Month: November 2025

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

The spokesperson for Princess Margaret Hospital made the following announcement today (November 13):

Seven medical staff members of the Department of Medicine and Geriatrics and the Department of Surgery have been presenting with symptoms including fever, sore throat and rash since November 2. They were diagnosed with hand, foot and mouth disease. One of them has recovered and resumed duty, while the rest are now on leave and in stable condition. Staff members have complied with infection control guidelines while on duty, including wearing surgical masks and observing good hand hygiene. No patient has been affected.

After the preliminary investigation by the hospital, seven medical staff members had contact at different gatherings. The hospital is conducting investigations to identify the source of infection. No hospital services are affected.

The departments concerned have adopted the following enhanced infection control measures:

1. Performing medical surveillance for staff;
2. Enhancing hand hygiene for staff; and
3. Thorough cleaning and disinfection of the department concerned.

The hospital will continue the enhanced infection control measures and closely monitor the situation of the departments concerned. The cases have been reported to the Hospital Authority Head Office and the Centre for Health Protection for necessary follow-up.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Digital Policy Office (DPO) and the Beijing Municipal Bureau of Economy and Information Technology organised the Digital Economy Going Global Thematic Promotion Session in Hong Kong today (November 13). There, experts, academics and enterprise representatives from both places engaged in extensive discussions and exchanges on further promoting Beijing-Hong Kong collaboration in innovation and technology (I&T) as well as driving the digital economy. The theme of the Session was “Beijing-Hong Kong Digital Connectivity: Building a Collaborative International Digital Economy Ecosystem”.

In her welcoming remarks, the Under Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Ms Lillian Cheong, shared Hong Kong’s role and actions of promoting international co-operation in the digital economy. The digital economy has already become a core engine of global high-quality economic development, as well as contributing to the reshaping of the competition landscape. Technologies such as cloud computing, blockchain, big data, and AI have not only fostered countless new industries and business models, but have also enabled more efficient cross-border collaborations and an optimised allocation of global resources. Beijing, as the country’s hub for technological innovation and the digital economy, has leading advantages in core technologies, industrial systems, and the creation of application scenarios. Hong Kong, leveraging the advantages of the “one country, two systems” framework, serves as a “super connector” bridging the Mainland and the world. Hong Kong’s regulations with international standards, top-tier research capabilities, convergence of international talent, and its advantages in international data flow provide unique support for the cross-border movement of digital elements and international technological co-operation. The strong partnership between the two places creates an ideal situation for building a collaborative ecosystem for international co-operation.

Ms Cheong added that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government attaches great importance to AI development and identifies it as a core industry. Over the past few years, the Government has been actively planning and promoting the advancement of AI technologies and applications on multiple fronts. Ms Cheong took the opportunity to invite Chinese Mainland enterprises attending the Promotion Session to seize AI opportunities together with Hong Kong and jointly build a collaborative ecosystem for international co-operation, thereby making greater contributions to the nation’s high-quality development and the building of a great country.

Ms Cheong presented certificates to the successful enterprises of the Beijing-Hong Kong AI Application Accelerator and witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between Hong Kong Cyberport and the Beijing Go Global Hub for Digital Enterprises.

The Assistant Commissioner (Mainland and Industry Collaboration) of the DPO, Ms Cari Wu, chaired a roundtable dialogue at the event on the same day, leading guests to engage in in-depth discussions and exchanges on ways to collaborate, including a future Beijing-Hong Kong co-operation mechanism, leveraging resource complementarity between Beijing and Hong Kong, and promoting enterprises going global.

Additionally, Ms Wu attended the Beijing-Hong Kong Digital Economy Enterprise Going Global Service Seminar yesterday (November 12) which was well received, drawing active participation from industry experts and insiders from both Beijing and Hong Kong. The seminar aimed to provide a collaborative platform, harnessing the wisdom and strengths of both places to explore how to integrate the policy advantages, service resources and enterprise powers of Beijing and Hong Kong to jointly construct an innovative ecosystem to expand the digital economy and go global.

At the seminar, Ms Wu shared Hong Kong’s policies and efforts in assisting Chinese Mainland technology enterprises to go global. This year’s Policy Address proposed the establishment of a one-stop platform, the Task Force on Supporting Mainland Enterprises in Going Global, which was set up early last month and has commenced its work. Ms Wu expressed gratitude to one of the organisers of the seminar, the Hong Kong China Friendship Association, which has brought together a vast network of economic, professional services, and technology talent in Hong Kong, Macao and overseas, serving as a strong support for the Task Force on Supporting Mainland Enterprises in Going Global.

In addition, the Commissioner for Digital Policy, Mr Tony Wong, held an insightful exchange session on topics such as promoting digital government, data governance and smart city development with the delegation from the Beijing Municipal Administration of Government Services and Data Administration on November 11. The delegation was led by Deputy Secretary-General of the Beijing Municipal Government and Party Secretary and Director of the Beijing Municipal Administration of Government Services and Data Management, Mr Shen Binhua. Mr Wong and representatives of the DPO shared Hong Kong’s latest developments on digital government, data governance, digital infrastructure and the 1823 hotline service. The delegation also visited the 1823 Contact Centre to understand the centre’s daily operations and its application of I&T.

The exchange session has deepened the understanding of the digital economy and digital government developments between Beijing and Hong Kong, laying a solid foundation for driving high-quality development in smart city matters across both places.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) announced today (November 13) that pianist Beatrice Rana is unable to come to Hong Kong to perform as planned at the first “Orchestra dell’Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia – Roma” concert to be held on November 20 (Thursday) at the Concert Hall of the Hong Kong Cultural Centre. The piano solo part of Ravel’s “Piano Concerto in G”, which was originally to be played by Rana, will be replaced by pianist Aristo Sham.

Ticket holders who wish to be refunded due to the performer change are advised to keep their original intact tickets (with stubs) for refunds. The refund arrangement will be announced in due course. Please check the latest refund announcements at the programme website (www.lcsd.gov.hk/CE/CulturalService/Programme/en/music/programs_1836.html).

For enquiries, please call 2268 7321 during office hours, or visit www.lcsd.gov.hk/CP.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     To further boost the electoral atmosphere and enhance public awareness, and to appeal to all electors to cast their votes on December 7, the polling day of the Legislative Council (LegCo) General Election, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government will organise a large-scale outdoor variety show, “Let’s Vote, Together We Create the Future Gala” at Wonderland of the West Kowloon Cultural District between 8pm and 10pm on December 6. The gala will be simulcast by seven local electronic media outlets, namely Television Broadcasts Limited, ViuTV, HOY TV, Phoenix Satellite Television, Radio Television Hong Kong, Metro Broadcast and Commercial Radio (in no particular order).
 
     The Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs, Mr Erick Tsang Kwok-wai, together with senior representatives from the seven electronic media outlets, attended the “Let’s Vote, Together We Create the Future Gala” press conference held at TVB City today (November 13). They introduced details of the gala simulcast and officiated at a launch ceremony marking the gala kick off.
 
     To further promote the LegCo General Election, the theme song “Let’s Vote, Together We Create the Future” was written as adapted from Aaron Kwok’s popular hit “å¼·”. The song features nearly 70 singers and artists, including representatives from the seven local electronic media outlets. The music video of the theme song was premiered at the press conference and will continue to be broadcast across various platforms to encourage the public to cast their votes on the polling day.
 
     The gala boasts a diverse programme combining traditional and innovative elements, providing a rich audio-visual experience for audiences. It will feature a stellar line-up of established and emerging artists sharing the stage, showcasing cross-generational unity and collaboration. Highlights include large-scale illusion performances by a renowned magician, grand dance performances and an interactive session with the audience, sharing fun and joy with the public and fostering the spirit of solidarity and community support for the election. Tickets for the gala will be distributed for free, with details to be announced in due course.
 
     A Government spokesperson said, “The eighth LegCo General Election to be held on December 7 marks a significant milestone in Hong Kong’s journey from stability to prosperity. It plays a vital role in accelerating Hong Kong’s economic development and improving people’s livelihoods. The Government once again calls on all electors to actively participate and cast their votes on the polling day to elect capable, responsible, passionate and pragmatic candidates to be new-term LegCo Members, who will work together with the Government to create a brighter future for Hong Kong.”

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     To raise public interest in planting and promote greening, the Leisure and Cultural Services Department will organise a horticultural education exhibition entitled “Exploring the Amazing Bulbous Plants” this weekend (November 15 and 16) from 10am to 5pm at the Arcade and the Green Education and Resource Centre of Kowloon Park. The two-day event will also feature pot-planting activities, game stalls, workshops, talks and guided tours. All are welcome and admission is free.

     Bulbous plants generally refer to herbaceous plants with enlarged underground stems or roots that serve as storage organs. Packed with nutrients, water, and buds essential for growth, these specialised underground structures allow the plant to remain dormant during harsh conditions, such as cold winters, hot summers, or drought, and they quickly sprout and bloom when seasons return favourable. Therefore, bulbous plants are hailed as nature’s “master of energy storage”.

     Through the exhibition, members of the public can learn more about the classification, selection and pre-planting preparation, planting steps and practical tips, plant care and propagation methods of bulbous plants. Some beginner-friendly species that are easy to care for, have distinct blooming periods, and offer great visual appeal will also be introduced.

     In addition to exhibition panels, there will be hands-on workshops for creating scented sachets, bookmarks featuring compressed flowers, and plant rubbing art, alongside game stalls. Visitors can also enjoy the fun of pot planting under the guidance of horticulture instructors.

     Two talks in Cantonese, namely “Protected Plants in Hong Kong” and “How to plant Bulbous Plants”, will be held at the Green Education and Resource Centre in Kowloon Park from 12.15pm to 1pm on November 15 and 16 respectively. All are welcome to participate. While admission is free, tickets are required and available at the Centre on the event day on a first-come, first served basis.

     For enquiries, please call 2723 6053 or 2723 6767 or visit www.lcsd.gov.hk/en/green/gerc/activities/exhibitions.html.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Leisure and Cultural Services Department announced today (November 13) that Tiu Keng Leng Sports Centre will be temporarily closed from November 26 to December 17 to support the organisation of the 12th National Games for Persons with Disabilities and the 9th National Special Olympic Games. All facilities of the Sports Centre (including the service counter and SmartPLAY Self-service Stations) will be temporarily closed, while the carpark will open as usual.
 
     During the above period, members of the public may use similar facilities of the other sports centres in the same district.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

An owner was convicted and fined $78,300 in total, of which $72,300 was the fine for the number of days that the offence continued, at the Sha Tin Magistrates’ Courts yesterday (November 12) for failing to comply with a removal order issued under the Buildings Ordinance (BO) (Cap. 123).

The case involved a metal frame attached to the external wall of an industrial building at Wo Heung Street, Sha Tin. As the unauthorised building works (UBWs) were carried out without prior approval and consent from the Buildings Department (BD), a removal order was served on the owner under section 24(1) of the BO. Failing to comply with the removal order, the owner was prosecuted by the BD.

A spokesman for the BD said today (November 13), “UBWs may lead to serious consequences. Owners must comply with removal orders without delay. The BD will continue to take enforcement action against owners who fail to comply with removal orders, including instigation of prosecution, to ensure building and public safety.”

Failure to comply with a removal order without reasonable excuse is a serious offence under the BO. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $200,000 and one year’s imprisonment, and a further fine of up to $20,000 for each day that the offence continues.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Secretary for Environment and Ecology, Mr Tse Chin-wan, continued to attend the 30th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP30) in Belém, Brazil, on November 12 (Belém time). He spoke at the thematic discussion session in China Pavilion’s side event, and had bilateral meetings with other representatives.
 
     Mr Tse attended the China Pavilion’s side event themed “Promoting Green Innovation and Cooperation to Jointly Build the Green Silk Road”, which was guided by the Ministry of Ecology and Environment (MEE) and co-hosted by the BRI International Green Development Coalition, the Foreign Environmental Cooperation Center of the MEE and the Secretariat of China Council for International Cooperation on Environment and Development. It aimed at establishing a pivotal platform for governments, financial and research institutions, non-governmental organisations and private sectors to foster international collaboration under the framework of the Green Silk Road. Discussions focused on promoting global green transition through key areas such as technological innovations, climate finance and market mechanisms.
 
     Speaking at the first thematic discussion session titled “Innovation in Climate Finance Mechanisms: Exploring New Models for South-South Cooperation”, Mr Tse said located in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, Hong Kong serves as a “super connector” and acts as a bridge between Chinese Mainland and the world. Under the “one country, two systems” principle, Hong Kong adopts the common law system and is the third largest global finance centre and the leading centre for green and sustainable finance in Asia, attracting local and transnational funds to support mitigation and adaption actions to reduce the impacts of climate change.
 
     Mr Tse said in 2024 alone, the volume of green and sustainable bonds issued in Hong Kong reached about 45 per cent of the regional total and ranked first in the Asian market for seven consecutive years. To encourage the development of green finance, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government launched the Green and Sustainable Finance Grant Scheme to provide funding support for eligible bond issuers and loan borrowers to cover part of their expenses on bond issuance and external review services. The Scheme has been extended to 2027 with the scope of subsidies expanded to cover transition bonds and loans to encourage regional decarbonisation.
 
     He added that in September 2025, Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited signed a Memorandum of Understanding with various carbon exchanges markets in the Greater Bay Area, strengthening the collaboration of carbon market development in the region. The Hong Kong Taxonomy for Sustainable Finance was also launched in May 2024, driving cross-border investments and facilitating green finance flows.
 
     Mr Tse said, “the HKSAR Government and the MEE will sign a cooperation agreement on jointly setting up a Belt and Road Green Development Cooperation Platform in Hong Kong. The platform will connect international environmental co-operation networks and facilitate technology exchanges and transfers of solutions among Belt and Road countries.”
 
     After attending the China Pavilion’s side event, Mr Tse had a bilateral meeting with the head of the Malaysian delegation, the Deputy Secretary General (Environmental Sustainability) of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability, Datuk Nor Yahati binti Awang, at the Malaysia Pavilion. They exchanged experience and views on carbon reduction strategies and low carbon green transition. Mr Tse also met with the Acting Group CEO of the Malaysian Green Technology and Climate Change Corporation, Mr Saiful Adib Bin Abdul Munaff, and the Secretary General of ICLEI-Local Governments for Sustainability, Mr Gino Van Begin, respectively. They exchanged experience and views on various topics, including addressing climate change, sustainable development and strengthening city-to-city collaborations.
 
     Mr Tse will leave today (November 13, Belém time) and arrive at Hong Kong on November 15.

Source:

To Shalveen Chand

Editor Samoa Observer newspaper

12th November 2025.

Re- SAMOA GOVERNMENT RESPONSE: STRENGTHENING SAMOA’S HEALTH SYSTEM BEYOND SHORT-TERM SUPPLY CHALLENGES

From: Hon. Vaaaoao Alofipo -Minister of Health

The Samoa Observer editorial 11 November 2025 titled “Building hospitals when the medicine cabinet is empty” raises legitimate public concern about the availability of medicines and supplies across our health facilities.

As Minister of Health, I wish to assure the people of Samoa that while the challenges highlighted are real, the overall picture is far more complex and actively being addressed through coordinated national reforms, not neglect.

Understanding the Global and Regional Context

The shortage of medical supplies is not unique to Samoa. Across the Pacific, small island nations have faced major disruptions in global shipping, rising freight costs, and pharmaceutical manufacturing delays since the COVID-19 pandemic. Samoa’s medical supply chain relies on international procurement cycles coordinated through global suppliers — primarily from New Zealand, Australia, and Asia — which are still recovering from post-pandemic bottlenecks.

In 2025, global shortages affected several essential medicines, laboratory reagents, and diagnostic consumables. These disruptions were beyond our borders but directly impacted our local stock levels. The Ministry acted swiftly by activating emergency procurement measures, reallocating supplies to priority hospitals, and engaging new supplier networks to ensure critical services remained operational.

Investment in Health Infrastructure is an Investment in Service Delivery

The suggestion that Samoa is “building hospitals when the medicine cabinet is empty” misrepresents the purpose and timing of current government investments. Infrastructure development — such as the new district hospitals, renovation of local health centers, and the forthcoming biomedical warehouse — is part of a 10-year strategy to strengthen Samoa’s health system from the ground up.

Modern hospitals are not merely buildings; they are designed with upgraded pharmacy storage, cold-chain capacity, diagnostic labs, and digital tracking systems that directly address the very shortages raised. Without this investment, our health services would remain constrained by outdated infrastructure that cannot support reliable inventory and logistics management.

Tackling the Root Causes of Medicine Shortages

In 2024, Cabinet approved reforms to modernize the National Pharmaceutical Supply Chain under the Health Sector Resilience Program. This includes:

• A digital inventory system linking the National Health Service and Ministry of Health for real-time stock visibility.

• Establishment of a Pharmaceutical Procurement Committee to streamline tender processes and reduce procurement delays.

• A strategic buffer stock policy ensuring at least three months of essential medicines in reserve.

• Enhanced regional procurement cooperation with the Pacific Community (SPC) and WHO for bulk purchasing and cost efficiency.

These measures are already reducing stock-outs and will ensure better forecasting and accountability moving forward.

Supporting Frontline Workers and Patient Care

We acknowledge the frustration experienced by patients and health staff when supplies are delayed. The Ministry has reinforced communication lines between hospitals, health centers, and pharmacies to ensure that temporary shortages are reported and mitigated early. We have also prioritized training for pharmacy and logistics officers, improved customs clearance processes for urgent shipments, and established an emergency medical fund for rapid replenishment of life-saving drugs.

Partnerships and Accountability

Health is everyone’s responsibility — government, suppliers, professionals, and the public. The Ministry continues to work closely with our development partners including the WHO, UNDP, and donor governments to secure reliable supply lines and technical support. The ongoing independent audit of the health supply chain — requested by Cabinet — will also ensure transparency and accountability in how resources are managed.

Moving Forward

The government’s health investments are not cosmetic projects. They are a deliberate and forward-looking strategy to secure Samoa’s health system for the next generation. We are building facilities that will house better-equipped pharmacies, laboratories, and staff who can deliver high-quality care — with the assurance that medicine shortages will become the exception, not the rule.

To the people of Samoa: your government hears your concerns, acknowledges the difficulties, and is acting decisively. The journey to health resilience is not without setbacks, but the foundation we are laying today will ensure that no Samoan is left without access to essential healthcare tomorrow.

Ma le faaaloalo tele

Vaaaoao Alofipo

Minister of Health

November 13, 2025

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region