Tag Archives: China

     Hong Kong Customs detected a drug trafficking case involving incoming air passengers at Hong Kong International Airport today (October 23) and seized about 5.4 kilograms of suspected cannabis buds with an estimated market value of about $1.1 million.

     A 58-year-old Mainland male passenger arrived in Hong Kong from Phu Quoc, Vietnam, today. During customs clearance, Customs officers found the batch of suspected cannabis buds from his carry-on suitcase. The man was then arrested. After investigations, Customs officers arrested a 36-year-old Mainland male passenger who arrived in Hong Kong from Bangkok, Thailand, today and was suspected to be connected with the case.

     The two arrested men have been jointly charged with one count of trafficking in a dangerous drug. The case will be brought up at the West Kowloon Magistrates’ Courts tomorrow (October 24).

     Customs will continue to step up enforcement against drug trafficking activities through intelligence analysis. The department also reminds members of the public to stay alert and not to participate in drug trafficking activities for monetary return. They must not accept hiring or delegation from another party to carry controlled items into and out of Hong Kong. They are also reminded not to carry unknown items for other people.

     Customs will continue to apply a risk assessment approach and focus on selecting passengers from high-risk regions for clearance to combat transnational drug trafficking activities.

     Under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, trafficking in a dangerous drug is a serious offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $5 million and life imprisonment.

     Members of the public may report any suspected drug trafficking activities to Customs’ 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002).

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     Following is the speech by the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki, at the 10th Anniversary Retitling Banquet of the Education University of Hong Kong (EdUHK) today (October 23):

尊敬的王劍參贊 (Director-General of the International Department of the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Mr Wang Jian), Dr David Wong (Chairman of the Council of EdUHK), Professor John Lee (President of EdUHK), faculty, staff, students and alumni of the EdUHK, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

     Good evening. It is a great honour to be here with you tonight at this landmark celebration. This evening, we are proud to mark the 10th anniversary of the EdUHK’s retitling.

     Much more than just a name change, the school’s retitling was a big step forward. It opened a bright new chapter for this University and for Hong Kong.

     Over the past decade, the EdUHK has evolved into a dynamic, education-focused university with a diversity of academic strengths. It has earned worldwide recognition in many ways.

     This year, the QS World University Rankings by Subject ranked EdU seventh in the world and second in Asia. And in the 2026 Times Higher Education Sustainability Impact Ratings, EdU placed second in Quality Education, one of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.

     When it comes to talent, EdU is showing the way. This year, 73 EdU scholars were named among the World’s Top 2% Scientists, a ranking compiled by Stanford University. Since 2018, EdU researchers have won 265 awards at major international invention exhibitions.

     These achievements show that EdU leads in quality education, while highlighting its growing impact in sustainable development and academic excellence.

     I am also delighted to hear that nearly 50 EdU student athletes and alumni took part in the recent Asian Games. They won 15 medals – two gold and three silver. They helped Hong Kong win a record number of medals at the Asian Games.

     Ladies and gentlemen, the National 15th Five-Year Plan, launched earlier this year, supports Hong Kong in better integrating into, and serving, the nation’s overall development.

     And Hong Kong’s First Five-Year Plan, launched last month, puts a priority on the integrated development of education, technology and talent.

     EdU’s development strategy is built on “Education Futures, Diverse Talents”. It draws on its traditional strengths, while equipping students with a wide range of skills. I am pleased to say this matches the Government’s long-term vision perfectly.

     EdU is Hong Kong’s leading university for teacher education and lifelong learning, and it is expanding its academic offerings, adding programmes covering psychology, data science, sociology, sports science, new media and other disciplines. All 13 of its Bachelor of Education programmes are now double-degree programmes, giving students – tomorrow’s teachers – broader learning opportunities.

     The Government is just as committed to creating opportunities. We want Hong Kong to rise as an international education hub. And the Northern Metropolis University Town is our flagship initiative.

     The University Town, totalling some 1 000 hectares, will bring together education, technology and talent, driving integrated development among Government, academia, industries, research and investment sectors.

     Just as important, the University Town and the larger Northern Metropolis will greatly expand our connectivity with the Greater Bay Area.

     In this area, EdU is already moving ahead. This year, it set up the EdUHK Shenzhen Research Institute and the Shenzhen Educational Development Centre. As Dr Wong said a few minutes ago, this is “a historic milestone in EdU’s expansion into the Greater Bay Area”.

     EdU’s first decade as a university has built a strong foundation – for its students and teachers, for Hong Kong and our future as an international education hub. I am confident it will create lasting value here in Hong Kong, across the country and around the world.

     Once again, a happy 10th anniversary to the EdUHK, and to everyone who has played a part in its remarkable decade of progress. Thank you.

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     The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (October 23) recorded a severe case of paediatric influenza infection. The CHP urged the public not to underestimate the seasonal influenza and to receive vaccinations as early as possible, especially those in high-risk groups, to protect their own health and that of their families. In addition, the public should maintain good personal and environmental hygiene at all times to prevent influenza and other respiratory illnesses.

     The case involves a 3-year-old boy with underlying health conditions. He developed a fever and cough on October 20. He experienced mild shortness of breath the next day and was taken to a private clinic for treatment. On October 22, his condition worsened, and he was brought to the Accident and Emergency Department of Tuen Mun Hospital. He briefly lost consciousness, but was resuscitated and was admitted to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU). His respiratory specimen tested positive for influenza A (H1) virus. The clinical diagnosis was influenza A infection complicated with asthma exacerbation, acute necrotising encephalopathy and septic shock. The patient remains hospitalised and is in critical condition.
 
     The CHP’s preliminary investigation revealed that the boy travelled to the United States during the incubation period and had not received the 2026/27 Seasonal Influenza Vaccination (SIV). One of his close contacts recently developed mild upper respiratory symptoms that did not require hospitalisation and has recovered. The CHP will continue to investigate the case.

     “Hong Kong entered the influenza season in late June this year and the influenza season has lasted for nearly four months by now. Currently, local influenza activity remains at a high level. Over the past four weeks (from September 20 to October 17), the percentage of respiratory specimens testing positive for seasonal influenza viruses remained between 10.04 to 11.61 per cent. During the same period, the influenza admission rate in public hospitals also remained between 0.46 and 0.67 cases per 10 000 population. Both indicators were above the respective baseline thresholds of 4.94 per cent and 0.27 cases per 10 000 population. A cumulative total of 26 cases of severe paediatric influenza infection have been recorded in the current influenza season. Among these cases, 20 patients have recovered and been discharged from hospital, two are in serious condition, two are in critical condition, and two have passed away,” said the Controller of the CHP, Dr Edwin Tsui.
　　
     “Vaccine effectiveness begins to wane approximately nine months after vaccination. Therefore, the World Health Organization recommends receiving SIV every year. For most people, more than nine months have passed since they received last season’s (2025/26) SIV. Hence, a decline in protection is inevitable. A decline in the overall population’s herd immunity, coupled with the fact that the current influenza season has persisted at high levels for an extended period, has increased the likelihood of infection and severe complications among high-risk groups. Receiving SIV is the most effective way to prevent severe cases of seasonal influenza and its complications. SIV also reduces the risk of hospitalisation and death. The CHP’s analysis of data from the previous year revealed that the rate of severe complications or death among unvaccinated children following influenza infection was approximately five times higher than that among vaccinated children. Among unvaccinated residents aged 65 years or older living in residential care homes for the elderly, the rate of severe complications was approximately four times higher than that among vaccinated residents. Therefore, all people aged 6 months or above, except those with known contraindications, should receive SIV for personal protection as early as possible,” he added.
      
     The 2026/27 SIV programmes, including the SIV School Outreach Programme (SIVSOP), commenced on September 17. The SIVSOP this year has introduced a new Electronic Consent Form (e-consent form) feature via eHealth. This new measure not only enables the public to join the SIV Programmes but also streamlines the administrative procedures for healthcare service providers and schools, so that SIV outreach activities can start as early as possible. About 1 000 schools have organised SIV outreach activities. SIV outreach activities are expected to be completed by mid-December, about two weeks earlier than last year.

     The health condition of children with influenza can deteriorate rapidly. Parents must pay close attention to their condition and visit an accident and emergency department immediately if the child’s condition deteriorates with symptoms such as shortness of breath, wheezing, blue lips, chest pain, confusion, a persistent fever or convulsions. Members of the public should seek medical attention as soon as possible if they develop respiratory symptoms. If they live with members of high-risk groups, such as children, the elderly and those with underlying illnesses or compromised immune systems, they should wear a surgical mask at home to reduce the risk of infecting them. Other effective ways to reduce the spread of the disease include maintaining household hygiene, frequently cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces, practising good hand hygiene, and ensuring proper indoor air circulation.

     Members of the public may refer to the CHP’s COVID-19 & Flu Express, Seasonal Influenza Webpage and Vaccination Schemes for the latest information. read more

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:
     
     ​The opening ceremony of the Tuen Mun Hospital Neuroscience Centre (the Centre) was held today (October 23). The Centre introduces multidisciplinary, efficient and innovative integrated treatment and rehabilitation services for patients suffering from neurological diseases.
      
     The Secretary for Health, Professor Lo Chung-mau, accompanied by the Hospital Authority (HA) Chairman, Mr Henry Fan; the HA Chief Executive, Dr Libby Lee; and the New Territories West Cluster Chief Executive, Dr Deacons Yeung, visited the Centre and learned about the Centre’s operations and latest developments. They also met with a patient who received Magnetic Resonance-guided Focused Ultrasound (MRgFUS) treatment at the Centre to understand his treatment and rehabilitation progress.
      
     Professor Lo said, “The Chief Executive’s 2022 Policy Address proposed the establishment of the Tuen Mun Hospital Neuroscience Centre, with phased services commencing from the end of 2024. Through proactive cross-specialty collaboration and service integration, alongside the introduction of advanced technologies, the Centre brings hope to patients suffering from acute stroke and dyskinesia. Looking forward, I expect the Centre to engage more specialties and expand its core services to provide more comprehensive care for patients.”
      
     The Centre provides one-stop, safe and efficient integrated neuromedicine services, introducing Hong Kong’s first MRgFUS and Intraoperative Magnetic Resonance Imaging services. These advancements offer more advanced treatment options and enhance outcomes for patients with neurological diseases. The Centre adopts the “Programme Floor” concept, integrating advanced technology operating theatres, wards, and day services on the same floor to facilitate multidisciplinary team collaboration and provide convenience to patients by saving their time required to visit multiple departments.
      
     Mr Fan stated that the “Programme Floor” approach implemented in the Tuen Mun Hospital Neuroscience Centre enabled multidisciplinary teams to provide one-stop and continuous care to patients with neurological diseases. The HA has introduced various advanced technologies in the Centre, which best demonstrate the patient-centric approach. The HA will continue to devote resources to promoting the development of neuroscience and to provide better healthcare services to the public.
      
     The Centre is planning to establish an Integrated Rehabilitation Centre to ensure patients receive multidisciplinary support from the acute phase of the disease to rehabilitation training, enhancing their ability in self-care and enabling faster community reintegration. In addition to upgrading facilities and optimising services, the Centre will actively advance scientific research collaboration with institutions, aiming to bring more innovative and effective treatments to patients with neurological diseases.

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     The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) today (October 23) released the third batch of gravidtrap indexes and density indexes for Aedes albopictus in October, covering 28 survey areas, as follows: 
 

District	Survey Area	October 2026
		First Phase Gravidtrap Index	First Phase Density Index
Southern	Aberdeen and Ap Lei Chau	3.6%	1.0
	Pok Fu Lam	0.0%	N/A
Islands	Cheung Chau	0.0%	N/A
Kowloon City	Kowloon City	0.0%	N/A
	Kowloon Tong	8.5%	1.0
Kwun Tong	Kowloon Bay	7.3%	1.0
Yau Tsim	Tsim Sha Tsui East and King’s Park	0.0%	N/A
Sai Kung	Sai Kung Town	1.9%	1.0
Kwai Tsing	Kwai Chung East	0.0%	N/A
	Lai King	15.1%	1.1
	Tsing Yi South	3.4%	1.0
Tsuen Wan	Tsuen Wan Town	8.6%	1.4
	Tsuen Wan West	1.9%	1.0
Tuen Mun	So Kwun Wat	1.8%	1.0
Yuen Long	Hung Shui Kiu and Ping Shan	0.0%	N/A
	Tin Shui Wai	12.0%	1.0

 

District	Survey Area	October 2026
		Area Gravidtrap Index	Area Density Index
Islands	Tung Chung	0.0%	N/A
Kowloon City	Ho Man Tin	4.5%	1.0
	Hung Hom and To Kwa Wan	2.7%	1.0
	Kai Tak	3.1%	1.0
Sham Shui Po	Lai Chi Kok	0.0%	N/A
Wong Tai Sin	Wong Tai Sin West	0.0%	N/A
Sai Kung	Tseung Kwan O East	0.9%	1.0
	Tseung Kwan O West	0.9%	1.0
Sha Tin	Sha Tin Town Centre and Fo Tan	4.7%	1.0
Tai Po	Tai Po East	2.0%	1.0
Kwai Tsing	Tsing Yi North	0.8%	1.0
Tuen Mun	Tuen Mun West	2.0%	1.0

     The FEHD continues to carry out a series of mosquito prevention and elimination measures, including: 

• interdepartmental collaboration: convening special meetings of the interdepartmental task forces on anti-mosquito work to co-ordinate relevant departments and stakeholders (such as construction site contractors, schools and property management companies) in strengthening mosquito control work at venues; 
• precise risk assessments: carrying out intensive and targeted mosquito control work at locations with more serious mosquito infestations, including stepping up inspections, eliminating mosquito breeding and potential breeding grounds, applying larvicides, conducting fogging operations to eradicate adult mosquitoes, and placing mosquito trapping devices at appropriate locations; 
• promotion and education: organising exhibitions with relevant departments and stakeholders, and distributing leaflets and posters to enhance public awareness of mosquito control and prevention; and 
• rapid alert mechanism: notifying residential estates that have subscribed to the gravidtrap Rapid Alert System, and advising property management companies and residents to stay vigilant and work together in taking mosquito prevention and elimination measures. 

     During the follow-up actions and following the discovery of stagnant water or stagnant water containers at a public housing estate in Kwai Tsing District and a park in Yuen Long District, the FEHD has issued three statutory notices to the responsible persons-in-charge, requiring the clearance of such items within a specified timeframe. 

     Public participation is crucial to the effective control of mosquito problems. The FEHD appeals to members of the public to continue to work together in strengthening personal mosquito control measures, including: 

• tidying up their premises and checking for any accumulation of water inside the premises; 
• removing all unnecessary water collections and eliminating the sources; 
• checking household items (those placed in outdoor and open areas in particular), such as refuse containers, vases, air conditioner drip trays, and laundry racks to prevent stagnant water; 
• changing water in flower vases and scrubbing their inner surfaces thoroughly, and removing water in saucers under potted plants at least once a week; 
• properly covering all containers that hold water to prevent mosquitoes from accessing the water; 
• properly disposing of articles that can contain water, such as disposable meal boxes and empty cans; and 
• scrubbing drains and surface sewers with alkaline detergent at least once a week to remove any mosquito eggs.

     Starting in August 2025, following the completion of the surveillance of individual survey areas, and once the latest gravidtrap index and the density index are available, the FEHD has been disseminating relevant information through press releases, its website and social media. It aims to allow members of the public to quickly grasp the mosquito infestation situation and strengthen mosquito control efforts, thereby reducing the risk of chikungunya fever (CF) transmission. 

     ​Following recommendations from the World Health Organization and taking into account the local situation in Hong Kong, the FEHD sets up gravidtraps in districts where mosquito-borne diseases have been recorded in the past, as well as in densely populated places such as housing estates, hospitals and schools to monitor the breeding and distribution of Aedes albopictus mosquitoes, which can transmit CF and dengue fever. At present, the FEHD has set up gravidtraps in 62 survey areas of the community, with a surveillance period of two weeks. During the surveillance period, the FEHD will collect the gravidtraps once a week. After the first week of surveillance, the FEHD will immediately examine the glue boards inside the retrieved gravidtraps for the presence of adult Aedine mosquitoes to compile the Gravidtrap Index (First Phase) and Density Index (First Phase). At the end of the second week of surveillance, the FEHD will instantly check the glue boards for the presence of adult Aedine mosquitoes. Data from the two weeks of surveillance will be combined to obtain the Area Gravidtrap Index and the Area Density Index. The Gravidtrap and Density indexes for Aedes albopictus in different survey areas, as well as information on mosquito prevention and control measures, are available on the department’s webpage (www.fehd.gov.hk/english/pestcontrol/dengue_fever/Dengue_Fever_Gravidtrap_Index_Update.html#). read more