Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Appointments to Panel of Advisors to Committee on Education, Technology and Talents announced and first engagement session held
Since its establishment, the CETT has been closely engaging with different stakeholders across the community. It earlier met with the presidents of universities, representatives from the innovation and technology sector, etc. and attended the Ante Chamber Exchange Session of the Legislative Council to pool wisdom and ideas and enhance collaboration, with a view to further advancing the integrated development of education, technology and talent as well as the work of the CETT, and providing solid support for the reform and innovation of Hong Kong’s development. The Panel of Advisors serves as a high-level exchange platform with members from various sectors of society, including community leaders and professionals from different fields. There will be a specific discussion theme for each engagement session to facilitate focused and in-depth exchanges.
At the engagement session today, the Panel of Advisors to the CETT engaged in in-depth discussions on the objective of building Hong Kong into an international hub for high-calibre talent. The Panel of Advisors affirmed the effectiveness of talent attraction measures of the current-term Government. Given external challenges, Hong Kong should more precisely target the positioning of the eight centres and timely refine the measures to further enhance the diversity of the talent pool and effectiveness of the talent attraction measures. The Government should also enhance training and use of local talent to strengthen the talent support for the future development of Hong Kong. The Panel of Advisors also agreed to intensify efforts to attract teaching and research talent to establish an international education hub, and to leverage the Hong Kong Park of the Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Co-operation Zone to provide more development opportunities for promising technology start-ups and talent.
The session also reviewed the latest situation regarding Hong Kong’s overall population and labour force, the progress in talent attraction, and an overview of talent retention. In the face of an ageing population and pressure on labour supply, the Panel of Advisors supported the Government’s introduction of timely and appropriate measures in response to the challenges.
Mr Chan expressed gratitude for the members’ acceptance of the appointments, and looked forward to working closely with the members to pool wisdom and ideas for comprehensively promoting the integrated development of education, technology and talent. The Panel of Advisors has a two-year term, from August 25, 2025 to August 24, 2027. The membership list is as follows:
Dr Sunny Chai Ngai-chiu
Dr Bunny Chan Chung-bun
Mr Simon Chan Sai-ming
Mr Chow Chung-kong
Professor Chow Man-kong
Professor Chelsea Jiang Chang
Professor Gabriel Matthew Leung
Professor Daniel Long Zhuoyu
Mr Tim Lui Tim-leung
Mr Joseph Luc Ngai
Mr Hendrick Sin
Mr Peter Wong Tung-shun
Issued at HKT 20:12
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Opening speech by SEE at APEC Energy Ministerial Meeting in Korea (English only)
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Opening speech by SEE at APEC Energy Ministerial Meeting in Korea (English only)
Good afternoon, Chair and fellow colleagues. Allow me to express my heartfelt gratitude to the Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Energy of the Republic of Korea, for hosting the APEC Energy Minister Meeting and the warm hospitality extended to our delegation.
Sustainability and prosperity are not mutually exclusive, and to do so, we need to collaborate and think outside the box. Hong Kong, China has positioned herself as a super connector. Under the “one country, two-systems” principle, Hong Kong, China remains to be the freest economy of the world, the world’s third most competitive international financial centre, and operates under the common law system. We will continue to serve as a platform and hub to connect the world to develop new energy solutions to diversify power resources to support the development of energy-hungry AI and related industries. At the same time, we should not forget innovation to improve energy efficiency to make new technological developments sustainable.
APEC economies consume approximately 60 per cent of the world’s energy. APEC’s Energy Intensity Reduction Goal is to reduce APEC’s aggregate energy intensity by 45 per cent by 2035, against the 2005 level. Thanks to the concerted efforts of the community, as of 2022, the aggregate energy intensity in Hong Kong, China has decreased by over 30 per cent.
While the electricity consumption in the past 20 years has increased by 15 per cent, the emissions of sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxides and particulates due to power generation have been reduced by 98 per cent, 77 per cent and 86 per cent respectively.
Hong Kong, China reached its carbon peak in 2014. Compared to the peak, our carbon emissions have been reduced by about a quarter now. Our per capita carbon emissions in 2023 were about 4.4 tonnes. On this foundation, Hong Kong commits to strive to further cut our carbon emissions by half before 2035 and achieve carbon neutrality before 2050.
On electricity generation, we will phase out coal for daily electricity generation by 2035, and increase the share of zero carbon energy from a quarter as of today to about 60 to 70 per cent by 2035. We are in good progress towards our target of reducing the electricity consumption in commercial buildings by 15 to 20 per cent, and 10 to 15 per cent for residential buildings by 2035. About 3.7 billion kWh of electricity has been conserved in 2024 compared to 2015.
Hong Kong, China has been embracing artificial intelligence and Internet of Things to improve grid management, including the use of AI management system to monitor critical power facilities and to strengthen the resilience of power supply system.
On green finance, in 2024, the total green and sustainable debt issued in Hong Kong, China exceeded US$84 billion, making Hong Kong, China the top green financing centre in the Asian market for seven consecutive years since 2018.
Hong Kong, China is also home to green mega events. We will be launching our second Hong Kong Green Week on September 8, followed by the 20th Eco Expo Asia in end-October, where government officials and industry leaders gather to share, collaborate and innovate. Allow me to close my remarks by extending my warmest invitation to you all to participate in the upcoming events in September and October in Hong Kong, China. Thank you.
Issued at HKT 18:42
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A Symphony of Island and Literature: 2025 Workshop for Translating Taiwan Literature Call for Applications
Source: Republic of China Taiwan
The National Museum of Taiwan Literature is teaming up with the prestigious British Centre for Literary Translation (BCLT) to bring you A Symphony of Island and Literature: 2025 Workshop for Translating Taiwan Literature.
Calling all emerging and passionate translators — from Taiwan and across the globe! This is your moment to immerse yourself in Taiwan’s vibrant literary world, sharpen your translation craft under expert guidance, and connect with an inspiring community of international literary professionals.
Organizer: National Museum of Taiwan Literature
Partner: British Centre for Literary Translation (BCLT)
Date and Venue: November 9-14, 2025 (6 days total):
November 9-11: Tainan
November 12-14: Taitung
Applications are now open (till September 8th 00:00) — and spaces are limited!
Don’t let this opportunity pass you by — ACT NOW! Click the link below to submit your application for the workshop: https://reurl.cc/jrWm0n
The result of application will be announced via email by September 30th.
For details regarding this workshop, please see the following attachments: Guidelines, Application Form, Personal Information Form. For more information please visit NMTL website: https://reurl.cc/3MMGa9
STL meets Mayor of Dongguan Municipal Government (with photos)
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
STL meets Mayor of Dongguan Municipal Government ???
She added that Hong Kong serves as the GBA’s gateway for the import and export of goods. The Transport and Logistics Bureau attaches great importance to co-operation with the GBA and promotes the logistics development strategy of “strengthening collaboration with the GBA and grasping new development opportunities” on various fronts. By deepening synergistic logistics development with the GBA and advancing intermodal transport, as well as exploring the feasibility of extending the arrangements under the Air Transhipment Cargo Exemption Scheme, Hong Kong is proactively integrating into the national development and facilitating the interconnection of cargo flows in the GBA. The Port Community System, to be completed by the end of this year, will connect with local, Mainland and overseas ports and global shipping business data platforms. The system provides round-the-clock, real-time cargo tracking, integrating sea, land, and air transport data, and offering value-added electronic services such as the “One-Data-Multiple-Declarations” function, thereby enhancing collaboration among ports on the Mainland and overseas.Issued at HKT 18:15
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Suspension of postal services to certain areas in the Philippines
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
Hongkong Post announced today (August 27) that, as advised by the postal administration of the Philippines, mail delivery services to Metro Manila, the provinces of Bulacan, Cavite, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, Batangas, Aurora, Quezon, Rizal, Laguna, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Albay, Sorsogon, Catanduanes, Masbate and Northern Samar are suspended due to severe weather.
Government welcomes appointment to Board of Financial Dispute Resolution Centre
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
The Government today (August 27) welcomes the Financial Dispute Resolution Centre (FDRC)’s appointment of Dr Christopher To Wing as a non-official Director of its Board for a term of two years from September 1, 2025, to August 31, 2027.
A spokesman for the Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau (FSTB) said, “Dr To is a veteran legal professional with extensive experience in mediation and arbitration. We welcome Dr To as a member of the FDRC Board and express our heartfelt appreciation to the outgoing Director, Mr Richard Leung Wai-keung, for his contributions to the FDRC over the past six years.”
The FDRC administers, in an independent and impartial manner, a financial dispute resolution scheme to provide an alternative avenue that is independent and affordable for resolving monetary disputes between financial institutions and their customers primarily by way of “Mediation First, Arbitration Next”. The FDRC is governed by a Board of Directors, comprising a non-official Chairman, four non-official members, one representative each from the FSTB, the Hong Kong Monetary Authority and the Securities and Futures Commission, as well as the Chief Executive Officer of the FDRC.
Hong Kong Customs conducts interdepartmental anti-illicit cigarette publicity activities in Tsuen Wan District (with photos)
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
Hong Kong Customs conducted a joint anti-illicit cigarette publicity campaign with members of the Tsuen Wan District Council, the Tobacco and Alcohol Control Office (TACO) of the Department of Health, the Housing Department (HD) and the Community Care Team at Lei Muk Shue Estate in Tsuen Wan today (August 27).
During the event, in addition to patrolling the housing estates, Customs officers also promoted the Government’s proposal to amend the existing legislation to increase penalties for illicit cigarette-related offences to security personnel, residents and traders, as well as encouraged them to report suspected illicit cigarette activities to Customs.
If public rental housing units are found to be involved in illicit cigarette crimes, Customs will notify the HD for follow-up action after the conclusion of court proceedings. Customs reminds members of the public, especially young people, not to buy or sell illicit cigarettes or distribute illicit cigarette leaflets to avoid creating a criminal record that could affect their future.
Customs will continue to step up enforcement to vigorously combat illicit cigarette activities through risk assessment, intelligence analysis and interception at source. Also, Customs will strengthen publicity and education to remind the public not to take part in unlawful acts related to illicit cigarettes.
Under the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance, anyone involved in dealing with, possession of, selling or buying illicit cigarettes commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $1 million and imprisonment for two 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).
In accordance with the Smoking (Public Health) Ordinance (Cap. 371), no person shall distribute any smoking product advertisement (including any promotional leaflets). Any person who contravenes the regulation is liable to a maximum fine of $50,000. Members of the public may report any suspected activities of illicit cigarette leaflet distribution to TACO’s hotline 2961 8823.
Red flag hoisted at at Stanley Main Beach
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
Attention TV/radio announcers:
Please broadcast the following as soon as possible:
Here is an item of interest to swimmers.
The Leisure and Cultural Services Department announced today (August 27) that due to big waves, the red flag has been hoisted at Stanley Main Beach in Southern District, Hong Kong Island. Beachgoers are advised not to swim at this beach.
Prosecution review published
Source: Hong Kong Information Services
The Department of Justice’s Prosecutions Division today released its annual report, Prosecutions Hong Kong 2024, which reviews its prosecution work of the year.
In the Director’s Overview of the report, Director of Public Prosecutions Maggie Yang emphasised that the cardinal principle of prosecutorial independence as enshrined in the Basic Law Article 63 continues to be the cornerstone of the operations to enable the department to control criminal prosecutions free from any interference.
She also stated that the Prosecutions Division’s continued commitment to maintaining transparency and accountability reinforces public trust in the integrity and efficiency of the city’s criminal justice system.
Apart from stressing that all prosecutorial decisions made by it are based on the law, the evidence and the Prosecution Code, the department noted that prosecutors do not consider, and would not be influenced by irrelevant considerations such as political or individual interests, possible media or public reaction and personal feelings or beliefs of the prosecutors.
The report sets out the important achievements made by the Prosecutions Division last year, which include hosting the 11th Asia & Pacific Regional Conference of the International Association of Prosecutors, which underscored Hong Kong’s unwavering commitment to international collaboration and its constant pursuit of the highest standards of prosecutorial excellence.
The event was also a testament to the fact that Hong Kong maintains a robust legal system under the “one country, two systems” principle while enjoying staunch support from the motherland, the department pointed out.
It added that the publication gives a detailed account of the key cases handled by each subdivision of the Prosecutions Division.
CA approves changes in shareholding structure of HK Television Entertainment Company Limited
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
CA approves changes in shareholding structure of HK Television Entertainment Company Limited
The Communications Authority (CA) has approved an application by HK Television Entertainment Company Limited (HKTVE), a domestic free television programme service (free TV) licensee, for changes in its shareholding structure arising from the change of an intermediate company between HKTVE and PCCW Limited (PCCW), which indirectly controls 50 per cent of the non-voting shares of HKTVE.
According to HKTVE, the shareholding changes will not bring about any material changes to the legal and beneficial ownership of the licensee. Upon completion of the changes in the shareholding structure of HKTVE today (August 27), a trust company named HKTVE (B Class) (PTC) Limited continues to control 100 per cent of HKTVE’s voting shares, while another trust company named HKTVE (C Class) (PTC) Limited continues to control 50 per cent of the non-voting shares of HKTVE for the benefit of a PCCW subsidiary. PCCW continues to control the remaining 50 per cent of HKTVE’s non-voting shares through its subsidiary.
In approving the application, the CA is satisfied that HKTVE will continue to comply with all applicable regulatory requirements under the Broadcasting Ordinance (Cap. 562) and its free TV licence, and that it will be able to honour the investment and programming commitments it has made under its licence after completion of the shareholding changes.
Issued at HKT 16:15
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