Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Hong Kong Customs detects two dangerous drug cases at airport
In the second case, a 29-year-old Mainland male passenger arrived in Hong Kong from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, today. During customs clearance, Customs officers found the batch of suspected cocaine with an estimated market value of about $750,000 in the shoes worn by him. He was subsequently arrested.
Investigation of the first case is ongoing. The arrested person in the second case has been charged with one count of trafficking in a dangerous drug and the case will be brought up at the West Kowloon Magistrates’ Courts tomorrow (September 17).Issued at HKT 22:44
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Hospital Authority welcomes First Five-Year Plan for Economic and Social Development of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (2026-2030) and the Chief Executive’s 2026 Policy Address
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:
The Hospital Authority (HA) welcomes the measures relating to healthcare service reform and the international health and medical innovation hub included in the First Five-Year Plan for Economic and Social Development of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (2026-2030) and the Chief Executive’s 2026 Policy Address delivered by the Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, today (September 16). The measures, which are of far-reaching significance, will facilitate the sustainable development of the public healthcare system, enable early diagnosis and treatment for patients, provide services that meet patients’ needs, further accelerate the technological development of innovative drugs and medical devices, and strengthen the role of public healthcare as a safety net for all.
Remarks by CE at press conference on Hong Kong’s First Five-Year Plan and Policy Address
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, held a press conference on the First Five-Year Plan for Economic and Social Development of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (2026-2030), and the Chief Executive’s 2026 Policy Address today (September 16). The Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki; the Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan; the Secretary for Justice, Mr Paul Lam, SC; and the Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs, Miss Janice Tse Siu-wa also attended. Following are the remarks at the press conference:
Reporter: Given that you have presented a detailed five-year plan for Hong Kong’s future development, can you share a ballpark figure for the projected economic returns from this plan? And my second question is: In the Policy Address, you proposed 11 measures to boost the birth rate. How likely is it that these measures will become permanent? And what do you think young couples will think of them?
Home Affairs Department to set up condolence points for Mr Tung Chee Hwa
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
Mr Tung Chee Hwa, the former Vice-Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference and the first and second-term Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, passed away on September 8, 2026, aged 89.
The Home Affairs Department will set up condolence points for the public to sign condolence books to mourn for Mr Tung between September 18 and 20. The condolence books will be available for signing from 9am to 9pm on September 18 and 19, and from 9am to noon on September 20. The condolence points are as follows:
Moreton Terrace Activities Centre
20 Tung Lo Wan Drive, Causeway Bay
Kai Tak Community Hall
3 Concorde Road, Kai Tak
Sai Lau Kok Garden Multi-purpose Room
Sai Lau Kok Road, Tsuen Wan
Family Council welcomes Hong Kong’s First Five-Year Plan and the Chief Executive’s 2026 Policy Address
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Family Council welcomes Hong Kong’s First Five-Year Plan and the Chief Executive’s 2026 Policy Address
The Family Council welcomes the policy directions and initiatives on promoting family building in the First Five-Year Plan for Economic and Social Development of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (2026-2030) (Hong Kong’s First Five-Year Plan) and the Chief Executive’s 2026 Policy Address (Policy Address) announced by the Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, today (September 16).
Hong Kong’s First Five-Year Plan states that the Government will foster family harmony as the vision for promoting family building in Hong Kong, shaping positive values with mutual support of family members. Separately, it is also mentioned in the Policy Address Supplement that the Home and Youth Affairs Bureau (HYAB) will organise the Hong Kong Excellent Family Awards again to promote good family values to the general public.
The Chairperson of the Council, Ms Melissa Pang, said, “Family is the cornerstone of social harmony. Hong Kong’s First Five-Year Plan explicitly advocates promoting good family virtues, and strengthening family bonds, education and traditions, which not only demonstrates the Government’s attachment of importance to Hong Kong families, but also sets a clear and forward-looking direction for advancing family building work in the coming years, helping firmly root good family values in society.”
Ms Pang continued, “We also note with delight that the Policy Address mentioned organising the Hong Kong Excellent Family Awards again, and indeed look forward to further co-operating with the HYAB. Through real-life and heartwarming family stories, the Awards seek to inspire the general public to cherish families, thereby further enhancing family and social harmony. The Council will continue to closely collaborate with the Government to promote the culture of loving families and the passing down of good family values and traditions in the community.”
The Council was established in 2007. It is committed to publicising the culture of loving families through organising various promotional activities. The Council has also been promoting the three sets of family core values, namely “Love and Care”, “Respect and Responsibility” and “Communication and Harmony” in the community.
Issued at HKT 19:53
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Hong Kong Maritime and Port Development Board welcomes Hong Kong’s First Five-Year Plan and Policy Address
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Maritime and Port Development Board:
The Hong Kong Maritime and Port Development Board (HKMPDB) welcomes the measures to promote the development of the maritime and port industries set out in the First Five-Year Plan for Economic and Social Development of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (2026–2030) (Hong Kong’s First Five-Year Plan) and the Chief Executive’s 2026 Policy Address (Policy Address) announced subsequently by the Government today (September 16). The Hong Kong’s First Five-Year Plan is a forward-looking, strategic and directional guiding document which sets out the overarching framework for the city’s economic and social development over the next five years. The Policy Address, meanwhile, sets out the annual policy priorities for implementing the Hong Kong’s First Five-Year Plan. The two documents are interconnected and inextricably related. Amid profound changes in the international geopolitical and trade landscape, the measures on maritime and port development set out in the two important policy documents will help the industry capture new opportunities and sharpen its competitiveness, injecting fresh impetus into the long-term development of Hong Kong as an international maritime centre.
The Chairman of the HKMPDB, Dr Moses Cheng, said, “We are pleased to see that the Government has, with a forward-looking vision, put forward proactive and pragmatic policy measures in response to the industry’s needs, driving the comprehensive upgrade and transformation of Hong Kong Port from volume-based to value-driven development, thereby developing Hong Kong into a global maritime capital.”
The HKMPDB is particularly encouraged by the Government’s series of new initiatives supporting the green transformation of the maritime industry, including the announcement within this year of the first “Green Energy Corridor” to be established with a Chinese Mainland city. On strengthening the ecosystem of high value-added maritime services, the Government will revamp Hong Kong’s ship registration regime, including the introduction of a dual registration arrangement, and will work jointly with the HKMPDB and the industry to explore viable proposals for the synergy of financial and maritime services, with a particular focus on marine insurance and ship finance. In addition, the HKMPDB supports the Government to collaborate with port operators in formulating a roadmap for the smart and green transformation of the Kwai Tsing Container Terminals, promoting the development of Hong Kong into a green and smart port; and at the same time deeply participate in the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area port cluster, promoting efficient collaboration among ports in the region. Meanwhile, the HKMPDB welcomes the Government’s further leveraging of the strategic value of the Port Community System to develop offshore trade cargo tracking with blockchain technology, ensuring the industry stays at the forefront of digital transformation.
Looking ahead, the HKMPDB looks forward to continuing its close collaboration with the Government to promote the further development of Hong Kong’s maritime sector. Hong Kong’s First Five-Year Plan and the Policy Address set a clear direction for the development of Hong Kong’s maritime and port industries. The HKMPDB will continue to help ensure that various measures are effectively implemented, working hand in hand with the industry to break new ground and further enhance the competitiveness of Hong Kong as an international maritime centre.
Hospital Authority announcement on report of unidentified gas at Princess Margaret Hospital (2)
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Hospital Authority announcement on report of unidentified gas at Princess Margaret Hospital (2)
At around 9am today, unidentified gas was reported at the Department of Pathology located at 13/F, Block G of the PMH. The hospital immediately activated contingency measures upon receiving the report, promptly notified the Fire Services Department and the Police, and arranged for approximately 200 staff members working at Block G to leave. Two staff members reported feeling mildly unwell but did not require medical treatment.
The hospital was confirmed to be safe after an inspection with the Fire Services Department and the Hong Kong and China Gas Company Limited. Staff were arranged to return to their working locations. The concerned floors in Block G resumed normal service at around 10am today. Emergency services of the hospital were not affected during the period.
The hospital is very concerned about the incident and confirmed that there was no gas leakage after a detailed investigation. The hospital will review the arrangement of storage, handling, and disposal of chemicals, ensuring full compliance with the stringent guidelines of the Hospital Authority, and will render support to staff members in need. The hospital has reported the incident to the Hospital Authority Head Office via the Advance Incident Reporting System.
Issued at HKT 19:30
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Immigration Department launches “Go Hong Kong” mobile application
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Immigration Department launches “Go Hong Kong” mobile application
Visitors meeting the following criteria may enroll for the e-Channel service via the “Go Hong Kong” mobile application: Eligible visitors can complete the submission of enrolment for the e-Channel service by using the “Go Hong Kong” mobile application. This includes providing an expected date of arrival within the next three months and an email address, scanning the biodata page of the travel document, reading the chip data and undergoing facial recognition for identity verification. The ImmD will notify the eligible visitor of the outcome of their enrolment via the “Go Hong Kong” mobile application and by email.
Once the enrolment is approved, visitors only need to enter Hong Kong on or before the submitted expected date of arrival to activate the e-Channel service. If a visitor fails to enter Hong Kong on or before that date, the relevant enrolment record will automatically lapse.
For details on enrolment for the e‑Channel service, please visit the ImmD website (www.immd.gov.hkIssued at HKT 19:25
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FDC Chairman welcomes Hong Kong’s First Five-Year Plan and the Chief Executive’s 2026 Policy Address that support development of Hong Kong film industry
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Film Development Council:
The Chairman of the Hong Kong Film Development Council (FDC), Dr Wilfred Wong, welcomed the First Five-Year Plan for Economic and Social Development of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (2026-2030) (Hong Kong’s First Five-Year Plan) and the Chief Executive’s 2026 Policy Address delivered today (September 16), which support the development of the Hong Kong film industry.
Dr Wong expressed his full support for the vision of Hong Kong’s First Five-Year Plan to foster the thriving and sustainable development of the Hong Kong film industry, and to boost the influence of Hong Kong pop culture across Chinese-speaking communities. The film-related measures in the Policy Address suitably align with the vision. Hong Kong’s First Five-Year Plan and the Policy Address inherit the same essence and complement each other, setting out clear directions for the future development of the Hong Kong film industry.
Dr Wong remarked that the measures proposed in the Policy Address on advancing the development of the film industry include a comprehensive review of the Film Development Fund (FDF) with a view to attracting more private investment, as well as exploring the venue provision for construction of film sets so as to encourage local filming, thereby sustaining the complete production chain of the local film industry. In addition, Dr Wong welcomed the setting up of the Support Unit for Non-local Film Productions under the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency of the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau. The Support Unit will provide one-stop services for Mainland and overseas film crews filming in Hong Kong. This will help attract non-local productions to film in Hong Kong and hence promote the city. Also, the development of the second phase of “Yau Ma Tei Police Station: A Cinematic Journey” will further promote film tourism and district tourism, achieving integration of culture and tourism. In summary, Dr Wong affirmed that the relevant measures would advance the industrialisation and the long-term development of the Hong Kong film sector, and enhance international exposure and influence of Hong Kong films.
“The FDC will work with the Government in full earnest on the review of the FDF, and will provide advice to assist the Government in formulating measures that better meet the practical needs of the industry, so that the pop culture of Hong Kong can go further and exert greater influence,” said Dr Wong.
Women’s Commission welcomes Hong Kong’s First Five-Year Plan and the Chief Executive’s 2026 Policy Address
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Women’s Commission welcomes Hong Kong’s First Five-Year Plan and the Chief Executive’s 2026 Policy Address
The Women’s Commission (WoC) welcomes the strategies and policy initiatives for promoting women’s development set out in the First Five-Year Plan for Economic and Social Development of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (2026-2030) (Hong Kong’s First Five-Year Plan) and the Chief Executive’s 2026 Policy Address (Policy Address) announced by the Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, today (September 16).
Hong Kong’s First Five-Year Plan states that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government will empower women to realise their potential by creating an environment conducive to driving women’s development, protecting their rights and promoting their well-being. The Government will also strive to empower women across all roles, social positions and life stages so that they can realise their multifaceted potential amid Hong Kong’s high-quality development. In addition, the Chief Executive announced in the Policy Address that the Home and Youth Affairs Bureau (HYAB) will extend the “She Inspires” Mentorship Programme by three years to broaden the horizons of more female university students.
It is also mentioned in the Policy Address Supplement that the HYAB will continue to take forward initiatives in advancing women’s development. These include making optimal use of the Women Empowerment Fund to subsidise women’s organisations and non-government organisations for launching more projects that support women; hosting high-level forums, such as the Hong Kong Family and Women Development Summit, to gather relevant stakeholders’ views; keeping the one-stop family and women information portal under review and enriching its content; and continuing to implement the Maintenance Mediation Pilot Scheme under the Community Care Fund.
Commenting on the strategies and policy initiatives set out in Hong Kong’s First Five-Year Plan and the Policy Address, the Chairperson of the WoC, Dr Eliza Chan, said, “Hong Kong’s First Five-Year Plan includes dedicated content on women’s development, providing clear policy directions for advancing women’s development in Hong Kong. This fully demonstrates the HKSAR Government’s great emphasis on, and firm commitment to, women’s development. The work not only responds to the multifaceted needs of women in Hong Kong, but also dovetails with the national direction of promoting women’s all-round development and safeguarding women’s rights and interests.”
Dr Chan added, “The Chief Executive’s announcement in the Policy Address to extend the ‘She Inspires’ Mentorship Programme by three years also reflects the Government’s commitment to nurturing young women. The results of the first cohort have been encouraging. Many graduating mentees who have completed the programme said that it had helped strengthen their aspirations for career development and enabled them to better understand their own strengths and future directions. The extension of the programme will provide more female university students with valuable opportunities to build networks and enhance workplace skills.” Dr Chan added that the WoC also supports the HYAB’s continued implementation of other women-related initiatives to address the needs of women from different backgrounds. The WoC will continue to work hand in hand with the Government, women’s organisations and all sectors of society to support the implementation of relevant initiatives under Hong Kong’s First Five-Year Plan and the Policy Address, to promote women’s development in Hong Kong.
The WoC was established in 2001 and is committed to enabling women in Hong Kong to fully realise their due status, rights and opportunities in all aspects of life. It adopts a three-pronged strategy, namely the provision of an enabling environment, empowerment of women through capacity building, and public education, to promote the well-being and interests of women.
Issued at HKT 19:00
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