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Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Home and Youth Affairs Bureau (HYAB) held Hong Kong’s five-year plan Thematic Consultation Session – Youth Development today (May 27) at HYAB JC Y Cube, a new interactive space for young people located on the fourth floor of Youth Square in Chai Wan. The consultation session was conducted in an in-person and online hybrid format to gather views from about 200 representatives from the Youth Development Commission (YDC), district youth committees, Youth Link, YDC Youth Ambassadors, and various youth organisations in respect of youth development in Hong Kong’s five-year plan.
 
The fourth session of the 14th National People’s Congress approved the Outline of the 15th Five-Year Plan for National Economic and Social Development of the People’s Republic of China (Outline of the 15th Five-Year Plan) in March 2026. The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) is proactively aligning with the 15th Five-Year Plan and is drawing up its first Hong Kong’s five-year plan, which should take a macro view and be strategic and forward-looking.
 
Speaking at the thematic consultation session, the Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, Miss Alice Mak, said that the HKSAR Government attaches great importance to youth development. In line with the 15th Five-Year Plan and on the basis of the Youth Development Blueprint, the Government is striving to nurture a new generation of youth equipped with a global perspective, a positive mindset, and an affection for Hong Kong and the country, who will steadfastly uphold the “one country, two systems” principle, actively participate in the integration into the overall national development, and contribute to the long-term prosperity and stability of the city.
 
Through the thematic consultation session, the HYAB gathered the insights and expectations of stakeholders to facilitate the HKSAR Government’s preparation of the first Hong Kong’s five-year plan.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) conducted a blitz operation yesterday (May 26) at private land in Lau Fau Shan, seizing a total of 18 endangered parrots and arresting two men.

The AFCD received a referral from the Planning Department regarding the aforementioned site, which involved an unauthorised development under the Town Planning Ordinance. Numerous bird cages were found at the site, some of which contained birds. Following intelligence gathering and investigation, the AFCD mounted an enforcement operation. During the operation, AFCD officers arrested two men who were suspected of being in connection with the illegal possession of endangered parrots listed in Appendix I to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), including Goffin’s cockatoos, blue-throated conures, golden conures, yellow-naped amazon parrots, yellow-headed amazon parrots and a hyacinth macaw.

According to the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance (Cap. 586), unless exempted or otherwise stipulated, possession of Appendix I species requires a Licence to Possess or relevant documentary proof of the animals’ origin. As the two men were unable to produce the required Licence to Possess or relevant documents, they were arrested, and 18 endangered parrots were seized for further investigation.

In addition, the Planning Department took enforcement action against the unauthorised development at the site. The Planning Department served an Enforcement Notice to the relevant persons yesterday, requiring them to discontinue the unauthorised development by a specified date.

A spokesman for the AFCD said, “Illegal possession of endangered species is a serious offence. Any person contravening the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance will be liable to a maximum fine of $10 million and imprisonment for 10 years, and the seized specimens will also be forfeited upon conviction.”

A spokesman for the Planning Department said, “Undertaking an unauthorised development may be subject to prosecution. Under section 23(6) of the Town Planning Ordinance, a person who is served with an Enforcement Notice but fails to comply with its requirements by the specified day commits an offence. Upon first conviction, the maximum penalty is a fine of $500,000 and a daily fine of $50,000. Upon second or subsequent conviction, the maximum penalty is a fine of $1 million and a daily fine of $100,000.”

The Government is committed to protecting endangered species. The AFCD will continue to monitor and collect intelligence, and proactively take enforcement action to combat offences involving endangered species.

Members of the public are urged to report any suspected illegal possession of endangered species to the AFCD by calling 2150 6978 or emailing espint@afcd.gov.hk.

Members of the public with enquiries about town planning matters may call 2231 5000 or email enquire@pland.gov.hk.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Hong Kong’s smoking rate has dropped to a record low, continuing a steady decline from 23.3% in the early 1980s to 8.5% in 2025, according to the latest survey results announced today by the Department of Health.

The department announced the milestone alongside the launch of the “Quit in June” campaign. To encourage and assist smokers in kicking the habit, the department will deploy artificial intelligence (AI) to provide personalised smoking cessation counselling services, among other supportive measures.

The figures were highlighted in the latest Thematic Household Survey Report published today by the Census & Statistics Department.

According to the survey on smoking habits, conducted from July to October last year, around 540,000 Hong Kong citizens smoked conventional cigarettes daily at the time of the survey. This accounted for 8.5% of all residents aged 15 and above, down from the 9.1% recorded in 2023.

Regarding alternative smoking products, the proportion of people aged 15 and above who used e-cigarettes daily in 2025 was 0.1%, down from 0.2% in 2023. Meanwhile, the proportion of daily users of heated tobacco products dropped from 0.1% in 2023 to a level beyond accurate estimation.

The department’s Tobacco & Alcohol Control Office Head Dr Manny Lam said the decline of Hong Kong’s smoking rate to a record low is the result of years of concerted efforts by the public and various sectors of the community, making Hong Kong an international role model for successful tobacco control.

Dr Lam highlighted that the Government aims to reduce the appeal of smoking products, including alternative smoking products and various flavoured cigarettes, to prevent the next generation from becoming addicted to tobacco.

“The latest survey results also show that smoking rates among younger age groups remain at very low levels, reflecting that the younger generation no longer accepts smoking behaviour, which is highly aligned with the Government’s goals and societal expectations,” he added.

During this year’s “Quit in June” campaign, the department will distribute free one-week smoking cessation drug trial packs at over 300 community pharmacies, smoking cessation clinics, District Health Centres (DHCs)/DHC Expresses, and the department clinics.

To help manage withdrawal symptoms, designated Chinese medicine clinics will distribute free ear point patches, while a new AI-assisted service, “Chat to Quit”, developed with the University of Hong Kong’s School of Nursing, provides personalised, interactive counselling. It can also provide emotional support and help users practise skills to refuse cigarettes.

Smokers who wish to quit can scan the QR code to access the service for free. For users requiring human counselling, smoking cessation medication support or Chinese Medicine acupuncture smoking cessation services, “Chat to Quit” will also make referrals accordingly.

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

On the morning of May 26, President Lai Ching-te met with a cross-party delegation from the German-Taiwan Parliamentary Friendship Group. In remarks, President Lai thanked the German government and Bundestag for valuing and supporting Taiwan, empowering Taiwan to work with even more partners and contribute to global development. The president stated that he looks forward to Taiwan and Germany continuing to deepen partnerships in areas such as cybersecurity, the defense industry, disaster prevention and relief, and societal resilience. He expressed confidence that both sides can build on their experiences to strengthen democratic resilience, safeguard democratic values and the international order, and promote prosperity and development in both countries.
A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows:
I am delighted to meet with German-Taiwan Parliamentary Friendship Group Chairman Till Steffen and Bundestag Members Klaus-Peter Willsch and Rainer Kraft again today. I also want to warmly welcome Vice Chairs Markus Reichel and Mandy Eißing on their first visit to Taiwan. This is also the first time that the German-Taiwan Parliamentary Friendship Group of the 21st Bundestag is visiting Taiwan, and having a cross-party delegation present makes it all the more meaningful. Today’s guests are all good friends who attach great importance to Taiwan. In particular, Chairman Steffen is already on his second visit since February of this year, while Bundestag Member Willsch served as chairman of the group for 15 years and attended my and Vice President Bi-khim Hsiao’s inauguration ceremony two years ago. I am deeply grateful to our guests for taking action to demonstrate firm support for a democratic Taiwan.
Taiwan and Germany both cherish the universal values of democracy, freedom, and respect for the rule of law. In the face of rapidly changing global dynamics, we understand that it is only through cooperation with democratic partners that we can uphold the rules-based international order. I would like to thank the German government and Bundestag for valuing and supporting Taiwan. In September two years ago, German naval vessels transited through the Taiwan Strait for the first time in 22 years, with Germany emphasizing that the Taiwan Strait constitutes international waters, and freedom of navigation must be protected. The German-Taiwan Parliamentary Friendship Group has repeatedly voiced support for Taiwan’s international participation, empowering Taiwan to work with even more partners and contribute to global development.
In recent years, Taiwan and Germany have continued to deepen ties based on our shared democratic values, and have also expanded exchanges in areas such as the economy, trade, and technology. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company’s investment in a fab in Dresden, in particular, marks an important milestone in Taiwan-Germany industrial cooperation. Not only has this promoted industrial exchanges between Taiwan and Europe, but it has also further enhanced Taiwan and Germany’s contributions to global democratic supply chain resilience. With the support of our guests, I look forward to Taiwan and Germany deepening our partnerships in areas such as cybersecurity, the defense industry, disaster prevention and relief, and societal resilience. I am confident that we can build on our experiences to strengthen democratic resilience.
In closing, I would once again like to welcome our guests to Taiwan. I trust this visit will help us identify even more opportunities for cooperation. I look forward to Taiwan and Germany working together to safeguard democratic values and the international order, and promote prosperity and development in both our countries.
Chairman Steffen then delivered remarks, stating that the delegation members hail from different regions and political parties in Germany, fully demonstrating cross-party support for Taiwan. He pointed out that the constituencies represented by the delegation members have diverse ties with Taiwan, adding that the number of staff of the German Institute Taipei has increased, which underscores the growing closeness of exchanges between the two countries.
Chairman Steffen noted that both the German government and Bundestag have maintained their position on Taiwan. He stated that China sometimes expresses opinions regarding exchanges with Taiwan, as China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs did the previous day regarding this visit. In response, he expressed directly that exchanges between democracies are normal, and interference by third parties will not be accepted.
Speaking about President Lai’s recent visit to the Kingdom of Eswatini, Chairman Steffen stated that this is a normal exchange between countries that maintain diplomatic relations, and China’s attempts to interfere have drawn significant international attention. He emphasized that relations between Germany and Taiwan have withstood the test of time and will not change in any way. However, considering that the global landscape is continuously evolving, he said, the two countries should further strengthen bilateral exchanges and jointly address threats posed by authoritarian regimes.
Chairman Steffen said that Taiwan and Germany face similar challenges when it comes to expanding their global reach, industrial resilience, national defense, and civil defense. He emphasized that the two sides share many commonalities, providing great opportunities to learn from each other. He expressed hope that the two countries will launch new cooperative endeavors across a wide range of fields.
The delegation was accompanied to the Presidential Office by Director General of the German Institute Taipei Karsten Tietz.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Inter-departmental Task Force on Monitoring Fuel Supply announced today that the Government will provide a fuel subsidy of $0.5 per litre of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) for taxis, public light buses and school private light buses, from May 31 until July 30.

It is expected that about 16,900 LPG (including LPG-hybrid) taxis, 3,440 LPG public light buses and 170 LPG school private light buses will benefit from the subsidy.

The Government said the two-month temporary measure aims to alleviate operating costs for local passenger transport commercial vehicles which primarily use LPG as fuel, thereby reducing the pressure for fare increases.

In practice, oil companies will offer a discount of $0.5 per litre of LPG at all 66 LPG filling stations across Hong Kong for all LPG taxis, public light buses and school private light buses. No registration or application is required.

To ensure proper use of public funds, the Government and oil companies have signed agreements which set out responsibilities and terms. These arrangements include the Government’s reimbursement to oil companies for the actual amount of subsidies provided; the requirement for oil companies to maintain complete and accurate books and records; the requirement to submit reports to the Government every week; and auditing arrangements. In addition, the Transport Department has steered oil companies in completing system enhancements and testing to ensure smooth implementation.

The Transport Department will also display posters at its licensing offices and LPG filling stations. Leaflets will be distributed at major taxi stands, public light bus stands and all dedicated LPG stations to inform frontline drivers of the subsidy details.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Government announced today that, with the Chief Executive’s approval, it has appointed Sunny Chai as Chairman of the Board of Directors of the San Tin Technopole Company (STTC).

Mr Chai will serve as Chairman for a three-year term starting from July 1. The San Tin Technopole Company will be established before then as a non-statutory, limited company wholly owned by the Financial Secretary Incorporated. It will press ahead with developing 210 hectares of land for innovation and technology within the technopole.

Mr Chai has been serving as Chairman of the Board at Hong Kong Science & Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTPC) since 2018. He will become the STTC’s first Chairman upon the expiry of his chairmanship at HKSTPC on June 30.

Secretary for Innovation, Technology & Industry Prof Sun Dong said Mr Chai is a seasoned industrialist with rich experience in public service.

“Under his sterling leadership, the HKSTPC has conducted planning studies for approximately 20 hectares of land within the San Tin Technopole.

“I am confident that under Dr Chai’s leadership, the San Tin Technopole will become a stronghold for the future development of emerging technology industries in Hong Kong and an important base for developing new quality productive forces.”

In terms of corporate structure, the STTC Board, appointed by the Government, will comprise a chairperson, official directors, and non-official directors that come from diverse backgrounds and sectors.

The Government will participate directly in the STTC’s major decisions through the official directors, who will include the Permanent Secretary for Innovation, Technology & Industry, the Permanent Secretary for Financial Services & the Treasury (Treasury), and the Commissioner for Innovation & Technology.

The Innovation, Technology & Industry Bureau said it is striving to complete other preparatory tasks within the current year, with a view to enabling the STTC to start operating fully as soon as possible. 

Source: Government of the Republic of Korea

On behalf of the Korean people and myself, I sincerely welcome Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and the Japanese delegation to the Republic of Korea.

Four months after my visit to Nara, the Prime Minister’s hometown, in January, Prime Minister Takaichi has paid a visit to Andong, my hometown.

This marks the first time for Korean and Japanese leaders to have visited each other’s hometowns, a rare occurrence anywhere in the world.

The fact that such meaningful and historic exchanges took place in the span of just four months speaks to the depth and strength of the friendship and bonds that Korea and Japan now share.

Also highly significant is the growing scope of our shuttle diplomacy. The location of such visits had previously been limited to Seoul and Tokyo, but now they have expanded to include various regional cities such as Busan, Gyeongju, Nara and Andong.

Annual people-to-people exchanges between Korea and Japan have reached 13 million, and young people in both countries are actively visiting the regional cities of their neighboring country in search of their hidden charms.

Korean-Japanese relations are now widening beyond the capitals to reach every corner of our respective countries, opening new horizons for our partnership.

At today’s summit, building on the trust developed through our shuttle diplomacy to date, Prime Minister Takaichi and I had candid discussions on a broad range of issues as strategic partners in jointly responding to the rapidly changing international environment.

In particular, we agreed that close bilateral cooperation is needed more than ever amid the instability in supply chains and energy markets arising from the recent situation in the Middle East.

We also concurred that peace and stability in the Middle East should be promptly restored.

Based on this shared understanding, our two countries assessed the achievements of the Korea-Japan Supply Chain Partnership Arrangement concluded last March and resolved to further expanding our bilateral supply chain cooperation.

Prime Minister Takaichi also proposed that our two countries work closely together to deepen cooperation on resource supply chains with other Asian nations facing supply disruptions.

I welcomed the initiative and conveyed my commitment to actively participating in it. In addition, our two countries agreed to further strengthen cooperation in the sectors of LNG and crude oil, which are key energy sources.

Building on a memorandum of understanding concerning the optimization of LNG operations signed by Korea Gas Corporation (KOGAS) and JERA in March, we agreed to expand bilateral LNG cooperation while further strengthening channels for information sharing and communication regarding crude oil supply and stockpiling.

Amid the rapidly changing international landscape we reaffirmed the importance of bilateral cooperation between our two countries, as well as trilateral cooperation among Korea, the United States and Japan, in the interest of regional peace and stability.

In this context, we viewed the recent Republic of Korea-Japan Security Policy Consultative Meeting – convened for the first time at the vice-ministerial level – as a highly significant development.

I also emphasized that, as countries in Northeast Asia are closely interconnected across various fronts, including the economy and security, it is essential for Korea, China and Japan to respect one another, cooperate and pursue shared interests in order to achieve genuine peace and stability in the region.

We also held in-depth discussions on the Korean Peninsula situation.

I outlined our government’s vision of building a peaceful Korean Peninsula where the two Koreas can coexist peacefully and grow together – one where there is no need to fight.

Our two sides noted how active communication and exchanges at all levels has enabled steady progress on the various substantive initiatives for cooperation discussed during our January summit. We agreed to further expand our forward-looking cooperation.

I emphasized that by leveraging each other’s respective strengths to bolster the foundation for mutually beneficial and strategic cooperation in artificial intelligence, the companies and people of both nations will be at the forefront of efforts to establish a “Global AI Universal Basic Society.”

Moreover, we held in-depth discussions on bilateral cooperation in such advanced technology fields as space exploration and biohealth.

Our two countries resolved to bolster cooperation on protecting the lives and safety of our citizens.

Importantly, the Memorandum of Cooperation on Police Cooperation for Joint Response to Transnational Scam Centers, signed between the police agencies of both countries, will serve as a solid foundation for protecting the citizens of both nations from criminal threats by significantly improving the speed and efficiency of investigations.

Furthermore, we concurred on the need to discuss cooperation on personal data protection to ensure the safety and rights of citizens in the AI era.

DNA analysis of the remains excavated from the Chosei Coal Mine in Japan will also begin soon.

We have agreed on the specific procedures and methods for DNA analysis through close working-level consultations between diplomatic authorities of the two countries.

This will be a small but meaningful first step for both countries in cooperating on historical issues, starting with humanitarian matters.

Going forward, the possibilities for Korea-Japan partnership are limitless.

I look forward to continuously developing new avenues for cooperation that can drive shared prosperity in both countries and deliver tangible benefits to the people of both nations.

Including today’s meeting, Prime Minister Takaichi and I have met in person four times over the past seven months.

This signifies that shuttle diplomacy – where the leaders of both nations meet and communicate whenever necessary without the constraints of formalities – has fully taken root.

Marking the 60th anniversary of normalized Korea-Japan relations, I look forward to further expanding future-oriented cooperation that tangibly benefits the people of both our nations.

Once again, I extend a sincere welcome to Prime Minister Takaichi to Korea. I look forward to meeting Prime Minister Takaichi again soon in another beautiful region of Japan to continue our candid communication.

Thank you.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

3D-printed metal implants modelled on human bones are offering patients customised treatment at a lower cost, helping to improve recovery outcomes.

At the Belt & Road Summit 2021, a Hong Kong medical technology company specialising in 3D-printed metal implants signed a co-operation agreement with the Kazakh Research Institute of Oncology & Radiology. The partnership introduced medical 3D printing technology to Kazakhstan, marking a milestone for Hong Kong’s medical innovation exports.

Chief Executive John Lee will lead a delegation to Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan in June. The 3D printing team believes the earlier agreement has laid a solid foundation for further collaboration. During the upcoming visit, the company’s CEO will join the delegation to sign a new co-operation agreement with Kazakhstan, aimed at introducing more advanced technologies and expanding business opportunities.

The company’s Chief Technology Officer Sun Hao-ran said the team is looking to broaden its scope of collaboration.

“In the future, we aim to handle more clinical cases and also seek the potential for local manufacturing and collaboration on more advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence and other technologies.

“We can bring the standard of Hong Kong technologies and clinical services to all of Central Asia, not only Kazakhstan, but also Uzbekistan and other Central Asian countries.”

The company maintains close collaboration with Hong Kong universities. Its team believes that partnerships between the medical and innovation sectors are vital to entering the Central Asian market, while expanding Hong Kong’s role in global healthcare.

Chief of Division of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery at the University of Hong Kong Faculty of Dentistry Richard Su said such collaboration helps strengthen long-term ties.

“Through the company, we can establish more connections with local hospitals and even local universities. That will be beneficial in the long term, for Hong Kong universities’ research and also for patient care.”

The team also advises businesses seeking to expand overseas to introduce innovative technologies, gain a thorough understanding of local cultures and establish strong ties with stakeholders to build mutual trust.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     With a view to safeguarding animal welfare, the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) today (May 24) deployed staff to patrol locations where mercy release activities frequently occurred in the past, including Wun Yiu, Tai Po; Ng Tung River, Sheung Shui; Sai Kung Public Pier and Sai Wan Ho Ferry Pier. Educational leaflets were distributed to remind the public to think carefully before participating in mercy releases of animals.
 
     A spokesman for the AFCD said, “If members of the public release animals in an improper manner, such as releasing them into unsuitable habitats, it may adversely affect their survival.”
 
     Under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Ordinance (Cap. 169), it is an offence to cause unnecessary suffering to animals by releasing them in an improper manner. Offenders are liable to a maximum fine of $200,000 and imprisonment for three years upon conviction.
 
The AFCD will continue to conduct inspections at locations where animal release activities are likely to take place, take enforcement action when necessary, and carry out publicity and education work.
 
     In addition, the AFCD will launch a restocking exercise on National Fish Releasing Day on June 6 to release juvenile fish with the aim of enhancing local marine resources and improving marine ecology. The department will promote the environmental benefits to the public of science-based restocking, with a view to engaging public support for and participation in these science-based restocking exercises in lieu of improper animal release activities. The public may also consider other charitable activities, such as planting trees or participating in volunteer services with animal welfare groups and environmental organisations.