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Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region is collaborating with Guangdong Province to promote the Cross-boundary Public Services initiative. The Digital Policy Office (DPO) announced today (August 29) the setting up of a Hong Kong Cross-boundary Public Services self-service kiosk in Zhaoqing, enabling residents and enterprises in Mainland cities of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) to access public services of Hong Kong without the need to travel to Hong Kong in person.

Following installation of the self-service kiosks earlier in Guangzhou, Qianhai and Futian in Shenzhen, Zhuhai, Foshan, Huizhou, Dongguan, Zhongshan and Jiangmen, the Cross-boundary Public Services self-service kiosk in Zhaoqing also provides around 80 public services from 14 government bureaux and departments as well as related organisations, encompassing areas commonly used by enterprises and the public. These include taxation, company registration, property and vehicle enquiry and registration, application for personal identification documents and entry of talent, welfare and education, healthcare, immigration clearance, urgent assistance, culture and tourism as well as voter registration. Members of the public can use the self-service kiosks to perform data entry, document scanning and result printing to enjoy one-stop access when applying for various public services.

Starting today, the public can use the Hong Kong Cross-boundary Public Services self-service kiosk located on 1/F, Zhaoqing Government Service Center, to access various public services of Hong Kong. The opening hours of the kiosk in the center are 8.30am to noon and 2.30pm to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday (except public holidays on the Mainland).

An “iAM Smart” self-registration kiosk is also set up at the Zhaoqing center to enable Hong Kong residents working and living on the Mainland to register for “iAM Smart+” and directly use the “iAM Smart” mobile app to access about 1,300 online services provided by the Government and public and private organisations, as well as government e-Forms such as eMPF registration, renewal of vehicle licences, applications for International Driving Permits and eHealth registration, etc.

The Hong Kong Cross-boundary Public Services self-service kiosks and “iAM Smart” self-registration kiosks have achieved full coverage across the nine Mainland cities of the GBA. The DPO will continue to work closely with the Guangdong Provincial Administration of Government Service and Data to further enhance the Cross-boundary Public Services initiative, with a view to coping with the demands of residents and enterprises in the GBA for Hong Kong public services.

For details, please visit the Hong Kong Cross-boundary Public Services website at www.crossboundaryservices.gov.hk/en/home/index.html and the “iAM Smart” thematic website at www.iamsmart.gov.hk/en/reg.html.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Labour Department (LD) today (August 29) announced the imposition of an administrative sanction on Top One Dance Club & Chinese Cuisine O/B Top One Dance Club Limited. With effect from August 27, 2025, the approvals-in-principle for importing workers granted to the company under the Enhanced Supplementary Labour Scheme (ESLS) have been withdrawn and any applications for importing workers submitted by the company will not be processed for a period of two years.
 
     “The LD earlier received complaints over the company’s dismissal of local workers after employing imported workers under the ESLS. After an investigation, the company’s violation of the requirements of the ESLS has been substantiated and an administrative sanction is thus imposed”, a spokesman for the LD said.
 
     The spokesman continued, “The ESLS stipulates that if an employer violates labour or immigration laws, the requirements of the ESLS or the Standard Employment Contract, the LD will impose an administrative sanction on the employer, including withdrawal of approvals for importation of workers previously granted and refusal to process any subsequent applications submitted by the employer.”
 
     The spokesman reminded employers applying for importation of workers under the ESLS to strictly comply with the requirements of the ESLS, including according priority to employing local workers. In the event of redundancy, imported workers must be retrenched first.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Tuberculosis and Chest Service (TB&CS) of the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) announced today (August 29) the number of tuberculosis (TB) cases involving students in the first half of 2025. Although reporting that the number of TB cases continued to decline, the CHP urged the public, especially schools, students and parents, to maintain good personal and environmental hygiene at all times to prevent TB infections.

     From January to June 2025, the CHP received 1 464 notifications of TB cases (a provisional figure), representing a decrease of 151 cases (nearly 10 per cent) compared to the same period last year. This downward trend has been observed over the past few decades.
 
     Among the reported cases during this period, 21 cases involved students aged from 12 to 26, accounting for 1.43 per cent of all reported TB cases. Compared to the rate of TB diseases among students (1.73 per cent) in the same period last year, the case rate in the first half of 2025 continued to decline. No TB cluster cases involving a school setting were identified during this period.

     The above information has been uploaded to the TB&CS statistics webpage.

     “Early identification of TB cases and the timely initiation of anti-TB treatment remain the mainstay of TB control. With the ongoing publicity and education efforts of the DH, as well as increased public awareness of hygiene, the notification and death rates of TB in Hong Kong have shown a significant and sustained decline over the past few decades. However, TB remains prevalent in the community. The DH continues to promote awareness of TB and its prevention in schools, the community and the healthcare sector, aiming to identify and diagnose cases early to effectively control the disease at its source,” the Consultant of Public Health Services Branch of the DH, Dr Tai Lai-bun, said.

     Dr Tai explained that TB is an airborne disease. When a TB patient coughs or sneezes, small droplets containing the tubercle bacilli are generated and spread in the air. If another person breathes in these small airborne droplets, he or she may be infected with the germ. Prolonged exposure, however, is usually the most important condition for the disease to be effectively transmitted.

     The TB&CS also conducts contact investigations for the close contacts of an index case and provides guidelines on TB prevention and management for schools. For more information, please refer to the guidelines available at www.info.gov.hk/tb_chest/en/contents/Guidelines_School.htm.

     Members of the public should remain vigilant against TB and adopt a healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet, avoid smoking and alcohol, get adequate exercise and adequate rest. Those experiencing symptoms such as a persistent cough, blood in sputum, weight loss, fever and night sweating should seek medical advice promptly. Individuals diagnosed with TB should strengthen respiratory hygiene and cough etiquette while receiving TB treatment under medical supervision.
 
     Given that the TB rate among students has remained at a low level in recent years, the CHP will adjust its risk communication strategy and will issue related press releases based on the actual situation and needs in the future. As for statistics related to TB in schools, the CHP will continue to upload them to the website of the TB&CS every six months. For more TB-related information, services and figures, the public may also call the telephone hotline (2572 6024).

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Government today (August 29) announced the appointment of one new member and the reappointment of three incumbent members to the Hong Kong Examinations and Assessment Authority (HKEAA) Council for a term of three years with effect from September 1, 2025.
 
The newly appointed member is Mr Gilbert Mo Sik-keung. The incumbent members reappointed are Mr Eric Chan Cheung-wai, Mr Choy Sai-hung and Mr Addy Wong Wai-hung. Also joining the Council as an ex-officio member will be Ms Sally Ching Shuk-lai, nominated by the Heads of Universities Committee (HUCOM).
 
     The Secretary for Education, Dr Choi Yuk-lin, said, “The HKEAA is a key partner of the Education Bureau (EDB). Over the years, it has provided top-tier examination and assessment services widely recognised internationally with its outstanding performance. With the addition of new members and the concerted efforts of members from the educational and other professional fields, I am confident that the Authority will continue to strive for excellence, further enhance its service standards, and work together with the EDB to promote Hong Kong’s education development.”
 
She also expressed gratitude to the outgoing member, Ms Tennessy Hui Mei-sheung, and the outgoing ex-officio member, Ms Merry Chey Fung-lin, for their invaluable contributions to and support for the work of the Authority.
 
     The HKEAA is a statutory body established under the Hong Kong Examinations and Assessment Authority Ordinance (Chapter 261) to conduct public examinations and other examinations or assessments approved by the Chief Executive. The composition of the Authority is stipulated in Schedule 2 of the Ordinance, comprising school principals, teachers, representatives of tertiary institutions, a person who represents the interests of parents, and persons experienced in commerce, industry or a profession.

Following is the membership list of the Council with effect from September 1, 2025:
 
Appointed members:
Professor Paul Lam Kwan-sing (Chairman)
Mr Frederick Poon Siu-chi (Deputy Chairman)
Mr Eric Chan Cheung-wai (reappointment)
Mr Kenny Chan Ngai-sang
Dr Cheung Pui-shan
Mr Choy Sai-hung (reappointment)
Professor Alan Lam Hiu-fung
Mr Lee Wai-hung
Mr Gilbert Mo Sik-keung (new member)
Mr Albert Su Yau-on
Mr Addy Wong Wai-hung (reappointment)
 
Ex-officio members:
Two persons nominated by HUCOM
The Chairman of the Curriculum Development Council, or his/her representative
The Executive Director of the Vocational Training Council, or his/her representative
The Permanent Secretary for Education, or his/her representative
The Secretary General of the HKEAA

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Government today (August 29) announced the reappointment of Professor Isabella Poon Wai-yin as the Chairperson of the Curriculum Development Council (CDC) for a term of two years with effect from September 1, 2025.
 
     The Secretary for Education, Dr Choi Yuk-lin, said, “Professor Isabella Poon Wai-yin is currently Provost and Wei Lun Professor of Statistics at the Chinese University of Hong Kong. She has vast experience in teaching, research and administration. Since assuming the role of Chairperson of the CDC in 2023, Professor Poon has demonstrated her exceptional leadership and professional expertise by guiding the CDC to uphold the ‘Led by Professionals’ principle, actively promoting the ongoing renewal and optimisation of the school curriculum, which includes updating the Primary Education Curriculum Guide, Curriculum Guide for Special Schools, Primary Humanities Curriculum Guide, and Science (Primary 1 – 6) Curriculum Guide, as well as optimising the curricula and assessments of various senior secondary elective subjects, thereby creating space for students and catering for learner diversity.”
 
     The Government also reappointed 15 members and appointed five new members to the CDC for a term of two years, ending on August 31, 2027.
 
     Dr Choi thanked the outgoing members, Professor Ching Wai-ki, Ms Hui Ha-mei, Mr Lee Wai-hung, Mr Shek Wai-keung and Professor Cindy Sit Hui-ping, for their invaluable contributions to curriculum development in Hong Kong during their tenure.
 
     “The Education Bureau (EDB) will continue to provide full support to the work of the CDC and listen to their valuable advice on matters relating to curriculum development,” she said.
 
     The CDC comprises members drawn from diverse sectors, including academics from universities and tertiary institutions, frontline principals and teachers, professionals in the business and technology fields, and representation from parents. Their participation is conducive to providing views and suggestions on promoting student learning effectiveness and fostering their whole-person development.
 
     The membership list of the CDC with effect from September 1, 2025, is as follows:

Chairperson
——–
Professor Isabella Poon Wai-yin

Non-official Members 
————–
Ms Chan Mei-kuen
Mr Cheng Ka-ho
Ms Cheuk Ting-yan*
Professor Cheung Chak-chung
Mr Eugene Fong Yick-jin
Dr Kam Wai-keung*
Mr Kwan Chi-hang*
Mr Kwok Lung-kei
Ms Lai Wan-yim*
Professor Lau Chi-pang*
Ms Lee Yi-ying
Ms Mandy Leung Man-yee
Mr Li Kin-man
Professor Lo Ming-tung
Ms Ng Kai-kwan
Professor Johnny Poon Ming-lun
Mr Paul Tai Lun
Ms Ting Wing-sze
Dr Wong Ching-yung 
Dr Yip Chi-sio

Ex-officio Members
————–
Principal Assistant Secretary (Curriculum Development) of the EDB, also the Vice-chairperson of the CDC
Chairperson of the Hong Kong Examinations and Assessment Authority Council or his/her representative
Representatives from other Divisions of the EDB 

*new members

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Transport Department (TD) said today (August 29) that a large number of members of the public, visitors and cross-boundary vehicles are anticipated to be travelling between the Mainland, Macao and Hong Kong via various land-based boundary control points (BCPs) in the following two days (August 30 and 31), i.e. the weekend before the end of summer holidays. Members of the public are urged to plan their trips in advance, make their journeys during non-peak hours and allow sufficient travelling time.

     The TD has co-ordinated with the local and cross-boundary public transport operators (PTOs) concerned to strengthen their services during this weekend. At the peak hours of cross-boundary passenger flow, the waiting time for relevant public transport services, including the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge (HZMB) shuttle bus (Gold Bus), may be longer. Passengers are encouraged to observe order while queuing and heed advice from on-site police and staff of the PTOs concerned. Passengers using cross-boundary coach services are also advised to reserve their coach tickets in advance.

     Motorists are advised that, subject to actual traffic conditions, special traffic arrangements may be implemented at the Lok Ma Chau Control Point and the Shenzhen Bay Port on August 30 and 31 to allow smooth access for public transport vehicles to the above control points. Cross-boundary private cars may need to queue up for crossing the BCPs. Motorists should pay extra attention to variable message signs and traffic signs along the roads. In case of traffic congestion, they should remain patient and follow the instructions of on-site police.

     For the HZMB, to plan their journeys ahead, members of the public can make use of the TD’s HKeMobility mobile application or the TD’s website (hkemobility.gov.hk/en/traffic-information/live/cctv) to access snapshots of traffic conditions at inbound and outbound vehicle plazas of the HZMB Hong Kong Port. They can also check real-time situations of the vehicle clearance plaza of the HZMB Zhuhai Port through the WeChat official accounts “hzmbzhport” or “zhuhaifabu” (traffic-info.gzazhka.com:5015/#/) (Chinese only), and check the forecast of peak hours of inbound and outbound vehicles at the HZMB Zhuhai Port through the WeChat official account of the HZMB integrated information dissemination platform (mp.weixin.qq.com/s/v5pMg0FdNfjaai5FvCWTiQ) (Chinese only). Moreover, motorists are reminded to always comply with the traffic control measures implemented by the Zhuhai authority when driving on the HZMB Main Bridge. Vehicles shall not occupy the emergency lane unless instructed by the Zhuhai authority.

     The TD’s Emergency Transport Co-ordination Centre will continue to operate round the clock to closely monitor the traffic conditions and public transport services of different districts including various BCPs and major stations from the end of summer holidays to the first school day. The TD will disseminate the latest traffic information through various channels. Members of the public are advised to check the latest traffic news through radio, television broadcasts, and the HKeMobility application.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Government announced today (August 29) the launch of a new batch of Silver Bond for subscription by eligible Hong Kong residents. 
 
The target issuance size of this batch of Silver Bond is HK$50 billion, with each unit offered at HK$10,000 and a tenor of three years. Interest will be paid semi-annually at a rate linked to inflation in Hong Kong, subject to a minimum of 3.85 per cent. The Government may exercise discretion to increase the target issuance size to a maximum of HK$55 billion from HK$50 billion, subject to market response. Hong Kong residents who turn 60 in or before 2026 (i.e. those born in 1966 or before) holding a valid Hong Kong Identity Card will be eligible for subscription. 
 
The bonds are the retail part of the Infrastructure Bond Programme. Proceeds will be credited to the Capital Works Reserve Fund for investment in infrastructure projects in accordance with the Programme Framework. The Government will publish information on the allocation of the proceeds on an annual basis.
 
The Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, said, “The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government continues to issue Silver Bond this year to provide a safe, reliable and low-risk investment option with steady returns for senior citizens. It further promotes financial inclusion and encourages financial institutions to tap into the immense potential of the silver market. Bond proceeds from this batch of Silver Bond will be used to fund the implementation of infrastructure projects for the good of the economy and people’s livelihood, so as to support the sustained economic development of Hong Kong.”
 
There will be no secondary market for Silver Bond. Bondholders may sell their bonds before maturity to the Government at par together with accrued but unpaid interest. To encourage greater participation from citizens, a maximum allocation of HK$1 million per investor is stipulated, meaning that each investor is allocated 100 units of retail bonds at most.
 
The subscription period of Silver Bond will start from 9am on September 15 and end at 2pm on September 29. The bonds will be issued on October 10. Eligible Hong Kong residents may apply for the bonds through one of the placing banks and designated securities brokers. The offering terms and subscription arrangements of Silver Bond, including the list of placing banks and designated securities brokers, will be available on the Hong Kong Government Bonds website (www.hkgb.gov.hk).

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region