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Golden Week prep meeting held

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Secretary for Culture, Sports & Tourism Rosanna Law today chaired a meeting to co-ordinate preparations for visitor arrivals to Hong Kong during the Mainland’s National Day Golden Week from October 1 to 7. 

At the session, Miss Law noted that this holiday period is a peak travel season for Hong Kong, with a substantial surge in incoming traffic anticipated.

“Government departments and relevant organisations are working closely together, making early preparations for deployment of resources, as well as stepping up co-ordination and communication with relevant Mainland counterparts to provide a high-quality travel experiences for visitors coming to Hong Kong during the Golden Week,” she added.

Regarding law enforcement, the Travel Industry Authority stripped the licences of two travel agencies and a tour guide on September 7 due to their involvement in forced shopping. This follows similar disciplinary measures earlier this year, including the revocation of three operator licences between April and June, and the 30-day suspension of a registered shop in August.

Anticipating the upcoming holiday influx, relevant government departments and organisations will maintain strict enforcement actions to safeguard visitors’ rights and reinforce traveller confidence.

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Silver Bond capped at 13 units

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The subscription and allocation results for the latest batch of Silver Bonds were released today, with 476,703 valid applications seeking a total of $119.3 billion in bond principals.

Of the applications received, 88,422 were for 12 units or fewer. These applicants will be allocated the full amounts they applied for.

The remaining 388,281 applications were for more than 12 units. These applicants will be allocated 12 units each, with 97,396 being allocated one additional unit following a ballot.

The bonds will be issued next Tuesday and the final issuance amount will be $55 billion.

Financial Secretary Paul Chan highlighted that both the number of applicants and the subscription amount for this round of bonds have reached new record highs, demonstrating that Silver Bond continues to be widely welcomed by senior citizens as a safe and steady investment option. 

The proceeds from this batch of bonds will be used on capital works projects for pushing ahead Hong Kong’s infrastructure and urban development, as well as enhancing people’s quality of life.

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Haze Situation Update (11 September 2026)

Source: Government of Singapore

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Haze Situation Update (11 September 2026)

11 Sep 2026

Air Quality Forecast

24-hour PSI: Moderate – Low Unhealthy

Health Advisory

Healthy persons: If 24 hr PSI is Moderate, normal activities. If 24 hr PSI is Unhealthy, reduce prolonged or strenuous outdoor physical exertion.
Elderly, pregnant women & children: If 24 hr PSI is Moderate, normal activities. If 24 hr PSI is Unhealthy, minimise prolonged or strenuous outdoor physical exertion.
Persons with chronic lung/heart disease: If 24 hr PSI is Moderate, normal activities. If PSI is Unhealthy, avoid prolonged or strenuous outdoor physical exertion.

Refer to the 1-hr PM2.5 for immediate activities, and the 24-hr PSI forecast to plan ahead.

Singapore, 11 September 2026 – Heavy showers fell over Singapore today. As at 6pm, the 1-hr PM2.5 concentration readings were 12 – 20 µg/m3, in Band 1 (Normal), and the 24-hr PSI was 69 – 88, in the Moderate range.

Update on Hotspot and Haze Situation

  1. Moderate to dense smoke plumes continue to be observed from fires in southern Sumatra and Kalimantan.
  1. While showers can be expected over northern and central Sumatra over the next few days, dry conditions are forecast over Kalimantan and southern Sumatra. Under the prevailing southeasterly or southerly winds, there remains a risk of smoke haze affecting Singapore. The 24-hr PSI for Singapore is forecast to be in the Moderate – Low Unhealthy range.

Activity Guidelines

  1. The health impact of haze is dependent on one’s health status, the PSI level, and the length and intensity of outdoor activity. For immediate outdoor activities, please check the 1-hr PM2.5 concentration readings and personal guide. Use the 24-hr PSI forecast and corresponding health advisories for planning next day outdoor activities.
  1. For updates, visit our haze microsite (www.haze.gov.sg), the NEA website (www.nea.gov.sg), MSS website ( www.weather.gov.sg), mobile app (myENV) or follow us on NEA Facebook (www.facebook.com/NEASingapore). For information on the distribution of hotspots detected over the past fortnight in the region, please refer to the ASEAN Specialised Meteorological Centre (ASMC) website at http://asmc.asean.org.

    Areas with lighter smoke haze are not indicated as they cannot be clearly discerned from satellite imagery.

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Election guidelines announced

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Electoral Affairs Commission (EAC) today announced the Guidelines on Election-related Activities relating to the Election Committee Subsector (ECSS) polls.

These rules apply to the 2026 ECSS Ordinary Elections on November 22, as well as subsequent by-elections. Following a public consultation held from June 11 to July 10, the commission incorporated valuable public feedback regarding the application of artificial intelligence and innovative technology in electoral arrangements.

Prospective candidates and stakeholders are advised to review the guidelines and relevant legislation thoroughly to ensure strict compliance.

The guidelines are available for download on the EAC website. Members of the public can also view them at the Registration and Electoral Office, the Home Affairs Enquiry Centres of all District Offices, and major or district public libraries.

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Global I&T talent concludes GBA visit organised by HKTE

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     Hong Kong Talent Engage (HKTE) arranged a delegation of global innovation and technology (I&T) talent to visit Hong Kong, Qianhai in Shenzhen, and Nansha in Guangzhou from September 7 to 11 to learn about the I&T ecosystem, industry support and opportunities in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA).

     The delegation of 20 members comprised winners of an I&T hackathon, which was co-organised by HKTE and the EuroTech Federation in Germany in June this year, and representatives from the federation. They toured the I&T parks in the three cities (including Cyberport, Hong Kong Science Park, and the Hong Kong-Shenzhen Innovation and Technology Park) and the Northern Metropolis, as well as exchanged views with local research institutes, I&T enterprises and start-ups to learn about the overall planning and development opportunities of the I&T industries such as AI, robotics, smart transport and biotechnology in Hong Kong and the GBA, and the support measures for I&T talent and enterprises.

     The Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Mr Chris Sun, said that the visit was aimed at facilitating the matching of I&T talent, technology, capital and markets, and attracting talent to pursue development or start a business in Hong Kong, thereby injecting new impetus into the country’s I&T development. He pointed out that the National 15th Five-Year Plan supports Hong Kong’s development into an international I&T centre and an international hub for high-calibre talent. The Government continues to enhance the initiatives for attracting talent and strengthen the I&T ecosystem, with a view to promoting the integration of technology and talent. The Government also works with other GBA cities to promote the high-quality development of the region and bring in talent required for the development of our country and Hong Kong, proactively aligning with the national development strategies.

     An AI entrepreneur of the delegation expressed that the visit gave her a better understanding of the overall advantages of Hong Kong and GBA Mainland cities in terms of financing, logistics, hardware supply chains, transformation of outcomes and regional connectivity, which would help build collaboration networks. She added that she is considering launching projects in Hong Kong.

     The Director of HKTE, Mr Felix Chan, said that HKTE will continue to promote globally the development opportunities in the GBA and various talent attraction measures of Hong Kong, and to provide incoming talent and their families with comprehensive settlement support services, thereby supporting the city in building an international hub for high-calibre talent.

                    

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Mainland University Study Subsidy Scheme Opens for New Applications; “Smart Parent Net” Recommendation: (Video) 活動精華 -【童心．同心】小學家長講座系列（五）：「了解特質、享受學習」(Chinese version only)

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 3

The Mainland University Study Subsidy Scheme (MUSSS) aims to support Hong Kong students in pursuing undergraduate studies on the Chinese Mainland and ensure that no students will be deprived of post-secondary education opportunity due to a lack of means.  MUSSS comprises two components: “means-tested subsidy” (eligible students who have passed a means test will receive either a full-rate subsidy or a half-rate subsidy, depending on their needs) and “non-means-tested subsidy”.  The subsidy is granted on a yearly basis, and the subsidised period is the normal duration of the undergraduate programme pursued by the student concerned in a designated Chinese Mainland institution.  Eligible applicants can only receive either a means-tested subsidy or a non-means-tested subsidy in the same academic year.  MUSSS is not subject to any quota.

For the 2026/27 academic year, there are 217 designated Chinese Mainland institutions. The subsidy will be disbursed to eligible students based on the distance between the location of their institutions and Hong Kong, which will be grouped under the following three categories:
(2) pursuing studies in Huaqiao University through “Pilot Scheme on the Articulation of Hong Kong Sub-degree Graduates to Huaqiao University”; OR
(3) admitted to a Mainland institution through the “School Principal Nomination Scheme” under the “Scheme for Admission of Hong Kong Students to Mainland Higher Education Institutions”.Note:Eligible students are required to submit their applications via the MUSSS Electronic Application Platform (Enquiries should be directed to 2827 1112 or musss@edb.gov.hk. 

 

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Ombudsman Academy holds thematic talk for Legislative Council Members’ offices and assistants

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The following is issued on behalf of the Office of The Ombudsman:

     The Hong Kong International Ombudsman Academy (HKIOA) under the Office of The Ombudsman (the Office) today (September 11) held a thematic talk titled “From Supervision to Good Governance – Interplay between Policy Deliberation and Supervision” at the Legislative Council (LegCo) Complex.

     The talk marked the HKIOA’s first engagement activity organised for LegCo Members’ offices and their assistants. The response was enthusiastic, with nearly 100 assistants and representatives in attendance. Speaking at the talk, the Office’s Chief Investigation Officer, Mrs  Kitty Cheng, elaborated on the Office’s supervisory role and functions, and discussed with participants how policy deliberation and supervision can be combined to enhance the governance effectiveness of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), thereby fostering prosperity and stability, and improving people’s livelihood and well-being.

     Participants were also briefed on the three strategic focuses championed by the Office under the leadership of the Ombudsman, Mr Jack Chan, namely making effective use of mediation to resolve complaints, promoting interdepartmental collaboration and fostering a positive complaint culture. The HKIOA also explained how the Office proactively exercises its supervisory functions to prevent maladministration at source and alleviate public concerns and difficulties. Participants actively expressed views on livelihood issues they encountered during their daily work, shared their experiences, and raised questions while taking part in discussions on public administration supervision and complaint handling.

     Mr Chan said, “Our Office proactively supports the HKSAR Government in enhancing governance effectiveness, addressing people’s concerns and difficulties, and aligning with the National 15th Five‑Year Plan by assisting government departments and public organisations in leveraging Hong Kong’s strengths to better integrate into and serve the overall national development. The HKIOA’s thematic talk for LegCo Members’ offices and their assistants will contribute to the achievement of these objectives, and we extend our appreciation to the LegCo Secretariat for its meticulous arrangements in organising this talk.”

     Mr Chan reiterated, “With tireless dedication, the Office will continue to explore multiple avenues aimed at enhancing the governance effectiveness of the HKSAR Government for better alignment with national development strategies.”

        

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CSTB convenes meeting to co-ordinate preparation for visitor arrivals to Hong Kong during National Day Golden Week of Mainland

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau convened a meeting today (September 11) to co-ordinate the preparation for visitor arrivals to Hong Kong during the seven-day National Day Golden Week of the Mainland (October 1 to 7).  
 
The meeting was chaired by the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Miss Rosanna Law, with representatives from government departments including the Hong Kong Police Force, the Immigration Department, Hong Kong Customs and Excise Department, the Transport Department, the Department of Health, the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department and various District Offices attending. Representatives from various tourism-related organisations, including the Travel Industry Authority (TIA), the Hong Kong Tourism Board, the Travel Industry Council of Hong Kong, the West Kowloon Cultural District Authority, major tourist attractions and the hotel industry also attended.
 
Miss Law said, “The National Day Golden Week is Hong Kong’s peak season for travel, and a notable increase in the number of visitors during the period is expected. Government departments and relevant organisations are working closely together, making early preparations for deployment of resources as well as stepping up co-ordination and communication with relevant Mainland counterparts so as to provide a high-quality travel experience for visitors coming to Hong Kong during the Golden Week.”
 
In respect of law enforcement, following the revocation of licences for a travel agency and two tour guides in April and June this year, and the 30-day suspension of a registered shop’s registration in August, the TIA revoked the licences of two travel agencies and a tour guide on September 7, on the grounds of their involvement in coerced shopping. This demonstrates the Government’s determination to combat malpractices including coerced shopping. With a large number of visitors expected to arrive in Hong Kong during the Golden Week, relevant government departments and organisations will continue to strengthen enforcement actions to protect visitors’ rights and enhance their confidence in travelling to Hong Kong.
 
With the Mainland Mid-Autumn Festival long weekend (September 25 to 27) approaching, during which an increase in visitor arrivals is expected, Miss Law invited government departments, relevant organisations and the travel trade to make necessary preparations to receive visitors as well.
​
Relevant parties will continue to maintain close communication before the National Day Golden Week of the Mainland to plan and take forward various preparations for welcoming visitors to Hong Kong, and will report in a timely manner the latest situation to the interdepartmental working group on festival arrangements chaired by the Chief Secretary for Administration.

     

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DH continues to clamp down on illegal smoking in no smoking areas

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

DH continues to clamp down on illegal smoking in no smoking areas (with photo) 
     During the operation, officers from TACO (including plainclothes officers) carried out inspections and enforcement action at bars in the vicinity of Tsim Sha Tsui area, and issued a total of three FPNs to persons illegally smoking waterpipes and cigarette, as well as possessing an e-cigarette capsule. TACO’s investigation is ongoing, and prosecution may also be taken against operators of the bars that are suspected of aiding and abetting smoking offences. TACO will also refer the cases to the Liquor Licensing Board for appropriate follow-up action.
 
     Under the Smoking (Public Health) Ordinance (Ordinance), conducting a smoking act in a statutory no smoking area (such as indoor areas of bars or restaurants) is prohibited. The Ordinance also prohibits the possession of specified alternative smoking products (ASPs) (including e-cigarette capsules, liquids, heat sticks and herbal cigarettes) in public places. Any person contravening the above provisions is liable to a fixed penalty of $3,000. Moreover, where smoking products (including waterpipes) are sold, in bars or otherwise, the restrictions on the promotion and sale of smoking products stipulated in the Ordinance apply. Offenders are liable on summary conviction to a maximum fine of $50,000. Venue managers of statutory no smoking areas are empowered by the Ordinance to request a smoking offender cease the act; if the offender is not co-operative, the manager may contact the Police for assistance.
 
     In addition, under the Criminal Procedure Ordinance, any person who aids, abets, counsels or procures the commission by another person of any offence shall be guilty of the same offence.
 
     During the inspections conducted from January 2024 to date, the DH issued a total of over 300 fixed penalty notices for smoking waterpipe tobacco illegally in indoor no smoking areas, in addition to around 150 summonses to staff of the bars for aiding and abetting smoking in indoor no smoking areas.
 
     “Members of the public must not try or continue consuming ASPs or waterpipes based on the misconception that these products contain less harmful substances. On the contrary, ASPs have been proven to emit numerous toxic substances that can lead to addiction, illness, or even death. A waterpipe is also a smoking product, and its combustion of fuel (e.g. charcoal) releases carbon monoxide. A typical one-hour waterpipe smoking session exposes the user to 100 to 200 times the volume of smoke inhaled from a single conventional cigarette. Moreover, sharing a waterpipe apparatus increases the risk of transmitting infectious diseases, such as tuberculosis. People should seek medical attention immediately if they suspect they are developing symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning,” said the Head of TACO, Dr Manny Lam.
 
       He stressed that TACO will continue to closely monitor and rigorously enforce the law against illegal activities such as waterpipe smoking in no smoking areas, illegal sales and promotions of smoking products, as well as illegal imports of ASPs.
 
     Dr Lam urged smokers to quit smoking as early as possible for their own health and that of others. Members of the public may call the DH’s Integrated Smoking Cessation Hotline on 1833 183, or visit TACO’s websiteIssued at HKT 16:00

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InvestHK highlights Hong Kong’s “AI+” and “Finance+” strengths at Inclusion Conference on the Bund 2026 to support Chinese Mainland enterprises’ going global

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

InvestHK highlights Hong Kong’s “AI+” and “Finance+” strengths at Inclusion Conference on the Bund 2026 to support Chinese Mainland enterprises’ going global  
     The Secretary of the CPC Shanghai Huangpu District, Ms Xu Huili, said, “As globalisation continues to accelerate, going global has become a priority for many enterprises. As a world-renowned international financial centre, Hong Kong offers a mature capital market, a strong professional services ecosystem, a legal system aligned with international standards, and a rich pool of talent. Hong Kong has become an important platform for Chinese Mainland enterprises seeking to expand globally. In the first half of this year, the Huangpu District (Hong Kong) Talent Liaison and Enterprise Going Global Service Station was officially launched in Hong Kong, alongside the successful staging of the ‘Creator·H²’ Global Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition. From connecting I&T resources to developing high-level innovation platforms, and from talent exchanges to project matchmaking, a series of practical initiatives is gradually translating into tangible results as Huangpu District and Hong Kong join forces to support Chinese Mainland enterprises in going global. Looking ahead, Huangpu District will further deepen collaboration with relevant departments and organisations in Hong Kong, and actively promote co-operation between Shanghai and Hong Kong in areas including policy alignment, talent exchanges and capital connectivity, creating a pathway for enterprises to expand from Shanghai to the global stage.”
 
     The Global Head of Financial Services, Fintech & Sustainability at InvestHK, Mr King Leung, said, “Chinese Mainland enterprises are entering a new phase of internationalisation, where integrated development is driven by technology, brands, capital and supply chain. As a key node in the country’s dual circulation strategy, the Yangtze River Delta is home to a growing number of companies with global competitiveness. Hong Kong is uniquely positioned to support this next stage of growth. As an international financial centre and international innovation and technology hub, the city brings together capital, market and talent connectivity, while providing comprehensive support across financing, research and development, professional services and overseas business expansion for enterprises. As a “Super Connector” and “Super Value-Adder”, Hong Kong will continue to help Chinese Mainland enterprises seize opportunities arising from the AI era, connect with international markets and accelerate their global development.”
 
Hong Kong Forum explores new opportunities for enterprise global expansion
 
     One of the highlights of this year’s Conference was the Hong Kong Forum organised by InvestHK under the theme “Sailing the Digital Ocean — Hong Kong’s ‘FinTech+’ Empowers Chinese Mainland Enterprises to Expand Globally”. The Forum formed part of a broader Hong Kong delegation of more than 20 representatives from the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government, regulators, financial institutions, innovation and technology organisations, and the business community to explore emerging trends and opportunities of Chinese Mainland enterprise globalisation. Discussions focused on key issues ranging from fundraising and treasury management to innovation, talent, cross-border compliance and international expansion, showcasing how Hong Kong supports enterprises at different stages of their global growth journey.
 
     As a showcase of Hong Kong’s “Finance+” and “AI+” advantages, the Forum convened representatives from the Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau, the Innovation, Technology and Industry Bureau, InvestHK, the Hong Kong Monetary Authority, and Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited alongside leaders from the financial, technology and professional services sectors. Through policy dialogues, thematic discussions and business case studies, participants examined how Hong Kong supports Chinese Mainland enterprises throughout their go-global journey, from policy advantages, financing and innovation to global market expansion.
 
     Participants noted that Chinese Mainland enterprises are moving beyond traditional product exports towards a more sophisticated phase of globalisation. They must develop end‑to‑end capabilities spanning global capital mobility, innovation and research and development (R&D), compliance and cross‑border operations. Against this backdrop, the Forum explored practical strategies for enhancing global treasury efficiency through Hong Kong’s cross-border Renminbi network, multi-currency treasury management capabilities and fintech infrastructure; promoting offshore R&D and AI innovation capabilities through Hong Kong’s research talent pool, start-up ecosystem and  IP protection regime fosters offshore R&D and AI innovation; and navigating cross-border compliance , supply chain, digital infrastructure challenges across markets and other challenges. Discussions also covered the role of policy initiatives and market mechanisms, ranging from company establishment, tax incentives, talent attraction, to capital markets access and cross-border financing solutions, providing enterprises with a clearer development path from establishing a presence in Hong Kong and consolidating resources to expanding their global business.
 
Hong Kong pavilion highlights the city’s advantages and deepening Shanghai-Hong Kong collaboration
 
     During the Conference, InvestHK showcased Hong Kong’s integrated strengths as a platform for enterprise globalisation through a dedicated booth, with Hong Kong FinTech Week x StartmeupHK highlighting as the city’s latest developments in financial services, innovation and technology. The pavilion demonstrated how Hong Kong’s “AI+” and “Finance+” strengths support innovation of Chinese Mainland enterprises, connect them with global opportunities and help businesses expand internationally. Through its participation in the Conference, InvestHK further strengthened engagement with enterprises from the Yangtze River Delta, encouraging them to leverage Hong Kong’s flagship platforms, including Hong Kong FinTech Week x StartmeupHK, as gateways to international markets and growth opportunities.
 
     InvestHK’s participation in the Inclusion Conference on the Bund for a second consecutive year reflects the growing momentum of collaboration between Shanghai and Hong Kong in fintech, innovation, entrepreneurship and enterprise internationalisation. Looking ahead, InvestHK will continue to strengthen engagement with the Yangtze River Delta and other regions across the country, fostering closer connections between innovation, industry and capital. As enterprises navigate the opportunities presented by AI, industrial transformation and a rapidly evolving global economy, Hong Kong will continue to play a unique role in helping businesses connect with global markets, build international capabilities, and achieve high quality growth.
Issued at HKT 12:12

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