Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Tourism Strategy Committee holds fourth meeting
Members expressed their recognition to the KTSP since its commissioning, which was well received by both the tourism industry and the visitors. Members put forward suggestions for optimising the transportation and catering arrangements during mega events as well as strengthening cross-sector collaboration with the tourism industry.
Regarding the preliminary land use proposal of the sites around Hung Hom Station and its waterfront areas, members considered that with panoramic views of Victoria Harbour, the waterfront areas were well-positioned to be re-planned and developed into a new harbourfront landmark that would integrate leisure and entertainment, dining and retail, and water-friendly elements. As for the utilisation of water body, members agreed that the water body adjacent to the former Hung Hom Freight Yard site should be put to good use. The proposed world-class yacht berthing facilities to be provided thereat could be integrated with land-based facilities for retail, dining and entertainment so as to promote yacht tourism. Members also recommended the Government to provide space for setting up land-side ancillary facilities to support the operation of the yacht berthing facilities. The DEVB is currently consulting the public and stakeholders on the preliminary land use proposal. The consultation period will end on July 5, 2025. The Government will take into account members’ recommendations and the feedback received during the consultation period when refining the development proposal and finalising the detailed development parameters. The target is to commence the relevant statutory procedures in the second half of 2026.
In addition, members also exchanged views with Hong Kong Tourism Board’s representatives regarding Hong Kong’s latest tourism performance and relevant statistics. For the first five months of 2025, Hong Kong received more than 20 million visitor arrivals, a 12 per cent increase year-on-year. Among the visitors, about 15 million came from the Mainland, a 10 per cent rise year-on-year. Growth momentum is sustained across various non-Mainland markets, with around 5 million visitor arrivals in the first five months, an 18 per cent rise year-on-year. Number of visitor arrivals from Japan, South Korea, the Philippines, Indonesia and Taiwan and increasing more than 20 per cent year-on-year respectively. For Australia, a significant growth of more than 30 per cent was recorded.
The Committee is tasked to provide the Government with strategic advice and foster collaboration among different stakeholders in tourism and related sectors for further promoting the long-term and sustainable development of Hong Kong’s tourism industry. Members include prominent figures and key leaders from the tourism and other related sectors such as culture, sports, retail and catering.
Issued at HKT 21:45
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DH to launch final phase of HPV Vaccination Catch-up Programme on June 26
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
DH to launch final phase of HPV Vaccination Catch-up Programme on June 26???
The Controller of the CHP, Dr Edwin Tsui said, “In Hong Kong, cervical cancer was the ninth most common cancer among women in 2022, with 522 new cases and 167 deaths. The HPV vaccine is highly effective in preventing the high-risk types of HPV that most commonly cause cervical cancer. Following the recommendations of the World Health Organization, the DH launched the first phase of Programme in December last year to provide free vaccination for female full-time students studying in Secondary Five or above (including secondary sections of special schools). As of June 8, the coverage rate for the first dose of the HPV vaccine in the first phase of the Programme has exceeded 80 per cent. The second phase has begun in mid-March this year, offering free HPV vaccination to female Hong Kong residents born between 2004 and 2008 who are currently studying at local post-secondary institutions. All post-secondary institutions have participated.”
Under the final phase of the Programme, all female Hong Kong residents born between 2004 and 2008 who are not currently studying and have not completed their HPV vaccination only need to register with eHealth first, after which they can make an appointment through the website or telephone number of the WWS under the PHCC of the HHB for free vaccination at the WWS and its service points, or designated District Health Centre (DHC)/Express (E). Appointments can be made starting today by calling the WWS at 2855 1333 or through its website (www.wws.org.hk/vaccineIssued at HKT 17:55
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Toronto ETO celebrates cultural heritage at dragon boat festivals in Ottawa and Vancouver (with photos)
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Toronto ETO celebrates cultural heritage at dragon boat festivals in Ottawa and Vancouver Issued at HKT 1:00
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Online impersonation reported
Source: Hong Kong Information Services
The Home Affairs Department today said it has reported an impersonation incident in a Facebook group to the Police Force for investigation and contacted the social media platform to request prompt removal of the false content.
The department said it took immediate action after discovering an unidentified individual impersonating a Tai Po District Officer and posting a statement under the profile name “Tai Po District Care Teams Alliance” in a Facebook group named “Tai Po”.
The department stressed that the content of the social media post and the purported statement were false, and that neither were issued by a Tai Po District Officer or by any District Services and Community Care Teams (Care Teams).
It added that the Government will take serious action in accordance with the law against anyone impersonating a public officer or posting false information purporting to be from Care Teams.
The department urged members of the public to remain vigilant, and to report any suspicious activity to its hotline, on 2835 2500, or to Police.
The public is also reminded to obtain accurate information through official Government channels and to refrain from trusting or forwarding unverified online messages.
MiC Week opens
Source: Hong Kong Information Services
Secretary for Development Bernadette Linn today released the Guangdong-Hong Kong Modular Integrated Construction (MiC) Cross-boundary Trading Guidebook at the launch ceremony for MiC Week, which is being held in Guangdong and Hong Kong from today until Saturday.
MiC Week is jointly organised by the Development Bureau (DEVB) and the Department of Housing & Urban-Rural Development of Guangdong Province (DHURDGP). It features a series of activities to help the public learn about the MiC and provides a platform for the industry to exchange relevant knowledge and experience to promote MiC’s wider adoption.
Speaking at the launch ceremony, Ms Linn said the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government has been actively promoting the adoption of MiC with the aim of enhancing the construction industry’s productivity and cost-effectiveness. As of now, more than 100 government and private projects have adopted the method.
She also highlighted that the Hong Kong SAR Government is implementing a series of measures to strengthen the MiC supply chain. These include the release of the cross-boundary trading guidebook, the accreditation of MiC manufacturers, the announcement of an MiC Annual Demand Forecast, the enhancement of relevant MiC training, and research and development into new technologies.
The cross-boundary trading guidebook compiled by the DEVB gives manufacturers guidelines on bonded processing trade arrangements for MiC materials and cross-boundary tax declarations for the export of MiC modules to Hong Kong.
Ms Linn also mentioned that the DEVB plans to announce a new requirement for public works projects later this year to require MiC manufacturers to be accredited before bidding for tenders, with a view to streamlining the vetting and approval process and ensuring quality.
In addition, she pointed out that Guangdong is the main manufacturing base for MiC modules in the Greater Bay Area, while Hong Kong possesses advantages in research and development as well as overseas promotion.
She said the DEVB will continue to work closely with the Guangdong Provincial Government to build the bay area into a MiC technology and construction hub, and promote the use of MiC as a new quality productive force and a strategic industry that expands to the international arena.
DHURDGP Director-General Zhang Yong said in his speech that high-quality and reliable MiC products from Guangdong have been gradually applied in various projects in Hong Kong, including office buildings, school dormitories, public housing and private buildings.
He also noted that from January to May this year, Guangdong exported MiC modules with a total value of about $1.39 billion to Hong Kong, representing a year-on-year increase of 2.3 times.
The unveiling ceremony of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao MiC Industry Alliance was also held at the launch ceremony.
In addition, the Building Technology Research Institute presented accreditation certificates to the first batch of eight manufacturers accredited under the MiC Manufacturer Accreditation Scheme, and the Construction Industry Council announced the first MiC Annual Demand Forecast, jointly published with the DEVB.
Over 1,000 participants took part in the ceremony online and offline.
Tourism Strategy Committee meets
Source: Hong Kong Information Services
The Tourism Strategy Committee, chaired by Secretary for Culture, Sports & Tourism Rosanna Law, held its fourth meeting today.
During the meeting, representatives from Kai Tak Sports Park Limited and the Development Bureau briefed the committee on matters relating to the sports park, and the preliminary land use proposal for sites around Hung Hom Station and nearby waterfront areas.
Members praised the sports park, highlighting that it has impressed visitors and boosted the tourism industry. They also put forward suggestions for optimising transportation and catering arrangements during mega events and for strengthening cross-sector collaboration with the tourism industry.
Regarding the preliminary land use proposal for sites around Hung Hom Station and nearby waterfront areas, committee members remarked that given their location on Victoria Harbour, the waterfront areas are well-positioned for redevelopment into a new harbourfront landmark that can integrate leisure, entertainment, dining, retail, and water-friendly elements.
Members agreed that the water body adjacent to the former Hung Hom Freight Yard should be put to use, and commented that the proposed world-class yacht berthing facilities could be integrated with land-based facilities for retail, dining and entertainment so as to promote yacht tourism. They also recommended that the Government provide space for land-side ancillary facilities to support the operation of the yacht berthing facilities.
The bureau is currently consulting the public and stakeholders on the preliminary land use proposal, and the Government will take into account members’ recommendations and the feedback received during the consultation period when refining the proposal and finalising the development parameters. The target is to commence relevant statutory procedures in the second half of 2026.
Separately, members exchanged views with Tourism Board representatives regarding the city’s latest tourism performance and statistics.
For the first five months of 2025, Hong Kong had more than 20 million visitor arrivals, a 12% increase year on year. Among these visitors, about 15 million came from the Mainland, a 10% rise on the same period in 2024. Visitor arrivals from Japan, South Korea, the Philippines, Indonesia and Taiwan rose more than 25%. For Australia, growth of 35% was recorded.
War commemorations discussed
Source: Hong Kong Information Services
The Working Group on Patriotic Education under the Constitution & Basic Law Promotion Steering Committee (CBLPSC) held its third meeting today to discuss a work plan for activities to commemorate the 80th anniversary of victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and in the World Anti-Fascist War.
The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government said it places great importance on planning for such commemorations. As stated in last year’s Policy Address, it will host a series of events to enhance the public’s patriotism and sense of national belonging.
CBLPSC Chairman and Chief Secretary Chan Kwok-ki stated that over the past few months various bureaus and departments have been formulating proposals and making preparations for the commemorations.
In today’s meeting, the working group discussed the content of various activities that are being planned, and the core spirits and principles that should be upheld.
An official ceremony will be held at the Hong Kong City Hall Memorial Garden on September 3, Victory Day in the War of Resistance, to honour the occasion.
Thematic exhibitions co-organised by the Hong Kong Museum of History and the National Museum of China, as well as the Hong Kong Museum of the War of Resistance & Coastal Defence and the Guangdong Museum of Revolutionary History, will be staged.
Various educational activities and screenings of war-related films will also be organised.
In relation to commemorative activities organised by community groups, the Government will announce more details in due course.
Notice of re-entry issued
Source: Hong Kong Information Services
The Housing Authority today served a notice of re-entry on Aggressive Construction Company.
The authority explained that since the construction company’s performance in respect of three public housing projects was far below the contract requirements, it served a notice of re-entry on the company for each of the projects according to relevant contract provisions.
The three construction projects involved are the underground link of Pak Tin Estate redevelopment Phase 10, the public housing developments at Tuen Mun Area 29 West and Tung Chung Area 100.
Taxi fleet job fair to be held
Source: Hong Kong Information Services
The Transport Department said today that a job fair for the recruitment of taxi fleet drivers will be held on Wednesday at the Cheung Sha Wan Government Offices.
The fair is being jointly organised by the Labour Department and three taxi fleet operators. It will aim to enhance job seekers’ understanding of taxi fleets and give fleet operators a chance to meet their recruitment needs.
Job seekers will be able to submit job applications on-site and may be invited to on-the-spot interviews.
The fair will be held from 2.30pm to 5pm at the Kowloon West Job Centre in Sham Shui Po and admission is free.
According to the operators, they will offer various incentives to fleet drivers, including a referral bonus for new drivers and safe driving bonuses. They will also provide flexible working hour arrangements.
The operators will offer pre-service training to enhance drivers’ customer service skills. Passengers will be able to schedule trip using online hailing platforms, thereby increasing drivers’ potential income.
In addition, operators will implement systematic management to support drivers in handling customer enquiries and feedback, creating a better working environment.
The department is setting up designated fleet taxi stopping places at the airport, certain boundary control points to provide convenience for fleet drivers in picking up passengers on pre-booked trips.
Working Group on Patriotic Education holds third meeting (with photos)
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Working Group on Patriotic Education holds third meeting
This year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression as well as the victory of the World Anti-Fascist War (80A). The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government places great importance on planning 80A commemorative activities. The Chief Executive clearly stated in last year’s Policy Address that the Government will host a series of commemorative activities to further enhance the public’s spirit of patriotism and sense of national belonging. The Working Group is responsible for co-ordinating the relevant bureaux and departments in organising various commemorative activities.
The Chairman of the CBLPSC and Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki, said that over the past few months, various bureaux and departments have been formulating proposals and making preparations for different types of commemorative activities. At today’s meeting, the Working Group discussed the content of various commemorative activities and the four core spirits and principles that should be upheld in planning these activities. First, activities should be guided by the core spirit of “remembering history, honouring martyrs, cherishing peace, and creating a great future” and based on correct historical perspectives, so that members of the public can thoroughly understand the history of the War of Resistance and work together to cherish and safeguard peace. Second, Hong Kong’s contributions to the victory in the War of Resistance should be highlighted, along with in-depth research into historical materials about Hong Kong’s wartime history as well as proper restoration and protection of war-related sites. Third, the activities should have a focus on young people, with a view to helping them learn about the history of the War of Resistance and the arduous journey towards national prosperity and strength, thereby fostering their sense of national identity and spirit. Fourth, people from all walks of life should be engaged, including motivating and supporting different community groups to organise commemorative events, and encouraging the public to actively participate in such events.
The Convenor of the Working Group, Dr Starry Lee, said that the four sub-groups under the Working Group had separately held meetings, focusing on putting forward plans and proposals on related commemorative activities across four aspects, namely education; local community; history, politics, economics and culture; and media publicity. The Working Group will continue to work closely with relevant bureaux and departments of the HKSAR Government, aiming to deepen public understanding of the history of the War of Resistance through commemorative activities that are diverse in type and rich in content, and thus make the patriotic spirit take root in Hong Kong.
Currently, preparations for various activities to commemorate the victory in the War of Resistance are progressing steadily. These include an official ceremony at the Hong Kong City Hall Memorial Garden on September 3, the Victory Day of the War of Resistance, to honour the occasion; thematic exhibitions co-organised by the Hong Kong Museum of History and the National Museum of China, as well as the Hong Kong Museum of the War of Resistance and Coastal Defence and the Guangdong Museum of Revolutionary History; educational activities for members of the public, young people and students; and screenings of war-related films. In addition, different community groups have been organising commemorative activities in various forms. The HKSAR Government will announce more details in due course and release information on commemorative events, exhibitions and educational activities through a dedicated webpage to facilitate public viewing and participation.
Issued at HKT 19:42
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