Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The Drainage Services Department (DSD) today (December 19) announced that the prequalification application period for the contract “Design, Build and Operate San Tin Effluent Polishing Plant – Phase 1” (Contract No. DC/2025/05) has been extended to noon on January 16, 2026.
The DSD invited interested tenderers for the contract to apply for prequalification on November 7, 2025. The prequalification application period was originally scheduled to expire at noon on January 2, 2026.
The DSD has commissioned Binnies – Arup Joint Venture as the project’s engineering consultant. For enquiries, please contact the person-in-charge of the consultant, Mr Colin Chan (tel: 2601 1000; fax: 2601 3988, email: ChanHK@binnies.com) during office hours.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The Civil Engineering and Development Department (CEDD) today (December 19) gazetted a notice to invite tenders for the contract for Development off Tseung Kwan O Area 132 – Marine Viaduct and Associated Works (Contract No. ED/2025/03). The closing time for the tender is noon on February 27, 2026.
The works mainly include the design and construction of the following works:
construction of a marine viaduct of about 2.5 kilometres long connecting the land to be created off Tseung Kwan O Area 132 to Tseung Lam Highway;
construction of an at-grade road of about 600 metres long in the land to be created off Tseung Kwan O Area 132 and footpaths of about 1.7km long;
engineering infrastructure works including drainage, sewerage (including one sewage pumping station), waterworks, utilities, lighting, landscaping, irrigation, electrical and mechanical works, and slope works; and
implementation of environmental monitoring and mitigation measures for the works mentioned above.
The works are scheduled to commence in mid-2026 and will take about 57 months to complete.
The CEDD has commissioned AECOM Asia Company Limited to supervise the works. Interested contractors may download the tender forms and other particulars from the e-Tendering System (e-TS). Tenderers must submit tenders in electronic format via the e-TS.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
HYAB launches new round of HYAB – United Nations Volunteer Internship Programme In the 2025 Policy Address, the Chief Executive emphasised that the Government would continue to promote youth development. This includes providing more opportunities for young people to participate in the internships of international organisations and attend international conferences, in order to broaden their international horizons and cultivate a holistic outlook. The HYAB – United Nations Volunteer Internship Programme provides local undergraduate students with valuable opportunities to undertake six-month volunteer internships in the overseas field units of various United Nations (UN) agencies. Interns will be able to develop their personal capacities and gain insights into global issues, as well as contribute to the international community as Chinese youth volunteers. So far, around 150 students have participated in the Programme. The selected university students for the Programme in 2025 undertook internships in UN agencies located in different countries, including the UN Development Programme, the UN Children’s Fund, and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN. By participating in international affairs, they contributed their expertise and acquired valuable work experience in international organisations.
The new round of the Programme will offer a total of 20 internship placements in different UN agencies located in the Belt and Road region, including Kazakhstan, Laos, Nepal, Thailand, Uzbekistan and Vietnam. The volunteer internships will cover specific areas, such as health and education, environment and innovation management, and will run from July to December 2026. Applicants should be full-time undergraduate students of local universities. The HYAB will provide full funding, including round-trip air tickets and monthly living allowances, and offer suitable pre-departure training for participants in collaboration with the AVS.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
Hong Kong Customs mounted a territory-wide enforcement operation codenamed “Magpie” between December 3 and 10 to combat illegal activities involving party room operators providing infringing karaoke songs to customers in the course of business.
Through intelligence analysis and with the assistance of copyright owners, Customs earlier identified a number of party rooms suspected of possessing and providing infringing karaoke songs to customers in the course of business. Customs officers then took enforcement action and raided eight party rooms in various districts, including Kwun Tong, Kowloon Bay, San Po Kong, Mong Kok, Cheung Sha Wan, Kwai Chung and Yuen Long. A total of eight sets of karaoke devices used for playing suspected infringing songs, one set of suspected infringing game console and a batch of audio and video equipment with a total estimated market value of about $240,000 were seized. Two male persons-in-charge of the party rooms, aged 27 and 42, were arrested on suspicion of contravening the Copyright Ordinance. Both arrested persons were released on bail pending the investigation. The investigation is ongoing and further arrests are not ruled out.
During the investigation, Customs found six party rooms located in industrial buildings that were suspected of breaching the lease conditions, and the cases have been referred to the Lands Department for further follow-up action.
Customs reminds business operators to comply with the Ordinance and to make enquiries to copyright owners on matters relating to the use of musical visual recordings in the course of business.
With the Christmas and New Year holidays approaching, Customs will continue to step up inspection and enforcement to resolutely combat different kinds of infringing activities to safeguard the rights of copyright owners.
Under the Ordinance, any person, who without the licence of the copyright owner of a copyright work, possesses infringing copies of a copyright work for the purpose of, or in the course of, any trade or business with a view to it being used by any person commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $50,000 per infringing copy and imprisonment for four years.
Members of the public may report any suspected infringing 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).
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The Buildings Department approved six building plans in October, with two on Hong Kong Island, three in Kowloon and one in the New Territories.
Of the approved plans, three were for apartment and apartment/commercial developments, two were for commercial development, and one was for factory and industrial development.
In the same month, consent was given for works to start on six building projects which, when completed, will provide 100 934 square metres of gross floor area for domestic use involving 2 144 units, and 5 614 sq m of gross floor area for non-domestic use. The department has received notification of commencement of superstructure works for six building projects.
The department also issued 19 occupation permits, with six on Hong Kong Island, four in Kowloon and nine in the New Territories.
Of the buildings certified for occupation, the gross floor area for domestic use was 182 437 sq m involving 3 820 units, and 85 543 sq m was for non-domestic use.
The declared cost of new buildings completed in October totalled about $7.3 billion.
In addition, two demolition consents were issued.
The department received 2 636 reports about unauthorised building works (UBWs) in October and issued 406 removal orders on UBWs.
The full version of the Monthly Digest for October can be viewed on the Buildings Department’s homepage (www.bd.gov.hk).
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Subsidy amount for Non-means-tested Subsidy Scheme for Self-financing Undergraduate Studies in Hong Kong in 2026/27 academic year announced The level of subsidy will apply to both new and continuing eligible students. The subsidy is tenable for the normal duration of the programmes concerned. Eligible students enrolling in the relevant programmes will pay a tuition fee with the subsidy applied. Students in need may still apply for student financial assistance from the Student Finance Office of the Working Family and Student Financial Assistance Agency in respect of the actual amount of tuition fee payable.
Launched in the 2017/18 academic year, the NMTSS provides a non-means-tested annual subsidy for eligible students pursuing full-time locally accredited local and non-local self-financing undergraduate (including top-up degree) programmes offered by eligible institutions in Hong Kong. In line with the policy to promote vocational and professional education and training (VPET) as stated in “The Chief Executive’s 2022 Policy Address”, with effect from the 2023/24 academic year, the eligibility criteria of the NMTSS have been rationalised to benefit students from different backgrounds, including those with VPET qualifications.
The subsidy applies to all eligible students enrolling in programmes covered by the Scheme. Applications for the subsidy need to be made through the institutions concerned. A list of the 15 eligible institutions and programmes for the 2026/27 cohort is in the Annex. The list may be updated according to the latest information provided by the institutions. Please visit the NMTSS website (www.cspe.edu.hk/en/nmt/nmt-prog-searchIssued at HKT 11:30
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
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.
Source: 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.
The Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Mr Chris Sun, said, “The RAC has been playing an important role in advising the Government on the development of Hong Kong’s rehabilitation services. Members reappointed and newly appointed come from diverse backgrounds, including representatives of persons with disabilities and carers to better gauge their needs. I look forward to members’ valuable advice on rehabilitation services, with a view to strengthening support for persons with disabilities and building a caring and inclusive community.”
The membership list of the RAC with effect from January 1, 2026, is as follows:
Chairman
———–
Mr Fung Pak-yan
Vice-chairman
—————-
Dr Kevin Lau Kin-wah
Non-official members
———————–
Mr Arthur Cheung Man-to
Mr Thomas Chu Sai-ming
Ms Jody Kwok Fu-yung
Mr Terry Lai Ka-wai
Mr Raymond Lai Kwan-ho
Dr Freddy Lam Man-hin
Mr Lam Yiu-kwok
Mr Lau Min
Ms Lee Po-chun
Mr Dannuel Leung Po-chung
Ms Leung Tsui-han
Ms Reginia Leung Wun-kam
Ms Perina Li Siu-fan
Dr Lui Wai-cheung
Professor Ming Wai-kit
Mr Alvin Miu
Ms Ada Ng Ka-lai
Mr Eddie Suen Kwok-tung
Mr Sze Yan-kit
Ms Mandy Tang Hoi-man
Professor Frances Wong Kam-yuet
Dr Ryan Wong Man-yeung
Mr Wong Yu-tung
Dr Woo Chi-wood
Ms Julia Yan Yuming
Ms Yang Elizabeth Ling
Mr Nelson Yip Siu-hong
Mr Victor Yuen Yui-ching
Ex-officio members
———————–
Secretary for Education or representative
Director of Health or representative
Director of Social Welfare or representative
Chief Executive, Hospital Authority or representative
Commissioner for Rehabilitation, Labour and Welfare Bureau