News and public affairs from across Hong Kong.
Hong Kong's civil service chief Ingrid Yeung visited the Government Property Agency on 5 October, viewing AI-powered tools for property management and inspection. The agency is using AI to process bills and maintenance requests, and has developed an app that automates inspection reports and uploads
The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust has donated HK$290 million to fund the Jockey Club Carer Space Project, which establishes specialised centres and district-specific carer-friendly networks to support family caregivers. The Tsing Yi network, operated by the Hong Kong Young Women's Christian
Hong Kong's Legislative Council has strongly criticised a UK Foreign Office official for comments on a national security case, calling them inaccurate and an interference in Hong Kong affairs. The LegCo spokesperson defended the court's sentencing as upholding the law and constitutional order.
Bakai Bank, a leading Kyrgyz commercial bank, has received Hong Kong Monetary Authority approval to set up a restricted-license branch in Hong Kong. It is the first Central Asian bank to enter Hong Kong and the Asia-Pacific region, aiming to boost trade and capital flows along the Belt and Road corr
Hong Kong government warns that social media falsely claims Guangdong-Hong Kong regular quota vehicles can use the new Huanggang port all day. Officials say the restriction limiting such vehicles to overnight hours from midnight to 6:30am remains unchanged, and no adjustment is planned.
The Secretary for Justice briefed lawmakers on 5 October 2026 on the legal measures in Hong Kong's first five-year plan and 2026 policy address. Key initiatives include boosting arbitration and mediation, advancing Greater Bay Area rule alignment, and introducing AI governance including a task force
Hong Kong Monetary Authority held CargoX Solution Day on 5 October, attracting over 300 participants. HKMA signed an MoU with PAA to boost digital trade finance. The CargoX pilot has facilitated 10 trade finance approvals totalling HK$180 million through a link with Shanghai's digital trade platform
The Environmental Advisory Committee has unanimously supported the government's first five-year plan, which includes four binding environmental targets on carbon intensity, zero-carbon energy, PM2.5 levels and surface water quality, as part of Hong Kong's green transition.
Baiterek Bank has received a Hong Kong banking licence, becoming the first Central Asian bank to enter the Asia-Pacific region. The Hong Kong office will focus on the Central Asia-Asia Pacific corridor, bridging mainland China and overseas investors.
Hong Kong's retail and food-and-beverage sectors reported strong gains from National Day Golden Week promotions, with roughly 2,000 restaurants offering discounts and malls running consumption incentives. Lawmakers noted significant foot traffic and sales increases, including a 10 to 20 per cent ris
Abby Choi's mother told a Hong Kong court that her daughter's ex-husband, Alex Kwong, moved into the family home at 18 after getting Choi pregnant in high school. She said Kwong never worked and that his family contributed nothing to the children's upbringing.
A retired woman in her 70s lost about HK$1.4 million in an online scam after trying to sell used goods on Facebook. Police reported over 200 online shopping scams last week with total losses exceeding HK$5.2 million, and warned the public about fraudulent payment verification schemes.
Hong Kong's housing chief Ho Wing-yin says 14 Home Ownership Scheme flats have been registered as 'simple rooms', warning that letting such flats without paying land premium is illegal. She says the government will monitor the situation and may consider legislation for non-compliant owners.
Hong Kong's Secretary for Health opened Kai Tak Hospital on 5 October 2026, the city's largest public hospital with 2,400 beds. The hospital will gradually take over services from Queen Elizabeth Hospital over the next year, starting with family medicine clinics offering 350 slots, with plans to exp
The Hong Kong Innovation and Technology Carnival 2026 will be held from 24 October to 1 November, featuring a dedicated space zone showcasing local universities' contributions to national space missions. The event will include around 150 workshops, online seminars, and free shuttle services.
Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs Janice Tse says Hong Kong's first Five-Year Plan should avoid frequent changes to maintain market confidence, but be reviewed annually via the Policy Address. The plan drew over 17,000 submissions, with most sorted using AI.
Hong Kong's food safety watchdog tested 427 Japanese seafood, seaweed and sea salt samples from 2-5 October, all passing radiation checks. No abnormalities were found in 150 local fishery samples or environmental monitoring by the Observatory since the Fukushima discharge began in August 2023.
A Hong Kong company and its director were fined HK$66,000 for violating the Employment Ordinance by failing to pay four employees HK$190,000 in wages and HK$287,000 in tribunal awards. The Labour Department warned employers and directors they must comply with legal payment deadlines.
The Hong Kong Observatory reported a hotter and drier September 2026, with a maximum temperature of 34.2°C and a minimum of 25.5°C. Seven tropical cyclones affected the South China Sea and western North Pacific during the month.
The Hong Kong government has opened new sports and leisure facilities at Wo Tsai Shan in Sham Shui Po, including table tennis tables and fitness equipment. The Home Affairs Department said the facilities were installed after clearing illegal structures from the site in August.
RTHK has launched a new media platform featuring AI-driven content and five themed series, alongside an AI-generated mascot named 'Dian Dian' to boost appeal among younger audiences. An online education resource centre offering free school programming was also announced.
A paraglider was injured when his Niviuk Artik R crashed in Hong Kong's Po Pin area on 9 July 2026. The investigation found the pilot, experienced with EN-B gliders, applied excessive left brake on the EN-C glider, causing a stall and spin due to negative skill transfer.
Hong Kong's Civil Aviation Accident Investigation Authority published a report on a fatal BogdanFly X-wing paraglider accident. The pilot died after crashing into a tree on Tai Tung Shan. Investigators advised all paragliding participants to conduct thorough risk assessments.
Hong Kong has announced the first eight 'New Industrial Elite Enterprises' to accelerate the development of emerging industries. The initiative aligns with the city's first five-year plan and the 2026 policy address, aiming to nurture high-growth firms and enhance the 'Made in Hong Kong' brand.
Hong Kong's Legislative Council will hold a combined debate on the city's first five-year development plan and the 2026 policy address from 7 to 9 October. The government motion on the five-year plan will be moved by the Chief Secretary, while lawmaker Chan Chun-ying will propose a thank-you motion
A newborn finless porpoise carcass, believed to be three to five months old, was found at Starfish Bay. A marine expert warns the critically vulnerable local population faces threats from rising boat traffic and habitat disruption.
The High Court heard on Monday that the remains of socialite Abby Choi Tin-fung were found in two soup pots containing carrots, with no drugs detected. The three defendants visited the village house 18 times before her murder.
Hong Kong swimmer Siobhan Haughey withdrew from the women's 100m freestyle final at the World Aquatics Swimming World Cup in Baku because of severe arm pain and nerve discomfort. The 28-year-old said she felt sharp pain and nerve sensations during warm-up and chose to focus on recovery.
Lawmakers called for shuttle buses and Care Team assistance to help elderly patients reach Kai Tak Hospital, which opened on 5 October 2026 as Kowloon Central's flagship facility. They raised concerns over infrequent transport services and unfamiliarity among seniors, while noting staffing and bed-c
Violinist Patricia Kopatchinskaja and cellist Sol Gabetta will perform together for the first time in Hong Kong on 2 November at City Hall. The programme includes 20th-century duets, Baroque pieces and contemporary works. Tickets are on sale via Urbtix.
Hong Kong customs officers arrested a 49-year-old mainland Chinese man on 4 October at Hong Kong International Airport after finding suspected cannabis in his luggage. The man had arrived from Bangkok, Thailand. Officers also found two boxes containing suspected Schedule 1 poison products and an unt
Hong Kong’s Transport Department says the public transport interchange at Huanggang port is ready with signage, screens and service ambassadors. The department will review passenger queries and enhance information displays to improve travel experience.
Hong Kong's privacy commissioner has launched a compliance review of 24/7 FITNESS after members reported suspected pinhole cameras in changing rooms. The watchdog has demanded details of security measures taken to protect personal data and prevent future incidents.
A Hong Kong housekeeping expert has outlined three ways to remove industrial black oil from new stainless steel tableware, after a parent's online query went viral. Toxicologists warn the residue can contain neurotoxic compounds, and doctors advise avoiding 200-series steel for food use.
Hong Kong Customs seized 134 suspected controlled slimming injections worth about HK$100,000 and arrested a 30-year-old woman in a mail delivery operation. The case is under investigation.
Hong Kong's Financial Secretary announced plans for a preferential tax regime targeting advanced manufacturing, R&D, headquarters, logistics and financial sectors. Eligible firms could receive a 5 per cent or half tax rate for up to five years. A legislative amendment bill will be submitted in Decem
Hong Kong Trade Development Council Chairman Paul Ma said the agency may upgrade its new advisory office in Kazakhstan or open offices in other Central Asian countries like Uzbekistan, citing strong potential. He also raised Hong Kong's export growth forecast to 42-47 per cent for this year.
Kai Tak Hospital began phased operations on 5 October 2026, with its family medicine centre opening first. The hospital's chief executive said the first morning ran smoothly, and specialist outpatient services will be introduced from 26 October, initially handling about 500 daily follow-up visits, r
The Leisure and Cultural Services Department announced that mobile libraries 2 and 12 will be suspended from 12-17 October, and mobile library 6 from 20-31 October, affecting multiple housing estates across Hong Kong.
Hong Kong's Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department warns grave-sweepers to avoid hill fires during the重阳 festival. Offenders face fines up to HK$25,000 and one year in jail. Patrols and fire-prevention leaflets will be deployed.
The Hong Kong Labour Department is hosting a two-day job fair in Mong Kok that offers more than 2,800 positions, mostly for middle-aged job seekers. About 72 per cent are full-time roles with monthly salaries between HK$13,000 and HK$23,000, and 59 per cent require no prior experience.
A power bank emitted smoke inside an MTR train at Wong Tai Sin Station on 5 October, causing a five-minute delay on the Kwun Tong Line. No injuries were reported, and passengers were evacuated calmly.
Hong Kong's Financial Secretary outlined two strategic shifts for the city's financial sector: from scale pursuit to functional enhancement, and from being a financial city to a finance-empowered city. Key measures include strengthening the offshore yuan hub, boosting stock market competitiveness, a
Hong Kong leader Lee said the city's first five-year plan and latest policy address put young people at the centre, as the world rapidly changes. He said the Northern Territories development will bring high-value jobs for young professionals.
A 50-year-old woman was arrested after allegedly threatening MTR staff with a knife at Diamond Hill station. She demanded Octopus cards and cash before fleeing. Police found her at a flat in Tsz Ching Estate and subdued her. She was taken to hospital and arrested on suspicion of attempted robbery.
Anderson Shum Ho-cheung, the newly appointed University of Hong Kong vice-president, said the city must strengthen industry ties to accelerate research commercialisation. He outlined plans including the HKU SPARC scheme and HKU Innovation Week 2026, which will feature over 120 projects and a keynote
Hong Kong's Food and Environmental Hygiene Department has added a smart eco-toilet at Ham Tin Wan in Sai Kung and boosted services for the National Day Golden Week. Visitors praised the cleanliness and reduced queuing, while staff promoted proper use of the facilities.
A 33-year-old female domestic helper has been arrested on suspicion of stealing about HK$800,000 worth of jewellery from a flat in Tung Chung, Hong Kong. Police received a report on Sunday evening from a 59-year-old foreign resident, and the case has been transferred to the Lantau crime investigatio
China is deploying specialist teams to track wealthy individuals and has revised offshore trust rules, launching its largest tax recovery campaign against Hong Kong businesses in years. The campaign targets over US$1.7 trillion (HK$13.26 trillion) in assets held in Hong Kong by Chinese residents, wi
A 36-year-old man was arrested on Sunday night after allegedly vaping drugs on a bus in Yau Ma Tei. Police found a suspected e-cigarette device and four capsules of suspected etomidate worth about HK$1,000 on the suspect, surnamed Tse.
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