Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
CHP follows up on cluster of Candida auris carrier cases involving a RCHE
The CHP recently received a notification from the Hospital Authority (HA) that two male residents aged 89 and 90 living in the same room of the aforementioned RCHE had recently been admitted to a public hospital for treatment due to their underlying illnesses. Their admission screening samples tested positive for Candida auris upon laboratory testing. Both patients, being carriers without infection symptoms, are in stable condition.
The CHP’s epidemiological investigation revealed an epidemiological linkage between the current cases and a previous cluster of Candida auris cases in Kwong Wah Hospital (KWH) announced by the HA. One of the affected persons in the KWH cluster, an 85-year-old male patient, lived in the same room with the two residents of the RCHE upon discharge from the hospital. The CHP believed that they were infected by the 85-year-old male patient at the RCHE.
The CHP has conducted a site inspection at the RCHE and provided infection control advice and training to the RCHE staff. The RCHE is advised to strengthen infection control measures in accordance with the established guidelines, including appropriate placement of carrier residents, strict implementation of contact precautions, enhancement of environmental cleansing and disinfection, use of dedicated medical equipment, toilet and bathing facilities to prevent the spread of Candida auris.
The CHP will continue to investigate the cluster and conduct screenings among contacts, while maintaining close liaison with the RCHE concerned to monitor the situation of the residents and ensure strict implementation of various infection control measures by the RCHE.
A spokesman for the CHP explained that Candida is a fungus commonly found in the natural environment, particularly in moist and warm environments. In humans, it is commonly found in body sites such as the oral cavity, the digestive tract, the skin and the vagina. It is a common fungus living on or in the human body but can occasionally cause infections, especially in individuals with impaired immunity.
Among different candida species, Candida auris is more drug-resistant. Infections vary from being mild to potentially life-threatening or fatal, depending on which part of the body is affected and the general health condition of the patient. The spokesman stressed that proper use of antimicrobials and maintaining personal hygiene, especially hand hygiene, are crucial to the prevention of the emergence and cross-transmission of Candida auris.
Issued at HKT 20:11
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Police conduct anti-illegal gambling operation during 2026 FIFA World Cup
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
Police conducted a territory-wide anti-illegal gambling operation codenamed “CROWBEAK” cum “WINDSHIELD” during the 2026 FIFA World Cup in June and July. During the operation, Police arrested 991 people and seized over $365 million in betting records, as well as over $7.4 million in cash and assets.
During the operation, Police raided 249 premises suspected of being linked to illegal gambling activities and arrested 991 people (645 males and 346 females, aged between 16 and 93) for offences including “engaging in bookmaking”, “promoting or facilitating bookmaking”, “betting with a bookmaker”, “operating illegal gambling establishments”, “dealing with property known or reasonably believed to represent proceeds of an indictable offence” (commonly known as “money laundering”), etc.
Police seized suspected crime proceeds comprising about $3 million in cash and $4.4 million worth of valuables. Additionally, 43 computers and 443 mobile phones suspected of facilitating bookmaking activities were seized. The aggregate value of betting records uncovered in the operation was $365 million.
Moreover, on the education front, Police conducted a series of preventive education campaigns under the theme “Stay Away from Illegal Gambling”, including:
• promoting anti-illegal gambling messages via media and online channels, including producing a promotional video (www.youtube.com/watch?v=oyDaXOZv6TA);
• broadcasting promotional videos, distributing leaflets and displaying posters at entertainment venues and strategic locations in various districts; and
• collaborating closely with the communities, schools, government departments and other organisations to enhance the promotion of anti-illegal gambling messages through various channels.
Police appeal to the public that in accordance with the Gambling Ordinance (Cap. 148), anyone who bets with a bookmaker commits an offence and is liable to a maximum fine of $50,000 and nine months’ imprisonment on conviction. Anyone who engages in bookmaking, or promotes or facilitates bookmaking, commits an offence and is liable to a maximum fine of $5 million and seven years’ imprisonment on conviction. A person would still be liable to the offences even if the gambling website is hosted overseas yet he/she engaged in its operation in Hong Kong.
Hong Kong cinema in spotlight at 25th New York Asian Film Festival
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Hong Kong cinema is the undisputed star at this year’s 25th New York Asian Film Festival (NYAFF), where a record 17 films will be screened under the “Hong Kong Panorama” banner, presented with the support from the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in New York (New York ETO) from July 10 to 26 (New York time).
The centrepiece event was the presentation of the NYAFF’s Best from the East Award to actor Daniel Wu on July 20 (New York time), ahead of the special screening of “Cold War 1994”, honouring a career that began in Hong Kong cinema before extending into Hollywood, television and the director’s chair, and bringing with him the discipline, physicality and storytelling instinct for which Hong Kong film is known.
Ombudsman probes monitoring and follow-up actions after closure of water accounts
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The following is issued on behalf of the Office of The Ombudsman:
The Ombudsman, Mr Jack Chan, today (July 21) announced the launch of a direct investigation operation to examine whether the Water Supplies Department (WSD) has adequate procedures to monitor and follow up on cases where no new consumers have taken up closed accounts. 168–200 Connaught Road Central, Hong Kong
Fax: 2882 8149
Email: di491@ombudsman.hk
Incoming passenger convicted and jailed for possesssing duty-not-paid cigarettes
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
An incoming female passenger was sentenced to two months’ imprisonment and fined $1,000 by the Fanling Magistrates’ Courts today (July 21) for possessing duty-not-paid cigarettes and failing to declare them to Customs officers, in contravention of the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance (DCO).
Customs officers intercepted an incoming 31-year-old Mainland female passenger at the Lo Wu Control Point on May 24 and seized 10 000 duty-not-paid cigarettes from her personal baggage. The duty-not-paid cigarettes had an estimated market value of about $41,000 and a duty potential of about $33,000. The female passenger was subsequently arrested.
Customs welcomes the sentence, noting that even a first-time offender may still be imprisoned. The custodial sentence has imposed a considerable deterrent effect and reflects the seriousness of the offences. Members of the public should not defy the law.
Customs reminds members of the public that under the DCO, cigarettes are dutiable goods to which the DCO applies. Any person who imports, deals with, possesses, sells or buys illicit cigarettes commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $2 million and imprisonment for seven years.
Members of the public may report any suspected illicit cigarette activities to Customs’ 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002).
Mainland University Study Subsidy Scheme open for applications
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Mainland University Study Subsidy Scheme open for applications
A spokesman for the EDB said that MUSSS would benefit Hong Kong students pursuing undergraduate studies in 217 designated Chinese Mainland institutions, including 165 institutions participating in the Scheme for Admission of Hong Kong Students to Mainland Higher Education Institutions for the 2026/27 academic year.
Eligible students may apply for a means-tested subsidy (only for those students who have passed the means test) or a non-means-tested subsidy under MUSSS. The subsidy under MUSSS is granted on a yearly basis, and the subsidised period covers the normal duration of the undergraduate programme pursued by the student concerned in the designated Chinese Mainland institution. Eligible applicants may only receive either a means-tested subsidy or a non-means-tested subsidy in the same academic year. MUSSS is not subject to any quota. It is envisaged that MUSSS will benefit most Hong Kong students who are pursuing undergraduate studies on the Chinese Mainland and have different financial needs.
The subsidy under MUSSS will be disbursed based on the distance between the locations of the institutions and Hong Kong, which will be grouped into three categories. Details of the subsidy rates under the different categories are set out in the Annex.
Details of MUSSS are available on the EDB website (www.edb.gov.hk/musssIssued at HKT 11:00
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SHYA to visit Hunan
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
SHYA to visit Hunan
Miss Mak will return to Hong Kong on the afternoon of July 23. During her absence, the Under Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, Mr Clarence Leung, will act as the Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs.
Issued at HKT 16:00
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Consumer Price Indices for June 2026
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The Census and Statistics Department (C&SD) released today (July 21) the Consumer Price Index (CPI) figures for June 2026. According to the Composite CPI, overall consumer prices rose by 2.0% in June 2026 over the same month a year earlier, the same as that in May 2026. Netting out the effects of all Government’s one-off relief measures, the year-on-year rate of increase in the Composite CPI (i.e. the underlying inflation rate) in June 2026 was 1.9%, also the same as that in May 2026.
On a seasonally adjusted basis, the average monthly rate of increase in the Composite CPI for the 3-month period ending June 2026 was 0.1%, the same as that for the 3-month period ending May 2026. Netting out the effects of all Government’s one-off relief measures, the corresponding rates of increase were 0.2% and 0.3%.
Deep energy saving-let’s do it together! Taipower holds major customer conference, joining hands with nearly 2000 businesses nationwide to promote energy saving
Source: Republic of China Taiwan
April 15, 2026-In response to the government’s deep energy saving plan, Taipower coordinated with all 24 regional offices across Taiwan to hold a major customer conference, inviting nearly 2000 businesses from all sectors to participate. At each site, personnel provided customized energy saving guidance, conducted user equipment self-inspections and maintenance tests, and promoted electricity safety awareness. A Taipower representative expressed that the Company has continuously promoted energy conservation. Last year (2025), Taipower personnel visited over 300 businesses throughout Taiwan to provide energy saving diagnostic services, which are expected to save 67 million kWh of energy annually. The Company hopes that even more businesses will join the energy conservation effort, improve energy efficiency, and contribute to environmental sustainability.
On the morning on April 15, Taipower’s 24 regional service offices nationwide united for a major customer conference with the theme: 1 kWh, Infinite Light; Conserve 1 kWh to Demonstrate Sustainability. The Taoyuan session attracted over 100 businesses to attend, including Taoyuan International Airport. At the venue, Taipower Vice President Chen Ming-Shu and energy saving mascot Dian Bao transformed into energy-saving diagnosis personnel, aiming to promote corporate energy saving.
A Taipower representative expressed that the conference facilitated personalized “tableside” service, on-site analysis of user consumption patterns, and one-on-one customized energy saving recommendations. These services assist customers in evaluating subsequent implementation of equipment replacement and energy management through energy service companies (ESCOs), thereby reducing energy expenditures and promoting energy efficiency. Taking Taoyuan Airport as an example, thanks to Taipower’s preliminary diagnosis and the customer’s actual improvements, in 2025, they saved 1.47 million kWh.
A Taipower representative indicated that in 2019, it established energy saving diagnostic centers in northern, central, and southern Taiwan, using specialized measurement tools to provide free guidance on energy saving for high consumption equipment for major customers with contracted capacity between 100 and 800 kilowatts. Last year (2025), more than 300 companies with high energy saving potential received customized energy saving improvement diagnostics. The Company predicts that their annual energy savings could reach 67 million kWh, which is equivalent to the annual electricity consumption of over 18,000 households, and will contribute to over 28,000 metric tons in carbon reduction.
A Taipower representative explained that it will continue to assist customers with equipment replacements and maintenance work on a regular basis. This conference also targeted department stores and mass transportation operators, conducting user equipment self-inspections and maintenance tests and promoting electricity safety awareness. Measures include regularly maintaining and replacing electrical and mechanical equipment, strengthening training for electrical and mechanical personnel, familiarizing staff with power restoration procedures, and deploying additional personnel when necessary. Through technical exchanges and cooperation, Taipower aims to jointly reduce potential risks and enhance the stability of the electricity supply.
Spokesperson: Chief Administrator Huang Mei-Lien
Phone: (02) 2366-6271; 0922-696-383
E-mail: u030573@taipower.com.tw
Contact Person: Department of Business Director Chung Si-Si
Phone: (02) 2366-6650; 0922-483-804
E-mail: u149447@taipower.com.tw
Where there’s a light, there’s a trail! Taipower and TMI Trail join hands to transform utility poles into wayfinding markers on Taiwan’s national greenways
Source: Republic of China Taiwan
Taipower joined hands with the Taiwan Thousand Miles Trail Association (TMI Trail) for the first time, installing a total of 80 specially designed wayfaring markers on utility poles along three national greenways in northern, central, and southern Taiwan: the Tamsui-Kavalan Trail, the Raknus Selu Trail, and the Mountains to Sea Greenway. Today (April 18) an unveiling ceremony was held at a Shiding Trunk Line utility pole behind Shiding Elementary School in New Taipei City. A Taipower representative expressed that these “greenway power poles” not only serve as trail markers between mountains, forests, and shorelines, the numbers displayed on the pole identification plates also contain wayfinding information, guiding hikers safely forward, and reminding the public of the close bond between electricity and daily life.
To mark Taipower’s 80th anniversary. Taipower has taken utility poles-a familiar site in everyday life-and transformed them into greenway wayfinding markers. Today Taipower also held an event at Shiding Elementary School: Where there’s a light, there’s a trail! Taipower 80th Anniversary Technician Experience. The event was attended by Taipower Chairman Tseng Wen-Sheng, TMI Trail Executive Director Chou Sheng-Hsin, New Taipei City Government Economic Development Department Director-General Sheng Hsiao-Jung, Taiwan Power and Energy Engineering Association Chairman Liu Wen-Hsiung. At the event, these esteemed guests worked together with members of the public to jointly experience carrying a 60 m cable weighing approximately 250 kg, allowing them to personally understand the physical demands faced by Taipower personnel. They also visited the Tamsui-Kavalan Trail, to experience the fun and practicality of letting utility poles guide the way.
A Taipower representative expressed that power facilities throughout Taiwan-both large and small-document 80 years of hard work by the Taipower personnel who built the network. In particular, the construction of utility poles and power lines along mountain trails is no small feat, often requiring workers to carry equipment and materials by hand over difficult terrain. When a natural disaster such as a typhoon or an earthquake causes a power outage, emergency repair crews must overcome severe weather and rugged terrain, hiking to affected locations on foot while wearing heavy protective equipment. During the Technician Experience, participants also had an opportunity to wear workers’ actual equipment, helping them understand the everyday toil of frontline personnel while symbolizing Taipower’s mission of maintaining a stable electricity supply.
This collaboration between Taipower and TMI Trail installed wayfaring markers on utility poles along the Tamsui-Kavalan Trail, the Raknus Selu Trail, and the Mountains to Sea Greenway-trails widely beloved by the public-giving utility poles an additional navigational function. Additionally, each utility pole has a blue pole identification plate, bearing the power coordinate number, just like an ID card. This also serves as important location information for the public. A Taipower representative explained that the power coordinate system divide the map of Taiwan into 25 coordinate areas from A to Z. Each area is further divided into numbered sectors, which are used with Taipower’s Coordinate Mapping System website to achieve accurate location identification, similar to a radar system.
A Taipower representative also shared some trivia about the utility pole plate number: Because poles are numbered outward from areas with higher electricity demand and greater population density, the pole number shown in the middle of each identification plate generally starts with lower numbers in downtown areas and gradually increase as you move toward suburban and mountainous areas. If you’re lost in the mountains, you only need to observe the utility pole identification plates and head in the direction of decreasing numbers, following the power line back to a populated areas. These ordinary power poles become invisible navigators, protecting our safety at critical moments.
Spokesperson: Chief Administrator Huang Mei-Lien
Phone: (02) 2366-6271; 0922-696-383
E-mail: u030573@taipower.com.tw
Contact Person: Department of Power Distribution Director Jao Yu-Chen
Phone: (02) 2366-8669; 0939-890-208
E-mail: u149005@taipower.com.tw