Buildings Department reminds industry to comply with new sampling and testing mechanism for scaffold nets
The Buildings Department (BD) today (January 28) held a seminar to remind the industry to comply with the requirements of the new sampling and testing mechanism for scaffold nets, as well as the fire safety measures that must be followed during building repair works. The BD will continue to inspect buildings undergoing major repairs, demand immediate rectification of non-compliance and pursue punitive action accordingly.
Following the promulgation of Practice Note for Registered Contractors 85 (PNRC 85) in December last year, which stipulates the new sampling testing mechanism for scaffold nets on external walls, the BD has been gradually receiving test reports and notifications of completion of scaffolding from registered contractors (including but not limited to registered contractors who procured scaffold nets through the Construction Industry Council's collective bulk procurement). To help the industry further enhance its understanding of, and compliance with, the new mechanism, the BD held a seminar this afternoon at CIC-Zero Carbon Park in Kowloon Bay.
A spokesman for the BD said, "About 650 contractors and subcontractors of the scaffolding industry participate in the seminar in person and online. The BD takes this opportunity to brief the industry again about the new arrangements detailed in PNRC 85 and reminds the industry to strictly adhere to the testing and installation requirements set out therein. These include taking samples of scaffold nets and obtaining test reports meeting the recognised fire retardant performance standards prior to the installation of scaffold nets for carrying out of relevant works on existing buildings."
The BD reiterated that it will vigilantly enforce the mechanism and has already launched inspections and site audits. If contractors have installed the scaffold nets without complying with the testing requirements set out in PNRC 85, or if the test results of on-site samples collected by the BD fail to meet the recognised fire retardant performance standards, the BD will order immediate cessation of works and removal of non-compliant scaffold nets under the Buildings Ordinance (BO). Reinstallation of the scaffold nets will only be permitted when test reports meeting the recognised fire retardant performance standards in accordance with PNRC 85 have been obtained. Moreover, the BD will follow up on non-compliance cases seriously, including taking appropriate punitive action.
During the seminar, the BD also reminded the industry that when carrying out building repair works, it is essential to observe and comply with the fire safety measures required by the BD and other relevant departments, such as the Fire Services Department and the Labour Department. These include maintaining fire barriers in good condition, storing combustible materials properly to avoid accumulation, and ensuring that combustible materials (such as foam boards) are not installed on external walls or windows, as these may lead to the spread of fire. Alternative measures for ensuring adequate standard of fire safety should be provided if any means of escape or fire barriers (including fire doors or fixed lights on escape staircases and protected lobbies) have to be temporarily removed/blocked.
"To ensure that construction methods do not pose fire safety risks to residents or the public, the BD has launched a special inspection operation of buildings undergoing major repairs since late last year. The inspections focus on whether fire barriers (including fire doors and fixed lights) have been removed; and whether combustible materials (such as foam boards) have been used to cover windows. As at yesterday (January 27), the BD had inspected 322 buildings and found that 13 of them had failed to comply with the relevant fire safety measures. The BD had informed the relevant registered building professionals and contractors on the spot and issued them with warning letters requiring rectification in seven days. Among them, two cases had failed to make rectification by the deadline, and two cease works orders had been issued. Depending on the situation, the BD may also consider instigating prosecution and/or disciplinary action under the BO, or referring the cases to the relevant law enforcement department for appropriate action," the spokesman continued.
Buildings Department reminds industry to comply with new sampling and testing mechanism for scaffold nets Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Buildings Department reminds industry to comply with new sampling and testing mechanism for scaffold nets Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Keynote speech by SITI at dinner seminar co-organised by Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Bangkok, Hong Kong Trade Development Council, Invest Hong Kong and Thai-Hong Kong Trade Association in Bangkok, Thailand
Following is the keynote speech by the Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Professor Sun Dong, at a dinner seminar co-organised by the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Bangkok, the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, Invest Hong Kong and the Thai-Hong Kong Trade Association in Bangkok, Thailand, today (January 28):
Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
Good evening. It is my pleasure to join all of you here in Bangkok, a city that blends ancient heritage with modern dynamism. Let me begin by wishing all of you a joyful and prosperous year of 2026.
In just a few weeks, we will welcome the Year of the Horse. In Chinese culture, the horse symbolises vitality, speed, and the courage to break new ground. These qualities resonate deeply not only with Hong Kong's innovation and technology (I&T) development, but also with Thailand's dynamic progress in digital transformation and its ambition under the Thailand 4.0 vision.
Shared Momentum: Thailand's Digital Rise and Hong Kong's I&T Transformation
Throughout my stay in Bangkok in the past two days, I have been impressed that Thailand has made significant strides in recent years in terms of strengthening its digital infrastructure, nurturing start-ups, advancing smart manufacturing, and promoting specific sectors such as healthtech, agritech, and greentech. These developments align closely with Hong Kong's strengths and lay fertile ground for deeper collaboration between our two economies.
A Clear Blueprint: Hong Kong's Strategic I&T Vision
Hong Kong is currently moving full speed ahead in building a world-class I&T ecosystem. The Hong Kong SAR (Special Administrative Region) Government published the Hong Kong I&T Development Blueprint in 2022, setting out major directions and strategies for the next five to ten years, with a clear vision to propel Hong Kong towards becoming an international I&T centre. Our focus is on industries that are strategically important to us, namely life and health technology; AI and robotics; as well as advanced manufacturing and new energy.
To accelerate Hong Kong's development into an international I&T centre, the Hong Kong SAR Government has introduced a series of forward-looking policies and measures to enhance our I&T ecosystem. Our objective is to leverage our strengths in upstream R&D (research and development), and at the same time speed up the commercialisation of R&D outcomes in the mid-stream, and promote downstream development of industries. Of most significance are three HK$10-billion initiatives - (i) the Research, Academic and Industry Sectors One-plus Scheme which fosters transformation of R&D outcome; (ii) the New Industrialisation Acceleration Scheme which provides matching funds for the setting up of smart production lines in Hong Kong; and (iii) the I&T Industry-Oriented Fund which encourages market capital to invest in strategic industries. Together, they represent a combined investment of roughly US$3.9 billion, which is around 121 billion Thai Baht, dedicated to driving I&T development in our city.
Hong Kong's I&T landscape is characterised by "three major I&T parks" and "five key R&D institutions". This ecosystem is designed to accelerate technological advancement, attract global talent, and strengthen the city's position as a rising international I&T hub. We are also embracing international co-operation through our InnoHK Platform, which has forged partnerships with over 30 world-renowned universities and research institutes across 12 economies, establishing 30 cutting-edge research laboratories. We welcome universities and research institutes in Thailand to join us on this meaningful venture.
New Infrastructure: A Gateway Connecting Chinese Mainland and the World
Hong Kong is the perfect destination for Thai companies that wish to connect with the Chinese Mainlandmarket. On this, I am excited to share that the Hong Kong Park of the Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Co-operation Zone officially opened last month. Situated right next to Shenzhen, the Hong Kong Park is envisioned to develop into a world-class hub for technological innovation that connects the Chinese Mainland with the international community. We are also delighted that the Central People's Government of China has reaffirmed its support for Hong Kong to develop into an international I&T centre in the 15th Five-Year Plan for National Economic and Social Development.
Indeed, over the past few years, the Hong Kong SAR Government has facilitated about 500 leading I&T enterprises or those with potential to develop, set up or expand their businesses in Hong Kong. This clearly demonstrates Hong Kong's strategic role as a gateway for companies and investors venturing into the Chinese Mainland and the broader Asian and Middle East markets.
Start-up Growth: A Launchpad for Global Entrepreneurs
Today, Hong Kong stands as one of the most dynamic and fast-growing destinations for start-ups in Asia. As of 2025, our city is home to 5 200 start-ups, an impressive increase of 11 per cent compared to last year, and a rise of around 40 per cent compared to that of 2021. More than a quarter of these founders are non-locals. This speaks volumes about Hong Kong's openness, global connectivity, and strong appeal as a launchpad for ambitious entrepreneurs from around the world.
Beyond the numbers and polices, what truly defines Hong Kong's I&T landscape is our people, our talent. Home to five of the world's top 100 universities, Hong Kong's academic excellence continues to fuel our robust R&D capability and cultivate an ever-expanding pool of I&T talent.
Besides, Hong Kong has long been known for its agility and entrepreneurship spirit. Our bilingual and business-friendly environment, simple tax system with low tax rate, and world-class logistics and infrastructure, all make Hong Kong a fertile ground for global tech talent and enterprises, including those from Thailand and ASEAN (the Association of Southeast Asian Nations).
Global Recognition: Hong Kong's Rising I&T Competitiveness
Our efforts are bearing fruit, as reflected in Hong Kong's performance in various I&T-related international rankings. Notably, Hong Kong was ranked third worldwide in the "Technology" Factor and fourth overall in the World Digital Competitiveness Ranking 2025 published by the International Institute for Management Development. Even more encouraging, the Shenzhen-Hong Kong-Guangzhou innovation cluster ranked first globally for the first time in the Global Innovation Index 2025 Ranking of World's Top 100 Innovation Clusters published by the World Intellectual Property Organization.
A Year of New Possibilities
We warmly welcome our friends from Thailand to visit Hong Kong, discover the vibrant and exciting city first-hand, and explore new opportunities for collaboration. Whether in R&D, talent exchange, start-up development, or investment, Hong Kong stands ready to connect and grow with you.
My thanks go to the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Bangkok, the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, InvestHK and the Thai-Hong Kong Trade Association, for organising this meaningful gathering. I wish everyone an enjoyable evening, good health and continued success in the coming Year of the Horse. Thank you.
Source: AI-found images
Keynote speech by SITI at dinner seminar co-organised by Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Bangkok, Hong Kong Trade Development Council, Invest Hong Kong and Thai-Hong Kong Trade Association in Bangkok, Thailand Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Keynote speech by SITI at dinner seminar co-organised by Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Bangkok, Hong Kong Trade Development Council, Invest Hong Kong and Thai-Hong Kong Trade Association in Bangkok, Thailand Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Keynote speech by SITI at dinner seminar co-organised by Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Bangkok, Hong Kong Trade Development Council, Invest Hong Kong and Thai-Hong Kong Trade Association in Bangkok, Thailand Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Source: AI-found images
