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Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     The Health Bureau (HHB) and the Operator of The Chinese Medicine Hospital of Hong Kong (CMHHK) announced today (August 25) the service expansion plan of CMHHK, including the launch of 24-hour inpatient services on December 11, and the introduction of 10 additional special disease programmes by year end. The extension of coverage under the Voluntary Health Insurance Scheme to inpatient services of CMHHK will also start next year. 

     The Secretary for Health, Professor Lo Chung-mau, said, “As the local flagship Chinese medicine institution, CMHHK has made good progress in various areas including healthcare services, training and education, research, collaboration, and creating health values, since its service commencement last year. Members of the public generally have positive feedback on the environment and professional services of the hospital. In just over eight months since commencing operation, the hospital has already increased the quota for government-subsidised outpatient services four times to meet keen public demand. The provision of 24-hour inpatient services commencing in mid-December will further advance Hong Kong’s Chinese medicine services from primary healthcare to secondary and tertiary healthcare services, marking a significant breakthrough in the development of Chinese medicine.”

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) announced today (August 25) that a total of 171 new cases of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection and 28 new cases of Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) were recorded in Hong Kong in the first half of 2026. While the number of new HIV infections in Hong Kong has declined for 10 consecutive years, the proportion of late presenters among the newly reported cases has remained high at around 50 per cent in recent years. Nearly 80 per cent of late presenters have never undergone HIV testing, increasing the risk of HIV transmission in the community. In light of this, the CHP urged members of the public who have had sex, regardless of age or sexual orientation, to undergo HIV antibody testing at least once, and to use condoms consistently and correctly in order to minimise the risk of HIV infection and other sexually transmitted infections.

“Following an in-depth analysis of the new cases of HIV infection, the CHP found that the proportion of late presentation among persons at general risk was around 60 to 70 per cent, higher than that among higher-risk populations, such as men who have sex with men and sex workers, for whom the proportion was around 40 to 50 per cent. Furthermore, the majority of people at general risk acquired HIV through heterosexual contact. The CHP believes that some individuals mistakenly consider themselves at low risk of HIV infection, and therefore have not undergone timely testing and treatment,” said the Consultant (Special Preventive Programme) of the Public Health Services Branch of the CHP of the DH, Dr Bonnie Wong.

Late presenters refer to individuals with a very low CD4 (one kind of immune cell) cell count or those who have already progressed to AIDS at the time of HIV diagnosis. Late presentation indicates that these individuals were not diagnosed and put on treatment in a timely manner at an earlier stage of infection. Late presentation can lead to an increased risk of opportunistic infections, cancer and death. In addition, due to their unsuppressed viral load, late presenters contribute to an increased risk of HIV transmission in the community.

The new HIV cases in the first half of 2026 involve 143 men and 28 women aged between 19 and 80. Among them, 70 per cent are in the 20 to 49 age group while nearly 30 per cent are 50 years old or above. Among the cases with a reported route of transmission, 140 cases (99 per cent) acquired the infection through sexual contact, including 94 through homosexual or bisexual contact. The remaining 46 cases acquired the infection through heterosexual contact.

“Sexual transmission remains the major route of HIV transmission in Hong Kong. The DH therefore encourages people who have had sex, regardless of age or sexual orientation, to undergo HIV antibody testing at least once to keep track of their health status. People at higher risk of infection (such as those who do not use condoms properly or those who inject drugs) should undergo regular testing to protect their own health and that of their partners,” said Dr Wong.

Currently, the DH provides various channels to facilitate HIV antibody testing for the public:
 

• reserve a free, anonymous and confidential HIV antibody test by visiting the HIV Testing Service website (www.hivtest.gov.hk) or calling the AIDS Hotline (2780 2211); or
• order HIV self-test kits (oral fluid-based or blood-based (finger-prick) testing kits) on the HIV Testing Service website, and collect the self-test kits at the pick-up location chosen. There are various pick-up locations in Hong Kong.

Dr Wong stressed that HIV infection is a manageable chronic disease. People with HIV should seek specialist care and receive HIV treatment as soon as possible to achieve viral suppression and health restoration. Early HIV treatment with antiretroviral drugs can effectively prevent the progression to AIDS and other complications, increasing the chance of survival significantly. Moreover, those who achieve an undetectable level of virus in blood while on treatment will not transmit the virus through sex, i.e. Undetectable = Untransmittable (U=U).

The prevalence of HIV infection in Hong Kong has consistently remained far below the global average, accounting for 1 in 1 000 of the adult population. Since 1984, the cumulative total of locally reported HIV infections and AIDS cases has been 12 905 and 2 671 cases respectively. More detailed statistics are available on the Virtual AIDS Office website.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

​The Master’s Degree in Public Policy Programme (MPP Programme), jointly organised by the Civil Service Bureau (CSB) and Peking University, has entered its fifth year. The Secretary for the Civil Service, Mrs Ingrid Yeung, and the Secretary of the CPC Peking University Committee, Mr He Guangcai, met with participants from the five cohorts and officiated at the unveiling ceremony of the “MPP Fellowship” at the Civil Service College (CSC) today (August 25), marking closer co-operation and interaction between the two sides, and linking participants with each other and with the university.

​Mrs Yeung and the delegation led by Mr He held a courtesy meeting. Deputy Director of Bureau II of the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council (HKMAO) Mr Tai Fan; the Dean of the School of Government of Peking University, Professor Yan Jirong; the Director of the Office of Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan Affairs of Peking University, Ms Li Yun; the Permanent Secretary for the Civil Service, Ms Shirley Lam; and the Head of the Civil Service College, Mr Oscar Kwok, also attended the meeting.

Since its launch in 2022, a total of 79 civil servants have participated in the MPP Programme. The first three cohorts have already graduated successfully and have returned to work to put their learning into practice. Through immersive learning at Peking University, participants not only gain in-depth knowledge of the country’s governance system and public administration theories, but also conduct field visits to different parts of the Mainland to experience firsthand the country’s development momentum and people’s livelihood, deeply appreciating Mainland officials’ service spirit of people-orientation and continuous improvement, thereby achieving a dual enhancement of knowledge and perspective. 

Addressing the event, Mrs Yeung said that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government shoulders the important mission of promoting Hong Kong’s better integration into and service to the overall development of the country, and of connecting the country with the world. This places higher demands on the governing team, which should not only be dedicated to the country and Hong Kong and understand public sentiment, but also possess a holistic perspective and international outlook, be able to assess the situation with foresight, and address complex challenges with innovative thinking and strategic vision. The MPP Programme jointly organised by the CSB and Peking University carries profound strategic significance.

Mrs Yeung expressed her gratitude to the HKMAO and Peking University for their strong emphasis and support regarding the civil service training of the HKSAR Government. She said that as the programme enters its fifth year, it marks a pivotal moment that builds on past achievements while paving the way for the future. The “MPP Fellowship” carries more than a bond of friendship; it embodies a belief in a shared mission. She hopes that through candid exchanges, participants will inspire one another, pursue lifelong learning, uphold the spirit of unity and collaboration, strengthen cross-departmental co-operation, better support the HKSAR Government in policy implementation, continuously enhance governance effectiveness and promote the greater well-being of the public.

The participants of the MPP Programme, who come from various professional fields, are civil servants recommended by their departments and have demonstrated leadership potential and outstanding performance. The programme covers four major areas, namely public administration and leadership skills, the country’s governance and Hong Kong affairs, global affairs and governance, as well as social studies and field work. The programme lasts for two years. Participants have to study full-time at Peking University for the first year. Participants will return to Hong Kong in the second year to complete their thesis and apply their learning to enhancing the governance of Hong Kong.

On the same afternoon, the CSC held a thematic seminar on the National 15th Five-Year Plan. Professor Yan was invited to speak on “China’s 15th Five-Year Plan and the Building of a Modernised Strong Nation”. Drawing on public administration case studies from the Mainland, he elaborated on the strategic positioning and key role of the 15th Five-Year Plan in the country’s modernisation process. Over 330 civil servants in the directorate and senior ranks attended the seminar today, with some participants joining via video conferencing.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     The Census and Statistics Department (C&SD) released today (August 25) the external merchandise trade statistics for July 2026. In July 2026, the values of Hong Kong’s total exports and imports of goods both recorded year-on-year increases, at 50.7% and 41.0% respectively.

     In July 2026, the value of total exports of goods increased by 50.7% over a year earlier to $672.5 billion, after a year-on-year increase by 53.4% in June 2026. Concurrently, the value of imports of goods increased by 41.0% over a year earlier to $677.4 billion in July 2026, after a year-on-year increase by 45.4% in June 2026. A visible trade deficit of $4.9 billion, equivalent to 0.7% of the value of imports of goods, was recorded in July 2026.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     In response to the Office of The Ombudsman’s direct investigation report on “Public Niche Allocation” released today (August 25), a spokesman for the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) said that the department accepts the recommendations in the report. As noted in the report, the allocation of public niches has already been standardised and enhanced through a monthly allocation arrangement. The FEHD will carefully study the Office of The Ombudsman’s other recommendations and continue to improve the quality of its services.

     The FEHD has long been committed to improving its funeral services and ensuring a stable supply of public niches. Whether monthly allocation can be adopted depends largely on whether the requisite conditions are in place at the time. As early as 2020, following the completion of the Tsang Tsui Columbarium in Tuen Mun, which provided 160 000 niches, the FEHD launched a pilot monthly allocation arrangement there for the convenience of the public. In recent years, more public columbaria have been completed, including the Shek Mun Columbarium, which was completed in the fourth quarter of 2025. The overall supply of public niches has remained ample and there was generally no need to wait for allocations. Against this background, the FEHD considered that the time was ripe to draw on the successful experience of the Tsang Tsui Columbarium and apply the monthly allocation arrangement to all four columbaria where new extendable niches are available: Tsang Tsui Columbarium in Tuen Mun, Wo Hop Shek Columbarium Phase VI in Fanling, Cape Collinson-San Ha Columbarium in Eastern District, and Shek Mun Columbarium in Sha Tin. The enhanced arrangement was announced in March this year and implemented from August 1. More than 1 600 extendable public niches are now made available each month. Following the ballot, applicants are notified of the results on the same day by SMS or email. Applicants who are not allocated a niche at their preferred columbarium will automatically be allocated a niche at Tsang Tsui.

     As the Office of The Ombudsman pointed out, public niches are precious and limited public resources. The FEHD’s new arrangement not only meets the overall demand for niches but also strikes an appropriate balance between public preferences and the number of niches available at individual columbaria. This helps maintain a stable supply of niches at the various venues in the medium to long term, so that future applicants will continue to have a choice among different venues. The FEHD will continue to closely monitor applications for niches and make timely adjustments as and when necessary.

     The spokesman added, “The FEHD will, as always, continue to respond to community needs, elevate the standard of funeral services and provide people-centric, quality services for the community. Apart from strengthening education on green burials and encouraging the public to use green burial services, the FEHD will also streamline procedures and use resources efficiently.”

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     Following is the keynote speech by the Permanent Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Mr Kevin Choi, at the Deloitte Digital Day 2026 today (August 25):

Edward (Southern Region Managing Partner of Deloitte China, Mr Edward Au), Allen (Hong Kong Businesses Managing Partner of Deloitte China, Mr Allen Wong), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, 
     The San Tin Technopole will complement the Loop by providing larger-scale industrial land for prototyping, pilot production and mass production. It will support strategic industries including life and health technology, AI and robotics, microelectronics and smart devices, new materials, new energy and green technology. Together, the Loop and San Tin Technopole will support the development of a new “South-North dual engine” for Hong Kong – combining our traditional strengths in finance and professional services with new strengths in innovation, technology and advanced industries.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     The Transport Department (TD) today (August 25) announced that the auction of vehicle registration marks will be held on September 12 (Saturday) at Meeting Room S221, L2, Old Wing, Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, Wan Chai.

     “A total of 100 personalised vehicle registration marks (PVRMs) will be put up for public auction in the morning session, and 220 traditional vehicle registration marks (TVRMs) will be put up for auction in the afternoon session. The lists of marks have been uploaded to the department’s website, www.td.gov.hk/en/public_services/vehicle_registration_mark/index.html(i) the identity document of the successful bidder;
(ii) the identity document of the purchaser if it is different from the successful bidder;
(iii) a copy of the Certificate of Incorporation if the purchaser is a body corporate; and
(iv) a crossed cheque payable to “The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region” or “The Government of the HKSAR”. Any bidder who wishes to bid for both TVRMs and PVRMs on the same day, should bring along at least two crossed cheques for payment of auction prices (for an auctioned mark paid for by cheque, the first three working days after the date of auction will be required for cheque clearance confirmation before processing of the application for mark assignment can be completed). Successful bidders may also pay through the Easy Pay System (EPS), but are reminded to note the maximum transfer amount in the same day of the payment card. Payment by post-dated cheque, cash, credit card or other methods will not be accepted.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Housing Bureau today (August 25) reminded owners of the eight buildings from Blocks A to H of Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po to sign and return the “Letter of Acceptance” at or before 5pm on August 31 if they accept the Government’s acquisition offer.
 
     Owners may submit the duly signed “Letter of Acceptance” with the return envelope enclosed with the “Letter of Offer” by post, by hand or by courier to the following address:
 
     Housing Bureau, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government
     c/o Wang Fuk Court Property Rights Acquisition Limited
     1/F, Block 2, Hong Kong Housing Authority Headquarters,
     33 Fat Kwong Street, Ho Man Tin, Kowloon, Hong Kong
 
     For owners who opt to send the return by post, the postmark date will be taken as the submission date. Owners must therefore send their return by post before the cut-off time ends on August 31 to ensure the envelope is postmarked with that date. Owners may also choose to submit the return in person to the drop-off box at the above address at or before 5pm on August 31, or hand it over to their designated Engagement Team member.

     A spokesman of the Housing Bureau said that in handling the long-term housing arrangement plan for Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po (long-term plan), the Government has consistently prioritised empathy as its guiding principle. In setting the acquisition price, the Government takes into account that the residents have lost their homes and suffered significant losses, and their difficult circumstances warrant the understanding and support from society. In addition, the scale and impact of the Wang Fuk Court fire are unprecedented in Hong Kong. The arrangements made for this “special case of exceptional nature” will not constitute a precedent. Therefore, the current acquisition price is about 30 per cent higher than the pre-fire market transaction prices of Wang Fuk Court as assessed by the Hong Kong Institute of Surveyors, with a view to enabling Wang Fuk Court owners to secure long-term housing. As reflected in the acquisition figures, the vast majority of owners welcome the Government’s proposal.
 
     The spokesman said that after the deadline of the long-term plan (i.e. August 31), the unsold titles will be reverted to and be handled through the market mechanism, and owners will inevitably have to bear the risks of not selling their flats before that deadline. The Government does not rule out the need to ultimately handle the unsold flat titles through legislative means.
 
     The Government has reserved over 4 400 flats in a total of 10 development projects of the Hong Kong Housing Authority (HA) and the Hong Kong Housing Society (HKHS) for owners who have sold their titles of Wang Fuk Court flats to the Government to purchase or to participate in the “Flat-for-Flat” arrangement.
 
     The flat selection priority under the Special Sales Exercise will be determined in batches according to the date on which the duly signed “Letter of Acceptance” from the owners is received by the Government. The deadline for the first batch is June 30, and the deadline for the second batch is August 31. The flat selection order for applicants within the same batch will be further determined by their sequence as drawn in a ballot. The ballot and flat selection under the Special Sales Exercise will commence in September.
 
     The Housing Bureau reminds Wang Fuk Court owners that if they have returned the “Letter of Acceptance” but have not yet signed the Agreement for Sale and Purchase, they may still participate in the ballot according to their respective batches. For owners who have already signed the Agreement for Sale and Purchase, thereby legally confirming the sale of their titles to the Government, they will be invited for flat selection. If the titles of the Wang Fuk Court flats have not yet been assigned to the Government, a new flat under the Special Sales Exercise will only be reserved for the owners during the flat selection stage. The HA/HKHS will enter into an Agreement for Sale and Purchase or a Provisional Agreement for Sale and Purchase with the owners for the purchase of the new flat only after the completion and execution of assignment.
 
     The Engagement Team co-ordinated by the Housing Bureau will continue to communicate with Wang Fuk Court owners. If owners have any enquiries, they may contact their designated Engagement Team member or call the hotline at 2129 8133. Owners may also visit the dedicated website for the Wang Fuk Court long-term housing arrangements plan (www.hb.gov.hk/wfc) for further details.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region