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The Executive Council on Tuesday endorsed subsidiary legislation that gives the chief executive the power to issue a certificate for "other offences endangering national security under the law of the HKSAR". The Safeguarding National Security (Procedural Matters) Regulation was gazetted and came into effect immediately. The subsidiary legislation, enacted under section 110 of the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance (SNSO), lays out the classification mechanism for other offences endangering national security in order to reflect the legislative intent of the Hong Kong National Security Law (HKNSL) and the SNSO, according to a government statement. "The making of the Procedural Matters Regulation aims to state clearly the classification mechanism under the HKNSL and the SNSO for 'other offences endangering national security under the law of the HKSAR', thereby refining details of relevant procedural matters and bringing greater certainty to the implementation of the relevant provisions under the HKNSL, the SNSO and other laws," the statement added. Under the mechanism, if the chief executive issues a certificate under the law confirming that a criminal act involves national security, the case shall be treated as one. And where a person is charged with – or convicted of – an alternative offence arising from the same act in a case involving a national security offence, that alternative offence shall also be classified as an offence endangering national security. Edited by Edmond Fong

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Nixie Lam welcomes civil servant pay rise proposal

Lawmaker and deputy chairman of Legco’s panel on public service, Nixie Lam, on Tuesday welcomed the proposed two percent pay rise for the city’s 170,000 civil servants, describing the approach as cautious and balanced. She said the proposed pay hike strikes a balance between sustainability in public finances and civil service performance and fits the overall social climate. She pointed out that a volatile geopolitical landscape and external risk factors could directly impact Hong Kong’s economy and society, adding the SAR government needs to invest heavily in the coming years in various development projects and improving livelihoods. Therefore, she said, public finances must adhere to the principles of exercising fiscal prudence, keeping expenditure within the limits of revenue to consolidate the city’s financial foundation and reserve strength for long-term development. However, the proposed two percent pay rise came as a surprise to Roy Ying, co-chair of the advocacy and policy research committee at the Hong Kong Institute of Human Resource Management. The human resources expert said his group expected a 3.5 percent pay rise based on their earlier survey of major employers. “I believe it will be seen as disappointing to certain civil servants, but I believe for the junior roles, the impact is not that high,” he said. "Because most of their jobs have not been maxed out in terms of their annual increments, so the net increase that they get is probably not that much lower than the private sector.” Ying added that non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and statutory bodies, which tend to follow government pay adjustments, may see their senior staff headhunted by private sector firms. “The groups that I think are more vulnerable are the NGOs and the statutory bodies, because they tend to follow the government pay adjustments, yet they do not have the same annual increments,” he said. “For those who are in more senior roles, they may see that their salaries are becoming less and less attractive, especially compared with the private sector. And you never know when a headhunter calls, that's when they will probably want to start looking elsewhere." Edited by Tony Sabine

RTHK News (Hong Kong)

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National security law move 'helps reduce court rows'

Chief Executive John Lee said on Tuesday that a proposed piece of subsidiary legislation to clearly define the classification mechanism for “other offences endangering national security under the law of the HKSAR” will make the relevant laws clearer for the administration of justice. Under the proposal to be enacted under Section 110 of the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance, if the chief executive issues a certificate under the law confirming that a criminal act involves national security, the case shall be treated as one. And where a person is charged with – or convicted of – an alternative offence arising from the same act in a case involving a national security offence, that alternative offence shall also be classified as an offence endangering national security. Speaking ahead of the weekly Executive Council meeting, Lee said the move “will have the benefit of reducing the risk of controversies or debates in court about what constitutes an offence endangering national security”. It does not expand the definition of offences or add new offences, powers or punishments, and has no impact on the scope of application of the law, he said. As head of the SAR government, Lee said he had the responsibility to ensure that national security is safeguarded. “The application of the power in issuing a certificate is a very serious action which will be exercised by me with prudence and seriousness,” he said. "We have to understand that a lot of endangering national security activities are committed by state players of another place. “They are professional, sophisticated, and the seriousness of information that may be available to indicate the seriousness of the matters are privy to the chief executive. "A lot of this information is sensitive and not suitable for public disclosure.” Lee went on to say that while he shoulders the responsibility for the issuance of such certificates, everyone should help safeguard national security.

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Rule of law 'drives integrity and prosperity in HK'

Hong Kong’s rule of law is the essential engine driving both civic integrity and economic prosperity, Secretary for Justice Paul Lam said on Tuesday, adding that the fight against corruption had become so deeply embedded in the city’s culture that it now forms part of its “genetic makeup”. He made the remarks at an Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) workshop on anti-corruption, where he highlighted Hong Kong’s transformation from a corruption-ridden society in the 1970s to one of the world’s cleanest financial hubs. According to Lam, this journey offers a powerful blueprint for other economies. “The long and short of it is that social and economic growth will not be sustainable unless it is coupled with a strong culture of integrity," he said at the Anti-Corruption and Transparency Experts Working Group workshop. Citing the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC)’s latest annual survey, Lam noted that approximately 98 percent of Hong Kong’s public believes maintaining a corruption-free society is crucial to the city’s overall development – a statistic that he said reflects a fundamental shift in public attitudes. He traced Hong Kong's anti-corruption journey to two landmark developments: the enactment of the Prevention of Bribery Ordinance in 1971, which introduced offences including the "possession of unexplained property," and the establishment of the ICAC in 1974. Lam emphasised that the commission's independence – operating free from direction except from the Chief Executive – has been critical to its success. "The point that I wish to make is that the rule of law is the indispensable means to promote a culture of integrity," Lam said, pointing to Hong Kong's comprehensive legal framework that includes criminal offences, common law liabilities for misconduct in public office and civil remedies such as constructive trusts that force corrupt officials to surrender illegal gains. While celebrating Hong Kong's achievements, Lam struck a collaborative tone, acknowledging that no economy can fight corruption alone. "While each economy would need to find its own way to promote integrity ... knowledge and experience sharing as well as mutual legal assistance among economies are not only desirable but also necessary, in particular, having regard to the fact that many challenges are common and transboundary," he said. Lam encouraged visitors from other economies to take time to experience Hong Kong as a safe, friendly and interesting place – where integrity and prosperity coexist. Edited by Tony Sabine

RTHK News (Hong Kong)

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Consultation on HK's five-year plan to begin Monday

The two-month public consultation on Hong Kong's first five-year plan will commence on Monday, Chief Executive John Lee said on Tuesday. The move comes after he said this year the SAR would have its own development policy framework that is in line with the nation's and hoped to unveil it by the end of this year. Speaking ahead of the weekly Executive Council meeting, Lee said the plan would allow the SAR to seize more opportunities that arise from national strategies and development initiatives while also helping Hong Kong better integrate with and contribute to the country's overall development. The plan, he added, would continue to uphold principles that have underpinned the city's success, including "One Country, Two Systems" and "patriots administering Hong Kong" while aiming to develop the economy and improve people's livelihoods. "We will focus on livelihood issues that are of greatest concern to the public to enhance their sense of fulfilment and happiness," Lee said. "Secondly, we will better integrate an active government with an efficient market, with the government playing a leading role in stimulating market creativity and competitiveness. "The effective integration of these two elements will serve as a powerful driving force for Hong Kong's high-quality development." Lee also said the policy blueprint would serve as a forward-looking and strategic document and that the annual Policy Address would align with and respond to what is outlined. The public consultation document will be uploaded to a dedicated website while copies of it will be distributed at various designated locations. A series of consultation events will also be organised to gather feedback from lawmakers, industry representatives as well as the public, Lee said. The government, he said, hopes to listen to views from the community and take public sentiment into account as a way to do its utmost in formulating the plan so as to serve the interests of the general public. Edited by Tony Sabine

RTHK News (Hong Kong)

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'No new offences under national security proposal'

The government said on Monday that proposed subsidiary legislation to clearly define the classification mechanism for “other offences endangering national security under the law of the HKSAR” does not involve the introduction of any new offences. Under the proposal to be enacted under Section 110 of the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance (SNSO), if the chief executive issues a certificate under the law confirming that a criminal act involves national security, the case shall be treated as one. And where a person is charged with – or convicted of – an alternative offence arising from the same act in a case involving a national security offence, that alternative offence shall also be classified as an offence endangering national security. At a Legislative Council panel meeting, Secretary for Justice Paul Lam said there are no changes to the implementation details or scope of application of the SNSO or the Hong Kong National Security Law. “I want to emphasise that no additional powers, offences, or penalties are introduced," he said. "[I have to] particularly emphasise that the chief executive's certificate only involves determining whether or not acts already constituted as criminal offences involve national security. "As for whether a defendant is guilty or not, it still has to be ruled by a court following an independent trial conducted in accordance with the law, and the court will ensure that the defendant is given a fair trial.” Following the meeting, Lam said the chief executive’s certificate cannot be thrown out by the court. This is because in determining whether an incident involves security, it usually touches on very sensitive and highly confidential information, and the judicial bodies are not in a position to make such a determination when exercising their powers, he said, and that is why such a certificate is binding on the courts. Secretary for Security Chris Tang stressed that the move would not affect the general public at all or the “normal operations” of organisations and groups. He said that the authorities will keep reviewing the national security mechanism and propose improvements when necessary, through administrative measures and legislation. Edited by Edmond Fong

RTHK News (Hong Kong)

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New subsidiary legislation to clarify NSL offences

The Security Bureau and the Department of Justice have announced plans to introduce subsidiary legislation to clearly define the classification mechanism for “other offences endangering national security under the law of the HKSAR,” as stipulated under the Hong Kong National Security Law (HKNSL) and the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance (SNSO). In a paper submitted to the Legislative Council, the bureau and department emphasised the necessity of codifying this mechanism through subsidiary legislation to ensure consistent and effective implementation of provisions relating to national security offences under both statutes. The move, they said, aims to strengthen legal clarity, enhance procedural efficiency, and enable timely prevention and response to national security risks. "Amid the present complicated geopolitical landscape, national security risks still exist. Stating clearly the above mechanism by way of subsidiary legislation can improve the legal system and enforcement mechanisms for the HKSAR to safeguard national security," the security bureau and the department of justice said in paper submitted to Legco. Under Article 47 of the HKNSL and Section 115 of the SNSO, the Chief Executive holds the authority to issue binding certificates determining whether a particular act or matter involves national security — a power that courts are legally bound to accept. The government noted this certification mechanism is uniquely suited to classify “other offences endangering national security” under Section 7(d) of the SNSO, as such classification hinges on whether the criminal act in question implicates national security. The proposed subsidiary legislation, to be enacted under Section 110 of the SNSO, will set out two key principles. If the Chief Executive issues a certificate under Article 47 of the HKNSL or Section 115 of the SNSO confirming that a criminal act involves national security, the case shall be treated as one concerning an offence endangering national security under Article 41 of the HKNSL. Any offence investigated, arrested, or charged in relation to that act shall be deemed an offence endangering national security under Section 7(d) of the SNSO. And, where a person is charged with — or convicted of — an alternative offence arising from the same act in a case involving a national security offence, that alternative offence shall also be classified as an offence endangering national security. "The HKSAR should complete the legislative process of the relevant subsidiary legislation as soon as possible, the earlier the better, in order to safeguard national security effectively," the paper added. Edited by Tony Sabine

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Police warn of 2026 World Cup illegal betting surge

Police have warned that illegal gambling activities are expected to rise during the upcoming World Cup and urged the public to avoid unlawful betting. Speaking at a press briefing, senior inspector Jimmy Ng said the force had made a large number of arrests during major football tournaments in the past, with 1,104 arrests seen during the 2022 World Cup and 735 arrests made during Euro 2024. He said this showed illegal gambling activities tend to go up during major sporting events. Ng also noted that officers cracked 374 serious gambling cases in 2025, with 4,482 arrests made, and more than HK$3 million in cash and crime proceeds seized. Betting records seized during the year amounted to HK$1.1 billion. Chief inspector Alvin Wong said illegal gambling has become increasingly digitalised, with some betting platforms using non-local servers and accepting transfers through online banking or virtual currency to reduce the chance of detection. Wong warned that illegal betting can lead to debt, addiction, money laundering and exploitation by criminal groups. He added that police would step up publicity, education and enforcement to target illegal gambling during the football tournament. Police clinical psychologist Woo Chin-pang said more young people are exposed to illegal gambling through advertisements on social media platforms, where betting offers, bonuses and easy access can normalise such activities and make them look more attractive. "Illegal gambling creates the opportunities for the youth to come in contact with loan sharks, triads, and other criminal syndicates that can severely impact their lifelong prospects," he said. "So I would like to take this opportunity to emphasise again that, especially for youth, please stay away from gambling, especially the illegal gambling during the World Cup Fifa period." Edited by Aaron Tam

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Competition Commission hoping to stamp out bid-rigging

Newly appointed Competition Commission chairman Jat Sew-tong on Friday said the body hopes to come up with proposed amendments to the Competition Ordinance regarding bid-rigging within this legislative year. This comes after bid-rigging over a building maintenance project was suspected to have taken place at the Wang Fuk Court housing estate in Tai Po where a massive blaze last year claimed 168 lives. Jat, who took office in May, said the commission is considering different ways to improve the law, such as through introducing criminal liability or increasing civil penalties. “We are looking at all possibilities to see how we could make the ordinance effective and have a sufficient deterrent effect to this kind of behaviour and we hope we could achieve a situation where this kind of behaviour would no longer continue,” he said. The barrister noted that the government has already included a "non-collusion" clause in large-scale renovation project tenders as a way to prevent bid-rigging. “I understand that the government may consider making a requirement that in tenders of that kind, the non-collusion clause will be in the form of a statutory declaration,” he said. “Whoever puts in the tender will have to make a statutory declaration that they are doing it independently, without collusion with any other party. Therefore, making that statutory declaration would by itself attract criminal liability if it is a false declaration.” Jat also said that from July, members of the public will be allowed to attend part of the commission's meetings, as a way to enhance transparency. He said the body is open to suggestions as to how it can carry out its work better. Edited by Thomas McAlinden

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DNA confirms parents of unregistered baby: police

Police on Thursday said DNA testing has confirmed that a couple who were arrested on charges of child neglect are indeed the biological parents of a 1.5-month-old baby boy, who was reportedly delivered via homebirth and has no birth certificate. The parents initially refused the test and were arrested for suspected child neglect after the case went viral online. Meanwhile, a children's rights advocate on Thursday said authorities need to carefully decide when would be the right time to return the baby boy to his parents, after he was temporarily moved to a shelter. Priscilla Lui, former head of the Hong Kong Committee on Children's Rights, said professionals would keep following the case and assess if the baby was getting proper care if he was sent back to his parents. "When the child goes back, is he safe? Does the family have the ability to care for him? This shouldn't be a rushed decision. And when he does go back, there will be a period of follow-up by professionals – social workers, and medical staff if needed – who will visit him," she said. Lawmaker Peter Koon, who heads Legco's social welfare panel, said authorities have to make sure the child is safe and well looked after, especially with so many people watching the case closely. "There's been a lot of public discussion about this case, and the overwhelming view is that we must act in the best interest of the baby," he said. "So before the child is returned to full parental care, a very thorough assessment should be done to make sure there won't be any problems because if problems arise after the child is returned, that would be very difficult to handle." Edited by Tony Sabine

RTHK News (Hong Kong)

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HK firms will welcome direct Almaty flights: lawmaker

Lawmaker Jonathan Lamport said on Thursday that he believes the planned resumption of direct flights between Hong Kong and Kazakhstan will greatly benefit SAR businesses hoping to tap into the emerging markets of Central Asia. Cathay Pacific earlier announced it will launch direct flights between Hong Kong and Almaty, Kazakhstan's largest city, from the first quarter of next year. In an interview with RTHK, Lamport said quicker journeys between the two places will make all the difference to businesses. "For business people, usually when we travel for business, it's not like for holidays and so we won't take a very long time; especially for people in Hong Kong, they like to take three-day, two-night trips, or even a day trip," he said. Lamport also called on SAR authorities to task an economic and trade office (ETO) with helping facilitate business with Central Asia. "An ETO can help build local connections. But I think currently as we also have an ETO in Dubai, maybe they can set up a subsidiary group there to help handle the issues in Central Asia," he said. Edited by Thomas McAlinden

RTHK News (Hong Kong)

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Unregistered infant moved to shelter under court order

A one-and-a-half-month-old baby boy, who does not possess a birth certificate and was reportedly delivered via homebirth, has been temporarily moved to a sheltering facility following a court order. The Social Welfare Department on Wednesday said the baby is under professional care, adding that it has applied for a child protection order from the court following the arrest of a couple said to be his parents. Police, meanwhile said they have obtained the DNA sample of the boy, as well as samples from the couple, for verification. Officers said the test results are not out yet. The couple was arrested on Tuesday on suspicion of child neglect after failing to provide proof that they had taken the infant for medical checks. They previously refused DNA testing to prove their relationship with the baby and failed to register a birth within 42 days set out in the law. Following the couple’s arrest, the baby underwent checks at the hospital and medical workers found no apparent injuries on him. Senior social work officer Stephanie Lee said the department will submit a report to the court to decide the next steps after meeting with the couple. “We will collect the information and then make the assessment and then also involve all other concerned parties. The time [taken for the report submission] will be subject to the progress of this assessment or the information gathered,” she said. When asked if the department will hand the baby back to the couple if it is found they are his biological parents, she stressed that the department will prioritise the baby's well-being. She added that if the couple is proven unfit to care for the child, the department may seek a guardianship order. The couple said they have another child that was placed in foster care in Sweden a number of years ago. The Immigration Department said it has reached out to the Swedish authorities to seek more information, including her identity there and foster care arrangements. The department added that it will take follow-up actions based on their response. Edited by Aaron Tam

RTHK News (Hong Kong)

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Chung King-fai, a giant of HK theatre, dies at 89

Veteran stage actor and director Chung King-fai on Wednesday passed away in his sleep at the age of 89. Affectionately known as "King Sir", Chung was the founding Dean of the School of Drama at the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts and is best remembered for being a mentor to generations of performers. In a career spanning decades, he worked as an actor, director, drama educator, television producer, host and voice-over artist. On social media, Chung's nephew, Chung Chi-kuen, wrote that he dedicated his entire life to theatre, nurturing countless students and earning deep respect and love from everyone. Former RTHK programme host Serina Ha, who knew Chung for more than 20 years, described him as steady and graceful, and someone who took his work very seriously. "He's a gentleman. Very polite and genuine. Among all the people I know, he is a mentor who truly connected with the times. He gave me the kind of guidance that a senior should. And his attitude – his seriousness – that is something worth learning from," she said. Chung held a bachelor's degree in speech and drama from Oklahoma Baptist University in the United States and and a Master of Fine Arts degree from Yale University. A pioneer in staging Cantonese versions of absurdist dramas and Broadway musicals, he won Best Actor eight times and Best Director four times at the Hong Kong Drama Awards, along with many other accolades throughout his career. In addition to the Academy for Performing Arts, he lectured at Hong Kong Baptist University for 23 years and worked in various local television outlets. In a statement, Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism Rosanna Law expressed her condolences to Chung's family, saying he dedicated his life to the performing arts with countless productions and contributions to Hong Kong theatre. "His passing is a tremendous loss to Hong Kong's performing arts sector. We will always treasure the memory of this stage veteran and remain deeply grateful for his distinguished contributions to the performing arts in Hong Kong," she said. Edited by Edmond Fong

RTHK News (Hong Kong)

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Child neglect case 'mind-boggling': lawmaker

A lawmaker on Wednesday called a controversial child neglect case "mind-boggling", saying he couldn't understand how the parents would leave their newborn without a birth certificate or any medical records. The parents were arrested on Tuesday after the case went viral online as they refused DNA testing to prove their relationship with the baby following a home birth. Speaking on an RTHK programme, Peter Koon, who chairs Legco's social welfare panel, says the baby's safety is what matters most – and a court could issue a protection order if the parents are found unfit to care for him. "Following the issuance of a child protection order, the baby could be sent to a facility that specialises in caring for newborns," he said. "As for who becomes the guardian, that really depends on the court's order. But theoretically, temporary guardianship could be granted to the Director of Social Welfare." Speaking on the same programme, Patrick Ip, a paediatrics professor at the University of Hong Kong, said he's worried about the baby's health. "This case makes me uneasy. The parents had two other children — neither went smoothly. One of them died young. Was there a problem with the way they cared for them?" he questioned. "For this newborn without a birth certificate, there's no way to get proper vaccinations or health monitoring. This is very far from ideal." The Social Welfare Department said it is seeking a protection order for the infant from the court, adding it will come up with a plan that puts the baby's health and interests first. Edited by Tony Sabine

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Hop On's bid to delay owners' meeting rejected

The Lands Tribunal on Tuesday rejected a request by the management company appointed to oversee Wang Fuk Court affairs to postpone an owners’ meeting. Responding to inquiries, the Home Affairs Department said Hop On Management will try its best to facilitate a meeting and safeguard the rights of all homeowners. The department stressed that Hop On has been carrying out its duties according to the law, and that it had sought to delay the meeting mainly because it needed more time to carry out relevant preparatory work. It added that the government will study the ruling which touched on the interpretation of the Building Management Ordinance. The tribunal pointed to difficulties in issuing meeting notices and holding meetings, and recognised efforts by the Home Affairs Department and Hop On in this regard, according to the department. Edited by Edmond Fong

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Police arrest couple in 'unregistered birth' saga

A man and a woman have been arrested on suspicion of child neglect over a baby said to have been left without a birth certificate following a home birth. The couple's story sparked debate online after they spoke about attempts to be reunited with another child that was placed in foster care in Sweden a number of years ago. The pair have refused to provide a DNA sample in order to obtain a birth certificate for a baby boy in their care after failing to register a birth within the timeframe set out in law. Security Secretary Chris Tang said police found the couple and the child in Cheung Sha Wan on Tuesday. The boy was to be taken to hospital for a health check, Tang said. "The mother has not yet provided any records of prenatal care or medical examinations, and refused to provide a DNA sample. She has not even provided any photos of herself while pregnant," the minister told reporters. "The individuals claiming to be the parents have never taken him to hospital for a physical examination." Tang added that he hopes the couple will quickly provide proof of their relationship to the boy. Edited by Thomas McAlinden

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ID-limbo baby concern rises over 'Save Lily' couple

Secretary for Labour and Welfare Chris Sun said the government is highly concerned about the controversial case involving a couple who refused DNA testing required for their baby's birth certificate following a home birth in Hong Kong. Speaking after an event on Tuesday, Sun said he hoped a health check and assessment of the baby boy, as well as a meeting with the parents, could be arranged as soon as possible. He said relevant departments have been following up on the case. "From last Thursday, we have been using different methods to get in touch with the parents and family involved," Sun said. "Our social workers had waited outside their home at various times of the day. They waited until late on one occasion. "We had also left different contact methods for the parents to reach us. "It wasn't until yesterday that our social workers were finally able to get in touch with the parents through email." The incident sparked concern over the internet after the couple opened a social media page called "Save Lily" in the hope of taking back their second daughter – who was born at home in Finland in 2021 and did not have a birth certificate – after she was put under a formal care order when the family was in Sweden in 2023. The couple then returned to Hong Kong and gave birth to their third son, Danny, at home. Speaking on a radio programme on Tuesday, the father, Tsang, said he and his partner have submitted a statement of self-delivery of birth at home. But the couple have not registered Danny's birth within 42 days of delivery – as required under the law – and refused DNA testing to verify their biological relationship with the infant, citing religious reasons. Tsang said he and his partner are unwilling to undergo such testing, saying that DNA information is highly sensitive, and hope to know the reasons for the required procedures. Sun said the Immigration Department would follow up on the issue regarding Danny's birth certificate and that it had also reached out to the Chinese embassy in Sweden through the Commissioner's Office of China's Foreign Ministry in Hong Kong to follow up on Lily's case. He also said the administration has a comprehensive mechanism for handling matters when it comes to child welfare and will take steps to address the situation as quickly as possible while taking into account all relevant factors. Sun added that appropriate support would be forthcoming should the family express any need for it. Edited by Thomas McAlinden

RTHK News (Hong Kong)

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부정적

HK lawyers can flourish in Central Asia: Law Society

Hong Kong's legal professionals are uniquely positioned to bridge the gap between the different legal systems used in the city and Central Asia, according to the president of the Law Society of Hong Kong. Roden Tong will be part of Chief Executive John Lee's delegation to Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. While Hong Kong practises common law under "One Country, Two Systems", most Central Asian jurisdictions follow civil law traditions. Speaking to RTHK ahead of the trip, Tong said Hong Kong's legal sector could play a "pivotal role" in facilitating investment between the two markets — pointing to a little-known common law enclave in the heart of Central Asia. He was referring to the Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC) in Kazakhstan that opened in 2018. "They adopt common law within the AIFC," Tong said. "That is quite very similar to Hong Kong." The AIFC features an independent court system whose judges are predominantly from the United Kingdom, creating a legal environment Tong described as "very equivalent to Hong Kong". The president revealed the Law Society has been building ties with the region since 2016, and signed a memorandum of understanding with the AIFC in 2022. "Hopefully during this delegation, on this occasion, we can further explore more business opportunities for the entire business sector," he said. Tong drew parallels with Dubai, where its international financial centre also operates under a common law system — a model Hong Kong legal professionals have already navigated successfully. For Central Asian companies looking to invest in Hong Kong and access the mainland Chinese market, Tong said the city's legal infrastructure offers several distinct advantages. Hong Kong's dual-language capability — English, Cantonese and Mandarin — provides certainty and predictability for international businesses, he said, particularly in dispute resolution, arbitration and mediation. Tong also pointed to the Mainland and Hong Kong Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement (Cepa), where overseas companies partnering with Hong Kong firms can adopt common law in the Greater Bay Area — complete with tax incentives. The recent establishment of the International Organisation for Mediation (IOMed) headquarters in Hong Kong adds another layer of appeal as well, Tong said. The Law Society recently met with Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury Christopher Hui and IOMed Secretary-General Teresa Cheng to discuss creating a specialised mediation panel for commodities trading. "This is something that, if at the end of the day, there's any disputes or even in the contractual formulation... Hong Kong legal professionals can actually play this pivotal role," Tong said. Edited by Raymond Yeung

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2nd ICH month builds on last year's success

Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism Rosanna Law on Saturday said the government will continue to collaborate with the community as a way to protect and inherit the city's intangible cultural heritage. Officiating the second Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) Month opening ceremony, Law said the nation's 15th five-year plan has called for vigorous cultural development, enhancing protection and inheritance of ICH, as well as strengthening the reach and influence of Chinese culture towards the world. As such, she said, the ICH Office under the Leisure and Cultural Services Department has responded to the call, and an ICH month has been organised every June since last year - aligning with the nation's China Cultural and Natural Heritage Day on the second Saturday of June. Law also said the event will build on last year's success in attracting over 160,000 participants, to allow both residents and tourists to enjoy Hong Kong's rich and diverse culture, and promote the deep integration of culture and tourism. This year's event will offer over 50 performances, 80 promotional booths, as well as 40 site visits that feature more than 100 intangible cultural heritage items, she said. "A total of nine themed tours covering eight selected districts will be offered, such as exploring the art of Guqin in Sham Shui Po, and learning about the craftmanship behind Chiu Chow food making. Participants will have the opportunity to hear the stories and experiences directly from local artisans," Law said. To enrich the tourism experience, the minister said the administration has partnered with the Tourism Board and the airport, launching highlight tours and live demonstrations of Hong Kong-style milk tea making, respectively. The Space Museum will also present a horse-themed light and sound show on its exterior walls every evening from June 11 to 24, marking the Year of the Horse. Edited by Thomas McAlinden

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CE welcomes lawmakers' findings on five-year plan

Chief Executive John Lee on Friday welcomed findings by lawmakers relating to Hong Kong's first five-year plan. Lee was briefed on the findings of a thematic research and opinion gathering report submitted by the Subcommittee on Hong Kong's Work to Actively Dovetail with the National 15th Five-Year Plan, along with Legco president Starry Lee and others. The report aims to help the government formulate the five-year blueprint. The chief executive thanked lawmakers for their efforts and consultative work. Lee said he was delighted and encouraged to see the executive and legislative branches working closely together and jointly committed to delivering the city's first-ever five-year plan. The CE said the blueprint will align with the opportunities brought by the country's 15th Five-Year Plan, providing clear directions for the SAR's social and economic development in the next five years. The subcommittee held its fourth meeting earlier in the day, summarising the research conducted and views collected. Lawmaker Stanley Ng, who chairs the subcommittee, said it engaged with more than 4,000 people and received about 570 written submissions in the past month, having contacted various sectors and invited experts, community groups and stakeholders to participate. Edited by Edmond Fong

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RTHK News (Hong Kong)

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