Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Government of India

Reiterating the motto of PM Shri Narendra Modi of ‘Vikas bhi Virasat bhi’, Union Minister of Culture emphasised on enhancing the experience of visitors and tourists at Heritage Sites

Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat outlined the revamping of Underwater Archaeology Wing (UAW) of ASI, under which explorations are undergoing in Dwarka waters

38th Meeting of Central Advisory Board of Archaeology (CABA) Concludes Successfully at Bharat Mandapam

Posted On: 23 APR 2025 6:40PM by PIB Delhi

The 38^th meeting of the Central Advisory Board of Archaeology (CABA) concluded successfully at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. The meeting marked yet another milestone in the collective effort towards protecting and promoting India’s rich archaeological heritage sites. In his keynote address, (CABA), Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Union Minister of Culture and Tourism, laid out a dynamic, inclusive and forward-looking roadmap in the field of archaeology, excavations, explorations and conservation.

 

He emphasized the pivotal role of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) in safeguarding the nation’s rich cultural legacy. While lauding the recent increasing number of excavation and exploration work, Minister stressed on making excavation and exploration projects more extensive, inclusive and far reaching. Moreover, he outlined the revamping of the Underwater Archaeology Wing (UAW) of ASI, under which explorations are undergoing in Dwarka waters. Reiterating the motto of Prime Minister  Shri Narendra Modi of ‘Vikas bhi Virasat bhi’, he emphasised on enhancing the experience of visitors and tourists at heritage sites. He also highlighted the successful repatriation of antiquities to India, marking it as a major achievement in restoring the nation’s cultural identity. Furthermore, he highlighted ASI’s active role not only within India but also in conserving and preserving historical sites overseas, reflecting India’s commitment to global cultural heritage. He also emphasized the need for consistent annual meetings of CABA to ensure regular dialogue and collaborative planning among stakeholders in the field of archaeology and heritage conservation.

The crucial meeting began with paying homage to the departed members of CABA and the victims of the recent Pahalgam terror attack.

The insightful meeting was organised under the esteemed leadership of Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Union Minister of Culture and Tourism, Government of India, and convened under the aegis of Director-General, Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). Furthermore, the meeting was graced by Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha), Dr. Sumer Singh Solanki; Secretary, Ministry of Culture, Shri Vivek Aggarwal, IAS, along with other key dignitaries, experts, senior officials and stakeholders from across the country.

Shri Vivek Aggarwal, Secretary, Ministry of Culture, highlighted the rich legacy of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) in preserving and conserving India’s diverse heritage and monuments. Emphasizing the need for innovation and modernisation in the field of heritage management, he focused on leveraging technology into the conservation and preservation processes including in the field of epigraphy. He highlighted the potential of deploying Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based tour guides at heritage sites to enhance the visitor experience. The Secretary also underscored the potential of heritage conservation in contributing to the economy. He proposed that traditional artists and sculptors associated with heritage work be supported as creative start-ups. This, he noted, would not only promote traditional skills but also ensure employment opportunities. While lauding successful partnership, He highlighted ASI’s partnership of 37 heritage sites, under the Adopt A Heritage scheme, with the private sector. Highlighting the economic potential of heritage tourism, he suggested identifying more potential heritage sites as once the sites are declared UNESCO heritage sites, they often experience a surge in tourist activity, contributing in employment and revenue.

The meeting witnessed the enthusiastic participation from the attendees and dignitaries comprising heads or the representatives of the Designers of Culture and Archaeology of the various State Governments and insightful discussions on   initiatives, discoveries, and proposals for the protection and restoration of significant sites. The Board also reviewed the progress of projects under ASI, and brainstormed ideas on future archaeological endeavours.

The Board was conceptualized and formed by the Government of India in 1945, with the intention of promoting closer contacts of the Archaeological Survey of India with Indian Universities conducting Archaeological Researches and other institutions carrying out studies related to application of archaeological Principles and training the future archaeologists and providing for closer association of learned societies in India and of state governments with the activities of ASI. Every three years, the Board is reconstituted through a notification after the approval of the Minister of Culture, GOI, who is the Chairman of the CABA.

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Sunil Kumar Tiwari

pibculture[at]gmail[dot]com

(Release ID: 2123907) Visitor Counter : 50

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Hong Kong has been hosting the two-day Asia Cultural Co-operation Forum+ 2025 this week, under the theme “Connect, Create, Engage: Bridging Cultures for All.” Cultural ministers and senior officials from 17 countries participated in the forum’s key session, the Ministerial Panel, held yesterday.

Secretary for Culture, Sports & Tourism Rosanna Law gave an opening address at the session, while Vice Minister of Culture & Tourism Gao Zheng also delivered a speech.

Under Secretary for Culture, Sports & Tourism Raistlin Lau highlighted the forum’s significance since its launch in 2003, describing it as a vital platform for cultural interaction. He noted that this year marks a record high in terms of participating regions.

“For the first time in the forum’s history, we have added a plus sign to the 2025 edition, by inviting countries beyond Asia to participate,” he said. “We hope that with broader participation, we can gain more insights, not only from Asian economies but also from other parts of the world.”

Mr Lau also outlined the forum’s role in promoting global cultural developments and exploring opportunities for collaboration, adding that guided tours were arranged for delegates to experience Hong Kong’s vibrant cultural landscape.

“We hope they can become ambassadors for promoting the culture of Hong Kong, and also China, to the rest of the world.”

One of the participants, Minister of Culture of the Slovak Republic Martina Šimkovičová, was optimistic about forging new connections while in Hong Kong.

“My expectation is to see your culture, which is completely different from the culture of Slovakia, and I would like to show Slovak culture.”

Ms Šimkovičová also invited Hong Kong residents to visit her country for longer stays to explore its historical buildings and rich nature.

“Hong Kong’s culture is exciting for me. It is a mix of old and new together, and I love the energy of your arts and the beauty of your heritage,” she added. “It shows deep respect for tradition, which is very important to me.”

Dongguan Bureau of Culture, Radio, Television, Tourism & Sports Deputy Director Wu Shaowen expressed hope for leveraging the strong relationship between Dongguan and Hong Kong to keep up with global cultural developments.

Acting Chief Executive Chan Kwok-ki hosted a gala dinner for the delegates, who enjoyed performances by local musicians showcasing a blend of Chinese and Western traditional and contemporary music, offering a glimpse into Hong Kong’s vibrant and diverse arts and culture scene.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Asia Cultural Co-operation Forum+ 2025 successfully concluded today, gathering cultural ministers and senior officials from a record-high 17 countries to exchange views on strategies in promoting arts and cultural development.

Five of the countries, including Belt & Road countries outside of Asia, for the first time, partcipated in the forum organised by the Culture, Sports & Tourism Bureau, fully demonstrating Hong Kong’s role as a super-connector and East-meets-West centre for cultural exchange.

This morning, participating delegations at the forum joined the plenary session to discuss the topics “From Connect to Create: Platform for Synergy” and “From Create to Engage: Arts for Everyone”.

With the experience sharing and real case studies of local speakers and delegations, participants were encouraged to discuss how the establishment of platforms and promotion of community engagement facilitate the development of the arts and cultural scene and ecology, the benefits of wider public engagement in arts and cultural activities, as well as the possible directions and measures to make this happen.

At the panel yesterday, Secretary for Culture, Sports & Tourism Rosanna Law, and Vice Minister of Culture & Tourism Gao Zheng shared their vision, policies and strategic directions on the ways to promote development of arts, culture and creative industries, nurture talent for the industries, drive innovative collaborations as well as advocate cultural integrations.

Over 20 bilateral meetings were conducted at the forum. Miss Law, Permanent Secretary for Culture, Sports & Tourism Vivian Sum, and Under Secretary for Culture, Sports & Tourism Raistlin Lau held bilateral meetings on cultural co-operation with representatives from participating countries.

The delegations visited the Hong Kong Palace Museum at the West Kowloon Cultural District (WKCD) this afternoon to gain first-hand knowledge of the WKCD’s latest developments and toured the special exhibition “The Forbidden City & The Palace of Versailles: China-France Cultural Encounters in the 17th & 18th Centuries”.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Transport Department today alerted citizens to fraudulent websites claiming to be those of the Public Transport Fare Subsidy Scheme which seek to deceive AlipayHK users under the scheme into providing personal data, including mobile phone numbers and credit card accounts.

The addresses of such websites are http[:]//alipaiyhk[.]online/hk/Login.html, and https[:]//fet-woxx[.]online/hk.

The department clarified that the fraudulent websites are in no way affiliated with the scheme. The case has been referred to Police for follow-up.

It also reminded the public that AlipayHK’s mobile app is the only channel for checking and collecting the transport subsidy under AlipayHK. Moreover, enquiry services about the Public Transport Fare Subsidy Scheme in relation to AlipayHK are only provided via the AlipayHK mobile app and the designated hotline 3002 0905.

The department further advised members of the public to stay alert when receiving unidentified messages and not visit suspicious websites or disclose any personal information.

Anyone who has provided personal data to the websites concerned should contact Police.

Call 3002 0905 for enquiries.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Secretary for Health Prof Lo Chung-mau today met Shenzhen Development & Reform Commission Director Guo Ziping to have an in-depth exchange on areas such as the development of Chinese and Western medicine as well as medical devices in the two places. 

At the meeting, Prof Lo said the Resolution of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC Central Committee) on Further Deepening Reform Comprehensively to Advance Chinese Modernization, adopted by the Third Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee, pointed out the need of further reforming the medical and healthcare systems, and improving the mechanisms for supporting the development of innovative drugs and medical equipment.

Prof Lo said the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government strenuously works in line with the national objective of further reforming the medical and healthcare systems, and will promote Hong Kong’s development into an international health and medical innovation hub by complementing technological innovation with institutional innovation.

Hong Kong will fully utilise the institutional advantages of “one country, two systems” and the city’s professional strengths in the healthcare sector, thereby enabling the innovative medical technologies to go global and attract foreign investment, and develop new quality productive forces in biomedicine, he noted.

To achieve this goal, the Hong Kong SAR Government will expedite the reform of the approval mechanism for drugs and medical devices and enhance the translation of innovative biomedical research results into clinical applications.

At the same time, the Hong Kong SAR Government is also committed to developing the city into a national bridgehead for the internationalisation of Chinese medicine, and will also encourage the Chinese medicine sector to make good use of policies benefitting Hong Kong.

Prof Lo emphasised that the Hong Kong SAR Government will continue to push forward co-operation with Guangdong Province and the Shenzhen Municipality in areas such as cross-boundary healthcare services, training of healthcare staff, medical technology exchanges and Chinese medicine development under the principles of complementarity and mutual benefits.

The ultimate aim is to build a “Healthy Bay Area” and further contribute to the overall development of the nation through joint endeavours, he added.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Chief Executive John Lee today met leaders of Zhejiang Province, visited local medical facilities, and engaged in in-depth discussions with representatives of innovation and technology (I&T) companies in Hangzhou.

In the morning, Mr Lee and the delegation visited the headquarters of the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine to learn about its operations and the latest developments in applying healthcare technology.

These included the hospital’s achievements in developing a new therapy for malignant haematological diseases, the application of robotic technology in drug preparation and reform of medical logistics models, and the use of artificial intelligence (AI) for precise clinical diagnosis.

Later, Mr Lee viewed the Hangzhou Future Sci-Tech City Urban Exhibition Center to gain insights into Hangzhou’s advancements in areas including smart city development and AI, as well as achievements in developing the Chengxi Sci-tech Innovation Corridor.

He also met representatives of Hangzhou’s “Six Little Dragons” I&T enterprises, namely Hangzhou DeepSeek Artificial Intelligence Co, Hangzhou Yushu Technology Co (Unitree Robotics), Hangzhou Youke Interactive Technology Co (Game Science), Manycore Tech Inc, Hangzhou Yunshenchu Technology Co, and BrainCo.

Mr Lee toured the special exhibition arranged for the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government delegation, and engaged with the representatives to understand the developments and features of the six iconic and influential I&T companies in areas such as large language models, robotics, AI, game development, and Brain Computer Interface (BCI) technologies.

They also discussed the development of a new technology ecosystem, and the relationship and collaboration between enterprises and governments.

Mr Lee also attended a luncheon hosted by CPC Zhejiang Provincial Committee Secretary Wang Hao.

The Chief Executive noted that Zhejiang, as a vital province in the Yangtze River Delta, boasts a strong foundation in technological development, private economy, and digital economy, while Hong Kong is a core city of the Greater Bay Area and an international financial, shipping, and trade centre.

The two places play significant roles in driving the country’s high-quality development and have a broad room of collaboration, Mr Lee added.     

He also took the opportunity to visit two of the “Six Little Dragons”, BrainCo and Unitree Robotics.

Mr Lee gained a deeper understanding of BrainCo’s achievements in developing non-invasive BCI technology and its applications in fields such as medical rehabilitation and education, as well as Unitree Robotics’ achievements and advancements in developing civilian robots for use in agriculture, industry, power inspection, survey and exploration, and public rescue.

Mr Lee then toured the Black Myth: Wukong Art Exhibition. Based on a game developed by Game Science, one of the “Six Little Dragons”, the exhibition showcased the behind-the-scenes details of game development through recreations of scenes, characters and items from the game.

Noting the rapid development of I&T enterprises represented by the “Six Little Dragons”, Mr Lee said that Hangzhou has been promoting the I&T industry over the years, creating a vibrant industrial ecosystem and a favourable investment environment.

He said Hong Kong is dedicated to developing into an international I&T centre, and that he will strive to promote collaboration and exchanges between I&T enterprises in Hong Kong and Hangzhou, with a view to leveraging their comparative advantages. He also welcomed I&T enterprises in Hangzhou to set up in Hong Kong to pursue development together.

Mr Lee later attended a dinner hosted by Zhejiang Governor Liu Jie, to exchange views on deepening co-operation and exchanges between Hong Kong and Zhejiang, in addition to gaining insights into the development experiences and directions of local cultural performances.

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

Foreign Minister Lin and Tuvaluan Deputy Prime Minister Nelesone witness signing of agreements on labor cooperation and seafarer training and certification

Date：2025-04-16
Data Source：Department of East Asian and Pacific Affairs

April 16, 2025  
No. 097  

Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung met with a Tuvaluan delegation led by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance and Economic Development Panapasi Nelesone and his wife, Madame Corinna Laafai, at the Taipei Guest House on April 15. Together, they witnessed the signing of two bilateral agreements—one on labor cooperation and another on the recognition of training and certification of seafarers. These agreements, which were signed respectively by Minister of Labor Hung Sun-han and Minister of Transportation and Communications Chen Shih-kai for Taiwan and by Minister of Foreign Affairs, Labour and Trade Paulson Panapa for Tuvalu, aim to deepen bilateral exchanges and cooperation in such domains as labor affairs, fisheries, and seafarer certification. 

Following the signing ceremony, Minister Lin hosted a banquet for the delegation at the Taipei Guest House. In his speech, he warmly welcomed them and thanked the government of Tuvalu for its long-standing and unwavering support of Taiwan’s international participation, including speaking up for Taiwan at major international events. Minister Lin expressed special appreciation to the Ministry of Labor (MOL) and the Ministry of Transportation and Communications (MOTC) for coordinating with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) to facilitate the signing of the two agreements. He indicated that they bolstered Taiwan-Tuvalu cooperation and marked the concrete implementation of the Diplomatic Allies Prosperity Project under the policy of integrated diplomacy. He also noted that they aligned with the concept of every ministry serving as a foreign ministry and every citizen as a diplomat. Minister Lin emphasized that MOFA had actively consolidated the diverse capabilities of government agencies and civil society, leveraging overall national strength to enhance cooperation between Taiwan and its diplomatic allies. Moving forward, he pledged to work hand in hand with the government of Tuvalu to expand exchanges across a variety of domains to promote economic prosperity and the well-being of the peoples of both countries. 

Speaking at the banquet, Deputy Prime Minister Nelesone stated that in 46 years as diplomatic allies, Taiwan and Tuvalu had jointly responded to numerous challenges and created myriad opportunities for close cooperation in such areas as health care, agriculture, education, and basic infrastructure. He affirmed that the two nations had built a diplomatic alliance founded on freedom and democracy, adding that they shared strong bonds and were like family. On behalf of the government and people of Tuvalu, he sincerely thanked Taiwan for its long-term support of his nation’s development and reaffirmed Tuvalu’s staunch commitment to backing Taiwan’s international participation. He expressed the hope that both countries would continue working together to advance their diplomatic partnership, setting an example for the world.

Guests at the banquet included Deputy Minister of Health and Welfare Lin Ching-yi; Acting Director General of the MOL Workforce Development Agency Chen Shih-chang; Deputy Director General of the Ministry of Agriculture Fisheries Agency Lin Ding-rong; Director General of the MOTC Maritime and Port Bureau Yeh Hsieh-lung; Secretary General of the International Cooperation and Development Fund Huang Yu-lin; and representatives from the business sector. Participants exchanged views on a wide range of issues, including health care, climate change adaptation, and agricultural and fisheries cooperation. (E)

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

MOFA response to false claims regarding Taiwan in joint statement between PRC and Malaysia

April 17, 2025 

Chinese leader Xi Jinping visited Malaysia from April 15 to 17. Following a meeting with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim on April 16, the two sides issued a joint statement on building a high-level strategic community with a shared future. Among other spurious content, the statement falsely claimed that Taiwan was an inalienable part of Chinese territory. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) strongly condemns China for continuing to pressure other countries to issue false narratives aimed at undermining Taiwan’s sovereignty. It expresses deep regret over the content of the statement and related developments. 

MOFA reaffirms that the Republic of China (Taiwan) is an independent, sovereign country and that neither the ROC (Taiwan) nor the People’s Republic of China is subordinate to the other. Taiwan remains staunchly committed to safeguarding its national sovereignty and will not concede to Chinese coercion. No claims by China that Taiwan is part of its territory can change the reality that Taiwan is a sovereign nation. 

MOFA calls on nations worldwide to jointly counter China’s false narratives and not to condone China’s malicious attempts to mislead the international community. It hopes that nations will cherish their existing cooperative relations with Taiwan. Taiwan will continue to work with other countries through integrated diplomacy to advance global economic security and prosperity and contribute to regional peace and stability.

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

MOFA response to Dutch House of Representatives passing four Taiwan-friendly motions

April 16, 2025  

The House of Representatives of the Netherlands on April 15 adopted four Taiwan-friendly motions, urging the Dutch government to oppose China’s escalation of tensions, strengthen trade relations with Taiwan, send a high-level official delegation to Taiwan, and support Taiwan’s meaningful participation in the World Health Organization. The motions were proposed by House members from different parties, including Representative Jan Paternotte of Democrats 66, who is also cochair of the Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China for the Netherlands. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) sincerely welcomes and appreciates the high level of consensus that Dutch parliamentarians have shown in their support for Taiwan.

The Dutch House of Representatives simultaneously passed four motions calling on the Dutch government to take a number of concrete actions to support Taiwan. It encouraged the government to oppose China’s launch of large-scale military exercises around Taiwan; attach great importance to cross-strait peace and send another warship through the Taiwan Strait; assist Taiwan in responding to the United States’ tariff policy and enhance economic and trade exchanges with Taiwan; promote high-level official visits between Taiwan and the Netherlands; and explicitly voice support for Taiwan’s participation in the World Health Assembly and other events. These motions concern Taiwan’s core interests and are therefore of great significance.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung recognizes that Taiwan and the Netherlands have forged an increasingly close relationship, that support for Taiwan in the Dutch parliament has grown steadily year after year, and that the Netherlands is an important partner in the promotion of President Lai Ching-te’s Five Trusted Industry Sectors. Taiwan looks forward to engaging in further cooperation with the Netherlands in such critical domains as strengthening resilience of the semiconductor supply chain, security control and information security, and next-generation communications.