MIL Asia Pacific Publishing Engine

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Attention duty announcers, radio and TV stations:

Please broadcast the following special announcement immediately, and repeat it at frequent intervals:

     Spectators of the Hong Kong Sevens held at the Kai Tak Sports Park are gradually dispersing. The Transport Department (TD) today (March 30) said that the overall traffic conditions have mostly been smooth so far:

     MTR: Spectators are urged to take the MTR to leave the venue as far as possible. The service of the Tuen Ma Line has been further enhanced and spare trains will be deployed as needed. Services of the East Rail Line and the Kwun Tong Line will also be enhanced accordingly;

     Taxis: The Taxi Pick-up/Drop-off Area has maintained normal services. The waiting time will be longer amid the dispersal peak and your patience is appreciated. The TD has made all-out efforts with the taxi trade to mobilise more taxis for picking up passengers, including disseminating real-time information on passengers queuing to the trade directly. The Kai Tak Sports Park Limited has also mobilised taxis via instant messaging platform; and

     Special bus routes: A total of 10 special bus routes departing for Central via Causeway Bay and Wan Chai, Siu Sai Wan, Tsim Sha Tsui, Mong Kok, Tseung Kwan O (Hang Hau), Tseung Kwan O (LOHAS Park), Tsing Yi, Sheung Shui, Tuen Mun and Tin Shui Wai are ready and will operate subject to the passenger demand.

     Spectators are advised to take heed of the real-time information via on-site broadcast and the “Easy Leave” (QR code displayed on-site) as well as the latest traffic news through the “HKeMobility” mobile application, radio and television broadcasts.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     The Government today (March 31) updated a list of hygiene black spots (listed on a website: www.hygieneblackspots.gov.hk). A significant number of 630 hygiene black spots have been removed from the list, accounting for 85 per cent of the total number. The overall number of black spots has been reduced from over 730 to about 100. As more than 60 hygienic black spots, where conditions have been improved for no more than two years, are also included on this list, the overall conditions of 94 per cent of the black spots in total have been improved.
 
     The Deputy Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Cheuk Wing-hing, thanked various departments for their concerted efforts and co-operation over the past two years. With continuous cleanups and inspections, the Government Programme on Tackling Hygiene Black Spots has achieved good results. The cityscape and hygiene have been effectively improved, enhancing the well-being of society.
 
     Mr Cheuk said, “At the meeting of the Task Force on District Governance held in February this year, I instructed various departments to critically review the situation of all 738 hygiene black spots, to assess which ones are suitable for removal from the black spot list and continue to follow up on those still requiring improvement. Based on subsequent reviews by the departments, the hygiene conditions at 94 per cent (696) of the hygiene black spots on the list have been markedly improved and could be considered for removal from the black spot list. However, eight per cent (64) of the black spots have not yet met the standard of continual improvement for two years, so they have to remain on the black spot list for now.
 
     “The Government’s work on tackling hygiene black spots is ongoing. The departments concerned will continue to sustain their efforts and closely monitor the hygiene conditions of these spots. Prompt actions will be taken in case of any change of circumstances.”
 
     When the Government Programme on Tackling Hygiene Black Spots was launched in August 2022, the total number of hygiene black spots was 663. After the launch of the website in January 2023, which enabled members of the public to provide feedback on hygiene black spots, the number of black spots increased to 738 in July 2023.
 
     Under the co-ordination of the District Matters Co-ordination Task Force (later renamed as the Working Group on Environmental Hygiene and Cityscape) and with the efforts of various departments, the hygiene conditions of more than 90 per cent of the 738 black spots have considerably improved in early 2024, achieving the key performance indicator set by the Chief Executive for the Programme in the 2022 Policy Address, i.e. eliminating at least 75 per cent of the hygiene black spots by the end of 2023.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

The Environment and Ecology Bureau (EEB) today (March 31) announced the appointments to the New Energy Transport Fund (NET Fund) Steering Committee for a new two-year term starting from April 1. 
 
The new term of the Steering Committee will continue to be chaired by the Chairman of the Council of Hong Kong Metropolitan University and Committee Member of the Chinese General Chamber of Commerce, Hong Kong, Dr Conrad Wong Tin-cheung, with members comprising experts and academics in green innovative transport technologies, representatives nominated from the transport trades, and representatives of relevant government departments.
 
The Secretary for Environment and Ecology, Mr Tse Chin-wan, thanked the outgoing members, Mr Kent Lam Wing-keung, Mr Ling chi-keung, Professor Lo Hong-kam, Mr Ng Kwan-sing, Mr Wilson Or Chong-shing, Mr Matthew Wong Leung-pak, and Mr Yu Kwok-Tai, for their enormous contributions to the Steering Committee and expressed his deep appreciation for the invaluable advice from all members of the last term rendered to the Government on the enhancement measures under Applications for Trial, including adopting the merit-based assessment criteria and introducing subsidy schemes for electric franchised buses and electric taxis under Applications for Use.
    
The membership of the Steering Committee in the new term is as follows:
 
Chairman
Dr Conrad Wong Tin-cheung
 
Members
Mr Chan Chi-fai*
Professor Chau Kwok-tong*
Miss Lai Hei-yan
Mr Lau Kim-wan*
Mr Jhonny Leung Huang
Mr Davy Lui Kin-wing*
Ms Venus Ma Chui-ki*
Mr Mo Shing-fung*
Mr James Wong Cheuk-on*
Mr Rex Wong Siu-han
Dr Daniel Yan Ting-kwan
Representative of the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department
Representative of the Environment and Ecology Bureau
Representative of the Innovation and Technology Commission
Representative of the Transport Department
 
Secretary
Principal Environmental Protection Officer (Air Policy), EEB

* New members
 
Transportation accounts for about 20 per cent of Hong Kong’s total carbon emissions. The development of green transportation is crucial to achieving the goal of carbon neutrality. The Government has put in place the Fund (previously named the Pilot Green Transport Fund) since March 2011 to subsidise and encourage the testing and wider use of green innovative transport technologies for a variety of commercial transport tools. Since its establishment, the Fund has approved a total of 298 trials, including different types of green innovative transportation technologies, such as electric commercial vehicles, electric waste collection vessels and an electric vehicle as a medical clinic, with a total funding amount of about $243 million. The NET Fund will continue to subsidise the transport trade to encourage trials of other types of new energy transport technologies apart from electric commercial vehicles, and promote the wider local application of mature new transport technology. Key projects include trial applications for hydrogen fuel cell heavy vehicles and the two subsidy schemes for electric taxis and electric franchised buses.
 
The Steering Committee advises the Government on the operation of the Fund and the approval of funding for applications. For more information on the Fund, please visit: www.eeb.gov.hk/en/new-energy-transport-fund.html.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

In response to and support of the 10th National Security Education Day, the Fire Services Department (FSD) will organise an open day at the Fire and Ambulance Services Academy in Tseung Kwan O on April 13 (Sunday), with an opportunity to deepen the public’s understanding about the Constitution, the Basic Law and the Hong Kong National Security Law, as well as the FSD’s work on national security, public safety, public order and personnel training.

The open day will feature a range of activities, including introduction of the department’s efforts in safeguarding national security, fire appliances parade, firefighting and rescue demonstrations, displays of training facilities, equipment and special vehicles, an exhibition on fire safety education, game booths, a recruitment experience area, as well as a demonstration of Fire Services working dogs. The Fire and Ambulance Services Education Centre cum Museum will also be open to the public on the day.

The open day will be held from 9am to 5pm. A ticket is required for admission (children aged 3 or below do not need an admission ticket).

Members of the public who are interested can apply for a maximum of four admission tickets from today (March 31) to April 2 through the latest version of the Hong Kong Fire Services Department Mobile Application, which can be downloaded from Apple App Store, Google Play and Huawei AppGallery for free. The tickets will be allocated by computer ballot, and successful applicants will receive a notification through the Application on April 3.

Visitors are advised to use public transportation as no parking spaces will be provided at the Academy. The open day will be cancelled if Tropical Cyclone Warning Signal No. 8 or above, or the Red/Black Rainstorm Warning Signal is still in force at 7am on the event day. Visitors should visit the FSD’s website (www.hkfsd.gov.hk) regularly for the latest information. For enquiries, please call 2411 8773.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

The Air Accident Investigation Authority (AAIA) released the Accident Investigation Preliminary Report and Public Notice PLR-2025-02 on an accident involving a Niviuk Artik R paraglider, which lost control and landed on a lawn at Ngong Ping, Ma On Shan, on February 11, 2025. The pilot was injured.   

A spokesperson for the AAIA said that the Preliminary Report has been published to provide factual information established in the investigation’s early evidence collection phase to both the aviation industry and the general public in a timely manner, and should be regarded as tentative. The full report is available for download from the AAIA webpage (www.tlb.gov.hk/aaia/eng/investigation_reports/index.html).

“The investigation team is conducting a detailed analysis of the data and information collected in order to determine the circumstances and causes of this occurrence with a view to preventing a recurrence in conjunction with identifying areas for further investigation or lines of inquiry to follow up,” the spokesperson said.  

The AAIA, an independent investigation authority formed under the Transport and Logistics Bureau, is responsible for the investigation of civil aircraft accidents and incidents in accordance with the Hong Kong Civil Aviation (Investigation of Accidents) Regulations (Cap. 448B) and with reference to the International Civil Aviation Organization’s standards.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

The Air Accident Investigation Authority (AAIA) released the Preliminary Report and Public Notice PLR-2025-01 on a serious incident concerning the loss of separation between an Airbus A330-343 P2F freighter operated by MNG Airlines (registration mark TC-MCN) and a Boeing 777-200F freighter operated by Silk Road Western Airlines (registration mark VP-BMU) after take-off at Hong Kong International Airport on February 27, 2025.

A spokesperson for the AAIA said that the Preliminary Report has been published to provide factual information established in the investigation’s early evidence collection phase to both the aviation industry and the general public in a timely manner, and should be regarded as tentative. The full report is available for download from the AAIA webpage (www.tlb.gov.hk/aaia/eng/investigation_reports/index.html).

“The investigation team is conducting a detailed analysis of the data and information collected in order to determine the circumstances and causes of this occurrence with a view to preventing a recurrence in conjunction with identifying areas for further investigation or lines of inquiry to follow up,” the spokesperson said.

The AAIA, an independent investigation authority formed under the Transport and Logistics Bureau, is responsible for the investigation of civil aircraft accidents and incidents in accordance with the Hong Kong Civil Aviation (Investigation of Accidents) Regulations (Cap. 448B) and with reference to the International Civil Aviation Organization’s standards.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Following is the speech by the Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Professor Sun Dong, at the Laservall – “From Hong Kong To Global: The Future of Advanced Manufacturing and Microelectronics” event today (March 31):

Ms Lee (Korean Consul (Commerce), Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in Hong Kong, Ms Jaeyon Lee), James (Chairman of Laservall, Mr James Kang), Andrew (Chief Executive Officer of Laservall, Mr Andrew Kim), Albert (Chief Executive Officer of the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation, Mr Albert Wong), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

     Good morning. It is my pleasure to stand before you today to celebrate Laservall’s global expansion in Hong Kong – a milestone that marks the company’s distinctive success achieved in developing advanced high-precision laser inter-connect solutions and automation system for advanced manufacturing.

     Founded in Hong Kong in 2003 and commencing its amazing journey at the Hong Kong Science Park in 2024, a cradle that nurtures thousands of innovation and technology (I&T) companies, Laservall has evolved into a world leader in the advanced manufacturing industry today. With its extensive clientele including some renowned global brands in the industry of smartphone camera modules, electronics and automotive, Laservall continues to expand its operations with R&D (research and development) centres and production facilities across Asia.

     We are so excited to witness Laservall’s success today, as advanced manufacturing has been a pivotal sector and significant power engine to drive the development of new industrialisation in Hong Kong.

     Following the promulgation of the Hong Kong Innovation and Technology Development Blueprint in December 2022, the Hong Kong SAR Government has been actively promoting new industrialisation through supporting the advanced manufacturing industries and encouraging the upgrading and transformation of traditional manufacturing sector through the use of I&T, with the aim of driving sustainable economic growth and creating high-quality employment opportunities.

     To bolster the development of new industrialisation, our Government has stepped up its efforts by implementing a series of supporting policies and measures. For example, the New Industrialisation Funding Scheme was enhanced to reinforce our efforts in supporting enterprises to adopt smart manufacturing. As of February 2025, the scheme had supported more than 100 new smart production lines. To extend our dedication, we launched the New Industrialisation Acceleration Scheme last year to provide funding support for enterprises engaging in industries of strategic importance. We will also earmark another $100 million for the Pilot Manufacturing and Production Line Upgrade Support Scheme to provide financial support to companies setting up smart production facilities in Hong Kong.

     Today, Laservall announces its plan of investing $300 million over the next five years and doubling the size of R&D team by 2026, and extending their R&D team eventually by sixfold by 2028. This not only reflects the company’s commitment to innovation but also its unwavering confidence in Hong Kong’s I&T industry. Its expansion at the Science Park is a perfect example of how it is leveraging Hong Kong’s unique role as a “super-connector” and a “super value-adder” to strengthen its presence in the global market.

     May I once again extend my sincere congratulations to Laservall for its outstanding I&T achievement. I am confident that we will soon witness more local companies, like Laservall, stepping onto the global I&T stage and demonstrating the remarkable outcomes of Hong Kong’s R&D capabilities to the world in the near future. Thank you.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Applications for the Clansmen Culture Promotion Scheme will be accepted from tomorrow to April 30 to provide funding subsidies for clansmen associations to organise activities promoting hometown culture, the Home Affairs Department announced.

The Chief Executive announced in his 2023 Policy Address the launch of the three-year scheme with $30 million earmarked for applications by clansmen associations. The scheme for 2024-25 was launched in April last year and has been successfully completed.

Funding of $10 million is earmarked for the continuation of the scheme for 2025-26, so that clansmen associations can apply for subsidies to organise activities to facilitate patriotic education and promote the spirit of loving the country, Hong Kong and hometowns.

Any locally registered clansmen associations with a good reputation and track record, and with experience in organising relevant activities can apply.

They may use the subsidies to organise activities to promote and preserve hometown culture, unite clansmen in Hong Kong, and facilitate exchanges between the two places.

There is no restriction on the form of the events. As long as the activities are non-profit-making and align with the objectives of the scheme, the associations can make applications under the Scheme.

The funding ceiling for each activity is $200,000 in general.

For enquiries, send an email to the Home Affairs Department.