Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
An August with outbreaks of heavy rain
Under the influence of a southwesterly airstream, the weather of Hong Kong was very hot with sunny periods on the first day of the month. There were also heavy showers and thunderstorms in some areas in the afternoon with more than 70 millimetres of rainfall recorded over the North District. An active southwest monsoon and upper-air disturbances brought heavy showers and squally thunderstorms to the coast of Guangdong from August 2 to 5. The outbreaks of heavy showers necessitated the issuance of Black Rainstorm Warnings three times in just four days. The Hong Kong Observatory Headquarters registered a record-breaking daily rainfall of 368.9 millimetres on August 5, the highest daily rainfall in August since records began in 1884. This daily rainfall amount was already more than 80 per cent of the August normal rainfall. The accumulated rainfall recorded at the Observatory during these four days was nearly 600 millimetres, with rainfall even exceeding 800 millimetres over Tseung Kwan O and Tsz Wan Shan. In the midst of the incessant downpour, the temperature at the Observatory dropped to the month’s lowest of 24.0 degrees on the morning of August 5.
While showery conditions persisted on August 6, with the establishment of an anticyclone aloft, apart from a few showers, it was generally fine with prolonged heat from August 7 to 12. The maximum temperature at the Observatory rose to 34.4 degrees on the afternoon of August 10, the highest of the month. Meanwhile, Typhoon Podul over the western North Pacific moved west-northwestwards towards Taiwan on August 12. It further intensified into a severe typhoon before making landfall over the southeastern part of Taiwan the next day. Under the influence of its outer subsiding air, the weather in Hong Kong was mainly fine apart from isolated showers on August 13. It was also extremely hot in the afternoon. Podul rapidly weakened into a tropical depression as it moved into inland Guangdong on August 14. Under the influence of its outer band of intense thundery showers, it was overcast with heavy showers and severe squally thunderstorms in Hong Kong. More than 100 millimetres of rainfall were recorded over many places, and rainfall even exceeded 200 millimetres over Lantau Island, Tuen Mun and parts of Hong Kong Island. The incessant downpour necessitated the issuance of the Black Rainstorm Warning for the fifth time this year, breaking the previous record of three times set in 2000 and 2006 since the commencement of the rainstorm system operation in 1992. While there were still a few showers on August 15, with the dissipation of Podul and the establishment of a ridge of high pressure over southeastern China, local weather turned mainly fine on August 16.
Meanwhile, the broad area of low pressure over the central part of the South China Sea intensified into a tropical depression on August 16. It moved west-northwestwards towards the seas south of Hainan Island on August 17 and skirted across Beibu Wan the next day. Under the combined effect of the tropical depression and the ridge of high pressure over southeastern China, it was windy with squally showers and thunderstorms on August 17. The heavy showery weather continued on August 18 with more than 100 millimetres of rainfall recorded over many places in Hong Kong.
The weather remained unsettled on August 19 under the influence of an active southerly airstream. More than 30 millimetres of rainfall were recorded over most parts of the territory, and rainfall even exceeded 100 millimetres over parts of Kowloon and the New Territories. With the strengthening of an anticyclone aloft, local weather was generally fine and very hot from August 20 to 22.
The area of low pressure over the seas west of Luzon intensified into a tropical depression on the night of August 22 and was later named Kajiki. Kajiki moved westwards across the central part of the South China Sea and intensified progressively into a severe tropical storm the next day. It rapidly intensified into a severe typhoon over the seas south of Hainan Island on August 24 and made landfall over the northern part of Vietnam the next night. Locally, it was mainly fine on August 23 apart from a few showers and squally thunderstorms at night. There were sunny periods during the following two days. Under the influence of a ridge of high pressure over southeastern China, apart from isolated showers and thunderstorms over the western part of the New Territories in the afternoon, local weather was mainly fine and very hot on August 26 and 27. Affected by upper-air disturbances, it was mainly cloudy with a few showers and squally thunderstorms locally on August 28. Moreover, Nongfa formed as a tropical depression over the central part of the South China Sea that afternoon and moved northwestwards towards the seas south of Hainan Island. The Standby Signal, No. 1 was issued that night, for the eighth time this year, breaking the highest record between January and August since 1946. Nongfa intensified into a tropical storm and tracked across the seas south of Hainan Island on August 30. It made landfall over central and northern Vietnam that afternoon and then weakened into a tropical depression at night. Locally, it was very hot with sunny periods on August 29. It was also windy under the combined effect of a ridge of high pressure over southeastern China and Nongfa. An easterly airstream affected the coast of Guangdong on August 30 and the weather of Hong Kong was mainly cloudy with a few showers. The weather turned generally fine and very hot on the last day of the month.
Eleven tropical cyclones occurred over the South China Sea and the western North Pacific in August 2025.
Details of issuance and cancellation of various warnings/signals in the month are summarised in Table 1. Monthly meteorological figures and departures from normal for August are tabulated in Table 2.
Issued at HKT 15:00
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Major Sports Events Committee awards “M” Mark status to LI-NING Hong Kong Open Badminton Championships 2025 part of HSBC BWF World Tour Super 500
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The following is issued on behalf of the Major Sports Events Committee:
The Major Sports Events Committee (MSEC) has awarded “M” Mark status to the LI-NING Hong Kong Open Badminton Championships 2025 part of the HSBC BWF World Tour Super 500, which will be held from September 9 to 14 at the Hong Kong Coliseum.
The Chairman of the MSEC, Mr Wilfred Ng, said today (September 2), “This world-class event, gathering Olympic medallists and badminton elites from around the globe, will attract many local, overseas and Mainland badminton enthusiasts, thereby promoting tourism and boosting the economy. I believe that the Hong Kong China team will give their best on home ground and strive for excellent results.”
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 our community.
For details of “M” Mark events, please visit www.mevents.org.hk.
SCED: Hong Kong strives to forge closer partnership with Singapore and ASEAN as a whole (with photos)
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Algernon Yau, today (September 1) visited Singapore to have exchanges with the political and business sectors to forge an even closer relationship between Hong Kong and Singapore, leveraging the complementary advantages of the two places.
This year also marks the 30th anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (ETO) in Singapore, a milestone underscoring the enduring partnership between Hong Kong and Singapore, as well as the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) as a whole.
Speaking at a celebration dinner hosted by the Singapore ETO, Mr Yau said that the Singapore ETO, which also covers Vietnam, Laos and India, is the first ETO that Hong Kong has set up in Southeast Asia, followed by the ones in Indonesia and Thailand, and hopefully another one soon in Malaysia. ASEAN is now the fourth-largest economic bloc in the world and has also become Hong Kong’s second-largest trading partner.
Noting that ASEAN is Hong Kong’s strategic partner at both the regional and global levels, Mr Yau highlighted the importance of partnerships among economies especially in turbulent times, when conflicts destabilise global relations, and tariff-induced uncertainties impede world trade.
Mr Yau stressed that the world economy in the long term is not a zero-sum game and economies can grow together through innovation, investment and trade, and also create new values, generate new wealth and opportunities hand in hand. He added that what exists among economies does not have to be competition, it can be collaboration for a brighter and shared future.
Mr Yau also shared with around 200 guests from the government sector, Chinese and foreign embassies in Singapore, the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation, business associations, academic institutions and cultural organisations, etc Hong Kong’s economic outlook and resilient growth in trade despite the tariff shocks. He added that sparing no efforts to deepen international exchanges and co-operation, Hong Kong will forge more partnerships with other economies. He also expressed gratitude for the Singapore Government’s long-standing support for the Singapore ETO and extended his congratulations to the 60th anniversary of the country’s independence.
Other notable guests of honour at the dinner included the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and Trade and Industry of Singapore, Ms Gan Siow Huang, and the Chargé d’Affaires of the Chinese Embassy in Singapore, Mr Zhu Jing. Both acknowledged the efforts and achievements of the Singapore ETO over the past three decades and aspired for even closer co-operation in the years ahead.
The dinner featured photos highlighting the Singapore ETO’s diverse engagements over the past 30 years. The Director of the Singapore ETO, Mr Owin Fung, noted that through hosting high-level official visits, leading business delegations, and organising events, forums and cultural performances, the office has fostered ever closer ties between Hong Kong and ASEAN countries. An ensemble was also staged by young talented musicians from Hong Kong and Singapore using a vibrant fusion of Chinese and Western instruments to embody the “East meets West” spirit, cultural diversity and creative energy of both places.
In addition to attending the celebration dinner, Mr Yau earlier in the day met with the Minister for Manpower and the Minister-in-charge of Energy and Science and Technology of Singapore, Dr Tan See Leng, to brief him on Hong Kong’s latest developments such as the Northern Metropolis development, and the vast business opportunities in Hong Kong and also the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area for Singaporean enterprises. They also exchanged views on deepening collaboration between the two places in various areas to bring mutual benefits.
During the visit, Mr Yau also took the opportunity to get a deeper understanding of the development and potential of e-commerce in Singapore and ASEAN markets. As well, Mr Yau visited a family edutainment company specialising in offering fun play activities for young children’s learning, social interaction and development. The company now has four outlets in Hong Kong and the fifth one will open soon. Mr Yau had a good exchange with the company’s senior management and encouraged the company to continue to use Hong Kong as a base to expand business and tap into the Mainland market.
Mr Yau concluded his visit to Singapore and will proceed to Beijing tomorrow (September 2). He will return to Hong Kong on September 3.
Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data swears to uphold Basic Law and bear allegiance to HKSAR (with photo)
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
Ms Ada Chung Lai-ling was reappointed as the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data (Privacy Commissioner) on August 15, 2025, with effect from September 4.
Ms Chung today (September 1) took an oath, which was administered by the Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, and swore that she will uphold the Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) of the People’s Republic of China (PRC), bear allegiance to the HKSAR of the PRC and serve the HKSAR conscientiously, dutifully, in full accordance with the law, honestly and with integrity.
A Government spokesperson said, “The Privacy Commissioner took the oath to uphold the Basic Law and bear allegiance to the HKSAR, thereby embodying the principle and responsibility of ‘patriots administering Hong Kong’.”
Three incoming passengers convicted and jailed for importing alternative smoking products (with photos)
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
Two male and one female incoming passengers were sentenced to six months’ imprisonment at the West Kowloon Magistrates’ Courts today (September 1) for importing alternative smoking products, in contravention of the Import and Export Ordinance(IEO).
Customs officers intercepted a 42-year-old incoming male passenger at Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) on July 4 and seized about 92 600 alternative smoking products from his personal baggage with an estimated market value of about $278,000. In addition, Customs officers intercepted a 21-year-old incoming female passenger and a 27-year-old incoming male passenger at HKIA on July 5 and seized about 91 000 alternative smoking products respectively from their personal baggage with an estimated market value of about $546,000 in total. The three passengers were subsequently arrested.
Customs welcomes the sentence. The custodial sentence has imposed a considerable deterrent effect and reflects the seriousness of the offences.
Under the IEO, a person who imports an alternative smoking product into Hong Kong commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $2 million and imprisonment for seven years.
Members of the public may report any suspected illicit cigarette 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/en/).
DPO appeals to public to remain vigilant to fraudulent “iAM Smart” website
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
The Digital Policy Office (DPO) today (September 1) alerted members of the public to a fraudulent “iAM Smart” website address (iamsmarts-service[.]info), seeking to deceive members of the public into providing their personal information.
The DPO stresses that the fraudulent website has no connection with the “iAM Smart” and has referred the case to the Police for follow-up. The DPO reiterates that the “iAM Smart” thematic website (www.iamsmart.gov.hk) is an information website which will not request any personal information from the members of the public.
Members of the public should stay alert when receiving any unidentified emails or messages and should not visit any suspicious websites and disclose any personal information. Anyone who has provided his or her personal information to the website concerned should contact the Police. For enquiries about the “iAM Smart”, please call hotline at 182 123.
World Intellectual Property Organization ranks Shenzhen-Hong Kong-Guangzhou innovation cluster first globally
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) published the Global Innovation Index (GII) 2025 top 100 innovation clusters today (September 1), among which the Shenzhen-Hong Kong-Guangzhou cluster ranks first globally.
A spokesman for the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government said, “We warmly welcome the innovation cluster ranking published by WIPO, which reflects the high international recognition of the innovative capacity of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA). This year, the ranking newly includes the number of venture capital deals as a new metric. With Hong Kong as an international financial centre, and the Mainland and Hong Kong ranking first and second respectively in Asia’s venture capital and private equity fund management, the Shenzhen-Hong Kong-Guangzhou cluster has excelled at channelling capital to support the translation of innovative ideas into material outcomes.
“Fast-tracking innovation and technology (I&T) development has been a policy priority of this Government. Over the past few years, the Government has rolled out a series of policy initiatives to ensure technology, capital and talent reinforce one another, as well as expediting co-operation and collaboration with our GBA sister cities, to press ahead with the development of Hong Kong into an international I&T centre. In particular, the Government has announced three $10 billion schemes, namely the Research, Academic and Industry Sectors One-plus Scheme, the New Industrialisation Acceleration Scheme, and the Innovation and Technology Industry-Oriented Fund, alongside the Pilot I&T Accelerator Scheme. Moreover, Hong Kong has been supporting the growth of start-ups and is committed to attracting world-class leading enterprises of cutting-edge technology and talent to establish their presence in Hong Kong, in order to enrich our I&T ecosystem. As Asia’s premier international financial centre, Hong Kong has been broadening the channels of financing and listing over the past few years, catering specifically to the needs of new economy and tech companies. This facilitates more quality enterprises in raising funds and expanding their businesses in Hong Kong. We have also been nurturing ‘patient capital’ through the establishment of the Hong Kong Investment Corporation Limited to guide and leverage market capital to invest in early-stage, small high-tech enterprises on a long-term basis.
“Going forward, Hong Kong will continue to closely collaborate with the GBA sister cities to advance regional I&T development and make greater contributions to building our country as an innovative nation as well as advancing human progress.”
The GII Cluster ranking identifies local concentrations of world-class innovation activity using three key metrics: international patent filings via WIPO’s Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT), scientific publications, and, newly added this year, the number of venture capital deals. In previous editions of the GII Cluster ranking, the Shenzhen-Hong Kong-Guangzhou cluster held the second spot for five years in a row.
For this year’s ranking, the Shenzhen-Hong Kong-Guangzhou cluster ranked first, filed 2 292 Patent Cooperation Treaty applications, published 3 775 scientific articles, and had 135 venture capital deals per 1 million inhabitants over the last five years.
The launch event of the 2025 GII Ranking of World’s Top 100 Innovation Clusters, organised by the country and WIPO, was hosted by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region today at the Hong Kong Science Park. At the same time in the launch event, two panel discussions joined by leading figures and representatives from Hong Kong and abroad were held, exchanging insights on the GBA’s innovation strengths and future potential, as well as the latest I&T developments in other international clusters. An exhibition featuring the I&T achievements of Hong Kong, Shenzhen and Guangzhou was also set up at the venue.
Water Supplies Department establishes Pipeline Robots Joint Laboratory (with photos)
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
The Water Supplies Department (WSD) today (1 September) announced the establishment of the Pipeline Robots Joint Laboratory, which focuses on developing pipeline robotics technologies and promoting the research and development for local technologies of water mains inspection robots, named Intelligent Pipescope. These robots will be used to assess the internal conditions of pressurised water mains of the water supply network. The WSD signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Hong Kong Polytechnic University and Shenzhen Bwell Technology Co Ltd to jointly develop the relevant technologies.
In his speech at the ceremony, the Director of Water Supplies, Mr Roger Wong, stated that the WSD has committed to collaborating with various institutions to develop and apply advanced technologies in driving the development of smart water in Hong Kong. The WSD is actively exploring innovative methods to enhance the skills and efficiency of water mains inspections. The WSD expects that, through the Pipeline Robots Joint Laboratory, the development of robots for operating in diverse pipeline conditions will be accelerated. This will enable highly accurate inspections, thereby reducing the risks of pipe bursts and leaks, and potentially extending to monitoring water quality.
The core objective of the Pipeline Robots Joint Laboratory is to independently develop multifunctional advanced pipeline robotics technologies, including acoustic sensors, high-definition cameras, and positioning instruments. These robots will also utilise artificial intelligence to analyse relevant data in order to address the unique characteristics of Hong Kong’s water supply network, which includes variations in materials, high water pressure, and numerous bends and branches. Taking into account the rapid development and mature applications of robotics technologies on the Mainland in recent years, the WSD considered that robotics technologies that suit Hong Kong’s needs will be developed more effectively through close collaboration with a local university and a Mainland pipeline robotics developer. At the same time, the unique complexity of the water supply network in Hong Kong will serve as an ideal testing platform, facilitating the entry of Mainland pipeline robotics technologies into international markets and leveraging Hong Kong’s unique position to connect with both the Mainland and the world.
The WSD has consistently strived to optimise water supply services through the efficient use of resources and technologies to meet the needs of Hong Kong’s vast population. The establishment of the Pipeline Robots Joint Laboratory represents a significant milestone in the development of smart water. It is anticipated that this initiative will promote more collaboration and application of smart detection technologies between the Mainland and Hong Kong, contributing to positioning both the nation and Hong Kong as global benchmarks in smart water.
HKETO, Brussels supports Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra’s European Tour and Debut at Het Concertgebouw
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
HKETO, Brussels supports Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra’s European Tour and Debut at Het ConcertgebouwIssued at HKT 23:34
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Speech by FS at 2025 Global Innovation Index Ranking of World’s Top 100 Innovation Clusters Ceremonial Dinner (English only)
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Following is the speech by the Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, at the 2025 Global Innovation Index Ranking of World’s Top 100 Innovation Clusters Ceremonial Dinner today (September 1):
Deputy Director-General Wang (Deputy Director General of WIPO, Ms Wang Binying), æ�Žå‰¯ç‰¹æ´¾å“¡ (Deputy Commissioner of the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Mr Li Yongsheng), 張副局長 (Deputy Commissioner of the China National Intellectual Property Administration Mr Zhang Zhicheng), 王副局長 (Deputy Director of Bureau III of the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council, Mr Wang Jie), ladies and gentlemen,
Good evening.
Welcome to tonight’s ceremonial dinner. I trust you enjoyed today’s inspiring discussions and look forward now to an enjoyable evening.
My thanks, once again, to WIPO (World Intellectual Property Organization) for choosing Hong Kong to launch the inaugural Global Innovation Cluster Ranking. I’m grateful, too, for the support of the central ministries and authorities.
Let me begin by saying how proud we are that Shenzhen, Hong Kong and Guangzhou together have been named the world’s most innovative cluster. This significant achievement speaks volumes about our region’s collective commitment to innovation and technology.
In innovation today, no force is more transformative than artificial intelligence. AI is reinventing business models, redefining productivity and revolutionising how we work, communicate and live. Allow me to take this opportunity to say a few words about Hong Kong’s vision and strategy in this area.
Fully recognising the value AI can create for our businesses and community, Hong Kong has prioritised AI as a core industry, and a key enabler in upgrading our traditional industries and sectors.
Our AI strategy advances along five key fronts: algorithms, computing power, data, capital and talent.
Algorithms and computing power include investing in our R&D (research and development) capabilities and infrastructure. For example, in this year’s Budget, I announced the establishment of the Hong Kong Artificial Intelligence Research and Development Institute, which will focus on translating AI research into real-world applications. The Institute will be launched next year.
And Cyberport, our digital hub and AI accelerator, operates a supercomputing centre, providing essential support for wider AI applications. The Government is also providing funds to local universities, research institutes and businesses to make use of this computing resource.
Hong Kong is uniquely positioned as a convergence point for data from the Chinese Mainland and the world. And we are now facilitating cross-boundary data flows from the Mainland for R&D, coupled with robust safeguards – crucial for organisations in the biotech and medical fields.
When it comes to capital, Hong Kong is one of the world’s leading financial centres. Besides the stock market, we provide a full spectrum of funding options that support enterprises at their various stages of growth. Hong Kong’s private equity sector, for example, manages about US$230 billion in assets, ranking No. 2 in Asia, only after the Chinese Mainland.
Talent is the driving force of innovation. Which is why we are strengthening AI education at all levels. We are also forging partnerships with such leading technology firms as Tencent, Alibaba, SenseTime and Lenovo, bringing their expertise directly into classrooms and the community. In addition, we support initiatives such as the Hong Kong Qingyuan Club, a joint initiative of the Beijing Academy of Artificial Intelligence and the Hong Kong Investment Corporation to encourage young AI scientists to engage in global AI exchanges here in Hong Kong.
Our goal is clear: to ensure we have an adequate supply of AI talent, and our next generation is AI-ready, equipped with the skills and knowledge to flourish in an AI-driven world.
Ladies and gentlemen, Hong Kong’s AI strategy reflects our broader innovation philosophy, in which talent, capital and technology reinforce one another in an open ecosystem.
In that same spirit, I want to assure you that Hong Kong is open and welcoming. We are keen to collaborate with governments, businesses and entrepreneurs from around the world, driving innovation for the benefit of all.
Ladies and gentlemen, I know you will enjoy this special evening and the innovative company all about you.
Thank you.