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Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) announced today (October 30) that 30 public swimming pools under its management (see Annex) will open for public use between November 1, 2025, and March 31, 2026. Heated water will be provided from November 16. The LCSD will continue to monitor changes in temperature. If the weather forecast predicts that the daily average air temperature will drop to 23 degrees Celcius or below for three consecutive days before November 16, heated water will be provided earlier.

     Four swimming pools will be temporarily closed for maintenance works at different parts of the period. Details are as follows:

Swimming pool	Period of temporary closure
Wan Chai Swimming Pool	December 1, 2025, to January 20, 2026
Victoria Park Swimming Pool	February 20 to April 21, 2026
Sham Shui Po Park Swimming Pool	February 24 to April 15, 2026
Kwun Tong Swimming Pool	January 2 to February 21, 2026

     For details of the opening arrangements and the schedule of the weekly cleaning operations of the public swimming pools, please visit the following website: www.lcsd.gov.hk/en/beach/swim-intro/swimlocation.html.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) announced today (October 30) the following arrangements for lifesaving services at its 39 gazetted beaches during the period between November 1, 2025, and March 31, 2026:

Deep Water Bay Beach, Clear Water Bay Second Beach, Silverstrand Beach, Golden Beach, Lido Beach and Casam Beach
————————————————————————————————————————————–
November 1, 2025, to March 31, 2026
Lifesaving services available from 8am to 5pm daily

Stanley Main Beach, Repulse Bay Beach, Middle Bay Beach, Big Wave Bay Beach and Silver Mine Bay Beach 
————————————————————————————————————————
November 1 to 30, 2025, and March 1 to 31, 2026
Lifesaving services available from 8am to 5pm daily
(Lifesaving services suspended from December 1, 2025, to February 28, 2026)

Lifesaving services at the remaining 28 LCSD beaches will be suspended from November 1, 2025, to March 31, 2026. A detailed list can be found in the attachment. 

     The LCSD calls on members of the public to observe water safety while swimming. People should swim at the beaches only when lifesaving services are available. Please do not enter the water when the red flag is hoisted.

     Members of the public should stay away from the shoreline during inclement weather and should not conduct any water sports activities on beaches to avoid causing danger to themselves and rescue personnel. Any failure to comply with the temporary closure arrangement of beaches is an offence, and the offender would be liable to prosecution.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The following is issued on behalf of the Labour Advisory Board:
 
The Labour Advisory Board (LAB) fully supports the upcoming eighth-term Legislative Council (LegCo) General Election to be held on December 7, 2025. This election will return 90 Members to the LegCo, infusing powerful momentum into Hong Kong’s advancement from stability to prosperity and driving sustained prosperity and growth.
 
The Commissioner for Labour and the Chairman of the LAB, Mr Sam Hui, said, “The LAB appeals to all organisations and enterprises in Hong Kong to actively support the Government’s call for implementing flexible arrangements to facilitate their employees’ fulfilment of their civic responsibility to vote. At the same time, we sincerely call on all employees to actively cast their votes on the election day. With the best talent elected, together we build an even better Hong Kong.”
 
     The LAB is a tripartite consultative body comprising representatives of employees and employers to advise the Commissioner for Labour on labour matters.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Hong Kong Museum of Art (HKMoA) has recently received another significant donation of Hong Kong art. Hong Kong’s renowned artist Kong Kai-ming has generously donated 100 watercolour paintings of Hong Kong’s natural scenery and geological features to the HKMoA’s permanent collection, which demonstrate Kong’s keen observation and portrayal of nature as well as his deep affection for Hong Kong. The Director of Leisure and Cultural Services, Ms Manda Chan, presented a certificate of appreciation to Kong on behalf of the department.
 
Born in 1932, Kong has been dedicated to artistic creation and art education for over 70 years. In addition to painting and teaching, he has released more than 60 art-related publications, making significant contributions to Hong Kong’s art scene. Capturing Hong Kong’s streets and scenery with detailed brushwork, his works document the changes in the city’s urban landscape and natural beauty. As a home-grown Hong Kong artist, Kong gives himself a sense of responsibility to capture and convey Hong Kong’s unique beauty through his art. Since several years ago, he has begun meticulously selecting his most cherished works for donation to the HKMoA as a heartfelt tribute to the city that he loves.
 
The paintings donated were completed between 2011 and 2023. In a realistic approach, Kong captures the stunning beauty of nature through rich compositions, varied perspectives, meticulous brushwork and vibrant colours, presenting the diverse shapes, textures and hues of mountains and rocks. With a soft brush, he masterfully portrays the hardness of stone, such as the twisted rock pillars of the High Island Reservoir and the extraordinary rock formation at the Bluff Head, bringing these scenes vividly to life. Some paintings, such as “Port Island”, provide background information on the rock formation, adding geological significance beyond their artistic value.
 
In 2006, Kong was awarded the Bronze Bauhinia Star by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government, recognising his outstanding contributions to art education.
 
Established in 1962, the HKMoA is the first public art museum in Hong Kong, dedicated to preserving and promoting local art. At present, the HKMoA is the custodian of an art collection of over 19 700 items, spanning historical eras from the Neolithic Age to contemporary times, representing the cultural significance and richness of artistic heritage from Hong Kong and beyond.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     Following is the speech by the Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Professor Sun Dong, at the High-Level Forum on Generative AI Governance and Cultural Co-Creation today (October 30):

Professor Guo (Provost of the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Professor Guo Yike), Professor Qu (Dean of Academy of Interdisciplinary Studies, the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Professor Huamin Qu), Professor Song (Director of the Media Intelligence Research Center, the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Professor Celine Song), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

     Good morning. It is my pleasure to join this forum, which brings together visionary minds to explore how trust, governance and innovation can shape the future of artificial intelligence. Let me begin by extending my warmest congratulations on the inauguration of the Media Intelligence Research Center of the HKUST (Hong Kong University of Science and Technology).

     First of all, I am happy to share with you that the National 15th Five-Year Plan has just confirmed the support for Hong Kong in building an international I&T (innovation and technology) centre. We are standing at the forefront of a global technological shift. AI is rapidly reshaping industries, economies and societies. According to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, the global AI market is expected to reach about US$4.8 trillion by 2033, which is a 25-fold increase in 10 years from now. This remarkable growth underscores the urgent need for economies around the world to formulate and implement policies that balance the immense potential and the underlying risks of AI, ensuring its sustainable and inclusive development.

     The Government has spared no effort in promoting sound AI governance while fostering the advancement of industry. One of the cornerstones is the Ethical Artificial Intelligence Framework, first introduced in 2021, which covers 12 core principles from fairness and transparency to human oversight, implementation guidelines and risk assessment tools. The aim is to help organisations embed ethical considerations when implementing IT projects, ensuring that their AI systems are not only effective but also responsible. To keep up with the evolving AI landscape, the updated version introduced in 2023 further sharpened its relevance and recommended clearer practices to address emerging risks.

     Complementing our ethical framework is the Principles of Data Governance promulgated by the Government in 2024, which provide a foundational layer for reliable AI development. As data powers every stage of the life cycle of an AI system, from training to application, its quality, integrity and responsible use are essential. This Data Governance document promotes lawful sharing, privacy protection and accountability, helping organisations unlock the value of data in a responsible and ethical manner. This is crucial to our broader governance efforts.

     In view of the growing use of generative AI across sectors, the Government sees the merits in developing a practical framework for safe and responsible adoption that is tailored to Hong Kong’s context with contribution from professionals. The Hong Kong Generative AI Research and Development Center (HKGAI), under the leadership of Professor Guo Yike, was commissioned to put together the Hong Kong Generative Artificial Intelligence Technical and Application Guideline for release in April 2025. By leveraging the HKGAI’s experience in building Hong Kong’s first locally adapted large language model, the guideline provides clear, pragmatic and actionable advice for developers, service providers and users in the application of AI technology, covering key risks of data leakage, model bias and misinformation, and recommendations on safeguarding model training, deployment and content integrity.

     The Government also takes the lead in building a vibrant AI ecosystem by advancing the integration of AI into public services, recognising its potential to enhance efficiency, responsiveness and citizen experience. As announced in the 2025 Policy Address, a dedicated AI Efficacy Enhancement Team is set up to promote AI applications across government departments and explore process re-engineering to elevate public services. In parallel, the Digital Policy Office will roll out various AI applications in respect of data analysis, customer service and document processing.

     Alongside various initiatives to expand AI application scenarios in public services, the Government introduced the AI Adoption Guide for Government bureaux and departments earlier this year. It outlines strategies, practical guidelines and facilitation measures for AI adoption, with a strong emphasis on top-down leadership and a business-led “AI+” approach. It further encourages departments to identify operational challenges and explore the deployment of AI to enhance efficiency and improve service quality, serving as a catalyst for public service transformation.

     A thriving AI ecosystem counts not only on innovation and technology, but also strong and adaptive governance. Compliance across both public and private sectors is vital to protect data, uphold standards and build public trust. I appreciate the cross-sectoral effort in promoting responsible innovation and reliable AI governance.

     Before I close, I wish this forum every success, and look forward to witnessing Hong Kong’s AI development scaling new heights. Thank you.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Transport Department (TD) announced today (October 30) that a pilot licence for autonomous vehicles (AVs) has been issued to approve a cross-district AV trial on Airportcity Link connecting the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge (HZMB) Hong Kong Port and SKYCITY at the airport, in accordance with section 4(1) of the Road Traffic (Autonomous Vehicles) Regulation (Cap. 374AA).

     The approved trial project involves seven public light buses operated by autonomous driving between the HZMB Hong Kong Port and SKYCITY. During the initial stage of the trial, a backup operator will be stationed in the vehicle at all times to take over control when necessary. The TD’s label for pilot AV shall be displayed on all pilot AVs for identification by other road users. Details of the pilot licence have been uploaded to the TD’s website on AV trials.

     A spokesman for the TD said that, as set out in the Policy Address 2025, three cross-district pilot projects will commence within this year, including the above Airportcity Link between the HZMB Hong Kong Port and the airport, and a project spanning Kowloon City and Kwun Tong Districts, encompassing the Kai Tak Development Area, also announced today. The Government aims to accelerate progress towards driverless and large-scale development and also aspires to achieve commercial operation, encouraging the industry to leverage Hong Kong as a platform to explore overseas markets, particularly those with right-hand drive systems. Driving and road safety remain the top priority, and the Government will draw on practical experience to refine technical standards, share research findings with the industry in a timely manner, and implement these initiatives in a prudent and orderly process.

     The TD welcomes interested organisations or enterprises to submit applications for a pilot licence. Upon receipt of an application, the TD will consider various factors, including the design operating range and functions of the autonomous system, relevant national or international standards/guidelines, and the road test situations, based on the Code of Practice for Trial and Pilot Use of Autonomous Vehicles before approval. Among them, the TD has been accepting submissions of the Guobiao (GB) to substantiate that the vehicles or their components comply with the relevant technical requirements and vehicle construction standards. In addition, the operation experience and performance of AV in areas outside Hong Kong (including the Mainland), such as test reports in accordance with the GB, will be taken into consideration by the TD in evaluating the performance of the vehicle automation.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

Five owners were convicted and fined $510,190 in total at the Magistrates’ Courts on Tuesday (October 28) for failing to comply with removal orders issued under the Buildings Ordinance (BO) (Cap. 123). 
 
The first case involved three unauthorised structures with a total area of about 75 square metres on a flat roof and rooftop of a residential building on San Lok Street, Sheung Shui. As the unauthorised building works (UBWs) were carried out without prior approval and consent from the Buildings Department (BD), three removal orders were served on the two concerned owners under section 24(1) of the BO. Failure to comply with the removal orders, they were prosecuted by the BD and were fined $317,710 in total, of which $222,710 was the fine for the number of days that the offence continued, upon conviction at the Fanling Magistrates’ Courts.
 
The second case involved a three-storey unauthorised structure with an area of about 100 sq m at Sheung Wo Hang, Sha Tau Kok. Since the Lands Department would not issue a certificate of exemption for the UBWs and they were also carried out without prior approval and consent from the BD, a removal order was served on the two co-owners under section 24(1) of the BO. Failure to comply with the removal order, they were prosecuted by the BD and were fined $104,280 in total, of which $84,280 was the fine for the number of days that the offence continued, upon conviction at the Fanling Magistrates’ Courts.
 
The third case involved unauthorised alterations at the basement of an industrial building at Kwun Tong Road, Kwun Tong, including erection of a structure at the entrance of a staircase, replacement of fire-resisting concrete block walls by glazed walls of an inadequate fire rating and removal of fire-resisting concrete block walls and fire-resisting doors at cold-storage godowns. The alteration works affected the fire-resisting construction of the building and contravened the Building (Construction) Regulation. A removal order was served on the owner under section 24(1) of the BO. Failure to comply with the removal order, the owner was prosecuted by the BD and was fined $88,200 in total, of which $53,200 was the fine for the number of days that the offence continued, upon conviction at the Kwun Tong Magistrates’ Courts.
 
A spokesman for the BD said today (October 30), “UBWs, including unauthorised alterations affecting the fire-resisting construction of a building, may lead to serious consequences. Owners must comply with removal orders without delay. The BD will continue to take enforcement action against owners who fail to comply with removal orders, including instigation of prosecution, to ensure building and public safety.”
 
Failure to comply with a removal order without reasonable excuse is a serious offence under the BO. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $200,000 and one year’s imprisonment, and a further fine of up to $20,000 for each day that the offence continues.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     A delegation of 10 overseas government officials completed their visit to Hong Kong today (October 30), gaining a better understanding of the city’s strengths, potential and opportunities under the “one country, two systems” arrangement.
 
     The visit was arranged by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which invited officials of foreign ministries from 10 Asian countries, namely Bangladesh, Bhutan, Brunei, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Myanmar, Tajikistan, Timor-Leste, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan.
 
     The aim of the visit was to enhance exchanges and co-operation between Hong Kong and these countries, as well as expand the “circle of friends” of Hong Kong.
 
     During the delegation’s stay in Hong Kong, they met with the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki; the Acting Financial Secretary, Mr Michael Wong; and the Acting Secretary for Justice, Dr Cheung Kwok-kwan, to exchange views and learn more about Hong Kong’s unique advantages of having connections to both the Mainland and the world under “one country, two systems”, as well as its role as a “super connector” and “super value-adder”.
 
     They also met with the Acting Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Dr Bernard Chan; the Under Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr Joseph Chan; and the Under Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Ms Lillian Cheong, as well as representatives of a number of relevant institutions. The delegation also visited the Hong Kong Science Park and West Kowloon Cultural District to learn about the city’s latest developments and opportunities in finance, trade, innovation and technology, and arts and culture.

     The delegation also visited Shenzhen to learn more about the integrated development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. 

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Security Bureau today launched the “Andy & Bear KinderFest” school tour, which will involve workshops being organised in kindergartens to disseminate national security messages and help students to grow into law-abiding citizens with an affection for the country and Hong Kong.

Secretary for Security Tang Ping-keung said at the launch ceremony that Andy & Security Bear have received a good response as characters since the launch of national security comics featuring them.

Accompanied by volunteers from the Security Bureau Youth Uniformed Group Leaders Forum, the two characters will visit kindergartens to interact with students. Through storytelling and games, the workshops are designed to teach children basic concepts of national security in a fun and engaging environment.

Together with Under Secretary for Education Sze Chun-fai, Mr Tang appointed some 90 members of the leaders forum as “fest  leaders” and witnessed 30 representatives committing to the mission of national security promotion and education.

Mr Tang and Mr Sze were joined by Permanent Secretary for Security Patrick Li and Under Secretary for Security Michael Cheuk in launching the Andy & Bear KinderFest school tour.

Concluding the ceremony, Mr Tang appealed to the people to cast their votes in the 2025 Legislative Council General Election to be held on December 7.