Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, will announce the First Five-Year Plan for Economic and Social Development of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (2026-2030) (Hong Kong’s First Five-Year Plan) on Wednesday (September 16), and subsequently release the Chief Executive’s 2026 Policy Address (Policy Address). 

     The full texts of Hong Kong’s First Five-Year Plan and the Policy Address will be uploaded on the respective dedicated websites www.hk5yplan.gov.hk and www.policyaddress.gov.hk after the Chief Executive has completed his speech.

     Copies of Hong Kong’s First Five-Year Plan, the Policy Address and other related publications will be available for public collection at the 20 Home Affairs Enquiry Centres (HAECs) of the Home Affairs Department (HAD) once the Chief Executive has completed his speech. Please visit the HAD website (www.had.gov.hk/en/public_services/public_enquiry_services/ctec.htm) for the opening hours of the HAECs.

     Meanwhile, booklets containing the highlights of Hong Kong’s First Five-Year Plan and the Policy Address will be available at the following places:
 
* 17 government office buildings:
 
Queensway Government Offices, Admiralty
Immigration Tower, Wan Chai
Revenue Tower, Wan Chai
Wanchai Tower, Wan Chai
North Point Government Offices
Cheung Sha Wan Government Offices
Treasury Building, Cheung Sha Wan
Ho Man Tin Government Offices
Lai Chi Kok Government Offices
Mongkok Government Offices
Trade and Industry Tower, Kowloon City
To Kwa Wan Government Offices
West Kowloon Government Offices, Yau Ma Tei
Sha Tin Government Offices
Tai Hing Government Offices, Tuen Mun
Tai Po Government Offices
Tsuen Wan Government Offices
 
* Seven public libraries:
 
Hong Kong Central Library, Causeway Bay
City Hall Public Library, Central
Kowloon Public Library, Kowloon City
Ping Shan Tin Shui Wai Public Library, Yuen Long
Sha Tin Public Library
Tsuen Wan Public Library
Tuen Mun Public Library
 
*Five museums:

Hong Kong Museum of Art
Hong Kong Heritage Museum
Hong Kong Museum of History
Hong Kong Science Museum
Hong Kong Space Museum

* 66 shopping centres in public housing estates:
 
Hong Kong Island
——————-
Siu Sai Wan Plaza, Chai Wan
Wan Tsui Shopping Centre, Chai Wan
Oi Tung Shopping Centre, Shau Kei Wan
Hing Tung Shopping Centre, Shau Kei Wan
Stanley Plaza, Stanley
Wah Fu (II) Commercial Complex, Aberdeen
Shek Pai Wan Shopping Centre, Aberdeen
 
Kowloon
———
Domain shopping mall, Yau Tong
Lei Yue Mun Plaza, Yau Tong
Yau Lai Shopping Centre, Yau Tong
Kai Tin Shopping Centre, Lam Tin
Tsui Ping North Shopping Circuit, Kwun Tong
Shun Lee Commercial Centre, Kwun Tong
On Kay Commercial Centre, Ngau Tau Kok
Lok Wah Commercial Centre, Ngau Tau Kok
Sau Mau Ping Shopping Centre, Sau Mau Ping
Tsz Wan Shan Shopping Centre, Tsz Wan Shan
Choi Wan Commercial Complex, Ngau Chi Wan
Chuk Yuen Plaza, Wong Tai Sin
Temple Mall South, Wong Tai Sin
Fung Tak Shopping Centre, Diamond Hill
Lok Fu Place, Wang Tau Hom
Shek Kip Mei Shopping Centre, Sham Shui Po
Hoi Fu Shopping Centre, Mong Kok
Oi Man Plaza, Ho Man Tin
Homantin Plaza, Ho Man Tin
 
New Territories East
———————
Cheung Lung Lane, Sheung Shui 
Ching Tao Shopping Centre, Sheung Shui
Choi Yuen Plaza, Sheung Shui
Ching Ho Shopping Centre, Sheung Shui
Fu Shin Shopping Centre, Tai Po
Tai Wo Plaza, Tai Po
Fu Tip Shopping Centre, Tai Po
Heng On Commercial Centre, Ma On Shan
Yan On Shopping Centre, Ma On Shan
Mei Tin Shopping Centre, Sha Tin
Hin Keng Shopping Centre, Sha Tin
Kwong Yuen Shopping Centre, Sha Tin
Sha Kok Commercial Centre, Sha Tin
Mei Lam Commercial Centre, Sha Tin
Wo Che Plaza, Sha Tin
Pok Hong Shopping Centre, Sha Tin
Yue Tin Court Commercial Centre, Sha Tin
Shui Chuen O Plaza, Sha Tin
Shek Mun Shopping Centre, Sha Tin
Chun Yeung Shopping Centre, Sha Tin
Queens Hill Shopping Centre, Fanling
TKO Gateway, Tseung Kwan O
Po Lam Shopping Centre, Tseung Kwan O
TKO Spot, Tseung Kwan O
 
New Territories West and Islands
————————————
T Town, Tin Shui Wai
Tin Shui Shopping Centre, Tin Shui Wai
Tin Yan Shopping Centre, Tin Shui Wai
Tin Ching Shopping Centre, Tin Shui Wai
Long Ping Commercial Centre, Yuen Long
Long Shin Shopping Centre, Yuen Long
Butterfly Plaza, Tuen Mun
Leung King Plaza, Tuen Mun
Tai Hing Commercial Centre, Tuen Mun
Siu Hong Commercial Centre, Tuen Mun
Yan Tin Shopping Centre, Tuen Mun
Hung Fuk Shopping Centre, Hung Shui Kiu
Cheung Fat Plaza, Tsing Yi
Lei Muk Shue Shopping Centre, Tsuen Wan
Kwai Chung Shopping Centre, Kwai Chung
Fu Tung Plaza, Tung Chung
 
     The public can watch the live broadcasts of the speech by the Chief Executive in the Legislative Council and the press conference on Hong Kong’s First Five-Year Plan webpage (www.hk5yplan.gov.hk) and the Policy Address webpage (www.policyaddress.gov.hk).
 
     They can also access Hong Kong’s First Five-Year Plan and Policy Address webpages through the e-Stations located at the 20 HAECs across the 18 Districts.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The following is issued on behalf of the Legislative Council Secretariat:

     The Legislative Council (LegCo) will hold a meeting on Wednesday (September 16) at 11am in the Chamber of the LegCo Complex. During the meeting, the Chief Executive will announce the First Five-Year Plan for Economic and Social Development of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (2026-2030), and deliver the 2026 Policy Address.

     The agenda of the above meeting is available on the LegCo Website (www.legco.gov.hk). Members of the public can watch or listen to the meeting via the “Webcast” system on the LegCo Website. To observe the proceedings of the meeting at the LegCo Complex, members of the public may call 3919 3399 during office hours to reserve seats.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 3

Parents intending to apply for a Primary One (P1) place of a particular government or aided primary school for their child at the Discretionary Places Admission stage under the Primary One Admission (POA) System via the POA e-Platform (ePOA) (epoa.edb.gov.hk) should first register as ePOA users and bind their account to “iAM Smart+”, and submit their applications via the ePOA between September 17 and 25.  For details, please refer to the Parent’s Guides on the EDB’s website (www.edb.gov.hk/en/edu-system/primary-secondary/spa-systems/primary-1-admission/poa_eplatform/index.html).  If parents choose to submit paper application forms, they should submit the completed application form together with all supporting documents directly to the school during school office hours between September 21 and 25.  Parents who are unable to submit the application form in person may authorise in writing a representative to bring along the above-mentioned documents to the primary school on their behalf.

When parents complete and submit the POA Application Form, please note the following-

(1) At the Discretionary Places Admission stage, parents can submit an application to any government or aided primary school, and the school choice is not restricted to the school net in which the child resides.     

(2) Irrespective of whether the application is submitted via the ePOA or in paper form, parents should submit only one application for each child.  If parents have applied to more than one government or aided primary school, their application for a POA discretionary place will be rendered void.  In addition, parents should not submit duplicate applications via the ePOA and in paper form for the same child.

(3) When completing the POA Application Form, parents should fill in the actual residential address of their child.  If a false address is given by parents to secure a P1 place for their child under the POA System, the application will be rendered void and the P1 place allocated will be withdrawn.  If a false instrument has been used or a false statutory declaration has been made in the application, the offender is liable on conviction to imprisonment for 14 years or imprisonment for two years and to a fine respectively under the Crimes Ordinance. 

(4) Parents who are unable to submit the application form in person may authorise in writing a representative to bring along the above-mentioned documents to the primary school on their behalf.

(5) Children who have accepted the offer of a P1 place in a school under the Direct Subsidy Scheme will not be allocated a P1 place in a government or aided primary school through the POA System.  Even if a school place has been allocated through the POA System, that school place will be withdrawn. 

(6) Parents could check results of discretionary place admission via ePOA from 10 a.m. on November 23, 2026.  Schools will also release the discretionary places admission results on the same day.  For applicant children who are not allocated with discretionary places, they will participate in the Central Allocation.  The School Choice-making dates for Central Allocation will be from January 18 to 24, 2027.  Details will be announced later.  

If parents only intend to apply for the POA Central Allocation for their child, they should submit the application to the EDB via the ePOA or in paper form on or before January 22, 2027.  For submission of paper forms, they should return the completed application form and relevant supporting documents to the School Places Allocation Section (Primary One Admission) of the EDB at Podium Floor, West Block, Education Bureau Kowloon Tong Education Services Centre, 19 Suffolk Road, Kowloon Tong. 

For details regarding POA 2027, parents may refer to the EDB’s POA website (www.edb.gov.hk/en/edu-system/primary-secondary/spa-systems/primary-1-admission/index.html).  If parents have any enquiries, please contact the School Places Allocation Section of the EDB:

Members of the public who suspect that a parent has used a false address for POA applications for his or her child may report it to the School Places Allocation Section by calling its hotline at 2832 7700.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Education Bureau (EDB) today (September 14) reminded parents who wish to apply for a Primary One (P1) place for their child in any government or aided school in September 2027 to submit their applications for discretionary places under the Primary One Admission (POA) System via the POA e-platform (ePOA) starting from this Thursday (September 17), or in paper form starting from next Monday (September 21).
 
Submission of applications for discretionary places
——————-
An EDB spokesman said, “Parents intending to apply for a P1 place of a particular government or aided primary school for their child at the Discretionary Places Admission stage under the POA System via the ePOA should first register as ePOA (epoa.edb.gov.hk) users and bind their account to ‘iAM Smart+’, and submit their applications via the ePOA between September 17 and 25. For details, please refer to the Parent’s Guides on the EDB website (www.edb.gov.hk/en/edu-system/primary-secondary/spa-systems/primary-1-admission/poa_eplatform/index.html). If parents choose to submit paper application forms, they should submit the completed application form together with all supporting documents directly to the school during school office hours between September 21 and 25. Parents who are unable to submit the application form in person may authorise in writing a representative to bring along the above-mentioned documents to the primary school on their behalf.
 
“Irrespective of whether the application is submitted via the ePOA or in paper form, parents should submit only one application for each child. If parents have applied to more than one government or aided primary school, their application for a POA discretionary place will be rendered void. In addition, parents should not submit duplicate applications via the ePOA and in paper form for the same child,” the spokesman added.
 
The spokesman reminded parents that schools will process the applications in accordance with the established procedures and criteria at the Discretionary Places Admission stage. As such, there is no need for parents to prepare portfolios for their child.
 
In addition, children who have accepted the offer of a P1 place in a school under the Direct Subsidy Scheme will not be allocated a P1 place in a government or aided primary school through the POA System.
 
Application for Central Allocation only
——————-
If parents only intend to apply for the POA Central Allocation for their child, they should submit the application to the EDB via the ePOA or in paper form on or before January 22, 2027. For submission in paper form, they should return the completed application form and relevant supporting documents to the School Places Allocation Section (Primary One Admission) of the EDB at Podium Floor, West Block, Education Bureau Kowloon Tong Education Services Centre, 19 Suffolk Road, Kowloon Tong.
 
Residential address
——————-
“When completing the POA Application Form, parents should fill in the actual residential address of their child. If a false address is given by parents to secure a P1 place for their child under the POA System, the application will be rendered void and the P1 place allocated will be withdrawn. If a false instrument has been used or a false statutory declaration has been made in the application, the offender is liable on conviction to imprisonment for 14 years or imprisonment for two years and to a fine respectively under the Crimes Ordinance. Members of the public who suspect that a parent has used a false address for POA applications for his or her child may report it to the School Places Allocation Section by calling its hotline at 2832 7700,” the EDB spokesman emphasised.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (September 12) investigating a suspected food poisoning cluster affecting 39 persons. The CHP reminded the public to maintain personal, food and environmental hygiene to prevent foodborne diseases.

The case involved 37 students of a school in Sha Tin, comprising 23 males and 14 females, aged 5 to 11, and two staff members of the school, aged 34 and 38. They developed abdominal pain and diarrhoea, about 8 to 22 hours after having lunch provided by a school lunch supplier at the school on September 9. Two affected students sought medical advice, and none required hospitalisation. They are in stable condition. Other affected persons have mild symptoms and do not need to seek medical consultation.
 
Initial investigations of the CHP revealed that the affected persons consumed the same type of lunch boxes before onset of symptoms, pointing to food poisoning likely related to the consumption of marinated chicken leg and penne provided by the lunch supplier. Officers of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) (including personnel of the Centre for Food Safety (CFS) and the Environmental Hygiene Branch) and the CHP conducted a joint investigation at the school immediately. They examined the food storing and distributing processes and environmental hygiene at the school, and collected food samples at school for testing. The officers also provided preventive advice against food poisoning to the school.
 
Officers from the FEHD also inspected the lunch supplier concerned. They inspected the food storage, food preparation process and environmental hygiene. The CFS immediately instructed the supplier concerned to suspend serving the incriminated food items, and suspend operations today for thorough cleaning and disinfection. The CFS has also provided food safety and environmental hygiene education to the staff. Food and environmental samples were collected for testing. 
 
The investigation of the CHP and the CFS is ongoing.

To prevent foodborne diseases, members of the public are reminded to maintain personal, food and environmental hygiene at all times. When dining out, one should:
 

• Avoid eating raw seafood;
• Be a discerning consumer in choosing cold dishes, including sashimi, sushi and raw oysters at a buffet;
• Choose pasteurised eggs, egg products or dried egg powder for dishes that often use undercooked eggs;
• Patronise only reliable and licensed restaurants;
• Ensure food is thoroughly cooked before eating during a hotpot or barbecue meal;
• Handle raw and cooked foods carefully and separate them completely during the cooking process;
• Use two sets of chopsticks and utensils to handle raw and cooked foods;
• Avoid patronising illegal food hawkers;
• Drink boiled water;
• Susceptible populations, including those with weakened immunity, the elderly, pregnant women and young children, are at a higher risk of foodborne diseases, so they should not consume raw or undercooked foods;
• Refrain from trying to use salt, vinegar, wine or wasabi to kill bacteria as they are not effective; and
• Always wash hands before eating and after going to the toilet.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The following is issued on behalf of the Legislative Council Secretariat:

​​The Legislative Council (LegCo) of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) stated, through a spokesperson, today (September 12) that LegCo firmly supports the sentencing handed down by the Court of First Instance of the High Court in accordance with the law concerning the case of “incitement to subversion of state power by the Hong Kong Alliance”. LegCo considers this ruling a demonstration of legal justice that robustly upholds the constitutional order of the HKSAR as established by the Constitution of the People’s Republic of China (the Constitution) and the Basic Law. LegCo resolutely opposes the malicious smears and defamatory attacks made by certain western countries regarding this case, among others.
 
The LegCo spokesperson pointed out that the court clearly stated in its ruling that the defendants were not being tried for their political beliefs or for actions taken prior to the implementation of the Hong Kong National Security Law. Instead, the court focused solely on the law and evidence, which demonstrated that, after the Hong Kong National Security Law came into effect, the defendants continued to pursue the goal of overthrowing and undermining the leadership of the Communist Party of China (CPC) as established by the Constitution. They engaged in various acts of incitement over a period of 14 months, attempting to erode trust in the CPC among people of all ages in Hong Kong, thereby aiming to subvert the fundamental system of the People’s Republic of China and seriously endangering national security. Based on solid facts and legal grounds, and following an open, transparent, fair and impartial trial, the court ruled in accordance with the law that the case fell within the category of “serious” offenses and imposed reasonable and lawful sentences. The litigation rights of defendants were safeguarded in accordance with the law, and the independent judicial process remained free from any interference.
 
The LegCo spokesperson reiterated that the Constitution is the fundamental law of the state. It clearly stipulates that the leadership by the CPC is the core of the fundamental system established by the Constitution, which establishes the CPC’s governing status. No country’s constitution permits citizens to subvert the established constitutional order and the fundamental system of the state. As a Special Administrative Region of China, Hong Kong must respect and uphold the fundamental system of the state.
 
The LegCo spokesperson emphasized that the HKSAR consistently upholds the rule of law and safeguards national security, strictly adhering to the fundamental principles that the law must be observed and strictly enforced to bring offenders to account. This is also the universal principle shared by the international community. All defendants in this case received a fair and open trial, with their rights guaranteed under the Basic Law and the Hong Kong Bill of Rights. Punishing acts of incitement to subvert state power in accordance with the law serves to uphold the rule of law and national security. There is no basis for claims about “undermining confidence in the rule of law”.
 
However, certain western countries, anti-China organizations and media outlets have engaged in malicious smears and attacks regarding various cases—including the one at hand—making reckless judgements about Hong Kong’s rule of law and court rulings. They have even attempted to glamorize criminal acts that gravely endanger national security, interfering in Hong Kong’s judicial system and the internal affairs of our country through double standards. These acts have precisely and truly undermined the rule of law in Hong Kong.
 
The LegCo spokesperson emphasized that court rulings on various national security cases have clearly established that freedom of expression is not absolute. Citizens cannot engage in acts endangering national security under the name of human rights, democracy or freedom. In fact, since the implementation of the Hong Kong National Security Law and the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance, the rule of law in Hong Kong has been further enhanced, and the various freedoms lawfully enjoyed by residents have received more substantive protection. Different indicators demonstrate that Hong Kong is a safe, stable and investment-friendly society. It fully proves that security and development go hand in hand, bringing immense benefit to the development of Hong Kong.
 
As an integral part of the governance team of the HKSAR, LegCo supports the HKSAR Government in governing in accordance with the law, fully and accurately implementing the laws safeguarding national security, ensuring the steadfast implementation of “One Country, Two Systems”, resolutely defending national sovereignty, security and development interests, and safeguarding the high-quality development of the nation and Hong Kong with a high level of security.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

The Bureau of Standards, Metrology and Inspection (BSMI) of the Ministry of Economic Affairs held a press conference today (September 9) to explain that, as the electric vehicle sector continues to develop and EV charging equipment becomes more widely deployed, the Ministry has progressively established regulatory frameworks for charging equipment safety and measurement accuracy. In addition to developing national standards aligned with international standards and introducing testing and certification mechanisms to ensure equipment safety, the Ministry has brought EV charging equipment used for billing by kilowatt-hour under legal metrology control to ensure fair transactions.

The BSMI stated that, in response to global trends in electric vehicles and domestic policy needs, it has actively worked since 2011 to harmonize domestic standards with international standards and has progressively developed and revised technical specifications and national standards related to EV charging equipment. To date, 29 standards and technical specifications have been published, covering electrical safety, electromagnetic compatibility (EMC), communication interoperability, cybersecurity, and metrological verification. The BSMI has also designated six laboratories to conduct the relevant testing, thereby establishing a comprehensive standards and testing framework.

With respect to the inspection mechanism, the BSMI initially introduced the Voluntary Product Certification (VPC) Program for AC slow-charging equipment in 2013 and for DC fast-charging equipment in 2022 to support the development of domestic industry during the early stage of Taiwan’s EV policy. As EV charging equipment is increasingly installed in residential settings, small residential models rated at 30 kW or below has been subject to mandatory inspection in July 2026 to ensure charging safety. The scope will be expanded to equipment rated at 750 kW or below in 2028. EV charging equipment has thus formally entered the mandatory inspection regime. Before being placed on the market, products must complete the applicable conformity assessment procedures in accordance with inspection standards, and post-market inspections will be conducted to strengthen oversight.

The BSMI further noted that Taiwan is among the earlier economies to have established metrological safeguards for EV charging transactions. Since January 1, 2023, in recognition of the use of EV charging equipment in commercial transactions, equipment used for billing by kilowatt-hour has been regulated as a legal measuring instrument and subject to mandatory verification. Each unit must pass metrological verification before release from the factory. As of the end of August 2026, verification had been completed for a cumulative total of 14,479 charging connectors. The BSMI has also established a market inspection plan for EV charging equipment in service to ensure the accuracy of electricity measurements at public charging facilities.

The BSMI concluded that large electric buses, electric trucks, and other commercial vehicles are driving demand for megawatt (MW)-level charging, alongside the development of bidirectional power transfer technologies. Through forward-looking planning under technology development programs, the BSMI will continue to monitor international developments, periodically review national standards, and expand domestic testing capacity. Local testing services are planned to be available by 2030, helping industry reduce the cost and shorten the time required for certification.

BSMI Spokesperson: Hsieh, Deputy Director-General
Tel. (O): +886-2-2343-1700 ext. 1621; Tel. (M): +886-975-585882

Business Contact: Chang, Deputy Director, Metrology Administration Division
Tel. (O): +886-2-2343-1700 ext. 5111

Press Contact: Hsu, Officer, Secretariat Office
Tel. (O): +886-2-2343-1700 ext. 1683; Tel. (M): +886-905-286250

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

The Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) held the “2026 Semicon Network Summit” on September 1, bringing together government officials, industry leaders, researchers, and academics from 38 countries to discuss the future of semiconductors in the age of AI. President Lai Ching-te attended the Summit, underscoring Taiwan’s commitment to international cooperation and technological innovation.

Building on the global semiconductor partnership network that was established during the last summit, this year’s summit focused on opportunities and challenges arising from the rapid growth of AI. Discussions centered on advanced technologies, cross-sector applications, and deeper international supply chain collaboration in order to shape the next phase of global semiconductor development.

Minister of Economic Affairs Kung Ming-Hsin highlighted four key themes, including advanced semiconductor technologies and materials, international cooperation on silicon photonics, AI-driven robotics and chip innovation, and cybersecurity resilience in the semiconductor industry. Minister Kung emphasized that these areas are critical to the future competitiveness and stability of both the semiconductor and AI sectors.

The Minister also expressed the importance of AI adoption among Taiwan’s small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). With approximately 1.71 million SMEs accounting for 98% of all businesses and employing around 80% of the workforce in Taiwan, expanding AI capabilities within this sector is seen as essential for Taiwan’s long-term economic growth. The MOEA will thus continue promoting policies that support President Lai’s goal of enabling one million Taiwanese SMEs to adopt AI technologies.

In prerecorded video remarks, U.S. Under Secretary of State Jacob Helberg called on partner economies to keep investing and building strong and resilient connections. The United States and Taiwan are partners in safeguarding technological security that will shape developments throughout this century. Additionally, SEMI President and CEO Ajit Manocha emphasized Taiwan’s key role in the global semiconductor ecosystem and the importance of international collaboration in strengthening supply chain resilience and industry growth.

A highlight of the summit was President Lai’s presentation of Medals of Economic Contribution to Doris Hsu, chairperson of GlobalWafers, and Sanjay Mehrotra, chairman, president, and CEO of Micron Technology. The medals honored their longstanding contributions to the semiconductor industry, Taiwan’s industrial development, and global semiconductor cooperation.

Held under the theme “Trust, Resilience and Prosperity,” the summit featured participation from high-level representatives of the United States, Japan, the EU, Poland, Israel, and other international partners. Discussions focused on strengthening trusted semiconductor networks, advancing next-generation technologies, and expanding cooperation in the AI era.

The MOEA will continue working closely with like-minded partners around the world to advance sustainable growth and unlock new opportunities in both the semiconductor and AI industries.