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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

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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Speech by SEE at thematic session one of APEC Energy Ministerial Meeting in Beijing (English only) (with photo) 
     Good morning, Chair and fellow colleagues.
      
     As a vibrant metropolis and a leading international financial centre, Hong Kong, China attaches great importance to ensuring a safe, reliable and affordable energy supply to sustain its economic activity and daily operation.
      
     Hong Kong, China is a small and mountainous city with no local energy resources. Apart from a small amount of renewable energy, Hong Kong must rely on imported fuels. The two power companies of Hong Kong, China import fuel from diverse sources globally and maintain a stable energy supply.
      
     Hong Kong, China’s electricity market is regulated through the Scheme of Control Agreements (the Agreements) signed between the Government and the two power companies. The Agreements set out the obligations of the power companies, and the framework for the Government to monitor the companies’ financial, technical and environmental performances. Under this framework, Hong Kong, China enjoys one of the most reliable energy supplies in the world
      
     To protect electricity consumers, the Government of Hong Kong, China examines the tariff proposal of the power companies through an annual tariff review. Our electricity tariff is generally affordable. In general, the spending of households on electricity bills only account for about 2 per cent of their expenditure. In response to the rising fuel prices due to the recent geopolitical uncertainty, the power companies are putting in place energy-saving rebates and concessionary tariff schemes to assist the underprivileged, and drive behavioral changes in energy saving.
      
     The Government also requires the power companies to provide support measures to NGOs (non-governmental organisations), elderlies and the disabled through a Community Energy Saving Fund. These measures ensure that energy is accessible and affordable to all segments of society.     
      
     As a coastal city with hundreds of outlying islands, Hong Kong, China is committed to ensuring universal energy access, leaving no one behind. The power company is rolling out pilot renewable energy schemes to provide supply to a remote island off the electricity grid.
      
     Hong Kong, China will continue to explore new energy solutions in accordance with the city’s long-term development needs, with a view to maintaining a stable and safe energy supply and contributing to the sustainable development of the APEC region.
      
     Thank you.
Issued at HKT 11:00

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“TRI-ART!ON” Concert opens Asia+ Festival with cross-border band music fusion  
     Carl Wong, curator and music director of the Concert, will lead a host band formed by local musicians including drummer Jun Kung, vocalist Jan Curious, guitarist Jason Kui, multi-instrumentalist Danny Yau, and keyboardist Frankie Yip.
 
     The “TRI-ART!ON” line-up also includes Uuhai, a Mongolian heavy metal band making its Hong Kong debut and known for incorporating traditional Mongolian instruments such as the horsehead fiddle as well as Khoomei (throat singing) into contemporary metal sounds. KARDI, an emerging Korean rock band, pairs the traditional geomungo with K-rock female vocals to deliver a distinctive rock style. KIKI, a Thai indie band, creates a chill vibe of the modern city with buoyant electronic grooves and dreamy textures. Together, these four bands will move between traditions and the contemporary on stage, displaying the various dimensions of sound to present a cross-regional and cross-genre pop music performance.
 
     The “TRI-ART!ON” Concert will be staged at 7.45pm on September 23 and 24 at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre Grand Theatre. Tickets priced at $380, $480, $580, $650 and $720 are available at URBTIX (www.urbtix.hk 
     Presented by the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau and organised by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department, the Asia+ Festival is held annually from September to November. Themed “Traditions Recast”, this year’s festival brings together over 30 countries and regions, and presents more than 100 performances and related activities, showcasing the artistic essence of Asia and countries and regions along the Belt and Road. For programme enquiries and ticketing concessions, please call 2370 1044 or visit www.asiaplus.gov.hkIssued at HKT 11:00

TD invites interested and eligible parties to submit proposals for operating Rehabus Feeder Services 
     A spokesman for the TD said that the Rehabus Feeder Services provide special transport services for persons with disabilities who have difficulty using conventional public transport, enabling them to attend medical appointments and take part in social, recreational and leisure activities, thereby facilitating their integration into the community. Regarding the “Invitation for Proposals” (IFP) for operating the Rehabus Feeder Services, the TD invites interested and eligible parties to submit proposals for improving the Rehabus Feeder Services, such as rationalisation proposals for the Feeder Services, enhancement of fleet management, improvement to passenger facilities and customer services, with a view to providing better services for people in need.

     Interested and eligible parties can obtain the full set of IFP documents including service specifications, assessment criteria and the prescribed form during office hours (9am to 1pm and 2pm to 6pm, Mondays to Fridays, except public holidays) from the Disabled Transport Section, Transport Department, 11/F, South Tower, West Kowloon Government Offices, 11 Hoi Ting Road, Yau Ma Tei, or via email (disabledtransport@td.gov.hk 
     The proposals shall be submitted in a sealed envelope clearly marked with “Application for the Provision of the Rehabus Feeder Services” and must be submitted to the TD at the aforesaid address at or before noon on October 9, 2026 (Friday). Late submissions will not be considered.Issued at HKT 12:00