Month: December 2025

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Health and Medical Research Fund (HMRF) administered by the Health Bureau invites funding applications for investigator-initiated research projects and health promotion projects from today (December 18) onwards. Applications from locally based tertiary institutions, hospitals, medical schools, non-governmental organisations or other appropriate centres, units and service providers are invited.

The HMRF aims to build research capacity and to encourage, facilitate and support health and medical research to inform health policies, improve population health, strengthen the healthcare system, enhance healthcare practices, advance standard and quality of care, and promote clinical excellence, through generation and application of evidence-based scientific knowledge derived from local research in health and medicine. It also provides funding support to evidence-based health promotion projects that help people adopt healthier lifestyles by enhancing awareness, changing adverse health behaviours and creating a conducive environment that supports good health practices.

The HMRF emphasises the importance of the translational potential of research findings, and therefore supports applications for the following research projects:

1. clinical research (including patient-oriented research, epidemiological and behavioural studies, outcomes research and health services research);
2. infectious diseases research with public health implications from bench to bedside and at the community level, and with translational value; and
3. clinical research based on Chinese medicine theory or clinical research on Chinese medicine theory and methodology.

Applications in the following areas will be accepted for consideration by the HMRF:

1. public health, human health and health services (e.g. primary healthcare, non-communicable diseases, Chinese medicine); 
2. prevention, treatment and control of infectious diseases with public health implications;
3. advanced medical research which applies advanced technologies to facilitate the translation of knowledge generated from health and health services or infectious disease studies into clinical practice and to inform health policy; and
4. health promotion that facilitates mobilisation of local resources to promote good health and prevention of illness in the community.

Higher priority for funding will be given to proposals addressing this year’s thematic priorities, which are infectious diseases, non-communicable diseases excluding cancers, cancers, primary healthcare and preventive care, digital health and advanced technology as well as clinical trials and implementation science.

The grant ceiling is $1.5 million per project with a grant duration not exceeding three years. As for larger-scale pilot studies such as those evaluating trialability and scalability for future implementation, or small-scale research with achievable objectives, submissions can be made to apply for a seed grant which has a grant ceiling of $500,000 per project. 

Only one application from each principal applicant is allowed; either a new submission or a resubmission of an application.  The principal applicant shall be employed by an administering institution which is based in Hong Kong at the time of application and throughout the project period.

Applications will be subject to a two-tier peer review. The vetting will take into account scientific merit, local relevance, translational potential or value of the proposals, sustainability of health promotion projects, capacity of the administering institutions, the track record of applicants, value for money of the proposals and research ethics, where applicable.

Completed electronic application forms should be submitted via the electronic Grant Management System (eGMS) on or before 6pm on March 31, 2026 (Hong Kong time). Briefing sessions on grant applications, to be held in January 2026, are now open for registration.

Details are now available on the website of the Research Fund Secretariat. Enquiries can be made by e-mail to rfs@healthbureau.gov.hk.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Leisure & Cultural Services Department’s Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) Office has developed the mechanism and criteria to recognise the bearers of items on the Representative List.

Application forms can be downloaded from the ICH Office’s website from January 6 and can be submitted until March 2, 2026. The first batch of bearers is expected to be announced in 2026.

The office made reference to the national ICH representative bearer recognition and management system, as well as those of Guangdong Province and the Macao Special Administrative Region, while taking into consideration the needs of ICH inheritance in Hong Kong.

There are currently 24 items on the Representative List. Bearers are responsible for launching programmes to pass on these items, nurturing successors, preserving relevant physical objects and information, conducting research, and promotional or educational activities.

Applicants must be permanent residents of Hong Kong, and are required to submit information about their line of inheritance or mentorship background, as well as learning and practical experience. They must also provide information about their knowledge, core techniques, and achievements related to an item on the Representative List, as well as relevant supporting documents and evidence.

Applicants should also furnish information about their activities in inheritance and promotion, relevant physical objects and materials in their possession, as well as any other reference information relevant to the application assessment.

Assessment criteria include mastery of techniques, with a deep knowledge and thorough grasp of the core techniques of the item on the Representative List. Applicants should have more than 20 years of inheritance and practical experience in Hong Kong. As representatives of an item on the Representative List, they should also possess widespread recognition and influence within the region.

Additional criteria include playing a crucial role in passing on the item on the Representative List, actively engaging in inheritance activities, nurturing successors, and a readiness to promote the passing on of the item to the public. Applicants should be patriotic, dedicated and law-abiding, and demonstrate excellence in both moral integrity and practice of the item on the Representative List.

Applicants are required to submit the completed application forms together with the supporting documents in person to the Hong Kong ICH Centre located at Sam Tung Uk Museum, 2 Kwu Uk Lane, Tsuen Wan.

The ICH Office will provide a briefing session on the recognition mechanism and criteria for interested applicants at 3pm on January 12, 2026, at the Museum of History. Registration is required.

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

Presidential Office thanks Trump administration for announcing its second military sale to Taiwan
On December 17 (US EST), the United States government announced that it had notified Congress of the sale to Taiwan of an approximately US$11.1 billion military package that includes eight items: the Taiwan Tactical Network (TTN) and Team Awareness Kit (TAK) for the armed forces; AH-1W Helicopter Spare and Repair Parts and related equipment, M109A7 Self-Propelled Howitzers, additional procurement of High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) and related equipment, additional procurement of tube-launched, optically tracked, wire-guided (TOW) missiles, and anti-armor UAV missile systems for the army; Javelin Missile System and related equipment, and Harpoon Missile Repair Follow-on Support and related equipment for the navy. Presidential Office Spokesperson Karen Kuo (郭雅慧) stated on December 18 that the Presidential Office is sincerely grateful to the US government for once again demonstrating that it continues to fulfill its security commitments in accordance with the Taiwan Relations Act and the Six Assurances.
Spokesperson Kuo noted that this is the second arms sale to Taiwan announced during the Trump administration, once again highlighting the close Taiwan-US partnership and fully demonstrating the importance the US government attaches to Taiwan’s national defense needs. In the face of increasingly severe regional security challenges, she said, Taiwan will raise defense spending, as it is defined by NATO, to over three percent of GDP next year, and aims for this figure to reach five percent by 2030. She also noted that the government has previously proposed a special budget for enhancing defense, resilience, and asymmetric capabilities. The spokesperson stated that Taiwan will continue to reform national defense, strengthen whole-of-society defense resilience, demonstrate our determination for self-defense, and maintain peace through strength.
Spokesperson Kuo emphasized that peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and in the Indo-Pacific are indispensable to the security and prosperity of the international community. She stated that Taiwan will continue to deepen its partnerships with the US and other like-minded countries in order to safeguard the universal values of freedom and democracy and uphold regional peace, stability, and prosperity. 

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Chief Executive John Lee

Today marks a major step forward in Hong Kong’s determination to rise as Asia’s first aircraft recycling and parts-trading centre.

We will do so, I am delighted to say, in partnership with Elior Group SA. Elior is a leading European aeronautic services company with international expertise in aircraft engineering, dismantling, high-value parts management and more. Together, we have what we need to build a flourishing regional service supply chain, one that captures the full aviation life cycle.

Hong Kong is a global city located at the heart of Asia. As a “super connector” and “super value-adder”, we add value to markets, capital, corporations and opportunities across borders and regions.

This role is supported by an internationally recognised legal system, a simple tax regime, and a favourable business environment, making Hong Kong an ideal two-way investment centre – for Chinese Mainland companies expanding globally and for international firms accessing the fast-growing markets of our country and the larger Asian region.

Our vital aviation industry embodies these compelling advantages. As a global aviation hub with a world-class airport and an extensive air-services network, Hong Kong has achieved remarkable success, particularly in air cargo – Hong Kong International Airport has been ranked the world’s number one air cargo volume airport 14 times since 2010.

We are strengthening our position through airport infrastructure developments, like the Three-runway System, and by enhancing professional services such as aircraft leasing.

Building on this robust aviation foundation, ladies and gentlemen, we are now focusing on making Hong Kong a leading aircraft recycling and parts-trading hub in the region. This will create jobs. They will be high-value jobs, better-paid and high-skill jobs.

In achieving that goal, we will drive the development of related industries as well, including trade, insurance, finance, leasing and more, creating new job opportunities and long-term economic benefits for Hong Kong.

And in securing the supply stability of aircraft parts for maintenance, we will ensure the long-term growth of the aviation industry in Hong Kong, our country and beyond.

Realising these ambitions demands a steady supply of skilled aircraft maintenance mechanics and engineers. We entrust that to the Hong Kong International Aviation Academy, in collaboration with Elior.

A world-leading civil aviation training institution, the academy has trained nearly 400,000 trainees from Hong Kong, the Chinese Mainland and overseas since its establishment in 2016.

As for Elior, it now has a team of expert professionals here in Hong Kong, involved in setting up the Aircraft Engineering Training Centre, which will offer programmes in aircraft engineering, maintenance and airworthiness management.

The first course will be launched in the first quarter of next year, with more courses planned for later in the year. These specialised programmes will meet international benchmarks and industry needs.

With Elior’s expertise and the academy’s commitment to expanding aviation talent, I am confident that the training centre we inaugurate today will inspire a world-class talent pool, propelling Hong Kong’s emergence as Asia’s aircraft recycling and parts-trading centre.

The training centre’s opening is only the beginning. We will work closely with Elior to identify other promising opportunities in the aviation industry. Together, we will soar.

Chief Executive John Lee gave these remarks at the Launch Ceremony of Aircraft Engineering Training Centre on December 18.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

As of noon today, donations received by the Support Fund for Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po had reached about $3.5 billion. Combined with the $300 million in startup capital from the Government, this takes the fund to a total of around $3.8 billion.

In terms of accommodation support, through the co-ordination of the Home & Youth Affairs Bureau a total of 632 residents had been housed in hotel rooms as of this morning, while 548 residents were staying in youth hostels/camps.

Another 3,439 residents are currently living in transitional housing units provided by the Housing Bureau or the Housing Society, or at Po Tin Interim Housing in Tuen Mun.

There is currently still an abundant supply of more than 1,000 units that can provide affected residents with longer term accommodation.

The transitional housing and Housing Society projects in various districts can altogether provide around 400 units at the moment.

In additional, Po Tin Interim Housing in Tuen Mun and Runway 1331 at Kai Tak can provide around 900 units.

The Government’s online platform for donated supplies has so far received over 1,900 registrations. More than 25,000 donated items, covering various categories, have been distributed to different places.

Source: Government of Western Samoa

ADDRESS by the Minister of Finance Hon. Mulipola Anarosa Ale Molioo

Susuga ile taitai o le sauniga, Reverend Ieti

Le mamalu o le Pulega o le Return to Paradise

Distinguished guests, Ladies and gentlemen

Talofa lava and warm greetings to you all.

Today is more than a celebration for Return to Paradise Resort—it is a celebration for Samoa, for our people, and for the spirit of unity that defines us.

This resort is a shining example of what happens when vision meets community. It stands proudly on customary land, supported by the Lefaga district and built through the courage and commitment of respected Samoan families. It began with one daughter of the village, Sua Lemalu Afamasaga Ramona Su’a Pale, who returned home after many years abroad—not for herself, but for her village, her district, and her country. That is the heart of Samoa: giving back so that others may rise.

Return to Paradise is more than a resort; it is a family. It is fully Samoan-owned and operated, and its success speaks volumes. From winning the Supreme Award of Excellence—the highest honor in our tourism industry—to the Robert Louis Stevenson Best Tours, Best String Band, Champion Cultural Group, National Champion Fire knife dancers, the Prime Minister’s Culinary Cup, and annual winner of the Trip Advisor Travelers Choice – placing Return to Paradise among the top ten percent of resorts worldwide. It is evidence of this resort’s commitment to embracing the Samoan hospitality. Guests don’t just visit—they become part of a family, embraced by daughters, sons, cousins, nephews, and nieces who share the warmth of our culture.

But the impact goes far beyond tourism. Every tala earned here stays in Samoa—supporting jobs, local businesses, farmers, taxi operators, and community initiatives. It funds scholarships for our youth, aids those with spinal injuries, and sponsors our beloved sports teams, including Samoa Rugby and Toa Samoa. It even leads in environmental stewardship, restoring coral reefs to protect our ocean for future generations. This is what people-centered development looks like—where success uplifts everyone.

Today, we welcome Radisson Individuals to our development journey. Your global reach will intensify what is already extraordinary, without changing the essence of who we are. You have committed to respecting Samoan ownership and operation, and for that, we thank you. Together, we will open new doors—training our people to gain internationally recognized qualifications, expanding opportunities, and sharing the beauty of Samoa with the world.

On behalf of the Prime Minister, and the people of Samoa, we say fa’afetai tele lava and welcome. This partnership is not just about business—it is about people, culture, and a shared vision for a brighter future.

May this be the beginning of a journey that honors our heritage while embracing the possibilities ahead.

Soifua ma ia manuia.