Month: November 2025

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Under Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Ms Lillian Cheong, and the Deputy Commissioner (Digital Infrastructure), Mr Daniel Cheung, attended the Cross-Strait, Hong Kong and Macao Internet Development Forum, the Cybersecurity Forum for Technology Development and International Cooperation, and the Data Governance Forum of the 2025 World Internet Conference (WIC) Wuzhen Summit held in Hangzhou today (November 8) respectively and exchanged views with representatives of government institutions, international organisations, enterprises and research institutes from various places on Hong Kong’s latest developments in innovation and technology (I&T). The Summit, with the theme “Forging an Open, Cooperative, Secure, and Inclusive Digital Future – Building a Community with a Shared Future in Cyberspace”, is hosted by the WIC.
 
     Addressing the Cross-Strait, Hong Kong and Macao Internet Development Forum today, Ms Cheong shared the latest overview of the promotion of the AI development in Hong Kong. She said that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government is striving to cultivate a vibrant AI ecosystem. To advance the “AI+” development, the HKSAR Government proposed in this year’s Policy Address to step up the promotion of AI as a core industry for Hong Kong’s future development, guided by the strategy of “strengthening infrastructure and promoting the application-oriented approach” to create new quality productive forces for Hong Kong in the era of digital economy.
 
     Ms Cheong pointed out that the HKSAR Government has been adopting an all-rounded approach to support the development of the AI industry by supporting innovative research and development (R&D), uplifting computing infrastructure, actively implementing the open data policy and channelling market capital to invest in emerging and future industries of strategic importance including AI. She added that the establishment of the AI Efficacy Enhancement Team was also proposed in this year’s Policy Address to co-ordinate and steer government departments in the effective use of AI technology, with a view to achieving “industries for AI” and “AI for industries” in better alignment with the national “AI+” Initiative, so as to develop the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) into a global highland for the AI industry.
 
     Meanwhile, Mr Cheung delivered a keynote speech at the Cybersecurity Forum for Technology Development and International Cooperation today and shared the HKSAR Government’s policies and practices in promoting threat intelligence sharing and emergency response collaboration, as well as constructing a collaborative defence system. He stated that, in the face of increasingly complex cybersecurity threats, the HKSAR Government continues to promote intelligence sharing with other regions, deepen collaborative defence with local, Mainland and international partners, and further enhances cybersecurity governance to provide robust protection to the digital development of the HKSAR. Hong Kong will also fully leverage its role as a bridge in connecting the motherland internally and the world externally to promote international cybersecurity co-operation, making an active contribution to building a secure, trustworthy, shared and prosperous community of shared future in cyberspace.
 
     Mr Cheung also joined and spoke at the Data Governance Forum this afternoon, when he pointed out that the HKSAR Government has promulgated the Principles of Data Governance as well as the Hong Kong Generative Artificial Intelligence Technical and Application Guideline respectively to enhance quality and reliability of data, strengthen the protection of data, and provide the industry with an AI governance framework with local characteristics that is suitable for the Hong Kong context, and to effectively manage risks while encouraging innovation. Additionally, since the launch of the facilitation measure on the Standard Contract for the Cross-boundary Flow of Personal Information Within the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (Mainland, Hong Kong), the facilitation measure has been widely acclaimed by the industry for enhancing overall convenience and effectively facilitating the integration of services in the financial, medical and talent aspects within the GBA.
 
     Ms Cheong visited the 2025 Light of Internet Expo and the World Internet Science and Technology Museum in Wuzhen before attending the forum to learn about the latest developments in technology in Hangzhou.
 
     During their visit to Hangzhou, Ms Cheong and Mr Cheung, accompanied by the Director of Zhejiang Liaison Unit of the HKSAR Government, Mr Terence Lau, visited the Hangzhou Biopharma Town and the Hangzhou Transfar Science and Technology City on November 6 to learn about the R&D layout, product pipeline and industrialisation planning in biopharmaceutics, medical devices, biomedical engineering and medical big data of the two parks. They also engaged in discussions with enterprises operating in the parks. They then visited the headquarters of the Transfar Group and met with the management team of the Group to learn about its international layout as well as planning and management of its technology park. Ms Cheong introduced the development of Hetao Hong Kong Park to the Group and invited it to settle there where the Group can expand businesses in Hong Kong by combining the Group’s R&D advantages in biotechnology research and building science and technology city with the opportunities in Hong Kong’s rapid I&T development.
 
     On November 7, Ms Cheong and Mr Cheung attended the opening ceremony and plenary session of the Summit. In the afternoon, they, accompanied by Mr Lau, visited Hangzhou Yunshenchu Technology Co Ltd and Hangzhou Yushu Technology Co Ltd of Hangzhou’s “Six Little Dragons”, to learn about the R&D and application of AI and robotics as well as the global development plans of the two enterprises. The duo shared with the management of the enterprises that under the National 15th Five Year Plan, Hong Kong will enhance its distinctive advantage of having strong support from the motherland and close connection with the world, coupled with the proactive development of AI and robotics industries in Hong Kong, which can help the two enterprises connect their R&D outcome and applications with the global markets.
 
     Mr Cheung attended the 2025 edition of the “Straight to Wuzhen” Global Internet Competition – the “Wings of Digital” Innovation Night yesterday evening in support of the annual “Straight to Wuzhen” Global Internet Competition organised by the WIC and the People’s Government of Zhejiang Province. He took the opportunity to cheer for the two Hong Kong teams that won in the Asia-Pacific regional competition, wishing them great success in the finale.
 
     Ms Cheong concluded her visit today and returned to Hong Kong in the evening.
 
     Mr Cheung will attend the Awards Presentation Ceremony and present awards at the “Straight to Wuzhen” Global Internet Competition, which is co-organised by the Digital Policy Office, tomorrow (November 9). He will return to Hong Kong in the evening.
 
     In addition to the renowned annual Wuzhen Summit, the WIC will continue to designate Hong Kong to host the WIC Asia-Pacific Summit in April next year.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) of the Hong Kong Special Administrative (HKSAR) Government and the Guangdong Pearl River Estuary Chinese White Dolphin National Nature Reserve Management Bureau today (November 8) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on the Chinese White Dolphin Conservation Co-operation Platform to strengthen co-operation between Guangdong and Hong Kong in protecting Chinese White Dolphins (CWD) inhabiting the Pearl River Estuary.

     Witnessed by the Deputy Director of Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation, Mr Patrick Lai, and Deputy Director of the Forestry Administration of Guangdong Province Mr Wu Xiaomou, and others, the Assistant Director (Fisheries and Marine Conservation) of the AFCD, Dr Jim Chu, and the Director of the Guangdong Pearl River Estuary Chinese White Dolphin National Nature Reserve Management Bureau, Mr Zhang Chaoming, signed the MOU today at the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Chinese White Dolphin conservation promotion event held in Zhuhai. 

     The MOU seeks to implement the recommendation of the joint promotion of integrated ecological conservation in the Greater Bay Area in the Outline Development Plan for the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. The Chinese White Dolphin Conservation Co-operation Platform, based in the North Lantau Marine Park established last year in the HKSAR and the adjacent Pearl River Estuary Chinese White Dolphin National Nature Reserve in Guangdong Province, enhances co-operation between the two places in the areas of ecological monitoring and research of CWD, management and surveillance of protected areas, and marine conservation education, marking an important step forward in joint conservation of CWD.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Security Bureau (SB) held the SB and disciplined services’ “Join the Election Together We Create the Future” pledging ceremony today (November 8) to mobilise relevant departments, organisations and work partners to show full support for the 2025 Legislative Council General Election, make concerted efforts to publicise messages on the election and encourage members or employees, as well as various sectors of society, to fulfil their civic responsibility by casting their votes.

Some 400 people participated in the pledging ceremony. In addition to members led by the heads of the SB, the six disciplined services and the two auxiliary services, other participants from advisory and statutory bodies under the SB and departments, including the Independent Police Complaints Council, the Disciplined Services Consultative Council and the Police Force Council, as well as staff associations, youth groups and work partners of the SB and its departments were also invited. 

Addressing the pledging ceremony, the Secretary for Security, Mr Tang Ping-keung, said that the SB and its departments gathered together today to show unity in support of the Legislative Council General Election. He said that after the implementation of the principle of “patriots administering Hong Kong” in the Legislative Council, quality lawmakers had given valuable advice for the smooth passage of important legislation, including the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance and other laws benefiting the people and businesses, as well as facilitating the work of law enforcement departments. Mr Tang called on participants to cast their votes on December 7 and encourage relatives and friends to vote as well to create a better future for Hong Kong.

Afterwards, Mr Tang and the heads of the disciplined services and auxiliary services performed the pledging ceremony by piecing together puzzles, each showing a department badge, onto a lighting installation with the election slogan “Join the Election Together We Create the Future”, symbolising the concerted efforts of the SB, the disciplined services and the auxiliary services to fully support the Legislative Council General Election.

After the ceremony, Mr Tang and the heads of the departments led their teams to distribute election leaflets in various districts to appeal people to cast their votes on the December 7 polling day.

Source:

[GOVT PRESS SECRETARIAT PRESS RELEASE] – The Chief Executive Officer of the Ministry of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (MPMC) is setting the record straight in response to a front page article of the Samoa Observer of Friday, 31 October 2025 titled “Toelupe meets officials over PM’s NZ Meeting”.

The article alleges a meeting took place at the office of the Deputy Prime Minister on Thursday 30, October 2025 between Toelupe Maoiautele Poumulinuku Onesemo, CEO Agafili Tomaimanō Shem Leo and the CEO of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade Peseta Noumea Simi to discuss several matters of concerns surrounding the Prime Minister’s medical leave and foreign engagements.

The MPMC CEO however refutes such claims made by this Newspaper referring to the article as distorted given he was not at any point approached or contacted out of courtesy for confirmation regarding whether or not this meeting transpired.

He confirms no such meeting happened and Peseta and he were not together in the office of the Deputy Prime Minister yesterday as the article speculates.

“I can confirm that no such meeting happened” says CEO Agafili.

“Peseta and I were never contacted on this matter for alleged confirmation of the ‘phantom’ meeting and the photos with the article were not taken yesterday.”

END.

November 10, 2025

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KEYNOTE ADDRESS Associate Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries Hon. Aiolupotea Misa Tony Aiolupo Thursday 30th October 2025

Susuga Tupa’i Fetaomi Seve, a’oa’o fesoasoani.

Honourable Speaker of Parliament,

Honourable Ministers of Cabinet, Associate Ministers and Members of Parliament.

Heads of Government Ministries and Corporations,

Mr Guangzhou Qu, FAO Subregional Coordination for the Pacific Islands,

Representative of Schools – Teachers and Students,

Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen.

Talofa lava and a very Good Morning to you all.

It is an honored to speak on behalf of the Hon Minister of the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries and SROS, Hon Fuimaono Maiava Tito Asafo who is unable to be with us this morning to the celebration of World Food Day 2025, under the theme “Hand in Hand for Better Foods and Better Future”.

Today, as we come together to mark this important occasion, I am especially pleased to see the active participation of our schools, the teachers and young students’ today’s celebration. Your presence reminds us that the future of Samoa’s food systems depends on the knowledge, choices and values we pass on to the next generation.

This year’s celebration comes at a very important time for Samoa. Just this week, parliament passed the national budget for the financial year 2025 – 2026, reaffirming the Government’s commitment to investing in agriculture, fisheries and food systems transformation as one of the key drivers of growth, resilience, and well-being.

As part of our celebration, the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries is proud to officially launch six key sector documents that will guide our work towards stronger, climate – smart, and inclusive food systems.

These are:

1. Cost of Diet Analysis in Samoa – providing evidence on the affordability of

nutritious diets for all Samoans.

2. Samoa Aquaculture Management & Development Plan 2025 -2030 –

safeguarding our coastal resources and supporting livelihoods of our fishing

communities.

3. Samoa Coastal Fisheries Management & Development Plan 2025-2030 –

safeguarding our coastal resources and supporting livelihoods of our fishing

communities.

4. Samoa Tuna Management & Development Plan 2025 -2030 – ensuring

sustainable management of our valuable tuna resources.

5. Samoa Tuna Fisheries National Monitoring, Control, Surveillance &

Enforcement Strategy 2025 – 2030 – strengthening governance, transparency

and compliance in our offshore fisheries sector.

6. Midterm Review of the Samoa Food Systems Pathway 2030 – assessing our

progress and identifying areas for acceleration towards a resilient and inclusive

food future.

Together, these documents represent Samoa’s renewed vision, to harness the potential of our agriculture and fisheries sectors through evidence – based policies, improved coordination, and stronger partnerships.

In closing, I wish to acknowledge all our stakeholders and development partners for their continued support of Samoa’s agriculture and fisheries initiatives. Special thanks to the FAO Sub – Regional Office for the Pacific for their financial support, and to the participating schools, teachers and students for their valuable engagement in promoting sustainable food systems and nutrition among our future generations.

Let us continue working hand in hand, government and communities, farmers and fishers, partners and youth, to build a Samoa where local food is not only grown and harvested with pride but also sold and consumed with safety, dignity and value.

Thank you for your attention.

Soifua ma ia Manuia.

November 10, 2025

Source:

[PRESS RELEASE Apia Samoa Oct 30th, 2025] – The National University of Samoa officially opened the 10th Measina Conference 2025. The conference commenced with an official ‘ava o le feiloa‘iga ceremony, acknowledging the sacred protocols of Samoa and welcoming esteemed guests, presenters, and participants from across Samoa.

This year’s theme, E Tetele a Pesega ae Matua i le Ō’ō”- “Resilience and Innovation in Times of Adversity highlights the enduring strength and adaptive spirit of our people, especially in times of great challenge. The 10th Measina Conference is one of NUS’s most significant academic and cultural gatherings.

The opening devotion was led by Fr Paletasala Leota – Chancellor – Chancery office of the Archdiocese Apia, setting a respectful and reflective tone for the two-day event. The keynote address was delivered by his Honor Afioga Lesātele Rapi Vaai, President of the Land and Titles Court. His remarks emphasized the importance of integrating traditional knowledge with modern approaches to navigate the complexities of today’s world while safeguarding our cultural “measina – lands and titles.

Over the course of two days, the Measina Conference will feature a diverse range of presentations and discussions that explore different dimensions of measina- language, culture, values, lands, titles, history origins and genealogy and their role in education, development of communication diplomacy, marketing, business, ethical leadership, cultural identity, social cohesion, law and order as well as sustainable livelihoods to name a few. The value of this conference list not only in preserving Samoa’s heritage, but also in creating a platform where traditional knowledge meets modern solutions. Scholars, practitioners, and community leaders will share insights into language, oratory traditions, genealogy, heritage preservation, education, and contemporary innovation rooted in Samoan values.

NUS also acknowledges the sponsors whose generous support has made this event possible: Samoa Qualifications Authority, Kontiki Finance, Samoa Life Assurance Corporation, Digicel Pacific, Samoa Stationery and Books, Samoa Commercial Bank, National Bank of Samoa, Greenology, Bank of South Pacific, Moanava NZ, and Eveni Carruthers.

The Measina Conference continues to serve as a vital platform for cultural research, dialogue, and collaboration—ensuring that our heritage remains a living, evolving part of our national identity.

END

The National University of Samoa

November 10, 2025

Source:

[PRESS RELEASE, Apia 28 October 2025] – France plays an important role in the US-lead Pacific Partnership, in particular in engineering and civil-military operations area.

Together with their US Navy engineers and sappers comrades, 12 French Legionnaires from the French Armed Forces in New Caledonia (FANC) worked last week for the benefit of Samoan population and communities.

At Faleolo Hospital, they renovated and reinforced the ambulance driveway for a better access to the premices.

At the Primary School of , they worked to reinforce a part of the roof frame and created a new sanitary block with its septic tank.

On both occasions, they had the chance to interact with the staff of the hospital and the children at school.

Those were real and concrete action of solidarity and partnership, demonstrating the commitment of French Forces in the Pacific./.

END.

France in Samoa – La France aux Samoa

November 10, 2025

Source:

Minister Of Finance, Mulipola Anarosa Ale- Molioo’s Opening Remarks To Commemorate Frankie Company Ltd Anniversary Celebration. – [25 October 2025-Siusega]

Susuga Reverend Falemai‘i Ropati Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

On behalf of the Government of Samoa, I extend warm congratulations to Frankie Company Limited as you mark another milestone in your remarkable journey of growth, service, and commitment to the people of Samoa.

From humble beginnings in 1995 as a small retail store in Fugalei, Frankie Company Limited has grown into one of Samoa’s leading family-owned enterprises. Your three-decade story reflects resilience, innovation, and strong Samoan business leadership.

From supermarkets and wholesale operations to hardware, poultry, hydroponics, and food production, Frankie has become a household name that continues to invest in Samoa’s economic future.

Your journey is not only a success story for one company — it is part of the broader story of Samoan enterprise.

With close to 900 employees, including 860 local staff, Frankie contributes significantly to employment, import substitution, and food security. Equally important are your wider economic contributions — through taxes, VAGST, customs duties, and levies — which directly support Government revenues and the essential services that benefit all Samoans.

As we celebrate today, the Government also acknowledges the many Samoan- owned businesses across Upolu and Savai‘i whose collective efforts strengthen our nation’s economy — from village-based ventures to large-scale industries.

Each business plays a vital role in shaping Samoa’s economic resilience and in supporting families and communities across the country.

The Government continues to encourage all our business partners to invest in ways that uplift our people — by creating decent jobs, supporting local suppliers, and contributing to shared prosperity. Together, these efforts embody the spirit of our national manifesto: People, People, People —reminding us that every policy, every investment, and every partnership must ultimately serve our people.

The success of our nation depends on the strength of partnership — a whole- of-government and whole-of-community approach that brings together the public sector, private sector, faith-based organisations, village leadership, academia, and civil society.

When we work together, we build not only stronger businesses but stronger communities — grounded in service, opportunity, and shared responsibility. Frankie’s story, like so many others, is a testament to what can be achieved when enterprise meets purpose and when success becomes a blessing for many.

The Government of Samoa values the contribution of Frankie Company Limited and of every Samoan business that continues to serve with commitment and integrity. Your motto — “We never rest to bring you the best” — reflects a work ethic that resonates with the spirit of service we hope to see across all sectors.

As you look toward 2025 and beyond, may Frankie Company Limited remain a proud example of Samoan entrepreneurship — walking alongside other local enterprises as we build a resilient, people-centered economy together.

“When every business success becomes a community blessing, and every policy uplifts a family, then we know — our work truly serves the people.”

Fa‘afetai tele lava, and congratulations once again.

May God continue to bless your business, your leadership, and your service to Samoa.

Soifua ma ia manuia.

November 10, 2025

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

Attention TV/radio announcers:

Please broadcast the following as soon as possible and repeat it at regular intervals:

     Here is an item of interest to swimmers.

     The Leisure and Cultural Services Department announced today (November 9) that Morse Park Swimming Pool in Wong Tai Sin District has been temporarily closed for cleaning and superchlorination following the discovery of a small amount of vomit in the pool.

     It will be reopened at 6.30am tomorrow (November 10).

     The department appeals to swimmers to be considerate and to keep the swimming pools clean. They are advised not to swim after a full meal and should use the toilet facilities if necessary before swimming.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Brussels (Brussels ETO) supported the Asian Film Festival Barcelona 2025, continuing a partnership that has spanned more than a decade. Over the years, the Festival has provided a valuable platform to showcase the creativity and diversity of Hong Kong cinema to international audiences.

     The Asian Film Festival Barcelona 2025 celebrates its 13th edition this year and is one of the major festivals in the city dedicated to Asian cinema. This year, five Hong Kong films are supported by Brussels ETO in the Festival, which began October 29 and runs until November 9 (Barcelona time). The films are “Little Red Sweet”, “Montages of a Modern Motherhood”, “Papa”, “The Prosecutor”, and “Good Game”, reflecting the storytelling excellence and talent of Hong Kong’s filmmakers. The film “Papa” received the award of the best film in the discoveries section.

     Brussels ETO hosted a reception on November 8, bringing together 50 local film professionals and cultural enthusiasts. Speaking at the Festival, Deputy Representative of Brussels ETO Mr Kasper Ng said that Hong Kong, as a place where East meets West, has a vibrant film industry that serves as a bridge for cultural exchanges.

     “The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government is committed to supporting our film industry through the Film Development Fund and our dedicated Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency. As at February 2025, the Fund had approved funding for over 120 projects, engaging more than 110 new directors and producers, with the supported films collectively winning over 180 awards,” Mr Ng said.

     Mr Ng invited audience members to visit Hong Kong to experience the city’s arts and culture scene, including a wide range of film festivals of all sizes, notably the iconic Hong Kong International Film Festival which will celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2026; as well as the Hong Kong International Film & TV Market (FILMART), which is Asia’s largest film and entertainment content marketplace.