Announcements, policy and public information from the Hong Kong Government.
Macau's government will transfer about 15.9 billion patacas from last year's budget surplus to the retirement fund, covering an expected 8.986 billion patacas shortfall over five years. The move aims to ensure the stability of the civil service pension and survivors' benefits system.
Prime Minister Lawrence Wong likened Singapore to a durian, saying its stability, security and reliability are key strengths in a volatile world. He outlined responses to global shifts, including AI adoption and trade weaponisation, at a DBS conference.
Hong Kong has appointed Li Zili, a former senior US FDA official, as its new drug and medical device regulatory director for three years from October 20. The role supports the city's new first-tier approval system ahead of the centre's launch this year.
Hong Kong's Legislative Council will hold a session on 14 October, with the 2026 Mediation (Amendment) Bill, the 2026 Environmental and Conservation Fund (Amendment) Bill, and the 2026 Stamp Duty (Amendment) (No. 3) Bill up for first and second reading. Members will also debate motions on health and
The UN's global poverty index rose for the first time since 2010, with 1.2 billion people now in acute poverty, an increase of 51.5 million from last year. The UNDP attributed the rise partly to population growth and noted mixed progress, with some nations halving poverty rates.
A new Pew Research Center poll of 45,000 people in 37 countries finds China is now viewed more favourably than the United States in 25 nations. More respondents have confidence in Chinese President Xi Jinping than in US President Donald Trump in 22 countries, reflecting a sharp decline in American g
Hong Kong's environment minister says the city's power market needs to change after 2033, aiming for more stable supply and competitive prices to support new industries such as data centres. The government will conduct a thorough review and is boosting zero-carbon energy.
President Trump has created a committee to probe Fed Governor Lisa Cook over allegedly false mortgage statements, following a Supreme Court ruling on Fed governor removals. The committee will hold a hearing at the White House to determine if cause exists for her removal.
Hong Kong's labour chief announced enhanced construction safety measures at the inaugural Construction Safety Excellence Awards 2026, including updated scaffolding guidelines, site smoking bans, and increased use of drones and remote-controlled machinery. The event drew 800 applications across nine
Hong Kong's civil service assessment optimisation plan will start in 100 job grades from 1 October 2026. The government will review the plan after two assessment cycles and expects to expand it over five years.
About 150 personnel from multiple Hong Kong government departments took part in a cross-departmental wildfire and mountain rescue exercise near Lion Rock Country Park. The drill simulated 25 hikers trapped by a wildfire, with the Fire Services Department deploying drones and AI tools for the first t
The Department of Health launched a three-day 'Mind Refill Station' event to mark World Mental Health Day, promoting inclusive communities and encouraging people to listen to those with mental health struggles. The initiative aligns with government plans to strengthen community mental health support
Chief Executive John Lee praised the Hong Kong China Enterprises Association for its 35 years of service, highlighting the city's first five-year plan to boost outbound support for mainland firms. He detailed measures to enhance the dedicated task force and expand trade pacts, including a recent inv
At CUHK's first LEAP event, Hong Kong's financial secretary highlighted the need to bridge research and commercial application, citing university breakthroughs in AI surgery and energy storage, and outlined government support for startups, including increased R&D spending and talent initiatives.
Hong Kong lawmakers debated the city's first five-year plan, with calls to accelerate substandard flat registrations and reduce foreign workers amid high food-service unemployment.
Hong Kong's government has appointed 11 members to the West Kowloon Cultural District Authority Board, including two new appointees. The board oversees the development and operation of the cultural district, with members bringing expertise in arts, tourism, engineering, business, law, and community
研資局將於10月17日舉辦「兒童發展、學習與家庭介入」公眾講座，探討家庭參與對兒童學習的影響及自閉症兒童的綜合介入方法。講座免費入場，設現場直播。
Hong Kong's leader addressed the 2026 Bauhinia Culture Forum, introducing the region's first five-year plan aligned with the national 15th Five-Year Plan. The plan focuses on six key areas including economic development, the Northern Metropolis, and international competitiveness.
Hong Kong’s Deputy Secretary for Justice outlined the city’s role as a "super connector" amid global changes, emphasising integration with mainland China and international legal ties during a Legislative Council debate on 8 October 2026.
Hong Kong's education chief says the Northern District University City will adopt a self-financing model, with HK$10 billion in loans and symbolic land grants. The top official also announced the upgrade of a steering group to a committee to oversee long-term strategy.
A patient coalition survey finds general support for proposed changes to Hong Kong's doctor registration law, including more public-sector and government-appointed doctor representatives. However, about 43 per cent of respondents worry that designated organisation elections could weaken patient-cent
Hong Kong's economic trade office in Tokyo has promoted the city's first five-year plan for innovation and technology to Korean businesses, highlighting a HK$10 billion fund and strategic advantages under "one country, two systems" to attract investment and partnerships.
The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department has launched targeted operations to capture unmanaged dogs in high-risk locations, citing public safety and rabies concerns. Captured dogs without owners may be rehomed after assessment, while owners face fines up to HK$10,000 and six months' im
Hong Kong's culture, sports and tourism minister outlined a first five-year plan, including HK$200 million for arts reform, a new West Kowloon performing arts centre opening next year, and a record 54 medals at the Asian Games. Tourism reached 40.7 million visitors in the first nine months, up 12 pe
President Donald Trump said on Wednesday the Federal Reserve Board would like to see the country do badly, as the 30-year mortgage rate hit its highest point in almost three years. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent attributed high inflation to an energy shock and forecast rates would fall after the I
The US Federal Communications Commission will vote on 29 October to prohibit all Chinese laboratories from testing electronic devices for the US market, expanding a 2025 ban on state-owned labs. FCC Chair Brendan Carr said 82 per cent of electronics were tested in China, which lacks a reciprocal tes
Ahead of the Huanggang Port opening, Hong Kong's Transport Department has briefed the taxi trade on pick-up procedures, including queuing and ticket systems. Drivers must obtain tickets at buffer zones before proceeding to designated stands, with ambassadors assisting passenger registration.
Legislator Chen Zu Guang proposed installing hand basins inside individual toilet cubicles to enhance privacy and hygiene. Environment chief Tse Chin Wan said the move would reduce the number of cubicles, cause wet floors and increase waiting times.
Hong Kong's commerce chief announced plans to amend laws to criminalise using others' names to register SIM cards without authorisation. Measures include lowering the cap on prepaid cards per user and using AI to detect suspicious patterns, which halved suspended numbers to 5,700 monthly.
Norway's minority Labour government proposes withdrawing 608.4 billion kroner (US$63.61 billion) from its US$2.3 trillion sovereign wealth fund in 2027, up from 583.4 billion in 2026. The plan requires negotiation with four centrist and left-wing parties to pass the budget. The government forecasts
Hong Kong's transport chief told lawmakers that existing traffic laws apply to autonomous vehicles, with operators bearing driver responsibilities. Unauthorised advanced driver-assistance systems on Guangdong vehicles crossing into Hong Kong may result in penalties, licence suspension or ban. Third-
Hong Kong is in discussions with the London Bullion Market Association on cooperating over good delivery standards, the city's top financial official said. If realised, the move would integrate international standards into Hong Kong's gold market infrastructure. The association will co-host an Asia
The Hong Kong government has invited tenders for the lease of a canteen at the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department headquarters. The tender notice was posted on October 7, with bids due by October 28.
Hong Kong's Innovation and Technology Bureau has launched applications for the 2026/27 Mainland-Hong Kong Technology Collaboration Funding Scheme, focusing on frontier tech and strategic industries to boost Greater Bay Area innovation.
Hong Kong Chief Executive addressed the 20th anniversary dinner of the Association of Professional and Senior Executives, highlighting the city's first five-year plan and opportunities for professional services under national development strategies.
Hong Kong's Digital Office hosted its second forum on AI in governance, highlighting 30 efficiency projects across 13 departments. Officials stressed safe AI deployment, data sharing, and user-centric public services, with experts from Shanghai and local tech firms sharing insights.
Electoral Affairs Commission Chairman Justice Lo King-man inspected the Election Committee by-election office in Hong Kong on 6 October 2026, confirming preparations are complete for the nomination period starting 7 October. The by-election for functional constituencies is scheduled for 22 November
The GX Foundation and Kazakhstan's Health Ministry co-hosted an international medical seminar at Nazarbayev University, gathering 15 experts and 100 industry leaders to discuss clinical technology, healthcare management and traditional medicine. A memorandum of understanding was signed to boost bila
Hong Kong's Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau has outlined the territory's first five-year plan and 2026 policy address measures to develop creative industries, including a review of the film development fund, new film set venues, a support unit for overseas productions, and expanded "film plus tou
Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee said the APEC Finance Ministers' Meeting will be held in the city on 20-21 October, hosted by China's Ministry of Finance and organised by the SAR government. Topics include global economic trends, fiscal policies, digital infrastructure financing and youth talent
The US Supreme Court opened its new term hearing ExxonMobil and Suncor Energy's bid to block a lawsuit by Boulder, Colorado seeking damages for climate change harms. The oil firms argue state law cannot regulate global conduct, while Boulder accuses them of driving climate change and misleading the
Hong Kong's financial services minister says the city's precious metals market development has global support, with 19 London Metal Exchange-accredited warehouses storing over 36,000 tonnes. He will attend a global precious metals conference in Italy this week, marking the first official government
Hong Kong’s 2026-27 Family Education Promotion Scheme opens for applications on 5 October 2026. It funds non-profit family education projects, with grants up to HK$800,000 for 12-month projects and HK$1.2 million for 18-month projects. Topics include parenting, family relationships and traditional v
Hong Kong's Labour Department has reminded employers and contractors to avoid assigning workers to electrical work in rain-affected areas, and to follow safety codes for adverse weather. Measures include isolating power sources, using protective devices and personal protective equipment, and conduct
Hong Kong’s Security Bureau on 4 Oct 2026 held a community experience day at the new Huanggang Port, with over 1,500 residents from all 18 districts taking part. Participants toured the joint inspection building, tested the “co-operative inspection, one-stop release” clearance system, and gave feedb
Hong Kong's labour chief said a pilot scheme for foreign home carers will launch in the second half of 2027, requiring at least 150 hours of training. The government also announced a digital version of the JoyYou card for seniors, offering faster location updates for dementia patients and access to
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