Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
EMSD launches revamped Hong Kong Energy Efficiency Registration Scheme for Buildings and operational guidelines in connection with Enhancement Scheme for District Cooling Systems and Centralised Multi-Building Cooling Systems
The Government-led Kai Tak District Cooling System (DCS) has demonstrated the viability of developing DCSs in Hong Kong. The Chief Executive announced in the 2025 Policy Address that an enhancement scheme will be rolled out to encourage and facilitate the commissioning of small-scale DCSs or centralised multi-building cooling systems (CMCSs) by non-governmental entities from aspects such as technology, taxation and floor area arrangements, with a view to enhancing the popularity of the relevant technologies and promoting the development of green technology to combat climate change and accelerate Hong Kong to move towards the target of carbon neutrality under the Climate Action Plan 2050.
The revamped HKEERSB has expanded the coverage to accept registration applications for DCSs and CMCSs, without the need to separately obtain relevant green certifications. Capital expenditure for such eligible energy-efficient building installations is eligible for a whole deduction when it was incurred for the purpose of profit tax calculation.
The operational guidelines introduce best practices, design references and emerging technologies to the trade and users for enhancing the reliability, safety and energy efficiency performance of DCS and CMCS projects. Three guidelines have been revised and two guidelines are newly added: The revamped HKEERSB and the five operational guidelines will take effect on November 1, 2026, and are available at the EMSD’s webpage:
HKEERSB
www.emsd.gov.hk/en/energy_efficiency/energy_efficiency_registration_scheme_for_building/index.html
District Cooling Systems in Hong Kong – Guidelines and Forms
www.emsd.gov.hk/en/energy_efficiency/DCS_in_HK/guidelines_forms/index.html
Other measures of the Enhancement Scheme will be rolled out in stages, and the scheme will be fully implemented in the first quarter of 2027.
Issued at HKT 14:42
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Seven candidates nominated for Labour Advisory Board Election of Employee Representatives
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Seven candidates nominated for Labour Advisory Board Election of Employee RepresentativesChairman,
Hong Kong Construction Industry Employees General UnionPresident,
Hong Kong Government Lifeguards General UnionVice Chairman,
Hong Kong Seamen’s UnionPresident,
Hong Kong Social Welfare Employees AssociationVice Chairman,
The Federation of Hong Kong & Kowloon Labour UnionsVice Chairman,
Association of Hong Kong Nursing StaffChairman,
Marine Inspectors and Senior Assistant Shipping Masters’ AssociationIssued at HKT 15:00
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2026 Maker in China SME Innovation and Entrepreneurship Global Contest – Hong Kong Chapter successfully held
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
2026 Maker in China SME Innovation and Entrepreneurship Global Contest – Hong Kong Chapter successfully held
Addressing the event, the Acting Commissioner for Digital Policy, Mr Daniel Cheung, said that the MiCHK serves as an important platform for local start-ups and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to showcase their innovation and technology (I&T) achievements and expand into the Mainland markets. It enables investors and enterprises from the Mainland to gain an understanding of Hong Kong’s quality I&T outcomes, helping these enterprises tap into the Mainland market. He noted that in recent years, multiple shortlisted teams have successfully connected with enterprises. Among them, some teams have entered into co-operation agreements with Mainland governments, while others have attracted attention from investment funds. This has helped accelerate the commercialisation of technological outcomes, enhance brand influence, and further expand into both Mainland and overseas markets.
Mr Cheung congratulated all award-winning teams and encouraged all participating teams to leverage the various government start-up support schemes. He also urged them to focus on the Mainland market as a key development direction, seize the opportunities presented by the nation’s development of new quality productive forces, and better integrate into and serve the country’s overall development.
This year’s competition attracted a total of 170 local innovation projects, setting an all-time high for entries. Following a preliminary screening and a semi-final held earlier, the top 10 projects advanced to the Final today. The shortlisted project teams delivered live pitches to a panel of judges from various I&T fields, competing for the Champion, First Runner-up, and Second Runner-up honours. The organiser also arranged one-on-one meetings between the 10 shortlisted project teams and investors and corporate representatives from the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, facilitating matchmaking discussions on financing and project co-operation.
In addition, the shortlisted teams will have the opportunity to participate in start-up incubation programmes and exhibition events, connect with Mainland investors, establish a presence in the Mainland start-up parks, and receive professional guidance to support the commercialisation of their project outcomes and market expansion. Please refer to makerinchina.hk/Issued at HKT 19:23
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LegCo Panel on Environmental Affairs visits Black Point Power Station of CLP
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
LegCo Panel on Environmental Affairs visits Black Point Power Station of CLP
Members first received a briefing by CLP management on its decarbonisation progress under the “Climate Vision 2050” blueprint. They noted that the power company was undertaking a trial on using hydrogen-blended natural gas for electricity generation to support Hong Kong to achieve carbon neutrality before 2050. The first phase of the project will be carried out on one of the gas-fired generation units at the power station, with approximately five per cent hydrogen to be blended with natural gas for electricity generation. The testing is expected to be completed in 2028. Members also exchanged views with representatives of CLP on areas such as importation of zero-carbon energy and related electricity facilities.
Members then visited the Black Point Power Station Gallery to learn about CLP’s power generation business as well as measures to enhance energy security. Members noted that the company adopts a diversified fuel mix strategy, with natural gas and nuclear accounting for about half and 30 per cent of its fuel mix respectively. It also upgrades and enhances its existing generation units continuously to improve generation efficiency and environmental performance.
Afterwards, Members toured the power station’s facilities on a CLP electric double-decker bus. They also learnt about the application of welding robots at the power station and how to enhance the safety and efficiency of welding work through automated procedures. Members also received a briefing on the D1 gas-fired generation unit that was put into operation in 2020. Together with the D2 unit commissioned in 2024, the proportion of CLP’s gas-fired generation has increased from less than 30 per cent previously to over 50 per cent.
A total of 12 members and non-members of the Panel participated in the visit.
Issued at HKT 21:08
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OASES announces new batch of 18 strategic enterprises
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The Office for Attracting Strategic Enterprises (OASES) held a signing ceremony today (October 22) to welcome a new batch of 18 strategic enterprises (see Annex) establishing or expanding their operations in Hong Kong. The ceremony was officiated by the Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan.
The new cohort demonstrates the growing momentum of Hong Kong’s innovation and technology (I&T) ecosystem and enterprises’ confidence in the city’s development prospects. Half of the new partners come from the Chinese Mainland, while the other half are from other parts of the world, underscoring Hong Kong’s role as a place where businesses, talent and ideas from around the world come together to prosper. Several of the enterprises have market capitalisations or valuations exceeding HK$100 billion.
CFS finds malachite green in bluefin tuna sample
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
CFS finds malachite green in bluefin tuna sample
Malachite green is a type of industrial dye and has been used for treating infections in fish. Currently, malachite green has been prohibited for use in food-producing animals in many countries. According to the Harmful Substances in Food Regulations (Cap. 132AF), no food sold in Hong Kong is allowed to contain malachite green. Offenders will be prosecuted and liable to a fine of $50,000 and to imprisonment for six months upon conviction. Issued at HKT 20:00
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SCST congratulates Hong Kong, China athletes on winning nine more medals today in Asian Para Games
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
SCST congratulates Hong Kong, China athletes on winning nine more medals today in Asian Para Games
The Hong Kong, China Delegation has so far won 30 medals, namely two gold, 10 silver and 18 bronze medals, at the Asian Para Games. The newly added nine medals are as follows:—————Chan Yui-lam—————Fan Pui-shan, Lam Ka-man, Tong Nga-ting, Yu Chui-yeeLam Yan-yu, Wong Hon-lam
Bronze medals
—————Lau Chiu-yee
Swimming: Mixed 4x100m Freestyle S14
Cheung Tsun-lok, Wong Hon-yin, Chan Yui-lam, Lau Chiu-yeeTong Chi-ming, Wong Yue-ching
Table Tennis: Mixed doubles – Class XD22
Yuen King-shing, Wong Ting-ting
Wan Wai-lok, Wong Pui-keiChu Man-kai
Issued at HKT 23:38
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HKSAR Government strongly condemns and firmly rejects the UK six-monthly report on Hong Kong
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) strongly condemns and must resolutely refute the untruthful remarks, slanders and smears against various aspects of the HKSAR in the so-called six-monthly report on Hong Kong: January to June 2026 of the United Kingdom (UK) today (October 23).
A spokesman for the HKSAR Government stressed, “The HKSAR is an inalienable part of the People’s Republic of China, and as a local administrative region that enjoys a high degree of autonomy under the principle of ‘One Country, Two Systems’, comes directly under the jurisdiction of the Central People’s Government. The HKSAR steadfastly safeguards national sovereignty, security and development interests, and fully and faithfully lives up to this top priority of the ‘One Country, Two Systems’ principle. The HKSAR Government strongly condemns and firmly rejects the UK’s attempt through a so-called six-monthly report to make misleading and irresponsible remarks about Hong Kong matters, distort facts and reverse right and wrong, and attempt to interfere in the HKSAR Government’s law-based governance by despicable political maneuvers.”
“The core essence of the Sino-British Joint Declaration is about China’s resumption of the exercise of sovereignty over Hong Kong. It did not authorise the UK to interfere in Hong Kong’s affairs after its return to the motherland. The UK has no sovereignty, jurisdiction or right of supervision over Hong Kong after its return to the motherland. The HKSAR Government strongly urges the UK again to discern facts from fallacies, respect the international law and basic norms governing international relations, and immediately stop its long-arm jurisdiction and interference in Hong Kong matters, which are purely China’s internal affairs.”
Safeguarding Rights and Freedoms
The HKSAR Government spokesman said, “The HKSAR Government steadfastly safeguards the rights and freedoms enjoyed by Hong Kong people as protected under the law. Since Hong Kong’s return to the motherland, human rights in the city have always been robustly guaranteed constitutionally by both the Constitution and the Basic Law. The offences endangering national security stipulated by the Hong Kong National Security Law (HKNSL) and the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance (SNSO) target acts endangering national security with precision, and define the elements and penalties of the offences with clarity. The relevant laws do not affect normal exchanges of local institutions, organisations and individuals with other countries, regions and international organisations including the United Nations. Law-abiding persons will not unwittingly violate the law.”
“Since the implementation of the HKNSL and the SNSO, the media landscape in Hong Kong has remained vibrant. However, some people with ulterior motives deliberately fabricated facts about freedom of the press and speech in Hong Kong. In fact, freedom of the press and speech are firmly protected in Hong Kong at a constitutional level under the Basic Law, but they are not absolute. The media, like everyone else, have an obligation to abide by all the laws. The media continue to enjoy the freedom to comment on and criticise government policies without any restriction, as long as this is not in violation of the law. The court further cited precedents from the European Court of Human Rights regarding press freedom in the reasons for a verdict of a relevant case, pointing out that the European Convention on Human Rights does not guarantee a wholly unrestricted freedom of speech even with respect to press coverage on matters of serious public concern. The most crucial point is that journalists must act in good faith and on accurate factual basis and provide reliable and precise information in accordance with the tenets of ‘responsible journalism’ in order to enjoy the protection of their rights to freedom of speech and press freedom. The so-called ‘World Press Freedom Index’ cited in the report was published by an organisation self-claimed as ‘Reporters Without Borders’. Its funding has largely come from the European Union, the United States (US) State Department and other European governments, which merely serves as a tool for anti-China forces for the US and some western countries. The so-called ‘rankings’ lack credibility and can be disregarded. In fact, in recent years, the police of the UK have on numerous occasions arrested journalists in the name of counter-terrorism, including the recent arrest in Leicestershire of several journalists covering pro-Palestinian activities. This further highlights that the so-called safeguard of press freedom by the UK is merely a double standard in serving political ends.”
“As to the case regarding the father of an absconder named Anna Kwok Fung-yee being convicted of ‘attempting to deal with, directly or indirectly, any funds or other financial assets or economic resources belonging to, or owned or controlled by, a relevant absconder’ as mentioned in the so-called report, as stressed in the Reasons for Sentence, the purpose of the relevant offence is to prevent anyone from dealing with the assets of an absconder, thereby increasing the chance of such absconder refusing to return to Hong Kong. The nature of the case was also considered serious, and it was reiterated that no ‘collective punishment’ is involved in the case and that the sentence has nothing to do with whether the defendant is related to the absconder.”
Safeguarding Due Administration of Justice and Rule of Law
Haze Situation Update (22 October 2026)
Source: Government of Singapore
Air Quality Forecast
PSI Forecast: 101 – 150 (Unhealthy)
Health Advisory
Healthy persons :PSI Forecast-Unhealthy. To plan for 23 Oct, reduce prolonged or strenuous outdoor physical exertion. For immediate outdoor activities, use 1h PM2.5. If Elevated PM2.5, reduce strenuous outdoor activity.
Elderly, pregnant women & children :PSI Forecast-Unhealthy. To plan for 23 Oct, minimise prolonged or strenuous outdoor physical exertion. For immediate outdoor activities, use 1h PM2.5. If Elevated PM2.5, avoid strenuous outdoor activity for the next hour.
Persons with chronic lung/heart disease :PSI Forecast-Unhealthy. To plan for 23 Oct, avoid prolonged or strenuous outdoor physical exertion. For immediate outdoor activities, use 1h PM2.5. If Elevated PM2.5, 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, 22 October 2026 – The PSI forecast for 23 Oct 2026 is 101 – 150 (Unhealthy).
2. The PSI forecast and corresponding health advisories should be used for planning next day outdoor activities.
Update on Hotspot and Haze Situation
4. Dry weather was observed over Singapore today. As at 6pm, the 1-hr PM2.5 concentration readings were 23 – 39 µg/m3, in (Band 1, Normal), and the 24-hr PSI was 71 – 96, in the Moderate range. Smoke haze from Kalimantan and Sumatra was observed over the surrounding region although most of the smoke haze remained to the south of Singapore due to the northeasterly and easterly winds. There was some smoke haze at higher altitudes above Singapore but limited mixing to surface levels.
5. For tomorrow, showers are forecast over Singapore and the surrounding region. As dry conditions are expected to persist over the southern parts of Sumatra and Kalimantan, smoke haze may be transported towards Singapore under prevailing southeasterly winds.
6. On Saturday, some smoke haze from Sumatra may drift towards Singapore under southeasterly or southerly winds. However, showers over Singapore and the vicinity could help with the situation. The haze condition is expected to improve on Sunday due to showers and favourable winds.
Activity Guidelines
7. The health impact of haze is dependent on one’s health status, the PSI level, and the length and intensity of outdoor activity.
8. 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.
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Hong Kong Customs detects four sea smuggling cases and seizes suspected illicit cigarettes worth about $230 million
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Hong Kong Customs detects four sea smuggling cases and seizes suspected illicit cigarettes worth about $230 million
Through intelligence exchanges with law enforcement agencies in the region and further intelligence analysis, Customs from August to September selected and examined five 40-foot seaborne containers arriving in Hong Kong from the South Asian region and declared as carrying clothes, lighting equipment, electronic parts and hydraulic components, at the Kwai Chung Customhouse Cargo Examination Compound. Large quantities of illicit cigarettes were seized. Preliminary investigation revealed that the batch of illicit cigarettes was destined for other countries or regions but was all intercepted by Hong Kong Customs while in transit.
The investigation is still ongoing. The likelihood of arrests is not ruled out.
The cases displayed Customs’ enforcement effectiveness in intercepting cross-border illicit cigarettes at the source through co-operation with law enforcement agencies in the region. The department will continue to foster collaboration and strengthen intelligence exchanges between regional partners in law enforcement, and vigorously combat cross-border illicit cigarette activities.
Customs will continue its risk assessment and intelligence analysis, and step up enforcement actions to combat smuggling of illicit cigarettes. Customs stresses that smuggling is a serious offence. Under the Import and Export Ordinance (Cap. 60), any person found guilty of importing or exporting unmanifested cargo is liable to a maximum fine of $2 million and imprisonment for seven years. Moreover, under the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance (Cap. 109), any person who deals with, possesses, sells or buys illicit cigarettes commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $2 million and imprisonment for seven years.
Members of the public may report any suspected illicit cigarette activities to Customs’ 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hkIssued at HKT 16:15
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