Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Appointments to Board of Financial Services Development Council announced
Announcing the appointments, a spokesman for the Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau said, “The reappointees are all seasoned practitioners in the industry with extensive knowledge of global financial markets. We believe that they will continue to offer valuable advice to the FSDC, assisting the FSDC with conducting policy research, promoting market development and nurturing talent, thereby enhancing Hong Kong’s status as an international financial centre.”
The FSDC was established in 2013 by the Government as a high-level advisory body to engage the industry in formulating proposals to promote the further development of Hong Kong’s financial services industry and to map out strategic directions for development.
The membership list of the FSDC Board of Directors with effect from January 17, 2026, is as follows:
Chairman
———–
Mr Benjamin Hung Pi-cheng
Vice-Chairmen
—————-
Ms Ding Chen
Mr Daniel R Fung, SC
Mr Andrew Walter Bougourd Ross Weir
Members
———–
Mr Edward Au Chun-hing
Mr Ronald Chan Wai-yan
Mr Ben Chan Wei-beng
Dr Adrian Cheng Chi-kong
Mr Damien Allen Green
Mr Jeremy Dinshaw Lam
Ms Luanne Lim Hui-hung
Ms Amy Lo Choi-wan
Ms Aveline San Pau-len
Ms Jennifer Tan Yuen-chun
Mr Tony Tang Xiaodong
Ms Daisy Yeung
Executive Director of the FSDC
Ex-officio member
——————–
Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury
Issued at HKT 16:00
NNNN
Postal services to Portugal return to normal
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Postal services to Portugal return to normalIssued at HKT 14:16
NNNN
Postal services to Australia return to normal
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Postal services to Australia return to normalIssued at HKT 14:16
NNNN
FSD and BD conduct joint inspection and enforcement operation against industrial buildings
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
FSD and BD conduct joint inspection and enforcement operation against industrial buildings
The FSD and the BD inspected a total of nine industrial buildings located in various districts in Kowloon and the New Territories during the joint operation. The fire personnel identified a total of 261 irregularities related to various fire hazards, such as obstruction or locking of means of escape, defective or wedged-open smoke stop doors, as well as fire service installations or equipment (FSIs) that were defective or not in efficient working order. The FSD took immediate enforcement action against the persons concerned.
Among the cases related to obstruction of means of escape, the FSD instituted three prosecutions and issued 22 Fire Hazard Abatement Notices (FHANs), requiring the persons concerned to abate the fire hazards within a specified period. Should they fail to comply with the requirements of the FHANs within the period, the FSD will institute resolute prosecution. In addition, inspections revealed that some buildings had defective smoke stop doors and FSIs. The FSD will issue FHANs to the persons concerned and continue to take follow-up action.
The BD identified 13 subdivided flats suspected of being used illegally for domestic purposes. Further investigations are now under way, and letters have been sent to the relevant owners and occupiers asking them to contact the BD as soon as possible to arrange an inspection of their flats. Otherwise, the BD will consider applying for a court warrant to enter the premises for inspection. If it is confirmed that the flats in question have been used for illegal domestic purposes, the BD will take enforcement action in accordance with the Buildings Ordinance, including ordering the cessation of illegal domestic use and rectify the dangerous situations. The BD also identified in the operation that there was dilapidation in the exit staircases of one of the industrial buildings, but no obvious danger to the overall building structure was noted. The BD has issued a repair order to the owners’ corporation for conducting the necessary repair work.
Apart from inspection and enforcement, the FSD also carried out fire prevention education and publicity at the same time during the operation to enhance fire safety awareness among owners and occupiers of industrial buildings, thereby mitigating fire risk from the source. The BD has also long been promoting building safety and the proper use of buildings through various channels, including distributing themed posters to management offices of industrial buildings for displaying in prominent places to serve as a reminder to owners and occupiers that industrial buildings must not be used illegally for domestic purposes.
Issued at HKT 12:04
NNNN
Appointments to Quality Education Fund Steering Committee announced
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Appointments to Quality Education Fund Steering Committee announced————-
Mr Dieter Yih Lai-tak—————————
Ms Rita Chan Yin-nei
Dr Susan Fan Yun-sun
Dr Daphne Ho Kin-yi
Ms Eva Charisa Hsu
Ms Lam Wing-sze #
Ms Lee Yi-ying
Dr Promail Leung Kin-yi
Mr David Leung Yiu-fai
Dr James Li Tsz-shu
Mr Benjamin Ng Yau-keung
Dr Winnie Tang Shuk-ming
Mr Richard Tsang Lap-ki
Mr Simon Wong Hin-wing
Mr Wong Kam-po
Mr Addy Wong Wai-hung
Ms Wong Yuk-hing————————-
Deputy Secretary for Education (5) Issued at HKT 11:30
NNNN
Property owner fined over $130,000 for not complying with removal orders
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Property owner fined over $130,000 for not complying with removal ordersIssued at HKT 11:00
NNNN
Vetting Committee supports one more application under New Industrialisation Acceleration Scheme
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Vetting Committee supports one more application under New Industrialisation Acceleration Scheme
The Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Professor Sun Dong, said, “We are glad that one more enterprise is planning to establish new advanced production facilities in Hong Kong through the NIAS. This project will not only bring cutting-edge manufacturing technologies to Hong Kong, but also further improve and upgrade the industrial chain, thereby enhancing Hong Kong’s competitiveness. The Government will continue to support enterprises, driving new industrialisation and promoting high-quality economic development in Hong Kong.”
The NIAS provides funding support on a 1 (Government): 2 (enterprise) matching basis for enterprises engaging in industries of strategic importance (i.e. life and health technology, AI and data science, advanced manufacturing and new energy technologies) and contributing no less than $100 million to setting up new smart production facilities in Hong Kong. Each enterprise can receive up to $200 million of funding under the NIAS. In addition, the Government also provides additional funding for relevant enterprises to engage research talent and/or technical personnel.
The NIAS is open for applications throughout the year. Details are available on the website of the Innovation and Technology Fund (www.itf.gov.hkIssued at HKT 11:00
NNNN
Labour Department highly concerned about fatal work accident that happened in Tsuen Wan today
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
The Labour Department (LD) is highly concerned about a fatal work accident that happened at a construction site in Tsuen Wan this afternoon (January 14), in which several oxy-acetylene cylinders fell from a container during a lifting operation and hit workers underneath, resulting in the death of one worker and injuries to two workers. The LD is saddened by the death and injury of the workers in the accident, and expresses its deepest sympathies to the victim’s family and the injured workers.
The LD’s spokesman said, “We commenced an immediate on-site investigation as soon as we were notified of the accident and have issued suspension notices to the contractors concerned, suspending the lifting operation at the site. The contractors cannot resume the work process until the LD is satisfied that suitable measures to abate the relevant risks have been taken.”
The spokesman added, “We will complete the investigation as soon as possible to identify the cause of the accident, ascertain the liability of the duty holders and recommend improvement measures. We will take actions pursuant to the law if there is any violation of the work safety legislation.”
To prevent loads being lifted from falling and hitting workers, the LD reminds employers to ensure that (i) the loads have been safely and securely connected to lifting gear before lifting operations; (ii) the gate of the container holding the loads is properly locked or fastened; and (iii) lifting zone is demarcated and barricaded, with no one entering the zone during lifting operations.
The general duty provisions of the Occupational Safety and Health Ordinance require employers to provide safe working environments, plant and systems of work for their employees. Those who contravene the relevant provisions are liable to a maximum fine of $10 million and imprisonment for two years.
In regard to today’s accident, the LD will issue a Work Safety Alert through its mobile application “OSH 2.0”, website and email, giving a brief account of the accident concerned to duty holders, workers’ unions, professional bodies of safety practitioners and others, and reminding the industry of the importance of following safety precautionary measures to prevent a recurrence of similar accidents.
The LD will also remind the employer concerned of the liability for employees’ compensation under the Employees’ Compensation Ordinance, assist family members of the deceased to claim employees’ compensation and closely follow up on the case. For those with financial difficulties, the LD will assist them to apply for appropriate emergency funds. Subject to the needs and wishes of family members of the deceased, the LD will also liaise with the Social Welfare Department for financial or other assistance.
For the sake of securing the safety and health of employees at work, the LD appeals to employers to provide plant and systems of work that are safe and without risks to health. Employees should co-operate with their employers, adopt all safety measures and use personal protective equipment provided properly to avoid endangering their own work safety and that of other workers.
S for S to visit Beijing
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The Secretary for Security, Mr Tang Ping-keung, will depart for Beijing this evening (January 14) to lead the Commissioner of Police, Mr Chow Yat-ming, and other officials for a working meeting with the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Public Security, Mr Xu Datong, tomorrow morning (January 15) on the INTERPOL General Assembly to be held in Hong Kong for the first time at the end of this year.
Mr Tang will return to Hong Kong tomorrow afternoon (January 15). During his absence, the Under Secretary for Security, Mr Michael Cheuk, will be the acting Secretary for Security.
Two persons arrested for suspected illegal Internet sale of product with undeclared controlled drug ingredient (with photo)
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The Department of Health (DH)’s investigation revealed the suspected illegal sale of a product containing undeclared controlled medicines via an instant messaging application and carried out an enforcement operation with the Police today (January 14). During the operation, a 27-year-old woman and a 46-year-old man were arrested on suspicion of illegal sale of Part 1 poisons and unregistered pharmaceutical products.
Following up on a public complaint, the DH purchased samples of a product named “The Goat Sublingual Strip” (see photo) via an instant messaging application for analysis. The label of the oral pills indicated it was a natural virility product. Test results from the Government Laboratory revealed that the samples contained sildenafil, which is a Part 1 poison under the Pharmacy and Poisons Ordinance (Cap. 138) (the Ordinance). The product is also suspected to be an unregistered pharmaceutical product.
The DH urged members of the public who have purchased the product concerned to stop consuming it immediately and reminded the public not to buy or consume products of doubtful composition or from unknown sources.
The DH reminded the public that selling medicines controlled under the Ordinance illegally, regardless of the sales channel (including instant messaging apps or social media), carries criminal liability. Do not risk breaking the law.
The DH will continue to investigate the incident and take appropriate follow-up actions.
Sildenafil is a prescription drug used for the treatment of erectile dysfunction and should only be used under a doctor’s advice and supplied in a pharmacy under the supervision of a registered pharmacist upon a doctor’s prescription. Side effects of sildenafil include low blood pressure, headaches, vomiting, dizziness and transient vision disturbances. It may interact with some drugs (such as nitroglycerin for the treatment of angina) and cause a decrease in blood pressure to dangerous levels. Improper use of sildenafil may pose serious health risks, especially for patients with heart problems.
According to the Ordinance, all pharmaceutical products must be registered with the Pharmacy and Poisons Board of Hong Kong before they can be sold in the market. In addition, pharmaceutical products containing Part 1 poisons can only be sold at the registered premises of an Authorized Seller of Poisons (commonly known as “pharmacy”) under the supervision of a registered pharmacist. If any contravention of the law is suspected, the DH will follow up and carry out enforcement action. After seeking advice from the Department of Justice, prosecutions against relevant persons may be initiated. The illegal sale of unregistered pharmaceutical products or Part 1 poisons is a criminal offences. The maximum penalty for each offence upon conviction is a fine of $100,000 and two years’ imprisonment.
The DH reminded members of the public that all registered pharmaceutical products should carry a Hong Kong registration number on the package in the format of “HK-XXXXX”. The safety, quality and efficacy of unregistered pharmaceutical products are not guaranteed.
Members of the public who have purchased the above products should stop consuming them immediately. They should consult healthcare professionals for advice if feeling unwell after consumption. The public may submit the products to the Drug Office of the DH at Room 1804-1806, 18/F, Wing On Kowloon Centre, 345 Nathan Road, Kowloon, during office hours for disposal.
The public may visit the DH’s Drug Office webpage for health message on sexual dysfunction and virility products and virility products found to contain undeclared Western medicines.