Category: MIL-OSI

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Department of Justice (DoJ) today announced the launch of a one-month stakeholder consultation on proposed legislative amendments to the Arbitration Ordinance, which will run until October 27. The consultation represents a key policy initiative under Hong Kong’s First Five-Year Plan and serves as an indicator for specified tasks outlined in the Chief Executive’s 2026 Policy Address.

The DoJ has taken swift action to implement the initiative, reflecting its commitment to efficient policy execution and its ongoing efforts to consolidate Hong Kong’s position as a premier international arbitration hub. The DoJ said that the proposed legislative amendments mark a significant step in ensuring that the local arbitration framework remains at the forefront of international development.

Guided by the core principles of enhancing speed, convenience and finality, and protecting confidentiality, the reform aims to bolster Hong Kong’s competitiveness as a leading international arbitration centre. The DoJ stated: “Ultimately, these enhancements will attract more businesses to choose Hong Kong as their seat of arbitration and enable them to benefit from our enhanced arbitration legislative framework that keeps pace with the times, and our internationally recognised arbitration services.”

The proposals stem from the Working Group on Arbitration Law Reform, which was established by the DoJ in October 2025 to ensure the regime aligns with international best practices. Based on the working group’s recommendations across 25 issues, the DoJ has formulated amendment proposals categorised into four key areas: speed and convenience; confidentiality; scope; and fairness and justice.

The consultation paper will be distributed to relevant stakeholders, including legal professional bodies, arbitral institutions, dispute resolution and law-related bodies, arbitration practitioners and legal professionals, government advisory bodies and departments, statutory bodies, academics, chambers of commerce, trade associations, banks and wealth management associations, and commercial end-users.

Following the consultation, the DoJ targets introducing an amendment bill to the Legislative Council in early 2027, with the aim of completing the legislative process within the same year.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Government today released the Long Term Housing Strategy Annual Progress Report 2026, setting the housing supply target at 420,000 units for the 10-year period from 2027-28 to 2036-37.

Maintaining a public-to-private housing split of 70:30, the new target allocates 294,000 units for public housing and 126,000 units for private housing.

Within the public housing segment, the Government aims to adjust the planning ratio towards 60:40 between public rental housing (PRH)/Green Form Subsidised Home Ownership Scheme (GSH) units and other subsidised sale flats (SSF). Under this arrangement, the public housing allocation will comprise 176,000 PRH/GSH units and 118,000 other SSF units.

The Government noted that the Composite Waiting Time for Subsidised Rental Housing has fallen to 4.8 years, down from a peak of 6.1 years before the current-term Government took office. This represents the lowest waiting time in over eight years for two consecutive quarters, bringing the Government closer to its target of reducing it to 4.5 years for 2026-27.

Since the current-term Government took office, more than 133,000 families have been housed in PRH or have purchased a SSF through the Hong Kong Housing Authority and the Hong Kong Housing Society, marking an increase of over 35% compared to 97,000 families supported between July 2018 and June 2022.

The Government has identified sufficient land to meet the public housing supply target over the next decade. Plans are underway to deliver an average of more than 35,000 public housing units annually during the five-year period from 2027-28 to 2031-32, representing an increase of about 73% compared with the five-year production since the current-term Government took office, a 25-year high.

Additionally, the projected supply of Home Ownership Scheme flats has increased by approximately 100% over the original projections.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Housing Authority today announced the opening of applications for the Letting Scheme for Subsidised Sale Developments with Premium Unpaid (White Form) and the Flat for Flat Scheme for Elderly Owners, both designated to optimise existing housing resources and benefit eligible owners and applicants.

The pilot Letting Scheme, featuring a quota of 3,000 places, is a joint initiative by the Housing Authority and the Housing Society. Owners of subsidised sale flats (SSF) who have held their properties for 10 years or more, and have paid a letting permit fee, may let their flats with premium unpaid to applicants who meet the White Form eligibility criteria of the Home Ownership Scheme (HOS).

To be eligible for the letting scheme, a tenant must meet the prevailing White Form income and asset limits for the latest HOS exercise. In addition, neither the applicant nor any family members listed on the application may own domestic property in Hong Kong from 24 months before submission until the issuance of the Tenant Certificate (White Form).

Concurrently, the Flat for Flat Scheme for Elderly Owners permits elderly owners to sell their existing subsidised sale flat with premium unpaid in the secondary market, and purchase another secondary market flat with smaller saleable area or in a more remote area. The scheme facilitates SSF turnover and assists elderly residents in adjusting their assets to suit their retirement life and family needs.

To qualify for the scheme, owners must hold the title to a SSF with premium unpaid for at least 10 years, and all participating family members must be aged 60 or above. Furthermore, participants must not own any other domestic property in Hong Kong for 24 months prior to application and up to the signing of the provisional agreement for the new flat, and owners are required to secure a Trade Down Permit from the Housing Society prior to selling their original property.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Financial Secretary Paul Chan met various financial leaders as he began a visit to Doha, Qatar.

On his first day in the country, Mr Chan met Qatar’s Minister of Finance H.E. Ali bin Ahmed Al Kuwari to exchange views on various topics, such as strengthening co-operation between Hong Kong and Qatar.

After the meeting, Mr Chan held in-depth exchanges with local business leaders from various sectors. He briefed them on Hong Kong’s strengths and invited Qatari enterprises and investors to participate in the development of the Northern Metropolis.

The finance chief also met President and Chair of the Board of Directors of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) Zou Jiayi.

Mr Chan commended the AIIB’s establishment of an office in Hong Kong and said he looked forward to expanding co-operation with it in areas such as catastrophe bond issuance, green finance, technology and innovation, and talent training.

Throughout the day, Mr Chan met a number of political, business and financial leaders, including Doha Venture Capital’s Chief Executive Officer Mohammed Al-Abdulla and Chief Financial Officer Niall Byrne; Qatar Investment Authority Chief of Investment Execution Ken McLaren; and the senior management of Lesha Bank Group and Al Asmakh Group Holding.

In the evening, Mr Chan attended the AIIB President’s Reception, hosted by Ms Zou, where he exchanged views with representatives from several governments, multilateral development organisations, businesses and financial institutions.

Mr Chan will continue his itinerary in Doha today, attending events related to the AIIB Annual Meeting, before departing for Hong Kong late into the night.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Secretary for Culture, Sports & Tourism Rosanna Law congratulated squash athletes on winning both gold and silver medals for the Hong Kong, China Delegation today in the Mixed Doubles event at the 20th Asian Games.

Squash athletes Lee Ka-yi and Tang Ming-hong captured the gold medal, while teammates Tse Yee-lam, Toby, and Lai Cheuk-nam took home a silver medal in the same event.

Miss Law praised the athletes for their outstanding performances.

“The two Hong Kong, China pairs reached the Asian Games final together, writing a glorious chapter for the squash team and making history by claiming both the gold and silver medals in the Mixed Doubles event.”

Miss Law also highlighted the achievements of fencers Fong Hoi-sun, Ho Wai-hang, Lau Ho-fung and Ng Ho-tin, who earned a bronze medal in the Men’s Épée Team following a series of hard-fought contests.

“With the Asian Games entering the second week of competition, I am confident that the Hong Kong, China delegation will build on this momentum and achieve even greater success.”

Source: Government of Singapore

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Many pedestrians in Hong Kong might barely notice the steady rhythm of the “yellow box” mounted on pedestrian signal lights, but for a visually impaired resident like Lee Kai-tak, that sound is a lifeline.

The “yellow box” is the electronic audible traffic signal (eATS), which utilises sound and vibrations to alert visually impaired people to changes in pedestrian lights.

While most of the original eATS have been in operation for more than two decades, the Transport Department has been progressively rolling out a new generation of devices across the city since April 2025, adding a range of people-oriented features.

As of August this year, more than 800 pedestrian crossings have been upgraded with new devices, accounting for 40% of the city’s total.

Thoughtful features

Having lost his sight more than 30 years ago, 57-year-old Mr Lee is a passionate advocate. His schedule is packed as he travels extensively across Hong Kong Island, Kowloon and the New Territories for government and organisational meetings.

As someone who usually goes out alone, he relies heavily on these audible devices to navigate the streets.

The upgrade introduces several features designed to make daily travel easier. The one Mr Lee relies on most is the voice message at crossing locations, which reads out street names in Cantonese, Putonghua and English.

“It is indispensable,” Mr Lee said. “When I am heading somewhere I do not know very well, I need to know which street I am on.”

The tactile map on the device is another key addition, helping visually impaired people get a sense of road layouts.

Taking Hong Kong Island as an example, Mr Lee noted that the district possesses ordinary traffic lanes alongside tram tracks and mixed traffic sections shared by cars and trams. Before crossing, understanding the terrain is crucial.

Mr Lee believes that safe, comprehensive and reliable accessibility features are vital in helping visually impaired individuals integrate into the community and build a new life.

“Just imagine – a visually impaired person steps out of their building, and the first thing they have to do is to cross the road,” he said. “But if we dread stepping off the kerb, with nothing to help us, where do we find the courage to face a new life?”

Fortunately, all crossings in Hong Kong are equipped with audible devices – something Mr Lee notes only a handful of cities worldwide can claim, making him proud of the city’s progress.

He is also satisfied with the pace of the replacement, especially as the department prioritises areas near organisations for the visually impaired.

User-driven design

As a long-time user, Mr Lee is not just benefiting from the new devices – he helped design them.

Collaborating closely with the department since it began exploring improvements in 2017, he and his peers inspired many of the new features.

While the new devices lower the volume at night to reduce disturbance to nearby residents, extra assistance is required if a visually impaired person needs to cross after dark.

Following discussions with Mr Lee, the department introduced a dedicated remote control and a mobile application for volume adjustments.

A total of 15,000 dedicated remote controls are being distributed by the Government through organisations for the visually impaired.

The remote is simple in design. The “1” button gives the audible signal a one-off volume boost, while the round “O” button keeps raising the volume on a loop for 20 minutes.

Mr Lee described it as a “ten-out-of-ten design” and praised the department for fully embracing the views of the community.

 

Making progress

“Ensuring road safety and improving pedestrian facilities are key aspects of the Government’s district governance measures,” said Transport Department Chief Engineer (Traffic Control) Gordon Kwok.

Mr Kwok described the replacement as progressing as intended, and expects the target of completing updates at about 2,000 junctions across Hong Kong will be met by late 2027.

He noted that the department prioritises areas where visually impaired people frequently pass by, such as Sham Shui Po and Kwun Tong.

Highlighting the new flexible volume control function, Mr Kwok explained that lowering the night-time sound levels of the devices by up to 5 decibels cuts resident disturbance, while the remote control or mobile application ensures safety when needed.

“This is a win-win arrangement that precisely addresses public needs, while fostering a more harmonious and inclusive society,” he said.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Secretary for Culture, Sports & Tourism Rosanna Law congratulated the Hong Kong, China athletes after they bagged four bronze medals today, in fencing, squash and esports at the 20th Asian Games.

Fencers Daphne Chan, Valerie Cheng, Janelle Leung and Sophia Wu captured a bronze medal in the Women’s Foil Team event, while Royce Chan, Hugo Ho, Aaron Ho and Leung Tin-ching won a bronze medal in the Men’s Sabre Team event.

Miss Law praised the fencers for their teamwork and resilience, stating that they fought until the end against formidable opponents, lived up to expectations, and earned two additional team medals for the Hong Kong, China Delegation.

In squash, Chan Sin-yuk claimed a bronze medal in the Women’s Singles. Miss Law commended her outstanding performance, noting that she has reached the podium at the Asian Games twice.

Esports athletes Li Hin-hei, Wong Yuk-cheung and Yeh Man-ho earned a bronze medal in fighting games. Miss Law highlighted their exceptional skill and coordination across three fighting games, securing a well-deserved medal for the Hong Kong, China esports team.

Miss Law also noted that several other Hong Kong, China athletes have successfully advanced to the semi-finals in their respective events, expressing full confidence in their ability to achieve further success in the remaining competitions.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Government today received a written notice from Tai Po District Council member Wong Pik-kiu stating her resignation from her position due to health reasons, pursuant to the District Councils Ordinance.

Ms Wong also resigned from her duties as member of the Tai Po South Area Committee and as captain of the Tai Po Kwong Fuk and Plover Cove sub-district Care Team.

Secretary for Home & Youth Affairs Alice Mak noted that Ms Wong has served in the district for many years, and expressed respect for her decision.

In accordance with the Ordinance, the Government will publish a notice in the Gazette in due course declaring the relevant District Council office vacant, effective today.

Source: Government of Singapore