MIL Asia Pacific Publishing Engine

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

​The Government today (May 26) gazetted four pieces of subsidiary legislation relating to the regulation of ride-hailing services.
 
The Road Traffic (Ride-hailing Service) Regulation sets out the details of the regulatory regime for ride-hailing services, including the validity period and renewal arrangement for ride-hailing service licences, ride-hailing vehicle permits (vehicle permits) and ride-hailing vehicle driving permits; the fees associated with the aforementioned licences and permits; and the obligations imposed on the holders of such licences and permits. The Road Traffic (Driving Licences) (Amendment) Regulation 2026 introduces a combined driving test for taxis and ride-hailing vehicles. The Road Traffic (Limit on Number of Ride-hailing Vehicle Permits) Notice specifies the limit on the number of vehicle permits that may be issued. The Road Traffic (Amendment) (Ride-hailing Service) Ordinance 2025 (Commencement) Notice prescribes the commencement dates of the various provisions of the Road Traffic (Amendment) (Ride-hailing Service) Ordinance 2025.

A spokesperson for the Transport and Logistics Bureau said, “With the support of different sectors of society, the Road Traffic (Amendment) (Ride-hailing Service) Bill 2025 introduced by the Government was passed by the Legislative Council (LegCo) last October, establishing a clear legal framework for the regulation of ride-hailing services and resolving a long-standing controversy. Following extensive consultation, gathering of operational data from the trade and balancing of various considerations, the Government has further established the regulatory details for ride-hailing services through various pieces of subsidiary legislation, with a view to implementing the regulatory regime.
 
     “With the busy traffic in Hong Kong and nearly 90 per cent of the public relying on the efficient public transportation system for their daily journeys, the Government needs to impose an overall control on the number of ride-hailing vehicles. Based on the data collected from the Transport Department’s (TD) survey on the demand for local personalised point-to-point transport services, and having holistically considered all relevant factors and views from various sectors of society, we propose setting the limit on vehicle permits at 10 000 at this stage. We believe this is a prudent, sound and appropriate approach that balances considerations regarding road resources and the public transport ecosystem, allowing the ride-hailing regulatory regime to be implemented smoothly. Following the introduction of the regulatory regime, changes may occur in both passenger demand for ride-hailing services and the operational conditions of ride-hailing vehicles. The Government will closely monitor market developments and the actual operations of the platforms, including licensed platforms’ operational data received by the TD, and conduct dynamic assessments to review and adjust as appropriate,” the spokesperson added. 
 
     “The Government’s objective in introducing a regulatory regime for ride-hailing services is to provide the public with more safe, legally compliant and diverse transport options, while ensuring the healthy and orderly development of the point-to-point transport service industry as a whole. This will foster a healthy competitive environment, with a view to bringing new vitality to the industry, attracting more new entrants and encouraging frontline drivers to upgrade and transform, thereby achieving a win-win situation for the public, ride-hailing services and taxis,” the spokesperson reiterated.
 
In May 2026, the Government consulted the Panel on Transport of the LegCo and the Transport Advisory Committee on the regulatory details for ride-hailing services respectively. Members expressed support for the Government’s proposals and offered views on regulatory matters.
 
The Government will table the four pieces of subsidiary legislation mentioned above before the LegCo tomorrow (May 27) for negative vetting. Details of the regulatory regime and the various pieces of subsidiary legislation are set out in the LegCo brief issued by the Government today.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Government today gazetted four pieces of subsidiary legislation in order to establish a legal framework for the regulation of ride-hailing services.

The Road Traffic (Ride-hailing Service) Regulation sets out the details of the regulatory regime, including the validity period and renewal arrangement for ride-hailing service licences, ride-hailing vehicle permits and ride-hailing vehicle driving permits; the fees associated with the aforementioned licences and permits; and the obligations imposed on the holders of such licences and permits.

The Road Traffic (Limit on Number of Ride-hailing Vehicle Permits) Notice specifies the limit on the number of vehicle permits that may be issued ‒ at the current stage, the Government proposes capping the number of permits at 10,000.

Meanwhile, the Road Traffic (Driving Licences) (Amendment) Regulation 2026 introduces a combined driving test for taxis and ride-hailing vehicles, and the Road Traffic (Amendment) (Ride-hailing Service) Ordinance 2025 (Commencement) Notice prescribes the commencement dates of the various provisions of the Road Traffic (Amendment) (Ride-hailing Service) Ordinance 2025.

With the busy traffic in Hong Kong and the fact that nearly 90% of the public rely on public transportation for their daily journeys, the Government needs to impose an overall control on the number of ride-hailing vehicles, the Transport & Logistics Bureau explained.

Based on the data collected from a survey administered by the Transport Department, and having holistically considered all relevant factors and views from various sectors of society, the Government proposed setting the limit on vehicle permits at 10,000 at this stage, believing that this can balance considerations regarding road resources and the public transport ecosystem, and allow the ride-hailing regulatory regime to be implemented smoothly.

The Government will table the four pieces of subsidiary legislation before the Legislative Council tomorrow for negative vetting.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Kick-off Ceremony of the People-oriented Technology Programme by Qiangnao Technology and the Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) was held today, marking a major milestone in the application of intelligent bionic hands and smart bionic knee joints in Hong Kong.

In the first phase of the programme over the next two years, 60 amputees in the city will be provided with the new high-tech prostheses free of charge.

No implantation will be required for the programme participants. Through non-invasive brain-computer interface technology, the high-tech prostheses will use the wearer’s myoelectric and neural signals to enable natural, precise, and flexible motion control.

Professional assessment and rehabilitation support services will also be provided by a PolyU team to help recipients gradually adapt to and master the use of prosthetics, thereby comprehensively improving their daily living abilities and quality of life.

Qiangnao Technology is a leading global enterprise in the field of brain-computer interfaces, representing China’s breakthrough development in this cutting-edge field. Meanwhile, PolyU has a strong research foundation and international influence in prosthetics and orthotics, rehabilitation sciences and biomedical engineering. 

The collaborative project is backed by the Government’s Innovation & Technology Fund.

Speaking at the kick-off ceremony, Secretary for Innovation, Technology & Industry Prof Sun said the programme responds to the National 15th Five-Year Plan, which calls for the full implementation of the “AI+” action plan to empower public well-being through artificial intelligence (AI).

He added that Hong Kong possesses strong research capabilities and is well positioned to put into practice the principle of technology for the benefit of people.

Prof Sun also noted the launch of the programme embodies the original intent of using technology for good and being people-oriented, bringing cutting-edge technologies into real-world applications, to the lives of citizens in need.

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

On the evening of May 26, President Lai Ching-te attended the 2026 Europe Day Dinner. In remarks, President Lai emphasized that peace cannot be taken for granted; it requires solidarity, and only then can we ensure regional stability and prosperity. The president noted that today, semiconductors and AI are the backbone of global prosperity and democratic security. He indicated that Taiwan plays a critical role in the supply chain for advanced chips and AI, and has established close cooperative ties with European companies. Moving ahead, the president said, Taiwan and Europe will deepen cooperation in areas such as drones, and work together to build reliable democratic supply chains.
President Lai stated that Europe is Taiwan’s largest source of foreign direct investment and third largest trading partner. He also expressed hope that Taiwan and Europe will move toward the signing of a bilateral investment agreement and solve the issue of double taxation, putting both on the path to greater prosperity. The president stated that he looks forward to Taiwan and Europe deepening their diverse partnership so that democratic resilience proves stronger than authoritarian ambition, and expressed hope that unity will light our path forward.
A transcript of President Lai’s remarks follows:
I’m delighted to attend another Europe Day Dinner. First, let me thank the ECCT [European Chamber of Commerce Taiwan] for its long-term support for Taiwan. I also thank our friends from Europe for working hard to promote Taiwan-Europe ties.
Europe Day celebrates the Schuman Declaration, which 76 years ago opened the path to peace and cooperation in Europe. It also teaches us an important lesson. Peace cannot be taken for granted. It requires solidarity, and must be a shared responsibility. Only then can we choose cooperation over confrontation, and ensure regional stability and prosperity.
The Schuman Declaration led European nations to jointly manage coal and steel. By doing this, they turned a potential cause of conflict into a foundation for peace. Today, the world faces an uncertain landscape. In times like these, we should look to the spirit of cooperation in the Schuman Declaration. This spirit can also guide us as we deepen the partnership between Taiwan and Europe.
Half a century ago, coal and steel were the foundations of peace in Europe. Today, semiconductors and AI are the backbone of global prosperity and democratic security.
Taiwan plays a critical role in the global supply chain for advanced chips and AI servers. However, we didn’t achieve this success alone. Our semiconductors’ ecosystem combines key technologies from top European companies. This goes beyond industry cooperation. It’s the result of like-minded partners working hand in hand.
Currently, the world is focusing on supply chain security and de-risking. Because of this trend, emerging industries related to national security, such as drones, have become important areas for Taiwan-Europe cooperation. Through these concrete industrial links, we will work together to build secure, diversified, and reliable democratic supply chains.
Our partnership ranges from strategic cooperation based on shared values, to concrete industrial links. Although Taiwan and Europe are far apart, our strong economic and trade foundation enables us to overcome the distance.
Europe is Taiwan’s largest source of foreign direct investment. It’s also our third largest trading partner. Europe continues to invest in Taiwan, and at the same time, Taiwan is rapidly expanding investment in Europe.
Over the last decade, we have seen Taiwanese investment in EU member states surge by 650 percent. This reflects the deep and growing relationship between Taiwan and the EU.
We hope that Europe will take the next step in supporting a bilateral investment agreement with Taiwan. And through our robust measures, we hope to solve the issue of double taxation, putting us both on the path to greater prosperity.
Beyond supply chains and trade, we are also bound together by our shared convictions on regional peace and universal values.
In the face of authoritarian military threats, Taiwan has remained calm and responsible. We have firmly safeguarded the status quo across the Taiwan Strait, and continued enhancing our self-defense capabilities.
Peace in the Taiwan Strait is no longer just a regional issue; it is a global issue. I would like to thank the European Parliament, NATO leaders, the G7, and European nations for continuously emphasizing the importance of stability in the Indo-Pacific. This reflects a clear consensus: the security of Europe and the Indo-Pacific are inseparable.
Global health security is no different. As you all know, the World Health Assembly just ended a few days ago. So here, I would like to give a special thanks to the EU for its support of Taiwan’s international participation – because health knows no borders. This solid support from Europe lets Taiwan know that we are not alone.
My dear friends, 76 years ago, the Schuman Declaration proved something to the world. Even in the darkest ruins, if people take the long view and work together in unity, they can lay the foundation for peace.
In today’s world, Taiwan stands at the frontlines of the democratic community. We continue to be a stable force for good, and a responsible member of the international community. Taiwan is in a challenging situation. But we are not afraid, because Taiwan is a Taiwan of the world. As we pursue peace and freedom, we know like-minded, democratic partners around the world will continue to walk side by side with Taiwan.
Our belief in freedom and democracy carries on the spirit of the Schuman Declaration. I look forward to Taiwan and Europe deepening our diverse partnership, so that democratic resilience proves stronger than authoritarian ambition. May unity light our path forward. I wish today’s event great success, and may the Taiwan-Europe friendship endure for many years to come. Thank you.
Also in attendance at the event were ECCT Chairperson Tina Graves and Head of the European Economic and Trade Office Lutz Güllner.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Light Public Housing (LPH) will be open for Phase 4 applications from June 2, the Housing Bureau announced today.

This phase comprises a total of about 11,330 units on Olympic Avenue in Kai Tak (Phase 2), Yan Po Road in Tuen Mun, Tsing Fat Street in Tuen Mun, and Hang Kwong Street in Ma On Shan, with intake anticipated from the third quarter of this year onwards.

LPH on Olympic Avenue, which is adjacent to Kai Tak MTR Station, will provide about 4,580 units for one to two persons, three to four persons and four to five persons. The estimated monthly rent ranges from about $1,310 to $2,990.

The Yan Po Road LPH project in Tuen Mun will provide about 2,850 units, including units for one to two persons, three to four persons and four to five persons. The site is adjacent to Yan Po Road Public Transport Interchange as well as bus stops on Yan Po Road, while also linked by MTR bus routes to/from Tuen Mun and Siu Hong MTR Stations. The estimated monthly rent ranges from about $900 to $2,010.

The Tsing Fat Street site, also in Tuen Mun, will provide about 3,040 units for one to two persons, and three to four persons, at a monthly rent between $900 and $1,610. A bus terminus will be built nearby.

On Hang Kwong Street in Ma On Shan, adjacent to Ma On Shan MTR Station, there will be about 860 units for households of one to two persons, three to four persons and four to five persons. Monthly rent ranges from $1,180 to $2,650.

Eligible citizens will receive application forms by post on or before June 2 sent by the Housing Bureau. While application forms submitted between June 2 and 23 will be handled with priority, the bureau will still accept enrolment afterwards. Those who have applied before need not apply again.

Highlighting that the living environment of LPH is far better than substandard subdivided units and that residents will be given one-off special allowances ranging from $1,950 to $13,000, the bureau encouraged eligible citizens in need to submit their applications as soon as possible.

Completed application forms may be submitted by post or deposited into drop-in boxes. If the applicant and all family members have registered for “iAM Smart+”, they may fill in, sign and submit an e-Form by scanning the exclusive QR code on the application form.

For enquiries, call 3464 0700 or email lphapp@hb.gov.hk.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Government today launched a one-month public consultation on proposed amendments to the Fire Services Ordinance and its related subsidiary legislation.

The proposed changes aim to modernise the fire safety legislative framework, enhance public safety and streamline enforcement effectiveness, while meeting public expectations for improved fire safety.

Following the No. 5 alarm fire at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po, the Government established the Task Force on Strengthening Fire Safety Governance, chaired by the Secretary for Security, to implement medium-to-long-term initiatives to improve fire safety governance.

A core component of these measures is a comprehensive review of the ordinance, its subsidiary legislation and the statutory responsibilities of various stakeholders.

The Security Bureau emphasised that the Government attaches great importance to maintaining high fire safety standards to protect lives and property.

To consolidate Hong Kong’s regulatory framework, the bureau proposed amending the principal ordinance alongside three pieces of subsidiary legislation: the Fire Service (Installation Contractors) Regulations, the Fire Service (Installations & Equipment) Regulations, and the Fire Services (Fire Hazard Abatement) Regulation.

These amendments will strengthen the registration regime for fire service installation contractors, enhance maintenance and inspection standards for building fire equipment and optimise fire hazard abatement procedures.

The bureau noted that the updates will also bolster the Fire Services Department’s enforcement powers in specific areas, including combating illicit fuelling activities.

In response to the public’s expectations for enhanced fire safety, the Government will finalise the legislative proposal swiftly after the public consultation, aiming to introduce the Bill to the Legislative Council this year.

Members of the public can submit their views in writing by email or by mail to the Legislation Amendment Working Group, South Wing, 5/F, Fire Services Department Headquarters Building, 1 Hong Chong Road, Tsim Sha Tsui East, Kowloon, on or before June 25.

Click here for the consultation document.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

​The Labour and Welfare Bureau (LWB) announced today (May 26) that the pilot enhancement measures of the Incentive Scheme to Encourage Provision of Residential Care Home for the Elderly (RCHE) Premises in New Private Developments (RCHE Incentive Scheme) will be made permanent starting from June 20. All existing arrangements of the Scheme will remain unchanged. 

A spokesperson for the LWB said, “The pilot enhancement measures have been welcomed and supported by the industry.  The number of applications received by the Government has significantly increased from eight before the enhancement measures were introduced in 2023 to 25 by the end of March this year, achieving remarkable results. In view of this, the Government will make the enhancement measures permanent under the RCHE Incentive Scheme starting from June 20 to keep on driving the market to provide high-quality residential care service places. We hope to create favourable conditions for the market and continue to encourage private developers to construct RCHEs in their development projects, thereby increasing the overall supply of elderly residential care service places in Hong Kong.” 

The Lands Department and Social Welfare Department (SWD) will update their Practice Note and Guidance Note respectively to facilitate the industry’s compliance. 

To leverage market forces in developing high-quality RCHEs to meet the community’s acute demand for elderly residential care service places, the Government launched the RCHE Incentive Scheme in 2003, allowing developers to be exempted from payment of land premiums for eligible RCHEs when undertaking lease modifications, land exchanges or private treaty grants, on condition that they comply with specific lease conditions and obtain support from the SWD.

     In June 2023, the Government introduced the three-year pilot enhancement measures, including:

(a) relaxing the number, and maximum total gross floor area (GFA), of RCHE premises eligible for premium payment exemption in each site from one RCHE premises not exceeding 5 400 square metres to more than one RCHE premises with maximum total GFA of 12 000 sq m or 10 per cent of the total GFA permissible under lease, whichever is the greater; and

(b) when calculating the total GFA of the entire project, the total GFA of the eligible RCHE premises in the private development project will be exempted from being counted in the total GFA of the entire project under lease, thus enabling developers to use the original permissible GFA for other purposes. 

     The measures concerned aim at enhancing incentives for private developers to build RCHEs in their new development projects.

     According to the Scheme, developers are required to bear the construction cost of the RCHE premises which will be owned by the developers upon completion. As long as the premises are to be used as RCHEs, developers may lease or sell each RCHE as one whole unit, or operate the RCHEs on the premises by themselves or by engaging an organisation whereby they may set the fees on their own with regard to the market situation.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region