Category: MIL-OSI

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Financial Secretary Paul Chan today witnessed the Government signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) on co-operation with regard to the WIPO Lex-Judgments database.

The WIPO Lex-Judgments database provides free, open access to leading judicial decisions relating to intellectual property (IP) from around the world.

Under the MoU, Hong Kong will contribute leading IP judgments from the city’s Judiciary to the database, facilitating access to such judgments by the international IP community while at the same time showcasing the quality of Hong Kong’s IP-related judicial judgments.

Besides Mr Chan, WIPO Deputy Director General Wang Binying and Chief Judge of the High Court Jeremy Poon also witnessed the signing of the MoU by Director of Intellectual Property David Wong and WIPO Assistant Director General Marco Alemán.

The Chief Executive’s 2024 Policy Address announced that Hong Kong would participate in the database with the support of the Central Government.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Mr Chan said Hong Kong’s participation in the database carries special significance.

“Under the ‘one country, two systems’ framework, Hong Kong is the only territory in China practising common law, and in both Chinese and English. Its protection of IP is widely recognised.

“As a trusted venue for resolving IP disputes involving parties from both the Mainland and abroad, our judgments serve as valuable references to the international legal community.”

Mr Chan also highlighted that Hong Kong’s strengthened collaboration with WIPO would not only enhance its role in the international exchange of jurisprudence, but also strengthen its standing as a leading regional hub for IP trading and legal services.

“By enhancing the global transparency of our IP legal regime, we provide greater confidence to international businesses and rights holders to invest and pursue innovation activities here. They can count on our reliable, world-class legal infrastructure for the commercialisation and protection of their IP assets.”

In addition, Mr Chan thanked the Central People’s Government and WIPO for supporting Hong Kong’s IP initiatives over the past years, and reiterated that Hong Kong remains firmly committed to playing an active role in international IP co-operation and contributing to China’s vision of becoming a global IP powerhouse by 2035.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The value of total retail sales in July, provisionally estimated at $29.7 billion, was up 1.8% compared with the same month in 2024, the Census & Statistics Department announced today.

After netting out the effect of price changes over the same period, the provisional estimate for the month was 1% higher year on year.

Online sales accounted for 8.7% of the total retail sales figure for the month. Provisionally estimated at $2.6 billion, the value of online retail sales rose 13.2% compared with a year earlier.

Meanwhile, the value of sales of commodities in supermarkets increased by 0.2%.

There were also increases in the value of sales in the following categories: “other consumer goods not elsewhere classified” (+9.8%); jewellery, watches and clocks, and valuable gifts (+9.4%); apparel (+1.3%); medicines and cosmetics (+2.6%); commodities in department stores (+2.6%); books, newspapers, stationery and gifts (+20.5%); and Chinese drugs and herbs (+19.6%).

By contrast, the value of sales of food, alcoholic drinks and tobacco decreased by 3.1% for the period. Also down were sales of electrical goods and other consumer durable goods not elsewhere classified (-8.2%); motor vehicles and parts (-12.4%); fuels (-10.3%); footwear, allied products and other clothing accessories (-7.6%); furniture and fixtures (-9.4%); and optical items (-2.4%).

The Government said retail sales continued to stabilise in July. Looking ahead, it expects that local consumption sentiment should remain steady, and its proactive efforts in promoting tourism and mega events will also benefit retail businesses.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government today welcomed the World Intellectual Property Organization’s naming of the Shenzhen-Hong Kong-Guangzhou cluster as number one in its index of the world’s top 100 innovation clusters, the Global Innovation Index 2025.

The cluster filed 2,292 Patent Cooperation Treaty applications, published 3,775 scientific articles, and had 135 venture capital deals per million inhabitants over the last five years.

In a press release, the Hong Kong SAR Government said the ranking reflects high international recognition of the Greater Bay Area’s innovative capacity.

For the first time, this year’s index includes the number of venture capital deals as a new metric. The Hong Kong SAR Government highlighted that the Shenzhen-Hong Kong-Guangzhou cluster has excelled in channelling capital to support the translation of innovative ideas into material outcomes. It added that Hong Kong is an international financial centre, while the Mainland and Hong Kong rank first and second for venture capital and private equity fund management in Asia.

Going forward, it said, Hong Kong will continue to closely collaborate with its bay area sister cities to advance regional innovation and technology development, and make greater contributions to China’s development as an innovative nation.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Secretary for Education Choi Yuk-lin ushered in the new school year with students and teachers as she attended school-opening ceremonies at Tai Po Old Market Public School and Munsang College this morning.

Speaking at a ceremony at Tai Po Old Market Public School, Ms Choi remarked that students are living in a fast-changing world in which innovative technology is developing rapidly.

She highlighted that the Education Bureau is committed to helping students leverage technology so that learning can be more effective and fun. This includes introducing AI education into the curricula, strengthening professional training for teachers, promoting media and information literacy, and supporting schools to use innovative technologies to assist teaching.

She said she was delighted with the school having become a Digital Education Centre of Excellence this academic year, and praised it for continuously enhancing its curriculum, integrating the teaching content of humanities, science and STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics) subjects, and incorporating values, national identity and innovative problem-solving into its lessons.

The school is committed to creating a smart and happy campus and has established a technology park (the “60iLAB AI Innovation & Technology (I&T) Learning Laboratory”) and an “IEco” ecological park, with a view to enhancing students’ learning and their innovative thinking skills.

Ms Choi also visited the school’s I&T facilities, and heard from teachers and students about its achievements in digital education. She listened to students present I&T projects and praised the projects’ integration of innovative technology with Chinese culture.

Ms Choi said she hopes the school will make good use of the new subjects of Primary Humanities and Primary Science to strengthen students’ humanistic qualities and spirit of scientific exploration.

She then attended the “Centenary School Year Commencement Ceremony” of Munsang College.

In a speech, she observed that the bureau places great emphasis on values education as a cornerstone of whole-person development, and prioritises national identity and law-abidingness, integrating these principles into national security education.

Building on these values, Munsang College applies them through various initiatives aimed at deepening students’ understanding and appreciation of Chinese culture and heritage. These include its Chinese Culture Week and student exchange activities with sister schools on the Mainland.

The education chief also commended the school for its dedication to promoting mental health on campus and its active participation in the bureau’s 4Rs (rest, relaxation, relationship and resilience) Mental Health Charter, which aims to enhance mental health awareness among students, teachers and parents.

In addition, the school encourages students to not only pursue academic excellence but also take part in diverse learning experiences and devote themselves to serving others. This ethos aligns closely with the bureau’s vision for whole-person development.

Ms Choi expressed gratitude to the teaching teams of both schools for their devotion to nurturing students.

She encouraged students to seize opportunities in the new school year, keep learning and practicing, and strive to enhance their abilities and qualities so as to contribute to the country’s future development.

Source: Government of Singapore

Singapore, 1 September 2025 – Southwest Monsoon conditions are prevailing and expected to persist over Singapore and the surrounding region in the coming fortnight with winds blowing mainly from the southeast or southwest.

2          In the first fortnight of September 2025, Sumatra squalls may bring widespread thundery showers and gusty winds in the pre-dawn and morning on several days. In addition, moderate to heavy thundery showers are expected over parts of the island in the late morning and afternoon on some days. The total rainfall for the first fortnight of September 2025 is forecast to be above average over most parts of the island.

3          The daily maximum temperatures are likely to range between 32 degrees Celsius and 34 degrees Celsius on most days.

4          For updates of the daily weather forecast, please visit the MSS website (www.weather.gov.sg), NEA website (www.nea.gov.sg), or download the myENV app.

REVIEW OF THE PAST TWO WEEKS (15 – 31 AUGUST 2025)

5          Southwest Monsoon conditions prevailed over Singapore and the surrounding region in the second fortnight of August 2025, with winds blowing mostly from the southeast or southwest.

6          In the second fortnight of August 2025, localised short-duration thundery showers fell over parts of the island on several days. Sumatra squalls also brought thundery showers and gusty winds over Singapore in the pre-dawn and morning on a few days. On 24 August 2025, the passage of a Sumatra squall brought widespread thundery showers and gusty winds over Singapore in the early morning. The daily total rainfall of 104.2mm recorded at Ulu Pandan that day was the highest rainfall recorded for the second fortnight of August 2025.

7          The daily maximum temperatures in the second fortnight of August 2025 were between 32 degrees Celsius and 34 degrees Celsius on most days. The highest daily maximum temperature of 34.7 degrees Celsius was recorded at Ang Mo Kio on 22 August 2025.

8          About half of Singapore recorded above average rainfall in the second fortnight of August 2025. The area around Clementi registered rainfall of 128 per cent above average, and the area around Changi registered rainfall of 40 per cent below average.

CLIMATE STATION STATISTICS

Long-term Statistics for September   (Climatological reference period: 1991-2020)
Average daily maximum temperature:	31.6	°C
Average daily minimum temperature:	25.2	°C
Average monthly temperature:	28.0	°C
Average rainfall:	124.9	mm
Average number of rain days:	13
Historical Extremes for September   (Rainfall since 1869 and temperature since 1929)
Highest monthly mean daily maximum temperature:	33.0	°C (2019)
Lowest monthly mean daily minimum temperature:	22.4	°C (1930)
Highest monthly rainfall ever recorded:	440.4	mm (1988)
Lowest monthly rainfall ever recorded:	22.8	mm (2019)

 

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METEOROLOGICAL SERVICE SINGAPORE

1 Sep 2025

~~ End ~~

For more information, please submit your enquiries electronically via the Online Feedback Form or myENV mobile application.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Secretary for Education, Dr Choi Yuk-lin, visited Tai Po Old Market Public School and Munsang College this morning (September 1) to join their school-opening ceremonies and commence the new school year with the students and teachers.
 
Dr Choi first visited Tai Po Old Market Public School. Speaking at the ceremony, she said that students are living in a fast-changing world with the rapid development of innovative technology. The Education Bureau (EDB) is committed to helping students leverage technology to make learning more effective and fun. The initiatives include introducing AI education to the curricula, strengthening professional training for teachers, promoting media and information literacy, and supporting schools to use innovative technologies to assist teaching.
 
She said that she was delighted with the school having become a Digital Education Centre of Excellence this academic year. She praised the school for continuously enhancing its school-based curriculum, organically integrating the teaching contents of humanities, science and STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics) subjects, and incorporating values education, national identity and innovative problem-solving elements, thereby enriching students’ learning experiences. Moreover, the school is committed to creating a “smart and happy campus” as the learning environment. It has set up the 60iLAB AI Innovation and Technology (I&T) Learning Laboratory, a technology park and an IEco ecological park, with an aim of enhancing students’ learning interest and effectiveness, and cultivating their innovative thinking.
 
Dr Choi also toured the school’s I&T facilities, and interacted with students and teachers to learn about the school’s achievements in digital education. She listened to students’ presentations of I&T projects and particularly commended the projects’ integration of innovative technology with Chinese culture. Dr Choi said that she hoped the school would make good use of the new subjects of primary humanities and science to strengthen students’ humanistic qualities and spirit of scientific exploration.
 
Dr Choi then attended the Centenary School Year Commencement Ceremony of Munsang College. In her speech, she said that the EDB places great emphasis on values education as a cornerstone of whole-person development, and prioritises national identity and law-abidingness, integrating these principles into national security education. Building on these values, Munsang College exemplifies its practical application through organising various related activities such as Chinese Culture Week and student exchange activities with sister schools on the Mainland, deepening students’ understanding and appreciation of Chinese culture and heritage.
 
She also commended the school for its dedication to promoting mental health on campus and active participation in the EDB’s 4Rs Mental Health Charter (rest, relaxation, relationship and resilience) to enhance mental health awareness among students, teachers and parents. In addition, the school encourages students to not only pursue academic excellence but also take part in diverse learning experiences and devote themselves to serving others. This ethos aligns closely with the EDB’s vision for whole-person development.
 
Dr Choi expressed gratitude to the teaching teams of both schools for their devotion to nurturing students. She encouraged students to seize the opportunities of the new school year, keep learning and practicing, and strive to enhance their abilities and qualities for contribution to the country’s development in the future.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

​The self-service library station located at the Island East Sports Centre Sitting-out Area will suspend services from 9.30pm on September 15 (Monday) to 8am on the following day to facilitate the periodic inspection and testing of electrical installations at the venue, a spokesman for the Leisure and Cultural Services Department announced today (September 1).

During the service suspension period, readers are welcome to use the book drop services of other public libraries, including those at the MTR Central, Kowloon Tong and Nam Cheong stations, to return library materials. They may also renew library materials by telephoning 2698 0002 or 2827 2833 or via www.hkpl.gov.hk.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     Following is the speech by the Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, at the launch event of the 2025 Global Innovation Index Ranking of World’s Top 100 Innovation Clusters today (September 1):
    
Deputy Director-General Wang Binying (Deputy Director General of World Intellectual Property Organization, Ms Wang Binying), 尊敬的陳家昌副部長 (Vice Minister of the Ministry of Science and Technology, Dr Chen Jiachang), 張志æˆ�副局長(Deputy Commissioner of the China National Intellectual Property Administration, Dr Zhang Zhicheng), 王æ�·å‰¯å±€é•· (Deputy Director of Bureau III of the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council, Mr Wang Jie), 王å�‰æ˜Žéƒ¨é•· (Director-General of the Department of Educational, Scientific and Technological Affairs of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Dr Wang Weiming), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
 
Good afternoon. It is a great pleasure to join you today for the launch of the Global Innovation Index (GII) Ranking of the World’s Top 100 Innovation Clusters.
 
And a warm welcome to the scientists, academics, policymakers and business leaders joining us from around the world. Today’s gathering presents an exceptional opportunity to exchange insights, learn from one another, and explore new avenues for collaboration in innovation and technology.
 
Let me also express my sincere appreciation to the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) for selecting Hong Kong as the host city for this landmark occasion. My gratitude also goes to the central authorities and organisations for their steadfast support in making this event a reality.

The evolving GII Innovation Clusters
 
For years now, the GII’s Science and Technology Cluster ranking has been globally recognised as a rigorous assessment of innovation concentration. By analysing patent filings and scientific publications, it offers governments, investors and researchers a valuable snapshot of regional strengths and potential partnerships.
 
This year, the ranking has been revamped as “Innovation Clusters”, with the timely and judicious addition of venture capital deals as a key indicator. Innovation today is not only driven by ideas and talent, but also by capital – the essential fuel enabling inspiring ideas to emerge as real-world enterprises.
 
Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area: a leading innovation powerhouse
 
Allow me to turn to Hong Kong and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA). Together, we are exceptionally well positioned to become one of the world’s most dynamic and influential innovation clusters, with Hong Kong playing a pivotal role.
 
Under the “one country, two systems” framework, Hong Kong enjoys unparalleled advantages. We have seamless and often priority access to the GBA and the broader Mainland market. No less important, we uphold the rule of law, maintain robust intellectual property protection, ensure the free flow of capital, data and talent, and are fully aligned with international standards and best practices.
 
Let me highlight three areas – technology, capital and talent – in which Hong Kong offers unique value.
 
First, technology. Hong Kong is a centre of academic and research excellence. We are home to five universities ranked among the world’s top 100 – three of which are in the global top 20 in artificial intelligence and data science, and two in the top 25 for medical sciences. Our city also hosts 15 State Key Laboratories and six National Engineering Research Centres.
 
In recent years, we have made significant investments to strengthen our entire innovation chain, from fundamental research to outcome commercialisation and advanced manufacturing. We are strategically focused on sectors in which we hold clear advantages: artificial intelligence, biotech, fintech, new energy and new materials.
 
We are also proactive in attracting leading global enterprises with cutting-edge technologies to Hong Kong. To date, we have welcomed more than 80 such companies, committing a total investment of about US$6.5 billion, while creating more than 20 000 high-quality jobs.
 
Collaboration with our sister cities in the GBA further amplifies our potential. Guangzhou and Shenzhen lead in application and deployment, while Dongguan and Huizhou have compelling strengths in advanced manufacturing. Together, these cities offer immense production capacity, commercialisation opportunities and access to a vast consumer market.
 
To accelerate this collaboration, Hong Kong is developing its Northern Metropolis. A strategic area bordering Shenzhen, it covers one-third of Hong Kong’s landmass. It will include the Shenzhen–Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Co-operation Zone, which will pioneer cross-boundary policies that enable the seamless flow of talent, capital, data and other resources.
 
Second, capital. Hong Kong is Asia’s premier financial centre. We offer deep liquidity, a wide spectrum of financing channels and a supportive environment for innovation.
 
Consider our stock market. In the first seven months of this year, Hong Kong led the world in IPO fundraising, with 53 new listings raising about US$16 billion. Follow-on fundraising reached US$44 billion, nearly double the figure over the same period in 2024. Over the years, we have introduced targeted reforms to boost the listing of innovation and technology companies.
 
Beyond the equities market, Hong Kong is blessed with a vibrant ecosystem of angel investors, venture capital and private equity funds, supporting companies at every stage of growth.
 
We are also committed to nurturing patient capital. In 2022, we established the Hong Kong Investment Corporation (HKIC). It invests directly and co-invests with private partners in strategic sectors such as hard tech, biotech and green technology. To date, the HKIC has invested in more than 120 projects across various sectors, leveraging more than five dollars of market capital for every single dollar it invested.
 
Third, talent, the cornerstone of successful innovation. More than home to top-tier universities and research institutes, Hong Kong offers exceptional quality of life. With a safe and cosmopolitan environment, world-class education and abundant career opportunities across finance, technology and beyond, Hong Kong is a city where talent can flourish.
 
We are attracting global innovation talent through a variety of admission schemes, including overseas Chinese scientists and researchers. With Hong Kong’s international outlook and the GBA’s vast market potential, we are confident that our region will continue to attract the brightest minds from around the world. 
 
Concluding remarks
 
Taken together, Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area combine the strengths of the San Francisco Bay Area and the New York Bay Area – bringing together world-class tech research, innovative companies, deep financial markets, manufacturing capabilities and a massive consumer base.
 
Ladies and gentlemen, later today, you will hear from prominent speakers across the GBA and other global innovation clusters. They will share their insights on the opportunities that lie ahead in their regions.
 
I trust that today’s dynamic discussions will inspire even greater collaboration across borders and disciplines. And I wish you an enjoyable stay in Hong Kong, Asia’s world city. Thank you very much.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Census and Statistics Department (C&SD) released the latest figures on retail sales today (September 1).

     The value of total retail sales in July 2025, provisionally estimated at $29.7 billion, increased by 1.8% compared with the same month in 2024. The revised estimate of the value of total retail sales in June 2025 increased by 0.7% compared with a year earlier. For the first 7 months of 2025 taken together, it was provisionally estimated that the value of total retail sales decreased by 2.6% compared with the same period in 2024.

     Of the total retail sales value in July 2025, online sales accounted for 8.7%. The value of online retail sales in that month, provisionally estimated at $2.6 billion, increased by 13.2% compared with the same month in 2024. The revised estimate of online retail sales in June 2025 increased by 13.1% compared with a year earlier. For the first 7 months of 2025 taken together, it was provisionally estimated that the value of online retail sales increased by 2.1% compared with the same period in 2024.

     After netting out the effect of price changes over the same period, the provisional estimate of the volume of total retail sales in July 2025 increased by 1.0% compared with a year earlier. The revised estimate of the volume of total retail sales in June 2025 decreased by 0.3% compared with a year earlier. For the first 7 months of 2025 taken together, the provisional estimate of the total retail sales decreased by 4.0% in volume compared with the same period in 2024.

     Analysed by broad type of retail outlet in descending order of the provisional estimate of the value of sales and comparing July 2025 with July 2024, the value of sales of commodities in supermarkets increased by 0.2%. This was followed by sales of other consumer goods not elsewhere classified (+9.8% in value); jewellery, watches and clocks, and valuable gifts (+9.4%); wearing apparel (+1.3%); medicines and cosmetics (+2.6%); commodities in department stores (+2.6%); books, newspapers, stationery and gifts (+20.5%); and Chinese drugs and herbs (+19.6%).

     On the other hand, the value of sales of food, alcoholic drinks and tobacco decreased by 3.1% in July 2025 over a year earlier. This was followed by sales of electrical goods and other consumer durable goods not elsewhere classified (-8.2% in value); motor vehicles and parts (-12.4%); fuels (-10.3%); footwear, allied products and other clothing accessories (-7.6%); furniture and fixtures (-9.4%); and optical shops (-2.4%).

     Based on the seasonally adjusted series, the provisional estimate of the value of total retail sales increased by 2.1% in the three months ending July 2025 compared with the preceding three-month period, while the provisional estimate of the volume of total retail sales increased by 2.0%.
 
Commentary

     A government spokesman said that retail sales continued to stabilise in July. The value of total retail sales increased by 1.8% over the year, slightly faster than the increase in the preceding month.

     Looking ahead, the spokesman said that local consumption sentiment should remain steady. The Government’s proactive efforts in promoting tourism and mega events will also benefit retail businesses.

Further information

     Table 1 presents the revised figures on value index and value of retail sales for all retail outlets and by broad type of retail outlet for June 2025 as well as the provisional figures for July 2025. The provisional figures on the value of retail sales for all retail outlets and by broad type of retail outlet as well as the corresponding year-on-year changes for the first 7 months of 2025 taken together are also shown.

     Table 2 presents the revised figures on value of online retail sales for June 2025 as well as the provisional figures for July 2025. The provisional figures on year-on-year changes for the first 7 months of 2025 taken together are also shown.

     Table 3 presents the revised figures on volume index of retail sales for all retail outlets and by broad type of retail outlet for June 2025 as well as the provisional figures for July 2025. The provisional figures on year-on-year changes for the first 7 months of 2025 taken together are also shown.

     Table 4 shows the movements of the value and volume of total retail sales in terms of the year-on-year rate of change for a month compared with the same month in the preceding year based on the original series, and in terms of the rate of change for a three-month period compared with the preceding three-month period based on the seasonally adjusted series.

     The classification of retail establishments follows the Hong Kong Standard Industrial Classification (HSIC) Version 2.0, which is used in various economic surveys for classifying economic units into different industry classes.

     These retail sales statistics measure the sales receipts in respect of goods sold by local retail establishments and are primarily intended for gauging the short-term business performance of the local retail sector. Data on retail sales are collected from local retail establishments through the Monthly Survey of Retail Sales (MRS). Local retail establishments with and without physical shops are covered in MRS and their sales, both through conventional shops and online channels, are included in the retail sales statistics.

     The retail sales statistics cover consumer spending on goods but not on services (such as those on housing, catering, medical care and health services, transport and communication, financial services, education and entertainment) which account for over 50% of the overall consumer spending. Moreover, they include spending on goods in Hong Kong by visitors but exclude spending outside Hong Kong by Hong Kong residents. Hence they should not be regarded as indicators for measuring overall consumer spending.

     Users interested in the trend of overall consumer spending should refer to the data series of private consumption expenditure (PCE), which is a major component of the Gross Domestic Product published at quarterly intervals. Compiled from a wide range of data sources, PCE covers consumer spending on both goods (including goods purchased from all channels) and services by Hong Kong residents whether locally or abroad. Please refer to the C&SD publication “Gross Domestic Product by Expenditure Component” for more details.

     More detailed statistics are given in the “Report on Monthly Survey of Retail Sales”. Users can browse and download this publication at the website of the C&SD (www.censtatd.gov.hk/en/EIndexbySubject.html?pcode=B1080003&scode=530).

     Users who have enquiries about the survey results may contact the Distribution Services Statistics Section of C&SD (Tel: 3903 7400; E-mail : mrs@censtatd.gov.hk).

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Social Welfare Department (SWD) is inviting applications from eligible persons or organisations for the IT Scheme for People with Visual Impairment (10th Round) and the Central Fund for Personal Computers (52nd Round) from today (September 1) until October 3. 
 
     The IT Scheme for People with Visual Impairment supports non-profit-making organisations providing services or schooling for people with visual impairment (PVI) and tertiary institutions to acquire advanced Chinese screen readers, Braille displays and accessories/portable devices to enable PVI to browse the Internet, and to subsidise individual PVI with financial difficulties to purchase these assistive devices for meeting their needs on studying or employment.  

Eligible organisations may lodge their applications by completing the designated forms. Eligible persons are required to apply through nominations by non-governmental organisations operating subvented rehabilitation services, the student affairs offices of local tertiary institutions, principals of local secondary/primary schools, or the Selective Placement Division of the Labour Department (LD).
 
     The Central Fund for Personal Computers aims to assist persons with disabilities in acquiring the necessary computer facilities for self-employment or receiving supported employment services at home. Applicants must be receiving services from rehabilitation service organisations or the Selective Placement Division of the LD. Applications should be submitted through the nominating organisations.
 
     The SWD has issued invitations to the relevant organisations for making nominations and applications. Details and application forms of the two schemes are available on the SWD’s website (www.swd.gov.hk/en/pubsvc/rehab/cat_fundtrustfinaid) and CyberAble.net (cyberable.swd.gov.hk/en/index.html). For enquiries, please call 3586 3594 or email mcorenq@swd.gov.hk.