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Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Agriculture, Fisheries & Conservation Department (AFCD) today arrested the keeper of the dog involved in the case where a dog attacked other dogs in Yuen Long on Monday.

The AFCD also collected the keeper’s statement about this case. The dog concerned is currently put under observation at the AFCD’s animal management centre.

The department revealed that the canine was previously detained by the department on July 10 this year in connection with another dog attack case. It was subsequently reclaimed by its keeper.

At that time, the AFCD warned the keeper that the dog must be securely held on a leash not exceeding two metres in length in public places, and must be kept under proper control.

The department is currently investigating the two afore-mentioned cases, and will instigate prosecution if there is sufficient evidence.

It once again reminds all dog keepers to keep their dogs under proper control at all times. In particular, they should securely hold large dogs on a leash to prevent them from causing nuisance or injury to other people or animals.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

A new survey by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council revealed that Hong Kong has been the top favourite springboard for Mainland enterprises in exploring overseas opportunities, with 83% of surveyed enterprises regarded the city as their preferred service platform.

The trend of strong global expansion plans among Mainland firms underscored earlier in June when Chief Executive John Lee led a high-level Hong Kong and Mainland delegation Central Asia.

The study of more than 2,000 internationalised enterprises found 82% plan to expand existing overseas operations, while 63% intend to launch new ventures abroad.

Belt & Road markets emerged as the top choice, favoured by 94% of respondents, while 91% expressed interest in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, or ASEAN nations, particularly Singapore, Vietnam and Thailand.

The council’s Research Director Bruce Pang said the surveyed Mainland enterprises expressed a growing interest on going abroad.

“Actually we see a quite balanced interest in these destinations or what they are going to expand their international business, including emerging markets as well as the developed markets as well,” Mr Pang said.

However, going global presents hurdles. Surveyed firms cited market uncertainty, intensifying competition overseas and funding shortages to adjust operations or supply chains as key challenges.

To navigate these obstacles, 83% of the surveyed enterprises identified Hong Kong as their preferred service platform, followed by the Mainland and Singapore.

Mr Pang pointed out that they chose Hong Kong as a top destination that can provide a wide range of professional services and financial services.

“Hong Kong is a super-connector, super value-adder, actually providing a full range, full-scale of services, including financial services, legal, accounting, as well as risk management, ESG, et cetera.”

The 11th Belt & Road Summit will be held on September 9 and 10 at the Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre.

Under the theme “Advancing High-Quality Development · Embarking on a New Journey”, this year’s summit will feature a dedicated “Go Global Chapter” and a new “GoGlobal Connect” zone. The organisers will also arrange a GoGlobal business mission to Nansha, Guangzhou.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Tobacco & Alcohol Control Office (TACO) today said it has issued notices to two online platforms requiring them to cease any activities that may contravene the statutory prohibition on tobacco advertising, in following up a complaint.

The notices were issued following the TACO’s investigation into a a public complaint claiming that an animation containing tobacco advertisements was posted on the two online platforms concerned.

The TACO, operating under the Department of Health, stressed that the animation in question does far more than depicting a character smoking. It repeatedly, continuously and prominently displays cigarette packs and tobacco products from multiple angles.

Such depictions are suspected to involve product placement and dissemination of tobacco advertisements, in breach of the Smoking (Public Health) Ordinance, the office added.

From 2022 to 2025, the TACO received approximately 1,100 to 4,600 complaints or referrals each year concerning smoking product advertisements. It issued a total of 180 summonses and 45 warning letters for suspected violations during the same period.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The National Financial Regulatory Administration (NFRA) today announced that it will actively support Mainland insurance funds to participate in mutual access schemes between the Mainland and Hong Kong financial markets. The move will allow Mainland insurance institutions to invest in exchange-traded funds (ETFs) in Hong Kong through Stock Connect.

Secretary for Financial Services & the Treasury Christopher Hui, alongside the Executive Director of Investment Products of the Securities & Futures Commission Elisa Ng and the Chief Executive Officer of Hong Kong Exchanges & Clearing Limited Bonnie Chan, visited the NFRA today and met with its Vice Minister Xiao Yuanqi to discuss measures to further promote the co-ordinated development of the Mainland and Hong Kong capital markets.

Under the newly announced measures, Mainland insurance funds will be allowed to invest in ETFs included under the Southbound trading of Stock Connect. The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government warmly welcomed the measure.

Chief Executive John Lee expressed his sincere gratitude to the Central People’s Government and the NFRA for their support.

“The National 15th Five-Year Plan clearly supports Hong Kong in consolidating and enhancing its status as an international financial centre, strengthening its role as a global offshore renminbi business hub, an international asset and wealth management centre, and an international risk management centre,” Mr Lee said.

“Building on the mature experience of Mainland insurance funds investing in Hong Kong’s stock market through Stock Connect, the policy measures announced further facilitate Mainland insurance companies in diversifying their asset allocation via Hong Kong, while promoting the development of the local ETF market and strengthening its ecosystem. The measures represent the strong support of our country for the development of Hong Kong’s capital market and asset management industry, and are of profound significance.”

Mr Lee emphasised that the Hong Kong SAR Government will continue to leverage Hong Kong’s unique advantage of being closely connected with the Mainland and the world under the “one country, two systems” principle, further enhancing the mutual access mechanism and working closely with Mainland regulators to deepen market co-operation.

“The Government is pressing ahead at full speed with the formulation of Hong Kong’s First Five-Year Plan, and will spare no effort in taking forward the preparatory work to seize the opportunities presented by our country’s development, serve our country’s high-level financial opening up, and better integrate into and contribute to the overall national development,” he added.

Financial Secretary Paul Chan said that enabling Mainland insurance funds to invest in ETFs in Hong Kong through Stock Connect is a win-win initiative with benefits on multiple fronts.

“It not only provides Mainland insurance companies with broader and more diversified investment channels, but also drives the development of the market of exchange-traded products in Hong Kong, further deepening the connectivity and concerted development of the two capital markets.” Mr Chan said.

“We will continue to join hands with the financial regulators and market stakeholders to expand and enhance the competitiveness of this market, opening up more new channels for asset allocation and new investment opportunities for investors from both the Mainland and overseas,” he added.

Source: Government of Singapore

Record nominations signal growing public passion for sustainability

18 August 2026 – Today, 14 individuals were presented with the EcoFriend Awards by the Minister for Sustainability and the Environment, Ms Grace Fu, for their exceptional contributions towards a more sustainable and resilient Singapore. In her address at the 17^th edition of the biennial awards ceremony organised by the National Environment Agency (NEA), Minister Fu highlighted that every Singaporean has a stake in the nation’s environmental future, emphasising climate adaptation as a key priority for Singapore’s long-term sustainable development.

2.           The EcoFriend Awards honours individuals from various sectors [1] and backgrounds for their selfless dedication and outstanding efforts in shaping Singapore into a sustainable home. This year’s awards saw nominations exceeding 500 for the first time in more than a decade. The strong response of 510 nominations reflected heightened public consciousness and commitment to sustainable living, a testament to how the EcoFriend Awards has grown since its inception in 2007 into a trusted platform for recognising environmental excellence and stewardship.

3.           With 186 Eco-Heroes commended to date, NEA continues to support recipients post-award, including connecting them with like-minded partners and facilitating potential collaborations through NEA’s people, public, and private (3P) network. Recipients are also invited to apply for funding under NEA’s Partnership Fund, with grants of up to $30,000 or 80 per cent of supportable costs to scale their projects and amplify environmental change. More information about this grant can be found at https://go.gov.sg/neapf.

Leveraging deep-tech, ground-up efforts, and artificial intelligence to champion sustainability

4.           For the complete list of 17^th EcoFriend Awards recipients, please refer to Annex A. Some recipients for this year include:

• Carlo Charles is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Flint, a Singapore deep-tech startup developing cellulose-based batteries as a sustainable alternative to conventional lithium batteries. Operating from its office and lab in Singapore, Flint produces around five million batteries annually and has earned international recognition for its innovative battery technology, which has the potential to reduce carbon emissions by up to 90%. Designed for use in everyday devices such as keyboards, computer mice and wearables, Flint’s batteries demonstrate how Singapore-grown innovation can advance cleaner and more sustainable energy solutions.
• Iswandie Wanhar founded the Tampines West Green Action for Communities (GAC) in 2023. As its Founding Chairman, GAC has grown into a thriving resident-led movement that has engaged over 1,000 residents through litter-picking drives, composting workshops, beach cleanups and nature walks, supported by partnerships with NEA, the Public Hygiene Council and other national agencies. Beyond engaging residents, Iswandie has built a strong network of trained environmental champions who are empowered to lead future sustainability initiatives.
• Ong Xuan Wan is the Head of Department of Science and Head of Greenovators Applied Learning Programme (ALP) at Dazhong Primary School. She designed the school-wide programme to empower students to identify environmental issues, develop green solutions and advocate for sustainable practices through maker-based projects and overseas immersion trips. Xuan Wan also conceptualised hands-on outdoor learning journeys incorporating artificial intelligence and virtual reality to connect sustainability concepts to real world challenges, nurturing a strong pipeline of young eco-stewards.

“We First” spirit: past recipients pay it forward

5.           Past recipients of the EcoFriend Awards continue to give back through mentorship of the next generation of eco-champions, exemplifying the “We First” spirit of looking beyond self-interest towards a shared, greener future. Mr Veerappan Swaminathan, Ms Pek Hai Lin, Ms Samantha Thian and Mr Loo Deliang, who received the Awards in 2016, 2019, 2022 and 2022 respectively, are currently YOUth for Environmental Sustainability (YES) Advisors under NEA’s YES Leaders Programme. Joining them as new Advisors are Mr Preston Wong, Mr Ernest Goh, Mr Tan Shi Zhou and Mr Carlo Charles who received the EcoFriend Awards in 2022, 2024, 2024 and 2026 respectively.

6.           Beyond mentorship, past recipients also continue to contribute through community engagement and public outreach. Ms Nuryanee Anisah, a 2024 EcoFriend Awards recipient and Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Commenhers LLP, continues to support NEA’s public outreach efforts. She actively participates in initiatives such as the Say YES to Waste Less campaign. She is also a booth partner at NEA’s events where she engages the public on sustainable fashion and the importance of reducing and recycling.

7.           The sustained efforts of past recipients demonstrate that lasting environmental change is built not on individual efforts alone, but on the shared commitment for a cleaner and greener future. NEA would also like to recognise all past nominees and the many individuals whose efforts, big or small, move Singapore towards the Singapore Green Plan 2030 goals. It is this collective spirit that will carry our sustainability journey forward.

8.           Members of the public who wish to nominate individuals for the next EcoFriend Awards may visit https://go.gov.sg/efa for more information when nominations open in 2027.

[1] The different sectors include the private, public, non-government and grassroots volunteers, educational institutions, and students and youth. 

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     The Transport Department (TD) today (August 18) announced that the auction of vehicle registration marks will be held on September 5 (Saturday) at Meeting Room S421, L4, 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.     ​
     For other auction details, please refer to the Guidance Notes – Auction of TVRMs (www.td.gov.hk/en/public_services/vehicle_registration_mark/tvrm_auction/index.html

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Hong Kong’s population was 7,518,300 in the middle of the year, up 0.3% from a year earlier, the Census & Statistics Department announced today.

A net inflow of 39,800 Hong Kong residents was recorded during the period from mid-2025 to mid-2026.

There were 29,700 births and 50,100 deaths, resulting in a natural decrease of 20,400.

The Government said that various talent attraction and labour importation measures continued to bring people from places around the world to Hong Kong.

The net inflow of residents offset the impact of natural population decrease, leading to an increase in population in mid-2026 as compared with mid-2025, it added.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Primary healthcare services for the elderly will be further enhanced starting October 5, providing more comprehensive care under a new service model as Elderly Health Centres (EHCs) under the Department of Health (DH) are gradually integrated into the district health network, the department’s Primary Healthcare Commission (PHC Commission) announced today.

Under the first phase, nine EHCs—located in North District, Yuen Long, Tuen Mun Wu Hong, Tsuen Wan, Kwai Shing, San Po Kong, Yau Ma Tei, Shau Kei Wan and Aberdeen—will be integrated. Integration of the remaining nine EHCs will be completed within 2027-28.

Once fully integrated, service points will expand from 18 to more than 100, encompassing District Health Centres and Expresses (DHCs) across all 18 districts, alongside designated Hospital Authority (HA) Family Medicine Clinics (FMCs). Overall annual capacity will double from the current 54,000 to over 120,000 elderly individuals.

Seniors with existing follow-up appointments or examinations at the first-phase EHCs can attend as scheduled. From October 5, DHCs will coordinate subsequent follow-up care.

By registering as DHC members for free, elderly patients can enter the treatment phase of the Chronic Disease Co-Care Scheme after assessment and select a community family doctor for follow-up care. Those currently receiving care at both an EHC under the DH and an FMC under the HA will continue their follow-up care at the FMC.

The DH will continue serving members with existing health assessment appointments at EHCs. Starting in December, elderly individuals on the waiting list or interested in EHC services will be served at DHCs under a new, more comprehensive health assessment framework rolled out by the PHC Commission.

Assessment domains will be broadened beyond cognition, mobility and vision to include nutrition, hearing, psychological capacity and urinary health. Healthcare professionals will formulate tailored management plans based on the results, with details to be announced later.

In addition, Comprehensive Social Security Assistance recipients, Old Age Living Allowance recipients aged 75 or above, and valid medical fee waiver holders will be arranged to receive preventive health services and assessments at designated HA FMCs upon DHC registration. Relevant fees will be fully or partially waived depending on eligibility.

The Government will gradually issue letters to EHC members in the coming weeks with details on the service integration and follow-up arrangements.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Independent Committee in relation to the Fire at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po announced today that it has obtained the Chief Executive’s agreement to extend its reporting deadline to the end of October.

The Chief Executive established the committee on December 12, 2025, to examine the causes of the blaze and formulate recommendations for fire prevention. Its initial mandate was to submit a completed report within nine months of commencing operations.

Following its formal launch on December 19, 2025, the committee conducted on-site inspections at Wang Fuk Court. It also issued two rounds of public invitations for information between January and April this year.

Between March 19 and July 17, the committee held a total of 30 days of evidential hearings to receive oral evidence from 80 witnesses, review expert reports and consider submissions from the legal representatives of the involved parties. It also established relevant facts through written statements and evidence submitted by individuals and organisations.

The committee is currently processing the accumulated evidence and materials, including more than one million files, while concurrently drafting its final report.

Noting that the issues within its terms of reference are complex in nature, numerous and involve many parties, the committee stated that more time is required to conclude its findings and formulate factual, well-grounded recommendations.

Consequently, the committee requested an extension to submit its report, which the Chief Executive accepted.