Category: MIL-OSI

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Government today published a consultation paper to gather industry views on proposed legislative amendments intended to facilitate digitalisation of “Business-to-Business” (B2B) trade documents in Hong Kong.

It said that digitalisation of B2B trade documents can reduce processing time and costs, enhance transparency and integrity, and facilitate international trade.

Enterprises already submit most of “Business-to-Government” trade documents – including import and export declarations, cargo manifests, and various licence and permit documentation – via the Government Electronic Trading Services and the Trade Single Window.

However, transactions involving B2B trade documents such as bills of lading and bills of exchange still rely largely on paper-based submissions due to legal requirements and industry practice.

In the 2025-26 Budget and the 2025 Policy Address, the Government said it would make reference to the UN Commission on International Trade Law’s Model Law on Electronic Transferable Records (MLETR) in formulating legislative amendments to facilitate trade document digitalisation.

The consultation paper seeks views on a proposed framework to amend the Electronic Transactions Ordinance, and on legislation aimed at implementing key MLETR provisions.

The amendments will provide the legal basis for the use of electronic transferable records. Suitable MLETR provisions will be codified into the ordinance as far as is practicable, in order to align with international standards and promote cross-border interoperability.

Views can be submitted by email, faxed to 2147 3065, or posted to Division 4, Commerce & Economic Development Bureau, 23/F, West Wing, Central Government Offices, 2 Tim Mei Avenue, Tamar by March 27, 2026.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Department of Health today reminded the public that the amendments relating to smoking offences under the Tobacco Control Legislation (Amendment) Ordinance 2025 will take effect on January 1, 2026, including the fixed penalty hike.

The three amendments cover the extension of statutory No Smoking Areas (NSAs) to public places that lie within three metres outside the entrances/exits exclusively used for child care centres, residential care homes, schools, hospitals and specified clinics or health centres; prohibition of smoking while queuing, including queuing to board a public transport carrier at a designated boarding location, staying in the delineated area for a designated boarding location, while queuing to enter specified premises, or while queuing within specified premises; and an increase of the fixed penalty for smoking offences from $1,500 to $3,000.

The department’s Tobacco & Alcohol Control Inspectors will prosecute individuals who smoke in NSAs without prior warning. Offenders will be liable to a fixed penalty of $3,000.

The Tobacco & Alcohol Control Office (TACO) has also issued implementation guidelines and enhanced interdepartmental co-ordination mechanisms for the new offences under the Smoking (Public Health) Ordinance to ensure smoother enforcement.

Briefings have been held for venue managers to explain the details of the amendment and their enforcement.

Beyond enforcement, TACO continues to promote smoking prevention and cessation services, including conducting smoke-free publicity and education in the community to raise public awareness of smoking hazards.

The new tobacco control measures will be implemented in phases. Among them, the increased penalties for illicit cigarettes and the prohibition on provision of smoking products to people under the age of 18 have already taken effect upon the Amendment Ordinance’s gazettal on September 19, 2025.

The provision prohibiting the possession of alternative smoking product substances, such as e-cigarette liquids, cartridges and heat sticks in public places will take effect on April 30, 2026.

The public can call the 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.

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

Following up on its recent webinar about U.S. regulations on forced labor, the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) hosted a webinar on December 17 pertaining to the EU’s Forced Labour Regulation. The initiative aims to provide Taiwanese businesses with a comprehensive understanding of the regulatory landscapes in both the U.S. and EU markets, thereby bolstering corporate compliance and enhancing the ability of Taiwan’s industries to manage sustainability.

Legal experts from the EU-based law firm Van Bael & Bellis detailed the scope of coverage under the EU’s Forced Labour Regulation, its enforcement mechanisms, and its interrelation with other EU due diligence regulations to help firms reduce risks in international trade.

The webinar attracted over 300 participants from government, academia, Taiwan’s main export sectors to the EU (e.g., semiconductors, electronics, machinery, etc.), as well as think tanks and human rights groups, thus demonstrating the critical importance domestic stakeholders place on labor rights and supply chain compliance.

To remain competitive, Taiwanese businesses must align with global labor standards by enhancing supply chain transparency and risk management in response to stricter international regulations.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Government reminds members of the public that the fixed penalty for illegal parking offences will be increased from $320 to $400 from January 1.

On the same day, the fixed penalties for 19 other traffic-related offences will be adjusted upward from the current $320 to $1,000 range, with a new scale of $480 to $1,500.

The Transport & Logistics Bureau said the Government will strive to increase the supply of parking spaces to meet public demand and will strengthen road safety publicity and education.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Major Sports Events Committee announced today that it has awarded “M” Mark status to the Bank of China Hong Kong Tennis Open 2026, which will be held at Victoria Park from January 4 to 11.

The committee’s chairman Wilfred Ng said that as the first “M” Mark event in 2026, the Hong Kong Tennis Open will attract visitors from around the world along with local fans to witness world-class tennis players compete at the highest level.

The tournament will be the first major sports event of the new year in Hong Kong, he added.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Nearly 4,000 graduates from the third cohort of the Strive & Rise Programme showcased their achievements and expressed their gratitude to the mentors during their graduation ceremony today. 

 
Officiating at the ceremony, Chief Secretary Chan Kwok-ki said that the successful implementation of the programme hinges on the close collaboration among the Government, the business sector and the community in supporting mentees in pursuing their dreams.

Reflecting on the past three cohorts of the programme, Mr Chan noted that the number of enterprises and groups supporting the programme increased from over 100 in the first cohort to over 400 in the third cohort. 

The number of Mainland study and exchange tours rose from five in the first cohort to 35 in the third cohort, setting footprints in an array of destinations such as Harbin, Beijing, Shanghai, Tianjin, Ningxia, Sichuan, Xian, Wuhan, Hainan and the Greater Bay Area. 

The number of star mentors also registered a significant jump from over 10 in the first cohort to 50 in the third cohort.

The Chief Secretary encouraged the graduates to actively participate in the activities of the Alumni Club to expand their social networks and sustain the programme’s effectiveness.

Among the graduates of the third cohort of the programme, 150 mentees were awarded for their active participation, improvement and outstanding achievements.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Government today announced its annual update of the aggregate list of eligible universities under the Top Talent Pass Scheme, which will take effect on January 1.

 

The updated list consists of 200 universities and institutions, reflecting the changes to the relevant university rankings.

The aggregate list comprises the top 100 universities or institutions over the past five years in four world university rankings, namely the Times Higher Education World University Rankings, the Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University Rankings, the US News & World Report’s Best Global Universities Rankings and the Shanghai Jiao Tong University Academic Ranking of World Universities.

 

The list also covers the top five universities or institutions providing specialised hotel programmes on the QS World University Rankings in the discipline of “hospitality and leisure management”, the top five specialised institutions on the QS World University Rankings in the discipline of “Art and Design” and the top 20 ranked Mainland universities under the Shanghai Jiao Tong University Best Chinese Universities Ranking in the past five years.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Imagine being able to step back in time to a 1950s grocery store where the product packaging is full of nostalgic charm, pastries are priced at just $0.68 and you can purchase a mooncake for $2.

A local bakery group has turned this into reality by opening an experience centre at its Tai Po factory, replicating its first store on Shanghai Street. It was built in support of the Government’s “Industrial Brand Tourism” project and took about six months to set up.

Memorable experience

In early December, the experience centre welcomed its first tour group. The docent explained the various exhibits in the centre, such as simulating baking pastries using an oil drum during the Japanese occupation of Hong Kong, and sharing the story of the group’s transformation from a grocery store to a bakery.

Tourists also experienced stir-frying lotus seed paste and felt the weight of traditional wedding cakes as well as became pastry chefs by making almond cakes during the tour. 

“Today, experiencing making almond cakes was really good and meaningful. If I visit Hong Kong again, I will definitely participate in similar activities,” tourist Ms Zhang said.

Another tourist Mr Lin remarked: “We usually travel to see the sights, but we rarely visit factories. This was our first time doing that, and I found it really interesting.”

Promoting craftmanship

Kee Wah Bakery Executive Director Karlson Wong said that through “Industrial Brand Tourism”, more people will get to know the brand and the traditional pastries of Hong Kong.

“It is a great opportunity and another platform for us to help tell that story and engage with more tourists that are visiting Hong Kong,” he explained. “Our vision for the company is for the world to know and to love our Hong Kong traditional pastry and confectionery products. Our hope is that our Hong Kong’s own traditional products can also spread to all corners of the world.”

Economy boost

The “Industrial Brand Tourism” project is implemented by the Travel Industry Council to showcase the city’s industrial brand stories through tours organised by the travel trade, creating hotspots for visitors to tour, experience and shop. The council believes the project embodies the Government’s goal of “tourism is everywhere” and helps tell the world the good stories of Hong Kong.

The council’s Executive Director Fanny Yeung pointed out that the tours include a shopping component, allowing visitors to purchase exclusive products available only at the factory, which contributes to boosting the local economy.

She added that while tourists come to Hong Kong to experience “Industrial Brand Tourism”, they will also visit the traditional sightseeing spots. This helps to prolong their stay in Hong Kong.

Currently, brands including Yakult, Kee Wah and Lee Kum Kee are participating in the project. Ms Yeung revealed that the trial phase will continue until March next year, with the possibility of more brands being introduced by then.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     Hong Kong Customs yesterday (December 26) detected a drug trafficking case involving baggage concealment at Hong Kong International Airport and seized about 4.7 kilograms of suspected cocaine with an estimated market value of about $3.5 million, as well as five sticks of duty-not-paid cigarette.

     A 19-year-old male passenger arrived in Hong Kong from Doha, Qatar via Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia yesterday (December 26). During customs clearance, the batch of suspected cocaine, weighing about 4.7kg, and five sticks of duty-not-paid cigarette were found inside his baggage. The male was subsequently arrested.

     The arrested person has been charged with one count of trafficking in a dangerous drug, one count of possessing duty-not-paid cigarettes and one count of failing to declare them to Customs officers. The case will be brought up at the West Kowloon Magistrates’ Court on December 29.

     Customs will continue to step up enforcement against drug trafficking activities through intelligence analysis. The department also reminds members of the public to stay alert and not to participate in drug trafficking activities for monetary return. They must not accept hiring or delegation from another party to carry controlled items into and out of Hong Kong. They are also reminded not to carry unknown items for other people.

     Customs will continue to apply a risk assessment approach and focus on selecting passengers from high-risk regions for clearance to combat transnational drug trafficking activities.

     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.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002/en).

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

Director General David Cheng-Wei Wu and Mrs. Wu were pleased to attend the Christmas and New Year Celebration luncheon hosted by Mr. Paul Huang, President of the Association of Overseas Taiwan Alumni in Australia.
The event was held in a warm and joyful atmosphere, bringing Taiwanese alumni together to celebrate the festive season and welcome the New Year. DG Wu expressed his appreciation to President Huang and the executive team for their thoughtful organisation, and commended the Association for its longstanding efforts in connecting Taiwanese alumni in Australia, preserving the Taiwanese spirit, and strengthening people-to-people ties between Taiwan and Australia.
As the year draws to a close, DG Wu extended his best wishes to the Association for continued success, and to all alumni and their families for a Merry Christmas, a Happy New Year, good health, and every success in the year ahead.