Author Archives: hksar gov

Attention TV/radio announcers: Please broadcast the following as soon as possible:      Here is an item of interest to swimmers.      The Leisure and Cultural Services Department announced today (October 27) that … read more

     ​A fire broke out at the Integrated Waste Management Facilities Phase 1 (I.PARK1) located on an artificial island off Shek Kwu Chau at 12.40pm today (October 26). In the incident, a staff felt unwell and was sent to the hospital. All construction workers and operational staff were evacuated smoothly. I.PARK1 has temporarily suspended waste reception.
      
     Preliminary information indicated that the fire originated at the roof of the main incinerator building’s third incineration module area. After the fire broke out, the contractor of the facility took immediate actions according to its emergency response protocol, including reporting to the Fire Services Department (FSD), deploying trained designated response members to control the fire, evacuating about 970 construction workers and operational staff working on the island in an orderly manner, and suspending the operation of all critical systems of the facility.
      
     The fire was largely put out at about 4.45pm by firefighters on scene. The cause of the fire is still under investigation. The Environmental Protection Department (EPD) has instructed the contractor to submit a report on the fire incident within seven days and will work with the FSD to investigate the cause of fire. The EPD will also evaluate the damage and urge the contractor to conduct repairs as soon as possible.
      
     The EPD is reviewing the impact of the fire on the facility’s operation and will maintain close communication with the industry on the operational arrangements. Meanwhile, the EPD has arranged to extend the operating hours of the Department’s West New Territories Landfill Extension to maintain the normal operation of the city’s overall waste management system. read more

     ​The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) this morning (October 26) received a referral from the Police of a suspected dog bite case. Officers were immediately deployed to a warehouse on Kam Pok Road, Yuen Long, where the suspected dog was taken away and sent to an Animal Management Centre for detention and observation. The dog concerned is a microchipped mongrel with a valid dog licence. The AFCD is following up the investigation and will institute prosecution if there is sufficient evidence that any person has contravened the law.
 
Legal requirements
 
     An AFCD spokesman reminded members of the public, “The law clearly requires dog keepers to properly control their dogs in public places. If a dog bites a person, its keeper is also liable. A keeper is not limited to a person who owns, possesses or has custody of the animal, but also includes a person who harbours the animal, or the occupier of land or premises on which the animal is usually kept or permitted to remain. These persons must clearly understand their legal responsibilities.”
      
     Under section 23 of the Rabies Ordinance (Cap. 421), dogs in a public place must be held on a leash or otherwise kept under proper control. Offenders are liable to a maximum fine of $10,000. If a dog bites a person as a result of such contravention, the keeper may also be liable to a further fine of up to $10,000. In addition, section 9 of the Dangerous Dogs Regulation (Cap. 167D) stipulates that large dogs (weighing 20 kilograms or above) must be securely held on a leash not exceeding two metres in length by a person when in a public place. Contravention of this requirement is liable to a fine of $25,000 and imprisonment for three months.
 
AFCD’s enforcement actions
 
     In a high-density urban environment, uncontrolled dogs may pose risks to public safety. To safeguard community safety, the AFCD has been conducting special inspections and enforcement operations on the proper control of dogs at various locations across Hong Kong since August. A new phase of special operations was launched on October 8. In the coming four months, priority will be given to high-risk locations where dog attacks on passers-by and congregations of stray dogs have occurred, with a view to strengthening the capturing of unattended dogs. These operations have so far captured a total of 10 unattended dogs. The AFCD will pursue the responsibilities of the keepers concerned and institute prosecutions based on the evidence obtained.
      
     Members of the public who wish to learn more about the proper control of dogs and how to be a responsible pet owner may visit the AFCD website (www.pets.gov.hk). read more

     Following is the speech by the Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr Christopher Hui, at the Annual Dinner of the Hong Kong Institute of Certified Public Accountants (HKICPA) today (October 26):

Stephen (President of the HKICPA, Mr Stephen Law), Past Presidents, fellow members, ladies and gentlemen,

     Good evening. It is my absolute pleasure to be here with you tonight at the HKICPA Annual Dinner. Every year when I join this gathering, I am delighted to see how united our accounting community is in Hong Kong. Seeing both familiar and new faces here tonight shows that fresh talent continues to join and strengthen our profession.

     Tonight, as we gather to celebrate the achievements of the Institute and our community, we do so under a theme that is both timely and deeply meaningful: “A Profession with Purpose.”

     When people think of accounting, the immediate association is often precision, numbers, technical standards, and balance sheets. While those elements are indispensable, they only capture a fraction of what you do. What truly defines the accounting profession is not merely the mechanics of the work, but the purpose behind it. Every audit performed, every advisory role fulfilled, and every financial standard upheld contributes to something far greater: public trust, corporate governance, and economic stability. As certified public accountants, your true purpose is to act as guardians of integrity, ensuring that businesses can expand with confidence and that global investors can deploy capital with clarity.

     The accounting profession serves as the essential infrastructure of our market economy and the lingua franca of the global business community. As such, its robust development is vital to Hong Kong’s future as an international financial centre. Supported by world-class professional and regulatory standards, our accountancy sector is a major pillar supporting logistics and other key sectors in Hong Kong and the broader Greater Bay Area.

     As the statutory professional body of Hong Kong’s accounting sector, the HKICPA plays a vital and foundational role under the regulatory regime. From conducting qualification examinations and setting professional standards to establishing requirements and delivering continuous professional development training, the Institute’s rich experience and extensive network remain essential in our shared journey toward a sustainable and forward-looking profession. The Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau maintains close, collaborative ties with the HKICPA to formulate policies that support and elevate the sector.

     Against this backdrop, allow me to highlight three areas where the HKICPA and the accounting profession are making a tangible contribution to Hong Kong’s development.

     First, in supporting national development and facilitating Mainland enterprises in going global. Under the “one country, two systems” framework, Hong Kong will continue to thrive as a two-way platform with our “super connector” and “super value-adder” role. Our national policy is to encourage Mainland enterprises to go global. Many Mainland enterprises are using Hong Kong as their springboard to go global, drawing on the city’s strengths in capital raising, professional services and talent. To support their overseas operations, they need a comprehensive range of financial and professional services spanning trade finance, tax advisory and ESG (environmental, social and governance) consulting. In February 2025, the HKICPA launched a list of Hong Kong accounting firms with expertise in supporting Mainland enterprises to go global. The list now features more than 90 firms with knowledge of diverse overseas markets and the associated accounting and tax regulatory requirements. By leveraging deep expertise in overseas regulations and tax frameworks, our accountants enable Mainland enterprises to scale globally, serving national development with Hong Kong’s distinct strength.

     Second, in powering our innovation economy. The HKSAR (Hong Kong Special Administrative Region) Government is investing heavily in artificial intelligence, fintech, and advanced manufacturing to position Hong Kong as a leading hub for innovation, commercialisation, and talent attraction. Accountants can play a vital role in enabling and scaling up these technologies for economic growth. In this regard, I commend the HKICPA for regularly organising workshops and training programs that equip our professional accountants with the practical insights needed to embrace artificial intelligence effectively in their daily practice.

     Third, in advancing green and sustainable finance. As corporations and investors increasingly prioritise ESG solutions, Hong Kong is accelerating its transition to full adoption of the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) – Sustainability Disclosure Standards (ISSB Standards) no later than 2028. We are particularly proud that the HKICPA was officially appointed as an ISSB Training Partner by the IFRS Foundation in June 2026. This partnership underscores the Institute’s leadership in equipping our professionals with cutting-edge sustainability expertise.

     As our economy grows and technology advances, new specialisations are emerging at the intersection of accounting, technology, and sustainability. Coupled with a steady demand for high-quality professional services, there are abundant, rewarding career opportunities for newly qualified accountants and young talent entering the field. The accounting sector forms a critical pillar supporting our financial markets, powered by over 48 000 accounting professionals who fuel the growth of our financial services industry. The HKSAR Government remains fully committed to supporting the sustainable, long-term development of this important talent pool.

     Ladies and gentlemen, a profession driven by purpose is a profession that shapes the future. As we look ahead, I am confident that the HKICPA and our entire accounting community will continue to lead with integrity, adapt with agility, and champion excellence. Thank you once again for your immense contributions to Hong Kong, and I wish you all a wonderful and memorable evening.

     Thank you.    read more

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

     The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) has received a large number of enquiries from the public regarding a fraudulent e-HKD loan scheme purported to be related to the HKMA. It deceives the public into signing agreements and falsely claims that the loans will be converted into digital Hong Kong dollar assets.
      
     The HKMA wishes to clarify that the aforementioned fraudulent agreement and loan scheme have no connection with the HKMA. The HKMA stresses that it will not contact individual members of the public or request fund transfers regarding any personal financial matters.
      
     The HKMA reiterates that all participating firms of the e-HKD Pilot Programme and other sandbox programmes under the HKMA will not solicit funding from the public, or offer any wealth or investment products associated with these programmes.
      
     If in doubt, please visit the HKMA’s official website at www.hkma.gov.hk for enquiries.
      
     The HKMA has reported the cases to the Hong Kong Police Force. Members of the public who have provided their personal information to the website or mobile application, or suspect that they have become victims of fraudulent acts should contact the Police or the Crime Wing Information Centre of the Hong Kong Police Force at 2860 5012. read more