Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
LCQ3: Electric vehicle charging facilities in car parks under Hong Kong Housing Authority Question:
Some members of the public have relayed that some car parks in properties under the Hong Kong Housing Authority (HA), including those at public housing estates and subsidised sale housing, are not yet installed with charging facilities and smart payment systems. They are therefore unable to meet the needs arising from the popularisation of electric vehicles (EVs). In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
(1) of the total number of car parks in properties under the HAs where EV charging facilities have currently been installed; the number of charging facilities (including (i) standard chargers, (ii) medium chargers, (iii) fast chargers and (iv) 13A sockets for EV charging) installed in those car parks, set out in Table 1 by name of housing estate; Table 1
Name of housing estate(2) whether EV charging facilities at car parks in properties under the HA are currently installed with smart payment systems (such as real-time payment via mobile applications, Octopus cards or other electronic payment methods); if so, of the number of car parks where such systems have been installed and the installation rate; if not, the reasons for that;
(3) over the past five years, the (i) average daily total electricity consumption and (ii) average daily number of vehicle visits to the EV charging facilities at car parks in properties under the HA, and (iii) average daily charging duration per vehicle using the facilities (set out in Table 2); Table 2
Year(4) among the car parks in properties currently under the HA, whether there are any car parks where basic infrastructural facilities (such as space earmarked for a separate electricity meter or basic wiring) have been installed, but where charging facilities for electric vehicles have not yet been formally installed or commissioned; if so, (i) the housing estates or courts to which these car parks belong, (ii) the number of parking spaces involved, and (iii) the specific reasons why EV charging facilities have not been installed or commissioned (set out in Table 3); and Table 3
(i)(5) whether the HA has considered calculating charges for EV charging facilities in car parks of its properties on the basis of electricity consumption (rather than usage time); if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that?
Reply:
President,
In support of the Government’s policy to promote the wider use of electric vehicles (EVs), since 2013, the Hong Kong Housing Authority (HA) has been providing EV charging facilities in newly built carparks for public housing developments in accordance with the Hong Kong Planning Standards and Guidelines. Currently, the HA has equipped parking spaces for all private cars (PC), motorcycles and light goods vehicles with EV charging infrastructure in newly built carparks for public housing developments, and has installed medium chargers subject to site conditions. Moreover, in order to cater for the need for EV fast charging services, the HA also provides fast chargers at hourly PC parking spaces in newly built carparks which comprise 100 or more parking spaces. The HA will closely monitor the utilisation of EV chargers. In the coming three years, the HA plans to provide over 3 500 EV chargers in newly built carparks for public housing developments.
Our reply to the question raised by the Hon Dennis Leung is as follows:
(1) and (4) To complement the Government’s effort in enhancing the charging networks for EVs, the HA has been proactively expanding the provision of charging facilities in its carparks. As at June 2026, the HA has provided EV chargers for about 6 000 PC parking spaces in its over 170 carparks (accounting for about 80 per cent of the HA’s carparks). The EV chargers comprise about 1 680 standard chargers (i.e. 13A sockets), about 4 310 medium chargers and 13 fast chargers. If we take into account the parking spaces with charging infrastructure, over 30 per centof the PC parking spaces in the HA’s existing carparks have been equipped with charging facilities or relevant infrastructure (e.g. with final circuit cables laid). Given that the scale, the site conditions and the number of parking spaces in these over 170 carparks vary, we will make flexible arrangements according to actual needs. (2) The HA has installed self-service payment terminals which accept Octopus payments in 14 newly built carparks providing hourly parking spaces. The HA will continue to install self-service payment terminals in carparks providing hourly parking spaces for new public housing developments. These terminals will be placed near the hourly parking spaces to bring convenience to users and enhance users’ experience. Following the commencement of the Pilot Scheme, the HA will progressively invite tenders for EV charging services for its carparks, and ensure that electronic payment systems will be made available by the operators under the Pilot Scheme.
(3) and (5) To complement the Government’s initiative to marketise EV charging services, starting from April 1, 2024, the HA has taken forward fee-paying EV charging services at hourly parking spaces in its carparks. The HA has made reference to the prevailing market rates, including the fees charged by other public carparks and comparable private carparks, to determine the fees which are subject to annual reviews. Currently, EV charging fees at the HA’s hourly parking spaces are charged according to the charging duration. The rated output power for medium chargers at hourly parking spaces is seven kilowatts (kW), i.e. the maximum electricity consumption for an hour is seven units of electricity. As the current fee amounts to $10 per 30 minutes, the fee for each unit of electricity is about $2.99, which falls within the range of prevailing market rates. As for monthly parking spaces installed with EV chargers, at present, they are generally let on a reserved basis. Users are required to apply to the electric power companies for electricity separately and pay the relevant electricity bills to the electric power companies directly. The HA does not keep statistics on the average daily charging duration per vehicle over the past five years, nor other relevant data that needs to be collected on a daily basis.Issued at HKT 14:15
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
Following is a question by the Hon Lau Ka-keung and a written reply by the Secretary for Transport and Logistics, Ms Mable Chan, in the Legislative Council today (October 7):
Question:
Since the implementation of the regulatory regime for autonomous vehicles (AVs) on March 1, 2024, the Government has issued a number of pilot licences to date, and it proposed in the 2025 Policy Address and the 2026-2027 Budget to accelerate the large-scale development of driverless autonomous driving in Hong Kong, expediting its transition to commercial operations. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
(1) whether the authorities will consider specifying, according to the level of vehicle automation and the actual control exercised at the time of an accident, the legal liabilities of operators, registered vehicle owners, vehicle manufacturers and software developers, etc under circumstances such as full driving automation, remote operation, system failure and cyber attacks; if so, of the timetable for drafting the relevant legal framework; if not, the reasons for that;
(2) as it has been reported that some drivers of the Southbound Travel for Guangdong Vehicles Scheme (the Southbound Travel Scheme) are suspected of activating the unapproved advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) on Hong Kong roads; how the authorities verify whether vehicles are equipped with ADAS during the vehicle inspection and approval process under the Southbound Travel Scheme, and how they monitor and investigate whether drivers have activated or deactivated ADAS during their stay in Hong Kong; of the relevant penalties and follow-up measures if drivers are found to have violated the requirement;
(3) as the Government has applied the mandatory requirement of taking out third party risk insurance policy under the Motor Vehicles Insurance (Third Party Risks) Ordinance (Cap. 272) to AVs, and it has indicated that it will adopt a data-drive approach to keep the insurance requirements for AVs at various stages of trials and application under review, and assist the relevant sectors in formulating insurance arrangements specifically for the application of more advanced levels of AVs; of the current progress in this regard; if a vehicle under the Southbound Travel Scheme activates ADAS without approval and an accident occurs, whether the existing third party risks insurance is applicable; if not, whether other protection arrangements will be provided for the affected third parties; and
(4) as there are views pointing out that some drivers may not clearly understand ADAS, which still require continuous monitoring by the relevant drivers who must be ready to take over vehicle control at any time, how the authorities will strengthen publicity and public education to enable members of the public to clearly distinguish between “driver assistance system” (Level 2 or below) and “automated driving system” (Level 3 or above), and understand their respective scopes of application, operational limitations and drivers’ responsibilities; whether the authorities will consider incorporating the relevant knowledge into the driving test and driving training materials, and requiring drivers using the relevant systems to complete related e-learning programmes when renewing their driving licences or upon first registration of the relevant vehicles; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that?
Reply:
President,
The Government has been promoting the development of autonomous vehicles (AVs) in Hong Kong in an active and orderly manner through tripartite efforts by providing policy support, regulatory backing, and financial subsidy. Having consulted the Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau and the Hong Kong Police Force, the reply to the question raised by the Member is as follows:
(1) AVs, same as conventional motor vehicles, are governed by the Road Traffic Ordinance (Cap. 374) and its subsidiary legislation. Accordingly, the existing vehicle registration and licensing regime applies equally to AVs, and the legal liabilities of registered vehicle owners and licensees are likewise applicable in the case of AVs. As regards the definition of “driver” under section 2 of the Road Traffic Ordinance (Cap. 374), it also applies to backup operators of an AV who are inside the AV, in its vicinity, or in a remote control room. When operating an AV, these personnel shall also assume the existing legal liabilities of a “driver”.
Furthermore, the responsible person who is issued with a pilot licence by the Transport Department (TD) to implement an AV pilot scheme (i.e. the pilot proprietor) must, pursuant to the Road Traffic (Autonomous Vehicles) Regulation (Cap. 374AA) and the Code of Practice for Trial and Pilot Use of Autonomous Vehicles, ensure that the AV is maintained in a good and serviceable condition, and that its autonomous driving system is operating properly. The Road Traffic (Autonomous Vehicles) Regulation (Cap. 374AA) also sets out requirements on various risk management-related matters, including insurance, maintenance, retention of journey data and operation records, as well as the reporting and investigation of incidents or accidents involving the pilot AVs. If an operator of an AV pilot licence operates an AV in a manner that is not in compliance with the pilot licence and its conditions, the operator may be held liable.
Under the regulatory framework for AVs, AVs must comply with the insurance requirements under the Motor Vehicles Insurance (Third Party Risks) Ordinance (Cap. 272) to safeguard the safety of the public, passengers, and pedestrians. In addition, AVs must be equipped with a journey recorder to record operational data. In the event of an accident, relevant personnel may inspect the relevant operational data during the investigation to analyse whether the AV was operating properly at the material time, thereby facilitating the determination of liabilities. Generally speaking, depending on the cause of the occurrence and the proof adduced, liability (whether criminal or civil) will be borne by the operator, the vehicle owner, or the supplier of the vehicle. The party bearing such liability may also raise a defense in accordance with the common law, and the matter will be adjudicated by the court.
(2) The Government attaches great importance to vehicle and road safety. On the one hand, it ensures through strict vehicle examination procedures that all vehicles on road comply with the relevant road safety and environmental standards; on the other hand, it also safeguards the safety of road users through publicity and education. Regarding the Southbound Travel for Guangdong Vehicles (STGV) scheme, all such vehicles entering Hong Kong must pass a vehicle examination at a Mainland vehicle inspection center designated by the TD, in accordance with Hong Kong’s requirements, to ensure such vehicles are in compliance with relevant standards and can be used safely on Hong Kong roads. The TD is also distributing road safety information to applicants of the STGV scheme through multiple channels, and has made it clear that any Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) not approved by the TD must not be activated on Hong Kong roads. These channels include having staff at the designated vehicle inspection centers in Mainland to remind applicants of the relevant requirements in person during vehicle inspections, distributing notices to applicants, and sending reminder emails.
The Hong Kong Police Force has been closely monitoring road safety and cases of suspected traffic law violations. Through routine on-beat patrols and intelligence gathering, if any suspected violations are detected or relevant traffic complaints are received, the Force will proactively follow up and investigate to safeguard the safety of road users.
Any driver who uses an unapproved driver assistance system on Hong Kong roads, or who takes their hands off the steering wheel while the vehicle is in motion due to reliance on such system(s), may be in breach of relevant traffic regulations (such as careless driving or dangerous driving). Upon conviction, they may be subject to fines, revocation of their driving licence, or even imprisonment. In addition to enforcement actions taken by the Hong Kong Police Force, the TD will also seriously follow up on violations under the STGV scheme, including reporting the cases to the Guangdong Provincial Government and suspending or revoking the travel eligibility of the vehicles involved.
(3) As mentioned above, under the current regulatory framework, AVs must comply with the insurance requirements under the Motor Vehicles Insurance (Third Party Risks) Ordinance (Cap. 272) to protect the safety of the general public, passengers, and pedestrians. As AV technology develops, the TD has been maintaining communication with the insurance industry to formulate suitable insurance arrangements for AVs as they progress to a more mature stage (namely, where there is no backup operator on board, but only remote backup operators). The TD will continue to further discuss the application of AVs with the insurance industry so as to make early preparations for suitable insurance arrangements.
At present, if any vehicle travelling on Hong Kong roads (including vehicles under the STGV scheme) causes an accident while using an ADAS unauthorised by the TD, third-party liability for bodily injury or death is generally covered by statutory protection. Even if the act of activating an unauthorised ADAS is determined to fall within the specific events and losses for which the insurance company bears no liability to pay compensation or benefits under the express terms of the policy (also known as “exclusions” or “excluded items”), the insurance company must still compensate the affected third party first, and may subsequently recover the relevant amount from the insured. As for third-party property damage, this will be handled in accordance with the individual policy terms and the circumstances of the accident.
(4) The TD has been working closely with the Hong Kong Police Force and the Road Safety Council to promote road safety through various channels, such as the publication of Road Safety Bulletin and social media platforms. These efforts include reminding drivers of the points to note when using the driver assistance system, the necessity of reading the vehicle owner’s handbook to understand the functions and limitations of the system, and the need to be attentive to road conditions and to hold the steering wheel firmly at all times. Relevant reminders are also provided in the Road Users’ Code. The TD will continue to carry out various publicity and educational initiatives to remind drivers of the matters requiring attention when using the driver assistance system.
Currently, in TD’s driving tests, written test questions are set based on the Road Users’ Code. The Code is distributed upon first application for a learner’s driving licence or a non-commercial driving test, and the assessment content includes the proper use of driver assistance systems. Regarding the road test, although the use of driver assistance systems is not part of the assessment, the TD will consider incorporating relevant application skills into induction and refresher courses for driving instructors, enabling them to teach these skills to learners according to their needs.
It has been reported that in recent years, a number of emerging aggregated payment platforms have appeared in the market, soliciting small merchants for co-operation with low handling fees and promotional offers such as “Buy Now, Pay Later”. However, some of these platforms have given rise to problems such as payment defaults and fake payments one after another, causing severe losses to merchants. It is learnt that some payment platforms are registered only as financial technology companies and have not obtained any financial services licences, nor have they disclosed their partner institutions or operational status, and their operations are thus not subject to regulation. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
(1) of the total number of complaints received by the authorities involving new types of payment platforms in the past three years, and the total amount of money involved in such cases;
(2) whether the authorities will bring such new types of payment platforms under the regulation of relevant ordinances such as the Payment Systems and Stored Value Facilities Ordinance, put in place a mandatory registration or licensing regime for such platforms, or even consider requiring upstream licensed institutions to assume “joint and several regulatory responsibility” for the payment platforms with which they co-operate; if so, of the specific plans; if not, the reasons for that; and
(3) given that emerging financial instruments may entail risks, whether the authorities have plans to implement a more forward-looking dynamic regulatory mechanism (e.g. identifying regulatory blind spots through complaint cases), so as to take timely responsive measures and enhance capabilities in risk warning and prevention; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that?
Reply:
President,
The Government and financial regulators have been continuously monitoring the latest developments in the financial market (including emerging payment models), and have been taking appropriate enforcement action as necessary under the relevant statutory regulatory frameworks to maintain financial stability and safeguard the rights and interests of clients and the public.
Having consulted the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) and the Hong Kong Customs and Excise Department (C&ED), my reply to the three parts of the question is as follows:
(1) Between January 2024 and September 2026, the HKMA received a total of 16 complaints regarding suspected unlicensed issuance or operation of stored value facilities (SVFs). Upon investigation, one of the complaints was substantiated, and the complainant in this case did not report any monetary loss. Regarding this complaint, the HKMA is actively following up with the company concerned and will take appropriate action depending on the progress of the case.
(2) and (3) The HKMA regulates SVFs under the Payment Systems and Stored Value Facilities Ordinance (Cap. 584) (PSSVFO) to ensure the safe and sound development of the local retail payment market. Under the PSSVFO, unless a statutory exemption applies, it is an offence for any person to issue or operate SVFs in Hong Kong without a licence.
In addition, according to the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorist Financing Ordinance (Cap. 615) (AMLO), any person who operates money changing or cross-border remittance services (i.e. money service as defined under the AMLO) is required to obtain a licence from the C&ED, unless a statutory exemption applies (including where the relevant money service is an ancillary business of the aforementioned SVF licensee). Therefore, if the business of a relevant payment platform involves money changing or cross-border remittance, it is also subject to regulation under the licensing regime for money service operators.
The existing regulatory regimes have already imposed stringent and effective risk management requirements on relevant licensees. When considering relevant licence applications, the HKMA and the C&ED will assess the applicants’ competence, integrity, and ability to operate fairly. They will also ensure that the licensees comply with requirements relating to customer due diligence, record keeping, proper handling of clients’ funds and other licensing requirements in the course of business, thereby fully protecting the clients of the relevant payment platforms and mitigating potential money laundering risks.
In cases involving suspected unlicensed SVF operation or non-compliance with the PSSVFO, the HKMA will intervene directly. Depending on the nature of specific cases, the HKMA will collaborate with other relevant regulatory bodies, and will refer cases to law enforcement agencies as appropriate. The C&ED will likewise take decisive and appropriate enforcement action against cases violating the licensing regime for money service operators.
Furthermore, institutions providing “Buy Now, Pay Later” services, except for banks which are regulated by the HKMA, are required to obtain a money lender’s licence under the Money Lenders Ordinance (Cap. 163) if their services involve the operation of a money-lending business. Such lending transactions are subject to the regulation under the Money Lenders Ordinance and the licensing conditions.
In the face of the rapid evolution of financial technology, the Government and financial regulators will continue to proactively mitigate risks, including strengthening cross-departmental co-operation and intelligence sharing to effectively identify, investigate and combat illicit financial activities. We will also closely and continuously monitor market developments, complaint cases and trends, as well as the development of emerging payment models, so as to adapt to the rapidly changing electronic payment market through suitable policy and regulation. Issued at HKT 14:05
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
2026-27 judicial service pay adjustment announced A Government spokesman today (October 7) said, “In coming up with its recommendation on judicial pay for 2026-27, the Judicial Committee premised its deliberations on the need to uphold the principle of judicial independence; and adopted a balanced approach taking into account the basket of factors as approved by the Chief Executive in Council in May 2008 and the position of the Judiciary. The basket of factors includes:
(a) responsibility, working conditions and workload of judges vis-à-vis those of lawyers in private practice; (b) recruitment and retention in the Judiciary; (c) retirement age and retirement benefits of JJOs; (d) benefits and allowances enjoyed by JJOs; (e) unique features of the judicial service such as the security of tenure, the prestigious status and high esteem of the judicial offices; (f) prohibition against return to private practice in Hong Kong; (g) overseas remuneration arrangements; (h) cost of living adjustments; (i) general economic situation in Hong Kong; (j) budgetary situation of the Government; (k) private sector pay levels and trends; and (l) public sector pay as a reference.”Issued at HKT 14:00
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
The Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Miss Rosanna Law, today (October 6) congratulated veteran actress Michelle Yeoh and veteran director Ann Hui on receiving the Asian Filmmaker of the Year award and the Camellia Award respectively at the 31st Busan International Film Festival (BIFF).
The Asian Filmmaker of the Year award honours filmmakers who have made exceptional contributions to the advancement of the Asian film industry and culture, while the Camellia Award is granted to filmmakers who have made significant contributions to advancing women’s roles in the Asian film industry.
Miss Law expressed her heartfelt congratulations to Yeoh and Hui on their awards. She said that their influence on the Hong Kong and international film landscapes has been profound and enduring. She thanked them for their remarkable contributions to Hong Kong cinema over their decades-long careers, which have helped bring Hong Kong cinema to the global stage.
To promote Hong Kong cinema and assist emerging Hong Kong filmmakers in exploring the international market, the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA) under the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau is leading an industry delegation to the BIFF. The delegation includes director Isabella Lam and actor Lokman Yeung of the film “Dead End”, a winning project of the Higher Education Institution Group of the 7th First Feature Film Initiative under the Film Development Fund which has also been selected for the “Vision – Asia” competition section, as well as various filmmakers and original content rights holders. During the BIFF, CCIDA will host the “Hong Kong Night” reception on October 9 (Busan time), while the world premiere of “Dead End” will be held on October 10 (Busan time).
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
The Innovation, Technology and Industry Bureau today (October 5) announced the inaugural list of selected enterprises under the New Industrialisation Elite Enterprises Nurturing Scheme (the Scheme). A total of eight enterprises have been selected as the inaugural “New Industrialisation Elite Enterprises”.
Echoing the direction set out in Hong Kong’s First Five-Year Plan and the 2026 Policy Address to accelerate the development of a new industrialisation system, the Scheme aims to nurture leading enterprises in emerging and future industries for Hong Kong. It is also an important initiative in advancing the integrated development of education, technology, talent and industry. Selected enterprises are awarded the honorary title of “New Industrialisation Elite Enterprise”, which enables them to more effectively access market resources and forces through the Scheme platform, and hence enhance their market visibility and recognition.
The Scheme received over 100 nominations. The nominated enterprises span a wide range of business sectors, including life and health technology; AI and robotics; semiconductors and smart devices; digitalisation, upgrading and transformation; as well as future and sustainable development. They also include enterprises from industries with traditional strengths that leverage innovation and technology for upgrading and transformation, fully demonstrating the diverse vitality and thriving ecosystem of Hong Kong’s new industrialisation development.
The assessment was based on three core selection criteria, namely the enterprises’ research and development capabilities, growth potential, and local contribution and ecosystem impact. Following thorough discussion and careful assessment by the assessment committee, eight enterprises have been selected as the inaugural “New Industrialisation Elite Enterprises”. The list of selected enterprises is set out in the Annex.
The Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Professor Sun Dong, said, “The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government attaches great importance to the nurturing and development of local innovation and technology enterprises. The New Industrialisation Elite Enterprises Nurturing Scheme aims to focus on supporting and nurturing a group of high-growth enterprises developing in Hong Kong. Through the Scheme, the Government hopes to enhance the market recognition and visibility for the ‘Made in Hong Kong’ enterprise brand, thereby supporting the future development of enterprises.”
The inaugural award presentation ceremony for the “New Industrialisation Elite Enterprises” is expected to be held within this year.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
The Land Registry today (October 5) released its statistics for September 2026.
Land registration
* The number of sale and purchase agreements for all building units received for registration in September was 6 438 (+11.6 per cent compared with August 2026 but -6.3 per cent compared with September 2025)
* The 12-month moving average for September was 7 682 (0.5 per cent below the 12-month moving average for August 2026 but 20.6 per cent above that for September 2025)
* The total consideration for sale and purchase agreements of building units in September was $53.5 billion (+20.1 per cent compared with August 2026 and +0.01 per cent compared with September 2025)
* Among the sale and purchase agreements, 4 761 were for residential units (+18.5 per cent compared with August 2026 but -15.6 per cent compared with September 2025)
* The total consideration for sale and purchase agreements in respect of residential units was $46.8 billion (+29.3 per cent compared with August 2026 but -0.9 per cent compared with September 2025)
Statistics on sales of residential units do not include sale and purchase agreements relating to sales of units under the Home Ownership Scheme, the Private Sector Participation Scheme, the Tenants Purchase Scheme, etc, unless the premium of the unit concerned has been paid after the sale restriction period.
Figures on sale and purchase agreements received for the past 12 months, the year-on-year rate of change and breakdown figures on residential sales have also been released.
As deeds may not be lodged with the Land Registry until up to 30 days after the transaction, these statistics generally relate to land transactions in the previous month.
Land search
* The number of searches of land registers made by the public in September was 463 031 (-73.5 per cent compared with August 2026 but +15.4 per cent compared with September 2025)
The statistics cover searches made at the counter, through the self-service terminals and via the Integrated Registration Information System Online Services.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
The Incorporated Owners of Kingsfield Garden was fined $149,000 at the Eastern Magistrates’ Courts today (October 5) for violating the Occupational Safety and Health Ordinance. The prosecution was launched by the Labour Department.
The case involved a fatal accident that occurred on July 22, 2025, at a car park of a residential building in North Point. A worker, while performing tree pruning, fell about 1.2 metres from the top of a parapet wall at the car park of the building to the floor, and sustained a head injury. He was sent to hospital in a conscious state and passed away two weeks later.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
A spokesman for the Housing Department (HD) said today (October 6) that two public rental housing (PRH) residents in two cases were convicted and sentenced to imprisonment for contravening the Housing Ordinance by falsely declaring in a statement that they did not own any property.
The PRH residents involved, living in Choi Hung Estate and Kwong Tin Estate respectively, declared in the 2025 Income and Assets Declaration Forms that they did not own any domestic property in Hong Kong. Upon thorough investigations by the HD, it was revealed that the two PRH tenants, in Case 1, each owned residential properties in Sai Kung, with one holding two properties and the other holding one, while one PRH resident in Case 2 owned a domestic property in Tseung Kwan O.
The Kwun Tong Magistrates Courts yesterday (October 5) sentenced the PRH resident holding two properties in Case 1 to an immediate two-week imprisonment, while the hearing for the other PRH resident in the same case was adjourned to November 30. The HD will also proceed to recover the subject PRH flat. For Case 2, the PRH resident was sentenced to a four-week imprisonment and granted bail pending appeal.
The HD reminded that, PRH residents and subsidised housing applicants must honestly declare their income, assets, and properties, and accurately complete their Income and Assets Declaration Forms. PRH residents must also read the content and completion guidelines of the Declaration Forms carefully and compute their income and assets in accordance with the methods specified for accurately providing the relevant information.
The HD will continue its dedicated efforts to adopt a multipronged approach to combat the abuse of PRH in a comprehensive manner.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
The opening ceremony for the Chinese Mainland Film Panorama 2026 was held tonight (October 6) at Hong Kong City Hall, followed by a screening of the opening animation “Nobody” (2025).
The Under Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Mr Raistlin Lau; the Deputy Director-General of the Department of Publicity, Cultural and Sports Affairs of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Mr Lin Nan; the Chairman of the Southern Film Culture Foundation and General Manager of the Sil-Metropole Organisation Ltd, Mr Ding Kai; the Director of Leisure and Cultural Services, Ms Manda Chan; the Chairman of the South China Film Industry Workers Union, Mr Cheung Hong-tat; the chief planner and producer of the opening film, Cui Wei, and the supervising producer and art director of the film, Chen Liaoyu, officiated at the opening ceremony.
The Panorama is presented by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) and the Southern Film Culture Foundation in association with the Sil-Metropole Organisation Ltd, the China Film Foundation and the South China Film Industry Workers Union, and is supported by the Bauhinia Culture Group. Twelve feature films, some accompanied by short films, will be shown at Hong Kong City Hall, the Hong Kong Film Archive, the Hong Kong Space Museum, North District Town Hall, the East Kowloon Cultural Centre and the Rayson Huang Theatre of the University of Hong Kong from today to November 15.
The opening animation “Nobody” reimagines a spin-off story from the classic epic “Journey to the West”, following a band of nameless little monsters on an adventure that mirrors workplace setbacks, dilemmas in life, and the determination to pursue dreams.
Other selected films include “Laughing to Die” (2015), “Like Winds, Like Weeds” (2023), “The Midsummer’s Voice” (2024), “Linka Linka” (2025), “Chongqing Hot Pot” (2016), “My Dear Liar” (2019), “A Long Shot” (2024), “Hi, Mom” (2021), “Escape from the 21st Century” (2024), and the animated features “Into the Mortal World” (2024) and “The Legend of Hei II” (2025).
Screenings of “Into the Mortal World” and “Hi, Mom” will be free of charge. Tickets of the other films priced at $75 are now available at URBTIX (www.urbtix.hk). For telephone bookings, please call 3166 1288. For programme enquiries, please visit www.lcsd.gov.hk/fp/en/listing.html?id=96 or call 2734 2900.
The Chinese Mainland Film Panorama 2026 is one of the activities in the Chinese Culture Promotion Series. The LCSD has long been promoting Chinese history and culture through organising an array of programmes and activities to enable the public to learn more about the broad and profound Chinese culture. For more information, please visit www.ccpo.gov.hk/en.