Category: MIL-OSI

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     On World Heart Day today (September 29), the Department of Health (DH) urged the public to adopt healthy lifestyles, maintain a balanced diet, refrain from smoking and drinking, and actively participate in the Primary Healthcare Co-care Network (Co-care Network) and the Life Course Preventive Care Plan, both of which were launched by the Government to holistically safeguard health and prevent cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), the world’s “No. 1 killer”.

     According to the World Health Organization (WHO), CVDs (including heart disease and stroke) are the leading cause of death globally, claiming 17.9 million lives each year. In Hong Kong, CVDs are also among the leading causes of death. In 2025, 10 119 registered deaths (provisional figures) were attributed to CVDs, accounting for around one-fifth (19.6 per cent) of all deaths. The majority of these deaths (65.2 per cent) were associated with heart disease.

     “Although ‘an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure’ is a cliché, it is absolutely the primary strategy for preventing non-communicable diseases, including CVDs. Eighty per cent of CVDs are preventable through healthy eating, being physically active, and refraining from smoking and drinking, among other measures. Therefore, the Government has consistently educated the public through various channels, and has fostered a supportive environment through multidisciplinary and community-wide collaborations to encourage citizens to actively engage in physical activities. In March 2026, the DH announced the Action Plan on Weight Management. In addition to raising public awareness of weight management and a healthy diet, the action plan also encourages everyone to use 10 000 steps a day as a target to cultivate the habit of having regular physical activity. Those who are yet to join may take part in the 10 000 Steps a Day Walking Challenge via the e+Life platform of the eHealth mobile app, and explore thematic walking routes with family and friends, thereby incorporating physical activity into daily life,” said the Controller of the Centre for Health Protection of the DH, Dr Edwin Tsui.

     According to the DH’s Health Behaviour Survey 2023, 14.8 per cent of adults performed an insufficient level of physical activities, and did not meet the WHO’s recommended levels of aerobic physical activity (i.e. to engage in at least 150 to 300 minutes of physical activities of moderate intensity every week/at least 75 to 150 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic physical activity/an equivalent combination of moderate- and vigorous-intensity activity). Moreover, 33.9 per cent of adults sit or recline for over eight hours every day, excluding the time spent sleeping. Research reveals that sedentary behaviour or prolonged sitting increases the risks associated with CVDs. Taking a break from prolonged sitting, even by simple ways such as a short walk or standing up for a while, squatting or standing on one’s tiptoes, can help reduce relevant health risks.

     In addition, reducing salt intake can effectively lower the risk of developing raised blood pressure and CVDs. According to the DH’s Population Health Survey 2020-22, 83.9 per cent of people in Hong Kong aged 18 to 84 had an average of 8.4 grams of salt intake every day, above the WHO-recommended limit of less than 5g (equivalent to about one teaspoon) per day. Meanwhile, the prevalence of raised blood pressure, raised blood glucose and raised total blood cholesterol were 30 per cent, 8.6 per cent and 52.7 per cent respectively. As well, over half of Hong Kong’s adult population is overweight or obese. Dr Tsui urged the public to adopt a balanced diet with at least five daily servings of fruit and vegetables, reduce fat and sugar intake, avoid smoking, and refrain from alcohol consumption.

     The Government announced the launch of the Co-care Network in March 2026. Guided by the principle of “whole-person health”, the Co-care Network introduces evidence-based, life-course-spanning preventive measures alongside a structured framework for regular screening and management of high-risk diseases. To achieve “early prevention, early detection and early treatment”, the Chronic Disease Co-Care Scheme (CDCC Scheme) under the Co-care Network will continue to subsidise Hong Kong residents aged 45 or above with no known medical history of diabetes mellitus or hypertension. By pairing participants with a family doctor of their choice, the CDCC Scheme provides comprehensive CVD risk factor screening and management -including the “three highs” (i.e. high blood pressure, high blood sugar and high cholesterol) – in the private healthcare sector on a co-payment basis. The CDCC Scheme has demonstrated positive outcomes in both health and cost-effectiveness. Preliminary analysis by a local university research team indicates an overall improvement in participants’ health conditions. Notably, after 12 months in the programme, the average systolic blood pressure among hypertensive patients decreased from 150 mmHg to 135 mmHg; the average glycated haemoglobin level of patients with diabetes mellitus decreased from 7.8 per cent to 6.7 per cent; and the average Body Mass Index of patients with prediabetes also decreased by 0.52 kg/m². Members of the public can visit the dedicated website for further details.

     Furthermore, the Primary Healthcare Commission promotes the Life Course Preventive Care Plan through District Health Centres/District Health Centre Expresses and family doctors. This initiative aims to enhance public awareness of disease prevention, foster healthy lifestyle habits, and assist citizens in formulating personalised health strategies for different life stages.

     The theme of World Heart Day 2026 is “Don’t Miss a Beat”. To support this theme, the DH will continue to promote healthy living among the public and collaborate with community partners to foster healthy living environments. For more information, please visit the Change for Health website of the DH.

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) today (September 29) published its Half-Yearly Monetary and Financial Stability Report (September 2026 Issue).
 
The Half-Yearly Report provides detailed analyses of the global and local economy, as well as the monetary and financial conditions in Hong Kong. It also examines the recent performance and risks of the local banking sector.
 
The Half-Yearly Report can be viewed on and downloaded from the HKMA website. 

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The flat selection for the Special Sales Exercise (SSE) for Wang Fuk Court (WFC) Owners has commenced today (September 29) with the first batch of applicants of about 35 households participating in today’s session. The Housing Bureau has earlier commenced the issuance of invitation letters in batches according to the priority sequence determined by the computer-generated random ballot. Applicants will successively attend flat selection sessions to select and purchase the units offered under the SSE in accordance with the dates and timeslots specified in the letters. The entire flat selection process is expected to be completed by the end of November.

Ample time for smooth flat selection and exhibitions to help grasp project information

     The flat selection sessions are held at the Green Form Subsidised Home Ownership Scheme Sales Unit (GSH Sales Office) of the Hong Kong Housing Authority (HA) in Kwun Tong. With empathy as the priority, the Government will allow ample time to explain and assist applicants throughout the entire flat selection process so that they can make their selections smoothly with complete reassurance. To help applicants gain a better understanding of different projects, a sales exhibition for the SSE has been set up at the venue, featuring exhibition panels and other information on each development project as well as the project models for the development projects at Chung Nga Road West in Tai Po, namely Yan Nga Court and Hiu Nga Court, displayed for the first time.

Advancing long-term housing arrangements and facilitating flat selection to help residents rebuild their homes

     Upon expiry of the deadline for WFC owners to accept the Government’s acquisition offer on August 31, a total of 1 971 owners (99.3 per cent) from the eight buildings from Blocks A to H of WFC had signed and returned the “Letter of Acceptance” to confirm their intention to sell their titles to the Government. Among them, about 1 700 owners have chosen to participate in the SSE. Following the smooth completion of the ballot session for the SSE on September 15 and the commencement of the flat selection today, the scheme has been assisting affected owners in rebuilding their homes in an orderly manner.

     Applicants who have signed the Agreement for Sale and Purchase to confirm the sale of their WFC titles to the Government legally will be invited to the flat selection sessions. If the titles of the owners’ WFC flats have not yet been assigned to the Government, a new flat under the SSE will be reserved for the owners during the flat selection stage. The HA/ Hong Kong Housing Society (HKHS) will enter into an Agreement for Sale and Purchase or a Provisional Agreement for Sale and Purchase with the owners for the new flat purchased only after the completion and execution of assignment.

Over 4 400 units across ten projects offering abundant and diversified choices

     The Government has reserved over 4 400 flats in a total of ten development projects of the HA and the HKHS for owners who have sold their titles of WFC flats to the Government to purchase or to participate in the “Flat-for-Flat” arrangement. The ten development projects are located in Kowloon Bay, Kai Tak, Kam Tin, Tseung Kwan O, Ping Shan, Tung Chung, Tai Po, Fanling and Kwun Tong with saleable areas ranging from about 26.0 square metres to about 52.0 sq m (about 280 square feet to about 560 sq ft) with a total of about 2 800 larger flats with saleable area of ​​37 sq m or 400 sq ft or above, accounting for over 60 per cent. As the number of flats reserved far exceeds the number of WFC owners participating in the SSE, owners with different flat selection priorities will enjoy abundant and diversified choices.

Sales brochures and project information

     From now till the end of the flat selection period of the SSE, applicants and related persons participating in the SSE may obtain sales brochures and price lists of respective development projects at the GSH Sales Office. The information can also be downloaded from the SSE website (www.housingauthority.gov.hk/ssewfc). Applicants interested in visiting the SSE sales exhibition may contact members of the Engagement Team, or call the Government’s enquiry hotline for the WFC long-term housing arrangement plan at 2129 8133 to make a reservation.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr Christopher Hui, today (September 29) led a delegation of local financial sector representatives to visit the Northern Metropolis, receiving briefings from the Northern Metropolis Co-ordination Office and relevant park companies on the latest developments and construction progress in the area. The delegation comprised senior management from various sectors, including asset management, private equity, insurance, accounting, and fintech, as well as senior representatives from financial regulatory bodies.

     Mr Hui and the delegation visited three core development areas in the Northern Metropolis, namely the Hong Kong-Shenzhen Innovation and Technology Park (i.e. the Loop Hong Kong Park), the Kwu Tung North New Development Area (NDA), and the Hung Shui Kiu/Ha Tsuen NDA, to gain an in-depth understanding of the industrial layout as well as potential investment and financing opportunities in each district.

     Through on-site inspections of the three areas, the delegation gained a comprehensive understanding of the unique development advantages of “one river, two banks” and “one zone, two parks” in the Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Cooperation Zone, as well as its synergistic development with the adjacent San Tin Technopole, including support for the development of the Northern Metropolis University Town; the taking-shape infrastructure and housing development in the Kwu Tung North NDA; and the strategic positioning of the Hung Shui Kiu/Ha Tsuen NDA as a hub for high-end professional services and logistics, particularly its geographical advantage in being adjacent to Qianhai.

     During the visit, they explored the role of financial services in supporting technological innovation and project financing; the financing needs arising from the Kwu Tung Station, the Northern Link, housing development plans in the Kwu Tung North NDA, and various project developments; as well as the latest developments and immense growth potential of various sectors, including the Hung Shui Kiu Industrial Park, large-scale district development, and the University Town.

     During the visit, Mr Hui said, “The Chief Executive explicitly stated in the newly announced Hong Kong’s First Five-Year Plan that ‘finance is the foundation and the greatest strength of Hong Kong’. As the most important new growth engine for Hong Kong’s future, the Northern Metropolis serves as the optimal setting to realise the ‘dual integration’ of ‘Finance+’ strategy with the real economy. Over the years, Hong Kong’s financial sector is not just an observer in terms of the city’s growth, but rather an active engine driving its strategic transformation. We organised this visit precisely to enable the financial industry to have the first-hand insights into the land, with a view to comprehensively promoting the integrated development of the financial sector and the real economy.

     “The development of the Northern Metropolis must be closely combined with the deployment of financial resources. Leveraging market forces and social capital to provide diversified and sustainable financial support for the infrastructure, commercial projects, and industry parks in the Northern Metropolis is a key strategy for the Government to accelerate and enhance efficiency for the development. This is also the most vivid embodiment of our full-fledged efforts to drive Hong Kong’s evolution from a ‘financial city’ into a ‘finance-empowered city’, using finance as a catalyst to boost development in technology, green transition, and livelihoods,” he added.

     As of July this year, the Finance Committee of the Legislative Council has approved over $180 billion in funding for public works projects related to the Northern Metropolis, demonstrating the Government’s firm commitment to supporting infrastructure development in the area. In addition, the Government will inject $10 billion each into three park companies – the Hong Kong-Shenzhen Innovation and Technology Park Limited, the Hung Shui Kiu Industry Park Company Limited, and the San Tin Technopole Company Limited – and has reserved $10 billion to support the development of the Hung Shui Kiu University Town campus area by way of loans, thereby engaging market forces to accelerate project development.

     At the same time, the 2026 Policy Address stated that efforts will be stepped up to attract long-term capital investment into the Northern Metropolis and deepen the alignment of ‘Finance + Northern Metropolis Development’. The Northern Metropolis Financial Advisory Taskforce, established by the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) and the Hong Kong Association of Banks, which currently comprises 23 participating banks, will tailor financing solutions for enterprises setting up in the Northern Metropolis and provide targeted support for the Northern Metropolis development.

     Mr Hui added, “The Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau, together with the HKMA, are exploring ways, under the current regulatory capital framework for banks, to facilitate financing for government-related entities such as park companies and funded universities developing in the Northern Metropolis, thereby unlocking greater financing flexibility to advance related projects in the area. Furthermore, following the enhancement to the risk-based capital regime for the insurance industry, preferential capital treatment will be provided for infrastructure investments, including those in the Northern Metropolis, starting from December 31 this year. We expect that with this new measure, more insurance capital will be injected to infrastructure projects under the Northern Metropolis development.”

     Delegation members considered that the visit was enlightening in deepening the industry’s understanding of the positioning and commercial growth potential of the Northern Metropolis, laying a strategic foundation for the financial sector’s subsequent participation in investment projects across various domains in the area.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Secretary for the Civil Service, Mrs Ingrid Yeung, together with the President of Lingnan University (LU), Professor Joe Qin, visited the Government Career Fair at the university today (September 29). Mrs Yeung encouraged university students to learn more about the work of various government departments, as well as the diverse employment opportunities, job requirements and promotion prospects offered by the Government to young people, and to plan ahead for their future.

The application period for this year’s joint recruitment exercise for six graduate grades will close this Friday (October 2). Mrs Yeung reminded students of bachelor’s degree programmes who are graduating in the academic year of 2026-27 or 2027-28 to seize the opportunity to submit online applications before the deadline.

The Government, in collaboration with LU, organised the career fair to provide university students with one-stop and practical recruitment information. Many students visited the booths in their spare time and took the opportunity to raise questions and exchange views with serving civil servants from various grades.

Mrs Yeung said, “As set out in the First Five-Year Plan for Economic and Social Development of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (2026-2030) we strive to build an efficient government. Through active recruitment and publicity, we will encourage talent with aspirations and commitment to join the Government. The roving career fairs held by the Government at 10 universities are one such example, which deepen the younger generation’s understanding of government work on the one hand, and attract new blood who are keen to serve the public to join the Government on the other. Looking ahead, we will continue to strengthen civil service management and training, enhance the attractiveness of civil service jobs, and build a civil service team that is highly committed, dares to innovate, and moves with the times.

“The Civil Service Bureau (CSB) co-ordinates the provision of diversified internship opportunities for young people and university students by bureaux and departments annually. In 2026-27, the Government and public organisations will offer around 3 600 short-term internship placements. Students who aspire to pursue a career in public service may take the opportunity to broaden their horizons and better plan for their career development.”

Those who aspire to serve the community and contribute to the country and Hong Kong may now apply for the posts of Administrative Officer, Executive Officer II, Assistant Information Officer (General), Assistant Trade Officer II, Management Services Officer II and Transport Officer II. Applicants must submit their applications through the online application system on the CSB website (www.csb.gov.hk). The application deadline is 11.59pm on October 2.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     The Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, continued his visit to Doha, Qatar, yesterday (September 28, Doha time), attending activities related to the 11th Annual Meeting of the Board of Governors of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB). He also met with representatives from various countries and organisations to explore issues including infrastructure financing, digital public infrastructure, investment and economic co-operation.

     Mr Chan attended the opening ceremony of the Annual Meeting yesterday and participated in the official session of the AIIB Board of Governors and the Governors’ Business Roundtable. At the roundtable, he spoke on how the AIIB could deepen and broaden its support for member economies. He said that strengthening climate resilience and developing digital infrastructure were becoming increasingly urgent priorities for economies. Translating these development needs into concrete projects requires not only financial support but also the capacity to plan and implement projects throughout their life cycle. Alongside providing financing, the AIIB could further promote knowledge and experience sharing among members, strengthen support for project planning and preparation, and help members enhance their project management and implementation capabilities to bring infrastructure projects to fruition.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     Following is the welcome speech by the Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr Christopher Hui, to the financial delegation visiting the Northern Metropolis today (September 29):

Distinguished guests, colleagues, friends, ladies and gentlemen,

     Good morning. First of all, a big welcome to you all. It is a good and fruitful occasion where we meet again to discuss the potential of the Northern Metropolis. I know how precious time is and how important time is to all of you. So I will try to minimise my speech in such a way that you have more time to see for yourself what the Northern Metropolis is all about. As all of you can see, Hong Kong’s financial sector is not just an observer in terms of the city’s growth, but rather we have been an active engine driving its strategic transformation.

     As the Chief Executive set out in Hong Kong’s First Five-Year Plan which was unveiled just two weeks ago: “Finance is the foundation and the greatest strength of Hong Kong.” Today, we are putting this strategy into practice. The Northern Metropolis is, among all, the most important growth engine for Hong Kong’s future. It is where technological innovation, high-end professional services, and cross-boundary integration converge. But above all, it is the primary arena where finance meets the real economy.

     That’s why we are arranging today this half-day visit to offer you first-hand insights into the land, the infrastructure, and the policy support underpinning this mega project. We have three primary objectives today:

     First, to achieve “first-mover insight” and bridge the information gap. The Northern Metropolis is moving at an unprecedented speed. By walking the ground together today, we want you to gain first-hand, direct insight into the works progress and timelines, as well as the positioning of these three key zones. You are here to see beyond maps and blueprints—to understand the real-economy landscape before major capital deployments take place, ensuring that your institutions or organisations can position yourselves ahead of the curve.

     Second, to drive the “Finance+” strategy and match capital with real economy demand. A financial centre cannot thrive in isolation; its ultimate value lies in serving the real economy. Through our three stops today — the Hong Kong-Shenzhen Innovation and Technology Park at the Loop, the Kwu Tung North New Development Area (NDA), and the Hung Shui Kiu/Ha Tsuen NDA—we want to create a direct match between your capital strength and the distinct financial needs of these new areas.

     Last but not least, to co-create market-driven financing models alongside Government policy. This partnership is critical in transforming the Northern Metropolis into a sustainable and globally competitive business hub. By blending public resources with private capital, we can ensure that infrastructure and innovation projects are efficiently financed, while also generating long-term economic returns. Your insights and participation today will help shape these collaborative frameworks. I encourage you to engage actively with the project teams today, identify synergy points for your respective institutions or organisations, and work with us closely in the coming future. 

     We are here today to forge an active partnership. The Northern Metropolis offers the physical scale and industrial complexity that will allow Hong Kong’s financial market to enhance its core functionality, diversify its asset classes, and expand its global competitiveness.

     Thank you once again for joining us today. I wish you all an insightful and fruitful journey ahead. Thank you.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     The Government has noted the recent differing views and discussions in the community on the manpower planning and the employment situation of nurses in Hong Kong. To facilitate a comprehensive understanding of the relevant situation by the public, the Government today (September 29) elaborated on the matter as follows.

     A Government spokesman said that the Government has all along been guided by the well-being of the public and the public interest. It has been keeping under review the demand for and supply of healthcare manpower in Hong Kong, and planning nurse training and manpower development in accordance with healthcare service needs, with a view to ensuring that the public healthcare system is equipped with sufficient professional manpower to meet service demand. In recruiting healthcare professionals, public healthcare institutions have also consistently upheld the principle of according priority to the employment of locally trained professionals. The Government considers that discussions in the community on healthcare manpower should be premised on objective facts and data to foster rational exchanges and build consensus.