Remarks by SITI at media session

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 

Licensed billiard establishment     Information on the establishments has been uploaded to the LCSD’s website (www.lcsd.gov.hk/en/licensing/application.htmlIssued at HKT 11:15

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Taiwan’s Offshore Wind Turbines Stand Strong against Typhoon Danas

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

Typhoon Danas, the first typhoon to hit Taiwan directly in 2025, swept north along Taiwan’s western corridor, presenting a true test for offshore wind farms in the Taiwan Strait. Despite the severe conditions, all 421 offshore wind turbines in the strait continued generating electricity. Some wind farms exceeded 90% of their capacity, and as of July 7, the instantaneous peak in wind farm generation reached 2.29 GW, accounting for 9.2% of total electricity consumption.

According to the Energy Administration of the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA), data from the Central Weather Administration showed sustained wind speeds reached nearing 40 m/s, with even stronger gusts recorded that night. The weather tower at Waisanding Sandbar recorded gusts reaching Beaufort scale 17. Despite harsh conditions, offshore wind turbines in the Taiwan Strait continued to operate safely.

In 2017, the MOEA announced typhoon-resistance standards for Taiwan’s offshore wind turbines. All turbines in Taiwan comply with the Class T standard, capable of withstanding maximum wind speeds of 57 m/s (Beaufort scale 17). Currently, when wind speeds exceed 25 m/s (equivalent to Beaufort scale 10), offshore wind turbines in Taiwan automatically activate protective mechanisms, halt operations, and adjust blade pitch angles to reduce wind resistance and prevent damage.

During the typhoon, the Energy Administration of the MOEA activated its offshore wind typhoon preparedness and safety reporting mechanism to monitor operational conditions across all wind farms. Moreover, due to the strong peripheral winds of Typhoon Danas, some wind farms reached over 90% generation capacity, providing Taiwan abundant green electricity during the period.

The Energy Administration of the MOEA emphasized that, despite the severity of Typhoon Danas, Taiwan’s offshore wind turbines remained safe and successfully converted the strong winds into power. This demonstrated the impressive performance of Taiwan’s renewable energy even during extreme weather conditions. The Energy Administration will continue to ensure that offshore wind developers complete all wind farm construction and the grid connection on schedule. This not only helps reduce air pollution and eliminate carbon emissions, but also achieve Taiwan’s energy transition goals.

Spokesperson for Energy Administration, Ministry of Economic Affairs:
Deputy Director General, Chih-Wei Wu
Phone: 02-2775-7750, 0922-339-410
Email: cwwu@moeaea.gov.tw

Business Contact: Director, Chung-Hsien Chen
Phone: 02-2775-7770, 0919-998-339
Email: ctchen2@moeaea.gov.tw

National bowling event concludes

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The three-day 15th National Games bowling mass participation event, held at the Kai Tak Sports Park Bowling Centre, concluded today.

 

The event comprised men’s singles, women’s singles, doubles, and team of five competitions. A total of 166 athletes, spanning 27 teams – from the Mainland, Hong Kong and Macau – took part. Hong Kong fielded 10 bowlers, five men and five women. Click here for the results.

 

Secretary for Culture, Sports & Tourism Rosanna Law expressed gratitude to the General Administration of Sport of China’s Multiball Games Administrative Center of China, as well as the Chinese Bowling Association, for providing valuable guidance for the event, and to the Hong Kong, China Tenpin Bowling Congress, which co-organised the event.

 

She also thanked staff from various government departments and other organisations, as well as event volunteers, for rendering assistance.

 

Separately, Hong Kong will host a para dance mass participation event, part of the 12th National Games for Persons with Disabilities and the 9th National Special Olympic Games, at Ma On Shan Sports centre from September 6 to 7. Free admission will be offered through real-name registration. Full details are yet to be announced.

 

Furthermore, the first batch of tickets for 15th National Games competition events will go on public sale from August 28. These will cover four events hosted by Hong Kong, namely beach volleyball, handball (men), basketball (men’s U22) and rugby sevens.

 

Citizens can log in to the official ticketing website or the official “mini programme” on WeChat and use real-name registration to be eligible to purchase tickets once they are released.

“M” Mark System enhanced

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Government announced today a new round of enhancements to the “M” Mark System.

 

The new measures will apply to all applications received from September 16 onwards. From that date, applications must be submitted at least six months prior to either the hosting or the announcement of an event.

 

Outlining that the enhancements refine the vetting criteria and the funding mechanism under the “M” Mark System, the Government said these changes will optimise resources, ensure the quality and attractiveness of “M” Mark events, strengthen events’ appeal to spectators, and proved greater economic benefits.

Adjusting vetting criteria

  • The vetting criteria will be refined to better reflect the importance of “major sports events” in contributing to sports development, and the contribution of “exhibition matches/tournaments” to tourism and other aspects of the local economy.

  • The total funding ceiling for each event will range from $6 million to $15 million, depending on the vetting outcome. In other words, not every approved application will receive the maximum funding of $15 million.

  • To encourage organisers to gradually increase private sponsorship, and to promote the development of sports as an industry, direct grants for new “major sports events” will be provided on a sliding scale, from a maximum of $6 million in the first year, followed by $5 million in the second year, and $4 million in third year.

Adjusting selection criteria

  • The “M” Mark System will focus on supporting world-class “major sports events”, in order make government funding more effective.

  • For “exhibition matches/tournaments”, applications received within the same six-month application cycle will be processed and considered together based on their merits. Under normal circumstances, there will be a maximum of three “exhibition matches/tournaments” in the same cycle.

Strengthening monitoring and reporting mechanisms

  • After the signing of terms and conditions for funding support and the presentation of proof demonstrating the amount of cash sponsorship secured, organisers may receive a maximum of 50% of the matching funds they are eligible for before an event is held.

  • Should organisers fail to stage events as proposed – with regard to participating athletes, spectator numbers, sports development plans, and marketing and promotion activities – or fail to meet key performance indicators (including those relating to tourism promotion and economic impact), the Major Sports Events Committee may adjust the final amount of funding support.

  • Organisers are required to appoint an independent professional agent to conduct an exit survey with participants and submit reports so as to evaluate events’ effectiveness.

Finals of bowling mass participation event of 15th NG concludes (with photos)

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Finals of bowling mass participation event of 15th NG concludes  
The competitions comprised men’s and women’s singles, doubles and team of five events, with 166 athletes of 27 teams joining from the Mainland, Hong Kong and Macao. Hong Kong fielded five men and five women athletes. The results of each event are as follows:
 Silver: Huang Xiaojian (Zhejiang Province team)
Bronze: Zhu Ning (Chongqing Municipality team)
 Silver: Pan Xiufen (Sichuan Province team)
Bronze: Zhao Yijie (Shanxi Province team)
 Silver: Shanghai Municipality team
Bronze: Beijing Municipality team
 Silver: Shanxi Province team
Bronze: Anhui Province team
 Silver: Hubei Province team
Bronze: Sichuan Province team
 Silver: Anhui Province team
Bronze: Hubei Province team

The Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Miss Rosanna Law, expressed her gratitude to the Multiball Games Administrative Center of China of the General Administration of Sport of China and the Chinese Bowling Association for providing guidance and valuable advice, as well as the Hong Kong, China Tenpin Bowling Congress which co-organised the event. She also thanked colleagues from various government departments and relevant organisations, as well as the approximately 500 volunteers who rendered assistance in organising the event.
 
In addition, Hong Kong will host the para dance sport (mass participation event) of the 12th National Games for Persons with Disabilities (NGD) and the 9th National Special Olympic Games (NSOG) at Ma On Shan Sports centre from September 6 to 7. Free admission will be offered through prior real-name registration. Details will be announced later.
 
Regarding the 15th NG competition events, the first batch of tickets will go on public sale from August 28, covering four events organised by Hong Kong, namely beach volleyball, handball (men), basketball (men’s U22) and rugby sevens. Hong Kong residents can log in to the 15th NG official ticketing website (ticket.baygames.cn 
For more information on the 15th NG, the 12th NGD and the 9th NSOG in Hong Kong, please visit the thematic website (
www.2025nationalgames.gov.hk/en/index.html 
Issued at HKT 22:10

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