MIL Asia Pacific Publishing Engine

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

The Hospital Authority (HA) held the “Health in Your Hand – HA Go Just One Click Away” campaign launching ceremony today (October 27), marking the beginning of a new large-scale promotional initiative to encourage the public to download the HA Go mobile application for easier access to public hospital services. 
 
The launching ceremony took place at the HA Head Office and across seven hospital clusters. During the ceremony, the HA Chairman, Mr Henry Fan, presented designated uniforms to the representatives of the HA Go volunteer team. The latest promotional video for HA Go was also premiered at the event, aiming to enhance the public’s understanding of the diverse functions of HA Go, enabling them to manage their health with just one click.
 
The HA Chief Executive, Dr Libby Lee, said, “Since its launch in 2019, HA Go has been well-received by the public. With HA Go, citizens can access various public hospital services more conveniently, quickly and smoothly, while also helping them manage their personal and family health more effectively. We will continue to enhance the functions of HA Go, aiming to make it an essential ‘health manager’ on every citizen’s smartphone.”
 
As of the third quarter of this year, HA Go has recorded over 4.12 million downloads, with more than 3.25 million registered full members and over 370 000 registered carers.
 
Mr Fan said, “The HA’s promotion of HA Go marks a significant milestone in the development of Hong Kong’s public healthcare services.”
 
Mr Fan added, Hong Kong is advancing from stability to prosperity. I urge citizens not only to download and use HA Go, but also to care about Hong Kong’s future. Let us fulfill our civic responsibilities by voting in the Legislative Council General Election on December 7, electing capable LegCo members to jointly promote the development of Hong Kong and build a better public healthcare system together.
 
The HA will launch a three-week large-scale promotional campaign to highlight HA Go’s features and benefits across various platforms. Hospital clusters will set up promotional booths and arrange for patient service ambassadors and volunteer teams to organise a series of promotional and educational activities to encourage more citizens to download and use HA Go, thereby enhancing the service experience at public hospitals.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Education Bureau today (October 27) invites applications for the 2025/26 Quality Enhancement Support Scheme (QESS) of the Self-financing Post-secondary Education Fund for projects proposed to be launched in the 2026/27 academic year. The application deadline is February 28, 2026.

The QESS is a major support measure to promote the healthy and sustainable development of the self-financing post-secondary education sector, with the aim of enhancing the quality of teaching and learning in the sector. It accepts applications under three project categories, namely theme-based projects, open-ended projects and industrial attachment projects.
    
Applicants in the category of theme-based projects may set their own themes, provided that the projects are conducted in a collaborative manner, i.e. planned and undertaken by more than one eligible institution, to foster closer collaboration and synergy among institutions and benefit the sector as widely as possible.

The applicants in the category of open-ended projects need to submit applications in relation to the relevant areas of the QESS funding. The main areas include:

(1) improving the overall learning experience and language proficiency of students;

(2) developing and improving teaching methodologies and practices, including the development of assessment strategies;

(3) strengthening and improving quality assurance and related measures; and

(4) enhancing student support and career guidance services, including support for non-Chinese speaking students and students with special educational needs.

As regards the category of industrial attachment projects, applicants can submit proposals within the following areas:

(1) incorporating quality assured work-based learning and assessments into programme curricula through close partnerships with industries;

(2) sourcing more industrial attachment opportunities within and/or outside Hong Kong, and/or enhancement of relevant institutional support for students; and

(3) organising visits or short-term training/courses conducted within and/or outside Hong Kong for students, which are directly relevant to industrial attachments.

All non-profit-making education institutions offering full-time locally accredited self-financing sub-degree or bachelor’s degree (including top-up degree) programmes are eligible to apply. Other related bodies such as the federations of these education institutions and quality assurance agencies may also apply. All applications will be considered by the Sub-committee on Support Measures established under the Committee on Self-financing Post-secondary Education.

Since its launch in 2012, the QESS has approved over 120 projects with a total grant of about $455 million. In the 2024/25 round of applications, five out of 33 applications were approved, with a total earmarked grant of about $23 million, which aim to develop an artificial intelligence (AI)-enhanced teaching resource hub for the sector; develop an AI-powered virtual laboratory platform for healthcare education; establish an industry-university partnerships office; enhance students’ emotional wellness and resilience; and provide non-local students with holistic support.

Further details of the QESS, including the scope of various project categories and the application procedures, are available at the Concourse for Self-financing Post-secondary Education (www.cspe.edu.hk/en/qess-project.html).

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) announced today (October 27) that the auction for stalls at the 2026 Fong Ma Po (FMP) New Year Fair at Lam Tsuen in Tai Po will be put up for open auction on November 10 (Monday).

     An FEHD spokesman said that the annual FMP New Year Fair will be held for 15 consecutive days from February 17 to March 3 next year. A total of 21 dry goods stalls and six wet goods stalls will be put up for auction, with upset prices of $780 and $770 respectively.
 
     The open auction will be held at the Assembly Hall, 2/F, Lai Chi Kok Government Offices, 19 Lai Wan Road, Lai Chi Kok, Kowloon, on November 10 (Monday), from 2pm until the completion of the auction.
 
     Bidders for FMP New Year Fair stalls must be at least 18 years old and ordinarily reside in Hong Kong. Anyone can bid for more than one stall. A bidder must pay the bid price and register in person with his or her own name as the licensee of the stall immediately after successfully bidding for a stall. The bidder is also required to sign at once a licence agreement with the FEHD, or he/she will forfeit the rights to operate the stall.
 
     The FMP New Year Fair will be made available to the licensees three days in advance of the fair (from February 14 to 16, 2026) for the setting up of stalls. In the event of any unforeseeable incident that will cause a reduction of the whole licence period (including the duration for setting up stalls and the business period of the fair), the Government has the right to postpone the commencement date and shorten the duration of the period. The bidding price (licence fee) paid will be refunded to the successful bidder on a pro-rata basis without interest.
 
     The FEHD reminded licensees that the stalls are solely for the purpose of selling and promoting the sale of the permitted commodities, and no other activities are allowed in the licensed area. If the FEHD considers that any activity conducted by the licensee to publicise, promote, display, show, sell or gift any permitted commodities in the venue is unlawful, contrary to the interest of national security, immoral or incompatible with the object of the FMP New Year fair, the FEHD is entitled to direct the licensee to stop conducting such activity and the licensee must immediately comply with such direction.
 
     Stall licensees should not destroy, damage or abandon any unsold commodities at or in the vicinity of the stall. They must completely remove the stall structure and all paraphernalia, together with all refuse, debris and unsold commodities (whether damaged or not) before 6pm on March 3, 2026.
 
     According to the licence agreement, except inside designated stalls, licensees must not keep, store or use any compressed helium cylinders in the licenced area. Whereas licensees of the designated stalls may keep, store or use helium cylinders in the licenced area, the quantity of helium should be such that a licence is not required pursuant to the Dangerous Goods (Application and Exemption) Regulation 2012 (Cap. 295E), i.e. equivalent to 150 litres of helium. Sales of floating LED glowing balloons and aquarium fish by stall licensees are prohibited at the FMP Fair.
 
     In addition, as stated in the licence agreement, the height of dry goods stalls must not exceed three metres from ground level. The height of wet goods stalls must not exceed 4.5m from ground level. For wet goods stalls with a height of more than 3m from ground level, the licensee must, at their own cost, provide the FEHD with the original certificate issued by an authorised person, a registered structural engineer, or a competent person under the Construction Sites (Safety) Regulations (Cap. 59I) to certify the structural safety of the structure in the licensed area before the fair is opened to the public. The licensee must also affix a copy of the aforesaid certificate on the structure of the stall. Also, each corner and anchor point of the marquee (if any) shall be securely fastened using appropriate ballast weights, such as sandbags or purpose-designed marquee water weights. During the period when the Strong Monsoon Signal is in force or is to be issued, the licensee shall immediately inspect the stall and adopt reinforcement measures as necessary.
 
     Successful bidders shall comply with all the stipulations and provisions set out in the licence agreement. Otherwise, the department is entitled to terminate the agreement and the licensee shall immediately vacate the stall.
 
     Details of the 2026 FMP New Year Fair, such as the public notice, the location and layout of the fair venue, commodities allowed for sale at the fair stalls, open auction arrangements and relevant rules, and a sample of the licence agreement, are available on the FEHD’s website (www.fehd.gov.hk). Interested bidders may visit the website or contact the FEHD’s Tai Po District Environmental Hygiene Office (3183 9162 or 2657 1137) for enquiries.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) announced today (October 27) that new licence fee payment arrangements for a Temporary Food Factory Licence will be implemented from November 1. The arrangements aim to further streamline the application process and expedite the issuance of licences, in order to provide convenience to food business operators participating in public functions of a short duration.

In accordance with the Food Business Regulation (Cap. 132X), any person who intends to prepare and/or manufacture food for sale for human consumption off the premises must obtain a food factory licence issued by the FEHD before commencement of such a business. For a food business which involves the operation of a stall/kiosk of a temporary nature for sale of heating up/warming precooked food and/or cooking of preprepared, ready-to-cook food for human consumption off the premises in conjunction with a public function (e.g. exhibition, show, concert, sporting contest) of a short duration, a temporary food factory licence must be obtained. The validity period of a temporary food factory licence shall not exceed seven days, and the licence fee is $220.

In order to streamline the application process and shorten the time for applicants to obtain a licence, the FEHD is enhancing the payment arrangements for licence fees. Upon submission of a temporary food factory licence application, the applicant will have to enclose the fee payment for the granting of a licence. The FEHD will process the application as usual. Upon the approval of an application, the FEHD will issue the notification letter and relevant licence to the applicant.

Applicants may submit their applications, pay the licence fees, and collect the licences via electronic means, in person or by authorising another person to visit the Licence Issuing Office on their behalf, or by post.

If a licence application is eventually not approved or cancelled by the applicant, he or she may apply to the FEHD for a refund.

For details about the new arrangements, please visit the FEHD’s website or contact the relevant Licence Issuing Office.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Leisure and Cultural Services Department will launch a vocal lecture series entitled “The Human Voice in 4 Parts” on four consecutive Wednesdays in January next year. Curated and hosted by voice pedagogue Chan Siu-kwan, each of the four lectures will feature one of the four main voice types (namely bass, alto, soprano and tenor) in Western classical music. Accompanied by selected excepts from Western opera works, the speaker will examine the roles portrayed by each voice type, and introduce the respective iconic legends along with their vocal features, guiding audiences to understand and appreciate the unique charm of different voice types.

     Details of each lecture are as follows:

Lecture 1: Bass
———————–
Date: January 7 (Wednesday)

     Two of the lowest male voice types are the bass and the baritone. In this lecture, drawing on performance excerpts of renowned singers such as baritone Dmitri Hvorostovsky and bass Boris Christoff, the speaker will analyse the moments when these two voice types assign to take the leading male roles in opera. 

Lecture 2: Alto
———————–
Date: January 14 (Wednesday)

     The speaker will examine why mezzo-sopranos and altos are often cast as supporting roles such as mothers, ladies-in-waiting or villainesses in opera, alongside the moments when these two voice types assume leading roles. This lecture will also introduce the “castrati”, a dark chapter in music history, and the countertenors. 

Lecture 3: Soprano
———————–
Date: January 21 (Wednesday)

     Through a selection of compelling excerpts, the speaker will explore why female leads in opera are predominantly performed by sopranos. Recordings of celebrated performances by divas such as Maria Callas and Joan Sutherland will be presented to illustrate what composers expect of the prima donna. 

Lecture 4: Tenor
———————–
Date: January 28 (Wednesday)

     In the Romantic period, male leads in opera are mainly dominated by tenors. By featuring treasured recordings of Nicolai Gedda and Luciano Pavarotti, who was hailed as the “King of High-Cs”, among others, this lecture will delve into the unique charm of the tenor voice. 

     Chan is an eminent vocalist and expert in choral singing in Hong Kong. She currently teaches voice at the music departments of the Chinese University of Hong Kong and the Hong Kong Baptist University. She also serves as the vocal advisor of the Hong Kong Children’s Choir. Chan often gives vocal masterclasses, and conducts vocal workshops for singers and choir conductors, in addition to serving as adjudicator in singing competitions. 

     All lectures will be conducted in Cantonese and will start at 7.30pm at the Lecture Hall of the Hong Kong Space Museum. Each lecture will run for about one hour and 30 minutes. Tickets priced at $80 (for each lecture, with free seating) are now available at URBTIX (www.urbtix.hk). For telephone bookings and concessionary schemes, please call 3166 1288. For programme enquiries, please call 2268 7321 or visit www.lcsd.gov.hk/CE/CulturalService/Programme/en/music/programs_1924.html.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Strive and Rise Programme has started recruiting 4 000 mentees for the fourth cohort today (October 27).

     Secondary One to Secondary Four students from underprivileged families, particularly those living in subdivided units, may submit applications through the Programme’s mobile application starting today and approach their schools or the non-governmental organisations that assist the Government in implementing the Programme (see Annex) for enquiries if they are interested. Applications will close on November 16.

     The Programme is formulated and implemented by an interdepartmental task force led by the Chief Secretary for Administration. Through tripartite collaboration among the Government, the business sector and the community, the Programme provides focused support for Secondary One to Secondary Four students from underprivileged families, particularly those living in subdivided units. The Programme comprises three key elements, including mentorship, personal development plans and financial support. Through a one-year intensive foundation training that includes mentorship and a structured programme covering orientation, basic training, mentor-mentee interaction, diverse group activities, Mainland study and exchange tours, etc, the Programme will help mentees broaden their horizons, reinforce self-confidence, develop a positive outlook on life, explore more possibilities for personal development, set goals for the future and strive for upward mobility. 

     In addition, each mentee will be provided with start-up financial support of $5,000 under the Programme. Mentors will assist and guide mentees in developing positive financial planning concepts and implementing their personal development plans. Upon successful completion of the Programme, a scholarship of $5,000 will be awarded to the mentees for their personal pursuits by applying the financial planning concepts that they have learned. 

     Upon successful completion of the one-year intensive foundation training of the Programme, mentees will automatically become members of the Alumni Club where they will continue to expand their social network and horizons by participating in diverse activities and job tasting/internship programmes.

     For more information about the application details of the fourth cohort and the mobile application of the Programme, please visit the designated website: www.striveandrise.gov.hk.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The following is issued on behalf of the Office of The Ombudsman:

     The Ombudsman, Mr Jack Chan, today (October 27) announced the launch of a full investigation into the Joint Office for Investigation of Water Seepage Complaints (JO)’s handling of water seepage cases.

     The causes of water seepage are complex. It may result from defective building structures or installations, or from a lack of proper maintenance. If the seepage poses a nuisance, public health hazard or a potential risk to building safety, the Government may consider exercising its statutory powers to intervene. To enhance efficiency in handling reports of water seepage, the Government has established the JO to provide the public with a one-stop service. The objective is to expedite investigations for identifying the source of seepage more effectively, and improve the success rate in resolving seepage problems.

     The Office noted from complaint handling that unauthorised building works (UBWs) on a flat roof of an upper flat have caused water seepage in the lower flat. However, the JO did not conduct an investigation into the seepage problem in a timely manner. Although the Buildings Department (BD) issued a removal order over a year ago, the UBWs have yet to be demolished, resulting in the continued seepage problem.

     Mr Chan said, “It is Hong Kong people’s common hope that they should be able to enjoy a well-maintained and comfortable living environment, but water seepage problems undoubtedly cause much inconvenience and distress to affected residents. According to government statistics, in 2022, 2023 and 2024 the number of complaints about water seepage in buildings received by the JO was 39 555, 45 033 and 47 299 respectively. Also, complaints from the public regarding unresolved seepage problems are common. In addition, there is information indicating that the BD did not promptly enforce compliance with removal orders issued against UBWs, resulting in persistent seepage problems potentially caused by the UBWs. In this light, I have decided to launch a full investigation into the JO’s handling of water seepage cases, including the BD’s procedures for handling UBWs that may lead to water seepage, to identify areas for improvement and to put forward appropriate recommendations. We are also very concerned about the overall operation of the JO and will launch a series of reviews to probe deeply into the JO’s investigation operation process and effectiveness, including the JO’s monitoring of its consultants.”

     The Ombudsman welcomes views from members of the public on this topic. Written submissions should reach the Office by November 27, 2025:

     Address: 30/F, China Merchants Tower, Shun Tak Centre, 168-200 Connaught Road Central, Hong Kong
     Fax:        2882 8149
     Email:    cid-jo@ombudsman.hk

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Government announced today (October 27) that the Chief Executive has re-appointed Ms Margaret Cheng Wai-ching and Ms Quince Chong Wai-yan as members of the Civil Service Training Advisory Board (CSTAB) for a term of two years from November 1, 2025. 

Welcoming the re-appointments, the Secretary for the Civil Service, Mrs Ingrid Yeung, said, “With Ms Cheng’s and Ms Chong’s respective expertise in human resource management and corporate communications, along with the wealth of experience of other members, I am confident that the CSTAB will continue to provide diverse perspectives and strategic advice on the training and development of civil servants. This will provide invaluable support for nurturing governance talent and further enhancing the capabilities of the civil service, thereby contributing to Hong Kong’s long-term development.”

The CSTAB gives guidance on training for the civil service and the long-term development strategy of the Civil Service College. The board comprises academics, human resource management experts and professionals with rich experience in administration.

The membership of the board is as follows:

Chairman
———–
Professor Wong Yuk-shan
 

Vice-Chairman
—————-
Secretary for the Civil Service
 

Non-official Members
———————–
Ms Margaret Cheng Wai-ching 
Ms Quince Chong Wai-yan
Mr Albert Chow Hing-pong
Ms Renee Ho Hang-yin
Mrs Ann Kung Yeung Yun-chi 
Mr Lee Luen-fai 
Professor Richard Wong Yue-chim 
Dr Denis Yip Shing-fai
 

Ex-officio Members
———————
Permanent Secretary for the Civil Service or representative
Permanent Secretary for Development (Works) or representative
Permanent Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry or representative
Permanent Secretary for Security or representative

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Communications Authority (CA) today (October 27) launched the new Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) (Private) Licence in support of the development of low-altitude economy (LAE).  
 
     A spokesperson for CA said, “As announced in the 2025 Policy Address, the Government will enhance core infrastructure facilities, including by designating spectrum, to advance Hong Kong as a major hub for low-altitude innovative applications. Under the UAS (Private) Licence regime, licensees will be assigned with the 1430 – 1444 MHz band (1.4 GHz band) as the dedicated spectrum for establishing, maintaining and operating radiocommunications installation for UAS operations. It offers an additional communications solution to UAS operators beyond the current use of wireless local area networks and 4G or 5G mobile network for data transmission and control, enhancing support for the safe and efficient operation of UAS and fully supporting the development of the LAE ecosystem in terms of communications networks.”
 
     The UAS (Private) Licence is now open for application to organisations participating in the LAE Regulatory Sandbox pilot projects. Interested parties can submit their application together with the relevant information to CA, including information of the UAS they operate, the approval from the Civil Aviation Department on specific flight paths and details of the radio base stations anticipated to be installed. CA will rigorously review the applications based on the submitted information and closely monitor the use of the dedicated UAS spectrum to ensure compliance with licence conditions and effective utilisation of spectrum resources.
 
     For details of the UAS (Private) Licence, including application eligibility, procedures and technical requirements, please refer to the Office of the Communications Authority (OFCA)’s thematic webpage. For enquiries, please contact OFCA at 2961 6333.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, will depart for Riyadh, Saudi Arabia in the afternoon today (October 27) to begin an official visit. The visit aims to promote collaboration between Hong Kong and Chinese Mainland enterprises in going global and seizing new business opportunities together. It also seeks to strengthen Hong Kong’s ties with the Middle East in areas such as trade, finance, and innovation and technology, while promoting Hong Kong’s unique advantages and telling the good stories of Hong Kong and China.

Mr Chan will lead a delegation of around 40 members, comprising representatives from financial institutions, as well as founders and executives of enterprises engaged in artificial intelligence, biomedical technology, e-commerce, green energy, construction technology and other sectors, from both Hong Kong and the Chinese Mainland. Members of the delegation also include representatives from the Office for Attracting Strategic Enterprises, Invest Hong Kong, the Hong Kong Investment Corporation Limited, and the Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited. The Hong Kong Trade Development Council is assisting in organising the programme.

During the visit, the delegation will attend the ninth edition of the Future Investment Initiative, where Mr Chan will take part in a panel discussion and deliver speeches at various luncheons and dinners to update participants on Hong Kong’s latest developments and emerging opportunities. He will also meet with local government officials, public institutions, business leaders and corporate and financial executives. Delegation members will participate in business matching activities with local enterprises.

Mr Chan will return to Hong Kong at noon on October 31. During his absence, the Deputy Financial Secretary, Mr Michael Wong, will act as Financial Secretary.