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 Chong Hing Bank Limited relating to fraudulent websites and internet banking login screens, 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 websites or login screens 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 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 The Bank of East Asia, Limited relating to fraudulent websites and internet banking login screens, 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 websites or login screens 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 annual Hong Kong Flower Show extravaganza opened at Victoria Park today (March 14) with some 400 000 flowers on display, including about 40 000 cosmos, this year's theme flower, and "Ablaze with Glory" as the main theme.
 
     Officiating at the opening ceremony were the President of the Legislative Council, Mr Andrew Leung; the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Miss Rosanna Law; Steward of the Hong Kong Jockey Club Mr Philip Lo; Miss Hong Kong 2024, Ellyn Ngai; and the Director of Leisure and Cultural Services, Ms Manda Chan.
 
     Victoria Park has turned into a floral wonderland with meticulously designed landscapes. Apart from the popular sea of tulips, there are displays featuring famous scenic spots from around the world. Setting off from the Hing Fat Street entrance, visitors can embark on a mesmerising journey across Europe to enjoy landmarks such as the French lavender fields, the Roman Trevi Fountain, the blue-and-white houses of Greece, English gardens, a Venetian gondola, and Dutch windmills. Next to it is the "Wonders of Africa" parterre featuring adorable installations of African animals, including a giraffe, an elephant, a gorilla, a hippopotamus, and an ostrich, embellished with about 44 000 richly coloured flowers and plants of various species.
 
     The "Travelling around Asia" floral display near the Sugar Street entrance invites visitors to explore the beauty of Asia. The majestic Temple of Heaven is paired with a traditional Chinese garden, exuding elegance and charm. The Himalayas, Japan's Mount Fuji, and Malaysia's Mount Kinabalu stand amid an array of exotic flowers, creating a breathtaking scene. Visitors will then take on "An Adventure to the Americas" to see a Mayan pyramid, Easter Island statues, an American cowboy, a giant cactus, and lovely alpacas to experience the enchanting culture of the Americas.
 
     The Jockey Club Student Drawing Competition held today attracted approximately 2 200 students, who enjoyed drawing the flowers and plants. Crowds of visitors also gathered to take photographs of the exhibits such as the horticultural displays, the three-dimensional theme flower wall, flower plots, sea of tulips, and the mascots for the 15th National Games, the 12th National Games for Persons with Disabilities and the 9th National Special Olympic Games, Xiyangyang and Lerongrong.
 
     The Chinese Culture Promotion Office under the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) has also set up an exhibition booth at the flower show for the first time. Through engaging pictorial illustrations and texts, the booth showcases the extraordinary achievements of China in infrastructure in a new manner. Members of the public can also participate in free workshops to create souvenirs using Lingnan pressed flower techniques.
 
     Meanwhile, the flower show is hosting an online voting campaign called "My Favourite Garden Plot". Voters can choose their favourite from the garden plots of the 18 districts at the flower show, with the chance to win free air tickets.
 
     This year's flower show continues its environmental protection measures. Waste separation bins and recyclables collection points are available at the showground to collect carton boxes, plastic flower pots, glass bottles, wilted flowers, soil, and more. To support environmental protection, visitors are encouraged to bring their own water bottles and green shopping bags.
 
     Additionally, the LCSD will hold a Green Recycling Day after the flower show to reinforce green measures and reduce waste. Volunteers will assist in sorting and collecting recyclables at the showground. Flowers and plants suitable for replanting will be distributed to schools, environmental groups, non-governmental organisations, and members of the public.
 
     The flower show is organised by the LCSD. The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust has supported the flower show since 2013 and has been its major sponsor since 2014. As a not-for-profit sports and charity organisation rooted in Hong Kong for 140 years, the Club's partnership with the community has thrived thanks to a unique integrated business model through which racing and wagering generate tax contributions, charity support, and employment opportunities for Hong Kong.
 
    The flower show is running until March 23 from 9am to 9pm daily. For more details of the flower show and its admission fee arrangements, please visit the event webpage (www.hkflowershow.hk/en/hkfs/2025/index.html) or call the enquiry hotline at 2601 8260.

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

     The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) released today (March 14) the key analytical accounts of the Exchange Fund at the end of February 2025.
      
     Foreign assets, representing the external assets of the Exchange Fund, decreased during the month by HK$46.5 billion to HK$3,439.9 billion.
      
     The Monetary Base, comprising Certificates of Indebtedness, Government‑issued currency notes and coins in circulation, the balance of the banking system and Exchange Fund Bills and Notes issued, amounted to HK$1,975.9 billion.
      
     Claims on the private sector in Hong Kong amounted to HK$331.5 billion.
      
     Foreign liabilities amounted to HK$24.0 billion.
      
     The analytical accounts of the Exchange Fund are released in accordance with the International Monetary Fund's Special Data Dissemination Standard (SDDS) and are referred to as the Analytical Accounts of the Central Bank under SDDS (Annex).
 
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     At present, four press releases relating to the Exchange Fund's data are issued by the HKMA each month. Three of these releases are issued to disseminate monetary data in accordance with the International Monetary Fund's SDDS. The fourth press release, on the Exchange Fund's Abridged Balance Sheet and Currency Board Account, is made in accordance with the HKMA's policy of maintaining a high level of transparency. For the month of March 2025, the scheduled dates for issuing the press releases are as follows:
 

     Following is the speech by the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Algernon Yau, at the launch event of Green360: An AI-driven ESG Platform for Businesses organised by the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce (HKGCC) today (March 14):
 
Agnes (Chairman of the HKGCC, Ms Agnes Chan), Jeffrey (Legislative Council Member Mr Jeffrey Lam), General Committee members, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
 
     Good afternoon. It is with great honour to join the event today.
 
     Firstly, I would like to thank the HKGCC for its unwavering commitment to advancing the sustainability agenda within our business community. Initiatives like Green360 are pivotal in fostering a culture of environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and governance among corporations, especially among our small and medium-sized enterprises.
 
     The introduction of Green360 comes at a crucial time as we navigate the complexities of environmental challenges and the urgent need for sustainable practices. This innovative platform not only aligns with the global movement towards a greener economy but also emphasises Hong Kong's role as a leader in integrating advanced technology commercial development.
 
     This initiative not only pushes for compliance but also strives to exceed expectations, fostering best practices that can set Hong Kong as a global leader in promoting ESG (environmental, social, and governance) principles. It aims to create a business environment that is sustainable and profitable, thus attracting and sustaining investment.
 
     Moreover, Green360 is committed to empowering businesses through education, and self-audit reporting is a constructive step for companies to embrace ESG. It promises to be a beacon of support for our businesses as they transit towards more sustainable operations, providing them with the tools and knowledge vital for this journey.
 
     Thank you, the HKGCC, for launching this initiative. Let us continue to work together, leveraging technology and shared responsibility, to make Hong Kong a sustainable, inclusive and responsible hub for commerce and innovation. Thank you.