MIL Asia Pacific Publishing Engine

HKPF and INTERPOL co-organise INTERPOL’s Cybercrime Expert Group In-Person Annual Meeting       
     In his opening remarks, the Commissioner of Police, Mr Chow Yat-ming, said that there is no challenge more borderless, or more urgent, than cybercrime today. To address the threat, the Force is committed to developing next-generation technologies, fostering public-private partnerships, and creating a public safety ecosystem through various collaboration platforms, advanced technology projects, and industrial participation.
      
     He cited as an example that the Force, having noted emerging trends in virtual asset-related crimes, engaged with the Web3 industry last year to establish the Virtual Asset Intelligence Taskforce as a public-private co-operation platform. This brings together regulators and licensed service providers to jointly address challenges posed by Web3 technology, and promote innovation and security in digital asset development. The Force has also developed an automated system, CryptoTrace, to visualise virtual asset investigations and fully support investigators within the Force.
      
     Mr Chow emphasised that cybercrime respects no borders, and effective combat requires strengthened cross-border co-operation, cross-sector partnerships, and continuous capacity building. Today’s meeting serves as a platform bringing together international law enforcement agencies, academia, and the industry to transform collective insight into collective impact against cybercrime through experience sharing, intelligence exchange, and co-ordinated action.
      
     He added that the 94th INTERPOL General Assembly will be held in Hong Kong this year. The HKPF will continue to maintain close liaison with INTERPOL to further strengthen international policing co-operation, deepen partnerships, and combat cross-border cybercrime syndicates.
      
     The INTERPOL Cybercrime Director, Mr Neal Jetton, thanked the HKPF for jointly hosting the meeting and promoting cross-border collaboration. He noted that the meeting demonstrated Hong Kong’s proactive role as a key hub for international policing co-operation, and expressed hope that the meeting would achieve practical solutions and collective action to effectively combat and dismantle cybercrime.

     The Chief Superintendent of the Cyber Security and Technology Crime Bureau of the HKPF, Mr Lam Cheuk-ho, chaired the meeting as the Chairman of CyberEx. He emphasised the importance of international co-operation, professional training, and cross-sector collaboration in response to the trend of cybercrime industrialisation.
      
     The meeting provides a platform for law enforcement experts, technology companies, and relevant stakeholders from around the world to engage in in-depth discussions on combating the cybercrime industry supply chain, covering multiple topics including cybercrime ecosystems, online extortion, artificial intelligence (AI), and virtual asset tracing. The participants shared and exchanged views on cross-border intelligence exchange, co-ordinated operations, and capacity building. The meeting also featured multiple exhibition booths showcasing the latest AI technologies and products, allowing participants to explore the latest developments in various technologies and innovative technology applications.
      
     The HKPF will continue to maintain close co-operation with local and overseas partners, enhancing the overall effectiveness of combating cross-border cybercrime through intelligence exchange, capacity building, and co-ordinated operations, safeguarding the security and confidence of the public and enterprises in the digital era.
Issued at HKT 17:23

NNNN

S for S encourages graduates to fulfil duties with “iron will, compassion and insights”       
     Speaking at the ceremony, Mr Tang said that while times and circumstances, criminal modus operandi and investigative methods are ever-changing, the mission of the Police, their loyalty towards the country and Hong Kong, their determination to safeguard the rule of law, and their pledge to serve the community stand firm and unaltered. He said that police officers, facing various unknowns and challenges daily, should embody three capabilities: “iron will, compassion and insights”.
      
     “Iron will” – when confronted with threats and pressure, police officers should remain dedicated and unwavering, committed to resolutely safeguarding national security and upholding the rule of law in Hong Kong. He mentioned that in 2019, many Force members, despite being attacked by rioters and their family members being threatened, remained unyielding and steadfast at their posts, which demonstrated their impregnable “iron will”.
      
     “Compassion” – Police officers should enforce the law with impartiality and integrity, while also being compassionate, empathetic and citizen-oriented. He cited that in the aftermath of the fire at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po, officers searched for the deceased at the devastating fire scene with their bare hands, striving to keep the bodies intact and recover their identity so their families could bid a proper farewell. “Compassion” is embodied through respecting life, being empathetic for suffering, and upholding professionalism.
       
     “Insights” – In the face of evolving criminal modus operandi and the volatile external environment, police officers should cultivate the ability to foresee opportunities, plan ahead and break new ground. He stated that the Force must leverage new technologies, fresh knowledge and innovative thinking, collaborate across sectors and embrace change. To be future-ready, the Force should possess the insights to identify and adapt to changes, with the devotion to consciously serve the country, the wisdom to uphold principles while pursuing innovation, and the vision to stay vigilant even in times of peace.
      
     Mr Tang said that the Force never stands alone, for it is supported by the staunch backing of the motherland, various departments of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government and all sectors of society. He said he endeavours to safeguard Hong Kong alongside police officers.
      
     In conclusion, he quoted President Xi Jinping’s words that it is the solemn duty of the people’s police to safeguard national security and social stability and ensure people’s happiness and peace. He encouraged the graduates to be “inspirited by iron will, anchored by compassion, guided by insights”, adhere to the principle of “With faith, we go farther”, and pursue the Force’s mission of “Serving Hong Kong with Honour, Duty and Loyalty”.
Issued at HKT 13:28

NNNN

Housing Bureau awards two operation and management contracts of Light Public Housing projects (with photo)      
     The seventh and the eighth contracts cover the projects at Olympic Avenue, Kai Tak (Phase 2A) and (Phase 2B), which will provide about 4 500 and 3 250 units respectively. A total of about 7 750 units is expected to be completed gradually for tenant intake in the third quarter of this year.
      
     The Secretary for Housing, Ms Winnie Ho, said, “Under the leadership of the HB, six projects providing a total of about 9 500 units were completed for tenant intake last year. The project at Olympic Avenue, Kai Tak, which is the largest LPH project providing a total of about 10 700 units, will be completed in two phases and benefit tens of thousands of families. Among them, the Olympic Avenue, Kai Tak (Phase 1) LPH, with approximately 3 000 units, commenced intake in December last year and is expected to be fully occupied within the coming one to two weeks. I am glad to see that another 3 000 families that faced many difficulties in the past can now live in a much better, safer and tidier environment to ring in the Chinese New Year. With the appointment of the operating organisations for Olympic Avenue, Kai Tak (Phase 2A) and (Phase 2B) LPH today, this social project will further benefit nearly 20 000 people and enable about 7 750 families in need to live a better life.”
      
     “The two contracts are awarded to Creative Property Services Consultants Limited – Pok Oi Hospital Joint Venture. With the synergy of the two highly experienced organisations, sharing of resources can be achieved in the overall operation and management, thereby enhancing cost-effectiveness. I expect that the two operators responsible for the LPH at Olympic Avenue, Kai Tak, will deepen collaboration, foster mutual benefits, and work wholeheartedly to build a caring and inclusive community, so that both our residents and the neighbourhood can benefit from the high-quality property management and targeted social services. I would also like to appeal to other organisations that are interested in operating LPH projects to actively participate in the tenders for the remaining two projects, and work together with the Government to improve the living environment of the grassroots and help them in their pursuit of happiness,” she added.
      
     In addition to providing accommodation, the LPH projects will also offer various services and facilities for the residents and local communities nearby. Therefore, unlike general property management contracts, the requirements for LPH’s operation and management services not only cover occupant management, property management, and daily maintenance but also a range of social services (such as facilitating residents’ integration into the community, providing assistance in job seeking and schooling, offering support to the elderly and persons with disabilities, and providing services for children and social work support), as well as the management and operation of ancillary facilities (such as retail and catering facilities, a reading room and study/activity rooms).
      
     To ensure service quality, the HB has, in the assessment process, carried out a technical assessment based on a series of criteria including the management capability and relevant experience of the tenderers, as well as the proposed modes of operation and management, social services to be provided, exit plan and the use of innovation and information technology. The tender price was then comprehensively evaluated to decide on the most suitable operating organisation.
      
     The response to LPH applications has been overwhelming, with about 28 952 applications received by end-January this year. This fully demonstrates that with affordable rent, comprehensive facilities and services, as well as a better living environment, LPH projects are highly popular among citizens currently facing housing difficulties.
      
     Besides, LPH has been opened for Phase 3 application since January 30, covering the projects at Sheung On Street, Chai Wan; Olympic Avenue, Kai Tak (Phase 2); Yan Po Road, Tuen Mun; and Tsing Fat Street, Tuen Mun, which will provide a total of about 8 820 units for gradual intake anticipated from the second quarter of this year onwards. Eligible citizens with imminent housing needs can browse the LPH website of the HB (www.hb.gov.hk/eng/lphIssued at HKT 17:27

Import of poultry meat and products from areas in Germany, Poland and US suspended—-
State of Bayern
(1) District of Cham—-
Śląskie Region
(2) Pszczyna District—-
State of Georgia
(3) Walker County(4) Pratt County(5) Kent County(6) Logan CountyIssued at HKT 18:58

NNNN

HA announces clearance and rehousing arrangements for redevelopment of Sai Wan Estate and Phase 1 of Ma Tau Wai Estate 
     The HA’s Strategic Planning Committee discussed the above two plans this morning. The Commercial Properties Committee and the Subsidised Housing Committee, at a joint meeting, subsequently approved the rehousing and associated arrangements for the domestic and commercial tenants affected by the SWE and MTWE (Phase 1) redevelopment plans.
​
Clearance and rehousing arrangements for redevelopment of SWE
 
     The clearance and rehousing of SWE will be carried out in one go. Affected tenants will have a notification period of more than 40 months before the target clearance date in September 2029 for making arrangements to move out of their units. Phase 1 of the Ka Wai Man Road public housing development nearby will serve as the reception estate, providing sufficient public rental housing (PRH) units for SWE tenants to move together with their neighbours, maintaining warm neighbourhood relationships and continuing the sense of community.
 
Clearance and rehousing arrangements for Phase 1 redevelopment of MTWE
    
     MTWE will be redeveloped in two phases, with Phase 1 clearance covering Geranium House and Narcissus House. Affected tenants will have a notification period of more than 40 months before the target clearance date in July 2029 for making arrangements to move out of their units. The To Kwa Wan Road public housing development and part of the new Mei Tung Estate public housing development will serve as the reception estates for tenants affected by the Phase 1 clearance, reducing the number of redevelopment phases from three to two, hence significantly shortening the rehousing period for all MTWE residents from 14 years to seven years.
 
Public participation to improve the community
 
     Based on the views of stakeholders collected during the community engagement activities and District Council consultation, the HA will carry out the associated arrangements of the redevelopment.
 
(1) Diverse rehousing options 
(2) Details of allowance 
(3) Community service teams 
(4) Internal transfer arrangements 
(5) Preserving featured shops in the estate 
     The HA will continue to communicate with the residents and announce the latest news and development in due course based on the progress of the SWE and MTWE (Phase 1) redevelopment plans.
Issued at HKT 17:09

NNNN

Parking fees of government public car parks managed by TD to be adjusted