Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Speech by SITI at Innovation and Technology Scholarship 2025 Award Presentation Ceremony (English only)
Since its inception in 2011, the Innovation and Technology Scholarship has reached an exciting milestone – its 15th year, nurturing up to 375 I&T young talents so far. We have witnessed countless Scholarship alumni growing into leaders or experts in their respective fields. Their journeys are a testament to how far drive and determination can take us and I am sure that their stories will inspire more young people to dream big and keep striving.
Hong Kong enjoys a unique advantage of having strong support from the motherland and close connection with the world, converging global innovation resources, including high-calibre talent. With staunch support of our motherland, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government is committed to developing Hong Kong into an International I&T Centre. Tangible progress is already underway. Over the past two years, we have attracted over 200 I&T enterprises with high potential and representativeness to set up or expand their businesses here. Furthermore, the construction of the Hong Kong Park of the Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Co-operation Zone is in full swing. Expecting move-in from the second half of this year, the Park will serve as a bridgehead for I&T collaboration between the Mainland and Hong Kong.
Before closing, I would like to thank the Scholarship’s organiser, the Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups, and the sponsors, the Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation, the Innovation and Technology Commission, as well as members of the two Scholarship Selection Committees, and mentors from all sectors of society for your unfailing support in the past 15 years in nurturing talent together.
As the video we just watched concludes, Let’s Make Change For Good! Together, we can shape a future where innovation uplifts lives and empowers generations to come. Thank you very much.
Issued at HKT 13:22
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Des prix modérés pour plus d’une centaine de produits de première nécessité ou de consommation courante
Source: Gouvernement de la Nouvelle-Caledonie
Christopher Gygès, membre du gouvernement chargé de l’économie, a signé, avec les représentants des industries locales de transformation, de l’importation, de la grande distribution et des petits commerces, un accord interprofessionnel afin de modérer les prix de plus d’une centaine de produits de première nécessité ou de grande consommation. L’objectif : redonner du pouvoir d’achat aux Calédoniens et soutenir la consommation des ménages.
La crise sans précédent qui touche la Nouvelle-Calédonie depuis les événements de mai 2024 a fortement affecté le pouvoir d’achat des consommateurs calédoniens et notamment celui des ménages les plus modestes. À cela se sont ajoutées de nombreuses pertes d’emplois qui ont généré ou accentué certaines situations de précarité.
Afin de redonner du pouvoir à l’ensemble des Calédoniens et ainsi soutenir la consommation des ménages, un des leviers les plus importants de la croissance économique, le gouvernement s’est engagé au travers de l’accord-cadre signé le 12 mai 2025, à instaurer un nouvel accord interprofessionnel de modération des prix en 2025.
Une démarche volontariste
Les représentants des industries locales de transformation, de l’importation, de la grande distribution et des petits commerces, ont ainsi répondu à la demande du gouvernement en s’engageant au travers d’un accord interprofessionnel.
Cette démarche volontariste prévoit de fixer des coefficients de marge maximums ou des prix de vente maximums aux consommateurs pour une liste de produits de consommation courante ou de première nécessité (liste disponible ci-dessous), à savoir :
- 120 produits pour les enseignes dont la surface commerciale est supérieure ou égale à 2 500 m² ;
- 70 produits pour les enseignes dont la surface commerciale est comprise entre 500 m² et 2 499 m² ;
- 30 produits pour les enseignes dont la surface commerciale est inférieure à 500 m² (hors groupes et réseaux).
« Il s’agit d’un effort majeur de la part des représentants des importateurs, de la distribution, des commerçants et des industriels, a indiqué Christopher Gygès. Ces efforts ne sont pas consentis sur des produits choisis au hasard, mais sur les produits les plus consommés par les Calédoniens ».
Des engagements à suivre
Avec cet accord, les fournisseurs (industriels locaux et importateurs / grossistes) s’engagent à diminuer les prix de vente des produits listés à leurs clients (grandes et moyennes surfaces et commerces à dominante alimentaire y compris les stations-service).
L’ensemble des acteurs concernés s’engagent également à répercuter « au franc le franc » les diminutions de prix de revient des produits concernés par l’accord sur leurs prix de vente, notamment les diminutions ou exonérations de droits et taxes à l’importation.
Ils doivent de plus assurer aux consommateurs la disponibilité des produits listés par l’accord. En cas de rupture de stock, les fournisseurs et les distributeurs devront proposer un produit équivalent.
L’application de l’accord sera vérifiée par la direction des Affaires économiques (DAE) de la Nouvelle-Calédonie.
« Cet accord est complémentaire des mesures que l’on envisage pour la baisse des droits de douanes et des taxes sur les produits de première nécessité, a ajouté le membre du gouvernement. En parallèle, le gouvernement continue également à travailler sur le retour à l’emploi des Calédoniens, pour leur permettre de pouvoir consommer et de s’en sortir à la fin du mois. »
Les signataires de l’accord
- Le syndicat des importateurs et distributeur de Nouvelle-Calédonie (SIDNC) ;
- Le syndicat des commerçants de Nouvelle-Calédonie ;
- La fédération des entreprises et industries de Nouvelle-Calédonie (FEINC) ;
- Le groupe SCIE Distribution ;
- Le groupement professionnel des gérants de stations-service de Nouvelle-Calédonie (GPGSSNC) ;
- Le groupe Carrefour Kenu-in.
Uni granted land for campus devt
Source: Hong Kong Information Services
The Education Bureau today announced that a land site at Man Lai Road in Tai Wai will be allocated to Saint Francis University (SFU) to develop a purpose-built campus for the operation of full-time locally accredited self-financing post-secondary programmes.
On the Committee on Self-financing Post-secondary Education’s (CSPE) recommendation, the Secretary for Education has decided that SFU should be earmarked as the prospective operator for the land site to be granted at a nominal premium.
Emphasising that the Government’s policy is to support the parallel development of the self-financing and publicly funded post-secondary education sectors, the Education Bureau said that in pursuance of the 2023 Policy Address, the allocation of the site will be conducive to the capacity expansion and quality enhancement of the self-financing sector.
This will enable the education sector to play a more proactive role in Hong Kong’s development into an international post-secondary education hub, the bureau added.
The Government invited applications from eligible institutions for a land grant scheme from December 2024 to March 2025 and received three applications.
The CSPE is responsible for giving advice to the Secretary for Education on the comparative merits of the applications, having regard to the applicants’ education and site development proposals following a fair and competitive process.
DH announces timetable for establishing CMPR and roadmap towards phased implementation of “primary evaluation”
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The Department of Health (DH) announced today (June 26) the timetable for establishing the Hong Kong Centre for Medical Products Regulation (CMPR) and the roadmap for implementing “primary evaluation”. The CMPR will be established by the end of next year (2026), and the DH will implement “primary evaluation” for new drug registration in phases beginning next year, with full implementation by 2030. These developments mark a significant milestone in Hong Kong’s transformation into an international health and medical innovation hub.
The Director of Health, Dr Ronald Lam, said, “The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government is committed to raising regulatory standards for medical products in Hong Kong. With the establishment of the CMPR, we will consolidate regulatory functions for Western and Chinese medicines, as well as medical devices, and enhance the existing regulatory regime in a holistic manner. The vision of the CMPR is to become a “leading, internationally renowned medical products regulatory authority, driving excellence and innovation”, with the goal of gaining international recognition in the field. The CMPR will promote innovation, and research and development (R&D) of drugs and devices by optimising medical products regulation. This will ensure that the public can benefit from the latest scientific research, and that patients will gain earlier access to innovative, safe and effective medical products. It also fosters growth in the local healthcare and biotechnology industries.”(2) continuously enhance professional capacity, strengthen regulatory efficiency, and implement “primary evaluation” in phases;
(3) deepen collaboration with local, Mainland and overseas stakeholders and regulatory authorities, strive for international recognition, and foster an innovation-friendly environment; and
(4) further optimise the regulation of Chinese medicine based on the Chinese Medicine Development Blueprint to be published by the Health Bureau in the fourth quarter of this year, leveraging the HKSAR’s role as a national bridgehead for the internationalisation of Chinese medicine.
New round of activities under “Smart Silver” ICT Outreach Programme for Elders to promote digital inclusion (with photos)
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
​To allow the elderly to experience digital life, the Digital Policy Office (DPO) announced today (June 26) that a new round of activities under the “Smart Silver” Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Programme for Elders (the Outreach Programme) will be launched gradually starting early July. Since its launch in 2014, the Outreach Programme has been well received by the elderly, with the number of participation exceeding 150 000. For the new round of the Outreach Programme, it is estimated that no fewer than 45 000 elderly people will participate in the programme, and at least 400 mobile digital service station activities will be held.
Through an open invitation, the DPO has earlier engaged three non-profit-making organisations (NPOs) – The Hong Kong Chinese Women’s Club, Tung Wah Group of Hospitals and Yan Chai Hospital Social Services Department – to implement the new round of the Outreach Programme. Under the programme, ICT outreach activities focusing on using smartphones, tablet computers and other ICT solutions to help improve elderly people’s quality of daily living and connect them to society will be organised for elderly people receiving day care centre services, the hidden elderly, and elderly people in the community. The activities include teaching elderly people to use applications closely related to daily life and helping them improve their muscle strength and eye-hand co-ordination through digital technology products, such as augmented reality games, smart robots and reaction lights. These allow them to experience the benefits brought about by digital technologies.
The three NPOs will also organise mobile digital service station activities across the territory to proactively promote the series of activities under the “Smart Silver” digital inclusion programme for the elderly led by the DPO, introduce common mobile applications of public services to them, answer their questions on the use of smartphones and provide them with anti-fraud information and security tips. Relevant information about service hours and locations of mobile digital service stations has been uploaded to the Elderly IT Learning Portal (www.it2.gov.hk/tc/about/mobile_booth.php) (Chinese only) for reference.
“We are grateful for the support of the NPOs in the previous round of the Outreach Programme and for their contributions to the promotion of digital inclusion. The DPO hopes that members of the public will actively encourage the elderly around them to participate in the digital inclusion activities of the ‘Smart Silver’ programme and join hands with the Government to promote the use of digital technologies by the elderly, so as to build a digitally inclusive and caring society,” a spokesman for the DPO said.
In order to allow members of society to enjoy the benefits of digital technology, the DPO promotes various digital inclusion measures under the “Smart Silver” programme to help those in need (especially the elderly) understand and use digital technology products and services. These measures include outreach programmes, mobile outreach service stations, regular and fixed-point training on digital technologies and technical support, enriched ICT training and a web-based learning portal, enabling them to use digital technologies effectively and safely and fully integrate into the digital society. Members of the public can visit the DPO website (www.digitalpolicy.gov.hk/en/our_work/digital_government/digital_inclusion/) to learn about the details of various activities under the “Smart Silver” Digital Inclusion Programme for Elders.
Film Archive’s “Morning Matinee” series to revisit classic films by Fung Wong Nui (with photos)
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
To commemorate the 100th anniversary of the birth of acclaimed Cantonese opera virtuoso Fung Wong Nui, the Hong Kong Film Archive (HKFA) of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department will present “Phoenix on the Silver Screen – A Centenary Tribute to Fung Wong Nui” as part of its screening series “Morning Matinee” at the Cinema of the HKFA from August 1 to October 31, featuring 16 classic films starring her.
Fung Wong Nui was a versatile actress both on stage and on the silver screen. She excelled in portraying both a heroine and a villainess, and was articulate in lyrical and martial arts roles. She began her career as an apprentice at the age of 13, and rose to fame when she became an erbang huadan (second female lead). She later formed her own troupe and took up the position of zhengyin huadan (female lead) while continuing to be well liked by audiences. This screening programme comprises four sections: “Gems of Cantonese Opera”, “The Unforgettable Villainess”, “Martial Heroine” and “Comedy and Drama”, allowing audiences to relish the charm of Fung Wong Nui and her remarkable industry achievements.
The four selected films in the section “Gems of Cantonese Opera” are adapted from Fung Wong Nui’s signature repertoire. The widow that she portrays in “Red Shoes Solves the Mystery Case” (1959) is sensual and alluring, and she becomes a household name with her role of a wilful and mean girl in “Luring the Girls On” (1959). In her signature classic “The Princess in Distress” (1962), Fung Wong Nui portrays Princess Hong-luen with a life full of twists and turns. The theme song “Song of a Barbaric Land”, which Fung Wong Nui sings in a duet with the film’s lead actor Mak Bing-wing is highly popular. In “A Bachelor’s Love Affair” (1953), Fung Wong Nui and famous comic actor Leung Sing-por both portray swindlers posing as rich people to milk one another for money, setting off numerous comedy scenes.
Villainess roles were Fung Wong Nui’s forte, and are best illustrated by the four classics under the section “The Unforgettable Villainess”. Her portrayal of a mean and vicious wife in “Henpecked Husband” (1957) is convincing and frightening. She also vividly depicts the role of a perfidious concubine by exhibiting a wide spectrum of viciousness in “The Magic-eyed Queen Spots the Prince, Part One” (1959). Her performances as an enchanting temptress in “Sweet Dreams” (1955) and a depraved woman in “Lust is the Worst Vice” (1963) are meticulously executed, evoking audiences’ emotions while demonstrating a unique charm of villains.
Fung Wong Nui shines in both lyrical and martial arts roles with equal talent. The “Martial Heroine” section includes “Girl Martyr” (1957), “Lady General Fa Muk-lan” (1961), “A Maid Commander-in-chief and a Rash General” (1962) and “An Agnostic and Sagacious Intercession” (1962), in which Fung Wong Nui plays the roles of a beloved mother, a dutiful daughter taking her father’s place in the army, a maid commander-in-chief and a gentlewoman respectively that all showcase her solid foundation in Cantonese operatic arts and techniques, which is awe inspiring.
Fung Wong Nui’s versatile images are manifested by the four works in the section “Comedy and Drama”. She not only brings to life the role of a devoted wife and mother in “Revenge for Parents” (1961) and the role of a mild-mannered young lady in “The Nine-Fingered Devil” (1955), but also succeeds in sparking guffaws in the comic roles of “Loving Enemies” (1957) and “The Illegitimate Lover” (1959).
Some screenings will be accompanied by post-screening talks, hosted by Professor Yuen Siu-fai, Dr Tsui Siu-ming, and Ko Lai, a disciple of Fung Wong Nui, as well as Ho Wai-ling, Wong Yee-man, Wong Chi-wah, Lum Man-yee, Yuen Tsz-ying, Ng Ngok-ching, Shu Kei and Eric Tsang.
Tickets priced at $40 will be available at URBTIX (www.urbtix.hk) from June 29 (Sunday). For telephone bookings, please call 3166 1288. For programme details, please visit the HKFA website at www.filmarchive.gov.hk/en/web/hkfa/2025/fung-wong-nui/pe-event-2025-fung-wong-nui.html or call 2739 2139.
Second policy statement on development of digital assets issued to scale Hong Kong to new heights of global digital asset leadership
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Second policy statement on development of digital assets issued to scale Hong Kong to new heights of global digital asset leadership
The Policy Statement 2.0 sets out a vision for a trusted and innovative DA ecosystem that prioritises risk management and investor protection, while delivering concrete benefits to the real economy and financial markets. The latest statement introduces the “LEAP” framework, which focuses on:
The full policy statement can be seen at the Annex.
The Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, said, “Digital assets hold great development potential with significance to fintech. Through the adoption of blockchain technology, more efficient financial transactions at a lower cost can be realised to bring in more inclusive financial services. The Policy Statement 2.0 sets out our vision for DA development and showcases the practical use of tokenisation through application, with a view to boosting the diversification of use cases. We strive to build a more flourishing DA ecosystem which will integrate the real economy with social life through a prudent regulatory regime and encouragement to market innovation, such that it will bring benefits to both the economy and society while consolidating Hong Kong’s leading position as an international financial centre.”
The Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr Christopher Hui, said, “Hong Kong is uniquely positioned to bridge traditional finance with the DA era. The framework set out in the Policy Statement 2.0 helps us “LEAP” towards a trusted, sustainable and deeply integrated DA ecosystem embedded within the real economy. It also keeps Hong Kong at the forefront of digital transformation, offering a clear roadmap for businesses and investors to thrive in a secure and vibrant DA market.”
The FSTB and the SFC will be conducting public consultations on the licensing regimes for DA dealing service providers and DA custodian service providers shortly.
Issued at HKT 11:50
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Land site allocated for development of new campus of self-financing post-secondary institution
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The Education Bureau (EDB) today (June 26) announced the allocation result of the latest round of the Land Grant Scheme. The land site at Man Lai Road, Tai Wai, will be allocated to Saint Francis University (SFU) for the development of a purpose-built campus for the operation of full-time locally accredited self-financing post-secondary programmes.
On the recommendation of the Committee on Self-financing Post-secondary Education (CSPE), the Secretary for Education has decided that SFU should be earmarked as the prospective operator for the land site to be granted at a nominal premium.
An EDB spokesman said, “It has long been the Government’s policy to support the parallel development of the self-financing and publicly funded post-secondary education sectors. In pursuance of the announcement in the Chief Executive’s 2023 Policy Address, we envisage that the allocation of the site will be conducive to supporting the capacity expansion and quality enhancement of the self-financing sector, thereby enabling the sector to play a more proactive role in Hong Kong’s development into an international post-secondary education hub.”
The Government invited applications from eligible institutions for the Scheme from December 2024 to March 2025 and received three applications. The CSPE is responsible for giving advice to the Secretary for Education on the comparative merits of the applications received under the Scheme, having regard to the applicants’ education development and site development proposals following a fair and competitive process.
Details of the Scheme and previously approved applications are available on the website of the Concourse for Self-financing Post-secondary Education (www.cspe.edu.hk/en/Overview-Measures.html).
Missing woman in Kwai Chung located
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
A woman who went missing in Kwai Chung has been located.
Li Shimin, aged 25, went missing after she left her residence in Hong Yam House, On Yam Estate on June 19 morning. Her family made a report to Police on June 22.
The woman was located in a shopping mall on Portland Street, Mong Kok this afternoon (June 25). She sustained no injuries and no suspicious circumstances were detected.
Issued at HKT 20:50
Government welcomes passage of Trade Unions (Amendment) Bill 2025
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
The Government today (June 25) welcomed the passage of the Trade Unions (Amendment) Bill 2025 by the Legislative Council, which amends the Trade Unions Ordinance (Chapter 332) to better safeguard national security and improve the trade union regulatory regime.
The Bill strengthens the statutory powers of the Registrar of Trade Unions to supervise and regulate trade unions, thereby better fulfilling the duty of safeguarding national security. In tandem, the amendments give due regard to the freedom and right of Hong Kong residents to form and join trade unions and will not adversely affect the operation of law-abiding trade unions.
A Government spokesman said, “The amended Trade Unions Ordinance can ensure that trade unions uphold the principal object of safeguarding and promoting the occupational interests of their members, which will be conducive to the healthy development of trade unions.”
The Trade Unions (Amendment) Ordinance 2025 will be gazetted on July 4, 2025, and will come into operation on January 5, 2026. During this period, the Labour Department will step up publicity and publish reference materials to help trade unions understand and comply with the new requirements.