Tech firms pitch in to fight COVID-19

Two companies at Hong Kong’s Science Park are contributing to the fight against the COVID-19 epidemic with their new technological innovations to help protect healthcare workers and the public. One company has developed a compact little robot called Rice that is proving useful during these times of social distancing. Another medical technology company has developed a real-time monitoring system to check people’s body temperature, pulse rate and blood oxygen level. Details here.

Hong Kong return visa applications accepted

Hong Kong non-permanent residents who are currently outside Hong Kong with their limit of stay about to expire or expired may apply for a visa or entry permit to return to the city, the Immigration Department announced today. Details here.

Hong Kong Observatory wins at WMO's first international weather apps competition

The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) announced on December 15 that the mobile application "MyObservatory" developed by the Hong Kong Observatory (HKO) won in the "Public weather forecasts and information - information content" category ad earned an honourable mention in the "Specialised apps award - weather warnings" category at the WMO International Weather Apps Awards 2020 (WIWAA). Details here.

Hong Kong, Hague sign legal pact

Secretary for Justice Teresa Cheng signed a memorandum of understanding with Hague Conference on Private International Law (HCCH) Secretary General Christophe Bernasconi relating to the secondment of legal professionals. Details here.

Hong Kong team triumphs at International Olympiad of Metropolises

A team of eight students representing Hong Kong achieved excellent results in the 5th International Olympiad of Metropolises (IOM 2020), winning two gold medals, five silver medals and one bronze medal, as well as a gold award in the team competition. Details here.

The Economist

Supply chains

The world is demanding better supply chains in the midst of COVID-19, a US-China trade war, growing economic nationalism and the rise of e-commerce. How Hong Kong’s innovative supply chains keep Asia connected? The inside story of how Hong Kong became Asia’s global supply chain hub. Details here.

Policy Address: Striving Ahead with Renewed Perseverance

The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, delivered her annual Policy Address on November 25, with measures to support Hong Kong to strive ahead with renewed perseverance. Details here.

Quality Migrant Admission Scheme

Hong Kong’s Quality Migrant Admission Scheme (QMAS) has attracted many applications from around 100 countries and territories since its introduction in 2006.  Successful applicants are not required to have secured an offer of local employment before their entry to Hong Kong for settlement.  They may bring in their spouse or the other party to a civil union, as well as unmarried dependent children under the age of 18 to Hong Kong.  Moreover, applicants who meet the requirements of the Talent List Hong Kong may enjoy immigration facilitation under the QMAS.

US sanctions condemned

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government condemned the "sanctions" imposed by the US Government against the 14 vice chairmen of the National People's Congress Standing Committee (NPCSC). Details here.

The Economist

Hong Kong supply chains

The coronavirus pandemic has dealt a major shock to already overextended and fragile supply chains around the world. But with its unique strengths, Hong Kong looks set to bounce back in recovery as an even more resilient logistics hub regionally and globally. Click here.

Belt and Road Summit brings together government and business leaders to explore collaboration opportunities along Belt and Road

The fifth Belt and Road Summit opened on November 30 with over 6 000 government officials, entrepreneurs and professionals from about 80 countries and regions signed up to participate online to explore collaboration opportunities along the Belt and Road. Click here.

US accusation unsubstantiated: Govt

In response to the press statement by the United States Department of State, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government made a statement on Dec 4 noting that judges in Hong Kong are chosen only for their judicial and professional qualities, and they are not subject to any political vetting. Details here.

MONOCOLE

Time to take a fresh look at Hong Kong

Hong Kong has always provided a unique platform for business looking to build a presence in Asia and this decade will be no different. The four core pillars of the economy are powering ahead with the rapid adoption of technology and the rollout of reforms. Meanwhile, a creative set of pillars has arisen that leverage the city’s traditional strengths and lead to broad opportunities. Details here.

Govt refutes the report by US-China Economic and Security Review Commission

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government refutes the report issued by the United States-China Economic and Security Review Commission and urges the United States to respect the basic norms governing international relations. Details here.

HKETO co-presents Spotlight on Hong Kong with Hawaii International Film Festival

The Hawaii International Film Festival (HIFF) is partnering with the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, San Francisco (HKETO) to present Spotlight on Hong Kong with a special focus on renowned Hong Kong filmmaker Ann Hui at this year's festival. The festival, which is celebrating its 40th anniversary, runs from November 5 to 29. Details here.

South China Morning Post

3 Hong Kong hi-tech firms’ rapid response helps detect signs of Covid-19

- ‘Killer’ robot can help keep us safe - Roborn Technology has created a temperature-detection robot, which can show whether people have signs of a fever.
- Test proves soccer players’ best defense - Prenetics, a genetic testing company, has created a rapid test for Covid-19. It has made an agreement with the English Premier League to provide 40,000 tests for soccer players, coaches and other staff, and has also made the test available in England, through its London office.
- Innovative monitor has nice ring to it - HK start-up, Belun Technology, repurposed its Belun Ring, which is worn on the index finger and was originally created to screen people for sleep apnoea, to enable doctors to remotely monitor Covid-19 patients. Details here.

World's first World City Virtual Festival held in Hong Kong

As the world rapidly adapts to the “new normal”, Hong Kong is proud to be a founding Host City of the inaugural WRLDCTY Virtual Festival along with London, New York, Los Angeles and Toronto. Details here.

Govt opposes joint statement

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government firmly opposed the joint statement by the foreign ministers of Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the UK and the US. Details here.

Entry restriction on non-Hong Kong residents coming from overseas extended

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government has extended, until further notice, the entry restriction on non-Hong Kong residents coming from overseas countries or regions by plane and those having been to overseas countries or regions in the past 14 days preceding arrival at Hong Kong.  All transit services at the Hong Kong International Airport will also continue to be suspended until further notice. Details here.

Specified conditions imposed on inbound travelers who have visited the US and other specified high risk places (Cap.599H)

Requirements under Prevention and Control of Disease (Regulation of Cross-boundary Conveyances and Travelers) Regulation (Cap.599H). Details here.

NPCSC decision explained

Following the decision by the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPCSC) of the People's Republic of China on November 11 on the qualification of members of the Legislative Council (LegCo) of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), and the HKSAR Government's announcement of the disqualification of four members of the sixth-term LegCo, the HKSAR Government has published responses to statements made by foreign governments as well as the Law Society of Hong Kong respectively.  To read the responses and gain a better understanding of the issues, you may access the press releases here -
https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202011/14/P2020111400483.htm
https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202011/14/P2020111400372.htm

International Finance Corporation and Hong Kong Monetary Authority launch new alliance to address climate change

International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group, signed a new partnership with the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) to encourage commercial banks in Asia to adopt strategies and targets to become greener. The signing of the agreement makes the HKMA the first partner to work with IFC on the initiative. Details here.

HKANC

Webinar: From Hong Kong with Love

Hong Kong, a metropolitan city and a global business hub, has many business opportunities and diverse cultures to offer. Join the Hong Kong Association of Northern California’s free webinar “From Hong Kong With Love” to learn first-hand the inspirational stories of three Hong Kong entrepreneurs. Details here.

Hong Kong leads in fintech development

Financial Secretary Paul Chan
If COVID-19 has devastated everything it has touched, it is also spurring a wide-ranging acceptance, and adoption, of digital solutions. To fully realize the opportunities, however, fintech must create financial technology and solutions that understand and address real-life needs - in today's challenging environment and in the post-pandemic world we all look forward to. Details here.

Hong Kong Legal Week 2020

The annual Hong Kong Legal Week is going virtual this year.

The Hong Kong Legal Week 2020, with a range of dedicated events for professionals and practitioners, will be held virtually from 2 to 6 November 2020. Join this annual event which draws local and international participants, including government officials, judges, experts, academics, legal professionals and business leaders. Details here.

HKETO celebrates Hong Kong cinema at CAAMFest Forward

Five Hong Kong movies are in the line-up of CAAMFest Forward, a newly reimagined and mostly virtual film festival presented by the Center for Asian American Media (CAAM). The festival, which runs from October 14 to 18, includes a drive-in experience and an on-demand channel. Close to 50 films are available on demand. Details here.

Hong Kong once again ranked as world's freest economy

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government welcomed that the Fraser Institute once again ranked Hong Kong as the world's freest economy in the Economic Freedom of the World 2020 Annual Report.  Details here.

International study ranks Hong Kong students among world's best in global competence

The Education Bureau announced that Hong Kong students' performance was among the world's best in terms of cognitive understanding, knowledge and skills in the Global Competence domain in the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) 2018. Details here.

Join Hong Kong for the world's first World City Virtual Festival

What might the world look like after the pandemic? What makes a city great? While COVID-19 has kept us apart, the first-ever world cities virtual festival is about to bring us closer together. Details here.

Hong Kong's financial ranking goes up

Hong Kong ranked fifth in the latest Global Financial Centres Index (GFCI) Report, up by one place from the last index, the Government said today. Details here.

SCMP

How traditional Chinese medicine is helping to fight Covid-19

Hong Kong has been using traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) to help Covid-19 patients. Since April, the city’s Hospital Authority has launched a special TCM outpatient program for discharged patients. Details here.

Hong Kong students excel at International Mathematical Olympiad

Hong Kong students continue to attain good results in international competitions related to science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education. A team of six students representing Hong Kong achieved outstanding results in the 61st International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO 2020), winning three silver medals and three bronze medals. Details here.

Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in San Francisco Welcomes New Director

Ms. Jacko Shun Man Tsang assumed the post of Director of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in San Francisco on August 27, 2020.  Ms. Tsang is responsible for promoting and strengthening the business, trade and cultural ties between Hong Kong and 19 western states of the United States. Details here.

CNBC

A New Normal: Resilience of a Digital Economy

As the coronavirus swept across the globe, industries ranging from automotive to food processing saw global companies suspending production as their supply chains broke down. Other organizations got caught up transitioning to digital when they could have been addressing consumer needs. But not in Hong Kong. Details here.

Secretary for Commerce & Economic Development attends webinar to share insights on global trade after COVID-19 pandemic

Secretary for Commerce & Economic Development Edward Yau attended a webinar organized by The Economist Events to share his insights on global trade after the COVID-19 pandemic. Details here.

Entry to Hong Kong during the Fight Against COVID-19

Hong Kong remains open to visitors during the current fight against COVID-19 virus. But to prevent the virus from entering and spreading in the city, strict measures have been put in place. Details here.

euronews.

How Hong Kong used homegrown tech to fight COVID-19

When the COVID-19 struck, Hong Kong acted quickly, and successfully, to control the outbreak early on. And it did this with a mixture of strong health and safety measures, along with a lot of homegrown technology. Details here.

Arbitral proceedings scheme starts

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government has launched a pilot scheme to provide facilitation for eligible non-Hong Kong residents participating in arbitral proceedings in Hong Kong on a short-term basis. Details here.

The Economist: "Global trade in transition? The world after COVID-19" webinar

Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Edward Yau; Deputy Director General of the European Commission, Helena König; and Managing editor, Asia, and global editorial lead, trade and globalisation of The Economist Intelligence Unit, Christopher Clague will speak on "Global trade in transition? The world after COVID-19" at a webinar organized by The Economist on September 9. Details here.

CNBC

Hong Kong becoming an R&D powerhouse

- The SARS outbreak in 2003 taught Hong Kong’s leaders how vital it is to invest in research and development in industries like healthcare and medicine.

- Having committed over HK$100 billion (US$12.9 billion) into innovation in recent years, Hong Kong has now become one of the fastest-growing hubs for emerging fields like biotech and telemedicine.

- A strong academic foundation and collaboration across industries, Hong Kong is seeing its innovations take center stage worldwide.

Details here.

Tenth Edition of Hong Kong Cinema Moves Online

The annual series of Hong Kong Cinema is taking place July 12-August 5 as an online showcase of four Hong Kong films, each with a live-streamed moderated conversation with film directors and cast members. Details here.

Requirements for travelers from the US

In view of the developments of the epidemic situation, with effect from July 29,  a traveler who has visited the United States within 14 days before arrival in Hong Kong must provide the following documents. Details here.

Security law comes into effect

The Law of the People's Republic of China on Safeguarding National Security in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (the National Security Law) was gazetted for promulgation on June 30 and took effect at 11pm the same day. Details here.

euronews

Hong Kong's new business and cultural normal

As the world struggles with the coronavirus pandemic, Spotlight explores how Hong Kong's start-up and cultural scene is adapting through a hybrid of on and offline events. Details here.

Cash handout registration set

The Cash Payout Scheme will be open for registration from June 21, and Hong Kong permanent residents aged 18 or above on or before March 31, 2021 are eligible to receive the $10,000 payout. Details here.

Govt opposes US sanctions law

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government expressed strong opposition to the passage of the Hong Kong Autonomy Act by the Senate of the US Congress. Details here.

National security law fully supported

Chief Executive Carrie Lam said the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government fully supports the legislative work for safeguarding national security in the city. Details here.

Hong Kong ranked 5th in World Competitiveness Yearbook 2020

Hong Kong was ranked the fifth most competitive economy by the International Institute for Management Development in its World Competitiveness Yearbook 2020. Details here.

Hong Kong's rights and freedoms assured

Hong Kong residents’ rights and freedoms will be unaffected by the National People’s Congress’ deliberation of a decision to establish and improve at the national level the legal system and enforcement mechanisms for the city to safeguard national security. Details here.

Works departments receive UK New Engineering Contract awards

Three works departments received awards from the New Engineering Contract (NEC) Users' Group of the United Kingdom. Details here.

Gov’t supports NPC's deliberation

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government supports the National People’s Congress’ (NPC) deliberation of the decision to establish and improve at the national level the legal system and enforcement mechanisms for the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region to safeguard national security. Details here.

Financial Times

Global engagement proves key to the Greater Bay Area

Since the unveiling of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) initiative in 2017, companies around the world have been building GBA strategies into their business models. Details here.

CNBC

Bringing a pandemic to heel

This year, with the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, Hong Kong’s systems clicked into place to provide a strong frontline defense. World-class viral research capabilities and the use of cutting-edge innovations have enabled the city to prevent the kind of rapid transmission that has been seen in many other regions.

While many countries battled the breakout with stringent lockdown measures to curtail the spread and reduce death tolls, Hong Kong managed to keep its numbers in check and maintain a semblance of normality that other economies are still struggling to resume. Details here.

HKSAR Government refutes statements by US Administration

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government said on May 30 that sanctions or trade restrictions against Hong Kong are not justified and will break down the mutually beneficial Hong Kong-US relationship. Details here.

US policy change will hurt relations

Trade relations are a two-way street and any unilateral changes in US policy towards Hong Kong would hurt bilateral relations, Secretary for Commerce & Economic Development Edward Yau said. Details here.

Hong Kong's resilience will prevail

Financial Secretary Paul Chan
2019 was an unsettling and unforgettable year for Hong Kong. Our economy was fraught with uncertainties due to the US-China trade tension. However, no one could have predicted that social unrest and turbulence would break out in the middle of the year, hitting our already slowing economy and even dragging it into recession. Details here.

Hong Kong Government to distribute free reusable masks to all citizens

The Hong Kong Innovation and Technology Bureau (ITB) announced on May 5 that Hong Kong Government will distribute free reusable CuMask+™ to all Hong Kong citizens. Details here.

Testing on US and Europe travelers - Updates

Asymptomatic inbound travelers arriving on flights from the US and Europe are required to undergo COVID-19 testing upon arrival. Details here.

Hong Kong to remain a free society: CE

Chief Executive Carrie Lam
Chief Executive Carrie Lam said Hong Kong will remain a free society, but if national security is not protected, many of the things that the city treasures will be lost. Details here.

Building Development Teams in Hong Kong is a Viable Option for Bay Area Tech Companies

Do tech companies’ engineering teams have to be based in Silicon Valley?  Some Bay Area entrepreneurs said it doesn’t have to be.  Flexport, Clover Health and HomeCourt all have development teams offshore.  And it works! Details here.

The Economist

The evolution of Asia’s Art Hub

At the crossroads of East and West, Hong Kong has always been a melting pot of culture and art. It is the region’s biggest art market and hosts diverse artistic trends, people and artists. Now, Hong Kong is investing in museums, artists, people and spaces to become the art hub of Asia. Details here.

UK design studio opens first international outlet in Hong Kong

UK design studio, Bompas and Parr, announced the opening of its first international studio in Hong Kong to capitalize on the city's dynamic cultural and creative industries to expand its business in Asia. Details here.

Hong Kong Immigration Department wins 2020 Skytrax Award for Best Airport Immigration Service

The Hong Kong Immigration Department (ImmD) has been voted the winner of the 2020 best airport immigration service award in the World Passenger Survey commissioned by Skytrax, an international specialist research agent of the air transport industry. This is the fourth time for the ImmD to receive the award after winning it in 2015, 2016 and 2019. Details here.

CNBC

SCED Edward Yau on CNBC: Hong Kong is ‘highly resilient’ as it fights to save the economy in the pandemic

Hong Kong is fighting a "twin battle" — fending off the coronavirus pandemic and trying to save its battered economy at the same time — but the city remains “highly resilient” despite the challenges, its commerce secretary said on April 14. Hong Kong’s recovery depends on global trade and will be determined by when the world gets back on its feet, Edward Yau, Hong Kong’s secretary for commerce and economic development, told CNBC. Details here.

Five Guys Expands in Asia, Following Hong Kong Success

America burger brand Five Guys continues its Hong Kong growth while planning more debuts in APAC.

Founded in Virginia in 1986, Five Guys currently owns over 1,600 restaurants worldwide with both franchise and direct-own stores, spanning across the US, Europe, Middle East and Asia. Hong Kong was the first Asian city that the company chose to open an outpost, followed by Singapore. Details here.

New principal officials take oath

The State Council, on the recommendation by Chief Executive Carrie Lam, approved on April 22 the appointment of five principal officials. Details here.

The Economist

How Hong Kong is winning at eSports

Building a successful eSports ecosystem requires excellent internet and connectivity, support from the public sector, financial institutions and universities, a sustainable talent pipeline of tech-savvy young people, a thriving technology development scene, capital investment, and venues to host physical events. Hong Kong meets all of the above criteria—and has a number of unique advantages that other global cities lack. Details here.

Financial Times

Driving Hong Kong’s Workforce

To meet the demands of a rapidly changing global economy, a competitive city’s workforce needs not only to be highly skilled but also adaptable and agile. Thanks to Hong Kong’s geographical position at the heart of Asia, its high standards in local education and training, and its sophisticated business culture, the city continues to prove a magnet for top-tier talent. Details here.

Hong Kong ranked 2nd freest economy

Hong Kong has ranked at number two in the Heritage Foundation's 2020 Index of Economic Freedom. Details here.

Testing on travelers enhanced

The Department of Health will strengthen health quarantine and COVID-19 testing arrangements for all inbound travelers from April 8.

Under the Prevention & Control of Disease Regulation, all asymptomatic inbound travelers arriving at Hong Kong International Airport will be required to have their deep throat saliva samples taken at the Temporary Specimen Collection Centre at AsiaWorld-Expo for COVID-19 testing. Details here.

Virus surveillance scheme extended to cover asymptomatic inbound travelers

The Department of Health’s Enhanced Laboratory Surveillance Programme that provides free COVID-19 testing will be extended to cover asymptomatic travelers arriving in Hong Kong from the UK, other European countries and the US in phases. Details here.

Financial Secretary uses budget to promote economic diversification, boost pillar industries and foster talent

The Financial Secretary, Mr. Paul Chan, in his 2020-21 Budget, announced a wide range of measures to help Hong Kong tackle the current economic difficulties and to strengthen Hong Kong’s pillar industries while identifying new growth engines among emerging sectors. Details here.

All non-Hong Kong residents coming from overseas countries and regions by plane will be denied entry to Hong Kong, effective March 25

To further prevent imported cases and cut the global and local virus transmission chain as far as possible, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government will implement the following measures with effect from 0.00am on March 25 (Hong Kong time), tentatively for 14 days: Details here.

Gov’t responds to US report

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government reiterated that foreign governments should not interfere in any form in the city's internal affairs. Details here.

Compulsory home quarantine for travelers from U.S. to Hong Kong

On March 15, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government issued the Red Outbound Travel Alert (OTA) for the United States, the United Kingdom and Ireland due to the persistent and rapid increase in the number of COVID-19 cases there. Details here.

Bloomberg

The Strategic Logistics Hub in the Heart of Asia

Strategically located in the heart of Asia, Hong Kong has long served as the premier hub of professional capabilities for Mainland China and Asia Pacific as a whole.

Home to one of the most services-orientated economies in the world, Hong Kong has a full range of business services to support the growth of all economic sectors from legal to technology and innovation, making up over 93% of GDP. Over the past several decades, it has developed unparalleled talent across a range of business needs. This is especially true for the logistics and transport sectors, unsurprising given that Hong Kong’s air cargo and container ports are among the busiest in the world. Details here.

The Economist

Hong Kong: Asia’s Green Finance Hub

We spoke to experts from the private and public sectors in both Asia and Hong Kong on how Hong Kong is developing a green finance ecosystem and hub.

Click here for more.

Gov't rejects credit rating

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government expressed deep disappointment with Moody's Investors Service’s decision to downgrade Hong Kong's credit rating.

Click here for more.

HK financial market stable

Financial Secretary Paul Chan
The challenges, for Hong Kong, are as much local as they are global. I know many of you are concerned about the recent social unrest here in Hong Kong, about whether it is affecting our financial market and whether there has been outflow of funds.

Click here for more.

Gov’t strongly opposes US report

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government reiterated that foreign governments should not interfere in the city’s internal affairs.

Click here for more.