Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
Following is the speech by the Secretary for Justice, Mr Paul Lam, SC, at the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC)’s 60th Anniversary Cocktail Reception today (June 16):
Professor Fred Ma (Chairman of the HKTDC, Professor Frederick Ma), Deputy Commissioner Li (Deputy Commissioner of the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Mr Li Yongsheng), Director Xu (Director-General of the Economic Affairs Department of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the HKSAR, Mr Xu Weigang), Ms Sophia Chong (Executive Director of the HKTDC), Consuls-General, friends of the HKTDC, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
A very good evening. It is a great pleasure to join you tonight in celebration of the HKTDC’s 60th anniversary.
It is indeed a milestone not just for the TDC, but also Hong Kong. Last year, Hong Kong rose to become the world’s fifth-largest merchandise trading economy – I think that’s what just Fred Ma reminded us. That, ladies and gentlemen, reaffirms Hong Kong’s remarkable rise to become an international trade centre – one that champions free and multilateral trade, and one that has never stopped evolving, adapting, and thriving.
That achievement is in no small part attributed to the tremendous contribution of the TDC. My thanks, and congratulations, to the TDC and to each and every one of its hard-working, and smart-working past and present staff over the past six decades of stellar achievement.
The TDC was founded in Hong Kong in 1966, and quickly expanded overseas, setting up offices in London, Nairobi, New York and Sydney.
That was at a time when products manufactured in Hong Kong such as textiles, electronic goods, plastics and toys were taking on the world. To buyers around the world, the “Made in Hong Kong” mark signified quality, value and reliability. The TDC was then promoting the brand of Hong Kong, beginning with the International Samples Fair in Barcelona, in June 1966. That autumn, it ran major product promotions in London and Stuttgart in the then West Germany, as well as department stores in nine major US cities.
And yes, the TDC has always been at the forefront of promoting Hong Kong’s external trade. From organising trade fairs and business missions, to building global networks and digital platforms, the TDC today continues to play a pivotal role in connecting Hong Kong companies with markets around the world.
And at every crossroad along the way, the TDC has worked tirelessly to shape and reinforce Hong Kong’s status in global trade, while at the same time helping to transform the city from a manufacturing hub into an international financial, trade, logistics and services centre.
From garments, rattan furniture and plastic flowers, to watches, transistor radios and toys in the old days, and to fintech, intellectual property and many high-value added industries at present – the diversity of products and services offered by Hong Kong demonstrates how our economy has evolved to meet changing circumstances. This is a story based on the spirit of resilience and innovation of the Hong Kong people.
Throughout Hong Kong’s many transformations, the TDC has always been there, promoting and developing our small-and-medium enterprises, and telling our good stories to the world, through its extensive network of more than 50 global offices covering over 100 countries.
The theme of the TDC’s 60th anniversary, namely “Connect the World, Shape the Future”, perfectly captures both its legacy and its vision. Hong Kong has long been a connector between East and West. The principle of “one country, two systems” ensures that Hong Kong shall maintain unparalleled connectivity with the Chinese Mainland and the world.
In today’s fragmented global landscape, amid continuing challenges in international trade, connectivity has become much more important than ever. But we are not simply connecting people together in a literal sense. The TDC, as an excellent example of Hong Kong’s role, has been converting connections into collaborations, and collaborations into mutually beneficial opportunities. By doing so, it has enabled the formation of partnerships that are enduring and forward-looking, which in turn help to shape tomorrow’s economy collectively. I suppose that’s why Hong Kong is not only a “super connector”, but also a “super value-adder”.
For 60 years, we have worked side by side – the Government’s policy priorities coupled with steadfast support combined with the TDC’s global network and on-the-ground expertise. Together, we have advanced Hong Kong’s trade and economic development. And together, we are building Hong Kong’s flourishing future.
Just two weeks ago, the Chief Executive led a high-level business delegation to Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. It was the largest delegation that he has led to date, both in terms of the number of delegates – 75 business and institutional leaders from Hong Kong and the Mainland – and of the variety of participating sectors and industries.
The Central Asia mission yielded promising results, with 15 MOUs (Memorandum of Understanding) and agreements signed at the government level, and 81 MOUs and agreements reached by our businesses and institutions with their Central Asian counterparts. The Government is confident they will create long-term economic and trade co-operations for all concerned.
As the Chief Executive has said, the visit’s great success was due, in large part, to the TDC’s painstaking assistance in the organisation of the mission. From high-level business matching to on-the-ground logistics, the TDC’s support was indispensable.
Bringing people, businesses, governments and opportunities together is something the TDC has been doing, and doing well, for 60 years.
In Chinese culture, 60 years represents the completion of a full cycle: 一個甲子. It does not mark an end, but the beginning of a new cycle. It reminds us that after six decades of growth, wisdom and achievements, the time has come to welcome a new, and even more successful chapter. And hence, we are looking forward to another 60 years of success and beyond for the TDC.
May I conclude by saying, once again, happy birthday, the TDC. And I hope you all have a very enjoyable evening. Thank you very much.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
FEHD releases third batch of gravidtrap indexes for Aedes albopictus in June
District
District With reference to the data from the past few years, the gravidtrap indexes start to rise from April every year. The indexes are higher from May to June. The actual timing and extent of the rise are affected by factors like weather conditions and rainfall. As compared with last year, the temperature began to climb earlier this year and the rainfall in April and May increased substantially, creating favourable conditions for mosquito growth and breeding. As a result, the rise in gravidtrap indexes occurred earlier this year. Depending on factors like rainfall, the indexes may rise further, but the overall trend of gravidtrap indexes this year is similar to those of previous years.
For survey areas which recorded indexes exceeding 10 per cent, in accordance with the mechanism implemented by the FEHD in response to the chikungunya fever (CF) situation (i.e. strengthening mosquito control work in areas with a gravidtrap index between 10 per cent and 20 per cent, instead of 20 per cent or above under the original mechanism), the FEHD is collaborating with relevant departments and stakeholders to identify locations with high mosquito infestations and carry out intensive and targeted mosquito control measures, including eliminating mosquito breeding grounds, applying larvicides, conducting fogging operations to eradicate adult mosquitoes, and ensuring that mosquito trapping devices are placed at appropriate locations, as well as to strengthen efforts in publicity and education. Moreover, the FEHD has initiated four prosecutions against the relevant estate management companies and a property management company following the discovery of mosquito breeding respectively at three public housing estates and a private housing estate in Sham Shui Po District. In addition, following the discovery of stagnant water or stagnant water containers in two construction sites, two parks, a school, seven public housing estates and five private housing estates in Southern District, Sham Shui Po District, Wong Tai Sin District, North District, Sai Kung District, Kowloon City District and Tai Po District, the FEHD has issued 17 statutory notices to the responsible persons-in-charge, requiring the clearance of such items within a specified timeframe. The FEHD, the relevant departments and stakeholders also organise exhibitions, distribute leaflets and posters, and notify residential estates that have subscribed to the gravidtrap Rapid Alert System, advising property management agents and residents to stay vigilant and work together in taking mosquito prevention and elimination measures. Starting in August 2025, following the completion of the surveillance of individual survey areas, and once the latest gravidtrap index and the density index are available, the FEHD has been disseminating relevant information through press releases, its website and social media. It aims to allow members of the public to quickly grasp the mosquito infestation situation and strengthen mosquito control efforts, thereby reducing the risk of CF transmission.
Following recommendations from the World Health Organization and taking into account the local situation in Hong Kong, the FEHD sets up gravidtraps in districts where mosquito-borne diseases have been recorded in the past, as well as in densely populated places such as housing estates, hospitals and schools to monitor the breeding and distribution of Aedes albopictus mosquitoes, which can transmit CF and dengue fever. At present, the FEHD has set up gravidtraps in 62 survey areas of the community, with a surveillance period of two weeks. During the surveillance period, the FEHD will collect the gravidtraps once a week. After the first week of surveillance, the FEHD will immediately examine the glue boards inside the retrieved gravidtraps for the presence of adult Aedine mosquitoes to compile the Gravidtrap Index (First Phase) and Density Index (First Phase). At the end of the second week of surveillance, the FEHD will instantly check the glue boards for the presence of adult Aedine mosquitoes. Data from the two weeks of surveillance will be combined to obtain the Area Gravidtrap Index and the Area Density Index. The gravidtrap and density indexes for Aedes albopictus in different survey areas, as well as information on mosquito prevention and control measures, are available on the department’s webpage (www.fehd.gov.hk/english/pestcontrol/dengue_fever/Dengue_Fever_Gravidtrap_Index_Update.html#Issued at HKT 20:00
CPC Central Committee Hong Kong & Macao Work Office Director and State Council Hong Kong & Macao Affairs Office Director Xia Baolong arrived in Hong Kong today to conduct an inspection of Hong Kong’s alignment with the National 15th Five-Year Plan and progress of the Northern Metropolis development.
In the morning, Mr Xia visited the Hung Shui Kiu/Ha Tsuen New Development Area Community Liaison Centre with Chief Executive John Lee. He was briefed on the area’s planning, large-scale land disposal pilots and the development of the Hung Shui Kiu Industry Park. He also reviewed transport planning, railway construction and the Smart and Green Mass Transit System.
Mr Xia then proceeded to the Hung Shui Kiu University Town Area to inspect the planning and progress of the Northern Metropolis University Town.
Next, he visited the Light Public Housing project on Yau Pok Road in Yuen Long to get an update on its progress, and also chatted with a local family of four.
Mr Xia then visited the Microelectronics Centre in Yuen Long InnoPark to learn about the local innovation and technology developments.
In the afternoon, Mr Xia visited the Kwu Tung North New Development Area to inspect the construction progress of housing, transport, government offices and other ancillary facilities.
He then travelled to the Lok Ma Chau Loop to visit the Hong Kong-Shenzhen Innovation and Technology Park. There, he was briefed on its development plan and the construction of the Sandy Ridge Data Facility Cluster site. Mr Xia also inspected operations at the Central Government-Aided Emergency Hospital.
In the evening, Mr Xia visited AsiaWorld-Expo to learn how Hong Kong leverages mega events to create economic impetus and seize opportunities under the National 15th Five-Year Plan.
Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government officials accompanying the visits included Chief Secretary Chan Kwok-ki; Financial Secretary Paul Chan; Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development Algernon Yau; Secretary for Health Prof Lo Chung-mau; Secretary for Development Bernadette Linn; Secretary for Housing Winnie Ho; Secretary for Education Choi Yuk-lin; Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Professor Sun Dong; Secretary for Transport and Logistics Mable Chan; Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs Janice Tse Siu-wa; and Director of the Chief Executive’s Office Carol Yip.
Financial Secretary Paul Chan will depart tomorrow for Shanghai, where he will attend the plenary session of the 2026 Lujiazui Forum.
At the forum, Mr Chan will deliver a speech on the collaborative development of Hong Kong and Shanghai in the area of finance.
In Shanghai, he will also meet with central authorities and members of the Shanghai Municipal Government. He will visit local financial institutions, as well as enterprises engaged in artificial intelligence and semiconductors.
Mr Chan will then proceed on Wednesday afternoon to Nanjing, where he will meet provincial and municipal leaders and industry representatives. He will also visit innovation and technology (I&T) enterprises specialising in embodied intelligence and biotechnology, as well as financial institutions.
Additionally, he will attend a roundtable discussion with technology enterprises, where he will brief participants on Hong Kong’s unique advantages, business environment, I&T ecosystem and latest developments.
Secretary for Financial Services & the Treasury Christopher Hui will attend the Lujiazui Forum along with Mr Chan tomorrow.
Mr Chan will return to Hong Kong on Friday morning. During his absence, Deputy Financial Secretary Michael Wong will be Acting Financial Secretary.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
CJ concludes visit to Canberra, Australia Chief Justice Andrew Cheung of the Court of Final Appeal today (June 16) concluded his visit to Canberra, Australia.
At the invitation of Chief Justice of Australia Stephen Gageler, Chief Justice Cheung and Mr Justice Roberto Ribeiro, Permanent Judge of the Court of Final Appeal, attended a ceremonial sitting at the High Court of Australia on June 15, held in honour of the late Sir Anthony Mason, Chief Justice of Australia from 1987 to 1995. The sitting was attended by members of Sir Anthony’s family, government officials and dignitaries, as well as serving and retired senior judges.
Sir Anthony served as a Non-Permanent Judge of the Court of Final Appeal from 1997 to 2015, for a total of 18 years. During his tenure, Sir Anthony made an immeasurable contribution to establishing the Court’s reputation as Hong Kong’s apex court under its new constitutional order, and to securing the confidence and trust of the community it serves. In recognition of his contributions to Hong Kong, he was awarded the Grand Bauhinia Medal in 2013.
During their visit to Canberra, Chief Justice Cheung and Mr Justice Ribeiro had informal exchanges with Chief Justice Gageler, other senior judges in Australia, and Chief Justice Helen Winkelmann of New Zealand, who also attended the ceremonial sitting, reaffirming the longstanding professional ties with these common law jurisdictions. Issued at HKT 15:00
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
“Summer of Light: Cinema in Motion” takes families to magical cinematic world During the event, SWHCC will be transformed into a magical world under the sea, where three ticketed parent-child workshops will be held. Led by dance artist Liz Tsui, the “Moving Body: Chase the Dancing Screen” workshop invites participants to spend dreamlike family time together with body movement games, alongside the scenes from the animation “The House of the Heart” by artist Florence Lee. In the “Glow in Motion: Sea World Light Painting” workshop, artist Grace Hoop will guide participants to transform into mysterious sea creatures by freezing the light trails that they create in the dark with body movements and glowing objects in photographs. The “Storytelling Time: Adventure with Image Treasure Box” workshop, led by art educators Nixon Wong and Lo Ngan-ting, blends storytelling with shifting images to encourage parents and children to explore through their senses to unleash their imagination and creativity while deepening their connection with each other.
Three art experience activities with free admission will also be available. Children can express their imagination at the “Magical Creatures Fan Mask Making” zone by applying colourful cartoons of funny sea creatures onto transparent fans and experience the playful interaction with torchlight. In addition, a collection of captivating animated short films will be screened in the “Film Zone with Selected Short Films” on a loop. Admission is free. The “Magical Portal Photo Spot” will also be available on the G/F and 2/F of SWHCC for families to take photos and become part of the magical world under the sea.
Each child participating in the workshops is required to be accompanied by a parent or an adult. “Moving Body: Chase the Dancing Screen” and “Storytelling Time: Adventure with Image Treasure Box” are priced at $120 for parents and adults and $60 for children. “Glow in Motion: Sea World Light Painting” is priced at $180 for parents and adults and $120 for children. Tickets are now available at URBTIX (www.urbtix.hkIssued at HKT 14:30
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Hong Kong Customs seizes suspected smuggled silver worth about $2.2 million Members of the public may report any suspected smuggling activities to Customs’ 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hkIssued at HKT 11:30
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Chinese Culture Festival 2026 to focus on Luoyang by presenting Hong Kong debut of Luoyang Yu Opera Troupe with classic play and excerpts in July Yu opera, also known as Henan “Bangzi”, is a prominent branch of the clapper opera (“bangzi”) vocal system. Prevalent in Henan Province, it has evolved into various local singing styles, including the Xiangfu style, Eastern Henan style, Western Henan style and Shahe style. The genre has produced many great masters through the ages. Of these, Ma Jinfeng, one of the “Five Divas” in Yu opera, created the distinctive “shuaidan” (military-leading female) role type, which tactfully fuses the stylised movements of “qingyi” (virtuous female), “wusheng” (martial male) and “daomadan” (sword-wielding and horse-riding female). Her rich, mellow voice and bold, dashing stage presence have won her the epithet “Peony of Luoyang”.
Details of the two performances are as follows:
“Mu Guiying Takes Command” —————————————————– Date and time: July 17 (Friday), 7.30pm
This play is a signature masterpiece of Ma Jinfeng, which was subsequently adapted into a Peking opera version by the legendary Mei Lanfang and became popular nationwide. The storyline follows Mu Guiying, past 50, who once again dons her armour and takes command of the army in a time of national peril. Led by Guan Meili, this performance revives the splendour of the Ma-school “shuaidan” style, offering an awe-inspiring stage presence in a crimson warrior robe as a commanding war marshal. Her passionate singing in the iconic aria “Three Cannon Blasts Beyond the Command Gate” is majestic and powerful, fully projecting Mu’s devotion and determination to protect the country. Sharing the stage are Wang Hui as Dowager She, with a robust and poised vocal style, and Jia Wenlong as the Song Emperor, portraying the ruler with stately grace. For her spectacular performance in this play, Guan Meili was honoured with the Leading Role Award at the 33rd Shanghai Magnolia Stage Performance Awards. Marking her Hong Kong debut with this definitive Ma-school classic, this rare showcase promises to be an unmissable performance for all Chinese opera enthusiasts.
Excerpts ——————————————————— Date and time: July 18 (Saturday), 7.30pm
This programme features a selection of five excerpts from representative classics, showcasing the fascinating diversity of Yu opera’s stylistic schools. Chinese opera lovers will be treated to the delicate and nuanced delivery of the female lead’s singing in the Ma-school masterpiece “Emotional Outpouring at the South Camp” from “The Spear as a Token of Love”, as well as the classic comedy “At the Imperial Court” from “Demanding Justice from the Emperor”, which skilfully fuses the distinctive traits of “podan” (shrewish female), “caidan” (female clown) and “qingyi” (virtuous female) roles. Furthermore, “Interrogating the Husband”, a representative work of the Yan (Liping) school, meticulously details the emotional struggles of a “guimendan” (young female role). “The Ingenious County Magistrate” is a delightful comic play featuring a “wenchou” (clown role) as its protagonist, using lively gestures drawn from everyday life to portray a witty and upright inner beauty. Finally, the Chang (Xiangyu) school classic “Setting Off for Battle” from “Five Generations of Loyal Generals” raises the sense of loyalty towards family and country of the Yang family’s women warriors to a powerful climax through impassioned, stirring singing.
Established in 2010, the Luoyang Yu Opera Troupe traces its lineage to the Luoyang City Yu Opera Troupe founded in the 1950s and the Second Luoyang City Yu Opera Troupe formed in the late 1980s. Representing the distinctive artistic style of the Ma school, the troupe enjoys a stellar reputation nationwide. Its signature productions – including “Mu Guiying Takes Command”, “Demanding Justice from the Emperor”, “The Spear as a Token of Love” and “Luoyang Bridge” – have been highly popular with audiences and have been adapted into films. Among these, “Mu Guiying Takes Command” received the National Outstanding Traditional Opera Script Award and several first prizes at the first Henan Provincial Drama Festival.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Auction of traditional vehicle registration marks to be held on July 4 (1) Successful bidders are required to produce the following documents for completion of registration and payment procedures immediately after the successful bidding: (i) the identity document of the successful bidder; (ii) the identity document of the purchaser if it is different from the successful bidder; (iii) a copy of the Certificate of Incorporation if the purchaser is a body corporate; and (iv) a crossed cheque made payable to “The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region” or “The Government of the HKSAR”. (For an auctioned mark paid for by cheque, the first three working days after the date of auction will be required for cheque clearance confirmation before processing of the application for mark assignment can be completed.) Successful bidders can also pay through the Easy Pay System (EPS). Payment by post-dated cheques, cash or other methods will not be accepted. (4) The display of a vehicle registration mark on a motor vehicle should be in compliance with the requirements stipulated in Schedule 4 to the Road Traffic (Registration and Licensing of Vehicles) Regulations.Issued at HKT 14:35
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Speech by SJ at PCPD 30th Anniversary Privacy Protection Summit (English only) Commissioner Chung (Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data, Ms Ada Chung), Deputy Commissioner Li of the OCMFA (Deputy Commissioner of the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Mr Li Yongsheng), Director Liu of the LOCPG (Director-General of the Department of Law of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the HKSAR, Mr Liu Chunhua), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
A very good morning. It is my great pleasure to join you today for the Office of the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data(PCPD)’s 30th Anniversary Privacy Protection Summit.
The Summit, an open session of the 65th Asia Pacific Privacy Authorities Forum, brings together some 400 privacy regulators, data-protection experts, industry leaders and academics from Hong Kong, the Chinese Mainland and the Asia-Pacific region. You’re here to share perspectives on privacy protection, at a time when digital transformation and artificial intelligence are reshaping societies and economies around the world.
Hong Kong, a key regional hub for the free and orderly flow of information, data, and technology, has a long tradition of rigorously upholding privacy standards.
The Office of the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data was established in 1996 as an independent privacy authority – the earliest of its kind in Asia. Over the past three decades, it has served as a steadfast guardian of personal data privacy. Through concerted enforcement and practical compliance guidance, it has created a privacy-conscious culture in Hong Kong.
Today, in the dawning of the age of artificial intelligence, we continue to ensure that AI is, as mentioned in the Chief Executive’s latest Policy Address, “steered by safety and driven by application.”
The Hong Kong Artificial Intelligence Research and Development Institute, which comes into full operation later this year, will drive our innovative AI research and development, as well as its industrial applications.
No less important, it will establish AI standards, building cross-sector and inter-regional AI collaboration platforms to promote AI’s standardisation and safe application. The HKSAR Government is, in short, determined to promote the safe and ethical use of AI.
And, as Ada just mentioned, the Hong Kong International Data Privacy Academy officially opens today. The Academy will provide data protection training programmes for organisations, privacy-protection practitioners and others in Hong Kong, the Chinese Mainland and around the world.
The National 15th Five-Year Plan puts a central priority on accelerating innovation. Its Digital China Initiative is designed to empower economic and social progress through digital and intelligent technologies and the expansion of AI+ applications.
But the Plan is also committed to combating data misuse, deep fakes and privacy leaks. It emphasises the importance of privacy protection and cross-border law enforcement co-operation.
As announced by the Chief Executive recently, Hong Kong will unveil its First Five-Year Plan later this year. It will align with the National 15th Five-Year Plan, driving Hong Kong’s deeper integration into the overall national development.
The theme of this Summit, “Protecting Privacy, Embracing Innovation”, smartly captures the vision and goals of the HKSAR Government and our country. Hong Kong is fast emerging as a smart city, powered by emerging technologies, AI very much included.
Over the years, the Office of the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data has performed not only as a regulator, but also as an enabler of responsible innovation.
Public confidence in the privacy and security of new technologies is crucial to their adoption. And the work of the Office is pivotal in instilling public confidence that technology can – and must – be used in an ethical and meaningful way.
The HKSAR Government is committed to supporting the Office as Hong Kong’s trusted privacy regulator, and to ensuring it has all the necessary means to rise above the globalised reality of privacy threats.
Of course, no jurisdiction can tackle these challenges alone. Collaboration is essential. It’s through events such as this Summit, and the Asia Pacific Privacy Authorities Forum which it is part of, that partnerships are created, best practices exchanged, and emerging trends in privacy regulation addressed.
Ladies and gentlemen, I wish you all a very rewarding Summit and a productive Forum.
And my congratulations, once again, to the Office of the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data, on its landmark 30th anniversary.