dream of building a quantum computer.
MOFA extends sincere congratulations to new Netherlands coalition government following swearing-in
Source: Republic of China Taiwan
MOFA extends sincere congratulations to new Netherlands coalition government following swearing-in
Date：2026-02-23
Data Source：Department of European Affairs
February 23, 2026 No. 053 The new coalition government of the Netherlands, led by Prime Minister Rob Jetten and composed of cabinet members from Democrats 66, the People’s Party for Freedom and Democracy, and the Christian Democratic Alliance, was sworn in by King Willem-Alexander today. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs extends its sincere congratulations to the Netherlands on forming its new government. Taiwan and the Netherlands share the values of democracy, freedom, human rights, and the rule of law, and bilateral relations have flourished in recent years. The Dutch government dispatched naval vessels through the Taiwan Strait for the first time in 2024 and extended congratulations to the people of Taiwan for a successful presidential election in 2025. Furthermore, the Dutch parliament has long shown cross-party support for Taiwan, adopting 10 Taiwan-friendly motions between 2024 and 2025. Its actions have fully underscored Dutch society’s high regard for and friendship toward Taiwan. The Netherlands is Taiwan’s second-largest trade partner in Europe and largest source of foreign investment. Taiwan values its close economic and trade ties and strong historical links with the Netherlands. Building on a cordial foundation of mutual trust, Taiwan will continue to work with the Netherlands to strengthen bilateral collaboration in various areas—including semiconductors, technological innovation, and industrial supply chains—so as to jointly benefit the well-being of the people of both countries. (E)
MOFA extends sincere congratulations to LDP President Takaichi on reelection as prime minister of Japan
Source: Republic of China Taiwan
MOFA extends sincere congratulations to LDP President Takaichi on reelection as prime minister of Japan
Date：2026-02-18
Data Source：TAIWAN-JAPAN RELATIONS ASSOCIATION
February 18, 2026 No. 052 During a special session of the National Diet of Japan, convened on February 18, to designate a new prime minister, Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) President Sanae Takaichi obtained the votes required to become the 105th prime minister of Japan. She will now go on to form a cabinet for the second time. Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung extends sincere congratulations to Prime Minister Takaichi and has instructed the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in Japan to offer congratulations to Prime Minister Takaichi and her cabinet on behalf of the government of Taiwan.Prime Minister Takaichi, who enjoys a strong popular mandate, has long supported Taiwan through concrete actions. During her tenure as chairperson of the LDP Policy Research Council, she included support for Taiwan’s membership of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership and the World Health Organization in the LDP’s election manifesto. In 2025, prior to her election as LDP president, she led a delegation to Taiwan to meet with President Lai Ching-te and other prominent figures from various sectors of Taiwanese society. Since becoming prime minister, she has been quick to assert the importance of upholding peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait at key international events. Furthermore, the government of Japan has consistently prioritized the robust development of Taiwan-Japan relations. After Japan’s House of Representatives election this year, Minister for Foreign Affairs Toshimitsu Motegi stated in response to a media question that the Japanese government would maintain its existing position on Taiwan and further deepen cooperation and exchanges.Taiwan and Japan are key partners in the first island chain. Taiwan looks forward to working with Japan to achieve a free and open Indo-Pacific and further deepen mutually beneficial and comprehensive bilateral ties to jointly contribute to regional peace, stability, and prosperity. (E)
President Lai confers decoration on Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Ambassador Andrea Clare Bowman
Source: Republic of China Taiwan
President Lai confers decoration on Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Ambassador Andrea Clare Bowman
On the afternoon of February 25, President Lai Ching-te conferred the Order of Brilliant Star with Grand Cordon upon Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Ambassador Andrea Clare Bowman in recognition of her outstanding contributions to deepening diplomatic ties between Taiwan and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and helping Taiwan expand its international connections. In remarks, President Lai stated that our two countries have supported each other and continued to make progress amidst various challenges. The president expressed hope to keep building on the solid foundations established by Ambassador Bowman, further strengthening bilateral cooperation, improving the well-being of our peoples, and making greater contributions to the peace and prosperity of the world.
A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows:
In conferring the Order of Brilliant Star with Grand Cordon upon Ambassador Bowman today, I sincerely thank her on behalf of the Taiwanese people for her outstanding contributions to deepening diplomatic ties between Taiwan and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. In 2019, Ambassador Bowman presented her credentials and became her country’s first ambassador to Taiwan. At the same time, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines established its first permanent embassy in Asia. In addition to setting an important milestone in our bilateral relations, this also laid a solid bedrock for lasting cooperation between our countries.
Thanks to Ambassador Bowman’s efforts over the past six years, bilateral exchanges have continued to deepen. Mutual visits of high-level officials, trade and investment ties, and cooperation in such areas as infrastructure, agriculture, public health, and information and communications technology have all been fruitful. Our countries have also expanded interactions in women’s empowerment, youth education, culture, and sports, further strengthening the friendship between our peoples.
I would like to thank Ambassador Bowman for serving as the dean of the Diplomatic Corps for over three years. Together with us, Ambassador Bowman has witnessed many important events and moments in Taiwan’s development. And in coordination with other ambassadors and representatives, she has worked with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) to jointly promote numerous exchange programs. I would also like to recognize Ambassador Bowman for her dedication to diplomacy through sincere efforts, which have helped Taiwan expand its international connections and deepen its partnerships around the world.
I would like to thank the government of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines for its longstanding high regard and support for Taiwan. At the United Nations General Assembly, the World Health Organization, the International Civil Aviation Organization, and other international fora, the Vincentian government has always passionately spoken up for Taiwan and strongly supported our international participation. Your government’s unshakeable belief in the universal values of democracy, freedom, and respect for human rights has enabled our two countries to support each other and continue to make progress amidst various challenges.
Looking ahead, we expect that Taiwan and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines will keep building on the solid foundations established by Ambassador Bowman, further strengthening cooperation, improving the well-being of our peoples, and making greater contributions to the peace and prosperity of the world. In closing, I once again thank Ambassador Bowman for her hard work and contributions during her tenure in Taiwan. Our doors are always open to you. Please come back anytime to see your old friends. I wish you all the best in your future endeavors.
Ambassador Bowman then delivered remarks, first expressing her honor of receiving the Order of Brilliant Star with Grand Cordon on behalf of the government and people of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. Six years and six months ago, she said, she was tasked with the major responsibility of leading the establishment of the Embassy of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines in Taiwan. She then thanked the number of persons present who helped to execute the mission. The ambassador called it a labor of love and patriotism that resulted in the concretization of what they have come to regard as their legitimate home-away-from-home. Today, she emphasized, their embassy is still their country’s first and only embassy in Asia, and they are proud that it has enabled her non-resident ambassadorial accreditation to Japan and the Republic of Korea.
Ambassador Bowman stated that Taiwan, a beautiful, democratic country, has hosted their embassy since August 8, 2019, with dignity and efficiency. She recognized MOFA for graciously facilitating their outreach to, and support of, the Vincentian community in Taiwan, which now numbers 182, further noting that MOFA has also facilitated their liaisons with every aspect of Taiwanese society. This synergy of Vincentian and Taiwanese vision and bonding, she said, has directly enhanced the livelihoods of Vincentians and Taiwanese here in Taiwan and those abroad. She stressed that Vincentians and Taiwanese in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines experience the efficacy and goodwill of this friendship on a daily basis.
Ambassador Bowman said that there is no foreign policy that is more impactful than that which first establishes an empathetic and respectful relationship between the people of the two allied nations. She then asserted that their embassy has had the privilege of laying the basis for such an effective alliance thanks to the embrace of the government and people of the Republic of China (Taiwan). Today, she said, as she bids farewell to her beloved home-away-from-home, she is grateful for the nearly 45 years of unbroken diplomatic relations which they cherish. She also expressed her gratitude for the honor of serving as the dean of the Diplomatic Corps since October 2022, adding that the corps symbolizes and represents the sovereignty of Taiwan, a sovereignty which must be protected, not just for Taiwanese, but for all small-island developing states in the increasingly fraught global space.
Also in attendance at the ceremony were Saint Lucia Ambassador Robert Kennedy Lewis and his wife, former Saint Christopher and Nevis Ambassador Jasmine Elise Huggins, and Minister Counsellor of the Embassy of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Elroy Wilson and his wife.
Topping-Out ceremony held on January 19 for first building of Kaohsiung Software Park Phase II; completion Expected by Year-End, with Estimated Annual Output Value of NT$1.7 Billion.
Source: Republic of China Taiwan
In line with the “Greater Southern New Silicon Valley” initiative and the Asia Bay 2.0 Smart Tech Innovation Park policy, the Bureau of Industrial Parks (BIP), the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) held a topping-out ceremony on January 19 for the Asia Bay Smart Technology Building, a key development within the Kaohsiung Software Park Phase II. The project represents an investment of NT$2.6 billion by the BIP. Located on parcel A along the waterfront of the Asia New Bay Area, the building is a steel structure with three basement level and eleven above-ground floors, providing more than 33,000 square meters of industrial space. It is designed to integrate co-creation and proof-of-concept facilities with commercial and lifestyle functions. Scheduled for completion in November 2026, the building is expected to attract over 30 enterprises, create 840 jobs, and generate an estimated annual output value of NT$1.7 billion, further expanding the 5G AIoT industrial cluster and employment opportunities in southern Taiwan.
Chih-Ching Yang, the Director General of the BIP, stated that the topping-out of the Asia Bay Smart Technology Building marks a significant milestone in park development. Beyond demonstrating steady construction progress, it also symbolizes Kaohsiung’s smart industry cluster entering its next stage of growth. Looking ahead, BIP will integrate industrial and science park resources across Chiayi, Tainan, Kaohsiung, and Pingtung to build the southern core of the semiconductor S-Corridor. MOEA will also work with closely with the Kaohsiung City Government to actively promote investment and create an ideal environment for industrial innovation and youth employment.
As the original Kaohsiung Software Park has reached near-full capacity, the Executive Yuan approved an expansion plan in 2021. Under this plan, BIP is developing 2.45 hectares of land north of Phase I, formerly owned by BIP Corporation, Taiwan, to establish Phase II of the park. The expanded area is divided into Parcels A, B, and C for investment promotion. The Asia Bay Smart Technology Building, located on Parcel A, is the first building to break ground. Steel structure installation has been completed, with construction scheduled to finish in November 2026 and occupancy expected in the third quarter of 2027. Investment promotion for Parcels B and C is also underway to attract additional smart application and emerging industry enterprises.
With construction progressing steadily and investment promotion gaining momentum, the Asia Bay Smart Technology Building is set to become a landmark project for the upgrading of smart industries in southern Taiwan. It will serve as a pivotal hub linking the semiconductor and AIoT industries, support the implementation of national innovation strategies, and create a new engine for economic growth in Kaohsiung. BIP emphasized that it will continue to advance public infrastructure and industrial development with high efficiency, working hand in hand with local governments and industry to build a major technology industry cluster in southern Taiwan.
Spokesman: Mr. Liu Chi-Chuan (Deputy Director General, BIP)
Contact Number: 886-7-3613349, 0911363680
Email: lcc12@bip.gov.tw
Contact Person: Yu, Shu-Hui (Director of Kaohsiung-Pingtung Branch, BIP)
Contact Number: 886-7-823-9301
Email: yush@bip.gov.tw
LCQ5: Revitalisation and regulation of industrial buildings
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Note 8: The Fire Safety (Industrial Buildings) Ordinance came into effect on June 19, 2020. The FSD has been prioritising the issuance of Fire Safety Directions to target IBs based on a “risk-based” principle. Owners may apply for an extension of the deadline for compliance with the Directions according to the actual work progress and difficulties encountered. On the aforesaid premise, there was no case meeting the prosecution threshold in 2023.
(4) The BD will continue to strengthen enforcement actions against illegal domestic use in IBs through LSOs and by acting on public reports. The DEVB is currently reviewing the BO, and will propose, amongst others, to tighten up enforcement against relevant situations, increase penalties for non-compliance with statutory orders, and introduce a new offence to empower the Building Authority to directly prosecute cases of illegal domestic use in IBs upon discovery, thereby enhancing deterrence. The target is to introduce the amendment bill to the Legislative Council for scrutiny in the second half of this year.
The FSD attaches great importance to the fire safety of IBs. In addition to promptly attending the scene to investigate and follow up on receipt of reports and intelligence, it also proactively conducts regular inspections and takes resolute enforcement actions against irregularities. Taking fire hazards as an example, the FSD in general issues Fire Hazard Abatement Notices, requiring rectification within a specified period. Failure to comply with the deadline will result in prosecution. For serious cases (such as obstructed or locked means of escape), prosecution may be instituted directly. In 2025, the FSD conducted a total of approximately 9 300 inspections of IBs, issued around 1 300 Fire Hazard Abatement Notices, and instituted 333 prosecutions.
Apart from the regular inspection programme, the FSD conducts surprise and targeted inspections and enforcement actions based on a risk-based principle, taking into account the use of buildings, past records of non-compliance, complaints, intelligence, and more. Joint operations with other departments are also undertaken as necessary. For instance, the FSD and the BD conducted a joint inspection and enforcement operation targeting IBs from December 29 to 31, 2025, inspecting nine IBs located in Kowloon and the New Territories. During the operation, fire personnel took immediate enforcement action against the persons-in-charge of the buildings concerned for irregularities, including issuing 22 Fire Hazard Abatement Notices and instituting three prosecutions directly. The BD identified 13 subdivided units suspected of being used illegally for domestic purposes, and further investigations are underway. If it is confirmed that the units in question have been used for illegal domestic purposes, the BD will take enforcement action under the BO, including ordering the cessation of illegal domestic use and rectification of the dangerous situations.
The FSD has made available convenient channels for reporting, including a 24-hour complaint hotline at 2723 8787 and the Fire Hazard Electronic Complaint Portal, encouraging members of the public to provide specific clues such as locations, time, photos and short videos. In addition, the FSD has recently introduced the Building Emergency Responders Scheme which provides fire safety training to property management personnel, representatives of owners’ corporations and residents. The aim is to assist them in identifying potential fire hazards, participating in inspections, and reporting risks to the FSD or property management companies, thereby enhancing prevention and reporting effectiveness. As for the proposed “financial rewards for reporting”, the FSD currently has no plan to introduce such an initiative, given that monetary incentives may increase false reports and create moral hazards.
(5) For IBs with fragmented ownership and yet to have plan to undergo redevelopment or wholesale conversion, under the premise of not compromising public safety and provided that the uses are the uses always permitted for the site as specified in the Outline Zoning Plan, the prevailing policy allows the owner to use individual units of the IBs for “Art Studio”, “Office (Design and Media Production)”, “Office (Audio-visual Recording Studio)”, “Office (used by “specific creative industries” including design and media production companies, printing and publishing, film companies and industry organisations related to the film industry)”, as well as “Research, Design and Development Centre”, without having to apply for a short-term waiver from the LandsD and pay any fees. Since the owners do not need to apply for a short-term waiver for using the individual units of the IBs for the aforesaid specific non-industrial uses, the Government does not have statistics on the individual units of the IBs used for the aforesaid specific non-industrial uses.
(6) The Government reactivated the Revitalisation Scheme in 2018. In respect of redevelopment of IBs, the prevailing policy allows relaxation of the maximum permitted non-domestic plot ratio up to 20 per cent to provide incentives to private owners to redevelop IBs constructed before 1987. In the past three years (from February 2023 to end-January 2026), excluding the application withdrawn by applicant, the TPB received a total of seven applications (involving seven sites) for relaxation of plot ratio for redevelopment of IBs, among which all applications were approved. Among the seven approved planning applications, three of them have applications made to the LandsD for lease modification, among which one case was withdrawn by the applicant and the remaining two cases are under processing (one of the applications is currently under land premium assessment). As for the remaining four cases among the aforesaid seven approved planning applications, the LandsD has yet to receive relevant application for lease modification. In addition, there were six cases in which lease modification and redevelopment works have been completed in the same period, all of them are for non-residential uses. For wholesale conversion of IBs aged 15 years or above in zones such as “Commercial” or “Industrial” zones, waiver fees could be exempted. If the concerned IB was constructed in or after 1987, not less than 10 per cent of the converted floor space must be used for purposes designated by the Government, such uses include arts and culture or innovation and technology. In the past three years (from February 2023 to end-January 2026), the LandsD did not receive any application for wholesale conversion of IBs. In the same period, there were two cases in which conversion works have been completed, and the permitted non-industrial uses include commercial, offices, retail and food and beverage facilities.
(7) For IBs with fragmented ownership and yet to have plan to undergo redevelopment or wholesale conversion, considering that the other units could still be used for industrial purposes and in view of public safety, the five non-industrial uses mentioned in part (5) above for which individual units of the IBs are allowed to be used, do not include any uses or activities that directly provide services or goods to attract public visits (including public performance and exhibition). The consideration is primarily based on the fact that such members of the public (regardless of their number) may only visit the concerned IB occasionally and are unfamiliar with its layout, including the escape routes. As mentioned above, the DEVB is conducting a new round of Study on the Review of Existing Industrial Stock with the PlanD and the LandsD, and will consider the views from the Member and the market when putting forward recommendations this year, including the way forward for the Revitalisation Scheme.