Category: MIL-OSI

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     Following is a question by the Hon Tam Chun-kwok and a written reply by the Secretary for Housing, Ms Winnie Ho, in the Legislative Council today (March 18):
 
Question:

     It has been reported that the Government has identified sufficient land for construction of public rental housing (PRH) units to meet the housing demand in the coming decade. There are views that it is now an opportune time for re-launching the Tenants Purchase Scheme (TPS), and the Government has also indicated its plans to conduct the related studies this year. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council: 
Reply:
 
President,
 
     The Tenants Purchase Scheme (TPS) was first introduced by the Hong Kong Housing Authority (HA) in 1998 to allow the sitting tenants of public rental housing (PRH) to purchase their flats at extremely low prices (12 per cent to 21 per cent of the original price) so as to achieve home ownership. Following a comprehensive review of the housing policy by the Government in 2002, the HA then decided not to roll out new TPS estates after the sale of TPS Phase 6B in August 2005. While sitting tenants in the 39 TPS estates can still opt to purchase their flats, the HA also puts up recovered TPS flats for sale in the Home Ownership Scheme (HOS) and Green Form Subsidised Home Ownership Scheme (GSH) sale exercises to eligible Green Form (GF) applicants. 
     In fact, under the prevailing mechanism, PRH applicants who have passed the detailed vetting may choose to apply for a Green Form Certificate (GFC) to purchase various types of subsidised sale flats (SSF) of HA, including HOS, GSH and recovered TPS flats. In recent years, the supply of SSF for sale has increased significantly. In the next five-year period (2026/27 to 2030/31), the supply of HOS flats is expected to reach nearly 59 000, representing a significant increase of nearly 50 per cent compared to the first five-year period when the current-term Government took office (2022/23 to 2026/27). The HA has also introduced various measures to assist PRH tenants and GFC holders in home purchase, including adjusting the ratio of GF and White Form from 40:60 to 50:50 starting from “HOS 2025”. It is believed that these measures will help parties concerned achieve their home ownership aspirations.
 
Note: Multiple reasons could be selected.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     ​According to the latest labour force statistics (i.e. provisional figures for December 2025 – February 2026) released today (March 18) by the Census and Statistics Department (C&SD), the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate decreased from 3.9% in November 2025 – January 2026 to 3.8% in December 2025 – February 2026. The underemployment rate remained unchanged at 1.7% in the two periods.

     Comparing December 2025 – February 2026 with November 2025 – January 2026, the unemployment rate (not seasonally adjusted) decreased in many major economic sectors, with more distinct decreases observed in the retail sector, accommodation services sector, and foundation and superstructure sector. Movements in the underemployment rate in different industry sectors varied, but the magnitudes were generally not large.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

Following is a question by the Hon Chirs Ip and a reply by the Secretary for Environment and Ecology, Mr Tse Chin-wan, in the Legislative Council today (March 18):

Question:
 
It has been reported that during the Lunar New Year (LNY) holidays this year, quite a number of visitors camped in Hong Kong’s countryside, leaving substantial amounts of litter on nearby beaches and in public toilets, and some were even suspected of illegally lighting fires. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
 
(1) as an environmental group has estimated that more than 10 000 people visited the Sai Kung Country Park (including Ham Tin Wan and Sai Wan) via Pak Tam Chung during this year’s LNY holidays, and over 1 200 tents were pitched at campsites, whether the Government has compiled statistics on the numbers of tents and overnight visitors at various designated government-managed campsites in the Sai Kung District between the first and the seventh days of LNY this year, and of the highest figures recorded;
 
(2) of the total number of enforcement operations conducted by the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) at various designated campsites in the Sai Kung District during the first seven days of LNY this year, and the respective numbers of Hong Kong residents and inbound visitors prosecuted in those operations; and
 
(3) given the Government’s previous indication that it would study the introduction of a booking or fee-charging system for scenic spots in the countryside, of the preliminary details of such a system; whether, prior to the implementation of any new system, special measures will be taken during festive holidays to prevent a recurrence of crowding and disorder at campsites; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that?
 
Reply:
 
President,

Our country has been stressing “lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets”, and advances the visionary initiative of harmonious coexistence between humanity and nature. To implement the country’s principle and protect Hong Kong’s irreplaceable biodiversity, the Government has been attaching great importance to ecological conservation, with a view to contributing to the building of a “Beautiful China” and a “Beautiful Hong Kong”. In December 2025, Hong Kong’s Mirs Bay was selected as an “Outstanding Example of Beautiful Bays” with an excellent overall score, reflecting the Government’s efforts and achievements in protecting, planning, managing, and restoring the natural ecology.
 
In recent years, Hong Kong’s beautiful countryside has attracted many visitors, in particular, the Sai Kung East Country Park has become a favourable destination for hiking and camping for many people. Before the start of this year’s Chinese New Year Golden Week, the Government had already made arrangements for designated camp sites in the Sai Kung district, including erecting promotional and educational banners and signs at prominent locations in the campsites, formulating management measures, as well as conducting patrol, cleaning, litter collection, and public education. Since February 14, the AFCD had deployed staff at hotspots, including Ham Tin Wan, Sai Wan, and Long Ke Wan, to patrol and remind campers to observe camping etiquette and code. The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department had also assigned toilet attendants to be on duty at the Ham Tin Wan public toilet during the Golden Week on a daily basis, and installed network cameras to monitor the cleanliness of the areas outside the public toilet.
 
During the Chinese New Year Golden Week, while the number of camping tents was significantly higher than usual with intense atmosphere of camping, the Government had implemented various measures, and the overall usage, hygiene, and order of the Sai Kung district campsites were largely in line with the plan. During the period, the AFCD had released photos a number of times showing the actual conditions of the campsites after the campers had left, and there had been no severe damage to the ecological environment of Ham Tin Wan, Sai Wan, and Long Ke Wan. Regarding another hotspot, namely the East Dam, under inter-departmental collaboration, public transport services and traffic management had been enhanced. The AFCD had also published crowd information of the East Dam on the “Enjoy Hiking” website, arranged cleaning services, added fencing and erected warning signs at the Po Pin Chau viewing platform, and conducted patrols as planned. The overall situation was also largely in line with the plan, and visitor activities were generally smooth.
 
On where camping and lighting fires are permitted, according to the Country Parks and Special Areas Regulations, campers may erect tents or camps in designated areas within country parks and special areas. The Country Parks and Special Areas Regulations also allow campers and visitors to light and use fires in designated campsites or designated barbecue sites. The entire beach areas of Ham Tin Wan and Long Ke Wan have been designated as campsites, where visitors are permitted to light and use fires.  Additionally, campers should keep the countryside clean, and the fixed penalty for littering offences within country parks is $3,000.
 
In response to the question raised by the Hon Chris Ip, my reply is as follows:
 
(i) The AFCD has established a total of 41 designated campsites in country parks across Hong Kong, of which nine are located in the Sai Kung district, including Ham Tin Wan Campsite, Sai Wan Campsite, Long Ke Wan Campsite, and Pak Lap Campsite. For campers’ reference, the AFCD classifies the campsites into large, medium, and small sizes. One that can accommodate over 50 tent spaces is a large campsite. Ham Tin Wan Campsite and Sai Wan Campsite are classified as large campsites, and because their areas are significantly larger than other typical large campsites, they can accommodate a much higher number of tents than others. Currently, except for the Twisk Campsite which requires reservation, all other designated campsites are available for visitors on a “first-come, first-served” basis. Therefore, the AFCD does not keep records of the maximum number of tents or overnight visitors for these campsites, though it is roughly estimated that Ham Tin Wan Campsite had around 300 tents at the peak.
 
(ii) During the Chinese New Year Golden Week period, i.e. from  February 14 to 23, the AFCD took enforcement actions against 32 suspected offenders at popular countryside locations within the Sai Kung district’s country parks.  Among these, 27 were non-local residents, with 16 involved in littering, eight spitting, and three lighting fires outside designated campsites or designated barbecue sites. Five were local residents, with one involved in littering, one lighting fires outside designated campsites or designated barbecue sites, and three illegal bicycle activities. The above violations mainly occurred along Sections 1 and 2 of the MacLehose Trail and the East Dam area.
 
(iii) To better manage popular hiking sites under the AFCD’s purview and to support the development of the tourism industry, the Environment and Ecology Bureau and the AFCD are examining the feasibility of introducing a reservation and fee-charging system at some popular countryside locations and campsites. The review will fully consider the conditions of different sites, ecological protection, visitor safety, access control and various details of practical implementation, such as reservation arrangements, how to collect fee, whether to adopt real-name reservation system, corresponding enforcement and management arrangements, necessary supporting facilities and promotional plans.  As the reservation and fee-charging system differs from the current management measures applicable to most of the countryside sites managed by it, the AFCD plans to conduct trials to test different management methods and measures prior to implementation. This aims to gain experience and evaluate the pros and cons of different approaches and help formulate a long-term implementation plan.
 
At the same time, the AFCD will continue to formulate management measures and make preparation for its popular countryside and camping sites during holiday periods, closely monitor the situation at popular countryside locations, and execute the plan of conducting various cleaning and management works, patrols and enforcement, as well as wider publicity and education on countryside etiquette. The department will also collaborate with other departments and organisations to promote different countryside attractions across Hong Kong to diverse visitor flow.
 
Thank you, President.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

    ​ The Global Talent Summit Week (GTS Week) organised by Hong Kong Talent Engage (HKTE) commenced today (March 18). Its flagship events, the International Talent Forum and the CareerConnect Expo, will be held over two consecutive days. From now until March 29, HKTE will collaborate with local and overseas partners to host nine satellite events focusing on the integration of education, technology and talent. The GTS Week highlights Hong Kong’s position and advantages as an international talent hub and the country’s gateway for talent.

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, officiated at the opening ceremony of the GTS Week and delivered the opening address. He said that Hong Kong is fast rising as an international talent hub, driven by a comprehensive and forward-looking strategy that integrates talent development with economic transformation, technological advancement and regional co-operation. Such efforts have been widely recognised, with Hong Kong rising to fourth globally and first in Asia in the International Institute for Management Development’s World Talent Ranking 2025. 

Mr Lee said that Hong Kong will continue to uphold openness, deepen international engagement and align closely with national development strategies. Policies in education, innovation and infrastructure will be further refined to ensure Hong Kong remains a fertile ground for ideas and enterprises, where global talent feels welcomed, valued and supported. He stressed that while economic indicators and technological achievements are important, human development remains the ultimate goal, and Hong Kong will continue to place people at the centre of its vision for the future.

Vice Minister of Human Resources and Social Security Mr Yu Jiadong stated in his speech that talent is the primary resource for economic and social development. Building a national high-calibre talent hub is the top-level design and strategic plan, to accelerate the building of a strong country with talent. In recent years, Hong Kong has been fully committed to boosting the economy, proactively attracting talent, leveraging the role as the country’s gateway for talent. This year’s GTS Week has successfully established an important platform for all parties to exchange experiences, providing strong support for accelerating the development of a high-calibre talent hub. He emphasised the need to jointly build a talent hub, share talent dividends, and foster an open, inclusive, and complementary talent ecosystem, ensuring that these benefits better serve both Hong Kong and the Mainland, ultimately contributing to the nation’s prosperity.

This year’s International Talent Forum, themed “Connecting Global Minds”, brings together leaders from government, business and academia from Hong Kong and abroad to discuss future trends and strategies within the talent ecosystem. 

Professor Christopher A Pissarides, a 2010 Nobel Laureate in Economic Sciences, delivered a keynote speech on the future of work in a changing world. He said, “Artificial intelligence is not intended to replace human labour, but to enhance capabilities, drive productivity growth and improve overall well-being. To meet this technological transformation, it is essential to promote lifelong learning and help talent prepare for the future. As a global financial and trade centre, Hong Kong can leverage the Greater Bay Area’s advantages as a hub for innovation hardware and industrial artificial intelligence to attract more young talent and build itself into an international innovation and technology centre.”

     The Chief Executive Officer of the Hong Kong Jockey Club, Mr Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges, shared in a featured speech on how the Jockey Club reinforces its position as an ideal employer to attract global high-calibre talent. He also elaborated on strategies for nurturing potential employees into leaders and retaining talent. The Chairman of McKinsey & Company Greater China, Mr Joe Ngai, and the Chief Development Officer of the South China Morning Post, Mr Eugene Tang, then engaged in a fireside chat exploring the new talent equation for China in the next era of tech and AI models.

Three panel discussions were held in the afternoon, focusing on education, technology and talent respectively. In the education session, the President of Peking University, Professor Gong Qihuang; the President of the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Professor Nancy Ip; Professor of Higher Education (Emeritus) at the University of Oxford Professor Simon Marginson; and the American President and Executive Vice Chancellor of Duke Kunshan University, Professor John Quelch, discussed the paradigm shift in education and talent strategy in the future. They also shared insights on fostering innovation and nurturing talent through cross-border collaboration and industry partnerships.

In the technology session, the Chief AI Officer and Director of the Labour Market Information Department, Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation, United Arab Emirates, Mr Omran AlShamsi; the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of KESK, Ms Basima Abdulrahman; the Chief Executive Officer of AlipayHK and General Manager of Greater China at Ant International, Ms Venetia Lee; Co-founder and the Chief Scientist of SenseTime Group Limited, Dr Lin Dahua; and the Group President of Animoca Brands, Mr Evan Auyang, explored the identification of emerging capabilities, team hiring and development, as well as forward-looking strategies to provide innovative solutions for the sustainable development of the global technology and talent ecosystem, thereby addressing future international challenges and opportunities.

The talent session featured the Vice President of Talent Solutions of Asia Pacific at LinkedIn, Ms Ruchee Anand; the Managing Director of Global Partnerships and Client Solutions, and Chief Representative of Beijing Representative Office at CFA Institute, Mr Paul Moody; Group Executive of Artificial Intelligence of SEEK Mr Grant Wright; and Group Chief People and Culture Officer at DFI Retail Group Ms Joy Xu. They shared insights on how AI and digital technology are reshaping talent strategies, and elaborated on how Hong Kong can reinforce its role as a “super connector”, linking the Chinese Mainland with the world, to further strengthen its position as an international talent hub.

In addition, HKTE premiered its latest promotional video during the GTS Week’s opening session. The video features four talents with diverse backgrounds currently living and working in Hong Kong. They share how they are utilising the city’s international and multicultural platform and its liveable environment to further their careers while enjoying a diverse lifestyle with their families, truly “orchestrating achievements” in Hong Kong. The video also highlights Hong Kong’s unique advantages of being backed by the motherland and connected to the world under the “one country, two systems” principle, demonstrating the city’s irreplaceable appeal to global talent.

Prior to the GTS Week’s opening session, the Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Mr Chris Sun, accompanied Mainland official delegates to tour the concurrently running CareerConnect Expo. They visited the HKTE exhibition area, as well as the thematic zones for education, technology and talent.

The GTS Week will continue tomorrow (March 19). The International Talent Forum will be webcast live, and the CareerConnect Expo will be open from 10am to 5.30pm tomorrow at Hall 3F of the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. Satellite events under the GTS Week are also taking place concurrently. Interested parties can visit the GTS Week website (gts.hkengage.gov.hk) or HKTE’s social media platforms for more details.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

​Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK) and the Environment and Ecology Bureau (EEB) today (March 18) jointly organised a seminar titled “New Opportunities for Hong Kong Food and Beverage (F&B) Industry in Expanding into Chinese Mainland Market”, attracting the participation of around 80 industry representatives. The seminar aimed to help the industry keep abreast of the latest information and capture emerging business opportunities following the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding on the Inspection, Quarantine and Hygiene Requirements for Meat Products Exported from Hong Kong to the Mainland and the Cooperation Arrangement for the Export of Dairy Products from Hong Kong to the Mainland (collectively referred to as co-operation agreements) in May last year between the EEB and the General Administration of Customs of the People’s Republic of China to facilitate food trade between Hong Kong and the Mainland.
 
The seminar showcased the synergy of cross-departmental collaboration, focusing on how the co-operation agreements facilitate the entry of Hong Kong-manufactured meat and dairy products into the Mainland. Discussions also explored how food brands can leverage the intellectual property advantages of “Made in Hong Kong” products to expand more efficiently into the Mainland food market and enhance competitiveness.
 
     Acting Director-General of Investment Promotion at InvestHK Mr Arnold Lau said, “Demand for high-quality food products in the Mainland market continues to grow, creating significant opportunities for ‘Made in Hong Kong’ food products, which are well known for their high-quality standards. With further streamlined cross-boundary trade procedures, InvestHK will fully support companies establishing F&B operations in Hong Kong to forge connections with Mainland distribution channels and partners, helping them seize the opportunities arising from the Mainland food trade.”
 
     A spokesperson of the EEB said, “‘Food from Hong Kong’ is a reputable brand for Mainland customers. Coupled with the potential of the Mainland market, the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region has facilitated the food industry in opening up the Mainland market by strengthening co-operation with Mainland authorities. We encourage food enterprises to make good use of the policy and seize the market opportunities by exporting food products that satisfy the prescribed requirements to the Mainland.”
 
During the seminar, representatives from the EEB provided a detailed briefing on the requirements and procedures for Hong Kong food products entering the Mainland market, including testing and certification and facilitation measures for customs clearance, and shared updates on the practical implementation of the co-operation agreements signed last year, offering food enterprises new opportunities for growth. Representatives from InvestHK introduced the wide range of supportive services available to overseas and Mainland companies and highlighted how the Northern Metropolis offers attractive land resources for food businesses to scale up production, strengthen competitiveness through the “Made in Hong Kong” advantage, and capitalise on the growing Mainland market demand.
 
InvestHK will continue to strengthen cross-departmental collaboration, maintain close engagement with the industry, and provide timely information and support to help Hong Kong-manufactured food and beverage businesses seize development opportunities, while promoting economic and trade exchanges and two-way investment between Hong Kong and the Mainland.
 
To download photos, please visit: www.flickr.com/photos/investhk/albums/72177720332586638.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region