MIL Asia Pacific Publishing Engine

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Algernon Yau, today (September 1) visited Singapore to have exchanges with the political and business sectors to forge an even closer relationship between Hong Kong and Singapore, leveraging the complementary advantages of the two places.

This year also marks the 30th anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (ETO) in Singapore, a milestone underscoring the enduring partnership between Hong Kong and Singapore, as well as the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) as a whole.

Speaking at a celebration dinner hosted by the Singapore ETO, Mr Yau said that the Singapore ETO, which also covers Vietnam, Laos and India, is the first ETO that Hong Kong has set up in Southeast Asia, followed by the ones in Indonesia and Thailand, and hopefully another one soon in Malaysia. ASEAN is now the fourth-largest economic bloc in the world and has also become Hong Kong’s second-largest trading partner.

Noting that ASEAN is Hong Kong’s strategic partner at both the regional and global levels, Mr Yau highlighted the importance of partnerships among economies especially in turbulent times, when conflicts destabilise global relations, and tariff-induced uncertainties impede world trade.

Mr Yau stressed that the world economy in the long term is not a zero-sum game and economies can grow together through innovation, investment and trade, and also create new values, generate new wealth and opportunities hand in hand. He added that what exists among economies does not have to be competition, it can be collaboration for a brighter and shared future.

Mr Yau also shared with around 200 guests from the government sector, Chinese and foreign embassies in Singapore, the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation, business associations, academic institutions and cultural organisations, etc Hong Kong’s economic outlook and resilient growth in trade despite the tariff shocks. He added that sparing no efforts to deepen international exchanges and co-operation, Hong Kong will forge more partnerships with other economies. He also expressed gratitude for the Singapore Government’s long-standing support for the Singapore ETO and extended his congratulations to the 60th anniversary of the country’s independence.

Other notable guests of honour at the dinner included the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and Trade and Industry of Singapore, Ms Gan Siow Huang, and the Chargé d’Affaires of the Chinese Embassy in Singapore, Mr Zhu Jing. Both acknowledged the efforts and achievements of the Singapore ETO over the past three decades and aspired for even closer co-operation in the years ahead.

The dinner featured photos highlighting the Singapore ETO’s diverse engagements over the past 30 years. The Director of the Singapore ETO, Mr Owin Fung, noted that through hosting high-level official visits, leading business delegations, and organising events, forums and cultural performances, the office has fostered ever closer ties between Hong Kong and ASEAN countries. An ensemble was also staged by young talented musicians from Hong Kong and Singapore using a vibrant fusion of Chinese and Western instruments to embody the “East meets West” spirit, cultural diversity and creative energy of both places.

In addition to attending the celebration dinner, Mr Yau earlier in the day met with the Minister for Manpower and the Minister-in-charge of Energy and Science and Technology of Singapore, Dr Tan See Leng, to brief him on Hong Kong’s latest developments such as the Northern Metropolis development, and the vast business opportunities in Hong Kong and also the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area for Singaporean enterprises. They also exchanged views on deepening collaboration between the two places in various areas to bring mutual benefits.

During the visit, Mr Yau also took the opportunity to get a deeper understanding of the development and potential of e-commerce in Singapore and ASEAN markets. As well, Mr Yau visited a family edutainment company specialising in offering fun play activities for young children’s learning, social interaction and development. The company now has four outlets in Hong Kong and the fifth one will open soon. Mr Yau had a good exchange with the company’s senior management and encouraged the company to continue to use Hong Kong as a base to expand business and tap into the Mainland market.

Mr Yau concluded his visit to Singapore and will proceed to Beijing tomorrow (September 2). He will return to Hong Kong on September 3.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Digital Policy Office (DPO) today (September 1) alerted members of the public to a fraudulent “iAM Smart” website address (iamsmarts-service[.]info), seeking to deceive members of the public into providing their personal information.
 
The DPO stresses that the fraudulent website has no connection with the “iAM Smart” and has referred the case to the Police for follow-up. The DPO reiterates that the “iAM Smart” thematic website (www.iamsmart.gov.hk) is an information website which will not request any personal information from the members of the public.
 
Members of the public should stay alert when receiving any unidentified emails or messages and should not visit any suspicious websites and disclose any personal information. Anyone who has provided his or her personal information to the website concerned should contact the Police. For enquiries about the “iAM Smart”, please call hotline at 182 123.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

Two male and one female incoming passengers were sentenced to six months’ imprisonment at the West Kowloon Magistrates’ Courts today (September 1) for importing alternative smoking products, in contravention of the Import and Export Ordinance(IEO). 
 
Customs officers intercepted a 42-year-old incoming male passenger at Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) on July 4 and seized about 92 600 alternative smoking products from his personal baggage with an estimated market value of about $278,000. In addition, Customs officers intercepted a 21-year-old incoming female passenger and a 27-year-old incoming male passenger at HKIA on July 5 and seized about 91 000 alternative smoking products respectively from their personal baggage with an estimated market value of about $546,000 in total. The three passengers were subsequently arrested.
 
Customs welcomes the sentence. The custodial sentence has imposed a considerable deterrent effect and reflects the seriousness of the offences.
 
Under the IEO, a person who imports an alternative smoking product into Hong Kong commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $2 million and imprisonment for seven years.
 
Members of the public may report any suspected illicit cigarette 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/en/).

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

Ms Ada Chung Lai-ling was reappointed as the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data (Privacy Commissioner) on August 15, 2025, with effect from September 4.

Ms Chung today (September 1) took an oath, which was administered by the Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, and swore that she will uphold the Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) of the People’s Republic of China (PRC), bear allegiance to the HKSAR of the PRC and serve the HKSAR conscientiously, dutifully, in full accordance with the law, honestly and with integrity.

A Government spokesperson said, “The Privacy Commissioner took the oath to uphold the Basic Law and bear allegiance to the HKSAR, thereby embodying the principle and responsibility of ‘patriots administering Hong Kong’.”

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Water Supplies Department (WSD) today (1 September) announced the establishment of the Pipeline Robots Joint Laboratory, which focuses on developing pipeline robotics technologies and promoting the research and development for local technologies of water mains inspection robots, named Intelligent Pipescope. These robots will be used to assess the internal conditions of pressurised water mains of the water supply network. The WSD signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Hong Kong Polytechnic University and Shenzhen Bwell Technology Co Ltd to jointly develop the relevant technologies.
 
In his speech at the ceremony, the Director of Water Supplies, Mr Roger Wong, stated that the WSD has committed to collaborating with various institutions to develop and apply advanced technologies in driving the development of smart water in Hong Kong. The WSD is actively exploring innovative methods to enhance the skills and efficiency of water mains inspections. The WSD expects that, through the Pipeline Robots Joint Laboratory, the development of robots for operating in diverse pipeline conditions will be accelerated. This will enable highly accurate inspections, thereby reducing the risks of pipe bursts and leaks, and potentially extending to monitoring water quality.
 
The core objective of the Pipeline Robots Joint Laboratory is to independently develop multifunctional advanced pipeline robotics technologies, including acoustic sensors, high-definition cameras, and positioning instruments. These robots will also utilise artificial intelligence to analyse relevant data in order to address the unique characteristics of Hong Kong’s water supply network, which includes variations in materials, high water pressure, and numerous bends and branches. Taking into account the rapid development and mature applications of robotics technologies on the Mainland in recent years, the WSD considered that robotics technologies that suit Hong Kong’s needs will be developed more effectively through close collaboration with a local university and a Mainland pipeline robotics developer. At the same time, the unique complexity of the water supply network in Hong Kong will serve as an ideal testing platform, facilitating the entry of Mainland pipeline robotics technologies into international markets and leveraging Hong Kong’s unique position to connect with both the Mainland and the world.
 
The WSD has consistently strived to optimise water supply services through the efficient use of resources and technologies to meet the needs of Hong Kong’s vast population. The establishment of the Pipeline Robots Joint Laboratory represents a significant milestone in the development of smart water. It is anticipated that this initiative will promote more collaboration and application of smart detection technologies between the Mainland and Hong Kong, contributing to positioning both the nation and Hong Kong as global benchmarks in smart water. 

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) published the Global Innovation Index (GII) 2025 top 100 innovation clusters today (September 1), among which the Shenzhen-Hong Kong-Guangzhou cluster ranks first globally.  

A spokesman for the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government said, “We warmly welcome the innovation cluster ranking published by WIPO, which reflects the high international recognition of the innovative capacity of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA). This year, the ranking newly includes the number of venture capital deals as a new metric. With Hong Kong as an international financial centre, and the Mainland and Hong Kong ranking first and second respectively in Asia’s venture capital and private equity fund management, the Shenzhen-Hong Kong-Guangzhou cluster has excelled at channelling capital to support the translation of innovative ideas into material outcomes.

     “Fast-tracking innovation and technology (I&T) development has been a policy priority of this Government. Over the past few years, the Government has rolled out a series of policy initiatives to ensure technology, capital and talent reinforce one another, as well as expediting co-operation and collaboration with our GBA sister cities, to press ahead with the development of Hong Kong into an international I&T centre. In particular, the Government has announced three $10 billion schemes, namely the Research, Academic and Industry Sectors One-plus Scheme, the New Industrialisation Acceleration Scheme, and the Innovation and Technology Industry-Oriented Fund, alongside the Pilot I&T Accelerator Scheme. Moreover, Hong Kong has been supporting the growth of start-ups and is committed to attracting world-class leading enterprises of cutting-edge technology and talent to establish their presence in Hong Kong, in order to enrich our I&T ecosystem. As Asia’s premier international financial centre, Hong Kong has been broadening the channels of financing and listing over the past few years, catering specifically to the needs of new economy and tech companies. This facilitates more quality enterprises in raising funds and expanding their businesses in Hong Kong. We have also been nurturing ‘patient capital’ through the establishment of the Hong Kong Investment Corporation Limited to guide and leverage market capital to invest in early-stage, small high-tech enterprises on a long-term basis.

     “Going forward, Hong Kong will continue to closely collaborate with the GBA sister cities to advance regional I&T development and make greater contributions to building our country as an innovative nation as well as advancing human progress.”

The GII Cluster ranking identifies local concentrations of world-class innovation activity using three key metrics: international patent filings via WIPO’s Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT), scientific publications, and, newly added this year, the number of venture capital deals. In previous editions of the GII Cluster ranking, the Shenzhen-Hong Kong-Guangzhou cluster held the second spot for five years in a row.  

For this year’s ranking, the Shenzhen-Hong Kong-Guangzhou cluster ranked first, filed 2 292 Patent Cooperation Treaty applications, published 3 775 scientific articles, and had 135 venture capital deals per 1 million inhabitants over the last five years.

The launch event of the 2025 GII Ranking of World’s Top 100 Innovation Clusters, organised by the country and WIPO, was hosted by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region today at the Hong Kong Science Park. At the same time in the launch event, two panel discussions joined by leading figures and representatives from Hong Kong and abroad were held, exchanging insights on the GBA’s innovation strengths and future potential, as well as the latest I&T developments in other international clusters. An exhibition featuring the I&T achievements of Hong Kong, Shenzhen and Guangzhou was also set up at the venue.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     Following is the speech by the Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, at the 2025 Global Innovation Index Ranking of World’s Top 100 Innovation Clusters Ceremonial Dinner today (September 1):

Deputy Director-General Wang (Deputy Director General of WIPO, Ms Wang Binying), æ�Žå‰¯ç‰¹æ´¾å“¡ (Deputy Commissioner of the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Mr Li Yongsheng), 張副局長 (Deputy Commissioner of the China National Intellectual Property Administration Mr Zhang Zhicheng), 王副局長 (Deputy Director of Bureau III of the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council, Mr Wang Jie), ladies and gentlemen,

Good evening.  

Welcome to tonight’s ceremonial dinner. I trust you enjoyed today’s inspiring discussions and look forward now to an enjoyable evening.

My thanks, once again, to WIPO (World Intellectual Property Organization) for choosing Hong Kong to launch the inaugural Global Innovation Cluster Ranking. I’m grateful, too, for the support of the central ministries and authorities. 

Let me begin by saying how proud we are that Shenzhen, Hong Kong and Guangzhou together have been named the world’s most innovative cluster. This significant achievement speaks volumes about our region’s collective commitment to innovation and technology. 

In innovation today, no force is more transformative than artificial intelligence. AI is reinventing business models, redefining productivity and revolutionising how we work, communicate and live. Allow me to take this opportunity to say a few words about Hong Kong’s vision and strategy in this area. 

Fully recognising the value AI can create for our businesses and community, Hong Kong has prioritised AI as a core industry, and a key enabler in upgrading our traditional industries and sectors. 

Our AI strategy advances along five key fronts: algorithms, computing power, data, capital and talent.

Algorithms and computing power include investing in our R&D (research and development) capabilities and infrastructure. For example, in this year’s Budget, I announced the establishment of the Hong Kong Artificial Intelligence Research and Development Institute, which will focus on translating AI research into real-world applications. The Institute will be launched next year.

And Cyberport, our digital hub and AI accelerator, operates a supercomputing centre, providing essential support for wider AI applications. The Government is also providing funds to local universities, research institutes and businesses to make use of this computing resource. 

Hong Kong is uniquely positioned as a convergence point for data from the Chinese Mainland and the world. And we are now facilitating cross-boundary data flows from the Mainland for R&D, coupled with robust safeguards – crucial for organisations in the biotech and medical fields. 

When it comes to capital, Hong Kong is one of the world’s leading financial centres. Besides the stock market, we provide a full spectrum of funding options that support enterprises at their various stages of growth. Hong Kong’s private equity sector, for example, manages about US$230 billion in assets, ranking No. 2 in Asia, only after the Chinese Mainland.  

Talent is the driving force of innovation. Which is why we are strengthening AI education at all levels.  We are also forging partnerships with such leading technology firms as Tencent, Alibaba, SenseTime and Lenovo, bringing their expertise directly into classrooms and the community. In addition, we support initiatives such as the Hong Kong Qingyuan Club, a joint initiative of the Beijing Academy of Artificial Intelligence and the Hong Kong Investment Corporation to encourage young AI scientists to engage in global AI exchanges here in Hong Kong. 

Our goal is clear: to ensure we have an adequate supply of AI talent, and our next generation is AI-ready, equipped with the skills and knowledge to flourish in an AI-driven world.

Ladies and gentlemen, Hong Kong’s AI strategy reflects our broader innovation philosophy, in which talent, capital and technology reinforce one another in an open ecosystem.  

In that same spirit, I want to assure you that Hong Kong is open and welcoming. We are keen to collaborate with governments, businesses and entrepreneurs from around the world, driving innovation for the benefit of all. 

Ladies and gentlemen, I know you will enjoy this special evening and the innovative company all about you.

Thank you.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Financial Secretary Paul Chan today witnessed the Government signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) on co-operation with regard to the WIPO Lex-Judgments database.

The WIPO Lex-Judgments database provides free, open access to leading judicial decisions relating to intellectual property (IP) from around the world.

Under the MoU, Hong Kong will contribute leading IP judgments from the city’s Judiciary to the database, facilitating access to such judgments by the international IP community while at the same time showcasing the quality of Hong Kong’s IP-related judicial judgments.

Besides Mr Chan, WIPO Deputy Director General Wang Binying and Chief Judge of the High Court Jeremy Poon also witnessed the signing of the MoU by Director of Intellectual Property David Wong and WIPO Assistant Director General Marco Alemán.

The Chief Executive’s 2024 Policy Address announced that Hong Kong would participate in the database with the support of the Central Government.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Mr Chan said Hong Kong’s participation in the database carries special significance.

“Under the ‘one country, two systems’ framework, Hong Kong is the only territory in China practising common law, and in both Chinese and English. Its protection of IP is widely recognised.

“As a trusted venue for resolving IP disputes involving parties from both the Mainland and abroad, our judgments serve as valuable references to the international legal community.”

Mr Chan also highlighted that Hong Kong’s strengthened collaboration with WIPO would not only enhance its role in the international exchange of jurisprudence, but also strengthen its standing as a leading regional hub for IP trading and legal services.

“By enhancing the global transparency of our IP legal regime, we provide greater confidence to international businesses and rights holders to invest and pursue innovation activities here. They can count on our reliable, world-class legal infrastructure for the commercialisation and protection of their IP assets.”

In addition, Mr Chan thanked the Central People’s Government and WIPO for supporting Hong Kong’s IP initiatives over the past years, and reiterated that Hong Kong remains firmly committed to playing an active role in international IP co-operation and contributing to China’s vision of becoming a global IP powerhouse by 2035.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The value of total retail sales in July, provisionally estimated at $29.7 billion, was up 1.8% compared with the same month in 2024, the Census & Statistics Department announced today.

After netting out the effect of price changes over the same period, the provisional estimate for the month was 1% higher year on year.

Online sales accounted for 8.7% of the total retail sales figure for the month. Provisionally estimated at $2.6 billion, the value of online retail sales rose 13.2% compared with a year earlier.

Meanwhile, the value of sales of commodities in supermarkets increased by 0.2%.

There were also increases in the value of sales in the following categories: “other consumer goods not elsewhere classified” (+9.8%); jewellery, watches and clocks, and valuable gifts (+9.4%); apparel (+1.3%); medicines and cosmetics (+2.6%); commodities in department stores (+2.6%); books, newspapers, stationery and gifts (+20.5%); and Chinese drugs and herbs (+19.6%).

By contrast, the value of sales of food, alcoholic drinks and tobacco decreased by 3.1% for the period. Also down were sales of electrical goods and other consumer durable goods not elsewhere classified (-8.2%); motor vehicles and parts (-12.4%); fuels (-10.3%); footwear, allied products and other clothing accessories (-7.6%); furniture and fixtures (-9.4%); and optical items (-2.4%).

The Government said retail sales continued to stabilise in July. Looking ahead, it expects that local consumption sentiment should remain steady, and its proactive efforts in promoting tourism and mega events will also benefit retail businesses.