Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Government delegation departs for Shenzhou-23 manned spaceflight mission send-off ceremony at Jiuquan, Gansu
Members of the delegation include the Under Secretary for Security, Mr Michael Cheuk, the Commissioner for Innovation and Technology, Mr Ivan Lee, experts from the innovation and technology sector, youths and students.
Professor Sun will return to Hong Kong on May 25. During his absence, the Under Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Ms Lillian Cheong, will be the Acting Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry.
Issued at HKT 11:00
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Speech by SCED at APEC MRT Meeting discussion session on “Foster New Engines of Innovative and Dynamic Trade and Investment Cooperation” in Suzhou (English only)
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Following is the speech by the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Algernon Yau, at the discussion session entitled “Foster New Engines of Innovative and Dynamic Trade and Investment Cooperation” at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Ministers Responsible for Trade Meeting in Suzhou today (May 23):
Thank you, Chair, and the Acting Secretary-General of the UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) for his insightful presentation.
Hospital Authority Family Medicine Outpatient Services arrangements on day following Birthday of the Buddha holiday
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
CE congratulates Hong Kong payload expert on participating in Shenzhou-23 manned spaceflight mission
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
The China Manned Space Agency announced today (May 23) the Shenzhou-23 crew, including Dr Lai Ka-ying, the payload expert from the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR). The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, expressed gratitude to the country for its support for and trust in the HKSAR. He also congratulated Dr Lai on passing the rigorous selection and training process to become one of the country’s fourth batch of astronauts, thereby contributing Hong Kong’s strength to the country’s aerospace endeavours. Mr Lee wished the Shenzhou-23 manned spaceflight mission great success.
Mr Lee said, “As this year marks the beginning of the National 15th Five-Year Plan, the HKSAR is embracing a historic moment in the pursuit of its aerospace dream. We are deeply inspired by this moment of extraordinary significance, where a Hong Kong specialist takes part in the spaceflight mission as an astronaut for the first time. I express my heartfelt gratitude to the country for providing the HKSAR’s technology talent with this valuable opportunity to take part in the aerospace endeavours of the country.
“The HKSAR has been contributing to the country’s aerospace development. Various research institutions and universities have been participating in aerospace research projects, including providing systems, instruments, and technical support for the country’s lunar and Mars exploration missions, as well as conducting spaceborne experiments. The HKSAR Government has also established the Hong Kong Space Robotics and Energy Center under the InnoHK Research Clusters to participate in related national aerospace missions. Under the ‘one country, two systems’ principle, Hong Kong possesses the distinctive advantages of enjoying strong support of the motherland and being closely connected to the world. With five universities ranking among the world’s top 100, Hong Kong provides a powerful impetus for nurturing and attracting innovation and technology (I&T) talent.
“The participation of a scientific researcher from Hong Kong in the spaceflight mission for the first time is not only an affirmation of her own capability, but also a testimony to the country’s high recognition of Hong Kong’s I&T talent, development, and achievements. It also fully reflects the great importance attached, as well as the care and support given to the technological development in Hong Kong by our country. I warmly congratulate Dr Lai and sincerely wish her every success in the spaceflight mission.”
Dr Lai thanked the country and the HKSAR Government for their support. She felt deeply honoured to be able to represent the HKSAR to participate in the country’s spaceflight mission. She said that she will spare no effort and strive to live up to the expectations of the country and the HKSAR. Meanwhile, she expressed the hope that this mission would inspire more Hong Kong youths to devote themselves to the field of I&T, thereby contributing to the country’s scientific and technological self-reliance and strength.
The Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Professor Sun Dong, led a HKSAR delegation to the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center to participate in the upcoming send-off ceremony and witness this historic moment. Members of the delegation include the Under Secretary for Security, Mr Michael Cheuk, and other government representatives, I&T experts, youths and students.
Born and raised in Hong Kong, Dr Lai obtained a doctoral degree in computer forensics. She is a Superintendent of the Hong Kong Police Force. In the recruitment exercise of the country’s fourth batch of preparatory astronauts launched in 2022, she was successfully selected as a payload expert and was deployed to the China Astronaut Research and Training Center for training. Payload experts are responsible for conducting experiments such as scientific and applied research at the space station.
Bun scrambling finale held
Source: Hong Kong Information Services
The annual Bun Scrambling Competition was held early this morning at the Pak Tai Temple Playground football pitch on Cheung Chau.
Twelve finalists competed, climbing the bun tower to gather as many buns as they could in three minutes.
Kwok Ka-ming was named as the men’s champion, with Kung Tsz-shan winning the women’s contest.
Around 1,650 spectators witnessed the dramatic event, which served as the grand finale to the Bun Carnival.
There was also an invitation relay event, in which three teams from Shenzhen, Zhuhai and Macau competed against seven local teams from Cheung Chau.
CE extends best wishes to crew
Source: Hong Kong Information Services
Chief Executive John Lee extended warm congratulations on the successful launch of the Shenzhou-23 manned spacecraft, and offered his best wishes to the crew members, including Hong Kong’s first astronaut, payload expert Lai Ka-ying.
The Long March 2F Y23 carrier rocket lifting the Shenzhou-23 was launched at 11.08pm today from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center. The spacecraft was separated from the rocket successfully and entered its predetermined orbit.
The Chief Executive remarked that the country has realised its grand blueprint of becoming an aerospace power through unwavering determination and perseverance, a forward-looking vision, and strategic planning.
“This mission is of great significance, as it is not only the first manned spaceflight mission during the 15th Five-Year Plan period, but also the first time for a payload expert from the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region to participate in it. All citizens of Hong Kong are thrilled and proud.”
Mr Lee highlighted that the National 15th Five-Year Plan clearly sets out key strategies to develop a modernised industrial system and expedite the nation’s development as an aerospace power.
“With the strong support of the country, the Hong Kong SAR can transform from a supporter of the country’s great aerospace endeavours into an executor.
“This not only demonstrates the Hong Kong SAR’s capability in contributing to the country’s development into an aerospace power, but also showcases how Hong Kong could better integrate into and serve the overall national development.”
The spacecraft will rendezvous with and dock and at the Tiangong space station. The crew of the Shenzhou-23 will conduct an on-orbit rotation with that of the Shenzhou-21.
The astronauts, including Ms Lai, will stay in the space station and conduct a variety of science and technology experiments.
The Hong Kong SAR Government said it will seize opportunities arising from the historic achievement of having a Hong Kong expert participating in a national spaceflight mission for the first time, in order to enhance popular science education and showcase the country’s aerospace technology development.
It added that it will highlight the distinctive contributions of the Hong Kong SAR to the nation’s space endeavours, thereby inspiring young people to engage in the field of innovation and technology.
CE holds video call with HK astronaut
Source: Hong Kong Information Services
Chief Executive John Lee has conducted a video conversation with Hong Kong’s first astronaut, Lai Ka-ying, and congratulated her on being included in the crew for the Shenzhou-23 mission.
Also joining the conversation were Secretary for Innovation, Technology & Industry Sun Dong, and Secretary for the Civil Service Ingrid Yeung.
When asked about her life at the China Astronaut Research & Training Center, Ms Lai revealed that every day is packed with activities. Despite the tough programme, she is glad to have finally made it and feels confident about completing the mission.
She mentioned that her children are happy studying in Beijing, and that never having been away from Hong Kong for this long, she hopes to return as soon as she completes her mission.
Prof Sun stressed that the Government is proud of Ms Lai meeting the standards to carry out a space mission in just over a year.
Ms Yeung conveyed the honour and pride of all 170,000 civil servants in Ms Lai’s accomplishments.
The Chief Executive said that Ms Lai’s participation in the mission shows national recognition and also the country’s trust in and support for Hong Kong.
He urged Ms Lai to rest well, stay in good condition and relax her mind, and wished her a successful mission.
Hong Kong taps Central Asia growth
Source: Hong Kong Information Services
Chief Executive John Lee will lead a trade mission to Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan in June, courting openings beyond traditional markets, while Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) Chairman Frederick Ma is optimistic the visit will deliver.
Kazakhstan stands as Central Asia’s most developed economy and regional powerhouse, boasting an impressive gross domestic product that soared past US$300 billion in 2025.
Leading the region in both economic output and purchasing power, Kazakhstan serves as a vital business and logistics hub bridging China and Europe.
In this diverse nation, Kazakh and Russian are the predominant languages, while Islam and Christianity represent the major religions.
Meanwhile, Uzbekistan claims the title of the region’s most populous country, strategically positioned at the heart of Central Asia and sharing borders with all its neighbouring nations.
With a storied past as a crucial segment of the ancient Silk Road trade routes, Uzbekistan has cultivated an environment ideal for stable economic growth, consistently achieving over 5% growth each year.
The growth trajectory positions Uzbekistan as a prime entry point for businesses eager to tap into the expansive Central Asian market.
A delegation led by Chief Executive John Lee will visit both countries in June.
Booming economy
HKTDC Chairman Frederick Ma said the trip will be highly beneficial, with a broad cross‑sector delegation expected to drive deals.
Kazakhstan is Hong Kong’s largest trading partner and a key export market in Central Asia. Hong Kong’s investment there is substantial; as of January 2026, Hong Kong ranked fourth among Asian net investors. Financial links are deepening, with the first dual listing last year spanning Hong Kong and Kazakhstan.
Kazakhstan is also rolling out large-scale data centre projects, aiming to be the region’s leading digital hub. Mr Ma and his colleagues expect Mainland technology, especially artificial intelligence (AI) firms to see strong outbound opportunities via Hong Kong into this emerging market.
HKTDC Director of Research Bruce Pang explained Hong Kong can provide financial and professional services. As companies build AI platforms and lean on data centres, he noted, fundraising and financing become pivotal – and that is where Hong Kong can step in with solutions.
Embracing transformation
In Uzbekistan, a nation with a population exceeding 38 million, abundant resources such as gold and cotton bolster its growth prospects. The country has made significant strides in enhancing its investment climate, gradually liberalising its foreign exchange market.
Moreover, Uzbekistan has streamlined customs and trade procedures, embraced digital transformation, and improved its legal and institutional frameworks. The HKTDC identifies substantial potential in Uzbekistan’s infrastructure and logistics sectors, alongside opportunities for trade co-operation.
“Hong Kong firms can seize a first‑mover advantage by setting up or partnering with factories in Uzbekistan to develop products on the ground. Tashkent’s push to build a ‘Made in Uzbekistan’ brand can give Hong Kong companies a springboard into Central Asia and ultimately, European markets,” HKTDC Principal Economist Alice Tsang said.
With the Mainland as Uzbekistan’s largest trading partner, accounting for over 20% of its total foreign trade turnover, and Kazakhstan as the Mainland’s economic anchor in Central Asia, closing 2025 with bilateral trade volume of US$48.8 billion, accounting for 46% of the Mainland’s trade turnover with the region, the HKTDC noted Central Asia’s appeal to Mainland capital is rising, signalling stronger demand for Hong Kong’s financial and professional services, from cross‑border financing and wealth management to legal and compliance, positioning the city as a key intermediary.
Prosecutions chief rumours dismissed
Source: Hong Kong Information Services
The Department of Justice said today that allegations involving the newly appointed Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) and another officer are entirely fabricated, and called the spreading of false allegations a despicable act.
The remarks came in a statement issued in response to media enquiries relating to a social media post. It said it had taken note that serious allegations involving the DPP and another DoJ officer were circulating online.
The department said that a rigorous investigation was carried out, pursuant to an earlier anonymous complaint and in accordance with established procedures, and that it was confident that the allegations are completely without factual basis, entirely fabricated, and constitute malicious smearing.
It condemned attempts to spread rumours online about dedicated prosecutors performing their duties and safeguarding national security as ill-intentioned, malicious and despicable, adding that these rumours were intended to defame public officers, the Prosecutions Division, and even the reputation of the entire department. It stressed that the public should not be misled by unfounded allegations, or become a party to the spreading of rumours.
The department has referred the matter to law enforcement agencies for further investigation and corresponding actions to severely punish lawbreakers in accordance with the law.
It emphasised that it attaches great importance to the integrity and professional conduct of its officers, and that all departmental personnel, regardless of rank or duties, perform their responsibilities with the highest standards of professional excellence and ethics.
The department iterated that it will continue to provide professional legal services to the Government in accordance with the law.
Shenzhou-23 mission set for launch
Source: Hong Kong Information Services
The China Manned Space Agency today announced that the Shenzhou-23 crewed spaceflight mission will launch at 11:08pm on Sunday.
The three astronauts selected for the mission are Lai Ka-Ying, a payload specialist from Hong Kong, flight engineer Zhu Yangzhu, and pilot Zhang Zhiyuan.
As the first astronaut from Hong Kong to participate in a space mission, Ms Lai thanked the motherland for providing the crew with a platform to fulfil their dreams. She also thanked the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government and citizens for their full support.
Having gone through a rigorous training process full of challenges, she had a special message for the young people of Hong Kong, and urged them to contribute their wisdom and energy to Hong Kong and the nation.
Ms Lai, 43, was born and raised in Hong Kong. She is a Police Force superintendent and holds a doctoral degree in computer forensics.
She was selected as a payload specialist in a recruitment exercise for the country’s fourth batch of preparatory astronauts and was later deployed to train at the China Astronaut Research & Training Center.
According to the China Manned Space Agency, Ms Lai has completed eight major categories of training, covering over 200 subjects and amassing a total of more than 1,700 training hours.
She passed the flight qualification assessment with excellent results and completed intensified training in flight tasks.
Chief Executive John Lee congratulated Lai Ka-Ying on contributing Hong Kong’s strength to the nation’s aerospace endeavours.
In recent years, Hong Kong’s scientific research capabilities have integrated with the broader development of the nation’s aerospace initiatives.
The China Manned Space Agency’s Tianzhou-10 cargo spacecraft was launched earlier this month, carrying a lightweight greenhouse gas sensor developed by Hong Kong universities.
The agency believes that under “one country, two systems”, Hong Kong can leverage its international advantages to attract and cultivate innovation talent, thereby contributing to the nation’s aerospace advancements.