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Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Secretary for Health, Professor Lo Chung-mau, visited the redeveloped Kwai Chung Hospital (KCH) today (July 13) to learn about the facilities and operations of the hospital’s new blocks.
 
     Accompanied by the Chief Executive of the Hospital Authority (HA), Dr Libby Lee; the Cluster Chief Executive of Kowloon West Cluster of the HA, Dr Alexander Law; and the Hospital Chief Executive of KCH, Dr Cheng Koi-man, Professor Lo visited facilities and relevant services including psychiatric wards and the Child and Adolescent Integrated Day Hospital to gain a better understanding of the new hospital blocks’ design concepts and service vision of the “therapeutic village”.
 
     Professor Lo said, “The redeveloped KCH will provide holistic treatment for about one quarter of psychiatric patients in Hong Kong, significantly enhancing service standards and marking an important milestone in the development of mental health services in Hong Kong.
 
     “The new blocks of KCH adopt the service concept of a ‘therapeutic village’. In addition to in-patient services, it also offers recovery and community support services, enabling patients in recovery to receive various day rehabilitation services delivered by allied health and nursing teams in the hospital. These services simulate a real-life environment to facilitate their gradual reintegration into family, work and social roles. I look forward to the ‘therapeutic village’ contributing to reduce the patients’ need for hospitalisation while serving as an important transitional hub for patients’ gradual reintegration into the community, standing side by side with the patients and the recovered ones on their roads to recovery.
 
     “Furthermore, the redeveloped KCH houses the only service block dedicated to child and adolescent services in Hong Kong, providing one-stop treatment services to psychiatric patients under 18 years old. The building designs, ward environment, as well as assessment and treatment plans are all centred on children, adolescents and their families to better serve their needs. The Government attaches great importance to the mental health of children and adolescents, and the enhancement of related services at KCH will help strengthen support for those in need.”
 
     Commissioned in 1981, KCH began redevelopment on its existing site in 2019 to upgrade the hospital facilities and align with modern psychiatric healthcare services. Specialist out-patient services have been relocated to new hospital blocks and services have been commenced by phases from late-March this year. Specialist out-patient services previously scattered across different districts will also be gradually integrated, with a view to enhancing synergy among healthcare teams. In-patient and day services will begin relocation from the old block to new blocks from the third quarter this year, and psychiatric bed capacity will also gradually increase to 1 000.
 
     The total construction floor area of the new blocks will increase from about 80 000 square metres before redevelopment to about 134 000 sq m, providing more indoor and outdoor space for in-patients, while aiming to foster a homelike atmosphere by designing a comfortable and peaceful therapeutic environment to enhance treatment effectiveness. Together with various psychiatric support services provided by the day hospital, the new blocks will provide quality services for patients across all age groups.
 
     Following the completion of the relocation, the hospital will commence subsequent project works to demolish the old block and construct a therapeutic/rehabilitation garden, further enhancing the hospital’s therapeutic environment and providing better healthcare services to psychiatric patients in need.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

Hong Kong Customs today (July 11) seized five live turtles of suspected scheduled endangered species at the Shenzhen Bay Control Point, with a total estimated market value of about $50,000.

Through risk assessment, Customs today intercepted an incoming lorry at the control point. After inspection, Customs officers found the batch of live turtles of suspected scheduled endangered species  wrapped by plastics and concealed in socks in the carton box.

The batch of live turtles was handed over to the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department for follow-up action.

Under the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance (Cap. 586), any person importing, exporting or possessing specimens of endangered species not in accordance with the Ordinance commits an offence and will be liable to a maximum fine of $10 million and imprisonment for 10 years upon conviction with the specimens forfeited.

Members of the public may report any suspected smuggling activities to Customs’ 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002).

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Miss Rosanna Law, inspected the passing-out parade for 13 probationary inspectors and 131 recruit police constables at the Hong Kong Police College today (July 11), and witnessed their completion of rigorous training and transition into disciplined and professional police officers.
 
Speaking at the ceremony, Miss Law said that the country has officially entered a new phase under the National 15th Five-Year Plan this year, heralding unprecedented development opportunities for Hong Kong. As an important gateway for the nation’s opening up, Hong Kong, under the “one country, two systems” principle, leverages the strong support of the motherland while maintaining close global connections. The city has been proactively aligning with the national development strategies and further deepening its integration into the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA). She said that a safe, stable and lawful society is the foundation of all developments, and the Force’s role in steadfastly upholding the rule of law and maintaining social order is of paramount importance and crucial.
 
She noted that the Force keeps pace with the times through actively introducing innovative technologies and adopting intelligence-led policing strategies to address increasingly complex crime patterns. As the “one-hour living circle” in the GBA gradually takes shape, with the flow of people and goods becoming more frequent, the Force’s responsibilities in cross-border collaboration, major event security and emergency response co-ordination have grown significantly.
 
Miss Law has worked closely with the Force in various government roles, facing challenges side by side and collaborating effectively. She said that Hong Kong is confronting both new opportunities and challenges, and that, amid a complex and ever-changing geopolitical environment, safeguarding national security tops the operational priorities of the Force. She expressed the hope that police officers will always uphold professionalism, impartiality, empathy and the highest standard of integrity, serving as trusted guardians of the public, regardless of changes in the social environment.
 
She urged the graduates to bear in mind that their uniforms represent the entire Force, and even the spirit of the rule of law in Hong Kong. They should act strictly in accordance with the law and safeguard social order, think from the citizens’ perspectives and devote themselves to the well-being of the public, providing a solid security guarantee for the smooth implementation of the National 15th Five-Year Plan in Hong Kong.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     Following is the speech by the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki, at the Student of the Year Awards 2025/26 Presentation Ceremony today (July 11):

Tammy (Publisher of the South China Morning Post, Ms Tammy Tam), Winfried (Chief Executive Officer of the Hong Kong Jockey Club, Mr Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges), Bernard (Chairman of the West Kowloon Cultural District Authority Board, Mr Bernard Chan), Advisory Board members, ladies and gentlemen, 

     Good morning. It is a great pleasure to be here with you today at the Student of the Year Awards 2025/26 Presentation Ceremony.  

     We are here to do more than hand out the awards. We are here to honour the hard work of our students, and we are here to thank the teachers and parents who guide them, every step of the way.

     This year marks the 45th anniversary of the Awards, a truly remarkable milestone. Over the years, the Student of the Year Awards has grown into one of Hong Kong’s leading youth award programmes. It gives our students a platform to shine, and it pushes them to reach for even greater heights.  

     I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the South China Morning Post and the Hong Kong Jockey Club for organising this meaningful event year after year. Your unwavering commitment to recognising young talent helps build our next generation of leaders.  

     The theme of this year’s edition, “Leadership in Action: Shaping the Possible”, calls on every one of you to see the leader within. Leadership is not about a title. It is the courage to step forward, the strength to take responsibility, and the determination to turn ideas into reality. That is the spirit we celebrate today, and that spirit will shape a brighter future for our city, and for the world at large.

     The Government shares this vision wholeheartedly. We are firmly committed to youth development. In late 2022, we released the Youth Development Blueprint, which set out more than 160 specific actions and measures. It laid down our guiding principles for promoting long‑term youth development.  

     And we are not standing still. We have since introduced around 130 additional youth‑related measures to keep pace with evolving needs. We are determined to create an enabling environment where every young person can realise their full potential.

     This year also marks the beginning of the National 15th Five‑Year Plan period, a critical moment for Hong Kong’s future. To align with the national strategy, the Government is now drawing up Hong Kong’s First Five-Year Plan.  

     And on youth development, we will build on the foundation of the Blueprint, and leverage Hong Kong’s unique advantages of enjoying the strong support of the motherland while remaining closely connected to the world.

     We aim to nurture a new generation of young people with a global perspective, a sense of responsibility, and a deep affection for Hong Kong and our country. This vision requires all of us, the Government, schools, families, and the wider community, to work hand in hand. Together, we will build a strong foundation for our youth to grow and succeed.

     Today, my warmest congratulations go to all the finalists and award recipients. Your achievements speak volumes about your talent, dedication and resilience. You have earned more than recognition from your schools, your families and the wider community. Above all, your courage to embrace challenges, and your determination to push beyond your limits will be your greatest guides. They will serve you well as you keep reaching for excellence in everything you do.

     To every student in this room, I encourage you to always have confidence in your own potential. Stay curious. Keep learning. Keep reaching for new heights. Hong Kong needs bright young minds like you, who are willing to lead, to serve and to innovate. I have every confidence that many of you will go on to shape a brighter future for our city.

     Let me once again congratulate all the winners and finalists. I wish you every success in the years ahead, and I hope today’s ceremony will be a memorable milestone in your future journey. Thank you!

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Inter-departmental Task Force on Monitoring Fuel Supply announced today (July 13) that the two-month toll waiver and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) fuel subsidy for commercial vehicles will end at 11.59pm on July 16 and 11.59pm on July 30 respectively as scheduled.

     The Government Economist estimates that international refined oil prices for diesel will gradually decline for the remainder of the year. Meanwhile, recent data also indicate that the prices of auto-LPG have remained broadly stable. As the support measures are temporary and short-term in nature, and to avoid creating risks to public finances, the Task Force decided that the above two time-limited support measures would end as scheduled upon the expiration of the two-month period.

     Starting from 0.00am on July 17, all commercial vehicles using government tolled tunnels and the Tsing Sha Control Area must resume paying normal tolls. The payment means and time limits remain unchanged. The Transport Department (TD) has directed the toll service provider to adjust the HKeToll system to ensure smooth operations. Motorists may obtain real-time toll information via the HKeToll or HKeMobility mobile apps, as well as toll information displays.

     In addition, from 0.00am on July 31, upon the cessation of the LPG fuel subsidy to local passenger transport commercial vehicles, drivers should note that the actual LPG prices will be subject to the oil companies’ retail prices.

     The Task Force will continue to dynamically assess the situation in the Middle East region as well as fuel supply and prices to ensure the stability of Hong Kong’s energy supply.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The following is issued on behalf of the Legislative Council Secretariat:

     The Legislative Council (LegCo) will hold a meeting on Wednesday (July 15) at 11am in the Chamber of the LegCo Complex. During the meeting, the Secretary for Labour and Welfare will move a proposed resolution under the Factories and Industrial Undertakings Ordinance in relation to the implementation of a comprehensive smoking ban in construction sites. The proposed resolution is set out in Appendix 1.

     The Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs will also move a proposed resolution under the District Councils Ordinance. The proposed resolution is set out in Appendix 2.

     The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development will move a proposed resolution under the Trading Funds Ordinance. The proposed resolution is set out in Appendix 3.

     Meanwhile, Mr Chan Chun-ying will move a motion under Rule 49E(2) of the Rules of Procedure to take note of a report of the House Committee on consideration of subsidiary legislation and other instruments. The motion is set out in Appendix 4.

     During the meeting, the Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee, Mr Sunny Tan, will present the “Reports of the Public Accounts Committee on Report Nos. 85 and 86 of the Director of Audit on the Results of Value for Money Audits” and address the Council.

     Members will also ask the Government 22 questions on various policy areas, six of which require oral replies.

     The agenda of the above meeting is available on the LegCo Website (www.legco.gov.hk). Members of the public can watch or listen to the meeting via the “Webcast” system on the LegCo Website. To observe the proceedings of the meeting at the LegCo Complex, members of the public may call 3919 3399 during office hours to reserve seats.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Dubai (HKETO Dubai) hosted the Oman-Hong Kong Business Forum in Muscat, capital of Oman on July 7 (Muscat time).  The forum brought together more than 150 participants from local government organisations and the business community in Oman to strengthen economic and trade ties between Hong Kong and Oman, while promoting the business opportunities in Hong Kong and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) to the local community.
 
     Co-organised by HKETO Dubai and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) and supported by Invest Oman, the forum highlighted Hong Kong’s key role as a gateway to the Chinese Mainland, in particular the GBA, and underscored HKETO Dubai’s mission to promote Hong Kong’s economic and trade relations with Oman and other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries.
 
     In his opening remarks, the Director-General of HKETO Dubai, Mr Simon Chan, highlighted the office’s role as a bridge between Hong Kong and the Gulf region by strengthening government-to-government ties, facilitating business connections, and showcasing the many opportunities Hong Kong offers as a world-class business and financial centre.
 
     “Oman-China relations have grown continuously, with China being Oman’s largest trading partner and Oman being a key partner in the Belt and Road Initiative (B&RI). This strategic partnership is not only driving co-operation under the B&RI, but also aligns with Oman’s Vision 2040 for economic diversification. In recent years, this collaboration has evolved beyond traditional trade, energy, and infrastructure; and is actively scaling into high-growth, next-generation frontiers, such as renewable energy, advanced technology, and digital economy. Hong Kong plays an important role in this flourishing partnership,” he said.
 
     Mr Chan highlighted Hong Kong’s unique role under the “one country, two systems” principle as the best gateway connecting international businesses with the Chinese Mainland and the wider Asian markets, as well as the city’s strengths as a “super connector” and “super value-adder” linking China with the rest of the world, making it an ideal platform for Omani businesses seeking to access the Chinese Mainland and expand across Asia.
 
     The forum also showcased Hong Kong’s unparalleled advantages as a core engine of the GBA, one of the world’s largest and most dynamic economic regions with vast opportunities. Speakers at the forum included Head of Marketing of Invest Oman, Ms Juhaina Al Balushi; Regional Director of Middle East and Africa of the HKTDC, Mr Daniel Lam; Head of Business and Talent Attraction/Investment Promotion of Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK), Mr Sultan Abdulla; and Deputy Director of Middle East and Africa of the HKTDC, Mr Nassif Mahfoud.
 
     HKETO Dubai is committed to supporting and promoting the “Economic and Trade Express” functional platform – established through the joint efforts of economic and trade offices, InvestHK and the HKTDC – to assist Hong Kong small and medium-sized enterprises and start-ups in exploring overseas markets, while attracting more enterprises to invest and establish operations in Hong Kong.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region