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.
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Funding Scheme on the Promotion of Family Education 2026-27 opens for application from today
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Funding Scheme on the Promotion of Family Education 2026-27 opens for application from today
Launched in October 2024, the Scheme seeks to subsidise non-profit-making community family education projects to raise public awareness of family education and its importance, and further promote family values to enhance the well-being of families and social harmony.
The Scheme covers various family-related themes, such as education for new parents, parent-child education, maintenance of family relationships, strengthening of family cohesion and solidarity, inheritance of good family values and traditional virtues, assisting parents to guide their children and adolescents towards positive, proactive, and self-reliant values from an early age, and other marriage-related subjects, etc, in order to meet the needs of different families. Apart from the above-mentioned themes, applicant organisations may apply for funding to organise suitable projects with other family-related themes having regard to the concerns or needs of the community. A proposed project may feature more than one theme provided that they are family-related. The funding caps for each 12-month and 18-month project are $800,000 and $1,200,000 respectively.
Details of the Scheme including the application guide and application form are available on the website of the Scheme (www.pfe.gov.hkIssued at HKT 12:00
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Temporary suspension of LCSD’s Mobile Library 2, 6 and 12 services
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Temporary suspension of LCSD’s Mobile Library 2, 6 and 12 services
Mobile Library 12 will suspend services from October 12 to 17. The affected service points are Lei Muk Shue Estate, Bayview Garden and Sham Tseng Market Carpark in Tsuen Wan; Tai Wo Hau Estate in Kwai Chung; Fu Cheong Estate in Sham Shui Po; Ka Fuk Estate in Fanling; and Kam Tsin Village and Tung Hing Road Car Park in Sheung Shui. For enquiries about Mobile Library 12 services, please call 2479 1055.
Mobile Library 6 will suspend services from October 20 to 31. The affected service points are Heng Fa Chuen in Chai Wan, Tai Hong Street in Lei King Wan, Lei Tung Estate and Ap Lei Chau Estate in Ap Lei Chau, the First Aid Station at Shek O Beach and Tsui Lam Estate in Tseung Kwan O. For enquiries about Mobile Library 6 services, please call 2505 4690.Issued at HKT 11:00
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AFCD urges grave sweepers to prevent hill fires
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
AFCD urges grave sweepers to prevent hill fires
An AFCD spokesman said it is an offence under the Forests and Countryside Ordinance (Cap. 96) to leave behind kindling or burn offerings without considering fire risks in the countryside. Any person who contravenes the ordinance may be prosecuted and is liable to a maximum fine of $25,000 and one year’s imprisonment upon conviction.
AFCD staff will step up patrols at graveyards in the countryside during the Chung Yeung Festival period and take enforcement action against any irregularities.
The majority of hill fires in the countryside are caused by human negligence. Accidents can be prevented if grave sweepers observe some simple guidelines:
* Remove weeds around graves with tools and never burn weeds with fire;
* Burn incense and joss paper only inside a container or iron bucket;
* Never leave burning offerings unattended; and
* Make sure all kindling is put out when leaving the graveyard.
The spokesman said that metal containers for burning offerings properly will be handed out to grave sweepers who have such a need at suitable locations in country parks during the Chung Yeung Festival. The AFCD will also patrol the vicinity of hill fire black spots and distribute hill fire prevention leaflets together with the Civil Aid Service.
Members of the public are reminded to keep the countryside clean and properly clean up their offerings or rubbish.
Issued at HKT 11:00
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Speech by CE at Global Youth Powerhouse Summit 2026 (English only) (with video)
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Speech by CE at Global Youth Powerhouse Summit 2026 (English only) (with video)
Dr Kevin Lau (Founding Convenor of the Hong Kong Youth Professional Global Advocacy), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
Good morning. It is my pleasure to address you virtually at the Global Youth Powerhouse Summit 2026.
I would like to begin by thanking the Hong Kong Youth Professional Global Advocacy, for bringing together young professionals from across the Greater Bay Area, Southeast Asia and beyond to connect, learn and lead.
The theme of this year’s Summit, “Where Young Leaders Forge Hong Kong’s Next Chapter”, is a fitting description of our development. The younger generation is not only the beneficiary of our reforms; it is also the driving force behind them.
The world is fast-changing. Geopolitical tensions, rapid technological advances and economic uncertainties are reshaping the landscape for your generation. Hong Kong thrives on changes, and always emerges stronger from challenges. Under “one country, two systems”, we are uniquely placed to bridge the Mainland and the world. Our role has always been that of a “super connector” and a “super value-adder”, linking markets and people, and turning connections into opportunities and growth. As the country goes from strength to strength, Hong Kong’s role matters more than ever.
For you, Hong Kong is where careers are built, talent is nurtured, and global horizons are within reach. To chart a clear path forward, we announced Hong Kong’s First Five-Year Plan and released the 2026 Policy Address last month, proactively aligning Hong Kong’s growth with the country’s development strategies. Both put young people at the centre, focusing on nurturing your growth and ambitions.
Key to our development as a city is the Northern Metropolis. This piece of land takes up one-third of Hong Kong’s area, and will potentially be home to a third of our population. More than a new engine of growth, it will become a place to live, work, play, and shape your future. It will also become a major platform for Hong Kong in integrating into and serving the overall national development.
At its heart are three university towns in San Tin, Hung Shui Kiu and Ta Kwu Ling, each with its own focus, where education, technology, industry, talent and a suitable living environment converge. Each will integrate talent cultivation, scientific research, transformation of outcomes and industry development. Government, industry, academia, research and investment will work in close partnership.
We are also developing six dedicated industry parks across the Northern Metropolis, covering innovation and technology, advanced manufacturing, modern logistics and more. These parks will attract enterprises from around the world, bringing high-value jobs and real opportunities for young professionals.
Beyond the Northern Metropolis, we are opening doors around the world. We are launching a two-year, 30 000-place Youth Employment and Internship Programme with the business sector, providing jobs and internship places across various sectors. The new United Nations (UN) Youth Leaders Internship Programme will offer placements at UN agencies.
On the Mainland, we will expand internship and training schemes in finance, aerospace and cutting-edge research. These are concrete pathways open to young people today, to nurture our leaders of tomorrow.
For our young people, I firmly believe that your opportunities ahead outweigh the difficulties. The HKSAR (Hong Kong Special Administrative Region) Government will join hands with all sectors to build platforms for you to thrive in Hong Kong, in our country, and in the global arena.
I wish the Summit every success, and all of you the very best in your endeavours. Thank you.
Issued at HKT 10:30
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Speech by PSITI at Global Youth Powerhouse Summit 2026 (English only)
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
Following is the speech by the Permanent Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Mr Kevin Choi, at the Global Youth Powerhouse Summit 2026 today (October 5):
Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
Good morning. It is a pleasure to join you at the Global Youth Powerhouse Summit, alongside over 200 young professionals, educators, and industry leaders from more than 30 countries and regions.
Every major technological shift brings uncertainty. Our theme today, “From Entry-Level Shock to AI Power Users: Building the Next Talent Ladder”, turns that uncertainty into a challenge we can rise to together.
Let me be candid. The “entry-level shock” in today’s theme is real. Many of the routine tasks that once made up a graduate’s first job, such as basic coding and first-line customer service, are precisely the tasks AI now performs well. Our answer is not to shield young people from AI, but to make sure the first job is still there, and that it is a better one.
The good news is that Hong Kong starts from a position of strength. A recent study by a global technology company found that among Hong Kong respondents, nearly 70 per cent are already proficient AI users, able to compare and choose between different tools, and about 20 per cent are “super users” who harness AI agents to automate everyday tasks. In other words, many people are already climbing the ladder, our task is to make sure that this ladder reaches everyone.
In Hong Kong, we view AI not as a threat, but as a catalyst. Anchored by Hong Kong’s First Five-Year Plan and our latest Policy Address, both announced just last month, we are building a comprehensive “talent ladder” to take emerging professionals from foundational literacy to industry leadership. Today, I want to walk you through how we are setting up that ladder, step by step.
Before anyone can become an AI power user, they must first master the basics. The first step of our talent ladder is mass AI literacy, removing cost and access barriers so that no one is left behind.
We are investing at a population scale. Through our “AI for All” Inclusive Programme, we are delivering over 200 tailored training courses and activities by early 2028, promoting responsible AI use among students, researchers, and working professionals. To build public familiarity with emerging technologies such as embodied AI, we are introducing the “Robots in the Community” Pilot Programme, bringing technology out of labs and into daily life. For the workforce, we offer free online training courses for all with a focus on the workplace application of AI, aimed at upskilling 40 000 employees. For small and medium enterprises, enhanced programmes like the Digital Transformation Support Pilot Programme and Hong Kong Productivity Council’s advisory services provide direct tools to integrate AI into everyday operations.
Once literacy is established, the second step converts active learners into practical innovators. Hong Kong holds a unique position to drive this transformation. We are the only city in the world home to five universities ranked in the global top 100. Hong Kong ranks fourth in the IMD (International Institute for Management Development) World Talent Ranking and third in education competitiveness.
To prepare our youth for an AI-driven economy, the universities funded by the University Grants Committee are introducing 27 new STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) undergraduate programmes focused on AI, creative technologies, and data science. Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTPC) has also expanded the Talent Foundry programme to offer around 500 training opportunities on AI+ and emerging technologies for professionals and students each year.
Just as importantly, we are paving the way for that crucial first job. As announced in the 2026 Policy Address, the Government and the business sector will launch the two-year 30 000 Youth Employment and Internship Programme. Amongst others, we will expand the STEM Internship Scheme to provide around 10 000 internship quotas within two years, for young people to explore new I&T (innovation and technology) disciplines.
The third step turns academic excellence into real-world impact by aligning spatial strategy, research funding, and industry application. In fact, we are fully committed to nurturing this synergistic ecosystem by rolling out various initiatives to empower local university teams to transform innovative ideas into viable start-ups, examples of which include the Technology Start-up Support Scheme for Universities and the $10 billion Research, Academic and Industry Sectors One-plus Scheme.
Furthermore, guided by the Committee on AI+ and Industry Development Strategy, we are driving AI integration across all sectors. To spearhead this transformation, the new Hong Kong Artificial Intelligence Research and Development Institute will come into operation later this year, accelerating the commercialisation of research breakthroughs. At the same time, we support the HKSTPC in exploring the establishment of the Hong Kong Innovation and Technology Application Scenario Promotion Centre. We trust that these programmes would give researchers the test beds they need, in both the public and private sectors, to prove their concepts.
This brings us to the final step, providing the infrastructure, career opportunities, and policy pathways that empower AI users to thrive over the long term.
AI requires massive computing power. The Sandy Ridge Data Facility Cluster will underpin Hong Kong’s AI development with critical data infrastructure. The cluster is expected to commence phased operation in mid-2027, with its computing power to reach 180 000 peta-floating point operations per second (PFLOPS) by 2032, which is 36 times Hong Kong’s current level, ensuring our technology developers have access to high-performance infrastructure.
Our innovation blueprint creates a connected innovation corridor stretching from Cyberport in the south, through the Hong Kong Science Park in the centre, to the new Loop Hong Kong Park in the north, where Loop Academy One, the flagship of the Northern Metropolis University Town, will merge academia, research, and industry under one roof. This gives our young professionals a unique launchpad to build, test, and scale solutions.
Finally, a ladder needs solid ground, and for Hong Kong that foundation is a deliberate strategy of balancing robust innovation with responsible governance. Under our AI risk-governance strategy, we are addressing seven areas from ethical governance and AI agent safety to the broader impact of widespread AI use under the support of a new Commissioner for AI to be created within the Digital Policy Office.
Young professionals, Hong Kong may be small in landmass, but our technological ambitions are vast. Hong Kong has already given rise to about 20 unicorns from fintech to AI, alongside more than 5 200 start-ups. Here, we provide the platform, the data, and the market for you to build a career.
So may I leave you with one request for this year. Adopt one AI tool in your work, step onto the ladder, become an AI power user, and build the future right here in Hong Kong.
The policy framework is set. In the session that follows, I am sure Alibaba, Huawei and Tech for Good will show how organisations actually put AI to good use. I wish you all a rewarding and enjoyable Summit. Thank you.
SCST congratulates Hong Kong, China Football Team on winning championship in FIFA ASEAN Challenge Cup 2026 (Division 2)
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
The Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Miss Rosanna Law, today (October 3) extended her congratulations to Hong Kong, China Football Team on winning championship in the FIFA ASEAN Challenge Cup 2026 (Division 2).
Miss Law said, “The Hong Kong, China Football Team advanced to today’s final after winning both group-stage matches, with nearly 32 000 fans in attendance to cheer them on. With the players’ relentless drive and the fans’ boundless passion, the Hong Kong team defeated Cambodia 2-0 at Kai Tak Stadium, clinching the title of a FIFA-organised cup competition for the first time. The Hong Kong team demonstrated excellence in both attack and defence throughout, delivering an outstanding performance on the pitch. While benefiting from home advantage, they also fully showcased the Hong Kong football team’s fighting spirit and professionalism.”
She continued, “Over the past week, several Southeast Asian national teams gathered in Hong Kong to compete. I hope this mega event has brought local fans and visiting tourists a top-tier spectator experience, while also showcasing to the world Hong Kong’s unique appeal as a capital of international sports events. The Government will continue to give full support to the development of local football and actively align with the national policy direction of promoting the ‘three major ball games’. I look forward to the Hong Kong football team achieving further success in upcoming competitions and further fostering a culture of football enthusiasm in Hong Kong.”
The FIFA ASEAN Challenge Cup 2026 (Division 2) is supported by the Government’s “M” Mark System and is an influential major international sports event.
SCST congratulates Hong Kong, China Rugby Men’s Team, Coleman Wong, Wong Tsz-ho, Cheung Tsz-yuet, Huang Zixi, Ma Kwan-ching, Hong Kong, China Rugby Women’s Team and Cheng de Villemor Salgado Tiago on winning medals in Asian Games
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
The Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Miss Rosanna Law, today (October 3) extended her congratulations to Hong Kong, China Delegation on achieving its best-ever results at the Asian Games. Today, Hong Kong, China Rugby Men’s Team won a gold medal in Men’s Rugby Sevens; tennis athlete Coleman Wong won a gold medal in Men’s Singles; and windsurfing athletes Wong Tsz-ho and Cheung Tsz-yuet won two medals in Boys’ Windsurfing iQFoil and Girls’ Windsurfing iQFoil respectively.
Miss Law also extended her congratulations to sailing athlete Huang Zixi for winning a silver medal in Girls’ Dinghy ILCA4; windsurfing athlete Ma Kwan-ching for winning a silver medal in Women’s Windsurfing iQFoil; Hong Kong, China Rugby Women’s Team for winning a bronze medal in Women’s Rugby Sevens; and sailing athlete Cheng de Villemor Salgado Tiago for winning a bronze medal in Boys’ Dinghy ILCA4.
Miss Law said, “Hong Kong, China Delegation has delivered an outstanding performance at this edition of Asian Games, winning four gold medals in one day today. Since the opening of the Asian Games, the number of gold medal has risen to eleven, while our total medal count has reached fifty-four, breaking all previous records and scaling new heights.
“Hong Kong, China Rugby Men’s Team won gold in the final in flawless fashion without conceding a single point, successfully defending its title and securing a third consecutive championship, writing a new page in history. Hong Kong, China Rugby Women’s Team also performed admirably, winning bronze at two consecutive Asian Games.
“Coleman Wong fought in his best form, making history by securing Hong Kong, China’s first Asian Games Men’s Singles tennis gold, while also earning qualification for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games – a result of great significance.
“The sailing team was likewise extremely impressive at the Asian Games. What delights me most is that the youth events were especially outstanding: all four young athletes competing today won medals. Wong Tsz-ho and Cheung Tsz-yuet each secured a gold medal; Huang Zixi won a silver medal and Cheng de Villemor Salgado Tiago won a bronze medal. Together with the silver medal won by Ma Kwan-ching, the sailing team collected a total of ten medals – four golds, four silvers and two bronzes – its best-ever performance at an Asian Games, earning the applause of all Hong Kong citizens!”
The Hong Kong, China Delegation has so far won fifty-four medals, namely eleven gold, nineteen silver and twenty-four bronze, at the Asian Games. The newly added eight medals are as follows:
Gold medals
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Rugby Sevens: Men’s
Hong Kong, China Rugby Men’s Team
Tennis: Men’s Singles
Coleman Wong
Sailing – Windsurfing: Boys’ Windsurfing iQFoil
Wong Tsz-ho
Sailing – Windsurfing: Girls’ Windsurfing iQFoil
Cheung Tsz-yuet
Silver medals
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Sailing: Girls’ Dinghy ILCA4
Huang Zixi
Sailing – Windsurfing: Women’s Windsurfing iQFoil
Ma Kwan-ching
Bronze medals
—————
Sailing: Boys’ Dinghy ILCA4
Cheng de Villemor Salgado Tiago
Rugby Sevens: Women’s
Hong Kong, China Rugby Women’s Team
Experience day at Huanggang Port
Source: Hong Kong Information Services
Ahead of the highly anticipated opening of the redeveloped Huanggang Port, the Security Bureau hosted a community experience day today, welcoming 1,500 members of the public to tour the new Huanggang Port Building Hong Kong Port Area.
Participants travelled from designated pick-up points across various districts via franchised buses and cross-boundary coachs. Guided by officers from the Fire Services Department and the Correctional Services Department, the visitors explored the port building in groups.
The tour began at the public transport interchange, where participants were briefed on upcoming transit arrangements. They then moved through the main building to explore its interior design features and passenger-friendly amenities, including the free government Wi-Fi service.
On the fifth floor, Immigration Department officers demonstrated the new “collaborative inspection” automated channels in the departure hall, giving residents a firsthand look at the innovative “collaborative inspection and joint clearance” mode. The tour continued on the fourth-floor arrival hall, where Hong Kong Customs officers explained the streamlined passenger clearance and inspection procedures.
Secretary for Security Tang Ping-keung visited the venue and spoke with attendees to gather feedback and hear about their visit experiences.
Expressing his gratitude for the public’s positive response, Mr Tang noted that residents are eagerly awaiting the port’s opening, which promises a faster and more convenient travel experience. He also distributed gift packs and took photos with the visitors.
The bureau described the event’s atmosphere as enthusiastic and highly engaging. It added that the event deepened public understanding of the new facility’s transport logistics, customs operations and passenger services.
Moving forward, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government will maintain close co-operation with Shenzhen authorities to finalise preparations for the port’s official opening.
Haze Situation Update (4 October 2026)
Source: Government of Singapore
Air Quality Forecast
24-hr PSI Forecast: High Moderate to Low Unhealthy
Health Advisory
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, 4 October 2026 – It was dry over Singapore today. As at 5pm, the 1-hr PM2.5 concentration readings were 41 – 90 µg/m3, in (Band 1, Normal / Band 2, Elevated), and the 24-hr PSI was 73 – 96 in the Moderate range.
Update on Hotspot and Haze Situation
1. Moderate to dense smoke plumes from southern Sumatra continued to drift towards Singapore and the surrounding region. Smoke haze was also observed from fires in Kalimantan.
2. Dry conditions are expected to continue over Singapore and the surrounding region tomorrow. There remains a risk of smoke haze affecting Singapore under the prevailing southeasterly or southwesterly winds. The 24-hr PSI for Singapore is forecast to be in the High Moderate to Low 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.
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