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Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Hong Kong boasts 1,180km of shoreline and 263 islands, making it ideal for yachting.

In the recent 2025 Policy Address, Chief Executive John Lee proposed, for the first time, to develop the city’s yacht economy, and to establish Hong Kong as a key yachting hub in Asia.

Initiatives include providing 600 additional yacht berths at the former Lamma Quarry, expansion of the Aberdeen Typhoon Shelter and the Hung Hom Station waterfront projects, and a planned yacht bay at Airport City, which will include berths that can accommodate superyachts of over 80m in length.

More convenience

Stephen Wong, Head of the Chief Executive’s Policy Unit (CEPU) recently held a discussion with prominent figures in the yachting industry to explore the sector’s prospects.

He highlighted that there are new measures in place that mean incoming boats can avoid prior booking, giving seafarers greater convenience.

Hong Kong Boating Industry Association Chair Lawrence Chow agreed that this is a positive development, applauding  “the regulations of making it more convenient for visiting yachts to come to Hong Kong, with these new anchorage spaces, and then also streamlining the customs, immigration and quarantine facilities.”

Full ecosystem

The Policy Address also provided details of the proposals for the yacht bay at Airport City.

Asia-Pacific Superyacht Association Executive Director Suzy Rayment stressed the importance of welcoming more high-spending visitors, and remarked that the superyacht industry brings a full ecosystem of jobs and services to Hong Kong.

“For example, you need to have berthing, fuelling and provisioning, and so Hong Kong as a whole benefits from these yachts coming in, because they spend a lot of money,” she said.

Miss Rayment added that many yacht owners manage their vessels through family offices, and that they may also own private jets or have a helicopter on their yachts.

For Mr Wong, the emphasis on high-value yacht owners aligns well with the city’s strategy of attracting family offices, as well as its efforts to build the city’s reputation as an art trading hub.

Complementing this perspective, Mr Chow said that more boats coming in will mean more career opportunities for captains and crew, a growing role for the maintenance sector, and new opportunities for Hong Kong’s mega event industry.

“When we have, for example, the Hong Kong Marina there, it could possibly host some international events in the heart of the city. That really puts Hong Kong on the map.”

Key gateway

Mr Wong also underlined Hong Kong’s strategic role in connecting regional yacht communities, as well as its potential to serve as a springboard into the Greater Bay Area.

He said the Asia-Pacific Superyacht Association is active in organising prestigious events, such as international yacht shows, that attract important business travellers.

Miss Rayment explained that the association works across the Asia-Pacific area with regional neighbours including Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand and Japan.

She described Hong Kong as a fantastic hub because of its well-established boating community, which includes 70-plus superyacht owners.

“And if we add in the Greater Bay Area, that is going to be quite amazing.”

Co-ordinating role

The industry stakeholders also applauded the CEPU’s co-ordination efforts, including its hosting of a roundtable discussion on the yacht economy in March. The forum gathered insights from industry leaders, Legislative Council members and government bureaus.

Mr Chow praised the rapid progress made so far and the way the CEPU has brought together different stakeholders, commenting “It means a lot.”

Miss Rayment affirmed that industry associations can offer information of a technical nature that will be invaluable to policy-makers going forward.

Mr Wong added that the CEPU looks forward to collaborating further with industry players  to help Hong Kong’s yacht economy develop its potential.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     Police are investigating a murder and suicide case happened in Tsing Yi today (October 29) in which a man and a woman died.

     At 2.29pm, Police received a report that a man was found lying unconscious outside Hang Chi House, Cheung Hang Estate, suspected of having fallen from height.

     Police officers sped to the scene. The 82-year-old man was certified dead at scene. Officers later located a 56-year-old woman lying unconscious inside a unit in Wang Sum House, Cheung Wang Estate. Sustaining head injuries, she was certified dead at scene.

     Initial investigation revealed that the man had allegedly attacked the woman with a blunt object inside the unit in Wang Sum House.

     Post-mortem examinations will be conducted later to ascertain the cause of death of the deceased.

     Active investigation by the District Crime Squad of Kwai Tsing District is underway.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The National Security Department of the Hong Kong Police Force arrested two local men and three local women, aged between 32 and 60, in Kowloon and the New Territories yesterday (October 28). They were suspected of committing offences contravening the Public Order Ordinance (Cap 245), for “aiding and abetting riot”, “incitement to riot” and “conspiracy to incite riot”, as well as the offence of “sedition” under the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance. They were also suspected of “perverting the course of public justice”.
    
     Police investigations revealed that the arrested persons were suspected of manufacturing and providing weapons for frontline rioters who participated in multiple riots in late 2019, with the intention of causing serious casualties. One of the arrested men, aged 34, was also suspected of repeatedly posting seditious posts on his social media platform, which included inciting hatred against the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government and encouraging unlawful behavior. Another arrested woman, aged 50, was suspected of “perverting the course of public justice” by attempting to assist one of the arrested men in removing evidence related to the case.
 
     During the operation, a total of about $250,000 in cash was seized, believed to be related to the case. The arrested persons are being detained for further enquires. Police operation is ongoing.
 
     Police stressed that anyone participating in or supporting acts that undermine public peace and endanger national security is committing a serious offence. The maximum penalties for offences of “rioting” and “sedition” upon conviction are 10 years and seven years of imprisonment respectively. Police will continue to uphold the principle of “laws are observed and strictly enforced, to bring offenders to account” and will take resolute enforcement actions.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

Hong Kong Customs and anti-smuggling departments of the Mainland Customs conducted a joint operation. Through intelligence analysis, Hong Kong Customs intercepted two express parcels from Belgium, declared as pesticides, that were sent to Hong Kong via the Chinese Mainland on October 24 and yesterday (October 28) and discovered a total of 20 kilograms of suspected ketamine concealed inside plastic buckets from the parcels. The total estimated market value was about $9 million.

Customs officers subsequently mounted a controlled delivery operation yesterday and arrested two men, aged 21 and 77, suspected to be connected with the case in Cheung Sha Wan. Customs officers also seized HK$420,000 in cash from the 21-year-old man’s private car.

The two men have been charged with two counts of attempting to traffic in a dangerous drug and will appear in the West Kowloon Magistrates’ Court tomorrow (October 30).

Customs reminds members of the public to stay alert and not to participate in drug trafficking activities for monetary return. They must not accept hiring or delegation from another party to carry controlled items into and out of Hong Kong. They are also reminded not to carry unknown items for other people, nor to release their personal data or home address to others for receiving parcels or goods.

Customs will continue to maintain close contact with Hongkong Post and the logistics industries to step up action against drug trafficking through postal parcel or express courier channels.

Under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, trafficking in a dangerous drug is a serious offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $5 million and life imprisonment.

Members of the public may report any suspected drug trafficking activities to Customs’ 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk).

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Police Force’s National Security Department arrested two local men and three local women, aged between 32 and 60, in Kowloon and the New Territories yesterday.

They were suspected of committing offences contravening the Public Order Ordinance, for aiding and abetting riot, incitement to riot and conspiracy to incite riot, as well as the offence of sedition under the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance. They were also suspected of perverting the course of public justice.

Investigations revealed that the arrested people were allegedly involved manufacturing and providing weapons for frontline rioters who participated in multiple riots in late 2019, with the intention of causing serious casualties.

One of the arrested men, aged 34, was also suspected of repeatedly posting seditious posts on his social media platform, which included inciting hatred against the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government and encouraging unlawful behavior.

Another arrested woman, aged 50, was suspected of perverting the course of public justice by attempting to assist one of the arrested men in removing evidence related to the case.

During the operation, a total of about $250,000 in cash was seized, believed to be related to the case. The arrested people are being detained for further enquires.

Police stressed that participating in or supporting acts that undermine public peace and endanger national security are serious offences, and that offenders are liable to imprisonment for 10 years and seven years of  respectively upon conviction.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Environmental Protection Department (EPD) announced today (October 29) that the West Kowloon Waste Transfer Station, which was affected by a fire earlier today, has resumed operation at 6pm and is receiving waste under normal operations. The EPD has notified the industry and will maintain close contact with them.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

A fire broke out at the West Kowloon Waste Transfer Station on Stonecutters Island today (October 29). Operation of the facility is currently under temporary suspension.

Upon detecting fire and smoke from waste at the facility at about 1.45pm today, the contractor immediately notified the Fire Services Department (FSD) and evacuated all staff and users on site. The fire was largely put out at about 2.30pm by firefighters upon arrival. No injuries were reported.

FSD’s initial investigation found no suspicious cause of the fire. It is believed that the fire was caused by sparks produced by welding carried out by the contractor. The Environmental Protection Department (EPD) has requested the contractor to submit a report on the fire incident within seven days.

The EPD has temporarily suspended operation of the facility to allow the contractor to carry out cleaning and assess the impact of the incident on the facility. During the suspension, affected users may use other transfer stations or directly deliver waste to landfills for disposal. The EPD has notified the industry about the suspension and will maintain close contact with them.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Transport Department (TD) today (October 29) reminded members of the public that the new licence fee for electric private cars (e-PCs) will take effect from November 1 (Saturday). The new fee structure will apply to newly registered e-PCs while renewal of vehicle licences (VLs) for existing ones will be granted a four-month grace period. Eligible disabled vehicle owners will be offered licence fee concessions.

     A spokesman for the TD said, “Under the new licence fee structure, licence fees will be charged based on the rated power of e-PCs stated on their vehicle registration documents and VLs, and the fee levels will be suitably adjusted. On the one hand, the new licence fee maintains the attractiveness of electric vehicles (EVs) to continue encouraging drivers to switch to EVs to promote environmental protection, while on the other hand, it aligns with the technological advancements and practices in other regions. The licence fee structure and level for other vehicle classes remain unchanged.”

     The new five-tier licence fee structure based on rated power will comprise incremental adjustments in five phases over six years. The annual licence fee (ALF) for e-PCs from November 1, 2025, to February 28, 2027 is tabulated as follows:
 

Rated power of e-PCs (kilowatts) (kW)	ALF from November 1, 2025, to February 28, 2027 ($) (Note)
≤75	1,500
>75 to 125	2,000
>125 to 175	2,500
>175 to 225	3,000
>225	5,000
Note: The ALF from March 1, 2027, onwards is set out in the Annex. The Traffic Accident Victims Assistance Fund Levy is not yet included, i.e. $114 per vehicle for one year and $38 for four months at present. The fee for a licence for four months is 35 per cent of that for an annual licence, plus an additional fee of $30.

     Under the new licence fee structure, according to the current distribution of licensed e-PCs, the rated power of 99 per cent of them fall within the first, second and third tiers, while the proportions of e-PCs in the fourth and fifth tiers are only 1 per cent and 0.1 per cent respectively.

Special arrangements for VL renewal during four-month grace period

     Existing e-PC owners should note that, if their VL expires on or before February 28, 2026, and the renewal application is submitted from November 1, 2025, to February 28, 2026, the prevailing licence fee structure and levels will apply.

     As for renewal of VLs expiring on or after March 1, 2026, or applications for first or re-issue of VLs submitted on or after November 1, 2025, the new licence fees will apply.

Provision of licence fee concession to eligible disabled e-PC owners

     The Government will offer licence fee concession to eligible disabled e-PC owners pursuant to the policy objective of social integration. If the rated power of such e-PC does not exceed 75 kW, no licence fee will be charged. If it exceeds 75 kW, the ALF will be charged by deducting an amount equal to the prescribed ALF for an e-PC with a rated power of no more than 75 kW from the ALF of its rated power tier. This arrangement will apply to eligible disabled persons who renew VLs expiring on or after March 1, 2026, or submit applications for first or re-issue of VLs on or after November 1, 2025.

     The TD has issued letters to the automotive trades and vehicle dealers concerned to remind them to take note of the implementation of the new licence fee structure. Notices have been displayed at the TD’s Licensing Offices to introduce the above arrangements. The TD will also put up messages about the new fee structure through the “Electronic Driving Licence” mobile app and the e-Licensing Portal (elicensingportal.td.gov.hk/login).

     Members of the public may refer to the TD’s website or call the hotline at 2804 2600 for details.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

In support of World Stroke Day, the Department of Health (DH) today (October 29) appealed to members of the public to deepen their understanding of the causes and symptoms of stroke in order to prevent stroke and seek prompt medical attention as appropriate. The Government long been adopting a life-course health promotion strategy to promote health, including encouraging the public of different age groups and health statuses to adopt a healthy lifestyle encompassing healthy eating, being physically active, and refraining from smoking and alcohol consumption to guard against non-communicable diseases including stroke. Through the Chronic Disease Co-Care (CDCC) Pilot Scheme, the Government actively promotes convenient screening services for diabetes mellitus (DM) and hypertension (HT), and blood lipid testing to achieve full coverage of the “three highs”.
 
     “Stroke is a leading cause of disability and death worldwide. Globally, one in four adults over the age of 25 will suffer from stroke at some point in their lifetime, and it is not limited to the elderly. Around 60 per cent of strokes occur in individuals under the age of 70, and 16 per cent occur before the age of 50. Stroke is the fourth most common cause of death in Hong Kong, with 2 911 registered deaths (provisional figure) last year. Among them, 7.7 per cent were people aged 55 or below. The theme for World Stroke Day 2025 is ‘Every Minute Counts’. Time is critical in treating stroke. The sooner you recognise stroke symptoms in yourself or others, and the sooner the patient receives treatment, the better the outcome,” said the Controller of the Centre for Health Protection of the DH, Dr Edwin Tsui.
 
　　Members of the public should remember the warning signs of stroke and act “FAST”:

• face drooping: asymmetrical facial expressions;
• arm weakness: limb weakness on one side of the body;
• speech difficulties: difficulties in communicating with others; and
• time: call for immediate medical assistance to save lives.

 
　　Dr Tsui reminded the public that up to 80 per cent of strokes can be prevented through adherence to a healthy lifestyle and proper management of risk factors like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes and obesity. According to the Population Health Survey 2020-22, among those with hypertension, diabetes and hypercholesterolaemia, 41 per cent, 36 per cent and 70 per cent of the patients respectively were not aware of their conditions until attending the health examination provided under the survey.
 
The Primary Healthcare Commission promotes the Life Course Preventive Care Plan through the District Health Centres/District Health Centre Expresses (collectively referred to as DHCs) and family doctors, enhancing public awareness on self-health management and disease prevention. The Government launched the three-year CDCC Pilot Scheme since 2023, subsidising Hong Kong residents aged 45 and above with no known medical history of DM or HT to pair with family doctors for DM and HT screening services in the private healthcare market. In March this year, the CDCC Pilot Scheme was expanded to cover blood lipid testing, achieving full coverage of the “three highs”. Participants diagnosed with prediabetes, DM, HT or hyperlipidaemia after screening can proceed to the treatment phase and will be subsidised by the Government to continue their treatment with a family doctor of their choice, and subject to their health conditions, be provided with prescribed medication, a dedicated nurse clinic and allied health services. The CDCC Pilot Scheme reinforces the “Family Doctor for All” concept and expands the community healthcare network through the DHCs as resource hubs.
 
As of October 8 this year, over 160 000 citizens have already enrolled in the CDCC Pilot Scheme. It is expected that the target of having around 200 000 participants during the pilot period can be achieved earlier than expected. Approximately 99 200 participants (i.e. about 60 per cent) have completed the screenings and around 40 000 participants (i.e. about 40 per cent) have been diagnosed with prediabetes, DM, HT or dyslipidaemia, and have proceeded to the treatment phase. For more details of the CDCC Pilot Scheme, members of the public may visit the dedicated website of the CDCC Pilot Scheme.
 
The Government will continue to promote healthy living and work closely with community partners to foster a supportive environment conducive to healthy living. For more information, please visit the Change for Health website of the DH.