MIL Asia Pacific Publishing Engine

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

​The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Algernon Yau, continued his visit to Sydney, Australia, today (August 14) to promote Hong Kong’s advantages as an international trade centre and a premier destination for business and investment.
 
Mr Yau first met with the Minister for Better Regulation and Fair Trading, the Minister for Industry and Trade, the Minister for Innovation, Science and Technology, the Minister for Building, and the Minister for Corrections of New South Wales of Australia, Mr Anoulack Chanthivong, to exchange views on enhancing co-operation between Hong Kong and Australia in various areas. Mr Yau also gave him an update on Hong Kong’s latest developments and policy measures to give impetus to the city’s economy, such as the reduction in liquor duty and promotion of the silver economy.
 
Mr Yau then met with the National President of the Australia China Business Council (ACBC), Mr David Olsson, to brief him on the direction of Hong Kong’s economic development and new initiatives to promote trade, such as developing the city into a multinational supply chain management centre. They also had an exchange on enhancing business and investment collaboration between Hong Kong and Australia.
 
Mr Yau also attended a business roundtable luncheon with ACBC members to brief them on Hong Kong’s role as a springboard for Australian businesses looking to tap into the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and the broader Asian markets. He said that with its world-class infrastructure, simple and low tax regime and common law system, Hong Kong provides a stable, efficient and business-friendly environment for companies seeking to grow beyond their borders, capitalising on the city’s roles as a “super connector” and “super value-adder”.
 
     In addition, Mr Yau toured a leading incubator for start-ups and met with some start-up operators to learn more about their operation and developments. He told them that the number of start-ups in Hong Kong reached a record high of approximately 4 700 in 2024, underlining Hong Kong’s vibrant start-up ecosystem and its ideal business environment for innovators to thrive.
　
In the evening, Mr Yau attended a cultural exchange concert presented by young Hong Kong musicians to showcase a mix of Eastern and Western musical works and instruments, highlighting Hong Kong’s unique role as a bridge between East and West.
　
Mr Yau will continue his visit to Sydney tomorrow (August 15).

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) today (August 14) released the third batch of gravidtrap indexes and density indexes for Aedes albopictus in August, covering 10 survey areas, as follows:
 

District	Survey Area	August 2025
		First Phase Gravidtrap Index	First Phase Density Index
Eastern	Shau Kei Wan and Sai Wan Ho	8.9%	1.4
Kwun Tong	Kwun Tong Central	0.0%	N/A

 

District	Survey Area	August 2025
		Area Gravidtrap Index	Area Density Index
Eastern	North Point	6.2%	1.0
Southern	Deep Water Bay and Repulse Bay	7.0%	1.0
Wanchai	Wan Chai North	1.8%	1.0
Yau Tsim	Tsim Sha Tsui	4.7%	1.2
Sha Tin	Tai Wai	3.3%	1.0
	Sha Tin East	5.7%	1.0
	Ma On Shan	11.3%	1.1
Tai Po	Tai Po East	6.7%	1.1

Among the third batch of First Phase Gravidtrap Indexes covering two survey areas and Area Gravidtrap Indexes covering eight survey areas in August, all were below 10 per cent, except Ma On Shan.

The FEHD has so far announced three batches of gravidtrap indexes for Aedes albopictus in August, covering 25 survey areas. Among these 25 survey areas, 15 recorded a decrease or remained unchanged in the individual gravidtrap index as compared with the Area Gravidtrap Index last month, i.e. July 2025, representing the areas’ mosquito infestation improved or maintained at a low level. Eight other areas recorded a slight increase but the indexes were lower than 10 per cent. As for So Kwun Wat in Tuen Mun and Ma On Shan in Sha Tin, each with an index higher than 10 per cent, in accordance with the mechanism implemented by the FEHD in response to the recent chikungunya fever (CF) situation that strengthens mosquito control work in areas with the gravidtrap index between 10 per cent and 20 per cent, which was originally activated when the gravidtrap index reaches 20 per cent or above, the department is collaborating with relevant departments and stakeholders to identify locations with high mosquito infestation and carry out intensive and targeted mosquito control measures. Additionally, the FEHD will also organise exhibitions, distribute leaflets and posters, and notify the residential estates subscribed to the gravidtrap Rapid Alert System, advising property management agents and residents to stay vigilant and join hands in taking mosquito prevention and elimination measures. In addition, the FEHD will strengthen the monitoring of the gravidtrap indexes in these two areas to review the effectiveness of the mosquito control work.

Public participation is crucial to effective control of mosquito problems. The FEHD appeals to members of the public to continue joining hands in strengthening personal mosquito control measures, including:
 

• tidy up their premises and check for any accumulation of water inside their premises;
• remove all unnecessary water collection and eliminate the sources;
• check household items (those placed in outdoor and open areas in particular), such as refuse containers, vases, air conditioner drip trays, and laundry racks to prevent stagnant water;
• change the water in flower vases and saucers of potted plants at least once every seven days;
• properly cover all containers that hold water to prevent mosquitoes from accessing the water; and
• properly dispose of articles that can contain water, such as empty lunch boxes and cans.

Starting in August this year, following the completion of surveillance of individual survey areas, and once the latest Gravidtrap Index and the Density Index are available, the FEHD will disseminate the relevant information through press releases, its website, and social media. It aims to allow members of the public to quickly grasp the mosquito infestation situation and strengthen mosquito control efforts, thereby reducing the risk of CF transmission.

​Following the recommendations from the World Health Organization and taking into account the local situation in Hong Kong, the FEHD sets up gravidtraps in districts where mosquito-borne diseases have been recorded in the past, as well as in densely populated places such as housing estates, hospitals and schools, to monitor the breeding and distribution of Aedes albopictus mosquitoes, which can transmit CF and dengue fever. At present, the FEHD has set up gravidtraps in 64 survey areas of the community. During the two weeks of surveillance, the FEHD will collect the gravidtraps once a week. After the first week of surveillance, the FEHD will immediately examine the glue boards inside the retrieved gravidtraps for the presence of adult Aedine mosquitoes, to compile the Gravidtrap Index (First Phase) and Density Index (First Phase). At the end of the second week of surveillance, the FEHD will instantly check the glue boards for the presence of adult Aedine mosquitoes. Data of the two weeks’ surveillance will be combined to obtain the Area Gravidtrap Index and the Area Density Index. The gravidtrap and density indexes for Aedes albopictus in different survey areas as well as information on mosquito prevention and control measures are available on the department’s webpage (www.fehd.gov.hk/english/pestcontrol/dengue_fever/Dengue_Fever_Gravidtrap_Index_Update.html#).

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

Hong Kong Customs conducted a special operation from July to early August to combat smuggling endangered species through importation of air cargo. During the operation, Customs seized 419 suspected endangered live tortoises and 1,574 suspected endangered live coral, with a total estimated market value of about $4.31 million.
 
Through risk assessment, Customs inspected batches of express parcels originating from the United States and the Philippines, which were declared as clothes, toys and food, and seized the batch of endangered species. Five persons, who collected or assisted in collecting the parcels and are suspected to be connected with the case, were arrested. 
 
An investigation is ongoing. The five arrested persons have been released on bail pending further investigation.
 
The department also reminds members of the public to stay alert and not to participate in smuggling activities for monetary return. They must not accept hiring or delegation from another party to carry controlled items into and out of Hong Kong. They are also reminded not to carry unknown items for other people, nor to release their personal data or home address to others for receiving parcels or goods.
 
According to the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance, 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.
 
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

A delegation of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government led by the Secretary for Security, Mr Tang Ping-keung, and a delegation of the Shenzhen Municipal Government led by Vice Mayor of the Shenzhen Municipal Government Mr Luo Huanghao held a task force meeting on the collaboration for the planning and development of Hong Kong-Shenzhen control points in Shenzhen this morning (August 14) to continue taking forward the relevant work in the planning and development of boundary control points (BCPs).

Mr Tang said that Hong Kong-Shenzhen BCPs are key transportation hubs in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, which serve as vital channels for economic exchange between the two regions. He hoped to bring residents and enterprises in both regions a more convenient window through professional planning and efficient management. Mr Tang expressed his gratitude for Shenzhen’s meticulous arrangements for the team to visit the Huanggang port tower and was pleased to learn that the new Huanggang Port redevelopment project is progressing smoothly. When the Hong Kong authorities reported to the Panel on Security of the Legislative Council last month on the project, members also voiced their support for it.

During the meeting, the two delegations discussed the planning and development of land BCPs, including reporting progress and exchanging views on the redevelopment projects of BCPs in Huanggang and Sha Tau Kok, and the transfer of the food control function of the Man Kam To Boundary Control Point. Concluding the meeting, Mr Tang said he will continue to follow the development of BCPs to ensure smooth project implementation, while flexibly adjusting strategies to address challenges, realise the modernisation of control points and meet the needs of citizens.

Other HKSAR Government officials attending the meeting included representatives from the Transport and Logistics Bureau, the Northern Metropolis Co-ordination Office, the Environment and Ecology Bureau, the Hong Kong Customs and Excise Department, the Immigration Department, the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department, the Architectural Services Department and the Transport Department.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

Attention duty announcers, radio and TV stations

Please broadcast the following as soon as possible and repeat it at suitable intervals:

     The Immigration Department announces that as the Black Rainstorm Warning Signal has been cancelled, services at the Immigration Headquarters and all Branch Offices, Registration of Persons Offices, and Births, Deaths and Marriage Registries will resume in two hours.
 
     Members of the public who had made appointments but were unable to apply for identity cards at the Registration of Persons Offices as scheduled due to the hoisting of Black Rainstorm Warning may approach the relevant offices during their service hours today (August 14) or on any subsequent working days for applications without the need to make a new appointment. Subject to the situation of the day, the waiting time for processing may be longer.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Five people have been arrested so far in a suspected fraudulent case involving two service providers recognised by the Community Care Service Voucher Scheme for the Elderly seeking to obtain government subsidies.

Making the announcement today, the Social Welfare Department (SWD) said it was assisting with the Independent Commission Against Corruption’s (ICAC) investigation.

Adopting the “money-following-the-user” concept, the scheme allows elderly users to purchase nursing care, rehabilitation services, carer training and other suitable community care services from recognised service providers (RSPs) to meet their needs. Users can also switch RSPs flexibly.

Last year, the SWD received a report that an RSP was suspected of making use of the scheme to deceive government subsidies by submitting false service records to the SWD and encouraging families or carers of the seniors to make fraudulent claims on service usage.

Apart from making an immediate referral to the ICAC, the SWD also provided the commission with information to assist in the investigations.

The five arrestees come from two different service providers. The SWD has strengthened the auditing of their service records and documents as well as contacted the elderly users and their families to ensure that they have obtained the services they need.

The SWD reaffirms its zero tolerance for any unlawful act, adding that referrals will be made to enforcement agencies for investigations.

The department said it will continue to strictly monitor the service quality of RSPs and review the relevant procedures taking reference to the ICAC’s corruption prevention advice.

Subject to the ICAC’s investigation results, the SWD may terminate the service agreements with the service providers concerned. It will also take appropriate action to recover the overpayments, should any subsidies be released to non-entitled bodies.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Transport Department today announced that a pilot licence has been issued, in accordance with the Road Traffic (Autonomous Vehicles) Regulation, giving approval to routes for autonomous vehicle (AV) trials in Southern District.

The applicant has been given approval to conduct trials of 10 AVs at Cyberport. In the first phase of the trial, autonomous private cars will undertake road tests as specific times and on specific sections of the road within the Cyberport campus, including Information Crescent and Cyberport Road.

The applicant has to date conducted AV road tests in North Lantau and Airport Island. The scale of its road tests without passengers has been expanded from a single route to more open roads with more complex traffic scenarios.

Noting that the tests have largely gone smoothly to date and that the performance of the AVs involved has remained stable, the department said that it also gave approval in mid-June for the applicant to conduct road tests in Tung Chung. It added that the additional pilot licence issued this time allows parallel trials to run in different small communities so that useful trial data can be collected.

The department’s AV label shall be displayed on all vehicles involved for identification.

Organisations and enterprises are invited to submit applications for a pilot licence and act in concert to promote the development of autonomous driving in Hong Kong.

Click here for details.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Chief Executive’s Policy Unit (CEPU) announced today it will support eight education-related research projects, involving total funding of about $5.6 million, under the Public Policy Research Funding Scheme (PPRFS) 2025-26.

With the Government striving to nurture future talent and promote Hong Kong’s development as an international hub for high-calibre talent, the CEPU, in collaboration with the Education Bureau, launched an education-themed element to the PPRFS to support education-related research.

A total of 76 applications were received, and following the guidance of an Assessment Panel, the CEPU has chosen to support eight projects.

These cover various policy areas, including: efforts to attract and retain talent, with a view to promoting Hong Kong as an international education hub; facilitating collaboration between post-secondary institutions and the Greater Bay Area to deepen integration between industry and the academic and research sectors; promoting the development of vocational and professional education and training, and of universities of applied sciences, to create diversified career pathways for students; and exploring the positioning of the Northern Metropolis University Town to leverage its potential as an engine for the development of various industries in the bay area.

Click here to learn about the funded projects.