Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Chinese Culture Festival 2026 opens today In a video speech addressing the opening ceremony, the Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, said that the National 15th Five-Year Plan calls for advancing the promotion of building a strong cultural nation in a steady and substantive manner, with a view to better promoting Chinese culture to the world, and supporting Hong Kong in developing into an East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange. The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) has formulated the Blueprint for Arts and Culture and Creative Industries Development. It has also set up the Chinese Culture Promotion Office, dedicated to bringing culture into the community and enhancing the public’s sense of national identity, belonging and pride. He said that the CCF, an annual flagship project, features performances, exhibitions, outreach activities and more. It makes fine use of Hong Kong’s international network, allowing local citizens and overseas visitors alike to experience the historical spirit and contemporary flair of Chinese civilisation. He said the CCF promises to become a cultural bridge connecting Hong Kong with the Chinese Mainland, while reaching out to the world.
Officiating guests at the opening ceremony included the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Miss Rosanna Law; the Deputy Director-General of the Department of Publicity, Cultural and Sports Affairs of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the HKSAR, Mr Lin Nan; the Chairman of the Legislative Council Panel on Home Affairs, Culture and Sports, Mr Tang Ka-piu; member of the Working Group on Patriotic Education under the Constitution and Basic Law Promotion Steering Committee and Director of the Paso a Paso Foundation Limited, Ms Melissa Pang; and the Director of Leisure and Cultural Services, Ms Manda Chan.
The opening programme of this year’s CCF – the dance drama “Lady White Snake” – was also staged this evening to a full house. Produced by the Shanghai Grand Theatre with internationally acclaimed ballet artist Tan YuanYuan as artistic director, the production assembles a distinguished creative team of top-tier artists from various disciplines and a stellar cast of lead dancers from both the Chinese Mainland and abroad. By weaving a dual tapestry of Eastern and Western choreographic languages, the work offers a modern reinterpretation of the millennial folk legend, charting a profound journey of self-discovery for Lady White Snake. The brilliant performances by the lead dancers of the “Moon” cast for the opening night – Ao Dingwen, Wu Husheng, Wang Nianci and Su Hailu, alongside dancers from the Shanghai Opera House Dance Ensemble – captivated the audience with a refreshing rendition of the “White Snake” legend. Issued at HKT 21:45
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:
The Hospital Authority (HA) today (June 12) issued the following statement regarding the dismissal of an intern doctor:
The HA holds doctors to the highest standards of professional conduct, behaviour, and discipline. The HA insists that all doctors serving patients in public hospitals must possess both medical competence and conduct themselves in a professional manner. In addition to having professional knowledge to treat patients, they must uphold the strictest professional conduct and place patient well-being, privacy, safety, and care as their foremost priority at all times. The HA has absolutely zero tolerance for any form of behaviour that undermines the professional conduct of doctors. The HA will not permit any doctors concerned to practise in public hospitals to safeguard patient safety.
Upon becoming aware of recent discussions on social media posts regarding a series of improper acts by an intern doctor, the HA has taken action to establish an investigation panel to follow up on the event seriously. The panel has completed its investigation and determined that the intern doctor was involved in a series of improper act. The HA has taken action today to dismiss the intern doctor immediately.
During its investigation, the panel conducted interviews with the intern doctor and relevant healthcare staff, and carried out a detailed review of various evidence, including clinical and computer system records. The panel concluded that the intern doctor was involved in several serious improper act, including:
Breach of the professional conduct and integrity expected of doctors;
Infringement of patient privacy and professional confidentiality; and
Failure to faithfully follow instructions in performing medical procedures.
The HA has notified the intern doctor of the dismissal decision, and has also informed the medical school of the relevant university for appropriate follow-up. The HA will continue to investigate the event. If it is determined that any other doctors were involved in improper act, the HA will deal with the issue with the utmost seriousness and without leniency, in order to uphold doctors’ professional conduct and safeguard patient safety.
The HA spokesperson reiterates that the HA will not tolerate any conduct that undermines patient safety or doctors’ professional conduct, and strongly condemns such conduct.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
FEHD releases second batch of gravidtrap indexes for Aedes albopictus in June
District
District With reference to the data from the past few years, the gravidtrap indexes start to rise from April every year. The indexes are higher from May to June. The actual timing and extent of the rise are affected by factors like weather conditions and rainfall. As compared with last year, the temperature began to climb earlier this year and the rainfall in April and May increased substantially, creating favourable conditions for mosquito growth and breeding. As a result, the rise in gravidtrap indexes occurred earlier this year. Depending on factors like rainfall, the indexes may rise further, but the overall trend of gravidtrap indexes this year is similar to those of previous years.
For survey areas which recorded indexes exceeding 10 per cent, in accordance with the mechanism implemented by the FEHD in response to the chikungunya fever (CF) situation (i.e. strengthening mosquito control work in areas with a gravidtrap index between 10 per cent and 20 per cent, instead of 20 per cent or above under the original mechanism), the FEHD is collaborating with relevant departments and stakeholders to identify locations with high mosquito infestations and carry out intensive and targeted mosquito control measures, including eliminating mosquito breeding grounds, applying larvicides, conducting fogging operations to eradicate adult mosquitoes, and ensuring that mosquito trapping devices are placed at appropriate locations, as well as to strengthen efforts in publicity and education. Moreover, the FEHD has initiated three prosecutions against the relevant estate management company and property management companies following the discovery of mosquito breeding respectively at a public housing estate and two private housing estates in Kwun Tong District. In addition, following the discovery of stagnant water or stagnant water containers in three public housing estates and three private housing estates in Kwun Tong District and North District, the FEHD has issued six statutory notices to the responsible persons-in-charge, requiring the clearance of such items within a specified timeframe. The FEHD, the relevant departments and stakeholders also organise exhibitions, distribute leaflets and posters, and notify residential estates that have subscribed to the gravidtrap Rapid Alert System, advising property management agents and residents to stay vigilant and work together in taking mosquito prevention and elimination measures. Starting in August 2025, following the completion of the surveillance of individual survey areas, and once the latest gravidtrap index and the density index are available, the FEHD has been disseminating relevant information through press releases, its website and social media. It aims to allow members of the public to quickly grasp the mosquito infestation situation and strengthen mosquito control efforts, thereby reducing the risk of CF transmission.
Following recommendations from the World Health Organization and taking into account the local situation in Hong Kong, the FEHD sets up gravidtraps in districts where mosquito-borne diseases have been recorded in the past, as well as in densely populated places such as housing estates, hospitals and schools to monitor the breeding and distribution of Aedes albopictus mosquitoes, which can transmit CF and dengue fever. At present, the FEHD has set up gravidtraps in 62 survey areas of the community, with a surveillance period of two weeks. During the surveillance period, the FEHD will collect the gravidtraps once a week. After the first week of surveillance, the FEHD will immediately examine the glue boards inside the retrieved gravidtraps for the presence of adult Aedine mosquitoes to compile the Gravidtrap Index (First Phase) and Density Index (First Phase). At the end of the second week of surveillance, the FEHD will instantly check the glue boards for the presence of adult Aedine mosquitoes. Data from the two weeks of surveillance will be combined to obtain the Area Gravidtrap Index and the Area Density Index. The gravidtrap and density indexes for Aedes albopictus in different survey areas, as well as information on mosquito prevention and control measures, are available on the department’s webpage (www.fehd.gov.hk/english/pestcontrol/dengue_fever/Dengue_Fever_Gravidtrap_Index_Update.html#Issued at HKT 20:53
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The Secretary for Health, Professor Lo Chung-mau, chaired the 21st meeting of the Cancer Coordinating Committee (CCC) today (June 12) to review the implementation of the Hong Kong Cancer Strategy and discuss the response strategies and measures with relevant government departments and organisations.
Professor Lo said, “The Government promulgated Hong Kong’s first Strategy in 2019, setting out the overall direction and related strategies for cancer prevention and treatment. At today’s meeting, we conducted a comprehensive review of the implementation of various cancer prevention and control initiatives. A preliminary assessment indicated that over 80 per cent of the targets were met, covering enhancing the cancer surveillance system, expanding screening programmes, optimising diagnostic and treatment services, strengthening support to survivors, promoting cancer research, and more. The Government will continue to adopt a multipronged approach to promote cancer prevention and control, consolidate Hong Kong’s leading position in cancer research as well as prevention and control, and strive to optimise services and provide appropriate treatment for cancer patients.”
At the meeting, the CCC reviewed and discussed the progress of various cancer prevention and control measures, including:
Surveillance
The Hong Kong Cancer Registry (HKCaR) is responsible for conducting comprehensive cancer surveillance through the collection, analysis, consolidation and dissemination of data of patients diagnosed with cancer from public and major private healthcare institutions in Hong Kong. In recent years, the HKCaR has not only supported evaluating the current cancer screening programmes in Hong Kong (such as the Colorectal Cancer Screening Programme and the Breast Cancer Screening Pilot Programme), but has also strengthened the collection and compilation of more comprehensive cancer surveillance data. This includes providing analysis of survival trends for 20 major solid cancers and early-onset cancers, as well as consolidating and disseminating the most common cancer biomarkers or prognostic indicators of various cancers, with a view to empowering stakeholders with essential information to improve the quality of cancer care and implement cost-effective cancer prevention and control work.
At the meeting, the CCC examined the city-wide population-based cancer surveillance data for 2023. These data include figures on cancer incidence, mortality, survival rates, and early-onset cancer. In particular, a total of 37 953 newly diagnosed cancer cases were recorded in 2023, involving 18 656 males and 19 297 females. In other words, 104 new cancer cases were diagnosed every day. Lung cancer (6 111 cases) remains the most common cancer in Hong Kong, while breast cancer (5 603 cases, including male breast cancer) has for two consecutive years surpassed colorectal cancer (5 467 cases), being the second and third most common cancers, respectively.
In addition, the HKCaR analysed the data from adults diagnosed with 20 major solid cancers over the past decade or so. The results show that the overall cancer survival rate has demonstrated an increasing trend over the years. Notably, the survival rates of the fatal cancers, including lung, liver and pancreatic cancers, improved significantly. The overall number of cancer cases in Hong Kong has been increasing, primarily attributed to an ageing and growing population. Recent data reveal that cancer has increased among females across both younger and older age groups, while remaining stable among males.
In fact, as early as 2006, cancer has been defined as a chronic disease by the World Health Organization. The CCC is concerned about the prevalence of cancer in Hong Kong and the long-term burden it places on public resources, and recognises the importance of existing data. The comprehensive cancer database in Hong Kong not only provides reliable data as a key reference for cancer surveillance, but also serves as a crucial resource for the Government and various stakeholders in formulating cancer prevention and control strategies and advancing healthcare development. More detailed cancer data are available on the HKCaR’s website for reference.
Prevention and screening
The Department of Health (DH) has long adopted the promotion of a healthy lifestyle as a key strategy for cancer prevention, and is committed to strengthening public education to enhance public awareness of cancer prevention and screening. Through a variety of channels, including websites, the mass media and social media platforms, health information is disseminated to encourage the public to adopt a healthy lifestyle, such as a healthy diet, regular physical activity and avoidance of smoking and alcohol, to reduce the risk of developing non-communicable diseases including cancer.
For screening, the DH has, in accordance with the recommendations of the Cancer Expert Working Group on Cancer Prevention and Screening (CEWG), successively implemented the Cervical Screening Programme, the Colorectal Cancer Screening Programme and the Breast Cancer Screening Pilot Programme. The majority of cancer cases identified through various screening programmes are at earlier stages, leading to a more favourable prognosis. To enhance cervical screening coverage, the Government initiated the Pilot Scheme on Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Testing of Self-collected Samples at 11 Maternal and Child Health Centres since 2024, and extended the programme to the district health network in January this year. In addition, the DH launched Phase II of the Breast Cancer Screening Pilot Programme in June last year to provide subsidised screening services to females aged 35 to 74 who are at high risk of developing breast cancer. Regarding lung cancer screening, the Research Council chaired by the Secretary for Health has commissioned a local university to conduct a study to provide a scientific basis for developing local screening strategies and to assess the feasibility of lung cancer screening by low-dose computed tomography with artificial intelligence technology for asymptomatic persons at high-risk in Hong Kong.
The Primary Healthcare Commission launched the Hepatitis B Co-care Scheme in February this year to identify people with chronic hepatitis B in the community at an early stage and provide long-term follow-up services, with a view to reducing their risk of having serious complications such as cirrhosis and liver cancer.
The CCC also discussed and endorsed the recommendations on prevention and screening for prostate cancer by the CEWG at the meeting.
Diagnosis, treatment and survivorship care
The Hospital Authority (HA) is committed to enhancing cancer diagnosis, treatment and survivorship care by augmenting service capacity and improving service co-ordination. As stipulated in the Chief Executive’s 2025 Policy Address, the HA will increase service capacity by the first quarter of 2027 to provide 12 000 additional Specialist Out-patient attendances annually, over 5 000 additional chemotherapy attendances annually, and nine additional operating theatre sessions per week. The HA has also regularly reviewed and enhanced the Drug Formulary and the coverage of the safety net through the prevailing mechanism, with a view to enhancing cancer treatment services. In addition, the Office for Introducing Innovative Drugs and Medical Devices was set up and commenced operations on June 8 this year. The Office will significantly expedite the process of introducing “new and better” drugs, including cancer drugs, into the HA Drug Formulary, thereby effectively and comprehensively enhancing the treatments provided for patients.
The HA will continue to provide personalised and multidisciplinary cancer care services. Services for lung cancer patients with enhanced diagnosis and treatment procedures will continue to be rolled out in different clusters, including expanding the multidisciplinary fast-track diagnostic services for suspected lung cancer patients to Hong Kong Island Cluster, Kowloon East Cluster and New Territories West Cluster, as well as expanding the cancer case manager service to Hong Kong Island Cluster and New Territories East Cluster. The HA will also implement precision medicine through increasing various genetic and related testing capacities to support more targeted and personalised cancer treatment options, thereby improving treatment efficacy and lessening side effects.
As for the support to cancer survivors, the HA will implement the primary healthcare collaboration model on cancer survivorship by the first quarter of 2027 to facilitate the transition of cancer survivors who are in stable condition from specialist care to primary healthcare services for appropriate care and continuous follow-up.
Research
The Health Bureau has long been supporting research related to cancer prevention, diagnosis, treatment and survivorship through the Health and Medical Research Fund (HMRF), with a view to formulating evidence-based health policies in a bid to reduce the morbidity and mortality of cancer as well as improve patients’ conditions and their quality of life. Since the Government’s promulgation of the Strategy, the HMRF has supported over 310 investigator-initiated and health promotion projects and over 40 awardees under the Research Fellowship Scheme, as well as multiple commissioned research related to cancer and its risk factors, including those evaluating the effectiveness of the Colorectal Cancer Screening Programme and Phase I of the Breast Cancer Screening Pilot Programme, and a new commissioned study on the use of artificial intelligence to assist cancer screening targeting high-risk non-smokers. With the launch of the research translation strategy, the HMRF will foster research translation and engagement of end-users for cancer-related projects and continue to support clinical cancer-related research as one of the thematic priorities.
Established in 2001 and chaired by the Secretary for Health, the CCC comprises cancer experts and doctors from the public and private sectors, academics and public health professionals. The CCC makes recommendations on the formulation of strategies for cancer prevention and control, while steering the direction of work in relation to cancer prevention and screening, treatment, surveillance, research, and more. The CEWG under the CCC regularly reviews international and local evidence and makes recommendations on cancer prevention and screening applicable to the local setting. In addition, the Hong Kong Cancer Registry, the HA and the Research and Data Analytics Office of the Health Bureau oversee cancer surveillance, treatment and research respectively.
The Chinese Culture Festival (CCF) 2026 opened today at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre (HKCC), launching over 280 performances and activities to be held from June to September.
Chief Executive John Lee addressed the opening ceremony via a video speech. Secretary for Culture, Sports & Tourism Rosanna Law; Deputy Director-General of the Department of Publicity, Cultural & Sports Affairs of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Lin Nan; and Director of Leisure & Cultural Services Manda Chan officiated the ceremony at the HKCC.
Pointing out that the National 15th Five-Year Plan calls for advancing the promotion of building a strong cultural nation and supports Hong Kong in developing into an East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange, Mr Lee said the Hong Kong SAR Government has formulated the Blueprint for Arts & Culture & Creative Industries Development. The Chinese Culture Promotion Office has also been set up for bringing culture into the community and enhancing the public’s sense of national identity, belonging and pride.
In addition, he highlighted that the CCF makes fine use of Hong Kong’s international network, allowing local citizens and overseas visitors alike to experience the historical spirit and contemporary flair of Chinese civilisation.
The CCF promises to become a cultural bridge connecting Hong Kong with the Chinese Mainland, while reaching out to the world, he stressed.
The opening programme of this year’s CCF, dance drama “Lady White Snake”, which assembles a distinguished creative team of top-tier artists from various disciplines, was staged this evening to a full house. By weaving a dual tapestry of Eastern and Western choreographic languages, the work offers a modern reinterpretation of a millennial folk legend.
Moreover, the “Chinese Culture for All: A Special Performance Series” was held this afternoon at the HKCC Grand Theatre, where over 500 students, teachers and members of the community viewed an open rehearsal of “Lady White Snake”.
Separately, an exhibition of the CCF 2026 opened today and will run until June 25 at the Foyer Exhibition Area of the HKCC, showcasing the CCF’s distinctive stage programmes and activities. A photo-worthy spot featuring the CCF’s special edition of the Leisure & Cultural Services Department mascots has also been set up outside the HKCC.
The Committee on Education, Technology & Talents (CETT), chaired by Chief Secretary Chan Kwok-ki, today held the third engagement session with the Panel of Advisors to the CETT.
The session aimed to gather views from the CETT advisors on the formulation of Hong Kong’s first five-year plan.
At the engagement session, the panel put forward various suggestions regarding the development of innovation and technology (I&T), education and talent in the five-year plan.
It supported the Hong Kong SAR Government in accelerating the development of the Hong Kong Park at the Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science & Technology Innovation Co-operation Zone and the San Tin Technopole.
The advisers recommended attracting more quality technology enterprises from the Chinese Mainland and overseas to establish a presence in the parks.
In addition, they fully recognised the significant success achieved by the current-term Government in its talent initiatives.
Among others, the panel supported the Government’s ongoing efforts to expand the city’s talent pool through local training and recruiting global elites, while seizing the opportunities brought about by technological advancements at the same time.
There were also discussions on the development strategies for vocational and professional education and training, as well as that for skills training.
The Panel of Advisors also explored the development of local industries, education, and the labour market in response to the rapid rise of artificial intelligence technology.
Mr Chan briefed the panel on the insights gained by the Working Group on Planning & Construction of the University Town during its earlier visits to the Mainland, Korea, Germany and Switzerland to study local higher education and I&T infrastructure.
The CETT will continue to maintain close communication and co-operation with the Panel of Advisors to formulate strategies for developing Hong Kong into an international I&T centre and international hub for high-calibre talent.
Also attending the session were Secretary for Labour & Welfare Chris Sun and Under Secretary for Education Jeff Sze.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Panel of Advisors to Committee on Education, Technology and Talents convenes third engagement session This year marks the beginning of the National 15th Five-Year Plan. The Hong Kong Government will proactively align with the vast opportunities brought by the National 15th Five-Year Plan, and draw up Hong Kong’s first five-year plan at full speed. At the engagement session, the Panel of Advisors pointed out that a forward-looking and strategic medium-to-long-term plan could further strengthen policy synergy, driving the integration of education, technology, and talent, and facilitating Hong Kong’s better integration into and service of the overall national development.
During the engagement session, the Panel of Advisors put forward various suggestions regarding the development of innovation and technology (I&T), education and talent in the five-year plan. The Panel of Advisors supported the Government in accelerating the development of the Hong Kong Park of the Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Co-operation Zone and the San Tin Technopole. The Panel of Advisors also recommended attracting more quality technology enterprises from the Chinese Mainland and overseas to establish a presence in the parks. This would create a cluster effect, conducive to building a comprehensive I&T industry chain for providing development opportunities for incoming and local I&T talent.
The Panel of Advisors fully recognised that the current-term Government has achieved significant success in its talent initiatives. It supported the Government’s continued efforts to expand Hong Kong’s talent pool through local training and recruiting global elites, while seizing the opportunities brought about by technological advancements at the same time, strengthening the professional development of teachers, enhancing the effectiveness of nurturing local talent to inject new impetus into Hong Kong’s high-quality development continually. Participants of the meeting also attached great importance to nurturing diversified talent to meet the needs of Hong Kong’s economic and I&T development, and exchanged views on the development strategies for Vocational and Professional Education and Training, as well as that for skills training. The Panel of Advisors also explored the development of local industries, education, and the labour market in response to the rapid rise of artificial intelligence technology.
Mr Chan expressed gratitude for the valuable suggestions raised during the engagement session, which would provide an important reference for the Government in formulating the five-year plan more comprehensively. Mr Chan also briefed the Panel of Advisors on the insights gained by the Working Group on Planning and Construction of the University Town during its earlier visits to the Mainland, Korea, Germany and Switzerland to study local higher education and I&T infrastructure. CETT will continue to maintain close communication and co-operation with the Panel of Advisors to formulate strategies for developing Hong Kong into an international I&T centre and international hub for high-calibre talent.
The Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Mr Chris Sun; the Under Secretary for Education, Dr Jeff Sze; Permanent Secretaries or representatives of the Innovation, Technology and Industry Bureau, Education Bureau and Labour and Welfare Bureau attended the engagement session today. Issued at HKT 20:02
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Speech by CE at Opening Ceremony of Chinese Culture Festival 2026 (with video) Let me now say a few words to our English-speaking friends.
Good evening. I am delighted to welcome you to the Opening Reception of the Chinese Culture Festival 2026. Let us savour the timeless charm of Chinese culture together.
Chinese culture is distinguished by its long history, vast scope and profound depth. Hong Kong is rooted in Chinese culture and enjoys a global vision. Under the “one country, two systems” principle, our city connects closely with both the Mainland and the world. We have wide-ranging experience in cultural exchanges. And we are determined to better integrate into national development, extending the reach of Chinese culture, presenting a credible and appealing China to the world, while telling the good stories of our country and Hong Kong.
To do this effectively requires sustained effort – it is not a short-term task. The HKSAR Government has formulated the Blueprint for Arts and Culture and Creative Industries Development. It has set up the Chinese Culture Promotion Office, dedicated to bringing culture into our community and enhancing our people’s sense of national identity, belonging and pride.
The Chinese Culture Festival, one of our annual flagship projects, features performances, exhibitions and outreach activities. It makes fine use of Hong Kong’s international network, allowing local citizens and overseas visitors alike to experience the historical spirit and contemporary flair of Chinese civilisation.
The past two editions of the Festival were warmly received, attracting over 1.8 million participants. And the “Chinese Culture for All: A Special Performance Series” benefited more than 15 000 teachers, students and community members, infusing patriotic education with a lively and dynamic presentation.
”Legends” is the theme of this year’s Festival, presenting a rewarding variety of programmes related to Chinese mythology and folktales.
Tonight’s opening programme, the dance drama “Lady White Snake”, is masterfully produced by the Shanghai Grand Theatre. Drawing from the beloved legend “The Legend of the White Snake”, it fuses Western ballet with Chinese classical dance, weaving modern vision with timeless beauty.
Beyond tonight’s performance, this year’s Chinese Culture Festival presents an inviting selection of Chinese operas and original local works, along with themed exhibitions and community outreach activities. Together, they allow you to appreciate the boundless diversity of Chinese culture.
The Chinese Culture Festival promises to become a cultural bridge connecting Hong Kong with the Mainland, while reaching out to the world.
I wish this year’s Chinese Culture Festival great success and its audiences unforgettable performances from beginning to the final curtain call. Thank you. Issued at HKT 20:00
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
The Government today (June 12) gazetted the Evidence (Amendment) Bill 2026 (the 2026 Bill) to reform the rule against hearsay in criminal proceedings.
According to the common law rule against hearsay (hearsay rule), hearsay evidence is generally inadmissible in criminal proceedings unless it falls within one of the common law or statutory exceptions to the rule. The hearsay rule has been criticised over the years for being too strict and inflexible, and for excluding hearsay evidence even if it is cogent and reliable, which can result in injustice. The Law Reform Commission of Hong Kong (LRC) published a report on “Hearsay in Criminal Proceedings” in November 2009, recommending that the relevant rule be reformed by way of a detailed legislative scheme.
The Government previously introduced the Evidence (Amendment) Bill 2018 (the 2018 Bill) to implement the recommendations of the LRC. However, the 2018 Bill lapsed due to insufficient time to complete the legislative process by the end of the term of office of the sixth-term Legislative Council (LegCo). The Department of Justice (DoJ) subsequently conducted a comprehensive review. After re-examining the LRC’s recommendations and carefully considering the views received in the 2017 consultation exercise and the deliberations of LegCo on the 2018 Bill, together with the latest legal and policy developments, the DoJ has put forward the 2026 Bill for introduction into LegCo.
The new regime under the 2026 Bill generally applies to criminal proceedings, but does not apply to cases concerning national security. Apart from preserved common law exceptions and other statutory exceptions, hearsay evidence may be admitted if both the prosecution and the defence agree, if no party opposes its admission, or, in the event of opposition, if the court grants permission upon certain conditions being satisfied. These conditions include necessity (for example, where a witness is unfit to testify because of the witness’s physical or mental condition), threshold reliability (the court will holistically consider various factors to ensure that the reliability of the evidence is reasonably assured), and that the probative value of the hearsay evidence is greater than any prejudicial effect it may have.
A spokesman for the DoJ said, “Compared with the 2018 Bill, the 2026 Bill introduces a number of improvements, including conferring on the court greater procedural discretion and refining the mechanism for the exclusion of hearsay evidence admitted with the court’s permission. These measures not only provide robust protection for the defendant’s right to a fair trial, but also meet the court’s need to ascertain the truth, thereby enabling appropriate reform of Hong Kong’s criminal evidence law.”
In December 2025, the DoJ issued a consultation paper together with a draft of the 2026 Bill to various stakeholders, including the Judiciary, legal professional bodies, and university law schools, for consultation. The stakeholders in general supported the legislative proposal. The DoJ also briefed the LegCo Panel on Administration of Justice and Legal Services in March this year on the consultation exercise and policy aspects of the Bill, with members of the Panel indicating their support.
The 2026 Bill will be introduced into LegCo for first reading on June 24.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
The Department of Health (DH) today (June 12) reminded the trade that medical gases will be regulated as pharmaceutical products starting from Sunday (June 14). All companies involved in the manufacture, wholesale or retail sale of medical gases must obtain the relevant drug dealer’s licence(s) in accordance with the Pharmacy and Poisons Ordinance (Cap. 138) in order to operate lawfully. In addition, medical gases must be registered with the Pharmacy and Poisons Board of Hong Kong before they can be legally sold in Hong Kong, ensuring that the products meet the required standards of safety, efficacy and quality.
Any person who illegally possesses or sells pharmaceutical products or prescription drugs that are not registered under the Ordinance, or who operates the manufacture or wholesale of pharmaceutical products without the relevant licence, commits a criminal offence. The maximum penalty for each offence is a fine of $100,000 and two years’ imprisonment upon conviction.
Drug retailers that only engage in the retail sale of medical gases that are not specified in the Poisons List under the Ordinance (such as medical oxygen), are not required to hold a retail licence.
The Board decided on June 14, 2024, that medical gases should be regulated as pharmaceutical products under the Ordinance. In addition, pharmaceutical products containing nitrous oxide (laughing gas) and nitric oxide should be regulated as prescription drugs. A two-year preparation period has been provided to the trade for obtaining the relevant licences and registering their related products.
Since 2024, the DH has maintained ongoing communication with the trade and stakeholders regarding the new regulatory arrangements, including sending letters to medical gas and pharmaceutical traders, healthcare professional organisations, healthcare facilities and other relevant stakeholders, reminding them to make early preparations. In addition, the DH has provided the pharmaceutical industry with guidelines to help them understand and comply with the relevant statutory requirements.
A list of local licensed traders dealing with medical gases and a list of medical gases registered as pharmaceutical products have been uploaded to the DH’s Drug Office website. The DH reminded the industry to purchase relevant pharmaceutical products from licensed dealers in future in order to safeguard product quality and public safety.
Members of the public can visit the DH’s website for more information and frequently asked questions on the regulation of medical gases, relevant licences and application details.