Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
LCSD introduces new measures to strengthen efforts to combat touting activities
The new measures are as follows:
(1) Penalties for using computer programmes or automated tools to interfere with SmartPLAY
To ensure the fair use of the SmartPLAY system, the LCSD will combat improper conduct involving the use of computer programmes or other automated tools to make booking transactions or interfere with the normal operation of the system. Specifically, SmartPLAY has incorporated conditions prohibiting the use of computer programmes or other automated tools to make bookings (www.smartplay.lcsd.gov.hk/website/en/about/conditions-of-use-of-smartplay.html
(2) New measures for booking indoor basketball and volleyball courts
Currently, a hirer who books turf soccer pitch through SmartPLAY is required to provide the SmartPLAY user account information of four other users. The hirer and three of the users named in the booking are required to check-in together and be present during the use of the booked session. This arrangement, aiming to ensure that hirers are genuine users, is generally effective since implementation. It will apply to indoor basketball and volleyball courts, which are popular facilities, starting from January 21, 2026. A hirer is required to provide the information of two other users when booking an indoor basketball or volleyball court. The hirer and one of the users named in the booking are required to check-in together and be present during use of the booked session. Details are available at the LCSD’s thematic webpage “Improvement measures to booking and use of recreation and sports facilities” (www.lcsd.gov.hk/en/facilities/facilitiesbooking/procedure/ls_fac_improve.html
(3) Standby arrangement no longer applicable to indoor basketball and volleyball courts
Under the existing measures applicable to some recreation and sports facilities, if a hirer does not take up the booked facility 10 minutes after the booked session starts, the LCSD may at its discretion permit other users to use the facility free of charge for the same purpose as the original hirer (commonly referred to as the standby arrangement), on condition that there are no other same-type facilities available for booking at the material time. In this connection, the LCSD has observed that certain hirers of indoor basketball and volleyball courts deliberately do not take up the booked sessions on the day of use, and are suspected to have engaged in touting activities by arranging for other users to use the booked courts under the standby arrangement. To combat such abuse of the standby arrangement, and making reference to the current arrangement for turf football pitches, the standby arrangement will no longer be applicable to indoor basketball and volleyball courts with effect from December 30, 2025.
LCSD will closely monitor the effectiveness of the new measures, and continue to enhance SmartPLAY as well as implement further anti-touting measures as necessary.
Issued at HKT 17:00
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Appointments to new term of Steering Committee of the Research, Academic and Industry Sectors One-plus (RAISe+) Scheme
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The Government announced today (December 22) the appointments to the Steering Committee of the Research, Academic and Industry Sectors One-plus (RAISe+) Scheme under the Innovation and Technology Fund for 2026-2027. Mr Duncan Chiu was reappointed as the Chairman of the Committee, while 15 non-official members were reappointed and two new non-official members were appointed. The appointments are for a term of two years starting from January 1, 2026.
The Committee is responsible for vetting eligible applications under the RAISe+ Scheme. Members are drawn from the research, academic, industry and investment sectors.
The membership of the Committee is as follows:
Chairman
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Mr Duncan Chiu
Non-official Members
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Professor Bian Zhaoxiang
Professor Cai Hongbin
Dr Sunny Chai Ngai-chiu
Professor Chan Chi-hou
Professor Francis Chan Ka-leung
Mr Simon Chan Sai-ming
Dr Hu Zhanghong
Ms Vanessa Huang Yifei
Dr Leung Chuen-yan*
Ms Li Qianxin
Mr Daryl Ng Win-kong
Professor Randy Poon Yat-choi
Mr Sunny Tan
Mr Patrick Tsang Shun-fuk
Professor Tu Wenwei
Professor Wong Wing-tak
Professor Zhang Qian*
Ex-officio Members
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Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry or his/her representative
Commissioner for Innovation and Technology or his/her representative
(* New appointee)
The Commissioner for Innovation and Technology, Mr Ivan Lee, said, “We would like to express our gratitude to the current members of the Committee for their support and contribution in the past two years and extend our sincere appreciation to the outgoing members, Professor Li Zexiang and Professor Teng Jin-guang. We trust that the Committee, under the leadership of Mr Chiu, will continue to provide valuable knowledge and advice to the Committee in the assessment of applications under the RAISe+ Scheme.”
The RAISe+ Scheme was launched in 2023 to unleash the potential of local universities in the “1 to N” transformation and commercialisation of research and development outcomes and facilitate relevant collaboration among the Government, industries, universities and research sectors. It will fund, on a matching basis, research teams from the eight universities funded by the University Grants Committee, which have good potential to become successful start-ups. Funding support from $10 million to $100 million will be provided to each approved project. A total of 49 projects were supported by the Scheme in the first two batches. The third round of applications was closed at the end of October 2025, and assessment of the applications is under way. Details are available on the ITF website (www.itf.gov.hk). For enquiries, please contact the Secretariat of the Scheme (Tel: 3543 5904; email: raiseplus@itc.gov.hk).
Heritage Museum exhibition showcases new creation by Hong Kong artists inspired by ICH (with photos)
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Heritage Museum exhibition showcases new creation by Hong Kong artists inspired by ICH
The exhibition has been on display at the Hong Kong section of the ninth edition of the Hong Kong-Macao Visual Art Biennale since October 2024. It has since travelled to five cities – Hangzhou, Nanjing, Beijing, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen – and has received an overwhelming response. The exhibition introduced Hong Kong’s unique cultural landscape to Mainland audiences. Now, it has returned to Hong Kong with supplementary information about the city’s intangible cultural heritage (ICH), delving into the commitment of the artists to preserving, transmitting and innovatively interpreting Hong Kong’s ICH and traditional craft skills.
Lo inherits the painting style of the Lingnan School and incorporates the techniques of Western painting to create five porcelain plate sets. She painted local flowers and birds, natural landscapes, and historic buildings on Jingdezhen’s white porcelain. With tireless experimentation with paints and techniques, she crafts new expressive forms, revealing colours and intricate variations on the porcelain with vivid detail.
The Hong Kong Cheongsam Association, the protection organisation of the national ICH item, has formed a young designer team to create four innovative sets of men’s and women’s cheongsams. Featuring the city’s unique architecture and memories, the team combines traditional ICH craftsmanship and classic tailoring with advanced technologies such as innovative jacquard weaving and 3D printing, promoting this ICH craftsmanship to younger generations.
Adding personal touches to paper product design with the letterpress printing technique, the printing studio ditto ditto created four sets of printed works, postcards and calendars depicting Hong Kong attractions, scenic spots and cuisine.
Designers from Key-Point Productions have drawn inspiration from flexible street stalls and have incorporated numerous visual elements from old Hong Kong into four foldable exhibition installations for displaying the three groups of artworks mentioned above.
For details of the exhibition, please visit the website at hk.heritage.museum/en/web/hm/exhibitions/data/hk_snapshots_city_walks.htmlIssued at HKT 15:38
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Dental sector provides free denture replacement services to fully support residents affected by Tai Po Wang Fuk Court fire
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
The Health Bureau (HHB) announced today (December 22) that, in collaboration with the dental sector, free denture replacement services will be launched starting tomorrow (December 23) to address the needs for replacement of lost dentures due to the fire at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po and to provide dental treatments for affected residents.
The HHB had received requests for assistance from affected residents regarding the replacement of lost dentures due to the fire. To assist more affected residents in need, the HHB co-ordinated with various dental care organisations, the Hong Kong Dental Association (HKDA), and dentists to launch denture replacement services tomorrow. Currently, more than 80 private dentists have participated, covering 106 service points. Starting from tomorrow until February 28, 2026, all residents of the eight blocks at Wang Fuk Court (including foreign domestic helpers) can receive at least one free dental consultation and one follow-up appointment (subject to clinical need) through the arrangement of the District Health Centres/District Health Centre Expresses (collectively referred to as DHCs) under the Primary Healthcare Commission (PHC Commission) across all 18 districts in Hong Kong. The scope of the free dental consultation services covers two major categories:
(1) Broken appliances and lost dental appliances due to the incident, including repair or replacement of partial or complete dentures (acrylic), and removable orthodontic retainers; and
(2) Oral treatment due to injuries inflicted in the incident, including medication for dental pain relief, simple fillings, emergency pulp treatment and extractions.
Affected residents in need can call the hotlines or visit any DHC in person to seek assistance, regardless of their current place of residence. Those who are registered as DHC members may also contact their respective DHC directly. The hotlines have been posted on the websites of the PHC Commission and the DHCs. Case managers of the DHCs will assist in pairing them with the participating dentists based on their individual situations and preferences.
The HHB expresses heartfelt gratitude to the dental profession and the HKDA for their active response and for extending a helping hand, demonstrating their care for the community. Private dentists interested in providing denture replacement services to the affected residents may contact the HHB (email: wwshui@healthbureau.gov.hk).
Legislators’ oath-taking set
Source: Hong Kong Information Services
The Government will hold the oath-taking ceremony for members of the eighth-term Legislative Council at the Chamber of the LegCo Complex at 11am on January 1, 2026. The oath-taking will be administered by Chief Executive John Lee.
According to the Oaths & Declarations Ordinance, the LegCo oath must be administered by the Chief Executive or a person authorised by the Chief Executive.
The taking of the oath is legally binding, the Government stressed, noting that the oath-taker must sincerely believe in and strictly abide by the relevant oath prescribed by law.
An oath-taker who makes a false oath or who, after taking the oath, engages in conduct in breach of the oath, shall bear legal responsibility in accordance with the law.
The Government added that it will publish the list of Legislative Councillors whose oaths were determined as valid after the oath-taking ceremony.
Solid waste at landfills down 3.4%
Source: Hong Kong Information Services
The municipal solid waste (MSW) disposed of at landfills dropped for three consecutive years to 3.85 million tonnes in 2024, and the average daily quantity was 10,510 tonnes, a 3.4% decrease compared to the previous year, according to a report released by Environmental Protection Department today.
Among the MSW, disposal of waste plastics dropped 11.1%, and that of food waste dropped 6%. Disposal of waste glass decreased 7.1%.
The per capita MSW disposal rate per day in 2024 was 1.4kg, down from 1.44kg in the previous year. Among the three major categories of MSW in 2024, food waste accounted for 29%, followed by waste paper and waste plastics, accounting for 23% and 18% respectively.
With the implementation of various measures by the Government in promoting food waste recycling and plastic-free culture, including the regulation on disposable plastic products in 2024, both the shares of disposal of food waste and waste plastics decreased compared to 2023.
Since the Government enhanced the Plastic Shopping Bag Charging Scheme in 2022, the amount of plastic shopping bags disposed of in 2024 was 56,408 tonnes, down from 63,367 tonnes in the preceding year.
Meanwhile, the share of waste paper increased; it was mainly paper waste that could not be easily recycled.
The overall MSW recovery rate rose for four consecutive years, with the latest figures rising from 33% in 2023 to 34% in 2024 and the increase in the total recovery was about 50,000 tonnes. The increase was mainly driven by the recycling of food waste and ferrous metal recyclables.
Regarding construction waste, the overall quantity of construction waste generation rose by 4,945 tonnes per day on average in 2024 as compared to the preceding year, of which more than 90% was reused.
The construction waste disposed of at landfills increased slightly by 6% to about 4,694 tonnes per day. The overall construction waste recovery rate was above 90%, and the average quantity of construction waste reused was 45,810 tonnes per day.
Seizing the opportunity of increasing public participation in waste reduction and recycling, the Government will further promote the waste reduction and recycling culture, and will take forward waste reduction and recycling initiatives by strengthening publicity and education, enhancing the recycling network, boosting collaboration with industries, and using market forces to assist in the transition to a green economy.
In the meantime, the Government is building an advanced and efficient network of modern waste-to-energy facilities at full steam, with I·PARK1 commencing operation at the end of 2024.
It is also working at full steam on the preparation work for I·PARK2 to expand waste-to-energy capacity, with the goal to achieve zero landfill.
Bypass traffic condition smooth
Source: Hong Kong Information Services
Secretary for Transport & Logistics Mable Chan today said the overall traffic condition is smooth on the first working day after the opening of the Central Kowloon Bypass (Yau Ma Tei Section) yesterday.
Speaking to the media this morning, Ms Chan said up until now, there has been a total of 50,000 traffic of vehicles throughput through the bypass.
“We noticed a significant improvement in the diversion effect of the bypass in improving the traffic conditions along the Gascoigne Road Flyover and also other major roads in the Kowloon district.”
Ms Chan appealed to various road users to take care of their road safety and also to pay attention to the road signs.
In general, the usage of the bypass is smooth, she added.
Clinical trial study centre set up
Source: Hong Kong Information Services
The Greater Bay Area (GBA) International Clinical Trial Institute, established and wholly owned by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government, today officially established the Real-World Study & Application Centre (RWSAC).
The institute also launched the GBA Clinical Trial Collaboration Platform simultaneously.
Making the announcements, the Health Bureau said the two launches mark another significant step forward in promoting the co-ordinated development of the biomedical field in the GBA.
The RWSAC will leverage Hong Kong’s unique advantages in medical data to enhance access to and the application of health and medical databases.
It will also integrate real-world data generated under the special measure of using Hong Kong-registered drugs and medical devices used in Hong Kong public hospitals in the GBA.
Ultimately, the RWSAC aims to support registration applications for innovative drugs and medical devices in Hong Kong, the Mainland and overseas, thereby accelerating product research and development (R&D), approval and market launch.
As of December 10, 71 designated Mainland healthcare institutions under the special measure have introduced a total of 140 drug and medical device products listed in Hong Kong and Macau, comprising 63 drugs and 77 medical devices, benefiting over 17,000 patient visits.
The institute signed a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding with the LKS Faculty of Medicine at the University of Hong Kong, and the international biopharmaceutical company GSK in September this year to launch the institute’s first real-world data research project. It is expected that the project will officially start collecting data in the second quarter of next year.
In addition, the RWSAC will actively promote data application to support evidence-based decision-making, thereby optimising treatment strategies and enhancing healthcare system efficiency, and position Hong Kong as a leading region and international hub for real-world studies to attract global collaboration and investment.
Meanwhile, the simultaneously launched collaboration platform aims to integrate GBA clinical trial resources, and provide a one-stop service entry point for global biomedical enterprises, R&D institutions and researchers.
The collaboration platform will centrally handle service requests from the Mainland and overseas, and precisely match suitable research institutions and researchers based on specific needs through the Hong Kong Clinical Trial Digital Portal currently under construction.
The platform also provides comprehensive expert consultation covering medicine, statistics, regulatory affairs and ethics review, the bureau added.
One remaining Hong Kong Flower Show fast food stall to be rented on December 29
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
One remaining Hong Kong Flower Show fast food stall to be rented on December 29
The fast food stall, numbered F5, measures 5 metres x 10m. The letting price is $31,010 and the security deposit is $6,012.
Those wishing to rent the stall must be 18 years old or above, and ordinarily be a resident in Hong Kong under section 2 of the Immigration Ordinance (Cap. 115), or any company incorporated in Hong Kong. Where the renter is a company, the authorised representative of the company must produce the following documents: (i) the company’s Certificate of Incorporation and Business Registration Certificate; and (ii) an authorisation letter showing that the representative is authorised to act on the company’s behalf in the rental and to sign the Licence Agreement on the company’s behalf. Interested parties must bring cash or a cheque (post-dated cheques will not be accepted), or use the Faster Payment System or one of the Chinese Mainland’s licensed digital wallets to pay the rent. Renters should approach the Secretariat of the Hong Kong Flower Show in person at 11/F, Leisure and Cultural Services Headquarters, 1-3 Pai Tau Street, Sha Tin.
Organised by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department, the 10-day Hong Kong Flower Show 2026 will be held from March 20 to 29 at Victoria Park. The 54 commercial stalls in the showground include 42 flower and gardening stalls, six fast food stalls, two handicraft stalls, two beverage stalls, one photographic equipment stall, and one book stall.
For enquiries, please call 2601 8260 or visit www.hkflowershow.hk/en/hkfs/2026/commercial.htmlIssued at HKT 10:00
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DH accepts applications for one-on-one pre-new drug application meetings under “1+” mechanism
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The Department of Health (DH) announced today (December 22) that potential applicants for new drugs registration through the “1+” mechanism may now request one-on-one pre-new drug application (NDA) meetings with immediate effect. This service aims to further optimise the new drug registration approval process by working with the pharmaceutical industry to achieve the goals of early consultation to enhance quality and efficiency throughout the process so that registration approval can be expedited in Hong Kong. It will consolidate Hong Kong’s position as an international health and medical innovation hub.
Consultation service for new drug applications under “1+” mechanism
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The introduction of the consultation service under the “1+” mechanism will enhance efficiency in processing applications. The consultation service comprises three components, namely briefing seminars, workshops and pre-NDA meetings.
There are two types of pre-NDA meetings that provide tailored services and appropriate support for applicants with different needs. These meetings help potential applicants plan their applications earlier and more comprehensively, while streamlining the submission process. Details are as follows:
- Company-oriented: Meetings are specifically for first-time applicants through the “1+” mechanism. DH professionals will provide tailored advice and guidance on applicable drug registration categories and application pathways based on the applicant company’s profiles and potential registration applications; and
- Product-specific: Meetings are tailored to specific new drug registration projects. DH professionals will provide concrete advice on the supporting evidence, procedures and documentation required for the particular new drug registration.
Information on how to apply for one-on-one pre-NDA meetings has been uploaded on the “1+” mechanism thematic webpage. To encourage the industry to experience the one-on-one pre-NDA meetings, no fees will be charged for this service at this stage. The DH will actively maintain communication with the industry to gather feedback and suggestions regarding the one-on-one pre-NDA meetings.
Since March of this year, the DH has organised seven briefing seminars to brief the trade and stakeholders on the basic requirements and procedures for Hong Kong drug registration under the “1+” mechanism. The DH has also organised three workshops to provide guidance and share good practices and real-life experiences on submitting applications through the “1+” mechanism. These seminars and workshops have been well received by over 580 representatives from pharmaceutical companies, consultancy firms and research institutes, etc, in and outside Hong Kong. The DH has uploaded the detailed arrangements and briefing materials for the seminar to the thematic webpage on the “1+” mechanism. The DH will continue to organise workshops and briefing seminars as needed based on feedback from the industry.
Paving the way towards primary evaluation
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The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) has implemented the “1+” mechanism since November 1, 2023, and has extended it to all new drugs from November 1 last year, including all new chemical or biological entities and new indications, and vaccines and advanced therapy products. Under the “1+” mechanism, new drugs which are supported by local clinical data and recognised by local relevant experts can be applied for registration in Hong Kong by submitting approval from the drug regulatory authority of one of the reference places (instead of two in the past).
Since the implementation of the “1+” mechanism, a total of 16 new drugs have been approved under this mechanism. Seven of them have been listed in the Hospital Authority Drug Formulary. The DH has been promoting the “1+” mechanism through different channels and so far has received more than 700 enquiries from over 180 pharmaceutical companies (including those from the Chinese Mainland and overseas).
The Chief Executive’s 2025 Policy Address announced that the HKSAR Government will accelerate the reform of the regulatory system for drugs and medical devices. The DH will continue to expedite the “1+” mechanism for new drugs by piloting the priority evaluation and approval of innovative drugs as recommended by the Hospital Authority for treatment of severe or rare diseases and to accelerate patients’ use of the advanced treatments. In addition, the DH will establish the Hong Kong Centre for Medical Products Regulation by the end of 2026, and will implement “primary evaluation” for new drug registration in phases beginning in 2026. These efforts will provide strong momentum for the development and market expansion of the healthcare industry in the HKSAR, the Chinese Mainland, and beyond.