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Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Government announced today (October 31) that the Oral Health Group will be established under the Primary Healthcare Committee (PHC Committee) of the Primary Healthcare Commission (PHC Commission) tomorrow (November 1). It will advise the Government on the development of oral health and dental care, with a view to implementing the strategy that emphasises prevention, early identification, and timely intervention, thereby further enhancing both oral and general health of citizens of all ages.

     Oral health is an integral part of general health, and preventive oral care is a crucial component of primary healthcare. The Government released the final report of the Working Group on Oral Health and Dental Care and an action plan in December 2024, which includes adopting the strategy of widely promoting prevention-oriented primary oral healthcare among citizens across all age groups, and proposes the establishment of a steering and advisory framework, by setting up the Oral Health Group under the PHC Committee to continuously press ahead with various initiatives. Furthermore, the Chief Executive proposed to bolster public and subsidised dental services in his 2025 Policy Address to enhance oral health education, oral hygiene instructions, risk assessments, and more, in the community.

     Co-chaired by the Commissioner for Primary Healthcare, Dr Pang Fei-chau, and non-official member of the PHC Committee Dr Sigmund Leung, the Oral Health Group comprises four official members and 13 non-official members, with a term of office from November 1, 2025, to December 31, 2027. The non-official members include representatives from the dental profession, the healthcare sector, collaborating non-governmental organisations of government-subsidised dental care programmes, as well as prominent community figures. They possess rich experience and profound knowledge in relevant fields and can provide invaluable advice and recommendations to the Government on strategies for promoting oral health and the development of dental care services. The Oral Health Group will hold its first meeting in the fourth quarter of this year.

     Specifically, the terms of reference of the Oral Health Group are as follows:

(1) To monitor the progress of integrating oral health into primary healthcare;
(2) To monitor the effectiveness of various preventive measures in oral healthcare in attaining the Oral Health Goals for 2030; and
(3) To advise the Government on the further development of prevention-oriented oral healthcare, including the dental manpower supply and the development of eHealth for oral healthcare.

     The membership list of the Oral Health Group is as follows:

Co-chairmen
————
Commissioner for Primary Healthcare
Dr Sigmund Leung Sai-man

Official Members
————————
Deputy Secretary for Health (or representative)
Director of Health (or representative)
Representative of the PHC Commission
Representative nominated by the Hospital Authority

Non-official Members
———————————
Representative nominated by the Faculty of Dentistry, the University of Hong Kong
President (or representative nominated by the President) of the College of Dental Surgeons of Hong Kong
Chairman (or representative nominated by the Chairman) of the Dental Council of Hong Kong
President (or representative nominated by the President) of the Hong Kong Dental Association
President (or representative nominated by the President) of the Hong Kong Dental Hygienists’ Association
Representative nominated by Pok Oi Hospital
Representative nominated by St. James’ Settlement
Representative nominated by the Lok Sin Tong Benevolent Society, Kowloon
Dr Eva Au Tai-kwan
Mr Tim Pang Hung-cheong
Dr Frankie So Hon-ching
Dr Denise Tam Yick-sin
Professor Samuel Wong Yeung-shan

     The PHC Committee was established in 2024 to assist the PHC Commission in effectively performing its functions and exercising its powers. The PHC Committee comprises individuals from different professional backgrounds, including professionals from family medicine, Chinese medicine, dentistry and other professional sectors, bringing together various parties to advise the PHC Commission from multiple perspectives.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Government announced today (October 31) that the Chief Executive (CE) has reappointed Professor Wong Sze-chun as a member of the Pensions Appeal Panel (PAP) and the Appeal Panel on Government’s Voluntary Contributions under the Civil Service Provident Fund Scheme (APGVC) for a term of three years with effect from November 9, 2025.

The PAP is a statutory body established under the Pension Benefits Ordinance (Cap. 99) responsible for advising the CE on petitions made by civil servants against decisions to refuse to grant, cancel, suspend or reduce pension benefits. The APGVC is an administrative panel set up to tender advice to the CE on representations made by civil servants against decisions to forfeit or recover their accrued benefits attributable to government voluntary contributions under the Civil Service Provident Fund Scheme.

Ms Teresa Ko Yuk-yin is the convenor-cum-member of the two appeal panels, while Ms Eva Kwong Pui-han is the other serving member.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Government announced today (October 31) that the Chief Executive has, pursuant to the Stablecoins Ordinance (Cap. 656) (the Ordinance), appointed the Chairperson and panel members to the Stablecoin Review Tribunal.
 
     The following Chairperson and panel members of the Tribunal are appointed for a three-year term from November 1, 2025, to October 31, 2028.
 
Chairperson
————
Mr Douglas Lam Tak-yip, SC
 
Panel members
—————–
Professor Allen Huang Hao
Ms Vivien Khoo
Mr Robert Andrew Lui Chi-wang
Mr Andrew Mak Yip-shing
Mr Philip Ng Kim-lam
Mr Patrick Siu Tsz-him
　
     A Government spokesman said, “The Ordinance has further strengthened the regulatory framework for digital asset activities in Hong Kong, providing a solid foundation for the steady and sustainable development of the industry. The Tribunal helps provide safeguards to ensure that the relevant regulatory decisions are reasonable and fair.”
 
     The Tribunal is established under the Ordinance to, upon receipt of appeals, review specified decisions of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority made under the Ordinance.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Government announced today (October 31) the appointments to the Payment Systems and Stored Value Facilities Appeals Tribunal and the Process Review Committee in connection with the Payment Systems and Stored Value Facilities Ordinance (Cap. 584).
 
     The Chief Executive has, pursuant to the Ordinance, made the following appointments and reappointments to the Tribunal for a three-year term from November 4, 2025, to November 3, 2028:
 
Chairman
————
Mr Richard Khaw Wei-kiang, SC
 
Panel Members
————
Ms Florence Chan Yuen-shan *
Mr Louis Chow Ka-leung *
Mr Peter Li Po-ting *
Mr Patrick Siu Tsz-him
Professor George Yang Yong
 
*reappointment
 
     In addition, the Financial Secretary, under the authority delegated by the Chief Executive, has reappointed the Chairman and members of the Process Review Committee for a three-year term from December 1, 2025, to November 30, 2028.
 
Chairman
————
Mr Jack Chan Hoi
 
Members
————
Mr Frederick Chan Hing-fai
Mr Louis Chow Ka-leung
Professor Matthew Lee Kwok-on
Ms Fion Ng Siu-mui
 
     The Government also expressed gratitude to the outgoing Chairman of the Tribunal, Mr Michael John Hartmann, and the two outgoing panel members of the Tribunal, Professor Chen Nan and Mr Gary Soo Kwok-leung.
 
     A Government spokesman said, “The Tribunal and the Process Review Committee effectively ensure that the relevant decisions made by the regulatory authority pursuant to the Ordinance are reasonable, thereby enhancing accountability. We are thankful to the outgoing Chairman and panel members of the Tribunal and are confident that the new term of the Tribunal and the Process Review Committee will continue to operate effectively.”
 
     The Tribunal is established under the Ordinance to, upon receipt of appeals, review relevant decisions made by the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) under the Ordinance.
 
     The Process Review Committee is established by the Chief Executive to review independently the processes and procedures adopted by the HKMA in making decisions relating to the designated systems in which the HKMA has a legal or beneficial interest.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The following is issued on behalf of the Committee on the Promotion of Civic Education:
 
The Home and Youth Affairs Bureau, the Committee on the Promotion of Civic Education (CPCE) and the Local Community Sub-group under the Working Group on Constitution, Basic Law and Hong Kong National Security Law of the Constitution and Basic Law Promotion Steering Committee are launching a new round of the Basic Law Quiz Competition to enhance public understanding of the relationship between the Constitution and the Basic Law, the Basic Law and its history, as well as safeguarding national security. The entry round of the Competition opens from today (October 31) for application. Members of the public are welcome to join the Competition.
 
The Competition comprises the Family Category, Senior Primary School Category, Secondary School Category and Open Category. Participants shall answer 20 quiz questions and submit their applications via the Competition website. The deadline for the entry round is December 31.
 
Participants who have answered all questions in the entry round and successfully submitted their applications will have the opportunity to receive a Civic Education Calendar 2026 by mail while stocks last. Upon closing of the entry round, those with the best performance in each category will be selected by ballot to attend the Quiz Final and Prize Presentation Ceremony tentatively scheduled for April 2026. Attendees may have a chance to compete in question sessions for prizes.
 
The CPCE is a non-statutory committee that promotes civic and national education outside schools and in the community through various and diverse means, with a view to helping the general public develop positive values, civic awareness, and a sense of patriotism.
 
For details, please visit the Competition website at www.cpce.gov.hk/basiclaw2025-26 or call 2880 2885.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Government announced today (October 31) the appointments to the Process Review Panel for the Mandatory Provident Fund Schemes Authority (PRP-MPFA).
 
     The Financial Secretary, in exercise of his authority delegated by the Chief Executive, has appointed Mr Johnny Ip Chun-yuen, as the Chairman of PRP-MPFA. He also appointed Ms Dilys Chau Suet-fung, Mr Keith Choy Chung-fai and Ms Angela Leung Wai-tuen as members of PRP-MPFA. The appointments will take effect from November 1, 2025, for a term of two years until October 31, 2027.
 
     A spokesperson for the Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau welcomed the above appointments and said, “We wish to express our sincere appreciation for the dedicated and comprehensive review work undertaken by PRP-MPFA. The Chairman and members have rendered invaluable contributions in reviewing and advising on the internal procedures and operational guidelines of the Mandatory Provident Fund Schemes Authority (MPFA). Their advice has significantly strengthened the regulatory effectiveness of MPFA. With Mr Ip assuming the role of Chairman, we are confident that PRP-MPFA will maintain its effective operation and continue to ensure that MPFA discharges its regulatory responsibilities fairly and consistently.”
 
     The spokesperson also expressed gratitude to Mr Eugene Fung Ting-sek, SC, for his outstanding leadership as Chairman over the past six years, and outgoing members, namely Mr Abraham Chan Lok-shung, SC, Mrs Agnes Koon Woo Kam-oi, Mr Liu Kin-sing and Mr Jeff Wong Kwan-kit for their dedicated services.
 
     Following is the membership of the PRP-MPFA with effect from November 1, 2025:
 
Chairman
————
Mr Johnny Ip Chun-yuen
 
Members
———-
Ms Dilys Chau Suet-fung
Mr Keith Choy Chung-fai
Ms Jasmine Lee Shun-yi
Ms Angela Leung Wai-tuen
Professor Tang Hei-wai
 
Ex-officio members
———————-
Chairman of MPFA
Secretary for Justice (or his representative)

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Southbound Travel for Guangdong Vehicles will initially be open to applications from Guangzhou, Zhuhai, Zhongshan, and Jiangmen in Guangdong Province and approved Guangdong vehicles will enter Hong Kong from December 23.

Chief Executive John Lee expressed gratitude for the staunch support of the central government and the Guangdong Provincial Government in jointly taking forward and realising the Southbound Travel Scheme.

He noted that the Southbound Travel Scheme and Northbound Travel for Hong Kong Vehicles complement each other and are important measures to promote the integrated development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA), facilitating mutual engagement between residents of Guangdong and Hong Kong.

Mr Lee highlighted that the Southbound Travel Scheme will also achieve a higher level of mutual flow of people and goods and even open up a new model for Mainland residents to visit Hong Kong, which in turn brings opportunities to such sectors as tourism, retail, and catering in Hong Kong.

Under the strategies of ensuring safety, effective diversion, well-equipped supporting facilities and streamlined application, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government is taking forward the Southbound Travel Scheme in a steady manner, with a view to benefitting Hong Kong residents and society as a whole, as well as sharing the fruitful achievements of the integrated development of the GBA, he added.

Under the Southbound Travel Scheme, eligible and approved private cars from Guangdong may enter Hong Kong directly via the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge from December 23, starting with 100 vehicles per day for a stay of up to three days per Guangdong vehicle.

Interested applicants must first register for computer-based balloting through Guangdong’s information platform of the Southbound Travel Scheme before formally submitting their applications starting from December 9.

Designated drivers have to hold a valid Hong Kong driving licence, their Guangdong vehicles have to be inspected according to Hong Kong regulations and obtained valid third-party risk insurance.

Also as part of the Southbound Travel Scheme, approved Guangdong vehicles may park at the automated carparks on the artificial island at the Hong Kong Port via the Zhuhai Port of the HZMB, after which the drivers and passengers may transfer to a flight via Hong Kong International Airport or enter into urban area by taking Hong Kong local transportation.

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The Airport Authority Hong Kong’s (AAHK) automated “Park & Fly” carpark will start operations from 0.00am on November 15.

Providing 1,800 parking spaces for 24-hour automated parking, drop-off and pick-up services, the carparks will be open for application starting from 9am tomorrow.

The AAHK has launched a one-stop booking platform, allowing eligible applicants from Guangdong to book a parking space for each trip on a first-come, first-served basis.

For vehicles with a successful booking, “Park & Fly” travellers having their documents and air tickets verified, will take a bonded bus to the SkyPier Terminal to check in with their baggage, and then proceed directly to the terminal for boarding without going through the Hong Kong immigration clearance in the process.

Upon their return to Hong Kong, travellers will only need to confirm their booking at Transfer Desk E2 in the restricted area of Terminal 1 before proceeding to the SkyPier Terminal to take the bonded bus bound for the “Park & Fly” carpark to retrieve their vehicles.

As for drop-off or pick-up, designated drivers may, in accordance with the respective booking, drive to the “Park & Fly” carpark to transfer to a flight, or from the “Park & Fly” carpark back to the Mainland, without having to use the automated parking system.

To ensure orderly implementation, both parts of the Southbound Travel Scheme will initially be open to applications from Guangzhou, Zhuhai, Zhongshan, and Jiangmen, to be gradually extended to other cities in Guangdong Province after six months.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The projected private flat supply for the next three to four years is 102,000 units, 1,000 more than the previous estimate.

The Housing Bureau today said there were 26,000 unsold units in completed projects at the end of September.

There were also 62,000 units under construction, excluding those pre-sold by developers; and 14,000 units from disposed sites where construction may start anytime.

The number of flats under construction in the third quarter was 800, while 3,300 units were completed during the period.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The value of residential mortgage loans approved in September was $31.4 billion, a 9.4% increase compared with August, the Monetary Authority announced today.

Mortgage loans financing primary market transactions increased 17.5% to $12.6 billion, while those financing secondary market transactions rose 6.1% to $15.5 billion.

Loans for refinancing decreased 2.4% to $3.2 billion.

Mortgage loans drawn down during September amounted to $20.9 billion, a 9.7% rise from August.

The number of mortgage applications in September dropped 1.1% month on month to 8,316.

The outstanding value of mortgage loans increased 0.2% month-on-month to $1.8914 trillion at end-September.