The Water Supplies Department (WSD) said today that the efficiency of its enforcement against overcharging of tenants living in sub-divided units (SDUs) for water has been significantly enhanced following the enactment of a legislative amendment.
The Waterworks (Amendment) Ordinance 2024 empowered the WSD and the Rating & Valuation Department (RVD) to exchange information, thereby enabling a more effective inspection process. The WSD now handles cases that could not be followed up in the past.
As of today, since the enactment of the amended ordinance on April 19 last year, the WSD has completed 280 investigations into suspected overcharging tenants for water in SDUs.
Of these, a total of 21 cases were prosecuted, resulting in convictions with fines, while a number of other cases are currently at the prosecution stage.
The WSD said this represents an increase of between five and six times compared to the 40-plus cases per year before the enactment of the amended ordinance. Moreover, the conviction rate exceeds the previous average of about six per year by between three and four times.
Meanwhile, with its new enforcement powers allowing the WSD to compel relevant parties to provide information or documents, including receipts for water charges or payment records, for investigation, landlords’ response rate has grown from 10% in the past to about 90% recently.
The WSD added that it has successfully prosecuted several landlords and WSD-registered consumers for failing to provide the requested information or documents.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Firing practice for May 2025————————————–
DateMay 3 (Saturday)
May 6 (Tuesday)
May 7 (Wednesday)
May 8 (Thursday)
May 9 (Friday)
May 10 (Saturday)
May 12 (Monday)
May 13 (Tuesday)
May 14 (Wednesday)
May 15 (Thursday)
May 16 (Friday)
May 17 (Saturday)
May 19 (Monday)
May 20 (Tuesday)
May 21 (Wednesday)
May 22 (Thursday)
May 23 (Friday)
May 24 (Saturday)
May 26 (Monday)
May 27 (Tuesday)
May 28 (Wednesday)
May 29 (Thursday)
May 30 (Friday) 8am-9pm
8am-9pmTsing Shan Firing Range
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DateMay 3 (Saturday)
May 6 (Tuesday)
May 7 (Wednesday)
May 8 (Thursday)
May 9 (Friday)
May 10 (Saturday)
May 12 (Monday)
May 13 (Tuesday)
May 14 (Wednesday)
May 15 (Thursday)
May 16 (Friday)
May 17 (Saturday)
May 19 (Monday)
May 20 (Tuesday)
May 21 (Wednesday)
May 22 (Thursday)
May 23 (Friday)
May 24 (Saturday)
May 26 (Monday)
May 27 (Tuesday)
May 28 (Wednesday)
May 29 (Thursday)
May 30 (Friday) 8am-9pm
8am-9pm Issued at HKT 11:00
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Fee schedule for public healthcare services gazetted to take effect on January 1 next year The HHB spokesperson emphasised that the Government is implementing the healthcare system reform in a holistic manner, of which public healthcare fees and charges is an integral part. The reform will be based on five key principles:
(i) Commitment will not be lessened: The Government’s commitment to public health will remain unchanged. All gains from the reform will be wholly utilised for public healthcare services; (ii) Co-payment for those who can afford it and for those with mild conditions: The Government will reasonably expand and enhance the co-payment mechanism; (iii) Enhancement and reduction: Protection for “poor, acute, serious, critical” patients will be enhanced, and wastage will be reduced; (iv) High subsidisation: The high level of subsidy will be maintained after the reform, with the target of maintaining the 90 per cent overall public subsidisation rate; and (v) Gradual and orderly progress: The objective will be achieved in a progressive and orderly manner in five years. Following the announcement of the Public Healthcare Fees and Charges Reform on March 25, the HHB and the HA have been actively engaging with the Legislative Council, members of the public, and various stakeholders to explain the reform details and gather feedback on the reform direction. There is a consensus across society that Hong Kong’s current public healthcare subsidisation structure cannot cope with increasing service demands driven by demographic changes and healthcare developments. This necessitates reform of the public healthcare subsidisation structure to modify healthcare service utilisation patterns, achieve precise allocation of medical resources, reduce wastage and misuse of medical resources, and strengthen protection for those most in need.
Apart from restructuring subsidisation levels for various services, the public healthcare fees and charges reform emphasises enhanced healthcare protection, including enhancing the medical fee waiver mechanism, introducing a cap on annual spending, and strengthening protection for patients with critical illnesses regarding drugs and medical devices. As such, public healthcare will be reinforced as a safety net for all, which is also becoming larger, more stable, thicker and denser, to enhance protection for “poor, acute, serious, critical” patients. It is expected that the enhanced medical fee waiving mechanism will expand eligible beneficiaries from 0.3 million to 1.4 million underprivileged individuals, while the annual spending cap will benefit 70 000 patients with serious illnesses. More patients with critical illnesses, including those from middle-income families, will receive subsidies for drugs and medical devices.
The HA spokesperson said, “The HA’s next steps will focus on refining implementation measures to ensure the smooth execution of the reform, including streamlining application procedures for medical fee waivers and relaxing the eligibility criteria of means test for the Samaritan Fund safety net, and establishing information platforms to help members of the public understand and utilise the new healthcare protection measures starting next year. On April 28, the HA will launch a means test calculator on the HA website and mobile application ‘HA Go’ (See Attachment). By inputting information about household income and assets, members of the public can make a preliminary estimation of their eligibility for medical fee waiving and safety net applications under the new healthcare protection measures to be implemented next year.”
The spokesperson added that the Primary Healthcare Commission (PHC Commission) will actively develop primary healthcare to complement the reform, encouraging appropriate utilisation of community primary healthcare networks. The HA will continue to increase the capacity of family medicine outpatient services, with a priority to serve underprivileged groups including low-income families and the elderly living in poverty. Through cross-district collaboration and flexible resource allocation, evening and holiday outpatient services will be increased, focusing on districts with high demand. The PHC Commission and the HA will also collaborate with private healthcare institutions to compile information about private hospitals and primary healthcare clinics providing evening and holiday services, making this information available through various channels including eHealth and at Accident and Emergency (A&E) departments to help members of the public access service options beyond A&E. Starting January 1 next year, when the new A&E fee ($400) takes effect, the HA will simultaneously regularise the special A&E refund arrangements. While waiting for consultation after triage nurses conduct triage and preliminary medical assessments, patients who choose to seek treatment at other healthcare institutions may apply for a $350 refund.
The HA is also reviewing fees for non-eligible persons, private services in public hospitals, and remaining individual fee items for public healthcare services. Further announcements will be made upon completion of the review. Issued at HKT 18:40
KEYNOTE SPEECH by the Minister of Works, Transport & Infrastructure – Hon. Olo Fiti Afoa Vaai [April 10, 2025]
Your Excellency, Aliona Niculita, the Resident Representative of UNDP Samoa Country Office,
Your Exellency, Ryotaro Suzuki, Ambassador, Government of Japan
Distinguished Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
I am indeed extremely privileged and humbled to address this important ceremony for the handing over of the much needed and immensely valued e-truck and charger to support the administration of TTM Hospital Oxygen Plants services and transportation of oxygen cylinders from our main oxygen plant here to other health facilities both in Upolu and Savaii.
I believe this electric-truck is one of the e-vehicles procured under the Climate Action Pathways for Island Transport project implemented by the Government of Samoa through the leadership of the Ministry of Works, Transport and Infrastructure in close partnership with UNDP and funded by the Government of Japan.
The procurement of this electric-truck is increasingly important for oxygen plant administration due to their potential to reduce emissions, lower operating costs and improve air quality, especially in areas where oxygen plants often operate.
I applaud the fact that this is the first time ever that this electric truck has been specially manufactured and reconfigured to cater the need of MOH, for a specialized truck to transport oxygen cylinders from the TTM Hospital Oxygen Plant to rural health facilities.
Most importantly, it is Samoa’s commitment to expected outcomes of the Pathway for the Development of Samoa 2021-2026 in placing emphasis on Samoa’s efforts towards decarbonization and enhancement of health services provision.
On behalf of Samoa government and its people, I would like to take this opportunity to express my sincere gratitude to UNDP and Government of Japan for your never-ending support. This handover is another good example of how we can continue working together and fostering our partnership in finding solutions for challenges that confront the health of our people on a daily basis.
I have no doubt that this pivotal assistance, will go a long way to save lives and improve the quality of life of all our people, by ensuring sufficient oxygen supplies to all health facilities in Samoa.
To this end, I would like to reiterate my deepest appreciation to our development partners who had kindly provide this assistance for us, not forgetting our local counterparts who had worked together in facilitating and negotiation of such important assistance to support the provision of quality and safe health support services for our people.
Ladies and gentlemen, it is my pleasure to celebrate with you this addition of e-vehicles provided by UNDP and Government of Japan through Climate Action Pathways for Island Transport project for Samoa, and look forward to receiving more e-vehicles in the coming years, and continue to receive more support from our partners to promote health and wellbeing of our people.
Union Minister of State for Finance Shri Pankaj Chaudhary presides over Passing Out Parade of 75th batch of 42 Indian Revenue Service (Customs & Indirect Taxes) officer trainees at NACIN, Palasamudram Confident that new batch of officers will advance vision of Viksit Bharat by promoting economic progress and social equality: MoS Shri Pankaj Chaudhary
CBIC Chairman urges officers for balance between enforcement and facilitation, encouraging officers to lead with empathy, confidence, and discipline
Public servants must remain accessible, fair and citizen-centric in their conduct: CBIC Member
The 75th batch is the first to undergo entire Foundation Training at the newly-developed NACIN Palasaudram campus: DG NACIN
Five exceptional performers also earn gold medals in various benchmarked areas
Posted On: 25 APR 2025 4:01PM by PIB Delhi
Union Minister of State for Finance Shri Pankaj Chaudhary presided over the Passing Out Parade today as Chief Guest of the 75th batch of 42 Indian Revenue Service (Customs & Indirect Taxes) officer trainees, including 25 men and 17 lady officers at NACIN, Palasamudram. Five officers are from the Royal Government of Bhutan were also part of the training programme. Also present were Shri Sanjay Kumar Agarwal, Chairman, CBIC, Ms Aruna Narayan Gupta, Member, CBIC, and Dr. M. Subramanyam, Director General, NACIN, along with senior officers of CBIC and dignitaries.
The Passing Out Parade, National Academy of Customs, Indirect Taxes & Narcotics (NACIN), Palasamudram, marks the culmination of an intensive 18-month training programne and commences their journey as Karmayogi, dedicated to safeguarding India’s economic interests.
The ceremony commenced with a solemn observance of mourning and tribute for the victims of the tragic Pahalgam incident, with officers and dignitaries stood in silence to honour victims’ memory.
In his address on the occasion, Shri Chaudhary commended the batch’s achievements and emphasised their responsibility in building a transparent and accountable tax system. Shri Chaudhary highlighted the role of IRS officers in economic growth and urged them to lead with courage and clarity.The Minister expressed confidence in their ability to advance the Government’s vision of Viksit Bharat by promoting economic progress and social equality.
In his address, Shri Sanjay Kumar Agarwal, Chairman, CBIC, congratulated the 75th batch officers and outlined their pivotal role in revenue mobilisation, trade facilitation, and national development and urged them to stay updated, uphold integrity, and embrace digital transformation to serve efficiently. Shri Agarwal further urged them for a balance between enforcement and facilitation, encouraging officers to lead with empathy, confidence, and discipline.
In her address, Ms. Aruna Narayan Gupta, Member, CBIC, stressed on ethical conduct, empathy and continuous learning, while underscoring “Sevabhav” as a foundational quality for IRS officers, urging them to approach their duties with empathy, humility and a service-oriented mindset. She emphasised that public servants must remain accessible, fair and citizen-centric in their conduct, reinforcing that serving people is at the heart of governance.
In his address, Dr. M. Subramanyam, Director General, NACIN, congratulated the officers as they are the first batch to undergo their entire foundational training at the newly developed NACIN Palasamudram campus, making the occasion a historic milestone for the academy. Further emphasising adaptability, public service and the importance of integrity in shaping modern tax officers, he expressed pride in the academy’s evolving capabilities, highlighting its advanced training infrastructure and growing international collaborations.
During the ceremony, the following exceptional performers of the 75th batch, were honoured with gold medals for their outstanding achievements:
Finance Minister’s Gold Medal: Awarded to Shri Sreekumar Ravindrakumar for achieving balanced excellence in academics, attendance and physical training.
Chairman’s Gold Medal: Awarded to Shri Abhishek Maji for securing the highest aggregate marks in written examinations.
Smt. Kaushalya Narayanan Memorial Gold Medal: Awarded to Ms. Pooja Barwal for her outstanding performance as the best lady officer trainee.
Director General’s Gold Medal: Awarded to Shri Shantanu Sunil Malani for consistent performance and excellent conduct throughout the training.
Shri N.K. Upadhyay Memorial Gold Medal: Awarded to Mrs Sathya Parvathy R for exemplary discipline, conduct and teamwork.
The parade included a display of drills, showcasing the professionalism and discipline of the officers and also reaffirmed NACIN’s role as a world-class institution committed to excellence in training and nation-building. The event concluded with the officers taking a solemn pledge to uphold the values of integrity and service as they step into their roles as economic enablers and defenders of the nation.
[PRESS RELEASE Apia Samoa, 10th April 2025] – The Taiala Youth Exchange Program, a cultural and leadership initiative led by Brown Girl Woke and Samoan Solutions, was honored to meet with the Honorable Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mataafa on April 10, 2025, at the Prime Minister’s Office in Apia.
The meeting brought together Samoan diaspora youth and national leadership to discuss service, identity, and the importance of reconnecting to Fa’aSamoa.
At 11:33 a.m., the Prime Minister was formally welcomed in Samoan by Jocelynette Leilua, Program Manager of Brown Girl Woke. The youth were introduced and acknowledged for their work and commitment to their cultural roots.
The Prime Minister shared her reflections on leadership, shaped by the legacy of her mother and aunties—women who modeled integrity and service in governance.
After receiving her matai title at age 20, her political career began shortly after, grounded in education, faith, and community.
Youth Questions & Prime Minister’s Reflections
1. Donnavyn Tuitele: Who were your role models and mentors?
Fiame: “My mother, my aunties, and the women in my community. They didn’t call themselves mentors, but they always told me what to do. I was raised by strong women who were midwives, teachers, and community leaders.”
2. Nerisa Tuaua: Did you feel pressure to enter politics because of your family’s legacy?
Fiame: “No, I always had an interest in politics. But things happened faster than I expected. When my father passed away, it shifted everything. I received my matai title at 20, and my leadership path began from there.”
3. Alexandria Saelua: How do you care for your own mental health while serving Samoa?
Fiame: “Mental health is so important. We don’t talk about it enough here. There’s only one mental health organization in Samoa, and a small hospital unit. I try to reflect, stay close to nature, and surround myself with positive people. Rest and prayer help ground me.”
4. Manalita Sagote: What do you consider your greatest accomplishment?
Fiame: “Serving in the Ministry of Education and rebuilding after the cyclones. We had to redesign the curriculum to support bilingual learning—keeping Samoan language strong while teaching
English.”
5. Epi Aumavae: What message do you have for diaspora youth trying to reconnect to Samoa?
Fiame: “You can’t make up identity—it has to be lived. But you can build it. If our young people are supported where they are, they’ll carry Samoa with them. If not, we need to welcome them back with open arms and strong culture.”
6. Why Taiala Matters
a) Maluseu Doris Tulifau, founder of Brown Girl Woke, shared:
“Brown Girl Woke was created in Samoa as a safe space for diaspora Samoans who carry a deep desire to return—not just to reconnect, but to serve with humility.
Coming home isn’t always easy, but it’s necessary. Taiala helps bridge that journey. It allows us to ground our experiences in Fa’aSamoa, and to give back in a way that honors both where we come from and what we’ve learned. This exchange reminds us there is always room to return, to listen, and to serve with grace.”
b) Epi Leone Aumavae, founder of Samoan Solutions and Taiala Program Coordinator, added:
“Taiala was created to help our youth find their identity by learning about being samoan —not just by blood, but through culture, language, and service. We come back to Samoa because this is where we’re reminded who we are. For so many diaspora youth, that connection has been broken or never fully formed. This exchange gives them a path—not just to visit, but to belong.”
Brown Girl Woke & Samoan Solutions Leadership
1. Maluseu Doris Tulifau – Founder, Brown Girl Woke
2. Jocelynette Leilua – Program Manager, Brown Girl Woke
3. Prince Lalovi – Cultural Program Assistant, Brown Girl Woke
7. Alexandria Laloifi Saelua, Mental Health Educator & Facilitator
7) A Cultural Homecoming
Prime Minister Mataafa left the youth with a reminder that identity is not fixed—it is something we choose to honor and carry.
“E matitiva fa’afesaga’i.”
“Even in poverty, be gracious, be generous, and stay connected to others.”
She explained that poverty is not only material, but emotional and spiritual—and in moments of disconnection, we must still choose compassion and community.
Taiala is more than a program. It is a cultural homecoming, a bridge between generations, and a living example of how young Samoans across the globe are returning with purpose.
For media inquiries, partnerships, or to support the next Taiala cohort:
REMARKS by the Prime Minister of the Independent State of Samoa, Honourable Fiame Naomi Mata’afa [Wednesday 9 April, 2025]
Pastor Samoa Unoi,
Your Excellency, Viktor Vavricka and your good lady,
Members of the Diplomatic Corps,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Talofa and a pleasant good evening to you all.
It is a pleasure to join you this evening to celebrate the growing relations between Samoa and Switzerland. In that regard let me extend a very warm welcome to Your Excellency, Ambassador Viktor Vavricka and your good lady. I also congratulate you on your accreditation yesterday as the Ambassador of the Swiss Confederation to Samoa.
We look forward to working closely with you to further strengthen the connections between our two nations.
Samoa and Switzerland have enjoyed cordial relationship over four decades underpinned by mutual respect and our shared aspirations for sustainable development.
Switzerland’s invaluable support has played a crucial role in advancing Samoa’s interests on the global stage. We acknowledge Switzerland’s financial assistance to support the establishment in 2022 of Samoa’s Embassy and Permanent Mission in Geneva, which serves as a vital platform for multilateral diplomacy to engage especially with UN agencies such as WTO, Human Rights, FAO and UNESCO.
Your country’s generosity in this regard reflects its steadfast commitment to supporting small island developing states in amplifying their voices in the international arena.
Switzerland’s contribution and investment in the Green Climate Fund GCF) and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) has benefitted Samoa through climate resilient projects for Small island developing states. These projects have continued to significantly assist Samoa in building resilience against climate change, promoting sustainable economic growth, and enhancing our disaster preparedness.
Excellency, it would be remiss of me not to acknowledge the contribution made by Mrs. Sylvie Salanoa as the Swiss Honorary Consul to Samoa especially through Switzerland’s small grant aid which has benefitted our local community. Her dedication has added to fostering stronger ties between our two nations.
Excellency, I am assured that your tenure as the Ambassador of Switzerland to Samoa will present new opportunities for collaboration and sustained progress in our relations.
Ladies and gentlemen, please join me in proposing a toast: “To the close and enduring relations between Samoa and Switzerland”.
Soifua and God bless.
Photo by the Government of Samoa (Peseta Tusiga Taofiga)
Addressing a gathering electronically at the India Steel 2025, PM Modi said that he hoped the event would prove to be a new launch pad for sharing new ideas, forge partnerships and boost innovation. “This event will become the foundation of a new chapter in the steel industry.
“The role of steel in all developed economies has been like a skeleton. Be it sky-scarpers, highways, high speed trains, smart cities, industrial corridors…every success story is backed by the strength of steel,” PM Modi said. He said that the country was taking steps to become a USD 5 trillion economy. “The steel industry will play a crucial role in achieving this target. We are proud that India is now the second biggest steel producer in the world,” he said, underscoring how his government formulated the steel policy envisaging production of 3 million tonnes of steel by 2030. The per capita consumption of steel at present is 98 Kg, which is expected to rise up to 160 Kgs by 2030.
“The increase in steel consumption signals the direction of the country’s growth, its efficiency and effectiveness,” he said, adding that the steel industry was full of new hopes and ideas. “Today country has the base of PM Gati Shakti and national masterplan,” he said, highlighting how the various utility services and logistic nodes were integrated under PM Gati Shakti. Likewise, he said, the various mine areas and steel units were being mapped for multi-model connectivity.
“This is the reason why government initiatives have the largest proportion in steel consumption,” he said. The PM said that the steel policy of the government was enabling other industries to become globally competitive. “Our manufacturing, construction and automobile sectors are gaining strength from the steel industry,” he said, adding that the government has tried to give impetus to Make In India by announcing the National Manufacturing Mission. “This mission will boost the small, medium and large industries besides opening new avenues for the steel industry,” he said.
“We are moving with the goal of building modern and large ships in the country. Our target is that other countries of the world should also buy the steel made in India. Similarly, the demand for pipelines, grade steel and corrosion registered alloys is also increasing in the country. Today, the railway infrastructure in the country is also being developed rapidly,” he said.
The PM said that there should be a goal for all such needs. “We are aiming to export 25 million tons of steel. We are also working to reach our capacity of 500 million tons by 2047. But for this it is necessary that our steel sector is ready for new processes, new growth and new scale. We have to keep the future in mind and update ourselves,” he said.
“There are infinite possibilities of employment generation in the growth potential of the steel industry. I appeal to both the private and public sectors to develop new ideas, nurture them and share them. We need to move ahead together in the modern technology upgrade in manufacturing. We have to create as many new employment opportunities as possible for the youth of the country,” he said, adding that there were some challenges in the development journey of the steel industry and it is necessary to solve them to move ahead.
The PM said that if the global partners and Indian companies work together in this direction, then various challenges will be resolved faster.
In the last 10 years, the country has taken strides in mining. “Now it is very important to use these allotted mines and the resources of the country properly and on time. The more delay there is in this, the country will suffer losses and the industry will also suffer losses,” he said, stressing on acceleration of green field mining.
Shri Bhupathi Raju Srinivasa Varma, Minister of State, Ministry of Steel said, “Steel industry is a pivotal pillar of India’s economic expansion, contributing nearly 2% of GDP. As we strive towards becoming a US $ 5 Trillion economy, the sector’s role in infrastructure, manufacturing and exports will only become indispensable. Every investment in steel fuels a ripple effect across allied industries, strengthening our economic foundation and manufacturing excellence.”
Shri Lakhan Lal Dewangan, Hon’ble Minister of Commerce and Industry, Labour, Chhattisgarh highlighted the important role of his state in Indian Steel Industry stating, Chhattisgarh has long been the backbone of India’s steel industry, contributing significantly to the nation’s production capacity and industrial growth. India Steel 2025 is a timely platform to showcase the immense potential of our state—not only as a leading steel-producing region but also as an emerging hub for green manufacturing and value-added steel products. With the strong support of central government initiatives such as the PM Gati Shakti programme, the National Steel Policy, and Production Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes, Chhattisgarh is rapidly enhancing its infrastructure, attracting new investments, and creating skilled employment opportunities.”
Shri Sandeep Pondrik, Secretary, Ministry of Steel highlighted the importance of the Indian steel industry. He said, “For the last four years, India has been growing in double digit, perhaps the only major economy which is growing at such a rate. We are not only growing, we will continue to grow for a foreseeable future. He further added that this growth is happening because of growing steel consumption. In the last 10 years we have doubled the consumption and that is why the steel industry is seeing a positive side. Another factor is our per capita consumption is growing- we have crossed 100 KGs per capita consumption and we are hoping to cross 160 KGs per capita consumption in next 4/5 years.
Shri Amarendu Prakash, Chairman, Steel Authority of India Ltd. (SAIL) highlighted the importance of India Steel 2025. He said “India Steel 2025 is not just an exhibition—it is a strategic platform that underscores India’s rising stature in the global steel landscape. As we continue to strengthen our capabilities and expand our global footprint, forums like India Steel provide the perfect opportunity to engage with international partners, showcase our technological advancements, and reaffirm our commitment to nation-building through steel.”
Shri Anant Goenka, Senior Vice President, FICCI & Vice Chairman, RPG Group said, “The steel industry today serves as a critical catalyst for advancing multiple national priorities. Its growth generates a multiplier effect on manufacturing, industrial and economic growth. To support the growth of the steel industry, it is essential to address certain challenges like financing of capacity augmentation, dumping, cost competitiveness and regulatory pressure around decarbonization as we transition to green steel.
Dr. Edwin Basson, Director General, World Steel Association said, “India is the second largest steel producer and user, which means what happens here in India is important on a global basis and is also important for the global steel industry. It is indicative of India’s status as a developing economy. Steel industry is an enabling industry, for every 1 US dollar of income generated in the steel industry, there is another 5$ USD generated elsewhere in the economic system.
He also highlighted the challenges faced by the industry such as maintaining the level playing field, decarbonization and last but not the least is human challenge. India can play a major role in combating all these challenges.
With India now the second-largest producer of steel globally, India Steel 2025 serves as a vital convergence point for domestic and international stakeholders to explore investment opportunities, forge partnerships, and accelerate the industry’s contribution to India’s economic growth.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Gazettal of legal notices for onboarding of Mandatory Provident Fund schemes to eMPF Platform (i) the Mandatory Provident Fund Schemes (Specification of Dates for Purposes of Section 19M(2)(a)) (Amendment) (No. 3) Notice 2025 (Mandatory Use (Amendment) (No. 3) Notice 2025); and
(ii) the Mandatory Provident Fund Schemes (Appointment of Dates for Purposes of Section 19U(4)) (Amendment) (No. 3) Notice 2025, the Mandatory Provident Fund Schemes (Appointment of Dates for Purposes of Section 19Y(3)) (Amendment) (No. 3) Notice 2025, and the Mandatory Provident Fund Schemes (Appointment of Dates for Purposes of Section 19Z(4)) (Amendment) (No. 3) Notice 2025 (collectively Fee Control (Amendment) (No. 3) Notices 2025).
The Mandatory Use (Amendment) (No. 3) Notice 2025 specifies July 3, 2025, as “material day” for AMTD MPF Scheme, BCT Strategic MPF Scheme, and Manulife RetireChoice (MPF) Scheme administered by the Bank Consortium Trust Company Limited (BCT), such that BCT is mandated to use the eMPF Platform to perform scheme administration functions in relation to these MPF schemes. On cost savings and fee-setting of MPF schemes to be charged by MPF trustees on scheme members, the Fee Control (Amendment) (No. 3) Notices 2025 appoint October 3, 2025, as “material day” for the constituent funds of the three MPF schemes mentioned above, such that BCT is mandated to make corresponding reduction in its fees charged on scheme members in relation to the constituent funds of these MPF schemes.
Relevant legal notices for the remaining MPF schemes will be published in the Gazette when the respective onboarding dates are ascertained having regard to the onboarding preparation status of the MPF trustees concerned.
(GOVT. PRESS SECRETARY]- To’oala Elita To’oala, will continue as the Ministry of Public Enterprise Chief Executive Officer per Cabinet approval this week.
A Samoa College alumni To’oala completed her Undergraduate Degree in Business Studies at the University of the South Pacific (USP) in Fiji complemented by a Bachelor of Commerce from the National University of Samoa (NUS) and Masters in Business Studies with the University of Western Sydney, Australia.
This will be her 4th consecutive three year term in office.