Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Hong Kong Customs seizes eggs of suspected scheduled endangered bird species
A 26-year-old male passenger arrived in Hong Kong from Thailand yesterday (December 12). He was intercepted for customs clearance at the arrivals hall of the airport. Customs officers found the batch of bird eggs inside three paper boxes in his carry-on baggage. Upon inspection by officers of the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD), the bird eggs were suspected to be endangered species listed in the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora and regulated under the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance (Cap. 586) in Hong Kong. The man was subsequently arrested by Customs officer.
The arrested man was charged with illegal import of an Appendix II species. He will appear at the West Kowloon Magistrates’ Courts on December 15.
Under the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance, any person importing, exporting or possessing specimens of endangered species not in accordance with the Ordinance commits an offence and will be liable to a maximum fine of $10 million and imprisonment for 10 years upon conviction with the specimens forfeited.
Members of the public may report any suspected smuggling activities to Customs’ 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hkIssued at HKT 14:51
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SCED expresses sorrow over passing of Mr Gregory So
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
SCED expresses sorrow over passing of Mr Gregory So
Mr So was appointed as Under Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development in 2008. He was appointed as SCED in 2011, a post he held until June 2017.
Mr Yau said, “During his tenure, Mr So had made immense contributions to Hong Kong’s economic and trade developments by taking forward various policies and measures, and forging co-operation between Hong Kong and other economies. I am deeply saddened by the passing of Mr So and extend my sincere condolences to his family.”
Issued at HKT 12:43
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CE expresses sorrow over passing of Mr Gregory So
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, today (December 13) expressed sorrow over the passing of Mr Gregory So, former Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development.
Mr So joined the Government in 2008 as Under Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development. He then served as Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development from 2011 to 2017. Mr So had also participated in different advisory and statutory bodies, serving in such areas as public healthcare services, education, district governance and so on.
“Mr So had dedicated years of service to the Hong Kong community through his work in the Government and different public offices, contributing to the city’s development in the economy, trade, tourism, information technology, telecommunications and creative industries. Mr So had made significant contributions to Hong Kong with his professional knowledge and dedication. He was awarded the Gold Bauhinia Star in 2012.
“I am saddened by the passing of Mr So. I extend my deepest condolences to his family,” Mr Lee said.
Levée du dispositif ORSEC 2 – Communes de l’Île des Pins et de Koumac
Source: Gouvernement de la Nouvelle-Caledonie
Compte tenu de l’efficacité des actions menées par l’ensemble des moyens engagés et de l’amélioration des conditions météorologiques, les feux de forêt survenus sur les communes de l’Île des Pins et de Koumac sont déclarés définitivement maîtrisés et éteints.
En conséquence, le dispositif ORSEC Feux de Forêt (FDF) de niveau 2 est levé ce jour à 17 heures sur les communes de l’Île des Pins et de Koumac.
Bilan des opérations :
● Aucune victime n’est à déplorer ;
● Environ 2 040 hectares de végétation ont été impactés par les incendies, tous secteurs confondus.
Secteur : Île des Pins
Les opérations auront mobilisé pendant 15 jours des moyens humains et matériels exceptionnels, avec notamment :
● plus de 1 500 largages réalisés par les hélicoptères bombardiers d’eau ;
● les sapeurs-pompiers de la sécurité civile locale, ceux de l’aérodrome de l’Île des Pins et les militaires de la BMSC ;
● l’engagement de l’unité drones de la sécurité civile locale ainsi que celle de la Brigade des Militaires de la Sécurité Civile (BMSC) venue en renfort de l’Hexagone ;
● le soutien constant de l’association ABBN de l’Île des Pins.
L’ensemble de ces acteurs ont oeuvré jour et nuit, sans relâche, pour venir à bout du plus important feu de forêt enregistré depuis celui de la Montagne des Sources en décembre 2005.
Communiqué levée du dispositif ORSEC 2 – Communes de l’Île des Pins et de Koumac
Source: Gouvernement de la Nouvelle-Caledonie
Compte tenu de l’efficacité des actions menées par l’ensemble des moyens engagés et de l’amélioration des conditions météorologiques, les feux de forêt survenus sur les communes de l’Île des Pins et de Koumac sont déclarés définitivement maîtrisés et éteints.
En conséquence, le dispositif ORSEC Feux de Forêt (FDF) de niveau 2 est levé ce jour à 17 heures sur les communes de l’Île des Pins et de Koumac.
Bilan des opérations :
● Aucune victime n’est à déplorer ;
● Environ 2 040 hectares de végétation ont été impactés par les incendies, tous secteurs confondus.
Secteur : Île des Pins
Les opérations auront mobilisé pendant 15 jours des moyens humains et matériels exceptionnels, avec notamment :
● plus de 1 500 largages réalisés par les hélicoptères bombardiers d’eau ;
● les sapeurs-pompiers de la sécurité civile locale, ceux de l’aérodrome de l’Île des Pins et les militaires de la BMSC ;
● l’engagement de l’unité drones de la sécurité civile locale ainsi que celle de la Brigade des Militaires de la Sécurité Civile (BMSC) venue en renfort de l’Hexagone ;
● le soutien constant de l’association ABBN de l’Île des Pins.
L’ensemble de ces acteurs ont oeuvré jour et nuit, sans relâche, pour venir à bout du plus important feu de forêt enregistré depuis celui de la Montagne des Sources en décembre 2005.
Attentat terroriste de Bondi Beach, Australie
Source: Gouvernement de la Nouvelle-Caledonie
Le gouvernement de la Nouvelle-Calédonie exprime sa profonde émotion et sa solidarité à la suite de l’attaque survenue à Bondi Beach, à Sydney, en Australie, au cours de laquelle 16 personnes, dont un enfant, ont été tuées et 38 autres blessées.
Il adresse ses pensées les plus sincères aux victimes, à leurs familles et à leurs proches, ainsi qu’à l’ensemble du peuple australien durement éprouvé par cet acte de violence. La Nouvelle-Calédonie tient également à saluer le courage et l’engagement des services de secours et des forces de sécurité mobilisés face à cette tragédie.
Liées par une histoire, une géographie et des relations humaines, économiques et institutionnelles étroites, la Nouvelle-Calédonie et l’Australie partagent des valeurs communes de paix, de liberté, de démocratie et de respect de la vie humaine. L’attaque perpétrée sur la célèbre plage de Bondi Beach constitue une atteinte grave à ces valeurs fondamentales.
Le gouvernement de la Nouvelle-Calédonie condamne avec la plus grande fermeté toute forme de terrorisme et de violence aveugle, qui cherchent à semer la peur, la division et la haine. De tels actes ne sauraient en aucun cas être justifiés.
Dans ce contexte, le gouvernement appelle les Calédoniens résidant en Australie ou y séjournant actuellement à la plus grande vigilance et à suivre strictement les consignes des autorités locales.
Dans ces moments de deuil, la Nouvelle-Calédonie réaffirme son soutien indéfectible à l’Australie et sa détermination à œuvrer, aux côtés de ses partenaires régionaux, pour la paix, la sécurité et le vivre-ensemble dans le Pacifique.
Director General David Cheng-Wei Wu and Mrs. Wu Attended the 2025 Graduation and Awards Ceremony of Ambassadors Multicultural Chinese School
Source: Republic of China Taiwan
Director General David Cheng-Wei Wu and Mrs. Wu were pleased to attend the 2025 Graduation and Awards Ceremony of Ambassadors Multicultural Chinese School. The ceremony brought together around 600 parents and students to celebrate the graduates’ outstanding achievements in Chinese language studies, with certificates presented to students from both the Cantonese and Mandarin programs.
In his remarks, DG Wu expressed sincere condolences regarding the tragic fire in Tai Po, Hong Kong, and wished peace for the deceased and safety for those affected. He also commended the perseverance and dedication of students and parents in learning Chinese, noting that studying traditional Chinese characters presents additional challenges but is essential for truly appreciating the essence of Chinese culture. He further emphasized that the Taiwan government will continue to provide teaching materials and resources to support Ambassadors Multicultural Chinese School in its Mandarin language education.
The school, established in 1989, now operates three campuses with a total of 50 classes—29 Cantonese and 21 Mandarin—with approximately 570 students, a 15% increase from 2024, supported by a teaching team of 63 staff members.
Director General David Cheng-Wei Wu and Mrs. Wu Visited Taronga Zoo, One of Australia’s Most Renowned Zoos
Source: Republic of China Taiwan
Director General David Cheng-Wei Wu and Mrs. Wu, together with colleagues, were invited to visit Taronga Zoo, one of Australia’s most renowned zoos, known for its wide range of animal species. The zoo provided a detailed briefing on the overall operation of the facility, including the proportion of Australian government funding within its annual budget, as well as other funding and revenue-raising mechanisms.
DG Wu expressed his appreciation for the warm hospitality and for the guided tour of the Australian native animal precincts, the scientific education centre, and related facilities. He highly commended Taronga Zoo’s outstanding contributions to ecological conservation, community education, and the preservation of biodiversity. On behalf of the government of the Republic of China (Taiwan), DG Wu also made a small financial contribution to demonstrate Taiwan’s support for the protection of Australia’s natural environment, with the hope of encouraging broader public engagement and support for wildlife conservation in Australia.
Director General David Cheng-Wei Wu and Mrs. Wu Attended the Christmas gathering hosted by the Distinguished Citizens Society International of New South Wales
Source: Republic of China Taiwan
Director General David Cheng-Wei Wu and Mrs. Wu were pleased to attend a Christmas gathering hosted by President Charles Lin and Mrs. Lin of the Distinguished Citizens Society International (DCS) of New South Wales, where board members and their families came together to enjoy a Korean BBQ dinner in a warm and festive atmosphere.
During the event, Director General Wu commended the DCS for being a well-organised and disciplined organisation, noting its important role as a unifying “salt” within the Taiwanese community by harmonising efforts and supporting numerous community activities. He also thanked President Lin for the thoughtful preparation of gifts, which added to the joyful spirit of the celebration.
Director General David Cheng-Wei Wu Paid Courtesy Call on NSW Liberal Party Deputy Leader Natalie Ward, MLC
Source: Republic of China Taiwan
Director General David Cheng-Wei Wu and colleagues were pleased to meet with the Hon. Natalie Ward, MLC, to congratulate her on being re-elected as Deputy Leader of the NSW Liberal Party in the late-November reshuffle and to express appreciation for the Party’s long-term support for our shared values in democracy and human rights.
DG Wu and Mrs. Ward had a wide-ranging conversation covering democratic and political systems, opportunities for economic and technological cooperation, the challenges posed by regional authoritarian expansion, and efforts to tackle misinformation and disinformation. We look forward to staying in close contact with Mrs. Ward and her team to further deepen cooperation between Taiwan and NSW.