China Chengxin Green Finance expands Hong Kong business for go-global enterprises with enhanced ESG fintech services

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     ​Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK) announced that China Chengxin Group, one of the Chinese Mainland’s longest-established and largest credit rating agencies, is expanding its business in Hong Kong. Under this expansion, its green finance and environmental, social and governance (ESG) arm, China Chengxin Green Finance (CCXGF), today (September 1) entered into a strategic merger with leading Asian sustainability tech platform MioTech to form “CCX-MioTech”. The new entity will offer a dedicated ESG and sustainable development services platform for Mainland enterprises looking to expand abroad, further reinforcing Hong Kong’s role as a launchpad for Mainland and international enterprises expanding overseas.

     A launch ceremony for the CCX-MioTech merger, together with the debut of the entity’s new AI system products, was held in Hong Kong today. Officiating guests at the launch ceremony included the Founder and Chairman of China Chengxin Group, Mr Mao Zhenhua; the Acting Commissioner for Digital Policy of the Innovation, Technology and Industry Bureau, Mr Daniel Cheung; Associate Director-General of Investment Promotion of InvestHK Ms Loretta Lee; the Associate Director of International Affairs and Sustainable Finance of the Securities and Futures Commission, Ms Elaine Ng; the Head of Carbon and ESG Products of Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited, Mr Ken Chiu; the Chief Executive Officer of the Asia Pacific Loan Market Association, Mr Philip Kam; the Senior Director, Asia Pacific of the International Capital Market Association, Mr Ricco Zhang; the Secretary General of the Hong Kong Green Finance Association Mr Tsun Chen; and the Chairman of the Hong Kong Investor Relations Association, Dr Eva Chan.

     Ms Lee, said, “Hong Kong is well positioned to meet the Mainland’s huge demand for green transformation. Our common law system, robust ESG framework and leading professional services make the city an ideal platform for Mainland enterprises to expand overseas. We are delighted to see CCXGF using Hong Kong as its base and joining forces with MioTech to bring AI-powered Chinese ESG fintech services to the world, demonstrating Hong Kong’s unique strengths as a ‘super connector’ and ‘super value-adder’.”

     The Co-President of CCX-MioTech and Chief Executive Officer of China Chengxin Green Finance International, Dr Yang Junhao, said, “As Asia’s sustainable finance centre, Hong Kong is ideally placed to capture the vast opportunities of both the Chinese Mainland and international markets. Its increasingly robust ESG governance framework also gives us an important edge as we position our sustainable finance business strategically. Since beginning operations here in 2022, we became a recognised external reviewer under the Hong Kong Monetary Authority in 2023. Through today’s strategic merger with MioTech, we will use Hong Kong as our go-global hub to take our standardised, technology-driven professional capabilities further into Southeast Asia and markets worldwide.”

     CCXGF is one of the earliest professional institutions on the Chinese Mainland to provide third-party green finance services, with a long-standing focus on green finance assessment and certification, ESG ratings and advisory, data services, and carbon neutrality research. MioTech, for its part, has consistently driven the deep integration of artificial intelligence, data and software into sustainability applications.

     InvestHK provided one-stop support for China Chengxin Green Finance International’s expansion in Hong Kong, including market intelligence, business matching, and connections with local and overseas industry stakeholders, helping to raise the company’s industry profile and open up cross-regional market opportunities.

     For more information about CCXGF, please visit www.ccxgfi.com/en/.

     

Appointments to Lantau Development Advisory Committee announced

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

​The Government announced today (September 1) the appointment of 11 new members and the reappointment of 11 incumbent members to the Lantau Development Advisory Committee (LanDAC) for a two-year term from September 1, 2026, to August 31, 2028.

     LanDAC is responsible for advising the Government on initiatives and specific proposals which are conducive to realising the sustainable development and conservation of Lantau from a holistic perspective to capitalise on the unique strategic advantages of Lantau for meeting the long-term social, housing and economic development needs of Hong Kong.

Membership of LanDAC from September 1, 2026, is as follows:

Chairman
********
Secretary for Development

Non-official members
*******************
Mr Chan Hok-fung#
Ms Judy Chan Kapui#
Ms Joephy Chan Wing-yan#
Professor Leslie Chen Hung-chi
Mrs Vivian Cheung Kar-fay#
Ms Linda Choy Siu-min
Mr Ryan Chuk Hing-toi#
Miss Natalie Chung Sum-yue
Professor Thomas Ho On-sing#
Mr Ho Siu-kei#
Mr Francis Lam Ka-fai#
Mr Anthony Lau Chun-hon#
Ms Ivy Lee Siu-wing#
Mr Thomas Lee
Professor Kenneth Leung Mei-yee
Mr Li Yun-tai
Mr Simon Ng Ka-wing
Dr Winnie Tang Shuk-ming
Mr Wong Fuk-kan
Professor Wong Sze-chun
Mr Yiu Pak-leung#
Ms Vriko Yu Pik-fan

Ex-officio members
******************
Permanent Secretary for Development (Planning and Lands) or representative
Permanent Secretary for Development (Works) or representative
Permanent Secretary for Environment and Ecology (Environment) or representative
Permanent Secretary for Transport and Logistics or representative
Permanent Secretary for Housing or representative
Permanent Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs or representative
Permanent Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism or representative
Director of Civil Engineering and Development
Director of Planning

# new member

HKICL alerts public of fraudulent websites

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority:

Hong Kong Interbank Clearing Limited (HKICL) has recently noted several fraudulent websites purported to be from HKICL:
 
Type 1:
 

  • fpshkicl[.]courses
  • fpshkicl[.]garden

These fraudulent websites imitate as “Buyer Online Protection” to provide services including 1) refund to buyer, 2) unauthorised online transaction reporting, and 3) online transaction support, for online transaction over FPS payment.
 
Type 2:
 

  • hkrefundplatform[.]click

In addition to the above functions of type 1 fraudulent websites, it intends to trick user into giving away personal document number and ID photo together with phone number for real name verification in order to get cash reward. In addition, it also tricks user into providing bank name, bank account number and bank account holder’s name to top up and withdraw money from its platform’s virtual wallet via FPS. Further, it directs user to a WhatsApp chat with the fraudster impersonating as customer service personnel.
 
HKICL advises that these fraudulent websites have no affiliation with HKICL, or any business of HKICL. HKICL will not directly provide FPS service to individual members of the public or contact individual members of the public proactively under usual circumstance. The genuine official website addresses of HKICL are www.hkicl.com.hk and fps.hkicl.com.hk.
 
HKICL urges the public to beware of suspicious calls, websites or other communications, and to remain vigilant in protecting personal information. If members of the public receive any suspicious communication purportedly from HKICL, please call HKICL’s general line at 2533 1111 to verify. Members of the public who suspect that they have become the victim of fraudulent acts should report promptly to the Police.

Occupational safety and health training courses open for applications

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Occupational safety and health training courses open for applications      Unless otherwise specified, the courses will mainly be conducted in Cantonese at the LD’s Occupational Safety and Health Training Centre, 13/F, KOLOUR Tsuen Wan I, 68 Chung On Street, Tsuen Wan. Enrolment is free. 

     Employers who wish to arrange for their employees to attend the courses can log in to the application website (www.oshtc.labour.gov.hk/wpas/?lang=enIssued at HKT 11:00

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Hong Kong Customs reminds non-local watch exhibitors about statutory requirement to submit cash transaction report under Dealers in Precious Metals and Stones Regulatory Regime

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Hong Kong Customs reminds non-local watch exhibitors about statutory requirement to submit cash transaction report under Dealers in Precious Metals and Stones Regulatory Regime      
     Non-Hong Kong dealers can also download the related form      
     Dealers can visit
relevant websiteIssued at HKT 11:00

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Applications for Sir Edward Youde Memorial Overseas Fellowships and Scholarships 2027/28 to close on Friday

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Applications for Sir Edward Youde Memorial Overseas Fellowships and Scholarships 2027/28 to close on Friday      
     The Sir Edward Youde Memorial (SEYM) Fund Council reminded interested applicants today (September 1) that applications for the SEYM Overseas Fellowships and Scholarships and the SEYM Overseas Fellowships and Scholarships for Disabled Students for the 2027/28 academic year will close on Friday (September 4).
      
     The fellowships and scholarships aim at encouraging outstanding students to pursue further studies in renowned institutions overseas. Awardees should aspire to contribute to Hong Kong and be ready to give back to the community upon graduation.
      
     The fellowships are for overseas studies leading to postgraduate degrees either by research or coursework. The maximum value of a fellowship is HK$300,000 per year, tenable for up to three years for a doctoral degree or two years for a master’s degree. The scholarships are for overseas studies leading to undergraduate degrees. The maximum value of a scholarship is HK$280,000 per year, tenable for up to three years.
      
     The applicants will be responsible for fulfilling all application procedures and admission requirements of the academic institutions of their choice.
      
     Information notes for the applications are available on the website of the Student Finance Office of the Working Family and Student Financial Assistance Agency (www.wfsfaa.gov.hk/en/resources/forms/form.htm      
     Shortlisted applicants of the Overseas Fellowships and Scholarships will be invited to attend interviews in Hong Kong. The first round of interviews is scheduled for December 2026 or January 2027. If found suitable, applicants will be invited for a final interview to be held in January or February 2027. For the Overseas Fellowships and Scholarships for Disabled Students, shortlisted applicants will be invited to attend an interview in Hong Kong in January or February 2027.
Issued at HKT 11:00

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Speech by SCED at opening ceremony of HKTDC Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair and Salon de TIME 2026 (English only)

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Speech by SCED at opening ceremony of HKTDC Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair and Salon de TIME 2026 (English only) 
Sophia (Executive Director of the HKTDC, Ms Sophia Chong), Gary (Chairman of the HKTDC Watches & Clocks Advisory Committee, Mr Gary Lau), SK (Co-chairman of the HKTDC Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair 2026 Organising Committee, Mr Chong Sing-kai), Frankie (Co-chairman of the HKTDC Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair 2026 Organising Committee, Mr Frankie Lam), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
 
     Good morning. It is my great pleasure to join you today and officiate at the opening of the 45th edition of the HKTDC Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair and Salon de TIME.
 
     This year is especially meaningful as we celebrate the 45th anniversary of the Fair. Its enduring success is a testament to the dedication of the HKTDC and its co-organisers, as well as to the resilience, creativity and entrepreneurial spirit of our watch and clock industry.
 
     Over the past 45 years, the Fair has evolved from a regional gathering into a leading international timepiece exhibition and a vital meeting point for the global industry. I am delighted that this year’s Fair carries the theme “Sparkling Moments Through Time”. It perfectly captures the dynamic interplay between tradition and innovation. The Fair showcases everything from luxury timepieces and fashion-forward creations to technological and sustainable innovations, while bringing together the entire industry value chain and connecting businesses from around the world.
 
     We are also pleased to welcome microbrands and independent watchmakers alongside established maisons that have defined elegance for generations. The participation of renowned brands from the Chinese Mainland, ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) economies, Europe and America is a further testament to the Fair’s international reach and its appeal as a premier platform for the global timepiece industry.
 
     Such diversity and connectivity are Hong Kong’s greatest assets. They also resonate strongly with the opportunities presented by our country’s 15th Five-Year Plan, which supports Hong Kong in consolidating and enhancing its status as an international trade centre and in playing a greater role in the country’s high-standard opening up. As a “super-connector” between the Chinese Mainland and the global market, we offer a trusted, familiar and business-friendly environment for international companies seeking access to the vast Chinese Mainland market, while providing Mainland brands with an ideal platform from which to expand their global presence.
 
     In line with the opportunities arising from the 15th Five-Year Plan, the Government is fully committed to reinforcing Hong Kong’s status as a premier global business centre and convention and exhibition hub. In 2025, our two mega event venues, the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre and AsiaWorld-Expo, hosted over 360 internationally renowned events, attracting more than 9 million participants. We will continue to invest in our infrastructure and enhance our policy support, with a view to further strengthening Hong Kong’s position as a preferred destination for global exhibitions and a premier meeting place for ideas, investment and business opportunities.
 
     We welcome more large‑scale international exhibitions to Hong Kong, especially with the added incentive of the Government’s $100 million funding scheme to attract international exhibitions featuring new elements. The economic contribution of the exhibition sector is substantial. Our exhibition industry generated $50.2 billion in total economic output in 2024 while international exhibition visitors spent an average of over $9,300 per trip, about 70 per cent more than the average overnight tourist. These figures highlight the vital role of exhibitions in bringing high-value visitors, driving economic activity and creating new business opportunities.
 
     As we mark this significant 45-year milestone, let us draw inspiration from the past, embrace the possibilities of the present, and look ahead to an even brighter future for the industry. Together, let us continue to create more “Sparkling Moments Through Time”.
 
     Thank you, and I wish you all a successful and memorable Fair, and many fruitful exchanges and partnerships in the days ahead. Thank you.
Issued at HKT 11:43

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Hong Kong resident jailed for conspiracy to defraud and making false statutory declaration

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     A Hong Kong male resident was charged with one count of conspiracy to defraud and one count of making a false statutory declaration. He pleaded guilty to the charges at Shatin Magistrates’ Courts, and was convicted and sentenced to 16 months’ imprisonment yesterday (August 31).

     The Outside Investigation Section of the Immigration Department (ImmD) through intelligence analysis found that the 32-year-old defendant married a Mainland female resident in Hong Kong in February 2025. The said female later obtained a Confirmation Certificate on Delivery Booking from a local private hospital for delivery services in Hong Kong by virtue of her marital relationship with the defendant. The said female attempted to enter Hong Kong for delivery in June of the same year. Due to doubts about the marital relationship between her and the defendant, she was refused permission to land by the ImmD and subsequently gave birth on the Mainland.

     During the follow-up investigation by the ImmD, the defendant was arrested. The defendant admitted under caution that under the arrangement of a middleman, he was paid a total of about $50,000 as a monetary reward to contract a bogus marriage with the Mainland female resident in order to assist her to obtain visit endorsements and residency status in Hong Kong. The defendant also admitted that he knowingly made a false statutory declaration at a District Office, claiming to be the father of the expectant child of the Mainland female resident even though he knew that the expectant baby was not born to him, in order to assist the Mainland female resident to obtain a Confirmation Certificate on Delivery Booking for delivery in Hong Kong. The investigation of other suspects is still underway, and the ImmD does not rule out the possibility of further arrests.
    
     “The ImmD is concerned about the situation of non-local pregnant women seeking to give birth in Hong Kong by illegal means. While great efforts are made to intercept non-local pregnant women without a confinement booking at the control points, vigorous enforcement actions have also been taken to combat related immigration offences committed by non-local pregnant women and their abettors. Furthermore, the ImmD will continue to spare no effort in combating bogus marriages. For people who have obtained their residency in Hong Kong by fraudulent means, their Hong Kong identity card and residence status will be invalidated according to the laws of Hong Kong. They will also be subject to removal back to their place of origin,” an ImmD spokesman said.

     “According to the Immigration Ordinance, any person who makes any statement or representation which he knows to be false or does not believe to be true to immigration officers commits an offence. Offenders are liable to prosecution and upon conviction face a maximum fine of $150,000 and imprisonment for 14 years. Aiders and abettors are also liable to prosecution and the same penalties. Conspiracy to defraud is a serious offence. Offenders are liable to prosecution and upon conviction, under the Crimes Ordinance, the maximum penalty is imprisonment for 14 years. Moreover, under the Crimes Ordinance, a person who knowingly and wilfully makes a false statutory declaration shall be liable to prosecution and, upon conviction, to the maximum penalty of imprisonment for two years,” the ImmD spokesman warned.

LegCo Panel on Transport to conduct duty visit to Beijing

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

LegCo Panel on Transport to conduct duty visit to Beijing      The delegation is led by the Chairman of the Panel, Dr Chan Han-pan. Other participating members include Panel members Mr Chau Siu-chung, Mr Erik Yim, Mr Adrian Ho, Mr Aaron Bok, Ms Christine Fong, Mr Lothair Lam, Mr Yiu Ming, Mr Chong Ho-fung, Mr Cheung Pui-kong, and Mr Tam Chun-kwok; as well as non-Panel members Mr Chan Yung and Ms Kwok Fu-yung. 

     At the invitation of the Panel, the Secretary for Transport and Logistics, Ms Mable Chan, will lead a government delegation to join the duty visit.
Issued at HKT 14:45

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Professional Services Advancement Support Scheme invites new round of applications

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Professional Services Advancement Support Scheme invites new round of applications 
     PASS, with a total allocation of $200 million, aims at funding non-profit-making industry-led projects to increase exchanges and co-operation between Hong Kong’s professional services and external counterparts, promote relevant publicity activities, and enhance the standards and external competitiveness of Hong Kong’s professional services.
 
     The maximum grant for each approved project under the Main Programme of PASS is $3 million or 90 per cent of the approved project cost, whichever is lower. A wide range of professional services, such as accounting, legal and dispute resolution, architecture, engineering, healthcare, information and communications technology, design and technical testing and analysis, are eligible for the Main Programme. Sector-specific projects and cross-sectoral projects are both welcome. Expenses directly incurred for implementing a project, such as manpower costs, venue and set-up costs, production and promotion costs, and the project team and active participants’ travel and accommodation costs outside Hong Kong, are typically eligible for funding support under the Scheme. Funding support may also be provided for travel and accommodation costs incurred by participants in relatively longer professional internships or attachment programmes outside Hong Kong that are funded by the Main Programme.
 
     Up to early August 2026, over 130 projects had been funded under the Main Programme, including project deliverables in and outside Hong Kong. The deliverables include capacity-building programmes for enhancing the standards of local professionals, such as training programmes, workshops and study tours; outreach and promotional activities for showcasing the strengths of Hong Kong’s professional services, such as roadshows, promotional seminars and participation in exhibitions outside Hong Kong; exchange activities for deepening interaction between Hong Kong professionals and their external counterparts, such as visits to other economies and international conferences and seminars held in Hong Kong; and research projects on potential external markets for Hong Kong professional services and development of best practice guidelines and manuals for professionals. Details about the Main Programme and its funded projects are available at www.pass.gov.hk/main/en/home 
     Furthermore, with a view to stepping up the promotion of Hong Kong’s competitive edges and professional services to the Mainland and overseas markets, $50 million has been set aside for the Professionals Participation Subsidy Programme (PSP) under PASS to subsidise Hong Kong major professional bodies to participate in relevant activities organised by the Government (such as Hong Kong Economic and Trade Offices) and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council after the pandemic situation has stabilised. Details of the PSP and its list of activities are available at
www.pass.gov.hk/psp 
     The Main Programme and the PSP receive applications for project and activity proposals all year round, and they are processed on a quarterly basis. The deadline for the new round of applications is November 30, 2026. A briefing session will be held this month for organisations interested in applying for the PASS funding. One-on-one consultations are also available upon request for discussing preliminary project ideas or projects in the planning stage. To register for the briefing session, schedule a consultation, or for other enquiries, please contact the PASS Secretariat at 3655 5418 or
pass@cedb.gov.hkIssued at HKT 16:00

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