Author Archives: hksar gov

     Following is the speech by the Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Professor Sun Dong, at the Future Technology · Future Scenarios · Future Talent – Youth Scientists and Industry Application Scenario Matching Forum today (October 15):

Sophia (Executive Director of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, Ms Sophia Chong), Paul (Chairman of the Hong Kong Electronic Industries Association, Mr Paul So), Clara (Chief Executive Officer of the Hong Kong Investment Corporation Limited, Ms Clara Chan), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

     Good morning. It gives me great pleasure to join you today at the Young Scientists and Industry Application Scenario Matching Forum.

     Scientific breakthroughs in artificial intelligence, robotics, life and health technology, advanced manufacturing and new materials are opening up new possibilities for economic and social development. Yet, technological advancement alone does not guarantee successful commercialisation. Promising research must be tested, validated and refined to meet actual market needs before it can develop into commercially viable products, services and industries.

     This is where a scenario-driven approach becomes particularly important. Hong Kong itself offers a rich test bed through its advanced public services, infrastructure and international connectivity. Combined with the GBA (Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area)’s extensive manufacturing capabilities and supply chains, we offer enterprises unmatched opportunities for pilot testing and market entry. Furthermore, the Government is supporting the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks in exploring the establishment of the Innovation and Technology Application Scenario Promotion Centre, with a view to matching the practical needs of public and private sectors with innovative technological solutions provided by local I&T (innovation and technology) enterprises. This resonates with the “30 × 30” matching initiative of today’s event that aims at connecting technologies with actual industrial demands.

     We are also accelerating the development of Hong Kong’s new industrialisation system. The New Industrialisation Funding Scheme has already funded nearly 150 smart production lines so far. Through the HK$10 billion New Industrialisation Acceleration Scheme, we are also supporting enterprises in establishing advanced manufacturing facilities in Hong Kong. Meanwhile, the Microelectronics Research and Development Institute (MRDI) is taking lead in establishing Hong Kong’s first national manufacturing innovation centre. The two pilot lines of the MRDI will start operation this year and focus on the R&D (research and development) and trial production of third‑generation semiconductors.

     Innovation transfer is a people-driven process. This requires not only scientific expertise, but also an understanding of the industry needs, intellectual property management and business development. To this end, our InnoHK research clusters have brought together some 3 000 researchers from institutions that are among the global top echelon to collaborate with local institutions to set up research centres or laboratories in Hong Kong. 

     To provide the fertile soil for local talents to grow, Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks has expanded its Talent Foundry programme to provide training for local university students, researchers, career newcomers and professionals, focusing on AI+ and emerging technologies. We will also introduce a young researcher category under the Innovation and Technology Support Programme, strengthening support for young scientists to explore and pursue a career in new I&T disciplines.

     Ladies and gentlemen, turning scientific discoveries into future industries calls for real application scenarios and capable talents. I trust that today’s exchanges will yield tangible collaborations, helping more breakthrough technologies march successfully towards commercialisation and offering broader social impact.

     I wish today’s forum every success, and all of you a rewarding exchange. Thank you.

  

The following is issued on behalf of the Major Sports Events Committee:
 
     The Major Sports Events Committee (MSEC) has awarded “M” Mark status to the Link Hong Kong Open 2026 (October 22 to 25), the Hong Kong Cricket Sixes 2026 (October 30 to November 1) and the Prudential Hong Kong Tennis Open 2026 (October 31 to November 8).

     The Chairman of the MSEC, Mr Wilfred Ng, said today (October 15), “We are very pleased to award ‘M’ Mark status to these three high-level international sports events. Covering golf, cricket, and tennis, these events will gather world-class players to compete for honours in Hong Kong. From the Fanling Golf Course of the Hong Kong Golf Club and the Tin Kwong Road Recreation Ground, to the exciting showdowns at the Victoria Park Centre Court, these major events fully demonstrate Hong Kong’s outstanding capability in hosting diverse international competitions. These events will not only bring extraordinary spectating experiences to local residents and visiting tourists, but also further consolidate Hong Kong’s position as an international sports event capital.”

     The “M” Mark System aims to encourage and help local National Sports Associations and private or non-government organisations to organise more major international sports events and nurture them into sustainable undertakings. Sports events meeting the assessment criteria will be considered for “M” Mark status by the MSEC. Funding support will also be provided to some events. The “M” Mark System aims to promote the development of major sports events, cultivate a sustainable sporting culture, enhance Hong Kong’s image as a centre for major international sports events and bring tangible economic benefits to the community.
      
     For details of “M” Mark events, please visit www.mevents.org.hk. read more

     ​The Rating and Valuation Department (RVD) issued letters today (October 15) to remind payers of rates and/or Government rent (payers) who have not yet returned the Requisition for Particulars of Tenements (requisitio… read more

     ​An owner was fined $100,000 yesterday (October 14) upon conviction at the West Kowloon Magistrates’ Courts on July 29 for failing to comply with a removal order and a repair order issued under the Buildings Ordinance (BO) (Cap. 123). 

     The case involved alteration of units into mini-storages in an industrial building on Texaco Road, Tsuen Wan. As the alteration and addition works were carried out without prior approval and consent from the Buildings Department (BD), and they obstructed the means of escape and means of access for firefighting and rescue, contravening the Building (Planning) Regulations, a removal order and a repair order were served on the owner under section 24(1) and section 26 of the BO respectively. Failing to comply with the statutory orders, the owner was prosecuted by the BD.

     A spokesman for the BD said today (October 15), “Unauthorised alteration works causing obstruction to the means of escape and means of access for firefighting and rescue, or affecting the fire-resistant construction of a building may lead to serious consequences. Owners must comply with removal orders and repair orders without delay. The BD will continue to take stringent enforcement action against owners who fail to comply with removal orders and repair orders, including instigation of prosecution, to ensure building and public safety.”

     Failure to comply with a removal order without reasonable excuse is a serious offence under the BO. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $200,000 and one year’s imprisonment, and a further fine of up to $20,000 for each day that the offence continues. Moreover, failure to comply with a repair order without reasonable excuse is a serious offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of level 5 ($50,000 at present) and one year’s imprisonment, and a further fine of up to $5,000 for each day that the offence continues. read more

     The Education Bureau (EDB) released today (October 15) the online version (in Chinese and English) of the Profile of Kindergartens and Kindergarten-cum-Child Care Centres 2026/27 School Year (www.chsc.hk/kindergarten) to provide basic information on all kindergartens and kindergarten-cum-child care centres (collectively referred to as kindergartens), enhancing the transparency of schools and helping parents make informed school choices for their children. Schools can update the online version of the Profile whenever necessary so that parents can obtain the most up-to-date school information.

     The Profile covers basic information on about 930 kindergartens in Hong Kong, including the list of kindergartens joining the Kindergarten Education Scheme in the 2026/27 school year, the approved school fees of all kindergartens, the numbers and overall professional qualifications of the principals and teaching staff, enrolment, teacher-to-pupil ratio, curriculum details, reference prices of major education items being sold, application fees, registration fees and information on application for admission. The Profile also includes columns on “Support to non-Chinese speaking students” and “Support to students with special needs” for parents’ easy reference.

     For kindergartens joining the Scheme, the Profile will show their approved school fees after the deduction of government subsidies. Parents can also refer to the Fees Certificate of respective schools for details of the approved fees, including school fees and meal charges, if applicable. All kindergartens joining the Scheme are also required to disclose the allocation of expenditures across major spending areas in the Profile.

     All kindergartens joining the Scheme are required to undergo the Quality Review (QR) for quality assurance. For those kindergartens that have completed the QR process, information on whether they have met the prescribed standards is indicated in the Profile and the latest QR Report can be accessed through the link provided. read more