Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Primary Healthcare Commission to integrate Hong Kong’s primary healthcare services for elderly people in phases
Substantial increase in service points and service capacity
The integration of elderly health services aims to implement the primary healthcare direction put forward by the Chief Executive in the Policy Address, and to take forward the measures set out in the Primary Healthcare Blueprint. The PHC Commission will integrate nine EHCs, namely those in North District, Yuen Long, Tuen Mun Wu Hong, Tsuen Wan, Kwai Shing, San Po Kong, Yau Ma Tei, Shau Kei Wan and Aberdeen (see Annex 1) in the first phase. Integration of the remaining nine EHCs will be completed within 2027-28.
Upon completion of the integration, the number of service points will increase substantially from the current 18 to more than 100, covering District Health Centres/District Health Centre Expresses (collectively referred to as DHCs) across all 18 districts in Hong Kong and designated Hospital Authority (HA) Family Medicine Clinics (FMCs), among others. The overall capacity for elderly health services will also double, increasing from the current approximately 54 000 elderly persons per year to more than 120 000. The service flow of chronic disease management and health assessment services after integration is as follows (see Annex 2).
Arrangements for integrating chronic disease management services
Elderly persons who have follow-up consultations or examinations at the nine EHCs in the first phase may continue to attend their appointments at the EHCs on the scheduled dates. Starting from October 5 this year, after the elderly persons have completed their follow-up consultations, the DHCs will co-ordinate their subsequent follow-ups. Upon registration as DHC members for free, the elderly persons can directly enter the treatment phase of the Chronic Disease Co-Care Scheme after assessment, and receive follow-up care from a community family doctor of their choice. In addition, arrangements will be made for elderly persons receiving follow-up consultations at both an EHC under the DH and an FMC under the HA, to continue their follow-up care at the FMC.
Arrangements for integrating health assessment service
For members who have appointments for health assessment services at the EHCs, the DH will continue to provide services. Members awaiting an appointment date and elderly persons interested in using EHC services will receive services at the DHCs starting from December this year. The PHC Commission will roll out more comprehensive elderly health assessment services. The scope of assessments provided by the DHCs will be expanded from the current domains of cognition, mobility and vision to cover nutrition, hearing, psychological capacity and urinary problems. Healthcare professionals will formulate tailored management plans for the elderly persons based on the assessment results. Details will be announced later.
Service arrangements for underprivileged elderly
Elderly persons who are recipients of the Comprehensive Social Security Assistance Scheme, recipients of the Old Age Living Allowance aged 75 or above, or holder of valid medical fee waiver certificates will, upon registering as DHC members, be arranged to receive preventive elderly health services and assessments at designated HA FMCs. Subject to their eligibility, the relevant fees may be fully or partially waived.
Follow-up work
The PHC Commission, together with the DH, will gradually issue letters to EHC members in the coming weeks to inform them of the service integration and subsequent follow-up arrangements. Meanwhile, the EHCs will update their signage, and the PHC Commission will also progressively refurbish the existing facilities and environment of the EHCs. Relevant information has already also been uploaded to the EHC website (www.elderly.gov.hk/english/elderly_health_centres/ehc_integration.htmlIssued at HKT 12:48
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Film Development Fund-financed “Wakesurf Lovers” premieres locally
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Film Development Fund-financed “Wakesurf Lovers” premieres locally
The local premiere of “Wakesurf Lovers”, which has funding support from the Film Production Financing Scheme (Relaxation Plan) under the Film Development Fund (FDF), will be held this evening (August 18).
“Wakesurf Lovers” is directed and written by Fung Chih-chiang and produced by Philip Yung, starring Jeffrey Ngai, Renci Yeung, Kevin Chu and Henick Chou. The story follows a female wakesurf instructor who is a victim of online bullying. But then one of the trolls gets to know the truth and learns wakesurfing from her, and gradually becomes her supporter. The film will be officially theatrically released in Hong Kong on August 27.
The Chairman of the HKFDC, Dr Wilfred Wong, said that “Wakesurf Lovers” blends elements of youth growth with sports and prompts the audience to reflect on online culture, while showcasing the coastal scenery of Hong Kong. The HKFDC will continue to nurture emerging talent through the FDF to support the long-term development of the local film industry.
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Extension of time granted for Independent Committee in relation to fire at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po to submit report
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
The following is issued on behalf of the Independent Committee in relation to the fire at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po:
The Independent Committee in relation to the fire at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po today (August 18) announced that it has obtained the Chief Executive’s agreement to extend the time for submitting its report.
The Chief Executive announced on December 12, 2025 the establishment of the Committee to review the causes of the fire at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po and related issues, and to make recommendations to prevent similar incidents from occurring again. The target was for the Committee to complete its report within nine months after commencing operations. Following the formal commencement of its work on December 19, 2025, the Committee visited the site at Wang Fuk Court to better understand the situation on the ground. The Committee also issued two rounds of invitations in January to February and in March to April this year respectively to members of the public and organisations for provision of information. In addition, the Committee held a total of 30 days of evidential hearings from March 19 to July 17 this year to hear oral evidence from 80 witnesses, expert reports, and submissions from the legal representatives of the involved parties. The Committee also ascertained the relevant facts through written statements submitted by different individuals and organisations, and evidence submitted in other forms.
The Committee is now continuing to process the written evidence and other materials that are still being received. Such materials include more than 1 million files. Drafting of the report has also started. The issues within the Committee’s terms of reference are numerous and complex in nature, and involve many involved parties. As the Committee has to reach its findings and conclusions, and formulate recommendations on the matters within its terms of reference that are grounded in a factual framework, more time is required for it to analyse and study the large amount of information submitted by various parties. In view of this, the Committee has sought the agreement from the Chief Executive to extend the time for submitting its report, and the Chief Executive has given his agreement. Based on the latest progress, the Committee expects to complete its work and submit its report to the Chief Executive by the end of October.
The Committee will continue to discharge its duties in accordance with the principles of fairness, openness and impartiality. It will carefully review and consider every item of information received from various parties in preparing its report.
Hong Kong Customs seizes suspected cannabis buds at airport (with photos)
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
Hong Kong Customs today (August 17) detected a drug trafficking case involving baggage concealment at Hong Kong International Airport and seized about 4 kilograms of suspected cannabis buds with an estimated market value of about $850,000.
A 55-year-old Mainland male passenger arrived in Hong Kong from Bangkok, Thailand, yesterday (August 16). During Customs clearance, Customs officers found the batch of suspected cannabis buds inside his carry-on baggage. He was then arrested.
The arrested man has been charged with one count of trafficking in a dangerous drug. The case will be brought up at the West Kowloon Magistrates’ Courts tomorrow (August 18).
Customs will continue to step up enforcement against drug trafficking activities through intelligence analysis. The department also reminds members of the public to stay alert and not to participate in drug trafficking activities for monetary return. They must not accept hiring or delegation from another party to carry controlled items into and out of Hong Kong. They are also reminded not to carry unknown items for other people.
Customs will continue to apply a risk assessment approach and focus on selecting passengers from high-risk regions for clearance to combat transnational drug trafficking activities.
Under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, trafficking in a dangerous drug is a serious offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $5 million and life imprisonment.
Members of the public may report any suspected drug trafficking activities to Customs’ 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002).
Conférence de presse d’annonce de la 11e conférence des îles du Pacifique sur la conservation de la Nature et les aires protégées
Source: Gouvernement de la Nouvelle-Caledonie
Johanito Wamytan, membre du gouvernement chargé des sujets en lien avec l’océan, le climat et le parc naturel de la mer de Corail, animera, aux côtés des représentants du Congrès, du Sénat coutumier, du CESE et des provinces, une conférence de presse ce jeudi 20 août à 9 heures en salle de presse du gouvernement (Site Doumer – ex CHT)
In-situ land exchange arrangements for San Tin Technopole to invite applications
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
In-situ land exchange arrangements for San Tin Technopole to invite applications
In accordance with the in-situ land exchange arrangements for the Enhanced Conventional New Town Approach (refer to Practice Note No. 13/2023), the scope for land exchange applications this time covers some of the sites planned for private residential development (about 17.7 hectares), mixed residential and commercial development (about 7.5 ha) and modern industry sites mainly for logistics and storage uses within the STT (about 8.8 ha).
The deadline for submitting applications is October 16, 2026, while the deadline for acceptance of binding basic terms offer (with premium) is August 17, 2027. If an application cannot be concluded within the specified deadline, the Government will proceed to initiate land resumption procedures in taking forward the development of the new development area so as not to delay the overall works programme.
Besides, the Pilot Scheme on “Pay for What You Build” will also be applicable to non-residential use developments (refer to Practice Note No. 2/2026) under the scope for land exchange applications in the subject Practice Note.
Together with the Hong Kong-Shenzhen Innovation and Technology Park at the Loop, the STT has a total development area of over 600 ha, half (300 ha) of it will be I&T land. The I&T land is capable of accommodating a gross floor area of about 7 million square metres, equivalent to 17 Science Parks, and comparable to the size of the 300-hectare I&T zone in Shenzhen on the other side of the Shenzhen River.
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Land exchange open for applications
Source: Hong Kong Information Services
The Lands Department today issued Practice Note No. 8/2026 inviting in-situ land exchange applications for designated development sites within the San Tin Technopole.
The land exchange arrangement covers approximately 17.7 hectares of land planned for private residential development, about 7.5 hectares for mixed residential and commercial use, and around 8.8 hectares of modern industry sites mainly intended for logistics and storage.
The deadline for submitting applications is October 16, 2026. Applicants must accept the binding basic terms offer with premium by August 17, 2027.
If an application cannot be concluded within the specified timeline, the Government will initiate land resumption procedures to avoid delaying the overall works programme of the new development area.
Applicants may choose standard rates for premium assessment as an alternative to the conventional case-by-case assessment mechanism. The applicable level of standard rates will be announced later.
Furthermore, this round of land exchange applications allows applicants to surrender eligible land they own within designated Northern Metropolis projects to offset the land premium. The Government will calculate the value of the surrendered land based on the applicable ex-gratia compensation rates for land resumption.
The Pilot Scheme on “Pay for What You Build” will also apply to non-residential developments within the scope of this land exchange exercise.
Govt’s efficacy enhancement set
Source: Hong Kong Information Services
The Government today announced that the AI Efficacy Enhancement Team has facilitated and implemented its first batch of 30 Efficacy Enhancement Projects. The initiatives are being rolled out in phases starting from mid-2026.
Led by Deputy Chief Secretary Cheuk Wing-hing, the team was established following the 2025 Policy Address to co-ordinate and steer departments in applying artificial intelligence (AI) technology, exploring process re-engineering and driving technological reforms.
The initial phase involves 13 government departments and includes 10 high-impact flagship projects. These cover public and business sectors closely connected to daily life, including transport licences, food business licences, leisure and sports facilities, environmental hygiene, complaint handling and environmental protection.
The 30 projects mainly optimise public service queuing and application processing workflows to deliver a faster, more user-friendly experience. In certain cases, the integration of AI has drastically cut waiting or processing times by up to 90%.
Internal government procedures are also being streamlined. Through process re-engineering and AI technology, some workflows have been compressed from several days to just a few hours. Additionally, the time required for case analysis or triage has been shortened by half or more.
Mr Cheuk noted that a dedicated AI task force, comprising experts from the Digital Policy Office and the Census & Statistics Department, is collaborating with leading AI enterprises to support these departments partnerships. “This arrangement ensures AI applications match with the actual operational needs of departments and new developments and trends of AI,” he explained.
“With the objectives of achieving pragmatic implementation and a swift rollout, we are striving to launch Efficacy Enhancement Projects progressively in 2026 and 2027,” he added. “Launching these projects within a short period of time reflects the Government’s determination and execution capability in smart transformation.”
Mr Cheuk pointed out that the first batch of projects has also shown the potential of promoting AI across departments.
“Despite the diverse functions and responsibilities of different departments, there are similarities in daily workplace scenarios, such as online reservations, license applications, audits and assessments, responding to enquiries and environmental monitoring,” he said.
“If a solution could be successfully applied in a pilot department, the relevant experience, technologies and operation models can be extended to other departments and similar work scenarios with suitable adjustments,” he added.
Taiwan FDI Statistics Summary Analysis (July 2026)
Source: Republic of China Taiwan
According to the statistics, from January to July 2026, 1,389 foreign direct investment (FDI) projects with a total approved amount of US$ 13,916,690,000 were recorded. This represents a 11.48% increase in the number of cases, and a 78.13% increase in the FDI amount compared with the same period in 2025.
Regarding inward investment from Mainland China, 12 cases with a total approved amount of US$4,067,000 were recorded from January to July 2026. This reflects a 7.69% decrease in the number of cases and a 95.97% decrease in the investment amount compared with the same period in 2025.
In terms of Taiwan’s outbound investment (excluding Mainland China), 395 projects were registered from January to July 2026, with a total amount of US$ 61,255,651,000. This represents a 20.36% decrease in the number of cases, but a 208.43% increase in the investment amount, compared with the same period in 2025.
As for Taiwan’s outward investment to Mainland China, 142 applications were approved from January to July 2026, marking a 10.94% increase compared with the same period in 2025. The approved investment amount totaled US$ 572,895,000, representing a 25.87% decline compared with the same period in 2025.
Woman convicted of operating unlicensed employment agency
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
A woman was prosecuted by the Labour Department (LD) for operating an employment agency (EA) without a valid licence in violation of the requirements under Part XII of the Employment Ordinance (Cap. 57) (EO). The woman was convicted at the Eastern Magistrates’ Courts today (August 17) and was fined $7,000. The court also ordered the woman to refund the service fee of $26,388 to the employer concerned.
In March 2022, the LD received a complaint from an employer. As subsequent investigations revealed sufficient evidence that the woman was operating an EA without a valid licence, the LD took out prosecution against her.
All establishments or persons operating a business in Hong Kong for the purpose of obtaining employment for another person or supplying personnel to an employer are governed by Part XII of the EO and the Employment Agency Regulations (Cap. 57A). Irrespective of the mode of operation or the types of jobs referred, all EAs must obtain a licence issued by the LD before undertaking any EA activities. Except for the EA licence holder or his or her associates, no one shall operate, manage or assist in the management of an EA. Offenders may face prosecution.
The LD reminds EAs to operate in full compliance with the law and the Code of Practice for EAs at all times. Failure to do so may lead to prosecution and/or revocation of licence. The maximum penalty for the offences of unlicensed operation of an EA or overcharging commissions from job seekers is a fine of $350,000 and imprisonment for three years.
Should there be enquiries about matters related to EAs or complaints about suspected violations of EAs, please contact the Employment Agencies Administration of the LD (telephone: 2115 3667; email: ea-ee@labour.gov.hk; address: Unit 906, 9/F, One Mong Kok Road Commercial Centre, 1 Mong Kok Road, Kowloon).