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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: LCQ15: Regulation of premises providing Chinese-style wellness and health services

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Following is a question by Professor the Hon Chan Wing-kwong and a written reply by the Secretary for Health, Professor Lo Chung-mau, in the Legislative Council today (June 4):

    Question:

    It has been reported that on March 20 this year, a woman had to be sent to hospital for treatment as she got burnt while receiving cupping service at a blind massage parlour in Sham Shui Po. It has also been learnt that at present quite a number of premises in the market providing beauty, hairdressing, massage, foot spa, wellness and health services (such premises) openly boast that they can provide customers with such services as tuina, bone-setting, pain relief, moxibustion, cupping and scraping. Regarding the regulation of premises providing Chinese-style wellness and health services, will the Government inform this Council:

    (1) of the number of complaints received by the authorities in relation to such premises and the follow-up situation in each of the past five years; among them, of the number of cases involving unlicensed medical practice, and the respective numbers of persons prosecuted and convicted;

    (2) of the measures taken by the authorities to regulate such premises; whether they have taken the initiative to inspect such premises in prevention of illegal medical practices at such premises; if so, of the number of inspections carried out by the authorities and the result in each of the past three years; and

    (3) whether the authorities will step up promotion and education efforts to prevent members of the public from inadvertently falling into the trap of illegal medical practice at such premises; if so, of the details?

    Reply:

    President,

    In consultation with the Security Bureau, I provide a consolidated reply to the question raised by Professor the Hon Chan Wing-kwong as follows:

    In order to safeguard public health and safety, a statutory regulatory system is in place for healthcare professions in Hong Kong. At present, there are 13 healthcare professions (Note) which are subject to statutory registration in order to practise in Hong Kong so as to ascertain that their qualifications are up to standards, and that their professional conducts are regulated by relevant statutory boards and councils. Any person who practises as these healthcare professions or uses these healthcare profession titles without registration may violate relevant laws.

    As mentioned in the question regarding services such as tui-na, bone manipulating, pain management, moxibustion, cupping and gua-sha, premises providing relevant services in the community can be broadly classified into two categories:

    (1) involving healthcare services which should be provided by the 13 healthcare professions under statutory registration or enrolment to provide services in accordance with their respective scope of practice, such as prescription of drugs, performance of medical procedures (for example, Chinese medicine treatment, physiotherapy or surgery); and

    (2) not providing healthcare services concerning the practice of healthcare professionals, such as solely providing services of massage, foot bathing, beauty or hairdressing.

    Statutory regulation of relevant healthcare facilities and/or healthcare professions

    As the services provided by premises under the first category mentioned above are healthcare services, hence these services should be subject to statutory regulation targeting relevant healthcare facilities and/or healthcare professions. As regards services commonly known as “bone manipulating” and “pain management”, they may be similar to the nature of treatments provided by Chinese medicine practitioners, physiotherapists and chiropractors under their respective scope of practice. Depending on the actual services performed, relevant legislation would come into play when healthcare services which must be provided by registered healthcare professionals are involved. This serves to prevent non-professionals from performing such acts so as to safeguard public health.

    The provision of a service will be considered as practising Chinese medicine if it involves the performance of any act or activities on the basis of traditional Chinese medicine in general practice, acupuncture or bone-setting as stipulated in the Chinese Medicine Ordinance (Cap. 549). Any person who is neither a registered nor listed Chinese medicine practitioner providing such service commits an offence and is liable to a fine at level 6 and imprisonment for three years. By the same token, any person who practises the profession of a physiotherapist as stipulated in the Supplementary Medical Professions Ordinance (Cap. 359) without registration commits an offence and is liable to a fine at level 2 and imprisonment for six months; whereas any person who is not listed in the register of registered chiropractors under the Chiropractors Registration Ordinance (Cap. 428) but practises chiropractic as defined in the Code of Practice by the Chiropractors Council commits an offence and is liable to a fine at level 5 and imprisonment for one year.

    Members of the public who suspect that someone is practising without registration and/or unlawfully using the title of a registered healthcare professional should report to the Police. The Department of Health (DH) and the statutory boards and councils of relevant healthcare professions will provide professional support to the Police as appropriate. Records concerning number of cases upon conclusion of prosecution process in relation to section 28 of the Medical Registration Ordinance (Cap. 161) and section 108 of the Chinese Medicine Ordinance (Cap. 549) during the period from 2020 to 2024 are tabulated in the Annex.

    Since 2018, the Private Healthcare Facilities Ordinance (PHFO) (Cap. 633) has regulated premises where registered medical practitioners and/or dentists practise. Operators are required to obtain a licence or a letter of exemption in order to operate the relevant private healthcare facilities. The existing law specifically covers premises of these two healthcare professions as their daily operation may very likely involve high-risk aspects such as blood management. It is therefore necessary to put in place the most stringent regulatory system under a risk-based principle in addition to the specific legislations regulating these two healthcare professions.  As of April 30, 2025, there are 14 licensed private hospitals and 259 licensed day procedure centres in Hong Kong. The Government is also implementing the regulatory regime for clinics and small practice clinics (SPCs) under the PHFO, and will begin to accept applications for a clinic licence and requests for a letter of exemption for a SPC from October 13, 2025 onwards.

    Regulation of facilities not providing healthcare services

    Regarding matters relating to premises under the second category mentioned above which do not involve healthcare services nor practice of healthcare professions, such premises should fulfill the requirements of other relevant legislation. For instance, the Massage Establishments Ordinance (Cap. 266) aims to regulate massage establishments through a licensing regime in order to prevent and combat vice or illegal prostitution activities committed by criminals in these establishments. At present, the requirement for a Massage Establishments Licence does not apply to a number of specified services such as salon, beauty salon and nursing home. The Government does not maintain relevant statistics for such facilities.

    To prevent the public from seeking improper treatment of certain conditions regardless of the type of premises which provides such services, the Undesirable Medical Advertisements Ordinance (Cap. 231) prohibits/restricts the publication of advertisements that will likely lead to the use of any medicine, surgical appliance or treatment for the purpose of treating or preventing diseases or conditions specified in Schedules 1 and 2 to the Ordinance. These include any disease of the musculo-skeletal system, including rheumatism, arthritis and sciatica. The DH has put in place an established mechanism for screening advertisements. Appropriate actions will be taken in accordance with the law against any contravention of the Undesirable Medical Advertisements Ordinance.

    The Government urges members of the public not to casually believe the claims of being able to offer so-called “treatment” from random persons who are not registered or accredited as healthcare professionals. Since the professional qualifications and standards of these persons have not been attested, the safety and effectiveness of the so-called “treatment” cannot be assured. It may even worsen the condition or cause injury. Before receiving healthcare services, members of the public can browse the online registers of the statutory boards and councils of relevant healthcare professions (www.dh.gov.hk/english/main/main_rhp/main_rhp.html) to ascertain the qualifications of service providers. If members of the public have doubts about the qualifications of the healthcare professionals, they can also request the person concerned to provide relevant certification documents in order to better protect their safety. The DH has enhanced public education and publicity, and urges members of the public to check the qualifications of service providers before receiving healthcare services and only to consult healthcare professionals being regulated.

    Note: These 13 healthcare professions are medical practitioners, dentists, nurses, Chinese medicine practitioners, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, medical laboratory technologists, optometrists, radiographers, chiropractors, dental hygienists, midwives and pharmacists.

    Ends/Wednesday, June 4, 2025
    Issued at HKT 15:40

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: CHP investigates two probable cases of botulism

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    CHP investigates two probable cases of botulism 
      The second case involves a 50-year-old female patient. She presented with generalised weakness, bilateral ptosis and swallowing difficulty since May 27. She was admitted to United Christian Hospital on June 3 and is now in stable condition.
     
    Both patients were clinically suspected to have botulism caused by botulinum toxin injection.
     
         The preliminary investigation revealed that the two patients are friends. They claimed to have received injections of botulinum toxin for cosmetic purposes in private premises in Shenzhen around mid-May. They believed that the person who performed the injections was not a healthcare professional. Epidemiological investigations are still ongoing.
     
        In Hong Kong, botulinum toxin injections should only be performed by a locally registered doctor. Customers should verify the doctor’s full name against the list of registered doctors 
         Due to the weakening of the associated muscles and the fact that botulinum toxin may spread and affect other areas beyond the injection site, affected patients may have drooping eyelids, double or blurred vision, problems with chewing, hoarseness, or even difficulties in swallowing, speaking or breathing, which may happen hours, days or weeks after the injection.
     
         The CHP urged the public to observe the following health advice before receiving botulinum toxin injections:
    The public may visit the DH’s webpage on the     differentiation between medical procedures and beauty servicesIssued at HKT 18:55

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • India, Australia vow to deepen defence ties, counter terrorism amid regional tensions

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    India and Australia on Wednesday reaffirmed their strong defence partnership and shared commitment to countering terrorism during a high-level bilateral meeting between Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles in New Delhi.

    During the meeting, Singh acknowledged the growing strategic ties between the two nations and thanked Australia for its support following the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam.

    “It was heartening to note the significant milestones achieved in our bilateral defence relations since our last meeting. I hope that in the coming years, we will work with renewed momentum to effectively contribute to the growth of bilateral defence ties. Largely due to your commitment and leadership in strengthening India-Australia defence and security cooperation, bilateral defence collaboration has emerged as an important pillar of our comprehensive strategic partnership over the past three years”, the defence minister said.

    “I look forward to a productive discussion today and hope it will lay a firm foundation for further strengthening India-Australia defence ties. This meeting comes at a time when India is facing significant challenges along its western border. We have taken steps in response to the barbaric incident in Kashmir. We are grateful to Australia for its support on this issue, and we will discuss it further during the meeting”, Singh added.

    In response, Marles expressed Australia’s solidarity with India and reaffirmed his country’s commitment to working closely with India to tackle terrorism.

    “The opportunity to work closely with you again over the next three years is truly exciting. I have deeply appreciated our relationship over the past three years and the progress we have made. I would like to convey our Prime Minister’s condolences to India for the lives lost in the Pahalgam terrorist attack. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of those who were killed in that appalling act of terrorism”, Marles said.

    “Australia stands with India and all nations in the fight against terrorism. We acknowledge and welcome the cessation of military activity, which we view as a demonstration of Indian leadership. We are committed to continuing our cooperation with India in combating terrorism in all its forms,” Marles added.

    Marles is visiting the Maldives, Sri Lanka, India, and Indonesia from June 2–5 for high-level meetings, according to a release from the Australian government’s Department of Defence.

    ANI

  • Monsoon session of Parliament to run from July 21 to August 12: Kiren Rijiju

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Union Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Kiren Rijiju on Wednesday announced that the Monsoon Session of Parliament will be held from July 21 to August 12, 2025.

    Both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha are scheduled to convene at 11 a.m. on the opening day. The session is expected to witness heated debates, particularly in the wake of recent demands by the Opposition for an immediate special session of Parliament.

    On June 3, sixteen opposition parties jointly addressed a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, calling for an urgent discussion on the recent terror attack in Pahalgam and the government’s subsequent retaliatory military operation, named Operation Sindoor. The operation targeted terror infrastructures in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).

    In response, the government has asserted that all relevant matters, including those raised by the Opposition, can be addressed during the Monsoon Session itself. This move is seen as an attempt to channel all legislative and political deliberations into the scheduled session rather than convening a separate one.

    The announcement follows a productive Budget Session earlier this year, held in two phases from January 31 to April 4. During that session, Parliament passed a number of important legislations. One such bill was the Waqf Amendment Bill, 2025, which aims to strengthen the governance of waqf properties through better stakeholder engagement, improved registration processes, and the use of scientific methods. The bill also repealed the Mussalman Wakf Act of 1923.

    Another key development was the passage of the Tribhuvan Sahkari University Bill, 2025. This legislation enables the establishment of a dedicated university focused on the cooperative sector, aimed at providing education, training, and research to support and expand India’s cooperative movement.

    Additionally, the Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025, was passed to modernize and simplify India’s immigration laws. It streamlines processes for visa issuance, registration of foreigners, and entry-exit protocols for international travelers, marking a comprehensive overhaul of the legal framework surrounding immigration.

    (With IANS inputs)

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: LCQ10: Lei Yue Mun Park

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    LCQ10: Lei Yue Mun Park 
    Question:
     
    The Working Group on Developing Tourist Hotspots led by the Deputy Chief Secretary for Administration announced last month the implementation of nine new tourist hotspot projects. There are views that the Lei Yue Mun Park, a holiday camp located in Chai Wan under the Leisure and Cultural Services Department, which covers an area of nearly 23 hectares and offers fine views overlooking Lei Yue Mun Channel, has great potential to become one of the next tourist hotspots to attract tourists. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
     
    (1) of the number of visits to the Park in each of the past three years, together with a breakdown by type of booking (i.e. residential camp and day camp);
     
    (2) of the respective staffing expenses and other administrative costs incurred in operating the Park in each of the past three years;
     
    (3) as it is learnt that the basketball court and football pitch of the Park remain close to date due to temporary quarantine camps set up there during the pandemic which are yet to be demolished, when the Government will reopen these facilities for public use;
     
    (4) of the reasons why the catering services at the canteen and the fast food kiosk of the Park remain suspended since November 21 last year, and when the catering services will resume;
     
    (5) given that the Park is all along accessible only to members of the public who book the holiday camp, whether there are other means through which non-local tourists may gain access to the Park to visit the monuments therein; whether it has formulated special plans or promotional measures at present to attract tourists to visit the Park; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that;
     
    (6) as there are views that while the Park houses a number of historic buildings of significant value, its operating mode fails to keep pace with changes in people’s lifestyles over the years since it came into operation as early as 1988, and its facilities have become dilapidated and unappealing, whether the authorities have considered plans to enhance the attractions in the Park; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that; and
     
    (7) whether it has considered repositioning the Park by upgrading it into one of the next tourist hotspots, so as to provide more recreational space for locals while attracting more visitors, thereby achieving better operational efficiency; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that?
     
    Reply:
     
    President,
     
    In consultation with relevant policy bureaux and departments, my consolidated reply to the question raised by the Hon Edward Leung is as follows:
     
    (1) In the past three years, the attendances at the Lei Yue Mun Park of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) are tabulated below:

     Note 2: The holiday camp offers day camps, residential camps and evening camps with the following check-in schedules:
    day camp: 9.30am to 4.30pm;
    evening camp: 4.30pm to 10.30pm; and
    residential camp: 2.30pm to 1pm on check-out day.

    (2) In the past three financial years, the operational expenses of the Park are tabulated below:

     Issued at HKT 11:54

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: LCQ7: Waiver of Government lease conditions

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    LCQ7: Waiver of Government lease conditions 
    Question:
     
    Under the current land administration system, the Lands Department (LandsD) may grant waivers to temporarily relax restrictions under Government Leases to allow the leaseholders to carry out activities which do not comply with the lease conditions in the premises concerned (waiver premises), subject to payment of waiver fees assessed on the basis of the annual difference in full market rental value of the premises before and after the issue of the waiver letter. According to the information on the website of the LandsD, the waiver fee will be reviewed from time to time pursuant to the terms and conditions set out in the waiver letters and/or prevailing departmental policy and practice. It is learnt that due to the continuing sluggish rental market since the COVID-19 pandemic, the rental income from waiver premises, particularly those in retail use, has fallen substantially, with the result that in many cases, the net rental income after payment of the waiver fee is reduced to an unsustainable level and, in some cases, the rental income is less than the waiver fee. Some members of the real estate and construction sector have relayed to me that applications for review (including reassessment) of the waiver fees have not been processed by the LandsD in a timely manner and some have been pending for over a year. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
     
    (1) whether the LandsD has taken the initiative, in the absence of applications for review of the waiver fees, carried out any periodic reviews of waiver fees in the past five years; if so, of the number of cases reviewed; if not, whether the LandsD will undertake to carry out such reviews, and of the frequency and mechanism for such reviews;
     
    (2) in the past five years, of the following information on the applications made for review (including reassessment) of waiver fees:
     
    (i) the numbers of applications received and processed, and the average time taken from the date of application received to the date of the completion of the review; and

    (ii) the number of outstanding applications, and the average time lapse since the date of application for such applications; and
     
    (3) as there are views that three-month period is a reasonable time for processing application for review of waiver fees, whether the LandsD will consider, in respect of applications which have been processed for more than three months and approved with reduced waiver fees, backdating the effective date of the new waiver fee to a date which is three months immediately after the date of application?
     
    Reply:
     
    President,
     
    In general, the leases granted by the Government would specify requirements and restrictions on the use of the land and whether structures may be erected thereon. If an owner wishes to use the land within a certain time period for a purpose which is not in line with the lease condition or to erect temporary structures, they must first apply to the Lands Department (LandsD) for a waiver to temporarily relax the relevant restrictions, subject to payment of waiver fee and administrative fee. The waiver fee is assessed based on the difference in the market rental value of the relevant land or property before and after the waiver is granted, and waiverees are required to pay the waiver fees on a quarterly basis. Generally speaking, some waivers permitting the erection of structures on agricultural land are charged at standard rates.
     
    In response to the various parts of the question raised by the Hon Loong, my reply is as follows:
     
    (1) Under the current practice, waiver fees are generally reviewed every three years in accordance with the relevant terms of the waiver. The standard rates applicable to some waivers are also typically reviewed every three years. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic and the social environment, the Government implemented a series of relief measures between October 2019 and December 2023, including waiver fee concession of up to 75 per cent for waivers for commercial and community uses, as well as the suspension of the triennial fee review. As society returns to normalcy, such relief measures concluded at the end of 2023. The LandsD has resumed the collection of full waiver fees starting from January 2024.
     
    For orderly resumption of regular reviews of waiver fees, the LandsD, having reviewed the circumstances and consulted the Development Bureau, has started from April this year to resume the fee reviews in batches. In particular, among some 3 900 waivers:
     
    (i) the LandsD is prioritising the processing of around 2 630 waivers with original regular review cycles between April and June this year, with a view to completing the review within three months from the review cycles of the relevant waivers, and gradually notifying the waiverees of the review results. So far, the LandsD has completed the fee review for around 2 500 cases charged at standard rates, with the adjusted fees (an average reduction of about two per cent) reflected in the demand notes to be issued in June. For the remaining cases of around 130 waivers requiring individual assessment, the LandsD will complete the review within three months (i.e. gradually from July to September this year), and will gradually notify the waiverees of the review results.  
     
    (ii) As for the around 730 waivers originally scheduled for regular review in July 2025 or later, the LandsD will endeavour to complete the valuation within three months before the review cycle and notify the waiverees of the results in time before the review cycle in line with their usual practice.  
     
    (iii) As for the remaining around 540 waivers, their previous regular review cycle originally fell between January 2024 and March 2025 (based on the position after the relief measures were lifted in end-2023). However, in view of the LandsD’s resumption of review by batches since April this year, the first review cycle for this batch of cases after the end of 2023 has elapsed while the next cycle is expected to fall between 2027 and 2028. If the LandsD by then conducts the fee review for this batch of waivers, the relevant fee will in the coming two to three years still be based on the level determined in the previous review cycle (i.e. between 2018 and 2019) and hence fails to reflect the changes in the economic environment over the years. To allow flexibility for relevant waiverees, the LandsD will put in a place a special arrangement for this type of cases to allow the relevant waiverees to initiate a fee review application with the LandsD at this stage and provide supporting market evidence. The LandsD will then conduct the fee review and endeavour to, within three months upon receipt of the application, complete the review and notify the waiverees of the results. If the waiverees do not initiate an application, the LandsD will not conduct any fee review until the next review cycle (i.e. 2027 to 2028). The LandsD will issue notification letters in June this year to the relevant waiverees on the abovementioned arrangement.
     
    (2) As mentioned above, the LandsD suspended fee reviews for more than four years. Since the fee concession relief measures ended at the end of 2023, the LandsD has received 11 applications for waiver fee review. Among these, six cases were originally scheduled for fee review cycle between January 2024 and June 2025. The LandsD notified two of these waiverees of the results of the reviewed quarterly fees in May, and the valuation of the remaining four cases will be completed as soon as possible under the aforementioned arrangements, with results expected to be notified by August 2025. For the other five applications, as their review cycles are in July 2025 or later, the LandsD will conduct the fee reviews according to the original review cycle under the timetable as mentioned in part (1) (ii) of the reply above, targeting to complete them within three months before the review cycle.
     
    (3) Under the usual practice, the LandsD will complete the review and notify the waiverees the reviewed fee level before the review cycle falls due. Whether the fees are adjusted upward or downward, the adjusted fees will take effect in the review cycle upon expiry of the notice period (depending on the waiver terms, usually it is three months). Given the special background of this resumption of fee reviews, if the reviewed fees are lower than the current levels upon the resumption of reviews by the LandsD, the effective date will be backdated to the first applicable review cycle after the lifting of the relief measures in end-December 2023 so as to allow the industry to benefit from the reduced fees earlier. As an illustration, for a case with a review cycle on May 1, 2025, if the LandsD completes the review in August this year, the reduced waiver fee will take effect on May 1, 2025 while the increased waiver fee will take effect upon expiry of the notice period around November 2025. The new fees will be set out in the next demand notes, with any extra amount of fees paid after the effective date to be deducted in the next demand notes.
    Issued at HKT 17:38

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: LCQ18: Tai Lam Tunnel Bus-Bus Interchange

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Following is a question by the Hon Lam San-keung and a written reply by the Acting Secretary for Transport and Logistics, Mr Liu Chun-san, in the Legislative Council today (June 4):

    Question:

    It is learnt that at present, there are stops at the Tai Lam Tunnel Bus-Bus Interchange (the Interchange) for most of the bus routes running from the Yuen Long and Tin Shui Wai areas to various places on Hong Kong Island and in Kowloon via the Tai Lam Tunnel (TLT) to facilitate transfer to other bus routes. There are views that with the gradual completion of a number of development projects in Yuen Long, the passenger and bus flows at the Interchange are expected to increase continuously, causing traffic bottleneck and congestion problems. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:

    (1) whether it has estimated the number of bus routes using the Interchange in the next five years;

    (2) whether it has studied converting the toll plaza of TLT into a major transport node to facilitate transfer to various modes of public transport for travelling to and from various districts; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that; and

    (3) whether it has plans to construct a large car park (with motorcycle parking spaces) and cycle parking area in the vicinity of the Interchange to facilitate transfer to public transport, thereby reducing the vehicular flow of TLT?

    Reply:

    President,

    In respect of the questions raised by Hon Lam San-keung about the Tai Lam Tunnel Bus-Bus-Interchanges (TLTBBIs), having consulted the Transport Department (TD), my reply is as follows.

    (1) There are over 50 franchised bus routes observing the TLTBBIs. In the coming two years, two more franchised bus routes are expected to be introduced, and they will also observe the TLTBBIs for the convenience of passengers. TD and franchised bus operators will continue to closely monitor the actual usage of the TLTBBIs arising from changes in population in North West New Territories, and review the arrangements in a timely manner to meet the travelling needs of passengers.
    ​
    (2) and (3) The Government has all along been promoting the provision of park-and-ride facilities at suitable railway stations or nearby locations to encourage drivers to park their vehicles and switch to public transport, thereby reducing the flow of vehicles entering congested areas. Currently, there are approximately 590 parking spaces outside the Kam Sheung Road MTR Station near the TLTBBIs, offering park-and-ride discounts. There are also motorcycle and bicycle parking spaces next to the Station. Also, private car and motorcycle parking spaces are available near the TLTBBIs, facilitating the residents of Yuen Long and the North District in transferring to public transport for travel to urban areas of Kowloon and Hong Kong Island.

    The proposed development of a large-scale transport hub, parking facilities and bicycle parking as mentioned in the question requires comprehensive consideration of multiple factors, including seamless public transport transfers, connectivity to nearby roads and cycling networks, and whether there are other development opportunities that make the proposal more cost-effective and financially sustainable. As part of the Traffic and Transport Strategy Study, the Government is exploring the concept of a new generation of Transport Interchange Hub (TIH) under the “single site, multiple use” principle. This initiative aims to suitably provide park-and-ride facilities, bicycle parking spaces and storage facilities for electric mobility devices at TIHs. The TD is looking into suitable locations, including New Development Areas, for implementing the TIHs.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: LCQ1: Making good use of shoreline tourism resources

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         Following is a question by the Hon Benson Luk and a reply by the Secretary for Development, Ms Bernadette Linn, in the Legislative Council today (June 4):

    Question:

         In May last year, the Director of the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council proposed that Hong Kong should establish the concept of “Tourism is everywhere in Hong Kong”, and in November of the same year, he advised that Hong Kong’s shoreline tourism resources should be put to good use. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:

    (1) whether, according to the Government’s estimation, the “Round-the-Island Trail” developed on Hong Kong Island can be completed in 2031 as scheduled; how the Government will study with the MTR Corporation Limited the enhancement of the design of the ventilation building of the Airport Railway Extended Overrun Tunnel project, so as to minimise the impact on the waterfront promenade on Hong Kong Island and the Central Harbourfront Event Space, as well as the relevant design proposal and construction schedule;

    (2) given that a number of sections of the waterfront promenade in Kowloon are not connected (including the Yau Ma Tei Public Cargo Working Area, the Green Island Cement Pier, the Fishtail Rock in Hoi Sham Park and the waterfront gas facility off Grand Waterfront, etc), whether the authorities have plans to connect the entire shoreline of Kowloon in different modes; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that; and

    (3) whether it has formulated mega event programmes for the proposed waterfront promenades and those under construction, and of the measures in place to facilitate the industry to set up long-term catering premises at such promenades?

    Reply:

    President,

         Hong Kong possesses abundant coastal resources, and Victoria Harbour and the harbourfront are world-famous. In consultation with the Transport and Logistics Bureau and the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau, the reply to various parts of the question is as follows:

    (1) Regarding the construction of a 60-kilometre-long “Round-the-Island Trail” on the Hong Kong Island, 85 per cent has been connected thus far. It is estimated that 90 per cent would be connected by end-2027. The remaining 10 per cent, with a length of about six km and mainly including sections such as Shau Kei Wan to Heng Fa Chuen and Brick Hill to Mills & Chung Path, involves works that require relatively more technical considerations and are more complicated (such as slope improvement), which we will strive to substantially complete by end-2031.

         The Airport Railway Extended Overrun Tunnel project refers to a proposal to construct a tunnel of around 500 metres long beneath Lung Wo Road to the east of the Hong Kong Station in Central for trains to turn back so as to enhance the train carrying capacities and operation efficiency of the existing railway lines. Facilities under the project will mostly be constructed underground, while the ventilation cum emergency access building will be constructed aboveground, with a site area of about 1 200 square metres. The Government and the MTR Corporation Limited (MTRCL) are proactively optimising the project, including the overall design of the concerned facilities, with a view to minimising the footprint and height of the ventilation cum emergency access building, and also minimising the works area needed during construction. The target is to ensure that the permanent and temporary facilities of the concerned project would not need to, as far as practicable, occupy the existing Central Harbourfront Event Space (CHES), site area of which is some 36 000 sqm, or to minimise the overlapping area between the concerned project and the CHES. The Government and the MTRCL will report the latest progress and the construction timetable of the project to the stakeholders in the second half of the year.

    (2) For the Victoria Harbourfront in Kowloon from Cheung Sha Wan to Lei Yue Mun, the developable waterfront has a length of about 21 km, which excludes the about 6km-long waterfront areas currently occupied by existing facilities. After years of efforts by the Government and various sectors, about 65 per cent of the harbourfront has been connected at present, including sections in Tai Kok Tsui, the West Kowloon Cultural District (WKCD), Tsim Sha Tsui, Cha Kwo Ling, etc. By end-2028, with the addition of sections along the harbourfront in Kai Tak as well as at the former freight yard pier site in Hung Hom, nearly 80 per cent will be connected. The remaining 20 per cent of the waterfront, such as Yau Tong Bay Comprehensive Development Area and some other harbourfront sections in Kai Tak, will be developed along with private development projects at the respective locations.

         We will maintain our efforts regarding the aforementioned 6-km waterfront areas in the south of the Kowloon peninsula currently occupied by existing facilities. Subject to technical feasibility, we will improve harbourfront connectivity through other means. For example, we are constructing a pedestrian walkway along the inland boundary of the New Yau Ma Tei Public Cargo Working Area to link up the WKCD and the Tai Kok Tsui harbourfront. Upon completion next year, the pedestrian walkway will be opened to the public. As for the harbourfront connectivity of other locations, we will commence the Study on East Kowloon Harbourfront Trail in the near future, riding on the opportunities brought about by the newly amended Protection of the Harbour Ordinance (Cap. 531), and exploring to further connect harbourfront sections in Hung Hom and To Kwa Wan that are not yet accessible, including those locations mentioned in the question raised by the Member. Besides, the Urban Renewal Authority (URA) has initiated the To Kwa Wan Harbourfront Study, which is a holistic planning covering the hinterland of To Kwa Wan, waterfront spaces and the adjacent water body, in order to explore improving the connectivity between the hinterland and the harbourfront, in addition to utilising harbourfront resources. We will co-ordinate and join forces with the URA on these fronts.

    (3) Many venues within the Victoria Harbourfront are suitable for hosting mega events and activities of various types. For instance, the CHES has been a venue frequently used for hosting a considerable number of signature events over the years; the WKCD has more than 20 indoor and outdoor venues, attracting different types of large-scale events; the Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade and the Avenue of Stars are also venues where leisure and entertainment activities are frequently held, such as music, film and arts and cultural events. The 15th National Games will be held in November this year, of which a number of competition events will take place in Hong Kong. Amongst them, the Triathlon event will be staged at the Central harbourfront and Victoria Harbour, which would allow spectators to watch the event while experiencing the natural beauty and vibrancy of Victoria Harbour.

         Regarding food and beverages facilities at the harbourfront, we set up smart specialty vending facilities with distinctive exterior designs for photo-taking at the harbourfront in Wan Chai, Kwun Tong and Cha Kwo Ling last year, offering light snacks, drinks and gadgets. We are partnering with WestK Enterprise Limited in recent months to invite interested operators, through expression of interest, to set up refreshment stalls at four harbourfront locations with relatively more frequent flow of visitors in Central, Wan Chai, North Point and Tsim Sha Tsui within this year. Furthermore, we will revitalise the former freight yard pier site in Hung Hom into a special event space and open it for public use in the first quarter of next year. In the longer term, we have already released the preliminary land use proposal on the long-term development of the former pier site in Hung Hom and the sites around Hung Hom Station earlier; and we are also carrying out a study on the use of the topside development of the Exhibition Centre Station in Wan Chai North. Both projects will involve introducing food and beverages, retail and entertainment facilities of sizeable scale at the harbourfront, and continue to make good use of harbourfront resources to create new highlights for Hong Kong.

         Thank you, President.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: LCQ2: Development of fintech

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         Following is a question by the Hon Robert Lee and a reply by the Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr Christopher Hui, in the Legislative Council today (June 4):
     
    Question:
     
         It is learnt that there are currently over 1 100 fintech companies in Hong Kong, including eight licensed digital banks, four virtual insurers and 10 virtual asset trading platforms. Regarding the development of fintech, will the Government inform this Council:
     
    (1) of the plans in place to assist licensed fintech companies in expanding their operations and developing products, such as assisting them in expanding their service scope to the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, promoting the asset-under-management size and turnover of Exchange Traded Funds on Virtual Asset (VA), enhancing the international competitiveness and attractiveness of VA-related products, as well as developing more futures and options products for VAs, etc;
     
    (2) whether it will urge the regulators to allow institutional and retail investors to participate in more VA transactions of different types and currencies and relax the eligibility requirements for professional investors, as well as include VAs as assets under the Securities and Futures (Financial Resources) Rules, so as to facilitate the development of the VA market; and
     
    (3) how the Government will formulate enhancement measures in the three aspects of regulatory statute, tax concessions as well as publicity and promotion, so as to further attract large-scale international fintech companies to establish presence in Hong Kong, and of the plans in place to assist the financial services industry in introducing fintech in order to enhance operational efficiency and reduce costs, thereby promoting the upgrading and transformation of the industry?
     
    Reply:
     
    President,
     
         As an international financial centre with a robust regulatory environment and abundant business opportunities, Hong Kong is an ideal location for promoting the development of fintech. The Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau (FSTB) and the financial regulators maintain close communication with the industry to understand their development needs, with a view to formulating appropriate measures to facilitate the development of fintech.

         My reply to the various parts of the question is as follows:
     
    (1) To facilitate the continuous and vibrant development of fintech enterprises in Hong Kong, we have adopted a multi-pronged strategy including enhancing Hong Kong’s financial infrastructure, building a vibrant fintech ecosystem, nurturing fintech talents, and strengthening our connection and co-operation with the industry in the Mainland and overseas, with a view to creating and providing a conducive environment, thereby promoting fintech innovation and application.
     
         On advancing investment products related to virtual assets (VAs), the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) authorised the first batch of VA futures exchange traded funds (ETFs) for retail investor trading in December 2022, Asia’s first batch of VA spot ETFs in April 2024, as well as Asia’s first VA futures inverse product in July 2024. These products have broadened the product diversity of the Hong Kong market, further enhancing Hong Kong’s position as Asia’s leading ETF market.
     
         Besides, in February 2025, the SFC promulgated the “ASPIRe” roadmap, aspiring to strengthening the security, innovation and growth of the market in Hong Kong. One of the focuses of the roadmap is to expand the range of VA products and services, so as to fulfil the need of various types of investors under the prerequisite of investor protection, while enhancing the international competitiveness and attractiveness of Hong Kong’s VA market.
     
         The specific measures of the roadmap includes allowing staking services involving VA within systems with sufficient protection measures, to enable for investors to earn additional returns. In this regard, the SFC provided regulatory guidance respectively to licensed VATPs (virtual asset trading platform) on their provision of staking services, and to SFC-authorised funds with exposure to VA (VA Funds) on their engagement in staking. On April 10, 2025, the SFC allowed two licensed VATPs to provide staking services to clients through the imposition of relevant licensing conditions, which was followed by two SFC-authorised VA spot ETFs updating their fund documents in April and May 2025 for their engagement in staking activities.
     
         The SFC is also considering introducing VA derivatives trading for professional investors and will put in place robust risk management measures. These measures will further enrich the product options available in the Hong Kong market while ensuring that transactions are conducted in an orderly, transparent and safe manner.
     
         In light of the latest development of the VA market, the FSTB will promulgate the second Policy Statement on development of VA, articulating the next-step policy vision and direction, including exploring how to leverage the advantages of traditional financial services and innovative technologies in the area of VAs, enhance security and flexibility of real economy activities, and encourage local and international companies to explore the innovation and application of VA technologies.
     
         As for assisting fintech companies in expanding business, the Invest Hong Kong works closely with industry players to conduct publicity and promotion in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, including participating in major fintech events in the region, as well as connecting with local government departments, regulators, industry associations and innovation and technology parks, with a view to promoting advantages of Hong Kong fintech companies and further expanding into the Mainland market.
     
    (2) Currently, before including any VAs for trading, licensed VATP operators should perform all reasonable due diligence on these VAs, and ensure that these VAs continue to satisfy all criteria. Before providing any VA for retail trading, VATPs should take all reasonable steps to ensure the selected VAs are of high liquidity. The relevant requirements seek to provide sufficient protection for investors (especially retail investors). The SFC will continue to asset the potential risks of VAs in respect of volatility, liquidity, and market manipulation, etc, and keep a close watch of relevant international regulatory development, so as to review the aforementioned requirements. Further, in light of VAs’ nature, characteristics and risks, we will continuously evaluate whether the requirements relating to prudential treatment of VA exposures are in line with those in other jurisdictions.
     
         In respect of professional investors’ qualifying criteria and minimum monetary threshold requirements, the SFC has conducted a review during 2019/20. The outcome of the review was that the current minimum monetary thresholds were simple and easy-to-interpret and appropriately reflected an investor’s loss absorption ability, as well as being in line with those in comparable jurisdictions (such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Singapore and Australia). We will continue to evaluate whether the professional investor qualification requirements are in line with those in comparable jurisdictions.
     
         It should be noted that with the International Organization of Securities Commissions’ (IOSCO) publication of its Final Report with Policy Recommendations for Crypto and Digital Asset Markets in November 2023, the IOSCO recommends that regulatory frameworks should seek to achieve regulatory outcomes for investor protection and market integrity that are the same as, or consistent with, those required in traditional financial markets, which is an approach adopted by the SFC since as early as 2018.
     
    (3) To attract more large-scale international fintech companies to establish presence in Hong Kong, the Office for Attracting Strategic Enterprises (OASES) offers one-stop services and special facilitation measures. On regulation, the OASES assists companies in understanding the licensing and regulatory framework of the relevant sectors and co-ordinates with the financial regulators when necessary to facilitate the licence applications. Regarding tax benefits, the OASES shares with companies information of applicable tax benefits and funding schemes and connects companies with the higher education institutions, research and development institutions and innovation and technology parks, with a view to expediting their business development in Hong Kong. Separately, we will further enhance the preferential tax regimes for funds, single family offices and carried interest, including the inclusion of VAs as qualifying transactions eligible for tax concessions. As for publicity and promotion, the OASES actively engages overseas and the Mainland strategic enterprises to introduce the advantages and policies in relation to fintech in Hong Kong through organising regular duty visits and enterprise exchange activities, thereby attracting more high-potential fintech companies to Hong Kong.
     
         The Government has been working closely with the financial regulators and industry players to actively promote the financial services sector to adopt fintech through multi-pronged measures. According to a survey in 2023, the adoption rate of generative AI in Hong Kong was the highest (38 per cent) among all markets and well above the global average (26 per cent). In October 2024, we issued a policy statement on the responsible application of AI in the financial market. Since the policy statement was issued, we have introduced various initiatives to assist the financial institutions in seizing the opportunities and adopting AI responsibly, including publishing practical guidelines, launching sandbox schemes, as well as organising seminars and talks.
     
         The Government and financial regulators will continue to maintain close liaison with the industry and assess their needs for fintech, with a view to formulating the corresponding support measures for facilitating the development of new quality productive forces.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: LCQ11: Default payments of Mandatory Provident Fund contributions by employers

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         Following is a question by the Hon Paul Tse and a written reply by the Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr Christopher Hui, in the Legislative Council today (June 4):
     
    Question:
     
         It has been reported that, while default payments of Mandatory Provident Fund (MPF) contributions by employers are considered as a “bad omen for closure of businesses”, the number of such cases has been rising in recent years. In 2022, the number of “Payment Notice for Mandatory Provident Fund Contributions and Surcharge” (Payment Notice(s)) issued by the Mandatory Provident Fund Schemes Authority (MPFA) to employers defaulting on MPF contributions was about 340 000, and such number had increased to about 370 000 in 2023 and even reached about 400 000 last year, representing an average annual increase of about eight per cent. Also, the amount of default contributions which could not be recovered last year was as much as $13 million. What is more, the increasing trend of cases of employers defaulting on MPF contributions is in line with the trend of closure of businesses. According to information from the Companies Registry, from 2022 to 2024, about 88 000, 94 000 and 116 000 companies were dissolved in Hong Kong respectively. On the other hand, there are views that among the 400 000 cases of employers defaulting on MPF contributions last year, the MPFA only filed 1 432 civil claims and issued 352 summonses for criminal prosecution, which indicated a low percentage of prosecutions. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
     
    (1) whether it has studied the reasons why the aforesaid number of cases of employers defaulting on MPF contributions, which is considered as a bad omen for closure of businesses, increased drastically to about 400 000 last year; as there are views pointing out that the aforesaid situation is very much different from the Government’s view that the economic trend continues to be positive, whether the Government has explored the reasons for such a huge difference;
     
    (2) whether it knows why the MPFA has filed civil claims and instituted criminal prosecutions in respect of only a very small number of employers defaulting on MPF contributions, and the criteria based on which the MPFA determines to file civil claims or institute criminal prosecution in respect of the cases of default contributions;
     
    (3) given that default payments of MPF contributions is a criminal offence and the employers concerned are liable on conviction to imprisonment of a maximum of four years, and there are views that employers will not default on MPF contributions unless they are left with no alternative, and therefore the situation of employers defaulting on MPF contributions can be taken as a prediction of the economic outlook, whether the Government knows if the MPFA will consider publicising on a monthly basis the number of Payment Notices it has issued, or compiling a list of enterprises defaulting on MPF contributions for a prolonged period of time, e.g. more than six months, to enable the various sectors of the community to have an early grasp of the economic situation of Hong Kong; and
     
    (4) there are views pointing out that given the current operating conditions of enterprises which are even worse than those of the period during the epidemic, the continued bad omens for closure of businesses, increasing number of affected unemployed persons, and the unemployment rate which has risen to 3.4 per cent, whether the authorities will consider allowing business operators and enterprises with similar operating difficulties as mentioned above, as well as their employees, to temporarily suspend their MPF contributions, so as to alleviate the burdens on employers and employees and prevent “the wave of closure of businesses” from spreading?
     
    Reply:
     
    President,
     
         One of the important functions of the Mandatory Provident Fund Schemes Authority (MPFA) is to ensure that employers fulfil their statutory responsibility of making the Mandatory Provident Fund (MPF) contributions for their employees on time, so as to protect the interests of employees. Based on various sources of information, including reports from trustees on default contribution cases, employee complaints, referrals from trade unions, media reports, etc, the MPFA will issue “Payment Notices for MPF Contributions and Surcharge” (Payment Notices) in accordance with statutory requirements to employers who are suspected of failing to make timely MPF contributions, and initiate investigations as needed. Once it is verified that an employer has defaulted on making contributions, the MPFA will recover the default contributions and impose a surcharge calculated at five per cent of the default amount, which will be allocated in full to the affected employees’ MPF accounts upon successful recovery.
     
         In consultation with the MPFA, the reply to the four parts of the question is as follows:
     
    (1) According to Payment Notices issued by the MPFA to employers in the past, most cases involved administrative issues, such as incomplete or incorrect information in submitted documents, calculation errors, failure to receive contributions by trustees due to technical issues, etc. Moreover, an employer who continuously defaults on contributions will receive multiple Payment Notices. It is therefore not appropriate to rely solely on the number of Payment Notices issued by the MPFA to assess the overall situation of employers defaulting on contributions or Hong Kong’s overall economic condition. Nevertheless, we agree that all cases of defaulting on MPF contributions should be taken seriously.
     
    (2) In 2024-25, the MPFA issued a total of around 400 000 Payment Notices to employers, with around 25 per cent of the cases having settled their default contributions and surcharges within the time limit (i.e. two weeks after Payment Notices were issued). For the remaining cases where the employers were confirmed to be in arrears after the time limit, almost all of them settled the outstanding payments upon the MPFA’s communication and request. The MPFA was only required to recover outstanding payments from a small proportion of these cases (about 1 700 cases) by taking legal actions through civil proceedings. Should these employers fail to settle the default contributions even after the court rulings, the MPFA would take further legal actions, including applying to the court for charging orders, garnishee orders, requesting actions from the bailiff, etc. In the aforesaid year, the MPFA successfully recovered around $200 million of default contributions, whereas around $10 million of default contributions were not recovered, representing about 0.01 per cent of the total contributions made. In addition, to enhance deterrence, the MPFA prosecutes non-compliant employers if sufficient evidence is found during investigation, and the complainant is willing to become a prosecution witness and provide relevant information. In 2024-25, a total of around 280 summonses were issued against employers and directors and managers of limited corporations who had defaulted on contributions. There were about 180 successful convictions with fines imposed for each case ranging from $1,000 to $5,000.
     
    (3) To enhance transparency, the MPFA has regularly published relevant figures on default MPF contributions. For instance, the MPFA reports monthly to the Legislative Council Panel on Manpower the number of complaints received for employers’ default contributions, the number of Payment Notices issued to employers, the number of cases filed in courts, etc. Such information is also published on the MPFA’s website for public inspection. In addition, the MPFA provides on its website a “Non-Compliant Employer and Officer Records”, which enables the public to access information about non-compliant employers, as well as relevant civil and criminal court rulings, thereby strengthening the deterrence against non-compliant employers. To further safeguard the interests of employees, the MPFA has submitted to the Government the proposal on implementing a tiered surcharge for default MPF contributions. The Government will give due consideration and follow up as appropriate.
     
    (4) There are currently no provisions in the legislation providing for the suspension or deferral of part or all of the mandatory contributions. The suspension of mandatory MPF contributions will inevitably undermine the integrity of the MPF System as a long-term and steady retirement savings scheme for the accumulation of benefits and value growth. Not only will implementing this proposal reduce the retirement protection of employees, but also the support provided to employers is limited. The Government considers it inappropriate to implement the recommendation after analysing and weighing carefully its long-term implications.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: LCQ12: Application of artificial intelligence in primary and secondary school teaching

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    LCQ12: Application of artificial intelligence in primary and secondary school teaching 
    Question:
     
         The Steering Committee for Teaching in Basic Education under the Ministry of Education of the People’s Republic of China (MOE) has recently published the “Guidelines for artificial intelligence (AI) general education in primary and secondary schools (2025)” and the “Guidelines for the use of generative AI in primary and secondary schools (2025)”, with the aim of regulating and promoting AI education across all key stages. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
     
    (1) whether it will follow the practice of MOE in formulating guidelines for AI education and the use of generative AI in primary and secondary schools, so as to build a comprehensive AI general education system and set clear regulations for the use of generative AI in primary and secondary education for various learning stages;
     
    (2) in order to prevent students from becoming over-reliant on generative AI to the detriment of their independent thinking skills, whether the authorities will draw up guidelines on the use of generative AI for different learning stages, so as to provide teachers and parents with reference material for supervising students and their children’s use of generative AI;
     
    (3) in order to effectively safeguard the privacy and data security of students, whether the authorities will require schools to adopt the Artificial Intelligence: Model Personal Data Protection Framework published by the Office of the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data, so as to provide primary and secondary school teachers and administrative staff with clear guidelines on the use of AI;
     
    (4) in order to support teachers in providing teaching and learning support plans tailored to students of different levels and abilities, whether the authorities will produce a large language model for all primary and secondary schools across the territory that can be used for teaching and learning purposes, as well as developing vertical applications; and
     
    (5) whether the authorities will draw up guidelines and provide technical support for primary and secondary schools to enhance their application of AI in school affairs, thereby encouraging the use of generative AI technologies to optimise school administration?
     
    Reply:
     
    President,
     
         To align with the national strategy of building a leading country in education, keeping pace with global development trends, and nurturing talent for the advancement of innovation and technology (I&T) in Hong Kong, the Education Bureau (EDB) is stepping up its efforts to promote digital education, including the application and education of artificial intelligence (AI). The EDB established the Steering Committee on Strategic Development of Digital Education in early 2025, making reference to the latest developments on the Mainland and relevant policies and experiences from other places, to provide recommendations on the goals, strategies and future directions for the implementation of digital education in Hong Kong. The EDB will organise the first Digital Education Week in July combining the International Summit on the Use of AI in Learning and Teaching Languages and Other Subjects and the Hong Kong Education City’s annual event Learning & Teaching Expo, to promote in-depth exploration and application of AI and frontier technology.
     
         Our consolidated reply to the written question raised by Professor the Hon William Wong is as follows:
     
         Through ongoing curriculum and guide renewal, enriching learning and teaching resources, strengthening teacher training, optimising education ancillary infrastructure and promoting cross-sector collaboration, the EDB assists schools in harnessing AI and other I&T to enhance the digital literacy and the competence of both teachers and students on AI. The EDB places emphasis on developing students’ values, attitudes, knowledge and skills, enabling them to use digital technology (including generative AI) effectively and ethically. 
     
    Curriculum and guides
     
         At present, almost all publicly-funded primary and secondary schools have implemented enriched coding education and AI education at the upper primary level and the junior secondary level respectively. The Module on AI for Junior Secondary Level covers topics such as AI basics, AI ethics, societal impact and future of work, which enables teachers and students to learn about the appropriate application scenarios of AI, as well as relevant security topics including personal data privacy and data security. The EDB launched the updated “Information Literacy for Hong Kong Students” Learning Framework in 2024, with a new literacy area “recognise the ethical issues arising from the application of emerging and advanced information technologies” which includes subjects relating to laws and regulations, academic integrity and excessive dependence arising from I&T such as AI technologies, with an aim to develop students to become ethical users of information technology (IT).
     
         In addition, the EDB has, in collaboration with the Hong Kong Police Force and the Journalism Education Foundation, launched the learning and teaching resources on Cyber Security and Technology Crime Information and Media and Information Literacy respectively, which include contents to strengthen the protection of personal privacy, enhance students’ ability to discern the authenticity of information and promote the proper use of social media. These resources can guide students in the proper use of AI and nurture positive values and attitudes towards the application of innovative technologies.
     
         We have always encouraged schools to make reference to good practices when applying IT and I&T (such as AI). The Artificial Intelligence: Model Personal Data Protection Framework issued by the Office of the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data, Hong Kong (PCPD), provides useful references on safeguarding personal data privacy and cyber security issues.
     
         The EDB will make reference to the latest developments and experiences from local, the country and other places, update and optimise the curriculum and guides, adhere to the use of AI for good, and while improving efficiency and effectiveness, maintain the security of AI and technology education, and guard against challenges and risks related to laws and regulations, ethics, authenticity of information, and privacy protection.
     
    Training
     
         The EDB has continuously enhanced teacher training, these include the provision of AI-related professional development programmes with contents covering topics like the development of AI, the planning of applying AI in teaching and learning, the application of AI tools in different subjects, the safeguarding of data security, as well as the prevention of students from become over-reliant on generative AI to the detriment of their independent thinking skills. The training programmes are conducted in both online and offline modes to benefit a greater number of teachers. In addition, the EDB has co-organised a number of teacher training programmes with the PCPD, enabling schools to understand how to address data security risks and handle data breaches, as well as enhancing school personnel’s awareness of data security.
     
         In addition, we have continued to launch relevant parent training to help parents cultivate children’s good habit in using IT in their daily life, including the proper use of generative AI for learning.
     
    Education ancillary infrastructure
     
         To optimise education ancillary infrastructure, the Quality Education Fund (QEF) has allocated $500 million for the implementation of the e-Learning Ancillary Facilities Programme to develop quality e-learning ancillary facilities that meet the local learning and teaching needs through co-operation among schools, tertiary institutions, education and professional bodies, and business sectors. A total of over 20 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 I&T such as big data and AI to enhance learning and teaching effectiveness in a wide array of subjects/areas. 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 in mid-2025 and uploaded to the Hong Kong Education City for subscription by schools. The QEF will also sponsor publicly-funded schools to use the deliverables of the projects to facilitate the sustainable development of the projects.
     
         The EDB will continue to optimise the platform of Hong Kong Education City, make reference and utilise existing high-quality learning and teaching platforms, large language models and programmes in local, the country or other places, encourage the sharing of high-quality resources across sectors and schools, and explore how to further support learning and teaching in Hong Kong in a cost-effective manner.
     
         Looking forward, under the leadership of the Steering Committee on Strategic Development of Digital Education, the EDB will continue to review the implementation and development of related support strategies on improving students’ digital literacy and skills, strengthening relevant professional training for teachers, enhancing collaboration with different stakeholders and continuously optimising digital education ancillary infrastructure, to meet the needs of school development and student learning in the era of AI.
    Issued at HKT 14:16

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Government welcomes passage of Banking (Amendment) Bill 2025

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         The Government welcomed the passage of the Banking (Amendment) Bill 2025 by the Legislative Council today (June 4) to facilitate the sharing of account information among banks under specified conditions to enhance the efficiency in detecting and preventing crime in Hong Kong.
     
         The Amendment Ordinance introduces a voluntary mechanism for banks and relevant law enforcement agencies to share with each other, swiftly and safely via electronic means, information of corporate and individual accounts through secure platforms designated by the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA), when banks become aware of suspected prohibited conduct (i.e. money laundering, terrorist financing or financing of proliferation of weapons of mass destruction). The Amendment Ordinance also provides legal protection for banks that disclose relevant information. The mechanism will enable banks and relevant law enforcement agencies to act swiftly to intercept illicit funds and expedite intelligence gathering so that the public will be better protected from fraud and associated money laundering activities.

         The Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr Christopher Hui, said, “The new mechanism not only enhances Hong Kong’s ability to combat fraud and associated money laundering activities, providing better protection for citizens, but also helps maintain the stability of Hong Kong’s banking system and showcases the efforts made by Hong Kong, as an international financial centre, in international collaborations to combat relevant illegal activities.”
     
         The Chief Executive of the HKMA, Mr Eddie Yue, said, “The new information sharing mechanism will further enhance the ability of the banks to detect and prevent fraud and other financial crime. The HKMA will continue to work closely with the Hong Kong Police Force and the banking sector to take forward the preparation work, including the upgrade of systems and formulation of practical guidelines, with a view to implementing the new mechanism as soon as practicable.”

         The Amendment Ordinance will come into effect this year. The commencement date will be announced separately.
     

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Oral question – EU-Israel Association Agreement – O-000019/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for oral answer  O-000019/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 142
    Rima Hassan (The Left), Lynn Boylan (The Left), Tineke Strik (Verts/ALE), Matjaž Nemec (S&D), Cecilia Strada (S&D), Ana Miranda Paz (Verts/ALE), Hana Jalloul Muro (S&D), César Luena (S&D), Abir Al-Sahlani (Renew), Evin Incir (S&D), Villy Søvndal (Verts/ALE), Saskia Bricmont (Verts/ALE), Mounir Satouri (Verts/ALE), Aodhán Ó Ríordáin (S&D), Catarina Vieira (Verts/ALE), Maria Walsh (PPE), Jaume Asens Llodrà (Verts/ALE), Maria Ohisalo (Verts/ALE), Per Clausen (The Left), Irene Montero (The Left), Dario Tamburrano (The Left), Özlem Demirel (The Left), Damien Carême (The Left), Leila Chaibi (The Left), Carolina Morace (The Left), Li Andersson (The Left), Alex Agius Saliba (S&D), Estrella Galán (The Left), Rudi Kennes (The Left), Carola Rackete (The Left), Isabel Serra Sánchez (The Left), Bruno Gonçalves (S&D), Konstantinos Arvanitis (The Left), Giorgos Georgiou (The Left), Michael McNamara (Renew), Manon Aubry (The Left), Merja Kyllönen (The Left), Branislav Ondruš (NI), Marc Botenga (The Left), Diana Riba i Giner (Verts/ALE)

    We welcome the call by a majority of EU Foreign Affairs Ministers for a review of the EU-Israel Association Agreement[1].

    The responsibility now lies with the Commission to assess whether the policies of Prime Minister Netanyahu’s government are compatible with the ‘respect for human rights and democratic principles’ required under Article 2 of the agreement. ‘Respect for human rights and democratic principles’ is not only a founding value of the EU, it is also an essential element of all EU association agreements.

    Article 2 of the EU-Israel Association Agreement explicitly states that relations between the parties are based on these principles, which guide both their internal and international policy and constitute an essential element of the agreement.

    In the light of the Commission’s role as the ‘guardian of the Treaties’ (Article 17 of the Treaty on European Union):

    • 1.What is the timeline and process for conducting the review of the EU-Israel Association Agreement?
    • 2.What procedures are being used for the assessment of the agreement, and how does the Commission plan to involve relevant stakeholders and ensure transparency?

    Submitted: 28.5.2025

    Lapses: 29.8.2025

    • [1] Euro-Mediterranean Agreement establishing an association between the European Communities and their Member States, of the one part, and the State of Israel, of the other part, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/agree_internation/2000/384/2013-07-01.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Fisheries – a priority at the EU-UK summit on 19 May 2025 – P-001609/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The Commission agrees on the importance of EU-United Kingdom (UK) cooperation in the area of fisheries, a key element of the Trade and Cooperation Agreement.

    The first ever EU-United Kingdom Summit took place on 19 May 2025. The Commission and the United Kingdom agreed a ‘Common Understanding’ which identifies areas of future work for strengthening the bilateral relationship. Throughout the discussions with the United Kingdom to prepare the Summit and to agree on a renewed agenda for EU-United Kingdom cooperation, fisheries was a priority to the Commission.

    The Common Understanding notes the political agreement with the United Kingdom leading to full reciprocal access to waters to fish until 30 June 2038. This will protect the rights of EU fishers and ensure stability and predictability for a period of 12 years. During this period, the Parties will have full reciprocal access to fish quota and non-quota stocks in each other’s waters (Exclusive Economic Zone and territorial waters).

    The Commission and the UK have committed to take the necessary steps to formalise this political agreement in the coming weeks and work is ongoing to do this.

    Last updated: 4 June 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Need for official recognition and proper protection of the Jewish minority in Hungary – E-001334/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    As stated in Article 2 of the Treaty on European Union, the EU is founded on the values of respect for human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, the rule of law and respect for human rights, including the rights of persons belonging to minorities.

    Defining the legal status of any minority is a competence of the Member States. In Hungary, different laws[1][2] define and recognise the status of national and ethnic minorities and of churches, religious denominations and religious communities[3].

    To ensure a strong EU contribution to the future of Jews in Europe, the Commission adopted on 5 October 2021 the EU Strategy on combating antisemitism and fostering Jewish life[4].

    On 15 October 2024, whilst Hungary held the Presidency of the Council, the Council approved a declaration on fostering Jewish life and combating antisemitism[5].

    • [1] https://njt.hu/jogszabaly/en/2011-4301-02-00.
    • [2] https://njt.hu/jogszabaly/2011-179-00-00.56#CI .
    • [3] https://magyarkozlony.hu/dokumentumok/f842595bffefff68f85f2aa8a0707aad6af30251/letoltes.
    • [4] https://commission.europa.eu/strategy-and-policy/policies/justice-and-fundamental-rights/combatting-discrimination/racism-and-xenophobia/combating-antisemitism/eu-strategy-combating-antisemitism-and-fostering-jewish-life-2021-2030/about-eu-strategy_en.
    • [5] https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2024/10/15/fostering-jewish-life-and-combating-antisemitism-council-approves-declaration/.
    Last updated: 4 June 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Clarification of the concept of ‘interference’ in democratic debate and elections – E-000959/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    Democracy is a founding value of the EU. The essence of democracy is that citizens can freely express their views and participate in democratic life, choose their political representatives, and have a say in their future.

    Freedom of expression and freedom of information are both enshrined in the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights[1] and respected across EU legislation. EU law and policies do not aim to regulate the content of messages. On the contrary, they promote transparent access to an open democratic space.

    As long as legal boundaries are respected (such as respect for hate speech prohibitions and national defamation rules), citizens and political actors should be able to express themselves freely.

    Citizens have a right to seek and receive information and should be able to form their own opinions in a public space where a plurality of views can be expressed, where they have a right to disagree and where they can take part in elections which are free from interference, whether foreign or domestic.

    Foreign interference in the context of elections and democratic debate happens when a foreign state or foreign actor undertakes or triggers a covert operation, directly or through proxies, which aims to harm the integrity of the democratic debate, institutions or processes.

    • [1] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=celex%3A12016P%2FTXT.
    Last updated: 4 June 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Workshops – Implementation of the gender mainstreaming methodology in the EU budget – 25-06-2025 – Committee on Budgetary Control

    Source: European Parliament

    This workshop will focus on the implementation of the gender mainstreaming methodology in the EU budget, with an emphasis on budgetary control.

    The first panel will explore the concept of gender budgeting and its implementation at EU level. The second panel highlights examples of gender budgeting, offering practical insights into its application. Both panels will be followed by Q&A sessions. The workshop will bring together a range of speakers, including independent experts in the field and representatives of the European Institute for Gender Equality and the European Commission, to provide a comprehensive understanding of gender budgeting.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: EU Fact Sheets – Russia – 03-06-2025

    Source: European Parliament

    EU-Russia relations have been strained since 2014 because of Russia’s illegal annexation of Crimea, support for separatist groups in eastern Ukraine, destabilisation policies in the neighbourhood, disinformation and interference campaigns and internal human rights violations. After Russia launched its unprovoked, unjustified and illegal war of aggression against Ukraine on 24 February 2022, the remaining political, cultural and scientific cooperation was suspended.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Italy : EIB, with SACE and InvestEU guarantees, provides €150 million for Piedmont water services

    Source: European Investment Bank

    The European Investment Bank (EIB) has granted a €150 million loan to Acqua Novara.VCO to improve the efficiency and resilience of water infrastructure in the Italian provinces of Novara and Verbano-Cusio-Ossola. The EIB financed is backed by SACE’s Archimede guarantee – which covers two-thirds of the funding – and the European Union’s InvestEU programme – which covers the remaining €50 million.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: EU Fact Sheets – Macroeconomic surveillance – 03-06-2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Over the past decade, the EU has experienced major macroeconomic imbalances and serious divergences in competitiveness. These have both exacerbated the negative effects of the financial crisis that began in 2008 and prevented the effective use of common monetary policy measures to resolve them. In 2011, the EU set up the macroeconomic imbalance procedure to identify and correct such imbalances at national level, particularly those with the potential to spill over and affect other EU countries.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: EU Fact Sheets – Innovation policy – 03-06-2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Innovation plays an increasingly important role in our economy. As well as benefiting the EU’s consumers and workers, it is essential to creating better jobs, building a greener society and improving our quality of life. It is also key in maintaining the EU’s competitiveness on global markets. Innovation policy is the interface between research and technological development policy and industrial policy. It aims to create a framework conducive to bringing ideas to market.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: EU Fact Sheets – The European Economic Area (EEA), Switzerland and the North – 03-06-2025

    Source: European Parliament

    The European Economic Area (EEA) was set up in 1994 to extend the EU’s provisions on its internal market to the European Free Trade Area (EFTA) countries. The EEA’s parties are Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein. Switzerland is a member of EFTA, but not of the EEA. The EU and Nordic EEA EFTA partners (Norway and Iceland) are also linked by various ‘northern policies’ and forums that focus on the rapidly evolving northern reaches of Europe and the Arctic region as a whole.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: EU Fact Sheets – Banking Union – 03-06-2025

    Source: European Parliament

    The Banking Union is based on a proposal that the European Commission presented in 2012, a few years after the severe financial crisis had started to unfold in the EU. The key innovation was to transfer responsibility for the day-to-day supervision of the largest banks in the euro area from national to European level. From then on, the European Central Bank (ECB) was put in charge of supervisory tasks, which it needed to keep strictly separate from its activities on monetary policy. Another institution – the Single Resolution Board (SRB) – was set up at European level to deal with the failure of large banks. The Commission had proposed a third element – a European deposit insurance scheme – but so far this has not found the necessary political support.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: AMENDMENTS 029-031 – REPORT on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Regulation (EU) 2023/956 as regards simplifying and strengthening the carbon border adjustment mechanism – A10-0085/2025(029-031)

    Source: European Parliament

    AMENDMENTS 029-031
    REPORT
    on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Regulation (EU) 2023/956 as regards simplifying and strengthening the carbon border adjustment mechanism
    (COM(2025)0087 – C10-0035/2025 – 2025/0039(COD))
    Committee on the Environment, Climate and Food Safety
    Rapporteur: Antonio Decaro

    Source : © European Union, 2025 – EP

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: AMENDMENTS 028-028 – REPORT on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Regulation (EU) 2023/956 as regards simplifying and strengthening the carbon border adjustment mechanism – A10-0085/2025(028-028)

    Source: European Parliament

    AMENDMENTS 028-028
    REPORT
    on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Regulation (EU) 2023/956 as regards simplifying and strengthening the carbon border adjustment mechanism
    (COM(2025)0087 – C10-0035/2025 – 2025/0039(COD))
    Committee on the Environment, Climate and Food Safety
    Rapporteur: Antonio Decaro

    Source : © European Union, 2025 – EP

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: AMENDMENTS 013-015 – REPORT on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Regulation (EU) 2023/956 as regards simplifying and strengthening the carbon border adjustment mechanism – A10-0085/2025(013-015)

    Source: European Parliament

    AMENDMENTS 013-015
    REPORT
    on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Regulation (EU) 2023/956 as regards simplifying and strengthening the carbon border adjustment mechanism
    (COM(2025)0087 – C10-0035/2025 – 2025/0039(COD))
    Committee on the Environment, Climate and Food Safety
    Rapporteur: Antonio Decaro

    Source : © European Union, 2025 – EP

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: AMENDMENTS 026-027 – REPORT on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Regulation (EU) 2023/956 as regards simplifying and strengthening the carbon border adjustment mechanism – A10-0085/2025(026-027)

    Source: European Parliament

    AMENDMENTS 026-027
    REPORT
    on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Regulation (EU) 2023/956 as regards simplifying and strengthening the carbon border adjustment mechanism
    (COM(2025)0087 – C10-0035/2025 – 2025/0039(COD))
    Committee on the Environment, Climate and Food Safety
    Rapporteur: Antonio Decaro

    Source : © European Union, 2025 – EP

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: AMENDMENTS 009-012 – REPORT on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Regulation (EU) 2023/956 as regards simplifying and strengthening the carbon border adjustment mechanism – A10-0085/2025(009-012)

    Source: European Parliament

    AMENDMENTS 009-012
    REPORT
    on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Regulation (EU) 2023/956 as regards simplifying and strengthening the carbon border adjustment mechanism
    (COM(2025)0087 – C10-0035/2025 – 2025/0039(COD))
    Committee on the Environment, Climate and Food Safety
    Rapporteur: Antonio Decaro

    Source : © European Union, 2025 – EP

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Allies to agree new capability targets at meeting of NATO Defence Ministers

    Source: NATO

    Allied Defence Ministers will gather in Brussels on Thursday 5 June 2025 to finalise preparations for the Summit in The Hague.

    “At this Ministerial, we are going to take a huge leap forward” Mr Rutte stated, “We will strengthen our deterrence and defence by agreeing ambitious new capability targets.” He went on to identify air and missile defence, long-range weapons, logistics, and large land manoeuvre formations as among the Alliance’s top priorities.

    “We need more resources, forces and capabilities so that we are prepared to face any threat, and to implement our collective defence plans in full” the Secretary General emphasised, adding that, in order to deliver on our new targets, “we will need significantly higher defence spending. That underpins everything.”

    The Meeting of NATO Defence Ministers will be preceded by a meeting of the Ukraine Defence Contact Group (UDCG) – the international coalition of Allies and partners chaired by the UK and Germany, providing practical support to Ukraine as it resists Russian aggression.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: Resolutions of the Annual General Meeting of Shareholders of Aktsiaselts Infortar

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Aktsiaselts Infortar (registry code 10139414, seat and address Liivalaia 9, 10118 Tallinn), held its Annual General Meeting of Shareholders (hereinafter the General Meeting) on June 4, 2025 at 11:00 (Estonian time) at the conference centre of Tallink SPA & Conference Hotel at Sadama 11a, Tallinn.

    45 shareholders were registered as attending at the Annual General Meeting of Shareholders, who owned 17,562,509 votes/shares (the amount of represented share capital 1,756,250.90 EUR), forming 85,91% of Aktsiaselts Infortar share capital.

    1. Approval of the 2024 Annual Report
    Approve the 2024 Annual Report of Aktsiaselts Infortar submitted by the Management Board.

    In favour of the resolution voted 100% of the votes represented at the meeting (17,561,838 votes).

    2.    Deciding on the distribution of profit
    Approve the following proposal for the distribution of profit submitted by the Management Board of Aktsiaselts Infortar:
    2.1. Approve the net profit for 2024 in the amount 193,670 thousand euros;
    2.2. Pay the Shareholders dividend 3 euros per share. Dividend shall be paid in two parts as follows:
    2.2.1. 1.5 euros per share shall be paid to the Shareholders who have been entered in the list of Shareholders on 4 July 2025 at the end of the business day of the settlement system of the securities registrar (record-date). Consequently, the day of change of the rights related to the shares (ex-date) is 3 July 2025. Dividend shall be paid to the Shareholders on 15 July 2025 by transfer to the bank account of the Shareholder;
    2.2.2. 1.5 euros per share shall be paid to the Shareholders who have been entered in the list of Shareholders on 4 December 2025 at the end of the business day of the settlement system of the securities registrar (record-date). Consequently, the day of change of the rights related to the shares (ex-date) is 3 December 2025. Dividend shall be paid to the Shareholders on 15 December 2025 by transfer to the bank account of the Shareholder.

    In favour of the resolution voted 99,99% of the votes represented at the meeting (17,561,561 votes).

    3. Appointment of an auditor for the 2025 financial year and determination of the procedure of remuneration of an auditor
    Appoint the company of auditors KPMG Baltics OÜ to conduct the audit of Aktsiaselts Infortar in the financial year 2025 and to remunerate the work according to the audit contract to be concluded with the auditor.

    In favour of the resolution voted 99,99% of the votes represented at the meeting (17,561,388 votes).

    4.    Deciding on conduction of the Option Plan
    Terminate the share option plan of Aktsiaselts Infortar approved by resolution no. 6 of the Annual General Meeting of the Shareholders held on 15 June 2021 and the conclusion of option agreements under this plan prematurely as of 30 June 2025. To approve the implementation of a new share option plan of Aktsiaselts Infortar and to grant the Supervisory Board the right to establish the new share option plan under the following principles (“Option Plan”):
    4.1. The purpose of the Option Plan is to motivate the management and employees of Aktsiaselts Infortar by involving them as Shareholders, thereby enabling them to benefit from the increase in the value of the shares as a result of their work. The Option Plan applies to Aktsiaselts Infortar and its group entities in Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Finland, and Poland. The Supervisory Board of Aktsiaselts Infortar may decide to extend the Option Plan to group entities in other countries.
    4.2. The term of the Option Plan is four (4) years, and options (“Options”) may be granted and option agreements concluded under the Option Plan from 1 July 2025 until 1 July 2029. Should an Entitled Person (as defined below) fail to conclude an option agreement within the aforementioned period, they shall lose the right to acquire the Options made available to them.
    4.3. Under the Option Plan, Aktsiaselts Infortar shall have the right to issue up to 400,000 Options for the acquisition of 400,000 shares, representing up to 1,89% of the share capital of Aktsiaselts Infortar.
    4.4. Entitled Persons under the Option Plan (“Entitled Persons”) shall be:
    (a) Members of the Supervisory Board of Aktsiaselts Infortar, whereby the granting of Options and the number of Options to be granted to specific members of the Supervisory Board shall be determined annually by the General Meeting by a separate resolution, provided that no Supervisory Board member shall acquire more than 4000 Options per year during the term of the Option Plan;
    (b) Members of the Management Board of Aktsiaselts Infortar appointed by the Supervisory Board, whereby the number of Options to be granted to each Management Board member shall be determined annually by the Supervisory Board by a separate resolution, provided that no Management Board member shall acquire more than 4000 Options per year during the term of the Option Plan;
    (c) Employees of Aktsiaselts Infortar and members of management bodies and employees of group companies, as designated by the Supervisory Board, or by the Management Board if so delegated by the Supervisory Board, whereby the number of Options to be granted to each such person shall be determined annually by the Supervisory Board or the Management Board (in case of delegation) by a separate resolution, provided that no such Entitled Person shall acquire more than 4000 Options per year during the term of the Option Plan.
    4.5. Generally, Options issued under the Option Plan cannot be exercised, and the underlying shares cannot be acquired, before the 3-year vesting period has passed from the grant of the Option. A prerequisite for exercising the Option is that the Entitled Person remains a member of a management body or an employee of Aktsiaselts Infortar or any of its subsidiaries at the time of exercising the Option.
    4.6. Each Option granted under the Option Plan entitles the Entitled Person to acquire one (1) share of Aktsiaselts Infortar upon fulfilment of the preconditions for exercising the Option. In the event of a change in the nominal value of shares, the number of shares granted under each Option shall be adjusted accordingly. The price payable for the shares upon exercising the Options shall be determined annually by decision of the Supervisory Board before the issuance of Options and the conclusion of option agreements for the respective year, provided that the price of the share option must be at least 26 euros per share and represent at least 50% of the weighted average stock exchange price of the  share option over the six-month period preceding 1 June of the calendar year in which the option agreement is concluded. In the case of Options being granted to members of the Supervisory Board, the price per share shall be determined by the General Meeting based on the same principles.
    4.7. The implementation and administration of the Option Plan shall be managed by the Supervisory Board of Aktsiaselts Infortar which shall establish the terms and conditions of the Option Plan by its resolution, following the principles approved by this resolution. The Supervisory Board may delegate decision-making and actions related to the implementation of the Option Plan to the Management Board of Aktsiaselts Infortar. 
    4.8. For the fulfilment of the Option Plan and the acquisition of shares to be transferred to Entitled Persons upon exercise of Options:
    (a) New shares may be issued under the authorisation granted to the Supervisory Board by resolution no. 5 of the Annual General Meeting of the Shareholders, which shall be issued to the Entitled Persons; or
    (b) Own shares held by Aktsiaselts Infortar may be used, including own shares acquired by Aktsiaselts Infortar under the authorisation granted by resolution no. 6 of the Annual General Meeting of the Shareholders.

    In favour of the resolution voted 99,99% of the votes represented at the meeting (17,561,331 votes).

    5.    Amendment of the Articles of Association and exclusion of the pre-emptive subscription right of the Shareholders
    Decide to grant the Supervisory Board the right to increase the share capital for the purpose of issuing new shares necessary to fulfil the conditions of the Option Plan approved by resolution no. 4 of the Annual General Meeting of the Shareholders and to amend the Articles of Association accordingly and to exclude the pre-emptive subscription right of Shareholders upon each increase of the share capital if the Supervisory Board increases the share capital of Aktsiaselts Infortar under the authorisation given by the Articles of Association for the implementation of the Option Plan:
    5.1. Amend clause 2.1.2 of the Articles of Association with the following wording:
    „The supervisory board of the company has the right, within three (3) years from 1 July 2025, to increase the share capital through contributions by up to 500,000 euros in accordance with the procedure set out by law.“
    5.2. Shareholders shall exclude their pre-emptive subscription right in respect of shares issued by the Supervisory Board pursuant to the authorisation granted in clause 5.1 of this resolution, in accordance with § 345 (1) of the Commercial Code, and the right to subscribe for shares shall be granted to the Entitled Persons to the share option under the Option Plan approved by resolution no. 4 of the Annual General Meeting of the Shareholders for the purpose of ensuring the implementation of the Option Plan.

    In favour of the resolution voted 99,99% of the votes represented at the meeting (17,561,357 votes).

    6.    Deciding on the acquisition of own shares
    Grant Aktsiaselts Infortar the right to acquire its own shares under the following conditions:
    6.1. Aktsiaselts Infortar shall have the right to acquire its own shares within five (5) years from the adoption of this resolution under a buy-back programme as defined in Regulation (EU) No 596/2014 (Market Abuse Regulation) and Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) No 2016/1052, by purchasing the shares through Nasdaq Tallinn Stock Exchange. The acquired shares may be used for fulfilling obligations arising from the Option Plan approved by resolution no. 4 of the Annual General Meeting of the Shareholders;
    6.2. The maximum number of shares to be repurchased shall be 250,000 shares, the total nominal value of which corresponds to 1,18% of the share capital of Aktsiaselts Infortar;
    6.3. The minimum price per share to be paid by Aktsiaselts Infortar shall be no less than 0 euros and the maximum price shall not exceed the average stock exchange price of the share of Aktsiaselts Infortar of the last 30 trading days preceding the relevant buy-back transaction by more than fifty percent (50%); and
    6.4. The acquisition of own shares by Aktsiaselts Infortar must not cause the net assets to become less than the total of share capital and reserves which pursuant to law or the Articles of Association shall not be paid out to shareholders.
    6.5. To authorise the Management Board to decide and execute share buy-backs in accordance with this resolution and applicable laws, to determine the buy-back price, procedure and other conditions, and to carry out all necessary actions.

    In favour of the resolution voted 99,99% of the votes represented at the meeting (17,561,308 votes).

    Infortar operates in seven countries, the company’s main fields of activity are maritime transport, energy and real estate. Infortar owns a 68.47% stake in Tallink Grupp, a 100% stake in Elenger Grupp and a versatile and modern real estate portfolio of approx. 141,000 m2. In addition to the three main areas of activity, Infortar also operates in construction and mineral resources, agriculture, printing, and other areas. A total of 110 companies belong to the Infortar group: 101 subsidiaries, 4 affiliated companies and 5 subsidiaries of affiliated companies. Excluding affiliates, Infortar employs 6,296 people.

    Additional information:

    Kadri Laanvee
    Investor Relations Manager
    Phone: +372 5156662
    e-mail: kadri.laanvee@infortar.ee
    www.infortar.ee/en/investor

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