Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Government today announced the appointment of Tse Chun-chung as Director of Information Services following an open-and-in-service recruitment exercise.

Mr Tse will take up the appointment tomorrow.

Commenting on his appointment, Secretary for the Civil Service Ingrid Yeung noted that Mr Tse has extensive experience in public administration, is highly skilled in handling media and public relations, and possesses outstanding leadership and management capabilities.

“I am confident that under his leadership, the Information Services Department will strive to promote public understanding of government policies and positions, and tell the world about the good stories of Hong Kong,” Mrs Yeung added.

Mr Tse joined the Government in 1999 and served in various frontline departments and policy bureaus.

He was seconded to the Chief Executive’s Office under civil service appointment terms to serve as the Communications Secretary in August 2022, and has been serving as Information Co-ordinator since June 2024.

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

Director General David Cheng-Wei Wu and Mrs. Wu, accompanied by Director May Chiang, attended the 20th anniversary celebration and Mother’s Day banquet of the Sydney Tri-Dung Alumni Association Inc. at the invitation of President Chen Hsiao-shan. The event was held on a grand scale, bringing together members of the alumni community in Sydney.
In his remarks, DG Wu noted that Tri-Dung School in Vietnam, established in 1939, was the first overseas Chinese secondary school in the country and a prestigious institution. Many of its graduates pursued further studies in Taiwan, and its alumni have gone on to excel worldwide. Quoting the school motto, DG Wu encouraged alumni to carry forward its spirit and wished the association continued success, while extending Mother’s Day greetings to all attendees.
In his remarks, DG Wu noted that Tri-Dung School in Vietnam, established in 1939, was the first overseas Chinese secondary school in the country and a prestigious institution. Many of its graduates pursued further studies in Taiwan, and its alumni have gone on to excel worldwide. Quoting the school motto, DG Wu encouraged alumni to carry forward its spirit and wished the association continued success, while extending Mother’s Day greetings to all attendees.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Government today announced that property owners and residents of Wang Fuk Court will be waived from the final tax payable for the 2025-26 assessment year, a move aimed at easing the financial burden on those affected by the recent fire.

This measure, combined with the tax waiver announced by the Government last December, means eligible persons will be waived from both the balance of tax payable for the 2024-25 assessment year and the tax payable for the 2025-26 assessment year.

The Inland Revenue Department will issue tax returns to the affected individuals in the third quarter of this year to assess their provisional tax for the 2026-27 assessment year. 

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Security Bureau was notified today by Guangdong’s Nuclear Emergency Committee Office regarding an operational event at the Taishan Nuclear Power Station involving the discovery of foreign material.

While the station’s Unit 1 was undergoing a planned overhaul on April 30, foreign material was identified during a video inspection of steam generator number 3.

Following the completion of inspections on May 2, two pieces of curled, chip-like material, measuring approximately 1.5cm by 1.5cm and 3.5cm by 1.3cm, were successfully removed. The station is currently conducting traceability analysis of the objects.

The bureau stressed that Unit 1 remained in a safe condition throughout the event. All three safety barriers remained intact and there was no release of radioactive substances. The incident had no impact on the unit’s safety, the health of workers, the public or the environment.

The event was classified as a Level 0 deviation on May 1 in accordance with the International Nuclear & Radiological Event Scale and relevant nuclear safety regulations.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The phased return of residents to Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po entered its 14th day today, with the reopening of five high-zone floors at Wang Tai House and 10 middle-zone floors at Wang Shing House.

Deputy Chief Secretary Cheuk Wing-hing today observed the arrangements for residents returning to their units.

He met social workers operating under the Government’s “one social worker per household” service, as well as teams of social workers and clinical psychologists stationed in the buildings. He also spoke with engineers from the Housing Bureau and the Housing Department.

At the estate’s joint command centre, Mr Cheuk learned about the latest situation and spoke to frontline personnel. He also met Wang Tai House residents in the waiting area at Tai Po Baptist Public School.

A total of 455 residents, from 120 households, returned to their units today. The Government said the access arrangements were implemented smoothly.

Residents spent an average of two hours and 25 minutes on-site. This ranged from a minimum of 15 minutes to a maximum of three hours and 40 minutes. About 69% of the residents completed their visits in under three hours, while 27% stayed for less than two hours and 7% left within one hour.

One hundred and twenty people, from 61 households, conducted multiple trips to their units. Breaking this down, 37 households made one additional trip, 16 households made two additional trips, five households made three more, and three households made four more.

The integrated enquiry counter at Wang Fuk Court today handled ten requests for Police assistance and two cases involving residents seeking help due to physical discomfort.

The requests for Police assistance were related to suspected property loss. Lost property was recovered in one case. Another case concerned severe damage to a unit. In another five cases, Police found no signs of ransacking in the units, and residents were unable to provide details of the property they said was lost. Regarding the remaining three cases, Police will conduct further investigations.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Yim Tin Bridge and the Po Chue Tam Bridge, linking the banks of the Tai O River, will open to the public from 9am tomorrow, following an opening ceremony today attended by Secretary for Development Bernadette Linn, Secretary for Home & Youth Affairs Alice Mak and Director of Civil Engineering & Development Michael Fong.

 

Speaking at the ceremony, Ms Linn said that the completion of the Tai O Twin Bridges opens a new chapter for the co-existence of development and conservation in Tai O.

 

She highlighted that the bridges are movable in order to accommodate the Dragon Boat Water Parade, a national intangible cultural heritage event.

 

Ms Linn added: “The project strikes a balance between connectivity in the region and cultural traditions. While enhancing infrastructure, it preserves the unique historical and cultural charm of Tai O. The twin bridges have become a new landmark fostering community connections and injecting new vitality into Tai O.”

 

The Yim Tin Bridge is Hong Kong’s first retractable bridge, mimicking the characteristics of Tai O’s historic hand-pulled ferry, while the Po Chue Tam Bridge adopts a rotational design that harmonises with the nearby Yeung Hau Temple and showcases cultural conservation.

 

The bridges project collected design concepts through public engagement, with the designs chosen ultimately integrating Tai O’s distinctive characteristics in a balance of practical function and local culture.

 

The Yim Tin Bridge and the Po Chue Tam Bridge are the core facilities under the “Improvement Works at Tai O – Phase 2, Stage 2” projects, which aims to comprehensively enhance community facilities in Tai O.

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

On May 2, President Lai Ching-te departed for Eswatini for a state visit at the invitation of His Majesty King Mswati III of the Kingdom of Eswatini. The delegation arrived successfully at 9:00 am local time. Presidential Office Spokesperson Karen Kuo (郭雅慧) stated that although the trip had been temporarily postponed due to unjustified external interference, this has done nothing to diminish Taiwan’s resolve to engage with the world, and Taiwan will not allow itself to be absent from the international stage because of it. Taiwan and Eswatini are steadfast allies, she emphasized, who have together weathered many ups and downs. She stated that the delegation will advance the three core objectives of shared prosperity in security, prosperity in economy, and prosperity in digital technology , and that Taiwan will move forward side by side with Eswatini on the path of mutual benefits and shared prosperity, enhancing the friendship and well-being of the peoples of both nations.
Spokesperson Kuo noted that in light of the uncertainties and risks posed by certain recent incidents  to the safety of heads of state and to aviation security, the national security team and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs made a comprehensive assessment to ensure that the trip would be carried out in a manner befitting national dignity and consistent with international norms and aviation safety principles, while ensuring the full success of the nation’s diplomatic mission and the fullest possible safety of the president and all delegation members. In keeping with the tacit understanding reached with the like-minded, friendly parties who assisted with the security and logistics of this visit, certain security-related details will not be disclosed until an appropriate time after the visit concludes. The spokesperson also expressed the sincere gratitude of the government and people of Taiwan to His Majesty the King of Eswatini and his government team for their full support in making the relevant arrangements.
Spokesperson Kuo indicated that engaging with the world and interacting with people across the globe are natural, inalienable rights of the 23 million people of Taiwan. This visit, which commenced after being temporarily postponed due to external interference, demonstrates the determination and will of the Taiwanese people to engage with the world. It is also an assertion of the Republic of China (Taiwan) ‘s fundamental rights as a member of the international community. Our nation adheres to rules-based international norms and is committed to mutual benefits and shared prosperity within the international community. This visit serves as a concrete demonstration of Taiwan’s commitment, alongside all like-minded nations, to upholding the international order.
Spokesperson Kuo stated that upon the delegation’s arrival in the Kingdom of Eswatini, Taiwan’s Ambassador to Eswatini Jeremy H.S. Liang  (梁洪昇) and Eswatini Chief Protocol Officer Khandlela Mdluli  boarded the plane to welcome the president. After alighting from the plane, President Lai was received by Prime Minister Russell Dlamini and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Pholile Shakantu , who accompanied the president as he received military honors.  The president also extended warm greetings to the staff and families of the embassy and technical mission who had gathered to welcome him.
During his visit, President Lai will hold bilateral talks with King Mswati III, during which they will jointly witness the signing of a customs mutual assistance agreement  between the two nations’ governments, as well as sign a joint communiqué.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Participation in Mainland study tours among special schools has skyrocketed this academic year, with the number of participating institutions rising nearly 70%. Data revealed that 44 special schools joined the programme for the 2025-26 academic year, up from 26 in the previous year.

The tours are a major component of the Citizenship & Social Development curriculum, a core subject for senior secondary students. To accommodate special school students, the Education Bureau offers seven itineraries for schools to consider, with specific arrangements adjustable as needed.

Breaking barriers

Sharon Lau and Gary Shum, Secondary 5 students at the Hong Kong Red Cross John F. Kennedy Centre, joined a one-day excursion to Shenzhen last academic year. Alongside five classmates, they explored the Nanshan Museum and Nantou Ancient City.

For Sharon, the trip was a revelation in the latest development of Shenzhen. “The trip helped me understand how Shenzhen integrates technological advancement with its historical roots.”

She added that the journey brought her studies to life: “As the saying goes, ‘It is better to travel 10,000 miles than to read 10,000 books.’ Experiencing it firsthand is far more engaging than reading textbooks.”

Her classmate Gary admitted he was initially skeptical. “I thought Shenzhen was just a commercial city of skyscrapers that lacked barrier-free facilities,” he said. “I discovered it is actually quite convenient for wheelchair users and boasts a rich cultural heritage that blends modern creativity with the past.”

Meticulous planning

The school has maintained its momentum this year with a trip to Zhuhai focused on aviation technology. Mak Chi-wai, the subject’s Panel Head, believes the one-day format is ideal for maintaining student focus while addressing physical needs.

“Preparation is very important,” Mr Mak explained. “We hold internal meetings across departments to discuss every student’s physical and emotional requirements. We also work in close co-ordination with the Education Bureau, parents and travel agencies. And we need to draft school-based worksheets tailored to our pupils.”

No boundaries

Despite the logistical hurdles of transporting students with complex needs, the school’s principal Levian Lee remains steadfast in the programme’s value.

“We truly believe that learning has no boundaries,” Miss Lee emphasised. “Every student deserves a meaningful learning experience, which is why we go the extra mile. Through co-ordination with the Education Bureau and the Mainland departments, we ensure a smooth journey that offers firsthand insights into our country’s development.”

“We want our students to realise that the path they can walk is much wider than they imagine,” she added.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The phased return of residents to Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po entered its 13th day today, with the reopening of five middle-zone floors of Wang Tai House and 10 low-zone floors of Wang Shing House.

Supported by the Government’s “one social worker per household” service, 457 residents from 119 households returned to their units – exceeding the 438 people individuals initially registered to do so. The Government said the access arrangements were implemented smoothly.

Residents spent an average of two hours and 23 minutes on-site. This ranged ffom a minimum of 10 minutes to a maximum of three hours and 33 minutes. About 77% of the residents completed their visits in under three hours, while 24% stayed for less than two hours and 5% left within an hour.

One hundred and thirty-five individuals, from 73 households, made multiple trips to their units. Breaking this down, 44 households made one additional trip, 15 households made two more, and nine households three more. Three households made four additional trips, and two households made five or more trips.

The integrated enquiry counter at Wang Fuk Court today handled 12 requests for Police assistance and three cases involving residents seeking help due to physical discomfort, in addition to one seeking psychological counselling services.

The requests for Police assistance were related to suspected property loss. Lost property was recovered in four cases. Another  four cases were related to severe fire damage.