The Mandatory Provident Fund Schemes (General) (Amendment) Regulation 2025 will come into operation on December 21, following a notice published today in the Government Gazette.

This commencement notice facilitates the rollout of Phase One of Mandatory Provident Fund (MPF) "Full Portability". Under the Amendment Regulation, employees whose employment began on or after May 1 last year (New EEs) will be permitted to transfer the entirety of their accrued benefits derived from employer mandatory contributions in respect of their current employment.

These funds can be moved from the employer’s chosen MPF scheme to a personal account of an MPF scheme of their own choice. Transfers can be made once every calendar year, or more frequently if permitted by the governing rules of the transferring MPF scheme.

Secretary for Financial Services & the Treasury Christopher Hui stated that with the implementation of Phase One "Full Portability" on December 21, the Government has fulfilled its commitment outlined in the 2026 Policy Address. He noted that this change will give new employees greater control over their MPF benefits, encourage more proactive management of their investments, stimulate market competition, and create room for fee reductions.

Mr Hui added that the Government is currently drafting legislative proposals for Phase Two "Full Portability", which will extend these benefits to the remaining workforce. The corresponding amendment bill is scheduled to be introduced to the Legislative Council by mid-2027.

The commencement notice will be tabled before the Legislative Council next Wednesday for negative vetting.

The Education Bureau today released the latest online profiles of local kindergartens and childcare centres to help parents make informed school choices for their children.

The dedicated website provides information on about 930 kindergartens and childcare centres in Hong Kong, including the approved fees for all kindergartens for the 2026-27 academic year. It also identifies kindergartens participating in the kindergarten education scheme.

The profiles display each institution's approved fees after government subsidies are deducted, alongside their official quality review results. Furthermore, parents can access details regarding the professional qualifications of staff and total numbers of teachers.

The website also features enrolment figures, teacher-to-pupil ratios, curriculum information, and reference prices for major education items, application and registration fees. 

Additionally, the profiles include dedicated columns outlining the specific support available for non-Chinese speaking students, as well as the resources offered for children with special needs.

Chief Secretary Chan Kwok-ki today chaired the seventh meeting of the fourth-term Human Resources Planning Commission, with members acknowledging that the youth unemployment situation warrants attention.

The meeting heard that rising unemployment and the youth employment situation are structural challenges faced by most advanced economies worldwide, Hong Kong being no exception.

Members took note that the Government continues to invest heavily in education and skills training for the local workforce. This includes launching a two-year 30,000 Youth Employment & Internship Programme, as announced in the Policy Address, to facilitate youth employment and development. 

The Labour Department will also launch the Youth Employment Link online service portal to facilitate young people's access to employment information and support services. Looking ahead, the continued expansion of the local economy is expected to underpin overall labour market conditions.

The Labour & Welfare Bureau also briefed the meeting on the "Mid-term Update of Manpower Projection" report. Members heard that the Government will continue to promote "AI for All" and support lifelong learning, ensuring that skills in the labour force remain aligned with Hong Kong's future economy.

The bureau will commence a new review of the Talent List soon.

Members said they supported the Government in continuing to closely monitor the labour market and in formulating and refining forward-looking policies on a rolling basis, with a view to maintaining manpower supply in support of economic development, whilst also safeguarding employment priority for local workers.

The Education Bureau held the learning outcomes sharing session of the "Salute to the National Flag" Beijing Visit Delegation at Kowloon Technical School today, promoting the outcomes of the activity among more young people and various sectors of the society.

About 250 student representatives of the delegation from tertiary institutions, secondary and primary schools shared their learning experiences during the five-day visit to Beijing.

Speaking at the session, Chief Secretary Chan Kwok-ki described the delegation as a high-level "walking classroom", which enabled students to feel for themselves the national dignity represented by the national flag and the national anthem through the solemn flag-raising ceremony at Tiananmen Square.

He said that this deepened their understanding of the symbolic meaning of the national flag, and strengthened their sense of national identity and patriotism.

Mr Chan said that students experienced at first hand our country's journey from arduous struggle to the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation from the country's millennia-old cultural heritage to the development achievements of the new era.

He added that the delegation was received in person by Member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Vice Premier of the State Council Ding Xuexiang, and by the Director of the Hong Kong and Macao Work Office of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council Xia Baolong at the Great Hall of the People.

“Mr Ding conveyed the cordial remarks and exhortations of President Xi and the Central Government to the young people from Hong Kong and Macao, enabling students to feel the care and expectations of the Central Authorities for Hong Kong and Macao young people, and to understand more deeply the important meaning carried by the national flag,” Mr Chan said.

He emphasised that patriotic education has all along been a top priority of the work of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government. Hong Kong's First Five-Year Plan and the 2026 Policy Address also list the promotion of patriotic education as a key task.

He noted that today's learning outcomes sharing session aims to pass on more widely and further what the students learned in Beijing, so that more young people may gain a deeper understanding of the important meaning of the national flag and feel more deeply our country's care and concern for young people.

He said the Government will continue to join hands with various sectors of the society and, through rich and diverse means, enable young people to build a firm sense of national identity, national confidence and a sense of responsibility through first-hand experience.

Today's sharing session began with a flag-raising ceremony. A joint team formed by flag-raising teams of the Association of Hong Kong Flag-guards and the Hong Kong Army Cadets Association, drawing on the experience of exchanges and interaction in Beijing with the People's Liberation Army Ceremonial Escort Battalion, conducted a solemn flag-raising ceremony. Booths were also set up at the session for members of the delegation to introduce their learning experience in Beijing.

Around 1,200 flag-raising team representatives, teachers, students and youth group representatives from Hong Kong and Macao joined the delegation’s thematic activity in Beijing from September 18 to 22.

The Government announced today that the Minimum Allowable Wage for foreign domestic helpers (FDHs) in Hong Kong will be increased by 2.35%, from $5,100 to $5,220 per month.

The new minimum wage level will apply to all FDH contracts signed on or after tomorrow. FDH contracts signed today or earlier at the existing rate will still be processed by the Immigration Department, provided that the applications reach the department no later than October 30.

The Government explained that in reviewing the minimum wage, it had, in accordance with an established mechanism, considered factors including Hong Kong’s general economic performance and labour market conditions over the past year, the city's near-term economic outlook, employer affordability and the basic living needs of FDHs.

The Government also consulted employers and FDHs throughout the review process.

It stated that it decided to adjust the minimum wage level after carefully assessing and balancing the views of all parties, taking into account that this year's socio-economic factors are more favourable than those of last year's review.

The Government also reviewed the food allowance in lieu of free food, and decided that the level should remain unchanged, at no less than $1,236 per month.

Hong Kong has five universities among the top 100 in the World University Rankings 2027, published by Times Higher Education (THE).

Commenting today, the Education Bureau highlighted that two of the city’s ranked institutions had gained higher positions in the latest rankings.

It said the results demonstrate the robust strengths of Hong Kong’s higher education system and its world-class standing in terms of teaching, research, and international outlook.

It added that the rankings reflect the Government’s investment of resources and its policy support over the years, both of which have laid a solid foundation for the city’s higher education institutions.

In the latest rankings, the University of Hong Kong ranks 33rd globally; the Chinese University ranks 42nd; and the University of Science & Technology ranks 58th. City University and Polytechnic University have risen to 70th and 79th respectively.

The bureau said the consistent high international rankings of Hong Kong’s universities not only reflect the local higher education sector's excellence, but also bear witness to the Government’s proactive leadership in policy measures aimed at driving innovation and change, as well as expanding capacity while enhancing quality.

It added that the Government will continue to spare no effort in promoting the sector's comprehensive integration into overall national development, contributing to China’s development as a leading country in education.

Looking ahead, the bureau said that with the advent of Hong Kong’s First Five-Year Plan, the city’s higher education is ushering in a golden period of development full of promising potential.

“We will continue to promote the all-round connectivity in areas such as talent training, frontier scientific research, and industry-academia-research collaboration, optimise resource allocation, support various institutions in consolidating their existing advantages while pioneering innovation, and nurture more outstanding talent equipped with both international perspective and exceptional capabilities, thereby making greater contributions to the long-term prosperity and stability of Hong Kong and the country.”

The Government stated today that public healthcare institutions have consistently prioritised the employment of locally trained personnel when recruiting healthcare professionals. The statement was issued in response to public discussions regarding nursing manpower planning in Hong Kong, adding that such discussions should be grounded objective facts and data to foster consensus.

Although the nurse attrition rate within the Hospital Authority has dropped from a peak of 10.9% to 5.4%, approximately 3,200 vacancies remain unfilled with recruitment ongoing. In 2025, around 3,500 of the 4,000 prospective nursing graduates qualified as Registered Nurses (RNs) or Enrolled Nurses (ENs), with about 60% applying for positions within the authority.

These figures demonstrate that graduates diversify into various sectors, including private healthcare institutions, elderly services and rehabilitation, community nursing, insurance and health management. Notably, approximately 99% of applicants who completed the interview or assessment process for RN posts within the authority received an offer of appointment.

As of the end of 2025, over 30,000 of Hong Kong’s 75,000 RNs and ENs were employed within the public healthcare system, representing roughly 40% of the total workforce. Given that nursing practice spans hospitals, primary care, community and elderly services, rehabilitation and other health service sectors, the Government noted that manpower supply and demand must be assessed holistically across the entire market.

Furthermore, approximately 99.8% of RNs serving in the authority are locally trained, confirming that local professionals remain the backbone of public healthcare. The Government affirmed it will continue to promote regional healthcare collaboration and professional exchanges while strictly safeguarding employment priority for locally trained professionals.

Plans are also underway to strengthen manpower training for primary healthcare and advance professional systems to enhance service quality and maximise the professional functions of nurses. Addressing broader roles, the Government stressed that the Health & Care Practitioner (HCP) rank is a dedicated welfare-sector role that should not be confused with ENs due to distinct scopes of practice.

Acknowledging broader recruitment pressures, the Health Bureau noted that private hospitals face similar shortages, with one facility reporting 40 vacancies but receiving only 25 applications over the past year. In response to an ageing population, the Government reiterated its commitment to driving cross-sectoral collaboration and manpower planning based on service needs and manpower data to ensure that healthcare and nursing services in Hong Kong can continue to meet the needs of society.

The Government hopes that all sectors of the community will exchange views on healthcare manpower development and professional training based on facts and data, and work together to foster the sustainable development of the city's healthcare system.

Secretary for Education Choi Yuk-lin led the "18th National Day & Professional Exchange Delegation from Hong Kong Education Sector" in visiting a state leader and Ministry of Education officials in Beijing.

Ms Choi and the delegates were received by Vice-Chairperson of the National People's Congress Standing Committee Tie Ning at the Great Hall of the People this afternoon. They also met and exchanged views with officials from the ministry.

Ms Choi remarked that this year marks the 77th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, the 105th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China, and the opening year of the National 15th Five-Year Plan.

She said it was highly significant for Hong Kong's education sector to visit Beijing ahead of National Day, on October 1, and to celebrate the motherland's birthday and experience a jubilant festive atmosphere with people in the capital.

Ms Choi highlighted that last week the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government announced its First Five-Year Plan, which aligns with the National 15th Five-Year Plan. She outlined that the Hong Kong's education sector faces multiple tasks, including digital education, talent cultivation and the integration of industry and education.

She said: “The delegation enabled teachers to gain insight into the latest education developments of the country and share experiences with Chinese Mainland teachers in areas such as operation models, curricula and teaching arrangements of schools at all levels.

“It not only broadened their horizons but also fostered exchanges between the education sectors of both places, providing important references for the future development of Hong Kong's education and laying a foundation for deeper collaboration.” 

Ms Choi and the delegation subsequently attended a banquet hosted by the Ministry of Education, where they engaged in in-depth discussions regarding professional connections and mutual learning between the education sectors of the two places.

Ms Choi and the delegation members will conclude their visit and return to Hong Kong tomorrow.

The Labour & Welfare Bureau today published its Mid-term Update of Manpower Projection report, predicting that Hong Kong's overall manpower shortage will narrow from the previous projection of approximately 180,000 to some 130,000 by 2028.

The report indicates that the city’s overall manpower shortage has been alleviated, benefiting from various talent admission and labour importation measures implemented by the Government over the past three years.

Secretary for Labour & Welfare Chris Sun said the mid-term update reflects the Government’s measures have effectively stabilised the labour force.

“However, manpower demand in certain industries remains acute. In response to the job reshaping driven by artificial intelligence (AI), the Government will continue to collaborate with all parties to formulate targeted measures.

“In addition to strengthening retraining mechanisms and providing flexible skill-conversion programmes for elderly and middle-aged employees, we will enhance the employment support for young graduates and explore incentives for employers and employees to engage in on-the-job retraining.

“The Government will adopt a multipronged approach to assist workers at all levels in equipping themselves to step into the new era of AI.”

The report finds that economic restructuring and the adoption of AI adoption have moderated growth in demand for manpower, at the same time as admission schemes have supplemented parts of the labour force. Nevertheless, the manpower situation across most key industries –  particularly innovation and technology, aviation, construction, everyday services and healthcare services – remains tight.

About 60% percentage of the overall manpower shortage over the next three years is projected to be concentrated in two categories – skilled technical workers, and services and sales workers. This is due to workforce ageing and difficulties in attracting younger entrants.

Looking ahead to 2028, the overall labour force, driven by continued population ageing, is projected to decrease gradually to approximately 3.4 million even after accounting for various new entrants.

The report includes analysis of the profound impact of AI on the labour market.

Research indicates that adoption of AI in applicable roles will boost individual productivity by 20% to 30%. Companies are currently managing the transition through natural attrition and the risk of large-scale layoffs in the short term remains relatively low. However, approximately 20% to 30% of positions, primarily clerical roles, will face restructuring.

The Government will continue to promote “AI for All” and support lifelong learning, ensuring that skills in the labour force remain aligned with Hong Kong's future economy.

The “‘Salute to the National Flag’ Hong Kong & Macau Youth Flag-Raising Teams’ Beijing Visit Delegation”, led by Chief Secretary Chan Kwok-ki, was received today by Member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Vice Premier of the State Council Ding Xuexiang at the Great Hall of the People.

Mr Chan expressed deep gratitude to Mr Ding for personally guiding the Hong Kong and Macau youths, and even more so to the nation for providing this valuable opportunity for students to take part in the solemn flag‑raising ceremony at Tiananmen Square and experience the historical culture and development achievements of the capital.

The Chief Secretary said this was a rare and profound patriotic education experience. During the solemn flag‑raising ceremony, students felt the dignity of the national flag and anthem up close, deepening their understanding of the symbolic meaning of the flag, as well as the national situation and development.

Through a rich itinerary of visits, the students also gained a genuine appreciation of the challenges and accomplishments of the nation’s journey from history to rejuvenation, further strengthening their national identity, their sense of national pride, affection for and sense of belonging to it.

Mr Chan emphasised that the trip was of great significance for promoting patriotic education in Hong Kong’s primary and secondary schools.

In addition to textbook learning, he explained, bringing students to the sites of national history and culture allows them to experience emotions firsthand and deepen their understanding through real stories, which greatly contributes to patriotic education.

Mr Chan said the delegation’s itinerary organically integrated national flag education, history education, cultural education and national development education, making patriotism more concrete, vivid and powerful in the hearts of students, guiding them to consciously safeguard national sovereignty, security and development interests, and aspiring to become a new generation that loves the country and Hong Kong, and is willing to take responsibility.

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 Government today rolled out three sites in the Hung Shui Kiu (HSK) University Town campus area for eligible post-secondary institutions to apply for, and will provide loan arrangements to support their campus construction. 

The campus sites have a total area of around 26 hectares: Area (1) of approximately 16.5 hectares, Area (2) of approximately 5.3 hectares and Area (3) of approximately 4.4 hectares. The application deadline is December 31.

The First Five-Year Plan 2026 Policy Address announced that the Government will develop the San Tin, HSK and Ta Kwu Ling University Towns in the Northern Metropolis (NM).

Located in the HSK/Ha Tsuen New Development Area, HSK University Town’s campus area and adjoining technology and industry areas, including the HSK Industry Park, the Lau Fau Shan Digital Technology Hub, the Yuen Long InnoPark and the Hong Kong Microelectronics Research and Development Institute, will be developed as a Centre for Applied Post-secondary Education in Smart Manufacturing and Global Talent Cultivation.

The plan is to drive NM development with university towns, fostering the integrated development of education, technology and talent, further supporting post-secondary education to expand capacity and enhancing quality. This also helps consolidate Hong Kong's position as an international education hub.

A Designated Vetting Group led by the Chief Secretary will be set up to facilitate the holistic consolidation and development planning of the university towns. It will be responsible for reviewing the proposals submitted by institutions, as well as approving and deciding on campus area sites and loan proposals.

Subsequently, the Government will grant the sites to successful institutions at a nominal land premium by way of private treaty grants, and the relevant loan proposals will be submitted to the Legislative Council's Finance Committee for approval according to established procedures.

The Government encourages interested institutions to plan their development in the Northern Metropolis University Town more comprehensively according to the positioning and functions of different university towns to give full play to the vision of empowering the development of the NM through teaching and research.

The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate increased from 3.7% in the May to July period to 3.8% in three months from June to August, the Census & Statistics Department announced today.

The underemployment rate also rose from 1.7% to 1.9% during the same period.

The number of unemployed persons (not seasonally adjusted) increased by around 8,200 to 153,900 in the June to August period, while the labour force rose by around 12,600 to 3,805,900.

Looking ahead, Secretary for Labour & Welfare Chris Sun said the continued expansion of the local economy is expected to underpin overall labour market conditions, though employment situations across various industries will continue to hinge on their respective business conditions.

He added that the potential impacts of evolving external uncertainties on corporate hiring sentiments still warrant attention.

The 2026 Policy Address, delivered this morning by Chief Executive John Lee, includes extensive measures to support youth employment and the elderly, and to promote fertility.

Among other policies, Mr Lee announced the launch of a youth employment scheme, increased newborn baby bonuses, and an expansion of voucher schemes for the elderly.

The two-year “30,000 Youth Employment & Internship Programme” is designed to facilitate youth employment and development, especially among those with limited or no work experience. The Government will mobilise the business sector, including major employer and trade associations, to provide an additional 10,000 full‑time jobs lasting six months or more within a two‑year period starting from the first quarter of next year. The jobs will be open to young people newly entering the workforce, with the Government providing a portion of the wages.

In addition, the Home & Youth Affairs Bureau (HYAB) will launch an International Young Talent Exchange Base before the end of the year. The base will offer a new HYAB-United Nations Youth Leaders Internship Programme, providing internship placements at various United Nations agencies.

Eleven measures in total were outlined to promote fertility in Hong Kong.

These include an extension of the $20,000 newborn baby bonus for another three years, and an increase in bonuses for a second or subsequent child from $20,000 to $30,000, with the increase taking effect immediately for children born today or later. The relevant tax allowance for a second or subsequent child will increase from $140,000 to $160,000, with this rate being effective for two years following childbirth.

In addition, eligible families purchasing a residential property within the period of one year preceding or two years following the birth of a child will be granted a stamp duty waiver of up to $20,000. The maximum mortgage loan-to-value ratio for White Form family applicants with newborns will be raised to 95% starting from the next Home Ownership Scheme sales exercise.

Moreover, the Hospital Authority will increase the provision of in-vitro fertilisation treatment in phases over the next three years to 1,900 treatment cycles per year, and the Primary Healthcare Commission will gradually extend its free pre-pregnancy, antenatal and postnatal classes to all District Health Centres (DHCs) and DHC Expresses. The Family Planning Association of Hong Kong will launch a publicity campaign this year to promote healthy fertility.

Other measures include setting up three more aided standalone child care centres, which are expected to provide around 1,800 additional day care places for children under the age of three by the end of 2030. The School-based After School Care Service Scheme will be regularised starting from the 2027-28 school year, and professional support for the After School Care Programme for Pre-primary Children will be strengthened.

With regard to Hong Kong’s elderly population, the Government will strive to foster a sense of security and worth among senior residents, in adherence with the principle of promoting “ageing in place as the core, with institutional care as back-up”.

The number of Community Care Service Vouchers for the Elderly will be increased by 2,000 to 18,000 in the 2027-28 financial year, while the number of Residential Care Service Vouchers for the Elderly will rise by 1,000 to 8,000.

Five new subsidised day care facilities, providing about 200 services places, and five new Neighbourhood Elderly Centres, expected to serve about 5,000 persons each year, will be set up. Three new residential care homes for the elderly will also be set up, providing about 400 places.

A sum of $100 million will be earmarked for the launch of the Gerontechnology Promotion Scheme, which will support local technology enterprises in developing elderly-care products and solution. In addition, a mobile version of the JoyYou Card will be launched before the end of this year, bringing added convenience to elderly users.

View Chapter VII of the Chief Executive's Policy Address for more details.

Major development initiatives were unveiled today in Chief Executive John Lee’s Policy Address to expedite the development of the Northern Metropolis (NM).

Noting the development of the NM is well underway, Mr Lee elaborated today that construction works have begun at four new development areas while site formation work for the site in Ngau Tam Mei will start next year. As for the remaining four new development areas, statutory planning and related procedures will begin in the coming year.

The Government will continue to streamline procedures, including using a digital platform to shorten the approval time for works projects by three to six months, reducing the time for the first approval for building plans of new railway projects by half to 30 days, and optimising foundation designs to save about $1.4 billion in the construction costs of NM public housing.

Furthermore, the Government will expand the application scope of the Hong Kong Environmental Database by optimising planning with artificial intelligence to reduce the time needed for the environmental impact assessment (EIA) process to about 15 to 24 months from about 36 to 48 months. For NM-related projects, the time needed for the EIA process will be targeted at about 15 to 20 months.

The Government will introduce an amendment bill into the Legislative Council by year-end, providing preferential tax rates of 5%, or half-rate, for selected enterprises operating in key sectors such as finance, advanced manufacturing, innovation and technology (I&T), as well as research and development (R&D), headquarters activities, and logistics and supply chain management.

At the back of the layout, three university towns exceeding 1,000 hectares will be developed in San Tin, Hung Shui Kiu and Ta Kwu Ling under “One Town, Five Elements” framework, covering education, technology, industry, talent, and urban development.

Construction of Building 1 of the Loop Hong Kong Park at San Tin University Town is scheduled for completion by year-end, with applications for Hung Shui Kiu campus construction opening within this year. An upgraded committee led by the Chief Secretary will steer research outcome transformations.

To dovetail with the development of the NM University Towns, the Government will expand the capacity of post-secondary. Measures include increasing UGC-funded research postgraduate places by around 30% to 9,600 by 2030-31 academic year, boosting Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme quotas from 400 to 550 from 2027-28 to 2029-30 academic years, and adding $20 million annually for knowledge transfer starting 2027-28 academic year.

Visit Chapter V of the Chief Executive’s Policy Address for more details.

Chief Executive John Lee today outlined specific measures in his Policy Address to reinforce Hong Kong’s strategic position, concentrating heavily on driving the city's growth as an innovation and technology (I&T) centre and an international education hub under the framework of the “Four Centres and One Hub”.

To develop Hong Kong into an international I&T centre, the Government will establish a new Task Group on Frontier Technology.

The administration is taking comprehensive action to co-ordinate the application and risk governance of artificial intelligence (AI) by appointing a Commissioner for AI, promoting AI adoption across key sectors and implementing a seven-point risk-governance strategy.

In aerospace, a new Special Call on Aerospace Technology will support national space missions.

Additionally, the United Nations Industrial Development Organization will establish its first Asia-Pacific centre of excellence on global advanced manufacturing in Hong Kong by the second quarter of next year.

To drive growth of the low-altitude economy, an Action Plan will launch cross-boundary logistics trial flights and initiate drafting legislation for heavy unconventional aircraft.

In parallel, the Government is deepening the development of Hong Kong as an international education hub to power the city’s talent ecosystem.

To support non-local talent retention, the pilot arrangement allowing graduates from the GBA campuses of Hong Kong universities to seek employment in Hong Kong under the Immigration Arrangements for Non-local Graduates will be extended for two years.

The administration is also actively expanding student accommodation by putting the first dedicated student hostel site up for sale within this financial year and supporting the Hong Kong Direct Subsidy Scheme Schools Council to formulate a Code of Practice for Operating Student Hostels.

Furthermore, sites in the Northern Metropolis or other areas will be allocated next year for international school development.

Visit Chapter III of the Chief Executive’s Policy Address for more details.

Hong Kong has set out a roadmap to become an international Innovation and Technology (I&T) centre and a hub for high-calibre talent, as Chief Executive John Lee unveiled the city’s First Five-Year Plan. 

Capitalising on the basic scientific research capabilities of five local universities ranked among the world’s top 100, the plan focuses on advancing international frontier technologies and deepening systemic I&T reforms.

At the heart of this transformation is a new “north-central-south” spatial layout anchored by three major tech hubs: the Hong Kong Park area of the Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science & Technology Innovation Co-operation Zone and the San Tin Technopole in the north, the Science Park in the central region, and Cyberport in the south. The city is going full steam ahead with the development of these three major I&T parks.

The plan also states that it will accelerate the development of five key research and development (R&D) institutions – the Hong Kong Productivity Council, the Hong Kong Applied Science & Technology Research Institute, and newly established institutes for microelectronics, artificial intelligence, and life and health technology. 

These bodies will work alongside the “dual base” of State Key Laboratories in Hong Kong and InnoHK research clusters.

To advance new industrialisation, the government will support traditional industries to upgrade and transform while prioritising strategic emerging sectors like the aerospace and marine economies. Preparations are also underway for future industries, including quantum technology and embodied intelligence. 

The Government will promote artificial intelligence (AI) as a core industry for Hong Kong’s future development and empower different sectors of the economy through AI technology. It will enhance the AI ecosystem in multiple dimensions and continue to take forward the AI+ Initiative on all fronts.

According to the plan, Hong Kong is also positioning itself as an international health and medical innovation hub. The Government will reform the regulatory regime for medical products by establishing the Centre for Medical Products Regulation and implementing a “primary evaluation” system by 2030. 

Furthermore, a comprehensive clinical trial infrastructure and digital portal will be built and the Government will fully implement the interfacing of clinical trial resources between Hong Kong and Shenzhen.

To sustain this growth, Hong Kong is solidifying its global reach and talent pipeline.

The Government will promote the "Study in Hong Kong" brand, update the Talent List, and promote the integrated development of education, technology and talent to enhance the city’s capabilities in nurturing and attracting high-calibre talent. 

Visit Part 2 of Hong Kong’s First Five-Year Plan for more details.

Hong Kong will play an active role in advancing the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) to develop a first-class, international bay area by leveraging its strong connections with the Mainland.

Introducing the city’s First Five-Year Plan, Chief Executive John Lee today highlighted that the GBA serves as a strategic fulcrum of the country’s new development paradigm, demonstrating high-quality development while pioneering Chinese modernisation.

Hong Kong’s participation in the GBA’s development will help to elevate the region into a first-class bay area with international influence. Through the "high-end research and development advanced manufacturing-modern services" collaboration model, the city will develop an innovation and technology industry chain.

Under the Five-Year Plan, Hong Kong will continue to promote the “hard connectivity” of infrastructure by advancing cross-boundary railway projects and promoting the interconnectivity of computing infrastructure with other GBA cities, thereby expediting the formation of large intelligent computing clusters.

The city will facilitate the mutual recognition of professional qualifications in the GBA and align healthcare services and regulatory frameworks in the area. It will also enhance the mutual capital market access mechanism and facilitate the flow of personnel, materials, capital and data.

The plan also pledges to strengthen cooperation between Hong Kong’s higher education institutions and those in the GBA cities, and the Residential Care Services Scheme in Guangdong will be expanded.

The city will also create an international collaboration network. This co-operative alliance will deepen regional collaboration with the Mainland, as well as international co-operation and exchanges.

Guided by the Five-Year Plan, Hong Kong will actively participate in the work of international organisations, promote Chinese standards and deepen participation in high-quality Belt & Road cooperation.

Visit Part 4 of Hong Kong’s First Five-Year Plan for more details.

Development across the Northern Metropolis (NM) will spearhead Hong Kong’s spatial layout optimisation, anchoring Chief Executive John Lee’s First Five-Year Plan announced today with a focus on education, technology and economic expansion.

The blueprint expands the area of the three University Towns – San Tin, Hung Shui Kiu and Ta Kwu Ling – to over 1,000 hectares to form an area for talent development.

Guided by the “One Town, Five Elements” layout, the university towns integrate education, technology, industry, talent and urban development. Campus areas spanning 300 hectares will connect directly to adjacent strategic industry areas, distinctive conservation areas, recreational and cultural facilities and surrounding living communities.

According to the Plan, San Tin University Town is positioned to focus on medicine, life and health technology, artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, microelectronics and emerging industries. Construction will commence on the medical school of The Hong Kong University of Science & Technology alongside an integrated medical teaching and research hospital.

Hung Shui Kiu University Town will serve as a cultivation centre for smart manufacturing, applied post-secondary education and internationalised talent, with campus site allocations commencing in 2026 and post-secondary institutions moving in between 2027 and 2028.

Ta Kwu Ling University Town, meanwhile, will incorporate arts and blue-green development elements while reserving strategic space for future needs. Sites will be made available progressively from 2030 onwards to support the development of emerging industries, advanced construction industries, traditional industries and new industries.

To build a technology-driven industry-academia-research collaborative innovation system, the Government will expedite the development of the Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science & Technology Innovation Co-operation Zone under the vision of “one river, two banks” and “one zone, two parks”. Spatial layout, planning coordination and infrastructure connectivity between the Hong Kong and Shenzhen Parks will be aligned to facilitate the secure, efficient and convenient flow of personnel, materials, capital and data.

Additionally, the San Tin Technopole, the Sandy Ridge Data Facility Cluster, the Hung Shui Kiu Industry Park and modern logistics cluster, the Lau Fau Shan Digital Technology Hub, the Advanced Construction Industrial Park in Yuen Long South will form a platform for diversified industry development, and the Ta Kwu Ling New Development Area will serve as a base for emerging industries.

Land supply initiatives will make available about 900 hectares of “spade-ready sites” from 2026-27 to 2030-31, enabling the provision of over 70,000 housing units and 1 million square metres of economic floor space.

The Government will enact the Northern Metropolis Development Ordinance and its subsidiary legislation to streamline control throughout the development process and expedite bringing in industries.

On the transport front, infrastructure will press full steam ahead under the “Eight Vertical and Eight Horizontal Corridors” layout. Priority projects include the Northern Link Spur Line, the Hong Kong section of the Hong Kong-Shenzhen Western Rail Link, the Northern Metropolis Highway (San Tin Section), and the Tsing Lung Bridge at the Southern end of Route 11.

Railway accessibility will expand as Kwu Tung Station on the East Rail Line and Hung Shui Kiu Station on the Tuen Ma Line commence operation in 2027 and 2030, respectively.

Visit Part 3 of Hong Kong’s First Five-Year Plan for more details.

Chief Executive John Lee outlined today that under its First Five-Year Plan Hong Kong will enhance social well-being and refine the social protection framework.

Launching the plan, he said the Government will address challenges arising from demographic changes and pursue enhancements across various policy areas, including education, social development and healthcare.

In terms of advancing Hong Kong’s education, the plan’s commitments include promoting the progressive integration of AI into learning, teaching and assessment, and fostering a humanistic spirit of “Technology for Good” among students and through the curriculum.

Digital education will be strengthened across mathematics, science and technology, with teachers being given more scope to cultivate innovation among children. The compilation of teaching materials and the mechanism for reviewing textbooks will be enhanced.

At the same time, efforts will be made to nurture a new generation of students with both an affection for China and Hong Kong and a global perspective, and to cultivate cross-functional and multi-skilled talent by advancing the high-quality development of vocational and professional education and training.

The five-year plan also seeks to foster the development of young people, women, families and a harmonious society.

Youth development opportunities will be enhanced through support for exchanges, internships and employment, as well as entrepreneurial endeavours, while women will be empowered to realise their potential and pursue high-quality career development.

Family values will be promoted, and family bonds, education and traditions strengthened, while Hong Kong’s religious communities will be supported to sustain their efforts in fostering social harmony and inclusion. The Government will also strengthen communication with and facilitate the development of rural communities, and enhance support for ethnic minorities.

In the area of healthcare, the plan aims to improve governance and infrastructure and deepen reforms.

A sustainable governance system for primary healthcare will be developed, along with co-ordinated and coherent multi-disciplinary, evidence-based service and referral standards. The synergised development of the family doctor system will be enhanced across both public and private sectors through the establishment of a statutory register of primary healthcare service providers.

In addition, the number of cumulative beneficiaries of District Health Centres is to reach one million within five years, and resource allocation for primary healthcare programmes will be steadily increased to about 30% above the current level by 2030-31.

Meanwhile, reforms to the public healthcare service subsidisation structure will be deepened, so as to enhance the protection for “poor, acute, serious, critical” patients on all fronts and make the healthcare system more sustainable.

On healthcare infrastructure, works projects under the First Hospital Development Plan will be launched, with the total number of hospital beds under the Hospital Authority reaching about 35,000 in 2031, and the number of operating theatres reaching about 360.

Also under the plan, the disease prevention and control system and smart anti-epidemic measures will be strengthened. An “integrated epidemic management system” will be built to consolidate frontline defence against communicable diseases.

Visit Part 5 of Hong Kong's First Five-Year Plan for more details.