Author Archives: hksar gov

     The Leisure and Cultural Services Department will present the Performing Arts Fun Day 2026 at Tuen Mun Town Hall (TMTH) and Tsuen Wan Town Hall (TWTH) in November, presenting free performances of music, dance, and theatre, as well as workshops and exhibitions. Members of the public are welcome to join and experience the charisma of the performing arts.

     The Fun Day at TMTH will be held from 2pm on November 8 (Sunday), with dance and Chinese music performances by the Tuen Mun Arts Promotion Association, the Fujian Nanyin music performance by Rhythmic East Arts Group, a showcase performance of “Tuen Mun² – Traces of the Floating World” by Théâtre de la Feuille, as well as storytelling workshops and a book display.  

     TWTH will hold another Fun Day from 2pm on November 15 (Sunday). Youth orchestras of the Music Office will stage “Music All-Around” symphony and string concerts, while the Music Assembly and Windpipe Chinese Music Ensemble will present a Chinese and Western music crossover “Classic Vogue” community concert and Cantonese music theatre “Imperial Princess and the Kung Fu Master” respectively. There will also be musical performance workshops for all ages by TWTH’s venue partner, Actors’ Family.  

     Preregistration or an admission ticket is required for some events with limited places, available on a first-come, first-served basis. For details, please visit the websites of TMTH (www.lcsd.gov.hk/en/tmth/pafd2026.html) and TWTH (www.lcsd.gov.hk/en/twth/programmes/pafd2026.html). 

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     Following is the speech by the Acting Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Ms Lillian Cheong, at the Cyberport Venture & Capital Forum 2026 today (November 4):

Simon (Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Hong Kong Cyberport Management Company Limited, Mr Simon Chan), Duncan (Member of the Legislative Council (Technology and Innovation Constituency) Mr Duncan Chiu), Rocky (Chief Executive Officer of the Hong Kong Cyberport Management Company Limited, Dr Rocky Cheng), Arnold (Associate Director-General of Investment Promotion of Invest Hong Kong Mr Arnold Lau), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

     Good morning. It is my great pleasure to join you all today at the Cyberport Venture & Capital Forum (CVCF) 2026. To our guests from the Mainland and overseas, a very warm welcome to Hong Kong.

     This forum brings together visionary entrepreneurs, innovative technology companies and forward-looking investors. May I thank Cyberport, thank you very much Simon and Rocky and also for your team, for connecting these communities, and all of you for contributing your experiences, ideas and ambition.   

     This year’s theme, “Scaling in a Changing World: Winning the Next Competitive Cycle”, captures a pressing question for entrepreneurs and investors alike: that is how do we turn rapid technological change into lasting business value? 

     AI is changing not only the products and services that technology companies offer, but also how they operate and grow. Yet adopting AI does not, in itself, guarantee business success. What matters is how effectively these enterprises integrate AI into their operations to meet customer needs, improve productivity and strengthen their long-term competitiveness.   

     Turning that potential into sustainable growth requires more than technology. It also requires investment, business expertise and access to markets. This is where today’s forum can make a difference – bringing innovators and investors together to explore emerging technologies, supporting promising ventures and opening doors to new opportunities. With discussions spanning the Greater Bay Area, the Middle East, ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) and Central Asia, this event will explore how enterprises can reach new customers and scale beyond their home markets.

     Hong Kong’s role is to help bring these elements together. Our start-up ecosystem continues to grow, with over 5 200 start-ups in 2025, an increase of 11 per cent over the previous year. Our Hong Kong Science Park and Cyberport have together nurtured around 20 unicorns. To build on this momentum, we will continue to strengthen the support that helps promising ventures grow. We want our entrepreneurs to find here not only funding, but also partners, customers and pathways to wider markets. Equally, we want our investors to find promising ventures with the capabilities and ambition to grow.

     The Government is very much committed to strengthening that environment. The 2026 Policy Address sets out further support for AI adoption and start-up development.

     For example, we will enhance the Digital Transformation Support Pilot Programme, providing matching subsidies to help more SMEs (small and medium-sized enterprises) adopt AI and cybersecurity solutions. This is about helping businesses become more competitive, while creating opportunities for innovators to demonstrate their solutions in everyday operations.

     On financing, we are strengthening government investment to mobilise more private capital, to join hands with us to build our very robust start-up ecosystem. With the additional HK$1 billion, the Government’s provision for the enhanced Innovation and Technology Venture Fund (ITVF) scheme will help increase to up to HK$2.5 billion, with at least HK$7.5 billion in market capital expected to be raised. So far, nine GPs (general partners) were selected, in principle, in April as the first batch of fund managers, and we have since made our first investment commitment under the enhanced scheme. The GPs will help raise capital and manage investments in start-ups in strategic industries, including AI and data science.

     Apart from the ITVF enhanced scheme which is focusing more on the early stage of investments, like A round and B round supporting our start-up development, we also have another new scheme known as the HK$10 billion Innovation and Technology Industry-Oriented Fund, the ITIF, which is expected to bring its total fund size to at least HK$40 billion, including market contributions. So far, 20 GPs have been shortlisted and they are raising the capital to form the sub-funds with us. We, the Government, will be one of the key LPs (limited partners) for these funds. The ITIF will support five thematic areas, such as AI and robotics, life and health technology, and future and sustainable development. As you can see, all these together, all these initiatives will bring capital and professional investment expertise to support the growth of innovative enterprises.

     These efforts reflect a simple principle: technology, capital and applications must develop together. Investment enables enterprises to develop and refine their technologies, while practical applications demonstrate their commercial value and help attract further investment.

     Cyberport is therefore an important partner in this endeavor, helping start-ups connect with investors, business partners and new markets. Its community now brings together over 2 400 companies, which is a testament to the strength of its innovation ecosystem. As the Cyberport Investors Network celebrates its ninth anniversary, I would like to take this opportunity to thank the investors and partners here who have been offering to us, to Cyberport and to our start-ups your very kind support. Your contribution extends beyond financing. Industry knowledge, business networks and guidance are just as important in helping a young company take its next step. So, thank you very much.

     Ladies and gentlemen, success in the next competitive cycle requires more than being quick to adopt new technologies or bring products to market. It also depends on sound decisions, effective action and strong partnerships across sectors and borders. So, may I encourage investors to connect with the founders here to make good use of Cyberport, this very precious platform. For our entrepreneurs, may I encourage you to seek not only funding, but also the expertise and partnerships that will help your businesses grow.

     Let us use this forum to turn conversations into collaboration, and promising ideas into businesses that create lasting value.

     Lastly, I wish the CVCF 2026 every success, and all of you a productive and rewarding exchange. Thank you. read more

     Following is a question by the Dr Hon Chan Han-pan and a written reply by the Secretary for Environment and Ecology, Mr Tse Chin-wan, in the Legislative Council today (November 4):
      
Question:
 
     I have consistently expressed concern about the problem of noise nuisance caused by illegally modified vehicles while in operation. It is learnt that the Environmental Protection Department’s self-developed Artificial Intelligence on Modified Exhaust Recognition (AIMER) system has been able to successfully identify illegally modified vehicles. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
 
(1) whether, over the past three years, the authorities have grasped (i) the number of complaints relating to vehicle noise; (ii) the number of cases involving illegally modified vehicles; and (iii) among such cases, the number of those in respect of which prosecutions were instituted; if so, of the breakdown of the figures; if not, the reasons for that;
 
(2) whether the authorities have investigated and analysed the correlation between illegally modified vehicles and excessive noise emitted by vehicles, as well as the relevant testing methods, so as to facilitate the detection and identification of modified vehicles emitting excessive noise on the roads; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that;
 
(3) whether, since the development of the AIMER system, the authorities have deployed the AIMER system on expressways or trunk roads to detect illegally modified vehicles; if so, of the details and the specific arrangements; if not, the reasons for that; and
 
(4) given that illegal motor racing activities also cause serious noise nuisance, whether the authorities have deployed the AIMER system at illegal motor racing blackspots to assist with combating and enforcement operations; if so, of the respective details (including the number of operations carried out, their locations, and the number of successful prosecutions); if not, the reasons for that?

Reply:
     
President,

     Having consulted the Hong Kong Police Force (Police) and the Transport Department (TD), my consolidated response to the question raised by the Dr Hon Chan Han-pan is as follows:
      
     In accordance with the Road Traffic Ordinance (Cap. 374) (RTO), motor vehicles are required, at first registration, to comply with the noise emission standards stipulated in the Noise Control (Motor Vehicles) Regulation (Cap. 400I). In addition, the Road Traffic (Construction and Maintenance of Vehicles) Regulation (Cap. 374A) stipulates that vehicles propelled by internal combustion engine are required to be fitted with silencers maintained in good and efficient working order, and that a silencer shall not be altered or replaced in such a way that the noise caused by the escape of the exhaust gases is made greater. If a police officer reasonably suspects that a vehicle has been illegally modified, he may direct the vehicle to a vehicle examination centre for inspection by a vehicle examiner. To safeguard the safety of road users, the TD would receive reports or referral of suspected defective vehicles (including suspected illegally modified vehicles) from the public and other Government departments, and would take follow-up actions to the suspected defective vehicles.
      
     With regard to noise control considerations, the Environmental Protection Department (EPD) has been closely monitoring the technological developments in identifying excessive noise emitted from modified vehicles. The Artificial Intelligence on Modified Exhaust Recognition (AIMER) was developed in-house by the EPD, aiming to assess and verify the feasibility of utilising AI to identify noise emitted by illegally modified vehicles. At present, AIMER remains at a technical development stage. The EPD will maintain close liaison with the TD and the Police to continuously enhance AIMER and its applications. In addition, the Police, the TD, and the EPD have been exchanging information from time to time on suspected illegally modified vehicles and relevant hotspots, and strengthening the existing reporting mechanism to combat activities involving illegally modified vehicles.
 
(1) The breakdown of complaints about vehicle noise received by the TD and the EPD over the past three years is set out below. Of these complaints, the table also shows those reported to involve illegally modified vehicles and among the latter, those resulting in the issuance of Vehicle Examination Orders.
 

Year	2023	2024	2025
Total complaints about vehicle noise received by the TD and the EPD	2 282	1 917	2 534
Of which, complaints reported to involve illegally modified vehicles	1 701	1 170	1 428
Of the above, complaints resulting in the issuance of Vehicle Examination Orders	592	412	459

     If the owner of a vehicle fails to comply with a Vehicle Examination Order or if the vehicle fails an examination, the TD may cancel the vehicle licence of the concerned vehicle. In addition, the Police does not maintain statistics on the relevant complaints and prosecutions.
 
(2) to (4) The EPD collects acoustic data from various types of vehicles, including suspected illegally modified vehicles, at different locations frequented by such vehicles, including illegal motor racing blackspots, and analyses their acoustic characteristics. AIMER uses hardware such as microphones, infrared cameras, and laptop computers to convert the sounds of passing vehicles into acoustic fingerprints. These fingerprints are compared with information in a database using an AI model to identify vehicles suspected of having illegally modified exhaust pipes. AIMER is currently undergoing model training, functional adjustments, and field trials, with its performance still requiring further enhancement, particularly in identifying less conspicuous suspected illegally modified exhaust pipes during night time. The EPD has referred suspected cases identified during field trials to the relevant law enforcement departments for follow-up. Moving forward, the EPD will continue to enhance AIMER and maintain close liaison with the TD and the Police to strengthen collaboration to combat noise nuisance caused by illegally modified vehicles. read more

     Following is the speech by the Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, at the Festival of Connoisseurs Grand Opening Ceremony today (November 4):

Patrick (Group Chief Operating Officer of the Informa and Chief Executive of the Informa Markets, Mr Patrick Martell), Vivian (Chief Executive Officer of the Airport Authority Hong Kong, Mrs Vivian Cheung), Algernon (Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Algernon Yau), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

     Good morning. It is a pleasure to join you for the opening of the Festival of Connoisseurs. I extend a very warm welcome to our guests from around the world.
 
     With superyachts, supercars, private jets, fine jewellery and exceptional wines on display, this is no ordinary exhibition. It celebrates craftsmanship and creativity, and brings together the people who appreciate them.

     Congratulations to Informa Markets for bringing this inaugural festival to Hong Kong in less than a year. Your vision, dedication and close collaboration with local partners have given us quite a show.
 
     My thanks also go to AsiaWorld-Expo and the Airport Authority Hong Kong. You have taken the exhibition beyond the halls and onto the water, offering a glimpse of what lies ahead with Skytopia, which I am sure Vivian will tell you more shortly.
 
     The setting is impressive. But what makes Hong Kong the right home for this festival goes beyond the venue.
 
     A festival like this needs people who appreciate the exhibits, customers who want to buy them and an environment where business can flourish. Hong Kong brings all three together.

     That is our strength as a “super connector”. Capital, goods, talent and information flow freely here. Our taxes are low and the tax system is simple. We don’t have VAT (value-added tax) or GST (goods and services tax), and impose no or low duty on the luxuries. Efficient customs clearance and extensive logistics connections help businesses move their goods quickly. As a leading international financial centre and wealth management hub, we bring together investors, wealthy families and discerning consumers.
 
     Besides, Hong Kong is a gateway to the Greater Bay Area, a market of more than 88 million people with a growing appetite for quality products and exceptional experiences. Our reach extends further: half of the world’s population is within five hours by air.

     For international brands, Hong Kong is more than a showcase. It is a place to find customers, meet partners and develop new business.
 
     Exhibitions help turn those connections into business. A partnership formed here can generate opportunities for years, while visiting exhibitors and buyers support our hotels, restaurants, shops and service providers.
 
     According to the latest figures, the convention and exhibition industry contributed more than $50 billion to our economy.
 
     To drive its growth, we have allocated more than $3.1 billion to the sector since 2020. This includes two rounds of incentives that have supported more than 330 recurrent exhibitions.

     And in my Budget this year, I reserved a further $100 million to attract high-quality, large-scale international exhibitions that bring something new to Hong Kong. I am delighted that this festival is the first one under the initiative.
 
     Financial subsidy aside, we are fast expanding our exhibition space. Phase Two of AsiaWorld-Expo will be completed in 2028, with an arena of around 20 000 seats. The Wan Chai North Redevelopment project will expand the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre and related facilities. These developments will give organisers more room to realise their ideas.
 
     This festival is inspiring. It shows that some opportunities lie beyond the halls. They are on the water.
 
     The superyachts on display demonstrate fine craftsmanship. They also highlight the potential of our yacht economy.
 
     Our harbour, coastline and location in the Greater Bay Area give us a unique competitive advantage. Yet more berths and easier access will help yachting business flourish.
 
     Skytopia, a project of the Airport Authority, plans to provide 500 yacht berths. To enhance Hong Kong’s appeal as a marina hub, we are also making cross-boundary sailing easier. Northbound yacht travel from Hong Kong already began in June. A few weeks ago, we welcomed the first batch of southbound yachts from Guangdong under a new scheme.
 
     Easier access gives visitors more options to explore Hong Kong. Our packed events calendar gives them more reasons to stay. This week, we are hosting FinTech Week, the Global Financial Leaders’ Investment Summit and this festival.
 
     Sporting events and concerts at Kai Tak Stadium, cultural festivals and seasonal celebrations such as Halloween add to the choice. A conference delegate may stay for this exhibition. A buyer may bring the family and stay for a concert, discovering more of Hong Kong in the process.
 
     Whether we are expanding exhibition facilities, developing yachting or staging more mega events, our aim is the same: to connect people, attract business and create opportunities for our people.
 
     Ladies and gentlemen, this inaugural festival shows what imagination, creativity and collaboration can achieve.
 
     We will continue to strengthen Hong Kong as an international trading centre and a world-class exhibition hub, where craftspeople reach new audiences, brands find new customers and visitors discover something extraordinary.
 
     I wish the Festival of Connoisseurs every success, and all of you a rewarding and enjoyable visit. Thank you. read more

     Following is a question by Revd Canon the Hon Peter Douglas Koon and a written reply by the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Miss Rosanna Law, in the Legislative Council today (November 4):
 
Question:
 
     It has been reported that a large number of fans were unable to purchase tickets through official channels for a concert to be held in Hong Kong in November 2026 by a South Korean male group, and subsequently ticket scalpers even marked up ticket prices to three times or more of the original price. There are views that ticket scalping activities not only undermine the rights and interests of consumers, but also deal a blow to Hong Kong’s international image as an events capital. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
 
(1) of the total number of complaints or reports received by the Police and other law enforcement departments about the scalping of concert tickets in the past three years, as well as the respective numbers of cases involving arrest, prosecution and successful conviction for suspected ticket scalping; regarding the use of bots to purchase tickets online and their illegal resale on social media and second-hand platforms by ticket scalpers, the specific cross-departmental technological methods and regulatory measures currently put in place by the Government to strengthen the combat against online proxy purchase and illegal resale activities;
 
(2) as the Leisure and Cultural Services Department adjusted the ceiling ratio of consignment tickets in July 2019, stipulating that the ceiling ratio of consignment tickets for productions comprising not more than three performances at the Hong Kong Coliseum and the Queen Elizabeth Stadium is 80 per cent, and that for productions comprising four or more performances is 70 per cent, whether the Government will consider further tightening the ceiling ratio of consignment tickets (e.g. lowering the ceiling ratio of consignment tickets for productions comprising four or more performances to 50 per cent, and correspondingly lowering the ceiling ratio of consignment tickets for productions comprising not more than three performances), so as to enhance transparency and increase the opportunities for the public to purchase tickets; if so, of the specific timetable; if not, the reasons for that;
 
(3) whether the authorities will, by making reference to the experience of implementing the real-name ticketing arrangement in the Mainland and other places such as Japan and Korea, consider requiring that for large-scale performance events with audience capacity exceeding a specified number (e.g. 10 000), event organisers and ticketing platforms must implement real-name ticketing arrangement and admission verification procedures to ensure that the identity of ticket purchasers and attendees matches with the identity documents and facial recognition results, and restricting the number of ticket transfers; if so, of the specific progress of the study and the implementation timetable; if not, the reasons for that; while implementing the real-name ticketing arrangement, the measures in place to safeguard the legitimate rights of members of the public in respect of ticket refunds or transfers in the event that they are unable to attend due to unforeseen incidents; and
 
(4) as there are views that the penalties under the Places of Public Entertainment Ordinance (Cap. 172) and other legislation are on the low side, whether the Government will consider amending the relevant legislation to substantially increase the penalties for ticket scalping activities, or even introduce criminal liability, so as to effectively deter online and offline ticket scalping activities; if so, of the timetable for introducing legislative amendments; if not, the reasons for that?
 
Reply:
 
President,
 
     In consultation with the Home and Youth Affairs Bureau and the Security Bureau, my consolidated reply to the question raised by Reverend Canon the Hon Peter Douglas Koon is as follows:
      
     The Government has always been concerned about issues relating to ticket scalping and fake tickets, and has been studying how to tackle ticket scalping with reference to the practices and experiences of the Chinese Mainland and other places. Public entertainment activities are market-driven behaviours, and ticket scalping has multiple causes, involving various factors such as market structure and supply and demand. The Government need to adopt a prudent approach when considering the impact of any regulatory options on market response, marketing operations, cost-effectiveness and practical implementation, and strike an appropriate balance between market operations and audience experience, so as not to deter investors.
      
     The Places of Public Entertainment Ordinance (Cap. 172) aims to ensure public safety and order at places of entertainment where members of the public congregate. It covers a number of aspects such as fire safety, building safety, electrical and mechanical equipment, ventilation, crowd management and hygiene. The relevant provision on prohibiting the resale of tickets at a price higher than its original amount aims to prevent nuisance and public order problems created by gangs and roughs who resell tickets. Any person who sells, or offers or exhibits or has in his possession for sale, or solicits the purchase of, any ticket or voucher at a price exceeding the amount fixed by the organiser for such a ticket or voucher shall be guilty of an offence, and shall be liable on summary conviction to a fine of $2,000.
      
     The Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) manages the venues under its charge in accordance with the Public Health and Municipal Services Ordinance (Cap. 132) (PHMSO) and the related subsidiary legislation. According to the PHMSO, no person shall sell any article within the area of the performance venues under the LCSD without authorisation. During the period when activities are held at the relevant LCSD venues, additional venue and security staff will also be deployed to patrol the area. If anyone is found engaging in trading or reselling tickets bought within such area, the venue staff will immediately stop the activity and request the person concerned to leave the venue. Assistance will be sought from the Police as and when necessary.
      
     The Police do not maintain the number of reports concerning online or physical ticket scalping, and the LCSD had not received relevant reports during the last three years.
      
     At present, the LCSD seeks to facilitate orderly and fair sales of tickets through official channels for the performances that are held at its venues and use the ticketing services of the Urban Ticketing System (URBTIX) under the LCSD through implementing different administrative measures. When handling ticketing for large-scale and popular events, the URBTIX proactively liaises with the event organisers on ticketing proposals which cater to individual programmes. These include considering the adoption of real-name ticketing arrangement or registered ballot ticketing arrangement; offering Internet, mobile app and telephone booking services only to prevent problems of order management, public safety and queuing gangs engaged by ticket scalpers that may arise from on-site queuing; setting a cap for the number of tickets each patron can purchase per transaction and imposing a limit on the number of tickets that can be purchased with the same credit card on the first day of ticket sales; increasing the transparency of ticketing information (including announcing in advance the date of sales, number of performances, number of tickets available for public sales, seating plan of the tickets available for sale, and designated channels used by event organisers for releasing ticketing information); implementing delayed ticket collection arrangement; and encouraging event organisers to increase the ratio of tickets for public sale to provide more tickets of this kind for the public.
      
     On the proportion of tickets for public sale, the Government maintains active dialogue with the performing industry and timely reviews the ratio of tickets for public sale to consignment tickets for paid-admission events held at LCSD venues. Since July 2019, for the Hong Kong Coliseum (HKC) and the Queen Elizabeth Stadium, the two performance venues that frequently host large-scale commercial entertainment events, the LCSD has lowered the ceiling proportion of consignment tickets from 80 per cent to 70 per cent for events with four or more performances, thereby raising the minimum proportion of tickets for public sale to 30 per cent. The LCSD also continues to encourage event organisers to further increase the ratio of public sale tickets. In recent years, a considerable number of event organisers hiring the HKC for staging pop concerts or large-scale events have responded positively by offering nearly, or even more than 50 per cent of their tickets for public sale.
      
     As regards events held at the Kai Tak Sports Park, the Kai Tak Sports Park Limited (the Operator) requires event organisers to announce ticket sale arrangements well in advance. These include the dates for priority and public sales, the number of sessions, and the seating plan for tickets available for sale. Whilst the ratio between public sale tickets and consignment tickets remains a commercial decision between the Operator and the event organisers, the Operator generally requires organisers to make at least 50 per cent of the tickets available for public sale. Furthermore, to step up efforts against ticket scalping, the Operator also requires the ticketing platforms to enhance monitoring of the entire ticket-purchasing process and systems, and to adopt appropriate measures (including blocking anomalous accounts and setting ticket purchase limits) to protect consumer rights.
      
     The Government will continue to study the matter and maintain communication with stakeholders to listen to their views. In any event, members of the public purchasing or obtaining unauthorised tickets carry risks and encourage ticket scalping. The Government advises members of the public to buy tickets through official channels to prevent loss from frauds. read more