Month: March 2026

Source: Government of the Republic of Korea

Honorable Prime Minister Lawrence Wong and the people of Singapore,

On behalf of the people of the Republic of Korea, I would like to express my deep gratitude for your warm welcome.

I find it particularly meaningful that we are holding a summit here in Singapore just four months after our meeting in Seoul last November.

Over the past century, Korea and Singapore have demonstrated remarkable potential to rise as exemplary middle powers, turning limited natural resources and geopolitical challenges into platforms for advancement during the process of nation-building and modernization.

Prime Minister Wong and I shared the view that, as we navigate yet another challenge – the era of hyper-uncertainty in the 21st century – our two countries can become reliable partners.

Accordingly, we agreed to further deepen our bilateral cooperation, which was elevated to the level of a Strategic Partnership last year to mark the 50th anniversary of our establishment of diplomatic relations.

We concurred on the need to bolster the economic ties that have led the development of our bilateral relations, while accelerating innovation in future-oriented, cutting-edge industries such as artificial intelligence and further reinforcing the foundations of our cooperation in defense and security. To this end, our two governments adopted a joint statement and five Memoranda of Understanding.

Going forward, we will continue to closely communicate with each other and proceed with swiftly implementing relevant initiatives.

Allow me to elaborate on the key outcomes of today’s summit.

First, as leading countries in the regional free trade order, we agreed to further strengthen economic solidarity, cooperation in economic security and cooperation in strategic investments.

To this end, our two countries agreed to launch negotiations on the upgrade of the Korea–Singapore Free Trade Agreement, and moments ago adopted a Joint Statement.

We two leaders agreed to upgrade the bilateral Free Trade Agreement, which took effect twenty years ago, in a manner that fully reflects evolving trade and economic security dynamics, as well as technological advances.

We also agreed to advance our close cooperation on investment in a more strategic manner.

An MOU on Investment Partnership, adopted between the Korea Development Bank and Seviora – a Temasek-owned Asset Management Group – will spearhead this investment cooperation.

I believe that as investment in Korea’s promising small and medium-sized enterprises and emerging industries increases, it will further bolster our two nations’ shared growth.

We also agreed to conclude an MOU on Cooperation in the field of smart farming at the earliest opportunity. We will expand our cooperation in advancing sustainable agriculture based on cutting-edge technology, as well as in strengthening food security.

Second, we agreed to expand our broad-based cooperation in the fields of cutting-edge technology and energy security.

To further deepen our cooperation in AI, we agreed to work toward concluding an AI Cooperation Framework.

Through physical AI‑driven industrial innovation and joint research and expanded investment in real‑world applications of AI, our two countries will secure the momentum needed to advance our AI cooperation.

It is expected that the synergy between the artificial intelligence capabilities and innovative industrial ecosystems of the Republic of Korea and Singapore will further accelerate advances in AI across the region.

In addition, an MOU on Cooperation in Artificial Intelligence and Enabling Digital Technologies for Public Safety and an MOU on Enhanced Cooperation in the Field of Intellectual Property, both adopted today, will further strengthen bilateral cooperation on enhancing the capacity to apply AI in policing and public administration services.

This will serve as an important stepping stone toward translating the “AI for All” vision – which is shared and embraced by our two countries – into concrete outcomes.

We also adopted an MOU on Science and Technology Cooperation to strengthen our partnership in quantum computing, space engineering and satellite technologies; an MOU on Space and Geospatial Information for Environmental and Pollution issues to share and verify environmental satellite data for air quality research; and an MOU on Civil Nuclear Energy Cooperation to jointly develop small modular reactor project models and share related information.

Building on today’s achievements, I look forward to further solidifying our current cooperation in trade, investment and infrastructure and expanding the scope of our bilateral cooperation to include such promising future-oriented fields as AI, nuclear energy and cutting-edge science and technology.

Third, we agreed to expand our cooperation in the security sector further and continue working together to promote peace and stability in the region.

Our two countries agreed to expand ongoing joint research on defense technologies and to continue discussing ways to strengthen national defense capabilities based on advanced technologies.

We will also further strengthen our cooperation in combating transnational crimes such as online scams and cyberthreats.

The Republic of Korea will actively support Singapore in its role as ASEAN Chair next year.

Furthermore, we will work with Singapore on crystallizing and implementing our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) vision in earnest. Announced at last year’s ASEAN–Republic of Korea Summit, this vision comprises “Contributor for Dreams and Hopes,” “Springboard for Growth and Innovation” and “Partner for Peace and Stability.”

Singapore played the important role of serving as the historic location of the 2018 North Korea–United States Summit.

I would like to once again express my deepest gratitude to the Prime Minister for actively supporting our government’s efforts to achieve peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula and resume inter-Korean dialogue.

Eight years ago, Singapore demonstrated outstanding diplomatic prowess as a peacemaker through its leadership in promoting dialogue and communication.

I believe that Singapore will continue to play a constructive role in promoting peace on the Korean Peninsula and in the region.

We also discussed the current state of affairs in the Middle East.

We assessed the impact of the situation in the Middle East on the global security and global economy, including energy supply chains. We also shared the hope that stability and peace will be restored in the Middle East.

I am confident that this visit will serve as an opportunity to further deepen friendship and trust between our two countries, and further advance our Strategic Partnership.

Once again, I would like to express my deepest gratitude to the government and people of Singapore for extending a warm welcome to me and my delegation.

Source: Government of the Republic of Korea

(Unofficial translation)

Distinguished business leaders, researchers and young innovators who are at the forefront of the artificial intelligence industries of the Republic of Korea and Singapore,

It is a pleasure to meet you.

I find it deeply meaningful to meet all of you here at the Korea–Singapore AI Connect Summit, which will open a new chapter in the future of our two countries.

Today, we stand at the center of a huge civilizational transformation driven by AI.

AI has become a driving force of change that is affecting industrial frameworks, jobs and even our daily lives. It is also a strategic asset with a direct bearing on national competitiveness.

This is why countries around the world are making every effort to secure AI capabilities.

Amid these sweeping changes, it is both inevitable and truly welcome that Korea and Singapore – nations equipped with world-class AI capabilities – have joined hands.

Our two countries share the common experience of having overcome the constraints of limited territory and natural resources through the strength of our people and technology and of having achieved prosperity through unceasing innovation.

Now is the time to apply the spirit of innovation embedded in our DNA to the AI industry, thereby opening new horizons for the digital economy together.

The Korean government will render its full support by ensuring that capital, technology, talent and industry are seamlessly interconnected through the AI Cooperation Framework, which will facilitate substantive cooperation.

First, we will raise US$300 million for a global fund-of-funds (K-VCC) in Singapore by 2030.

This will serve as a key driving force for accelerating the global expansion of AI companies in both countries and fostering an innovation-driven ecosystem for shared growth.

We look forward to young entrepreneurs and startups from both countries sharing their spirit of challenge and passion, spearheading transformations across future industries and confidently shaping the global market.

Second, we will support joint research that transcends national boundaries.

Next year, we will initiate full-scale international joint research and talent exchange programs, enabling researchers from both countries to collaborate closely and devote themselves to developing AI technologies that can potentially solve humanity’s most challenging issues.

We will provide strong support to ensure that the cutting-edge technologies developed through these efforts are widely applied across both societies and successfully introduced in global markets.

Third, we will further invigorate the AI industry ecosystem through cooperation led by the private sector.

Today’s launch of the AI Alliance marks the beginning of an open innovation ecosystem where companies, universities and startups share their knowledge and resources and collaborate.

I believe this will become a solid foundation upon which creative ideas can become reality and young people can continue growing and taking on challenges.

Our bilateral cooperation must advance beyond simple technological exchanges and rise to the level of a strategic industrial partnership.

We will emerge as Asia’s leading innovation hub by pioneering new markets through AI technology and providing young people with opportunities that are broader and more plentiful.

The Korean government will continue to lend strong support so that young, talented individuals from both countries can take on whatever challenges they desire, engage in exchanges and work together on designing our future.

I hope that today’s event will serve as a starting point for businesspeople, young researchers and young people from both countries to freely communicate with one another and realize the vision for cooperation.

I am confident that the shared growth of Korea and Singapore will extend beyond Asia, thus ushering in a great new “Age of AI Exploration,” and that our two countries will assume leadership in setting the course for the global AI industry.

Thank you.

Source: Government of the Republic of Korea

(unofficial translation)

Fellow citizens of the Republic of Korea, 7 million Koreans overseas, decorated independence activists and relatives of the dearly departed,

On this day 107 years ago, shouts of “Long live Korean independence” echoed across the world.

On that day, we all stood as one. There were no divisions in social class or status, no differences in age or gender. The Gyeongsang-do and Jeolla-do provinces stood together, and there was no divide between left and right. In Pyongyang, in Seoul, in Busan, in Sinuiju – all the way from Hallasan Mountain to Baekdusan Mountain – the entire nation was indeed filled with cries of “Long live Korean independence.”

Our forebears stood firm against imperial Japan’s oppression by organizing armed resistance at home and engaging in diplomatic efforts abroad. Their spirit led to the establishment of the Provisional Republic of Korea Government.

Because they united for a greater cause, overcoming their small differences, the March First Revolution ultimately bore fruit, resulting in the joyous liberation of our nation.

On this 107th anniversary of the March First Independence Movement, I extend my deepest respect and pay the highest tribute to our patriotic forefathers who gave their lives for our nation’s independence. I also express my deepest gratitude to the four living decorated independence heroes and to surviving family members.

Had it not been for those who gave everything for the independence of our homeland and for the hope of a better tomorrow for their descendants, the free and prosperous Republic of Korea we enjoy today could never have existed.

Honoring and upholding their devotion, therefore, is both an extraordinary reward for an extraordinary sacrifice and the minimum responsibility needed to sustain our community.

As I announced on Liberation Day last year, we will expand our efforts to identify and confer honors upon any independence activists yet to be formally recognized, and we will make special efforts to bolster support for their descendants.

We will designate Hyochang Park and its environs as the National Hyochang Independence Park and devise a plan to make extensive use of the former site of the Provisional Government in Shanghai, so that our forebears’ spirit of independence can be honored and carried forward for generations to come.

Moreover, as this year marks the 150th anniversary of the birth of Korean independence movement leader Kim Gu (pen name: Baekbeom), we will continue to uphold his noble legacy through nationwide commemorative projects in which all citizens can take part.

We will build, a fair nation where common sense prevails. To this end, we will ensure that the cynical notion that three generations suffer for fighting for independence disappears from use, that those who devoted themselves to the country are honored with respect and that acts of betrayal against the community are met with stern justice.

Fellow Koreans,

A century ago, when the March First Revolution took place, the world was in the throes of great upheavals – it was an era when the strong exploited the weak.

Many nations, including our own, endured the pain of losing their sovereignty and suffering under colonial rule.

Only after experiencing the devastation of World War II did the international community establish new norms for mediating national disputes and maintaining peace.

Yet today, a century later, the world once again faces another period of cataclysms. The international norms established over the past eighty years – since the end of World War II – are being seriously threatened by power politics.

If we are to avoid repeating the mistakes of the past, we must draw lessons from history.

Today, the spirit of our forebears who led the March First Revolution offers profound lessons not only to us but to people around the world.

The March First Revolution was both a declaration of independence and a declaration of peace. It served as a compass, guiding us toward a future of peaceful coexistence.

Through the March First Declaration of Independence, our forebears lamented that we had “lost the opportunity to contribute to world culture with new technologies and originality.”

They also expressed the aspiration that, upon achieving independence, they would “illuminate human history with the dawning light of a new civilization, guided by a humanitarian spirit cultivated over millennia.”

They envisioned a democratic republic that truly belongs to the people. They dreamed of a peaceful world of great unity where nations do not exploit one another through force, but where people empathize with one another, stand in solidarity and coexist in harmony.

This is precisely why – in this age of crisis when democracy and peace are once again under threat – we must all reflect deeply upon the spirit of the March First Revolution.

In 1919, we were a powerless people living under colonial subjugation. But the Korean people of 2026 possess the power to move hearts around the globe and the boundless potential to transform the world.

The Republic of Korea is the only country among those liberated from colonial rule to have achieved both industrialization and democratization.

The great Korean people achieved industrialization after liberation through the Miracle on the Han River.

Even under oppressive dictatorships, we achieved democratization through the April 19 Revolution, the May 18 Democratization Movement and the June 10 Democratic Struggle. And, we astonished the world with a resplendent display of popular sovereignty during the Candlelight Revolution and the Revolution of Light.

The Republic of Korea is turning our forebears’ dreams into reality on the back of its status as a top-ten global economy, which is strong enough to create affluence, and its world-class, global fifth ranking military, which is powerful enough to repel foreign aggression. Through the power of our highly sophisticated culture, which ranks seventh in terms of global influence, we are broadening the horizons of understanding and empathy and spreading peace across the world.

What made all this possible was the spirit of the March First Revolution – a spirit that has flowed unceasingly through the veins of our people.

I dare say that I am confident that the spirit of the March First Revolution – championed by our forebears and steadfastly upheld by our people – will serve as a beacon for the global community as it endures an era of crisis in which democracy and peace are disrupted, guiding it toward a new world of hope.

Fellow citizens,
Let us now begin, here on the Korean Peninsula, the efforts of realizing the dream of peace and coexistence that our forebears earnestly yearned for.

Building a peaceful Korean Peninsula – where we can grow together through coexistence and cooperation, not hostility, and on a foundation of trust, not mistrust – is the true way to fully uphold the spirit of the March First Revolution.

Let us not turn away from the unwavering lesson of history: that hostility and confrontation serve neither side’s interests.

Let us put an end to this era of confrontation and conflict that has persisted for well over half a century and usher in a Korean Peninsula of peaceful coexistence and shared prosperity.

As my administration has repeatedly made clear, we respect the North’s system and will neither engage in any type of hostile acts nor pursue any form of unification by absorption.

Just as we have proactively taken a series of measures – through actions rather than words – to reduce military tensions and restore mutual trust between the two Koreas, we will consistently do everything necessary to build peace on the Korean Peninsula and restore inter-Korean trust.

Last year’s incursion of an unmanned aerial vehicle into North Korea, entirely unrelated to the intentions of this government, was a grave criminal act that threatened peace on the Korean Peninsula. It was something that should never have happened.

There can never be an excuse for actions that provoke tension and clashes on the Korean Peninsula, which is shared by both the South and the North. We will thoroughly ascertain the truth about this incident and implement institutional safeguards to ensure that it never recurs.

We will also continue our efforts to resume dialogue with the North.

As a “pacemaker,” we will communicate with the United States and neighboring countries to ensure that dialogue between North Korea and the United States resumes as soon as possible.

We will make every effort to convert the armistice system to a peace regime by substantively easing tensions between the two Koreas and working with relevant countries.

Since North Korea is formulating and implementing a new five-year plan, I hope it will swiftly return to the negotiating table so that we may leave the dark past behind and move forward together toward a new future.

It is my hope that the shouts of “Long live Korean independence” by our forebears, who longed for world peace, will once again resonate as a joint pledge by the two Koreas to realize a “Korean Peninsula of peace and shared prosperity.”

Our relationship with Japan must also move forward based on the spirit of the March First Independence Movement, which was driven by the pursuit of peace and coprosperity.

Korea and Japan have shared a turbulent history.

Traces of that heartbreaking history still remain in every corner of our society, and victims and their distraught family members continue to suffer.

In the past, our two countries – even despite unhealed pain and open wounds – normalized diplomatic relations to bring about a future of cooperation and friendly, neighborly relations.

Over the past sixty years, Korea and Japan have deepened their cooperation across all areas, including diplomacy, the economy, society and culture, advancing their relationship as close neighbors with a common front yard.

Facing a stark international situation, now is the time for our two countries to respond to present realities and work together to usher in a better future.

Through pragmatic diplomacy, the government of popular sovereignty will do everything possible to squarely face the past, jointly address present challenges and move forward into the future.

We will continue engaging in shuttle diplomacy with Japan and providing proactive support so that the peoples of both countries can more fully experience the benefits of improved relations and unlock new opportunities together.

I look forward to the Japanese government’s continued engagement so that, together, our two countries may create a “friendly new world based on genuine mutual understanding and empathy.”

To wisely navigate these turbulent times, harmony in Northeast Asia is more crucial than ever.

In his “Treatise on Peace in the East,” independence activist Ahn Jung-geun stressed that cooperation among Korea, China and Japan is the path toward world peace.

Reflecting on the significance of peace and harmony in Northeast Asia, I emphasized the need for Korea, China and Japan to find common ground, communicate and cooperate during my back-to-back visits to China and Japan at the start of this year.

Following the wishes of our forebears, who sought to use peace in Northeast Asia to achieve world peace, we will unceasingly continue striving for harmony and prosperity.

Fellow 52 million citizens of the Republic of Korea and 7 million Koreans overseas,

Our forebears managed to overcome small differences and unite as one, achieving independence and laying the foundation for the Republic of Korea.

If we great people of the Republic of Korea – who inherited this spirit – join hands and fully realize our potential, we can bring about the peaceful world our forebears dreamed of.

Let us join forces to build an advanced, exemplary democratic nation; a peaceful Korean Peninsula free from fears of war; and a Republic of Korea where culture flourishes and prospers – the country our fallen patriotic forebears and independence activists envisioned and gave their lives for.

In the spirit of the March First Revolution, let us open the path toward peace and democracy, mutual benefits and common prosperity.

Together as the great people of the Republic of Korea, we will advance toward the light our forebears so desperately longed for.

Thank you.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Home Affairs Department today alerted members of the public to beware of attempted impersonations of District Services and Community Care Teams for fraudulent purposes.

It was recently informed by a sub-district care team that some residents had reported receiving unidentified calls, with the caller claiming to be a care team member and requesting for the transfer of money to a bank account for fee payment, the department explained.

The department stressed that care teams will not ask for monetary transactions and advised citizens to remain vigilant when receiving unidentified calls or messages. If in doubt, they may call 182 111 to verify the identity of care team members and volunteers, and obtain the care teams’ contact information.

In case of suspicious circumstances, call the 24-hour Anti-Scam Helpline at 18222.

The department noted that members and volunteers of care teams wear uniforms and display relevant certificates of identity when providing caring services. Visit the dedicated webpage for further information.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Chief Executive John Lee and his wife Janet Lee today officiated at a reception hosted by the Home & Youth Affairs Bureau and the Women’s Commission in celebration of International Women’s Day 2026.

Citing the remarks made by President Xi Jinping at the Global Leaders’ Meeting on Women in Beijing in 2025, Mr Lee stated that women play an important role in creating, promoting and carrying forward human civilisation, and the international community has a shared responsibility to advance the cause of women.

With the nation’s support and a widening global vision, women in Hong Kong have been able to pursue their dreams and realise their full potential, Mr Lee added, emphasising that women’s talent and determination are essential to the city’s continuing success.

Recognising the hard work and contributions of women, he expressed hope that women would continue to illuminate the city with their clarity, inclusivity, resilience, and grace.

Secretary for Home & Youth Affairs Alice Mak, also at the reception, said that the current-term Government attaches great importance to women’s development.

The bureau has been working closely with the Women’s Commission to implement initiatives such as launching the Women Empowerment Fund, establishing the Women Affairs Team and the Commissioner for Women Affairs, organising the Hong Kong Family & Women Development Summit, launching the Family & Women Information Portal, and rolling out the “She Inspires” Mentorship Programme — all aimed at supporting women in balancing both their careers and family.

Miss Mak said: “The bureau will continue to take forward relevant work in response to the four proposals put forward by President Xi Jinping at the Global Leaders’ Meeting on Women in Beijing in 2025 to jointly foster an enabling environment, jointly cultivate development momentum, jointly develop governance framework, and jointly promote collaboration between all parties, so as to create more opportunities for the high-quality development of the women’s cause.”

Additionally, the bureau will hold the second Hong Kong Family & Women Development Summit on March 31, with a view to promoting the spirit of the Global Leaders’ Meeting on Women in Beijing. The summit will bring together stakeholders from across society to explore ways to advance family and women development in Hong Kong.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Rachel Yeung is currently employed as an Assistant Quantity Survey Officer at a construction company. Her role, which she says is mainly clerical and desk-based, is focused on handling contracts.

Recounting her entry into the construction industry, she explained that she was laid off from a trading company a few years ago due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Encouraged by friends who worked in construction, she saw the opportunity to make a career change and enrolled in an Advanced Diploma in Quantity Surveying at the Institute of Construction.

Unique strengths

“Previously, I thought the construction industry only involved engineering, which I perceived as a male-dominated field,” she reflected. “However, after entering, I have discovered many female colleagues – in quantity surveying, in engineering teams, and even among architects – and this number is likely to continue growing.”

Elaborating on the attributes women bring to bear, she added: “Women in the industry demonstrate remarkable patience and meticulousness in handling paperwork. Given that construction involves not only hands-on work but also managing numerous backup documents, women truly excel in this area.”

Rachel’s perspective is shared by Nicole Chan, who is currently studying a building services supervision course. She believes that men and women each possess unique strengths.

“I think the biggest difference between women and men lies in physical strength” she said. “While women may be slightly less physically strong, I maintain a regular exercise routine. Additionally, women often excel in attentiveness and the ability to notice specific details. This creates a wonderful balance, with each gender complementing the other perfectly.”

In recent years, there has been a clear uptick in the numbers of women entering the construction industry. According to figures from the Census & Statistics Department, in the fourth quarter of 2025 women accounted for approximately 13% of those employed in construction, up from under 8% two decades ago.

Industrial transformation

Construction Industry Council Executive Director Albert Cheng commented that the construction industry has shifted away from being primarily focused on manual work and labour-intensive jobs.

“In the past, working on-site required a lot of strength and effort. Now we apply a lot of technologies so the workers do not need to spend a lot of effort. Some of the trade now, the workers need only to control robotics, and maybe use some technologies, like building information modelling or artificial intelligence for site management and control. I think because of a change of the nature of the work, a lot of females would like to join this industry.”

He also highlighted the rising proportion of female students attending the Institute of Construction. This grew from 11% of the total number of students in the 2024-25 academic year to about 17% in the current academic year. Last year, the institute launched a flexible training course that better enables students to balance family and career development. With over 150 female applicants enrolling in the course, this is helping to inject new energy into the industry.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Department of Justice today held the Rule of Law Education (ROLE) Ambassador award ceremony and sharing session under the ROLE Stars Train-the-Leaders (TTL) Programme, conferring the title of ROLE Ambassador to 40 trainees.

Delivering his opening remarks, Secretary for Justice Paul Lam said that today marked an important milestone of the TTL Programme, as the 40 ambassadors are the first batch of trainees who completed all the training courses under the TTL Programme since it was launched in November 2023.

Mr Lam emphasised that the key to maintaining Hong Kong’s sound rule of law environment is to cultivate public understanding of the principles of the rule of law and to enhance the public’s basic understanding of the city’s common law system. He encouraged the ambassadors to become dedicated advocates for promoting the rule of law in Hong Kong by passing on the knowledge and experience they gained from the TTL Programme in ways that are appropriate to their respective capacities and positions.

At the event, four trainees shared their thoughts and experience of becoming ROLE Ambassadors. They said the courses had deepened their knowledge of the rule of law and boosted their confidence in disseminating such messages. They added that they had concrete plans to promote correct information about the rule of law and cultivate the spirit of respecting the rule of law in schools and the community.

Mr Lam, Deputy Secretary for Justice Cheung Kwok-kwan, Secretary for Security Tang Ping-keung, Chairperson of SideBySide Executive Committee Poon Siu-tung and Under Secretary for Home & Youth Affairs Clarence Leung presented the certificates and badges of ROLE Ambassadors to commend the trainees’ completion of all the courses under the TTL Programme and their efforts in promoting the rule of law in the community.

The qualification of ROLE Ambassador is valid for two years, which aims to encourage ambassadors to continue to participate in the Department of Justice’s rule of law education activities and to actively organise rule of law promotion activities during the period in order to obtain a renewal.

As at end-2025, a total of about 380 trainees participated in the TTL Programme, among which 40 have been qualified as the first batch of ROLE Ambassadors under the TTL Programme.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

A man and a woman were sentenced to four months’ imprisonment and two months’ imprisonment respectively by the Fanling Magistrates’ Courts today (March 6) for dealing with duty-not-paid cigarettes, in contravention of the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance (DCO). 
 
Customs officers intercepted a 64-year-old man for inspection at the Chung Ying Street Checkpoint in Sha Tau Kok on February 8. Upon inspection, a total of 3 000 duty-not-paid cigarettes were seized from plastic bags placed on the bike’s baskets and the shoulder bag carried by the man, with an estimated market value of about $15,000 and a duty potential of about $9,900. He was subsequently arrested. The man was sentenced to four months’ imprisonment by the Courts today.
 
In addition, Customs officers intercepted a 43-year-old woman at the same Checkpoint yesterday (March 5). Upon inspection, a total of 4 000 duty-not-paid cigarettes were seized from shopping bags placed on the bike’s baskets and the handbag carried by the woman, with an estimated market value of about $20,000 and a duty potential of about $13,200. She was subsequently arrested. The woman was sentenced to two months’ imprisonment by the Courts today.
 
Customs welcomes the sentences. The custodial sentences have imposed a considerable deterrent effect and reflects the seriousness of the offences. 
 
Customs reminds members of the public that under the DCO, anyone involved in dealing with, possession of, selling or buying 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/). 
 

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

President Lai presides over seventh meeting of Healthy Taiwan Promotion Committee   
On the afternoon of March 5, President Lai Ching-te presided over the seventh meeting of the Healthy Taiwan Promotion Committee. In his opening statement, the president said that the government will promote a four-year national pharmaceutical resilience preparedness program. He said that it will allocate a budget of NT$24 billion, and the program will focus on three areas: domestic production for domestic use, smart regulation, and international partnerships to comprehensively build a line of defense for Taiwan’s pharmaceutical supply, from source production to clinical use.
President Lai said that the government will focus on three core strategies: self-sufficiency and strengthening local supply resilience, smart technology and improved monitoring and dispatching, and boosting industrial momentum and driving a trillion-NT-dollar economy. The president emphasized that national resilience must be built collectively across all levels, adding that pharmaceutical resilience is a crucial element of whole-of-society defense resilience and a key support for realizing the Healthy Taiwan vision. He expressed hope for coordinated efforts and joint promotion by the government and private sector so that we can build a healthy, safe, and highly resilient Taiwan.
A translation of President Lai’s opening statement follows:
I am delighted that we are gathered here again so soon after the Lunar New Year holiday to discuss national health policy together. First, I would like to wish everyone a belated happy Lunar New Year, and peace, good health, and happiness for you and your families.
I also want to thank the Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHW) for significantly reducing public demand for emergency medical services during the Lunar New Year period through four major strategies: early response, patient triage , capacity expansion, and strengthening regional care networks. I would also like to thank the healthcare personnel who manned the frontlines nationwide so that the public could still enjoy stable medical services over the holiday . That was a concrete demonstration of medical resilience.
At today’s meeting, we will discuss in-depth a key issue related to whole-of-society defense resilience, namely our national pharmaceutical resilience preparedness program .
In recent years, due to drastic geopolitical changes, the restructuring of the economic and trade order, and challenges posed by climate change and pandemics, global pharmaceutical supply chains are facing vulnerability risks such as single-sourcing and concentration. The United States, European Union, Japan, and other countries have all raised the issue of drug supply stability to the same level as economic security and national security, actively promoting production reshoring and maintaining strategic reserves of essential pharmaceuticals.
In particular, Taiwan is heavily reliant on imports for pharmaceuticals and medical devices , and some items are even subject to foreign hostile forces . In addition, considerations of major international pharmaceutical firms such as transportation, industry strategy, and market scale present significant challenges to the stability of Taiwan’s pharmaceutical supply. I have therefore instructed the Executive Yuan to invite the MOHW and other relevant ministries and agencies to jointly plan a four-year national pharmaceutical resilience preparedness program.
The government will allocate a budget of NT$24 billion, and the program will focus on three areas: domestic production for domestic use, smart allocation, and international partnerships to comprehensively build a line of defense for Taiwan’s pharmaceutical supply, from source production to clinical use.
On that foundation, we will focus on three core strategies:
First, self-sufficiency and strengthening local supply resilience: We will promote the domestic production of at least 50 key pharmaceuticals. Through policy subsidies, market guidance, and National Health Insurance reimbursement incentives, we will drive the domestic production of active pharmaceutical ingredients and self-reliance in biopharmaceutical s. We will also establish a national team to ensure the resilience of key pharmaceutical supplies. This is especially crucial in emergency situations so that Taiwan can maintain the most basic medical capabilities.
Second, smart technology and improved monitoring and dispatching: We will establish a national-level Pharmaceutical Intelligent Logistics and Storage Center (PILLS Center) , which will introduce a smart monitoring system to provide precise early warnings on the supply and demand of medications, and improve both horizontal and vertical dispatching mechanisms.
Third, boosting industrial momentum and driving a trillion-NT-dollar economy: This is not just a plan to safeguard health and ensure national security, but also an opportunity to promote the upgrading of the biomedical industry. We want to make Taiwan an indispensable partner in global supply chains for biomedical products and medical devices, transforming the enhancement of pharmaceutical resilience into industrial momentum leading to a Healthy Taiwan.
National resilience must be built collectively across all levels. Pharmaceutical resilience is a crucial element of whole-of-society defense resilience and a key support for realizing the Healthy Taiwan vision. It urgently requires coordinated efforts and joint promotion by the government and private sector.
I am very pleased to see that Healthy Taiwan Promotion Committee operations continue to foster integration across disciplines and specialties. At the beginning of this year, with the cooperation of the MOHW and Ministry of Environment (MOENV), the Healthy Taiwan Promotion Committee and the National Climate Change Committee convened a joint meeting for the first time, formally incorporating health issues into the core of national climate governance. As for today’s meeting, there is active participation in whole-of-society defense resilience cooperation and initiatives. 
I want to thank the MOENV, Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA), Ministry of Finance (MOF), and Nuclear Safety Commission  (NSC) for attending this meeting for the first time, and the MOHW team for their preparations, as well as all the advisors and committee members for their participation. Let’s keep working hard together to improve the health of our citizens and make our biomedical industry more resilient so that we can jointly build a healthy, safe, and highly resilient Taiwan. 
Following his statement, President Lai heard a report on the progress of certain items listed in the sixth committee meeting from Executive Secretary and MOHW Minister Shih Chung-liang (石崇良) and reports on the national pharmaceutical resilience preparedness program  delivered in succession by MOHW Deputy Minister Lin Ching-yi  (林靜儀), MOEA Deputy Minister Ho  Chin-tsang (何晉滄), NSC Chairperson Chen Min-jen (陳明真), MOENV Deputy Minister Hsieh Yein-rui (謝燕儒), and MOF Minister Chuang Tsui-yun (莊翠雲). Afterward, President Lai exchanged views with the committee members regarding the content of the reports.