DH's HIV Testing Service website resumes normal operations
The Department of Health (DH) said today (October 29) that cybersecurity experts had conducted a thorough review of the HIV Testing Service website (www.hivtest.gov.hk), and confirmed that no unauthorised individuals or hackers have accessed the website or its email account or compromise any sensitive data. The website has now resumed normal operations. The DH will continue to assist the Police in investigating the incident.
On the night of October 23, DH staff discovered suspected unauthorised use of the website's email account. Emails and text messages (SMS) were sent under the guise of the DH, claiming that the recipients were exposed to Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), and should seek medical advice and get tested as soon as possible. The DH staff immediately conducted a comprehensive inspection of the network system, and reported the incident to the Police and notified the Digital Policy Office.
Preliminary investigations revealed that a backup function of the website was misused. It has been confirmed that the email addresses and phone numbers of the intended recipients were invalid. No members of the public received the fraudulent messages. After a thorough inspection by cybersecurity experts, the vulnerabilities of relevant system were patched.
The Department of Health. Photo source: reference image
The DH has always attached great importance to cybersecurity. It will continue to conduct regular information security risk assessments, continuously review and enhance existing security measures to keep relevant measures abreast of the times in order to safeguard network and system security. At the same time, the DH will conduct a comprehensive review of the incident to further strengthen protective measures to help prevent similar incidents from occurring again.
Speech by SCST at opening ceremony of Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival 2026
Following is the speech by the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Miss Rosanna Law, at the opening ceremony of the Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival 2026 today (October 29):
Dr Peter Lam, Chairman of the Hong Kong Tourism Board, Mr Fabien Robert, Deputy Mayor of Bordeaux, Mr Philippe Tapie, President of the Bordeaux Wine Council, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
Good evening. Some say, "There's no place like home." Standing here at the Central Harbourfront tonight, looking out across our iconic skyline, it is impossible to disagree. To see our harbour light up, - bringing together fine wines from old and new worlds, extraordinary delicacies and international celebrity chefs under the theme "Taste the World's Best" - reminds everyone why Hong Kong is so special, and why our status as culinary capital is second to none.
If you look around this venue tonight, you will see a miniature map of global gastronomy. From the prestigious selections at the Grand Wine Pavilion to the exceptional creations of our luxury hotel partners along the Hotel Boulevard, and the star-studded chef line-up in the tasting room, tonight is a celebration of culinary excellence at its finest.
The celebration, however, does not end even when these four days of festivities conclude this Sunday night. Throughout November, the excitement extends citywide through the Hong Kong Gourmet Month campaign. Collaborating with restaurants and bars across the city, we are introducing limited edition dishes, unique experiences, dining discounts, and the new Hong Kong Late-Night Dining Guide - all aiming to showcase our vibrant after-dark dining scene.
These are just a few examples of our efforts to drive "mega event + tourism". As recently announced in Hong Kong's First Five-Year Plan and 2026 Policy Address, we will expand the scale of our flagship events, add more "Only in Hong Kong" elements, and integrate events with tourism to enhance their appeal - for the purpose of extending visitors' stays and generating added value and momentum. To this end, we have established a mega-event framework that organises the year around three themes, bringing us a continuous stream of major events. From September to February next year is our Festive Mega Events Season. In addition to this Wine & Dine Festival, we look forward to the Christmas immersive light shows at Hong Kong WinterFest in November, followed by the Hong Kong New Year Countdown Celebrations and the International Chinese New Year Night Parade in the months ahead. Between these major highlights are countless equally fascinating events across the city, spanning culture, sports, music, cuisine and so much more. Each is a compelling showcase of Hong Kong's festive atmosphere and its convergence of Chinese and international cultures to visitors from around the world. Beyond the Festive Mega Events Season, we will present the International Arts Season from February to May and the Chinese Arts Season from June to September. With such a rich and diverse programme, every visitor can find something they love.
Every mega event we host is an invaluable stage on which to tell good stories of Hong Kong, and an opportunity to share the unique charm and endless potential of the place we proudly call home. Ladies and gentlemen, thank you once again for joining us tonight at the Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival. I hope you enjoy the fine wine, marvelous food, and wonderful atmosphere, and I wish you all a truly memorable evening in the company of great friends and family.
Thank you.
Source: AI-found images
