Hongkong Post to Release "Biodiversity II" Special Stamps on July 30

Hongkong Post to issue "Biodiversity II" special stamps

Hongkong Post announced today (July 15) that a set of special stamps and associated philatelic products on the theme of "Biodiversity II" will be released for sale on July 30 (Thursday).

Located in a subtropical region, Hong Kong enjoys notable geographical features - mountainous terrain and extensive coastline - and distinct seasons. They together nurture a rich variety of natural habitats, providing homes for a wide range of flora and fauna. Hong Kong's abundant biodiversity not only stems from its unique natural environment but also relies on relentless conservation efforts from all walks of life. Following the release of the "Biodiversity" special stamps in 2010, Hongkong Post will issue a set of four stamps on the theme of "Biodiversity II" to showcase the city's distinctive biodiversity, with a view to raising the public's awareness of ecological conservation and inspiring their collaboration in protecting Hong Kong's natural treasures.

Official first day covers for "Biodiversity II" will be on sale at all post offices and on Hongkong Post's online shopping platform ShopThruPost (shopthrupost.hongkongpost.hk) from tomorrow (July 16), while postcards will be available at philatelic offices only. This set of special stamps and associated philatelic products will be on sale at all post offices and on ShopThruPost from July 30, while serviced first day covers affixed with the special stamps and maximum cards will be available at philatelic offices only.

A hand-back date-stamping service will be provided on July 30 at all post offices for official first day covers/souvenir covers/privately made covers bearing the first day of issue indication and a local address.

Information about this set of special stamps and associated philatelic products is available on the Hongkong Post Stamps website (stamps.hongkongpost.hk).

Hongkong Post will launch a special stamp issue and associated philatelic products on the theme of "Biodiversity II" on July 30 (Thursday). Images show the postcards and the maximum cards. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Hongkong Post will launch a special stamp issue and associated philatelic products on the theme of "Biodiversity II" on July 30 (Thursday). Images show the presentation pack. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Hongkong Post will launch a special stamp issue and associated philatelic products on the theme of "Biodiversity II" on July 30 (Thursday). Images show the first day covers. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Hongkong Post will launch a special stamp issue and associated philatelic products on the theme of "Biodiversity II" on July 30 (Thursday). Images show the mint stamps, the souvenir sheet, the special postmark and the first day cover. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Speech by CS at 10th Anniversary Retitling Banquet of EdUHK

Following is the speech by the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki, at the 10th Anniversary Retitling Banquet of the Education University of Hong Kong (EdUHK) today (October 23):

(Director-General of the International Department of the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Mr Wang Jian), Dr David Wong (Chairman of the Council of EdUHK), Professor John Lee (President of EdUHK), faculty, staff, students and alumni of the EdUHK, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

Good evening. It is a great honour to be here with you tonight at this landmark celebration. This evening, we are proud to mark the 10th anniversary of the EdUHK's retitling.

Much more than just a name change, the school's retitling was a big step forward. It opened a bright new chapter for this University and for Hong Kong.

Over the past decade, the EdUHK has evolved into a dynamic, education-focused university with a diversity of academic strengths. It has earned worldwide recognition in many ways.

This year, the QS World University Rankings by Subject ranked EdU seventh in the world and second in Asia. And in the 2026 Times Higher Education Sustainability Impact Ratings, EdU placed second in Quality Education, one of the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals.

When it comes to talent, EdU is showing the way. This year, 73 EdU scholars were named among the World's Top 2% Scientists, a ranking compiled by Stanford University. Since 2018, EdU researchers have won 265 awards at major international invention exhibitions.

These achievements show that EdU leads in quality education, while highlighting its growing impact in sustainable development and academic excellence.

I am also delighted to hear that nearly 50 EdU student athletes and alumni took part in the recent Asian Games. They won 15 medals - two gold and three silver. They helped Hong Kong win a record number of medals at the Asian Games.

Ladies and gentlemen, the National 15th Five-Year Plan, launched earlier this year, supports Hong Kong in better integrating into, and serving, the nation's overall development.

And Hong Kong's First Five-Year Plan, launched last month, puts a priority on the integrated development of education, technology and talent.

EdU's development strategy is built on "Education Futures, Diverse Talents". It draws on its traditional strengths, while equipping students with a wide range of skills. I am pleased to say this matches the Government's long-term vision perfectly.

EdU is Hong Kong's leading university for teacher education and lifelong learning, and it is expanding its academic offerings, adding programmes covering psychology, data science, sociology, sports science, new media and other disciplines. All 13 of its Bachelor of Education programmes are now double-degree programmes, giving students – tomorrow's teachers – broader learning opportunities.

The Government is just as committed to creating opportunities. We want Hong Kong to rise as an international education hub. And the Northern Metropolis University Town is our flagship initiative.

The University Town, totalling some 1 000 hectares, will bring together education, technology and talent, driving integrated development among Government, academia, industries, research and investment sectors.

Just as important, the University Town and the larger Northern Metropolis will greatly expand our connectivity with the Greater Bay Area.

In this area, EdU is already moving ahead. This year, it set up the EdUHK Shenzhen Research Institute and the Shenzhen Educational Development Centre. As Dr Wong said a few minutes ago, this is "a historic milestone in EdU's expansion into the Greater Bay Area".

EdU's first decade as a university has built a strong foundation – for its students and teachers, for Hong Kong and our future as an international education hub. I am confident it will create lasting value here in Hong Kong, across the country and around the world.

Once again, a happy 10th anniversary to the EdUHK, and to everyone who has played a part in its remarkable decade of progress. Thank you.

Source: AI-found images