Category: MIL-OSI

Posted on

HKMA welcomes CMU’s expanded international network and service offerings

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) welcomes the official launch of the direct linkage between the Central Moneymarkets Unit (CMU) of Hong Kong and SIX of Switzerland today (July 29), which also marks the launch of CMU OmniClear Limited’s (CMU OmniClear) equity post-trade services for the first time.
 
Since its establishment in 2024, CMU OmniClear has been actively driving the internationalisation and commercialisation of CMU’s operations on behalf of the HKMA. The new direct linkage with SIX provides CMU Members with direct access to securities in the Swiss and Spanish markets. This further expands CMU’s global network and connectivity, underscoring Hong Kong’s unparalleled role as a gateway connecting the Chinese Mainland with the international market. 
 
The inaugural launch of CMU OmniClear’s equity post-trade services also demonstrates CMU’s capability to deliver a comprehensive suite of services to its clients, enabling investors to manage their diversified asset portfolios more efficiently and effectively. This milestone is a strong testament to Hong Kong’s dual role as both a “super connector” and a “super value-adder”. 
 
The Chief Executive of the HKMA and the Chairperson of the Board of Directors of CMU OmniClear Holdings Limited, Mr Eddie Yue, said, “We are pleased to see the successful launch of the direct linkage between CMU and SIX, and equity post-trade services by CMU OmniClear. This represents a significant step forward in CMU’s strategic transformation into a one-stop, multi-asset class post-trade securities infrastructure. Looking ahead, CMU will continue to expand its global footprint and enrich its service offerings to meet evolving market demands, thereby further boosting the development of Hong Kong’s fixed income and currency market, and solidifying its leading status as an international financial centre.”
 
CMU is Hong Kong’s central securities depository infrastructure. By the end of June 2026, assets under custody of CMU exceeded HK$5.5 trillion equivalent.

Posted on

EDB announces Private School List

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

EDB announces Private School List      
     The spokesman stressed that all schools operating in Hong Kong, whether they are included in the List or not, must comply with the registration and daily operational standards under the Education Ordinance and the Education Regulations. Schools not included in the List remain subject to the regulation of the EDB.Issued at HKT 16:00

NNNN

Posted on

Hong Kong Customs seizes suspected smuggled electronic chips worth about $6.25 million

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Hong Kong Customs seizes suspected smuggled electronic chips worth about $6.25 million (with photo)      
     Based on risk assessment, Customs yesterday intercepted an outbound private car at the control point. After an inspection, Customs officers found the batch of suspected smuggled electronic chips in the trunk of the vehicle.
      
     After an investigation, Customs arrested a 39-year-old local male driver and a 50-year-old Mainland male passenger suspected to be connected with the case. They were jointly charged with one count of attempting to export unmanifested cargo and will appear at the Tuen Mun Magistrates’ Courts tomorrow (July 30).
      
     Customs will continue to combat cross-boundary smuggling activities with firm enforcement action based on risk assessment and intelligence analysis.
      
     Smuggling is a serious offence. Under the Import and Export Ordinance, any person found guilty of importing or exporting unmanifested cargo is liable to a maximum fine of $2 million and imprisonment for seven years.
      
     Members of the public may report any suspected smuggling activities to Customs’ 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hkIssued at HKT 16:20

NNNN

Posted on

Korea’s long-running music theatre production “The Little Musician” sets off on adventure to save the frozen world

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Korea’s long-running music theatre production “The Little Musician” sets off on adventure to save the frozen world  
     “The Little Musician” was selected at the 2018 Edinburgh Festival Fringe as one of the top three popular children’s performances, and has captivated audiences in the United Kingdom, the Chinese Mainland, Uzbekistan and beyond. The long-running show has remained a favourite in Korea for a decade. The upcoming Hong Kong performances are upgraded with enhanced musical arrangements, lighting design and stage settings compared to the original production.
 
     The story follows the mysterious disappearance of the sun, plunging the Earth into darkness and extreme cold, gradually freezing humanity into ice. The main character, Mobichi, is determined to restore the sunlight. With her beloved recorder in hand, she sets off on a journey alongside her polar bear friend Kuku, meeting quirky new companions along the way. With the power of music, they sing and play instruments to overcome numerous challenges and gradually thaw the frozen world. However, just as hope seems within reach, a fierce snowstorm strikes and takes the sunlight away once again.
 
     The performers use superb vocal skills together with simple props to imitate animal sounds and everyday sound effects, creating a stage full of imagination. Bubble wrap becomes a frozen lake, inflatable plastic bags transform into ice blocks, and wooden boards turn into a glowing sun, showcasing boundless creativity. The beloved show is suitable for families, enabling audiences to rediscover the joy of play and imagination, while conveying a message of unity and hope.
 
     The music theatre production “The Little Musician” will be held at 7.30pm on August 7 and 8, and 3pm on August 9 at the Hong Kong City Hall Theatre. Tickets priced at $280 and $340 are now available at URBTIX (www.urbtix.hk 
     This year’s IAC is presenting over 100 performances and related activities in July and August, bringing together artists from overseas, the Chinese Mainland and Hong Kong for an exciting lineup of interactive, inspiring and family-friendly programmes, including acrobatics, dance, music, theatre and multimedia. There are also film screenings, library activities, parent-child workshops, an online programme and exhibitions.
 
     For programme enquiries and concessionary schemes, please call 2370 1044 or visit www.hkiac.gov.hkIssued at HKT 17:00

NNNN

Posted on

Research Grants Council announces funding results of Areas of Excellence Scheme and Theme-based Research Scheme 2026/27

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Research Grants Council announces funding results of Areas of Excellence Scheme and Theme-based Research Scheme 2026/27          
     “By fostering a dynamic basic research ecosystem in Hong Kong and leveraging the unique strengths of our universities to drive transformative, world-class research, the RGC remains dedicated to consolidating Hong Kong’s leading position in global higher education and technological innovation,” said Professor Tong. Issued at HKT 17:20

NNNN

Posted on

Two persons arrested during joint anti-illegal worker operation by Immigration Department and Travel Industry Authority

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Two persons arrested during joint anti-illegal worker operation by Immigration Department and Travel Industry Authority       
     As there have been suspected illegal workers utilising social media platforms to advertise tour guide and photo-taking services in Hong Kong, the ImmD and the TIA initiated an operation. Officers disguised as customers enquired about and booked services from the suspects. The suspects were subsequently arrested while providing such services in Hong Kong. The arrested illegal workers were women, aged 22 and 31. The ImmD will consider prosecution against them for the offence of breaching conditions of stay.
      
     The ImmD and the TIA have also deployed officers to distribute leaflets to the public and visitors at tourist hotspots, conveying the message of “Don’t employ illegal tour escort or tourist guides”.
      
     An ImmD spokesman said, “Any person who contravenes a condition of stay in force in respect of him or her shall be guilty of an offence. Also, visitors are not allowed to take employment in Hong Kong, whether paid or unpaid, without the permission of the Director of Immigration. Offenders are liable to prosecution and upon conviction face a maximum fine of $50,000 and up to two years’ imprisonment. Aiders and abettors are also liable to prosecution and penalties.”
           
     The spokesman stressed that it is a serious offence to employ people who are not lawfully employable. Under the Immigration Ordinance, the maximum penalty for an employer employing a person who is not lawfully employable, i.e. an illegal immigrant, a person who is the subject of a removal order or a deportation order, an overstayer or a person who was refused permission to land, has been significantly increased from a fine of $350,000 and three years’ imprisonment to a fine of $500,000 and 10 years’ imprisonment to reflect the gravity of such offences. The director, manager, secretary, partner, etc, of the company concerned may also bear criminal liability. The High Court has laid down sentencing guidelines that the employer of an illegal worker should be given an immediate custodial sentence.
      
     According to the court sentencing, employers must take all practicable steps to determine whether a person is lawfully employable prior to employment. Apart from inspecting a prospective employee’s identity card, the employer has the explicit duty to make enquiries regarding the person and ensure that the answers would not cast any reasonable doubt concerning the lawful employability of the person. The court will not accept failure to do so as a defence in proceedings. It is also an offence if an employer fails to inspect the job seeker’s valid travel document if the job seeker does not have a Hong Kong permanent identity card. Offenders are liable upon conviction to a maximum fine of $150,000 and to imprisonment for one year. In that connection, the spokesman would like to remind all employers not to defy the law by employing illegal workers. The ImmD will continue to take resolute enforcement action to combat such offences.
      
     Under the existing mechanism, the ImmD will, as a standard procedure, conduct an initial screening of vulnerable persons, including illegal workers, illegal immigrants, sex workers and foreign domestic helpers, who are arrested during any operation with a view to ascertaining whether they are trafficking in persons (TIP) and/or forced labour victims. When any TIP and/or forced labour indicator is revealed in the initial screening, the ImmD officers will conduct a full debriefing and identification by using a standardised checklist to ascertain the presence of TIP and/or forced labour elements. Identified TIP and/or forced labour victims will be provided with various forms of support and assistance, including urgent intervention, medical services, counselling, shelter or temporary accommodation and other supporting services. The ImmD calls on TIP and/or forced labour victims to report crimes to the relevant departments immediately.
      
     For reporting illegal employment activities, please call the dedicated hotline 185 185, fax at 2824 1166, email anti_crime@immd.gov.hkIssued at HKT 19:33

NNNN

Posted on

Opening ceremony of first course of Mainland Training Programme for Captains of Hong Kong District Services and Community Care Teams

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The opening ceremony of the first course of the Mainland Training Programme for Captains of the Hong Kong District Services and Community Care Teams (Care Teams) was held today (July 28) at the National Academy of Governance in Beijing.

At the opening ceremony, the Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, Miss Alice Mak, said that Care Teams were an important part of the Government’s efforts to enhance district governance. Captains of Care Teams lead team members and volunteers in supporting the Government’s district work. Together with the District Councils and the three District Committees, they form the “troika” of enhanced district governance and shoulder the important responsibility of enhancing district governance. The country attaches great importance to grassroots work, and Care Teams are an integral part of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR)’s grassroots works. Their contributions are heart warming and meaningful, and are well recognised and valued by the community.

Miss Mak said, “To further strengthen Care Team captains’ understanding of the country’s latest development and grassroots governance on the Mainland, the Government is arranging for captains of Care Teams from various districts to receive training and conduct site visits on the Mainland by batches. This will enable them to gain a deeper understanding of national development and the Mainland’s experience in grassroots governance so that they can apply what they have learned in their future district work and better serve the community.”

Miss Mak added, “This year marks the beginning of the 15th Five-Year Plan period. The HKSAR Government will proactively align with the national development blueprint and complete the formulation of Hong Kong’s First Five-Year Plan. I hope Care Team captains will seize this valuable learning opportunity to understand the content of the National 15th Five-Year Plan and learn from Beijing’s experience in grassroots governance. They should turn what they have learned into practical outcomes in strengthening district governance, continuously optimising district work, and injecting more caring force into the community.”

The programme will last for four days. Participants include captains of Care Teams from all 18 districts of Hong Kong. The training content covers General Secretary Xi Jinping’s important expositions on grassroots governance, and proactive alignment with the overall development of the National 15th Five-Year Plan. Through on-site teaching and visits to sites such as the Museum of the War of Chinese People’s Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, participants will gain multifaceted and in-depth understanding of the country’s experience and practices in grassroots governance. 

After the opening ceremony, Miss Mak called on the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council and met with Deputy Director of the Hong Kong and Macao Work Office of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council Ms Zhang Dongmei.

  

Posted on

UGC Chairman responds to HKU President’s departure upon completion of current term

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The following press release is issued on behalf of the University Grants Committee:

     On the announcement of the departure of the President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Hong Kong (HKU), Professor Zhang Xiang, upon completion of his current term in 2028, the Chairman of the University Grants Committee (UGC), Mr Tim Lui, expressed respect for Professor Zhang’s decision and extended sincere gratitude for his contributions to Hong Kong’s higher education over the years.

     Mr Lui said, “HKU has consistently ranked among the world’s top universities and has long been committed to attracting world-class academic talent. On behalf of the UGC, I would like to thank Professor Zhang for his leadership in HKU’s development over the past few years. I look forward to the university community upholding the spirit of innovation and continuing to contribute to the development of Hong Kong and the nation.”

Posted on

CFS finds trace of nitrofuran metabolite in rabbitfish sample

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department today (July 28) announced that a trace amount of metabolite of nitrofuran (AOZ), a non-permitted veterinary drug, was found in a rabbitfish sample. A follow-up investigation is in progress.

     A CFS spokesman said, “The CFS collected the above-mentioned rabbitfish sample from a licensed fresh provision shop in Kowloon City for testing under its routine Food Surveillance Programme. The test result showed that it contained AOZ at a level of 7 parts per billion.

     The CFS has informed the vendor concerned of the irregularity. According to the information provided by the vendor, there was no remaining stock of the affected batch. The CFS will trace the source and distribution of the affected product.

     ​The CFS will continue to follow up on the incident and take appropriate action. The investigation is ongoing.

Posted on

Counter-terrorism drill concludes

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Customs & Excise Department, in collaboration with the Immigration Department, conducted a joint counter-terrorism exercise today at the Shenzhen Bay Control Point.

About 100 officers from both departments participated in the drill.

The exercise simulated a joint operation during a major festival, targeting an outbound private car with a driver and passenger suspected of being linked to terrorist activities.
 

Officers detected suspected terrorism-related items and forged travel documents inside the vehicle.

During the examination, a suspected bomb device was discovered at the outbound private car kiosk. Officers immediately initiated an emergency plan and evacuated everyone at the scene in a safe and orderly manner.

This exercise enhanced frontline officers’ counter-terrorism awareness and intelligence-handling capabilities. It also strengthened inter-departmental co-ordination and communication in response to terrorism-related emergencies, protecting public safety and safeguarding national security.