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Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Committee on Taxi Service Quality (CTSQ) and the Transport Department (TD) today (August 15) jointly held the Taxi Service Commendation Scheme Prize Presentation Ceremony 2024 to compliment quality taxi drivers and taxi service management teams.

     Officiating at the Prize Presentation Ceremony, the Acting Commissioner for Transport, Ms Candy Kwok, said she was glad to note the rising participation of taxi drivers, the trade and members of the public in the Commendation Scheme, which has been held for 22 years since 2002. This showed the public’s support for and recognition of drivers and management teams providing quality services.

     Ms Kwok added that the Government had introduced a series of initiatives to enhance the overall quality of taxi services and promote the healthy development of the taxi industry in the long run. The TD issued official Taxi Fleet Licences to five taxi fleets in July 2025 with a view to offering quality services to the public. All fleet taxis provide multiple electronic payment means, while safety devices and the driver monitoring system have been installed to provide convenience for passengers and ensure driving safety.

     The Government has also submitted to the Legislative Council the legislative amendments on mandatory installation of Journey Recording Systems and provision of electronic payment means on taxis, strengthening the deterrent effect against malpractice by the black sheep in the taxi industry and safeguarding the interests of both drivers and passengers on one hand, while providing convenience for passengers to pay the fare on the other. Ms Kwok encouraged the trade to continue to strive for excellence to provide more quality ride experiences, thereby giving full play to new opportunities for quality service.

     Among 573 nominated taxi drivers, 20 were selected as Quality Taxi Drivers this year by an assessment panel comprising non-trade members of the CTSQ and relevant department representatives. The Most Popular Taxi Driver was presented to the driver with the highest number of votes in the public voting, while Good Driver, Good Service awards were presented to two drivers providing exceptional services during the ride. In addition, the assessment panel selected one Quality Taxi Service Management Team based on management, application of technology and social responsibility of management teams. The list of awardees is set out in the Annex.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority:
 
The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA), as representative of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government (HKSAR Government), announced today (August 15) that a tender of 3-year RMB institutional Government Bonds (Bonds) through the re-opening of existing 3-year Government Bond issue 03GB2807001 under the Infrastructure Bond Programme will be held on August 21, 2025 (Thursday), for settlement on August 25, 2025 (Monday).
 
An additional amount of RMB1.25 billion of the outstanding 3-year Bonds (issue no. 03GB2807001) will be on offer. The Bonds will mature on July 28, 2028 and will carry interest at the rate of 1.59 per cent per annum payable semi-annually in arrear. The Indicative Pricings of the Bonds on August 15, 2025 are 100.14 with a semi-annualised yield of 1.540 per cent.
 
Tender is open only to Primary Dealers appointed under the Infrastructure Bond Programme. Anyone wishing to apply for the Bonds on offer can do so through any of the Primary Dealers on the latest published list, which can be obtained from the Hong Kong Government Bonds website at www.hkgb.gov.hk. Each tender must be for an amount of RMB50,000 or integral multiples thereof.
 
Tender results will be published on the HKMA’s website, the Hong Kong Government Bonds website, Bloomberg (GBHK ) and Refinitiv (IBPGSBPINDEX). The publication time is expected to be no later than 3pm on the tender day.

HKSAR Institutional Government Bonds Tender Information

Tender information of 3-year RMB HKSAR Institutional Government Bonds:
 

Issue Number	:	03GB2807001
Stock Code	:	85039 (HKGB1.59 2807-R)
Tender Date and Time	:	August 21, 2025 (Thursday) 9.30am to 10.30am
Issue and Settlement Date	:	August 25, 2025 (Monday)
Amount on Offer	:	RMB1.25 billion
Maturity	:	3 years
Remaining maturity	:	Approximately 2.93 years
Maturity Date	:	July 28, 2028 (Friday)
Interest Rate	:	1.59 per cent p.a. payable semi-annually in arrear
Interest Payment Dates	:	January 28 and July 28 in each year, commencing on the Issue Date up to and including the Maturity Date, subject to adjustment in accordance with the terms of the Institutional Issuances Information Memorandum of the Infrastructure Bond Programme and Government Sustainable Bond Programme (Information Memorandum) published on the Hong Kong Government Bonds website.
Method of Tender	:	Competitive tender
Tender Amount	:	Each competitive tender must be for an amount of RMB50,000 or integral multiples thereof. Any tender applications for the Bonds must be submitted through a Primary Dealer on the latest published list. The accrued interest to be paid by successful bidders on the issue date (August 25, 2025) for the tender amount is RMB60.99 per minimum denomination of RMB50,000. (The accrued interest to be paid for tender amount exceeding RMB50,000 may not be exactly equal to the figures calculated from the accrued interest per minimum denomination of RMB50,000 due to rounding).
Other Details	:	Please see the Information Memorandum available on the Hong Kong Government Bonds website or approach Primary Dealers.
Expected commencement date of dealing on the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited	:	The tender amount is fully fungible with the existing 03GB2807001 (Stock code: 85039) listed on the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong.
Use of Proceeds	:	The Bonds will be issued under the institutional part of the Infrastructure Bond Programme. Proceeds will be invested in infrastructure projects in accordance with the Infrastructure Bond Framework published on the Hong Kong Government Bonds website.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority:

The Hong Kong Monetary Authority published today (August 15) the credit card lending survey results for the second quarter of 2025.

Total card receivables decreased by 2.5 per cent in the second quarter to HK$149.0 billion at end-June 2025, as compared to a decrease of 5.8 per cent in the previous quarter.
 
The combined delinquent and rescheduled ratio was 0.45 per cent at end-June 2025, compared with 0.42 per cent at the previous quarter-end. The quarterly charge-off ratio was 0.64 per cent, compared with 0.61 per cent in the previous quarter and remained at a low level.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Buildings Department approved six building plans in June, with three in Kowloon and three in the New Territories.
 
     Of the approved plans, two were for apartment and apartment/commercial developments, two were for factory and industrial developments, and two were for community services development.
 
     In the same month, consent was given for works to start on 11 building projects which, when completed, will provide 85 798 square metres of gross floor area for domestic use involving 1 815 units, and 195 981 sq m of gross floor area for non-domestic use. The department has received notification of commencement of superstructure works for three building projects.
 
     The department also issued 18 occupation permits, with three on Hong Kong Island, seven in Kowloon and eight in the New Territories.
 
     Of the buildings certified for occupation, the gross floor area for domestic use was 180 830 sq m involving 2637 units, and 77 803 sq m was for non-domestic use.
 
     The declared cost of new buildings completed in June totalled about $11.4 billion.
 
     In addition, four demolition consents were issued.
 
     The department received 2 913 reports about unauthorised building works (UBWs) in June and issued 787 removal orders on UBWs.
 
     The full version of the Monthly Digest for June can be viewed on the Buildings Department’s homepage (www.bd.gov.hk).

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) held the National Ecology Day 2025 Launching Ceremony cum Symposium today (August 15), commencing a series of activities related to environmental protection and ecological conservation with representatives from the Mainland and HKSAR Governments, and non-governmental organisations, scholars and experts to exchange ideas on ecological civilisation concepts and conservation work.
  
The Deputy Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Cheuk Wing-hing; the Secretary for Environment and Ecology, Mr Tse Chin-wan; the Deputy Director-General of the Department of Educational, Scientific and Technological Affairs of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the HKSAR, Mr Ye Shuiqiu; and member of the Standing Committee of the 14th National People’s Congress and Member of the Legislative Council, Dr Starry Lee, officiated at the Launching Ceremony.

In his opening speech, Mr Cheuk said that the country had designated August 15 as the National Ecology Day in 2023, aiming to enhance widespread promotion of the country’s ecological civilisation concepts, and public awareness towards ecological civilisation. This year’s National Ecology Day coincided with the 20th anniversary of President Xi Jinping putting forth the concept that “lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets”, making this occasion even more special. He emphasised that the HKSAR Government placed great importance in the country’s ecological civilisation initiatives, and had been promoting green transformation of society, conserving ecology, and strengthening co-operation with the Mainland, thereby building a beautiful China and a beautiful Hong Kong.
 
Speaking at the ceremony, Dr Lee stated that the establishment of National Ecological Day was a sign of the country embarking on a new stage of ecological civilisation. The progress of the country on promoting ecological civilisation was evident to all, with a greater emphasis now on harmonious coexistence between development and nature. She also affirmed the work done by the HKSAR Government in moving towards a low-carbon future, which included expanding renewable energy facilities, promoting green transport, and adding green buildings, etc. She called on everyone to integrate conservation into their lives and build a green city together. 

Other guests included the Permanent Secretary for Environment and Ecology (Environment), Mr Eddie Cheung; the Director of Environmental Protection, Dr Samuel Chui; the Director of Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation, Mr Mickey Lai; the Director of Electrical and Mechanical Services, Mr Poon Kwok-ying; the Assistant Director of the Hong Kong Observatory (Radiation Monitoring and Assessment), Mr Lee Lap-shun; member of the Executive Council and Chairman of the Council for Carbon Neutrality and Sustainable Development, Dr Lam Ching-choi; the Chairman of the Environment and Conservation Fund Committee, Dr Eric Cheng; and the Chairman of the Environmental Campaign Committee, Ms Grace Kwok. Members of the Legislative Council (LegCo) Panel on Environmental Affairs, including Mr Frankie Yick, Mr Kwok Wai-keung, Dr Lo Wai-kwok, Mr Junius Ho, Mr Tony Tse, Mr Dominic Lee, Mr Chan Siu-hung, and LegCo Member Mr Andrew Lam, also attended.
 
At the launching ceremony, the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) signed a Memorandum of Understanding on the Joint Rescue Mechanism for Large Aquatic Wild Animals with the Ocean Development Bureau of Shenzhen Municipality to deepen the rescue co-operation of large aquatic wild animals between the two places, and to strengthen the exchange of experience and technology to improve the ecological safety of the adjacent waters of Hong Kong and Shenzhen.
 
Afterwards, the Interim Vice President (Campus Development and Facilities) of the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Professor Ling Kar-kan, hosted the symposium. Speakers of the symposium included the President of the China Institute for Rural Studies of Tsinghua University and Tenured Professor of the School of Public Policy and Management of Tsinghua University, Professor Wang Yahua; Professor of the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering of the Hong Kong Polytechnic University Professor Wang Yuhong; the Director of the Hong Kong Culture and Sustainability Centre, Professor Louis Yu; the Assistant Director (Country Parks) of the AFCD, Dr Jackie Yip; and the Head of the Countryside Conservation Office of the Environment and Ecology Bureau, Professor Stephen Tang. They shared and exchanged views on rural revitalisation, nature conservation and sustainable development.

The HKSAR Government announced earlier that government and non-governmental organisations would provide various special activities and offers from today to September 28 to encourage the public to respond to and participate in the third National Ecology Day this year. Details have been uploaded to the Countryside Conservation Office website (cco.gov.hk/en/event-calendar/ned2025), Hong Kong Biodiversity Information Hub website of the AFCD (bih.gov.hk/en/education-programmes/programmes/index.html) as well as the websites or social media platforms of the participating organisations.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Government has accepted the proposal from the Foundation for Art & Culture (FAC) to operate, manage, conserve and revitalise Haw Par Mansion located at 15A Tai Hang Road, Wan Chai, for the use of arts and culture.

 

Making the announcement today, the Government explained that the FAC will sign a three-year service agreement with it to operate Haw Par Mansion on a non-profit making and self-financing basis, so as to complement the arts and culture scene as well as the Government’s heritage conservation policies.

 

In addition to developing the mansion as a unique icon of international arts and cultural exchange in the city, the Government emphasised that as a local charitable institution, the FAC is dedicated to promoting arts and culture in Asia and fostering cultural exchange between East and West.

 

Furthermore, it will revitalise the mansion, and collaborate with local, Mainland and international artists and organisations to introduce diversified arts and cultural programmes, including exhibitions, film screenings, performances, workshops as well as artist residency programmes.

 

The booking of free docent tours currently available at Haw Par Mansion will last until the end of November, tentatively. The FAC will continue to provide free docent service to the public after it begins operating the mansion, which is due to happen in the second half of 2026.

 

The Government announced an Invitation for Proposal exercise last September to identify the most suitable non-profit-making operator for Haw Par Mansion. An assessment panel was formed to assess and consider the five proposals received by this year’s deadline of January 27.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Department of Health’s Centre for Health Protection announced that, as of 5pm, one new imported case of chikungunya fever (CF) had been recorded today.

The case involves a 23-year-old man who lives in Sai Kung. He travelled to Shunde District in Foshan, Guangdong on August 1, and received mosquito bites during his stay there.

The patient returned to Hong Kong on August 3 and developed a fever, joint pain and a rash on August 8. He attended the Accident & Emergency Department of Tsueng Kwan O Hospital yesterday, and was admitted for treatment in a stable condition.

His blood sample tested positive for the CF virus. He had no travel companions or household contacts. The centre has reported the case to Guangdong’s health authority.

So far this year, Hong Kong has recorded a total of nine CF cases.

Source: Government of Singapore

Singapore, 15 August 2025 – The prevailing Southwest Monsoon conditions are expected to persist over Singapore and the surrounding region in the second half of August 2025, with low-level winds blowing from the southeast or southwest.

2           In the second fortnight of August 2025, short-duration thundery showers are expected between the late morning and afternoon over parts of the island on most days. On a few days, the passage of Sumatra squalls may bring widespread thundery showers and gusty winds between the pre-dawn and morning. The total rainfall for the second fortnight of August 2025 is likely to be near average over most parts of the island.

3          The daily maximum temperatures are likely to range between 32 degrees Celsius and 34 degrees Celsius on most days. A few nights may be warm and humid, and the temperatures may stay above 28 degrees Celsius.

4          For updates of the daily weather forecast, please visit the MSS website (www.weather.gov.sg), NEA website (www.nea.gov.sg), or download the myENV app.

REVIEW OF THE PAST TWO WEEKS (1 – 14 AUGUST 2025)

5          Southwest Monsoon conditions prevailed over Singapore and the surrounding region in the first fortnight of August 2025, with winds blowing mostly from the southeast or southwest.

6          In the first fortnight of August 2025, localised short-duration thundery showers fell over parts of the island on most afternoons. There were few days when Sumatra squalls brought widespread thundery showers and gusty winds over Singapore in the pre-dawn and morning. On 13 August 2025, widespread thundery showers from a Sumatra squall fell over many parts of Singapore in the early and pre-dawn hours. The daily total rainfall of 78.6 mm recorded at Pasir Laba that day was the highest rainfall recorded for the first fortnight of August 2025.

7          There were several warm days where the daily maximum temperature was above 34 degrees Celsius in the first fortnight of August 2025. The highest daily maximum temperature of 35.8 degree Celsius was recorded at Paya Lebar on 2 August 2025. This temperature reading is the highest daily maximum temperature for the month of August, exceeding the previous August high of 35.4 degrees Celsius, set on 10 August 2016 at Seletar and Admiralty on 9 Aug 2020. 

8          The rainfall was above average over some parts of the island in the first fortnight of August 2025. The area around Jurong registered rainfall of 80 per cent above average, and the area around Somerset registered rainfall of 49 per cent below average.

CLIMATE STATION STATISTICS

Long-term Statistics for August   (Climatological reference period: 1991-2020)
Average daily maximum temperature:	31.4	°C
Average daily minimum temperature:	25.3	°C
Average monthly temperature:	28.1	°C
Average rainfall:	146.9	mm
Average number of rain days:	14
Historical Extremes for August   (Rainfall since 1869 and temperature since 1929)
Highest monthly mean daily maximum temperature:	32.7	°C (2019)
Lowest monthly mean daily minimum temperature:	23.0	°C (1962)
Highest monthly rainfall ever recorded:	526.8	mm (1878)
Lowest monthly rainfall ever recorded:	11.8	mm (2019)

 

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METEOROLOGICAL SERVICE SINGAPORE

15 Aug 2025

 

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Source: Hong Kong Information Services

More than 1,000 food outlets, spanning nearly 100 catering brands, have joined hands with almost 30 tableware suppliers in signing up for the Non-Plastic Container Trial Programme, launched today by the Environmental Protection Department (EPD).

The programme invites local catering businesses to participate in the trial use of various types of non-plastic containers, and to provide feedback on operational scenarios and product performance.

Under the trial, participating non-plastic container suppliers will offer discounts to encourage catering businesses to adopt non-plastic containers and gradually expand their usage.

The containers being tested are made of paper, bamboo pulp, bagasse and other materials.

The EPD added that it will collect comprehensive data from the trial in order to improve product design and supply chains.

It will also continue recruiting local catering businesses and suppliers to join the programme.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region