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Category: Asia Pacific

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Tax concessions bill passed

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    The Government today welcomed the passage of the Inland Revenue (Amendment) (Tax Concessions) Bill 2025 by the Legislative Council.

    The bill gives effect to the one-off tax concessions proposed in the 2025-26 Budget. These will reduce salaries tax, tax under personal assessment, and profits tax for the 2024-25 year of assessment by 100%, subject to a ceiling of $1,500 per case.

    The Government said the concessions will benefit about 2.14 million taxpayers and about 165,400 taxpaying businesses, with about 16% of taxpayers and 12% of taxpaying businesses not needing to pay tax for 2024-25. Government revenue will be reduced by about $3.1 billion.

    The bill as passed will be published in the Government Gazette on May 9.

    The tax concessions will be reflected in taxpayers’ final tax payable for the 2024-25 year of assessment.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    April 30, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Press release – Europeans celebrate 75 Years of unity and solidarity on Europe Day 2025

    Source: European Parliament 3

    The Schuman Declaration laid the foundations for the European Union and paved the way for an unprecedented era of prosperity, peace, democracy, solidarity and cooperation in Europe.

    To mark the occasion, many events will take place in EU Member States and around the world, bringing together citizens from all walks of life. The EU institutions will open their doors and invite citizens to visit their premises, discover their work and engage in a wide range of educational and entertaining activities.

    Landmark buildings and monuments across the globe will be illuminated in the EU colours, while a special Europe Day programme is planned for Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan.

    In times of global uncertainty, Europe remains an anchor of stability – a place of opportunity and protection for its citizens. The EU and its institutions are working towards the common goal of ensuring prosperity and competitiveness, guaranteeing our security and defence, while upholding the fundamental values Europeans care about.

    European Parliament

    On 4 May, citizens of all ages will be able to attend the official Europe Day opening ceremony and take a seat in the hemicycle of the European Parliament in Strasbourg. The ceremony will begin with a video message from President Roberta Metsola, followed by a speech from Vice-President Younous Omarjee, and a musical performance by the Voix de Stras’ ensemble. Through various exhibits and interactive activities, visitors will learn how the Parliament works, how laws are made, and why European politics matters. Visitors will also be able to visit the “Changemakers” exhibition. On 10 May, the public will once again be given the chance to discover European democracy in action at the Parliament’s hemicycle in Brussels, with day-long activities emphasising the importance of citizen participation. In Luxembourg, special activities will mark the first anniversary of the Visitors’ Centre on 9 May, including the recently inaugurated Europa Experience. The following day, a rich cultural programme is planned in the Echternach Abbey courtyard. Full programme and events organised in the 27 EU countries.

    European Council/Council of the European Union

    On 10 May, the Council of the European Union will also open its doors, granting citizens an opportunity to follow in EU leaders’ footsteps. Guided tours throughout the day will offer visitors a rare look at where important European decisions are made. Each of the 27 Member States will host a stand, showcasing their culture, traditions, culinary specialties and more. Younger visitors can also expect tailor-made activities, including a treasure hunt and a “fun fact” quest designed specifically for kids. In honour of the Council’s 50th anniversary, the public will even be able to travel back in time and take a selfie with the leaders of 1974.

    European Commission

    On 10 May, citizens will also have the opportunity to visit the Commission’s iconic Berlaymont building in Brussels. Here, they will have the chance to learn about the Commission’s role and priorities, engage in series of activities, and find out more about initiatives and concrete benefits for their daily lives. Among others, visitors will have an opportunity to learn about the Commission’s efforts to boost European competitiveness both, promote social cohesion, protect democracy and protect fundamental rights, at home and abroad.

    European Central Bank

    As part of its Europe Day celebrations on 10 May, the European Central Bank (ECB) will bring the vibrant spirit of Europe to its hometown, Frankfurt am Main, by participating in the city’s Europa-Fest. Visitors will find the ECB at the “European Marketplace” on the Römerberg plaza, alongside Frankfurt-based European Insurance and Occupational Pensions Authority and the Authority for Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism. In such a special year, celebrating 40 years of Schengen and the 75th anniversary of the Schuman Declaration, many themed activities have been organised, with the ECB even planning a lightshow, to be projected onto the west wing of the city’s Grossmarkthalle. In Brussels, the ECB will also host its own stand at the Commission’s Europe Day event.

    European Investment Bank

    The European Investment Bank (EIB) Group will welcome visitors to its stand at the Council of the European Union’s Justus Lipsius building as part of its Open Day on 10 May in Brussels. EIB Group staff will inform visitors of how its financing and advisory services improve lives and advance EU policy goals. This includes anything from innovation, security and defence to social and territorial cohesion, and the transition towards a net-zero economy. The stand itself will be enhanced by various activities and media, such as quizzes, games and audiovisual material showcasing EIB-financed projects.

    European Court of Auditors

    On 10 May, as part of the Europe Day celebrations in Echternach, EU auditors will host a series of interactive and engaging activities at the European Court of Auditors’ premises. Among other things, visitors will have the chance to partake in an engaging quiz to test their audit skills. Families and people of all ages are welcome to discover how the European Court of Auditors, the guardian of the EU’s finances, helps protect EU citizens’ money.

    European External Action Service

    The European External Action Service (EEAS) will open its doors to the public on 10 May for its “Travel the World in a Day“. Travel the World in a Day” event. Visitors to the EU’s diplomatic headquarters in Brussels will be given an opportunity to learn about the work of the EEAS and its 144 delegations and offices worldwide. Through interactive exhibits and activities, visitors will discover the EU’s role as a global leader and reliable partner for prosperity, peace, security, multilateralism, democracy, and a rules-based order. The event will also include a digital booth to help explore the EU pavilion at Expo 2025 in Japan, as well as live dance performances, workshops and family-friendly activities that celebrate global diversity.

    European Economic and Social Committee

    This year, the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) will also host a special celebration of the Schuman Declaration’s 75th anniversary. To honour this seminal text, the EESC – the house of European organised civil society – is putting together a range of activities on its premises, through which it will inform and engage with citizens, while offering insights into its various Sections’ and Groups’ advisory work. The day itself will offer entertainment for all, with a real-time voting simulation allowing visitors to step into EESC members’ shoes and discover the process for themselves.

    European Committee of the Regions

    On 10 May, the European Committee of the Regions (CoR) – ideally located between the European Parliament and Council in Brussels – will open its doors to the public as well, showcasing how it represents regions and cities in the EU, and everything that regional and local elected politicians do for citizens. Visitors will learn how their region voices its interests in the EU, and they will have the chance to meet local and regional elected politicians and discuss European issues in a direct, informal atmosphere. The traditional Festival of Regions and Cities will treat visitors to a showcase of their preferred tourist spots, traditional music and dance, and various culinary specialties.

    Background

    Europe Day held on 9 May every year celebrates peace and unity in Europe. The date marks the anniversary of the ‘Schuman declaration’, a historic proposal made by Robert Schuman, French Foreign Minister, in 1950 that laid out the foundation of European cooperation. Schuman’s proposal is considered to be the beginning of what is now the European Union.

    In 2025, Europe Day is a special occasion, as we are celebrating 75 years since the Schuman declaration. To learn more about each institution’s programme, visit the Europe Day 2025 website.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

    April 30, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Sectoral Deployment of Bank Credit – March 2025

    Source: Reserve Bank of India

    Data on sectoral deployment of bank credit for the month1 of March 2025 collected from 41 select scheduled commercial banks (SCBs), accounting for about 95 per cent of the total non-food credit deployed by all SCBs, are set out in Statements I and II.

    On a year-on-year (y-o-y) basis, non-food bank credit2 as on the fortnight ended March 21, 2025, grew3 by 12.0 per cent as compared to 16.3 per cent during the corresponding fortnight of the previous year (i.e., March 22, 2024).

    Highlights of the sectoral deployment of bank credit3 are given below:

    • Credit to agriculture and allied activities registered a growth of 10.4 per cent (y-o-y) as on the fortnight ended March 21, 2025 (20.0 per cent in the corresponding fortnight of the previous year).

    • Credit to industry expanded by 8.0 per cent (y-o-y) as on the fortnight ended March 21, 2025, same as in the corresponding fortnight of the previous year. Among major industries, outstanding credit to ‘petroleum, coal products and nuclear fuels’, ‘basic metal and metal products’, ‘all engineering’ and ‘construction’ recorded an accelerated y-o-y growth. However, credit growth in the infrastructure segment decelerated.

    • Credit to services sector increased by 13.4 per cent (y-o-y) as on the fortnight ended March 21, 2025 (20.8 per cent in the corresponding fortnight of the previous year), primarily due to decelerated growth in credit to ‘non-banking financial companies’ (NBFCs). Credit growth (y-o-y) to ‘professional services’ and ‘trade’ segments remained robust.

    • Credit to personal loans segment registered a growth of 14.0 per cent (y-o-y) as on the fortnight ended March 21, 2025, as compared with 17.6 per cent a year ago, largely due to decline in growth in ‘other personal loans’, ‘vehicle loans’ and ‘credit card outstanding’.

    Ajit Prasad          
    Deputy General Manager
    (Communications)    

    Press Release: 2025-2026/217

    MIL OSI Economics –

    April 30, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: New Chief Executives appointed to lead TRA

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    New Chief Executives appointed to lead TRA

    The UK Trade Remedies Authority has confirmed the appointment of Jessica Blakely and Carmen Suarez as Chief Executives in a jobshare arrangement.

    The UK Trade Remedies Authority (TRA) has today confirmed the appointment of Jessica Blakely and Carmen Suarez as Chief Executives in a jobshare arrangement. They will take up the role from 2 June.

    The Trade Remedies Authority is the UK’s independent public body responsible for investigating allegations of unfair trading practices and unforeseen surges in imports that cause injury to UK industry. It makes evidence-based recommendations to the Secretary of State for Business and Trade. 

    The TRA’s Chair Nick Baird recently met with the Secretary of State for Business and Trade to agree how during the current global trade turmoil, the TRA will be stepping up its active data monitoring of emerging trade risks to help the Government spot and tackle the potential dumping of unfairly low-priced goods into the UK.

    New leadership on trade remedies

    Jessica and Carmen join the TRA from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) and have held a number of senior roles both within and outside government, with a particular focus on trade, investment and regulation.

    Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said:  

    “This Government is standing up for our national interest, and as part of our Plan for Change, creating a level playing field where UK businesses can thrive and grow.

    The work of the TRA has never been more important in achieving this objective, and I’m delighted to welcome Jessica and Carmen to their new role. Their skills will be vital to ensure the TRA continues to protect British producers from unfairly low-priced imports.”

    Jessica and Carmen have jobshared since 2017. Their senior roles together have included: leading the Department for Business’ (BEIS) analytical work on EU Exit and international trade; the coordination of the UK Government work on no-deal business readiness; Senior Responsible Officers (SROs) for the level playing field chapter of the UK/EU trade negotiations (including subsidy control and remedial measures); establishing the UK’s domestic subsidy control regime; leading on Brexit Opportunities and regulatory reform in Cabinet Office; and most recently, leading the delivery of local growth funds and Freeports in MHCLG.

    Before joining the Civil Service, Jessica’s career featured 12 years working in Investment Banking, providing strategic and financial advice to CEOs and boards of directors on mergers, acquisitions and capital raisings in London, Singapore and Sydney. After joining the Civil Service in 2010, she led analytical work in BEIS’ Better Regulation Executive and then the Europe Directorate.

    Carmen joined the Civil Service in 2017 from the Financial Conduct Authority, where she led on embedding competition in financial regulation. Previously, she worked at the Competition and Markets Authority and Office of Fair Trading. including as lead on a number of market studies and head of evaluation. Before these Civil Service roles, she was Chief Economist at the National Farmers Union of England and Wales.

    TRA Chair Nick Baird said: ‘I am delighted that two leaders of Jessica and Carmen’s quality have joined us at this turbulent time in the international trade environment. They have exactly the skills and experience to lead the TRA through the changes that are needed to help UK business navigate this new world.’

    New appointees Carmen and Jessica said: “We are thrilled to be joining the TRA and look forward to working with its Board, staff and stakeholders to ensure that trade remedies, particularly at this crucial time, are a cornerstone of the UK’s international standing and growth ambitions.”

    Background Information

    • Trade remedy measures are a trade defence tool to protect domestic industries against injury caused by unfair trade practices or unforeseen increases in imports. They are a specific type of tariffs allowed under World Trade Organization rules when specific criteria are met (evidence of dumping, subsidy or a surge in imports). They usually take the form of an additional duty placed on imports of specific products, which are collected by HMRC prior to a good entering into free circulation.
    • The TRA has been led by Steve O’Donoghue as interim Chief Executive since March 2025, when the TRA’s previous Chief Executive Oliver Griffiths left to take up a new role – TRA announces interim CEO and confirms board leadership – GOV.UK.

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    Published 30 April 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    April 30, 2025

  • MIL-OSI: Axi Celebrates Axi Select’s Two $1M Funded Traders in Sydney, Australia

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SYDNEY, April 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Leading online FX and CFD broker Axi proudly announced a few months ago their first-ever Axi Select traders to have reached the Pro M stage of their capital allocation program, with each securing $1 million in funding.

    To celebrate this major milestone and their remarkable achievement, the two traders, Francisco Quesada Godines and Daniel Gutiérrez Viñas, visited Axi’s headquarters in Sydney, Australia, where they were formally inducted into the Axi Pro Hall of Fame, and were presented with their $1M cheques, celebration trophies, and certificates of achievement. The visit also included a series of interviews where the traders reflected on their trading journey with Axi Select, their strategies to reaching the top milestone of the program, and the unique opportunities that the program provides.

    Rajesh Yohannan, Chief Executive Officer of Axi, shared his excitement for the program’s success, noting “The value of Axi Select extends far beyond funding. Both Francisco and Daniel benefitted from an array of support features such as the EDGE score, our dashboard and leaderboard, our exclusive trading room, and our vast educational resources, each one designed to elevate traders’ edge in the markets.”

    Following the incredible news of Axi Select’s first two $1,000,000 funded traders, 22-year-old Kayan Freitas also joined the ranks of Pro M traders, accessing the top funding amount. Reflecting on his success, the trader commented that “It’s a big responsibility”, but, at the same time, is confident in his skills and is ready to rise to the challenge.

    Launched in 2023, Axi Select offers traders the opportunity to access capital funding up to $1,000,000 USD and earn up to 90% of their profits. Moreover, Axi Select traders benefit from $0 membership fees*, trading on a live account, unrestrictive trading conditions, an exclusive trading room, and more.

    Watch video https://youtu.be/25ZOZBFUB3Y?si=QQuj4uDnxG-BJ8_g

    The Axi Select programme is only available to clients of AxiTrader Limited. CFDs carry a high risk of investment loss. In our dealings with you, we will act as a principal counterparty to all of your positions. This content is not available to AU, NZ, EU and UK residents. For more information, refer to our Terms of Service. * Standard trading fees and minimum deposit apply.  

    About Axi

    Axi is a global online FX and CFD trading company, with thousands of customers in 100+ countries worldwide. Axi offers CFDs for several asset classes including Forex, Shares, Gold, Oil, Coffee, and more.

    For more information or additional comments from Axi, please contact: mediaenquiries@axi.com

    Photos accompanying this announcement are available at

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/af0cd73a-fe85-42d6-891a-4348cc3016d4

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/0a6eebca-9de1-4c28-86c6-97a19edd13cd

    The MIL Network –

    April 30, 2025

  • MIL-OSI: KE Holdings Inc. to Report First Quarter 2025 Financial Results on May 15, 2025 Eastern Time

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    BEIJING, April 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — KE Holdings Inc. (“Beike” or the “Company”) (NYSE: BEKE; HKEX: 2423), a leading integrated online and offline platform for housing transactions and services, today announced that it will report its unaudited financial results for the first quarter of 2025 before the U.S. market opens on Thursday, May 15, 2025.

    The Company’s management will hold an earnings conference call at 8:00 A.M. Eastern Time on Thursday, May 15, 2025 (8:00 P.M. Beijing Time on Thursday, May 15, 2025).

    For participants who wish to join the conference using dial-in numbers, please complete online registration using the link provided below at least 20 minutes prior to the scheduled call start time. Dial-in numbers, passcode and unique access PIN would be provided upon registering.

    Participant Online Registration:

    English Line: https://s1.c-conf.com/diamondpass/10046740-j8h7g6.html

    Chinese Simultaneous Interpretation Line (listen-only mode): https://s1.c-conf.com/diamondpass/10046741-h6g53.html

    A replay of the conference call will be accessible through May 22, 2025, by dialing the following numbers:

    United States: +1-855-883-1031
    Mainland, China: 400-1209-216
    Hong Kong, China: 800-930-639
    International: +61-7-3107-6325
    Replay PIN (English line): 10046740
    Replay PIN (Chinese simultaneous interpretation line): 10046741
       

    A live and archived webcast of the conference call will also be available at the Company’s investor relations website at https://investors.ke.com.

    About KE Holdings Inc.

    KE Holdings Inc. is a leading integrated online and offline platform for housing transactions and services. The Company is a pioneer in building infrastructure and standards to reinvent how service providers and customers efficiently navigate and complete housing transactions and services in China, ranging from existing and new home sales, home rentals, to home renovation and furnishing, and other services. The Company owns and operates Lianjia, China’s leading real estate brokerage brand and an integral part of its Beike platform. With more than 23 years of operating experience through Lianjia since its inception in 2001, the Company believes the success and proven track record of Lianjia pave the way for it to build its infrastructure and standards and drive the rapid and sustainable growth of Beike.

    For more information, please visit: https://investors.ke.com.

    For investor and media inquiries, please contact:

    In China:
    KE Holdings Inc.
    Investor Relations
    Siting Li
    E-mail: ir@ke.com

    Piacente Financial Communications
    Jenny Cai
    Tel: +86-10-6508-0677
    E-mail: ke@tpg-ir.com

    In the United States:
    Piacente Financial Communications
    Brandi Piacente
    Tel: +1-212-481-2050
    E-mail: ke@tpg-ir.com

    The MIL Network –

    April 30, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: LCQ10: Dog keeping in public rental housing

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    LCQ10: Dog keeping in public rental housing 
    Question:
     
         The Hong Kong Housing Authority has, since 2003, implemented a one-off “temporary permission” arrangement for dog keeping (the arrangement) whereby public rental housing (PRH) tenants who have been keeping dogs before August 1, 2003 are allowed to register with the Housing Department (HD), and their dogs can continue to be kept only after their applications are approved, and they are not allowed to register any new dogs thereafter. Although the arrangement has been in place for nearly 22 years, it has been reported that quite a number of PRH tenants are still keeping dogs without authorisation. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:

    (1) of the current number of PRH tenants who have registered with and obtained approval from HD for keeping dogs lawfully; 
    Reply:
     
    President,
     
         In formulating the policy of animal keeping in Public Rental Housing (PRH) estates, the ultimate consideration of the Hong Kong Housing Authority (HA) is to achieve a harmonious community whereby different interests of all PRH residents are being respected at large. While under the current policy and as stipulated in the Tenancy Agreement signed between the HA and the tenant that the tenant should not keep any animal in the premises without the prior written consent of the landlord (HA), in consideration of residents with special needs, such as visually impaired/hearing impaired residents who need to keep guide dogs, or for residents who are recommended by medical practitioners to keep companion dogs for mental support, tenants may submit written applications to the HA. The HA will consider approving such applications at its discretion, subject to the principle of not causing nuisance.
     
         In May 2003, the HA introduced the Marking Scheme for Estate Management Enforcement in Public Housing Estates (Marking Scheme), and “Keeping animal, bird or livestock inside leased premises without prior written consent of the Landlord” is one of the misdeeds that will result in points allotment under the Marking Scheme which applies to dogs. The HA subsequently implemented the “Temporary Permission Rule” (TPR) in November 2003 as a one-off measure to allow eligible PRH tenants to continue to keep small dogs that had been kept in PRH flats before August 1, 2003 until the dogs passed away. At present, all dogs which were allowed under the TPR had passed away.
     
         The reply in response to the question raised by the Hon Lee Chun-keung is as follows:
     
    (1) As at end-December 2024, about 1 700 service dogs were kept under special approval by the HA.Issued at HKT 12:50

    NNNN

    CategoriesMIL-OSI

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    April 30, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: LCQ21: Measures to promote STEAM education

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         Following is a question by the Hon Lillian Kwok and a written reply by the Secretary for Education, Dr Choi Yuk-lin, in the Legislative Council today (April 30): 

    Question:

         It is learnt that the Government is committed to promoting STEAM (i.e. Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) education and has provided schools with support measures, including offering learning grant schemes, optimising curriculum framework and enhancing teacher training. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:

    (1) of the frequency of upgrading artificial intelligence (AI) teaching equipment and the coverage of smart classrooms in various publicly-funded primary and secondary schools in Hong Kong over the past three years;

    (2) whether the Government will formulate guidelines and specifications in relation to AI ethics education and data security for schools; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that;

    (3) given that the Quality Education Fund (QEF) has implemented the e-Learning Ancillary Facilities Programme to promote co-operation between the education and business sectors for the development of e-learning ancillary facilities that meet local education needs, and that the QEF will also sponsor schools to use the deliverables of the projects under the Programme, of the number of schools which have purchased the e-learning ancillary facilities developed under the Programme with the subsidy of the QEF since the launch of the Programme, and the details of such ancillary facilities; and

    (4) of the number of schools currently adopting the teaching materials of the Enriched Module on Coding Education for Upper Primary Level and the Module on AI for Junior Secondary Level, and whether the Government will step up its efforts in promoting the adoption of such teaching materials by schools; if so, of the details?

    Reply:

    President,

         The Education Bureau (EDB) has been stepping up its efforts to promote STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) education and digital education in primary and secondary schools. Through a range of diversified strategies, including ongoing curriculum renewal, strengthening teacher training, optimising education ancillary infrastructure, providing resource support, and organising student activities, the EDB assists schools in harnessing innovation and technology (I&T) (including artificial intelligence (AI)) to enhance the digital literacy and competence of both teachers and students, and foster learning and teaching effectiveness, with a view to nurturing talent for the future. Meanwhile, we have been enhancing our efforts in promoting media and information literacy to enable students to use digital technology effectively and ethically in daily life and learning.

         Our consolidated reply to the written question raised by the Hon Lillian Kwok is as follows:

    Enhancing curriculum related to I&T (including AI)

         The EDB launched the Module on AI for Junior Secondary Level in the 2023/24 school year, with the aim of developing students’ understanding of AI and its applications. The EDB also launched the Enriched Module on Coding Education for Upper Primary Level to prepare primary school students for further studying the basics and applications of AI and big data in secondary schools. The Module on AI for Junior Secondary Level covers topics such as AI basics, AI ethics, societal impact and future of work, and enables teachers and students to learn about the ethics and appropriate application scenarios of AI, as well as relevant security topics such as personal data privacy and data security. At present, almost all publicly-funded primary and secondary schools have implemented the enriched coding education and AI education at the upper primary level and the junior secondary level respectively.

    Developing relevant learning and teaching resources

         Last year, the EDB launched the updated “Information Literacy for Hong Kong Students” Learning Framework (2024) to cover education on AI ethics and data security. Apart from this, the EDB has also been developing various learning and teaching resources, including those on AI ethics education and data security. In collaboration with the Hong Kong Police Force and the Journalism Education Foundation, the EDB has launched the learning and teaching resources on Cyber Security and Technology Crime Information and Media and Information Literacy respectively, which include content to enhance students’ ability to discern the authenticity of information and promote the proper use of social media.

    Providing professional development training for in-service teachers

         To tie in with the implementation of the above I&T curriculum modules, the EDB has continuously enhanced teacher training and strengthened the promotion and support for schools to adopt these modules. Since the 2023/24 school year, the EDB has organised 22 sessions of professional development programmes on AI education for the junior secondary level, with over 650 participating teachers. As for primary schools, a total of over 60 sessions of training programmes on coding education have been organised, with the attendance of over 1 550 teachers. The training programmes are conducted in both online and offline modes to benefit a greater number of teachers. In addition, the EDB has actively provided teachers with AI-related professional development programmes, covering topics like the development of AI, planning of applying AI in teaching and learning, as well as the application of AI tools in different subjects, and including such themes as safeguarding data security.

    Strengthening digital education ancillary infrastructure

         The Quality Education Fund (QEF) has included STEM/STEAM education as one of the priority themes and implemented the Dedicated Funding Programme for Publicly-funded Schools starting from the 2018/19 school year. From the 2018/19 to 2023/24 school years, the QEF approved over 1 200 projects related to information technology (IT) in education and STEM/STEAM education through the Priority Themes Funding Programme and the Dedicated Funding Programme for Publicly-funded Schools, with a total funding of over $1.1 billion. The measures included enhancing facilities and support for schools to develop school-based STEM/STEAM education.

         Moreover, to optimise education ancillary infrastructure, the QEF has allocated $500 million for the implementation of the e-Learning Ancillary Facilities Programme to develop e-learning ancillary facilities that meet local learning and teaching needs through co-operation between the education and business sectors. A total of 22 projects have been funded under the Programme and have commenced in the beginning of the 2023/24 school year. The learning platforms and resources developed under these projects deploy innovative technologies such as big data and AI to enhance learning and teaching effectiveness in a wide array of subjects/areas. The development period of each project ranges from two to three years. As at end-March 2025, around 400 schools participated in the collaborative development projects, involving around 31 000 students. It is expected that the deliverables of the projects will be successively released for subscription by schools in mid-2025 and will be available for use starting from the 2025/26 school year. The QEF will also sponsor publicly-funded schools to use the deliverables of the projects to facilitate the sustainable development of the projects. As the Programme is still at the development stage, figures on the numbers of subscribing schools and student beneficiaries, as well as the sponsored amount are not available for the time being.

    Providing resource support

         In applying digital technology to facilitate teaching, starting from the 2004/05 school year, the EDB has been providing all public sector schools with the Composite Information Technology Grant (CITG). Schools may deploy the grant flexibly, according to their school-based pedagogical needs, to purchase and enhance various kinds of hardware and software for teaching (including AI teaching equipment and smart classroom-related facilities), subscribe to Wi-Fi services, and strengthen their IT staffing support. In the 2024/25 school year, the rate of CITG for each school ranges from $275,355 to $898,390, depending on the school type and the number of classes. The grant rates will be adjusted annually in accordance with the movement of the Composite Consumer Price Index.

         Over the years, publicly-funded primary and secondary schools in Hong Kong have been flexibly updating the hardware and equipment in schools, having regard to the school-based circumstances and the learning and teaching needs of students and teachers. The relevant expenditures are subject to vetting by the school management committees/incorporated management committees. The EDB does not maintain relevant statistics on the updating of teaching equipment including AI equipment and the coverage rate of smart classrooms in schools.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    April 30, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: LCQ19: Services and facilities provided by Government in new towns

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         Following is a question by the Hon Chan Hok-fung and a written reply by the Secretary for Development, Ms Bernadette Linn, in the Legislative Council today (April 30):
     
    Question:
     
    There are views pointing out that the Government has proposed to construct the second government complex in Tseung Kwan O, a new town with a population of nearly 500 000, while it has no plan to provide any government complex in Tung Chung, even though there will be a population of almost 300 000 in Tung Chung upon completion of the expansion of Tung Chung East and Tung Chung West. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
     
    (1) of the criteria for providing government complexes in new towns (e.g. the population in and accessibility of the district, etc); whether it has plans to construct a government complex in Tung Chung Area 1; if so, of the timetable; if not, the reasons for that;
     
    (2) given that the proposed second government complex in Tseung Kwan O will provide medical and health facilities, day care centre for the elderly, government offices, a public vehicle park and other facilities, how the Government determines the services and facilities to be provided in the government complex, so as to realise the land use principle of “single site, multiple use”;
     
    (3) given that some residents of Tung Chung have relayed to me that they need to go to the Immigration Department’s Regional Office in Tuen Mun for registration of persons and travel document applications, whether the Government will consider providing services in relation to registration of persons and travel document applications in Tung Chung; if so, of the implementation timetable;
     
    (4) whether the Government had extensively promoted the use of electronic government services (e-government services) in Tung Chung in the past three years; if so, of the details; whether the Government has formulated any publicity plan for the coming year to promote the use of e-government services by more Tung Chung residents, so as to fill the service gap arising from the Government’s failure to provide a government complex in the district; and
     
    (5) given that the Leisure and Cultural Services Department currently provides different types of leisure and cultural services facilities in Tung Chung (e.g. Tung Chung North Park, Tung Chung Road Soccer Pitch, Tung Chung Man Tung Road Sports Centre, Tung Chung Public Library, etc), whether the Government has plans to extensively cultivate iconic species of plants at such facilities, so as to create a scenic landscape comprising government facilities in Tung Chung; if so, of the details?
     
    Reply:
     
    President,
     
    After consultation with the relevant policy bureaux and departments, the reply to the questions is as follows:
     
    (1) When developing New Towns/New Development Areas, the Government reserves sufficient land for “Government, Institution or Community” uses so as to meet the daily needs of the public. In general, the Government will take into account the population density of the relevant area when determining the type and quantity of facilities to be provided. With reference to the actual needs of local users, the supply of land or space, and views from other relevant departments, the departments responsible for providing the relevant services would plan accordingly, including whether developing Joint-user Complexes (JUCs) is the suitable approach to provide the public services needed by the relevant community.
     
    For the site of Tung Chung Area 1, nearby sits the Tung Chung Municipal Services Building, which is around 500 metres away. The building is near the MTR Tung Chung Station, within which there are various facilities such as a community hall, a public library, a sports centre, and elderly care facilities. In fact, within the public housing estates and private developments of the Tung Chung area, many community facilities have been provided, including health centres and post offices, etc, so as to serve the needs of Tung Chung residents. While there are currently no plans to develop JUCs at the site of Tung Chung Area 1, the Government will continue to take note of the view from the community on how this lot can be effectively utilised.
     
    (2) When considering the mix of services and facilities to be provided in a JUC, the Government mainly considers factors including local demand for public services, the space requirements of departments for providing such public services and setting up offices, compatibility of different facilities, and cost effectiveness, etc.
     
    (3) According to the Immigration Department (ImmD), there are currently seven Registration of Persons Offices and seven Immigration Branch Offices throughout Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, and the New Territories, providing registration of persons and document services to members of the public in various districts. These offices are of high accessibility, located near MTR stations and Public Transport Interchanges. Since the ImmD has already set up offices serving the public in areas conveniently accessible to Tung Chung residents, the Government does not have plans to set up additional offices in Tung Chung at the moment. The ImmD will continue to review the service demand in each district to ensure the continuous provision of efficient and high-quality services to the public while making optimal use of resources.
     
    In fact, to facilitate the public and align with the Government’s objective of full digitalisation of services, the ImmD has been proactively promoting electronic services. Members of the public can submit applications for the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Passport through the Internet or the ImmD Mobile Application. In recent years, the ImmD has also launched various electronic services, obviating the need for residents to visit the offices in person and thus saving queuing and form-filling time. These online services include birth registration, death registration, and application for Certificate of Registered Particulars, where applicants may also choose to receive relevant certificates by mail. Starting from January 2025, applications for certain visas/entry permits and extensions of stay will only be accepted electronically, and applicants will not need to visit ImmD offices in person throughout the entire process.
     
    (4) The Government has been striving to drive the full digitalisation of government services, and whether there is a JUC in a particular district has no bearing on the Government’s effort in this regard. According to the information provided by the Digital Policy Office (DPO), all licences and government services involving application and approval (about 1 480 items in total) and forms (over 3 800) have been digitalised since mid-2024, thereby enabling submission of application, payment and collection of documents by electronic means for relevant licences and services. If in-person submission or collection of documents is required by law or international practices, applicants will only need to visit the relevant government office no more than once.
     
    The DPO will strengthen the promotion of “iAM Smart” and related online services, and work with Care Teams to assist citizens and elderly people in various districts in registering and using “iAM Smart”. Moreover, the DPO has set up community-based help desks in suitable locations across all districts to provide regular and fixed-point training and technical support, teaching elderly people to use various digital government service applications.
     
    (5) The Development Bureau advocates the policy of “Right Plant, Right Place”, which involves taking into account planting space, adaptability, characteristics and matching of species, as well as compatibility with landscape designs and the surrounding environment. In this regard, the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) has been planting various conspicuous flowering or foliage plants in its recreational venues to beautify the environment. When pursuing recreational facility projects, the LCSD collaborates with works departments and design teams to select suitable plants based on factors including site condition, etc. When choosing plant species for open spaces in the Tung Chung area, the LCSD will make reference to the Greening Theme, Theme Plants, and Recommended Tree List for the Islands District in the Greening Master Plan drawn up by the Civil Engineering and Development Department (CEDD).
     
    Currently, over 30 Tabebuia chrysantha trees have been planted in Man Tung Road Park in Tung Chung, attracting many residents of the district during their spring blossom. In Tung Chung North Park, various themed trees have been planted, including nearly 50 Liquidambar formosana trees, the leaves colour of which changes through seasons. The red foliage in late autumn is particularly popular among visitors. For the Open Space Development in Tung Chung New Town Extension (East), the works of which will commence shortly, the LCSD plans to plant Pennisetum alopecuroides, Melastoma sanguineum, Cassia bakeriana, and other species, as well as install trellises adorned with distinctive climbers, to create a richly layered and vibrantly coloured landscape and greenery in Tung Chung. In addition to the above plants, in early 2023, the CEDD set up a trial nursery at the seafront of the newly reclaimed land in Tung Chung East to assess the growth performance of different tree species, with a view to selecting more suitable species for the Open Space Development in Tung Chung New Town Extension (East).

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    April 30, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: LCQ16: Promoting the sports atmosphere in schools

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         Following is a question by the Hon Vincent Cheng and a written reply by the Secretary for Education, Dr Choi Yuk-lin, in the Legislative Council today (April 30):

    Question:
     
         It has been reported that the Schools Sports Federation of Hong Kong, China (HKSSF) has earlier on launched the inaugural HKSSF Finals, featuring a number of Jing Ying tournaments or inter-area competitions held at the Kai Tak Sports Park, which have brought heightened interest and attention to inter-school competitions. In addition, the Chief Executive has proposed in the 2024 Policy Address to include Physical Education (PE) in the primary school internal assessments starting from the 2026/27 school year, so as to encourage student participation in physical activities on a regular basis. Regarding the promotion of the sports atmosphere in schools, will the Government inform this Council:
     
    (1) as it is learnt that about 30 000 inter-school competitions are currently held each year in Hong Kong, and quite a number of new sports or urban sports have emerged in recent years, whether the authorities have plans to allocate additional resources to the HKSSF to enhance the arrangements of inter-school competitions, thus enabling the school sector to organise more varieties of competitions of high quality;
     
    (2) given that at present there are Jing Ying tournaments and all Hong Kong inter-school competitions in nine and eight sports events respectively for secondary schools, whether the authorities have plans to introduce more territory-wide inter-school competitions (especially elite sports that are popular among students, such as fencing and cycling), so as to enable student participation in more high-level competitions, thereby identifying more athletes with potential for training and better dovetailing with the development of elite sports; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that;
     
    (3) as it has been reported that there are four major assessment domains (i.e. physical fitness, attitudes, sports skills and knowledge) for the PE subject in the primary school internal assessments, of the criteria based on which schools are required to determine students’ scores in the subject; how the authorities will encourage schools to make use of this opportunity to further cultivate students’ interest in doing sports; and
     
    (4) whether the authorities have plans to assist schools in organising more new or interesting sports events and allowing students to participate on their own terms, thereby promoting the sports atmosphere in schools; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that?
     
    Reply:
     
    President,
     
         In consultation with the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau and the Schools Sports Federation of Hong Kong, China (HKSSF), our consolidated reply to the question raised by the Hon Vincent Cheng is as follows:
     
     (1) and (2) The Government actively supports the development of sports and promotes sports in the community through subsidising various national sports associations (NSAs), including the HKSSF. With the completion of the Kai Tak Sports Park, the Government also provides quality competition venues to host different inter-school sports events, with a view to attracting the participation of more young people and students and enhancing the sports ambience in schools.
     
         The Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) has allocated around $620 million in 2025-26 as block grant under the Sports Subvention Scheme to various NSAs to promote sports in the community, youth training programmes, community participation, squad training at all levels and overseas exchange programmes and competitions. Over the past six years, the block grant provided by the LCSD to the NSAs has increased from around $300 million per year to over $600 million per year. In approving funding for each NSA (including the HKSSF) each year, the LCSD considers factors including the annual plans submitted by the NSAs, as well as their past performance, expenditure patterns, programme arrangements, and subvention management.
     
         The HKSSF, a recognised NSA of the Sports Federation & Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China subsidised by government departments including the LCSD and the Education Bureau (EDB), organises and participates in various local and overseas inter-school sports competitions. To better dovetail with the development of elite sports, the HKSSF has established with other NSAs a system of training and selection for elite athletes to provide student athletes with specific sports training of a high standard, thereby feeding potential athletes to relevant NSAs and preparing them for higher-level competitions in future. In the past year, over 1 000 primary and secondary schools across the territory participated in activities organised by the HKSSF, accounting for about 97 per cent of the total number of schools in Hong Kong; around 130 000 students participated in inter-school competitions, covering about 37 sports, approximately 70 per cent of which were elite sports such as fencing, swimming, and athletics. These competitions also involved urban sports such as 3-on-3 basketball and futsal. With dedicated efforts of the Government, there are already a great variety of high quality sports competitions in the school sector, enabling students’ participation in more high-level competitions and facilitating the identification of more athletes with potential.
     
    (3) In October 2024, the EDB announced the optimised arrangement of the weighting of subjects in the Internal Assessments (IA) for the Secondary School Places Allocation. Physical Education (PE) will be included in the IA in the second term of Primary five from the 2026/27 school year, so as to further help students develop a habit of joining sports activities from young age for strengthening their physique as well as provide them with the motivation to understand and improve their physical fitness, thereby achieving the learning goal of “Healthy Lifestyle”. The new measure has received general support from various stakeholders.
     
         Promoting the healthy growth of students is the first and foremost aim of the IA of PE, with an emphasis on foundation skills as well as objective and achievable health ratings. The IA of PE also builds on the domains and standards of PE assessment currently adopted by schools in general, including Physical Fitness, Attitudes, Sports Skills, and Knowledge (abbreviated as F.A.S.K.), and is a regular task of schools. Schools will refer to the relevant curriculum documents published by the EDB, including curriculum guides, the “Physical Education Learning Outcomes Framework”, and the assessment standards for physical fitness specified in the School Physical Fitness Award Scheme (Note 1) in adopting diversified modes of assessment, so as to enhance the effectiveness in learning and teaching through allowing students to demonstrate their learning outcomes in various ways and catering for their diverse potential, abilities and needs. Schools are required to set out clear learning objectives, scope of assessment, focus and format of assessment, and assessment criteria, etc, to enable students and parents to understand the relevant assessment criteria and arrangements. 
     
         The EDB will continue to update curriculum documents, develop learning and teaching resources, and organise professional development programmes for teachers. In addition, the EDB will provide a series of support measures to promote PE development in schools with a life-wide learning approach, including organising briefing sessions for schools and parents, and setting up a professional network of “Primary School PE Assessment Learning Circle”, so as to further assist students in developing an active and healthy lifestyle.
     
    (4) The EDB has included the World Health Organisation’s recommendation that children and adolescents aged five to 17 should accumulate at least an average of 60 minutes daily of moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activities (MVPA60) across the week as one of the directions of the PE curriculum. It has also introduced the “MVPA60 Award Scheme” with the slogan “Let’s exercise every day, exercise together and exercise with others” to encourage students to exercise regularly with their families, classmates or friends. More than 210 000 students have participated in the Scheme since its inception. In addition, the “Active Students, Active People” Campaign (Note 1) has also been launched since the 2021/22 school year to rally the efforts of schools and parents as well as other stakeholders to promote an optimised sports ambience in schools and in society. The Campaign offers a series of PE activities as well as learning and teaching resources to support schools in mobilising students’ participation in physical activities and further engaging them in developing an active and healthy lifestyle. Demonstrations of different sports and experiences of Olympic and emerging sports are featured in these activities to enhance students’ interest and provide them with opportunities in participating in physical activities, thus promoting the sports ambience in schools. The Campaign has recorded the participation of more than 60 000 students since its launch. The EDB will inject new elements into the Campaign in a timely manner so as to meet the needs of schools.
     
         In addition, the EDB disbursed a one-off grant of $150,000 to schools in March 2024 to support them in organising various activities, subsidising students’ participation in diversified sports activities (e.g. emerging or fun sports), purchasing or upgrading PE/sports equipment in schools, etc., with a view to increasing opportunities for students to participate in sports and promoting the sports ambience in schools on all fronts.
     
         Regarding teacher training, the EDB collaborates with local universities to organise the annual Hong Kong Physical Education Teachers Conference, which brings together various experts in PE to conduct thematic sharing. Teaching workshops on various sports, including urban sports such as 3-on-3 basketball and sport climbing, and such emerging sports as pickleball, tchoukball, floorball and Baseball5, are also held to enrich teachers’ professional knowledge and assist them in organising diversified activities for students within and outside the classroom, with a view to promoting students’ participation in different kinds of sports activities and enriching their sports learning experiences.
     
         Moreover, the EDB has been collaborating with government departments, relevant bodies and organisations to organise various physical activities and sports programmes, such as the School Sports Programme, as well as “Project MuSE” and “Jump Rope Together” Rope Skipping Scheme 2.0 funded by the Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust, to provide students with more opportunities to participate in sports activities during leisure time, foster a sporting culture in schools and identify student athletes with potential for further training.
     
    Note 1: The School Physical Fitness Award Scheme (spfas.hkuhealth.com), jointly developed by the EDB, the Hong Kong Childhealth Foundation and the Physical Fitness Association of Hong Kong, China, has been in place and developed in the school sector for over 35 years.
     
    Note 2: www.edb.gov.hk/en/curriculum-development/kla/pe/asap/index.html

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    April 30, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Special traffic and transport arrangements for Tam Kung Festival on Hong Kong Island

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Special traffic and transport arrangements for Tam Kung Festival on Hong Kong Island 
    Road closures
     
         Road closures and traffic diversions will be implemented on roads in the vicinity of Shau Kei Wan Road, Shau Kei Wan Main Street East and Tam Kung Temple Road from 6.30am to 6.30pm that day. Intermittent road closures will be implemented on roads in the vicinity of Tai Hang in Wan Chai District from 10.30am that day until crowds disperse and roads are reopened. Vehicular access to and from car parks within the affected areas may not be allowed during the period of road closures.

    Public transport service arrangements 
    (ii) The public light bus stand, public light bus parking space and motorcycle parking spaces at Kam Wah Street between Shau Kei Wan Main Street East and Mong Lung Street will be temporarily suspended from 8am on May 4 to 6.30pm the next day;
     
    (iii) All on-street parking spaces within closed road sections in Shau Kei Wan (including metered parking, motorcycle parking and disabled parking spaces) will be temporarily suspended from 10pm on May 4 to 6.30pm the next day; and 
         The TD and the Police will closely monitor the traffic situation and implement appropriate measures when necessary. The public should pay attention to the latest traffic news through radio, television or “HKeMobility”.
    Issued at HKT 12:20

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    April 30, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: LCQ13: Allocation arrangements for public housing

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    (7) of the three most common reasons given by ordinary families waiting for PRH for refusing the units allocated to them; whether the Government has reviewed the savings in administrative costs in processing PRH applications with successful allocations on the first offer as compared to those requiring several offers before an allocation is successful?

    Reply:
     
    President,
     
    The objective of the Hong Kong Housing Authority (HA) is to provide public rental housing (PRH) to those who cannot afford private rental accommodation. With regard to the question raised by the Hon Tang Ka-piu, my reply is as follows:
     
    (1) Given the limited PRH resources, it is the prevailing policy of the HA to accord priority to general applicants (i.e. family applicants and elderly-one person applicants) over non-elderly one-person applicants in the allocation of PRH flats. The relative priority of flat allocation to general applicants is determined according to the principle of rational allocation of PRH resources and strictly in accordance with the order of registration date/G-number Equivalent Date (Note) (if any) of applications. Apart from the general applicants, we have set another queue for non-elderly one-person applicants and the priority of flat allocation is determined by the Quota and Points System (QPS). Unlike that of general applicants, the order of the applications is not in accordance with the sequence of the date of registration, but is determined by the total points accumulated by such applicants under QPS.
     
         To cater to the housing needs of the elderly, encourage younger families to take care of their elderly parents or dependent relatives, and provide incentives to families applicants to encourage childbearing, there are several allocation priority schemes under the HA, including “Elderly Persons Priority Scheme”, “Harmonious Families Priority Scheme”, “Single Elderly Persons Priority Scheme” and “Families with Newborns Allocation Priority Scheme”. Eligible applications under individual priority schemes will generally be processed earlier than applications by ordinary families. For example, eligible applications under the “Harmonious Families Priority Scheme” and “Families with Newborns Allocation Priority Scheme” will be processed earlier by six months and one year respectively, and will be assigned a G-number Equivalent Date. Details on the above-mentioned schemes and arrangement are set out at Annex.
     
    (2) The progress of PRH allocation depends on various factors, including the applicants’ choice of district, the number of applications with same family size in individual districts, the supply of new and refurbished PRH flats in individual districts, the acceptance of flat offers by other applicants of higher priorities, the change of family particulars during the waiting period, etc. Therefore, the waiting time of applicants in individual districts may vary. For individual applicants, the latest allocation status of PRH applications in various districts can better enable them to estimate the waiting time required for them to be housed. In this regard, the Housing Department (HD) would publish in newspapers the latest allocation status of each district on a monthly basis, and would upload relevant information to the HA’s/HD’s website (www.housingauthority.gov.hk/en/flat-application/allocation-status/index.html 
         Moreover, general applicants can make reference to the future supply of PRH in different districts so as to estimate their waiting time. To this end, the Housing Bureau (HB) would update and publish the public housing production forecast for the next five years, and would upload the relevant public housing project information (including name of project, location, estimated number of flats, completion year, etc.) to the HB’s website (    www.hb.gov.hk/eng/publications/housing/public/phpf/index.html 
    (3) The HA has enhanced the allocation mechanism since September 2023 by taking into account an applicant’s place of residence when allocating flats based on his/her choice of district. In processing individual application under the enhanced allocation mechanism, the computer system will allocate a PRH flat which is near to the applicant’s place of residence to the applicant, subject to the availability of public housing resources in the applicant’s chosen district, in order to increase the applicant’s chance of accepting the allocated PRH flat nearer to his/her current place of residence. Following the system enhancement, the proportion of applicants who are allocated with flats near their place of residence has increased by about 10 per cent, and the acceptance rate has increased by about 5 per cent accordingly.
     
         Eligible applicants are entitled to three housing offers (one at a time). If applicants have special requests for PRH allocation (such as wishing to be accommodated to a specific area or a specific type of PRH flat in their choice of district) and have obtained the recommendation from government departments or organisations concerned (such as the Social Welfare Department or the Hospital Authority) supporting their special requests, the HD will, having regard to the applicants’ individual circumstances and subject to the availability of resources, arrange allocation of PRH flats to the applicants according to the area or type of flat recommended as far as practicable. If the applicant can furnish sufficient reasons that are acceptable by the HD for refusing the housing offer, the HD will arrange an extra flat offer for him/her according to his/her special need.
     
    (4) In view of the supply and demand situation as well as the distribution of PRH flats, the HA had, on several occasions, reviewed and regrouped the geographical districts to speed up the allocation of suitable flats to applicants. Due to the different number of flats supply and distribution in all geographical districts, the choices available for applicants in different district may vary. Therefore, the smaller the district boundary, the chance for successful flat allocation will be lower. In order to improve the situation, the HA consolidated the number of PRH districts from fourteen to eight in 1993. This could expedite the allocation process and enable early allocation of suitable flats to applicants.
     
         In tandem with urban development, the number of public transportation facilities connecting various districts is increasing, which greatly shortens the travelling time between districts. The HA further reduced the number of PRH districts from eight to four in 1998 in order to speed up the allocation work even more flexibly and further expedite the PRH allocation. The prevailing arrangement with four districts allows a more even distribution of supply of flats in each district and more effective allocation work. In fact, the Average Waiting Time (AWT) of general applications as at March 1998 was 6.6 years. Upon consolidating the PRH districts to four districts by the HA, and coupled with the increased supply of PRH, the AWT gradually reduced to around two years in 2000, proven that it is a good arrangement for consolidating the districts.
     
    (5) Comparing with the 1990s, the infrastructure and transportation facilities in Tung Chung are well-developed today. The public transport links between districts are also very convenient. Reservation of some newly completed PRH flats in Tung Chung for special allocation arrangements would be unfair to other applicants who are waiting for allocation.
     
    (6) Among the general applicants who were allocated PRH flats in the past three years (i.e. from 2022-23 to 2024-25), around 43 per cent of the applicants accepted the first offer, while around 27 per cent and 30 per cent of the applicants accepted the second and third offer respectively. If a flat is not accepted by an applicant, we will immediately allocate it to another applicant.
     
    (7) Putting into consideration that each applicant has different housing needs for PRH flats, the HA will provide up to three housing offers to eligible applicants. Applicants can decide whether to accept the offers in accordance with their individual preferences and circumstances. Applicants may refuse to accept the housing offer for different reasons (not limited to a single reason). The HA does not maintain relevant statistical information.
     
    Note: The HA will issue a registration date to the applicant upon registration of a PRH application. As the registration date cannot be changed, the HA will issue an adjusted registration date (i.e. G-number Equivalent Date) reflecting the adjusted waiting time due to implementation of PRH allocation policies (e.g. waiting time credit of one year will be given for “Families with Newborns Allocation Priority Scheme”, waiting time will be frozen for one year if all members included in the application are currently living in PRH, etc). If there is a G-number equivalent date in the application, that date will be taken as the basis for future flat allocation and implementation of PRH application policies. When a G-number Equivalent Date is issued, the applicant will, at the same time, be issued with a corresponding range of application numbers which may be used as a reference for enquiring about the PRH application status.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    April 30, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: LCQ15: Bringing dogs onto food premises

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    LCQ15: Bringing dogs onto food premises 
    (1) There are restaurants that advertise themselves as pet-friendly in recent years, but there is no specific or consistent definition of this type of restaurants. The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) does not have statistics on the number of all self-claimed pet-friendly restaurants. 

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     Issued at HKT 12:15

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    April 30, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: LCQ5: Boarding facilities in primary and secondary schools

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    LCQ5: Boarding facilities in primary and secondary schools
    Hong Kong’s diverse and quality education is one of the factors attracting talent to Hong Kong. In recent years, the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region has introduced and enhanced various talent schemes to attract talent conducive to Hong Kong’s development and enrich the local talent pool. The Education Bureau (EDB) provides various educational support services to facilitate the school placement of accompanying children (i.e. dependants) of individuals admitted to Hong Kong under various talent admission schemes, and help them integrate into the local learning environment as soon as possible. 

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    School typeIssued at HKT 15:00

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    April 30, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: LCQ22: Treatment of waste lead-acid batteries

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    LCQ22: Treatment of waste lead-acid batteries 
    Question:
     
         Under the Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and their Disposal (the Convention), member countries (Parties) are expected to treat and dispose of wastes as close as possible to their place of generation and to prevent and minimise the generation of wastes at source, and waste lead-acid batteries are hazardous waste regulated under the Convention. China is a Party to the Convention, the Convention is therefore applicable to Hong Kong as well. It has been reported that at present, most of the waste lead-acid batteries in Hong Kong were exported to other places (including Korea) after treatment, and those recycled locally only accounted for a small portion. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
     
    (1) of the quantity of waste lead-acid batteries generated in Hong Kong in each of the past three years, as well as the respective quantities of waste lead-acid batteries preliminarily processed locally, exported to overseas advanced facilities for recycling (with a breakdown by export areas) and recycled locally;
     
    (2) of the respective maximum annual treatment capacities of the facilities for (i) preliminary treatment and (ii) recycling of waste lead-acid batteries in Hong Kong;
     
    (3) of the details of projects relating to waste lead-acid batteries subsidised by the Recycling Fund in the past three years (including but not limited to the amount of subsidy granted for each project and the content of the subsidy);
     
    (4) of the current progress of the implementation of the Producer Responsibility Scheme on waste lead-acid batteries, as well as the recovery target for local waste lead-acid batteries after the implementation of the Scheme; and
     
    (5) whether the authorities have formulated a contingency plan to cope with the situation where the collection of treated waste lead-acid batteries exported from Hong Kong will be suspended in the event of policy adjustments by Korea or other places; if so, of the specific proposals; if not, the reasons for that?
     
    Reply:
     
    President,
     
         Handling of waste lead-acid batteries is strictly regulated under the Waste Disposal Ordinance, and the Waste Disposal (Chemical Waste) (General) Regulation including registration as chemical waste producers, applications for chemical waste collection and disposal licences, reporting the quantities of waste lead-acid batteries produced, collected and disposed of, and regulating the transboundary movements of waste lead-acid batteries according to the Basel Convention (the Convention).
     
        Any person intending to export waste lead-acid batteries for recycling should apply to the Environmental Protection Department (EPD) for an export permit. Prior to issuing the permit, the EPD will obtain written consent from the relevant authority of the concerned state of import to ensure that the waste lead-acid batteries will be transported to an approved recycling facility in the destination location for recycling in an environmentally sound manner.
     
         The Convention encourages the Parties of the Convention to dispose of controlled waste within the country of origin as far as possible, but it does not prohibit the import or export of such waste under certain conditions, including that the state of import needs the waste as a raw material for recycling or recovery use. Currently, the waste lead-acid batteries exported from the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region comply with the above principles. Under the permit control system, approval from the competent authority of the concerned state of import must be obtained prior to the export of waste lead-acid batteries, which must be recycled in facilities equipped with processing capacity in waste lead-acid batteries.
     
         The EPD will continue to combat illegal collection and disposal of waste lead-acid batteries, and promote proper disposal of waste lead-acid batteries and the relevant legal requirements to the trade.
     
         The reply to the question raised by the Hon Judy Chan is as follows:
     
    (1) and (2) Currently, there are approximately 700 000 fuel-powered or gas-powered vehicles in Hong Kong, amounting to an estimation of around 3 000 tonnes of waste lead-acid batteries generated annually. In addition to other applications including uninterruptible power supply systems (e.g. data centres and emergency lighting), non-road mobile machineries (e.g. forklifts), vessels, and emergency generators in industrial and commercial buildings, an additional 3 500 to 4 000 tonnes of waste lead-acid batteries are generated each year. Thus, it is estimated that a total of 6 500 to 7 000 tonnes of waste lead-acid batteries are generated in Hong Kong annually. In recent years, the number of electric vehicles in Hong Kong has been steadily increasing. There were 110 014 electric vehicles in Hong Kong in 2024, representing about 12.2 per cent of the total number of vehicles. As newly launched electric vehicles no longer use lead-acid batteries, it is expected that the quantity of waste lead-acid batteries generated will gradually decline in the future.    
     
         Currently, there are eight licensed disposal facilities for disposal of waste lead-acid batteries, seven of which conduct preliminary treatment such as sorting, insulation, and packaging before exporting the waste lead-acid batteries to overseas facilities for recycling. According to the capacity stipulated in their licences, these seven facilities can collectively process up to approximately 42 000 tonnes of waste lead-acid batteries annually. Another licensed facility located at the EcoPark in Tuen Mun processes waste lead-acid batteries into lead bullion by dismantling waste lead-acid batteries into lead grid and lead paste by means of high temperature smelting. The maximum annual disposal capacity (for lead bullion production) stipulated in its licence is about 8 000 tonnes.
     
         In the past three years, the quantities of waste lead-acid batteries treated locally and exported overseas are listed as follows:
     

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    (3) Over the past three years (i.e. 2022 to 2024), the Recycling Fund approved a total subsidy of about $1.03 million for seven waste lead-acid batteries recyclers. The approved funding was to subsidise the purchase of equipment, such as packaging machine, scissor lift and electric pallet truck for enhancing their productivity, and provide a one-off subsidy to frontline recycling staff to help the recycling industry to cope with the COVID-19 epidemic.
     
    (4) The Government has introduced the Promotion of Recycling and Proper Disposal of Products (Miscellaneous Amendments) Bill 2025 (Amendment Bill) to the Legislative Council on April 2 this year to establish a common legislative framework for the producer responsibility schemes (PRSs) applicable to different products. After the passage of the Amendment Bill, we will extend PRSs to more products (including lead-acid batteries) as and when appropriate by means of subsidiary legislation.
     
         The EPD has conducted consultations on the proposed PRS on lead-acid batteries from June 2023 to April 2025. We hitherto have met with more than 40 companies or organisations including trade associations of automotive batteries and tyres industry, traders of automotive parts, suppliers of uninterrupted power supplies, medical devices and forklifts, as well as engineering contractors and recyclers, with a view to considering the trade’s opinions when drawing up the implementation details. We will maintain a close communication with the trades and take into account their views for the sake of fine-tuning the operational details of the scheme as appropriate, including setting appropriate recycling targets in light of the prevailing circumstances.
     
    (5) After proper treatment of waste lead-acid batteries, valuable lead materials can be recovered, which have considerable value in the international recycling market. Therefore, there is a market for purchasing waste lead-acid batteries for recycling. Apart from Korea, many countries including Poland, the Czech Republic, Spain, Mexico, Greece, and Canada, possess the capability to process waste lead-acid batteries and import them from other places for recycling purposes. The local recycling facility located at the EcoPark is also capable of treating locally generated waste lead-acid batteries. Therefore, even if certain places adjust their policies and cease importing treated waste lead-acid batteries, the market is still capable of handling them.
    Issued at HKT 12:15

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    April 30, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: CFS announces food safety report for March

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department today (April 30) released the findings of its food safety report for last month. The results of about 5 400 food samples tested (including food items purchased online) were found to be satisfactory except for two unsatisfactory samples that were announced earlier. The overall satisfactory rate was 99.9 per cent.

    A CFS spokesman said about 1 900 food samples were collected for microbiological tests, and about 3 500 samples were taken for chemical and radiation level tests.

    The microbiological tests covered pathogens and hygiene indicators; the chemical tests included testing for pesticides, preservatives, metallic contaminants, colouring matters, veterinary drug residues and others; and the radiation level tests included testing for radioactive caesium and iodine in samples collected from imported food from different regions.

    The samples comprised about 1 700 samples of vegetables and fruit and their products; about 400 samples of cereals, grains and their products; about 700 samples of meat and poultry and their products; about 800 samples of milk, milk products and frozen confections; about 700 samples of aquatic and related products; and about 1 100 samples of other food commodities (including beverages, bakery products and snacks).

    The two unsatisfactory samples comprised a papaya sample detected with a pesticide residue at a level exceeding the legal limit and a prepackaged double cream sample detected with a total bacterial count exceeding the legal limit.

    The CFS has taken follow-up actions on the above-mentioned unsatisfactory samples, including informing the vendors concerned of the test results, instructing them to stop selling the affected food items, and tracing the sources of the food items in question.

    The spokesman reminded the food trade to ensure that food is fit for human consumption and meets legal requirements. Consumers should patronise reliable shops when buying food and maintain a balanced diet to minimise food risks.

    Separately, in response to the Japanese Government’s discharge of nuclear-contaminated water at the Fukushima Nuclear Power Station, the CFS will continue enhancing the testing on imported Japanese food, and make reference to the risk assessment results to adjust relevant surveillance work in a timely manner. The CFS will announce every working day on its dedicated webpage (www.cfs.gov.hk/english/programme/programme_rafs/daily_japan_nuclear_incidents.html) the radiological test results of the samples of food imported from Japan, with a view to enabling the trade and members of the public to have a better grasp of the latest safety information.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    April 30, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Prime Minister condoles the loss of lives due to the collapse of a wall in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh

    Source: Government of India

    Prime Minister condoles the loss of lives due to the collapse of a wall in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh

    PM announces ex-gratia from PMNRF

    Posted On: 30 APR 2025 9:36AM by PIB Delhi

    Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi today condoled the loss of lives due to the collapse of a wall in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. He announced an ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF for the next of kin of each deceased and Rs. 50,000 to the injured.

    The PMO India handle in post on X said:

    “Deeply saddened by the loss of lives due to the collapse of a wall in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. May the injured recover soon.

    An ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each deceased. The injured would be given Rs. 50,000: PM @narendramodi”

    Deeply saddened by the loss of lives due to the collapse of a wall in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. May the injured recover soon.

    An ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each deceased. The…

    — PMO India (@PMOIndia) April 30, 2025

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    April 30, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: ECI strengthens field readiness with 2-day training for electoral officers at IIIDEM

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 30 APR 2025 12:24PM by PIB Delhi

    Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) of India Shri Gyanesh Kumar inaugurated a two-day capacity-building training programme for Electoral Registration Officers (EROs) and Booth Level Officers (BLOs) from Bihar, and EROs and BLO Supervisors from Haryana, NCT of Delhi, and Uttar Pradesh at the India International Institute of Democracy and Election Management (IIIDEM), New Delhi today. The training programme is part of the Election Commission of India’s ongoing preparations for the upcoming General Elections to the Legislative Assemblies. A total of 369 grassroots election officials are taking part in this mixed-batch training programme.

    2. In his inaugural address CEC Gyanesh Kumar said that the BLOs and EROs along with the Booth Level Agents (BLAs) are responsible for ensuring correct and updated electoral rolls and they are to function strictly as per the Representation of People Act 1950, Registration of Electors Rules 1960 and instructions issued by the ECI from time to time. Earlier this month, around 280 BLAs from Bihar of 10 recognised political parties were also trained at IIDEM.

    3. The training is designed to enhance participants’ practical understanding especially in the areas of voter registration, form handling, and field-level implementation of electoral procedures. The officials will also be provided technical demonstrations and training of EVMs and VVPATs. The participants were also familiarised with the provisions of first and second appeals against the final electoral rolls as published with the DM/District Collector/Executive Magistrate under section 24(a) of RP Act 1950 and Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of the State/UT under section 24(b) respectively. It may be recalled that no appeals were filed from Bihar, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and NCT of Delhi after the completion of the Special Summary Revision (SSR) exercise as of 6th-10th of January 2025.

    4. The curriculum includes interactive sessions, role plays simulating house-to-house surveys, case studies, and hands-on exercises for filling Forms 6, 6A, 7, and 8. Additionally, participants will receive practical training on the Voter Helpline App (VHA) and the BLO App.

    5.   Sessions are being conducted by experienced National Level Master Trainers (NLMTs) and expert Resource Persons from the IT and EVM Divisions of the Commission. The sessions are interactive and will address common field-level errors and how to avoid them.

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    April 30, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Prime Minister condoles the loss of lives in a fire mishap in Kolkata

    Source: Government of India

    Prime Minister condoles the loss of lives in a fire mishap in Kolkata

    PM announces ex-gratia from PMNRF

    Posted On: 30 APR 2025 9:34AM by PIB Delhi

    Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi today condoled the loss of lives in a fire mishap in Kolkata. He announced an ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF for the next of kin of each deceased and Rs. 50,000 to the injured.

    The PMO India handle in post on X said:

    “Anguished by the loss of lives due to a fire mishap in Kolkata. Condolences to those who lost their loved ones. May the injured recover soon.

    An ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each deceased. The injured would be given Rs. 50,000: PM @narendramodi”

    Anguished by the loss of lives due to a fire mishap in Kolkata. Condolences to those who lost their loved ones. May the injured recover soon.

    An ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each deceased. The injured would be given Rs. 50,000: PM…

    — PMO India (@PMOIndia) April 30, 2025

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    April 30, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Nominations for Young Astronaut Training Camp 2025 to start tomorrow

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         The nomination for the Leisure and Cultural Services Department’s Young Astronaut Training Camp 2025 will open for local secondary schools starting from tomorrow (May 1) until May 31. Selected participants will experience astronaut training on the Mainland free of charge this summer to learn about space science, astronomy and China’s aerospace achievements.

         The training camp will run from July 25 to August 2. During the nine-day training camp, participants will visit Beijing, Jiuquan and Xi’an. The itinerary includes visiting various key astronomy and aerospace facilities such as Beijing Aerospace City, the Xinglong Observatory of the National Astronomical Observatories and the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center. In addition, participants will experience astronaut training activities and have a chance to meet with astronauts and aerospace experts.

         The quota for the training camp is 30. Candidates must be local full-time students currently enrolled in Secondary Two to Secondary Six for the 2024/25 academic year, aged 12 or above and be nominated by their respective schools. Each school can nominate two students at most. There will be three rounds of selection – a quiz, a pre-camp training and an interview. Candidates with outstanding performance will be selected to join the camp. A briefing on the Camp will be conducted on May 6, at 5pm in the Lecture Hall of the Hong Kong Space Museum. Please visit the Hong Kong Space Museum website at hk.space.museum/en/web/spm/activities/yatc.html for more details.

         The training camp is jointly presented by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) and the Chinese General Chamber of Commerce in association with the Beijing-Hong Kong Academic Exchange Centre. The training camp is organised by the Hong Kong Space Museum and sponsored by the Chinese General Chamber of Commerce.
     
         The camp is also one of the activities in the Chinese Culture Promotion Series. The LCSD has long been promoting Chinese history and culture through organising an array of programmes and activities to enable the public to learn more about the broad and profound Chinese culture. For more information, please visit www.ccpo.gov.hk/en/.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    April 30, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: LCQ20: Reforming GEM

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    LCQ20: Reforming GEM 
    Question:
     
         In 2023, the Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited (HKEX) conducted a consultation on the GEM (formerly known as “Growth Enterprise Market”) Listing Reforms and completed the amendment to the GEM Listing Rules. However, it has been reported that upon the introduction of a series of enhancement measures, only three enterprises were listed on GEM last year. Some members of the sector are of the view that GEM has still failed to perform its functions properly. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
     
    (1) whether it knows if the HKEX has assessed the effectiveness of the GEM reform, including whether the expected targets (not limited to the number of new listings and the amount of funds raised) have been achieved, and of the specific data or indicators showing that the attractiveness of GEM to issuers has been enhanced after the reform; if an assessment has been conducted, of the details; if not, the reasons for that;
     
    (2) as there are views pointing out that insufficient market liquidity and relatively low investor participation are the core problems of GEM, of the concrete measures put in place by the Government to enhance the market liquidity of GEM, so as to attract the participation of more overseas and local investors, thereby strengthening the vitality and resilience of the market;
     
    (3) whether the Government will join hands with the HKEX to review afresh the positioning of GEM and formulate strategies for its long-term development, as well as to work for co-ordination with other financial policies to ensure competitiveness and sustainable development of Hong Kong’s investment and capital raising markets;
     
    (4) as many small and medium enterprises (SMEs) have relayed that their desire to go listing on GEM has been dampened by the costs of listing which are on the high side, whether the Government will encourage the regulatory bodies to carry out reforms or relax the relevant listing requirements, so as to alleviate the financing costs of SMEs when going listing on GEM; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that; and
     
    (5) how the Government will provide a suitable financing platform to enable SMEs which are unable to meet the listing requirements of the Main Board to go listing in Hong Kong (irrespective of whether they are listed on the GEM or other new boards)?
     
    Reply:
     
    President,
     
         In consultation with the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) and the Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited (HKEX), the reply to the five parts of the question is as follows:
     
         GEM is positioned to provide a fundraising platform for small and medium enterprises to support their innovation and development, value creation and business growth. To enhance the attractiveness of GEM to issuers and investors, the HKEX implemented a series of GEM reform measures in January 2024. These include introducing a new financial eligibility test for high growth enterprises that are heavily engaged in research and development activities; introducing a new “streamlined transfer mechanism”; aligning the continuing obligations of GEM issuers with those of the Main Board, etc.
     
         The Government, regulators and the HKEX have been closely monitoring the development of stock markets in different places and the effectiveness of relevant measures, as well as continuously reviewing the implementation experience and market conditions. Overall speaking, the initial public offering (IPO) market had gradually become more vibrant in 2024, and enterprises have been increasingly confident about Hong Kong’s financing prospects. In 2024, the amount of total IPO funds raised in Hong Kong exceeded $87 billion, an increase of close to 90 per cent year-on-year and ranking fourth globally. Since the GEM reform, three companies were listed on GEM in 2024. As of the end of March this year, the HKEX was processing over 100 listing applications including that for listing on GEM. As regards liquidity, trading volume in the securities market hit new highs, with the overall average daily turnover of the Main Board and GEM increasing by 26 per cent year-on-year. The overall average daily turnover for the first three months of this year increased by 144 per cent year-on-year. The average daily turnover of GEM in March this year was about $78 million, up 77 per cent year-on-year. Under the newly implemented “streamlined transfer mechanism”, one company was successfully transferred to the Main Board for listing in February this year.
     
         There are many factors that affect IPO listing activities and liquidity of GEM. For example, geopolitics affects global markets and capital flows, where investors’ risk appetite has become more conservative, placing more attention on mature companies supported by business track records. The demand of small and medium enterprises for listing and fundraising is also affected by various external factors such as economic growth slowdown, industry prospects, market investment sentiment, interest rate policies, etc.
     
         To dovetail with the latest economic trends and corporate needs, and thereby further enhance Hong Kong’s competitiveness as an all-rounded fundraising centre, the SFC and the HKEX are taking forward a comprehensive review on reforming the listing regime, including reviewing listing requirements and post-listing ongoing obligations, evaluating listing-related regulations and arrangements to improve the vetting process, optimising the thresholds for dual primary listing and secondary listing, and reviewing the market structure. The reform will study the functions and positioning of different segments to better serve the financing needs of enterprises of different types and backgrounds, including small and medium enterprises and start-ups. The HKEX and the SFC target to put forward enhancement proposals in different areas by batches when they are ready within this year for market consultation.
     
         Vetting of listing applications is an important step to review the compliance of listing applicants and maintain market quality. Its fundamental objective is to protect the rights and interests of the investing public who subscribe to the relevant stocks, especially some retail investors who may not have professional knowledge of corporate finance. According to the information of the HKEX, for the listing applications presented to the Listing Committee for consideration in the 12 months ended March 31, 2025, the median of total business days taken by the HKEX from listing application acknowledgement to issuance of hearing bundle letter was 28 days, while the median number of days required by listing applicants (Note) was 49 days. In maintaining certainty in listing schedule of enterprises, in addition to having clear and standardised procedures, efficient services provided by various professional institutions are also crucial to assist listing applicants in submitting the required information and responding to relevant issues raised by regulators. Currently, the cost of listing of enterprises mainly includes fees paid to sponsors, legal advisors, accountants and other professional services. The relevant fees are determined between listing applicants and professional institutions in accordance with market mechanism based on the circumstances of individual listing applications, which are not directly related to the requirements of regulators for approval of listing applications.
     
    Note: Including the time to respond to comments from the HKEX and the regulator, etc.
    Issued at HKT 14:30

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    April 30, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: FEHD continues to provide convenience facilities, enhance gear and improve working environment for frontline cleansing workers (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    A spokesman for the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) said today (April 30) that the department is committed to providing frontline cleansing workers with an appropriate working and resting environment. It continuously reviews their basic needs, including access to drinking water, places for short breaks, water for cleansing tools, and toilet facilities, to ensure that the needs of all frontline cleansing workers are met. Where conditions permit, the FEHD will also strive to further improve the working environment and provide more convenient staff facilities by refurbishing or upgrading refuse collection points (RCPs).

    The spokesman said, “The department attaches great importance to the working environment of frontline cleansing workers. There are some 900 village-type RCPs/RCPs with temporary structures under the FEHD’s management, most of which are located in rural areas. Due to geographical constraints, these sites are unable to provide these convenience facilities. Although no personnel were deployed to be stationed at the RCPs, the FEHD strives to ensure that cleansing workers at work nearby have access to drinking water, places for short breaks during hot weather, water for cleansing tools, and toilet facilities in their work zones or within a few minutes’ walk. To further enhance the resting environment for rural workers, the FEHD has installed 133 solar cooling kiosks since 2023. These kiosks are equipped with solar-powered facilities, including air coolers, electric fans, and exhaust fans. Similar solar-powered and staff convenience facilities have also been added to 15 staff resting places in rural areas and 14 village-type RCPs.”

    Since 2020, in newly built or refurbished off-street RCPs, the FEHD has, depending on the actual site conditions, endeavoured to provide staff with changing and personal storage spaces, as well as facilities for short beaks and meals. Additionally, amenities such as cold and hot water dispensers, microwave ovens, electric steamers, refrigerators, electric fans, tables and chairs, and power sockets have been installed wherever possible. Air conditioning systems will also be installed in the staff dining rooms where feasible.

    Meanwhile, the FEHD has been enhancing the gear provided to frontline staff. At present, all frontline cleansing workers of the FEHD have been provided with working uniforms that have sweat-wicking, breathable and reflective properties, and are equipped with portable waist-mounted fans to help them keep cool in hot weather. To further enhance the occupational safety and health (OSH) of contractors’ cleansing workers, the FEHD has collaborated with the Hong Kong Research Institute of Textiles and Apparel to develop new work raincoats and shoes for cleansing workers. The new work shoes are designed with good breathability, waterproofing, durability, slip resistance, shock-absorption, and antimicrobial functions. They are easy to clean and incorporate appropriate fabric materials and ergonomic design to enhance comfort and reduce the risk of foot injury. The new raincoats are made from high-quality fabrics that are waterproof, breathable, and durable, with thermoregulation function to adapt to varying temperatures. The FEHD will include a new contract clause when awarding new public cleansing service contracts, requiring contractors to provide frontline staff with the new uniform raincoats and work shoes.

    The FEHD is currently trying out the use of power-assisted trolley to reduce the physical strain on frontline cleansing workers when transporting refuse. These trolleys are equipped with safety features such as reflective edges, horns, fencing, rotating wheels for braking, and rear lights. The FEHD will examine its feasibility of wider use based on the trial results.

    To strengthen OSH protection for frontline cleansing workers, the FEHD has implemented several measures. These include conducting assessments for departmental staff in accordance with the criteria provided in the Labour Department’s Guidance Notes on Prevention of Heat Stroke at Work and requiring contractors to perform similar assessments for their employees. All assessed staff members have received written notification of the results, which have also been put up at roll-call points in various districts so that staff members can be aware of the results. When the Heat Stress at Work Warning is in effect, the FEHD and its contractors must arrange rest breaks for employees based on the adjusted hourly rest time listed on the assessment forms.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    April 30, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Support for sports and academic infrastructure under PMJVK in Mizoram being explored by Ministry of Minority Affairs

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 30 APR 2025 11:51AM by PIB Delhi

    Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Minority Affairs, Shri Ram Singh visited Mizoram University to explore support for sports and  academic infrastructure under PMJVK.

    Given the hilly terrain, innovative ideas were discussed to develop a state of the art football stadium and an integrated sports complex despite the limited flat land resource availability in the State.

    PMJVK, a Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS), is an area development programme under which community infrastructure and basic amenities are being created in identified areas.

    Joint Secretary, Ministry of Minority Affairs, Shri Ram Singh visited Mizoram University to explore support for sports & academic infrastructure under PMJVK. Given the hilly terrain, innovative ideas were discussed to develop a State of the Art football stadium and an integrated… pic.twitter.com/94I5azUmWN

    — Ministry of Minority Affairs (@MOMAIndia) April 29, 2025

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: EDB announces arrangements for fourth round of Basic Law and National Security Law Test in 2024/25 school year

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    The Education Bureau (EDB) today (April 30) announced that the fourth round of the Basic Law and National Security Law Test (BLNST) in the 2024/25 school year will be open for application from 9am on May 2 to 5pm on May 15. The test will be held on June 22 (Sunday).
          
    The target participants for the fourth round of the test are persons without a bachelor’s degree and planning to join or change to another secondary school, primary school or kindergarten to take up a teaching post. Applications can be made through the EDB’s online application system (www.edb.gov.hk/en/blnst). Limited places for the test will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Please note that a pass result in the test at a non-degree level is only applicable for applying for non-graduate teaching posts. Those who have already obtained a pass result in the BLNST organised by the EDB, the Civil Service Bureau or recruiting departments/grades will not be accepted to sit the test again.

    Starting from the 2023/24 school year, all newly appointed teachers in public sector schools, Direct Subsidy Scheme schools and kindergartens joining the Kindergarten Education Scheme (including newly joined teachers and teachers changing schools) are required to pass the BLNST in order to be considered for appointment. The requirement applies to all ranks of the teacher grade including principals.

    The EDB is conducting five rounds of the BLNST for degree holders and non-degree holders respectively this school year. Details are available on the EDB webpage (www.edb.gov.hk/en/blnst). The fifth round will be open for degree holders and will be held on July 19 (Saturday). Relevant arrangements will be announced in due course.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    April 30, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: LCQ11: Sale of electricity generated by waste-to-energy facilities

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    LCQ11: Sale of electricity generated by waste-to-energy facilities 
    Question:
     
    It is learnt that the Government is currently selling the surplus electricity generated by waste-to-energy facilities to the power companies at the prevailing fuel costs of the power companies. It has been reported that the relevant sale prices of electricity are too low, but the power companies are selling electricity to consumers at normal prices. There are views that the Government should make public the criteria for determining the sale prices of electricity, so as to ensure that the electricity generated by waste-to-energy facilities can be sold to the power companies at reasonable prices. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
     
    (1) since the commissioning of T·PARK, O·PARK1 and O·PARK2, of (i) the amount of electricity generated by such facilities, (ii) the prices at which the surplus electricity generated by them was sold to the power companies, (iii) the criteria for the sale of electricity (including why the surplus electricity from such facilities was sold to the power companies at fuel costs), and (iv) the respective prevailing average tariffs charged by the power companies; the revenue received by the Government from the sale of such electricity;
     
    (2) given that the Integrated Waste Management Facilities Phase 1 (i.e. I·PARK1) is expected to come into operation within this year, whether the authorities have drawn up plans for the sale of electricity in respect of the facilities;
     
    (3) as it is learnt that the Government sells the surplus electricity generated by waste-to-energy facilities to the power companies at the prevailing fuel costs of the power companies, whether the tariff revenue concerned has been deducted from the permitted rate of return stipulated in the Scheme of Control Agreements (SCAs); if so, of the details; if not, whether the relevant provision will be added when formulating SCAs in the future; and
     
    (4) whether it will require the power companies to offer corresponding tariff discounts to the grass roots, or residents living in the vicinity of waste-to-energy facilities; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that?

    Reply:
     
    President,
     
    To achieve the goals of “Zero Landfill” and carbon neutrality set out in the Waste Blueprint for Hong Kong 2035 and Hong Kong’s Climate Action Plan 2050, the Government is pressing ahead with the development of a network of advanced and highly efficient modern waste-to-energy (WtE) facilities, including modern WtE incineration facilities and food waste treatment facilities, with a view to moving away from the reliance on landfills for direct disposal of municipal solid waste and transforming waste into energy for the daily operation of such facilities, while the surplus electricity generated can be exported to the power grid of the power companies. According to the existing arrangement, the Government would sell the surplus electricity to the power companies at the prevailing fuel costs of the power companies. The relevant revenue generated would be paid into the general revenue of the Government. My reply to the question raised by the Hon Chan Hak-kan is as follows:
     
    (1) and (3) T·PARK, Organic Resources Recovery Centre Phase 1 (O·PARK1) and Phase 2 (O·PARK2) are all WtE facilities. T·PARK is a sludge incineration facility dedicated to treating sludge generated from sewage treatment works. The heat energy generated from the sludge incineration process is recovered to generate electricity. On the other hand, O·PARK1 and O·PARK2 adopt anaerobic digestion technology to convert food waste into biogas for electricity generation. From their commencement of operation till December 2024, the cumulative amount of electricity generated and surplus electricity exported to the power grid by T·PARK and O·PARK1 are tabulated below:
     

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    Facility(million kWh)(million kWh)O·PARK2 began receiving food waste for operational testing in March 2024, during which the contractor was required to test and fine-tune each combined heat and power generation unit in phases. The electricity generated and utilised during normal operation was not reflected, and there was no surplus electricity exported to the power grid. Hence, there are no detailed records for O·PARK2 from March to December 2024.
     
    The sale of surplus electricity generated by WtE facilities to the power companies by the Government does not cause an increase in overall electricity demand. Its actual effect is saving the fuel that power companies would otherwise need to generate an equivalent amount of electricity. If the sale price is set at a level higher than the fuel cost thus saved, it will lead to an increase of the fuel cost. On the contrary, if the sale price is set at a level lower than the fuel cost thus saved, it will be equivalent to subsidising the fuel cost by the Government. The Government has therefore used the prevailing marginal fuel cost of electricity generation saved by the power companies for purchasing such surplus electricity as a basis for setting the price of the surplus electricity, to avoid affecting the tariff. According to the Scheme of Control Agreements (SCAs) signed between the Government and the power companies, the amounts paid by the power companies for purchasing the surplus electricity generated by the Government’s renewable energy systems are counted as part of their fuel costs, which are accountable expenses. The power companies are not permitted to earn a return from such electricity purchases.
     
    Over the years, the surplus electricity generated by T·PARK and O·PARK1 has been sold to CLP Power Hong Kong Limited at actual prices ranging from approximately $0.2 to $0.8 per kWh, while the average net tariffs have been charged at rates ranging from approximately $1.1 to $1.5 per kWh. The sale has yielded a total revenue of around $52 million to the Government.
      
    (2) The Integrated Waste Management Facilities Phase 1 (I·PARK1) is expected to commence operation this year. The aforementioned existing arrangement will apply to I·PARK1. Upon full operation of I·PARK1, apart from generating electricity for its daily operation, it is estimated that approximately 480 million kWh of surplus electricity can be exported to the power grid each year.
     
    (4) Under the framework of the SCAs, the power companies have provided the energy saving rebate scheme and concessionary tariff schemes to offer discounts in the electricity bills to low consumption customers and customers in need, thereby encouraging energy saving and reducing their expenditure on electricity tariff. In addition, through programmes under their respective Community Energy Saving Fund and Smart Power Care Fund, the power companies would assist the disadvantaged in alleviating their expenses on electricity tariff, including the provision of cash subsidies to eligible grassroots families and households of sub-divided units. The Government will continue to encourage the power companies to provide assistance for customers in need having regard to their operating situations.
    Issued at HKT 11:55

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    April 30, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: LCQ14: Enticing international online celebrity to visit Hong Kong

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    LCQ14: Enticing international online celebrity to visit Hong Kong 
    Question:
     
    It has been reported that earlier on, an internationally renowned online celebrity live-streamed his activities on YouTube, a video-sharing website, during his visit to Hong Kong, attracting a large number of local and overseas fans to follow him physically, and the number of viewers of the relevant live streams has exceeded 10 million, thus bringing to Hong Kong international exposure that can hardly be ignored. There are views that online celebrities’ “decentralised and spontaneous high-profile events” of this kind enable viewers around the world to see the daily street situations in Hong Kong in real time, which is in line with the concept of “Tourism is everywhere in Hong Kong”. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
     
    (1) as it has been reported that massive crowds of people were drawn by the aforesaid online celebrity when he was doing the live streams, whether the authorities will formulate plans to assist in maintaining public order during similar events in the future; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that;
     
    (2) as there are views that the experience of the aforesaid online celebrity’s visit to Hong Kong attests to the high interactivity and cost-effectiveness of high-traffic online celebrities, whether the authorities will study stepping up efforts to entice them to visit Hong Kong and integrating such events into tourism promotional campaigns; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that; and
     
    (3) as it has been reported that the aforesaid online celebrity had earlier on experienced a high-tech tour in Shenzhen, including riding in an amphibious vehicle, watching a robot dance and experiencing a food delivery service by drone, and such activities have demonstrated our country’s high level of technology to the international community, whether the authorities will draw up a list of high-tech projects for visits in Hong Kong to facilitate visits by international high-traffic online celebrities and overseas travellers; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that?
     
    Reply:
     
    President,
     
    In respect of the question raised by the Dr Hon Dennis Lam, having consulted the Security Bureau and the Innovation, Technology and Industry Bureau (ITIB), the reply is as follows:
     
    (1) The Police have always attached great importance to and endeavoured to maintain public safety and order. Regarding the live webcasting activities conducted by a Key Opinion Leader (KOL) in public places earlier, the Police had been keeping a close watch on the activities and making continuous assessment of the situation. The Police had also taken the initiative to liaise with the team of the KOL, so as to make timely manpower deployment when necessary, with a view to maintaining public safety and order. In case of similar activities in the future, the Police will, as in the past, closely monitor the situation and make timely assessment, and flexibly deploy police manpower to deal with any possible emergencies.
     
    (2) “Seeing is Believing” forms the cornerstone of our strategic approach to showcase Hong Kong’s authentic appeal and diverse tourism offerings. The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) consistently invites KOLs, influencers, media, and industry partners from around the world to experience the city’s diverse charm firsthand, so as to promote Hong Kong tourism.
     
    The HKTB has tailor-made a variety of thematic itineraries for these guests, covering Chinese and Western arts, pop culture, water and harbour experiences, traditional festivities, gastronomy and outdoor exploration. This aims to create positive word-of-mouth through their personal experiences by leveraging their vast influence, with a view to attracting more visitors to come to Hong Kong.
     
    In 2024, the HKTB proactively invited more than 2 600 KOLs, influencers, media and trade partners from different source markets (including the Mainland, Southeast Asia, Taiwan, Japan, South Korea and long-haul markets) to visit Hong Kong. Counting only KOLs, the HKTB proactively invited over 620 KOLs from local, the Mainland, and overseas markets in 2024 to experience Hong Kong and tell the world the good stories of Hong Kong through their first-hand travel experiences. Collectively, these KOLs have a fan base of approximately 380 million.
     
    The top 10 KOLs invited by the HKTB in 2024 are as follows:
     

    CategoriesMIL-OSI

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    KOLThis year, the HKTB continues to take proactive measures. In the first quarter, the HKTB invited over 650 KOLs, influencers, media, and industry partners to come to Hong Kong to create positive exposure. Particularly during the “Hong Kong Super March”, the HKTB collaborated with nearly 100 KOLs and celebrities from various countries and regions (including the Mainland, Taiwan, the UK, Australia, South Korea, Thailand, Indonesia), who shared their first-hand experiences on social media, reaching over 50 million followers. Notable participants included South Korean actor Wi Ha-joon, who starred in Netflix’s hit series Squid Game 2, world number one snooker player Judd Trump, Mainland Chinese singer Zhang Yuan, rising Thai stars Boss and Noeul, former British rugby player Ryan Wilson and Indonesian artist Eva Alicia.
     
    Looking ahead, the HKTB will adhere to the strategy of “Seeing is Believing” and invite more globally renowned KOLs, media, and industry representatives to visit Hong Kong, spreading its unique charm worldwide and attracting more visitors to make advance plans to travel to Hong Kong.
     
    The HKTB stands ready to provide appropriate support to KOLs who are interested in visiting and promoting Hong Kong tourism, subject to evaluation of various factors including the size of their fanbase, their social media posts engagement rates, their professional status and image, whether they tie in with the target source markets and marketing strategies, with the aim of leveraging their first-hand experiences to showcase Hong Kong’s unique charm.
     
    (3) According to the ITIB, the Government is dedicated to promoting Hong Kong’s innovation and technology (I&T) development by leveraging Hong Kong’s advantages as an international city to foster global I&T collaboration. The two I&T flagships (Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation and Cyberport) support tech enterprises to expand their network of collaborative partners in the Mainland and overseas markets as well as liaise with their I&T park enterprises and the I&T sector, actively participate in international or regional conferences and exhibitions, with a view to promoting commercialisation of research and development outcomes as well as the products to both the Mainland and overseas markets.
     
    Regarding the HKTB’s initiative of inviting KOLs, influencers, media, and industry partners to come to Hong Kong and tailor-making a variety of thematic itineraries, the HKTB stands ready to incorporate different elements (including those related to technology) into the itineraries to showcase Hong Kong’s characteristics, thereby promoting Hong Kong’s appeal and attracting more visitors to come to Hong Kong.
    Issued at HKT 11:55

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    April 30, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Man arrested and charged by Police National Security Department

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    The National Security Department (NSD) of the Hong Kong Police Force took enforcement actions and arrested a 22-year-old man in Kowloon on April 28 on suspicion of committing “knowingly publishing publications that had a seditious intention” in contravention of Section 24 of the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance.

    The investigation revealed that the arrested man was suspected of repeatedly publishing posts with seditious intentions on online social platforms, with content provoking hatred, contempt or disaffection against the fundamental system of the state established by the Constitution of the People’s Republic of China, inciting any person to attempt to procure the alteration, otherwise than by lawful means, of any matter established in accordance with the law by the Central Authorities in relation to the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR); or any matter established in accordance with the law in the HKSAR, and inciting any other person to do an act that does not comply with the law of the HKSAR or that does not obey an order issued under the law of the HKSAR.

    NSD has officially laid charge against the man with one count of “knowingly publishing publications that had a seditious intention”. The case will be mentioned at the West Kowloon Magistrates’ Courts this afternoon (April 30).

    Police remind members of the public that “knowingly publishing publications that had a seditious intention” is a serious crime. Offenders shall be liable to imprisonment for seven years on first conviction. Members of the public are urged not to defy the law.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    April 30, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: LCQ3: Enhancing effectiveness of waste management

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Following is a question by the Hon Carmen Kan and a written reply by the Secretary for Environment and Ecology, Mr Tse Chin-wan, in the Legislative Council today (April 30):

    Question:
     
    The Government has indicated in the 2024 Policy Address that it will continue to promote waste reduction and recycling, including expanding the community recycling network, and reviewing the tender arrangements and requirements for the GREEN@COMMUNITY project to enhance its cost-‍effectiveness and improve service quality. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
     
    (1) given that, under the 2024 Legislative Programme, the Government plans to amend the Waste Disposal Ordinance (Cap. 354) to require the property management companies and owners’ organisations of major housing estates and single-block residential buildings with relatively large number of flats (the property management sector) to separately collect common types of recyclables and pass them to downstream recyclers for processing, but the relevant legislative proposals have yet to be submitted to this Council, and the Promotion of Recycling and Proper Disposal of Products (Miscellaneous Amendments) Bill 2025 (the Bill), which involves amendments to Chapter 354, does not include the aforesaid legislative proposals, of the reasons for that; whether the Government has assessed the impact of its failure to implement the aforesaid legislative proposals on the effectiveness of its efforts to expand the community recycling network as indicated in the 2024 Policy Address; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that;
     
    (2) given that the Waste Reduction and Recycling Charter (the Charter) was launched in June last year for private residential premises to enhance residents’ awareness of recycling, of the following information on the signing of the Charter by management groups of private residential premises each month since its launch (set out in a table): the number of private residential premises involved (and their proportion to the total number of private residential premises in Hong Kong), the number of households involved, and the recycling data for such premises; whether the authorities have studied the reasons why some management groups of private residential premises have not signed the Charter, and when legally-binding waste reduction and recycling regulatory measures will be implemented for the property management sector based on the implementation experience of the Charter;
     
    (3) given that the plastic shopping bag (PSB) charge under the existing Plastic Shopping Bag Charging Scheme (the Charging Scheme) is retained and handled by business operators on their own, whether the authorities have required business operators to submit information on the number of PSBs distributed and the amounts of income involved for each of the past five years (i.e. 2020-2021 to 2024-2025); if so, of the relevant annual data, with a tabulated breakdown by business sectors; if not, the reasons for that;
     
    (4) given that the fixed penalty under the current Charging Scheme can be paid via electronic platforms (e.g. the Faster Payment System), and taking into account the current fiscal position of the Government, whether the authorities will consider adjusting the policy and drawing on the practice of penalty payment to allow members of the public to pay the PSB charge to the Government directly via electronic payment methods; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that; and
     
    (5) given that, based on the information provided by the Government in response to my question regarding the Estimates of Expenditure for the 2025-2026 fiscal year, the operating expenditure of the GREEN@COMMUNITY project has increased annually, with the budget for 2025-2026 being $507 million, an increase of 61.98 per cent over the actual expenditure of $313 million in 2023-2024, there are views that the operational model of the project is unsustainable, and the Government has indicated in the 2024 Policy Address that it will review the tender arrangements and requirements for the project to enhance its cost-effectiveness, of the details and specific timetable of the relevant work?

    Reply:
     
    President,
     
    The Government continues to vigorously promote waste reduction and recycling, enhance the community recycling network and strengthen public education to promote a green culture of waste reduction and recycling in our society. The recycling network, comprising the Programme on Source Separation of Waste and GREEN@COMMUNITY, has reached a coverage over 90 per cent of the population in Hong Kong. The various waste reduction and recycling initiatives implemented have achieved encouraging results to date. The current-term Government has reversed the rising trend of waste disposal amount. The daily average quantity of municipal solid waste (MSW) disposed of at landfills has consistently declined for three consecutive years since 2021. The daily quantity of MSW disposed of at landfills decreased from 11 358 tonnes in 2021 to 10 510 tonnes in 2024, amounting to a total reduction of 7.5 per cent.
     
    The reply to the question raised by the Hon Carmen Kan is as follows:
     
    (1) and (2) Having consulted the property management trade and owners’ organisations, we consider that prior to implementing legislation to regulate separation and recycling of domestic waste, it would be appropriate to further promote participation of residential premises and increase the quantity and variety of domestic waste recycling facilities by way of enhancing publicity and public education first. In this connection, the Environmental Protection Department (EPD) launched the Waste Reduction and Recycling Charter (the Charter) in June 2024 to encourage private residential premises (PRPs) to set up more waste separation and recycling facilities which are easily accessible within the premises. In addition to the collection of common types of recyclables including paper, metals and plastics, the signees of the Charter are required to collect glass containers, beverage cartons and food waste, and ensure that the collected recyclables are handed over to downstream recyclers. The signees are also obligated to maintain delivery records of various types of recyclables and regularly publish recycling data for residents’ information with a view to enhancing the performance management of recyclables and instilling residents’ confidence in the practice of waste separation and recycling. The Charter has received very positive feedbacks from the housing estates. In about nine months, as at the first quarter of 2025, 858 PRPs have already signed the Charter, covering about 740 000 households, representing about 40 per cent of the total number of households in PRPs with property management companies/owners’ corporations/residents’ organisations across the territory. About 2 000 waste separation and recycling facilities have been set up additionally. According to the preliminary data, the average recovery rate per household participating in the Charter is showing an increasing trend.
     
    The number of signees of the Charter by quarter is tabulated below:
     

    Quarter for signing the Charter Number of PRPs signing the Charter Number of households in PRPs signing the Charter
         		 Percentage of households in PRPs with property management companies/owners’ corporations/residents’ organisations
    Q3 2024
         		 215 168 597 9.5 per cent
    Q4 2024
         		 480 409 019 23.0 per cent
    Q1 2025
         		 163 163 020 9.2 per cent
    Total 858 740 636 41.7 per cent

    The EPD will continue to encourage more PRPs to join the Charter through various channels such as publicity at district level and engagement with property management sector, in order to provide enhanced recycling facilities for more members of the public. Some PRPs have reflected that they have not joined the Charter due to inadequate space. The EPD will continue to maintain communication with these premises and explore whether we could offer any assistance. 
     
    (3) and (4) During the initial phase of the Plastic Shopping Bag (PSB) Charging Scheme from 2009 to 2015, retailers subject to the regulation were required to submit returns and remit their levy income to the Government on a quarterly basis. When the Scheme was extended to cover the entire retail sector in 2015, the Government decided to adopt a “retention” approach after public consultation, under which retailers are allowed to retain and handle the PSB charges on their own without the need of remitting to the Government or submitting returns, so as to reduce the administrative burden and compliance costs on small and medium enterprises. Following the implementation of the Enhanced Scheme on December 31, 2022, the number of PSBs disposed of in 2023 decreased significantly by around 31.5 per cent compared to that in 2022, among which the flat-top bags disposed of dropped by more than 60 per cent alone. In view of the effectiveness of the Enhanced Scheme, the EPD so far has no plan to adjust the existing mode of operation. As retailers are not required to remit the PSB charges to the Government, the EPD does not have the figures of PSBs distributed by retailers or the PSB charges involved in the past five years.
     
    (5) As mentioned above, the EPD is continuously expanding the community recycling network GREEN@COMMUNITY to strengthen the recycling facilities at district level. The number of GREEN@COMMUNITY public collection points has notably increased from around 250 in 2023 to over 800 at present. These include 12 Recycling Stations focusing on both environmental education and recycling support, 82 Recycling Stores located in close proximity to clusters of single-block buildings or set up in public rental housing (PRH) estates, around 600 Recycling Spots, and over 100 sets of smart recycling bins. As the 50 Recycling Stores set up in PRH estates mainly commenced operation progressively in the first half of 2024, their expenditures were not reflected in 2023-24. Together with an increase in some 470 Recycling Spots thereafter, the estimated operating expenditure of 2025-26 increases to some extent compared to that of 2023-24. However, the quantity of recyclables collected by GREEN@COMMUNITY has been continuously increasing remarkably at the same time from around 26 900 tonnes in 2023 to around 41 800 tonnes in 2024, with a year-on-year increase of nearly 60 per cent. The quantity of recyclables collected in the first quarter of 2025 was around 11 270 tonnes, representing a further increase compared to the same period last year.
     
    To enhance the overall cost-effectiveness and sustainability of the operation of GREEN@COMMUNITY, the EPD is reviewing the tender arrangements and requirements for GREEN@COMMUNITY facilities. For example, in the tendering for the follow-on contracts of 12 Recycling Stores conducted early this year, different types of operators (including private enterprises) have been included, with a view to reducing cost through enhanced competition. The EPD will also relocate some of the Recycling Stores to suitable government facilities and make greater use of smart recycling devices to gradually transform the operation of Recycling Stores into self-service recycling facilities, so as to reduce the rental expenses and operating costs. The EPD will review the operation of GREEN@COMMUNITY from time to time and adjust the service arrangements as necessary, with a view to enhancing its cost-effectiveness.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    April 30, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: LCQ8: Village sewerage systems

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         Following is a question by the Hon Holden Chow and a written reply by the Secretary for Environment and Ecology, Mr Tse Chin-wan, in the Legislative Council today (April 30):
     
    Question:
     
         It is learnt that the Government commenced the rural trunk sewerage project in Kam Tin Heung (the trunk sewerage project) in as early as 2006, and the private housing courts completed in the vicinity have already been connected to the trunk sewer. However, there have yet to be any public sewer connection works carried out for quite a number of the villages under the Kam Tin Rural Committee, causing great distress to the villagers over the years. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
     
    (1) of the following information on the villages under the Kam Tin Rural Committee in relation to public sewer connection works (set out in a table): (i) the names of the villages where public sewer connection works have been completed or are being carried out, (ii) the titles of the relevant works projects as well as the time required/estimated for completing the works, and (iii) the names of the villages where no public sewer connection works have been carried out;
     
    (2) among the villages mentioned in (1)(iii) where no public sewer connection works have been carried out, of a list of those villages for which the authorities have plans to carry out such works, as well as the locations and commencement dates of such works (set out in a table);
     
    (3) of the commencement and completion dates of the trunk sewerage project, as well as the shortest distance for laying a sewer to connect to the trunk sewer from Kam Tin Heung; and
     
    (4) as it is learnt that in 2016, the Kam Tin Rural Committee made a request for improvement of the sewerage system of Kam Tin Heung, as well as proposed to lay sewers to connect to the aforesaid trunk sewer, whether the authorities will carry out such works for Kam Tin Heung; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that?
     
    Reply:
     
    President,
     
         The Government has all along been allocating resources with a view to taking forward the Village Sewerage Programme (the Programme) to progressively provide public sewerage facilities in village areas for improving rural environment and enhancing the water quality of rivers and coastal waters. Currently, the sewerage systems for 17 village areas in Yuen Long district have been completed. 

         The Government’s consolidated reply to the question raised by the Hon Holden Chow is as follows:

    (1) and (2) The Programme currently covers nine village areas in Kam Tin, Yuen Long. Among them, the Drainage Services Department commenced the village sewerage works for part of Kam Tin Shi in 2020 and completed the works in 2024, while the investigation study for the sewerage systems of the other eight village areas has been completed. Relevant information is tabulated below:
     

    Progress No. of village areas Names of project and village areas
    Sewerage works completed 1 Village sewerage at Kam Tin Shi, Kam Tin – Kam Tin Shi (part)
    Investigation study completed 8 Village sewerage for Kam Tin, Yuen Long (Stage 1) – Ha Ko Po, Ko Po San Tsuen, Ko Po Tsuen (Kam Tin), Tsz Tong Tsuen (Kam Tin), Wing Lung Wai, Kam Tin San Tsuen, Tai Hong Wai and Kat Hing Wai

     
         Given the large number of village areas scattered over an extensive area in Yuen Long district, the Government will take into account various factors, including level of improvement to the environment by the Programme, density of village population, preference of residents, technical feasibility, cost-effectiveness and financial position, to plan relevant works for the remaining village areas in Kam Tin in a timely manner.

    (3) and (4) The works project of Kam Tin trunk sewers commenced in 2005. However, due to a lack of consensus among stakeholders and congestion of underground utilities along the route, parts of the trunk sewers of the Kam Tin village sewerage were not completed concurrently upon project completion in 2011. Nevertheless, the constructed trunk sewers are still available for connection to the aforementioned village areas in Kam Tin. In general, the distance for laying branch sewer to connect to trunk sewer is considered during the detailed design stage of individual village sewerage projects.

         The Government will continue to strengthen communication with stakeholders such as District Councils, Rural Committees, and village representatives for the orderly planning and implementation of the village sewerage projects. Residents in village areas yet to be provided with public sewerage at present, including some remote and sparsely populated villages, can continue to use on-site sewage treatment facilities such as septic tanks and soakaway systems to treat their sewage.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    April 30, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: LCQ2: Pet-inclusive facilities of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         Following is a question by the Hon Chan Hoi-yan and a written reply by the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Miss Rosanna Law, in the Legislative Council today (April 30):
     
    Question:

    ​It has been reported that the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) has progressively established more pet gardens and Inclusive Parks for Pets in recent years. However, some members of the public have relayed that the hygiene conditions and locations of such facilities are unsatisfactory, and that the ancillary facilities are inadequate with some already damaged. Furthermore, most other recreation and leisure facilities under the LCSD, including public bathing beaches and holiday camps, still prohibit the entry of animals. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
     
    (1) of the number of complaints received by the Government in each of the past five years involving the use of pet gardens and Inclusive Parks for Pets, and the three most common types of these complaints together with their respective numbers;
     
    (2) of the respective numbers of pet gardens and Inclusive Parks for Pets that the LCSD (i) has currently established and (ii) plans to establish in the coming three years in the various districts throughout the territory (and their proportions in the total number of LCSD gardens and parks in the respective districts), and the respective land areas of such gardens and parks (and their proportions in the total areas of LCSD gardens and parks in the respective districts), together with a breakdown by the 18 districts across the territory; whether the LCSD will proactively examine the demand for such gardens and parks in the various districts with a view to setting the relevant targets and a timetable for their establishment;
     
    (3) of the conditions and minimum standards set by the LCSD in relation to the size, facilities and management, etc. of pet gardens and Inclusive Parks for Pets when they are established; the guidelines and requirements put in place by the LCSD to govern the management of these gardens and parks by outsourced management companies, such as the daily frequency of emptying dog excreta collection bins and the time taken to repair damaged facilities;
     
    (4) of the number of complaints received by the Government in each of the past five years involving the bringing of pets into the various recreation and leisure facilities (including public bathing beaches and holiday camps) under the LCSD, and the number of enforcement actions taken in this regard;
     
    (5) whether the LCSD will, by drawing on the experience of establishing pet gardens and Inclusive Parks for Pets, consider creating pet-‍friendly spaces in facilities under its management, such as public bathing beaches and holiday camps; if so, of the details and implementation timetable; if not, the factors to be considered; and
     
    (6) given that the arrangement to establish Inclusive Parks for Pets has been regularised for four years, when the LCSD plans to review the effectiveness of implementing the pet-inclusive concept in parks and assess the long-term feasibility of completely lifting the ban on allowing pets to enter parks and gardens?
     
    Reply:
     
    President,
     
    My reply to the question raised by the Hon Chan Hoi-yan is as follows:
     
    (1) The number of complaints received by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) involving the use of pet gardens and Inclusive Parks for Pets in the past five years are as follows: 
     

    Year Number of complaints received (cases)
    2020 82
    2021 287
    2022 858
    2023 1 029
    2024 695

     
    Among the above complaints, the three most common categories are environmental hygiene (1 348 cases), venue facilities (383 cases), as well as relevant policies and arrangements such as requests for or objections to the establishment of more pet gardens or Inclusive Parks for Pets (352 cases).
     
    (2) As at March 2025, the LCSD has set up a total of 55 pet gardens and 180 Inclusive Parks for Pets in the 18 districts across Hong Kong. Information on the number of LCSD parks and playgrounds, the number of pet gardens and Inclusive Parks for Pets, as well as the proportion of these facilities in the total number and site area of LCSD parks and playgrounds by district are set out at the Annex.
     
    The LCSD keeps an open mind and opens up its venues as pet gardens and Inclusive Parks for Pets proactively, and will duly review public feedback. The LCSD plans to set up a total of over 20 additional pet gardens and Inclusive Parks for Pets in the 18 districts across Hong Kong in the next three years. The proposed addition of pet gardens and Inclusive Parks for Pets is subject to the support of relevant District Councils. Hence, the actual number and site areas are yet to be confirmed. More information will be released by the LCSD in due course when more concrete details of the plan are available.
     
    (3) Pet gardens, which are for exclusive use by pets, are normally equipped with fences and double pet gates at entrances/exits to prevent pets from getting lost. Pets are allowed to move around freely in the venues without leashes. At present, the newly provided pet gardens under the LCSD normally cover an area of no less than 400 square metres, and are equipped with ancillary facilities (e.g. dog excreta collection bins/dog latrines and hand-washing facilities) for owners or their pets. Subject to the actual environment, some pet gardens are even furnished with lawns, drinking fountains and play equipment, etc. for exclusive use by pets. Separate areas for large/small pets are also designated in some of the pet gardens where feasible, with a view to catering to the varying needs of the users and their pets.
     
    Inclusive Parks for Pets are not designed for exclusive use by pets. The concept is to allow members of the public to bring their pets to the parks and share the passive leisure facilities therein with other users. To facilitate the shared use of park facilities among different users, the LCSD will make minimal changes to the existing environment and facilities of the parks, and require owners to keep their pets leashed in the venues. In addition, depending on the actual environment and needs, additional basic ancillary facilities, such as dog excreta collection bins/dog latrines and hand-washing facilities will also be provided in the venues for the convenience of pet owners.
     
    To ensure the cleanliness and hygiene of venues, cleansing service contractors will arrange frontline cleansing staff to conduct regular cleaning in accordance with the contractual requirements and actual operational needs. In general, frontline cleansing staff will empty the dog excreta collection bins daily, and step up the cleansing frequency in view of the actual operational needs. LCSD staff will also carry out regular inspections of various facilities in the pet gardens and Inclusive Parks for Pets. If the facilities are found to be damaged, the LCSD will request the works departments or arrange for contractors to carry out repair works as soon as possible. The time taken to repair damaged facilities depends on individual circumstances and the parts involved, making it difficult to generalise.
     
    (4) The number of complaints received by the LCSD about pets being brought into leisure facilities by members of the public and the number of prosecutions instigated by the LCSD in this regard in the past five years (from 2020 to 2024) are as follows:
     

    Year 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 Total
    Number of complaints 114 120 114 167 211 726
    Number of prosecutions 1 0 5 2 1 9

     
    (5) Unlike passive parks or leisure facilities that are generally open for public use, holiday camps mainly provide venues for active recreation and sports activities such as archery ranges, rope courses, and sports climbing walls for campers. Water sports centres are also active recreation facilities, and among which, the water sports training venues comprise various zones for coaching, equipment assembling/disassembling and on-land practice etc. Pet-friendly spaces, if added, may hinder the flow and procedures of training, and even affect the safety of venue users and pets. In addition, the public beaches under the LCSD are mainly for members of the public to engage in recreation activities such as swimming, sand sculpting and sunbathing etc. Allowing pets on beaches will lead to hygiene issues such as the excreta of pets on beaches, which are more difficult to manage and may affect other users. Therefore, the LCSD does not consider the provision of pet-friendly spaces at venues such as public beaches, water sports centres and holiday camps currently.
     
    (6) At present, members of the public have varying views and levels of acceptance regarding whether pets should be allowed in LCSD venues. The LCSD has to consider the actual environment as well as views and needs of members of the public, balance environmental hygiene and public health issues and consult the District Councils concerned before ascertaining whether to open up existing venues to pets or designate newly constructed venues as pet gardens or Inclusive Parks for Pets.
     

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    April 30, 2025
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