Category: MIL-OSI

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HK’s innovation index ranking rises

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Hong Kong’s ranking rose by three places to 15th globally among 139 economies and remains 5th in Asia in the Global Innovation Index 2025 published by the World Intellectual Property Organization today.

As regards the two sub-indices under the index, Hong Kong’s ranking in the “Innovation Input” sub-index rose to 8th globally and its ranking in the “Innovation Output” sub-index leapt by nine places to 22nd.

The Government said it is pleased to see the good progress Hong Kong has achieved in the index, noting that expediting the development of innovation and technology (I&T) is its policy priority.

In recent years, Hong Kong has been actively optimising the local I&T landscape, with a development framework supported by “three major I&T parks” and “five key R&D institutions” taking shape.

The Government has also launched a series of conducive policy initiatives to consolidate the city’s strengths in basic research, accelerate the midstream technology transfer and commercialisation of research and development outcomes, and foster the development of the I&T industry.

Hong Kong’s leading rankings in the “Credit”, “Investment”, “Tertiary Education” and “Knowledge Absorption” sub-pillars in the index fully demonstrate that it is well positioned to continuously advance in innovation.

Hong Kong will continue to enhance the I&T ecosystem and attract global I&T resources and talent, with a view to developing the city into an international I&T centre at full steam, the Government added.

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Heritage Museum to stage exhibition commemorating 120th anniversary of Lingnan School of Painting master painter Chao Shao-an’s birth (with photos)

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Heritage Museum to stage exhibition commemorating 120th anniversary of Lingnan School of Painting master painter Chao Shao-an’s birth  
     Addressing the opening ceremony today (September 16), the Acting Director of Leisure and Cultural Services, Miss Eve Tam, said that with the support of the National 14th Five-Year Plan, Hong Kong is committed to developing into an East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchanges. Hong Kong has the distinctive advantages of the “one country, two systems” framework, enjoying strong support of the motherland and being closely connected to the world, to promote outstanding traditional Chinese culture. Professor Chao also held the same belief in using Hong Kong as a base to promote the art of Chinese painting, and to introduce the Lingnan School of Painting to places all over the world. This exhibition is a continuation of Professor Chao’s vision to bring Chinese culture and traditional paintings and calligraphy to the world.
 
     The son of Professor Chao, Mr Chiu Chi-tai, who was a guest at the opening ceremony, said that his father’s donation of important works to the HKHM in his later years reflects the relationship between the two. For many years, the HKHM has been a champion of his father’s artistic achievements and the Lingnan School of Painting. This year, in particular, the HKHM curated this meaningful exhibition in commemoration of his late father’s 120th birthday. By highlighting representative works from different periods of his career, it allows visitors to retrace his father’s footsteps as an artist and offers a rare glimpse into the impressive legacy of the Lingnan School of Painting.
 
     Other officiating guests included the Chairman of the Art Sub-committee of the Museum Advisory Committee, Professor Desmond Hui; Expert Adviser on Literary Arts for the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) Professor Richard Ho; and the Museum Director of the HKHM, Mr Brian Lam.
 
     Professor Chao (1905-1998) dedicated himself to “modernising Chinese painting” as advocated by the Lingnan School of Painting. He devoted himself to maintaining the spirit of traditional Chinese painting while at the same time adopting and adapting the best of both Eastern and Western art. Professor Chao placed a special emphasis on “painting from life”, which enabled him to develop a highly personal artistic style. In addition to offering his masterpieces to museums as gifts for the benefit of society and the world of art, Professor Chao also nurtured the development of many disciples. Under his influence, the Lingnan School gained popularity and became an important School of Chinese painting in the 20th century.
 
     Professor Chao’s bird-and-flower paintings are highly esteemed. Renowned Chinese painter Xu Beihong praised him as “the foremost bird-and-flower painter in modern China”. This exhibition presents a fine selection of Professor Chao’s representative bird-and-flower works, such as “Moonlight Over the Pond”, which illustrates his mastery of artistic ambience; “White Peacock”, a masterpiece showcasing his exquisitely meticulous brushwork; and “Plantain Trees”, a large-scale five-panel painting rarely seen in traditional Chinese painting.
 
     The exhibition is organised along three themes: “Friendships with His Peers in Art”, “Artistic Journey Modelling from Nature” and “Footprints from a Life of Travel”. It showcases a carefully curated selection of Professor Chao’s works, including bird-and-flower, insect and animal, and landscape paintings. It also includes paintings which are gifts made to Professor Chao by renowned Chinese painters Qi Baishi and Xu Beihong on loan from his family for the first time, and precious videos of the master giving painting demonstrations.
 
     Moreover, the exhibition presents a special multimedia display created by Hong Kong artist Thomas Siu, who takes inspiration from Professor Chao’s bird-and-flower paintings, and animates Professor Chao’s floral paintings, immersing viewers in a wonderland of Lingnan blossoms.
 
     In addition to the exhibition, the HKHM is organising a series of special programmes with free admission, including sketching workshops, talks, and guided tours, which enable participants to understand the characteristics of the Lingnan School of Painting from different perspectives.

     The HKHM received a generous donation of masterpieces from Professor Chao in 1995, leading to the establishment of the Chao Shao-an Gallery. The HKHM is the art institution with the world’s largest collection of Professor Chao’s works. Through the HKHM’s acquisitions, as well as contributions of precious paintings and archives from the Professor Chao’s family and his students over the years, the HKHM has become a key resource for studying Professor Chao’s art.
 
     The exhibition, presented by the LCSD and organised by the HKHM, runs from September 17 to February 23 next year at the Chao Shao-an Gallery, Thematic Galleries 3 and 4, 1/F, the HKHM. Admission is free. For details of the exhibition and special programmes, please visit the website at hk.heritage.museum/en/web/hm/exhibitions/data/csa_120a.html 
     The exhibition is a contribution programme of the 5th Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Culture and Arts Festival, and is one of the activities in the Chinese Culture Promotion Series.
Issued at HKT 20:09

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Taxi Written Test to be further enhanced from November

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Taxi Written Test to be further enhanced from November      The TD improved the Taxi Written Test in February 2020 by updating the test content and adjusting the number of questions, giving a better focus on the assessment of core knowledge regarding taxi services, which successfully attracted more people to apply for the Test. The number of candidates sitting the Test has increased significantly by 40 per cent in the past few years, from less than 10 000 candidates in 2019 to around 14 000 candidates in 2024. In addition, the passing rate of the Taxi Written Test rose from 37 per cent in 2019 to 60 per cent in 2024, showing that the enhancement of the Taxi Written Test has brought a notably positive effect in attracting newcomers to join the taxi driver profession.

     The TD has consulted the Committee on Taxi Service Quality comprising members from diverse professions and sectors, including the taxi trade, and will issue letters to the taxi trade on the scope of the new Written Test. The TD will distribute the updated Guide to Taxi Written Test and Taxi Operation Booklet to candidates, and they can also refer to the TD’s websiteIssued at HKT 18:24

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SED commends Qualifications Framework Partners (with photos)

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

The Secretary for Education, Dr Choi Yuk-lin, today (September 16) officiated at the Qualifications Framework (QF) Partnerships Commendation Ceremony 2025 and presented certificates of commendation to 94 enterprises and 53 education and training organisations in recognition of their support and contributions to the implementation of the QF.

Dr Choi said at the ceremony that since its launch in 2008, the QF has developed steadily with wide application and recognition across various sectors thanks to the unwavering support from partners, including industries, professional bodies, and education and training providers. She expressed her gratitude to all members of various Industry Training Advisory Committees (ITACs) for their active participation in building and promoting the QF over the years, and looks forward to the continued collaboration across sectors to further promote the application of the QF, foster lifelong learning, enhance the quality of manpower, and drive the sustainable development of industries and society as a whole.

At present, ITACs are established for 23 industries under the QF, covering over half of the workforce in Hong Kong. All of these industries have drawn up Specifications of Competency Standards (SCS), among which 19 industries have also implemented the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) mechanism, and 13 have developed Vocational Qualifications Pathways (VQP).

The Education Bureau (EDB) will continue to collaborate with all stakeholders to promote the continued development of the QF, including expediting the development of VQP, with the goal of covering at least 18 industries by the end of 2027. The EDB will also continue to leverage the QF platform to promote vocational and professional education and training through the strategy of fostering industry-institution collaboration and diversified development.  

This year, three “QF Gold Star Employers” and 91 “QF Star Employers” were commended for making good use of the tools and supporting mechanisms of the QF in at least one of the following areas to enhance the quality of human resources within the organisation:

1. Developing VQP courses or SCS-based courses within the companies to enhance the synergy between learning and employment;

2. Encouraging employees to apply for RPL qualifications to have their experience and competencies recognised under the QF; and

3. Using QF-recognised qualifications in areas such as human resources development and management to enhance the competitiveness of the enterprises and support their long-term development.

In addition, 53 “QF Star Training Providers” were commended for their efforts in developing VQP courses, SCS-based courses, Specifications of Generic Competencies-based courses, or implementing Credit Accumulation and Transfer, providing learners with more flexible learning pathways. Moreover, over 120 organisations were awarded certificates of “QF Star Supporter” in recognition of their active promotion of the application of the QF.

The ceremony also featured a QF in Action (QFIA) commendation session, commending 18 organisations as a 2024 QFIA Achiever and 31 partner organisations as a 2024 QFIA Achiever (Partner), marking a record high in the number of awardees and achieving the broadest applicability. These organisations actively utilised the QF in 2023-2024 to develop projects related to human resource management, professional development, and industry-institution collaboration. Dr Choi envisaged that these exemplary cases would inspire more organisations to adopt the QF in the future and foster talent development.

     The QF is a seven-level hierarchy covering qualifications in the academic, vocational and professional, as well as continuing education and training sectors, defining clear and objective standards applicable to respective qualifications. The primary objective of the QF is to encourage and facilitate lifelong learning, with a view to enhancing the quality, professional capability and competitiveness of the workforce in Hong Kong.

        

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Appeal for information on missing man in Wong Tai Sin (with photos)

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     Police today (September 16) appealed to the public for information on a man who went missing in Wong Tai Sin.

     Chea Hiu-wan, aged 46, went missing after he left his residence in Fung Tak Estate on September 13. His family made a report to Police yesterday (September 15).

     He is about 1.65 metres tall and of thin build. He has a pointed face with yellow complexion and short black hair. He was last seen wearing a red long-sleeved jacket, blue jeans and black sports shoes.

     Anyone who knows the whereabouts of the missing man or may have seen him is urged to contact the Regional Missing Persons Unit of Kowloon East on 3661 0316 or email to rmpu-ke-2@police.gov.hk, or contact any police station.

     

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Nearly 2 000 quality job vacancies to be offered at Career Relaunch Job Fair for the Middle-aged and Elderly

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Labour Department (LD) will hold the Career Relaunch Job Fair for the Middle-aged and Elderly at Yau Tong Community Hall on September 18 and 19, providing a large number of vacancies from various industries for job seekers.

The two-day job fair is jointly organised by the LD, the Hong Kong Federation of Trade Unions Occupational Retraining Centre and the Federation of Hong Kong & Kowloon Labour Unions. Over 40 organisations will participate in the job fair, offering nearly 2 000 quality job vacancies from various industries, among which more than 1 300 are from property management, catering and retail industries. Around 20 organisations will set up booths and conduct recruitment on the spot each day. A wide variety of positions will be offered including network and systems engineer, assistant chemist, building services mechanic, tunnel traffic officer, bus captain, motorman/motorwoman, security supervisor, guest services manager, accounting officer, programme co-ordinator, recreation assistant, server, cook, baker, shop associate, room attendant, home care assistant and lifeguard. Job seekers can visit the LD’s Interactive Employment Service website (www.jobs.gov.hk) for more details of the vacancies.

Around 90 per cent of the vacancies offered at the job fair are full-time jobs. Most vacancies offer monthly salaries ranging from $11,000 to $26,000. About 95 per cent of the vacancies require a Secondary Six education level or below. Around 46 per cent are open to job seekers without relevant work experience.

Job seekers can submit job applications during the event and may be selected for on-the-spot interviews. They can also make enquiries on the employment services provided by the LD at its counter inside the venue.

The job fair will be held from 11am to 5.30pm at Yau Tong Community Hall, 38 Ko Chiu Road, Yau Tong (near Yau Tong MTR Station Exit A1). Admission is free, with final admission time at 5pm each day.

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Hong Kong, China welcomes entry into force of WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies (with photos)

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region today (September 16) welcomed the entry into force of the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies (AFS) of the World Trade Organization (WTO) on September 15 (Geneva time) upon acceptance by two-thirds of the WTO members.

The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Algernon Yau, said, “We sincerely congratulate the WTO on implementing this historic agreement, which is the first WTO agreement with environmental sustainability at its core. This not only marks a step forward for ocean sustainability but also underscores that the WTO remains relevant in addressing issues of global concern.”

     “The AFS regulates WTO members’ fisheries subsidies, which helps promote sustainable fishery operations to alleviate harm to the oceans and global fish stocks and, in the long run, protects and improves the operating environment for fishermen. The implementation of the agreement will deliver benefits for trade, development and the environment,” he added.

Concluded at the 12th WTO Ministerial Conference in June 2022, the AFS establishes binding multilateral rules to prohibit certain subsidies with the most harmful effects on the sustainability of fisheries, namely, those contributing to illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing; those for fishing regarding overfished stocks; and those for fishing on the unregulated high seas. WTO members also agreed to continue negotiations on outstanding issues with a view to further strengthening the disciplines under the AFS. Hong Kong, China (HKC) has been participating constructively in the negotiations.

WTO members that have accepted the AFS shall be obliged to comply with the AFS from the date it enters into force. Following HKC’s acceptance of the AFS in August 2023, the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD), in accordance with the AFS, has made appropriate adjustments to the guidelines and conditions of relevant fisheries subsidies and support programmes. At present, there are no subsidies or support programmes that do not comply with the AFS.
 
For details about the AFCD’s fisheries subsidies and support programmes (including the corresponding revised terms which are applicable immediately), please visit: www.afcd.gov.hk/english/fisheries/fish_cap/fish_cap_techsup/fish_cap_techsup.html.

     

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Results of Pharmacist Registration Examinations June 2025 announced

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The following is issued on behalf of the Pharmacy and Poisons Board of Hong Kong:
 
     The Pharmacy and Poisons Board of Hong Kong announced today (September 16) the results of the Pharmacist Registration Examinations held in June 2025.
 
     There were 35, 82 and 47 candidates sitting for examinations in pharmacy legislation in Hong Kong, pharmacy practice and pharmacology respectively, with corresponding passing rates of 17.14 per cent, 12.20 per cent and 55.32 per cent.
 
     Apart from meeting other requirements prescribed by the Board, any pharmacy graduate outside Hong Kong intending to be registered as a pharmacist in Hong Kong is required to pass the above three subjects.
 
     The Board conducts its Registration Examinations twice a year, normally in June and December.

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Hong Kong Customs shuts down money laundering syndicate with $2.6 billion laundered

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

Hong Kong Customs mounted an operation codenamed “Glitters” between August 26 and September 15 and successfully cracked down on a local money laundering syndicate and arrested four members of the syndicate who were suspected of making use of multiple company bank accounts to launder crime proceeds amounting to $2.6 billion.
 
Customs officers targeted a money laundering syndicate early this year and initiated a financial investigation. It was revealed that the syndicate had received suspicious funds through three local companies between August 2023 and January 2025, with the total amount reckoned at $2.6 billion.
 
After an in-depth investigation, Customs officers took enforcement action. Three local males and one local female, aged between 25 and 56 and suspected to be connected with the case, were arrested for “dealing with property known or reasonably believed to represent proceeds of an indictable offence” (commonly known as money laundering) under the Organized and Serious Crimes Ordinance (OSCO). They were believed to be two masterminds and two core members of the syndicate.
 
During the operation, Customs raided multiple premises in Hong Kong, including multiple residential premises and commercial units. A batch of items suspected to be connected with the case, including mobile phones, computers, company and bank documents, and bank cards, was seized. Customs also arranged to freeze assets totalling $2.5 million held by the arrestees.  
 
The investigation is ongoing. The four arrestees have been released on bail pending further investigation, and the likelihood of further arrests is not ruled out.
 
Under the OSCO, a person commits an offence if he or she deals with any property knowing or having reasonable grounds to believe that such property, in whole or in part, directly or indirectly represents any person’s proceeds of an indictable offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $5 million and imprisonment for 14 years, while the crime proceeds are also subject to confiscation.

Members of the public may report any suspected money laundering activities to Customs’ 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002).