MIL Asia Pacific Publishing Engine

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

Following is the speech by the Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Professor Sun Dong, at the opening ceremony of the Hong Kong International Computer Conference (HKICC) 2025 today (November 17):

(Deputy Director-General of the Youth Department of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Ms Wan Ning), Mr Dave Chen (President of the Hong Kong Computer Society), Mr Andre Blumberg (Conference Chairperson of the HKICC 2025), Professor Jin Hai (Vice President of the China Computer Federation), Dr Albert Wong (Programme Chairperson of the HKICC 2025), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

Good morning. It is my pleasure to join you all today at the HKICC 2025. The Conference has long served as a vital platform for cross-sector dialogue and technological advancement. This year’s theme, “Scaling AI Transformation Beyond Experimentation”, captures a timely and important leap in AI development.

AI is evolving from exploratory initiatives to real-world applications, driving productivity, resilience and competitiveness across sectors. In addition to the national proposal of the “AI+” initiative last year, the 15th Five-Year Plan announced last month reaffirms our country’s support for Hong Kong to develop as an international innovation and technology (I&T) centre. With national support and a strategic foundation in place, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government is committed to contributing to the country’s prosperity by building an AI ecosystem where innovation flourishes, collaboration deepens and impact lasts.

The HKSAR Government took a number of moves to accelerate the conversion of AI concepts into impactful applications. A key milestone is the establishment of Cyberport’s AI Supercomputing Centre (AISC) in late 2024, which will further be ramped up this year to meet the growing demand for high-performance computing power. We hope that this AISC will provide the necessary infrastructure for R&D (research and development) breakthroughs to be transformed into scalable business solutions for enterprises. We have also put in place the AI Subsidy Scheme to enable easier access for local research institutions and companies to these supercomputing resources.

Furthermore, the Hong Kong AI Research and Development Institute will be established next year to serve as Hong Kong’s dedicated AI institution. The Institute will focus on the full development cycle, from upstream research to midstream transformation, as well as downstream industry adoption. We are also going to enhance the Digital Transformation Support Pilot Programme to assist eligible small and medium-sized enterprises in adopting off-the-shelf AI solutions in their daily operations.

In parallel, the Government is accelerating the development of the Hong Kong Park of the Hetao Co-operation Zone (Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Co-operation Zone) in the Loop (Hong Kong Park), where AI is positioned as one of the key pillar industries. To facilitate scientific research and AI application testing, we are actively exploring with the relevant Chinese Mainland authorities the expansion of the cross-boundary flow of research data from the Chinese Mainland to Hong Kong for use by enterprises and organisations in the Hong Kong Park. We believe the establishment of a cross-boundary data flow management mechanism will facilitate safe and convenient flow of data between the two places.

In addition, a 10-hectare site at Sandy Ridge in the Northern Metropolis will be developed into a high-tier data facility cluster, providing advanced computing infrastructure to support data-intensive innovation across AI and data-driven industries. This will further strengthen Hong Kong’s position as a regional digital infrastructure hub, and advance the development of a digital economy and smart city initiatives.

Ladies and gentlemen, Hong Kong’s AI journey is entering a new chapter. As we lay the infrastructural foundation and provide the necessary policy support, we call for collective efforts from across sectors to build the future of Hong Kong AI development, and participants of today’s Conference are definitely our key partners on this front.

Before I close, may I invite all registered voters to cast your vote on the polling day on December 7. My sincere gratitude goes to the Hong Kong Computer Society for bringing together this impactful event. I wish the HKICC 2025 another year of great success! Thank you.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

Police today (November 15) appealed to the public for information on a man who went missing in Lok Ma Chau.

Mow Chun-hung, aged 67, went missing after he left his caring home on Ho Sheung Heung Pai Fung Road last night (November 14). Staff of the caring home then made a report to Police.

He is about 1.6 metres tall, 48 kilograms in weight and of thin build. He has a pointed face with yellow complexion and short white hair. He was last seen wearing a blue long-sleeved jacket, grey trousers and brown slippers.

Anyone who knows the whereabouts of the missing man or may have seen him is urged to contact the Regional Missing Persons Unit of New Territories North on 3661 3113 or email to rmpu-ntn-1@police.gov.hk, or contact any police station.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

Following are the closing remarks by the Secretary for Transport and Logistics, Ms Mable Chan, at the Hong Kong Global Maritime Trade Summit today (November 17):

Mr Grimaldi (Chairman of the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), Mr Emanuele Grimaldi), your excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, all the distinguished guests that have come to this summit today,

Good afternoon. As we bring this impactful Summit to a close, may I express my gladness seeing that our discussions in the past two days have powerfully demonstrated how our global maritime community is navigating shared challenges – from trade realignment and supply chain resilience to financing our industry’s future. These dialogues have been frank and collaborative, as to be seen from our closed-door session yesterday as well as today’s sessions, reflecting our common goal and the spirit of partnership we all value. During the summit, we have heard a number of buzzwords: fragmentation, deglobalisation, protectionism, unpredictability, collaboration, partnership and most important of all – solutions.

Scene setting

In an era of volatility, isolation or unilateralism is certainly not the solution. It must be forged through partnership. The government’s role is not to direct, but to enable – to build the fundamental and foundational backbone that allows the private sector to innovate, invest and thrive. This philosophy underpins our recent establishment in Hong Kong of the Hong Kong Maritime and Port Development Board (HKMPDB) under the able leadership of the Honourable Dr Moses Cheng (Chairman of the HKMPDB, Dr Moses Cheng Mo-chi), ensuring government and industry work as co-pilots in shaping our maritime future.

Guided by this principle and bolstered by our nation’s strong support, Hong Kong adopts a clear dual strategy: reinforcing the resilience of our local maritime ecosystem, while expanding opportunities in the Chinese Mainland and in the rest of the world.

First, we are enhancing both our port competitiveness and world-class maritime services. Our port’s efficiency remains a key advantage, with vessel-handling speeds nearly double the global average – earning us the “catch-up port” reputation. We are capitalising on this by establishing a comprehensive “rail-sea-land-river” intermodal system to extend our cargo hinterland into inland provinces of the Chinese Mainland. Meanwhile, we are not only driving digital and green transformation through launching a new Port Community System for real-time cargo tracking amongst all stakeholders, we are also working, with the port operators, toward reducing our Kwai Tsing Container Terminals’ carbon emissions by 30 per cent by 2030.

Complementing our port assets, we have an unparalleled cluster of over 1 200 shipping and maritime service companies, including the world’s top ship managers, major protection and indemnity clubs and leading financers, as supported by one of the world’s largest fleets by gross tonnage flying the Hong Kong flag. To future-proof this leadership, we are streamlining our shipping registry procedures, enhancing tax incentives for the ship lessors and shipping commercial principals as well as introducing tax concessions for commodity traders, with legislative amendments coming right next year. Further, we will strengthen collaboration with international marine insurance organisations to upscale the training of marine insurance talents, whilst expanding the scope of the Maritime and Aviation Training Fund to cover more green energy courses, thereby reinforcing Hong Kong maritime strengths.

Secondly, we are proactively forging international partnerships to unlock new growth potential and solidify our role as a global “super connector”. To counter protectionism, we are building partner port relationships with strategic ports in the Chinese Mainland and key Belt and Road regions for enhancing mutual competitiveness and resilience. Do expect our announcement of the first batch of our partner ports shortly later today. At the same time, central to this strategy is the Hong Kong Maritime Week itself, including the ICS World Trade Summit – our cornerstone platform for deepening international exchanges and collaboration. Every November, this gathering transforms our city into a vital nexus where global industry leaders converge to shape and drive positive changes for the future of the maritime trade. I am excited to share with you that we will be welcoming the Silk Road Maritime Association’s summit one year from now during Hong Kong Maritime Week 2026, so stay tuned. This event and the week-long event will foster a strategic dialogue to unlock new opportunities in Belt and Road shipping for Hong Kong and the global community.

Despite the postponement in the IMO (International Maritime Organization)’s schedule, which we touched upon a lot during these two days, we, in Hong Kong remain steadfast in advancing our pace to strengthen and solidify Hong Kong’s role as an international green maritime fuel bunkering and trading hub. Our prime location at the southern tip of China places us at the crossroads of international fairways, ideal for serving the global shipping community’s bunkering needs. We rank seventh globally in shipping fuel bunkering, second in China and first in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. Since the first LNG (liquefied natural gas) bunkering operation in February this year, over 200 000 metric tonnes of biodiesel and LNG have been bunkered in Hong Kong, involving a total of 13 LNG bunkering operations. Having established biodiesel and LNG bunkering, we are pioneering the next-generation fuels – including methanol, ammonia, and hydrogen. We will commence feasibility studies for ammonia and hydrogen bunkering and mandate mass flow meters for methanol operations by next year. Further, leveraging our nation’s green fuel supply advantages and Hong Kong’s robust financial infrastructure, we are developing a global green maritime fuel trading centre, hosting various matchmaking events to catalyse supply chains and support our nation in reinforcing its leadership in this emerging sector.

The geopolitical landscape today affirms that the old rulebook is being rewritten. In this new chapter, Hong Kong’s value proposition under “one country, two systems” becomes more relevant than ever after – offering a stable, sophisticated common law platform with a trusted legal framework, free flow of capital and information, as well as professional expertise that de-risks global trade. Hong Kong is here to serve and facilitate you to not just navigate today’s challenges, but seize tomorrow’s opportunities.

Ladies and gentlemen, while this Summit is about to conclude, I trust that the collaboration and dialogue will go on. As Hong Kong Maritime Week continues with other events, I look forward to welcoming you there.

Thank you to the ICS, our co-organisers, and all of you for your invaluable contributions. Congratulations to the ICS for, once again, hosting and staging such a successful summit this year. I wish you a productive remainder of your time in Hong Kong and enjoy the buzz and the nice weather outside of the Asia’s World City. Thank you.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

Following are the remarks by the Secretary for Transport and Logistics, Ms Mable Chan, at a media session after attending the opening ceremony of automated “Park & Fly” carpark of the Airport Authority Hong Kong today (November 15):
 
Reporter: The (Southbound Travel for Guangdong Vehicles) scheme is now only reserved for residents in four cities, namely Jiangmen, Guangzhou, Zhongshan and Zhuhai. When is the schedule for opening up to residents of other cities? My second question is there have been quite a lot of social media clips showing that the vehicles from Guangdong province side, maybe they are not familiar with the traffic rules in Hong Kong, and therefore, there are a lot of violations. How would the Transport and Logistics Bureau step up the education on Hong Kong traffic rules to these drivers to mitigate such kind of hazards that they might bring?
 
Secretary for Transport and Logistics: The Southbound Travel for Guangdong Vehicles scheme is an innovative policy which enhances the connection between Guangdong area and Hong Kong. The proximity of the Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) and the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge form a synergy in order to provide multimodal, i.e. land transport and air transport for Guangdong residents to enable them to experience destinations provided by the HKIA. As far as the second part of the scheme is concerned, we are making different kinds of efforts on different fronts in order to ensure safety, enable convenience and benefit various sectors and trades in Hong Kong. We work very closely with Guangdong entities and authorities. The Bureau stressed the importance of vehicle safety as well as road safety. That is why we have already provided a total of around nine places to conduct vehicle examination. During the vehicle examination process, we will also enhance the awareness and provide useful tips on the road safety requirements of Hong Kong to educate the Guangdong residents.
 
I am sure through our various means of promotion and education, we will ensure that they will observe the requirements of driving in Hong Kong and we will also continue to provide different promotional materials to enable their cars and vehicles to divert into various spaces such as hotels, sports facilities, convention facilities, so that they can spend some money in Hong Kong and also can stay overnight in Hong Kong in order to enhance the economy and tourism in Hong Kong.
 
(Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the remarks.)

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

Following is the speech by the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Miss Rosanna Law, at the ceremony of Asia+ Festival 2025 and Asian Ethnic Cultural Performances+ 2025 today (November 16):

Consuls-General, representatives of overseas cultural organisations, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

Good afternoon, everyone, and a very warm welcome to the ceremony of the Asia+ Festival 2025 and the Asian Ethnic Cultural Performances+ 2025, especially warm welcome for those a few who come from afar. Welcome to Hong Kong.

The Asia+ Festival was launched in 2023 with a bold vision: to create a sustainable platform for arts and cultural exchange across Asia, and the Belt and Road regions. As a flagship festive event, it reaffirms Hong Kong’s role as an East-‍‍‍meets-‍West centre for international cultural exchange. It is here that we leverage our “one country, two systems” advantage to promote people-‍‍to-‍people bonds and cultural integration.

Now, marching into its third edition, the Festival is growing remarkably. This year, we are thrilled to welcome distinguished artists from over 30 countries and regions, 12 of which are joining us for the very first time. While Asia remains our core, our reach now extends to Belt and Road countries and regions in Europe, Africa and the Americas.

With more than 100 performances and activities – from stage shows and exhibitions to today’s outdoor carnival – we expect to welcome over 100 000 citizens and visitors. Together, we will celebrate the rich tapestry of both traditional and contemporary arts from Asia and beyond.

The festivity has already begun with a stellar opening programme: a fresh, contemporary adaptation of Chekhov’s “The Cherry Orchard” by LG Arts Center from Korea. I saw the show myself and it is wonderful. But this is just the start. The powerful rhythms of Japanese Taiko drumming, the passionate tango from Argentina, and the vibrant music and dance from Africa await you. And today, the Asian Ethnic Cultural Performances+ will unveil the legendary sounds of classical and folk music from different regions.

None of this would be possible without our incredible partners. I would like to express my heartfelt and deepest gratitude to the Consuls-General, and representatives of overseas cultural organisations here in Hong Kong. Thank you for your stalwart support for contributing such wonderful programmes. I wish you all a delightful afternoon and a truly rewarding cultural feast.

Finally, as we celebrate our cultural vibrancy, let us also remember our civic duty. I sincerely encourage all registered voters to cast your vote in the upcoming Legislative Council General Election on December 7. Let us elect a new term of responsible, visionary and capable legislators.

Thank you, and enjoy the Festival!

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The kick-off ceremony of “The Great Wall Animated” – Animation Short Programme for the Great Wall of China (GWA), organised by the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA) under the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau and the Great Wall Cultural Creativity, was held at the Jinshanling Great Wall, Hebei today (November 15) to announce the five Hong Kong teams selected for the programme.

Speaking at the ceremony, the Commissioner for Cultural and Creative Industries, Miss Drew Lai, said CCIDA is honoured to bring forth this significant collaboration project which will present five animations next year when the National 15th Five Year Plan unfolds. The animations will, all have the theme of the Great Wall of China, a symbol of national spirit, and deeply integrating Hong Kong’s creativity and technology. She believes that the five animations will drive the innovative presentation and international promotion of the magnificent Chinese culture.

The GWA is the first Hong Kong animation programme licensed by the Great Wall Cultural Creativity. The five Hong Kong teams selected will receive funding and professional guidance to produce, with the aid of artificial intelligence, five original animation shorts with the theme of the Great Wall of China while portraying Hong Kong characteristics and stories, with a view to promoting Chinese culture. The animations will be broadcast on suitable channels in the country and overseas in the second half of next year.

The Great Wall Cultural Creativity is the official intellectual property brand to promote the cultural charm of the Great Wall of China to the world. CCIDA signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Changcheng Cultural and Creative (Beijing) Culture Co Ltd. last year to foster collaboration between Hong Kong’s cultural and creative industries and the Great Wall Cultural Creativity, and encourage Hong Kong designers to create more cultural and creative products that feature the Great Wall culture with Hong Kong characteristics.

For more information on the GWA, please visit: www.gwa.com.hk.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

The spokesman for United Christian Hospital today (November 15) made the following update announcement regarding a previously reported incident of a patient leaving without notification on November 13:

The 63-year-old male patient who left the hospital without notification on November 13, has returned to the hospital this morning. The patient is in stable condition.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) today (November 17) invited interested parties to lodge expressions of interest (EOI) for providing more diverse value-added activities at designated LCSD venues/facilities.
 
     The 2025 Policy Address announced that market-based business models would be introduced into designated LCSD facilities to provide more diverse value-added activities. In this connection, the LCSD plans to avail eight selected venues/facilities for commercial events, private uses, etc., as well as 16 venues/facilities for commercial advertising. The LCSD intends to engage a professional agency/agencies by granting a licence for providing event organisation and advertising services at these venues/facilities, leveraging their market knowledge and expertise in making promotion to suitable target clients while offering technical support for events and client management services.
 
     The LCSD is inviting EOI in providing the services concerned. The feedback and information from the EOI will assist the LCSD in finalising the service details and way forward. The EOI invitation documents are available at the LCSD website. Interested parties must lodge their EOI by December 16 (Tuesday). The LCSD will also conduct a briefing session at 10.30am on November 27 (Thursday), at Function Room AC2, Level 4, Administration Building, Hong Kong Cultural Centre.
 
     For enquiries, please email the LCSD at eoi2025@lcsd.gov.hk.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

Regarding the appearance of black particles in the drinking water of some buildings in Taikoo Shing, the Water Supplies Department (WSD) had earlier collected water samples from some households, sump and roof drinking water tanks for testing. A spokesman for the WSD stated tonight (November 16) that the analysis has just been completed, showing that all water samples have met Hong Kong Drinking Water Standards. The small amount of black particles found in the samples were confirmed to be bitumen. It is believed that water pressure changes caused by WSD’s temporary redirecting of water supply near Taikoo Shing last night stirred up bitumen sediments inside the pipes. These sediments are inert substances and pose no harm to human health.

The spokesman said that the WSD had already issued a press release earlier today explaining the cause of the incident (https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202511/16/P2025111600466.htm), adding that the damaged filter at the estate’s public water inlet was repaired last night, and pipe flushing has been strengthened. To minimise inconvenience to residents, the WSD, together with the estate’s property management company, arranged for cleansing of the sump drinking water tanks of affected buildings starting tonight at off-peak water usage hours (around 12:30am), expected to finish by dawn. Cleansing of roof drinking water tanks will follow tomorrow morning during off-peak water usage hours, with completion expected within the day. After these follow-up actions, the situation of black particles in drinking water is expected to improve significantly.

Further investigation showed that the affected buildings are mainly in phases four and five, totalling 14 blocks, about 20 per cent of the estate. WSD staff have been dispatched to work with the property management office to assist residents in flushing water meters and water heater inlets. As of 9pm today, about 100 water meters have been flushed, and more than 20 technicians have been arranged to flush electric water heater inlets. These actions will continue tomorrow.

To reassure residents, the WSD will continue to place water trucks and tanks in the estate to provide temporary water supply services, and set up a service counter and work together with the property management office to answer residents’ enquiries immediately. If residents notice abnormalities in their drinking water, they should notify the management office at once or call the WSD customer service hotline at 2824 5000, and arrangements will be made promptly for follow-up.

The spokesman added that to prevent occurrence of similar incidents in the future, the WSD will not only conduct routine regular inspections of the estate’s inlet filters, but also check the filters before and after pipe maintenance works to ensure they remain in good condition and can effectively block sediments stirred up during such works.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The golf and triathlon competitions of the 15th National Games (NG) concluded today (November 16). A total of seven gold medals were awarded in these the two events.

The golf competition was held at the Fanling Golf Course of the Hong Kong Golf Club, featuring men’s and women’s individual and team events, with a total of four gold medals awarded. More than 80 athletes from 17 teams representing the Mainland, Hong Kong and Macao took part, including four male and four female athletes from Hong Kong. The winning athletes and teams are as follows:

Men’s individual:

Gold	Kuang Yang (Zhejiang)
Silver	Chai Bowen (Shanghai University of Sport)
Bronze	Wu Ashun (Shanghai)

Women’s individual:

Gold	Zhang Weiwei (Guangdong)
Silver	Yin Ruoning (Tianjin)
Bronze	Wang Xinying (Chongqing)

Men’s team:

Gold	Shanghai team
Silver	Tianjin team
Bronze	Shaanxi team

 
Women’s team:

Gold	Guangdong team
Silver	Shanghai team
Bronze	Tianjin team

The triathlon competition took place at the Central Harbourfront and Victoria Harbour, comprising men’s individual, women’s individual and mixed relay events. Eighty-eight athletes from the Mainland, Hong Kong and Macao participated, including three male and three female athletes from Hong Kong. Among them, Hong Kong athlete Oscar Coggins captured the bronze medal in the men’s individual event, while the Hong Kong team won the silver medal in the mixed relay event. The winning athletes and teams are as follows:

Men’s individual:

Gold	Fan Junjie (Henan)
Silver	Chen Qi (Liaoning)
Bronze	Oscar Coggins (Hong Kong)

Women’s individual:

Gold	Huang Anqi (China Public Security Sports Association)
Silver	Lin Xinyu (Sichuan)
Bronze	Wei Wen (Sichuan)

Mixed relay:

Gold	Shandong team
Silver	Hong Kong team
Bronze	China Public Security Sports Association team

Other competition events in the Hong Kong competition region, including basketball (Men’s U22), track cycling and fencing, are ongoing. Members of the public are welcome to purchase tickets to watch the competitions and cheer for the athletes in person. Tickets can be purchased through various channels, including the 15th NG official ticketing website (ticket.baygames.cn) or by searching for the “15th NG official ticketing” official mini programme on WeChat, after completing a real-name account registration. Additionally, the public can visit 11 designated sales outlets (ww2.ctshk.com/articleDetail?id=4&channelId=-1) of the China Travel Service (Hong Kong) Limited to buy paper tickets for events in the Hong Kong competition region. Physical tickets for events held at the relevant venues are also available at the competition area ticket office.