Month: May 2026

Source: Government of the Republic of Korea

I extend my sincere gratitude to General Secretary To Lam and the people of Viet Nam for the gracious invitation extended to me and my delegation, and for the warm hospitality we have received.

Last year, following the inauguration of the Republic of Korea’s new administration, General Secretary To Lam visited Korea as our first state guest.

This time, I am honored to visit Viet Nam as the first state guest since its new leadership took office. This is a special moment that reflects the closeness of the relationship between our two countries.

I am also pleased to witness firsthand Viet Nam’s dynamic progress achieved under the leadership of General Secretary To Lam.

Viet Nam is the Republic of Korea’s third-largest partner in trade and investment, and Korea is Viet Nam’s largest foreign investor.

Approximately 10,000 Korean businesses are active in a wide range of sectors in Viet Nam, including petrochemicals, shipbuilding, steel and electronics. This attests to our highly integrated economic partnership.

Korea is an ideal partner for realizing Viet Nam’s vision of becoming a developed, high-income country by 2045, and both countries are advancing comprehensive cooperation across various fields – ranging from hardware sectors such as logistics, transportation, energy and infrastructure to such future oriented areas as science and technology, intellectual property and the creative industries.

During our summit today, we agreed to further strengthen our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

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

First, our two countries agreed to further advance mutually beneficial cooperation in trade and investment with the aim of achieving US$150 billion in bilateral trade by 2030.

We broke new ground by agreeing to allow mutual exports of heat-treated poultry products. With the signing today of the MOU on Cooperation in Animal Health and Quarantine, we also agreed to accelerate our cooperation on the promotion of trade in agricultural and livestock products.

I once again extend my sincere gratitude to General Secretary To Lam for recognizing the important role played by Korean companies in Viet Nam, and for his pledge to make every possible effort to provide them with a stable and predictable business environment.

Second, building upon our two nations’ profound mutual trust, we agreed to deepen our strategic cooperation in the fields of energy and infrastructure.

We two leaders concurred that bilateral cooperation has become even more important amid the supply chain instability stemming from recent volatility in the Middle East. To this end, we agreed to work closely together to bolster energy security and stabilize global supply chains.

Tomorrow, a contract will be signed on the export of Korean rolling stock for the Ho Chi Minh City Metro. I look forward to this agreement contributing to the improvement of Viet Nam’s railway infrastructure and serving as a catalyst for expanding bilateral cooperation on large-scale transport and logistics infrastructure projects currently underway in the country.

Furthermore, we agreed to maintain close coordination to create numerous model cases of bilateral infrastructure cooperation through Viet Nam’s new city and airport projects, which form a part of its national development vision.

Third, we agreed to further expand cooperation in future-oriented areas ranging from science and technology to climate action and environment, as well as culture and education.

I conveyed my full support for the science and technology development policies that General Secretary To Lam is promoting, and I underscored that Korea will actively contribute to such efforts.

Guided by the Master Plan on Science, Technology Innovation Cooperation, our two countries agreed to strengthen cooperation in joint research across key sectors – including semiconductors, rechargeable batteries and biohealth – as well as in supporting the cultivation of research talent.

The MOU on Digital Cooperation concluded on this occasion will expand bilateral cooperation in artificial intelligence, semiconductors and various digital sectors, while also facilitating Korean IT companies’ entry into the Vietnamese market.

Moreover, our two countries concluded the MOU on Cooperation for Water Security in the interest of preventing floods and promoting water security in the face of climate change. We also agreed to work together with Viet Nam – a nation with strong potential in the creative industries – to deepen cultural cooperation, including in the media sector, and to expand Korean language education in Viet Nam.

Fourth, we agreed to cooperate closely to ensure that our citizens – including members of multicultural families – can reside safely and securely in one another’s country and to advance their rights and interests.

Viet Nam is the second-most-popular overseas destination for Koreans, with around 4.5 million Koreans visiting each year.

It stands as the leading partner in international marriages for Koreans, with over 100,000 multicultural families uniting our two nations through kinship, and making Viet Nam a country of in-laws. It is also home to the largest Korean community in ASEAN.

General Secretary To Lam pledged to ensure the safety of Korean nationals visiting Viet Nam and to support the comfortable stay and residence of Koreans and second-generation Korean Vietnamese living in Viet Nam. In turn, I reaffirmed Korea’s commitment to enhancing the rights and interests of Vietnamese workers and immigrant spouses in Korea.

Finally, we two leaders engaged in a wide-ranging exchange of views on ways to promote peace and stability in the region, including on the Korean Peninsula.

I conveyed our government’s vision for building a Korean Peninsula defined by peaceful coexistence and shared prosperity. General Secretary To Lam expressed a high regard for our government’s sincere commitment to resuming dialogue and cooperation with North Korea and pledged to contribute to peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula.

Our two countries also agreed to continue close coordination and to further expand cooperation in the international arena, including at the United Nations.

The Korean government will faithfully implement the cooperative measures agreed upon today with General Secretary To Lam, while further deepening and expanding our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

Once again, I extend my deepest gratitude to General Secretary To Lam and the people of Viet Nam for their warm hospitality.

Xin cam on. (Thank you.)

Source: Government of the Republic of Korea

Honorable Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the people of India,

I extend my sincere gratitude for the gracious invitation extended to me and my delegation, and for the warm hospitality we have received.

It is a great honor and pleasure to visit India – the world’s largest democracy and the most dynamic engines of growth – as President of the Republic of Korea. This is the first state visit to India by a Korean President in eight years, and I have chosen to undertake it earlier in my term than any of my predecessors – reflecting on the importance I attach to our partnership.

Since establishing diplomatic relations in 1973, Korea and India have achieved remarkable progress. Milestones as the conclusion of the Korea–India Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) in 2010 and the elevation of our ties to a Special Strategic Partnership in 2015 stand as a testament to our shared commitment.

Today, we stand ready to embark on another ten years of this Special Strategic Partnership with renewed ambitions.

During our summit today, Prime Minister Modi and I engaged in in-depth discussions not only on the future direction of our bilateral relations but also on regional and international developments.

As the world’s most populous country and the fourth-largest economy, India is emerging as a leading voice of the Global South, advancing with remarkable momentum under the Prime Minister’s national vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.

Likewise, the Republic of Korea is establishing itself as a global leader across sectors, including shipbuilding, semiconductors, the defense industry and cultural industries. We are accelerating innovation and growth to achieve a great national leap forward where all citizens grow together.

The Prime Minister and I shared the view that, in these uncertain times, Korea and India are well positioned to become ideal partners for comprehensive cooperation that fosters mutual growth and innovation.

In line with this, we agreed to further advance our economic cooperation, while expanding collaboration in shipbuilding, finance, artificial intelligence, national defense, the defense industry and other strategic areas. We also committed to further strengthening our cultural and people-to-people exchanges.

Allow me now to outline the key outcomes of today’s summit.

First, we agreed to upgrade the framework for economic cooperation between our two countries to generate new momentum for shared growth.

We agreed to establish the “Korea–India Industrial Cooperation Committee,” our countries’ first ministerial-level platform dedicated to economic cooperation. Through this committee, we will strengthen bilateral collaboration not only in trade and investment but also in strategic sectors such as critical minerals, nuclear energy and clean energy.

In light of recent developments in the Middle East, we will continue to strengthen bilateral cooperation to ensure a stable supply of energy resources and key raw materials, including naphtha.

We agreed to expedite negotiations on upgrading the Korea–India CEPA, with the aim of fostering a more favorable trade and investment environment for Korean businesses. The upgraded agreement will fully reflect new trade norms, enabling our two countries to respond in a timely manner to evolving trade conditions, including in such areas as supply chains and the green economy.

Moreover, we will amend the MOU on cooperation in the field of small and medium-sized enterprises to establish a working-level consultative body between the Korean Embassy in India and India’s regulatory authorities, thereby enhancing systematic support for Korean SMEs entering the Indian market.

In this way, our two countries will make every effort to expand bilateral trade from its current level of approximately US$25 billion annually to US$50 billion by 2030, and to further strengthen Korea–India economic cooperation across key sectors.

Second, we agreed to expand cooperation in strategic industries that leverages our two countries’ respective strengths.

In the shipbuilding sector, we will work together to ensure that Korean companies’ advanced technological expertise can benefit from the policy support of India’s central and local governments, for instance, regarding the construction of shipbuilding facilities, guaranteed placement of shipbuilding orders and production subsidies. Through this partnership, Korean firms will be able to explore new opportunities in India’s shipbuilding market.

As for the financial sector, through the MOU on cooperation between financial authorities, we plan to lay the groundwork for Korean financial institutions to enter India’s financial market, which has grown to become the world’s third-largest.

We also agreed to strengthen cooperation in financial services and fintech, while sharing information related to the eligibility assessments required for financial institutions to enter one another’s markets.

Through the “Framework for the Korea-India Digital Bridge” we plan to build a foundation for AI and digital cooperation between India – a global hub of AI talent – and the Republic of Korea, which is home to world-class AI infrastructure.

Third, we agreed to further expand cultural and people-to-people exchanges.

Based on the MOU on cooperation in cultural and creative industries, we agreed to establish a “Mumbai Korea Center”, which will serve as a permanent K-pop performance hall and an overseas hub for K-culture. We look forward to it becoming a new platform for cultural cooperation – a place where K-pop and Bollywood come together.

Korean language and Korean studies programs offered by the Korea Foundation and the Korean Education Center in India will be expanded in a bid to actively respond to the growing demand for Korean culture in India.

Notably, through the MOU on interlinking QR code-based payment systems, our citizens will be able to use their own local QR payment system when visiting one another’s country. We expect that this will make travel between our two countries much more convenient.

Finally, we decided to continue close coordination to promote regional peace and address pending global challenges.

We exchanged views on the latest developments in the Middle East and shared the view that the restoration of peace and stability to the region is critical to global security and the economy.

In addition, I explained our government’s efforts to build peace on the Korean Peninsula and expressed my appreciation for the Indian government’s consistent support.

I look forward to India continuing to play a constructive role in promoting peace on the Korean Peninsula and in the region.

Building on the achievements of today’s summit, we adopted the Joint Strategic Vision for the ROK-India Special Strategic Partnership. I hope that follow-up measures are implemented swiftly so that tangible benefits accrue to the people of both countries.

I am confident that my state visit will further deepen trust and friendship between our two countries and serve as a catalyst for a new leap forward in comprehensive cooperation.

Prime Minister Modi committed, while ascending steps earlier, to visiting Korea by no later than next year. I sincerely appreciate this commitment.

I look forward to Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Korea and hope to maintain our close communication through various future opportunities.

Once again, I extend my sincere gratitude for the warm hospitality.

Dhanyawad!

Source: Government of the Republic of Korea

Your Excellency Prime Minister Tusk and distinguished members of the Polish delegation,

On behalf of the people of the Republic of Korea, I sincerely welcome you once again to Korea.

This marks the first bilateral visit by a Polish Prime Minister in twenty-seven years, and Korea is the initial destination of your first trip to Asia since taking office. Your visit is all the more meaningful in that it clearly demonstrates a firm commitment to advancing relations with Korea.

Over approximately thirty-seven years since establishing diplomatic relations, back in 1989, the Republic of Korea and the Republic of Poland have built a robust partnership of friendship and cooperation in a wide range of areas, including politics, the economy, culture and people-to-people exchanges.

Poland has become one of Korea’s top five trading partners among EU member states. Korea is the largest non-European investor in Poland.

Having concluded a framework agreement worth approximately US$ 44.2 billion in 2022, our two countries are also significantly advancing our future-oriented defense industry cooperation.

Building on the strong trust our two countries developed over time, today Prime Minister Tusk and I agreed to elevate our bilateral relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

The joint statement adopted today reflects the firm and clear commitment of both countries to strengthening cooperation across a wide range of fields—including politics, the economy, culture and people-to-people exchanges—and to widening the scope of our cooperation into comprehensive and future-oriented sectors such as advanced industries, science and technology, space, energy, and infrastructure.

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

First, our two countries’ mutually beneficial cooperation in the defense industry will be further expanded.

I underscored the need for steady implementation of the framework agreement already concluded between our two countries, which is essential for deepening and advancing our defense industry cooperation.

Prime Minister Tusk also expressed strong agreement on the importance of defense industry cooperation and highly commended Korean companies for their contributions to local production, technology transfers and workforce training.

Second, we agreed to further broaden the scope of our bilateral cooperation to cover a wider range of areas, including energy supply chains, infrastructure and science and technology.

Korean companies that have invested in electric vehicle battery production in Poland are now diversifying their portfolio by entering the energy storage system market in earnest.

I asked Prime Minister Tusk to ensure that the Polish government takes an interest in and actively supports Korean companies operating in Poland.

In addition, I requested special consideration from the Prime Minister regarding the participation of Korean companies in two major infrastructure projects in Poland – the Central Transport Hub project, which centers on the new airport, and the Warsaw tram replacement project.

Moreover, we agreed to further promote joint research and personnel exchanges among relevant institutions, with a view to expanding bilateral cooperation into advanced science and technology fields such as hydrogen, nanotechnology and materials, as well as space. To this end, our two governments affirmed their commitment to providing the support needed.

Third, in the face of increasing uncertainty in the global economic and security environment, as comprehensive strategic partners, our two countries agreed to strengthen our two countries’ strategic communication.

Above all, Prime Minister Tusk and I shared an understanding that security on the Korean Peninsula and in Europe is closely interlinked.

Our two countries agreed to work together in pursuit of global peace while continuing to seek peace and prosperity in our respective regions.

Moreover, our two countries concurred on the importance of stabilizing global supply chains in response to the crisis triggered by the war in the Middle East. We agreed to continue necessary cooperation to this end.

Fourth, we agreed to further promote people-to-people exchanges between our two countries to deepen mutual trust and friendship.

To this end, we discussed ways to coordinate the launch of additional direct flights between our two countries. We also agreed to continue consultations to expand cultural exchanges across a wide range of fields, including language, music and literature.

As the Polish saying goes, “Swój ciągnie do swojego,” meaning birds of a feather flock together. Korea has a similar expression – yuyusangjong.

Thanks to the historical bonds and cultural affinity our two countries share, we have been able to strengthen our strategic partnership in a remarkably short period of time.

Based on strong mutual trust between our two countries, today’s summit will serve as an important milestone in taking bilateral relations to the next level through sharing common vision and seeking concrete cooperation measures.

Once again, I would like to welcome Prime Minister Tusk to Korea. I look forward to meeting you again in the near future to continue today’s constructive discussions.

Thank you – dziȩkujȩ!

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

President Lai attends state banquet hosted by King Mswati III, cultural performances, and fireworks display
On the evening of May 3 local time (early morning of May 4 Taipei time), President Lai Ching-te attended a state banquet hosted by His Majesty King Mswati III of Eswatini. In remarks, President Lai expressed gratitude to the king for his warm invitation and hospitality, saying that the delegation felt warmly welcomed and right at home. The president noted that the visit has been fruitful, saying it would further consolidate the diplomatic friendship between the two countries and advance bilateral economic, trade, and other cooperation and exchanges. He expressed hope that the two countries will work together to build more prosperous and progressive societies in which their peoples can enjoy better lives.
A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows:
First, I would once again like to express my sincere gratitude to His Majesty for the kind invitation. I am honored to lead a delegation on a state visit to beautiful Eswatini. I thank His Majesty the King, Her Majesty the Queen Mother, and the government and people of Eswatini for their warmest and most gracious hospitality, making our delegation feel right at home. This visit has truly been fruitful. I signed a joint communiqué with His Majesty and we jointly witnessed the signing of a customs mutual assistance agreement between the foreign ministers of our two countries. I believe this visit will further consolidate the diplomatic friendship between our two countries and further advance economic, trade, and other cooperation and exchanges. We were also delighted to learn that Their Majesties, and in particular Her Majesty, have agreed to visit Taiwan again. The Queen Mother’s last visit to Taiwan was more than ten years ago. She mentioned that Taiwan feels like a second home, and that she is deeply aware of how long it has been since she last returned to that home, and of how Taiwan missed her. She was very happy to promise that she would return to Taiwan for a visit as soon as possible.
The International Convention Centre (ICC) where we are gathered today is a world-class venue that is sure to become a landmark in Eswatini and a hub for the conventions and exhibitions industry in southern Africa, as well as a venue for international conferences. I am grateful to His Majesty for personally introducing the venue, giving me a much deeper appreciation of the facility. It has modern conference halls and advanced technological equipment suitable for all types of meetings, and it also incorporates the local culture of Eswatini and works by Eswatini’s artists.
His Majesty has courageously spoken up for Taiwan at numerous international venues. Whether in his command of the affairs of state in Eswatini or in his vision and plans for the country’s future development, one can sense his wisdom. Under his leadership over the past 40 years, Eswatini has made tremendous strides. I believe that its steps forward will be even more remarkable, and the lives of its people will continue to improve.
It is my hope that the Republic of China (Taiwan) and the Kingdom of Eswatini enjoy an everlasting diplomatic friendship, and that no external interference will affect the genuine bond between our two peoples. Indeed, any attempt at external interference will only further solidify the friendship between our two countries. I also look forward to our two countries working together as a family to build more prosperous, more progressive societies in which the people of both nations can enjoy better lives.
King Mswati III delivered remarks earlier in the evening, first thanking President Lai for visiting the ICC. He noted that this exceptional and advanced venue will not only attract conferences and summits of all kinds to be held in Eswatini, but will also draw tourists from around the world. Since the ICC’s inauguration ceremony a few days ago, he said, he has seen many Emaswati and visitors come to tour the facility and admire this achievement. He also noted that this region is among the important locations where declarations related to United Nations reform have been adopted.
King Mswati III mentioned that Taiwan is currently not a member of the United Nations and is unable to fully participate in all UN-affiliated bodies. Nevertheless, he said, Taiwan’s 23 million people all hope to make contributions to humanity. He emphasized that in a world full of challenges, the peoples of all nations should join hands and support one another. He emphasized that while the UN has a commitment to leave no one behind, yet there are those who are still excluded. He stated his intention to make a strong appeal on Taiwan’s behalf, expressing hope that the UN will in the future consider allowing Taiwan to make meaningful contributions to all of humanity in the spirit of leaving no one behind.
King Mswati III said that throughout Eswatini one can see Taiwan’s contributions in the areas of infrastructure, agricultural development, water supply systems, and rural electrification. With regard to the ICC itself, he said that Taiwan actively participated alongside the government’s own substantial investment to jointly bring this project to completion. He expressed great pleasure that President Lai was able to personally witness this successful example of cooperation at the moment of its completion.
King Mswati III noted that Taiwan has strong international advantages in semiconductors, high-tech manufacturing, agriculture, and tourism. He expressed hope that by drawing on Taiwan’s experience and bringing related industries to Eswatini, the relationship between the two countries will continue to deepen and grow.
After the state banquet, President Lai joined several members of the Eswatini royal family and cabinet officials at the performance hall to watch cultural performances and a fireworks display.
Also in attendance were Inkhosikati (Queen) of the Kingdom of Eswatini, Prime Minister Russell Dlamini, and other Eswatini government officials. 

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) Office of the Leisure & Cultural Services Department will organise the second edition of the Hong Kong ICH Month from May 30 to June 30, featuring over 50 ICH performances, 80 promotion booths and 40 field visits held across Hong Kong.

The department said the various activities will cover over 100 ICH items, giving the public and tourists a greater insight into Hong Kong’s ICH, and enable them to experience the cultural richness of ICH and the pleasure it brings, with a view to achieving “shaping tourism with cultural activities and promoting culture through tourism”.

A programme briefing was held today, announcing that the opening ceremony and ICH carnival will be held on May 30 and 31 at the Cultural Centre Piazza.

Apart from Cantonese music, a female lion dance and a children/youth Cantonese opera show, there will be interactive booths featuring a shadow puppetry demonstration and experience, a lion dance experience, Cantonese opera costumes and flash mob performances, a Pixiu dance, Hoi Luk Fung/Hoklo unicorn dance, for members of the public to join.

There will also be in-depth exploration in tours of nine thematic routes, bringing the public and tourists to eight districts, namely Wan Chai, the Islands, Kowloon City, Kwai Tsing, North, Sai Kung, Sham Shui Po, Yau Tsim Mong, in which ICH practitioners will share their skills and stories. Registration will open on May 15.

A light show will be presented on the exterior walls of the Space Museum in mid-to-late June to showcase the rich historical and cultural significance of the horse in artefacts and artworks, and the underlying essence of ICH.

Meanwhile, the “10 Living ICH Treasures” Mobile Classrooms will bring ICH knowledge and Chinese culture to local primary and secondary schools through mobile displays, live performance and demonstrations, as well as interactive workshops.

Carnivals or fun days will be held in various districts across Hong Kong on several Saturdays and Sundays in June.

People of all ages may enjoy a variety of ICH performances and interactive, hands-on experiential booths. Participants may make their own ICH food items and learn about the making techniques, or take part in workshops on fishing net plaiting, salt making and movable-type printing techniques.

Other events include Hong Kong Cheongsam Heritage Salon, the “Fly with ICH Delight: Pop-up Display” and “Hong Kong-style Milk Tea Making Technique” live demonstrations, as well as a seminar where scholars and experts are invited to explore the transmission and development of ICH. 

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Intangible Cultural Heritage Office (ICHO) of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) will organise the second edition of the Hong Kong ICH Month, continuing its theme with “ICH Around Town”. From May 30 to June 30, over 50 ICH performances and 80 promotion booths, as well as 40 field visits, will be held across Hong Kong. Various activities will cover over 100 ICH items, giving the public and tourists a greater insight into Hong Kong’s ICH, and enable them to experience the cultural richness of ICH and the pleasure it brings, with a view to achieving “shaping tourism with cultural activities and promoting culture through tourism”.
 
Great variety of activities in ICH Carnival

     Among the fascinating activities to be held during Hong Kong ICH Month 2026, the inaugural event, “The Hong Kong Jockey Club Series: Hong Kong ICH Month 2026” Opening Ceremony cum ICH Carnival, will be held on May 30 and 31 at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre Piazza. Apart from Cantonese music, a female lion dance and a children/youth Cantonese opera show, there will be interactive booths featuring a shadow puppetry demonstration and experience, a lion dance experience, Cantonese opera costumes and flash mob performances, a Pixiu dance, and Hoi Luk Fung/Hoklo unicorn dance, for members of the public to join.
 
In-depth exploration in tours narrated by ICH practitioners

     The Hong Kong Jockey Club Series: ICH Highlight Tours will feature nine thematic routes, bringing the public and tourists to eight Districts, namely Wan Chai (two routes), the Islands, Kowloon City, Kwai Tsing, North, Sai Kung, Sham Shui Po and Yau Tsim Mong, in which ICH practitioners will share their skills and stories. Examples include, the Arts of the Guqin (the Craft of Qin Making) in Sham Shui Po and Chiu Chow Marinated Food Making Technique in Kowloon City. The tours were highly acclaimed last year. Registration will open on May 15 and details will be announced later.
          
Light show weaving artefacts and ICH

     The Hong Kong Jockey Club Series: Light Show will be presented on the exterior of the Hong Kong Space Museum in mid-to-late June. Centred on the theme of the horse, the multi-dimensional presentations will showcase the rich historical and cultural significance of the horse in artefacts and artworks, and the underlying essence of ICH. 
 
Passing on ICH at schools

     The Hong Kong Jockey Club Series: “10 Living ICH Treasures” Mobile Classrooms will bring ICH knowledge and Chinese culture to local primary and secondary schools through mobile displays, live performance and demonstrations, and interactive workshops. Students will even have a chance to exchange ideas and learn from ICH practitioners.
 
Galas portraying ICH essence 

     Carnivals or fun days will be held in various districts across Hong Kong on several Saturdays and Sundays in June, which will be suitable for all ages. These include the “10th Anniversary Fun Day@HK ICH Centre” to be held at the Sam Tung Uk Museum on June 13 and 14. Through a variety of ICH performances and interactive, hands-on experiential booths, the event showcases the rich and diverse cultures of different ethnic groups and communities. The “ICH Cuisine” Carnival to be held at Oil Street Art Space on June 20 and 21 will feature demonstrations and workshops on ICH-related food making techniques including egg tarts ,Chinese dim sum and moon cakes. Participants may make their own ICH food items and learn about the making techniques. The “ICH Wonder Adventure: Sea, Land & Sky Carnival” will be held at TKO Plaza on June 27 and 28. There the public can take part in workshops on fishing net plaiting, salt making and movable-type printing techniques to learn about the ICH items and the geographical features of Hong Kong.
 
     Other events include Hong Kong Cheongsam Heritage Salon to be held on June 6, which aims to promote the Hong Kong Cheongsam Making Technique, a national ICH item, through panel discussion, keynote speech, display of transmission work and exchange. The “Fly with ICH Delight: Pop-up Display to be held in June, and “Hong Kong-style Milk Tea Making Technique” live demonstrations to be held from June 1 to 8 at Hong Kong International Airport, will invite tourists to taste Hong Kong-style milk tea and at the same time know more about the connotation of Hong Kong’s ICH. A strategic partner, the cultural promotion organisation ICH June will hold a seminar on June 13 where scholars and experts from the Chinese Mainland, Hong Kong and Macao will be invited to explore the transmission and development of ICH.
 
     The Hong Kong ICH Month 2026 is presented by the LCSD and organised by the ICHO, with the Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust as the sole sponsor of “Hong Kong ICH Month 2026 The Hong Kong Jockey Club Series”, and ICH June as a strategic partner. For details, please visit the website www.icho.hk/en/web/icho/hk_ich_month_2026.html.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Youth Development Commission convened its 21st meeting today (May 5).

At the meeting, members gave views on the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government’s formulation of Hong Kong’s first five-year plan to proactively align with the National 15th Five-Year Plan in respect of youth development, covering numerous subjects such as nurturing young talent, promoting patriotic education, and promoting international youth exchange. The Government will continue to collate views from stakeholders and young people and, on the basis of the Youth Development Blueprint and in line with the National 15th Five-Year Plan, strive to nurture a new generation of youth equipped with a global perspective, a positive mindset, and affection for Hong Kong and the country.

Afterwards, members were briefed by government representatives on the latest implementation progress of the Youth Development Blueprint since its release in December 2022. Members were pleased to note that bureaux and departments have been promoting youth development work at full steam in accordance with the guiding principles as stated in the Blueprint. Apart from actively implementing some 160 specific actions set out in the Blueprint, relevant policy bureaux have also introduced approximately 130 additional youth-related new measures since the release of the Blueprint. This ensures that the Blueprint is progressing with the times and can continue to respond to the changing needs of young people. The various measures are progressing well, and the bureaux will continue to take them forward.

Furthermore, the Home and Youth Affairs Bureau reported the latest progress of youth internship and exchange activities outside Hong Kong organised by various bureaux and departments. These include providing more opportunities for young people to participate in internships with international organisations and at international conferences and introducing a new media thematic internship programme on the Mainland as part of the Young Talent Training Programme. The Government will continue to promote youth internship and exchange activities outside Hong Kong to provide suitable opportunities for young people at different development stages and of different backgrounds, so that they can learn and experience first-hand the latest developments in the country and the world.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) today (May 5) released the sixth batch of gravidtrap indexes and density indexes for Aedes albopictus in April, covering 15 survey areas, as follows:
 

District	Survey Area	April 2026
		First Phase Gravidtrap Index	First Phase Density Index
Tuen Mun	Tuen Mun West	8.0%	1.0

 

District	Survey Area	April 2026
		Area Gravidtrap Index	Area Density Index
Islands	Cheung Chau	7.3%	1.6
Kowloon City	Kowloon City	7.4%	1.1
Kwun Tong	Kowloon Bay	9.8%	1.7
	Lam Tin and Sau Mau Ping	9.4%	1.3
Wong Tai Sin	Diamond Hill and Tsz Wan Shan	8.4%	1.0
	Ngau Chi Wan and San Po Kong	17.8%	1.1
	Wong Tai Sin East	9.8%	1.3
Yau Tsim	Tsim Sha Tsui East and King’s Park	2.8%	1.0
North	Fanling South	8.4%	1.1
Sha Tin	Tai Wai	5.0%	1.2
Kwai Tsing	Kwai Chung West	4.5%	1.0
	Tsing Yi South	8.8%	1.0
Tuen Mun	So Kwun Wat	19.3%	1.4
	Tuen Mun North	7.3%	1.2

     Among the sixth batch of First Phase Gravidtrap Indexes covering one survey area and Area Gravidtrap Indexes covering 14 survey areas in April, all were below 10 per cent, except for the Area Gravidtrap Indexes of Ngau Chi Wan and San Po Kong in Wong Tai Sin District, and So Kwun Wat in Tuen Mun District.

     With reference to the data from the past few years, the gravidtrap indexes start to rise from April or May every year. The actual timing of the increase and its extent are affected by factors like weather and rainfall. The average temperature and rainfall in April this year were higher than those of the same period last year, creating favourable conditions for mosquito growth and breeding and thus leading to the earlier rise of gravidtrap indexes this year, but the overall trend and extent of the increase are similar to those of previous years. In response to the rise of gravidtrap indexes, the FEHD, together with relevant departments and stakeholders, has implemented rapid response measures and deployed targeted actions.

     For Ngau Chi Wan and San Po Kong in Wong Tai Sin District, and So Kwun Wat in Tuen Mun District, which recorded indexes exceeding 10 per cent, in accordance with the mechanism implemented by the FEHD in response to the chikungunya fever (CF) situation (i.e. strengthening mosquito control work in areas with a gravidtrap index between 10 per cent and 20 per cent, instead of 20 per cent or above under the original mechanism), the FEHD is collaborating with relevant departments and stakeholders to identify locations with high mosquito infestations and carry out intensive and targeted mosquito control measures. In particular, the gravidtrap data for Ngau Chi Wan and San Po Kong showed that areas with more mosquito problems included parks, schools and public housing estates, while the gravidtrap data for So Kwun Wat showed that areas with more mosquito problems included parks and private housing estates.

     In response to the high-risk areas identified in the said survey areas, the FEHD has issued a statutory notice to a relevant construction site contractor following the discovery of stagnant water at a construction site in So Kwun Wat in Tuen Mun District, requiring the clearance of such item within a specified timeframe. The FEHD and the relevant departments are following up on the mosquito control work, and will also organise exhibitions, distribute leaflets and posters, and notify residential estates that have subscribed to the gravidtrap Rapid Alert System, advising property management agents and residents to stay vigilant and work together in taking mosquito prevention and elimination measures. In addition, the FEHD will strengthen the monitoring of the gravidtrap index in the areas to review the effectiveness of the mosquito control work.

     The FEHD has so far released six batches of gravidtrap indexes for Aedes albopictus in April 2026, covering 62 survey areas. Among these 62 survey areas, one recorded a decrease or remained unchanged as compared to the Area Gravidtrap Index last month (i.e. March 2026), representing that the area’s mosquito infestation improved or maintained a low level. Fifty-one other areas recorded a slight increase, but the indexes were lower than 10 per cent.

     Public participation is crucial to the effective control of mosquito problems. The FEHD appeals to members of the public to continue to work together in strengthening personal mosquito control measures, including:

• tidy up their premises and check for any accumulation of water inside their premises;
• remove all unnecessary water collections and eliminate the sources;
• check household items (those placed in outdoor and open areas in particular), such as refuse containers, vases, air conditioner drip trays, and laundry racks to prevent stagnant water;
• change water in flower vases and scrub their inner surfaces thoroughly, and remove water in saucers under potted plants at least once a week;
• properly cover all containers that hold water to prevent mosquitoes from accessing the water;
• properly dispose of articles that can contain water, such as disposable meal boxes and empty cans; and
• scrub drains and surface sewers with alkaline detergent at least once a week to remove any mosquito eggs.

     Starting in August 2025, following the completion of the surveillance of individual survey areas, and once the latest gravidtrap index and the density index are available, the FEHD has been disseminating relevant information through press releases, its website and social media. It aims to allow members of the public to quickly grasp the mosquito infestation situation and strengthen mosquito control efforts, thereby reducing the risk of CF transmission.

     Following recommendations from the World Health Organization and taking into account the local situation in Hong Kong, the FEHD sets up gravidtraps in districts where mosquito-borne diseases have been recorded in the past, as well as in densely populated places such as housing estates, hospitals and schools to monitor the breeding and distribution of Aedes albopictus mosquitoes, which can transmit CF and dengue fever. At present, the FEHD has set up gravidtraps in 62 survey areas of the community, with a surveillance period of two weeks. During the surveillance period, the FEHD will collect the gravidtraps once a week. After the first week of surveillance, the FEHD will immediately examine the glue boards inside the retrieved gravidtraps for the presence of adult Aedine mosquitoes to compile the Gravidtrap Index (First Phase) and Density Index (First Phase). At the end of the second week of surveillance, the FEHD will instantly check the glue boards for the presence of adult Aedine mosquitoes. Data from the two weeks of surveillance will be combined to obtain the Area Gravidtrap Index and the Area Density Index. The gravidtrap and density indexes for Aedes albopictus in different survey areas, as well as information on mosquito prevention and control measures, are available on the department’s webpage (www.fehd.gov.hk/english/pestcontrol/dengue_fever/Dengue_Fever_Gravidtrap_Index_Update.html#).

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region