Hong Kong Customs yesterday (June 11) mounted a special operation to combat the use of counterfeit devices by beauty parlours to provide beauty and slimming treatments. Three suspected counterfeit beauty and slimming devices with an estimated market value of about $180,000 were seized at three beauty parlours. Four persons were arrested.
      
     Customs earlier received information alleging that suspected counterfeit devices were being used by beauty parlours to provide beauty and slimming treatments for customers. After an in-depth investigation and with the assistance of the trademark owner, Customs officers took enforcement action and raided three beauty parlours in Lai Chi Kok, Mong Kok and Tsim Sha Tsui yesterday. Three suspected counterfeit beauty and slimming devices were seized at the beauty parlours.
      
     During the operation, four women aged between 27 and 56 were arrested for being suspected of contravening the Trade Descriptions Ordinance. Two of them are shop owners and two are employees. An investigation is ongoing, and the likelihood of further arrests is not ruled out.
      
     Customs will continue to take stringent law enforcement action and collaborate with relevant trademark owners to closely monitor the market situation with a view to fighting against the use of counterfeit goods for the purpose of trade.
      
     Customs reminds traders to be cautious and prudent in merchandising since possession of counterfeit goods for any purpose of trade is a serious crime, and offenders are liable to criminal sanctions. Consumers are also reminded to make purchases at reputable shops and to check with the trademark owners or their authorised agents if the authenticity of a product is in doubt.
      
     Under the Ordinance, any person who possesses for the purpose of trade any goods with a forged trademark commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $500,000 and imprisonment for five years.
      
     Members of the public may report any suspected counterfeiting 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).

  

     Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK) and the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, London (London ETO) are wrapping up a strong presence at London Tech Week 2025 (June 9 to 13, London time), underscoring Hong Kong's role as a strategic gateway for the United Kingdom (UK) technology companies expanding into Asia and highlighting the growing momentum for bilateral collaboration between the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and the UK in innovation and technology.
      
     As the official Founders Fuse Partners at London Tech Week, InvestHK and the London ETO hosted a series of fireside chats moderated by the Head of Business and Talent Attraction/Investment Promotion at InvestHK London Office, Ms Daisy Ip. Speakers included members of InvestHK's Innovation and Technology teams, who outlined Hong Kong's strengths as a hub for global start-ups, research and development and business expansion. The Senior Manager, New Ventures Development at Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation, Ms Josephine Chan, and Associate Director of Ecosystem Development (Artificial Intelligence) at the Hong Kong-Shenzhen Innovation and Technology Park Limited Mr Sean Chen also shared the latest developments in the region's vibrant innovation and technology ecosystem.
      
     Complementing these were case studies from UK-based founders who have successfully entered the Hong Kong market with support from InvestHK. Featured speakers included the Founder of Comms8, Ms Carol Chan; Co-founder and Managing Director of HOMETAINMENT, Mr Antoine Melon; Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Assureful, Mr Rohit Nair; Chief Executive Officer and Founder of upLYFT, Mr Aalok Rai; Founder of Owl + Lark, Mr Hafiz Shariff; Chief Executive Officer of Westwell Holdings (Hong Kong) Limited, Ms Yang Ming; Chief Executive Officer and Founder of Guildhawk, Ms Jurga Zilinskiene. Their experiences reflect the diversity of sectors, from artificial intelligence (AI) and lifestyle to technology-enabled marketing and consumer products, where British businesses are thriving in Hong Kong's vibrant and globally connected economy.
      
     InvestHK also co-organised a networking reception with the London ETO on June 9 (London time) for participants of the London Tech Week to promote business opportunities in Hong Kong, attracting over 130 participants from the UK Government, as well as the financial, innovation and technology, and business sectors.
      
     Ms Ip said, "Hong Kong is a dynamic launch pad for British entrepreneurs to Asia's fastest-growing markets in innovation, backed by over HK$200 billion in government support for technology growth in AI, biotech, Web3, and more. With initiatives like the Top Talent Pass Scheme and access to the 87 million consumers with a Gross Domestic Product of US$2 trillion in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, Hong Kong offers start-ups and scale-ups unparalleled opportunities. This week's engagement reflects the strong appetite for collaboration between our two technology ecosystems. We see great potential for long-term partnerships that drive global innovation and growth."
      
     According to InvestHK's 2024 Startup Survey, the UK is the second-largest source of international start-up founders in Hong Kong, underscoring the city's strong appeal among British entrepreneurs.

        

     The Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Professor Sun Dong, will depart for a visit to France and the Netherlands this evening (June 12) to strengthen Hong Kong's ties and co-operation in innovation and technology (I&T) with France and the Netherlands.

     Professor Sun will attend Viva Technology 2025 (VivaTech) in Paris, France, and deliver a keynote speech on "From Hong Kong to the World: Embarking on the New Journey of Innovation" at a seminar and networking reception organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council. VivaTech, being held from June 11 to 14, is Europe's annual start-up and technology event that brings together start-ups, tech leaders, corporates and investors to drive I&T and business collaboration.

     During the visit, Professor Sun will also meet with leaders of the local I&T sector as well as technology enterprises and tour the I&T and advanced manufacturing enterprises there.

     Professor Sun will return to Hong Kong on June 18. During his absence, the Under Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Ms Lillian Cheong, will be the Acting Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry.

     The Civil Service College (CSC) has launched a new seminar series on "Presenting China to the World". The first seminar of the series, on the topic of "Achieving the Rejuvenation of Chinese Culture: Insights from the Ne Zha Craze", was delivered today (June 12) by the Executive Director of the Academy of Chinese Studies, Dr Yau Yat.

     Addressing the seminar, the Head of the CSC, Mr Oscar Kwok, said that as Mr Zhao Qizheng, former Director of the State Council Information Office, proposed in his book, it is the joint responsibility of every Chinese national to present China to the world. Given the complex and volatile international situation nowadays, the development of a country hinges not only on its own national conditions but also on the international environment, including the international public opinion environment. In the Internet era, deliberate distortions of facts and truths are more likely to be widely disseminated, and misunderstandings and prejudices about China's situation and developments are common among foreigners. As such, every civil servant needs to learn how to present China to the world through cultural soft power. 

     Through analysing China's developments and challenges from the cultural, technological, economic and other perspectives, the series enables civil servants to learn about the real stories of the country, so they can better leverage the role of Hong Kong as a bridge between the country and the world to enhance mutual understanding and to promote exchange and co-operation. The first seminar held today on "Achieving the Rejuvenation of Chinese Culture: Insights from the Ne Zha Craze" explored how the  country showcased the rich heritage of Chinese culture to the world through popular culture, increasing China's attractiveness and further enhancing its voice on the international stage.

     Mr Kwok said he hopes that participants can seize this learning opportunity to gain a thorough understanding of China's mode of development and embrace the mission of people's diplomacy to present an authentic China to the world in their respective roles.

     Around 340 middle and senior-level civil servants from 52 bureaux and departments attended the seminar in person or online today.

      

     Following is the speech by the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Miss Rosanna Law, at the opening ceremony of 39th International Travel Expo Hong Kong and 20th MICE Travel Expo today (June 12):

Mr KS Tong (Founder and Managing Director of TKS Exhibition Services, Mr Tong Kam-shing), Dr Peter Lam (Chairman of the Hong Kong Tourism Board), Director Zhang Dong (Director of the Asia Tourism Exchange Center of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the People's Republic of China), Mr Stanley Mok (General Manager of the Macao Government Tourism Office – Hong Kong Representative), Consuls General, friends from the trade, ladies and gentlemen,

     Good morning, everyone. It is my great pleasure to join you all this morning for the opening ceremony of the 39th International Travel Expo Hong Kong, or ITE in short, and the 20th MICE Travel Expo. This is my first time joining this annual event as the Secretary for Culture, Sports, and Tourism, but of course I am no stranger to the ITE. I first joined this event in 2011 as the Deputy Commissioner for Tourism, and I am so very pleased to see so many old friends, all of you are enthusiastic counterparts and stakeholders from the tourism and related sectors, as well as new friends whom may have joined the sector in the last decade or coming from afar. It is an opportune time that we all gather here in Hong Kong – our vibrant metropolis that truly shines as the capital of mega events. My very warm and heartfelt welcome for everyone. 

     For nearly four decades, the ITE has built and solidifies its reputation as one of the most prominent travel exhibitions in the region, presenting exciting opportunities for industry players to share, exchange and explore the latest trends and tourism offerings. This year, we are thrilled to have 500 exhibitors from some 60 countries and regions joining us. Walking through the Expo is like embarking on a whirlwind tour of the world under one roof. 

     The theme of the ITE this year is "From Recovery to Development". In line with the theme, please allow me to share some exciting updates on how Hong Kong is bouncing back and moving forward on its tourism journey. With the concerted effort of the Government and industry leaders, we witness a strong resurgence in our tourism sector post-pandemic. In 2024, Hong Kong welcomed about 45 million visitors, representing a year-on-year increase of 31 per cent. The strong rebound underscores the resilience of our tourism industry and Hong Kong's enduring appeal as a world-class travel destination. This year, we are aiming even higher, with 49 million visitors projected, a 10 per cent rise from last year. In the first five months of 2025, we have already welcomed a total of 20 million visitors, registering a 12 per cent increase over last year, putting us on track to achieve our target of a 10 per cent increase for this year. 

     This impressive recovery is a strong testament to Hong Kong's diverse, innovative and attractive tourism offerings. We are proud to cater to the wide-ranging preferences of our visitors. From world-class attractions and museums, to our iconic harbour, scenic outdoors, exotic islands, gastronomic diversity and excellence, and festive celebrations, Hong Kong promises an experience like no others. These days, a major highlight is our year-round mega events and happenings, which is what sets us apart from other cities. Just last weekend, the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) hosted this year's bigger, better Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Races with flying colours. Signature HKTB events like Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival every October, Hong Kong New Year Countdown, and Chinese New Year Celebrations, etc., will definitely be back with new elements and enhanced excitement, so that Hong Kong will feature prominently to draw global attention. For the art and sports lovers among us, internationally renowned events such as Art Basel Hong Kong, Art Central, LIV Golf, ComplexCon making their strong presence in Hong Kong. With the opening of our new Kai Tak Sports Park, Hong Kong's largest-ever state-of-the-art sports infrastructure, in this March, our signature rugby event, Hong Kong Sevens, was staged. Building on that success, we have been hosting a series of mega international and local concerts since April, drawing over 580 000 fans, half of them from outside of Hong Kong. And the momentum continues. Just two days ago, we staged a sold-out Asian Cup qualifying football match (AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers) of Hong Kong, China vs India in the Kai Tak Stadium, and the atmosphere would make even many European stadiums shy. Our football mania will press on, with Liverpool, AC Milan, Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur taking centre stage at Kai Tak Stadium in late July, followed by the eight competition events of our country's 15th National Games to be hosted right here in November.

     On the business tourism front, the Government has been sparing no effort in driving the growth of MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, and Exhibitions) tourism. Since resumption of normal travel in February 2023, the Hong Kong Tourism Board has successfully secured or helped secure over 2 400 international MICE events to be held in Hong Kong, expected to bring in 570 000 high-value-added overnight MICE visitors to Hong Kong and generate a total spending of about HK$4.4 billion. Riding on this robust recovery, we will step up our efforts in bringing in even more MICE events, with a view to cementing Hong Kong's status as the region's leading MICE destination.

     And we will not stop here, we are working in full steam to strengthen our traditional tourism resources on one hand, and unearth new ones, such as our beautiful islands and country parks where tourists can explore and experience Hong Kong's natural wonders, on the other. Recently, we have announced nine appealing projects to boost tourism, including the Hong Kong Industrial Brand Tourism to showcase the "made-in-Hong Kong" industrial tourism through guided tours to the manufactures home, city walks at the neighbourhood of Old Town Central and Kowloon City, the latter is where the hugely popular movie, "Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In" based on. These projects are designed to tap into the growing demand for authentic, one-of-a-kind experience, ensuring Hong Kong remains a unique must-visit destination. 

     Before I close, I would like to extend my sincere appreciation to all our industry partners for their steadfast support and contribution to our tourism recovery journey. With the collective effort of the Government, our industry and the community in concert, I am confident that we will bring our tourism industry and development to new heights in the years to come. 

     Once again, please accept my sincere gratitude for the opportunity to join you at the ITE again after all these years. I wish the twin expos another year of resounding success. Thank you.