Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Remarks by SITI at media session
Reporter: I want to first ask about under the restructured State Key Laboratories (SKLs). How are Hong Kong’s universities taking part in the overall technological development with the Mainland, and also with the assistance of the SKLs, what are some of the current projects that we expect to see in the near future?
Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry: The Ministry of Science and Technology of our country initiated the optimisation and restructuring exercise for the SKLs in 2022. In Hong Kong, we initiated such an exercise in late 2023, and eventually we have a total of 15 SKLs approved by the Ministry of Science and Technology. Among these 15 new SKLs, 12 are established based on the original ones, and three are completely new. All these 15 SKLs have come into operation on July 1 this year. We do wish that these new SKLs can better align with our national development plan, and better serve our national needs. And more importantly, we hope all of them can fully leverage on the advantage of internationalisation of Hong Kong, strengthen global research collaboration, and nurture and attract international talent, making contributions to develop a strong nation in science and technology, as well as building Hong Kong into an international I&T (innovation and technology) centre. Thank you.
(Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the remarks.)
Issued at HKT 16:05
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9 billiards halls’ restrictions relaxed
Source: Hong Kong Information Services
The Leisure & Cultural Services Department today said that it has accepted applications from nine licensed billiard establishments for the relaxation of entry restrictions.
The relaxations include lowering the minimum age for entry to these billiard establishments from 16 to 8; reducing the restriction of entry hours for young patrons to eight hours (11pm to 7am) from the current 14 hours (8pm to 10am); and permitting those wearing school uniforms to enter such establishments.
The department started accepting applications from licensed billiard establishments on February 25 for the relaxation of entry restrictions under the Places of Amusement Regulation, and received a total of 32 applications.
Applications from nine billiard establishments were accepted, having considered assessments from relevant departments including Police and the Department of Health regarding the applicants’ operational situations, surrounding environments and enforcement figures against smoking offences, as well as the facilities and activities promoting billiards.
The department will review the effectiveness of the relaxation of entry restrictions in a timely manner.
Contact the department’s Licensing & Prosecution Unit on 2601 8799 or by email at lpu@lcsd.gov.hk for enquiries.
School transport advisory issued
Source: Hong Kong Information Services
The Transport Department reminded students, especially those attending new schools, to familiarise themselves with the public transport services to schools and allow more travelling time on the first school day.
It issued the reminder today, advising major public transport operators to provide adequate public transport services to cater for the demand on that day.
It also advised motorists to avoid school areas if possible.
Drivers of nanny vans and school buses should drive with care and are not allowed to leave schoolchildren unattended in vehicles. Moreover, an escort must be provided on board when serving kindergarten or primary school students.
In addition, to meet the new statutory requirements, due to take effect from November 1, child passengers aged below eight and less than 1.35 metres in height should use a suitable and standards-compliant child restraining device, such as a child safety seat, as soon as possible in the new school year.
Citizens are urged to heed the media broadcasts, the department’s website, or its mobile app “HKeMobility” before leaving home.
Call the department’s hotline 2804 2600 or the 1823 call centre for enquiries.
Result of tenders of People’s Bank of China RMB Bills held on August 25, 2025
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority:
Result of the tenders of the People’s Bank of China RMB Bills held on August 25, 2025:
| Tender Result | ||
| ************* | ||
| Tender Date | : | August 25, 2025 |
| Bills available for Tender | : | Three-Month RMB Bills |
| Issuer | : | The People’s Bank of China |
| Issue Number | : | BCHKFP25010 |
| Issue Date | : | August 27, 2025 |
| Maturity Date | : | November 26, 2025 (or the closest coupon payment date) |
| Application Amount | : | RMB 79,515 million |
| Issue Amount | : | RMB 30,000 million |
| Average accepted Coupon Rate | : | 1.53 per cent |
| Highest accepted Coupon Rate (Bills’ Coupon) |
: | 1.60 per cent |
| Lowest accepted Coupon Rate | : | 1.30 per cent |
| Allocation Ratio (At Highest accepted Coupon Rate) | : | Approximately 60.19 per cent |
| Tender Result | ||
| ************* | ||
| Tender Date | : | August 25, 2025 |
| Bills available for Tender | : | One-Year RMB Bills |
| Issuer | : | The People’s Bank of China |
| Issue Number | : | BCHKFP25011 |
| Issue Date | : | August 27, 2025 |
| Maturity Date | : | August 27, 2026 (or the closest coupon payment date) |
| Application Amount | : | RMB 46,475 million |
| Issue Amount | : | RMB 15,000 million |
| Average accepted Coupon Rate | : | 1.56 per cent |
| Highest accepted Coupon Rate (Bills’ Coupon) |
: | 1.62 per cent |
| Lowest accepted Coupon Rate | : | 1.30 per cent |
| Allocation Ratio (At Highest accepted Coupon Rate) | : | Approximately 79.67 per cent |
LCSD accepts applications from nine licensed billiard establishments for relaxation of entry restrictions
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
LCSD accepts applications from nine licensed billiard establishments for relaxation of entry restrictions