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Voter register available for inspection

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The 2026 provisional register and the omissions list for the Rural Representative Election (RRE) were released today and are open for public inspection through September 9.

Members of the public can visit the RRE Voter Registration Information Enquiry System to check their registration particulars and see whether they are listed on the omissions list.

A full copy of the provisional register and the omissions list is available for inspection during office hours at the Electoral Registration Officer’s office at the Home Affairs Department, 11/F, Southorn Centre, 130 Hennessy Road, Wan Chai.

Copies of the specific divisions of the provisional register and the omissions list for a rural area that belongs to the rural committees concerned can be inspected at the offices of the Assistant Electoral Registration Officers in the respective New Territories District Offices.

Anyone who believes a registered person is ineligible for registration may lodge a notice of objection by September 9.

Applicants whose names are missing from the register, or who wish to dispute their recorded details, may also lodge a notice of claim during the same period.

Call 2152 1521 for enquiries.

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MOEA Showcases 16 Innovative Robotics Technologies at TAIROS 2026

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

The Department of Industrial Technology (DoIT) under Taiwan’s Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) unveiled 16 innovative robotics technologies at TAIROS 2026 on August 19, highlighting advances in AI-powered bionic, service, and industrial robots.

Among the key technologies is an AI-powered dexterous hand developed by the Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI). Featuring a modular design expandable to five fingers with 20 degrees of freedom, the system combines AI training with highly flexible manipulation capabilities for applications such as electronics assembly, medical device handling, and precision manufacturing.

ITRI also showcased a quadruped robot R&D platform integrating autonomous AI control, navigation, sensing, and domestically developed key components. Developed in collaboration with Compal, Inventec, and Solomon, the platform is designed for applications including firefighting and disaster response, underground pipeline inspection, and public safety.

Other highlights include a dual-arm collaborative handling robot for semiconductor and metal-processing production lines, an AI-powered table-clearing robot for the food-service industry, an autonomous disinfection robot for healthcare environments, and a healthcare collaborative robot that uses AI vision and 3D sensing to assist with patient repositioning.

DoIT Director-General Chao-Chung Kuo said that robotics is a key vehicle for bringing AI into real-world applications. By leveraging Taiwan’s strengths in semiconductors, ICT, precision machinery, and AI software, the government aims to help Taiwan evolve from a key component supplier into a provider of integrated intelligent robotics solutions. DoIT-supported programs have generated nearly 85 domestic and international patents and approximately 350 technology transfers and industry services, driving nearly NT$13.5 billion in corporate investment and related production value.

The Robotics Technology R&D Pavilion runs from August 19 to 22 at TAIROS 2026, Nangang Exhibition Center, Hall 1. The exhibition demonstrates Taiwan’s progress from core technology R&D and system integration to field validation and commercialization, accelerating the adoption of AI-powered robotics across industries.

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Taiwan Partners with Diplomatic Allies and Retailers to Promote Food Trade

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

August 10, 2026 -Taiwan’s Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) has launched the “Taste of Allies” campaign, partnering with diplomatic envoys and major domestic retail and restaurant chains to introduce premium agricultural products from Paraguay, Guatemala, and Belize directly to Taiwanese consumers.

A press conference was held by Taiwan’s Economic Affairs Deputy Minister Cynthia Kiang, along with Paraguay’s Ambassador Dario Filartiga Ruiz Diaz, Belize’s Ambassador Katherine Meighan, and Guatemala’s Commercial Counselor Carlos Matus. This campaign marks a shift from traditional trade fairs to direct-to-consumer marketing, bringing flagship items-including Paraguayan beef, Guatemalan white shrimp and coffee, and Belizean lobster-into steak houses, seafood restaurants, coffee shops, and hypermarkets throughout Taiwan.

“Taiwan shares strong and long-standing economic ties with Paraguay, Guatemala, and Belize through established bilateral trade agreements,” Deputy Minister Kiang stated at the press conference. She further remarked, “With growing demand for agricultural products from our allies, this partnership helps our allies expand their retail footprint in Taiwan while offering local consumers a wider selection of high-quality imports.”

Diplomatic representatives praised the initiative, highlighting the complementary strengths of their agricultural sectors with Taiwan’s vibrant consumer market. The envoys emphasized that the campaign not only boosts brand visibility and business opportunities for their home exporters but also deepens bilateral ties through everyday commerce.

Key industry partners joining the push include Noble Family Steak House Group, YENS Enterprise, and JAK International Trade. Participating businesses will roll out themed menus, in-store promotions, and e-commerce campaigns, thereby allowing consumers to easily buy and sample these goods daily.

By linking overseas suppliers with local distribution networks, the MOEA aims to build a sustainable, win-win ecosystem for consumers, domestic businesses, and diplomatic allies alike.

For more information and campaign details, visit: https://events.taiwantrade.com/taste2026.

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Speech by SCST at opening ceremony of ASEAN Film Festival 2026 (English only)

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Speech by SCST at opening ceremony of ASEAN Film Festival 2026 (English only)Issued at HKT 19:15

Following is the speech by the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Miss Rosanna Law, at the opening ceremony of the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) Film Festival 2026 today (August 20):

Deputy Commissioner Hua You (Deputy Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR)), Consul-General Muzambli Markam (Dean of ASEAN Consuls-General in Hong Kong and Consul-General of Malaysia in Hong Kong), Chairman Daryl Ng (Chairman of Hong Kong-ASEAN Foundation), Commissioner Nicholas Ho (Commissioner for Belt and Road), Consuls-General, the Honorable Vivian Kong (Legislative Council Member), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

Good evening. I am delighted to join you once again at the opening ceremony of the ASEAN Film Festival.

As we gather for the fourth edition of this vibrant festival, I am delighted to see it growing from strength to strength. This year marks a milestone, with an unprecedented participation of 20 economies – including nine first-time participants such as the Chinese Mainland and the Hong Kong SAR. Through the universal language of music and storytelling woven into these films, this festival will undoubtedly deepen cultural understanding and forge closer bonds among ASEAN countries and our friends from around the region.

But this event is about far more than just screenings – it is fundamentally about connection and collaboration. These themes resonate profoundly with Hong Kong’s strategic positioning as the East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchanges. Over the coming weeks, our city will host a dynamic lineup of sharing sessions, networking events, and collaborative dialogues. These exchanges are not merely cultural; they are essential to building lasting partnerships and genuine friendships.

As the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, I am proud that our Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA) is sponsoring select programmes this year. Our aim is to help provide more valuable opportunities for Hong Kong’s own film professionals to engage with the ASEAN community and beyond, fostering mutual learning and creative synergy.

Specifically, CCIDA is co-presenting the screenings of two local productions – “Last Song for You” and “Band Four” – alongside a dedicated networking reception and a post-screening talk with Hong Kong filmmakers. I sincerely hope these events will spark meaningful dialogues and insightful exchanges between our local creative sectors and distinguished visitors from ASEAN.

Hong Kong’s film industry remains a cornerstone of our pride and identity. The Hong Kong SAR Government is steadfast in its commitment to supporting our filmmakers through targeted initiatives. Through the Film Development Fund, we nurture emerging talent, back original local productions, encourage international co-productions, and showcase Hong Kong cinema on the global stage.

Beyond the silver screen, we are actively integrating film with tourism to bring our cinematic culture into everyday life. In the past two years, we have launched two immersive and distinctive film set exhibitions – the “Kowloon Walled City: A Cinematic Journey” and the “Yau Ma Tei Police Station: A Cinematic Journey”. I warmly invite those of you who have yet to experience them to do so, and discover the unique ambience of the Hong Kong cinema firsthand.

Before I close, I would like to extend my heartfelt appreciation to the Hong Kong-ASEAN Foundation for organising this wonderful event. I wish the ASEAN Film Festival 2026 every success, and everyone here a very pleasant evening. Thank you.

Ends/Thursday, August 20, 2026
Issued at HKT 19:15
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HKETO Jakarta holds seminar and business networking dinner in Colombo to promote Hong Kong-Sri Lanka trade and investment opportunities

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Jakarta (HKETO Jakarta) organised a seminar and business networking dinner themed “Bridging Markets: Unlocking Hong Kong-Sri Lanka Trade & Investment Opportunities” in Colombo, Sri Lanka, on August 19 to promote Hong Kong’s role as an international trade and investment hub and a key functional platform for the Belt and Road Initiative, as well as to deepen bilateral relations. The event was co-organised by Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK) and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), with support from the Sri Lanka Export Development Board and the National Chamber of Commerce of Sri Lanka.
 
In her opening remarks, the Director-General of the HKETO Jakarta, Miss Libera Cheng, highlighted the long-term solid economic ties between Hong Kong and Sri Lanka. Bilateral trade in goods totalled US$520 million in 2025, while Hong Kong was Sri Lanka’s eighth-largest source of foreign direct investment, contributing US$28 million. Hong Kong is also a leading regional centre for green and sustainable finance, making it a natural partner for Sri Lanka as the latter advances its own green economy priorities. She added that Hong Kong offers Sri Lankan enterprises unparalleled connections and professional support in accessing the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, the wider Chinese Mainland, and other Asian markets.
 
Miss Cheng also introduced the Task Force on Supporting Mainland Enterprises in Going Global, the one-stop platform that brings together Hong Kong’s professional services and institutional strengths to assist Chinese Mainland companies’ expansion into promising markets such as Sri Lanka, spanning infrastructure, manufacturing, green technology and other sectors. At the same time, the Economic and Trade Express platform co-ordinates HKETOs, InvestHK and the HKTDC to support Hong Kong small and medium-sized enterprises in tapping new overseas opportunities.
 
Representatives from InvestHK and the HKTDC elaborated on how Hong Kong’s specialised platforms, trade fairs and business summits can assist Sri Lankan enterprises in expanding their operations internationally.
 
The event was attended by over 100 guests, including the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Sri Lanka Export Development Board, Mr Mangala Wijesinghe; the President of the National Chamber of Commerce of Sri Lanka, Mr Anura Warnakulasooriya; the Director of South Asia and Thailand of the HKTDC, Ms Vian Cheung; and representatives from the local government and business sectors.
 
During her visit to Colombo, Miss Cheng paid courtesy calls on the Chinese Embassy in Sri Lanka, and the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development; the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism; the Ministry of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development; the Ministry of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Co-operative Development; and the Ministry of Science and Technology. She also met with the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce and the Chinese Chamber of Commerce in Sri Lanka to introduce Hong Kong’s latest developments and exchange views on business and investment opportunities in Sri Lanka.

        

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ASEAN Film Festival 2026 opens

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

ASEAN Film Festival 2026 opens (with photo) 
     Officiating at the opening ceremony, the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Miss Rosanna Law said that the AFF 2026 is about far more than screening of films, it is fundamentally about connection and collaboration between ASEAN and Hong Kong, which resonates profoundly with Hong Kong’s strategic positioning as the East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange. 

     Miss Law also reiterated the commitment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government to backing local filmmakers with targeted initiatives, and, through the FDF, supports creative local productions and international co-productions, nurtures young talents and showcases Hong Kong cinema on the global stage. 
 
     With a view to enhancing understanding of the creative process behind film productions, the Festival will also hold post-screening sharing sessions after selected screenings, at which the directors and filmmakers concerned will interact with the audiences.
 
     The AFF was first launched by the Hong Kong-ASEAN Foundation in 2023 with the aim of promoting understanding and appreciation of regional cultures through films. The series of AFF 2026 events will run until September 27. For more information on the AFF 2026, please visit www.aseanfilmfest.orgIssued at HKT 21:25

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Pig farm at Sheung Che in Pat Heung, Yuen Long convicted of illegal livestock waste discharge

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

​The owner of a pig farm in Sheung Che at Pat Heung, Yuen Long, was convicted of violating the Waste Disposal (Livestock Waste) Regulations by discharging improperly treated livestock waste into nearby watercourse, and was fined $8,000 by the Fanling Magistrates’ Courts on August 18.

During a previous surprise inspection in Yuen Long, the Environmental Protection Department (EPD) staff applied smart technology to assist in monitoring and gathering evidence, including conducting aerial surveillance of the pig farm concerned using a drone, and spotted that a large amount of brownish wastewater with foam carrying odour of pig manure was being discharged into a nearby watercourse from a pipe of the pig farm concerned, causing serious pollution to the downstream water quality of Kam Tin River. The EPD staff immediately collected a wastewater sample for analysis, and the result indicated an exceedance of the legal discharge standard. The EPD subsequently instigated a prosecution against the pig farm owner involved in the case, in accordance with the Waste Disposal (Livestock Waste) Regulations, and notified the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department of the case for follow-up action.

An EPD spokesman said that the department is highly concerned about illegal wastewater discharge from livestock farms along Kam Tin River. Livestock waste without proper treatment contains high concentration of pollutants. Its discharge into rivers not only causes serious water pollution, but also odour nuisance. According to the Waste Disposal (Livestock Waste) Regulations, liquid livestock waste generated by livestock farms must be properly treated to meet the statutory requirements before discharge. Offenders are liable to a maximum fine of $50,000 and a fine of $5,000 for each day on which the offence continues. Operators and staff of livestock farms must strictly comply with the law, properly operate and maintain wastewater treatment facilities for livestock waste, and must not, for the sake of convenience, discharge untreated livestock waste into nearby rivers or water bodies. Any contravention will be subject to prosecution.

The EPD spokesman reiterated that the department will continue to combat any illegal wastewater discharge activity by surprise inspections, smart technology application and inter-departmental collaboration to safeguard environmental health and river water quality.

  

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CFS announces test results of Summer Food Surveillance Programme

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

CFS announces test results of Summer Food Surveillance Programme (with photo) 
     The spokesman said, “The CFS collected about 2 600 samples from market stalls, restaurants, food factories, fresh provision shops, online vendors (including online retailers and online food delivery platforms), hawkers and others for tests.”
 
     The samples comprised 535 samples of dairy products and frozen confections, 113 samples of cut fruit and salads, 192 samples of desserts and drinks, 61 samples of sandwiches, 244 samples of cold cuts or cooked meat products, 862 samples of aquatic products (such as sushi and sashimi, fish, crustaceans, molluscs and other edible aquatic animals) and 592 samples of other ready-to-eat foods.
 
     The spokesman said that about 2 420 food samples were collected for microbiological tests, and about 170 samples for chemical tests. The results showed that except for a frozen confection sample and four ice cream samples detected with coliform bacteria counts exceeding the legal limits, and a prepackaged pork floss sample detected with an antioxidant exceeding the legal limit, the remaining samples were all satisfactory. The overall satisfactory rate was 99.8 per cent.
 
     The CFS has announced the test results of the unsatisfactory samples and conducted follow-up actions, including instructing the vendors concerned to stop selling the relevant food and remove from shelves the affected products, and tracing the sources of the food items in question.
 
     A spokesman for the CFS said, “In view of hot weather, the CFS has been enhancing surveillance of frozen confection. The FEHD has been stepping up inspections of factories that manufacture ice cream at the wholesale level and licensed frozen confection factories at the retail level this year, ensuring that food premises comply with relevant licensing conditions and meet statutory hygiene standards in the handling and manufacturing of ice cream. As of July this year, the CFS has organised 10 thematic seminars for the trade, providing health education to operators and staff of frozen confection factories and distributing food safety pamphlets to remind them of the proper way of handling frozen confections. The CFS has also reminded members of the public to pay attention to food safety during the summer period through various channels, such as social media and seminars.”
 
     The spokesman reminded members of the public in particular that raw or undercooked foods are high-risk foods as there is not any, or inadequate, heat treatment to eliminate the microorganisms present that can pose risks to human health. Raw or undercooked foods are also associated with the risk of contracting antimicrobial resistance (AMR) microorganisms. Although these AMR microorganisms may not cause illnesses, they may transfer their antibiotic resistance genes to other bacteria inside the human body, therefore affecting the effectiveness of the future use of antibiotics when needed. Susceptible populations such as pregnant women, young children, the elderly and people with weakened immunity (e.g. people with chronic diseases or those on antibiotics treatment, antacid and long-term steroids or drugs given to prevent transplant rejection) are of higher risk of being infected or having complications if they consume raw or undercooked foods due to their health status. They should therefore avoid eating raw and undercooked foods.
 
     Members of the public should pay attention to food safety, especially in summer, and observe the following Five Keys to Food Safety in order to reduce the risk of foodborne diseases:
      Members of the public are also reminded to dine out in licensed and hygienic restaurants. Food premises selling sushi and sashimi or other high-risk foods require a special permit. The public should patronise only those with relevant licences or permits issued by the FEHD.
Issued at HKT 18:43

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HKPF INC (from 1945hrs to 2000hrs)

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Below please find information on an incident report(s) received by the Police:

1. Suspected Mentally Disordered Person Found / 18,on Muk St (18-18) / Sha Tin / 1941 hrs
2. Tado / 16-18 Queen’s Rd Central / Central / 1940 hrs
3. Rpa (Request For Police Assistance) / bag missing, 118 Peak Road / Peak / 1940 hrs
4. P Coll (person Collapsed) / con, 560,king’s Rd (560-560) / North Point / 1941 hrs
5. Tado / 16-18 Queen’s Rd Central / Central / 1940 hrs
6. Fire / 443 Queen’s Rd West (443-453) / Western / 1951 hrs
7. Fire / cardboard, 15-18 Connaught Rd Central / Central / 1951 hrs
 

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CHP investigates imported Mpox case

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

CHP investigates imported Mpox case 
     The case involves a 39-year-old male. He developed a sore throat, a fever and rashes on various parts of his body, including his genital area, trunk and limbs, on August 12. He attended a private clinic on the next day (August 13) and sought medical attention at the Accident and Emergency Department of Ruttonjee Hospital on August 17. He was admitted for treatment on the same day. Upon laboratory testing by the CHP’s Public Health Laboratory Services Branch, his specimen tested positive for the Monkeypox virus. The CHP arranged for the patient to receive isolation treatment at Princess Margaret Hospital and he is in stable condition.
 
     According to information provided by the patient, he had not received Mpox vaccination. He had high-risk exposure with a male stranger in Thailand during the incubation period. No epidemiological linkages between this case and confirmed Mpox cases earlier recorded in Hong Kong have been identified so far. The CHP is continuing an epidemiological investigation of the case, and will endeavour to contact individuals who had high-risk contact with the patient. The CHP will also report the case to the World Health Organization.
 
     Since 2022, Hong Kong has recorded a total of 96 Mpox cases (76 local cases and 20 imported cases), including the above-mentioned case. All patients were males. Epidemiological investigations revealed that most cases had high-risk sexual behaviour, including having sex with strangers or having sex without wearing condoms.
 
     The Mpox vaccine can prevent infection and severe disease. The DH provides Mpox vaccination services for high‑risk groups. The following high-risk target groups are eligible for Mpox vaccinations on a voluntary basis:
      High-risk target groups can receive Mpox walk-in vaccinations at any of the DH’s Social Hygiene Service Clinics (SocHS) (namely Chai Wan SocHS, Wan Chai Male SocHS, Wan Chai Female SocHS, Yau Ma Tei Male SocHS, Yau Ma Tei Female SocHS, Yung Fung Shee SocHS, Fanling SocHS and Tuen Mun SocHS) and the DH’s Yau Ma Tei Integrated Treatment Centre, without prior appointments.
　　
     Meanwhile, the DH’s Kowloon Bay Integrated Treatment Centre and the Hospital Authority’s Special Medical Clinics at Queen Elizabeth Hospital and Princess Margaret Hospital also provide Mpox vaccination services for their clients.
     　
     Mpox is not transmitted through respiratory droplets or aerosols in general, and transmission would not occur through social contact. The CHP reminds the public, especially those at higher risks of exposure, to take precautions and avoid close physical contact with persons or animals suspected of being infected. They should seek medical attention as soon as possible if they experience relevant symptoms, including rash, fever, chills, swollen lymph nodes, exhaustion, muscle pain, and severe headaches. They should not engage in activities with others that may involve contact with skin rash or body fluids.

     For more details, please visit the CHP’s webpages on MpoxIssued at HKT 19:15

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