Traffic Mostly Smooth on Hong Kong's School Opening Day

Traffic mostly smooth on first school day

The Emergency Transport Co-ordination Centre (ETCC) of the Transport Department (TD) has been escalated to the Joint Steering Mode, the highest tier, from 6.30am today (September 1) to closely monitor the traffic and public transport services of various districts in Hong Kong on the first school day. The overall traffic conditions have mostly been smooth.

The Acting Secretary for Transport and Logistics, Mr Liu Chun-san, accompanied by the Commissioner for Transport, Miss Winnie Tse, visited the ETCC and was briefed on the TD's co-ordination and monitoring efforts in collaboration with the Police and major public transport operators. These included the preparedness plans and response actions amid unstable weather, aiming to minimise the impact on the journeys of students, parents and other passengers.

Mr Liu said, "Railway, franchised bus and ferry services remain normal this morning. Special routes serving the vicinities of schools have resumed. The arrival of cross-boundary students in Hong Kong for classes has largely been orderly. The traffic on trunk roads, tunnels, bridges and in school areas was busier, but has generally been smooth. Public transport services can basically meet passenger demand."

Miss Tse added that the TD deployed about 100 staff members for on-site monitoring of the traffic conditions at major public transport interchanges, stations, school areas, land boundary control points and tunnels across the city. They reported the real-time situations to the ETCC for service enhancement and implementation of traffic management measures where necessary.

Students are reminded to familiarise themselves early with transport routes and schedules to determine the most suitable means of their commute to school. Members of the public may heed the latest traffic news through the TD's website (www.td.gov.hk), the HKeMobility mobile app, and radio and TV broadcasts.

The Transport Department today (September 1) deployed about 100 staff members for on-site monitoring of the traffic conditions at major public transport interchanges, stations, school areas, land boundary control points and tunnels across the city on the first school day. They reported the real-time situations to the Emergency Transport Co-ordination Centre for service enhancement and implementation of traffic management measures where necessary. Photo shows a staff member (first left) monitoring the traffic condition at Fu Tip Estate Public Transport Terminus, Tai Po. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Transport Department today (September 1) deployed about 100 staff members for on-site monitoring of the traffic conditions at major public transport interchanges, stations, school areas, land boundary control points and tunnels across the city on the first school day. They reported the real-time situations to the Emergency Transport Co-ordination Centre for service enhancement and implementation of traffic management measures where necessary. Photo shows a staff member (first right) monitoring the traffic condition at Tin Hau Station Public Transport Interchange. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Transport Department today (September 1) deployed about 100 staff members for on-site monitoring of the traffic conditions at major public transport interchanges, stations, school areas, land boundary control points and tunnels across the city on the first school day. They reported the real-time situations to the Emergency Transport Co-ordination Centre for service enhancement and implementation of traffic management measures where necessary. Photo shows a staff member (front) monitoring the traffic condition at a bus stop at Tak Long Estate, Kai Tak. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Acting Secretary for Transport and Logistics, Mr Liu Chun-san, today (September 1) visited the Emergency Transport Co-ordination Centre of the Transport Department to take a closer look at the traffic and public transport services on the first school day. Photo shows Mr Liu (first right), accompanied by the Commissioner for Transport, Miss Winnie Tse (second right), observing the traffic conditions at school areas. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Acting Secretary for Transport and Logistics, Mr Liu Chun-san, today (September 1) visited the Emergency Transport Co-ordination Centre of the Transport Department to take a closer look at the traffic and public transport services on the first school day. Photo shows Mr Liu (second right), accompanied by the Commissioner for Transport, Miss Winnie Tse (first right), being briefed on the traffic conditions in various districts. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Acting Secretary for Transport and Logistics, Mr Liu Chun-san, today (September 1) visited the Emergency Transport Co-ordination Centre of the Transport Department to take a closer look at the traffic and public transport services on the first school day. Photo shows Mr Liu (second right), accompanied by the Commissioner for Transport, Miss Winnie Tse (second left), being briefed on the traffic conditions on trunk roads. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Speech by SCED at opening ceremony of HKTDC Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair and Salon de TIME 2026

Following is the speech by the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Algernon Yau, at the opening ceremony of HKTDC (Hong Kong Trade Development Council) Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair and Salon de TIME 2026 today (September 1):

Sophia (Executive Director of the HKTDC, Ms Sophia Chong), Gary (Chairman of the HKTDC Watches & Clocks Advisory Committee, Mr Gary Lau), SK (Co-chairman of the HKTDC Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair 2026 Organising Committee, Mr Chong Sing-kai), Frankie (Co-chairman of the HKTDC Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair 2026 Organising Committee, Mr Frankie Lam), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

Good morning. It is my great pleasure to join you today and officiate at the opening of the 45th edition of the HKTDC Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair and Salon de TIME.

This year is especially meaningful as we celebrate the 45th anniversary of the Fair. Its enduring success is a testament to the dedication of the HKTDC and its co-organisers, as well as to the resilience, creativity and entrepreneurial spirit of our watch and clock industry.

Over the past 45 years, the Fair has evolved from a regional gathering into a leading international timepiece exhibition and a vital meeting point for the global industry. I am delighted that this year's Fair carries the theme "Sparkling Moments Through Time". It perfectly captures the dynamic interplay between tradition and innovation. The Fair showcases everything from luxury timepieces and fashion-forward creations to technological and sustainable innovations, while bringing together the entire industry value chain and connecting businesses from around the world.

We are also pleased to welcome microbrands and independent watchmakers alongside established maisons that have defined elegance for generations. The participation of renowned brands from the Chinese Mainland, ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) economies, Europe and America is a further testament to the Fair's international reach and its appeal as a premier platform for the global timepiece industry.

Such diversity and connectivity are Hong Kong's greatest assets. They also resonate strongly with the opportunities presented by our country's 15th Five-Year Plan, which supports Hong Kong in consolidating and enhancing its status as an international trade centre and in playing a greater role in the country's high-standard opening up. As a "super-connector" between the Chinese Mainland and the global market, we offer a trusted, familiar and business-friendly environment for international companies seeking access to the vast Chinese Mainland market, while providing Mainland brands with an ideal platform from which to expand their global presence.

In line with the opportunities arising from the 15th Five-Year Plan, the Government is fully committed to reinforcing Hong Kong's status as a premier global business centre and convention and exhibition hub. In 2025, our two mega event venues, the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre and AsiaWorld-Expo, hosted over 360 internationally renowned events, attracting more than 9 million participants. We will continue to invest in our infrastructure and enhance our policy support, with a view to further strengthening Hong Kong's position as a preferred destination for global exhibitions and a premier meeting place for ideas, investment and business opportunities.

We welcome more largescale international exhibitions to Hong Kong, especially with the added incentive of the Government's $100 million funding scheme to attract international exhibitions featuring new elements. The economic contribution of the exhibition sector is substantial. Our exhibition industry generated $50.2 billion in total economic output in 2024 while international exhibition visitors spent an average of over $9,300 per trip, about 70 per cent more than the average overnight tourist. These figures highlight the vital role of exhibitions in bringing high-value visitors, driving economic activity and creating new business opportunities.

As we mark this significant 45-year milestone, let us draw inspiration from the past, embrace the possibilities of the present, and look ahead to an even brighter future for the industry. Together, let us continue to create more "Sparkling Moments Through Time".

Thank you, and I wish you all a successful and memorable Fair, and many fruitful exchanges and partnerships in the days ahead. Thank you.

Source: AI-found images