WK Lo’s LegCo Express
May 2025
1. Released a report on “Developing Hong Kong into an international healthcare hub”
On 21 May, together with the BPAHK members, I released a research report on “Developing Hong Kong into an international healthcare hub”. It focuses on seven key sectors: biotech, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, traditional Chinese medicine, medical tourism, medical education, and medical aesthetics. Key recommendations include attracting global enterprises, enhancing innovation and AI application, improving regulatory frameworks, promoting cross-border professional recognition, and expanding medical education. The report urges the government to form a dedicated task force to coordinate policies, secure central support, and drive comprehensive industry development, positioning Hong Kong as Asia’s leading healthcare and medical innovation center.
2. Raised an oral question regarding “Combating the offence of shopfront extension”
At the LegCo meeting on 21 May, I raised concerns about the enforcement of penalties for shopfront extension offences after the fixed penalty was raised to $6,000 in 2023. I noted that some law enforcement officers opt to prosecute under the Summary Offences Ordinance via summons instead of issuing Fixed Penalty Notices (FPNs), resulting in fines not exceeding $2,000 when defendants plead guilty by letter, which may weaken the deterrent effect. I requested data on FPNs and summonses issued since the penalty increase. I also asked whether the Government regularly reviews enforcement criteria and officers' discretionary powers, and whether measures have been considered to ensure proportionality and consistency in sentencing. For my question and government’s reply, please visit the following link:
https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202505/21/P2025052100427.htm?fontSize=3
3. Finished scrutiny on Buildings Energy Efficiency (Amendment) Bill 2025
The Buildings Energy Efficiency (Amendment) Bill 2025 (“the Bill”) was published in the Gazette on 21 March 2025 and received its First Reading at the Council meeting of 26 March 2025. The Bill seeks to amend Cap. 610 and its subsidiary legislation to (a) regulate the buildings energy efficiency standards of building services installations for all data centres in Hong Kong; (b) require more buildings to conduct regular energy audits; (c) shorten the intervals of energy audits; (d) provide for publication of certain technical information in energy audit reports; and (e) include more qualifications eligible for registration as Registered Energy Assessor. As Chairman of the Bills Committee, I held two meetings and completed scrutiny on the Bill in May. The Bill was resumed the Second Reading debate at the Council meeting of 11 June 2025.
4. Joined the Subcommittee on Two Items of Subsidiary Legislation Made under the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance
The Subcommittee on Two Items of Subsidiary Legislation Made under the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance has concluded its review of two pieces of subsidiary legislation related to the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance. The review process included a meeting with the Administration and a thorough question-and-answer session with Legislative Council members on 15 May. The subcommittee's work focused on scrutinizing the legislation concerning the powers of the Office for Safeguarding National Security and the declaration of prohibited places.
5. Public projects approved at the PWSC and FC meetings
On 7 May, a funding project of HK$13.76 billion was approved at the PWSC meeting for the construction of Second Phase Development of Yuen Long South New Development Area – site formation and engineering infrastructure works. On 21 May, a funding project of HK$77.4 million was approved to carry out site formation and infrastructure works to support the public housing development at Ngau Chi Wan Village, Wong Tai Sin. Those projects, together with others will be submitted to the FC for further approval.
On 9 May, FC members approved the creation of a new commitment of HK$200 million under the Innovation and Technology Fund Head 111 Innovation and Technology for implementing the “Hong Kong-Shenzhen Innovation and Technology Park Incubation Support Programme for Life and Health Technology Start-ups”. On 23 May, FC members approved the creation of one time-limited supernumerary post of Chief Engineer (D1) in the Civil Engineering and Development Department with immediate effect for a period of about five years up to 31 March 2030 to continue the implementation of the development, recreation and conservation initiatives in Lantau and the nearby outlying islands.
