The Transport Department (TD) today (March 28) announced that the 19th batch of the Smart Traffic Fund, this one involving two projects, has been approved by the Management Committee, with a total grant of around $7.9 million.

     The two approved projects in the latest batch cover (1) the development of a system to enhance motorcycle driving safety, and (2) the development of a bus travel time prediction algorithm capable of handling complex road conditions. Details of the projects are available on the Fund's website (www.stf.hkpc.org).

     The Fund accepts applications throughout the year to provide funding support to local organisations and enterprises for conducting research and applying innovation and technology, with the objectives of enhancing commuting convenience, enhancing efficiency of the road network or road space, and improving driving safety. All applications are considered and assessed in batches by the Management Committee, which is chaired by the Deputy Commissioner for Transport/Planning and Technical Services, and comprises representatives from the Government, experts in the industry and relevant stakeholders.

     The TD appeals to interested organisations and enterprises for participation to help make the Fund a success and to build Hong Kong into a more liveable and sustainable city by driving Hong Kong toward a new era of transportation.
 
     Application details are available on the Fund's website. For enquiries, please contact the Hong Kong Productivity Council, the Secretariat of the Fund, on 2788 5536 or stf_sec@hkpc.org.

     The Government announced today (March 28) that the Financial Secretary, under the authority delegated by the Chief Executive, has reappointed Mr Michael Wong Yick-kam and appointed Mr Tony Tang Xiaodong as Non-Executive Directors of the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) for a term of two years from April 1, 2025 and April 24, 2025 respectively.
 
     A spokesman for the Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau said, "Mr Tang has extensive experience in the financial services sector and in-depth knowledge in the operation and regulation of capital markets on the Mainland and in Hong Kong. We are confident that his expertise will be valuable to facilitating the development of the SFC.
 
     "Mr Wong has made significant contributions to the promotion of good corporate governance of the SFC during his tenure. We look forward to his continued support for the work of the SFC.
 
     "We would also like to thank the outgoing Non-Executive Director, Mr Nicky Lo Kar-chun, for his active contribution to the SFC over the past six years. His stewardship has been conducive to fostering the development and regulation of Hong Kong's securities and futures markets."
 
     The SFC is chaired by Dr Kelvin Wong Tin-yau. Other serving Non-Executive Directors are Mr Vincent Chan Chun-hung, Mr Chew Fook-aun, Mr Victor Dawes, SC, Mr Johnson Kong Chi-how, Mr Keith Pogson and Mr Dieter Yih Lai-tak. 

The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority:

     The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) wishes to alert members of the public to a press release issued by Dah Sing Bank, Limited relating to a fraudulent website and social media accounts, which have been reported to the HKMA. A hyperlink to the press release is available on the HKMA website.
      
     The HKMA wishes to remind the public that banks will not send SMS or emails with embedded hyperlinks which direct them to the banks' websites to carry out transactions. They will not ask customers for sensitive personal information, such as login passwords or one-time password, by phone, email or SMS (including via embedded hyperlinks).
      
     Anyone who has provided his or her personal information, or who has conducted any financial transactions, through or in response to the website or social media accounts concerned, should contact the bank using the contact information provided in the press release, and report the matter to the Police by contacting the Crime Wing Information Centre of the Hong Kong Police Force at 2860 5012.

     The Leisure and Cultural Services Department announced today (March 28) that all facilities (including the service counter and SmartPLAY Self-service Stations) of the Hong Kong Velodrome will be temporarily closed from April 12 to 23 to tie in with the 2025 Hong Kong International Track Cup and the 15th National Games Track Cycling Test Event staged from April 19 to 21.

     During the closure period, members of the public may use similar facilities at Hang Hau Sports Centre, Tseung Kwan O Sports Centre, Tiu Keng Leng Sports Centre, Tsui Lam Sports Centre and Po Lam Sports Centre in the same district.

The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority:
 
     The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) today (March 28) published the March 2025 issue of its Quarterly Bulletin and Half-Yearly Monetary and Financial Stability Report.
      
     The Quarterly Bulletin carries a feature article entitled "The Hong Kong Bond Market in 2024". The Half-Yearly Report provides detailed analyses of the global and local economy, as well as the monetary and financial conditions in Hong Kong. It also examines the recent performance and risks of the local banking sector.
      
     The Quarterly Bulletin and the Half-Yearly Report can be viewed on and downloaded from the HKMA website.