MIL Asia Pacific Publishing Engine

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

​The sixth meeting of the fourth-term Human Resources Planning Commission was held today (June 22). 

At the meeting, the Office of the Government Economist briefed members on Hong Kong’s latest economic performance and labour market situation. Members noted that Hong Kong’s economy expanded robustly in the first quarter of 2026, growing by 5.9 per cent over a year earlier, marking the strongest economic growth in nearly five years. The labour market showed moderate improvement in recent months, with the latest seasonally adjusted unemployment rate (for March 2026 to May 2026) dropping from 3.9 per cent to 3.7 per cent compared with the period from November 2025 to January 2026. Looking ahead, Hong Kong’s economic outlook remains largely resilient, with the real Gross Domestic Product growth forecast for 2026 projected at 2.5 per cent to 3.5 per cent.

In addition, the Security Bureau briefed members on the various immigration facilitation measures for the public and businesses. These included measures facilitating the southbound and northbound two-way flow of talent, and visa and immigration facilitation measures. Through the immigration facilitation measures for the public and businesses, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government will actively align with the National 15th Five-Year Plan and fully leverage Hong Kong’s unique role as a “super connector” under “one country, two systems” to better integrate into and serve the overall national development. Members welcomed the enhancement measures, noting that they would further enrich Hong Kong’s talent ecosystem and inject new momentum into the city’s long-term economic development.

Members also noted that the Health Bureau had commissioned the Hospital Authority (HA) to carry out a new round of healthcare manpower projections this year. The purpose of the projection exercise is to ensure that there are sufficient healthcare professionals to meet the ever-evolving demand for healthcare services in society, and that the relevant training policies remain aligned with actual circumstances. The Government and the HA will further refine the methodology for this round of projection and promote data collection simultaneously. This includes systematically compiling relevant data such as overall service volume statistics, human resource distribution, and local training scale from the industry and various medical specialties. Views regarding future population changes and the status of technology application raised by members will be incorporated. The results are expected to be published in mid-2027. Based on the projection results, the Government will revisit the existing strategies for local healthcare manpower in tandem with the next University Grants Committee triennium, as well as the reviews of other schemes, in making further recommendations on the relevant healthcare training places. With a continuously ageing population, the demand for healthcare services is facing structural growth. Members supported the HKSAR Government’s proactive efforts in conducting the healthcare manpower projection, utilising data analysis to guide policy and service planning, thereby enhancing the precision and forward-looking nature of public health policies.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     ​A woman was sentenced today (June 22) at the West Kowloon Magistrates’ Courts to two months’ imprisonment for illegally importing 18 000 alternative smoking products. The Department of Health (DH) welcomed the verdict and reminded members of the public and visitors not to bring alternative smoking products such as e-cigarettes, heated tobacco products or herbal cigarettes into Hong Kong, and not to use any alternative smoking products.

     The Tobacco and Alcohol Control Office (TACO) of the DH was notified by Hong Kong Customs on June 19 that 18 000 alternative smoking products had been intercepted in the luggage of the aforesaid woman arriving from Japan. TACO immediately arrested and prosecuted the individual.

Since the amendments to the Tobacco Control Legislation (Amendment) Ordinance 2025, which conferred arrest powers on TACO inspectors, took effect on September 19, 2025, TACO has prosecuted 26 cases involving the importation of large quantities of alternative smoking products. Twenty-nine persons have been convicted and sentenced to prison terms ranging from four weeks to eight months.

According to the Import and Export Ordinance (Cap. 60), a person who imports alternative smoking products, including electronic smoking products, heated tobacco products and herbal cigarettes, commits an offence and is liable on summary conviction to a fine of $500,000 and imprisonment for two years; or liable on conviction on indictment to a fine of $2 million and imprisonment for seven years.

Under the Smoking (Public Health) Ordinance (Cap. 371), no person may promote, manufacture, sell, or possess for commercial purposes alternative smoking products. An offender is liable to a fine of $50,000 and imprisonment for six months.

     TACO will continue to closely monitor and enforce the law to combat related offences.

In addition, the DH also cautions the public that alternative smoking products are addictive and are not effective smoking cessation tools. E-cigarettes may increase the risk of cancer, respiratory diseases, and cardiovascular diseases. Smokers are urged to quit smoking as early as possible for their own health and that of others. For assistance, please call the DH’s Integrated Smoking Cessation Hotline on 1833 183, or visit www.livetobaccofree.hk for information on quitting.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     The Census and Statistics Department (C&SD) released today (June 22) the preliminary Balance of Payments (BoP), International Investment Position (IIP) and External Debt (ED) statistics of Hong Kong for the first quarter of 2026.

I. Balance of Payments

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     According to the statistics on persons engaged and vacancies released today (June 22) by the Census and Statistics Department (C&SD), total number of persons engaged in the private sector surveyed decreased by 0.4% or 10 100 persons in March 2026 compared with a year earlier. The total number of vacancies was 48 610, representing a decrease of 12% or 6 560 over the preceding year.

Persons engaged statistics”Quarterly Report of Persons Engaged and Vacancies Statistics, March 2026″
(www.censtatd.gov.hk/en/EIndexbySubject.html?pcode=B1050003&scode=452″Quarterly Report of Manual Workers and Vacancies at Construction Sites, March 2026″
(www.censtatd.gov.hk/en/EIndexbySubject.html?pcode=B1050004&scode=452

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Financial Secretary Paul Chan will depart for Dalian and Xi’an tomorrow afternoon to lead a high-level delegation at the Summer Davos forum and explore investment opportunities. He will return to Hong Kong on Saturday. 

Mr Chan will lead a delegation of more than 30 members to the World Economic Forum’s Annual Meeting of the New Champions 2026, also known as the Summer Davos forum, held in Dalian from June 23 to 25.

Under the theme “Innovating at Scale”, this year’s meeting will gather over 1,700 leaders from government, business and academia across more than 90 countries and regions. Discussions will focus on global trade shifts, China’s economic development, technological innovation, inclusive growth and the energy transition.

During the forum, Mr Chan will deliver speeches and attend thematic sessions. The Hong Kong delegation will participate in business networking and enterprise matching activities.  

The delegation includes senior executives from the Office for Attracting Strategic Enterprises (OASES), Invest Hong Kong, the Hong Kong Investment Corporation Limited (HKIC), the Hong Kong Science & Technology Parks Corporation, Cyberport and the Hong Kong-Shenzhen Innovation & Technology Park. Heads of nurtured or attracted innovation and technology (I&T) enterprises spanning artificial intelligence, biomedical technology, new energy and advanced manufacturing will also join, alongside representatives from Hong Kong Exchanges & Clearing Limited (HKEX).

While in Dalian, Mr Chan will meet with officials from central ministries, Liaoning Province and Dalian Municipality, as well as global political and business leaders.

The Financial Secretary will proceed to Xi’an on Thursday to call on provincial and municipal leaders. He will speak at a local university to outline Hong Kong’s latest developments and its role under the National 15th Five-Year Plan.

On Saturday, Mr Chan will address the inaugural Western Commercial Aerospace Conference, organised by the Chinese Society of Astronautics and the Commercial Space Innovation Consortium.

His Xi’an itinerary also includes hosting a symposium and visiting local I&T firms. Senior management from OASES, the HKIC and HKEX will participate in the Xi’an programme to attract investment and enterprises.

During Mr Chan’s absence, Deputy Financial Secretary Michael Wong will act as Financial Secretary.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Home & Youth Affairs Bureau (HYAB) recently launched two interactive youth spaces, offering young people opportunities to broaden their horizons, develop positive thinking and expand their social networks.

One of these, “Youth Link．Nam Cheong”, serves as an interactive space offering a wide range of activities for young people. Reflecting on her experiences at the centre, a young woman named Winnie said the singing bowl workshop she had participated in was deeply relaxing.

“I found this workshop and this topic are very interesting and new to me. After the course that I have experienced here, you know yourself better and also you will find that life is not only about just work and then going back home.”

Wide-ranging facilities

The Chief Executive’s 2024 Policy Address proposed establishing a physical platform to enhance interaction among “Youth Link” members. Located at Nam Cheong District Community Centre, “Youth Link．Nam Cheong” is being opened in phases, with its Phase I and Phase II facilities already in service.

The venue includes a music room, a dance studio, quiet pods, multi-purpose activity areas and a co-working space, providing young people with opportunities to pursue their interests and connect with others.

“I think the facilities are very helpful,” Winnie remarked. “We can play in a band, dance, and also explore different kinds of themed topics here. If I want to meet a new friend, find a place which is very convenient, or if you want to just catch up, grab a coffee, I would love to pick this place to gather around.”

Dionne Kung, who is Deputy CEO of the centre’s operator, the Greater Bay Area Homeland Youth Community Foundation, explained that young people aged 12 to 39 can register as Youth Link members through the “HKYouth+” mobile application. This allows them to take part in diverse activities and use all the facilities at the centre.

“By the end of the year, we will launch the final phase of facilities, which comprises creative and cultural exhibition areas and markets for young people to express their creativity and showcase their talent.”

Supporting dreams

Another interactive space dedicated to Hong Kong’s youth is the “HYAB JC Y Cube”. Launched recently by the HYAB, it is supported by the Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust, which provided $150 million in funding.

Located at Youth Square in Chai Wan, the “HYAB JC Y Cube” includes a cosy lounge area, a “makerspace”, a cooking studio, a reading corner and a video studio. The centre supports Hong Kong youths in exploring development opportunities in innovation and technology, the arts and culture, media production and sports.

Ackie Au, who runs a baking class at the centre, praised the facilities, adding that by sharing her expertise, she hopes to encourage young people to pursue their dreams.

“I can make good use of the time during the lessons to share my baking journey, because I had been a social worker for 10 years. It was such a big surprise also for me that I changed my career from a social worker to a pastry chef. I really want to share those experiences with my students.

“If they have a strong motive or strong goal, there must be a way to support them to meet their goal, but it takes time and courage for them to build up their network.”

Jason Wong, who is Chairman of the centre’s operator, the Y.Elites Association, described the “HYAB JC Y Cube” as a vibrant and interactive space for young people.

“It is a convergence of different themes, allowing youngsters to explore different possibilities. It is also a space that supports youth development, skills enhancement and helps young people implement their own ideas into reality. Looking ahead, Y Cube will focus on the theme of ‘Good Stories of Hong Kong Youth’.”

Since the soft opening of “Youth Link．Nam Cheong” and the “HYAB JC Y Cube” last December, the former has recorded about 4,000 visits and more than 50 activities, with the latter hosting over 60,000 visits and more than 300 activities.

Digital integration

Complementing its physical spaces, the HYAB launched the “HKYouth+” mobile application, which provides a one-stop platform to disseminate comprehensive information on youth development and related activities. Through integrating online and offline resources, the bureau aims to implement policies that better meet the needs of young people.

Under Secretary for Home & Youth Affairs Clarence Leung outlined the app’s two main functions.

“One is that our editorial team will post regularly different topics that are of interest to our young people. For example, posts about mental wellness, what to do during a day off, and some arts and culture-related posts as well.

“The second function is that you can find all the activities organised or sponsored by HYAB. We are using online means to reach out to them. From offline means, that will also give us very good feedback for us to organise different events or different programmes for them in the future.”

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Secretary for Labour & Welfare Chris Sun said today the Government will look into expanding the coverage of the high-risk family list provided to District Services & Community Care Teams for home visits.

Mr Sun made the remarks today, noting that the current resident list provided by the Housing Department leverages big data to target elderly households aged 80 or above.

He said the Government is exploring co-operation with the Hospital Authority to add individuals under the age of 80 who suffer from chronic diseases and require constant care to the list.

“Once the list is expanded, we can hand it over to the care teams and visit them. If they are not under the care of our social welfare network, we can refer them to a nearby non-governmental organisation to take care of them,” he added.