Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

The Bureau of Industrial Parks (BIP) of the Ministry of Economic Affairs, in cooperation with the Chemicals Administration of the Ministry of Environment, conducted a “Compound Disaster Emergency Response and Regional Joint Defense Drill” on September 5 at CPC Corporation, Dalin refinery in the Kaohsiung Linhai Industrial Park. Given the widespread use of chemical substances in the park and the increasing potential risks, the drill aimed to enhance the park’s disaster response capability and cross-agency coordination mechanisms through realistic scenario simulation.

Over 80 personnel participated in the drill. The simulated scenario involved a lightning strike igniting the external floating roof seal of a crude oil storage tank, with the fire spreading to an adjacent storage tank area containing methyl ter-butyl ether(MTBE)-a toxic chemical-creating a compound disaster scenario combining earthquake, fire, and toxic chemical hazards. The drill was led by CPC’s Dalin Refinery, with its Chief Engineer serving as the on-site commander. Participating agencies included the Kaohsiung City Government Fire Bureau, Environmental Protection Bureau, Chemicals Administration of MOE Southern Technical Team and Advisory Center, the Second Special Police Corps, Taiwan Power Corporation, Taiwan Water Corporation, Linhai Industrial Park Service Center, the joint Wastewater Treatment Plant, and joint defense companies such as China Steel Chemical Corporation and LCY Chemical Corp., totaling 12 participating units.

Throughout the drill, all participating units promptly activated their notification systems, initial emergency responses, and cross-agency support mechanisms. The procedures-from fire suppression and toxic incident containment to environmental monitoring and personnel evacuation-where carried out with clear coordination and smooth cooperation, effectively validating the park’s practical response capacity and inter-agency efficiency in handling compound disasters.
Mr. Hsu Chung-Li, Section Chief of the BIP, emphasized that given the diverse types of chemicals present in the park, potential risks must not be underestimated. The drill effectively strengthened mutual coordination and communication among enterprises within the park. In the event of a major incident, rapid external reporting and response activation within the critical “golden time” would significantly reduce potential injuries and losses. He further noted that the drill not only improved the integration of emergency resources but also enhanced the overall safety management of the park.
The BIP added that, with numerous enterprises operating within the industrial parks, promoting horizontal coordination and resource integration is essential. By conducting realistic drills, the park can establish efficient disaster response procedures to better manage future contingencies. The drill also embodied the spirit of public-private cooperation and joint disaster preparedness, reinforcing a solid safety defense network for the parks.

Spokesman: Mr. Liu Chi-Chuan (Deputy Director General, BIP)
Contact Number: 886-7-3613349, 0911363680
Email: lcc12@bip.gov.tw

Contact Person: Yeh, Chi-Yi (Environment and Labor Affairs Section, BIP Pingtung Branch)
Contact Number: 886-7-823-9345
Email: travis052@bip.gov.tw

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     Following is the speech by the Secretary for Environment and Ecology, Mr Tse Chin-wan, at the 20th Eco Expo Asia today (October 28):
 
尊敬的于副部長 (Vice Minister of the Ministry of Ecology and Environment Mr Yu Huiwen), Sophia (Executive Director of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, Ms Sophia Chong), excellencies, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

Good morning. Let me begin by saying a few words in Putonghua. 
 
��嘉賓，早上好�
 
我代表香港特別行政�政府歡迎��出席第二�屆國際環��覽開幕禮，並特別感�中央政府���市，�盟（��亞國家�盟）以�「一帶一路�國家政府代表到來�加並大力支�這年度環�盛事。
 
我很高興來自��地方的政府�商界以�業界人士�以共�一堂，分享交�綠色創科經驗�技術，為建設零碳未來作出貢�。
 
It is my great pleasure to welcome you all today for the opening of the 20th Eco Expo Asia – a remarkable milestone in Hong Kong’s journey towards sustainability. Over the past two decades, the Eco Expo Asia has evolved into a leading platform for innovation, knowledge exchange and partnership in tackling global environmental challenges with tremendous support from all over the world. We have brought together delegations from various provinces and cities on the Chinese Mainland, ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) as well as Belt and Road countries joining this signature annual environmental trade event to strive for a sustainable future. 
 
In the global journey towards sustainability, Hong Kong serves as a “super connector”. With our unique position as an international city within the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and a bridge between the Chinese Mainland and the world, Hong Kong brings together talent, technology, and capital to foster collaboration and scale up green innovation. 
 
To advance our commitment to promoting participation in green co-operation, I am pleased to announce today that the Hong Kong SAR (Special Administrative Region) Government and the Ministry of Ecology and Environment will sign a co-operation agreement on jointly setting up a Belt and Road green development co-operation platform in Hong Kong. This platform will connect international environmental co-operation networks and facilitate technology exchanges and transfers of solutions among Belt and Road countries. I would like to take this opportunity to express our sincere gratitude to the Central Government for its support for this collaborative initiative, and to our partner, the Belt and Road Initiative International Green Development Coalition.
 
Quality training is essential for talent growth. We will establish a Belt and Road sustainable green development training centre in 2026 in collaboration with the Chinese Academy of Sciences, IHE Delft (IHE Delft Institute for Water Education) and local bodies to provide high-quality environmental training for professionals from Belt and Road countries, Hong Kong and the Chinese Mainland. The Centre will serve as a hub in the international sustainable development network, nurturing talent and supporting the exchange of green technologies across Belt and Road economies. We have signed a Memorandum of Understanding with IHE Delft to establish, under the Centre, the Global Sanitation Graduate School Regional Hub East Asia in Hong Kong next year, positioning Hong Kong as a leading gateway for cutting-edge environmental training and global partnerships.
 
     The theme of this year’s Expo is “Green Innovations for Carbon Neutrality”, it reflects both the urgency as well as the opportunity of our time. Climate change remains an urgent global challenge that demands creativity, co-operation and commitment. Green innovations, from renewable solutions to smart city green ideas, hold the key to accelerating our transition towards a net-zero future. 
 
To tie in the country’s dual carbon targets, Hong Kong is firmly committed to reaching carbon neutrality before 2050 with four key areas of focus: net-zero electricity generation, green transport, green buildings and waste reduction. Hong Kong is making good progress to meet this target. Our carbon emissions peaked in 2014, and compared to the peak, our carbon emissions today has been reduced almost 30 per cent already. Our carbon emissions per capita is only about one quarter of the United States, and about 60 per cent of that of the European Union. 
 
Of course, the journey to achieving carbon neutrality cannot go without new energy solutions and green technologies. The Hong Kong Government is committed to support local development of green technologies to promote the commercialisation of green I&T (innovation and technology) outcomes. Let me share with you two inspiring examples from the city. A local company plans to establish a factory using recycled plastic to produce acoustic metamaterials, initially processing 3 500 tonnes of household plastic annually, doubling to 7 000 tonnes within five years. Another local company is setting up a production line using recycled materials like tiles and glass to create electricity-free cooling products, promoting the circular economy and sustainable productivity. You are most welcome to visit their booth, which is right next to the Hong Kong Government booth, to learn more about their stories. 
 
Apart from these, we also support development of the sustainable aviation fuel value chain, launching of hydrogen trial projects in different areas, market development of technologies for battery-swapping electric vehicles and automated battery-swapping stations, district cooling systems, and promotion of carbon reduction in existing buildings.  
 
China stands at the forefront of global green innovation and industrial transformation. With the support from the Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, we are co-organising a technical visit to Hunan province for our Belt and Road delegations. This city’s international connectivity ensures that Chinese green innovations can be deployed, scaled and commercialised globally, amplifying their impact well beyond our borders. 
 
Ladies and gentlemen, bringing together policy makers, innovators, investors and businesses, this Expo exemplifies the power of collaboration – helping governments and enterprises transform groundbreaking technologies and strategic ambitions into concrete progress for carbon neutrality. 
 
I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to the Hong Kong Trade Development Council as well as all exhibitors and participants for making this Expo a global showcase of green leadership. Let us continue to work together to drive the world through the low carbon green transition to a better world for our children. 
 
I wish the Expo every success, and to all of you, good health, good business, and a happy stay in Hong Kong. Thank you.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

(To watch the full media session with sign language interpretation, click here.)

Chief Executive John Lee said today he is highly concerned about the incident at Hong Kong International Airport last week in which a cargo aircraft ditched into the sea, and has instructed the Transport & Logistics Bureau to take expedited action.

Ahead of this morning’s Executive Council meeting, Mr Lee said that in respect of the incident – in which a cargo plane ran into the sea, causing the deaths of two security officers – he is deeply saddened by their passing, and extends his deepest condolences and profoundest sympathies to their families.

Regarding the actions being taken by the Government, the Chief Executive said: “First, we will conduct a thorough investigation to find out the cause of the incident. If there are violations of the laws or regulations, we shall hold the responsible persons accountable.

“Second, we will provide full assistance to the families to help them go through the difficult time.

“And third, we will ensure all operations comply with international civil aviation safety standards, including airport operations, infrastructure and the safety of staff and passengers.”

Mr Lee reported that salvage work was completed last night and that the North Runway has reopened, highlighting that the airport is now running as usual.

The Government has asked the Air Accident Investigation Authority to conduct an in-depth investigation into the incident. It will conduct an analysis of the two retrieved black boxes to determine the sequence of the events. Overseas experts will also participate to ensure a professional, objective and fact-based investigation.

A preliminary investigation report is expected to be issued within a month.

Laboratory tests confirmed that all crew members involved tested negative for alcohol and drugs. Police will also study the findings of the Air Accident Investigation Authority’s enquiry to determine the direction of their investigations.

Members of the aircraft’s crew have been staying in Hong Kong since the incident.

Mr Lee added that the Turkish authorities assisted in arranging for representatives of the airline involved to meet affected families last Friday. The company expressed condolences to the families and indicated an ex gratia relief payment will be provided.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

(To watch the full media session with sign language interpretation, click here.)

Chief Executive John Lee this morning encouraged everyone in Hong Kong to take part in the upcoming Legislative Council General Election.

Ahead of the Executive Council meeting, Mr Lee stressed the importance of the election, explaining that implementation of the Government’s policies will mostly have to go through LegCo.

“So, it is important to ensure that we have the most appropriate LegCo members serving the interests of Hong Kong. It affects everybody, and it is a civic responsibility for voters to vote. It is also a civic responsibility for everybody to promote the election so that such a significant event will take its course smoothly and attract the most attention and support from everybody.

“I will be writing to all the civil servants to encourage them to act as an example, to exercise their civic responsibility to vote.

“It is an important election that the whole Government will do our best to promote and I appeal to everybody in society to do the same, to promote it.

“So, it is an important duty for the Government. This is also a matter of great significance for everybody to participate in, to encourage others to take part, so it is a collective effort of Hong Kong.” 

The Chief Executive iterated that the Government’s aim is for the election to run smoothly in all aspects.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Following is the opening address by the Secretary for Transport and Logistics, Ms Mable Chan, at the GS1 Hong Kong Summit 2025 today (October 28):

Roy (Chairman of GS1 Hong Kong, Mr Roy Ng), 周部長 (Deputy Director-General of the Economic Affairs Department and Head of the Commercial Office of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Mr Zhou Qiang), Frankie (Legislative Council Member Mr Frankie Yick), Peter (Legislative Council Member Mr Shiu Ka-fai), Anna (Chief Executive of GS1 Hong Kong, Ms Anna Lin), distinguished speakers and guests, ladies and gentlemen,

Good morning. While the weather is a bit cold, once I stepped into this room, I could feel the warmth and vibrancy from the participants today. I look forward to a very energetic and dynamic gathering and discussion later this morning. It really gives me great pleasure to join you today for this year’s GS1 Hong Kong Summit. May I also extend my warm welcome to our visitors from around the globe: welcome to Hong Kong.

I think you will all agree that the past year was a tumultuous one when it comes to trade and logistics. Trade and logistics are two very important subjects dear to my bureau as the name is Transport and Logistics Bureau. Anna always tells me that the GS1 Summit is not about logistics, it is about an even higher and more strategic topic, it is about global standard-setting, and the Summit has a very important DNA and element that cut across different trades. From the so-called reciprocal tariffs to the tug and pull in Sino-American relations, global trade is now sailing in increasingly choppy waters. US (United States) tariff rates are impossible to keep track of, especially for this part of the world, and what seems like a truce in the trade war between the US and our country can evaporate through just a news thread on social media. You can see how dynamic and how unpredictable it is.

Adding to this complexity is the new regulatory environment we find ourselves in, as Chairman Roy has just mentioned. The evolvement of environment, social and governance, or ESG in short, is exciting, as businesses take steps to protect our Mother Earth and assume more social responsibilities in their business practices to make our world greener, more sustainable and equitable. From this year onwards, the European Union has taken the lead in making reporting scope 3 emissions mandatory for large companies in the Union, which have great implications for their business partners in Hong Kong as well. However, we need to be honest that putting ESG into practice is not without challenges, not least in terms of cost. The current global economic climate makes it even more testing, especially for SMEs (small and medium-sized enterprises).

On a more optimistic score, technologies are changing the world beyond our wild imagination and are certainly making trade and logistics more efficient than ever before. AI algorithms now power online retail and trading platforms, as well as logistics data systems that help to weave the previously fragmented world of trade together. Cryptocurrency, once an outcast of traditional business, is gradually making its presence felt in the form of regulated stablecoin. Automation and robotics gradually take shapes, they are all staples in many warehouses, which often operate without lights. Do you know why? Because they operate without human beings and are not staffed by them but robotics. All these developments translate into new opportunities for our logistics trade that are up for grabs if you invest and up your game.

Of course, from the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government’s point of view, apart from AI, automation, robotics, my bureau is also championing a new venture area of low-altitude economy. I have recently had some discussions with participants and stakeholders in the industry. While we have also been mindful of the concerns and sentiments of the trade, especially SMEs, on this new innovative area, I am also encouraged by the optimism, dedication and the forward-looking visionary strategic mindset demonstrated by a number of industry leaders. We should actually push forward innovative ideas like low-altitude economy, which can help our logistics trade to crossover with other areas, and that could also open up new market potentials for our industry and sectors.

Against this backdrop, the discussion at GS1 Hong Kong Summit today cannot be timelier. Indeed, to be able to do what the theme of the Summit today suggests: sustainability, transformation, AI and resilience, which are nicely acronymised as “STAR”, will make you a star in this brave, new world. And we in the HKSAR Government have been one step ahead in facilitating such STAR development and transformation through various measures that we have committed to delivering in the Action Plan on Modern Logistics Development promulgated two years ago.

Sustainability

In terms of S – Sustainability, we published the Roadmap for ESG Development for Logistics Industry in June this year, providing an easy-to-follow guideline for logistics SMEs to take their steps forward to build up their capabilities to collect and report ESG data, thereby meeting the prevailing international ESG requirements and guidelines. The Roadmap is backed up by financial support from the Government for the logistics trade in the form of funding schemes to encourage practitioners for attending relevant trainings or acquiring ESG solutions. I do encourage some of the industry leaders today to share your ESG solutions amongst the trade so as to promote the awareness within the trade. We also launched a one-stop platform, which is an online portal called ESG resource centre, where logistics companies can obtain up-to-date information on the relevant regulations, governmental support and in particular, international news and practices related to ESG. I do hope that with our soon-to-be-released easy-to-use ESG data collection toolkit, we can see more SMEs joining us on this pathway towards an ESG development strategy.

Transformation and AI

On transformation and AI, I think we cannot avoid this subject in every of our seminars and discussion forums nowadays. The Government is also spearheading the adoption of AI in logistics through the Port Community System (PCS) in which Chairman Roy just mentioned, thank you very much for highlighting this. This is actually one of our signature projects to be launched very soon. With this data platform that is built on cutting-edge technologies as AI, blockchain and cloud computing, the PCS will offer a round-the-clock, real-time cargo tracking service to the port and logistics industry. Not to mention the basics in data collection and technology, two things impressed me most. In our journey towards the formulation of this Port Community System, I can see how our industry sectors are united in pushing the Government and guiding us through in order to make this happen. I already see different entities and cities in our neighbouring provinces like the GBA (Greater Bay Area) waving their hands to us, noting this PCS is going to launch. They are all very active, prepared and eager to join us in order to share data and to see how the customs clearance on both sides can be further streamlined to help our SMEs and other enterprises to make our logistics and trade operation even more efficient. Another point to be mentioned is our collaboration and crossover with the Hong Kong Monetary Authority under the Project Cargoˣ. This is one of the encouraging areas in which we can also earn the support of our established banks in Hong Kong so as to help our SMEs on trade finance as well.

Resilience

Resilience is the number one keyword for us now in order to face different challenges. Building resilience has always been a key development direction that we advocate for the logistics industry. With the uncertain geopolitical landscape and the rapid transformation of trade pattern, market diversification and stepping up collaboration with the Chinese Mainland have become ever more popular and important.

我們與周強部長（中央人民政府�香港特別行政��絡辦公室經濟部副部長兼貿易處負責人周強）雙方�作，�供一個平�讓香港和內地的�業�以�作，簽訂一些�議，範疇包括推動綠色港��綠色船用燃料加注。我有信心這個平��以讓我們在物�和其他貿易範疇扮演示範作用，亦�幫助�業加深兩方�的�作，促進共�發展。
​
In this connection, my bureau has also been leading Hong Kong’s logistics enterprises to cope with the challenges brought by the new trade landscape by exploring emerging markets and new market opportunities. In particular, we have been conducting promotional visits to ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations), the Middle East and Belt and Road countries. We also have been extending our cargo hinterland in the Mainland through establishing a “rail-sea-land-river”,「é�µæµ·é™¸æ±Ÿã€�立體多å¼�è�¯é�‹ç³»çµ±. With Anna, Frankie and a number of friends here today, we have made excursions to different parts of Chinese Mainland hinterland, including Chengdu, Chongqing and Guangxi. All these are very strategic and important growing cities in which we can establish our footing there and provide our robust and extensive air and sea cargo destinations network to serve the hinterland. Looking ahead, we will also be introducing a very important piece of legislative amendment early next year, that is to provide exemption for import and export license requirements for certain transshipment cargos to make Hong Kong even more attractive as a transshipment hub.

Concluding remarks

Ladies and gentlemen, Hong Kong’s road to prosperity was marked with ups and downs, but our resilience put us among the very best in the world in terms of logistics. I am totally confident that with this in our arsenal, we will emerge from the current storm stronger than ever before. What is equally crucial is that the Government and the industry will stand in solidarity to counter adversity. On this note, I thank GS1 Hong Kong for organising this summit, through which I am sure you will all have valuable takeaways on how to integrate STAR into your business and seize new opportunities. Last but not least, let us have “when the going gets tough, the tough get going” as our motto and build Hong Kong into an international logistics hub stronger than ever before. 

Lastly, I would like to use a few minutes from the Summit, if the Chairman permits, to make a strong appeal to you, which is common and important to every citizen of Hong Kong here. A strong and collaborative relationship between the Administration and Legislature is essential for Hong Kong’s continued prosperity and stability. Ladies and gentlemen, I urge all of you, Hong Kong citizens here, to fulfil your civic duty on the election day of December 7 by casting your sacred vote for the future development of Hong Kong. 

     å�„ä½�，「行政立法å�Œå¿ƒæ²»æ¸¯ã€�共築改善自身的局é�¢ã€�是全港市民的共å�Œé¡˜æ™¯ï¼Œäº¦æ˜¯ç‰¹å�€æœªä¾†æŒ�續發展和經濟ç¹�榮的一個é‡�è¦�基石。接下來，我很希望å�„ä½�香港市民能ç©�極投入é�¸èˆ‰ï¼Œå…±å‰µæœªä¾†ï¼Œåœ¨å��二月七日投下你們神è�–的一票，為我們é�¸å‡ºè³¢èƒ½ï¼Œç¹¼çºŒåœ¨è¡Œæ”¿ã€�立法兩方é�¢æœ‰äº’動良好發展，為香港經濟ã€�物æµ�æŒ�續推進有關發展。多è¬�大家。

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Attention TV/radio announcers:

Please broadcast the following as soon as possible:

     Here is an item of interest to swimmers.

     The Leisure and Cultural Services Department announced today (October 28) that the Environmental Protection Department has classified the water quality at Approach Beach in Tsuen Wan District as Grade 3, which means that the water quality has improved and the beach is suitable for swimming. The red flag has been lowered.

     The red flag was hoisted at the beach earlier due to the water quality being classified as Grade 4 and unsuitable for swimming. 

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

On October 21, the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) convened the 2025 Taiwan Business Alliance Conference, drawing over 200 representatives from domestic and overseas corporations as well as the European, American and Japanese Chambers of Commerce. Among the senior executives in attendance were senior executives from HP, Applied Materials, Entegris, NXP Semiconductors (Netherlands), Air Liquide Far Eastern (France), Itochu (Japan), Nitto Denko (Japan), and Hitachi High Tech (Japan)-a clear signal that Taiwan’s developments in the photonics and AI arenas are capturing global investment interest.

Deputy Economic Minister Cynthia Kiang emphasized that despite a shifting global landscape, Taiwan’s economy remains robust and its overall performance globally visible. She noted that according to the latest report by the Asian Development Bank (ADB), Taiwan’s economic growth rate for 2025 has been revised upwards to 5.1 %, and that according to the IMD, Taiwan ranks 6th globally in competitiveness. She said that investment plays a key role in driving these economic gains, and that to enhance investment incentives, the Three Major Programs for Investing in Taiwan has been extended through 2027 and broadened to include foreign investors. The door is open for overseas firms to scale up in Taiwan.

At this year’s conference, 25 firms were engaged, with prospective future investment estimated at approximately NT$160.2 billion. Vice Minister Chiang also signed Letters of Intent (LOIs) with 11 representative firms, covering roughly NT$48.3 billion in commitments. The investments span advanced materials manufacturing, power system solutions, circular sustainability treatment, and consumer services-highlighting broad opportunities in Taiwan’s market and emerging industries.

The signed Letters of Intent (LOIs) include Eaton Phoenixtec MMPL Co., Ltd. (USA), which will introduce advanced uninterruptible power systems and power modules while expanding production capacity in Taiwan; Ecolab Ltd. (USA), which will establish its first R&D and design centre in Taiwan; and Corning Display Technologies Taiwan Co., Ltd (USA), which will continue expanding its operations and evaluate the introduction of new business teams. Solvay Taiwan Co., Ltd. (Belgium) plans to expand production capacity for advanced chemical products in Taiwan, while ASIA Glass Fiber Co., Ltd. (NAG), a subsidiary of the Nitto Boseki Group (Japan), will expand its plant and add new production lines. TaMiCo Technology Taiwan Ltd. (Korea) will build a production facility and R&D centre in Taiwan.

In the consumer and service sectors, Bolt Services (Taiwan) Ltd. (Europe) will enter the Taiwanese market for the first time; Monogatari Taiwan Co., Ltd. (Japan) plans to invest NT$2.5 billion over five years to open 40 restaurants; and Taiwan Tsutaya Co., Ltd. (Japan) will continue expanding its retail operations. Panasonic Taiwan Co., Ltd. (Japan) will establish a new logistics services centre, while Coupang (USA) will scale up its end-to-end logistics infrastructure in Taiwan.

For the first time this year, a business-matchmaking session was planned with a focus on semiconductors and health-tech. Six Taiwanese firms-including Sensortek, e-Ray Optoelectronics, and MiRLE-presented their capabilities in advanced packaging, smart-factory applications, and healthcare innovation, creating further potential collaboration pathways with overseas investors.

Spokesperson: Rio Lu, Deputy Director, MOEA Department of Investment Promotion
Tel: (02) 2389-2111 ext. 812
E-mail: rio@moea.gov.tw

Contact: Chen, Ying-Ju, Section Chief, MOEA Department of Investment Promotion
Tel: 02-2389-2111 ext. 210; 0920-560681
E-mail: yjchen2@moea.gov.tw

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health announced that as of 5pm today (October 27), the CHP has recorded three new cases of chikungunya fever (CF). The CHP continued to implement various prevention and control measures together with various Government departments and relevant organisations, striving to prevent CF from taking root locally and minimise the public health impact of the disease in Hong Kong.

Latest cases information
——————————
The first case involves a 55-year-old female living in Wong Tai Sin. Following the first local case yesterday (October 26), the CHP conducted active case finding and noted that she is a staff of a school at Fung Tak Estate. A preliminary investigation revealed that she visited Shanwei in Guangdong between October 11 and 12. Several days after returning to Hong Kong, she visited Shenzhen in Guangdong alone on October 19. She developed a fever, rash and joint pain on October 24. She sought medical attention at the Accident and Emergency Department of Kwong Wah Hospital yesterday evening. The CHP immediately arranged the patient for testing upon receiving notification. Her travel companions to Shanwei and three household contacts are currently asymptomatic and under medical surveillance. Since the patient stayed at two affected places (including Shenzhen and the vicinity of Fung Tak Estate), her source of infection has yet to be confirmed. The CHP will carry out genome analysis to ascertain whether it has epidemiological linkage with the confirmed local case yesterday. Investigation is ongoing.

The second case involves a 67-year-old male living in Tung Chung. A preliminary investigation revealed that he visited Foshan in Guangdong alone between September 29 and October 24. He developed a fever and joint pain on October 23. He sought medical attention at the Accident and Emergency Department of North Lantau Hospital the following day upon returning Hong Kong. He has three household contacts who are currently asymptomatic and under medical surveillance.

The third case involves a 76-year-old female living in Tseung Kwan O. A preliminary investigation revealed that she visited Guangzhou and Huizhou in Guangdong alone between October 17 and 26. She developed a fever and joint pain on October 22 and sought medical attention at a hospital in Guangdong. She returned to Hong Kong on October 26 and sought medical attention at the Accident and Emergency Department of Tseung Kwan O Hospital. She has two household contacts who are currently asymptomatic and under medical surveillance.

All three patients were admitted to the hospitals for treatment in a mosquito-free environment and are in stable condition. Their blood samples tested positive for the chikungunya virus upon laboratory testing. Since the abovementioned 67-year-old male and 76-year-old female stayed in Guangdong Province during their incubation period, the CHP considered that they were infected during travel. The cases were classified as imported. The CHP’s epidemiological investigations are ongoing, and it has reported the cases to the health authority of Guangdong Province.

Government’s comprehensive actions on prevention and control of CF
—————————————————————————–

The CHP is implementing prevention and control measures according to epidemiological investigations and risk assessment, including providing medical surveillance and health advice to household contacts of the case or those with common exposure to the source of infection. If they present with relevant symptoms, the CHP will arrange for laboratory testing. The CHP officers and District Services & Community Care Teams (Care Teams) have distributed questionnaires and promotional leaflets to about 8 000 households in the district, and will continue to contact the residents, disseminate information, and understand and follow up their health conditions. The CHP has also issued letters to doctors, hospitals, schools and institutions, providing the latest information on CF and remaining them to be vigilant.

The CHP and Wong Tai Sin District Office (WTSDO) organised a public health talk at the at Fung Tak Estate Community Centre at 8pm tonight to enhance public understanding of this mosquito-borne disease and encourage active participation in prevention efforts to protect both oneself and others. Besides, the online seminar held by the CHP last night attracted over 4 100 total views.

In addition, the CHP has set up an inquiry hotline (2125 2373) and a health consultation booth at 2/F, Fung Tak Shopping Centre from yesterday, where assessments have been provided to residents with relevant symptoms. As at 5pm today, the CHP has conducted assessment for about 1 300 residents, with seven individuals presenting relevant symptoms received blood tests. While awaiting laboratory results, they will follow the CHP’s advice to use DEET-containing insect repellents or other effective active ingredients for effective prevention of mosquito bites. The hotline and health consultation booth will continue to operate from 9am to 8pm daily.
The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) and relevant departments have comprehensively enhanced the mosquito control operations in Hong Kong since July this year. In fact, overall mosquito infestation indices this year are lower than that of the previous years. The mosquito infestation index in September was 2.5 per cent, which decreased significantly from 9.5 per cent in June. The index available for October also remains at a low level. Regarding the investigation area of the local case, the latest area gravidtrap index (AGI) in October was 1.7 per cent, while the AGI in September was 0.9 per cent, indicating the distribution of Aedes albopictus mosquitoes was not extensive. Among which, the FEHD has conducted vector investigations and targeted mosquito control operations against the imported cases. In light of the local case, the FEHD has immediately conducted follow-up actions, these measures include:

• carrying out intensive fogging in scrubby areas within a 250-metre radius of the relevant locations to kill adult mosquitoes;
• carrying out inspections of the locations, removing stagnant water, applying insecticides and disposing of abandoned water containers every week with a view to preventing mosquito breeding; and
• enhancing public education efforts through organising health talks, setting up mobile education stations, and distributing publicity leaflets.

The above mentioned measures will be continued. Furthermore, the Government will further enhance the mosquito control efforts in addition to the existing measures. The Environment and Ecology Bureau held Steering Committee meeting this afternoon to lead relevant departments to step up mosquito prevention and elimination measures; the district offices of the FEHD will hold interdepartmental meetings at district level to undergo risk assessment and conduct targeted measures.

Latest surveillance data
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Since the beginning of 2025, and as of September 30, a total of 445 271 suspected and confirmed CF cases and 155 CF-related deaths have been reported in 40 countries/territories. Cases have been reported in the Americas, Africa, Asia, and Europe. CF outbreaks currently occur in many countries worldwide. Members of the public should check the situation of the destinations before travelling abroad.

According to information from the Guangdong Provincial Disease Control and Prevention Administration, there were 868 new CF cases in Guangdong last week (October 19 to 25), showing a decrease compared to the previous week (October 12 to 18), which reported 2 086 cases. Most of the cases (199 cases) were recorded in Jiangmen last week, followed by Foshan (130 cases), Guangzhou (124 cases) and Shenzhen (102 cases). All cases were mild, with no severe or fatal cases reported.

Preventive measures taken by the public
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Severe symptoms and deaths caused by CF are extremely rare, with a mortality rate of less than one in 1 000. The occurrence of severe complications is mostly related to the patients’ underlying health conditions. Elderly persons (particularly those aged 65 or above), young children (particularly infants under 1 year old), pregnant women and persons with chronic illnesses (such as hypertension, diabetes or heart disease) are at higher risk of developing complications after contracting CF and may require a longer recovery period. Therefore, members of the public (especially the abovementioned high-risk groups) are advised to seek medical advice promptly if they develop relevant symptoms, particularly a fever, sudden severe joint pain and skin rash, after visiting areas affected by CF.

Members of the public should use DEET-containing insect repellents or other effective active ingredients properly to prevent mosquito bites, but the following precautions should be taken when using them:

• read the label instructions carefully first;
• apply right before entering an area with a risk of mosquito bites;
• apply on exposed skin and clothing;
• use DEET of up to 30 per cent for pregnant women and up to 10 per cent for children (For children who travel to countries or areas where mosquito-borne diseases are endemic or epidemic and where exposure is likely, those aged 2 months or above can use DEET-containing insect repellents with a DEET concentration of up to 30 per cent);
• apply sunscreen first, then insect repellent;
• reapply only when needed and follow the instructions; and
• in addition to DEET, there are other insect repellents available on the market containing different active ingredients, such as IR3535 and picaridin. When using any insect repellent, the public should follow the usage instructions and precautions on the product label.

The FEHD also appeals to members of the public to continue to stay alert and work together to carry out mosquito prevention and control measures early, including inspecting their homes and surroundings to remove potential breeding grounds, changing water in vases and scrubbing their inner surfaces, removing water in saucers under potted plants at least once a week, and properly disposing of containers such as soft drink cans and lunch boxes. The FEHD also advises members of the public and property management agencies to keep drains free of blockage and level all defective ground surfaces to prevent the accumulation of water. They should also scrub all drains and surface sewers with an alkaline detergent at least once a week to remove any mosquito eggs.

To strengthen support for ethnic minority communities, essential information on CF has also been translated into 10 ethnic minority languages (namely Hindi, Nepali, Urdu, Thai, Bahasa Indonesia, Tagalog, Vietnamese, Punjabi, Sinhala and Bengali) and uploaded to the CHP website.

The public should call 1823 in case of mosquito problems, and may visit the following pages for more information: the CF page of the CHP and the Travel Health Service, the latest Travel Health News, tips for using insect repellents, and the CHP Facebook Page, Instagram Account and YouTube Channel, and also the Mosquito Prevention and Control dedicated page of the FEHD.