Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Speech by SFST at International Forum “Problem-Solving City: Hong Kong as a Disputes Resolver” (English only)
Ladies and gentlemen, distinguished guests,
It is a great honour to address you for this esteemed forum, “Problem-Solving City: Hong Kong as a Disputes Resolver”. I extend my sincere thanks to the organisers – the Hong Kong Coalition, Friday Culture Limited, and the AALCO (Asian-African Legal Consultative Organization) Hong Kong Regional Arbitration Centre – for convening this timely event. While I am not with you at the event physically due to other commitments, I know you are gathering at the historic Former French Mission Building, and it is a symbol of Hong Kong’s rich heritage and forward-looking spirit, reminding us of our city’s unique ability to bridge traditions and innovations. I also commend my colleague, the Secretary for Justice, for his insightful keynote earlier, which set a strong foundation for discussions on dispute resolution. I am delighted to share the Government’s vision and policy measures with you that align with the forum’s key themes, particularly in fostering standards and resolutions in emerging sectors such as Web 3.0 and digital assets.
Hong Kong has long been recognised as a global problem solver, leveraging our robust legal framework and international connectivity to resolve disputes across borders and industries. This role extends beyond traditional arbitration and mediation into the financial and technological realms, where rapid evolution demands proactive governance. The forum’s focus on mediating disputes in sports and setting standards for Web 3.0 resonates deeply with the Government’s commitment to creating an ecosystem that promotes fairness, innovation, and sustainable growth. In sports, effective mediation ensures that conflicts do not hinder athletic progress or international collaboration. Similarly, in the digital economy, harmonising standards is essential to mitigate risks, build trust, and resolve potential disputes before they escalate. Our policies are designed to position Hong Kong not only as a dispute resolver but as a proactive architect of global standards, ensuring that economic activities thrive in a regulated yet dynamic environment.
Central to this vision is our dedication to developing a trusted and innovative digital asset ecosystem. In June this year, my bureau issued the Policy Statement 2.0 on the Development of Digital Assets in Hong Kong, building upon the foundational measures from the inaugural statement from 2022. This 2.0 statement reinforces our commitment to establishing Hong Kong as a global hub for digital asset innovation. It introduces the “LEAP” framework, which emphasises Legal and regulatory streamlining, Expanding tokenised products, Advancing use cases through cross-sectoral collaboration, and developing People and partnerships. This approach directly addresses the need for harmonised standards in Web 3.0, where decentralised technologies like blockchain and tokenisation present both opportunities and challenges in dispute resolution.
One of the cornerstones of our regulatory enhancements is the Stablecoins Ordinance, which came into effect on August 1 this year. This legislation establishes a licensing regime for issuers of fiat-referenced stablecoins, ensuring that any entity issuing such assets in Hong Kong, or marketing them to our public, obtains approval from the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA). Guided by the principle of “same activity, same risks, same regulation”, we adopt a risk-based approach that aligns with international standards while reflecting local circumstances. The HKMA’s stablecoin issuer sandbox, launched last year, has allowed institutions from diverse sectors – including banking and technology – to test business models in a controlled environment. By end-September this year, we received 36 licence applications from a broad spectrum of applicants, and we anticipate granting a handful of licenses in early next year, prioritising robust reserve management, price stabilisation, and anti-money laundering measures. These steps not only protect investors but also facilitate the resolution of potential disputes by embedding clear compliance pathways, reducing ambiguities that could lead to conflicts in transactions.
Furthermore, we are advancing regulatory regimes for digital asset dealing and custodian service providers. Following public consultations, my bureau, in collaboration with the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC), are formulating details for licensing regimes, with a bill targeted for introduction to the Legislative Council next year. This comprehensive framework will cover key nodes in the digital asset industry, balancing risk management with innovation. In parallel, the licensing regime for digital asset trading platforms, operational since June 2023 under the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorist Financing Ordinance, has seen 11 platforms licensed. Recent circulars from the SFC allow these platforms to share global order books and expand offerings, enhancing liquidity and connectivity. Such frameworks and measures ensure that disputes arising from trading or custody are resolved efficiently through established regulatory channels, reinforcing Hong Kong’s role as a dispute resolver in the digital space.
Tokenisation of real-world assets is another pivotal area where our policies promote harmonisation and dispute prevention. The SFC’s circulars in November 2023 and the HKMA’s guidance in February last year provide clarity on tokenised securities and custodial services, enabling banks and intermediaries to engage safely. Last year, we authorised the first retail tokenised gold product and five tokenised money market funds, with assets under management reaching $4 billion in August this year. The Project Ensemble Sandbox, launched by the HKMA in August last year with the SFC as a key partner, tests tokenisation use cases, paving the way for innovative financial infrastructure. These initiatives extend to Web 3.0 by standardising tokenisation processes, which can minimise disputes over asset ownership or valuations through transparent, blockchain-based records.
Our efforts also encompass intermediaries providing digital asset services. A joint circular from the SFC and the HKMA was updated in 2023 allowing retail access to dealing, advisory, and asset management services. We have pioneered the listing of digital asset futures ETFs (exchange-traded fund) in December 2022, spot ETFs in April last year, and an inverse product in July last year. The SFC’s “ASPIRe” roadmap, announced in February this year, facilitates staking, borrowing, and lending services, with guidance issued to manage risks. These policies ensure that Web 3.0 participants operate under consistent rules, facilitating mediation and resolution when issues arise.
Beyond digital assets, our broader policies strengthen Hong Kong as an international financial centre and our country’s global financial gateway, as outlined in the 14th Five-Year Plan. Measures like enhancing stock market competitiveness – through the Technology Enterprises Channel, optimising listing rules, and facilitating overseas listings – bolster our platform for resolving financial disputes. Expansions in mutual access schemes, such as Swap Connect enhancements this year, including extended tenors and increased quotas, deepen connectivity. In green and sustainable finance, the Government Sustainable Bond Programme has issued bonds equivalent to $250 billion as of November this year, with innovative tokenised issuances.
In conclusion, the Hong Kong Government’s policy measures are meticulously crafted to harmonise standards in Web 3.0 and digital assets, positioning our city as a premier dispute resolver. By prioritising investor protection, regulatory clarity, and international alignment, we create an environment where innovation flourishes without compromising stability. Together, we can ensure Hong Kong remains a beacon of problem-solving in the global arena. Thank you.
Issued at HKT 16:00
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EPD to launch 2025-26 Natural Christmas Trees Recycling Programme
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
To encourage recycling and upcycling of yard waste in the community, the Environmental Protection Department (EPD) today (December 19) called on members of the public and commercial and industrial (C&I) organisations to recycle their natural Christmas trees waste (NCTs) intended for disposal under the 2025-26 NCTs Recycling Programme. The NCTs collected will be processed at Y·PARK and turned into different recycled products, such as mulch and sawdust for planting and gardening. The programme arrangements are as follows:
Collection Period: January 3 to 7, 2026 (five days)
Collection Points: The following Central Collection Point and District Collection Points
| Central Collection Point (CCP) | Address | Telephone | Collection Time |
| Y·PARK | Lung Kwu Sheung Tan, Tuen Mun (Location is attached at Annex) | 5743 9221 | 9am to 6pm |
| District Collection Points (DCPs) (including EPD’s Recycling Stations and Food and Environmental Hygiene Department’s Public Refuse Collection Points (RCPs)) |
Address | Telephone | Collection Time |
| (Only household NCTs 2 metres tall or below will be accepted.) | |||
| Hong Kong Island | |||
| 1. GREEN@EASTERN | 30 Oi Shun Road, Shau Kei Wan | 2778 2330 | 8am to 8pm |
| 2. GREEN@WAN CHAI | 6 Wan Shing Street, Wan Chai | 2811 1567 | |
| 3. Ap Lei Chau Municipal Services Building RCP | Ap Lei Chau Municipal Services Building, 8 Hung Shing Street, Ap Lei Chau | Not applicable | 7am to 11.30pm |
| 4. Arbuthnot Road RCP | Junction of Arbuthnot Road and Caine Road, Central | 6.30am to 5.30pm | |
| 5. Paterson Street RCP | Junction of Paterson Street and Gloucester Road, Causeway Bay | 24 hours | |
| Kowloon | |||
| 6. GREEN@KWUN TONG | 27 Sheung Yee Road, Kowloon Bay | 2776 5700 | 8am to 8pm |
| 7. GREEN@SHAM SHUI PO | 339 Tung Chau Street, Sham Shui Po | 2522 4388 | |
| 8. GREEN@WONG TAI SIN | 168, Po Kong Village Road, Wong Tai Sin | 5305 3326 | |
| 9. Sai Yee Street (Flower Market Road) RCP | 188 Sai Yee Street, Mong Kok | Not applicable | 6.30am to 11pm |
| New Territories | |||
| 10. GREEN@SHA TIN | 10 On Ping Street, Shek Mun | 2285 9433 | 8am to 8pm |
| 11. GREEN@YUEN LONG | 65 Tin Wah Road, Tin Shui Wai | 5407 7435 | |
| 12. GREEN@TUEN MUN | 5 Lung Chak Road, Tuen Mun | 2496 4288 | |
| 13. GREEN@KWAI TSING | 12 Tam Kon Shan Road, Tsing Yi | 3905 4840 | |
| 14. GREEN@TAI PO | 25 Dai Wah Street, Tai Po | 3468 8073 | |
| 15. GREEN@ISLANDS | 1 Chung Mun Road, Tung Chung | 2499 2308 | |
| 16. GREEN@SAI KUNG | 3 Po Lam Lane, Tseung Kwan O | 2727 7330 | |
Note: If members of the public and C&I organisations have to recycle NCTs before January 3 or during January 8 to 20, 2026, please deliver them to Y·PARK during its operating hours (9am to 6pm, Monday to Saturday, except public holidays).
An EPD spokesman said the Programme is limited to the recycling of NCTs, and all lighting, plastic stands, decorations and tape on the NCTs should be removed before delivery to facilitate the subsequent recycling processes. Artificial Christmas trees and other festival decorations can be kept for reuse to help reduce waste and conserve resources, while small potted plants such as poinsettias can be replanted.
An e-certificate will be issued to the participants who deliver NCTs to the CCP or the Recycling Stations for recycling. Participants will also receive a gift upon delivery of NCTs to the Recycling Stations while stocks last. For details of the NCTs Recycling Programme, please visit the Hong Kong Waste Reduction website at www.wastereduction.gov.hk/en-hk/article/2025-26-natural-christmas-trees-recycling-programme.
The EPD also welcomes other organisations and associations to provide recycling services for NCTs to help the public and C&I organisations participate and enhance waste reduction efforts for all.
HA activates service demand surge special measures
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
HA activates service demand surge special measures
| Region^ Will provide clinic services on December 25 # Will provide clinic services on December 26 Service hours: 9am to 1pm and 2pm to 5pm NNNN Appointments to Rehabilitation Advisory Committee announcedSource: Hong Kong Government special administrative region The Government announced today (December 19) the reappointment of the Chairman, the Vice-chairman and 19 incumbent members, as well as the appointment of two new members, namely Mr Terry Lai Ka-wai and Mr Victor Yuen Yui-ching, to the Rehabilitation Advisory Committee (RAC). Their appointments will take effect from January 1, 2026, for a term of two years. Chairman Public urged to guard against fake messages on Guangdong-Hong Kong Regular QuotasSource: Hong Kong Government special administrative region A spokesman for the Transport Department (TD) today (December 19) reminded members of the public to guard against and avoid being misled by recent fake messages on social media claiming that Hong Kong residents may apply for valid permanent Guangdong-Hong Kong Regular Quotas for their vehicles by their Mainland Travel Permits for Hong Kong and Macao Residents (commonly known as Home Return Permits). The incident will be referred to the Police for follow-up. The spokesman clarified that applicants for the Regular Quotas have to meet the application requirements stipulated by the Mainland authority and provide the Mainland authority with the specified documents (such as business registration documents of both Guangdong and Hong Kong) to apply for the Regular Quotas. Upon receipt of the Mainland Approval Notice from the Mainland authority, they may apply to the TD for Closed Road Permits for the designated land-based boundary control points. The spokesman stressed that the arrangements of the Regular Quotas must be jointly deliberated by the governments of the two places holistically. Citizens should refer to official announcements and verify messages to avoid deception or disruption to their travel plans. Tenders invited for Widening of Yuen Long Highway (Section between Lam Tei Quarry and Tong Yan San Tsuen Interchange)Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region The Highways Department (HyD) today (December 19) invited tenders for the Widening of Yuen Long Highway (Section between Lam Tei Quarry and Tong Yan San Tsuen Interchange) (Contract No. HY/2025/13). The works are scheduled to commence in July 2026 and will take about 48 months to complete. The works mainly include:
The HyD has commissioned AECOM Asia Company Limited as the consultant to design and supervise the construction works. Interested tenderers must download the tender forms and other particulars from the e-Tendering System (e-TS). The invitation to tender was gazetted today. Tenderers shall submit completed tenders in electronic format via e-TS. Submission of tenders will close at noon on February 6, 2025 (Friday). For enquiries, please contact AECOM Asia Company Limited at 3922 9000. Proposed land resumption for development of San Tin Technopole (Phase 2) at Yuen Long gazettedSource: Hong Kong Government special administrative region The Lands Department (LandsD) today (December 19) announced the proposal for land resumption at San Tin, Yuen Long, for the development of the San Tin Technopole (Phase 2) under the Lands Resumption Ordinance (Chapter 124).
The owner, occupier of the land or any person having any right in relation to the land to be resumed, who wishes to object to the proposed resumption, is required to submit a written objection to the Director of Lands. The written objection must sufficiently identify the aforementioned identity of the objector and describe how the objector will be affected by the proposal. Objectors are requested to provide contact details and deliver written objections to the Director of Lands on or before February 20, 2026, via one of the following means:
Independent Committee in relation to the fire at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po commences workSource: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4 The following is issued on behalf of the Independent Committee in relation to the fire at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po: Statistics on persons engaged and vacancies for September 2025Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region Statistics on persons engaged and vacancies for September 2025 NNNN Immigration Department repatriates 77 unsubstantiated non-refoulement claimants to their places of origin (with photos)Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4 The Immigration Department (ImmD) carried out repatriation operations codenamed “Shield” for five consecutive days from December 15 to today (December 19). A total of 77 unsubstantiated non-refoulement claimants who were illegal immigrants and overstayers were repatriated to their places of origin. The persons removed comprised 38 men and 39 women. Among them were discharged prisoners who had committed criminal offences and had been sentenced to imprisonment. Depending on circumstances and needs, the ImmD will remain committed to expediting the removal process and actively maintain close liaison with governments of major source countries of non-refoulement claimants, airline companies and other government departments to repatriate unsubstantiated non-refoulement claimants from Hong Kong as soon as practicable through all appropriate measures. |