Independent Committee Extends Time to Submit Wang Fuk Court Fire Investigation Report by the End of October

Extension of time granted for Independent Committee in relation to fire at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po to submit report

The following is issued on behalf of the Independent Committee in relation to the fire at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po:

The Independent Committee in relation to the fire at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po today (August 18) announced that it has obtained the Chief Executive's agreement to extend the time for submitting its report.

Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po, Photo by Bastille Post

The Chief Executive announced on December 12, 2025 the establishment of the Committee to review the causes of the fire at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po and related issues, and to make recommendations to prevent similar incidents from occurring again. The target was for the Committee to complete its report within nine months after commencing operations. Following the formal commencement of its work on December 19, 2025, the Committee visited the site at Wang Fuk Court to better understand the situation on the ground. The Committee also issued two rounds of invitations in January to February and in March to April this year respectively to members of the public and organisations for provision of information. In addition, the Committee held a total of 30 days of evidential hearings from March 19 to July 17 this year to hear oral evidence from 80 witnesses, expert reports, and submissions from the legal representatives of the involved parties. The Committee also ascertained the relevant facts through written statements submitted by different individuals and organisations, and evidence submitted in other forms.

The Committee is now continuing to process the written evidence and other materials that are still being received. Such materials include more than 1 million files. Drafting of the report has also started. The issues within the Committee's terms of reference are numerous and complex in nature, and involve many involved parties. As the Committee has to reach its findings and conclusions, and formulate recommendations on the matters within its terms of reference that are grounded in a factual framework, more time is required for it to analyse and study the large amount of information submitted by various parties. In view of this, the Committee has sought the agreement from the Chief Executive to extend the time for submitting its report, and the Chief Executive has given his agreement. Based on the latest progress, the Committee expects to complete its work and submit its report to the Chief Executive by the end of October.

Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po, Photo by Bastille Post

The Committee will continue to discharge its duties in accordance with the principles of fairness, openness and impartiality. It will carefully review and consider every item of information received from various parties in preparing its report.

CCIDA sponsors industry to set up Hong Kong Pavilion at Shanghai International Children's Book Fair

The Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA) under the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau sponsored Innovative Entreprenuear Association to set up the "Go! Illustrators - Hong Kong Pavilion" at Shanghai International Children's Book Fair 2026 (CCBF), held at the Shanghai World Expo Exhibition and Convention Centre from November 13 to 15. The pavilion exhibited the works published or created by 30 Hong Kong picture book illustrators under the programmes sponsored by CCIDA, and assisted them to explore the Chinese Mainland and overseas markets. The Hong Kong Pavilion attracted around 40,000 visitors during its three-day fair period.

Eight of the participating illustrators were selected under the third edition of Go! Illustrators - Hong Kong Picture Book Illustrators at International Book Fairs Promotion Scheme (Go! Illustrators) funded by CCIDA. The scheme supported the selected illustrators for participating in the Bologna Children's Book Fair in Italy in April this year, to broaden their international horizons. In addition to showcasing their works at CCBF, the illustrators also hosted on-site sharing sessions, and visited various publishers to gain insights into the potential of the different markets and explore businessopportunities.

The Go! Illustrators also funded the selected illustrators to create new artworks and participate in international picture book or illustration competitions to enhance their global visibility. Among them, the local illustrator, Jess Lau, stood out at the 2026 Golden Pinwheel Young Illustrators Competition organised by CCBF, with her entry "The Whale Who Came Home". The artwork was shortlisted among the top 50 from over 2 000 entries across 73 countries and regions, showcasing Hong Kong's creative strength to the global industry.

The Hong Kong Pavilion also featured the eight illustrators selected under the 2nd edition of Go! Illustrators, and the original picture books by another 14 Hong Kong and two Chinese Mainland illustrators published in Hong Kong under the "Hong Kong Picture Book Publication Publishing Support Programme", sponsored by CCIDA, introducing children's book publishers from around the world to outstanding Hong Kong picture books. For more details on the "Go! Illustrators - Hong Kong Pavilion", please visit: www.facebook.com/Go.illustrators.

CCIDA sponsors industry to set up Hong Kong Pavilion at Shanghai International Children's Book Fair Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

CCIDA sponsors industry to set up Hong Kong Pavilion at Shanghai International Children's Book Fair Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

CCIDA sponsors industry to set up Hong Kong Pavilion at Shanghai International Children's Book Fair Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases