Month: November 2025

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[PRESS RELEASE 19 November 2025] – The Ministry of Sports and Recreation (MSR) was privileged to receive a special visit from the Samoa Weightlifting Federation (SWF). The delegation, headed by SWF President Tuaopepe Jerry Wallwork, met with the Honorable Minister Seuamuli Fasi Toma, Associate Minister Fiu Ponifasio Vasa, Chief Executive Officer Luatua Semi Epati and ministry officials to express their appreciation for the Government’s steadfast support of weightlifting in Samoa.

President Wallwork conveyed the Federation’s gratitude for the Government’s ongoing support, which has been instrumental in Samoa’s sporting achievements at major tournaments around the world. He also acknowledged the crucial role of continued support as Samoa prepares to host the World Weightlifting Cup next year—a milestone event for the nation and a significant undertaking for SWF. “We are grateful for the Government’s commitment and look forward to working together to ensure the success of this major international tournament,” President Wallwork stated.

Minister Seuamuli congratulated the SWF on their recent outstanding performance in Australia, where Samoan athletes set new world and Oceania records. The Minister commended the dedication and resilience of the coaches, management, and athletes, stating, “Your hard work and achievements make all Samoans proud. The Government deeply appreciates the commitment shown by your entire team, and we will continue to support your journey.”

The Minister also extended his best wishes to the SWF as they begin preparations for the 2025 World Weightlifting Cup. “Hosting this event is a tremendous honor and responsibility for Samoa. We are confident in your ability to rise to the challenge and we stand behind you as you prepare for this historic occasion,” said Minister Seuamuli.

The Ministry of Sports and Recreation reaffirms its dedication to supporting all sporting organizations in Samoa and looks forward to a successful partnership with the Samoa Weightlifting Federation as the country prepares to welcome the world next year.

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The Ministry of Sports and Recreation

November 20, 2025

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SPEECH by the Minister of Communications and Information Technology Agaseata Tanuvasa Valelio Tanuvasa Peto

Your Excellency, President of the Conference,

Esteemed Elected Officials of the International Telecommunication Union,

Honorable Ministers,

Distinguished Guests,

Talofa lava!

It is a great honor to stand before you today. On behalf of the Government and people of Samoa,

I extend our sincere appreciation to the Government and people of Azerbaijan, and to the organizers of this important WTDC-25 Conference.

We have traveled across the Pacific to join you, a journey that reflects our deep commitment to partnership, progress, and shared purpose. Samoa stands proudly with our Blue Pacific neighbors as we work together to build a resilient region in the face of climate change and amongst others the challenges that threaten our oceans and environment.

At the heart of Samoa’s vision lies the preservation of our Fa’a-Samoa — the Samoan way of life — a system of values and traditions that defines who we are. In this digital age, preserving our identity is not about resisting change, but guiding it with wisdom. Technology must be a tool for empowerment, not erasure.

Digital literacy bridges our cultural heritage and the opportunities of the modern world. By equipping our people with digital skills, we ensure that our stories, languages, and traditions thrive online and inspire future generations.

We recognize that infrastructure challenges remain, from high service costs to limited connectivity in some remote areas. Yet Samoa continues to move forward with determination.

We see ICT and technology as a pathway to connect our islands and our people to the world.

We commend the ITU and the Telecommunication Development Bureau for their support in initiatives such as Smart Islands, Cybersecurity, Digital Transformation, and early warning systems, vital for small island developing states like ours.

Our mission is to raise a generation of digital citizens who are skilled, grounded in faith, respect, and service, and ready to use technology to uplift communities.

Together, let us build a world where technology and culture walk hand in hand, where every voice is heard, and every nation shines brightly in our Global family.

God Bless.

Soifua.

November 20, 2025

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KEYNOTE ADDRESS Associate Minister for the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries & Scientific Research Organisation of Samoa. Aiolupotea Tony Aiolupo

Taitai o le Sauniga, Reverend Letupu Mata’utia

Honourable Delegates and Esteemed Guests from across the Region

Ladies and Gentlemen

Talofa lava and warm greetings to you all, It is with great honour and pleasure that I welcome you all to Samoa for this important Inception Workshop for the Global One Country One Product (OCOP) Project, under the FAO – China South–South Cooperation (SSC) Programme, and the Third (3rd) FAO OCOP Regional Organizing Group Meeting for Asia and the Pacific.

On behalf of the Government and people of Samoa, I extend a very warm welcome to the Assistant Director-General and Regional Representative of FAO, Mr Alue Dohong; the Directors and colleagues from FAO Headquarters; the FAO Subregional Office for the Pacific, our distinguished delegates from the Pacific Island countries, and our partners from China and other regions.

Your presence here today signifies a strong spirit of collaboration and shared commitment to advancing agricultural transformation and food security across our region. Samoa is honoured to be chosen as the Pacific’s OCOP Demonstration Country, focusing on cocoa-an economic resource and cultural heritage.

This initiative offers a valuable platform to advance sustainable production, processing, and marketing through innovation, knowledge exchange, and international partnerships, benefiting our farmers and communities.

This workshop marks another milestone in strengthening regional cooperation under FAO’s vision of achieving Better Production, Better Nutrition, a Better Environment, and a Better Life – leaving no one behind. It also reflects the success of the FAO–China South–South Cooperation Programme, which continues to bridge expertise, technology, and solidarity between developing nations.

In the coming days, you will engage in knowledge exchange, explore strategic approaches, and observe firsthand the advancements achieved within Samoa’s cocoa value chain. From pioneering research and innovation at the Scientific Research Organisation of Samoa (SROS) to the dedicated efforts of our farmers and entrepreneurs in production and processing, this journey reflects our collective commitment to sustainable growth. We are confident that Samoa’s experience will offer valuable insights to inspire and guide other Pacific nations as we advance together under the OCOP framework.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the FAO, the Government of China, and our regional partners for their steadfast support and collaboration. Through this shared commitment, we can strengthen and safeguard agrifood systems across the Pacific-systems that empower our farmers, uplift livelihoods, and drive sustainable development for our communities and future generations.

Once again, welcome to Samoa. I wish you all a productive and enriching workshop.

Soifua ma ia manuia.

November 20, 2025

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Overall consumer prices rose 1.2% year-on-year in October, slightly larger than the 1.1% increase in September, the Census & Statistics Department announced today.

Netting out the effects of the Government’s one-off relief measures, the underlying inflation rate was 1% in October, same as that recorded in the previous month.

Compared with the year before, price increases were recorded in October in the following categories: transport; alcoholic drinks and tobacco; miscellaneous services; housing; miscellaneous goods; meals out and takeaway food; and basic food.

Meanwhile, year-on-year decreases were logged for clothing and footwear; durable goods; and electricity, gas and water.

The Government said consumer price inflation remained low in October. It expects that overall inflation should stay muted in the near term, as domestic cost pressures are mild and external price pressures are subdued.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

The spokesperson for the Hospital Authority (HA) made the following appeal today (November 20) regarding a patient who requires an urgent heart transplant:

A male patient currently hospitalised at Queen Elizabeth Hospital is in critical condition, requiring an urgent heart transplant. The transplant team from Hong Kong West Cluster and the clinical team at Queen Elizabeth Hospital are proactively following up on the patient’s emergency situation. The HA appeals to members of the public to proactively support organ donations and consider donating the heart of a deceased relative to rekindle the lives of others.

In view of the critical condition of the patient, in addition to proactively searching for a suitable heart locally, the HA will also initiate procedures to seek assistance from the Mainland as soon as possible. When a patient who is willing to donate an organ is deceased and no suitable patient is identified to receive the organ on the Mainland, the cross-boundary organ donation and matching mechanism will facilitate a transplant in Hong Kong to bring hope to a critically ill patient.

The spokesperson emphasised that when a suitable heart is found, the HA will strictly follow the relevant organ transplant regulations and make an application with the authorities to ensure that all procedures comply with relevant standards and regulatory requirements. The HA will arrange a transplant operation with the aim of saving the patient’s life as soon as possible.

For critically ill patients with an organ failure, an organ transplant is often the only hope to extend their lives. When deceased patients and their families make a selfless decision to donate deceased organs for patients in need of an organ transplant, it not only gives critically ill patients the hope of life but also eases hardship in their families. The HA appeals to the public to pass on great love, blessings and care to those who are still fighting for their well-deserved lives.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Government today promulgated the Conceptual Outline of the Development Plan for the Innovation & Technology Industry in the San Tin Technopole.

The conceptual outline provides a top-level design for the 210 hectares of new innovation and technology (I&T) land in the technopole in terms of development vision, objectives and positioning, industrial spatial layout and development model.

Secretary for Innovation, Technology & Industry Prof Sun Dong said the San Tin Technopole development will be anchored on three key strands: providing space for prototyping, pilot production and small-scale manufacturing; developing high-quality local I&T industries; and pooling global I&T resources and talent.

Prof Sun noted that the San Tin Technopole can provide land of a larger scale to support the development of strategic I&T industries such as life and health technology, artificial intelligence (AI), and robotics, microelectronics and smart devices, new materials, new energy, and green technology, as set out in the Hong Kong I&T Development Blueprint.

In terms of a layout plan, the new I&T land will be divided into three development hubs and three industry development corridors. They are the Hetao Hub, Chau Tau Hub and Ki Lun Hub from north to south, and the life and health technology corridor, AI and robotics corridor, and microelectronics and advanced industry corridor.

Prof Sun said that such planning can cater for the pace of I&T development and the relevant timetable for land resumption and site formation works undertaken by works departments, with five of development from introduction, industry ecosystem expansion, city-industry hub to consolidation.

Following the principle of a capable government and an efficient market, consideration can be given to forming a dedicated company to take forward the San Tin Technopole development in collaboration with the market, thereby leveraging market resources to accelerate development and optimise development costs, he added.

According to the consultant’s estimates, the technopole will contribute some $250 billion or more to Hong Kong’s GDP annually upon its full operation, and provide over 300,000 work positions.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Chief Executive John Lee will depart for Shenzhen tomorrow to attend the closing ceremony of the 15th National Games.

Chief Secretary Chan Kwok-ki, Secretary for the Civil Service Ingrid Yeung and Secretary for Culture, Sports & Tourism Rosanna Law will join the visit.

Mr Chan will also attend a press conference of the Organising Committee of the 15th NG on the games’ overall operations.

He will return to Hong Kong tomorrow evening.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Department of Health (DH) announced today (November 20) that, starting from January 1, 2026, it will launch a pilot programme to streamline the evaluation and approval process for proprietary Chinese medicines (pCm) registration applications. Along with the existing processing procedures, two new tiers will be introduced, namely “Innovative Drugs” and “Designated Priority Products”, with specified target processing times. The new arrangement aims to expedite processing of registration applications under these new tiers, and allow applicants to plan their business and resources more effectively. This initiative aligns with the policy of developing Hong Kong into an international health and medical innovation hub.

“Enterprises in Hong Kong and the Chinese Mainland holding a wholesaler or manufacturer licence in pCm, issued by the Chinese Medicines Board (CMB) under the Chinese Medicine Council of Hong Kong (CMCHK), may leverage the new mechanism to quickly bring suitable pCm products to the Hong Kong market. The DH will evaluate “Innovative Drugs” within 120 working days and submit them to the Chinese Medicines Committee (the Committee) under the CMB for approval. Furthermore, applicants may designate up to two products annually as “Designated Priority Products”. The DH will complete the evaluations for these products within 150 working days and submit them to the CMB for approval. Compared to the current average processing time, which takes over 250 working days, the new mechanism will significantly accelerate the process and enable the industry to select products to test the market response, establish product positioning and use Hong Kong as a springboard to tap into global markets,” the Assistant Director of Health (Chinese Medicine), Dr Edmund Fong, said.

Applicants may refer to “Frequently Asked Questions 5.B.25” on the CMCHK website for details regarding the definitions of each tier, target processing times, and requirements for supplementary documents during the approval stages.

To help the industry better understand the new mechanism, the DH has notified licensed pCm wholesalers and manufacturers via letters in mid-November. Online seminars detailing the mechanism will be held monthly from now until January next year. Interested parties may visit the CMCHK website for details.

The new mechanism will be piloted for two years. The CMB will continuously review its operation and effectiveness, making timely adjustments for optimisation.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA) under the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau (CSTB) has organised the “Hong Kong Cultural and Creative Mosaic” event at the Palace Museum Cultural and Creative Products Hong Kong Space inside the Palace Museum in Beijing. The event officially opened to the public today (November 20) to stage four successive events during the year ahead to showcase cultural and creative products with themes of Hong Kong’s intangible cultural heritage, art toys, fashion and accessories, and lifestyle products.

Addressing the event in Beijing on November 12, the Commissioner for Cultural and Creative Industries, Miss Drew Lai, said CCIDA hopes that the event not only makes the creativity and capability of Hong Kong designers visible to Chinese Mainland museums, but also encourages local designers or cultural and creative IP (intellectual property) owners to enhance collaboration with the Chinese Mainland.

The CSTB promulgated last November the Blueprint for Arts and Culture and Creative Industries Development which sets out that Hong Kong will fully capitalise on the distinctive advantages given by the strong support of the motherland to encourage designers from Hong Kong to collaborate with major museums and cultural and creative institutions on the Mainland to cocreate cultural and creative products. Last year, CCIDA signed Memoranda of Understanding with three Mainland cultural and creative brands, including one for collaboration on the Palace Museum Cultural and Creative Products Hong Kong Space, to continuously strengthen support for local original works to enter Chinese Mainland and international markets.