Month: December 2025

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

Energy Taiwan 2025 kicked off today in grand style today (October 29) at Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center, Hall 1. Responding to the global net-zero trend, Taipower brought the Connecting Power Worlds booth, themed on green energy, to the event. The booth features the entire span of green energy, from generation, storage, and dispatching, to conservation and trading. A Taipower spokesperson stated that the exhibition would continue for three days. When attendees play interactive games, they can win limited-availability gifts, and there are also chances to try specially-brewed coffee inspired by RE30 electrical products!

With the trend in recent years toward the net-zero transformation and green energy markets opening up, Taipower has already transformed from a traditional power supplier to a new position as a “power logistics platform”. At this exhibition, Taipower’s booth is themed around green energy, separated into four main aspects: Generating energy, storing energy, conserving energy, and trading power. The “Connected logistical transport” theme symbolizes electrical grid systems, to help you visualize the journey of green energy from generation, storage, and dispatching, all the way to conservation and trading. The Taipower spokesperson stated that the electric grid is a critical asset shared by the public as a whole; continuing to strengthen the grid’s systems will supply stable power to support development for people’s lives and industries in Taiwan.

The spokesperson explained that in the Generation Zone, wind, solar, hydro, and other forms of renewable power are represented as products to be transported in logistics totes. Using the model of shopping for products, the booth demonstrates small-scale green energy, RE30, and other such power products that are helping domestic businesses reduce carbon. The Storage Zone uses a white booth design to make it feel like you’re immersed within a power storage device. The interactive installation gives you an insight into how electricity flows and how the grid operates. The Conservation Zone uses real-life examples to show the effectiveness of deep energy saving. The booth includes an electrical conservation diagnosis service; businesses are invited to come take action to reduce energy consumption and carbon production.

The booth also includes a special “Greenverse” power exchange simulator. Tapping into the game interface through your cellphone, you can become a green energy enterprise and choose power solutions such as wind, solar, geothermal, and storage to create your own green energy project. By answering questions, you build up power points to compete and bid in the energy market, and get a real sense of what the green process, from generation to trade, is like.

Taipower has more good things to share. By completing the interactive experience, you can win an exclusive prize. There is also a chance to try coffee specially blended with a 30% sugar cane/70% Americano mix – a drink that symbolizes the concept of 30% Renewable Energy. Put together, it all adds up to an immersive experience for the eyes and tastebuds alike.

Taipower’s Connecting Power Worlds exhibition runs from now until October 31 at Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center, Hall 1, Floor 4, in booth M0519 at Net-Zero Taiwan, every day from 10am to 5pm, and 10am to 4pm on October 31. In addition to providing a deep analysis of green energy, the booth will also feature talks every day, with topics ranging from deep energy saving and RE30 to small-scale green energy purchasing options and the Energy Trading Platform. You are most welcome to come attend the exhibition!

Spokesperson: Vice President Tsai Chih-Meng
Phone: (02) 2366-6271/0958-749-333
Email: u910707@taipower.com.tw

Contact Person: Department of Public Relations Director Yuan Mei-Ling
Phone: (02)2366-7430/0939-656-201
Email: u004465@taipower.com.tw

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

An investigation report submitted by Control Yuan members has urged that Taipower perform self-reviews of power supply resilience and the speed of power restoration. In response to the report, a Taipower spokesperson stated that the company will perform a humble self-review while continuing to make improvements and working hard to provide customers with a stable electricity supply. The spokesperson also pointed out that, in response to growing domestic demand for electricity, Taipower in recent years has been carrying out work such as building additional substations, replacing old distribution lines, and strengthening the distribution system, all aimed at enhancing the electrical grid’s resilience. Outages have shown a distinct decline in recent years. In 2024, national power distribution incidents resulting in outages were reduced by more than 13,000 as compared to 2012, a reduction of 65%. This shows that power distribution system stability has had a significant increase. In the future, Taipower will continue working hard to make further improvements.

The spokesperson further noted that Taipower has also implemented undergrounding of power cables in response to disaster response requirements. This will lower impacts on the power supply from natural disasters. Cable undergrounding has the advantages of enhancing power supply capacity, decreasing outages as a result of disasters, reducing cable contact with foreign objects, and increasing anti-disaster resilience. However, the cost of laying underground cable is approximately 8-12 times that of aerial cables. In addition, the competent authorities for roads have required recessed manhole covers. This has increased the difficulty in performing inspections and repairs at fault points, with the average time for power restoration vs. non-recessed locations going up by 3.5 hours. As a result, power cable undergrounding will continue to require careful deliberation regarding the scale of implementation. In addition, undergrounding requires conforming with local planning and public support. With construction costs high, it is at present impossible to provide power cable undergrounding works at large scale.

The Taipower spokesperson explained that, with automated feeder lines that have functions to rapidly detect and diagnose fault zones, the time for power restoration goes from the pre-automated time of about 1 hour to 5 minutes or less. When there are 1.5 or more automatic switches on a Taipower feeder line in the initial construction phase, the feeder line is considered automated. In order to further reduce power restoration times, and in order to make sure that grid improvement efficiency strengthens implementation of smart grid construction, Taipower is currently installing 3.6 such switches per feeder line. The 5-minute power restoration rate has gone from 17% in 2019 to 73.51% in September this year (2025), meaning that the effects of outages are limited far more rapidly than before.

The Taipower spokesperson stated that as regional economies develop and the people thrive and prosper, electrical demand also increases. Substations have become required power facilities in power usage hubs; but in terms of local ambiance, they are often considered “not-in-my-backyard” facilities. This makes it difficult to implement new planning projects. In order to lower local concerns and pay equal attention to aesthetics and the public interest, Taipower has in recent years used design, communication, and education to implement improvements. These have included bringing substations indoors and putting cables underground, while also integrating multi-purpose public spaces and green environments. Holding small-scale communication sessions and large talks with local communities has also created spaces for neighborly relations. And Taipower has used scientific data to resolve citizens’ concerns. One example is using third-party scientific testing and open information to show the safety statistics for electromagnetic fields, which has helped break down doubts held by member of the public.

Electrical facility construction is vital to stable development for people’s lives and industry. Taipower is continuing to strengthen local communication, resolve concerns for citizens, and use open, transparent information and systems to help society at large better understand the importance and necessity of upgrading the electrical grid. Taipower also hopes to receive support and assistance from all sectors of society as we work together to enhance power stability and provide a rock-solid foundation for regional prosperity and long-term development.

Spokesperson: Vice President Tsai Chih-Meng
Phone: (02) 2366-6271/0958-749-333
Email: u910707@taipower.com.tw

Contact Person: Department of Power Distribution Director Jao Yu-Chen
Phone: (02)2366-6650/0922-483-804
Email: u149447@taipower.com.tw

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The National Games Coordination Office (Hong Kong) (NGCO) today (December 14) announced that the three competition events of the 12th National Games for Persons with Disabilities (NGD) and the 9th National Special Olympic Games (NSOG) in Hong Kong, namely boccia, wheelchair fencing and para table tennis (TT11), concluded on the last day of competition. Together with the NSOG table tennis competition which concluded on December 9, all competition events in the Hong Kong competition region have been completed smoothly.

     The boccia event was held at Kai Tak Arena, with a total of 14 gold medals awarded. Around 100 athletes from 13 teams from the Mainland, Hong Kong and Macao took part. Among them, Hong Kong sent 11 male athletes and eight female athletes, and won four gold, four silver and four bronze medals, totalling 12 medals.

     The Hong Kong Jockey Club Trophy wheelchair fencing competition was held at Ma On Shan Sports Centre, with a sum of 24 gold medals presented. Over 80 athletes from 10 teams from the Mainland, Hong Kong and Macao participated in the competition. Hong Kong fielded seven male athletes and six female athletes, claiming one silver and two bronze medals, amounting to three medals altogether.

     As for the Hong Kong Jockey Club Trophy para table tennis (TT11) competition held at Tsuen Wan Sports Centre, a total of five gold medals were awarded. 36 athletes from 13 teams from the Mainland, Hong Kong and Macao competed in the event, including seven male athletes and five female athletes from Hong Kong. The Hong Kong team achieved one silver and five bronze medals, adding up to six medals in total.

     The Special Olympics table tennis competition was also held at Tsuen Wan Sports Centre earlier, with a total of 78 gold medals awarded. Over 150 athletes from 29 teams from the Mainland, Hong Kong and Macao joined the competition. Six male athletes and five female athletes from Hong Kong won nine gold, six silver and four bronze medals, totalling 19 medals.

     Across various events of the 12th NGD and the 9th NSOG this year, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region fielded over 280 athletes supported by about 140 accompanying team officials and medical personnel taking part in 14 competition events and four mass participation events of the NGD, as well as seven events of the NSOG, forming the largest delegation ever. The Hong Kong team won a total of 51 gold, 49 silver and 40 bronze medals, totalling 140 medals, achieving historic results.

     A spokesperson for the NGCO said that the 12th NGD and the 9th NSOG, co-hosted for the first time by Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao, brought together outstanding athletes from across the country. They demonstrated indomitable sportsmanship and remarkable athletic prowess in the competitions. While extending congratulations to all medallists, the spokesperson also expressed gratitude to various relevant government departments, sports organisations and related institutions for their full support and assistance in staging the events, and the public and volunteers for their enthusiastic support, which enabled the smooth running of all events in the Hong Kong competition region and the successful conclusion of the 12th NGD and the 9th NSOG.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki, will depart for Shenzhen tomorrow afternoon (December 15) to attend the Closing Event of the 12th National Games for Persons with Disabilities and the 9th National Special Olympic Games. The Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Miss Rosanna Law, will join the visit.

Mr Chan will return to Hong Kong the same evening.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

​The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, will pay a duty visit to Beijing from tomorrow (December 15) to December 17 to brief state leaders on the latest economic, social and political situation in Hong Kong. The Director of the Chief Executive’s Office, Ms Carol Yip, and the Private Secretary to the Chief Executive, Ms Queenie Wong, will join the visit.

During Mr Lee’s absence, the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki, will be the Acting Chief Executive.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Health Bureau (HHB) announced today (December 14) that free Chinese medicine (CM) consultation services will be provided to residents affected by the fire at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po starting tomorrow (December 15). In addition, various CM services will also be deployed to fully address their medical needs.

Free Chinese medicine consultation services

     To ensure the affected residents receive more comprehensive medical support, free CM consultation services will be launched starting tomorrow. Under the co-ordination of the Primary Healthcare Commission (PHC Commission) and the Chinese Medicine Unit of the HHB, 150 CM practitioners have participated in the free CM consultation services, covering more than 170 service points. Starting from tomorrow until February 28, 2026, all residents of the eight blocks at Wang Fuk Court (including foreign domestic helpers) can receive up to three free CM consultation services, including the provision of medication and related treatments based on their clinical needs, through the arrangement of the District Health Centres/ District Health Centre Expresses (collectively referred to as DHCs) across all 18 districts in Hong Kong. The scope of free CM consultation services covers health conditions that may arise after the fire, such as emotional changes, insomnia, palpitations; coughing, wheezing, dry throat, and itchy throat; physical weakness, fatigue, loss of appetite, dyspepsia; as well as pain and musculoskeletal injuries.

     Affected residents with medical needs can call the hotlines or visit any DHC in person to seek assistance, regardless of their current place of residence. Those who are registered DHC members may also contact their respective DHC directly. The hotlines have been posted on the websites of the PHC Commission and the DHCs. Case managers of the DHCs will pair them with CM practitioners participating in the free CM consultation scheme based on their individual situation and preferences.

The Chinese Medicine Hospital of Hong Kong

      All residents of the eight blocks at Wang Fuk Court (including foreign domestic helpers), and all individuals injured in the fire and admitted to public hospitals under the Hospital Authority (HA) can receive full fee waivers at the Chinese Medicine Hospital of Hong Kong (CMHHK) until December 31, 2026. The waivers cover all government-subsidised services of CMHHK, including General Clinic, Specialised Clinic, Allied Health Services, day-patient services, as well as special Western medicine diagnostic procedures and medications (discharge medication collection). Relevant individuals can identify themselves to CMHHK and provide basic personal information (including name, identity card number and residential address) during consultations to facilitate the arrangement.

Chinese Medicine Clinics cum Training and Research Centres located in 18 districts

      Following the fire, the Chinese Medicine Clinics cum Training and Research Centres (CMCTRs) under the HA promptly provide support in Sha Tin District, Tai Po District, and North District through enhancing CM services, arranging rescheduling of appointments, and re-dispensing of Chinese medicines.

     Starting from December 2, the 18 CMCTRs have been fully supporting all residents of the eight blocks at Wang Fuk Court (including foreign domestic helpers). They are eligible for full medical fee waivers until December 31 2026, covering government-subsidised CM outpatient services, including general consultation, acupuncture and bone-setting/tui-na. Relevant individuals can call the CMCTRs during their service hours or make an appointment via the “18 CM Clinics” mobile application. They shall identify themselves to the CMCTRs and provide basic personal information (including name, identity card number and residential address) upon registration to proceed with the arrangement. The CMCTRs will provide priority booking for the affected residents. In addition, the Integrated Chinese-Western Medicine Services under the HA’s public hospitals/ambulatory care centres/out-patient clinics (currently available for six selected disease areas) will also waive service fees for relevant individuals.

     Information about the 18 CMCTRs can be found on the HACMK website.

     The HHB expresses gratitude to the CM sector and non-governmental organisations for their dedication to providing various CM support to the affected residents. The Government will continue to co-ordinate various medical services to support the physical and mental health needs of the residents.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Transport Department (TD) today (December 14) reminded registered vehicle owners that the new vehicle registration and licensing regime will take effect from December 22 (Monday), with a view to strengthening the regulation of prolonged unlicensed vehicles and addressing the improper abandoning of vehicles at source. Under the new regime, unlicensed vehicles will remain registered under the name of their owners, who will continue to be held responsible for their vehicles.
 
     A spokesman for the TD said, “Starting from December 22, we will issue a notice to registered owners of vehicles unlicensed for two years or more. Vehicle owners must, within three months of the date of notice, renew the licence, or submit the relevant supporting documents to the TD and cancel the registration of such vehicles after scrapping them or permanently shipping them out of Hong Kong. They should handle their vehicles properly and in a timely manner to avoid contravening the law.”

     Failing to take the appropriate action upon expiry of the three-month notice period will constitute an offence. The maximum penalty for the first conviction will be a fine of $10,000 and imprisonment for three months. For each subsequent conviction, the maximum penalty will be a $25,000 fine and six months’ imprisonment. Unless the fine is paid, the TD may, subject to the court’s order, (1) refuse to issue or renew the driving licence of a convicted vehicle owner; (2) cease processing any application for transfer of ownership of the subject vehicle and any other vehicles under the convicted owner’s name; and (3) refuse to issue a vehicle licence to the subject vehicle and any other vehicles under the convicted owner’s name.

     Individual vehicle owners who have a genuine difficulty in taking the required actions within the three-month notice period or have reasonable grounds for not licensing their vehicles may apply for an exemption from the TD. In general, exemptions may be granted for: (1) vehicles pending spare parts for maintenance and examination before licence renewal; (2) vehicles manufactured for 30 years or more, properly stored as a private collection and not used on roads; or (3) vehicles properly stored by a car dealer and consigned for sale. Details of the eligibility criteria, guidelines, application form and documents required are available on the TD’s website. The TD will consider granting an exemption based on individual cases.

     The spokesman reminded vehicle owners that, even when a vehicle remains unlicensed or is granted an exemption, it will remain registered under their name and they have to continue to bear all legal liabilities associated with it. They may make use of the e-Licensing Portal to check the vehicle licence expiry date, handle licensing matters and take proper action on their unlicensed vehicles.

     The TD will continue to step up publicity and public education via the website, posters, pamphlets, the Agent T Facebook page (www.facebook.com/AgentT.hk) to remind transport trades and vehicle owners to take note of the new legal requirements. Members of the public may refer to the thematic posts for key points on handling vehicles in a timely manner and steps to cancel vehicle registration (Chinese only) to handle vehicles properly, visit the TD’s website or call the hotline at 2804 2600 for details.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Transport Department today (December 14) reminded members of the public that the 68th round of computer ballot registration for submitting applications for Northbound Travel for Hong Kong Vehicles (the scheme) will be open from 10am tomorrow (December 15) to 11.59pm on December 18, and the ballot result will be announced on December 19.
 
Eligible applicants for the scheme can register for computer balloting through the designated website (www.hzmbqfs.gov.hk). Successful balloting applicants are required to submit applications for the scheme within the designated application period.
 

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     The Hong Kong Professional Services GoGlobal Platform, initiated by the Department of Justice (DoJ) with support of the Commerce and Economic Development Bureau (CEDB), was officially launched today (December 13), marking a new stage of collaborative support by Hong Kong’s professional services for Mainland enterprises going global.

     The Platform was established under the steer of the Deputy Secretary for Justice, Dr Cheung Kwok-kwan, to implement the initiative set out in the Policy Address. It is clearly stated in the Policy Address that Hong Kong should strengthen its role as a platform for enterprises going global, in which the Deputy Secretary for Justice is tasked to promote Hong Kong’s legal services and to collaborate with other professional service sectors, such as accounting and finance, to support Mainland enterprises wishing to expand overseas.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

​Two incoming passengers were sentenced to six weeks’ imprisonment with a fine of $1,000, and four weeks’ imprisonment with a fine of $800 by the Fanling Magistrates’ Courts today (December 12) for importing goods to which the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance (DCO) applies, possessing duty-not-paid cigarettes and failing to declare them to Customs officers, in contravention of DCO.

Customs officers intercepted a 40-year-old incoming male passenger and his accompanying child on December 5 at the Lok Ma Chau Spur Line Control Point. The officers found a total of 2,381 duty-not-paid cigarettes on the man and from the backpack carried by the child. The estimated market value of the seized cigarettes was about $9,700 and the duty potential was about $7,800. The male passenger was sentenced to six weeks’ imprisonment and fined $1,000.

In addition, Customs officers intercepted a 48-year-old incoming female passenger at the same control point on December 10, and seized 1,600 duty-not-paid cigarettes, with an estimated market value of about $6,500 and a duty potential of about $5,200, from a backpack in her possession. The female passenger was sentenced to four weeks’ imprisonment and fined $800.

Customs welcomes the sentence, noting that even a first-time offender may still be imprisoned. The custodial sentence has imposed a considerable deterrent effect and reflects the seriousness of the offences.

Customs reminds members of the public that under the DCO, cigarettes are dutiable goods to which the DCO applies. Any person who imports, deals with, possesses, sells or buys illicit cigarettes commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $2 million and imprisonment for seven years.

Members of the public may report any suspected illicit cigarette activities to Customs’ 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002).