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The new report ‘The State of Hong Kong Biodiversity 2025’ reveals over 25% of species in Hong Kong are at risk of local extinction
Thanks to its complex topography, diverse habitats, and the extensive Country Park system, Hong Kong is home to an impressive range of biodiversity. However, as our protected areas are concentrated in hillsides and coastal wetlands, many of the most vulnerable species and habitat types lack adequate protection.
Leveraging the expertise of 24 local ecologists and specialists, the study assessed the conservation status of 886 species across eight animal groups, including mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, freshwater fishes, butterflies, dragonflies and freshwater crustaceans. Alarmingly, the report reveals that 21 of the 886 assessed species have already disappeared from Hong Kong and over 25% (232 out of 886) are at risk of local extinction. Among the assessed fauna, birds and freshwater fishes are the most at risk groups, with almost half facing moderate to high risk of local extinction. Species dependent on lowland habitats, such as freshwater marsh, river, farmland and other open country habitats, are experiencing the most serious decline, necessitating urgent conservation intervention. Habitat loss and degradation, poaching and the spread of invasive species are major drivers for their decline.
The report is accompanied by the Hong Kong Terrestrial Biodiversity Hotspot Map 2025, which highlights 27 critical biodiversity hotspots outside the protected-area system. These hotspots, which cover merely 6% of Hong Kong’s land area, are home to about 95% of at-risk species. Yet, nearly 80% of the hotspots have suffered from eco-vandalism and nearly 50% overlap with planned/committed development. This underscores both the conservation significance of these areas and the need of immediate conservation efforts at these vulnerable hotspots to prevent further species decline or extinction.
The report serves as a key reference for government officials, statutory bodies, researchers, environmental consultants, and conservationists, highlighting the areas requiring attention to improve relevant policies, laws and regulations, and to conduct research and projects. It also calls on public to engage in conservation efforts of at-risk species and biodiversity hotspots. An immediate, collective effort, and societal commitment are imperative to prevent these at-risk species from local extinction.
Dr. Bosco Chan, Director, Conservation of WWF-Hong Kong said: “Our aim in publishing this report and the biodiversity hotspot map is to inform strategic conservation actions, elicit interest in the conservation of overlooked fauna and their habitats, and help the Government to enhance relevant policies, laws and regulations. The findings of this report underscore the urgent need for collective actions to protect at-risk species and habitats, which are concentrated in the unprotected lowlands. We must make and invest in concrete plans to protect Hong Kong’s most threatened biodiversity and wildlife habitats before it is too late.”
Dr. Carmen Or, Manager, Wetlands Research of WWF-Hong Kong highlighted that: “The last comprehensive species status assessment and biodiversity hotspot map for Hong Kong were produced over two decades ago. It is high time for us to reassess the state of biodiversity in Hong Kong to reflect changes in the environment and ensure our conservation actions align with species and habitats in the most urgent needs.”
Mr. Yu Yat Tung, Director, The Hong Kong Bird Watching Society added that: “Birds are among the most seriously threatened faunal groups in Hong Kong. The loss of lowland wetlands and farmland, along with habitat changes resulting from vegetation succession, significantly impacts both breeding and visiting birds, as illustrated by the habitats required by at-risk birds.
Dr. Michael Lau, renowned herpetologist in Hong Kong shared that: “Other than habitat loss, which impacts both reptiles and amphibians and has led to the extinction of Chinese Floating Frog, all native turtles are facing risk of local extinction, and poaching is the most serious threat to their survival.”
Dr. Alphonse Tsang, Research Assistant Professor of Lingnan University stated that: “With nearly half of the native freshwater fish species at risk of local extinction, threats such as channelisation and water pollution, and the invasion of non-native species must be tackled.”
To access the full report: : https://wwfhk.awsassets.panda.org/downloads/the-state-of-hong-kong-biodiversity-2025.pdf
To access the hotspot map: https://wwfhk.awsassets.panda.org/downloads/hong-kong-terrestrial-biodiversity-hotspot-map-2025.pdf
High resolution photos are available at: https://wwf.hk/biodiversity2025
Experts attending
Dr Bosco Chan, Director, Conservation of WWF-Hong Kong
Dr. Carmen Or, Manager, Wetlands Research of WWF-Hong Kong
Mr. Yu Yat Tung, Director, The Hong Kong Bird Watching Society
Dr. Michael Lau, renowned herpetologist in Hong Kong
Dr. Alphonse Tsang, Research Assistant Professor of Lingnan University
Mr. Tommy Hui, Manager, Conservation of WWF-Hong Kong
Mr. Jianhuan Yang, Conservation Manager, Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden
Mr. Philip Lo, Senior Conservation Officer, Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden
Dr. Ken So, Education and Research Manager, Outdoor Wildlife Learning Hong Kong
Hashtag: #WWF
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
WWF-Hong Kong
WWF is a leading global conservation organisation, with a network active in more than 100 countries. WWF’s mission is to build a future in which humans live in harmony with nature. WWF-Hong Kong has been working since 1981 to deliver solutions for a living planet through conservation, footprint and education programmes, with the aim of transforming Hong Kong into Asia’s most sustainable city.
Media OutReach
Monash IVF Singapore Spotlights Male Factor Infertility for National Infertility Awareness Week (NIAW)
While fertility discussions often centre on women, statistics show that male factors contribute to approximately 50% of all infertility cases. Male factor infertility can arise from a range of factors, including low sperm count, reduced sperm motility, abnormal sperm morphology, hormonal imbalances, genetic conditions, or underlying medical issues. Lifestyle factors such as smoking, alcohol consumption, stress, and environmental exposures may also affect sperm quality over time.
Despite its prevalence, male factor infertility is often less discussed in Singapore, which can lead to delays in assessment and treatment. Early evaluation, including semen analysis and medical consultation, can help identify potential concerns and guide appropriate next steps for couples.
To support greater awareness, Monash IVF is launching a series of digital educational content aimed at de-stigmatising male reproductive health and providing actionable insights for men to take charge of their fertility. These resources will cover common causes of male infertility, when to seek medical advice, and the types of assessments and treatment options available. By making this information more accessible, the clinic aims to encourage earlier evaluation and more open conversations about male factor infertility, both within relationships and in the wider community.
As Singapore’s demographic landscape evolves, Monash IVF Singapore is contributing to broader discussions on reproductive health. With the national Total Fertility Rate (TFR) reaching a record low of 0.87 in 2025, the need for comprehensive and patient-centred fertility care continues to grow.
Understanding Modern Fertility Challenges: Beyond Biological Factors
The decline in fertility is not merely a biological hurdle but a reflection of the intense pressures that Singaporeans face today. The “workplace rat race”, high-stress environments, and environmental factors have contributed to a trend of delayed parenthood. Many individuals are choosing to start families later due to career progression, financial considerations, and evolving life priorities. At the same time, age remains a key factor, as both egg and sperm quality may decline over time.
As such, these same pressures do not just delay parenthood; they also make it more difficult for individuals to pursue fertility treatments in Singapore. Managing appointments, coping with the physical and emotional demands of treatment, and balancing work responsibilities can become an added strain for many.
“Fertility is often treated as a private struggle, but it is a societal challenge,” says June Jonet, Marketing and Business Development Head of Monash IVF Singapore. “We are calling for greater understanding and support within the workplace. Employees undergoing fertility treatments or preservation need an environment that recognises the physical and emotional toll of this journey, rather than one that penalises them for it.”
Monash IVF’s Approach to Assisted Reproductive Care
Monash IVF Singapore’s clinical and laboratory team is led by Chief Embryologist Ng Pei Hui, supported by a team of senior embryologists and Fertility Specialists, including Dr Kelly Loi, Dr Suresh Nair, and Dr Yap Lip Kee.
The clinic applies a range of established assisted reproductive techniques to enhance success rates, tailored to individual clinical needs. These include:
- Piezo-ICSI: A fertilisation method that uses a blunt needle with high-speed vibration to gently penetrate eggs and assist sperm injection. It may be considered in cases involving fragile oocytes or advanced maternal age.
- IMSI: A technique that uses high-magnification imaging to support sperm selection, enabling embryologists to identify and avoid sperm with morphological abnormalities, such as vacuoles.
- PICSI: A method of biological sperm selection using hyaluronic acid to help identify mature sperm with a lower likelihood of DNA damage.
- Embryoscope+: A time-lapse imaging system that continuously monitors embryo development without disrupting stable culture conditions, supporting the selection of embryos with strong developmental potential for transfer.
The Power of Planning: Fertility Preservation
Alongside treatment, Monash IVF Singapore highlights the importance of proactive planning. As more women and couples choose to delay parenthood, elective egg freezing (a form of fertility preservation) has become a vital tool. At the same time, early assessment of male factor infertility, including semen analysis, can identify potential concerns and help couples prepare more confidently.
“Even with the range of treatments available today, timing still matters,” says Chief Embryologist Ng Pei Hui. “Early consultation allows patients to better understand their options and make informed decisions.”
With infertility affecting approximately 1 in 6 individuals, it is now recognised as a relatively common medical condition rather than a rare exception. This is why at Monash IVF Singapore, fertility care is not only about addressing challenges as they arise but also about supporting early planning for both men and women. With options such as elective egg freezing, male fertility assessment, and fertility health checks, the clinic aims to help Singaporeans better understand their reproductive health and make informed decisions at different stages of their journey.
For more information about Monash IVF Singapore and what they do, visit their website.
Hashtag: #MonashIVF #malefertility #mensfertility #reproductivehealth #fertilityawareness #menswellness
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Monash IVF Singapore
Monash IVF Singapore is part of the global Monash IVF Group, a pioneer in reproductive medicine since achieving the world’s first IVF pregnancy in 1973. We provide a full suite of fertility services, combining compassionate patient care with the latest scientific breakthroughs.
Media OutReach
VinFast signs partnerships with 14 e-scooter dealers in the Philippines, accelerating nationwide network expansion
To support its planned product launch in June 2026, VinFast has continued to partner with leading motorcycle distributors in the Philippines, including Wheeltek Motor Sales Corporation; Gentrade International Phils., Inc. (Transcycle); Superbikes Corporation; Motoxpress Sales Corporation; FMN Industrial Corp.; Eduhome Enterprise, Inc.; Keymotors Incorporated; Motorpro by Abenson Ventures Inc. and Aserco; Moto Atelier Inc.; Ciclo Suerte; HG Motorzone; HGC Main Marketing (Motorboy); BLC Cycle Parts Supply; and Auto Ten Trade & Services Corp. Similar to the partners signed in January 2026, these partners have extensive networks, demonstrate strong operational capabilities, and possess longstanding experience in the motorcycle business, alongside a clear orientation toward the green transition.
VinFast and its partners will collaborate to rapidly roll out a showroom network across the market, with many outlets expected to be launched in parallel at the time of product introduction, laying the foundation for accelerated expansion of nationwide sales and after-sales services. The showrooms will be developed in high-demand areas with strong potential for green transition such as Metro Manila, Metro Davao, Rizal, Laguna, Cavite, Batangas, Metro Cebu, Bulacan, and other major urban provinces, and will adhere to VinFast’s global standards for operations and brand identity.
In the initial phase, the network will distribute a portfolio of swappable-battery e-scooters, including Evo, Feliz II, Viper, and other models expected to be launched in the near future, alongside upcoming models that will be further adapted to local infrastructure conditions and consumer usage patterns in the Philippines.
The Philippines is one of Southeast Asia’s largest motorcycle markets, characterized by strong demand for personal mobility and rapid urbanization. Amid fuel price volatility and a growing shift toward sustainable solutions, e-scooters are emerging as a promising pathway, particularly when supported by an integrated ecosystem.
VinFast is pioneering the development of a comprehensive e-scooter ecosystem in the Philippines, encompassing dealer networks, after-sales services, financing solutions, and energy infrastructure. Notably, the company aims to deploy approximately 30,000 battery-swapping stations nationwide in the near term, in collaboration with infrastructure partners, to deliver a convenient and flexible user experience.
Earlier in 2026, VinFast announced plans to expand its e-scooter business across five key international markets, including the Philippines, Indonesia, India, Thailand, and Malaysia, as part of its global strategy to scale a green mobility ecosystem.
Ms. Vo Thi Cam Tu, Managing Director of VinFast E-Scooters Overseas Market, said: “Our partnerships with 14 major dealers in the Philippines mark an important step in rapidly establishing a strong distribution and service foundation from the outset. We are not only introducing products tailored to local needs, but also developing an integrated ecosystem, from battery-swapping infrastructure to after-sales services, enabling consumers to access and adopt e-scooters in a convenient, efficient, and sustainable manner.”
In recent years, VinFast has steadily built its presence across key Southeast Asian markets, including the Philippines, through a diverse electric vehicle portfolio and strategic partnerships in infrastructure and services. The expansion into e-scooters further completes its green mobility ecosystem in the market and the region, while providing consumers with more flexible options in the transition to sustainable transportation.
Hashtag: #VinFast
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Media OutReach
4,680 young Chinese volunteers called “Little Deer” ready for Asian Beach Games
Recruited from 12 universities, including Hainan University and Hainan Normal University, as well as other local organizations, the volunteers share the common nickname “Little Deer.” The name is derived from Sanya’s nickname, “Deer City,” and is meant to reflect the volunteers’ lively, warm, and friendly spirit.
“See ya in Sanya” is both the slogan of the Asian Beach Games and the guiding principle for its volunteers. Liang Zihan, a student from Hainan Tropical Ocean University, said: “Since the launch of the volunteer recruitment drive, whether it is learning about the Games, mastering multilingual communication, or taking part in scenario-based drills and emergency exercises, I have given it my all. I hope to convey Sanya’s warmth, openness, and inclusiveness to every friend who comes from afar.”
Alongside local students, the volunteer team also includes many young people from across China brought together by the Games. Wu Yujia, a sophomore at the Hospitality Institute of Sanya, is one of them. “I want to show a warm, caring, and energetic Sanya,” she said. When asked about her future plans, she did not hesitate: “I want to stay in Sanya.” In her eyes, the city’s pleasant climate and beautiful scenery have deepened her affection for it and strengthened her commitment to volunteering.
The 6th Asian Beach Games will be held in Sanya, Hainan, from April 22 to 30, 2026. Delegations from all 45 member countries and regions of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) will take part in what is the largest and most influential beach sports event in Asia. As the first major international sporting event to be held in Hainan after the independent customs operations of the Hainan Free Trade Port, the Games are not only a celebration of Asian sport but also an important opportunity for Hainan to present an open and welcoming face to the world.
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
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