Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
The Secretary for Health, Professor Lo Chung-mau, met with Vice President of the Shenzhen Municipal Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) Mr Wang Daping today (June 17) to exchange views on healthcare co-operation between Shenzhen and Hong Kong and to explore further strengthening collaboration.
Professor Lo welcomed the delegation and expressed gratitude to the Shenzhen Municipal Committee of the CPPCC for its support in promoting exchange and co-operation between Shenzhen and Hong Kong. Professor Lo said, “Hong Kong and Shenzhen enjoy close geographical and cultural ties, maintaining close and regular exchanges in healthcare. This meeting provided a meaningful platform for both sides to further exchange views on future co-operation plans across areas such as healthcare services, health and medical innovation and talent development.”
At the meeting, Professor Lo introduced the characteristics and strengths of Hong Kong’s healthcare system, including healthcare standards that are on par with international practices, research and clinical trial capabilities, as well as various initiatives rolled out by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government to facilitate cross-boundary access to healthcare services for Hong Kong residents. The two sides also engaged in extensive exchanges on issues such as how to further leverage their complementary strengths and deepen healthcare co-operation to benefit residents in both places.
Professor Lo said, “The HKSAR Government will continue to strengthen healthcare exchange and co-operation with Shenzhen under the principles of complementarity and mutual benefit and on the premise of benefitting the healthcare development of the two places, with a view to enhancing the standards of healthcare services across the region through concerted efforts. We will fully leverage Hong Kong’s distinctive advantages of enjoying strong support of the motherland and being closely connected to the world, and jointly contribute with Shenzhen to propelling the important national strategy of ‘Healthy China’ and building a ‘Healthy Bay Area’.”
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
EDB announces Blueprint for Digital Education Development in Primary and Secondary Schools (II) Strengthening teacher training to drive digital transformation of education(III) Optimising infrastructure to build smart campuses(IV) Promoting cross-sector collaboration to co-create a digital education ecosystem The EDB today also disbursed a one-off grant of $500,000 to all publicly funded schools to launch a three-year AI for Empowering Learning and Teaching Funding Programme, to plan school-based AI-empowered education measures and organise AI teacher training courses covering various levels, providing comprehensive support for schools to implement digital education. Schools should incorporate digital education into school development plans and/or school annual plans in the next school year (2026/2027) with reference to the Blueprint and relevant curriculum documents and formulate school-based implementation strategies.
The Secretary for Education, Dr Choi Yuk-lin, said, “The EDB welcomes the Blueprint compiled by the CDC, which aligns closely with the EDB’s strategic planning to connect with the National 15th Five-Year Plan and the trend of ‘AI + Education’. The Blueprint, in conjunction with measures such as the AI for Empowering Learning and Teaching Funding Programme, will enable Hong Kong’s education to stay at the forefront of the times with a dynamic and forward-looking mindset. The restructuring of education in the digital age is a systemic transformation. We are not only focusing on hardware upgrades, but also actively promoting a deep shift in teaching and learning paradigms and comprehensively implementing AI education for students.Issued at HKT 15:40
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Following is a question by the Hon Lam Chun-sing and a written reply by the Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Mr Chris Sun, in the Legislative Council today (June 17):
Question:
The Government has introduced the Technical Professionals (TP) Stream under the General Employment Policy (GEP) and the Admission Scheme for Mainland Talents and Professionals (ASMTP) with effect from June 30, 2025, allowing eligible non-degree professionals to apply for entry into Hong Kong to engage in eight specific skilled trades. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
(1) of the respective numbers of applications received, approved and refused, to date, in respect of new industrialisation technicians under the TP Stream of the GEP and the ASMTP, with a breakdown by the scope of work involved as declared (i.e. smart/automated manufacturing and robotics engineering, mechanical engineering/mechatronics engineering, biomedical engineering and microelectronics engineering); among the aforesaid approved applications, the distribution of the applicants by age and monthly remuneration; President,
As Hong Kong is facing an ageing workforce and a lack of new entrants, some skilled trades needed to sustain Hong Kong’s city operation are also facing acute talent succession gaps. To address these challenges, in addition to continuing to strengthen the training for the local workforce, the Government has also introduced a new channel under the General Employment Policy (GEP) and the Admission Scheme for Mainland Talents and Professionals (New Arrangement) from June 30, 2025, to allow non-degree mid-level professionals aged under 40 with qualifications and experience as specified in the Technical Professional List to apply to come to Hong Kong to undertake designated jobs, and attract them to settle in Hong Kong in the long run. The New Arrangement covers eight specified skilled trades facing acute manpower shortage, including new industrialisation technicians, nurses, aircraft maintenance technicians, marine services technicians (for local vessels), information technology technicians, lift/escalator technicians, building information modeling coordinators and electrical technicians.
In consultation with the Innovation, Technology and Industry Bureau, Transport and Logistics Bureau, and the Immigration Department (ImmD), the reply to the Member’s question is as follows: The ImmD does not maintain the statistics mentioned in the question.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
Following is a question by the Hon Kingsley Wong and a written reply by the Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Mr Chris Sun, in the Legislative Council today (June 17):
Question:
The Neighbourhood Support Child Care Project (NSCCP) aims to provide families in need of support with flexible day child care services at the neighbourhood level through two modes, namely the home-based child care service (HCCS) provided by home-based child carers (HCCs), and centre-based care groups (CCGs). In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
(1) of the detailed income and expenditure of NSCCP in each of the past three years, including the total expenditure on overall services, the expenditure on the incentive payment for HCCs, and the respective income from HCCS and CCGs;
(2) of the number of HCCs and the number of children served under NSCCP in each of the past three years, with a breakdown by District Council district;
(3) of the average monthly service hours of HCCs, and the average monthly number of hours of services received by the children served, under NSCCP in 2025-2026;
(4) as there are views that even though the incentive payment for HCCs has been increased to $40 and $60 per hour depending on the child’s age and learning needs with effect from April 2024, the effectiveness in encouraging members of the public to apply to become HCCs remains insufficient, whether the authorities will consider providing an “incentive payment for proactive service” or other cash incentives to HCCs whose service hours exceed a certain number of hours per month; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that;
(5) as there are views that the provision of adequate funding for child care services is crucial for boosting the labour force, whether the authorities will consider the introduction of professional HCCs in addition to volunteer services, with a view to helping women and the silver-haired group enter the workforce, as well as strengthening the force of HCCs to help unleash the labour force of families; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that; and
(6) as it is learnt that the residences of HCCs are required to pass a home assessment, such as being required to have soft rubber pads and safety guards installed at cabinet corners and door gaps to protect young children, whether the authorities have provided any financial assistance to HCCs for the installation of such equipment; if so, of the form and/or amount of the financial assistance; if not, whether consideration will be given to providing such financial assistance?
Reply:
President,
Our reply to the question raised by the Hon Kingsley Wong is as follows:
(1) The expenditure on the Neighbourhood Support Child Care Project (NSCCP) in the past three years is tabulated as follows:
Year
Expenditure ($ million)
2023-24 (Actual)
88.0
2024-25 (Actual)(Note)
222.7
2025-26 (Revised estimate)
237.8
Note: In 2024-25, the Government increased the incentive payment for home-based child carers, the number of service places and the expenditure for home-based child carer training, hence the overall expenditure on the service increased.
The Social Welfare Department (SWD) provides subvention to non-governmental organisations under the Lump Sum Grant subvention mode to cover the required service operating costs, including staff salaries, costs for recruiting and training home-based child carers, incentive payments, service promotion costs, and subsidies for service fee waiving/reductions.
Subject to compliance with the service agreements, service operators can flexibly deploy the funding to meet the required service output and outcome standards. Moreover, parents may apply directly to service operators for service according to their needs, and the respective service operators will handle the applications and collect the fees. Therefore, the SWD does not maintain the breakdown of the amount of individual income and expenditure items as mentioned in the question.
(2) and (3) The number of home-based child carers and the number of children served in the past three years with a breakdown by District Council districts is set out at Annex. The SWD does not have information on the average monthly service hours of home-based child carers and children served.
(4) and (5) The NSCCP is a mutual help project which aims to provide parents in need with flexible day child care services at the neighbourhood level apart from the regular child care services while promoting mutual help and care within the community.
Home-based child carers provide child care services to parents in need in the spirit of caring for others. The incentive payments they receive are intended to express the Government’s appreciation and recognition of their contributions. Taking into consideration of the service nature, demand and supply situation, as well as to address the districts’ demand for day child care services, the SWD has increased the incentive payment for home-based child carers since April 2024. The rate has increased to $60 per hour for carers of infants and young children aged zero to under three or children with special educational needs, and $40 per hour for carers of other children. Increasing the incentive payment helps to attract and encourage more people to become home-based child carers. The Government welcomes women, elderly and middle-aged individuals to become home-based child carers.
To ensure service quality of the NSCCP and to balance service demand, the SWD stipulates that each home-based child carer may care for a maximum of three children aged at or below primary school level (including the home-based child carer’s own children) at any one time, as well as one child aged under three or a child with special educational needs, so as to ensure the quality of care provided to the children.
(6) The service operators will assess whether the home environment of a home-based child carer is suitable for providing care services for young children. If necessary, the operators will suggest improvements and provide the home-based child carer with relevant protective supplies to ensure a safe and suitable home environment for taking care of young children.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
LCQ18: Cases involving sexual offences Question:
Given the Government’s indication that it plans to propose legislative amendments on sexual offences within this year, there are views that society needs a more accurate understanding of the current situation regarding sexual offences in Hong Kong. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council: President,
YearTable 2: Statistics on cases of indecent assault
Year(2) and (3) As for sexual offences against children, a child is defined under the Criminal Procedure Ordinance as a person who is under 17 years of age. Statistics on cases of sexual offences against children received by the Police in the past five years are set out in Table 3.
The Police do not maintain statistics on the relationship between persons involved in cases of sexual offences against children.
YearTable 5: Statistics on cases of indecent assault involving MIPs
Year(5) and (6) Since voyeurism-related offences under the Crimes Ordinance (Cap. 200) came into effect in October 2021, the relevant statistics up to the end of 2025 are tabulated at Table 6.
The Police have also been conducting online patrols proactively to combat various offences (including voyeurism-related offences). Where actual circumstances require, the Police will request online platforms, operators, etc, to remove contents such as images and posts. The Police do not maintain a statistical breakdown on removal of intimate images.
Year(October to December)(October to December)(October to December)(October to December)Issued at HKT 11:20
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Police conduct inter-departmental counter-terrorism and major incident exercise to prepare for major international conferences The exercise simulated a scenario prior to an international conference, as delegations from around the world arrived in Hong Kong. Armed terrorists attacked members of the public and placed suspicious objects inside a passenger terminal at the airport. Concurrently, a series of knife attacks against pedestrians and a large-scale power outage occurred at a large shopping mall in nearby Tung Chung. Various departments and organisations swiftly activated their emergency response mechanisms to address the incidents.
The exercise comprehensively tested the co-ordination capabilities of relevant stakeholders across critical areas, including immediate tactical intervention, emergency response, triage and emergency medical treatment of casualties, handling of suspicious objects, response to power failures, and management of affected persons. By refining contingency protocols, the exercise further enhanced inter-departmental counter-terrorism readiness and incident response capabilities.
The exercise mobilised over 1 400 personnel from various government departments and relevant organisations, including the HKPF, the Fire Services Department, the Hospital Authority, the Customs and Excise Department, the Immigration Department, the Civil Aviation Department, the AAHK, and the Aviation Security Company Limited. The Commissioner of Police, Mr Chow Yat-ming, observed the exercise on site, and commended the professional performance and collaboration of all participating units.
As an international metropolis, Hong Kong must maintain a high state of vigilance at all times amidst the complex and volatile global terrorism landscape. Hong Kong will host three major international conferences, including the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Finance Ministers’ Meeting 2026, the 94th INTERPOL General Assembly, and the XXVIII Association of National Olympic Committees General Assembly – Hong Kong, China 2026. The HKPF will continue to maintain close liaison with relevant government departments and stakeholders, robustly implement security measures and continuously review incident contingency plans, making every effort to ensure comprehensive and meticulous preparations for the smooth running of these important international conferences. Issued at HKT 10:58
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
First ever Hong Kong Film Gala Presentation hosted in Saudi Arabia, bridging two cultures and cinematic worlds Presented by the Asian Film Awards Academy, with support from the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Dubai (HKETO Dubai), the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency, and the Film Development Fund, the inaugural Hong Kong Film Gala Presentation – Saudi Arabia took place at a leading cinema chain in the Saudi capital. The programme featured four new films from Hong Kong filmmakers, showcasing a diverse range of genres – from action thrillers and suspenseful dramas to deeply compelling human stories.
Nearly 200 guests attended the opening reception to interact with Directors Njo Kui-ying (“Road to Vendetta”) and Chou Man-yu (“Behind the Shadows”) who traveled to Riyadh to join the landmark occasion. Other distinguished guests included the Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Mr Chang Hua; senior representatives from local government and regulatory bodies, including the Saudi Film Commission and the General Authority for Media Regulation; as well as members of the local business and cultural communities. The festival debut of opening film “Road to Vendetta”, also its Middle East premiere, was screened to a full house with enthusiastic response.
To enable better audience understanding about Hong Kong cinema, post-screening sharing sessions were held with Directors Njo and Chou, who discussed the inspirations and creative processes behind their works. Additional films featured in the festival included “Ciao UFO” and “Blades of the Guardians: Wind Rises in the Desert”.
Speaking at the opening reception, Director-General of HKETO Dubai, Mr Simon Chan, highlighted Saudi Arabia’s remarkable cinematic renaissance and thriving creative industries driven by Vision 2030. He further noted that as the current official representation of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government in the Middle East region, HKETO Dubai has been actively working to promote diverse exchanges and liaison between Hong Kong and Saudi Arabia across multiple sectors, including business, cultural and people-to-people exchanges.
“The Government is committed to promoting the development of arts, culture and creative industries, with over $9 billion in total injected into the CreateSmart Initiative and the Film Development Fund. The Government also actively supports the development of our local film industry through funding schemes and industry activities for deepening cultural exchange and expanding markets. We are hopeful that hosting the inaugural Hong Kong film festival in Saudi Arabia will allow more local audiences to experience Hong Kong cinema, and strengthen cultural connections between Hong Kong and Middle East audiences and filmmakers in the industry,” Mr Chan said.
HKETO Dubai will continue to support Hong Kong’s cultural and creative industries by fostering cross-regional exchanges and creating new opportunities through collaboration with stakeholders in the Middle East region. Issued at HKT 4:55
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
LCQ3: A collaboration mechanism for development of Northern Metropolis Question:
There are views pointing out that the development of the Northern Metropolis (NM) involves various industrial park companies, and that several policy bureaux will also be involved in its construction. The smooth operation of the collaboration mechanism will directly affect the pace and effectiveness of the NM’s development. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
(1) whether the Government will establish a mechanism for the division of labour and collaboration amongst the relevant industrial park companies so as to avoid unreasonable competition between them;
(2) as the three working groups under the Committee on Development of the Northern Metropolis focus on different areas and are led by different Secretaries and Deputy Secretaries, how will the relevant policy bureaux currently exchange views and co-ordinate with these working groups, for example, whether cross-departmental collaboration and regular meeting mechanisms have been established; if so, of the specific arrangements regarding the frequency of such meetings, the rank of participating officials and decision-making authority; and
(3) in light of the need to enhance communication and collaboration between Hong Kong and the Mainland on matters relating to the NM, the Task Force for Collaboration on the Northern Metropolis Development Strategy, led by the Deputy Financial Secretary and the Vice Mayor of Shenzhen Municipal People’s Government, has convened eight meetings, of the current status of the collaboration between Guangdong and Hong Kong regarding the development of NM, as well as the latest outcomes of consultations?
Reply:
President,
The Northern Metropolis (NM) is Hong Kong’s major new strategic development space for the future. In addition to increasing housing supply, the NM will also provide substantial land for industry development. The planning and development of land are co-ordinated by the Development Bureau (DEVB), while policy bureaux responsible for innovation and technology (I&T), education, healthcare and other sectors promote industry development. As the NM development enters the stage of bringing in industries, the Chief Executive decided to raise the level of decision-making for the NM development. At the end of September last year, the Committee on Development of the Northern Metropolis (CDNM), chaired by the Chief Executive, was established to provide high-level leadership and co-ordination among the policy bureaux involved in NM development. Three workings groups, each led by a Secretary or Deputy Secretary, were set up under the CDNM. The Northern Metropolis Co-ordination Office under the DEVB continues to drive the NM forward following the strategies and objectives determined at the Government’s highest level, co-ordinating and aligning the work of different bureaux and departments throughout the process, while also serving as the key channel for external liaison.
In respect of the question raised by Dr the Hon So, having consulted relevant policy bureaux, reply to each part of the question is as follows:
(1) The establishment of industry park companies to develop and operate the NM industry sites enables better integration of market forces and the application of public-private partnership approach, thereby accelerating the industry development in the NM. Each industry park has its own positioning, focusing on complementary strengths and combining efforts to build diverse and vibrant industry clusters. The division of work and collaboration among the park companies were thoroughly discussed in the Working Group on Devising Development and Operation Models (WGDDOM) chaired by the Financial Secretary. In the Budget this year, it was announced that $10 billion would be injected into each of the three companies responsible for the industry land in Hung Shui Kiu, the Hetao Hong Kong Park and the San Tin Technopole, demonstrating the Government’s commitment and leadership in mobilising market resources to expedite the development of the relevant industry sites.
Regarding the Hung Shui Kiu Industry Park, the Government’s objective is to leverage the well-developed transport network of the area and its locational advantage of being adjacent to Qianhai in Shenzhen, so as to promote high value-added and smart production industries, such as pharmaceuticals, food processing and advanced construction, etc. The range of industries to be introduced can be highly diverse.
The Hetao Hong Kong Park is positioned as a world-class hub for technological innovation, focusing on upstream and midstream levels such as research and development (R&D), outcome transformation and pilot production. As the natural extension of the Hetao Hong Kong Park, the San Tin Technopole will provide space for prototyping, pilot production and mass production to support commercialisation of R&D outcomes. Together, the two areas will form an upstream-midstream-downstream synergy, building a complete I&T ecosystem.
(2) The CDNM, chaired by the Chief Executive, comprises relevant Secretaries, Permanent Secretaries and Head of the Chief Executive’s Policy Unit, etc, thereby ensuring high-level oversight and policy co-ordination. To date, the CDNM has convened three meetings, providing strategic guidance on several major NM policies such as dedicated NM legislation and the development plan for the University Town, and overseeing the work of its three working groups.
The Working Group on Planning and Construction of the University Town, chaired by the Chief Secretary for Administration, comprises relevant Secretaries and Head of the Chief Executive’s Policy Unit, etc. To date, the Working Group has convened two meetings to discuss the overall development strategy for the NM University Town. For research purposes, the Working Group has conducted visits to several cities in the Chinese Mainland and overseas earlier.
The WGDDOM, chaired by the Financial Secretary, comprises the Deputy Financial Secretary, relevant Secretaries, Permanent Secretaries and Head of the Chief Executive’s Policy Unit, etc. To date, the Working Group has convened three meetings to examine a number of NM-related projects, including the proposals to establish the Hung Shui Kiu Industry Park Company Limited and the San Tin Technopole Company Limited, the tendering model for the Hung Shui Kiu pilot area under the large-scale land disposal approach, and the further development model for the Hetao Hong Kong Park.
Lastly, the Working Group on Planning and Development, chaired by the Deputy Financial Secretary, comprises relevant Secretaries, Permanent Secretaries, Heads of Departments and Head of the Chief Executive’s Policy Unit, etc. To date, the Working Group has convened two meetings. In addition to providing steer for the drafting of dedicated NM legislation, the Working Group has established and oversees four dedicated project supervision offices which are responsible for expediting the approvals of NM private projects, public housing projects, railways and major road projects, as well as public works projects respectively.
(3) The Task Force for Collaboration on the Northern Metropolis Development Strategy (Task Force) was established in February 2023 under the Guangdong-Hong Kong and Hong Kong-Shenzhen co-operation mechanism. The Task Force is jointly led by the Vice Mayor of Shenzhen Municipal People’s Government and the Deputy Financial Secretary of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government, with active participation of relevant key officials from both sides. To date, the Task Force has convened eight meetings to enhance communication and collaboration between Hong Kong and the Chinese Mainland on NM-related matters, covering areas such as planning alignment, industry collaboration, cross-boundary transport infrastructure, environmental protection and I&T co-operation, etc. Issued at HKT 18:22
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
Following is a question by the Hon Yang Wing-kit and a reply by the Acting Secretary for Environment and Ecology, Miss Diane Wong, in the Legislative Council today (June 17):
Question:
As the average temperature and rainfall in April this year were higher than those in the same period last year, creating favourable conditions for mosquito growth and breeding, the rise in gravidtrap indexes occurred earlier this year. Regarding mosquito prevention and control work, will the Government inform this Council:
(1) since the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) lowered in August last year the threshold for initiating the strengthened mosquito control work from an area gravidtrap index of 20 per cent to an index between 10 per cent and 20 per cent, of the number of areas where actions have been triggered to date and the frequency thereof, and whether it will consider further lowering the initiating threshold; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that;
(2) given that the FEHD’s goal is to test by early next year at the latest the application of the “mosquito‑against‑mosquito” approach which makes use of Wolbachia-carrying male mosquitoes for prevention and control of Aedes albopictus, of the respective locations, scales and timetables of the such field trials, and the measures in place to monitor the actual impacts on the number of target mosquito species; and
(3) as it is learnt that some Mainland provinces and municipalities have introduced new technologies for purely physical mosquito control by means of simulating human breathing and body temperature, whether the Government will consider conducting local trials of the aforesaid technologies; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that?
Reply:
President,
The Government attaches great importance to mosquito control in order to safeguard environmental hygiene and protect public health. The interdepartmental Pest Control Steering Committee (PCSC), chaired by the Environment and Ecology Bureau (EEB), has been monitoring the gravidtrap index, setting the overall direction of Government’s mosquito control work, and promoting targeted mosquito control measures jointly undertaken by departments, the community, private organisations and Care Teams. In view of the rainy season and the associated risk of mosquito-borne diseases, the EEB convened a PCSC meeting in March this year to provide steer to the strengthening of mosquito control work across departments, and met with trade representatives in April this year to appeal for their active participation in mosquito control work.
Regarding the questions from the Hon Yang Wing-kit, our reply is as follows:
(1) The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) places gravidtraps in different areas across Hong Kong to continuously monitor the activity of Aedes albopictus, and publishes the Area Gravidtrap Indices (AGI), so that different sectors can grasp the mosquito infestation situation and take timely control measures accordingly.
To step up mosquito prevention and control, since August last year, the FEHD has advanced the threshold for strengthened mosquito control work, which was originally initiated when the AGI of an area has reached 20 per cent (Level 3), to 10 per cent (Level 2). Between August last year and May this year, the AGI recorded 10 per cent or above for 128 times, covering 52 monitoring areas. Under the enhanced mechanism, the FEHD convened special meetings of the inter-departmental task forces on anti-mosquito work (Task Forces) to co-ordinate departments and stakeholders in strengthening mosquito control, conduct risk assessments, and identify locations with more serious mosquito infestation for targeted action. The FEHD will also notify residential estates that have subscribed to the gravidtrap Rapid Alert System, advising property management agents and residents to take mosquito control measures.
Given the recent rise in gravidtrap indices, the FEHD has strengthened mosquito control work across all districts, including those with indices below 10 per cent. District Environmental Hygiene Offices will convene monthly Task Forces meetings until the indices drop significantly. From January to May this year, the FEHD conducted over 290 000 inspections, initiated 79 prosecutions and issued 159 statutory notices requiring the removal of stagnant water or containers. In addition, the FEHD has placed more than 3 000 new mosquito trapping devices across the territory, which can simultaneously suppress larval growth and eliminate adult mosquitoes, and recommended that other government departments adopt the devices at their venues. As of early June this year, the FEHD, in collaboration with the Education Bureau, has installed over 980 new mosquito trapping devices in primary and secondary schools and special schools. The FEHD has also collaborated with the Development Bureau to issue the “Guidelines on Mosquito Prevention in Construction Sites” to construction sites and relevant personnel through the Construction Industry Council, reminding the practitioners to strengthen mosquito prevention and personal protection.
Taking into account that mosquito control work has already been strengthened across districts this year, and the effectiveness of resource deployment at different levels, the Government has no plan at this stage to further lower the threshold for strengthened mosquito control work (i.e. gravidtrap index reaching at least 10 per cent). The FEHD will closely monitor the mosquito infestation situation and the effectiveness of control measures in each district, and dynamically assess the need to adjust the activation threshold.
(2) The theory of “mosquito‑against‑mosquito” involves female Aedes albopictus mating with male mosquitoes artificially infected with Wolbachia, which would result in laying of eggs that will not survive or hatch. In this regard, releasing such male mosquitoes at specific locations should help gradually reduce the local Aedes albopictus population. As male mosquitoes do not bite humans, they do not increase the risk of mosquito-borne disease transmission. The World Health Organization, having reviewed studies worldwide, stated that Wolbachia had significant public health value in combating dengue fever. Singapore and Guangdong Province have also applied this technology for mosquito control.
The FEHD has commissioned a biotechnology company to conduct laboratory tests for ensuring that Wolbachia-carrying male mosquitoes do not carry pathogens and that their offspring have no survival capability. Only upon confirmation of safety and effectiveness will the FEHD prepare for field trials. As wild Aedes albopictus may also naturally carry Wolbachia, the company must conduct baseline studies to collect data on seasonal changes in mosquito numbers and natural Wolbachia infection rates, for comparison with the conditions after releasing Wolbachia-carrying male mosquitoes, so as to evaluate the effectiveness.
Upon completion of the abovementioned laboratory tests and baseline studies, and after consulting the relevant District Council, the FEHD will determine the site, scale and timetable for field trials. Subject to the work progress, the target is to conduct field trials in early next year.
(3) The FEHD has been actively introducing suitable new technologies and products to enhance mosquito control effectiveness. Regarding the mosquito control technology mentioned in the question, the FEHD has conducted preliminary study of its principle and will procure the device for field trials to assess its effectiveness and feasibility of application in Hong Kong.
Separately, the FEHD is conducting field trials of another mosquito trapping device imported from the Mainland. This device uses special attractants and ultraviolet light to capture adult mosquitoes, and employs artificial intelligence recognition technology to automatically identify mosquito species and numbers, generating statistical data to assist the FEHD in devising more targeted control measures. The FEHD will assess its suitability for application in Hong Kong based on trial results.
Other mosquito control technologies currently applied by the FEHD include:
Mosquito control robotic dogs
Given that it is difficult for frontline staff to conduct fogging operations in densely vegetated areas, the FEHD has introduced a remotely operated robotic dog equipped with an ultra-low volume sprayer. A trial conducted at Tsing Yi Nature Trail in December last year yielded satisfactory results, and the technology is now applied at suitable locations across districts.
Drones
The FEHD deploys drones to survey complex terrain and densely vegetated areas. Through high‑resolution photographs, stagnant water and concealed mosquito breeding sites can be accurately identified, significantly reducing inspection time and manpower requirements.
Electric stairlift
To reduce physical strain and injury risks for frontline staff, the FEHD has introduced electric stairlift to transport fogging equipment and tools at suitable sites across districts.
Effective mosquito control requires joint efforts across departments, sectors and the community. The Government will continue to work closely with relevant departments, stakeholders and the community, and closely monitor the latest developments in mosquito control technologies, introduce suitable new technologies, in order to strengthen mosquito control work on multiple fronts.