MIL Asia Pacific Publishing Engine

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Financial Secretary Paul Chan will depart for Bangkok, Thailand, tomorrow morning to attend the Annual Meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank Group (WBG) as a member of the Chinese delegation. Global finance officials, central bank representatives, business leaders, non-governmental sector leaders and academics will gather to discuss the global economic outlook, financial stability, inclusive growth, poverty reduction and job creation.

The discussions will also focus on mobilising private capital for infrastructure investment and leveraging artificial intelligence to promote employment and sustainable growth across economies while managing associated risks. Mr Chan will attend the plenary session this Friday and participate in an IMF-Hong Kong Monetary Authority roundtable exploring investment opportunities for Middle Eastern and Central Asian economies.

He will outline how Hong Kong can leverage its financial markets to meet these economies’ needs and foster deeper cross-border financial co-operation. In addition, Mr Chan will take part in dialogue sessions organised by Bloomberg and the Atlantic Council to discuss Hong Kong’s economy and offshore renminbi business.

The Financial Secretary will highlight Hong Kong’s unique resilience as an international financial centre and its strategic role in connecting the Mainland and global capital markets. Throughout the event, he will also meet senior executives from the IMF, the WBG and international financial firms to exchange views on regional economic situations.

Mr Chan will also introduce the latest developments in Hong Kong’s financial services sector to strengthen ties and foster future collaboration. He will return to Hong Kong on Saturday afternoon, during which time Deputy Financial Secretary Michael Wong will act as Financial Secretary.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Six orders made by the Chief Executive in Council to implement Comprehensive Avoidance of Double Taxation Agreements (CDTAs) with six countries will be published in the Gazette on October 16.

The CDTAs were signed between May last year and March this year, involving Barbados, Jordan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Maldives, Norway and Rwanda.

They ensure that Hong Kong residents and the tax jurisdictions concerned will not be taxed twice on the same income. The pacts also help investors better gauge potential tax burdens from their cross-border economic activities, boosting bilateral trade and investment.

The six orders will be tabled at the Legislative Council on October 21 for negative vetting.

The agreements will enter into force once Hong Kong and the treaty partners complete their ratification procedures.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Environment & Ecology Bureau and the Tourism Commission today invited expressions of interest (EOI) for the development of an onshore power supply (OPS ) facility at the Kai Tak Cruise Terminal (KTCT). The bureau noted that developing OPS facilities will support green shipping, though this specific exercise is strictly for gathering feedback and does not form part of any procurement or tender process.

Interested parties are welcome to submit proposals covering delivery models, facility design, operational plans and cost effectiveness analysis. Space was reserved for these power facilities during the terminal’s initial construction to accommodate future environmental infrastructure.

The initiative follows a government-commissioned consultancy study that reviewed international port trends and analysed the logistics of onboard power connections for cruise ships. While the study confirmed that installing an OPS facility at the KTCT is technically feasible, it emphasised that the long-term economic costs and benefits require further evaluation.

The current EOI exercise will allow the Government to gauge private sector interest in investing in and operating the infrastructure while assessing its overall commercial viability. Submissions must be received by noon on December 14. Click here for details.

Source: Government of Singapore

Singapore, 14 October 2026 – Dry conditions were observed over Singapore today. As at 4pm, the 1-hr PM2.5 concentration readings were 139 – 251 µg/m3, in (Band 2, Elevated / Band 4, Very High), and the 24-hr PSI was 118 – 168, in the Unhealthy range.

2.          Dense smoke haze from fires in Kalimantan was observed to drift towards Singapore under the prevailing southeasterly winds. Smoke haze was also observed over Sumatra.

3.          With prevailing southeasterly winds, the dense smoke haze is expected to continue drifting towards Singapore overnight and tomorrow. While some showers are forecast over Singapore and parts of the surrounding region tomorrow, dry conditions are expected to persist over parts of southern Sumatra and Kalimantan. The 24-hr PSI for Singapore is forecast to be in the Unhealthy to Very Unhealthy range.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

Following is the speech by the Deputy Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Cheuk Wing-hing, at the LSCM (Logistics and Supply Chain MultiTech R&D Centre) Logistics Summit 2026 today (October 14):

Deputy Director Wang (Deputy Director of the Eighth Division, General Office of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Mr Wang Zongru), Chairman Lam (Chairman of the Board of Directors of the LSCM, Professor Alan Lam), distinguished guests, industry leaders, ladies and gentlemen,

Good morning. It is my great pleasure to join you all today at the LSCM Logistics Summit 2026 to celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the Logistics and Supply Chain MultiTech R&D Centre. This milestone is not only a celebration of the LSCM’s achievements, but also a testament to the remarkable evolution of Hong Kong’s logistics and supply chain ecosystem.

For two decades, the LSCM has served as a primary engine behind this evolution, which is propelled by advanced innovation and tech-driven transformation. By building a vibrant network of collaboration between our leading universities, industry partners and global stakeholders, the LSCM has successfully translated cutting-edge applied research into powerful core competencies that keep the Hong Kong’s logistics industry globally competitive.

The LSCM’s contribution goes far beyond commercial logistics into the heart of our community. During our COVID-19 response, the LSCM rapidly deployed electronic wristbands to anchor smart quarantine logistics and leveraged its tracking and inventory management systems to put into effect the city’s mass testing and vaccination measures. This is a classic example of how home-grown, practical technology can directly benefit our entire society.

The LSCM has long been one of the Government’s closest partners and advisers. Since joining the Hong Kong Logistics Development Council in 2014, the LSCM has steadfastly helped to shape our forward-looking policies and materialise the Government’s Action Plan on Modern Logistics Development. This plan designates digitalisation as a core pillar for the industry’s future, a direction for which the LSCM has been blazing the trail.

This momentum in digitalising our logistics sector is not just an industry achievement. It is a critical engine to drive Hong Kong’s First Five-Year Plan. The Five-Year Plan charts an ambitious roadmap with innovation and technology (I&T) at its core, demanding that we strengthen our original scientific research to anchor our economic future. As logistics is the lifeblood of Hong Kong’s economy, modernising this sector through the LSCM’s technologies provides the exact robust foundation needed to achieve our primary goal, i.e. after 2030, we will have established an international I&T centre based in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, serving the entire country and connecting to the world.

To bring this grand vision to life, the Government will continue to step up our support for R&D (research and development), and drive deeper collaboration among the industry, academia and research sectors. In this endeavour, I am confident that the LSCM will continue to be an indispensable conduit between scientific research and commercial application.

Ladies and gentlemen, the complex supply chain challenges are catalysts for brilliant breakthroughs when great minds meet. By uniting the finest brains across disciplines, this summit shines as a platform for collaboration. Together, let us continue “Linking Minds, Empowering Innovation”, and seize the opportunities ahead to further heighten Hong Kong’s digital transformation and economic growth.

In closing, I wish you all an inspiring, riveting and successful summit. Thank you very much.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, today (October 14) continued his visit to Nanjing with a delegation, meeting with the leadership of Jiangsu Province and visiting advanced manufacturing and pharmaceutical enterprises.

     Mr Chan had a breakfast meeting with member of the Standing Committee of the CPC Jiangsu Provincial Committee and Executive Vice Governor of Jiangsu Province, Mr Zhang Wenbing, this morning. They exchanged views on deepening economic and trade co-operation between Jiangsu and Hong Kong, strengthening collaboration in innovation and technology (I&T), and supporting enterprises in their international expansion. Mr Chan said that the visit had strengthened the delegation’s ties with the Jiangsu Provincial Government, universities, I&T institutions and enterprises. Hong Kong will actively follow up on various co-operation projects to deliver more concrete results in Jiangsu-Hong Kong co-operation.

     The delegation then visited a Jiangsu-based enterprise specialising in energy and energy-saving equipment to learn about its technology research and development (R&D), commercialisation of research outcomes and business development. With high-efficiency heat transfer technology at its core, the enterprise develops and manufactures key equipment for sectors such as clean energy and chemicals. Its technologies are also applied to industrial waste heat recovery and efficient energy use, helping industries conserve energy, reduce carbon emissions and pursue green transformation.

     The delegation also visited a pharmaceutical enterprise to learn about its drug R&D, production and global marketing operations. They met with the enterprise’s management to learn about its future development plans, including the use of artificial intelligence to enhance drug R&D efficiency, the development of cutting-edge therapies, and strategies for expanding its international business.

     During the visits to the two enterprises, Mr Chan said that I&T is a key area of co-operation between Jiangsu and Hong Kong. The two places have ample scope for collaboration in technology R&D, the commercialisation of research outcomes and international market expansion. They can further promote two-way investment and personnel exchanges, and work together to foster deeper integration of technological and industrial innovation. On innovative drugs, enterprises can leverage Hong Kong’s strengths in drug R&D and the opportunities arising from reforms of its drug approval regime to accelerate the development, application and market expansion of innovative drugs.

     He encouraged the two enterprises to make good use of Hong Kong’s internationally connected capital markets, experience in aligning with the highest international standards, high-quality professional services, and strengths as a hub for international financial institutions and talent, to scale up their businesses and bring more competitive technologies, products and solutions to overseas markets.

     Mr Chan and the delegation concluded their visit to Nanjing this afternoon and will return to Hong Kong in the early evening.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     Following is the keynote speech by the Permanent Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Mr Kevin Choi, at the LSCM Logistics Summit 2026 today (October 14):

Deputy Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Cheuk Wing-hing, Alan (Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Logistics and Supply Chain MultiTech R&D Centre (LSCM), Professor Alan Lam), Sunny (Chairman of the Board of Directors of the San Tin Technopole Company Limited, Dr Sunny Chai), Mr Mei (Group Senior Vice President and President of the Overseas Enterprise Business of ZTE Corporation, Mr Mei Zhonghua), Mr Yang (Director and Executive Vice President of China Mobile Hong Kong Co Ltd, Mr Yang Qian), distinguished guests, industry leaders, ladies and gentlemen,

     Good morning. I am most honoured to join you at the LSCM Summit today to celebrate the centre’s 20th anniversary, and its contribution to Hong Kong’s technological evolution.

     LSCM was initially established to support the development of Hong Kong’s logistics sector. Nowadays, logistics is not just about moving goods through sea, air, and land routes. It is the management of complex, interconnected systems in a volatile global environment shaped by shifting geopolitics and accelerating cross-border e-commerce. In addition to our world-class freight infrastructure and systems, efficiency must be paired with agility through technology deployment: supply chains must be resilient to disruption, end-to-end visible, environmentally sustainable, and powered by intelligent, real-time decision-making systems that enable instant operational pivots. Achieving this level of transformation requires the adoption of innovation and technology (I&T).

     Last month, the Chief Executive announced both our city’s first-ever Five-Year Plan and the 2026 Policy Address, setting out clear targets for a new paradigm for the development of I&T, reaffirming our unwavering commitment to becoming an international I&T hub.

     For example, the rise of AI is impacting almost every aspect of our lives including modern supply chains and cybersecurity management, and computing power is a core engine for the development of AI. To ensure Hong Kong has this vital fuel for AI development, the construction works of the Sandy Ridge Data Facility Cluster have begun. By 2032, the computing power of the cluster is expected to reach a level equivalent to 36 times Hong Kong’s current computing power. This represents our solid and unwavering support to the development of the intelligent computing industry. With a cumulative investment expected to reach at least $23.8 billion, Sandy Ridge will provide the robust infrastructure that allows our enterprises to deploy advanced AI models. In future, companies in the sector can run real time global supply chain simulations under secure and reliable IT (information technology) systems, and process complex predictive analytics in a timely manner.

     As we deploy more cloud platforms, connected sensors, automation systems, and AI-driven decision tools across the logistics chain, cybersecurity management becomes an essential enabler, not an afterthought. The same connectivity that improves visibility and speed also expands the cyber threat surface. From ransomware and data leakage to tampering with operational systems, cyber risks can directly disrupt logistics operations, compromise customer trust, and undermine compliance. That is why secure-by-design architecture, resilient networks, and robust identity and access management are indispensable. We also need to strengthen incident response capabilities, supply-chain risk assessment, and continuous monitoring so that enterprises can detect, contain, and recover quickly, maintaining business continuity even under attacks. I encourage you to join the afternoon session of today’s Summit, where my colleagues of the Digital Policy Office will share more expertise in this regard.

     While digital infrastructure and computing power are crucial to the sector’s development, smart robotics and automation are other essential elements. In a city like Hong Kong where warehouse space is premium, modern warehouses have to shift into a highly automated ecosystem where autonomous mobile robots, automated guided vehicles, and robotic picking arms work side by side with human operators. These robotic technologies are drastically reducing order cycle times, optimising vertical storage space, and eliminating human error in high-velocity sorting environments.

     In this regard, many of you are aware that the Government has established the AIR@InnoHK as a dedicated research cluster focused on AI and robotics technologies. To further our efforts, we have successfully facilitated the United Nations Industrial Development Organization to establish its first centre of excellence on global advanced manufacturing in the Asia-Pacific region in Hong Kong, with a focus on the fields of AI+ manufacturing, robotics, new energy and industrial design.

     Yet, hardware and computing power are only part of the solution. We also need a vibrant ecosystem where technology is researched, tested, and tailored for practical business applications, including cybersecurity technologies and solutions that are fit for logistics operations. Under the “north-central-south” spatial layout, the development of our three major I&T parks, namely the Hong Kong Park of the Hetao Shenzhen Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Co-operation Zone and the San Tin Technopole, the Science Park, and Cyberport, will establish a truly global industry academia research collaborative innovation platform. Working together with the industries, our top-class universities and different public research and development (R&D) centres, Hong Kong will become a globally competitive advanced R&D centre and pilot production and transformation base for technology industries, benefitting all of us here today.

     In parallel, we are solving the historic constraint of physical space. The Northern Metropolis provides a vast amount of new land, directly driving Hong Kong’s evolution into an I&T centre under the new “South-North dual engine (finance-IT/I&T)”. Within the Northern Metropolis, there will be industrial space designed for prototyping, pilot and mass production. For the logistics and supply chain sector, this offers a very good opportunity for the physical integration of advanced manufacturing and high-end logistics. Enterprises can actively utilise the New Industrialisation Support Scheme to turn R&D outcomes into reality. This includes funding and support for setting up brand new, state-of-the-art smart production lines right within the Northern Metropolis. When you pair smart production lines with automated, AI-driven facilities in the same geographical area, you eliminate transit friction, slash lead times, and create a highly responsive domestic supply chain network.

     With proximity to the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA), the Chinese Mainland’s powerhouse for innovation and economic growth, the Northern Metropolis occupies a vital strategic position in the region. By aligning our local technological frameworks with the industrial mass of the GBA, we are building a seamless, highly integrated ecosystem. Looking ahead, after 2030, we are expecting Hong Kong as an international I&T centre based in the GBA, serving the entire country and deeply connected to the world.

     Finally, please once again accept my warmest congratulations to LSCM on its 20th anniversary. I wish you all a highly productive, successful and inspiring Summit.

     Thank you very much.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

Following is a question by the Hon Chong Ho-fung and a written reply by the Secretary for Transport and Logistics, Ms Mable Chan, in the Legislative Council today (October 14):

Question:

It has been reported that in recent years, some uncivic-minded passengers have frequently engaged in discourteous behaviour on public transport. This includes playing videos or music loudly on mobile phones inside the carriage, making phone calls, and even placing their feet on seats, causing hygiene issues and nuisance. Numerous cities in the Mainland, as well as Japan, Singapore and London in the United Kingdom, have effectively curbed malpractices such as noise in passenger compartments and placing feet on seats through legal regulation, clear penalties, technological assistance or long-term publicity campaigns. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:

(1) of the respective numbers of complaints received in each of the past three years by the Transport Department, the Environmental Protection Department and public transport operators concerning “noise nuisance” on public transport (such as the use of electronic devices with audio played through loudspeakers) and “improper or unhygienic behaviour” (including placing feet or shoes on seats and other discourteous conduct); whether the authorities have conducted any studies to assess the impact of such behaviour on the quality of public transport services and passengers’ travelling experience;

(2) whether the authorities will make reference to overseas experience and amend the relevant legislation in Hong Kong to expressly designate “playing audio from electronic devices through loudspeakers” and “placing feet or shoes on seats” as acts of contravention, and introduce streamlined enforcement procedures as well as review and increase the existing penalties for causing nuisance on public transport; and

(3) whether the authorities will study, in collaboration with the MTR Corporation Limited and various bus operators, the introduction of pilot “quiet zones/compartments”, and draw on overseas publicity strategies by installing additional warning signs in train compartments and at platforms, as well as making regular reminder announcements, with a view to promoting a culture of courteous travel?

Reply:

President,

The Government has been closely monitoring the service of public transport and working closely with the public transport operators (operators) to promote the message, through measures such as publicity and education, that passengers should be considerate and maintain mutual respect towards other passengers when using public transport services. In consultation with the Environmental Protection Department (EPD), our reply to the questions raised by the Hon Chong is as follows:

(1) The number of complaints received annually in the past three years by the Transport Department (TD) and the EPD regarding “noise nuisance” (e.g. excessive volume of electronic devices) and “improper or unhygienic behaviour” (e.g. stepping on seats) on public transport is set out in the Annex. The operators do not maintain statistics on complaints categorised by individual types of behaviour.

(2) At present, the legislation of various public transport services (e.g. the Mass Transit Railway By-laws (Cap. 556B), the Public Bus Services Regulations (Cap. 230A) and the Road Traffic (Public Service Vehicles) Regulations (Cap. 374D)) contains provisions regulating improper passenger conduct with corresponding penalties. Each franchised bus operator has drawn up Passenger Notices stipulating that passengers are refrained from playing mobile devices loudly or placing their feet on seats. The operators also remind passengers of the regulations through on-board announcements and signage. 

The operators have also put in place guidelines to assist frontline staff members in handling situations relating to passenger conduct in an appropriate manner based on the actual circumstances, such as offering verbal advice and taking follow-up actions, as well as referring to law enforcement authorities when necessary. As for the MTR Corporation Limited (MTRCL), its staff, in the course of their routine inspections, will give reminders and take appropriate follow-up actions if passengers were found to have breached the rules. 

In addition, the TD has been collaborating with and encouraging operators to promote through publicity and educational activities the importance of passenger safety, consideration for others and respect for other passengers when using public transport services. The MTRCL also organises annual courtesy campaign to remind passengers not to affect or cause nuisance to others.

(3) At present, there are quiet cars designated on all MTR heavy rail trains equipped with in-train televisions, where televisions are muted so as to provide passengers with a relatively quiet travelling environment. As for High Speed Rail, the Vibrant Express trains operated by the MTRCL have designated Quiet Cars where in-train announcements are broadcast at a lower volume and the in-train televisions are muted. Furthermore, passengers in Quiet Cars of the High Speed Rail are required to set their mobile phones to silent and wear headphones when using electronic devices. Passengers on the phone are required to move to either end of the compartment. When considering the introduction of “quiet zones/compartments”, operators need to prudently consider their mode of operation, operational arrangements such as space and design of compartment as well as the impact on overall carrying capacity in order to strike a proper balance. The Government will continue to keep in view passenger behaviour on public transport and collaborate with operators to promote travelling etiquette through various means, with a view to fostering a comfortable and harmonious travelling environment.