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Source: Hong Kong Information Services

A total of 455 legal professionals as well as nine law firms and barristers’ chambers were presented with awards today for providing legal services to the community under the 2023-24 Recognition Scheme for Provision of Pro Bono Legal Services (Recognition Scheme).

Apart from expressing gratitude to the awardees, Chief Secretary Chan Kwok-ki said that he was delighted to see an increasing number of legal professionals volunteering their pro bono services.

The Government has provided a subvention for the Duty Lawyer Service to run the Free Legal Advice Scheme (FLAS) at nine district offices of the Home Affairs Department with the aim of engaging volunteer lawyers to provide free legal advice.

Furthermore, nearly 7,200 cases were handled in 2024 by 1,500 pro bono lawyers who participated in the FLAS.

Moreover, the Administration Wing has implemented the Legal Advice Scheme for Unrepresented Litigants on Civil Procedures to enable both resident lawyers and volunteer lawyers to provide free legal advice on legal procedures.

In addition to the aforesaid schemes and services, the Free Legal Advice Service on Building Management and Free Outreach Legal Advice Service on Building Management run by the department in collaboration with the Law Society of Hong Kong, as well as the Free Legal Helpline and Free Legal Consultation Service run by the Law Society of Hong Kong are also recognised by the Recognition Scheme.

Click here for more details.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Labour Department has imposed an administrative sanction on Amala Limited for violating local recruitment requirements under the Enhanced Supplementary Labour Scheme (ESLS).

Announcing the sanction today, the department said that it will refuse any applications to import labour under the ESLS by the company for one year, as from July 31, and has also terminated processing of an application previously submitted by it.

Amala Limited was found to have refused to employ a qualified local job seeker, without reasonable grounds, during the four-week local recruitment period under the ESLS.

The department reminded employers applying to import labour under the ESLS to strictly comply with its requirements, including according priority to employing qualified local workers.

It iterated that it has implemented measures designed to safeguard employment priority for local workers, including launching an online complaint form to enable local employees and imported workers to lodge complaints against employers over suspected violations of the scheme’s requirements.

Members of the public can call 2150 6363 to lodge complaints.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

After a very dry first half of the year, more significant rainfall eventually returned to Hong Kong in July 2025, mainly due to the passage of the remnant of tropical cyclone Danas in early July and typhoon Wipha in mid-July, as well as showers associated with troughs of low pressure and active southwesterly airstreams during the month. Also, the strike of Wipha necessitated the issuance of the Hurricane Signal No. 10 on July 20. The monthly rainfall was 601.7 millimetres, about 56 per cent above the normal of 385.8 millimetres. However, with the rainfall well below normal in the first half of the year, the accumulated rainfall recorded in the first seven months of the year was only 1 046.1 millimetres, still a deficit of 29 per cent compared to the normal of 1 468.2 millimetres for the same period. The month was also warmer than usual with the monthly mean maximum temperature of 32.4 degrees, 0.8 degrees above the normal and one of the ninth highest on record for July. The monthly mean temperature of 29.5 degrees and monthly mean minimum temperature of 27.4 degrees were 0.6 degrees and 0.5 degrees above their respective normals.

A broad trough of low pressure and upper-air disturbances brought showers and thunderstorms to Hong Kong on the first day of the month. More than 40 millimetres of rainfall were recorded over Lamma Island and the northeastern part of the New Territories. With the establishment of an anticyclone aloft over southern China, apart from isolated showers and thunderstorms, the weather was generally fine and very hot in the following three days.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Chief Executive John Lee will lead a Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government delegation on a visit to Macau tomorrow.

During the trip, Mr Lee will meet Macao Special Administrative Region Chief Executive Sam Hou-fai, and visit local infrastructure facilities.

The Hong Kong SAR Government delegation will comprise Financial Secretary Paul Chan, Secretary for Constitutional & Mainland Affairs Erick Tsang, Secretary for Health Prof Lo Chung-mau, Secretary for Transport & Logistics Mable Chan and Director of the Chief Executive’s Office Carol Yip.

Mr Lee will return to Hong Kong tomorrow afternoon.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, will lead a Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government delegation to visit Macao tomorrow (August 5).
 
Members of the HKSAR Government delegation include the Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan; the Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs, Mr Erick Tsang Kwok-wai; the Secretary for Health, Professor Lo Chung-mau; the Secretary for Transport and Logistics, Ms Mable Chan; and the Director of the Chief Executive’s Office, Ms Carol Yip.
 
During his visit to Macao, Mr Lee will meet with the Chief Executive of the Macao Special Administrative Region, Mr Sam Hou-fai, and visit local infrastructure facilities.
 
Mr Lee will return to Hong Kong tomorrow afternoon.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

Following is the speech by the Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Professor Sun Dong, at “Session 3: Creating a Safe and Trustworthy Digital and AI Ecosystem” of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Digital and AI Ministerial Meeting in Incheon, Korea, today (August 4):

Good afternoon, chair and distinguished fellow colleagues.
 
It is my privilege to address this esteemed assembly on the topic that unites us all – fostering a safe and trustworthy digital and AI ecosystem.  
 
As we all recognise, AI is reshaping our world at lightning speed. From transforming industries to optimising operations across sectors, AI has demonstrated its boundless potential in this increasingly digital world.
 
Today, AI technologies play a pivotal role in cyber defence. By leveraging advanced algorithms and real-time data analysis, AI-enabled systems can detect anomalies, neutralise threats, mitigate risks and respond swiftly to potential intrusions. However, this powerful capability is a double-edged sword. 
 
While AI empowers us to respond faster than ever, it also equips malicious actors with unprecedented tools. Cybercriminals could now “weaponise” AI to launch cyberattacks that are more sophisticated, more scalable, and harder to detect. This is not a hypothetical threat but is happening now. This is why a strategic, vigilant, and responsible deployment of AI is imperative for all governments and organisations.
 
In Hong Kong, China, we are taking action. For over two decades, the Hong Kong Computer Emergency Response Team Coordination Centre, or HKCERT in short, has been standing at the forefront of our cybersecurity efforts. Last year, the HKCERT introduced AI-driven applications that detect and remove phishing URLs and alert the public to emerging risks. We have also been closely working with international cybersecurity professional organisations to respond quickly to the latest cyber threats and attacks. But technology alone is not enough. 
 
Awareness is our first line of defence. We have implemented a Government-wide Phishing Drill Campaign using AI to simulate attacks and train our teams. We have also equipped our people with tools like a “Scameter” and a “CyberDefender”, and turned our people into smart and vigilant e-citizens who are ready to navigate the digital world safely.
 
Indeed, good governance is the cornerstone of a safe, responsible and trustworthy AI ecosystem. That is why we have developed in line with global best practices Hong Kong, China’s own Ethical AI Framework and our Generative Artificial Intelligence Technical and Application Guideline. These are not just documents but blueprints for promoting responsible and healthy development of AI technology in Hong Kong, China, balancing its cutting-edge progress with accountability, accuracy and security.
 
Cyber threats do not respect borders, and neither should our solutions. International collaboration is non-negotiable. Only through mutual understanding and collaboration can we succeed in combating cyber threats effectively and harnessing AI’s full potential. Hong Kong, China stands ready to work with all member economies together to build a digital future where innovation thrives, risks are managed, and trust is guaranteed. A future where AI does not just serve the few but safeguards and empowers everyone. Thank you.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Administration Wing of the Chief Secretary for Administration’s Office announced the results of the 2023-24 Recognition Scheme for Provision of Pro Bono Legal Services (the Recognition Scheme) today (August 4) to commend legal professionals, law firms and barristers’ chambers for providing pro bono legal services to the community from January 1, 2023, to December 31, 2024.

A total of 455 legal professionals were commended under the Recognition Scheme. There were 330 legal professionals presented with an Individual Award for having provided pro bono legal services of not less than 30 hours within the recognition period. Furthermore, 125 legal professionals were presented with a Special Award under the Individual Category for having provided pro bono legal services of not less than 50 hours within the recognition period. The awardee with the highest number of pro bono legal service hours has served for 567 hours in total.

Apart from the Individual Award, nine law firms and barristers’ chambers were commended with a Company Award. They demonstrated significant efforts in providing pro bono legal services and their legal professionals had provided the required aggregate hours of pro bono legal services during the recognition period.

The Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki, expressed his gratitude to the awarded legal professionals, law firms and barristers’ chambers for serving the public and contributing to society with professional knowledge. He was delighted to see an increasing number of legal professionals volunteering their pro bono services. The rule of law is the cornerstone and core value of Hong Kong’s success. To maintain and promote the rule of law is of crucial importance to Hong Kong’s long-term prosperity and stability, and to providing a better living and working environment for all. In addition to the provision of legal aid services, the Government is committed to promoting pro bono legal services to enhance members of the public’s access to justice.
 
To serve this purpose, the Government has provided a subvention for the Duty Lawyer Service to run the Free Legal Advice Scheme (FLAS) at nine district offices of the Home Affairs Department to engage volunteer lawyers to provide free legal advice. There are 1 500 pro bono lawyers participating in FLAS, handling nearly 7 200 cases in 2024.

The Administration Wing has implemented the Legal Advice Scheme for Unrepresented Litigants on Civil Procedures (Procedural Advice Scheme). Resident lawyers and volunteer lawyers will provide free legal advice on legal procedures. The Procedural Advice Scheme covers litigants who are parties to or going to commence civil legal proceedings in the Lands Tribunal, Family Court, District Court or courts at levels above.

Furthermore, Free Legal Advice Service on Building Management and Free Outreach Legal Advice Service on Building Management run by the Home Affairs Department in collaboration with the Law Society of Hong Kong, Free Legal Helpline and Free Legal Consultation Service run by the Law Society of Hong Kong, etc are also pro bono legal services recognised by the Recognition Scheme.

Three awardees of the Recognition Scheme shared their takeaways from the scheme in Announcements in the Public Interest (APIs). For more details of the Recognition Scheme, the list of awardees and the APIs, please visit www.admwing.gov.hk/eng/public_service/probonolegalservices.html.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Transport Department (TD) today (August 4) alerted members of the public to fraudulent website addresses (https[:]//ptfss[.]top/hk, https[:]//ptfss[.]cc/hk) that pretend to be for the Public Transport Fare Subsidy Scheme (PTFSS) and seek to deceive members of the public into providing their personal information including their name, Hong Kong identity card number, mobile phone number and credit card account.

     The TD clarifies that the fraudulent websites have no connection with the PTFSS and has referred the case to the Police for follow up. The TD reminds members of the public that they are not required to provide credit card and the abovementioned personal information for collecting subsidies under the PTFSS. For details, please visit the website of the PTFSS (www.ptfss.gov.hk). 

     Members of the public should stay alert when receiving any unidentified messages, and should not visit suspicious websites or disclose any personal information. Anyone who has provided his or her personal information to the websites concerned should contact the Police. Should users of Octopus and AlipayHK have any enquiries about the PTFSS, please call 2969 5500 (Octopus) and 3002 0905 (AlipayHK) respectively.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     Attention TV and radio duty announcers:

     Please broadcast the following special announcement by the Education Bureau concerning schools, and repeat it at suitable intervals:

     As the Red Rainstorm Warning Signal is now in force, students of PM schools do not have to attend school this afternoon. Schools should keep their premises open and implement contingency measures to look after arriving students. Schools which are in session should continue until the end of school hours. They should ensure that conditions are safe before allowing students to return home.
 
     If the Hong Kong Observatory issues the Amber Rainstorm Warning Signal or cancels all Rainstorm Warning Signals at or before 5pm, classes of evening schools will proceed as usual tonight unless advised otherwise.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

Following is the speech by the Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Professor Sun Dong, at “Session 1: Facilitating Digital and AI Innovation to Address Challenges” of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Digital and AI Ministerial Meeting in Incheon, Korea, today (August 4):

     Good morning, chair and distinguished fellow colleagues.

     On behalf of Hong Kong, China, I would like to begin by expressing my heartfelt gratitude to Korea for the warm hospitality and impeccable arrangements for this meeting. It is an honour to stand among leaders who share a common vision – harnessing digital and AI innovation to address the profound socio-economic challenges across the Asia-Pacific region with precision, impact and inclusivity.

     AI is not just the future. It is the here and now. Among the emerging technologies reshaping our world, AI stands out as the defining force of our time. The numbers speak for themselves. According to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, AI is projected to become a US$4.8 trillion global market by 2033. This is not just an opportunity but a call to action. In Hong Kong, China, AI is at the forefront of our strategic agenda, as set out in the Hong Kong Innovation and Technology Development Blueprint. The blueprint underscores our commitment to turning ambition into action by advancing infrastructure, fostering cutting-edge research, and supporting enterprise innovation, thereby harnessing the power of AI to drive economic transformation, strengthen our tech-powered economy, and secure a sustainable future. 

     To realise this vision, Hong Kong, China has made meticulous preparations to build the infrastructure and ecosystems needed to thrive in this AI-driven era. Among them, Cyberport, one of our major tech flagships, has set up an AI Supercomputing Centre to support the growing local demand for high performance computing power. We have also established two research clusters under our InnoHK platform, one of which focuses on AI and robotics technologies and houses the Hong Kong Generative AI Research and Development Center (HKGAI), which developed Hong Kong’s first large language foundation model.

     Here is what is more exciting. The HKGAI is set to launch the “HKChat”, an AI-powered chatbot mobile app powered by our homegrown large language foundation model, bringing the benefits of AI directly to the public this year. Alongside setting up the Hong Kong AI R&D (research and development) Institute, we are doubling down on the R&D and industrial applications of AI.

     But we are not stopping there. Digital transformation is equally central to Hong Kong, China’s strategy for public service excellence, economic upgrading and transformation. Our “iAM Smart” one-stop personalised digital services platform has already transformed how our people access government and commercial online services, providing a seamless, secure and efficient experience. By 2025, it will be the single portal for all online government services. And by the end of 2026, we will have rolled out the “Digital Corporate Identity” platform, which is set to be a game changer for businesses by enabling secure, convenient and frictionless transactions. We are confident that these advanced digital infrastructures will accelerate the development of the digital economy in Hong Kong, China, delivering greater benefits to our people and businesses.

     The promise of digital and AI innovation demands collaboration. Hong Kong, China stands ready to play a more constructive role in advancing this collective vision, advocating for the safe and responsible adoption of AI, ICT (information and communications technology) and digital technologies. By working together, we can boost productivity and efficiency, strengthen resilience, and foster innovation across the region. Let us seize this moment to drive inclusive growth, deepen regional ties, and secure a prosperous and sustainable future for every citizen in the Asia-Pacific region.

     Thank you.