Category: MIL-OSI

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

The following is issued on behalf of the Legislative Council Secretariat:

     At the invitation of the Government, the Legislative Council (LegCo) Panel on Housing visited the Choi Hing Road Light Public Housing project (Choi Hing Road project) in Ngau Tau Kok today (October 2) to learn about the latest progress of Light Public Housing (LPH) and the living conditions of residents.
 
     Members first received a briefing from the Secretary for Housing, Ms Winnie Ho, on the works progress, construction costs and the resident intake arrangements for the LPH projects. They noted that the design and construction works of all the 13 LPH projects have gradually commenced. Among these, the Choi Hing Road project, where construction began in late 2023 and was completed by the end of June 2025, provides around 2 300 units and is now fully occupied. Members then visited a household of LPH to learn about their living environment and how their quality of life have improved after they moved in.
 
     Additionally, Members inspected the project’s transportation and ancillary facilities, including a self-service laundrette, minibus stop and convenience store. During the visit, Members exchanged views with government officials on the operation and management of LPH to explore how adequate services and facilities could be provided to address the daily needs of residents. Members indicated that they would maintain ongoing scrutiny and call for the Government’s continuous efforts in enhancing the provision of LPH and the related work.
 
     Members who participated in the visit were the Chairman of the Panel, Mr Stanley Ng, and Panel members Dr Lo Wai-kwok, Dr Wendy Hong, Mr Leung Man-kwong, Mr Kenneth Leung and Mr Chan Hok-fung; as well as non-Panel members Mr Chan Chun-ying, Mr Andrew Lam, Dr Ngan Man-yu and Ms Carmen Kan.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

The Government has long been combating illegal employment. To further step up such efforts, the Security Bureau (SB) established in September 2025 the Inter-departmental Task Force against Illegal Employment. Members of the Task Force include the Labour and Welfare Bureau, the Education Bureau, the Transport and Logistics Bureau, the Immigration Department (ImmD), the Hong Kong Police Force, the Labour Department and the Transport Department. The SB convened the first meeting of the Task Force today (October 2).
 
At the meeting, the Task Force discussed the current situation of illegal employment, and agreed to enhance interdepartmental co-ordination on various fronts, including formulating overall response strategies against illegal employment, enhancing intelligence collection and intelligence exchange with the Mainland, enforcing the laws rigorously, leveraging technology, and co-ordinating relevant publicity and education, so as to combat illegal employment under a multipronged approach.
 
     The Convenor of the Task Force and Secretary for Security, Mr Tang Ping-keung, said, “It is a serious offence to engage in illegal employment. Illegal workers, employers, as well as aiders and abettors of illegal employment will be liable to prosecution in accordance with the Immigration Ordinance (Cap 115). The establishment of the Task Force demonstrates the Government’s commitment and determination to combat illegal employment. The Task Force will combat illegal employment from various aspects, targeting individual key industries.”
 
“The Task Force was established in September 2025. In the same month, the ImmD launched the Dedicated Hotline for Reporting Illegal Workers 3861 5000. Since the launch of the Hotline two weeks ago, the ImmD has already received over 100 reports via telephone. We encourage members of the public to continue to report illegal employment-related activities,” Mr Tang added.
 
The Task Force will continue to closely monitor the situation of illegal employment and formulate overall response strategies in a timely manner. 

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The value of total retail sales in August, provisionally estimated at $30.3 billion, was up 3.8% compared with the same month in 2024, the Census & Statistics Department announced today.

After netting out the effect of price changes over the same period, the provisional estimate for the month was 3.2% higher year-on-year.

Online sales accounted for 8.4% of the total retail sales figure for the month. Provisionally estimated at $2.6 billion, the value of online retail sales rose 8.9% compared with a year earlier.

Meanwhile, the value of sales of jewellery, watches and clocks, and valuable gifts increased by 16.4%.

There were also increases in the value of sales in the following categories: other consumer goods not elsewhere classified (+14.2%); medicines and cosmetics (+5%); wearing apparel (+3.1%); electrical goods and other consumer durable goods not elsewhere classified (+0.4%); commodities in department stores (+1.9%); footwear, allied products and other clothing accessories (+0.8%); Chinese drugs and herbs (+0.5%); and optical shops (+5.7%).

By contrast, the value of sales of commodities in supermarkets decreased by 0.8% for the period. Also down were sales of sales of food, alcoholic drinks and tobacco (-3.6%); motor vehicles and parts (-8.9%); fuels (-11.4%); books, newspapers, stationery and gifts (-1.3%); and furniture and fixtures (-3.9%).

The Government said retail sales improved in August, marking the fourth consecutive month of growth.

Looking ahead, it expects the stabilising local consumer sentiment, coupled with sustained growth in inbound visitors and the Government’s proactive efforts in promoting tourism and mega events, will render support to retail businesses.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Census and Statistics Department (C&SD) released the latest figures on retail sales today (October 2).

     The value of total retail sales in August 2025, provisionally estimated at $30.3 billion, increased by 3.8% compared with the same month in 2024. The revised estimate of the value of total retail sales in July 2025 increased by 1.8% compared with a year earlier. For the first 8 months of 2025 taken together, it was provisionally estimated that the value of total retail sales decreased by 1.9% compared with the same period in 2024.

     Of the total retail sales value in August 2025, online sales accounted for 8.4%. The value of online retail sales in that month, provisionally estimated at $2.6 billion, increased by 8.9% compared with the same month in 2024. The revised estimate of online retail sales in July 2025 increased by 13.3% compared with a year earlier. For the first 8 months of 2025 taken together, it was provisionally estimated that the value of online retail sales increased by 3.0% compared with the same period in 2024.

     After netting out the effect of price changes over the same period, the provisional estimate of the volume of total retail sales in August 2025 increased by 3.2% compared with a year earlier. The revised estimate of the volume of total retail sales in July 2025 increased by 0.9% compared with a year earlier. For the first 8 months of 2025 taken together, the provisional estimate of the total retail sales decreased by 3.1% in volume compared with the same period in 2024.

     Analysed by broad type of retail outlet in descending order of the provisional estimate of the value of sales and comparing August 2025 with August 2024, the value of sales of jewellery, watches and clocks, and valuable gifts increased by 16.4%. This was followed by sales of other consumer goods not elsewhere classified (+14.2% in value); medicines and cosmetics (+5.0%); wearing apparel (+3.1%); electrical goods and other consumer durable goods not elsewhere classified (+0.4%); commodities in department stores (+1.9%); footwear, allied products and other clothing accessories (+0.8%); Chinese drugs and herbs (+0.5%); and optical shops (+5.7%).

     On the other hand, the value of sales of commodities in supermarkets decreased by 0.8% in August 2025 over a year earlier. This was followed by sales of food, alcoholic drinks and tobacco (-3.6% in value); motor vehicles and parts (-8.9%); fuels (-11.4%); books, newspapers, stationery and gifts (-1.3%); and furniture and fixtures (-3.9%).

     Based on the seasonally adjusted series, the provisional estimate of the value of total retail sales increased by 0.3% in the three months ending August 2025 compared with the preceding three-month period, while the provisional estimate of the volume of total retail sales decreased by 0.3%.
 
Commentary

     A government spokesman said that retail sales improved in August. The value of total retail sales grew further by 3.8% over a year earlier, marking the fourth consecutive month of growth. 

     Looking ahead, the spokesman said that the stabilising local consumer sentiment, coupled with sustained growth in inbound visitors and the Government’s proactive efforts in promoting tourism and mega events, should render support to retail businesses.

Further information

     Table 1 presents the revised figures on value index and value of retail sales for all retail outlets and by broad type of retail outlet for July 2025 as well as the provisional figures for August 2025. The provisional figures on the value of retail sales for all retail outlets and by broad type of retail outlet as well as the corresponding year-on-year changes for the first 8 months of 2025 taken together are also shown.

     Table 2 presents the revised figures on value of online retail sales for July 2025 as well as the provisional figures for August 2025. The provisional figures on year-on-year changes for the first 8 months of 2025 taken together are also shown.

     Table 3 presents the revised figures on volume index of retail sales for all retail outlets and by broad type of retail outlet for July 2025 as well as the provisional figures for August 2025. The provisional figures on year-on-year changes for the first 8 months of 2025 taken together are also shown.

     Table 4 shows the movements of the value and volume of total retail sales in terms of the year-on-year rate of change for a month compared with the same month in the preceding year based on the original series, and in terms of the rate of change for a three-month period compared with the preceding three-month period based on the seasonally adjusted series.

     The classification of retail companies follows the Hong Kong Standard Industrial Classification (HSIC) Version 2.0, which is used in various economic surveys for classifying economic units into different industry classes.

     These retail sales statistics measure the sales receipts in respect of goods sold by local retail companies and are primarily intended for gauging the short-term business performance of the local retail sector. Data on retail sales are collected from local retail companies through the Monthly Survey of Retail Sales (MRS). Local retail companies with and without physical shops are covered in MRS and their sales, both through conventional shops and online channels, are included in the retail sales statistics.

     The retail sales statistics cover consumer spending on goods but not on services (such as those on housing, catering, medical care and health services, transport and communication, financial services, education and entertainment) which account for over 50% of the overall consumer spending. Moreover, they include spending on goods in Hong Kong by visitors but exclude spending outside Hong Kong by Hong Kong residents. Hence they should not be regarded as indicators for measuring overall consumer spending.

     Users interested in the trend of overall consumer spending should refer to the data series of private consumption expenditure (PCE), which is a major component of the Gross Domestic Product published at quarterly intervals. Compiled from a wide range of data sources, PCE covers consumer spending on both goods (including goods purchased from all channels) and services by Hong Kong residents whether locally or abroad. Please refer to the C&SD publication “Gross Domestic Product by Expenditure Component” for more details.

     More detailed statistics are given in the “Report on Monthly Survey of Retail Sales”. Users can browse and download this publication at the website of the C&SD (www.censtatd.gov.hk/en/EIndexbySubject.html?pcode=B1080003&scode=530).

     Users who have enquiries about the survey results may contact the Distribution Services Statistics Section of C&SD (Tel: 3903 7400; email: mrs@censtatd.gov.hk).

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Transport Department (TD) today (October 2) reminded the public that, in view of special marine transport measures tomorrow morning (October 3), ferry services will be adjusted. It has steered operators to enhance relevant bus services. Members of the public, especially residents of outlying islands, should plan their journeys early and allow sufficient time for commuting.

(1) Outlying island ferry service adjustments

     From around 9.40am to 11.15am tomorrow, a total of seven outlying island ferry service routes will be adjusted gradually. Service details during these periods are as follows:

Central – Cheung Chau
 

• From Central: Sailing at 9.45am to remain unchanged, sailing at 10.15am to be cancelled, scheduled sailing at 10.45am to be adjusted to depart at 11am, service to resume as normal at 11.15am

Central – Mui Wo
 

• From Mui Wo: Sailing at 8.45am to remain unchanged, scheduled sailing at 9.40am to be advanced to depart at 9.30am, scheduled sailing at 10am to be adjusted to depart at 10.20am, service to resume as normal at 10.40am
• From Central: Sailing at 9.50am to remain unchanged, sailing at 10.30am to be cancelled, service to resume as normal at 11.10am

Central – Peng Chau
 

• From Peng Chau: Sailing at 9.15am to remain unchanged, scheduled sailing at 10am to be adjusted to depart at 10.30am, service to resume as normal at 10.45am
• From Central: Sailing at 10am to remain unchanged, scheduled sailing at 10.45am to be adjusted to depart at 11am, service to resume as normal at 11.30am

Peng Chau – Hei Ling Chau (special sailing)
 

• From Peng Chau: Sailing at 9.45am to remain unchanged, scheduled sailing at 11.15am to be adjusted to depart at 11.30am, service to resume as normal at 12.45pm

Central – Yung Shue Wan
 

• From Central: Sailing at 9.30am to remain unchanged, scheduled sailing at 10.10am to be advanced to depart at 10am, service to resume as normal at 11am

Central – Sok Kwu Wan
 

• From Central: Sailing at 8.35am to remain unchanged, scheduled sailing at 10.20am to be advanced to depart at 10am, service to resume as normal at 11.50am

Central – Ma Wan

• From Ma Wan: Sailing at 9.30am to remain unchanged, sailing at 10am to be cancelled, service to resume as normal at noon
• From Central: Sailing at 10am to remain unchanged, sailing at 10.30am to be cancelled, service to resume as normal at 12.30pm

Central – Discovery Bay

• From Discovery Bay: Sailing at 9.40am to remain unchanged, sailing at 10.10am to be cancelled, service to resume as normal at 10.40am
• From Central: Sailing at 9.40am to remain unchanged, sailings at 10.10am and 10.40am to be cancelled, service to resume as normal at 11.10am

(2) Bus services to be enhanced

     During the affected period, operators will enhance bus services in Mui Wo, Ma Wan and Discovery Bay to ease passenger flow:
 

• Enhancing service between Mui Wo Pier and Tung Chung Station (New Lantao Bus route No. 3M);
• Enhancing service between Ma Wan (Tung Wan Bus Terminus) and Central Ferry Pier No. 2 (Circular) (Residents’ Service route No. NR338S);
• Enhancing service between Discovery Bay and Sunny Bay (Residents’ Service route No. DB03R); and
• Operating free bus service from Discovery Bay to Central Ferry Pier No. 3.

     Details of the above outlying island ferry service adjustments and special bus service arrangements are set out in the Annex.

(3) In-harbour ferries’ temporary service adjustments

     Of note, from about 10.45am to 11.45am tomorrow, subject to the actual situation, there may be temporary service adjustments of up to around 30 minutes in nine in-harbour ferry routes, namely Wan Chai – Tsim Sha Tsui, Central – Tsim Sha Tsui, North Point – Hung Hom, North Point – Kowloon City, Central – Hung Hom, North Point – Kwun Tong, Water Taxi, Sai Wan Ho – Kwun Tong and Sai Wan Ho – Sam Ka Tsuen.

     Members of the public are urged to pay heed to the latest traffic news and announcements through radio and television broadcasts, the TD’s website (www.td.gov.hk), the HKeMobility mobile application and the ferry operators. The TD and operators will closely monitor the actual traffic situation at sea and, if practicable, resume normal services as soon as possible. Public transport services will be enhanced as needed to ease passenger flow.

     The TD will work with the Islands District Office, relevant District Services and Community Care Teams of Islands District as well as ferry and road-based public transport operators to enhance information dissemination through websites, mobile applications, notices at piers and onboard as well as district networks to inform passengers of the above arrangements.

     The TD’s Emergency Transport Co-ordination Centre will operate round the clock to closely monitor the traffic conditions and public transport services across the territory, including in the districts concerned.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority:

The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA), in collaboration with the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP), announced the launch of the IADS Developer Hackathon and held the Kick-off Ceremony today (October 2), marking the beginning of a multi-month innovation journey to foster innovation for the Interbank Account Data Sharing (IADS) initiative, and transform banking services through secure, customer-consented data sharing.
 
The IADS Developer Hackathon, organised by the HKSTP, runs from October 2025 to March 2026. It brings together the banking industry and fintech firms from around the world to collaborate and create innovative, secure, customer-consented solutions, leveraging the IADS to drive digital transformation in Hong Kong’s banking sector. Participants will develop innovative use cases for retail, corporate and small and medium-sized enterprises customer segments, with mentorship provided by banking professionals. Finalists will be invited to showcase their solutions at the IADS Developer Conference in March 2026, and winning teams may also have the opportunity to access business expansion support, investor engagement platforms, brand exposure, and future pitching opportunities through HKSTP, and other partner organisations, to promote the market and development of their solutions.
 
The IADS initiative is formulated by the HKMA and launched with the support of the banking industry. The IADS initiative has established rules and standards that facilitate interbank customer-consented data sharing. This enables customers to securely and efficiently share their bank account data from one participating bank to other participating banks, subject to customer consent. Account data sharing can help digitalise banking operations, strengthen risk management of banks, and enhance customer experience.
 
According to Executive Director (Financial Infrastructure) of the HKMA, Mr Nelson Chow, “The IADS Developer Hackathon represents an exciting opportunity for the financial and technology sectors to converge and drive innovation in IADS. We look forward to this event uncovering novel solutions that will benefit both the industry and the community.”
 
     Acting Chief Corporate Development Officer of the HKSTP, Mr Eric Or, said, “The IADS Developer Hackathon embodies the spirit of innovation and collaboration that HKSTP strives to foster. It will help catalyse innovation, providing valuable opportunities for startups to exchange and collaborate with the industry, and propelling Hong Kong’s position as a hub for financial technology and innovation.”
 
For more information about the IADS initiative, please visit the HKMA website.