Source: Gouvernement de la Nouvelle-Caledonie
Le château Grimigni à Pouembout accueillera, jeudi 8 octobre, de 13 h à 16 h 30, l’exposition « Mon pays en rando », consacrée aux productions des élèves engagés dans ce projet fédérateur, initié par le gouvernement au travers de sa direction de l’Enseignement (DENC).
Un projet scolaire original pour découvrir le patrimoine naturel et culturel calédonien à travers la randonnée.
Source: Hong Kong Information Services
Chief Secretary Chan Kwok-ki today chaired the seventh meeting of the fourth-term Human Resources Planning Commission, with members acknowledging that the youth unemployment situation warrants attention.
The meeting heard that rising unemployment and the youth employment situation are structural challenges faced by most advanced economies worldwide, Hong Kong being no exception.
Members took note that the Government continues to invest heavily in education and skills training for the local workforce. This includes launching a two-year 30,000 Youth Employment & Internship Programme, as announced in the Policy Address, to facilitate youth employment and development.
The Labour Department will also launch the Youth Employment Link online service portal to facilitate young people’s access to employment information and support services. Looking ahead, the continued expansion of the local economy is expected to underpin overall labour market conditions.
The Labour & Welfare Bureau also briefed the meeting on the “Mid-term Update of Manpower Projection” report. Members heard that the Government will continue to promote “AI for All” and support lifelong learning, ensuring that skills in the labour force remain aligned with Hong Kong’s future economy.
The bureau will commence a new review of the Talent List soon.
Members said they supported the Government in continuing to closely monitor the labour market and in formulating and refining forward-looking policies on a rolling basis, with a view to maintaining manpower supply in support of economic development, whilst also safeguarding employment priority for local workers.
Source: Hong Kong Information Services
Heal Fertility (“the centre”) can resume accepting new patients for assisted reproductive technology procedures from tomorrow, following the Department of Health’s decision to lift its earlier directive suspension.
The centre was previously requested to stop accepting new cases for such procedures following a “Serious Untoward Event” involving a mix-up in embryo biopsy specimens.
The department said the decision to lift the suspension was made in light of confirmation by the Council on Human Reproductive Technology that the centre has properly implemented all remedial and improvement measures.
The council convened a special meeting today to review the centre’s licence.
It highlighted that the council conducted an unannounced on‑site inspection of the centre on September 22, focusing on all aspects of the remedial measures.
The council was satisfied that the centre had refined its internal sample‑handling procedures, strengthened staff training, and upgraded laboratory management and security systems.
The council’s requirements included implementation of CCTV surveillance on the premises, installation of biometric locks on all cryostorage tanks, and enhancement of sample identification and verification.
The council also outlined that the main personnel involved in the incident had already left the centre, and that new staff had been recruited and trained.
After thoroughly reviewing the relevant reports and inspection results, the council therefore allowed Heal Fertility to fully resume all 17 treatment services covered by its licence from tomorrow.
The council said it will continue to closely monitor Heal Fertility’s performance.
Source: Hong Kong Information Services
The Government today urged the public not to be misled by fake messages on social media claiming whole-day use of the new Huanggang Port for vehicles under the “Guangdong-Hong Kong Regular Quota” system.
The messages wrongly claimed that the vehicles of “Guangdong-Hong Kong Regular Quota” holders issued with Closed Road Permits (CRPs) for the Heung Yuen Wai/Liantang Port, Shenzhen Bay Port or Sha Tau Kok Control Point, can directly use the new Huanggang Port to cross the boundary at any time throughout the day.
The Government said the case will be referred to law enforcement agencies for follow-up.
It explained that “Guangdong-Hong Kong Regular Quota” applicants must submit specific documentation to the Mainland authorities and satisfy their requirements.
Upon issuance of an Approval Notice to applicants by the Mainland authorities, they can apply to the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government’s Transport Department for CRPs for the land control points endorsed on the Approval Notice.
Vehicles with CRPs for the abovementioned control points are only permitted to travel between Guangdong and Hong Kong via the existing Lok Ma Chau Control Point or the soon-to-open new Huanggang Port between midnight and 6.30am daily.
The Government said that similar false information has previously surfaced on social media and in messaging groups. Messages have repeatedly impersonated government announcements and falsely claimed that “Guangdong-Hong Kong Regular Quota” holders are free from control point or eligibility restrictions.
It added that such claims are particularly misleading to road users of both places amid the anticipated upcoming opening of the new Huanggang Port, and that the public should exercise heightened vigilance.
The Government reiterated that arrangements regarding “Guangdong-Hong Kong Regular Quotas” and the use of control points are jointly deliberated on by the governments of the two places. There are currently no plans to adjust the arrangement of enabling cross-boundary vehicles with CRPs for designated control points to use the Lok Ma Chau Control Point/new Huanggang Port overnight.
Members of the public should refer to official announcements, especially regarding the opening arrangements for the new Huanggang Port, and verify messages carefully to guard against deception.
Source: Government of Singapore
24-hr PSI Forecast: High Moderate to Mid Unhealthy
Healthy persons: If 24-hr PSI is Moderate, normal activities. If 24-hr PSI is Unhealthy, reduce prolonged or strenuous outdoor physical exertion. If 1-hr PM2.5 is Normal (Band 1), normal activities. If 1-hr PM2.5 is Elevated (Band 2), reduce strenuous outdoor activity for the next hour.
Elderly, pregnant women & children: If 24-hr PSI is Moderate, normal activities. If 24-hr PSI is Unhealthy, minimise prolonged or strenuous outdoor physical exertion. If 1-hr PM2.5 is Normal (Band 1), normal activities. If 1-hr PM2.5 is Elevated (Band 2), avoid strenuous outdoor activity for the next hour.
Persons with chronic lung/heart disease: If 24-hr PSI is Moderate, normal activities. If PSI is Unhealthy, avoid prolonged or strenuous outdoor physical exertion. If 1-hr PM2.5 is Normal (Band 1), normal activities. If 1-hr PM2.5 is Elevated (Band 2), avoid strenuous outdoor activity for the next hour.
Refer to the 1-hr PM2.5 for immediate activities, and the 24-hr PSI forecast to plan ahead.
Singapore, 05 October 2026 – Dry conditions were observed over Singapore today. As at 7pm, the 1-hr PM2.5 concentration readings were 72 – 109 µg/m3, in (Band 2, Elevated), and the 24-hr PSI was 97 – 124, in the Moderate to Unhealthy range.
Update on Hotspot and Haze Situation
2. Moderate to dense smoke plumes from southern Sumatra were observed to drift towards Singapore. Smoke haze was also observed from fires in Kalimantan.
3. Dry conditions are expected to persist over southern Sumatra and Kalimantan. As the prevailing winds are expected to blow from the southeast or east-southeast, smoke haze could continue to drift towards Singapore. The 24-hr PSI for Singapore is forecast to be in the High Moderate to Mid Unhealthy range.
Activity Guidelines
4. The health impact of haze is dependent on one’s health status, the PSI level, and the length and intensity of outdoor activity. For immediate outdoor activities, please check the 1-hr PM2.5 concentration readings and personal guide. Use the 24-hr PSI forecast and corresponding health advisories for planning next day outdoor activities.
5. For updates, visit our haze microsite (www.haze.gov.sg), the NEA website (www.nea.gov.sg), MSS website (www.weather.gov.sg), mobile app (myENV) or follow us on NEA Facebook (www.facebook.com/NEASingapore). For information on the distribution of hotspots detected over the past fortnight in the region, please refer to the ASEAN Specialised Meteorological Centre (ASMC) website at http://asmc.asean.org.
Areas with lighter smoke haze are not indicated as they cannot be clearly discerned from satellite imagery. The full extent of the hotspot and smoke haze situation could not be determined due to extensive cloud cover.
– End –
Source: Hong Kong Information Services
Radio Television Hong Kong (RTHK) today launched a new media platform and an AI mascot, Wavee, in response to specific calls outlined in last month’s Policy Address.
The Policy Address urged the broadcaster to strengthen its use of AI technologies and new media platforms in order to enhance production quality and efficiency, tell good stories about China and Hong Kong, and elevate its international communication.
Director of Broadcasting Angelina Kwan remarked that RTHK hopes to leverage its new platform and AI mascot to inject greater dynamism and approachability into its offerings, thereby drawing a wider audience, especially the younger generation, to tune in to RTHK’s productions.
The new media platform includes content organised around five key themes: “Wa~ So Hong Kong”, which uncovers heartwarming human stories in local communities; “Wa~ So Cheeky” which takes a light-hearted look Hong Kong’s unique quirks; “Wa~ So Chill”, which introduces residents and visitors to the city’s signature events, cultural attractions and culinary scene; “Wa~ So Classic”, which leverages AI technology to restore precious footage from RTHK’s archives, charting the city’s development through a compelling then-and-now format; and the forthcoming “Wa~ So Dramatic”, comprising short online dramas produced in a range of formats, including AI-generated, animated, live-action and hybrid content.
RTHK said the new mascot’s design draws on the electromagnetic waves that underpin its radio and television services. It explained that Wavee embodies the rich heritage of RTHK’s long broadcasting history and carries deep significance as a symbol of delivering information to the people of Hong Kong.
Source: Hong Kong Information Services
Eight enterprises have been selected as the inaugural “New Industrialisation Elite Enterprises” under a nurturing scheme of the Innovation, Technology & Industry Bureau.
Announcing the inaugural list today, the bureau said that the New Industrialisation Elite Enterprises Nurturing Scheme echoes 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’s goal is 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.
Secretary for Innovation, Technology & Industry Prof Sun Dong said that the 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 of the “Made in Hong Kong” enterprise brand, thereby supporting the future development of the enterprises, he added.
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.
The assessment was based on three core selection criteria: the enterprises’ research and development capabilities, growth potential, and local contribution and ecosystem impact.
Selected enterprises are awarded the honorary title of “New Industrialisation Elite Enterprise”. The award presentation ceremony is expected to be held before the end of this year.
Source: Republic of China Taiwan
Organized by the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA), the Taiwan Expo USA 2026 opened in Dallas, Texas on Thursday September 24. Featuring 155 Taiwanese enterprises, this year’s expo is the largest edition to date, showcasing Taiwan’s cutting-edge technologies, comprehensive industrial capabilities, and resilient supply chains. Senior representatives from the U.S. Department of Commerce, American Institute in Taiwan (AIT), and Texas Economic Development and Tourism Office attended the opening ceremony, underscoring the growing momentum in Taiwan-U.S. economic cooperation.
Director General William Liu of the International Trade Administration (TITA) emphasized that competitiveness today depends on operating close to key markets, customers, and partners. Implementing the government’s strategy of “Being Rooted in Taiwan, While Expanding Globally, and Marketing to the World,” the MOEA continues to help Taiwanese companies build on the strengths of Taiwan’s industrial clusters to deepen ties with key partners, such as the United States. With Texas emerging as a strategic hub for AI server supply chains, the MOEA has established the Taiwan Trade and Investment Center in Dallas and teamed up with the Taiwan Electrical and Electronic Manufacturers’ Association (TEEMA) to help Taiwanese industries build overseas clusters.
Tailored to the needs of the U.S. market, the Taiwan Expo USA showcased eight thematic zones-ranging from smart robotics and cutting-edge AI computing to reliable energy management systems-alongside the Taiwan-U.S. Industry Collaboration Forum. By taking a “Commerce First to Deepen Cooperation” approach, the event provided a platform for fostering trusted and resilient AI supply chains as well as advancing bilateral economic ties.
Source: Hong Kong Information Services
The Land Registry logged 6,438 sale and purchase agreements received for registration for all building units in September, a rise of 11.6% compared with August but down 6.3% year on year.
The total consideration for sale and purchase agreements in September rose 20.1% from the previous month to $53.5 billion, representing a 0.01% year-on-year increase.
A total of 4,761 agreements were for residential units, up 18.5% from the previous month and down 15.6% from a year ago.
The total consideration for sale and purchase agreements for residential units was $46.8 billion, an increase of 29.3% compared with the previous month and a drop of 0.9% year on year.
There were 463,031 land register searches last month.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Violinist Patricia Kopatchinskaja and cellist Sol Gabetta to make their duo debut in Hong Kong in November
This performance will cover two 20th-century duo masterpieces including Ravel’s “Sonata for Violin and Cello” and Kodály’s “Duo for Violin and Cello, Op. 7”, alongside selected short pieces from the Baroque period, such as Leclair’s “Tambourin in C” and Bach’s “Prelude in G, BWV 860”. The programme will also include duo works by various contemporary composers, including Widmann, Xenakis, Ligeti, and Coll, and will feature a selection from Kopatchinskaja’s own “Ghiribizzi”, outlining a string dialogue that spans classical tradition and contemporary creativity.
Cellist Gabetta has served as a focus artist of the Tonhalle Orchestra Zurich for the 2025/26 season, and has been honoured with the European Cultural Prize, the Herbert von Karajan Prize, and more.
Violinist Kopatchinskaja was featured in an “Artist Portrait” with the London Symphony Orchestra for 2025/26 season, and her recording of “Les Plaisirs Illuminés” with Gabetta and the Camerata Bern was honoured with a BBC Music Magazine award.
The recital will be staged at 8pm on November 2 (Monday) at the Concert Hall of Hong Kong City Hall. Tickets priced at $280, $420, $550 and $680 are now available at URBTIX (www.urbtix.hk
The “Great Music 2026”, presented by the LCSD, brings a world-renowned orchestra and musicians to Hong Kong from June to December, offering music lovers a stellar line-up of performances. For more details, please visit www.lcsd.gov.hk/CE/CulturalService/Programme/en/music/groups_1946.html
“Duo Recital by Sol Gabetta (Cello) & Patricia Kopatchinskaja (Violin)” is one of the programmes of the fourth edition of the Asia+ Festival.
Issued at HKT 12:47
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