Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Speech by SITI at Government-Enterprise Dialogue of 2026 World Internet Conference Asia-Pacific Summit (English only)
Thank you Secretary-General Ren Xianliang (the Secretary General of the WIC). Good morning, everyone. It is a great honour to cochair this Government-Enterprise Dialogue. A very warm welcome to everyone, and a particular welcome to those visiting Hong Kong for the first time.
Today’s Dialogue brings together distinguished policymakers, leading WIC member enterprises and organisations from all over the world. We are here to hold in-depth discussions on AI security and governance, cross-boundary data flow, and digital financial regulation with a view to shaping a secure, reliable and innovative digital economy for the future.
In Hong Kong, we believe robust partnerships between government, enterprise, academia and research are the cornerstone of technology-driven growth. We have in place various funding schemes to encourage enterprises to transform research and development outcomes into viable solutions and commercial products. We also launched the $10 billion Innovation and Technology Industry-Oriented Fund to channel more social capital to invest in innovation and technology industries and support the development of emerging and future industries of strategic importance to Hong Kong.
To deepen co-operation with major cities in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA), we have taken steps to facilitate cross-boundary data flows. With the support of the Cyberspace Administration of China, we introduced the Standard Contract for the Cross-boundary Flow of Personal Information Within the GBA (Mainland, Hong Kong), so that all business sectors can use this voluntary, streamlined mechanism to transfer personal data compliantly between Mainland GBA cities and Hong Kong. This not only provides companies with a consistent mechanism to get hold of cross-border data but reduces their operating costs and uncertainty.
Beyond the GBA, Hong Kong also actively engages, collaborates and co-designs with regional partners to shape interoperable and reliable digital frameworks across the Asia-Pacific. As a participant in the Digital Economy Partnership Agreement accession process, we are working towards cross-border data standards and AI governance frameworks that promote seamless digital trade and build confidence across regional markets.
The HKSAR (Hong Kong Special Administrative Region) Government also accords high priority on the governance and risk management of AI applications. To this end, our Digital Policy Office has published and continuously updates documents such as the Ethical AI Framework and the Hong Kong Generative AI Technical and Application Guideline. These documents provide the AI governance framework tailored to the Hong Kong context for the development and application of AI technologies, and cover key principles and safety standards for identifying and managing potential AI risks.
Looking ahead, Hong Kong will continue to serve as an Asia-Pacific hub for digital enterprise co-operation. Through platforms such as the Hong Kong‑ASEAN Summit on Digital Economy Co-operation and the WIC Asia‑Pacific Summit, we aim to deepen public‑private partnerships that facilitate reliable data exchange, advance AI governance dialogue, and foster collaborative innovation across the region.
An innovation ecosystem that fully unleashes technological potentials while safeguarding ethics and data security requires the wisdom and collaboration of all. I very much look forward to your valuable insights and to working together towards a more prosperous and secure digital future. Thank you.
Issued at HKT 12:30
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Rosanna Law mourns Maisy Ho
Source: Hong Kong Information Services
Secretary for Culture, Sports & Tourism Rosanna Law today expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Maisy Ho and extended deepest condolences to her family.
Miss Law said Ms Ho, a prominent figure in the business community, was dedicated to public service.
“She was committed to promoting arts and cultural development over the years, and she provided valuable advice during her tenure with the council of the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts and the Advisory Committee on Arts Development.
“We are deeply saddened by her passing.”
Special Envoy and Foreign Minister Lin concludes fruitful visit to Marshall Islands, successfully advancing Diplomatic Allies Prosperity Project
Source: Republic of China Taiwan
April 10, 2026 No.138At the invitation of the government of the Republic of the Marshall Islands—one of Taiwan’s diplomatic allies in the Pacific—Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung, serving as special envoy of President Lai Ching-te, led a trade and investment delegation to the Marshall Islands from April 7 to 9. The visit advanced the Diplomatic Allies Prosperity Project in the Marshall Islands and deepened the staunch diplomatic relations between the two countries.
During his stay, Special Envoy Lin met with Marshall Islands President Hilda C. Heine, Nitijela Speaker Brenson Wase, Council of Iroij Chairman Lanny Kabua, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Kalani Kaneko, Minister of Natural Resources and Commerce Anthony Muller, and other ministers and traditional leaders. Special Envoy Lin also laid a wreath and paid his respects at the final resting place of Amata Kabua, founding father and former president of the Marshall Islands.
In addition to being hosted at a welcome banquet by President Heine, Special Envoy Lin was warmly received by cabinet officials, members of the Nitijela, and prominent figures from a wide range of sectors, underscoring the great importance that the Marshall Islands attached to the delegation.
Special Envoy Lin attended the first preparatory consultation for the Taiwan-Marshall Islands economic cooperation agreement on April 8. Both sides engaged in an in-depth exchange of views on broadening cooperation in the economy, trade, and investment. A Marshall Islands trade and investment promotion seminar was held the same day. At the seminar, Special Envoy Lin announced that Taiwan would continue to help women in the Marshall Islands create a more favorable entrepreneurial environment and strengthen women’s empowerment.
While hosting a banquet that evening, Special Envoy Lin joined Minister Kaneko in signing a letter of intent on the establishment of a Taiwan-Marshall Islands economic and resilience fund. The fund aims to establish a credit guarantee mechanism to assist local enterprises in expanding their markets.
During the trip, Special Envoy Lin and delegation members from various industries visited Pacific International, Inc. dock facilities, the state-owned Tobolar Copra Processing Authority, and islands near the capital of Majuro to explore projects with investment potential related to tourism, fisheries, and food processing.
He also presided over the commemorative plaque unveiling ceremony for the Jenrok Sports Complex, which was constructed with assistance from the Taiwan government for the Micronesian Games. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) drone diplomacy task force specially arranged for Taiwan-made drones to release celebratory ephemera from the air, symbolizing the commitment and determination of both nations to further their cooperative partnership. The atmosphere at the event was cheerful and there were enthusiastic rounds of applause.
Special Envoy Lin stated that to demonstrate Taiwan’s resolve in cultivating economic and trade ties with diplomatic allies through public-private partnerships, MOFA encourages private enterprises to invest in diplomatic allies through a strategy of larger enterprises leading smaller ones, public-private collaboration, combining tangible and intangible assets, and advancing foreign engagement through domestic business models.
Moving forward, Taiwan will accelerate the Diplomatic Allies Prosperity Project in line with integrated diplomacy, facilitating development in the Marshall Islands in such domains as health care, agriculture, education, sports, clean energy, and sustainable tourism. Taiwan will also continue working with like-minded countries to safeguard regional peace and stability and bolster economic resilience across the Pacific. (E)
Sri Lanka visa-on-arrival access set
Source: Hong Kong Information Services
Hong Kong Special Administrative Region passport holders who apply online for an Electronic Travel Authorization prior to visiting Sri Lanka may obtain an entry visa for a stay of up to 30 days upon arrival at Sri Lanka’s Bandaranaike International Airport.
The Hong Kong SAR Government made the announcement today following a notification from the Embassy of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka to the People’s Republic of China.
Sri Lanka is along the Belt & Road. The Immigration Department said that under the Belt & Road Initiative, this visa-on-arrival arrangement will bring greater convenience to Hong Kong SAR passport holders, thereby strengthening tourism, cultural and economic ties between the two places.
To date, 175 countries and territories, including Sri Lanka, have granted visa-free access or visa-on-arrival to Hong Kong SAR passport holders.
Lo Chung-mau mourns Maisy Ho
Source: Hong Kong Information Services
Secretary for Health Prof Lo Chung-mau today expressed sorrow over the passing of Hospital Authority (HA) board member Maisy Ho and extended his deepest condolences to her family.
Prof Lo praised Ms Ho’s profound dedication to community service, particularly her care for the underprivileged.
“As an HA Board member, Ms Ho provided insightful and valuable advice on public healthcare,” Prof Lo said.
“Even when she had fallen sick, she still attended HA’s events to show her support to and concern about the development of public healthcare services.”
CE meets national cyberspace official
Source: Hong Kong Information Services
Chief Executive John Lee met Director of the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) Zhuang Rongwen in Hong Kong today, with the two exchanging views on deepening innovation and technology (I&T) collaboration as they jointly witnessed the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU).
Secretary for Innovation, Technology & Industry Prof Sun Dong and Deputy Director of the CAC Wang Jingtao signed the “Memorandum of Understanding on Co-operation in Innovation & Technology Development” on behalf of the Innovation, Technology & Industry Bureau and the CAC.
Covering key aspects such as artificial intelligence, cross-boundary data flows and blockchain, the MoU will support the implementation of the National 15th Five-Year Plan and Hong Kong’s development as an international I&T centre, besides promoting a “new real economy” driven by technological innovation and driving Hong Kong’s deeper integration into and contribution to national development.
The two places will strive to strengthen co-operation, jointly propel the development of new quality productive forces, deepen co-operation in cybersecurity, and strengthen international exchanges.
Mr Lee expressed his gratitude to the CAC for supporting Hong Kong’s I&T development. He said the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government will actively align with the National 15th Five-Year Plan and formulate Hong Kong’s own first five-year plan, while striving to develop as an international I&T centre and a hub for high-end international talent, and to achieve high-quality development.
The Chief Executive added that the MoU marks a new milestone in co-operation between the Hong Kong SAR Government and the CAC in the development of the digital economy, and fully demonstrates the country’s commitment to and support for Hong Kong’s I&T development.
“Hong Kong will continue to capitalise on our distinctive advantages of having strong support from the motherland and close connection with the world under the ‘one country, two systems’ principle, deepen collaboration with the CAC to further promote cross-boundary data flow in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and jointly contribute to building a technologically advanced nation.”
Over two days from tomorrow, Hong Kong will once again stage the World Internet Conference Asia-Pacific Summit. Mr Lee said the city will proactively demonstrate its strengths in the digital economy and innovation, and leverage its pivotal role as a bridge for “going global” and attracting foreign investment, thereby deepening international I&T exchanges and co-operation.
Prof Sun Dong said the Hong Kong SAR Government will accelerate I&T development, establishing Hong Kong as a centre of innovation for the country and the world.
9,000 attend FSD open day
Source: Hong Kong Information Services
The Fire Services Department today staged an open day at the Fire & Ambulance Services Academy in Tseung Kwan O, in support of the National Security Education Day, with more than 9,000 people attending.
Financial Secretary Paul Chan watched a parade of fire and ambulance appliances in the morning. He then visited national security-themed game booths and toured the National Security Education & Resource Centre at the academy.
Interactive exhibition boards and game booths at the open day provided engagement aimed at facilitating public understanding of the importance of national security.
A flag-raising ceremony was also held, with the department’s Guard of Honour performing a Chinese-style foot drill.
In addition, training facilities – including a simulated Pak Shing Kok railway station, the Fire & Ambulance Services Education Centre & Museum, and the National Security Education & Resource Centre – were open to the public.
Information on the department’s recruitment activities was made available throughout the day.
Events raise security awareness
Source: Hong Kong Information Services
The Police Force today held its National Security Education Day 2026 and the Hong Kong Police Force Fun Day, aiming to raise public awareness of national security.
Addressing the opening ceremony, Deputy Chief Secretary Cheuk Wing-hing said national security concerns the well-being of 1.4 billion compatriots, including the people of Hong Kong, and serves as the cornerstone of the country’s peace and stability.
He commended the force for its efforts to safeguard national security and curb violence and disorder, stating that it fearlessly discharges its duties, making an enormous contribution an impregnable defence of national security in Hong Kong, and rendering it one of the world’s safest cities.
Citing the white paper Hong Kong: Safeguarding China’s National Security Under the Framework of One Country, Two Systems, which was published by the State Council Information Office in February, he said that safeguarding national sovereignty, security and development interests remain the overarching principle of “one country, two systems”.
Mr Cheuk emphasised that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region must faithfully fulfil its constitutional responsibility to safeguard national security and create high-standard security in support of the “one country, two systems” policy. He added that the Government will strengthen publicity and public education on the matter, leading and supporting all sectors of society to study and comprehend the white paper’s substance and requirements, thereby enhancing citizens’ awareness of national security and better enabling them to safeguard it.
Held at Harcourt Garden in Admiralty, the event featured a national security education exhibition zone and interactive games conveying the message that safeguarding national security is everyone’s responsibility and a duty to be fulfilled.
In addition, specialised equipment from various units, including the Counter Terrorism Response Unit, the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Bureau, and the Police Dog Unit, was on display, showcasing the force’s professionalism, as well as the diversity of its work.
Safeguarding healthy minds
Source: Hong Kong Information Services
“I was scared of not being able to sleep. The more I feared it, the harder it was to fall asleep. I tossed and turned all night, like a fish being fried,” said Mr Lai, a retired truck driver who suffered from insomnia for over 10 years.
Irregular work hours led to exhausting days, dizziness and headaches that followed the sleepless nights.
The heavy toll eventually began confining him to his home, unable to enjoy his hobbies like singing and dancing.
“I knew taking sleeping pills was bad for my health. My memory was getting worse. I tried taking one pill, but if I woke up in the middle of the night, I would take another. If I still could not sleep, I would take more.”
Cycle ending
Seeking a way out of his struggle, Mr Lai visited the Tuen Mun District Health Centre last year for a mental health risk assessment under the Healthy Mind Pilot Project.
The results indicated symptoms of psychological distress and he was referred to the New Life Psychiatric Rehabilitation Association for follow-up.
Well-being Practitioner Yung Ka-yi said Mr Lai showed mild obsessive thoughts about sleep.
“He was told by his mind to change his posture when he was lying in his bed. He might also be asked to go to the washroom frequently, but in fact, he knew that it did not make sense,” she explained.
To address his chronic insomnia, the pilot project tailored a programme of low-intensity psychological therapy for Mr Lai. Over five sleep therapy sessions, he learned to correct persistent misconceptions.
“Many people believe they must get eight hours of sleep every night, which only causes anxiety and disrupts sleep,” Ms Yung explained.
The sleep therapy also taught Mr Lai to improve his sleep routine.
“Only go to bed when you truly feel sleepy,” Ms Yung advised. “If you are unable to fall asleep within 30 minutes, leave your bed to relax until you feel sleepy again, then try going back to bed.”
Mr Lai also attended six mindfulness therapy sessions, where he mastered relaxation techniques that could be done anywhere, anytime.
After six months, Mr Lai was finally able to get a good night’s sleep.
“I am so happy I can sleep until morning now. Sometimes I wake up in the middle of the night, but after practising deep breathing, I can fall back asleep,” adding that his wife and kids were astonished and said “You just went to bed, and you are already snoring!” – something that had never happened before.
Early intervention
In August 2024, the Health Bureau partnered with the New Life Psychiatric Rehabilitation Association and Mind HK to launch the Healthy Mind Pilot Project in Tuen Mun District Health Centre, Eastern and Yau Tsim Mong District Health Centre Expresses.
During health risk assessments, members of District Health Centres and District Health Centre Expresses also complete a mental health questionnaire to screen for depression and anxiety risks. Those in need are referred to non-governmental organisations (NGOs) for further assessments and follow-ups.
Yeung Tsui-yee, a clinical psychologist participating in the project noted that it has been instrumental in the early identification of, and intervention for, emotional health issues. Through low-intensity psychological therapy, participants learn to adjust thoughts and behaviours in their daily lives, helping them manage mild symptoms of depression or anxiety.
“We help them build up a more balanced life that is balanced between routine, pleasurable and important tasks to help them improve their mood and to maintain their daily functioning. For dealing with worries, this method is to help them notice that worry is here and it is affecting me, and we teach them skills to help them refocus.”
Psychological support
As of February 2026, about 48,800 individuals have undergone initial mental health assessments, of whom about 3,700 required further assessment.
Including those referred by NGOs, over 7,000 individuals have completed further assessments.
Of those evaluated, approximately 2,500 people were found to have normal emotional health.
Around 240 required referrals to specialised or high-intensity mental health services, while the remaining eligible participants could be arranged to receive low-intensity psychological therapy.
The project will gradually expand to nine district health centres starting this year.
Security-themed open days held
Source: Hong Kong Information Services
In support of National Security Education Day, on April 15, the Correctional Services Department (CSD) and the Civil Aid Service (CAS) today held open days to raise public awareness of national security and showcase their accomplishments.
Deputy Secretary for Justice Cheung Kwok-kwan attended the CSD’s open day, which was held in Stanley, at the department’s Correctional Services Museum and Community Education Experience Centre.
Echoing the theme of this year’s National Security Education Day – “Proactively Align with the 15th Five-Year Plan, Follow a Holistic Approach to Development and Security” – the CSD’s open day featured game booths themed around the 15th Five-Year Plan and national security, with a view to deepening understanding of these and strengthening a sense of national identity among members of the public.
Following the recent publication of the white paper Hong Kong: Safeguarding China’s National Security Under the Framework of One Country, Two Systems by the State Council Information Office, the event also included a game booth exploring the white paper’s content interactively.
In addition, the CSD today launched “National Security Education Special Edition of Rehabilitation Express”, a promotion vehicle that will visit primary and secondary schools across the city in order to disseminate national security messages to young people.
Some of the content carried by the vehicle will also be used in virtual-reality games for persons in custody, giving them access to accurate national security knowledge and building their sense of national identity through immersive three-dimensional virtual scenarios within correctional institutions.
Held at its headquarters, meanwhile, the CAS open day featured emergency rescue and mountain search and rescue demonstrations. There were also music performances, a freestyle bicycle show, game booths and interactive activities.