MIL Asia Pacific Publishing Engine

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The total gross value of construction works (GVCW) performed by main contractors in the third quarter of 2025 decreased by 1.5% in nominal terms over a year earlier to $73.4 billion, according to the provisional results of the Quarterly Survey of Construction Output released today (December 11) by the Census and Statistics Department (C&SD).
 
After discounting the effect of price changes, the provisional results showed that the total GVCW performed by main contractors decreased by 5.5% in real terms over the same period. GVCW in real terms is derived by deflating the corresponding nominal value with an appropriate price index to the price level in the base period of 2000.
 
Analysed by type of construction works, the GVCW performed at private sector sites totalled $16.9 billion in the third quarter of 2025, down by 18.1% in nominal terms over a year earlier. In real terms, it decreased by 20.8%. The GVCW performed at public sector sites increased by 7.7% in nominal terms over a year earlier to $34.1 billion in the third quarter of 2025. In real terms, it increased by 2.0%.
 
The GVCW performed by main contractors at locations other than construction sites amounted to $22.4 billion in the third quarter of 2025, slightly up by 0.7% in nominal terms compared with a year earlier. In real terms, however, it slightly decreased by 0.4%. Construction works at locations other than construction sites included minor new construction activities and decoration, repair and maintenance for buildings; and electrical equipment installation and maintenance works at locations other than construction sites.
 
Analysed by major end-use group, the GVCW performed at construction sites in respect of residential buildings projects amounted to $21.3 billion in the third quarter of 2025, slightly up by 0.9% in nominal terms over a year earlier. Over the same period, the GVCW performed at construction sites in respect of transport projects down by 32.3% in nominal terms to $7.6 billion in the third quarter of 2025.
 
On a seasonally adjusted quarter-to-quarter basis, the GVCW performed by main contractors increased by 1.8% in nominal terms and 0.1% in real terms in the third quarter of 2025 compared with the second quarter of 2025.
 
Table 1 shows the provisional figures on the GVCW performed by main contractors in the third quarter of 2025. Table 2 shows the revised figures for the second quarter of 2025.
 
Owing to the widespread sub-contracting practices in the construction industry, a construction company can be a main contractor for one contract and a sub-contractor for another contract at the same time. The GVCW performed by main contractors covers only those projects in which the construction company takes the role of a main contractor, but not projects in which it takes only the role of a sub-contractor. However, sub-contractors’ contribution to projects should have been included in the GVCW performed by main contractors for whom they worked.
 
The classification in the construction sector follows the Hong Kong Standard Industrial Classification Version 2.0, which is used in various economic surveys for classifying economic units into different industry classes.
 
More detailed statistics are given in the “Report on the Quarterly Survey of Construction Output”. Users can browse and download this publication at the website of the C&SD (www.censtatd.gov.hk/en/EIndexbySubject.html?pcode=B1090002&scode=330).

For enquiries about the survey results, please contact the Construction and Miscellaneous Services Statistics Section of the C&SD (Tel: 3903 6965; email: building@censtatd.gov.hk).

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Hong Kong Museum of Art (HKMoA), upon invitation from the Hong Kong Arts Development Council (HKADC), is collaborating with the HKADC for the first time to participate in the Collateral Event of the 61st International Art Exhibition – La Biennale di Venezia in Venice, Italy, from May to November 2026. The HKMoA and the HKADC will jointly present selected works of Hong Kong artists Kingsley Ng and Angel Hui at the exhibition to showcase Hong Kong’s artistic diversity on the international stage.
 
     Curated by the HKMoA, the exhibition explores the poetic rhythms of everyday life, engaging in a dialogue with the curatorial theme “In Minor Keys” of the 61st International Art Exhibition – La Biennale di Venezia. Drawing on familiar yet fleeting moments from daily life in Hong Kong, the exhibition guides visitors on a journey of self-discovery within the flow of life.
 
     Born and raised in Hong Kong, the two participating artists excel in drawing inspiration from Hong Kong’s cultural context and quotidian experiences, reinterpreting daily-life rhythms and aesthetics through varied mediums such as light, sound and installation. Ng, an established media artist, is known for his poetic, site-specific installations that extend the viewer’s perceptions of life. His works have been presented extensively in notable exhibitions locally and internationally. Hui, a promising emerging artist, is skilled at integrating traditional Chinese cultural elements with contemporary artistic language, recreating everyday objects to evoke cross-cultural artistic possibilities. Together, the two Hong Kong artists, as keen observers of the nuances of urban daily life, are transforming their reflections into creative inspirations for connecting Hong Kong and Venice – two international metropolises from various perspectives, thereby demonstrating the vitality and accomplishment of Hong Kong art to the international audience.
 
     Established in 1895, the International Art Exhibition – La Biennale di Venezia is the world’s oldest international exhibition of contemporary visual arts. In each edition, some 100 countries and regions join the national pavilions and collateral events. Since 2001, the HKADC has been participating in the International Art Exhibition – La Biennale di Venezia through a collateral event, aiming to promote Hong Kong’s art development as well as cultural exchanges at international art platforms.
 
     To foster broader participation from fellow art practitioners and create opportunities for Hong Kong artists to advance their careers on the international stage, the selection of artists to participate in the exhibition was guided by a nomination and assessment process. The HKMoA had invited nominations from local tertiary institutions as well as professional art organisations. Artists or artist collectives directly commissioned by the museums and offices of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) in recent years were also included. The nomination list covered over 200 artists. A professional selection panel then shortlisted artists for the HKMoA’s final consideration. The HKMoA has selected Ng and Hui from the shortlist.
 
     The curatorial team of the HKMoA is deeply honoured to be curating the Hong Kong Exhibition at the International Art Exhibition – La Biennale di Venezia. Established in 1962, the HKMoA is the city’s first public art museum. For over six decades, it has been committed to collecting and promoting Hong Kong art, as well as fostering strong collaborative relationships within the sector. It has built up a wide network and extensive experience, nurturing the growth of local artists and actively fulfilling its role as “the art museum of Hong Kong”. The HKMoA expressed hope that, by joining hands with the two artists, representative Hong Kong art will be impressively brought onto the global stage.

     The members of the selection panel are: Guest Professor of School of Intermedia Art of the China Academy of Art Professor Johnson Chang; Museum Expert Adviser of the LCSD Dr William Lim; Senior Advisor of the Mori Art Museum, Japan, Mr Fumio Nanjo; the Chairman of the Museum Advisory Committee of the LCSD, Professor Douglas So; Professor Wang Huangsheng from the Central Academy of Fine Arts; the Museum Director of the HKMoA, Dr Maria Mok; and the Curator (Modern and Hong Kong Art) of the HKMoA, Ms Prudence Ma.

     The Hong Kong Exhibition at the 61st International Art Exhibition – La Biennale di Venezia is presented by the LCSD and the HKADC and organised by the HKMoA and the HKADC. It will be held in Venice, Italy (Campo della Tana, Castello 2126, 30122), from May 9 to November 22, 2026.

     For details of the two participating artists, please refer to the Annex.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

Hong Kong Customs detected two suspected smuggling cases involving two river trade vessels on November 19 and 20 respectively. A large batch of suspected smuggled goods with a total estimated market value of about $75 million was seized.
 
Through intelligence analysis and risk assessment, two river trade vessels departing from Hong Kong for Macao were selected for inspection on the abovementioned dates. Upon examination, Customs officers aboard the vessels found a large batch of suspected smuggled goods, including suspected pharmaceutical products, suspected scheduled endangered mobula plate gills and plants, dried seafood, cigars, and electronic products.
 
Investigations are ongoing. The likelihood of arrests is not ruled out.
 
Being a government department primarily responsible for tackling smuggling activities, Customs has long been combating various smuggling activities at the forefront. Customs will keep up its enforcement action and continue to resolutely combat sea smuggling activities through proactive risk management and intelligence-based enforcement strategies, and carry out targeted anti-smuggling operations at suitable times to crack down on relevant crimes.
 
Smuggling is a serious offence. Under the Import and Export Ordinance, any person found guilty of importing or exporting unmanifested cargo is liable to a maximum fine of $2 million and imprisonment for seven years upon conviction.
 
Under the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance, any person importing, exporting or possessing specimens of endangered species not in accordance with the Ordinance commits an offence and will be liable to a maximum fine of $10 million and imprisonment for 10 years upon conviction with the specimens forfeited.
 
Members of the public may report any suspected smuggling activities to Customs’ 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002).

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     Following is the speech by the Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr Christopher Hui, at the HKQAA Green and Sustainable Finance Forum Luncheon 2025 today (December 11):
 
Simon (Chairman of the Hong Kong Quality Assurance Agency (HKQAA), Professor Wong Ka-wo), Professor Sun (Deputy Secretary of the CPC Xi’an Jiaotong University Committee, Professor Sun Zao) distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
 
     Good morning. It is a great honour and pleasure for me to join you today at the HKQAA Green and Sustainable Finance Forum Luncheon 2025. I am very delighted to be here among such a distinguished gathering of industry leaders, experts, and stakeholders committed to advancing sustainable development. Let me begin by acknowledging the excellent theme curated by the HKQAA for this forum: “Fostering the Development of Sustainable Finance and Technology, Promoting Climate Risk and ESG Disclosure”. This theme is timely and relevant amid global challenges including climate change and environmental conservation, emphasising innovative solutions for economic resilience and planetary protection.
 
     I must also take this opportunity to express my appreciation for the outstanding work that the HKQAA has accomplished in the realm of sustainable finance and beyond. The HKQAA has actively participated in shaping international standards for green finance. This agency has launched the Green and Sustainable Finance Certification Scheme, providing credible verification for issuers and building trust in the market. Your support for Hong Kong’s sustainability disclosure roadmap is equally commendable, exemplified by the development of pioneering industry-based technical guidance on climate disclosure. This guidance represents one of the initial global efforts in this area, highlighting Hong Kong’s strengths and leadership in sustainability reporting.
 
     Furthermore, the HKQAA’s initiatives in capacity building, such as offering workshops and digital tools like the GHG (greenhouse gas) Scope 3 Emission Calculator, have been instrumental in preparing the business community for enhanced climate disclosures. All these tools empower companies to measure and manage their environmental impact effectively. In the domain of carbon markets and low-carbon ecosystems, the HKQAA has introduced innovative initiatives in carbon inclusion, event carbon offsetting, and low-carbon transportation infrastructure. These efforts not only support the growth of carbon trading but also contribute to building a comprehensive low-carbon ecosystem.
 
     Turning to the broader landscape, the Central People’s Government has outlined in the 14th Five-Year Plan a commitment to green transformation, aiming to peak carbon emissions before 2030 and achieve neutrality before 2060. Hong Kong aligns with these goals, targeting carbon neutrality before 2050 and a 50 per cent emissions reduction before 2035. Globally, climate finance reached US$1.3 trillion in 2021/22, but is estimated to hit US$9 trillion annually by 2030 and US$10 trillion by 2050. This highlights the demand for green finance, where Hong Kong plays a key role in capital mobilisation.
 
     As a premier international financial centre, Hong Kong is uniquely positioned as a “super connector” linking the Chinese Mainland with global markets. We leverage robust regulatory frameworks, expertise in standards, and connectivity to global capital. Last year, green and sustainable debt issued here exceeded US$84 billion, with bonds at US$43 billion – capturing 45 per cent of Asia’s total, ranking first for seven years since 2018. This success stems from comprehensive government policies working together with the industry, of course also with the HKQAA, to foster green finance, technology integration, and of course disclosure efforts, as highlighted by the theme of this forum.
 
     The Government has been taking the lead to promote green finance. Under the Government Sustainable Bond Programme, we have issued bonds totalling about HK$250 billion equivalent since 2019. Notable issuances include two batches of retail green bonds of HK$20 billion each in 2022 and 2023 – the 2022 issuance being the largest retail green bond globally at the time. At the same time, we have multicurrency green bonds in RMB (Renminbi), USD (US dollars), and euro totalling around HK$45 billion equivalent in 2023, marking the largest ESG (environmental, social and governance) bond issuance in Asia; and innovative tokenised green bonds, including the world’s first multitranche digitally native green bonds last year and a HK$10 billion equivalent issuance last month that integrated tokenised central bank money like e-CNY and e-HKD for settlement.
 
     To incentivise market participation, the Government launched the Green and Sustainable Finance Grant Scheme in 2021 to provide subsidy for eligible bond issuers and loan borrowers to cover part of their expenses on bond issuance and external review services. The Scheme has been extended by three years from 2024 to 2027, with an expanded scope of subsidies to cover transition bonds and loans. These measures encourage relevant industries in the region to make use of Hong Kong’s transition financing platform towards decarbonisation. As of end-November this year, we have granted around HK$410 million to over 640 green and sustainable debt instruments issued in Hong Kong, involving a total underlying debt issuance of over HK$1.3 trillion.
 
     Innovation is at the heart of our strategy, particularly in green fintech. The Green and Sustainable Finance Cross-Agency Steering Group, co-chaired by regulators, launched the Hong Kong Green Fintech Map 2025 in June this year, developed with stakeholders like Cyberport and Invest Hong Kong. This map provides one-stop information on green fintech companies in Hong Kong, enhancing their visibility. And in June last year, we introduced the Green and Sustainable Fintech Proof-of-Concept Funding Support Scheme, approving 39 applicants for 60 projects with HK$150,000 grants each to foster commercialisation.
 
     On sustainability disclosure, my bureau FSTB (Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau) launched in December last year the Roadmap on Sustainability Disclosure in Hong Kong. The roadmap sets out Hong Kong’s approach to require publicly accountable entities (PAEs), which are essentially our listing companies, to adopt the ISSB Standards (International Financial Reporting Standards – Sustainability Disclosure Standards). It provides a well-defined pathway for large PAEs to fully adopt the ISSB Standards no later than 2028. In June this year, the International Financial Reporting Standards Foundation (IFRS Foundation) published the jurisdictional profiles on adoption of the ISSB Standards and Hong Kong was confirmed as among the initial set of jurisdictions having set a target of fully adopting the ISSB Standards. This demonstrates Hong Kong’s commitment to enhancing the transparency of information on sustainable development in the capital markets, facilitating investors to make investment decisions and promoting global capital flows. My bureau in collaboration with financial regulators and stakeholders will continue to support the pragmatic implementation of the Hong Kong Standards through enhancing capacity building and promoting the use of technological solutions.
 
     Another key topic is about carbon markets, we are extending our efforts to build Hong Kong into an international credible market to connect opportunities across the Mainland, Asia and the rest of the world. The Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited (HKEX) launched an international carbon marketplace Core Climate in October 2022, which is currently the only carbon marketplace that offers HKD (Hong Kong dollars) and RMB settlement for the trading of international voluntary carbon credits. The number of participants on the platform reached 100 by the end of last year. The HKEX signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in September this year with Guangzhou Emissions Exchange, Shenzhen Green Exchange and Macao International Carbon Emission Exchange to co-operate in accelerating the carbon markets and green finance ecosystem development across the Greater Bay Area. Under the MOU, the four exchanges will work closely to explore new opportunities in carbon markets and green finance. This collaboration aims to foster deeper dialogue and facilitate the exchange of expertise among the exchanges and markets participants, supporting the development of a robust and vibrant green finance ecosystem across Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area.
 
     Looking forward, Hong Kong’s leadership in sustainable finance requires unwavering commitment, innovation, and collaboration. This forum, with insights from a lineup of distinguished speakers, will provide visionary perspectives helping us to drive further development. Through partnerships with all stakeholders, we will continue to unlock capital for a greener future, extending beyond Hong Kong to Asia and globally. Thank you once again for having me today and at the same time, to the HKQAA for organising this event. I wish the forum every success and look forward to fruitful discussions and more insights to inform us to make better decisions going forward.
 
     Thank you.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) today (December 11) announced that Po Leung Kuk has been selected as the partner to operate the cultural and creative arts bazaar at Victoria Park (V Mart).

     Located at the Water Fountain Plaza and the South Pavilion Plaza in Victoria Park, V Mart is one of the nine hotspot projects announced in May this year by the Working Group on Developing Tourist Hotspots led by the Deputy Chief Secretary for Administration. V Mart will commence trial operations on December 12. It will then be open from noon to no later than 9pm on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays (operation period subject to changes in light of major events to be held at Victoria Park) up to end-November next year. V Mart will feature new themes from time to time, with about 30 stalls showing different products, handmade crafts, trendy food and beverage, etc, as well as photo spots attractive to local residents and tourists.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Fire Services Department today posthumously conferred the honorary title of Senior Fireman on the late Ho Wai-ho, in recognition of his exemplary service and selfless dedication to duty.

At the ceremony, held at Sha Tin Fire Station, members of Mr Ho’s family accepted, on his behalf, a posthumous title conferment certificate and an embroidery of the Senior Fireman’s rank badge from Director of Fire Services Andy Yeung.

Members of the department’s New Territories North Command were also present to witness the ceremony.

Mr Ho was born in 1987 and joined the FSD as a fireman in 2016. He served at the Sha Tin Fire Station and demonstrated outstanding performance and dedication during his nine-year service.

While executing a firefighting and rescue operation at Wang Fuk Court, Tai Po on November 26 this year, Mr Ho sustained serious injuries and lost his life in the line of duty. The blaze was later upgraded to a No. 5 alarm fire.

The department will hold a funeral with full honour for Mr Ho at the Universal Funeral Parlour in Hung Hom, Kowloon on December 19. He will be laid to rest at the Gallant Garden in Wo Hop Shek afterwards.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Chinese Medicine Hospital of Hong Kong began offering outpatient and day-patient services today, as the phased launch of its operations commenced.

Located at 1 Pak Shing Kok Road in Tseung Kwan O, the hospital follows a public-private partnership model, with its construction being fully funded by the Government.

In response to keen public demand, appointments for government-subsidised outpatient services will be increased.

Secretary for Health Prof Lo Chung-mau said the commencement of services at the hospital marks a significant milestone in the development of Chinese Medicine (CM) in the city, signalling that CM is going beyond primary healthcare to play a part in secondary and tertiary healthcare in Hong Kong.

He said he looks forward to the hospital providing more comprehensive CM services to members of the public, and to developing a “Hong Kong model” that involves a mix of pure CM, CM-dominant services, and integrated Chinese-Western medical services. Remarking that this will dovetail with the CM Development Blueprint due to be announced by the Government, he explained that the blueprint will foster the CM sector’s high-quality and high-standard development, giving it powerful impetus to “go global”.

Regarding the high demand for appointments, Prof Lo said: “In response to the keen public demand, we have requested the hospital to increase the quota for government-subsidised general outpatient services in the first month after service commencement for members of the public to make appointments.

“Specifically, the service quota in the first 10 days of operation has been doubled. For the remaining days of the first month upon service commencement, the service quota has also been increased by an additional 30% starting today.”

He added that patients can also make appointments to attend the non-subsidised outpatient clinic, where they can select their preferred CM practitioners.

In addition to providing outpatient and day-patient services, in its first year of operation the hospital will fully launch specialised CM services in six areas: Internal Medicine; External Medicine; Gynaecology; Paediatrics; Orthopaedics and Traumatology; and Acupuncture and Moxibustion.

It will also launch 12 special disease programmes, including programmes for elderly degenerative diseases and stroke rehabilitation.

Demonstrating the Government’s commitment to public health, 65% of the hospital’s total service volume will comprise Government-subsidised services. The hospital will also provide market-oriented services to foster positive interaction between the hospital and the private healthcare market.

Patients can make appointments via the hospital’s hotline, on 3121 3121, its website, or via the newly launched “CMHHK Mobile App”.

Additionally, the hospital will provide full medical fee waivers to victims of the Tai Po Wang Fuk Court fire until December 31, 2026. Eligible individuals can identify themselves to the hospital and provide basic personal information during consultations.

To facilitate public access, the hospital will provide free shuttle services between Tiu Keng Leng MTR Station, LOHAS Park Station, and the hospital’s main entrance. The Transport Department has co-ordinated with public transport operators to enhance services to the hospital.

Moreover, the hospital will hold open days on January 17 and 18, 2026. Reservations can be made online through the hospital’s website starting from today.

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

Director General David Cheng-Wei Wu held a cordial meeting with a delegation from the Public Construction Commission, Executive Yuan, accompanied by representatives from the Taiwan Branch of Malaysia-based Gamuda Berhad and SINOTECH Engineering Consultants during their visit to Sydney.
The two sides exchanged views on Australia’s engineering and construction environment, professional talent certification and exchange programs, and potential business opportunities. Director General Wu expressed hope that Taiwan’s engineering sector will become more actively involved in international tenders while using global partnerships to acquire advanced technologies and innovative practices, thereby strengthening alignment with international standards.

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

Director General David Cheng-Wei Wu and Mrs. Wu were honoured to attend the 2025 Sydney Taiwanese School （STS) Recognition and Graduation Ceremony, joined by Karena Yeh, President of the Sydney Hakka Association Australia, as well as Bradley Hsu and Angel Yang, Vice Presidents of the Australian Taiwanese Friendship Association(ATFA), together with ATFA committee members. They were delighted to celebrate the graduates’ achievements and share in this joyful milestone.
The ceremony featured heartfelt remarks from Principal Liu, President Yeh, and Vice President Hsu, who encouraged students to stay confident, stay curious, and stay connected to their Taiwanese heritage. The student representative also delivered a warm and humorous speech, expressing sincere gratitude to parents and teachers for their unwavering support.
In his address, Director General Wu congratulated all graduates and reflected on the unique challenges faced by children of diplomats in maintaining their Mandarin learning. He commended the STS for its long-standing dedication since 1991 to promoting Traditional Mandarin and fostering strong personal character. DG Wu emphasised the contributions of the devoted teachers and hardworking parents who make this achievement possible, and wished all the graduates every success as they embark on the next chapter of their journey.