MIL Asia Pacific Publishing Engine

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK) announced that MKS PAMP, a global Swiss precious metals firm, inaugurated its new regional headquarters in Hong Kong today (October 30), leveraging the city’s position as a premier international gold trading centre to expand its footprint in the Asia-Pacific region. The inauguration was marked by a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by senior executives from MKS PAMP, representatives of InvestHK, and key stakeholders from the financial and precious metals sectors.
      
     MKS PAMP has maintained a substantial presence in Hong Kong for many years, with established offices and deep client relationships in the region. Building on this foundation, the inauguration of its new regional headquarters in the Central district represents an important expansion of the company’s regional footprint. This strategic development elevates Hong Kong to the status of one of the company’s three global trading hubs, alongside Geneva and New York. This provides seamless, round-the-clock coverage across all major time zones and assures the highest level of service to its regional clientele.
      
     Acting Director-General of Investment Promotion of InvestHK Ms Loretta Lee said, “We are delighted to support MKS PAMP’s expansion in Hong Kong. This decision not only reinforces the city’s status as a leading international financial centre but also aligns with the Government’s ongoing efforts to promote the city as an international hub for gold trading. MKS PAMP’s expansion is a testament to Hong Kong’s attractiveness as a destination for global businesses seeking to grow in the Asia-Pacific region.”
      
     The Chief Executive Officer of MKS PAMP, Mr James Emmett, said, “Hong Kong’s world-class infrastructure and established role as a global financial centre make it a natural choice for this expansion. We see Hong Kong not only as a vital link to the Chinese Mainland’s gold market but also its position at the nexus of Asia Pacific’s precious metals market.”
      
     He added, “We value the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government’s ongoing initiatives to strengthen its status as an international gold trading centre. This vision aligns seamlessly with our own, with Hong Kong consequently playing a strategic role in our regional and global aspirations.”
      
     He further explained, “As part of its regional growth strategy, MKS PAMP is expanding its team in Hong Kong and across the Asia-Pacific region. The Hong Kong headquarters will serve as the regional hub for the company’s comprehensive suite of precious metals trading and financial services. Core functions based here will include regional sales and client relationship management, precious metals trading, treasury activities, and operational support.”
      
     For more information about MKS PAMP, please visit www.mkspamp.com.

     For a copy of the photo, please visit: www.flickr.com/photos/investhk/albums/72177720329862261.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Director of Immigration, Mr Benson Kwok, led a delegation to attend the meeting of “1+2” co-ordination mechanism among the Chinese Mainland and the Hong Kong and Macao Special Administrative Regions immigration management authorities in Chongqing on October 28 with the immigration authorities of the Mainland and the Hong Kong and Macao Special Administrative Regions. The meeting brought together representatives from the Exit and Entry Administration of the People’s Republic of China, the Macao Public Security Police Force, and the Macao Identification Services Bureau to exchange views on various immigration matters, including immigration management service arrangements for the 15th National Games of the People’s Republic of China, travel document issuance, immigration clearance facilitation and talent mobility.
 
     Mr Kwok stated that the Immigration Department will strengthen collaboration with the Mainland and Macao counterparts to ensure the 15th National Games are held safely and smoothly. The Department will make advance immigration management service arrangements and deploy manpower as appropriate at control points to facilitate efficient immigration clearance for participating athletes, organisers and visitors travelling among the Mainland, Hong Kong and Macao.
 
     The three sides agreed to continue close collaboration and deepen exchanges to safeguard national security and social stability and to support the successful hosting of the 15th National Games.
 
     At the meeting, the three authorities also discussed measures to further facilitate the travel of residents between the Mainland and the two Special Administrative Regions and to apply innovation and technology to enhance immigration services. Consensus was reached on various initiatives, including expanding the scope of talent endorsement policies, improving identification document processing and immigration clearance efficiency, and improving residency and service facilities arrangements. These aim to provide more convenient and efficient immigration services and to support Hong Kong and Macao in developing into international talent hubs.
 
     Since its launch in 2019 in Qingdao, Shandong Province, the “1+2” co-ordination mechanism has served as a key platform for co-operation in immigration management between the Mainland and the two Special Administrative Regions. Established under the leadership of the Exit and Entry Administration of the People’s Republic of China with the participation from the Immigration Department of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and the Public Security Police Force and Identification Services Bureau of the Macao Special Administrative Region, the “1+2” co-ordination mechanism aims to enhance co-ordination and planning in immigration management across the three regions, facilitate smoother personnel exchanges, and better integrate Hong Kong and Macao into the national development strategy.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The National Security Department (NSD) of the Hong Kong Police Force continued to take enforcement action and laid charges against two local men, aged 32 and 34, who were arrested on October 28, jointly with one count of “conspiracy to incite riot” under the Public Order Ordinance (Cap. 245) today (October 30). The 32-year-old man was also charged with one count of “incitement to riot” under the Public Order Ordinance (Cap. 245).

The case will be mentioned at the West Kowloon Magistrates’ Courts this afternoon.

During the same operation, the NSD searched a unit in the Kowloon region yesterday (October 29) afternoon. Three compound bows with twelve arrows and two katanas were seized. A 46-year-old local man was suspected of contravening the Summary Offences Ordinance (Cap. 228) for “possession of offensive weapon with intent” and he is being detained for further enquires. Offenders are liable upon conviction for the above offence to a maximum fine of $5,000 and two years of imprisonment.

Relevant operation is still ongoing. Police do not rule out the possibility of further arrests.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) announced today (October 30) that 30 public swimming pools under its management (see Annex) will open for public use between November 1, 2025, and March 31, 2026. Heated water will be provided from November 16. The LCSD will continue to monitor changes in temperature. If the weather forecast predicts that the daily average air temperature will drop to 23 degrees Celcius or below for three consecutive days before November 16, heated water will be provided earlier.

     Four swimming pools will be temporarily closed for maintenance works at different parts of the period. Details are as follows:

Swimming pool	Period of temporary closure
Wan Chai Swimming Pool	December 1, 2025, to January 20, 2026
Victoria Park Swimming Pool	February 20 to April 21, 2026
Sham Shui Po Park Swimming Pool	February 24 to April 15, 2026
Kwun Tong Swimming Pool	January 2 to February 21, 2026

     For details of the opening arrangements and the schedule of the weekly cleaning operations of the public swimming pools, please visit the following website: www.lcsd.gov.hk/en/beach/swim-intro/swimlocation.html.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) announced today (October 30) the following arrangements for lifesaving services at its 39 gazetted beaches during the period between November 1, 2025, and March 31, 2026:

Deep Water Bay Beach, Clear Water Bay Second Beach, Silverstrand Beach, Golden Beach, Lido Beach and Casam Beach
————————————————————————————————————————————–
November 1, 2025, to March 31, 2026
Lifesaving services available from 8am to 5pm daily

Stanley Main Beach, Repulse Bay Beach, Middle Bay Beach, Big Wave Bay Beach and Silver Mine Bay Beach 
————————————————————————————————————————
November 1 to 30, 2025, and March 1 to 31, 2026
Lifesaving services available from 8am to 5pm daily
(Lifesaving services suspended from December 1, 2025, to February 28, 2026)

Lifesaving services at the remaining 28 LCSD beaches will be suspended from November 1, 2025, to March 31, 2026. A detailed list can be found in the attachment. 

     The LCSD calls on members of the public to observe water safety while swimming. People should swim at the beaches only when lifesaving services are available. Please do not enter the water when the red flag is hoisted.

     Members of the public should stay away from the shoreline during inclement weather and should not conduct any water sports activities on beaches to avoid causing danger to themselves and rescue personnel. Any failure to comply with the temporary closure arrangement of beaches is an offence, and the offender would be liable to prosecution.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The following is issued on behalf of the Labour Advisory Board:
 
The Labour Advisory Board (LAB) fully supports the upcoming eighth-term Legislative Council (LegCo) General Election to be held on December 7, 2025. This election will return 90 Members to the LegCo, infusing powerful momentum into Hong Kong’s advancement from stability to prosperity and driving sustained prosperity and growth.
 
The Commissioner for Labour and the Chairman of the LAB, Mr Sam Hui, said, “The LAB appeals to all organisations and enterprises in Hong Kong to actively support the Government’s call for implementing flexible arrangements to facilitate their employees’ fulfilment of their civic responsibility to vote. At the same time, we sincerely call on all employees to actively cast their votes on the election day. With the best talent elected, together we build an even better Hong Kong.”
 
     The LAB is a tripartite consultative body comprising representatives of employees and employers to advise the Commissioner for Labour on labour matters.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Hong Kong Museum of Art (HKMoA) has recently received another significant donation of Hong Kong art. Hong Kong’s renowned artist Kong Kai-ming has generously donated 100 watercolour paintings of Hong Kong’s natural scenery and geological features to the HKMoA’s permanent collection, which demonstrate Kong’s keen observation and portrayal of nature as well as his deep affection for Hong Kong. The Director of Leisure and Cultural Services, Ms Manda Chan, presented a certificate of appreciation to Kong on behalf of the department.
 
Born in 1932, Kong has been dedicated to artistic creation and art education for over 70 years. In addition to painting and teaching, he has released more than 60 art-related publications, making significant contributions to Hong Kong’s art scene. Capturing Hong Kong’s streets and scenery with detailed brushwork, his works document the changes in the city’s urban landscape and natural beauty. As a home-grown Hong Kong artist, Kong gives himself a sense of responsibility to capture and convey Hong Kong’s unique beauty through his art. Since several years ago, he has begun meticulously selecting his most cherished works for donation to the HKMoA as a heartfelt tribute to the city that he loves.
 
The paintings donated were completed between 2011 and 2023. In a realistic approach, Kong captures the stunning beauty of nature through rich compositions, varied perspectives, meticulous brushwork and vibrant colours, presenting the diverse shapes, textures and hues of mountains and rocks. With a soft brush, he masterfully portrays the hardness of stone, such as the twisted rock pillars of the High Island Reservoir and the extraordinary rock formation at the Bluff Head, bringing these scenes vividly to life. Some paintings, such as “Port Island”, provide background information on the rock formation, adding geological significance beyond their artistic value.
 
In 2006, Kong was awarded the Bronze Bauhinia Star by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government, recognising his outstanding contributions to art education.
 
Established in 1962, the HKMoA is the first public art museum in Hong Kong, dedicated to preserving and promoting local art. At present, the HKMoA is the custodian of an art collection of over 19 700 items, spanning historical eras from the Neolithic Age to contemporary times, representing the cultural significance and richness of artistic heritage from Hong Kong and beyond.

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 High-Level Forum on Generative AI Governance and Cultural Co-Creation today (October 30):

Professor Guo (Provost of the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Professor Guo Yike), Professor Qu (Dean of Academy of Interdisciplinary Studies, the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Professor Huamin Qu), Professor Song (Director of the Media Intelligence Research Center, the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Professor Celine Song), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

     Good morning. It is my pleasure to join this forum, which brings together visionary minds to explore how trust, governance and innovation can shape the future of artificial intelligence. Let me begin by extending my warmest congratulations on the inauguration of the Media Intelligence Research Center of the HKUST (Hong Kong University of Science and Technology).

     First of all, I am happy to share with you that the National 15th Five-Year Plan has just confirmed the support for Hong Kong in building an international I&T (innovation and technology) centre. We are standing at the forefront of a global technological shift. AI is rapidly reshaping industries, economies and societies. According to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, the global AI market is expected to reach about US$4.8 trillion by 2033, which is a 25-fold increase in 10 years from now. This remarkable growth underscores the urgent need for economies around the world to formulate and implement policies that balance the immense potential and the underlying risks of AI, ensuring its sustainable and inclusive development.

     The Government has spared no effort in promoting sound AI governance while fostering the advancement of industry. One of the cornerstones is the Ethical Artificial Intelligence Framework, first introduced in 2021, which covers 12 core principles from fairness and transparency to human oversight, implementation guidelines and risk assessment tools. The aim is to help organisations embed ethical considerations when implementing IT projects, ensuring that their AI systems are not only effective but also responsible. To keep up with the evolving AI landscape, the updated version introduced in 2023 further sharpened its relevance and recommended clearer practices to address emerging risks.

     Complementing our ethical framework is the Principles of Data Governance promulgated by the Government in 2024, which provide a foundational layer for reliable AI development. As data powers every stage of the life cycle of an AI system, from training to application, its quality, integrity and responsible use are essential. This Data Governance document promotes lawful sharing, privacy protection and accountability, helping organisations unlock the value of data in a responsible and ethical manner. This is crucial to our broader governance efforts.

     In view of the growing use of generative AI across sectors, the Government sees the merits in developing a practical framework for safe and responsible adoption that is tailored to Hong Kong’s context with contribution from professionals. The Hong Kong Generative AI Research and Development Center (HKGAI), under the leadership of Professor Guo Yike, was commissioned to put together the Hong Kong Generative Artificial Intelligence Technical and Application Guideline for release in April 2025. By leveraging the HKGAI’s experience in building Hong Kong’s first locally adapted large language model, the guideline provides clear, pragmatic and actionable advice for developers, service providers and users in the application of AI technology, covering key risks of data leakage, model bias and misinformation, and recommendations on safeguarding model training, deployment and content integrity.

     The Government also takes the lead in building a vibrant AI ecosystem by advancing the integration of AI into public services, recognising its potential to enhance efficiency, responsiveness and citizen experience. As announced in the 2025 Policy Address, a dedicated AI Efficacy Enhancement Team is set up to promote AI applications across government departments and explore process re-engineering to elevate public services. In parallel, the Digital Policy Office will roll out various AI applications in respect of data analysis, customer service and document processing.

     Alongside various initiatives to expand AI application scenarios in public services, the Government introduced the AI Adoption Guide for Government bureaux and departments earlier this year. It outlines strategies, practical guidelines and facilitation measures for AI adoption, with a strong emphasis on top-down leadership and a business-led “AI+” approach. It further encourages departments to identify operational challenges and explore the deployment of AI to enhance efficiency and improve service quality, serving as a catalyst for public service transformation.

     A thriving AI ecosystem counts not only on innovation and technology, but also strong and adaptive governance. Compliance across both public and private sectors is vital to protect data, uphold standards and build public trust. I appreciate the cross-sectoral effort in promoting responsible innovation and reliable AI governance.

     Before I close, I wish this forum every success, and look forward to witnessing Hong Kong’s AI development scaling new heights. Thank you.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Transport Department (TD) announced today (October 30) that a pilot licence for autonomous vehicles (AVs) has been issued to approve a cross-district AV trial on Airportcity Link connecting the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge (HZMB) Hong Kong Port and SKYCITY at the airport, in accordance with section 4(1) of the Road Traffic (Autonomous Vehicles) Regulation (Cap. 374AA).

     The approved trial project involves seven public light buses operated by autonomous driving between the HZMB Hong Kong Port and SKYCITY. During the initial stage of the trial, a backup operator will be stationed in the vehicle at all times to take over control when necessary. The TD’s label for pilot AV shall be displayed on all pilot AVs for identification by other road users. Details of the pilot licence have been uploaded to the TD’s website on AV trials.

     A spokesman for the TD said that, as set out in the Policy Address 2025, three cross-district pilot projects will commence within this year, including the above Airportcity Link between the HZMB Hong Kong Port and the airport, and a project spanning Kowloon City and Kwun Tong Districts, encompassing the Kai Tak Development Area, also announced today. The Government aims to accelerate progress towards driverless and large-scale development and also aspires to achieve commercial operation, encouraging the industry to leverage Hong Kong as a platform to explore overseas markets, particularly those with right-hand drive systems. Driving and road safety remain the top priority, and the Government will draw on practical experience to refine technical standards, share research findings with the industry in a timely manner, and implement these initiatives in a prudent and orderly process.

     The TD welcomes interested organisations or enterprises to submit applications for a pilot licence. Upon receipt of an application, the TD will consider various factors, including the design operating range and functions of the autonomous system, relevant national or international standards/guidelines, and the road test situations, based on the Code of Practice for Trial and Pilot Use of Autonomous Vehicles before approval. Among them, the TD has been accepting submissions of the Guobiao (GB) to substantiate that the vehicles or their components comply with the relevant technical requirements and vehicle construction standards. In addition, the operation experience and performance of AV in areas outside Hong Kong (including the Mainland), such as test reports in accordance with the GB, will be taken into consideration by the TD in evaluating the performance of the vehicle automation.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

Five owners were convicted and fined $510,190 in total at the Magistrates’ Courts on Tuesday (October 28) for failing to comply with removal orders issued under the Buildings Ordinance (BO) (Cap. 123). 
 
The first case involved three unauthorised structures with a total area of about 75 square metres on a flat roof and rooftop of a residential building on San Lok Street, Sheung Shui. As the unauthorised building works (UBWs) were carried out without prior approval and consent from the Buildings Department (BD), three removal orders were served on the two concerned owners under section 24(1) of the BO. Failure to comply with the removal orders, they were prosecuted by the BD and were fined $317,710 in total, of which $222,710 was the fine for the number of days that the offence continued, upon conviction at the Fanling Magistrates’ Courts.
 
The second case involved a three-storey unauthorised structure with an area of about 100 sq m at Sheung Wo Hang, Sha Tau Kok. Since the Lands Department would not issue a certificate of exemption for the UBWs and they were also carried out without prior approval and consent from the BD, a removal order was served on the two co-owners under section 24(1) of the BO. Failure to comply with the removal order, they were prosecuted by the BD and were fined $104,280 in total, of which $84,280 was the fine for the number of days that the offence continued, upon conviction at the Fanling Magistrates’ Courts.
 
The third case involved unauthorised alterations at the basement of an industrial building at Kwun Tong Road, Kwun Tong, including erection of a structure at the entrance of a staircase, replacement of fire-resisting concrete block walls by glazed walls of an inadequate fire rating and removal of fire-resisting concrete block walls and fire-resisting doors at cold-storage godowns. The alteration works affected the fire-resisting construction of the building and contravened the Building (Construction) Regulation. A removal order was served on the owner under section 24(1) of the BO. Failure to comply with the removal order, the owner was prosecuted by the BD and was fined $88,200 in total, of which $53,200 was the fine for the number of days that the offence continued, upon conviction at the Kwun Tong Magistrates’ Courts.
 
A spokesman for the BD said today (October 30), “UBWs, including unauthorised alterations affecting the fire-resisting construction of a building, may lead to serious consequences. Owners must comply with removal orders without delay. The BD will continue to take enforcement action against owners who fail to comply with removal orders, including instigation of prosecution, to ensure building and public safety.”
 
Failure to comply with a removal order without reasonable excuse is a serious offence under the BO. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $200,000 and one year’s imprisonment, and a further fine of up to $20,000 for each day that the offence continues.