HKETO Berlin Promoted Hong Kong’s I&T Strengths in Slovakia (with photos)

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Berlin (HKETO Berlin), together with a delegation from Hong Kong in the innovation and technology (I&T) sector, participated in the SlovakiaTech Forum held in Košice, Slovakia, on September 17 (Košice time) to promote Hong Kong’s I&T strengths.

The Director of HKETO Berlin, Mr Indiana Wong, joined a panel discussion at SlovakiaTech Forum, showcasing the achievements of Hong Kong in innovation capabilities, which were made possible through co-operation between the public and the private sectors. Moderated by the Honorary Consulate of Slovakia in Hong Kong, Mr Willy Lin,  the panel also featured the Deputy Prime Minister of Slovakia, Mr Peter Kmec, as well as representatives from the Hong Kong Applied Science and Technology Research Institute, the Hong Kong Productivity Council, and the Hong Kong Science & Technology Parks Corporation. 

During the discussion, Mr Wong emphasized the critical role of collaboration among the government, industry, academia, research and investment sectors in driving I&T development.  “Hong Kong is the only city in the world housing five of the world’s top 100 universities. We have leveraged our strong academic capabilities and efficient market to implement industry-oriented and business-friendly measures that promote I&T development. We are committed to fostering international co-operation to bring new impetus to our I&T ecosystem and further advance related industries.”

On the same day, Mr Wong delivered a presentation at the Hong Kong Innovation Forum held at the Technical University of Košice. Other Hong Kong delegates also shared insights with participants from Slovak enterprises, start-ups, tertiary institutions, and research institutes into developing I&T ecosystems, and highlighted key initiatives supporting entrepreneurs and talents in transforming innovative ideas into successful businesses. 

During the visit, HKETO Berlin and the delegation also engaged in meetings with government officials and research institutes in Bratislava and Košice on September 16 to 18. These discussions aimed to strengthen and explore further I&T collaboration opportunities between the two places. 

About HKETO Berlin

HKETO Berlin is the official representative of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government in commercial relations and other economic and trade matters in Slovakia as well as Austria, Czechia, Germany, Hungary, Poland, Slovenia and Switzerland. 

     

Speech by SJ at SCCA & Clifford Chance Joint Seminar of China Arbitration Week 2025 (English only)(with photo)

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Following are the opening remarks by the Secretary for Justice, Mr Paul Lam, SC, at the SCCA & Clifford Chance Joint Seminar of the China Arbitration Week 2025 today (September 19):
 
Dr Walid Abanumay (Chairman of the Saudi Center for Commercial Arbitration (SCCA)), Consul General Mazin Alhimali (Consul General of Saudi Arabia in Hong Kong), Mr Thomas Walsh (Partner of Clifford Chance), my dear friends from the SCCA, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
 
A very good morning to everyone joining us here today. I wish to start by thanking the Saudi Center for Commercial Arbitration and Clifford Chance for inviting me to this Joint Seminar.
 
The relationship between Saudi Arabia and Hong Kong has grown significantly in recent years. On the legal front, in April last year, on behalf of the Department of Justice of Hong Kong, I signed a Memorandum of Understanding of Cooperation with the Ministry of Justice of Saudi Arabia. In May last year, I led a delegation, comprising representatives from legal and related sectors, to visit Riyadh. More specifically, on May 20, 2024, the Hong Kong delegation led by me visited the SCCA and held a meeting with its Board of Directors. I am very pleased that I had the chance to hold another very constructive meeting with SCCA representatives yesterday in my office.
 
In recent years, Saudi Arabia has emerged as a leading jurisdiction in the Middle East for international arbitration. Driven by its Vision 2030 economic diversification agenda, Saudi Arabia has undertaken significant legal and institutional reforms aimed at fostering an arbitration-friendly environment with global best practices. Established in 2014, the SCCA has become Saudi Arabia’s premier arbitral institution. The 2023 SCCA Arbitration Rules, broadly modelled on the UNCITRAL (United Nations Commission on International Trade Law) Arbitration Rules, came into effect on May 1, 2023. I note with great interest that, very recently, the Council of Ministers of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) passed a resolution to strengthen the country’s arbitration and ADR framework, which includes conducting a review of the Arbitration Law 2012 and its Implementing Regulations.
 
In these circumstances, today’s seminar is most timely and meaningful to enable the legal professionals and other interested parties in Hong Kong to learn about Saudi Arabia’s evolving arbitration landscape.
 
It is indeed not only desirable but also essential for Hong Kong people to have a better understanding of Saudi Arabia’s arbitration landscape. While Saudi Arabia is destined to become a major international arbitration centre in MENA (Middle East and North Africa), Hong Kong is an international arbitration centre in the Asia-Pacific region. I am sure that there is huge potential and enormous opportunities for the arbitration communities in these two jurisdictions to develop better synergy, which will result in a win-win situation.
 
To enhance mutual understanding and lay the foundation for future collaborations, I would like to say a few words about the present arbitration landscape in Hong Kong.
 
There is no doubt that Hong Kong is already one of the leading international arbitration centres in the world. In the 2025 International Arbitration Survey conducted by Queen Mary University of London, Hong Kong is the most preferred seat of arbitration in the Asia-Pacific Region, and the second most preferred seat of arbitration worldwide. In addition, the Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre (HKIAC) Rules are the most preferred set of arbitration rules in the Asia-Pacific Region, and the second most preferred worldwide.
 
Hong Kong’s success so far is attributed to many factors. The crucial starting point is that, under the fundamental principle of “one country, two systems”, Hong Kong is the only common law jurisdiction in the People’s Republic of China. It is also the only bilingual common law jurisdiction in the world using both English and Chinese. The Judiciary enjoys the independent power of adjudication including that of final adjudication. Most important for the present purpose, our courts responsible for supervising arbitrations and enforcing arbitral awards adopt a very pro-arbitration attitude.   
 
Our Arbitration Ordinance is based on the UNCITRAL Model Law on International Commercial Arbitration, which is familiar to the international business community. We constantly review and amend our laws to keep them in line with the latest international practice. In 2017, we clarified that disputes over intellectual property rights are arbitrable. In 2019, we introduced third-party funding. In 2022, we further introduced outcome-related fee structures for arbitration.
 
The New York Convention is applicable to Hong Kong. Therefore, international arbitral awards made in over 170 state parties to the Convention, including Saudi Arabia,  can be conveniently recognised and enforced in Hong Kong; and vice versa. What is most unique about Hong Kong is that its arbitration service is particularly useful and attractive to people who have business and investment interests in the Chinese Mainland. As a result of a number of mutual legal assistance arrangements entered into between Hong Kong and the Mainland, a Hong Kong arbitral award may be enforced in the Mainland courts pursuant to a regime modelled on the New York Convention. Moreover, Hong Kong is the only common law jurisdiction outside the Mainland where, as a seat of arbitration, parties to arbitral proceedings administered by the designated arbitral institutions would be able to apply to the Mainland courts for interim measures including the preservation of property, evidence and conduct. Since February this year, the Chinese Mainland introduced a new policy under which Hong Kong enterprises in certain cities in Guangdong Province in the Greater Bay Area (GBA) may choose Hong Kong as the seat of arbitration, which was previously not permissible under the law of People’s Republic of China.
 
Another important advantage enjoyed by Hong Kong is that we have an abundant supply of legal talent who are both competent and experienced in handling international arbitrations. According to the latest statistics as of mid-September 2025, we had over 11 800 practising solicitors and over 1700 barristers (including 109 Senior Counsel). There are 926 law firms; and they have altogether 280 overseas offices including eight in Saudi Arabia. Clifford Chance is, of course, one of the law firms having an office there. I am sure there will be more in future.
 
We adopt an open policy insofar as international arbitration is concerned. Apart from the HKIAC, we have many other arbitral institutions such as the China International Economic and Trade Arbitration Commission, South China International Arbitration Center, and Asian African Legal Consultative Organization Hong Kong Regional Arbitration Centre. Legal professionals coming from overseas jurisdictions are welcome to Hong Kong to act as arbitrators or counsel for the parties in international arbitrations conducted here since there is no nationality requirement. And to facilitate international talent in participating in arbitral proceedings in Hong Kong, with effect from March 1, 2025, the Government has implemented a regularised Immigration Facilitation Scheme for Persons Participating in Arbitral Proceedings in Hong Kong under which individuals are allowed to participate in arbitral proceedings in Hong Kong as visitors without the need to obtain an employment visa if they are in possession of a letter of proof issued by a designated arbitral and dispute resolution institution or venue provider. The scheme covers (i) arbitrators; (ii) expert and factual witnesses; (iii) counsel in the arbitration; (iv) parties to the arbitration; and (v) other persons directly related to or involved in the arbitration such as tribunal secretaries and tribunal-appointed experts.
 
We will spare no effort in improving Hong Kong’s arbitration landscape. In the Chief Executive’s 2025 Policy Address announced just two days ago, it is stated that the Government will step up promotion of Hong Kong’s arbitration services, while studying the need to amend the Arbitration Ordinance. It will also promote a panel of GBA arbitrators and a platform for GBA commercial mediation and arbitration to lower enterprises’ costs of cross-boundary dispute resolution.
 
In my view, there are many ways for future collaborations between Saudi Arabia and Hong Kong in international arbitration. As mentioned, Saudi Arabia practitioners are welcome to take part in arbitrations in Hong Kong; on the other hand, I hope that more Hong Kong legal practitioners could join the SCCA Arbitrator Roster. Second, members of the arbitration community in both jurisdictions may take part more actively and frequently in relevant legal events in each other’s jurisdiction: for example, the 2025 Hong Kong Arbitration Week will be held between October 19 and 24, 2025, and the Hong Kong Legal Week 2025 organised by my department will be held between December 1 and 5, 2025. Third, the arbitral institutions in our respective jurisdictions may strengthen their relationship by entering into co-operation agreements as they see fit. Fourth, more capacity-building programmes may be organised to share experiences and enhance mutual understanding. The Hong Kong International Legal Talents Training Academy under my department established in November last year may assist in this respect.
 
While I have naturally focused on legal co-operation in particular in the area of international arbitration, Hong Kong has much more to offer to our friends from Saudi Arabia. There are direct flights between Riyadh and Hong Kong since October 2024. In the Global Muslim Travel Index 2025, in the category of “Muslim-friendly Destinations (non-Organisation of Islamic Cooperation)”, Hong Kong has risen from fourth place last year to third place this year and has also been named the “Most Promising Muslim-friendly Destination of the Year”. In the Chief Executive’s 2025 Policy Address I mentioned a moment ago, it is stated that the Government will further promote Muslim tourism and encourage the travel industry to provide more Muslim-friendly facilities and food options.
 
My dear friends from Saudi Arabia, I sincerely hope that you will come to Hong Kong more often for whatever purposes in future and that you will have a very pleasant stay in Hong Kong on this occasion. On this note, I wish you all a very constructive and enjoyable seminar this morning. Thank you.

  

Tobacco Control Legislation (Amendment) Ordinance 2025 gazetted today

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Tobacco Control Legislation (Amendment) Ordinance 2025 gazetted today      For combating illicit cigarettes, the C&ED will continue to adopt a multi-pronged approach and take stringent enforcement actions on all fronts to combat the sale of illicit cigarettes. The C&ED is making preparations at full steam for the implementation of the duty stamp system, which enables frontline officers, the industry, as well as the general public to more effectively distinguish between duty-paid and duty-not-paid cigarettes and combats “cheap-whites” on the market. A pilot scheme, expected to be rolled out in early October, will enable the C&ED to inspect the entire process from the production of cigarettes, their storage in bonded warehouses to their rollout on the market after duty payment. The first phase of the duty stamp system will be launched in the fourth quarter of 2026, with full implementation targeted for the second quarter of 2027.

     The C&ED has strengthened publicity for arriving passengers at sea, land and air control points. These measures include displaying new large-sized posters and presenting information on monthly statistics on the number of cases involving seizure of excessive tobacco and relevant penalties, aiming to remind passengers of the duty-free concession limit on cigarettes that they can bring into Hong Kong and the new penalties for offences related to illicit cigarettes. In addition, the C&ED, together with District Council members, has recently conducted inter-departmental anti-illicit cigarette publicity activities across various districts in Hong Kong, and will conduct publicity on television, radio, newspapers, and social media to raise citizens’ law-abiding awareness.Issued at HKT 10:35

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A New Milestone in Taiwan-UK Science and Technology Cooperation Taiwan’s National Measurement Laboratory and the National Physical Laboratory, United Kingdom, Sign Cooperation Agreement

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

The Bureau of Standards, Metrology and Inspection (BSMI), Ministry of Economic Affairs, has commissioned the Center for Measurement Standards of the Industrial Technology Research Institute (CMS/ITRI) to establish the National Measurement Laboratory (NML), responsible for developing and maintaining Taiwan’s highest-level measurement standards. Under the guidance of BSMI, NML has actively engaged in international metrology affairs and, in response to rapid technological advances and global supply chain restructuring, has been expanding cross-border cooperation.

On September 11, CMS/ITRI and the National Physical Laboratory (NPL), United Kingdom, formally signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) at ITRI’s Hsinchu headquarters. The agreement establishes a solid foundation for long-term collaboration on the development of measurement technologies and industrial applications in frontier areas such as semiconductors, artificial intelligence, and advanced materials.

The MoA was signed by Dr. Yu-Ping Lan, Executive Director of CMS/ITRI, and Mr. Gareth Edwards, Head of Advanced Manufacturing and Materials Strategy at NPL. The signing was witnessed by Mr. June-Chieh Lai, Deputy General of BSMI; Dr. Edwin Liu, President of ITRI; and Dr. Dave Smith, National Technology Adviser to the UK government, marking a new milestone in Taiwan-UK science and technology cooperation.

BSMI noted that both NML and NPL serve as the core national institutions in their respective metrology systems and have long collaborated in measurement standards and international comparisons to promote global measurement consistency. The MoA will further strengthen their partnership in metrology technologies, with future cooperation to include international symposia, technical exchanges, expert visits, joint training, and standards development. These efforts will accelerate innovation in measurement science and help Taiwan’s industries gain greater advantages in the global market.

BSMI emphasized that this collaboration not only deepens Taiwan-UK scientific research exchanges but also combines CMS/ITRI’s expertise in precision measurement with NPL’s world-class technological capabilities. Together, both sides will advance cross-border technical cooperation and standards development, helping industries open new markets and applications. With complementary strengths in semiconductors, AI, ICT, advanced materials, and process metrology, the partnership will accelerate the development and application of critical technologies, injecting new momentum into industrial innovation.

UAE’s global investment platform Investopia staged in Hong Kong for first time testifies to deepening partnership between two places (with photos)

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK) is delighted to announce today (September 18) that a summit held by the Investopia, the United Arab Emirates’ (UAE) leading investment platform and ecosystem, concluded yesterday (September 17). Held in partnership with The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited (HSBC), this was Investopia’s inaugural summit in Greater China. Led by the Undersecretary of the UAE Ministry of Investment, Mr Mohammad Alhawi, the event brought together a distinguished delegation of senior government officials, chief executive officers, chamber representatives, and business leaders from the UAE, underscoring its commitment to deepening economic ties with Hong Kong and the Chinese Mainland.

The event opened by a video speech by the Chief Executive, Mr John Lee. The Investopia Chief Executive Officer, Dr Jean Fares, the HSBC Hong Kong Chief Executive Officer, Ms Luanne Lim, and the Director-General of Investment Promotion, Ms Alpha Lau, also gave remarks. The HSBC UAE Chief Executive Officer, Mr Mohamed Al Marzooqi, hosted a panel discussion on the future of commerce, and how innovation in trade infrastructure is accelerating corridor connectivity.

Hong Kong’s strategic position as a gateway linking the Chinese Mainland, the UAE, and the wider Middle East and North Africa region was a key theme of the summit. The event highlighted the natural synergies between the economies, with Hong Kong’s strengths in finance, fintech, and logistics complementing the UAE’s role as a globally connected investment hub and a leading destination for Chinese capital and innovation.

The event concluded with a high-level dialogue between the Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan and Mr Mohammad Alhawi, reinforcing a shared vision for a dynamic UAE-Hong Kong partnership.

The Hong Kong edition of Investopia summit signals a new chapter in UAE-Hong Kong collaboration, with the signing of five Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) covering strategic sectors such as financial services, start-up ecosystems, logistics, trade infrastructure, and capital markets. These MOUs set practical frameworks for regulatory dialogue and market connectivity, co-investment, start-up soft landings, and talent exchanges. By aligning policy objectives with programs and pilots, these agreements aim to unlock new financing channels for high-growth companies, lower barriers to dual-market access, and accelerate innovation across priority sectors – laying the foundation for durable, mutually beneficial innovation and investment corridors between the UAE and Hong Kong.

The signed MOUs included an agreement between the Securities and Futures Commission of Hong Kong (SFC) and the Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA) of the UAE which establishes a Mutual Recognition Framework (MRF) for investment funds, enabling public funds authorised in one jurisdiction to be distributed in a streamlined approval process. The MOU was signed by the Chief Executive Officer of the SFC, Ms Julia Leung, and the Chief Executive Officer of the SCA, Mr Waleed Saeed Abdul Salam Al Awadhi.

The Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited (HKEX) and Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX) also signed an MOU to enhance co-operation and strengthen connectivity between the capital markets of Hong Kong and Abu Dhabi. The MOU was signed by the Chief Executive Officer of the HKEX, Ms Bonnie Chan and the ADX Group Chief Executive Officer, Mr Abdulla Salem Alnuaimi.

Hub71 signed a total of three MOUs, one with Cyberport, one with MTR Lab and one with the Hong Kong-Shenzhen Innovation and Technology Park (HSITP). These deals will allow the parties to support start-ups in both Hong Kong and the UAE to establish a presence in each other’s jurisdiction and fast-track access to grants. The three MOUs will help to incubate the most dynamic young companies, thereby increasing the vibrancy and dynamism of the business ecosystems in both places. The MOUs were signed by the Chief Executive Officer of Hub71, Mr Ahmad Ali Alwan and representatives from Cyberport, MTR Lab and the HSITP.

Mr Alhawi said, “Since its founding, Investopia has stood as a catalyst for global dialogue, a bridge for opportunity, and a platform for connecting visionary investors and innovators. Our deepening partnership with Hong Kong – a dynamic financial hub that shares many of the UAE’s ambitions and strengths – reflects the accelerating momentum of cross-border collaboration. This landmark event marks a pivotal moment, with strategic agreements that pave the way for transformative growth across high-impact sectors.”

Ms Lau said, “Invest Hong Kong’s mission is to connect global businesses with opportunities in Hong Kong, and to promote and facilitate investment. As key links in the Belt and Road Initiative, Hong Kong and the UAE have distinct yet complementary roles, both being important international hubs. We see significant potential to deepen collaboration across green finance, fintech, family offices and cross-border investment. InvestHK is committed to supporting UAE businesses in their growth journey, providing them with the resources and expertise they need to thrive in this dynamic region.”

Mr Marzooqi said, “Investopia reminds us that the future of commerce lies in corridors, not borders. The corridors connecting Asia and the UAE are no longer just about moving goods, they are about enabling every kind of flow, including trade, capital, talent, and innovation. From securities services to digital trade and payments, HBSC is helping clients harness these flows with confidence. That’s the true opportunity of the corridor, to turn connectivity into seamless growth.”

The UAE delegation included representatives from leading UAE government bodies and investment promotion agencies (such as the UAE Ministry of Investment, Abu Dhabi Investment Office, the SCA of the UAE, Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange, and HUB71), major financial institutions and sovereign wealth funds (including ADQ, Emirates Development Bank, and First Abu Dhabi Bank), chambers of commerce, and industry-leading enterprises such as EDGE, Al Dhow Holding, and Sunset Hospitality Group. Their participation reflects the UAE’s strategic vision to foster global dialogue, enable partnerships, and facilitate the flow of capital into high-impact opportunities.

Since its launch in 2021, Investopia has attracted over 11 500 participants from more than 70 countries, including hundreds of ministerial-level officials and over 1 000 global business executives. The platform continues to establish itself as a key force shaping global investment trends and driving forward-looking dialogues on the future of the world economy.

To download the event photos, please visit: www.flickr.com/photos/investhk/albums/72177720329097410.

Office for Attracting Strategic Enterprises delegation visits Switzerland, Germany and Luxembourg to strengthen local engagement (with photos)

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Director-General of the Office for Attracting Strategic Enterprises (OASES), Mr Peter Yan, led a delegation to Switzerland from September 13 to 17 to gain an in-depth understanding of the country’s cutting-edge innovations in the life and health technology sector, and actively engaged with relevant institutions and enterprises to strengthen ties and explore potential collaboration opportunities between Hong Kong and Switzerland.

During the visit, Mr Yan held substantive discussions with representatives from leading enterprises and industry groups in the life and health technology sector to gain insights into the latest innovations and developments. Mr Yan also participated in a local roundtable meeting, where he highlighted Hong Kong’s strategic role as a gateway for overseas pharmaceutical and medical device companies seeking to enter the rapidly expanding Chinese Mainland market.

In addition, Mr Yan visited a number of pharmaceutical enterprises specialising in the treatment of critical conditions such as heart disease and cancer, as well as institution engaged in tumour vaccine research and biopharmaceutical firm offering innovative solutions to address major medical needs. Mr Yan briefed the enterprises representatives on the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government policy support and strategic direction in the life and health technology sector. Many of the enterprises expressed interest in exploring research initiatives and collaboration opportunities in Hong Kong and the Mainland, and looked forward to establishing closer ties with Hong Kong in the future.

Mr Yan concluded his visit to Switzerland and returned to Hong Kong on September 17. Following his departure, the OASES delegation continued visit to Germany and Luxembourg to promote Hong Kong’s strengths in life and health technology as well as fintech, while actively exploring opportunities for further exchange and collaboration with local stakeholders.

Between September 18 and 20, the OASES delegation visited enterprises in life and health technology and fintech sectors in Germany and Luxembourg. During the visits, the delegation briefed enterprises’ representatives on Hong Kong’s latest developments and shared the comprehensive support services offered by OASES to strategic enterprises. The meetings also served to explore collaboration opportunities between Hong Kong and the two countries, with a view to encouraging enterprises to establish regional headquarters, research and development centres, and expand their business presence in Hong Kong.

The visit by the OASES delegation to Europe aligned with the key priorities set out in “The Chief Executive’s 2025 Policy Address”, including the proactive expansion of Hong Kong’s international collaboration network, the attraction of strategically important enterprises to establish a presence in the city, and the promotion of innovation in life and health technology as well as fintech. By strengthening ties with institutions and enterprises in Switzerland, Germany and Luxembourg, the OASES team is further advancing Hong Kong’s development as a world-class innovation and technology hub, while reinforcing the city’s competitive edge in high value-added industries on the global stage.

DH investigates incident in which two individuals presented with septic shock after receiving intravenous infusions at premises

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Department of Health (DH) today (September 18) announced that two individuals presented with septic shock after receiving intravenous infusions at a premises called “Bioscor Hong Kong” in Central. Both of them were hospitalised and are currently in stable condition. The DH urged individuals who received injections at this premises to seek immediate medical attention at the Accident and Emergency Departments (AED) of public hospitals if they experience symptoms such as fever, chills, dizziness or vomiting.
 
The premises in question is located in Room 2301, Crawford House, 70 Queens Road Central, Central. Its website claims the premises offers hair care, beauty treatments, skincare, “body prettifying” and intravenous injections.
 
A preliminary investigation revealed that two 57-year-old females visited the premises yesterday (September 17) to receive intravenous infusions, purportedly containing Nicotinamide Mononucleotide. Both women developed chills shortly after the infusion, followed by fever and vomiting. They sought medical attention at Queen Mary Hospital and Canossa Hospital (Caritas) respectively. Their clinical diagnosis was septic shock. They are in stable condition after treatment and remain hospitalised.
 
The staff members of the DH and the Police conducted an investigation at the premises. Three persons suspected of illegal practice of medicine were arrested. Investigation is ongoing.  
 
The DH urged individuals who have received intravenous infusions at this premises to seek immediate medical attention at AED of public hospitals if they experience symptoms such as fever, chills, dizziness or vomiting.
 
In November 2013, the Steering Committee on Review of Regulation of Private Healthcare Facilities set up by the Government endorsed the report submitted by its Working Group on Differentiation between Medical Procedures and Beauty Services. The report recommended that certain procedures, in view of their inherent risks, should only be performed by registered medical practitioners/registered dentists, namely procedures that involve injections, procedures that involve the mechanical or chemical exfoliation of the skin below the epidermis, hyperbaric oxygen therapy and dental bleaching.
 
In response to the Steering Committee’s recommendations, the Government promptly issued an advisory note to the industry, advising them to refrain from performing the aforementioned procedures if they are not themselves registered medical practitioners/registered dentists. Non-compliance may render oneself liable for offences under the Medical Registration Ordinance (Cap. 161) or the Dentists Registration Ordinance (Cap. 156). The DH has also issued letters to registered medical practitioners and registered dentists, reminding them to strictly observe the Code of Professional Conduct issued by their respective Council when performing relevant procedures within their scope of practice.
 
Furthermore, the DH reminded members of the public that any injection procedures should only be performed by a locally registered doctor. Customers should ascertain the doctor’s full name, verify their registration on the list of registered doctors of the Medical Council of Hong Kong, inquire about their professional qualifications and relevant credentials. The DH also urged the public to pay heed to the following health advice before receiving any injection procedures:
 
•  Understand the details of the procedure, potential risks and possible complications before receiving the injections. Consult with the doctor to make an informed decision;
•  Refrain from receiving injections from unidentified sources as their quality and efficacy cannot be guaranteed;
•  Do not receive an injection if you have a history of allergy to the injection or if the intended injection site is infected or inflamed;
•  Request the full name of the doctor in writing if you are referred by a beauty service provider for the procedure. Verify the doctor’s professional qualifications and credentials; and
•  Seek medical attention immediately if you develop symptoms such as a fever or feel unwell.
 
According to section 28 of the Medical Registration Ordinance (Cap 161) (MRO), subject to the provision of section 28(3) of the MRO, if any person who is not being registered or provisionally registered or exempted from registration practises medicine or surgery, or does any medical diagnosis, prescribes any medical treatment or performs any medical treatment (including surgery) in relation to a person which results in personal injury to that person, he commits an offence. The offender will be liable on summary conviction to a fine of $200,000 and to imprisonment for three years, or on conviction on indictment to imprisonment for seven years.
 
Members of the public may visit the DH’s webpage on the differentiation between medical procedures and beauty services and the Drug Database of the Drug Office for more information.​