Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Digital Policy Office holds second “AI+ Civil Service: Empowering Public Services Transformation through AI Tools” Series technology forum
The Acting Commissioner for Digital Policy, Mr Daniel Cheung, said in his opening address that to implement Hong Kong’s First Five-Year Plan and the 2026 Policy Address, the DPO accords priority to advancing “AI+ Civil Service” initiatives. Through reforming public administration with AI technology, deepening the development and utilisation of data resources, and promoting data sharing within the Government, as well as expediting the implementation of government AI projects, the DPO endeavours to enhance the efficacy of public administration.
Mr Cheung said that the smart use of AI and data not only helps government departments enhance their efficiency in processing information and completing various routine tasks, but more importantly, makes public services easier for the public to access, understand, and use.
Mr Cheung said that the AI Efficacy Enhancement Team, led by the Deputy Chief Secretary for Administration, had so far facilitated and implemented the first batch of 30 efficacy enhancement projects involving 13 departments. The DPO will continue to provide shared AI resources and support to government departments, assisting them in adopting AI safely and effectively. The DPO is also taking forward the “iAM Smart” AI Assistant project and AI Agents pilot run within the Government.
Mr Cheung added that, while promoting the application of AI, it is necessary to ensure proper access management, information security and human oversight so that the technology can deliver benefits in safe and controllable manner.
The forum was organised by the Smart Government Innovation Lab (Smart Lab) under the DPO in collaboration with the Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC), Hong Kong Cyberport Management Company Limited and the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP). Representatives from the Government, relevant organisations and technology companies were invited to share their practical experiences in adopting AI in civil service and public services. An AI expert from the Shanghai Municipal Bureau of Data shared online the practical experience in “AI+ Civil Service”, while the HKPC and the HKSTP introduced the latest developments in AI technology and application solutions. The forum also showcased AI solutions from the industry to facilitate exchanges between the Government and the sector.
For more details, please visit the Smart Lab website (www.smartlab.gov.hk/en/Issued at HKT 19:55
NNNN
Public urged to support Breast Cancer Awareness Month by adopting healthy lifestyle and undergoing risk-based screening timely to prevent and cure breast cancer
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Public urged to support Breast Cancer Awareness Month by adopting healthy lifestyle and undergoing risk-based screening timely to prevent and cure breast cancer
“The Government attaches great importance to cancer prevention and control work, including the development of a breast cancer risk assessment tool specifically designed for use by local Chinese women and the launch of risk-based breast cancer screening programmes. Currently, the vast majority of breast cancer cases identified through government-subsidised screening programmes are in the early stages. Thanks to technological advancements and continuous improvements in treatment techniques, the cure rate for breast cancer continues to rise. Data shows that, over the past 10 years, Hong Kong’s overall five-year relative survival rate for breast cancer patients has reached 84 per cent. The five-year relative survival rates for stages I and II are as high as 99.3 per cent and 94.6 per cent respectively, ranking among the world’s highest. These demonstrate that risk-based breast cancer screening enables the early detection and treatment of breast cancer, thereby improving patients’ chances of recovery,” said the Controller of the CHP, Dr Edwin Tsui.
Breast cancer is the most common cancer among females and the third leading cause of cancer deaths among females in Hong Kong. In 2023, there were 5 585 newly diagnosed invasive female breast cancer cases, accounting for 28.9 per cent of all new cancer cases among women in Hong Kong. In 2024, the disease led to 848 deaths among women, accounting for 13.1 per cent of female cancer deaths.
Women at high risk
————————
Phase II of the Breast Cancer Screening Pilot Programme (BCSPP) was launched in June, 2025, to provide subsidised breast cancer screening services to female Hong Kong residents aged 35 to 74 who are at high risk of developing breast cancer. Eligible persons————————————————–
Furthermore, the district health network
Starting from October 5, 2026, the services of the Elderly Health Centres under the DH have been gradually integrated into the district health network. Following the service integration, WWS have also extended services to female members aged 65 or above. Breast cancer screenings will be arranged for women, based on their health risk assessments, to facilitate early intervention and referrals to family doctors or appropriate institutions as needed to address the health needs of women across different age groups.
Those who wish to use the services provided by the DHCs have to register as members of the DHCs and give consent to enrol in the eHealth application. The DHCs will arrange health risk assessments and family doctor pairings, and arrange for users to receive services at the WWS as needed. To address the preventive and screening needs of underprivileged groups, the DHCs are in parallel arranging for women who are Comprehensive Social Security Assistance recipients or holders of a valid Certificate for Waiver of Medical Charges to receive preventive care and health promotion services for women at selected Family Medicine Clinics under the Hospital Authority.
Protecting breast health
—————————–
Dr Tsui reminded the public that screening serves as a secondary prevention tool. To reduce the risk of cancer, primary prevention (i.e. minimising exposure to cancer risk factors) is of paramount importance. October has been designated as Breast Cancer Awareness Month to highlight the importance of breast cancer screenings and promote healthy lifestyle habits in order to reduce the risk of developing breast cancer. The DH has consistently responded with full commitment, continuously encouraging the public to adopt a healthy lifestyle, including avoiding tobacco and alcohol, eating a healthy diet, engaging in regular physical activity, and maintaining a healthy body weight. The DH also promotes breast awareness and breastfeeding as ways to prevent breast cancer.
To help local Chinese women better understand their personal risk, the Government has commissioned the School of Public Health of the University of Hong Kong to conduct the Hong Kong Breast Cancer Study, and developed the online Breast Cancer Risk Assessment Tool
Dr Tsui appealed to eligible women in Hong Kong to use the online Breast Cancer Risk Assessment ToolIssued at HKT 16:45
NNNN
Tender awarded for site in Ho Man Tin
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
The Lands Department announced today (October 6) that the tender for a site, Kowloon Inland Lot No. 11301 at Fat Kwong Street, Ho Man Tin, Kowloon, has been awarded to the highest tenderer, Asia Insight Investments Limited (parent company: Kerry Properties Limited), on a 50-year land grant at a premium of $4,308,288,000.
The tenderers, other than the successful tenderer, in alphabetical order, with the name of the parent company where provided by the tenderer in brackets, were:
(1) Central Galaxy Limited (Sun Hung Kai Properties Limited);
(2) China Overseas (Zhong Guo) Limited (China Overseas Land & Investment Limited);
(3) Fortune Bright Holdings Limited (Poly Property Group Co., Limited);
(4) HLP Asia Limited (Hang Lung Properties Limited);
(5) Joint Wisdom Limited (Sino Land Company Limited and Great Eagle Holdings Limited);
(6) Mightytime Limited (Chinachem Group Holdings Limited);
(7) Sky Prime Enterprises Limited (CK Asset Holdings Limited);
(8) Strong Associate Limited (K. Wah International Holdings Limited); and
(9) Talent Ace Limited (Wheelock Properties Limited).
Kowloon Inland Lot No. 11301 has a site area of about 5 170 square metres and is designated for private residential purpose. The minimum gross floor area and the maximum gross floor area are 11 580 sq m and 19 300 sq m respectively. Both exclude the gross floor area of the Government Accommodation, being a neighbourhood elderly centre sub-base and an integrated community centre for mental wellness sub-base, to be constructed by the purchaser under the Conditions of Sale.
HK ranked world’s freest economy
Source: Hong Kong Information Services
The Fraser Institute’s Economic Freedom of the World 2026 Annual Report has once again ranked Hong Kong as the world’s freest economy. Among the five areas of assessment in the report, the city maintained its top position in “Freedom to trade internationally” and secured second place in “Regulation”.
The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government noted that the report reaffirmed Hong Kong’s strengths as a free-market economy, alongside its open, efficient and fair business environment.
Amid growing economic uncertainties and rising trade protectionism, Hong Kong remains firmly committed to maintaining its free port status, zero-tariff policy and simple, low tax regime. These factors provide a secure, stable, fair, predictable and internationalised business and investment environment for entrepreneurs and investors worldwide.
The Hong Kong SAR Government added that as the country remains committed to high-standard, two-way opening up and continues to achieve breakthroughs in technological innovation, it serves as a major stabilising force and driving engine for global economic growth. Under the “one country, two systems” framework, Hong Kong enjoys the strong support of the motherland while maintaining close connections with the rest of the world.
While offering convenient access to both the Mainland and international markets, Hong Kong continues to practise common law in both Chinese and English. It also provides financial, shipping, trading and professional services that align seamlessly with international best standards, supported by an efficient government structure and a clean, professional civil service.
The Hong Kong SAR Government pointed out that these unique strengths enable Hong Kong to fully leverage its roles as a super connector and super value-adder, making it the premier gateway for Mainland enterprises to enter international markets and vice versa.
So far this year, Hong Kong has continued to scale new heights across various international competitiveness rankings spanning finance, innovation and technology, education and talent. This reflects wide recognition by the international community of Hong Kong’s core strengths and the Hong Kong SAR Government’s efforts to promote high-quality social and economic development.
Looking ahead, with the staunch support of the country, the Hong Kong SAR Government will continue to work alongside all sectors of the community to further enhance Hong Kong’s roles as “four centres and one hub”. It will accelerate the development of the Northern Metropolis to inject stronger impetus into social and economic growth, open up broader development prospects for local enterprises and the public while providing greater opportunities for enterprises, investors and talent worldwide.
Michelle Yeoh, Ann Hui win awards
Source: Hong Kong Information Services
Secretary for Culture, Sports & Tourism Rosanna Law today congratulated veteran actress Michelle Yeoh and acclaimed director Ann Hui on their recognition at the 31st Busan International Film Festival. Ms Yeoh was awarded the Asian Filmmaker of the Year, while Ms Hui received the Camellia Award.
The Asian Filmmaker of the Year award honours individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the advancement of Asian film culture and industry. The Camellia Award recognises filmmakers who have significantly advanced the roles of women in Asian cinema.
Miss Law said that both filmmakers have exerted a profound and enduring influence on both the local and international film landscapes. She praised their remarkable contributions to Hong Kong cinema over their decades-long careers, which have played a pivotal role in elevating the city’s film industry to the global stage.
Automated channel enrolment opens
Source: Hong Kong Information Services
Eligible Hong Kong residents can enrol for the “collaborative inspection” automated channel service via the Immigration Department’s “HK e-Channel” mobile application from today.
Expected to be commissioned in this quarter, the redeveloped Huanggang Port is installed with 134 “collaborative inspection” automated channels and 68 traditional manual counters.
Enrolled passengers using the former will only need to queue up and resent their identity documents once to complete immigration clearance procedures for both Hong Kong and Shenzhen.
Hong Kong residents aged seven or above who fulfil the following criteria can enrol for the service starting from today:
Individuals who have registered for the Mainland’s e-Channel and hold a Hong Kong permanent identity card paired with a Mainland Travel Permit for Hong Kong & Macao Residents (Home Visit Permit) or a Mainland Travel Permit for Hong Kong and Macao Residents (Non-Chinese Citizens) are eligible.
Individuals holding a Hong Kong identity card and a Home Visit Permit who have registered for the Mainland’s e-Channel.
Individuals holding a Hong Kong identity card and an “Exit-Entry Permit for Travelling to and from Hong Kong and Macao” with a valid endorsement for travelling to Hong Kong.
Eligible Hong Kong residents aged 18 or above can use a smartphone with biometric authentication technology to download the department’s “HK e-Channel” mobile application, select “Collaborative Inspection”, authenticate their identity via “iAM Smart”, and follow the instructions to complete enrolment for the service.
For eligible Hong Kong residents aged seven to 17, parents or legal guardian must complete the enrolment procedures on their behalf using the “HK e-Channel” mobile application.
In addition, all eligible Hong Kong residents can proceed to the e-Channel enrolment offices or self-service kiosks at the Huanggang Port for on-site enrolment.
Eligible Hong Kong residents aged 18 or above can also enrol and complete the immigration clearance procedures for both regions simultaneously at the “collaborative inspection” automated channels.
Mainland visitors holding an “Exit-Entry Permit for Travelling to and from Hong Kong & Macao” with a valid endorsement for travelling to Hong Kong can also proceed to the e-Channel enrolment offices at the Huanggang Port for on-site enrolment. Eligible Mainland visitors aged 18 or above can enrol and complete the immigration clearance procedures for both regions simultaneously at the “collaborative inspection” automated channels.
When enrolling for the “collaborative inspection” automated channel service, eligible Hong Kong residents and Mainland visitors aged 14 or above can also enrol for the “Face Scan” clearance service, in which mode there is no need to present identity documents.
The department reminds passengers they are still required to carry their valid travel documents conforming to the immigration requirements of both regions when using the new channels to travel between Hong Kong and the Mainland.
Furthermore, passengers can also choose to use the traditional manual counters for immigration clearance.
Ho Man Tin housing site sold
Source: Hong Kong Information Services
The tender for a site at Fat Kwong Street, Ho Man Tin has been awarded on a 50-year land grant at a premium of $4,308,288,000, the Lands Department announced today.
Kowloon Inland Lot No. 11301 was awarded to Asia Insight Investments, a subsidiary of Kerry Properties.
Designated for private residential purposes, the lot has a site area of about 5,170 sq m, with a minimum gross floor area of 11,580 sq m and a maximum gross floor area of 19,300 sq m.
These figures exclude the gross floor area of stipulated government accommodations, namely a neighbourhood elderly centre sub-base and a mental wellness community centre sub-based. Both are to be constructed by the purchaser under the conditions of sale.
Haze Situation Update (6 October 2026)
Source: Government of Singapore
Air Quality Forecast
24-hr PSI Forecast: High Moderate to Unhealthy
Health Advisory
Healthy persons: If 24-hr PSI is Moderate, normal activities. If 24-hr PSI is Unhealthy, reduce prolonged or strenuous outdoor physical exertion. If 1-hr PM2.5 is Normal (Band 1), normal activities. If 1-hr PM2.5 is Elevated (Band 2), reduce strenuous outdoor activity for the next hour.
Elderly, pregnant women & children: If 24-hr PSI is Moderate, normal activities. If 24-hr PSI is Unhealthy, minimise prolonged or strenuous outdoor physical exertion. If 1-hr PM2.5 is Normal (Band 1), normal activities. If 1-hr PM2.5 is Elevated (Band 2), avoid strenuous outdoor activity for the next hour.
Persons with chronic lung/heart disease: If 24-hr PSI is Moderate, normal activities. If PSI is Unhealthy, avoid prolonged or strenuous outdoor physical exertion. If 1-hr PM2.5 is Normal (Band 1), normal activities. If 1-hr PM2.5 is Elevated (Band 2), avoid strenuous outdoor activity for the next hour.
Refer to the 1-hr PM2.5 for immediate activities, and the 24-hr PSI forecast to plan ahead.
Singapore, 06 October 2026 – It was fair and warm over Singapore today. As at 5pm, the 1-hr PM2.5 concentration readings were 73 – 103 µg/m3, in (Band 2, Elevated), and the 24-hr PSI was 102 – 135 in the Unhealthy range.
Update on Hotspot and Haze Situation
2. Moderate to dense smoke plumes from southern Sumatra and West Kalimantan were observed drifting towards Singapore.
3. Dry weather is forecast to persist over Kalimantan and southern and central Sumatra. With prevailing east-southeasterly to southeasterly winds, smoke haze is likely to continue drifting towards Singapore. The 24-hr PSI for Singapore is forecast to be in the High Moderate to Mid Unhealthy range.
Activity Guidelines
4. The health impact of haze is dependent on one’s health status, the PSI level, and the length and intensity of outdoor activity. For immediate outdoor activities, please check the 1-hr PM2.5 concentration readings and personal guide. Use the 24-hr PSI forecast and corresponding health advisories for planning next day outdoor activities.
5. For updates, visit our haze microsite (www.haze.gov.sg), the NEA website (www.nea.gov.sg), MSS website (www.weather.gov.sg), mobile app (myENV) or follow us on NEA Facebook (www.facebook.com/NEASingapore). For information on the distribution of hotspots detected over the past fortnight in the region, please refer to the ASEAN Specialised Meteorological Centre (ASMC) website at http://asmc.asean.org.
Areas with lighter smoke haze are not indicated as they cannot be clearly discerned from satellite imagery. The full extent of the hotspot and smoke haze situation could not be determined due to extensive cloud cover.
– End –
Owners reminded to sign sale pacts
Source: Hong Kong Information Services
The Housing Bureau today reminded Wang Fuk Court owners who have indicated an intention to sell their flat titles to the Government to complete execution of an Agreement for Sale & Purchase (ASP) on or before the October 15 deadline.
The reminder applies to owners of units at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po who returned a signed Letter of Acceptance on or before August 31.
If owners are unable to sign an ASP in time due to special circumstances – such as being unable to clarify their flat title or requiring a longer time to handle probate matters – the Government will consider making alternative arrangements on a case-by-case basis. Owners concerned will be informed before the deadline.
Flat selection for the Special Sales Exercise (SSE) for Wang Fuk Court owners began on September 29. Applicants who have signed an ASP are being invited to participate in the flat selection process.
The bureau has been issuing invitation letters in batches according to the priority sequence determined by the computer-generated random ballot. Applicants will attend flat selection sessions, as specified in the letters.
The entire flat selection process is expected to be completed by the end of November.
The bureau said that owners who have not yet signed an ASP due to special circumstances can still participate in flat selection as long as they complete execution of an ASP before the end of the flat selection period.
If their titles have not yet been assigned to the Government, a new flat under the SSE will be reserved for the owners concerned during the flat selection stage.
The Housing Authority or the Housing Society will enter into an ASP or a Preliminary ASP with owners only after the assignment of Wang Fuk Court flat titles to the Government.
An Engagement Team co-ordinated by the bureau is stepping up contact with owners who have not yet signed an ASP to provide assistance.
Owners can direct inquiries to their designated Engagement Team member, call the hotline at 2129 8133, or visit the Wang Fuk Court long-term housing plan website.
Police warn of fake ‘eTraffic’ sites
Source: Hong Kong Information Services
The Police Force has alerted the public to fraudulent websites purporting to be its “eTraffic Ticket Platform”.
The websites falsely claim that discounts are available for early fine payment, in an attempt to deceive citizens into providing their credit card details and personal information.
The genuine web address of the Police Force’s “eTraffic Ticket Platform” is https://www.etrafficticket.gov.hk. Members of the public are urged to remain vigilant.
The force emphasised that no discounts are offered for the payment of traffic ticket fines.
Moreover, SMS messages about electronic Fixed Penalty Notices (FPNs) will only be issued under the sender name “#HKPF-eTT”, and these FPNs, whether issued via SMS messages or email, will never contain any hyperlinks.
Anyone who has submitted personal information via the fraudulent websites should report the matter to the force by calling 18222.
Call 181 181 for platform enquiries.