The Transport Department today (June 15) reminded members of the public that the 55th round of computer ballot registration for submitting applications for Northbound Travel for Hong Kong Vehicles (the scheme) will be open from 10am tomorrow (June 16) to 11.59pm on June 19, and the ballot result will be announced on June 20.
      
     Eligible applicants for the scheme can register for computer balloting through the designated website (www.hzmbqfs.gov.hk). Successful balloting applicants are required to submit applications for the scheme within the designated application period.

     The Head of Innovation & Technology at Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK), Mr Andy Wong, will embark on a duty visit to the United States from tomorrow (June 16) to June 20 to engage with local biotech stakeholders, start-ups, investors and media with the aim of attracting more business and investment into Hong Kong.
     
     A delegation of 16 Hong Kong life science and health technology companies will be joining InvestHK and the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP) to the BIO International Convention 2025, the world's premier biotechnology event, running June 16 to 19 (Boston time) at the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center. This joint effort underscores the strong partnership between InvestHK and the HKSTP to promote Hong Kong's vibrant biotech ecosystem on a global stage.
     
     At the Hong Kong pavilion, the delegation will showcase the city's unrivalled advantages and opportunities for American biotech companies seeking to expand into the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) and Asia Pacific. InvestHK will connect with global industry pioneers, sharing insights and forging partnerships to spotlight Hong Kong's strategic strengths as a biotech powerhouse. Through dynamic presentations, one-on-one discussions, and interactive showcases, InvestHK will highlight the city's cutting-edge ecosystem, which is tailored to empower American biotech firms to thrive in Asia's fast-growing markets.
     
     Associate Director-General of Investment Promotion at InvestHK Mr Charles Ng said, "Amid a climate of global economic uncertainty and unprecedented challenges, businesses are increasingly focused on resilience, diversification, and innovation. Hong Kong, as a global biotech hub and one of the world's leading fundraising hubs for life science and biotech, offers unique advantages for American biotechnology companies. These include a top-tier academic research and talent pool, world-class research and development infrastructure, financial strength, robust intellectual property protection, high-quality clinical trial data and strong government commitment. All these make Hong Kong an ideal location for establishing a regional headquarters to expand into the GBA and Asia-Pacific region."
           
     The Chief Executive Officer of the HKSTP, Mr Albert Wong, said, "The United States is the world's largest healthcare market. For technology companies to succeed in the US market, it is essential to understand how the local healthcare system operates and effectively communicates the unique value of their R&D capabilities to investors. The goal of this visit goes beyond seeking immediate investment – it is also about building long-term bridges between innovation ecosystems; offering a globally connected environment to exchange ideas, collaborate and scale. I expect the delegation will begin to see tangible results within the next 12 to 18 months."

     Hong Kong's biotech sector is driven by innovations such as smart hospitals and telehealth, addressing rising healthcare demands with sustainable solutions. The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government is enhancing the city's capabilities through the establishment of the InnoLife Healthtech Hub in the Hong Kong-Shenzhen Innovation and Technology Park. The 2024 Policy Address also introduced a HK$10 billion I&T Industry-Oriented Fund to channel investment into strategic industries, including life and health technology.
     
     The GBA presents significant opportunities for American biotech firms. Designated GBA healthcare institutions can utilise Hong Kong-registered drugs and medical devices approved for public hospitals, with 51 drugs and 63 medical devices having been allowed by the Guangdong Provincial Medical Products Administration as of April 30, 2025. Additionally, the Listing Rules reform by the Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited has positioned it as a leading exchange for biotech initial public offerings, enabling pre-revenue biotech companies to list on the main board and access robust capital markets.
     
     InvestHK has seen strong momentum in attracting innovation and technology (I&T) companies to establish or expand their presence in the city. In 2024, the number of I&T companies assisted by InvestHK rose to 120, up from 82 in 2023, making it the top-performing sector among all sectors supported by the department. This growth reflects both the increasing global confidence in Hong Kong's innovation ecosystem and the city's strategic role as a springboard for I&T businesses looking to access Mainland China and Asia-Pacific markets.
     
     The BIO International Convention 2025 unites over 20 000 global industry leaders, representing virtually the entire biotechnology ecosystem. In an era of transformative discovery, biotechnology is revolutionising healthcare, agriculture, and environmental sustainability, offering hope and solutions to global challenges.

     As the Strong Wind Signal No.3 is now in force, the flag-raising ceremony to be conducted at Golden Bauhinia Square, Wan Chai at 8am today (June 15) will be cancelled.

Attention duty announcers, radio and TV stations:

Please broadcast the following special announcement immediately, and repeat it at frequent intervals:

     "Due to the issuing of Tropical Cyclone Warning Signal No. 3, the Social Welfare Department advises members of the public not to take their children or family members to services units providing after school care programmes for primary school children or elderly services centres. Those centres and services units that normally operate on Sundays and public holidays will, however, remain open to serve those whose families cannot provide alternative care for them. Members of the public who have the need for the services mentioned may contact the centres or services units concerned and confirm their operation hours in advance."

     Attention TV and radio duty announcers:

     Please broadcast the following special announcement by the Education Bureau concerning schools, and repeat it at suitable intervals:

     As the Tropical Cyclone Warning Signal no. 3 is now in force, classes of kindergartens, schools for children with physical disability and schools for children with intellectual disability are suspended today.