The Government published the Chinese Permanent Cemeteries (Amendment) Rules 2025 in the Gazette today (May 30).
      
     The Amendment Rules mainly allow the Board of Management of the Chinese Permanent Cemeteries (BMCPC) to implement arrangements for extendable niches, where the initial interment period is 20 years, which upon expiry may be extended every 10 years thereafter. The Amendment Rules also allow the BMCPC to develop a new facility: Family Gardens for Ashes, set fees relevant to the operation of the BMCPC, and introduce other technical amendments relevant to the operations of its cemeteries.
      
     A spokesperson for the Home and Youth Affairs Bureau said, "The amendments aim to optimise the BMCPC's management of the Chinese Permanent Cemeteries and the related arrangements. Implementation of the extendable niches arrangement will contribute to the circulation of niches and hence be conducive to meeting the growing public demand for niches in the long term. Separately, the development of Family Gardens for Ashes will allow the BMCPC to optimise the use of idle grave spaces in less accessible locations, thereby further enriching the options on cemetery services that it provides."
      
     The Amendment Rules will be tabled at the Legislative Council for negative vetting on June 4 and will commence on August 1. 

     The Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr Christopher Hui, met with Canadian financial officials in Ottawa, Canada on May 28 (Ottawa time) and continued his visit to Vancouver on May 29 (Vancouver time).

     Mr Hui went to Ottawa on May 28 (Ottawa time) to meet with the Canadian Deputy Minister of Finance, Mr Chris Forbes. They discussed the challenges posed by unilateralism and protectionism, and how Hong Kong and Canada could collaborate to achieve mutual benefits in areas such as the gold market and virtual assets. Mr Hui told Mr Forbes that as the global economic gravity continues to shift eastwards, Hong Kong has been exploring new growth areas and expanding international co-operation, including the development of international gold trading currently pursued by the working group on promoting gold market development.

     At his meeting with the Superintendent of Financial Institutions, Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (OSFI), Mr Peter Routledge, in the morning, Mr Hui shared with him Hong Kong's perseverance in upholding a robust regulatory regime across different financial institutions and financial products to secure global confidence in Hong Kong's high-quality and highly efficient financial market. The OSFI is the Canadian regulator of banks, and also supervises insurance companies, trust companies, loan companies and pension plans. Mr Routledge praised Hong Kong for its advanced development in digital assets that sets an example for other regions.
 
     Mr Hui then met with Senator Mr Woo Yuen-pau at the Parliament Hill. He briefed Mr Woo on Hong Kong's effort in maintaining its status as an international financial centre through various measures. He mentioned the recent affirmations of Hong Kong's credit ratings by Fitch, S&P and Moody's, all with "stable" outlooks. These affirmations fully demonstrate Hong Kong's resilience in maintaining stability amid increasing global economic and financial uncertainties. In addition, both S&P and Moody's provided positive evaluations of Hong Kong's credit profile, including its substantial fiscal buffers and foreign exchange reserves, a strong external balance sheet, and high per-capita income levels. Mr Hui said, with its effective policy framework and solid financial market built over the years, Hong Kong is definitely a trusted partner for Canada at a time when the global political and economic landscape is fraught with uncertainties. 

     During his short stay in Ottawa, Mr Hui also paid a courtesy call to the Chinese Ambassador to Canada, Mr Wang Di. Mr Wang said that Hong Kong has its own distinctive advantages which can enable the city to be a bridgehead in driving closer ties between the nation and Canada while fostering co-operation between Hong Kong and Canada.
 
     On May 29 (Vancouver time), Mr Hui started his visit to Vancouver where he met with Mr Mark Scott who is the Board Chair of Fraser Institute, the most influential think-tank in Canada, and some other prominent business figures to update them of Hong Kong's latest financial development. The Director, Head (Policy Research) of the Financial Services Development Council, Dr Rocky Tung, also joined the meeting. Mr Hui welcomed that Hong Kong was ranked as the world's freest economies among 165 economies in Fraser Institute's Economic Freedom of the World 2024 Annual Report. Among the five areas of assessment, Hong Kong topped in the areas of "Freedom to trade internationally" and "Regulation", and came third in "Sound money". Looking ahead, Hong Kong will continue to undertake a series of initiatives covering areas in which it has competitive edges, including stocks, bonds, and asset and wealth management, as well as emerging opportunities such as green and sustainable finance and the development of Web3, with a view to keeping the momentum to boost the high-quality development of Hong Kong's financial market.

     Around noon, Mr Hui spoke at a business luncheon hosted by the Hong Kong-Canada Business Association (Vancouver Chapter) at the invitation of its Co-President, Mr Adrian Wan. He also joined a fireside chat to enlighten attendees on the latest financial developments in Hong Kong. When touching on the development of gold and commodity markets, Mr Hui said that in merely four months' time after Hong Kong was included within the London Metal Exchange's global warehousing network in January this year, seven approved warehouses have been approved for establishment to serve global base metals traders and related enterprises. Given the shared interests and commonalities of Canada and Hong Kong, the two places have great potential to co-operate in various financial areas.

     Later the day, Mr Hui visited the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC) and met its Vice-Chair, Managing Director and Head of Equity, Solutions Group and Global Markets, Mr Ryan Fan, and Vice President of Retail Asian Banking and Vancouver Lower Mainland Imperial Service, Mr Alex Fan, and introduced to them the latest development in areas such as wealth management and digital assets in Hong Kong. The CIBC is a leading financial institution in North America and has already extended itsbanking and wealth management business to Hong Kong.

     The day concluded with a business networking reception and seminar "Hong Kong Night" organised by Invest Hong Kong (Canada). Addressing the audience, Mr Hui highlighted the Government's dedication to integrating real economy and Web3 innovations by introducing a licensing regime for fiat-referenced stablecoins issuers in Hong Kong and fostering the development of Web3 and digital assets at high velocity while maintaining a risk-controlled and prudent approach through a robust and balanced regulatory framework.

     He also brought to the audiences' attention Hong Kong's determination to expand the financial value chain to sustain the world-class status of the city's financial markets. Two of the forward-looking moves are to build an international gold trading market and create a commodity trading ecosystem in Hong Kong.

     He said with Canada's prominent position in the global gold market and the Toronto Stock Exchange being the world's pre-eminent stock exchange for mining companies, it is promising to see room for co-operation between Hong Kong and Canada, making it the East-West financial corridor for the world.

     Mr Hui will speak at the Web Summit Vancouver on May 30 (Vancouver time).

                    

     Following is the speech by the Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, at the Signing Ceremony of the Convention on the Establishment of the International Organization for Mediation (IOMed) today (May 30):
      
Honourable Minister Wang Yi (Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Minister of Foreign Affairs), Your Excellencies, ministers and officials from around the world, honourable representatives of international organisations, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
      
     Good morning. I am delighted to join you on this historic occasion: to celebrate with you the signing of the Convention on the Establishment of the International Organization for Mediation.
      
     Gathered here today, in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China, are high-level representatives of over 80 countries from Asia, Africa, Latin America and Europe; and from the United Nations and about 20 international organisations. A very warm welcome to Hong Kong!
      
     It is a privilege for us to host this signing ceremony, and to serve as the IOMed headquarters, once the Convention enters into force.
      
     This singular occasion is made possible by the ongoing and dedicated efforts of China, our country, in working with around 20 states, since late 2022, to establish an intergovernmental organisation devoted to mediation. After five rounds of intensive negotiation since 2023, co-ordinated by the IOMed Preparatory Office, the negotiating states concluded the very Convention signed today.
      
     The IOMed will become the world's first intergovernmental international legal organisation dedicated to resolving international disputes through mediation. It also reflects our shared confidence in mediation as a peaceful means to maintain international peace and security, as stipulated in the Charter of the United Nations.
      
     The IOMed will provide a pathway for countries – regardless of culture, language and legal system – to resolve international disputes based on mutual respect and understanding. This is increasingly important amid mounting geopolitical tensions. When protectionism threatens to derail the international trade order, and when unilateralism looms over global supply chains, it is dialogue – not division – that restores balance.
      
     China has long championed equity and unity. The Chinese virtue of "和而ä¸�å�Œ", meaning "harmony in diversity", is deeply rooted in our community and culture. This value of mutual respect in spite of differences also sits at the heart of mediation, the IOMed, and a world that seeks co-operation over conflict.
      
     Despite geopolitical turbulence, Hong Kong builds bridges, not walls. Under our unique "one country, two systems" principle, Hong Kong is the only world city that enjoys both the China advantage and the global advantage. With the support of the National 14th Five-Year Plan, Hong Kong has risen as an international legal and dispute resolution services centre in the Asia-Pacific region.
      
     We are the only common law jurisdiction in China, and the only jurisdiction in the world with a bilingual common law system in both Chinese and English. We have a long tradition of the rule of law, and our courts exercise their judicial power independently. Hong Kong's Court of Final Appeal, which is vested with the power of final adjudication, has on its bench eminent jurists from both Hong Kong and overseas common law jurisdictions.
      
     Our robust, efficient and well-respected legal system is supported by world-class legal and dispute resolution professionals. Often bilingual or even multilingual, they are well-versed in international rules and practices, and help to position Hong Kong as a preferred venue for dispute resolution.
      
     In this year's International Arbitration Survey, Hong Kong is the most preferred seat of arbitration in the Asia-Pacific region, and shares second place globally with another jurisdiction. Our economy also came first in "business legislation" and "international trade" in the World Competitiveness Yearbook. In the latest Business Ready Report published by the World Bank Group, Hong Kong ranks eighth in "dispute resolution" among the 50 economies covered.
      
     All this underscores Hong Kong's effectiveness as a "super connector" and "super value-adder" among many economies. We contribute to cross-border investment and economic activity through our top-notch professional services. Our "one country, two systems" advantages make us well-placed to be the headquarters of the important institution of the IOMed.
      
     The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government is devoted to supporting the IOMed's provision of friendly, flexible, economical and efficient mediation services. We actively promote a vibrant culture of mediation. In fact, it is a general policy to incorporate a mediation clause in all government contracts. We are also enhancing the system on local accreditation and disciplinary matters of the mediation profession.
      
     And we go all out to build bridges with the world. Hong Kong will actively promote the IOMed's valuable work in settling international disputes through mediation, and advocate mediation as a global tool for peace and justice across borders.
      
     Ladies and gentlemen, the establishment of the IOMed's headquarters in Hong Kong is a great honour for our city. The headquarters, as you may know, will be based in the building that once housed the Wan Chai Police Station, just a stone's throw away from here. Built in 1932, this iconic building has a long association with law and order in Hong Kong. From its prime downtown location, it has also witnessed the transformation of our city that has long treasured unity. In its new role as the IOMed headquarters, the building will play a vital part in the future of Hong Kong as a centre for international legal and dispute resolution services.
      
     We are working to complete the conversion of the building for its new mission. I'm happy to say that it could open its doors as early as the end of this year. We look forward not only to welcoming its new occupants, but also to supporting them in building new bridges for a more connected, peaceful and prosperous future through mediation.
      
     I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the Central Government for its staunch support of Hong Kong, allowing Hong Kong the honour of housing the IOMed headquarters here. My sincere gratitude also goes to the international community, for placing your trust and confidence in our city. Let's renew our commitment to peace, justice and the rule of law. Let's cultivate a mediation culture together. Let's build a strong IOMed for a global community of shared future founded on peace and prosperity. Please enjoy the day and enjoy Hong Kong. Thank you.

     Police today (May 30) appealed to the public for information on a man who went missing in Wong Tai Sin.

     Li Yiu-ming, aged 65, went missing after he left his residence in Ching Hong House, Tsz Ching Estate on May 28 afternoon. His family made a report to Police yesterday (May 29).

     He is about 1.67 metres tall, around 75 kilograms in weight and of medium build. He has a round face with yellow complexion and short black hair. He was last seen wearing a black jacket, grey trousers and black sports shoes.

     Anyone who knows the whereabouts of the missing man or may have seen him is urged to contact the Regional Missing Persons Unit of Kowloon East on 3661 0316 or email to rmpu-ke-2@police.gov.hk, or contact any police station.

  

     The Education Bureau (EDB) reminded parents today (May 30) that the EDB will inform them of the results of the Central Allocation for Primary One Admission (POA) 2025 next Wednesday and Thursday (June 4 and 5).
 
Release of Central Allocation results
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    "A total of 19 489 children took part in the Primary One Central Allocation 2025. Among them, 15 538 children were allocated to schools of their first three choices," an EDB spokesman said.
 
     "Taking into account discretionary places and the number of children allocated to schools of their first three choices in the Central Allocation, the overall satisfaction rate is 90.0 per cent."

     The Central Allocation for POA is composed of two parts. Ten per cent of the places for the Central Allocation, which are not restricted by school nets, are under Part A and parents may choose up to three schools in any school net. The remaining 90 per cent of the places for the Central Allocation are under Part B and parents are required to select schools in the school net/Choice of Schools List in respect of the applicant child. Of the places allocated to children in the Central Allocation, 2 191 are under Part A and 17 298 are under Part B.

     Parents who completed the Choice of Schools Form for the Central Allocation on or before January 19 this year can obtain the allocation results by the following means:

     (i) Parents who have already activated their POA e-Platform (ePOA) account via "iAM Smart" or "iAM Smart+" (www.iamsmart.gov.hk/en/reg.html) can check the Central Allocation results through the ePOA from 10am on June 4;

     (ii) Parents who have provided a mobile phone number on the Choice of Schools Form and indicated their consent to receive the allocation results via the mobile phone number will also receive the Central Allocation results via SMS on June 4; and

     (iii) Parents will also receive the Primary One Registration Form with the Central Allocation results, which will be delivered on June 4 and 5 through the Local CourierPost service provided by Hongkong Post. If door delivery by Hongkong Post fails, a Mail Collection Notification Card will be left for parents to collect it from the designated post office starting from the afternoon of the following working day. If parents have not received the mail concerned or the Mail Collection Notification Card issued by Hongkong Post by June 6, they could collect the Primary One Registration Form at the designated collection centre on June 7 or 8. Please refer to the EDB's POA System webpage (www.edb.gov.hk/en/edu-system/primary-secondary/spa-systems/primary-1-admission/index.html) for details then.

     Please refer to the related videos and Parents' Guide on the EDB's Primary One Application e-Platform webpage (www.edb.gov.hk/en/edu-system/primary-secondary/spa-systems/primary-1-admission/poa_eplatform/index.html) for details of the procedures for activating and logging into an ePOA account and for checking allocation results via the e-Platform.     
      
Registration of pupils
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     Parents are required to register their child with the school allocated on June 10 (Tuesday) or June 11 (Wednesday) during school hours.
 
     The spokesman reminded that parents who cannot register their child with the school on the above dates due to matters of grave importance should notify the person in charge of registration of the school allocated in advance to make alternative arrangements. Otherwise, they would be deemed to have given up the school place allocated.
  
Arrangements for special circumstances
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     Should parents decide to give up the place allocated because of special circumstances, such as moving to another district far from the school allocated, they should not register their child with the school allocated. Under such circumstances, they are advised to go to the EDB's School Places Allocation Section, Podium Floor, West Block, Education Bureau Kowloon Tong Education Services Centre, 19 Suffolk Road, Kowloon Tong, Kowloon, to make necessary arrangements for transfer. They should bring along the Primary One Registration Form, the original and copies of documents showing proof of the new address (such as a rental contract, rates demand notes, or water or electricity bills bearing the name of the parent or the guardian of the child).
 
     Any parent who finds it necessary to transfer his/her child to another school after registration is strongly advised to obtain an assurance of acceptance from that school before retrieving the Primary One Registration Form from the original school because retrieval of the registration form means cancellation of the allocated school place.
 
     In case of inclement weather or other special circumstances during the period for the announcement of results or on any day(s) designated for registration, parents should pay attention to announcements on radio and television for special arrangements for the Central Allocation or registration.
 
Enquiries
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     Parents wishing to obtain general information regarding POA procedures can call the EDB's 24-hour automatic telephone enquiry service at 2891 0088. Further enquiries can be made to the EDB's School Places Allocation Section at 2832 7610 (for Hong Kong Island and Islands), 2832 7620 (for Kowloon), 2832 7635 (for New Territories West), 2832 7659 (for New Territories East) and 2832 7700/2832 7740 (for general enquiries) during office hours, as well as from 9am to 4.30pm on June 7 (Saturday) and June 8 (Sunday).