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2026
The Census & Statistics Department today alerted the public to a fraudulent web address, “https://eservioe-twwngs[.]xyz”, which purports to be the website of the 2026 Population Census, and to related SMS messages and emails requesting that recipients submit personal information via a hyperlink that goes to the fraudulent website. The department made it clear that it has no connection with the fradulent web address, SMS messages or emails, and has referred the matter to the Police Force for follow-up. Anyone who has submitted personal information to the website should contact Police. The department also highlighted that the caller ID "18 2026" or SMS sender ID "#C&SD" will be displayed when it calls people or sends them SMS messages in Hong Kong in relatoin to the census. The department said it does not ask respondents to submit passwords on telephone calls, or via email or SMS message, and does not embed hyperlinks in emails or SMS messages unless requested to do so by respondents. Furthermore, the depaprtment will not require households to provide information on their Hong Kong Identity Cards, bank accounts or credit cards in the census. Members of the public should report suspected deception cases to the force.
Youth leaders from Hong Kong, Shenzhen, and Macao shared their experiences and achievements from the past year as they gathered today for the Security Bureau Youth Uniformed Group Leaders Forum annual review. They also gave presentations on various issues related to the Greater Bay Area, and outlined the forum’s activities for the coming year. Addressing members, Deputy Chief Secretary Cheuk Wing-hing said the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government attaches great importance to youth development. He highlighted that Hong Kong's First Five-Year Plan clearly states that diversified platforms will be developed for exchanges and experiences that broaden young people's horizons. Building on the Youth Development Blueprint, the Hong Kong SAR Government is developing broader platforms and more opportunities for young people to grow and thrive, aiming to nurture a new generation with an affection for both China and Hong Kong, as well as a global perspective, ambition, and a positive mindset. Mr Cheuk said the leaders forum is an important platform for the Government to implement its vision for youth development. Over the past year, the forum organised more than 30 activities spanning national security, patriotic education, frontier technologies and multicultural themes. Members also contributed to national initiatives such as the 15th National Games, which Mr Cheuk said demonstrated vitality and a sense of responsibility. Secretary for Security Tang Ping-keung expressed his satisfaction at the progress shown by members over the past year. He highlighted that 51 members undertook summer internships at 26 renowned enterprises and organisations across cities including Beijing, Shanghai, Nanjing, Shenzhen, Macao and Hong Kong. In addition, nine students from Shenzhen University came to Hong Kong for training and hands-on experience at various companies. Mr Tang also observed that since the forum's establishment four years ago, more than 60% of its graduates have joined the Hong Kong SAR Government, taking up positions such as administrative officer and inspectorate officer in the disciplinary forces. Others have pursued careers in the legal, medical, engineering, finance and other sectors. The security chief stressed that the National 15th Five-Year Plan includes a dedicated section for youth development, adding that the Hong Kong SAR Government's own Five-Year Plan dovetails with national strategies, allowing Hong Kong to better integrate into and serve the country's overall development. He added that future development opportunities for young people are unlimited and encouraged members of the leaders forum to seize such opportunities.
The 2026 Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) Legal Professional Examination was held today. Secretary for Justice Paul Lam urged Hong Kong legal practitioners who have not yet enrolled in the GBA examination to join the professional team of GBA lawyers as soon as possible. Mr Lam said Hong Kong's First Five-Year Plan provides for better leveraging Hong Kong's unique advantages as a common law jurisdiction under "one country, two systems" to deepen the city's status as an international legal and dispute resolution services centre. The plan also promotes the closer interfacing of rules and mechanisms safeguarding the rule of law in the GBA, and encourages more legal talent from Hong Kong to participate in the GBA examination and practise in other GBA cities. Mr Lam noted that the amended Lawyers Law of the People's Republic of China, which took effect on September 1, provides the legal basis to conduct relevant work in respect of the regularisation of the GBA lawyers' scheme. “I look forward to those Hong Kong legal practitioners who have acquired practice qualification as GBA lawyers utilising their edge of having dual practice qualification, thereby proactively integrating into and contributing to the overall national development,” he said.
Chief Executive John Lee took questions today from members of the public regarding Hong Kong's First Five-Year Plan and his 2026 Policy Address during a Radio Television Hong Kong (RTHK) radio phone-in. After announcing the Five-Year Plan and Policy Address on Wednesday, Mr Lee answered questions this morning on various aspects of the two blueprints, including the development of the Northern Metropolis, the city's vision for leveraging artificial intelligence (AI), and its growing role as a centre for renminbi (RMB) internationalisation. Highlighting that significant resources are being allocated to the Northern Metropolis, the Chief Executive said it creates new opportunities for the city as a whole. “The Northern Metropolis represents about one-third of our geographical area, so it is a big piece of land that gives us new opportunities. “We have to ensure that we can also upgrade ourselves by diversifying our industries, because there will be more development opportunities when you have more industries of different kinds. “It is actually mentioned in our country's 15th Five-Year Plan. That means the Northern Metropolis is not just a Hong Kong development. It has been elevated as a state-driven project.” Turning to Hong Kong’s vision for artificial intelligence (AI), the Chief Executive emphasised the importance of embracing its use while being alert to its risks. “So far, my policy is to encourage knowledge and application of AI as much as possible, but tell everybody the risks.” The Government will appoint a Commissioner for AI, under the Digital Policy Office, who will assist bureaus and departments in combatting the use of AI in criminal activities, and in adopting the technology in daily work. Explaining the commissioner's role, he said: “It means setting the policy. It means co-ordinating resources, identifying problems, setting best practices, issuing guidelines; and also, very importantly, it means developing AI for the whole of the Government.” Asked about Hong Kong's status as an international financial centre and its vital role as a super-connector between the Mainland and global markets, Mr Lee remarked that the city is the world's largest offshore RMB market and will seek to support the currency's growing internationalisation. “The Government wants to take the lead. For some contracts we have with our Mainland counterparts, can we use renminbi instead of Hong Kong dollars? We are buying water from the Mainland; that also can be a start. “We do not have to be just rushing for it, but this is something we can, first of all, try out and see how we could encourage more use of renminbi.” The Chief Executive added that the Government will continue to explore ways to expand cross-boundary financial co-operation overall.
(To watch the full press conference with sign language interpretation, click here.) Secretary for Justice Paul Lam said today that the Government will adopt a multi-pronged approach and reference overseas experiences to enhance the protection of minor users when managing artificial intelligence (AI) risks. The Chief Executive’s Policy Address outlined that a dedicated task force on minors' use of social media will be established under a working group spearheaded by the Department of Justice. The task force will co-ordinate with relevant bureaus and departments to review the risks associated with the use of social media by minors, and assess the need for more targeted solutions, including legislative and administrative measures. Mr Lam highlighted that the Government must take into account the particular circumstances of Hong Kong when identifying and designing the best possible solution. “We have to consult overseas experience because we are all aware that in other jurisdictions, some rules and regulations, have already been introduced to regulate the use of AI by minors. “And in some other jurisdictions, there are proposals to do so. But if you look at those rules and regulations, and look at those proposals, the content varies greatly. “So what we have to do is to study the content of those overseas experiences and analyse to what extent they are effective.” The Secretary for Justice emphasised that legislative intervention is only one of the options. “For example, in the Policy Address, it is also mentioned that the Education Bureau will introduce suitable policy to educate minors (on how) to use AI in a more proper, responsible and perhaps safer manner. “So, I would anticipate that the Government will adopt a multi-pronged approach, which may or may not involve legislative intervention, but that would depend on the results of our study and analysis.” Mr Lam added that the Government will consult the public before launching any new measures.
The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government today firmly rejected a so-called “hearing” held by politicians in the United States Congressional-Executive Commission on China (CECC) regarding the case of Lai Chee-ying, who was convicted of offences endangering national security. The Hong Kong SAR Government strongly condemned the CECC for blatantly colluding with anti-China and destabilising elements, making false and smearing remarks, and once again introducing a so-called “bill” and “sanctions” to intimidate the Hong Kong SAR personnel who safeguard national security. It pointed out that Western countries, including the US, maintain comprehensive national security legal frameworks. Yet, these countries and their politicians – including the CECC – display their hypocrisy and double standards by pointing fingers at the Hong Kong SAR’s efforts to safeguard national security. Anyone who vilifies the rule of law and the human rights situation in the Hong Kong SAR by exploiting the Lai Chee-ying case is distorting the facts and reversing right and wrong, the Hong Kong SAR Government said. It added that their malicious intent is transparent and must be resolutely refuted to set the record straight. The Hong Kong SAR Government emphasised that the Lai Chee-ying case has nothing to do with press freedom. Over the years, the defendants used journalism as a guise to create social conflicts, incite social antagonism and hatred, and glorify violence, bringing harm to the country and the city. The public trial revealed Lai's close management and hands-on control of Apple Daily’s editorial direction. He also repeatedly colluded with foreign forces to beg for sanctions and engage in hostile activities against the central government and the Hong Kong SAR Government. The court clearly stated that Lai's sole intent – before and after the implementation of the Hong Kong National Security Law (HKNSL) – was to seek the downfall of the Communist Party of China, even though the ultimate cost was the sacrifice of the interests of the people of the People's Republic of China and the Hong Kong SAR. Spanning 855 pages, the court's reasons for its verdict are fully open for public inspection. They detail the court's analysis of relevant legal principles and evidence, as well as the comprehensive grounds for convicting Lai and other defendants. Lai chose not to appeal against his conviction or sentence. The Hong Kong SAR Government stated that no matter how anti-China elements and politicians disguise their real agendas with sophistry and rhetoric, they can hardly whitewash the heinous crimes backed by overwhelming evidence. Any suggestion that certain individuals or organisations should be immune from legal consequences is equal to advocating special privileges to break the law, a notion that totally runs contrary to the spirit of the rule of law. Regarding allegations about Lai’s health and custodial arrangements, the Hong Kong SAR Government noticed that certain individuals with ulterior motives have fabricated lies, stressing that facts speak louder than eloquence. The Correctional Services Department (CSD) ensures that the custodial environment for persons-in-custody (PICs) is safe, humane, appropriate and healthy in accordance with the law. Measures include adequate lighting, good ventilation and appropriate and timely medical support. All correctional institutions feature hospitals or sick bays staffed 24 hours a day by medical officers seconded from the Department of Health (DH) and correctional staff with professional nursing qualifications. Medical specialists from the Hospital Authority and the DH visit correctional institutions regularly to provide PICs specialist consultation and treatment. In serious cases, PICs are transferred immediately to a public hospital. The Hong Kong SAR Government asserted that the medical services received by Lai in custody are undoubtedly adequate and comprehensive. His senior counsel confirmed repeatedly that Lai had made no complaints about his treatment in custody, and the court affirmed in its sentencing remarks that the CSD has provided adequate medical attention. The Hong Kong SAR Government strongly condemns the anti-China politicians for using the so-called “hearing” to intimidate national security officials with so-called “sanctions”. Such actions constitute a gross interference in China's internal affairs and Hong Kong affairs, seriously violating international law and the basic norms governing international relations. It added that all relevant government officials are not intimidated and will continue to resolutely discharge their duties in safeguarding national security. The Hong Kong SAR steadfastly safeguards national sovereignty, security and development interests, fully and faithfully upholding the top priority of the “one country, two systems” principle. The Hong Kong SAR Government will continue to resolutely and fully implement the HKNSL, the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance and other relevant laws. It will effectively impose punishment for acts endangering national security in accordance with the law, whilst safeguarding the rights and freedoms of Hong Kong people, ensuring the steadfast and successful implementation of “one country, two systems”.
Hong Kong will strive to leverage its advantages as an international city and strengthen its global competitiveness under its first Five-Year Plan. Announcing the plan, Chief Executive John Lee outlined that it will steer a high-end and high-value-added transformation in the city’s service sector, enable the assembly of high-end resources and talent, and drive the integrated development of industries. A key area of focus will be the city’s development as an international legal and dispute resolution services centre. Under the plan, Hong Kong will leverage its unique advantages as a common law jurisdiction to develop as a hub for high-calibre legal talent, promote the closer interface of rules and mechanisms safeguarding the rule of law across the Greater Bay Area, and work with the International Organization for Mediation to further its role, thereby reinforcing Hong Kong’s status as a global mediation capital. Efforts will also be made to develop Hong Kong as a regional intellectual property (IP) trading centre. Besides enhancing IP protection mechanisms in alignment with international rules, reforms to the patent system will be deepened, with a view to fostering innovation and providing more effective support for technology transformation, and for the commercialisation, and industrialisation of research and development (R&D) outcomes. A thriving IP trading ecosystem will be developed, meanwhile, through exploring IP financing modes, so as to channel capital into IP-intensive areas such as innovation and technology (I&T) and the cultural and creative industries. The five-year plan also covers Hong Kong’s development as an East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange. The city will develop diverse arts, culture and creative industries, as well as the ecosystem to sustain them. It will also drive wider participation in sports, develop elite sports, maintain Hong Kong’s status as a centre for major international sports events, enhance professionalism in sports in the city, and develop sports as an industry. Furthermore, it will deepen the integrated development of culture, sports, and tourism, and enrich the supply of high-quality tourism products, while bolstering infrastructure and ancillary facilities. Hong Kong will develop a core demonstration zone for multi-destination tourism and facilitate visitors’ extension of their itineraries to the Greater Bay Area and other provinces and municipalities. Visit Part 2 of Hong Kong’s First Five-Year Plan for more details.
Chief Executive John Lee today emphasised that security is the prerequisite for development and that development reinforces security as he announced Hong Kong’s First Five-Year Plan. Under the blueprint, public governance will be enhanced by driving a shift towards a prevention-based model to bolster the resilience of the economy and society. Various initiatives will be spearheaded to improve security and efficiency through a reform-oriented mindset, he said. As part of the effort to build an efficient government, digital evolution and smart transformation of public administration will be expedited. To achieve this, technology will be leveraged to boost the efficiency of law enforcement agencies through the use of data analytics to improve surveillance to combat problems such as the abuse of public rental housing. A wider adoption of the “digital-first” principle in government will be promoted in procedures and work flows, while digital identity functions and one-stop e-services powered by “IAM Smart” and the Digital Corporate Identity Platform will be expanded. Meanwhile, the civil service training management system will be improved to entrench a people-oriented ethos. This will include improvements to the civil service performance appraisal system to ensure fairness in handing out rewards and punishment. Additionally, under the plan, Hong Kong’s disaster prevention, mitigation and response capabilities will be strengthened. Efforts will be made to integrate the city management system, connecting city management data from different departments. By using technologies such as AI, big data and the Internet of Things for inter-departmental data sharing, real-time analysis, risk alerts, instant predictions and management synergies, the city’s resilience can be further enhanced. Furthermore, under the holistic national security approach, Hong Kong’s institutions, legal system and enforcement mechanisms will be further strengthened to safeguard national security. Mr Lee emphasised that the Policy Address delivered by the Chief Executive will serve as an annual work plan for implementing the Five-Year Plan. The Budget provides solid resource support for the implementation of the Five-Year Plan and the annual Policy Address. The Chief Executive will report to the President of the People’s Republic of China and the Central Government on the implementation of the Five-Year Plan in the context of the annual duty visit. The implementation of the Five-Year Plan will be monitored, assessed and checked regularly, with mid-term adjustments to be made in light of actual circumstances. Visit Part 6 and Part 7 of Hong Kong’s First Five-Year Plan for more details.
An “AI City Brain” integrated city management system will anchor Hong Kong’s upgraded governance framework, as Chief Executive John Lee announced in his Policy Address today. The artificial intelligence (AI)-driven system will link big data across government works, the environment, transportation and emergency response to create a data-sharing environment for multi-directional empowerment, according to the Policy Address. The initiative will enable departments to receive real-time information, strengthening their capabilities in day-to-day city management and emergency handling. A dedicated Task Force on the “AI City Brain” System will be formed to examine and develop the platform, with the digital infrastructure of the Security Bureau’s Emergency Monitoring and Support Centre scheduled for integration in the first phase. Beyond the city management system, AI will be deployed to optimise broader public services under the “AI+” initiative. The government will improve public rental housing estate management using AI technologies, while the Hospital Authority will leverage them to facilitate service arrangements and reduce average triage times. Additionally, drone applications will be expanded across emergency response and crime prevention to safeguard citizens. To boost infrastructure reliability, the government will launch a water supply network upgrading programme to replace or rehabilitate 350km of aged water mains with higher leakage risks over the next five years. This represents an average rate of 70km per year – doubling the target for 2026-27 – with an initial focus on Shau Kei Wan, Wong Tai Sin and Kwai Tsing. An Intelligent Water Network Closed-loop Management Chain will also be established to perform AI predictive maintenance. Meanwhile, public services under the 1823 hotline will be upgraded to achieve “prompt referral and successful resolution”. A lead department will be designated and authorised to coordinate inter-departmental service requests and complaints, while each department will assign a directorate officer to monitor handling efficiency. The system will leverage AI to identify recurrent problems for departments to review, shifting government response from post-complaint management to a proactive approach. The Deputy Chief Secretary will review progress regularly and brief the Steering Committee on District Governance. Visit Chapter VIII of the Chief Executive’s Policy Address for more details.
A new generation of breathing apparatus has hit the frontlines of Hong Kong’s fire services, marking a significant technological leap designed to withstand the increasingly volatile conditions of modern fire scenes. Firefighters from stations across the city recently gathered for a live simulation drill, testing equipment with comprehensive upgrades. The new gear aims to boost operational efficiency while providing enhanced safeguards for crews in the line of duty. Navigation lifelineFire Services Department Assistant Divisional Officer (Breathing Apparatus) Yip Chi-ho highlighted how the gear upgrade directly addresses the most hostile environments faced by frontline crews. "Thick smoke is a great threat at a fire scene because the carbon monoxide and toxic gases inside can be lethal," Mr Yip said. "That is why firefighters must wear breathing apparatus when entering a fire scene." The department has introduced an Emergency Breathing Safety System to protect frontline crews when air supplies run dangerously low during rescue operations. The system features a dedicated hose with a quick-connect fitting, allowing firefighters to share air with a colleague in distress. By simply connecting the two hoses, the system instantly diverts and supplies air to both users simultaneously, facilitating a safer, joint evacuation. Pressure-proof communicationThe new masks feature an integrated team communication device, a hands-free system designed to provide clear audio, even in the loudest environments. Senior Fireman Wesley Chiu described how the new design transforms frontline operations compared to older gear. "The team communication device has a built-in microphone and earphone inside the face mask," he said. "We can speak directly through the inner mask and hear clearly, even with the mask on. There is also a full duplex so that everyone can talk at the same time and still hear each other perfectly, just like face-to-face conversation." Rapid sanitisationTime is the most critical resource on the front lines. The upgraded model features a simplified quick-connect coupling, slashing the time required to change an air cylinder. A procedure that previously took about 1.5 minutes, can now be completed in under 10 seconds. Beyond operational speed, the department is safeguarding the long-term health of its crews by prioritising hygiene. The new shoulder straps and waist belts are crafted from non-textile materials that do not absorb water or fire contaminants, meaning the gear can be cleaned more easily. Adaptive trainingThe evolution of the service extends beyond the equipment itself. The department has also overhauled its training facilities, moving away from fixed layouts. New operable partition systems allow for rapidly reconfigurable spaces, enabling instructors to simulate a wider variety of environments. Fireman Leung Hoi-tik noted the importance of this shift. "The biggest advantage is to create a truly unknown training environment. Previously, the layout was fixed, so we got used to it after repeated drills " he said. The new facility can simulate residential units, mini-storage facilities, subdivided flats and industrial buildings. "Closely reflecting real fire scenes, tying in with drills using different equipment and search and rescue modes, it greatly enhances our adaptability and psychological resilience," Mr Leung added. Following the successful deployment of the operable partition system at Wong Tai Sin Fire Station, a similar training facility has now officially launched at Pok Fu Lam Fire Station. With three further facilities scheduled for completion, the roll-out underscores a commitment to bolstering the capabilities of frontline firefighters across Hong Kong.