Chief Executive John Lee marks fourth anniversary in office, declines to comment on re-election

Chief Executive John Lee gave interviews to multiple electronic media outlets to review his fourth anniversary in office. He stated that Hong Kong’s economy has continued to grow during his tenure, and the government has resolved several long-standing issues, including the banning of substandard subdivided flats and regulating ride-hailing platforms. On the widely discussed question of re-election, Lee said it is “still too early to say” and that he will focus on the coming year’s work. Reflecting on the city’s biggest change over the past four years, he said it was the shift from Hong Kong’s “one country, two systems” practice where the “two systems” resisted “one country” to genuinely implementing the principle’s essence. He added that it is more important for Hong Kong to recognise that its opportunities lie in the mainland. Lee also thanked Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office Director Xia Baolong for his inspection visit and for giving the SAR government four affirmations.

Lee: Public housing waiting time drops to eight-year low, talent schemes exceed targets

In his interviews, Lee said the average waiting time for public rental housing has dropped to 4.7 years, an eight-year low. He expressed encouragement: “I’m, of course, encouraged by the result, because that’s exactly what I want to do when I assumed office – to alleviate the pressing livelihood issues.” The government aims to further shorten the waiting time to 4.5 years by next year. Lee also revealed that over 290,000 professionals have come to Hong Kong through talent schemes, exceeding the government’s target. He described global talent competition as a “competitive game”: “Talent is something that if it is on your side, it will help you. If it’s on the opposite side, then it will be very much against you.” Incoming talent is estimated to have contributed about 1.2% to Hong Kong’s GDP.

Hong Kong’s global competitiveness rises to second, highest since 2019

The IMD World Competitiveness Ranking 2026 placed Hong Kong second globally, up one spot and its highest ranking since 2019. Among the four competitiveness factors, Hong Kong ranked second in “government efficiency” and third in “business efficiency.” A government spokesperson said Hong Kong has become a “value hub,” offering both security and growth opportunities amid a rapidly changing geopolitical landscape.

Wang Fai Court fire: Lee says accountability based on facts and evidence, actively considering criminalising bid-rigging

More than half a year after the fire at Tai Po’s Wang Fai Court, Lee said the independent committee’s work is progressing in line with expectations and he is confident the report will be completed within the required nine months. He stressed that accountability will be pursued in a fair and just manner based on facts and evidence, and the government will seriously implement the report’s recommendations. Lee also said the government will actively consider criminalising bid-rigging in building maintenance.

Northern Metropolis专属 legislation: Government reiterates no plan to expand scope

The government submitted its proposal for dedicated legislation for the Northern Metropolis to the Legislative Council, reiterating that it has no current plan to extend the legislation’s scope beyond the Northern Metropolis. After the law takes effect, implementation arrangements will be regularly reviewed, and progress reports will be submitted to LegCo annually. The Development Bureau said the streamlined procedures under the proposed legislation will not apply to conservation zones such as “nature conservation areas” or “country parks.” The authorities believe the proposal strikes a balance between market development needs and nature conservation.

Government releases targeted poverty alleviation report, abandons poverty line definition

The government released the “Hong Kong Targeted Poverty Alleviation Outcomes Report.” Chief Secretary Eric Chan said the government has identified three target groups – subdivided flat residents, single-parent families, and elderly singleton households – and tailors targeted projects to their needs. Government sources said there is no longer a need to define poverty, and the focus should be on the needs of target groups. LegCo member (Election Committee) the Rev. Paul Kwong, who also chairs the Hong Kong Council of Social Service, endorsed the report’s direction and suggested the government could consider offering tax incentives to the business sector to encourage support programmes.

Housing Authority launches two new housing schemes, applications open in September

The Housing Authority approved two new schemes. The first expands the “Rental Scheme for Unsubsidised Sale Flats” to eligible White Form applicants, with a pilot quota of 3,000 places. The second introduces the “Elderly Owner Home-swap Scheme.” LegCo member and Housing Authority committee member Leung Kwok-wong expressed support, saying it would revitalise the Home Ownership Scheme rental market and allow elderly owners to have extra cash after swapping flats to supplement retirement. However, he expressed concern that the quarterly “rental permit fee” paid by owners might push up rents, contrary to the policy’s intent, and hoped for a reduction in the future.

Two black rainstorms in one day sets record, New Territories northwest hardest hit

The Observatory issued black rainstorm warnings twice yesterday – the first time on record. Rainfall exceeded 160 mm in parts of the western and northern New Territories. Severe flooding and flash floods hit Yuen Long, San Tin, Sheung Shui, and Ta Kwu Ling. In Tuen Mun, a private car was nearly submerged by floodwater at Tai Yuen Road, with the female driver managing to abandon the vehicle and escape. The Drainage Services Department deployed over 110 emergency response teams and used the powerful “dragon water pump” drainage robot to clear flooding. As of last night, 19 flooding cases were confirmed, with 16 already cleared. Wong Tai Sin district councilor Yu Keung-keung said the district had long established a comprehensive flood prevention checklist, and various departments have multiple contingency measures in place for red and black rainstorms.

Man Kam To border crossing closed for four hours due to flooding, trade says supply unaffected

The Man Kam To control point suspended passenger and clearance services for about four hours due to facility flooding caused by heavy rain, with full resumption by 8 pm. The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department flexibly redeployed staff to the Heung Yuen Wai boundary control point to set up a temporary food inspection office for live food vehicles. Hui Wai-kin, chairman of the Hong Kong Pork Merchants Association, said a brief disruption would have limited impact on fresh pork supply, and he believed the market could largely be replenished after reopening. LegCo member (agriculture and fisheries) Chan Pok-chi said the closure was short, and the industry described the FEHD’s contingency plan as sufficient to meet market demand.

Airport knife robbery: Man robbed of HK$7 million in gold bars

A knife-point robbery occurred at Chek Lap Kok Airport in the early hours of yesterday. A 36-year-old man surnamed Wu was intercepted by three knife-wielding robbers in Car Park 3 at the airport, who stole his backpack containing about 6 kg of gold bars worth approximately HK$7 million. The victim sustained slash wounds to his hands and legs and was taken to hospital. It is understood that Wu had been instructed to collect the gold bars in Bali, Indonesia, and was attacked while retrieving his car upon return. Police are hunting three suspects aged between 20 and 30.

Lai King Estate deaths: Stepfather found hanged, elderly mother dies

At about 1 pm today, police received a report from a 56-year-old woman that her 71-year-old stepfather was found hanged inside a flat at Fung King House, Lai King Estate, while her 80-year-old mother was found lying on a bed with her head covered by a quilt. Both were sent to hospital, where the mother was later pronounced dead. The cause of the incident is under investigation.