Hong Kong Customs seizes live turtles and live lizards of suspected scheduled endangered species

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Hong Kong Customs seizes live turtles and live lizards of suspected scheduled endangered species       
     Based on risk assessment that day, Customs intercepted an outgoing medium goods vehicle at the control point. Upon X-ray examination, Customs officers spotted irregularities in the images of the vehicle’s undercarriage. Twenty-six black bags were found concealed inside the chassis frame under the cargo compartment of the vehicle. Upon examination, the bags were found to contain the batch of live turtles and live lizards of suspected scheduled endangered species. A 44-year-old male driver was arrested and has been released on bail pending further investigations.
      
     Customs will continue to combat cross-boundary smuggling activities with firm enforcement action based on risk assessment and intelligence analysis.
      
     Smuggling is a serious offence. Under the Import and Export Ordinance, any person found guilty of importing or exporting unmanifested cargo is liable to a maximum fine of $2 million and imprisonment for seven years.
      
     Under the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance, any person importing, exporting or possessing specimens of endangered species not in accordance with the Ordinance commits an offence and will be liable to a maximum fine of $10 million and imprisonment for 10 years upon conviction with the specimens forfeited.
      
     Members of the public may report any suspected smuggling activities to Customs’ 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk 
Issued at HKT 15:30

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Working Group on Shanghai and Hong Kong Digital Co-operation holds first annual meeting

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Working Group on Shanghai and Hong Kong Digital Co-operation, which is responsible for promoting the relevant work under the Memorandum of Understanding between Shanghai and Hong Kong on Digital Economy Co-operation (the MOU), held its first annual meeting in Hong Kong today (April 12), to continue deepening co-operation between Hong Kong and Shanghai in digital government, data elements, enterprise services, and collaboration between research, academic and industry sectors.
 
     The meeting was cochaired by the Acting Commissioner for Digital Policy, Mr Daniel Cheung, and the Deputy Director of the Shanghai Municipal Bureau of Data, Mr Qian Xiao. The Working Group discussed the latest co-operation updates between Hong Kong and Shanghai regarding innovation and technology (I&T) developments as well as the digital economy, and reviewed the progress and achievements over the past year. Both sides also discussed and exchanged views on the work plan for the coming year. The following six areas of work were reviewed during the meeting, namely:
 
1. jointly promoting the synergistic development of the digital economy between Hong Kong and Shanghai;
2. jointly promoting digital identity authentication between Hong Kong and Shanghai;
3. jointly promoting Cross-boundary Public Services to benefit the public and enterprises;
4. jointly promoting exchanges and co-operation in digital infrastructure;
5. deepening exchanges and talent cultivation in I&T between Hong Kong and Shanghai; and
6. jointly promoting collaboration in industry spaces and communication platforms.
 
     At the meeting, Mr Cheung stated that since the signing of the MOU in Hong Kong last April, members of the Working Group had dedicated themselves to advancing the related work items, namely the successful connection between the “iAM Smart” and the Government Online-Offline Shanghai website as well as the “Suishenban” app; the completion of the preparatory work for the Hong Kong/Shanghai Co-operation Open Data Challenge 2026; the Shanghai Electronic Certificate Authority’s participation in the Digital Corporate Identity Sandbox Programme as well as its study on the mutual recognition arrangements for digital corporate identities between Hong Kong and Shanghai; the setting-up of businesses in Hong Kong by five enterprises under the arrangement of the Service Station for Outbound Data Ecology (Hong Kong) and the Shanghai-Hong Kong Artificial Intelligence Industry Acceleration Alliance’s assistance to enterprise members in exploring the Mainland and overseas markets, thus contributing to notable results in the synergistic development of the digital economy between Hong Kong and Shanghai. Mr Cheung said he hoped that Hong Kong and Shanghai could further deepen co-operation in Cross-boundary Public Services, AI+ Civil Services and the cross-boundary flow of personal information. Finally, he expressed his gratitude for the efforts of the members of the Working Group and encouraged them to make greater contributions for yielding more fruitful results in digital co-operation between Hong Kong and Shanghai.
 
     Mainland representatives who attended the meeting included officials from the Shanghai Municipal Bureau of Data, industry representatives from Hong Kong and Shanghai, including the Hong Kong and Shanghai Data Society, Shanghai Data Group, the Shanghai Lingang Economic Development Group Company Limited, the Shanghai Information Investment Company Limited, the Shanghai New Electric Vehicle Public Data Collecting Monitoring and Research Center, the Shanghai Shibei Hi-Tech Group, the Shanghai Digital Globalization Association, and the Shanghai Data Service Provider Association.

        

CE meets with Director of CAC and jointly witness signing of MOU on innovation and technology

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, met with the Director of the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC), Mr Zhuang Rongwen, in Hong Kong today (April 12), to exchange views on deepening innovation and technology (I&T) collaboration and jointly witness the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding on Co-operation in Innovation and Technology Development (MOU) between the Innovation, Technology and Industry Bureau and the CAC, joining hands to promote the high-quality development of the digital economy through technological innovation.

     The Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Professor Sun Dong, and the Deputy Director of the CAC, Mr Wang Jingtao, singed the MOU. Covering key areas including promotion of AI, cross-boundary data flow and blockchain, the MOU aims to deepen the implementation of the National 15th Five-Year Plan, supporting Hong Kong’s development into an international I&T centre, promoting a new real economy driven by technological innovation, and driving Hong Kong’s deeper integration into and contribution to the overall national development. The two places will further strengthen co-operation and jointly propel new quality productive forces development, deepen co-operation in cybersecurity, and strengthen international exchanges and promotion.

     Mr Lee expressed his gratitude for the CAC’s support for Hong Kong’s I&T development. He said, “The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government will actively align with the National 15th Five-Year Plan, formulate Hong Kong’s first five-year plan, striving to develop Hong Kong into an international I&T centre and a hub for high-end international talent, and achieving high-quality development. The MOU signed today marks a new milestone in the co-operation between the HKSAR Government and the CAC in the development of the digital economy, and fully demonstrates the country’s high commitment and support to 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.”

     Mr Lee said that Hong Kong was designated again to stage the World Internet Conference Asia-Pacific Summit this year on April 13 and 14. Hong Kong will proactively demonstrate its strengths in the digital economy and innovation capabilities, and leverage the pivotal role as a bridge for “going global and attracting foreign investment”, so as to further deepen international exchanges and co-operation, and to expand broader and more diversified opportunities for I&T collaboration.

     Professor Sun Dong said, “The National 15th Five-Year Plan explicitly supports Hong Kong’s development into an international I&T centre. At the beginning of the 15th Five-Year Plan and with the robust support from the country, the HKSAR Government will accelerate the promotion of I&T development to build Hong Kong into a source of innovation for the country and the world, taking a new leap forward in Hong Kong’s I&T development while serving the country’s needs.”

     

CSD holds National Security Education Day activities

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

To support the 11th National Security Education Day on April 15 this year, the Correctional Services Department (CSD) held an open day at the Hong Kong Correctional Services Museum and the Community Education Experience Centre today (April 11) to raise public awareness of national security and allow the public to understand the CSD’s initiatives and accomplishments in safeguarding national security.
 
The theme of this year’s National Security Education Day is “Proactively Align with the 15th Five-Year Plan Follow a Holistic Approach to Development and Security”. The open day featured game booths centred on the 15th Five-Year Plan and national security, aimed at deepening the public’s understanding of the Plan and national security, as well as strengthening their sense of national identity. In response to the publication of the white paper on “Hong Kong: Safeguarding China’s National Security Under the Framework of One Country, Two Systems” by the State Council Information Office earlier, the event also included a related game booth to enhance the public’s understanding of the white paper in an interesting and interactive way.
 
The CSD Sports Association’s online charity gift sales platform, Made in Prison, also set up a sales counter at the open day, selling a number of National Security Education Day limited-edition products. While promoting national security, it also encouraged the public to support rehabilitation of persons in custody.
 
Moreover, the Hong Kong Correctional Services Museum and the Community Education Experience Centre were open to the public. A gallery themed “Correctional Services and National Security” has been set up in the Hong Kong Correctional Services Museum to deepen the public’s understanding of the importance and significance of safeguarding national security. The Community Education Experience Centre, themed “Home, Country and Corrections”, features a number of interactive games and multimedia items to promote national security and the messages of safeguarding the country and home, leading a law-abiding and drug-free life, as well as supporting offender rehabilitation.
 
The Deputy Secretary for Justice, Dr Cheung Kwok-kwan, accompanied by the Commissioner of Correctional Services, Mr Wong Kwok-hing, also attended the event to visit exhibitions and game booths.
 
In addition, the CSD today launched the “National Security Education Special Edition of Rehabilitation Express” promotion vehicle to disseminate national security messages to young people in the community. The vehicle will visit primary and secondary schools across Hong Kong, featuring four interactive games on the theme of national security, including scenario simulation and motion-sensing games, with the aim of embedding national security awareness in the community and schools, and cultivating young people’s self-awareness in safeguarding national security.
 
To further enhance national security awareness among persons in custody, the CSD will also convert some content in the promotion vehicle into virtual-reality games, allowing persons in custody to learn accurate national security knowledge through immersive three-dimensional virtual scenarios within correctional institutions, thereby building their sense of nationhood and strengthening national identity.
 
The CSD, as the last element in the criminal justice system, will continue to ensure prison stability, safeguard national security and promote national security education through organising different rehabilitation and community education activities.

                          

Smart Traffic Fund pools efforts of government, industry, academic and research sectors to drive Hong Kong’s long-term smart mobility development

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Transport Department today (April 13) said that it has been pooling the efforts of government, industry, academic and research sectors through the Smart Traffic Fund (STF) to promote the long-term development of smart mobility in Hong Kong.

     The Commissioner for Transport, Miss Winnie Tse, visited the InnoEX 2026 to learn more about the STF projects showcased at the Smart Hong Kong Pavilion, and experience how digital technology and artificial intelligence (AI) have been integrated into traffic and transport solutions:

(1) Enhancing vehicle and driving safety

  • The requirement for vehicles with extendable aerial structures to be equipped with an over-height warning system has been implemented in phases since March 2025. The STF has funded a research centre in developing a monitoring system for crane height and position, preventing accidents caused by unretracted crane arms damaging bridges as well as safeguarding driving and road safety. This system is now commercially available, benefitting the trade;
  • The STF subsidised a university in developing an intelligent driving training system for container trucks using extended reality technology and a dynamic motion platform. It provides truck drivers with highly realistic simulated scenarios for personalised training to improve driving skills; and
  • The STF also funded a university to establish an alerting system for identifying risky driving behaviour or signs of distraction by monitoring and analysing neural transmission data, including physiological indicators and changes in psychological states. By shifting the safety line from “post-accident reaction” to “pre-accident warning”, the system effectively reduces the risk of traffic accidents.

(2) Enhancing public service efficiency

  • The STF subsidised a university to adopt AI technology to analyse pedestrian motion (such as characteristics like slower walking speeds of the elderly or persons with mobility impairment) to support the dynamic optimisation of pedestrian traffic signal timings, thereby enhancing the experience of pedestrians at crossings;
  • The STF funded a university in developing multi-tier concrete inspection methods to detect surface and subsurface structural defects in bridge decks. This improves inspection accuracy and facilitates preventive maintenance in an orderly manner, enhancing the efficiency of structural maintenance of bridges; and
  • The STF also subsidised a university in developing a smart route planning platform for transporting modular integrated construction modules. By enabling precise monitoring of street conditions along logistics routes, it ensures the safe delivery of large-scale prefabricated components to construction sites, enhancing transport safety and efficiency, thereby accelerating construction progress.

(3) Commuting convenience for persons with visual impairment

  • The STF subsidised a private company in developing smart glasses, which apply AI computer vision technology to assist persons with visual impairment in identifying obstacles, bus stops, carriageways and pavements. The glasses also provide navigation functions to enhance the travel convenience and safety of visually impaired persons.

(4) Improving public transport safety and scheduling efficiency

  • The STF funded a start-up in developing systems to monitor the dynamic speed limit of public light buses (PLBs) in real-time according to their specific road sections, deploy the fleet based on passenger data, and display arrival information of routes at minibus stops using solar power. They enhance minibus driving safety, assist passengers in planning their journeys, and support fleet deployment and operational management; and
  • The STF also subsidised a research centre in developing door-mounted monitoring devices for PLBs. These sensors ensure passenger safety during boarding and alighting, preventing accidents at the source and enhancing the overall operational safety of the minibus.

     Miss Tse said, “The STF has been funding enterprises as well as technology and research institutes to develop projects that have effectively assisted the transport trades, passengers, persons in need and government departments in addressing different scenarios in traffic, transport and logistics. They have played a crucial role in facilitating commuting convenience, enhancing efficiency of the road network or road space, and enhancing driving safety. We encourage more eligible organisations to apply for funding to jointly advance smart transport and traffic so that technology empowers, transport serves and people benefit.”

     The Government set up the $1 billion STF at end-March 2021 to support enterprises or organisations in conducting research and applications of innovative vehicle-related technologies. As of end-March 2026, the STF had approved a total of 89 projects over the past five years, with funding of about $619 million.

                             

Major Sports Events Committee awards “M” Mark status to Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens 2026 and 2026 UCI Track World Cup, Hong Kong, China

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Major Sports Events Committee awards “M” Mark status to Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens 2026 and 2026 UCI Track World Cup, Hong Kong, China 
     The Major Sports Events Committee (MSEC) has awarded “M” Mark status to the Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens 2026 (April 17 to 19) and the 2026 UCI Track World Cup, Hong Kong, China (April 17 to 19).
      
     The Chairman of the MSEC, Mr Wilfred Ng, said today (April 13), “The world’s top rugby teams will gather at Kai Tak Stadium for three days of thrilling competitions at the Hong Kong Sevens. At the same time, the Hong Kong Velodrome will transform into a stage of speed where elite cyclists from around the globe compete, showcasing the pinnacle of velocity and skills at the UCI Track World Cup. These two spectacular events will not only foster the development of sports in Hong Kong, but also bring economic benefits, further enhancing Hong Kong’s image as a centre for major international sport events.”
      
     The “M” Mark System aims to encourage and help local National Sports Associations and private or non-government organisations to organise more major international sports events and nurture them into sustainable undertakings. Sports events meeting the assessment criteria will be considered for “M” Mark status by the MSEC. Funding support will also be provided to some events. The “M” Mark System aims to promote the development of major sports events, cultivate a sustainable sporting culture, enhance Hong Kong’s image as a centre for major international sports events and bring tangible economic benefits to the community.
      
     For details of “M” Mark events, please visit www.mevents.org.hkIssued at HKT 17:52

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Speech by SITI at Government-Enterprise Dialogue of 2026 World Internet Conference Asia-Pacific Summit (English only)

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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Visa-on-arrival access to Sri Lanka for HKSAR passport holders

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Visa-on-arrival access to Sri Lanka for HKSAR passport holders 
     An Immigration Department spokesman said, “Sri Lanka is along the Belt and Road. Under the Belt and Road Initiative, this visa-on-arrival arrangement will bring greater travel convenience to HKSAR passport holders and strengthen tourism, cultural and economic ties between the two places.”
 
     Including Sri Lanka, 175 countries and territories have granted visa-free access or visa-on-arrival to HKSAR passport holders. Please visit the following website for details:
www.immd.gov.hk/eng/service/travel_document/visa_free_access.htmlIssued at HKT 14:30

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FEHD releases first batch of gravidtrap indexes for Aedes albopictus in April

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

FEHD releases first batch of gravidtrap indexes for Aedes albopictus in April  

District     Among the first batch of First Phase Gravidtrap Indexes covering 13 survey areas in April, all were below 10 per cent, except for Sai Kung Town in Sai Kung District and Tsing Yi North in Kwai Tsing District.

     For Sai Kung Town in Sai Kung District and Tsing Yi North in Kwai Tsing District, which recorded indexes exceeding 10 per cent, in accordance with the mechanism implemented by the FEHD in response to the chikungunya fever (CF) situation (i.e. strengthening mosquito control work in areas with a gravidtrap index between 10 per cent and 20 per cent, instead of 20 per cent or above under the original mechanism), the FEHD is collaborating with relevant departments and stakeholders to identify locations with high mosquito infestations and carry out intensive and targeted mosquito control measures. In particular, the gravidtrap data for Sai Kung Town showed that areas with more mosquito problems included parks, schools, and public and private housing estates, while the gravidtrap data for Tsing Yi North showed that areas with more mosquito problems included parks, schools and public housing estates. The relevant departments are following up on the mosquito control work. The FEHD will also organise exhibitions, distribute leaflets and posters, and notify residential estates that have subscribed to the gravidtrap Rapid Alert System, advising property management agents and residents to stay vigilant and work together in taking mosquito prevention and elimination measures. In addition, the FEHD will strengthen the monitoring of the gravidtrap index in those two areas to review the effectiveness of the mosquito control work.     Starting in August 2025, following the completion of the surveillance of individual survey areas, and once the latest gravidtrap index and the density index are available, the FEHD has been disseminating relevant information through press releases, its website and social media. It aims to allow members of the public to quickly grasp the mosquito infestation situation and strengthen mosquito control efforts, thereby reducing the risk of CF transmission.

     Following recommendations from the World Health Organization and taking into account the local situation in Hong Kong, the FEHD sets up gravidtraps in districts where mosquito-borne diseases have been recorded in the past, as well as in densely populated places such as housing estates, hospitals and schools to monitor the breeding and distribution of Aedes albopictus mosquitoes, which can transmit CF and dengue fever. At present, the FEHD has set up gravidtraps in 62 survey areas of the community, with a surveillance period of two weeks. During the surveillance period, the FEHD will collect the gravidtraps once a week. After the first week of surveillance, the FEHD will immediately examine the glue boards inside the retrieved gravidtraps for the presence of adult Aedine mosquitoes to compile the Gravidtrap Index (First Phase) and Density Index (First Phase). At the end of the second week of surveillance, the FEHD will instantly check the glue boards for the presence of adult Aedine mosquitoes. Data from the two weeks of surveillance will be combined to obtain the Area Gravidtrap Index and the Area Density Index. The gravidtrap and density indexes for Aedes albopictus in different survey areas, as well as information on mosquito prevention and control measures, are available on the department’s webpage (www.fehd.gov.hk/english/pestcontrol/dengue_fever/Dengue_Fever_Gravidtrap_Index_Update.html#Issued at HKT 18:30

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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.”