Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Grade 1 historic building Haw Par Mansion guided tour features new virtual reality exhibition
Co-organised by the Antiquities and Monuments Office (AMO) of the Development Bureau (DEVB), the Hang Seng University of Hong Kong and the Hong Kong Chu Hai College, the “Virtual Reality: The ‘Ten Courts of Hell’ of Tiger Balm Garden” exhibition is sponsored by the Aw Boon Haw Foundation and with venue support from the Commissioner for Heritage’s Office of the DEVB.
Premised on a virtual reality metaverse platform developed by the Hang Seng University of Hong Kong and the Hong Kong Chu Hai College, the exhibition focuses on reconstructing the former “Ten Courts of Hell” of the Tiger Balm Garden. Participants wearing virtual reality headsets can explore details of the murals of the “Ten Courts of Hell” and learn about the historical and cultural contexts through an interactive interface. There will also be display boards introducing the “Ten Courts of Hell” and videos of the project.
The guided tours of the Haw Par Mansion are free of charge and conducted in Cantonese from Fridays to Sundays and on public holidays (except for the first three days of Lunar New Year). Four sessions will be held per day, and each session can accommodate 24 participants. Docents will guide participants through the private garden and the Mansion’s interior, introducing its history, architectural features and heritage value, followed by the “Virtual Reality: The ‘Ten Courts of Hell’ of Tiger Balm Garden” exhibition. The public can enrol in the guided tours through the AMO’s website (www.amo.gov.hk/en/visitor-centre/docent-services/public/haw-par-mansion/index.html
Located at No. 15A, Tai Hang Road, Hong Kong, the Haw Par Mansion was the residence of Mr Aw Boon Haw, an overseas Chinese merchant. It was accorded Grade 1 historic building status in 2009.
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SED presents Hong Kong’s education strengths at 7th APEC Education Ministerial Meeting (with photos)
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
SED presents Hong Kong’s education strengths at 7th APEC Education Ministerial Meeting
Speaking at the thematic session AI·Digital Transformation and Personalized Education Innovation, Dr Choi said that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government has established the Steering Committee on Strategic Development of Digital Education to gather collective wisdom and insights on promoting digital transformation of school education. Also, the Education Bureau (EDB) provides subsidies for students in need, ensuring that all students have equal opportunities in their access to e-learning. The EDB invests in e-learning platforms and has launched curricula on innovation and technology, and coding education for junior secondary and upper primary students to boost their digital literacy and skills.
Moreover, the EDB endeavours to enhance teachers’ competencies in using AI to assist in teaching. In addition to professional development programmes, the EDB organises Mainland study tours and a large-scale learning and teaching expo to keep teachers abreast of the latest developments in e-learning and the application of AI in teaching. The EDB has also launched the Digital Education Centre of Excellence Scheme to provide on-site support for schools to share teaching practices on e-learning.
At the thematic session on Educational Cooperation and Expanding Access to Opportunities, Dr Choi said that Hong Kong is committed to developing into an international post-secondary education hub and a cradle for talent. Five publicly funded universities in Hong Kong rank among the world’s top 100. All top four spots in the ranking of the world’s most international universities published by the Times Higher Education in 2025 were also claimed by Hong Kong publicly funded universities.
The HKSAR Government has doubled the enrolment ceiling for non-local students at publicly funded universities from 20 per cent to 40 per cent. It has also established a scholarship fund to subsidise students from Belt and Road countries or regions to study in Hong Kong, and support local students to participate in global learning activities.
Speaking at the thematic session Strengthening Quality Education and Sustainable Economic Growth, Dr Choi said that Hong Kong’s education system provides all students with high-quality education, thereby fostering social mobility. The EDB encourages schools to adopt the Whole School Approach in supporting students with special educational needs, and provides schools with additional resources, professional support and teacher training to promote an inclusive learning environment.
At the closing of the 7th AEMM, the participating ministers issued a joint declaration. The meeting recognised the importance of education in addressing global challenges such as bridging digital divides. They also emphasised the need to enhance digital and AI competencies of educators, and called for collaborative efforts to promote appropriate integration of AI in education.
Yesterday (May 13), Dr Choi met the Acting President, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education of Korea, Dr Lee Ju-ho, and education ministers of other APEC economies to engage in exchanges on education policies. She also delivered a speech at the APEC Global Education Reform Conference to share Hong Kong’s practical experience in information technology education and development as an international post-secondary education hub. On the same day, she met the Vice Minister of Education of Korea, Dr Oh Seok-hwan, to exchange views on strengthening education collaboration between Korea and Hong Kong.
Dr Choi will continue her visit to Korea tomorrow (May 15).
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Smoking products ban justified
Source: Hong Kong Information Services
Tobacco companies have been adding such flavours such as menthol, fruit and confectionaries into conventional smoking products to disguise the harshness of tobacco smoke, making it easier for non-smokers to initiate and maintain a bsmoking habit, the Health Bureau pointed out today.
The statement was made in response to media enquiries regarding the rationale behind the bureau’s proposal to ban flavoured conventional smoking products under a new phase of tobacco control measures.
Research also showed that banning flavoured conventional cigarettes can reduce the chances of young people using tobacco, the bureau added.
The bureau had already stated in the Consultation Document on Tobacco Control Strategies in 2023 as well as subsequent Legislative Council documents that around 50 countries and regions worldwide, including 27 European Union member states, Canada and the UK have banned the sale of flavoured cigarettes. Additionally, China’s Taiwan region announced last year the prohibition of the use of specified flavour additives in tobacco products.
Stressing that banning flavoured conventional smoking products is neither unique to Hong Kong nor “over the top”, the bureau said Hong Kong needs to align itself with international tobacco control policies through legislative work.
Middle East visit successful: CE
Source: Hong Kong Information Services
Chief Executive John Lee hailed his visit to Kuwait and Qatar as a success having made achievements in six areas.
At a media session in Kuwait City, Kuwait, today, Mr Lee concluded his four-day visit to the two Middle East countries with a business delegation comprising representatives from Hong Kong and Mainland enterprises.
“We strengthened relations between the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government and the governments of Qatar and Kuwait, establishing a collaborative consensus.
“The visit resulted in a total of 59 Memoranda of Understanding and agreements, 35 in Qatar and 24 in Kuwait, spanning across diverse areas and laying a robust groundwork for multifaceted co-operation.”
The Chief Executive also noted that the visit helped leverage Hong Kong’s strengths under the “one country, two systems” principle in connecting the Mainland and the world, deepening international exchanges and co-operation, and demonstrating the synergistic power of the complementary advantages between Hong Kong and the Mainland.
He added that the trip also further built relations with the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf (GCC) countries to explore greater business opportunities, deepened mutual understanding and strengthening commercial and trading networks, and further enhanced cultural exchanges with the GCC countries.
In addition to Qatar’s new 30-day visa-free arrangement for Hong Kong Special Administrative Region passport holders, Mr Lee today announced that the United Arab Emirates will grant Hong Kong 30-day visa-free access starting May 15, while Oman will, on the same date, extend its visa-free period from 10 to 14 days.
Mr Lee also highlighted that in meetings with leaders and officials in Kuwait and Qatar, he appreciated their forward-looking vision and their understanding of Hong Kong’s unparalleled advantages under “one country, two systems” as a bridge between the Mainland and the world.
“Middle East countries are seeking diversification of risks and looking for opportunities in China and the Hong Kong SAR in order to join the tide of the global economic shift towards the East. In this, Hong Kong has boundless opportunities.”
24 pacts exchanged in Kuwait
Source: Hong Kong Information Services
Chief Executive John Lee continued his visit to Kuwait today by meeting representatives of the Kuwait Direct Investment Promotion Authority, exchanging views with local political and business leaders, and witnessing the reaching of multiple pacts between government departments, enterprises and organisations of Hong Kong, the Mainland and Kuwait.
In the morning, Mr Lee met Kuwait Direct Investment Promotion Authority Director General Meshaal Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah to learn about Kuwait’s strategies and achievements in attracting business and investment.
Noting that Kuwait was Hong Kong’s sixth-largest trading partner in the Middle East last year, Mr Lee said there is significant room for development in trade and business between the two places. He also stressed that Hong Kong will continue to serve as a bridge to assist enterprises in going global and attracting external investment, welcoming Kuwaiti enterprises to leverage the city’s financing support and professional services to explore international markets.
Afterwards, the Chief Executive attended a business luncheon where he delivered a speech to near 300 local business leaders to promote Hong Kong’s business advantages and development opportunities. Moreover, government departments, enterprises and organisations from Hong Kong, the Mainland and Kuwait exchanged and announced 24 memoranda of understanding and co-operation agreements, covering areas such as economy and trade, investment, financial services, technology, legal co-operation, cargo clearance and flow, aviation, and post-secondary education.
Mr Lee highlighted that merchandise trade between Hong Kong and the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf reached nearly US$20 billion last year, an increase of over 53% in the past four years, while Hong Kong’s merchandise trade with Kuwait last year amounted to US$200 million, up more than 20% from the previous year.
Hong Kong, an international financial centre as well as the world’s largest offshore renminbi business hub, will give full play to its role as a “super connector” and “super value-adder” to deepen international exchanges and co-operation, Mr Lee pointed out, adding that he believes the ties between Hong Kong and Kuwait will continue to flourish.
In the afternoon, Mr Lee visited Zain Group a major mobile telecommunications company, to learn about its business in innovative technologies and digital communications, and exchanged views with company representatives on topics such as drones, artificial intelligence and smart city development. He remarked that Hong Kong is actively developing into an international innovation and technology centre, and he welcomes the company to invest and pursue co-operation opportunities in Hong Kong.
The Chief Executive also hosted a dinner for members of the business delegation comprising representatives from Hong Kong and Mainland enterprises to thank them for their participation in the programme of the past four days, and for working together to explore co-operation opportunities for Hong Kong and the Mainland in the Middle East.
He will return to Hong Kong tomorrow.
DH responds to media enquiries on air-conditioning interruption in private hospital
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
In response to media enquiries regarding the air-conditioning interruption that occurred at St. Teresa’s Hospital in July 2024 for about an hour, the Department of Health (DH) today (May 14) gave the following response:
Regulatory regime
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MOFA firmly opposes terrorism, expresses deep concern over growing tensions between India and Pakistan
Source: Republic of China Taiwan
MOFA firmly opposes terrorism, expresses deep concern over growing tensions between India and Pakistan
Date：2025-05-10
Data Source：Department of East Asian and Pacific Affairs
May 10, 2025
No. 153
Following the terrorist attack in Kashmir on April 22, tensions between India and Pakistan have escalated, eliciting international concern.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) works closely with democratic partners worldwide in staunch opposition to international terrorism. It expresses firm support for all legitimate and necessary actions taken by the government of India to safeguard national security and fight terrorist forces that cross borders to attack innocent civilians.
MOFA will continue to pay close attention to developments between India and Pakistan and engage in joint efforts to ensure peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific. MOFA advises Taiwan nationals to pay heed to their personal safety, leave the area of conflict as soon as possible, and seek assistance from the nearest overseas mission in the event of an emergency. (E)
Foreign Minister Lin concludes successful visit to US
Source: Republic of China Taiwan
Foreign Minister Lin concludes successful visit to US
Date：2025-05-10
Data Source：Department of North American Affairs
May 10, 2025
No. 152
Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung on May 10 concluded a successful three-day visit to the US state of Texas and boarded a flight back to Taiwan.
On the last day of the trip, Minister Lin attended the Texas-Taiwan AI and Innovation Summit, which was organized by the Texas Association of Business (TAB), Opportunity Austin, and the Taiwan Electrical and Electronic Manufacturers’ Association (TEEMA) at the Texas State Capitol. In remarks delivered at the event, Minister Lin thanked US partners for long trusting and supporting Taiwan’s technology sector. He said that the gathering highlighted the strong partnership between Taiwan and the United States in such industries as AI, semiconductors, robotics, and energy, expressing the hope that the two countries would continue to work together in technology, capital, human resources, and other domains.
Minister Lin also stressed that Taiwan and the United States enjoyed a mutually beneficial partnership in the high-tech industry. He noted that, given its complete upstream and downstream supply chains and its solid intellectual property protections, Taiwan had always been a key US partner and that together they could build even more resilient democratic supply chains. Pete Sessions, a senior member of the US House of Representatives for Texas, also spoke during the event, reaffirming democratic Taiwan as the staunchest partner of the United States in AI-related cooperation.
Minister Lin and Representative Sessions also witnessed the signing of a Taiwan-Texas economic cooperation agreement between TEEMA, TAB, and Opportunity Austin designed to facilitate two-way investment between Taiwan and the United States.
During his trip, Minister Lin met with prominent political and business leaders from Texas, announced the Taiwan government’s interest in a Taiwan Tower investment and construction project in downtown Houston, and delivered his address to the Texas-Taiwan AI and Innovation Summit. Furthermore, visiting the Texas House of Representatives at the invitation of its speaker and in the company of Managing Director of the American Institute in Taiwan Washington Office Ingrid Larson, Minister Lin publicly accepted a resolution that the House had adopted in support of Taiwan.
Minister Lin’s visit concluded on a successful note. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will continue to implement a roadmap introduced by President Lai Ching-te to deepen bilateral trade relations through integrated diplomacy, underlining the diverse and robust partnership between Taiwan and the United States at all levels and across all areas. (E)
MOFA congratulates Holy See on election of new pope and looks forward to deepening bilateral relations
Source: Republic of China Taiwan
MOFA congratulates Holy See on election of new pope and looks forward to deepening bilateral relations
Date：2025-05-09
Data Source：Department of European Affairs
May 9, 2025
No. 147
The Holy See on May 8 elected the 267th pontiff of the Catholic Church, Pope Leo XIV. President Lai Ching-te promptly instructed the Embassy of the ROC (Taiwan) to the Holy See to forward a congratulatory message to the new pope. In his message, President Lai extended sincere congratulations on behalf of the people, government, and Catholic community of Taiwan. He expressed confidence that the profound wisdom of Pope Leo XIV would serve as a guiding light for the Catholic Church and its 1.4 billion followers worldwide. He also reaffirmed Taiwan’s commitment to working steadfastly with the Holy See to jointly pursue peace, justice, religious freedom, unity, love, and human dignity.
This year marks the 83rd anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between our country and the Holy See. The two sides enjoy a solid alliance and close interactions and share the universal values of religious freedom, human rights, peace, and compassion. Taiwan will continue to engage with the Holy See in promoting exchanges and cooperation, further strengthening bilateral relations, and making even greater contributions to the world. (E)
MOFA strongly refutes Chinese leader Xi’s misrepresentation of historical facts and UNGA Resolution 2758 in signed article
Source: Republic of China Taiwan
May 8, 2025
No. 144
In a signed article titled “Learning from History to Build Together a Brighter Future,” published in the Russian Gazette on May 7, Chinese leader Xi Jinping misrepresented historical and legal facts regarding the Cairo Declaration, the Potsdam Proclamation, and United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) Resolution 2758. His preposterous narrative, which distorted reality and deviated from the truth, constitutes a malicious attempt to deceive and mislead the international community and to erase the sovereignty of the Republic of China (Taiwan). The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) expresses strong displeasure at and condemnation of these false claims.
MOFA reiterates that the 1943 Cairo Declaration, the Potsdam Proclamation, and other instruments with legal effect under international law all confirmed the sovereignty of the Republic of China over Taiwan. At the time, the People’s Republic of China did not even exist. How then could these instruments have “all affirmed China’s sovereignty over Taiwan”? The PRC played no role in the fight against Japan during World War II, nor was it invited to the signing of the San Francisco Peace Treaty. Therefore, the PRC is in no position to make any claim concerning “part of the postwar international order.”
The status of Taiwan, Penghu, and other islands appertaining or belonging to Taiwan was addressed during and after World War II in a series of legal instruments, including the Cairo Declaration, the Potsdam Proclamation, the Japanese Instrument of Surrender, the San Francisco Peace Treaty, and the 1952 Treaty of Peace between the ROC and Japan. Furthermore, the Potsdam Proclamation, the Japanese Instrument of Surrender, the San Francisco Peace Treaty, and the Treaty of Peace between the ROC and Japan all drew on the Cairo Declaration, which explicitly laid out a legal obligation that Taiwan and the islands appertaining or belonging to it (including the Diaoyutai Islands) should be restored to the Republic of China.
MOFA also reaffirms that UNGA Resolution 2758 made no mention of Taiwan anywhere in its text and, therefore, could not have stated that Taiwan is a part of the PRC. It did not grant legal authority to the PRC to represent Taiwan or the Taiwanese people in the UN and its specialized agencies. By mischaracterizing this resolution, the Chinese government not only ignores historical facts but also violates principles of international law. China and its leaders have relentlessly tried to mislead the international community into accepting its “one China principle.” They have falsely claimed that Taiwan is part of the PRC and that the resolution has authorized China to represent Taiwan in the UN system. These are all attempts to erase the objective reality that the Republic of China (Taiwan) is a sovereign country and to terminate Taiwan’s pursuit of its legitimate right to participate in the UN system.
MOFA urges the international community to oppose China’s continuing effort to distort historical facts and misrepresent UNGA Resolution 2758 in order to change the status quo that neither side of the Taiwan Strait is subordinate to the other. It calls on nations worldwide to jointly condemn China for again resorting to blatant provocations and attempting to undermine the status quo. MOFA emphasizes that the Republic of China (Taiwan) is an independent, sovereign country and that Taiwan has never been a part of the PRC. It reiterates that neither democratic Taiwan nor authoritarian China being subordinate to the other is the status quo across the Taiwan Strait and that this is a long-standing, internationally recognized, and objective fact. Only the democratically elected government of Taiwan has the right to represent the 23.5 million people of Taiwan in the UN system and the international arena. China has no right to interfere. (E)