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Appointments to Statistics Advisory Board announced

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Appointments to Statistics Advisory Board announced——————————
Commissioner for Census and Statistics——————————
Director of Planning (or representative)
Government Economist (or representative)
Representative from the Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau——————————
Ms Suki Cheung Shuk-ming
Mr Francis Fong Po-kiu
Ms Candy Hui Wing-ka
Ms Alice Lau Oi-sze
Mr Vincent Lau Yin-kei
Miss Rosalind Lee
Ms Janet Li Tze-yan
Dr Lo Man-fung
Mr Michael Ngai To-nam
Mr Kenneth She Chun-chi
Mr Jaymond Tang Sheung-ho
Dr Xu Jinfeng
Ms Zhao Jiayin
Issued at HKT 14:30

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“Quarterly Report on General Household Survey” for January to March 2026 published

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The “Quarterly Report on General Household Survey” for January to March 2026 is now available for access and download.

The report contains statistics on labour force, employment, unemployment and underemployment for the first quarter of 2026. It also contains detailed analyses of the characteristics of different categories of members of the labour force, including their age, sex, educational attainment, employment status, occupation, industry, hours worked per week and monthly employment earnings, etc. Information on duration of unemployment for the unemployed is also presented.

Users can browse and download the report at the website of the Census and Statistics Department (www.censtatd.gov.hk/en/EIndexbySubject.html?pcode=B1050001&scode=200).

The summary of broad survey findings published in the report is shown in Table 1 attached. Enquiries about the contents of the report can be directed to the General Household Survey Section (3), Census and Statistics Department (Tel: 2887 5508 or email: ghs@censtatd.gov.hk).

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RTHK signs MOU with Thai PBS to strengthen collaboration with ASEAN broadcasters

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Director of Broadcasting, Ms Angelina Kwan, visited Bangkok, Thailand, on May 27 and 28. During the visit, she signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Thai Public Broadcasting Service (Thai PBS) and visited the Nation Group to explore future partnership opportunities as part of Radio Television Hong Kong (RTHK)’s efforts to deepen co-operation with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) broadcasters.
 
     Ms Kwan yesterday (May 27) signed the MOU with the Director General of Thai PBS, Mr Vanchai Tantivitayapitak, to explore collaboration in areas such as news and current affairs, and cultural and travel programming. The agreement also aims to promote joint productions, the exchange of production teams for on-location filming, talent training and staff exchanges.
 
     Ms Kwan also met with the management of the Nation Group today (May 28) to gain insights into the local media landscape.
 
     Ms Kwan stated that Thailand is an important member of ASEAN. The signing of the MOU with Thai PBS, together with her engagement with local media, will help deepen RTHK’s collaboration with ASEAN broadcasters and elevate its international communication capacity. She affirmed that RTHK has already established co-operation agreements with public broadcasters in Indonesia, Malaysia and Vietnam, and will continue to seek partnerships with other public broadcasters. Through programme and knowledge exchange, RTHK aims to foster mutual understanding, strengthen people-to-people connectivity, and leverage Hong Kong’s unique role as a hub linking the country and the wider world to share Hong Kong’s stories internationally.

     

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Tentative findings of 2026 Pay Trend Survey

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Tentative findings of 2026 Pay Trend Survey———————————————————————————-
 

 (below $26,590 per month)($26,590 – $81,510 per month)($81,511 – $163,905 per month)     The PTSC will study the initial draft of the PTS Report in detail and will meet on June 3 to examine and consider whether to validate the findings of the survey. After that, the PTSC will formally submit the survey findings to the Government.  

     The PTSC understands that, in accordance with the established practice, the Chief Executive in Council will take into account a basket of pertinent considerations (including the net pay trend indicators which are derived from the findings of the PTS) before making a decision on the 2026-27 civil service pay adjustment. The survey findings are tentative only, subject to validation and confirmation by the PTSC. The PTSC does not suggest to the Government the recommended rates of adjustments to civil service salaries. Be they tentative or validated, the survey findings are not rates of adjustments to civil service salaries recommended by the PTSC. Issued at HKT 12:40

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First patient successfully transferred to Mainland hospital for treatment under Pilot Scheme for Direct Cross-boundary Ambulance Transfer in GBA

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

The Hospital Authority (HA) announced today (May 28) that a Mainland resident was transferred point-to-point from Tuen Mun Hospital (TMH) to Zhuhai People’s Hospital (ZHPH) for treatment yesterday (May 27) noon under the Pilot Scheme for Direct Cross-boundary Ambulance Transfer in the Greater Bay Area (Pilot Scheme). This marks the first time a patient has been transferred from Hong Kong to the Mainland since the implementation of two-way transfers under the scheme on March 27 this year.

The female patient was previously injured in an accident while traveling in Hong Kong and was admitted to TMH for treatment. Upon learning of the patient’s wish to return to the Mainland for medical care, the medical team at TMH immediately assessed her clinical condition. The team then communicated with the medical team in designated receiving hospital in Zhuhai (ZHPH) through established mechanisms and planned the transfer arrangements. After confirming that the patient was fit for transfer, the TMH medical team arranged for her to be transferred directly to ZHPH via a cross-boundary direct ambulance from point to point at noon yesterday.

The cross-boundary direct ambulance arrived at ZHPH at around 1pm yesterday. Accompanied by medical staff throughout the journey, the entire process was smooth. The patient did not need to switch ambulances when crossing the border, which significantly reduced risks during transit and increased her chances of recovery. Upon arrival at ZHPH, the patient was handed over to the ZHPH medical team for continued treatment according to established procedures.

The HA spokesman said, “The HA sincerely thanks the various units in the Mainland and Hong Kong for their active coordination and co-operation, which facilitated the smooth transfer of the patient to Zhuhai for medical care via the cross-boundary direct ambulance. Ensuring a smooth and safe cross-boundary hospital transfer process represents a major breakthrough in Greater Bay Area healthcare collaboration.”

Since its launch on November 30, 2024, the Pilot Scheme has operated smoothly overall. To date, 28 patients have been transferred to designated public hospitals in Hong Kong from designated sending hospitals in Shenzhen, Zhuhai, Nansha, and Macao (namely the University of Hong Kong – Shenzhen Hospital, ZHPH, Nansha Division of the First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, and the Conde S. Januário Hospital in Macao).

Direct cross-boundary ambulance transfer in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) is one of the key initiatives under the Outline Development Plan for the GBA, as well as a policy measure proposed by the Chief Executive in the 2023 and 2025 Policy Addresses. The Pilot Scheme officially implemented two-way transfers in March 27 this year, providing safer, more timely, and convenient transfer arrangements for patients with specific needs in the region. This marks an important milestone in achieving excellent healthcare co-operation and promoting the high-quality development of a “Healthy Bay Area.”

Under the arrangement, patients participating in the Pilot Scheme must undergo professional medical assessment confirming they require continuous inpatient care, are in a relatively stable condition, but are unable to cross the border on their own and are unsuitable for transferring between ambulances at existing border control points, before a cross-boundary direct ambulance transfer can be arranged.

     Government departments across Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao will continue to review the effectiveness and operational experience of the current transfer arrangements. With patient medical needs, safety, and interests as the top priority, they will continuously refine the arrangements for cross-boundary ambulance patient transfers.

     

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HKSAR Government welcomes Judiciary’s establishment of Hong Kong International Commercial Court

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government today (May 28) said that it welcomes and supports the Judiciary’s announcement on the establishment of the Hong Kong International Commercial Court (HKICC), which will specialise in adjudicating major cross-border and international commercial disputes, marking a new milestone in the development of Hong Kong’s legal system.

     The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, said, “The National 15th Five-Year Plan explicitly outlines the initiatives of accelerating the development of the system and capacity for the rule of law in foreign affairs, improving mechanisms for international commercial mediation, arbitration, and litigation, and supporting Hong Kong to consolidate and enhance its status as an international financial, shipping, and trade centre and an international aviation hub, as well as deepening its development as an international legal and dispute resolution services centre. The HKSAR is the only common law jurisdiction in the country. Hong Kong’s commercial and trade laws based on common law are internationally compatible, and well trusted by international businesses or investors. The establishment of the HKICC fully demonstrates Hong Kong’s unique advantages under ‘one country, two systems’ of enjoying strong support of the motherland and being closely connected to the world. It will contribute new and greater strength to the country’s high-level opening up, while further promoting the development of international commercial rules.”

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Hong Kong Judiciary announces initiative to establish Hong Kong International Commercial Court

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Hong Kong Judiciary announces initiative to establish Hong Kong International Commercial Court 
     The Judiciary announced today (May 28) its plan to establish the Hong Kong International Commercial Court (HKICC), a specialist division of the High Court, to adjudicate complex, high-value international and cross-border commercial disputes. Its establishment will strengthen Hong Kong’s standing as both an international financial centre and a leading international dispute resolution hub, in alignment with the National 15th Five-Year Plan.
      
     The establishment of the HKICC marks a significant development in Hong Kong’s judicial system under the “one country, two systems” principle. It is an appropriate response to the increasing demand for a specialist judicial forum dedicated to addressing the legal and factual complexities arising from the significant growth in international and cross-border commercial activities in recent years. The resolution of such disputes requires specialist judicial expertise, as well as tailored court procedures and practices to enhance flexibility and efficiency. The HKICC is designed to meet these needs, while maintaining the core values and safeguards of Hong Kong’s legal system, which is firmly rooted in the common law.
      
     The HKICC complements Hong Kong’s existing dispute resolution framework. Together with arbitration and mediation, the HKICC will provide parties engaged in international and cross-border commerce with a comprehensive range of dispute resolution options. It offers the distinct advantages of the judicial process, including transparency, authoritative judicial determinations, a structured appellate process, and the certainty of enforceable judgments, including their recognition and enforcement on the Mainland under the relevant mutual arrangements.
      
     Local judges with substantial experience in commercial law will sit on the HKICC. Eminent senior judges or practitioners from other common law jurisdictions may also be invited to sit on an ad hoc basis in accordance with the existing legal framework. Assessors and experts may be engaged, where appropriate, to assist the judges in specialised areas. These arrangements will enhance the HKICC’s expertise and international standing, and promote the development of its jurisprudence in line with international best practices, while remaining solidly based on Hong Kong law.
      
     The High Court Ordinance and the Rules of the High Court provide the necessary legal framework for the establishment of the HKICC as a division of the High Court. A dedicated Practice Direction will be issued for the HKICC to prescribe the categories of cases within its jurisdiction and to set out detailed court procedures. These will include measures to streamline the litigation process, provide a more flexible regime for the handling of appeals, and ensure the timely disposal of cases and appeals, with reference to the best practices of other international commercial courts.
      
     A floor in the High Court Building will be designated for use by the HKICC. In line with international practice, and reflecting the international and cross-jurisdictional nature of cases, the HKICC will make extensive use of technology in handling cases, including remote hearings, electronic filing, electronic bundles, and voice-to-text transcription, with a view to enhancing judicial efficiency. 
      
     The Judiciary emphasises that the establishment of the HKICC represents its firm commitment to judicial excellence and professionalism, and to strengthening Hong Kong’s position as a highly respected forum for dispute resolution, thereby reinforcing its enduring role within the global legal and commercial community.
      
     The Judiciary aims to establish the HKICC within the coming year. Preparatory work is already under way, and stakeholders, in particular the legal profession, will be consulted in due course.
Issued at HKT 11:00

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Adjustment in ceiling prices for dedicated LPG filling stations in June 2026

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Adjustment in ceiling prices for dedicated LPG filling stations in June 2026 
     A department spokesman said that the adjustment on June 1, 2026, would reflect the movement of the LPG international price in May 2026, and the average movement of the latest Composite Consumer Price Index and Nominal Wage Index. The overall adjusted auto-LPG ceiling prices for dedicated LPG filling stations would range from $4.49 to $5.43 per litre, amounting to an increase of $0 to $0.01 per litre.
 
     The spokesman said that the auto-LPG ceiling prices were adjusted according to a pricing formula specified in the contracts. The formula comprises two elements – the LPG international price and the LPG operating price. The LPG international price refers to the LPG international price of the preceding month. The LPG operating price is adjusted on February 1 and June 1 annually according to the average movement of the Composite Consumer Price Index and the Nominal Wage Index. The latest year-on-year rates of change of the Composite Consumer Price Index and the Nominal Wage Index are +1.4 per cent and +3.4 per cent respectively.
 
     The auto-LPG ceiling prices for respective dedicated LPG filling stations in June 2026 are as follows:
 

Location of
Dedicated
LPG Filling StationCeiling Price in
June 2026
(HK$/litre)Ceiling Price in
May 2026
(HK$/litre)    The spokesman said that the details of the LPG international price and the auto-LPG ceiling price for each dedicated LPG filling station had been uploaded to the EMSD website (www.emsd.gov.hk 
     Details of the pricing adjustment mechanism for dedicated LPG filling stations can also be viewed under the “What’s New” section of the department website at www.emsd.gov.hk/en/what_s_new/current/index.htmlIssued at HKT 11:00

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CS, SCMA to visit Beijing

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Chief Secretary Chan Kwok-ki and Secretary for Constitutional & Mainland Affairs Janice Tse will depart for Beijing this afternoon on a duty visit. During their visit, they will call on the State Council’s Hong Kong & Macao Affairs Office.

They are scheduled to return to Hong Kong tomorrow afternoon.

During Mr Chan’s absence, Deputy Chief Secretary Cheuk Wing-hing will act as Chief Secretary. Under Secretary for Constitutional & Mainland Affairs Clement Woo serve as Acting Secretary for Constitutional & Mainland Affairs during Miss Tse’s absence.

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President Lai attends event celebrating 250th anniversary of US independence

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

On the evening of May 27, President Lai Ching-te attended an event celebrating the 250th anniversary of United States independence. President Lai noted that this year marks both the 250th anniversary of US independence and the 30th anniversary of Taiwan’s first direct presidential election, and that the people of both nations have pursued freedom and democracy with extraordinary courage, each laying the foundation for national development. Although Taiwan and the US are separated by a vast distance, he said, they are brought closer together by the shared values of freedom and democracy. He expressed hope that Taiwan and the US will continue to deepen bilateral cooperation on the foundation of the Taiwan Relations Act and the Six Assurances. He also pointed out that maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait is an indispensable element of global security and prosperity. He then expressed hope for deepening economic and trade cooperation to jointly promote prosperity around the world.
A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows:
I am very pleased to be invited to attend this reception celebrating the 250th anniversary of American independence, hosted by the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT). On behalf of the people of Taiwan, I extend my sincere wishes in advance  for a happy Independence Day to the American people, and wish President Donald Trump good health and the United States  peace and prosperity.
This year marks the 250th anniversary of American independence. Two hundred and fifty years ago, the great American people wrote a chapter in the history of the pursuit of freedom with extraordinary courage that has taken root and flourished across the globe, leaving a deep imprint on the world. This year also marks the 30th anniversary of Taiwan’s first direct presidential election. Thirty years ago, the great people of Taiwan showed that same extraordinary courage. Undaunted by the threat of missiles from China, the people of Taiwan resolutely cast their sacred votes to build a democratic Taiwan and secure the nation’s future.
Although Taiwan and the US are separated by the vast Pacific Ocean, we are brought closer together by freedom, and democracy makes our friendship stronger. It is my sincere hope that the rock-solid relationship we have built over these decades on the foundation of the Taiwan Relations Act and the Six Assurances will continue to deepen, and that our cooperation will grow stronger still.
I would like to thank AIT Taipei Office Director Raymond Greene for highlighting the many fruits of Taiwan-US cooperation in his remarks just now. I also want to underscore two important priorities . The first is maintaining the status quo of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. We will not permit any attempt  to alter the cross-strait status quo by use of force or coercion, because peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait is an indispensable element of global security and prosperity.
The second is the continued deepening of Taiwan-US economic and trade cooperation, particularly in the AI era. Taiwan is the fourth largest trading partner of the US; the US was previously Taiwan’s third largest trading partner, but rose to become our single largest trading partner in the first quarter of this year. This clearly reflects the depth of the economic and trade relationship between our two countries. I also want to note that 25 US states and Guam maintain trade offices in Taiwan. Looking ahead, I hope that platforms including the Taiwan-US Initiative on 21st-Century Trade, the Joint Statement on the Pax Silica Declaration and Taiwan-US Economic Security Cooperation, and the Taiwan-US Economic Prosperity Partnership Dialogue will continue to deepen our bilateral relationship and economic and trade cooperation, jointly advancing Taiwan-US economic prosperity in ways that will extend outward to benefit people around the world.
Marking this special occasion, I have prepared three gifts to convey my sincere congratulations on the 250th anniversary of American independence. The first is an orchid from orchid growers in Tainan which has the pattern of the American flag on its petals. The second is a specially made batch of egg cakes, a staple  Taiwanese street food. The third is a copy of the autobiography of Morris Chang (張忠謀), which I have asked Director Greene to convey to President Trump on my behalf. I hope this gift will give our American friends a deeper understanding of the development of Taiwan’s semiconductor industry and further strengthen our cooperation in semiconductors and AI going forward.
To close, I once again wish everyone a happy Independence Day in advance . And I wish all the guests present tonight good health, success in all your endeavors, and happiness at home.
Members of the foreign diplomatic corps in Taiwan were also in attendance at the event.