The following is issued on behalf of the Office of The Ombudsman:
 
     The Ombudsman, Mr Jack Chan, led a delegation on a visit to Morocco early this week, and the visit concluded today (May 16).
           
     During his stay in Morocco, Mr Chan attended the annual Board Meeting of the International Ombudsman Institute (IOI) as Chairman of the IOI's Standing By-laws Committee and member of the United Nations and International Cooperation Working Group and exchanged views and ideas with representatives of other countries and regions. The Board Meeting of IOI involved participation from around 20 countries and regions among which were the United States of America, Canada, the Netherlands, Mexico, South Africa, Korea and Thailand.
           
     The Office's delegation also met with the Mediator of the Kingdom of Morocco, Mr Hassan Tariq, and the President of the National Authority for Integrity, Prevention and Fight Against Corruption, Mr Mohamed Benalilou, and visited the Mediator's regional office.
           
     Throughout the visit, Mr Chan also shared with IOI Board Members and his many international counterparts the latest developments and opportunities in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, as well as presenting Hong Kong's important position of having strong support from the motherland and close connections to the world.

          

     The Director-General of the Office for Attracting Strategic Enterprises (OASES), Mr Peter Yan, today (May 16) concluded his visit to Hangzhou and Shanghai. It was a follow-up visit after multiple previous visits to Hangzhou and Shanghai earlier this year, and aimed to promote Hong Kong's latest developments and new opportunities in the innovation and technology industry and attract potential strategic enterprises to establish their presence in Hong Kong.
      
     During the visit to Hangzhou from May 13 to 15, Mr Yan engaged with several leading enterprises in AI and data science, and cultural and creative industries. Additionally, he met with representatives from the Hangzhou Science and Technology Bureau to explore collaborative opportunities. The discussions focused on how Hong Kong and the Yangtze River Delta region can leverage their respective strengths to fill gaps and capitalise on research opportunities, supported by global talent.
      
     Mr Yan stated, "Hangzhou, renowned for its dynamic technology ecosystem and advanced AI research and development capabilities, has emerged as a key innovation hub in China. The city's cultural and creative sector has experienced significant growth, particularly in the gaming industry, with recent successes like Black Myth: Wukong exemplifying its ability to fuse Chinese heritage with cutting-edge technology. We encourage more enterprises in the AI and cultural and creative industries to capitalise on Hong Kong's unique advantages to expand globally while fostering the vibrant growth of local AI and creative sectors."

     Mr Yan started his visit to Shanghai on the afternoon of May 15. He highlighted the city's role as a key economic hub and leader in life and health technology, driving innovation in pharmaceuticals and healthcare. He emphasised how Hong Kong's AI and data infrastructure could drive industry growth and foster cross-border collaboration.
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     Apart from life and health technology industry leaders, Mr Yan also met with leaders of cultural and creative and advanced manufacturing industries, holding strategic discussions with the Shanghai Municipal Commission of Science and Technology to enhance the innovation ecosystem and foster high-potential ventures.

     Mr Yan concluded his official visit to Shanghai this evening and returned to Hong Kong. The visit reinforced Hong Kong's role as a global innovation hub, fostering industry partnerships and cross-border collaboration to drive technological growth and economic development.

     The Protection of the Harbour (Amendment) Ordinance 2025 (the Amendment Ordinance) was gazetted and came into force today (May 16).

     The Amendment Ordinance received its third reading and was passed at the meeting of the Legislative Council last Wednesday. The Amendment Ordinance aims to amend the Protection of the Harbour Ordinance (Cap. 531) (the Ordinance), and seeks to, on one hand, set out a clearer mechanism to regulate reclamations in Victoria Harbour (the Harbour), in particular large-scale reclamations, for protecting the Harbour; and on the other hand, introduce a streamlined mechanism for small-scale reclamations which improve the functions and harbourfront of the Harbour as well as non-permanent reclamations in the Harbour, in order to facilitate and promote harbourfront enhancement for public enjoyment and to strengthen harbour functions.

     According to the amended Ordinance, harbour enhancement reclamations and harbour non-permanent reclamations meeting certain criteria and are in the public interest, may be granted with exemption from the "Presumption against Reclamation" (the Presumption) by the Financial Secretary under the streamlined mechanism to facilitate these works which could benefit the community.

     Other reclamations in the Harbour will still be subject to the stringent Presumption. To rebut the Presumption, it is not only necessary to consider the three considerations set out in earlier court judgment (which are now incorporated as part of the Ordinance), it is also obligatory to comply with the new statutory procedures, which include: to prepare an assessment on the "overriding public need" of the project, to publish the report for public comments and to submit the report and the comments received to the Chief Executive in Council for determination on whether the Presumption is rebutted.

     A spokesperson for the Development Bureau (DEVB) said, all along, if any government departments or other persons have proposals to carry out reclamations in the Harbour, they must first be considered and approved (if granted) by the Government in accordance with the Ordinance. The amended Ordinance will more effectively regulate the Government in exercising the power to pursue reclamations in the Harbour. On the other hand, the amendments of the Ordinance do not change the right of members of the public in applying for judicial review against the decision of the Administration.

     The spokesperson said, the Amendment Ordinance demonstrates the Government's commitment to protecting Victoria Harbour, and also provides a more solid legal basis for the long-term protection of the Harbour. Moreover, the Government will have greater flexibility in connecting the harbourfront and enhancing the harbour functions, which will promote the better use of harbourfront resources, and creating with the community a Victoria harbourfront that everyone could be proud of. The Government has reiterated that there is no plan to initiate large-scale harbour reclamations to form land for housing, commercial or industrial developments.

     With the amendments to the Ordinance coming into force, the DEVB and relevant departments are finalising the administrative guidelines, which will be completed and published within two months. During the consultation and examination of the legislative amendments, the Government received a number of suggestions on how to improve the harbourfront on both sides of the Harbour. The Government noted the views received. Subject to the availability of resources, the Government will exchange ideas with various sectors, with a view to leveraging the facilitations brought by the streamlined mechanism for taking forward more works that are conducive to the public's enjoyment of the Victoria harbourfront.

     Jointly organised by the Cyber Security and Technology Crime Bureau of the Hong Kong Police Force (HKPF) and the Digital Policy Office (DPO), the Cybersecurity & Diverse Innovation Symposium 2025 was held today (May 16) at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. The Symposium explored various topics, including the latest cybersecurity challenges, cross-sector collaboration, and innovation-driven defense strategies.

     Addressing the opening ceremony of the Symposium, the Commissioner of Police, Mr Chow Yat-ming, said that as digitisation of society is advancing continuously, cybersecurity has become an integral part of national security, social stability and economic development.

     He pointed out that cybersecurity has never been a task that can be accomplished by the Police alone, it requires the establishment of a truly diverse, open and resilient cybersecurity ecosystem.  Mr Chow added that he believes with collective efforts, Hong Kong will be able to defend against current cyber threats, as well as enhance safety and build trust through innovation and collaboration, enabling citizens to enjoy the conveniences of smart living with greater peace of mind.

     The Under Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Ms Lillian Cheong, emphasised that the Government will continue to organise large-scale cybersecurity attack and defence drills, along with a variety of activities and training programmes, to further bolster Hong Kong’s cybersecurity resilience. These efforts aim to provide a robust safeguard for the development of innovation and technology (I&T), as well as various trades and industries. Cybersecurity will serve as core driving force in advancing I&T and digital economy.

     The Symposium gathered over 30 speakers and guests, including experts and decision-makers from the Government, finance, telecommunications, public healthcare, I&T, and academia sectors, and was attended by more than 600 cybersecurity experts and industry leaders from different sectors.

     The Symposium included 11 keynote speeches and six panel discussions, covering a wide range of topics such as artificial intelligence governance, supply chain security, challenges in trusted platform deployment, and emerging cyber threats, demonstrating practical outcomes and outlook through cross-sector collaboration. The Symposium also discussed the opportunities and challenges encountered by Hong Kong in digital transformation and cybersecurity from multiple angles, as well as strategies to balance technological innovation with cybersecurity resilience.

     Professionals from various sectors also established connections and shared practical experiences through different activities, further facilitating the integration of resources and collaborative innovation.

     The HKPF and the DPO reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen collaboration with various stakeholders, fostering a sustainable, forward-thinking, and resilient cybersecurity framework across the community, and laying the foundation for Hong Kong to become an innovative and secure international digital city.

          

     The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) today (May 16) is investigating a probable case of botulism involving a patient who received injections of botulinum toxin on the Mainland. The CHP reminded the public that botulinum toxin injections should only be prescribed and performed by registered doctors.
 
     The case involves a female patient aged 51 with underlying illness. According to the patient, she received injections purporting to be botulinum toxin on the Mainland on May 8. However, the patient was unable to confirm the professional qualifications of the person who performed the injections. She presented with symptoms including ptosis, double vision and blurred vision since May 9, and difficulty in swallowing and breathing, slurred speech and limbs weakness since May 13. She attended North Lantau Hospital on May 14 and was transferred to Princess Margaret Hospital for treatment on May 15. She is currently in stable condition and was clinically suspected to have botulism caused by botulinum toxin injection.
 
     The CHP has reported the case to the relevant authority on the Mainland. Epidemiological investigations are ongoing.
 
    In Hong Kong, botulinum toxin injections should only be performed by a locally registered doctor. Customers should verify the doctor's full name against the list of registered doctors of the Medical Council of Hong Kong as well as their professional qualifications and relevant experience. When receiving injections outside Hong Kong, pay special attention to ensure the provider is qualified or registered with relevant jurisdictions for practice. In case of injections offered from suspicious sources, refrain from receiving them. If feeling unwell, seek medical advice from eligible medical professionals as soon as possible.
 
     Due to the weakening of the associated muscles and the fact that botulinum toxin may spread and affect other areas beyond the injection site, affected patients may have drooping eyelids, double or blurred vision, problems with chewing, hoarseness, or even difficulties in swallowing, speaking or breathing, which may happen hours, days or weeks after the injection.
 
     The CHP urged the public to observe the following health advice before receiving botulinum toxin injections:
 

• Injections in Hong Kong should only be performed by locally registered doctors;
• Understand the procedure, potential risks and possible complications before receiving injections. Consult a doctor for an informed decision;
• Do not receive injections from suspicious sources;
• Do not receive an injection in the case of a history of allergy to botulinum toxin, or if there is an infection or inflammation on the injection site;
• Request the full name of the doctor in writing if referred by a beauty service provider for the procedure, as well as the professional qualifications and relevant experience; and
• If symptoms develop after injections, such as a fever or feeling unwell, seek medical attention immediately.

 
     The public may visit the DH's webpage on the differentiation between medical procedures and beauty services, the Drug Database of the Drug Office and the CHP's botulism page for more information.​