A joint operation was conducted by the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) together with the Hong Kong Police Force and Zhuhai Municipal Marine Comprehensive Law Enforcement Team in the southern waters of Hong Kong yesterday (June 9).

     During the operation, the AFCD personnel intercepted a local fishing vessel suspected of engaging in fishing using snake cages (a type of cage trap banned in Hong Kong waters) in waters off Cheung Chau at around 9.30pm for investigation. Some fishing gear (including snake cages and winches) on board was seized by the AFCD.

     The AFCD is investigating a local coxswain and six Mainland fisherman deckhands on board suspected of engaging in fishing using snake cages, in violation of the Fisheries Protection Ordinance (Cap. 171).

     Only a vessel registered under the Ordinance can be used for fishing in Hong Kong waters and only the fishing methods listed on its Certificate of Registration of Local Fishing Vessel can be employed for fishing by the vessel. The conditions of the Certificate of Registration of Local Fishing Vessel regarding cage traps also stipulate that any collapsible cage traps should not be connected in any way to another; or should not exceed five metres in any of its extended dimensions. Hence, it is unlawful to fish using snake cages. Offenders are liable to a maximum fine of $100,000 and six months' imprisonment upon conviction.

     A spokesman for the AFCD stressed, "The Government is committed to combatting illegal fishing activities in Hong Kong waters. The AFCD will continue to step up patrols and take stringent enforcement action."

  

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

     The Hong Kong Housing Authority (HA) hosted the Estate Management Services Contractors Awards (EMSC Awards) 2024 presentation ceremony at Domain in Yau Tong today (June 10). A total of 90 awards were presented to the estate management services contractors and frontline staff in recognition of their outstanding performances in managing the HA's properties last year. 
 
     The HA introduced a new award this year to recognise the significant contributions of outstanding frontline staff on combating tenancy abuse, in appreciation of their efforts in safeguarding this valuable housing resource.
      
     Officiating at the presentation ceremony, the Deputy Director of Housing (Estate Management), Mr Ricky Yeung, said, "Public housing resources are precious and should be allocated appropriately and rationally to those in genuine need of housing. The HA has been committed to combating tenancy abuse in public housing. We are encouraging services contractors to collaborate with us in safeguarding these housing resources.
 
     "We have implemented a reward mechanism in the service contractor evaluation system, whereby services contractors who perform well in combating tenancy abuse will receive additional points, enhancing their bidding and contracting opportunities. Indeed, the effectiveness of the assistance provided by frontline staff of services contractors to our colleagues in detecting cases has been significant, helping our work in combating tenancy abuse achieve the desired results."
 
     The EMSC Awards in 2024 went to 17 services contractors providing property management, cleaning, security and car park operating services. Eight property services managers and 56 frontline staff members were also commended. The full list of awardees is in the Annex.

      The estates managed by the winners of the Best Public Rental Housing Estate (Property Services) Large Estate award this year include Tin Yiu (I) & Tin Yiu (II) Estate, Choi Yuen Estate, Hau Tak Estate and Shek Lei (II) Estate, while the estates managed by the winners of the Best Public Rental Housing Estate (Property Services) Small Estate award include Wing Cheong Estate, Wah Kwai Estate (Wah Oi House) and Lung Yat Estate.
  
     Currently, the management of more than half of the HA's public rental housing estates is outsourced to property services contractors, and many major maintenance tasks in the HA estates are being supervised by them. By leveraging the private sector's resources and experience in managing private properties, the HA seeks to continuously raise the quality of its estate management services and provide a pleasant living environment for its tenants.

          

     A man who went missing in Cheung Sha Wan has been located.

     Tsai Muk-lun, aged 61, went missing after he left his caring home on Castle Peak Road, Cheung Sha Wan on May 19 afternoon. Staff of the caring home made a report to Police on the next day (May 20).

     The man was located on Peace Avenue, Kowloon City this afternoon (June 10). He sustained no injuries and no suspicious circumstances were detected.

     Following is the speech by the Secretary for Justice, Mr Paul Lam, SC, at the 3rd Anniversary of the Opening of AALCO (Asian-African Legal Consultative Organization) Hong Kong Regional Arbitration Centre today (June 10):

Mr Nick Chan (Director of the AALCO Hong Kong Regional Arbitration Centre), heads of AALCO disputes resolution centres, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, 

     A very good afternoon. It is both an honour and a privilege to stand before you today as we mark a significant milestone – the third anniversary of the AALCO Hong Kong Regional Arbitration Centre. Over the past three years, AALCO Hong Kong has not only flourished but has also become a cornerstone of Hong Kong's reputation as a world-class destination for international dispute resolution. Today, we celebrate not just an institution, but a shared vision: a future where Hong Kong continues to maintain and strengthen our status as an international legal and dispute resolution services centre in the Asia-Pacific region and beyond.

     Three years ago, AALCO's choice to establish its newest regional arbitration centre in Hong Kong reflected AALCO members' resounding confidence in our city's rule of law, legal talent, and many other unique advantages as an international financial centre and legal services and disputes resolution centre under the principle of "one country, two systems", and of course, also Hong Kong's location, being the heart of the Greater Bay Area (GBA) development and an important gateway of the Belt and Road Initiative.  

     Since its establishment, AALCO Hong Kong has made significant contributions in enhancing Hong Kong's regional arbitration capabilities. By providing a neutral and efficient platform for dispute resolution, AALCO Hong Kong has facilitated the settlement of cross-border commercial disputes, reinforcing confidence in the legal systems of Asian and African economies.  

     AALCO Hong Kong has also organised various seminars and training programmes for capacity building of dispute resolution professionals and international collaboration by working closely with governments, arbitral institutions, and legal bodies to harmonise arbitration practices across different jurisdictions, especially in the GBA and the Belt and Road regions. For example, we are very happy to see that AALCO Hong Kong supported the Second Instalment of the 7th Belt and Road Conference hosted by the Law Society of Hong Kong, which featured engaging and fruitful dialogues in promoting a peaceful dispute resolution worldwide. 

     I wish to extend my deepest congratulations and gratitude to AALCO, the legal community, and all stakeholders who have supported AALCO Hong Kong's growth. This milestone is not just a proof to AALCO Hong Kong's achievements over the past three years, but also a reflection of Hong Kong's growing role as a leading hub for international legal and dispute resolution services in the Asia-Pacific region and beyond. As we look ahead, the demand for arbitration and alternative dispute resolution (ADR) services will grow, driven by increasing cross-border trade, Belt and Road Initiative projects, digital economy disputes, and international sports events.  

     Let us reaffirm our commitment to advancing the edge of arbitration, promoting ADR, and building a more interconnected legal and dispute resolution landscape for Asia, Africa, and beyond. To conclude, I wish AALCO Hong Kong many more years of success. Thank you.

  

     â€‹Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK) today (June 10) hosted the Hong Kong Wealth Management and Professional Services Policy Briefing, targeting legal and professional services firms from the Mainland. The event provided deep insights into Hong Kong's latest policy developments including family office policies and tax incentives. The session was well received, drawing participation from over 60 representatives of legal and professional firms serving high-net-worth clients. The event sparked active discussions, with participants expressing keen interest and strong confidence in the evolving role of Hong Kong's professional services sector and the future of Hong Kong's family office ecosystem.

     Key topics covered included interpretation of Hong Kong's latest family office policies, comparisons with regional regimes and tax incentives, case studies and a question-and-answer session. The session aimed to enhance understanding among legal and advisory firms of Hong Kong's policy landscape, strengthen participant's positioning as cross-border advisors to ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNWIs), and facilitate the development of business networks in Hong Kong.

     Associate Director-General of Investment Promotion at InvestHK Mr Charles Ng said, "Hong Kong is the leading hub for asset and wealth management in Asia with over US$4 trillion in assets under management. Our city is recognised as a trusted gateway for global capital seeking access to opportunities across Asia and beyond. Our leadership is further evidenced by our standing as Asia's largest hedge fund hub and Asia's largest cross-border wealth management centre. The professional services sector plays a strategic and indispensable role in enabling this ecosystem to flourish. InvestHK is committed to working closely with legal, accounting, trust, and advisory professionals to promote policy understanding and strengthen Hong Kong's competitiveness in cross-border wealth management and succession planning."

     Legal professionals attending the event provided perspectives on Hong Kong's family office policies and the growing opportunities arising from them. The Chair of the Family Office Committee at the Law Society of Hong Kong, Mr Chan Chak-ming, said, "With increasing interest from UHNWIs in Asia, Hong Kong's forward-looking initiatives, including tax incentives and efficient market processes, solidify its position as the region's leading destination for family offices. Together with InvestHK, we aim to strengthen Hong Kong's role as a nexus for global wealth, ensuring it remains responsive to the sophisticated needs of UHNWIs while reinforcing trust and long-term confidence."

     InvestHK will continue to collaborate with industry stakeholders to support legal and advisory firms in expanding their high-end wealth services in Hong Kong, and to promote the city as a premier hub for family offices and a cross-border wealth management centre in Asia, helping Mainland and international families of UHNWIs achieve long-term goals in asset growth and succession.