Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Source: Government of Samoa

KEYNOTE ADDRESS by the Hon. Mulipola Anarosa Ale Molio‘o, Acting Minister for Police & Prisons

It is a true honour to join you today for the launch of this national “Say No to Drugs” campaign — a campaign that speaks directly to the heart of Samoa, to our families, and to our future.

As someone who has served in the Ministry of Women, Community and Social Development, I have seen firsthand the pain and the hope that live side by side in our communities.

A Story from Savai‘i: Hope in the Eyes of Our Youth

Last December — on the 6th of December 2024 — I sat in Savai‘i with close to 400 young people and their families during the Youth Campaign “Say No to Drugs”, organised by the Ministry I once led.

It was one of the most powerful and humbling moments of my service. We listened to the voices of our young men and women — many speaking openly for the first time about peer pressure, fear, and the courage it takes to choose a better path.

One young man stood up and said, “We are not lost — we just need someone to believe in us.”

That day, I saw something extraordinary — not despair, but determination. The outcome was clear: our youth are ready to rise, if we as leaders, parents, and communities walk beside them.

That experience resonates deeply with this 12-month national campaign — because it reminds us that saying “No” to drugs also means saying “Yes” to life, “Yes” to hope, and “Yes” to the dreams of our young people.

Protecting the Heart of Samoa

The Pacific is no longer just a transit point for illegal drugs — it is our shared Blue Pacific home. As these threats move closer, we must protect our shores not only with stronger borders but with stronger hearts.

Our response must be rooted in our values — fa‘asinomaga, alofa, tautua ma le fa‘atuatua — identity, love, service, and faith. 5

This campaign is not just about enforcement; it is about empowerment, prevention, and healing.

• Empowerment: Giving our youth confidence to say no, and showing them opportunities to say yes — to education, work, and faith.

• Prevention: Strengthening the role of our churches, schools, and village councils — because protection begins in the home.

• Healing: For those already affected. We must not lose them to shame or silence.

We must never leave anyone behind — through love, we restore life.

The success of this campaign depends on every Sui o le Nu‘u, every Sui o Tama‘ita‘i, every pastor, teacher, youth group, and family. Each one of us must become a protector, a messenger of hope, and a guardian of the next generation.

Samoa is one big family — o le tatou aiga tele. When we stand together — tātou tula‘i fa‘atasi — nothing can break our spirit.

Let this 12-month campaign ignite a movement that continues long after the year ends — where every district declares itself Drug-Free, and every village becomes a place of safety, faith, and opportunity.

As I look back to that day in Savai‘i, I still remember the hope in the eyes of those 400 young people. Their message was simple but powerful: “We are ready — help us protect our future.”

Today, we answer that call. We say no to drugs, yes to life, yes to hope, and yes to each other.

6 O le aso e fausia ai taeao — “Through unity, we build tomorrow.”

May this campaign light a fire in every family, every village, and every heart — a fire of courage, vigilance, and love for our Samoa.

May we, the people of Samoa, stand watch together — parents and children, faife‘au and chiefs, teachers and youth — to guard the soul of our nation.

Call to Action

“Today, I call upon our Samoa Police, Prisons and Correction Services to lead by example — to begin regular drug testing within your ranks, as a powerful statement of integrity and commitment to a drug-free Samoa.

And I encourage all Government Ministries and agencies to follow this example.

Let us stand together, united in purpose and accountability — showing our young people that real leadership begins with clean hands, clear minds, and courageous hearts.”

For Samoa’s strength has never been in its wealth, but in its heart. And when that heart beats as one —We cannot be broken!

I now declare the “Say No to Drugs” Campaign officially launched.

God bless Samoa.

TATALA ALOAIA LE FAALAUILOA MO LE 12 MASINA “LEAI ATU I FUALAAU FAASAINA”

SAUNOAGA AUTU a le afioga Mulipola Anarosa Ale Molio‘o, Sui Minisita o Leoleo ma Falepuipui.

Lau Susuga i le Taitai o le Sauniga, Faifeau Toeaina

Rev Enefatu Lesā

Afioga Masiofo a le Ao o le Malo

Afioga i Minisita o le Kapeneta

Your Excellency Will Robinson – High Commissioner of Australia

Members of the Diplomatic Corp

Sui mai Nuu ma Afioaga

Le mamalu o le Au Valaaulia ma Samoa ua potopoto

Talofa lava.

O le asṓ ua tatou faatasi ai nei e faailoa aloaia le faalauiloa o le “Leai atu i fualaau faasaina” – o se faalauiloa o loo augani sa’o mai ile loto, i o tatou aiga ma le lumanai o Samoa.

A o o’u galue ile Matagaluega o Tina ma Tamaitai, sa ou vaaia tiga ma mafatiaga ua oo iai aiga, o nuu ma afioaga ona o le fualaau faasaina. Ma o loo filogia ai ma le talotaloga ina ia vave faatino se vaifofo e tafieseina ai lenei mala mai totonu o le tatou atunuu.

O le Aso 6 o Tesema 2024, sa ou iai i se faatasiga i Savaii sa tuufaatasi e le Matagaluega o Tina ma Tamaitai. E lata ile 400 tupulaga talavou na auai i lea Koneseti e ta’ua o le – Leai atu i Fualaau Faasaina,

E lagona le ootia o le loto, aua o se taimi muamua lea ua mafai ai ona faasoa mai ai alii ma tamaitai talavou ile tele o faatosina ma faaosoosoga, o fa’amata’u ma le tele o luitau o loo fetaia’I ma I latou I aso uma ae faafetai o loo iai lava le agaga ma le malosiaga e tetee atu ai ma filifili le ala e manuia ai.

2 Na tulai leisi alii talavou ma faapea lana tala, “Matou te le o leiloloa – ae ua matou manaomia lava seisi e talitonu ia matou”

O le aso lava lea na ou vaaia ai se tulaga mata’ina i tupulaga talavou – ua leai se faavaivai, ae ua vaaia le lotomau ma le loto finafinau.

Ua manino le au o fala, ua lava tapena o tatou tupulaga e tulai mai e faatino la latou matafaioi tausi pe a tatou galulue faatasi. Tatou o matua, ta’ita’i o le Malo, taitai o nuu ma afioaga ma tatou uma lava e manaomia le tatou savavali faatasi ma tupulaga talavou.

O le lagona le na e manatua pea ai le na faatasiga, ma ua ogatasi foi manatu ma le tatou faalauiloa lenei ua amata faagasolo mo le 12 masina.

E faamanatu mai ai le feau taua – o le Leai atu i Fualaau faasaina.

Aua o le Leai atu i Fualaau faasaina, ua tatou Ioe atu ai ile Ola, Ioe i se olaga o faamoemoega, ma Ioe i moemitiga a tupulaga talavou. Ia tatou puipui le fatu o le lumanai o Samoa.

O le atu Pasefika ua avea o se auala e fe’aveai ai Fualaau faasaina ae o le tatou faasinomaga ma le tatou nofoaga mautu lea ma isi atunuu o le pasefika.

Ae ua vaaia le malosi tele o le sau o le faamata’u ma e ao ona tatou tutu faatasi ma galulue faatasi e puipui le tatou atunuu e le gata ile faamalosia o tatou tua’oi e taofi le ulufale mai o Fualaau faasaina, ae ia malosi ma o tatou loto.

O lenei faalauiloa e le na o le faamalosia o tulafono ma faiga faavae, ae ia o faatasi ma le agaga o le faamalosi’au, puipuiga ma le faamalologa.

• Faamalosiau i tatou tupulaga talavou ina ia mautu ma faaauau pea le latou Leai atu i Fualaau faasaina ma faailoa ai avanoa e Ioe ai e pei o avanoa tau aoaoga ma galuega faapea le ola faatuatua

• O le galuega tau o puipuiga e amata mai totonu o aiga, ma e ao ona faamalosia le galuega e faatino ai puipuiga e o tatou ekalesia, aoga ma pulega alii ma faipule o afioaga taitasi.

• Ia tatou galulue faatasi e ofoina atu se agaga alofa ina ia maua se faamalologa a i latou ua aafia ina ia aua ne’I o latou fano atu ona o le maasiasi ma upu taufaifai.

O se avanoa e talosagaina ai le Matagaluega o Leoleo ma falepuipui ina ia faamaite le Drug Testing i le tatou Matagaluega ma faasolo atu ai i Matagaluega uma.

E le mafai ona tatou tu‘ua i tua se tasi — e ao ona tatou toe fa‘aola i le alofa.

E manuia le taunuuga o lenei faalauiloa pe a tatou galulue faatasi, i totonu o aiga, nuu ma ekalesia. O Samoa o se aiga tele. Tatou te malolosi pe a tatou tulai faatasi.

O le tatalo, ina ia mafai ona faaauau pea lenei faalauiloa taua o le Leai atu i Fualaau Faasaina mo isi tausaga oi luma, pe a maea le 12 masina o lenei faalauiloa. Ia faatino pea seia oo lava ina mamā atoa Samoa mai Fualaau faasaina ma ua saogalemu le nonofo i totonu o afioaga taitasi.

E le mafai ona galo le feau taumolimoli mai e tupulaga talavou e 400 mai Savaii ina ua alalaga mai ua manaomia le tatou fesoasoani e puipui le latou lumanai.

O lea ua tatou tali atu ile latou valaau ile aso lenei. Ia Leai atu ile Fualaau faasaina, ae ia Ioe ile ola, Ioe i se olaga o faamoemoega, ma ia tatou taufai ioe e fesoasoani leisi i leisi aemaise mo a tatou fanau ma tupulaga talavou.

Soifua.

October 9, 2025

Source: Government of Samoa

[LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY – PRESS RELEASE] – Pursuant to Parliament Standing Orders 170(2) (a) (b) (c), the Deputy Speaker Hon. Afamasaga Leone Mati Va’ili Masame today declared the names of Members assigned to Parliamentary Committees as recommended by the Parliamentary Commission for approval of the Assembly.

The five Parliamentary Committees and its members are as follow:

STANDING ORDER | ELECTOAL | PETITIONS AND CONSTITUTIONAL OFFICES COMMITTEE

• Afamasaga Leone Mati Va’ili Masame [Chairperson]

• Amituana’i Malolo Tautofi Roma

• Leatigaga Matāfai Lauina Iiga

• Leilua Sagato Karene

• Taitu’ave Lafaitele Valo’aga Ta’aititi Iona

• Hon. Tuila’epa Lupesoli’ai Sa’ilele Malielegaoi

• Hon. Lauofo Fonotoe Nuafesili Pierre Lauofo

• Lenata’i Victor Fa’afo’i Tamāpua

• Hon. Leatinu’u Wayne So’oialo

FINANCE AND EXPEDITURE COMMITTEE

• Tilafono David Hunter

• Aiolupotea Misa Tony Aiolupo

• Amituana’i Malolo Tautofi Roma

• Asiata Tavu’i Tafu Salevao

• Taitu’ave Lafaitele Valo’aga Ta’aititi Iona

• Lenata’i Victor Fa’afo’i Tamāpua

• Lupematasila Lavea Galumalemana Tologatā

• Lima Graeme Tuālaulelei

• Hon. Faleomavaega Titimaea Tafua

SOCIAL SECTOR COMMITTEE

• ‘Ale Vena ‘Ale

• Lavea Solomona Paulo

• Leatigaga Matāfai Lauina Iiga

• Leilua Sagato Karene

• Taufua Edmund Taufua

• Hon. Loau Solamalemalo Keneti Sio

• Faumuinā Opapo Soana’i Oeti

• A’e’au Tima Le’avaise’etā

• Fa’alogo Kapeliele II Fa’alogo

ECONOMIC SECTOR COMMITTEE

• Aiolupotea Misa Tony Aiolupo

• Asiata Tavu’i Tafu Salevao

• Tea To’oala Peato

• Taitu’ave Lafaitele Valo’aga Ta’aititi Iona

• Vui Iiga Sione Iiga

• Namulau’ulu Papāli’i Leota Sami Leota

• Tuiā Logoiai Pu’a Fuatogi Letoa

• Taioali’iseu Fiti Aimaasu

• Motuopua’a Seve Henny Afereti Papāli’i

INFRASTRUCTURE SECTOR COMMITTEE

• Amituana’i Malolo Tautofi Roma

• Leilua Sagato Karene

• Fiu Fa’aolatane Ponifasio Vasa

• Salā Paulo Tuala Poto

• Taufua Edmund Taufua

• Lealailepule Rimoni Aiafi

• Va’aelua Senetenari Sāmau

• Lefue Perenise Lelevaga

• Hon. Mau’u Ati’ifale Siaosi Pu’epu’emai

Parliament sessions calendar for the remainder of the year and early next year was also made known in parliament yesterday.

ENDS.

Photos by Parliament of Samoa

October 9, 2025

Source: Government of Samoa

KEYNOTE Speech by the Minister of Education and Culture, Aiono Alec Ekeroma [Friday 03rd October 2025]

Today marks a milestone not just for Rober Louis Stevensons School but for Samoa’s education system. This new primary school building represents more than concrete and classrooms; it embodies hope, opportunity and our collective investment in the future.

I commend the RLSS Trust Management Board for your vision and dedication. Quality infrastructure creates quality learning environments and you have delivered exactly that for our students.

To the parents and donors who contributed to this project; your generosity speaks volumes about our Samoan values of supporting education and community development. Donations like yours make dreams become reality.

Our new government is committed to strengthening education across Samoa. We recognise that every child deserves access to safe, modern learning facilities, whether in urban Apia or our rural villages.

This building at RLSS is an example of what can be achieved through partnership between private institutions, communities and government support. As we move forward, we will continue fostering these partnerships because education is a shared responsibility.

Our Ministry will work tirelessly to ensure that infrastructure development goes hand-in-hand with quality teaching, updated curricula and support for our educators who shape your minds daily.

To the students who will learn in these new classrooms; this building is yours. Treasure it. Respect it. But more importantly, make the most of the opportunities it provides.

Your education is the foundation for Samoa’s future. Study hard, dream big and remember that these walls are here to support your journey toward excellence.

To the RLSS, thank you for this wonderful invitation and for allowing me to share this special moment with you. May this building witness countless success stories, inspire generations of learners, and stand as a testament to what we can achieve when we invest in education.

I am honored to officially declare that this new RLSS Primary School Building is now open. May it serve our community well for many years to come.

Soifua ma ia manuia.

TATALAINA ALOAIA O LE FALE A’OGA FOU A LE A’OGA TULAGALUA A ROBERT LOUIS STEVENSON

SAUNOAGA a le afioga i le Minisita o Aoga ma Aganuu ia Aiono Alec Ekeroma [Aso Faraile 03 Oketopa 2025]

Lau Susuga ile Ta’ita’i o le Sauniga, Rev. Seilala Luamanuvae,

Afifio Pa’ia Fa’alemalo, Pa’ia Fa’aleatunu’u ma Mamalu Fa’aletalalelei,

Afio le Taitaifono ma le Komiti Faafoe o le tatou A’oga.

Susuga le Pulea’oga ma le Aiga Faiaoga, Matua, fa’apea alo ma fanau a’oga.

Malo lava le soifua maua. Malo le lagi e mama.

Ua mae’a ona momoli le tatou taulaga fa’afetai i le Atua, e ala i le sauniga ua mavae o le taeao. Faafetai atu i le Taitai o le Sauniga mo le upu folafola o le Talalelei, ua faatō ai manū aua lenei galuega aemaise o alo ma fanau o le atunu’u o le a utuvai i lenei laumua. O le tatalo, ia saga faatumu e le Atua le utu aua le upu ma le mau, aua lona finagalo ma le vala’auina.

Fa’afetai atu i le Taitaifono ma le Komiti mo le avanoa ua vala’aulia ai le tatou Malo e fai se molimau e tusa ma lenei galuega fou.

O le fa’afetai ma le fa’amua i le Atua, ina ua tau lau o le tatou Komiti faapea le tatou Laumua nei aua lenei galuega tele. E lē o toe faigofie nei aso, peita’i o le galulue fa’atasi ma le loto gātasitasi ua tino ai la outou tatalo sa fau i le ao fau i le po. E mafua nei taumafaiga uma, ina ia tini taunu’u alo ma fanau nei i se lumana’i manuia, lelei ma mautu mo taeao ma le lumana’i.

O le tula’i mai o le tatou Malo, e le o itiiti le fa’amuamua o lo’o ave i a’oa’oga. Auā o le talitonuga o le tatou Malo, a popoto ma atamamai fanau o Samoa e tapena atu nei, e matuā fa’amausilīina le malosi ma le atia’e o latou olaga ma aiga mo taeao ma le lumana’i. E āfua ona mautinoa e tupu nei talitonuga, pe afai e lelei faleaoga, siitia le tomai o faiaoga, mamā ma matagofie le siosiomaga mo le a’oa’oina o le fanau aoga, ma ia malupuipuia le si’osi’omaga e fa’afoe ai galuega mo faiaoga faatasi ma alo ma fanau aoga.

E le puaoa le lagi, i le silafaga a lo tatou Atua i lo outou gapatia ma olooloia, i lo outou tautīgā ma le afuliligi, o manū na e fa’aifoifo i a outou alo ma fanau o le a fa’aaogaina lenei galuega matagofie ma lelei.

Soifua.

October 9, 2025

Source: Government of Samoa

[PRESS RELEASE 3 October 2025, Apia] – Samoa is taking active steps to build resilience by capitalising on a “new era” where Pacific communities placed at the forefront of climate change impacts can begin to systematically define, address and seek support for climate-change induced loss and damage.

The new era follows three decades of advocacy and active engagement by Pacific countries, led by Vanuatu as chair of the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS) in 1991, for the global community to recognise loss and damage not just as a concept but a lived reality that must be addressed.

On Friday, key environment stakeholders in Samoa gathered at the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) headquarters in Valima for the Building Our Pacific Loss and Damage (BOLD) Response Project Inception Workshop for Samoa as one of the countries under this project.

Assistant CEO Environment Sector Coordination Division of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MNRE), Ms Amituna’i Moira Faletutulu, said the workshop is an important milestone for Samoa to transition from planning to implementation.

“Loss and Damage as we know refers to climate impacts beyond what we can adapt to. These are the damages that touch our people, our ecosystems, our cultures, and our identities,” Ms Faletutulu said.

“For Samoa, where our wellbeing, cultural heritage and relationship with the land and the ocean are deeply intertwined, the significance of this work cannot be overstated.”

The BOLD Response Project, a six-year project funded by the International Climate Initiative in Germany, aims to strengthen Pacific island countries’ resilience to climate-related loss and damage.

The one-day workshop facilitated by SPREP and Climate Analytics launches Samoa’s BOLD Response project and provide a platform to consider the projects objectives and approach. It was an opportunity for interaction amongst key stakeholders to discuss the project and ensure the approach to achieve the agreed objectives are aligned with national priorities, needs, and existing efforts.

“Through this work, we will be better positioned to access financing from the new Loss and Damage Fund and ensure that Samoa remains at the forefront of shaping global conversations on loss and damage,” Ms Faletutulu added.

“The BOLD Project is not just responding to climate loss and damage, it is about building resilience, preserving our identity and ensuring a sustainable future for Samoa.”

The workshop set the priorities to guide the development of a country-level draft project concept to assist the implementation of activities under the project in the coming years.

SPREP’s Climate Change Adaptation Adviser, Ms Muliagatele Filomena Nelson, said the workshop was an opportunity for SPREP and Climate Analytics to engage with key Samoa stakeholders to deepen understanding of the BOLD Response project.

“The long-term nature of the BOLD project enables us to invest in the critical relationships in each country as well as across the region,” she said. “This will help us to develop resources that respond directly to local priorities and needs.”

The subject of Loss and Damage was first introduced to the UN Climate Negotiations by Vanuatu in 1991, on behalf of the Alliance of Small Island States, proposing the creation of an insurance scheme for countries likely to be impacted by climate change such as rising sea-levels.

Since then, loss and damage has been a continuous priority for Pacific countries with a major breakthrough coming in 2022 with the establishment of the Loss and Damage Fund at COP27.

At Dubai in COP28, the historical agreement on the capitalisation of the Loss and Damage Fund was hailed as a major victory by Pacific countries.

But there is still much work to be done, and the BOLD project is a key step for Pacific countries. A core focus of the BOLD Response Project will be on supporting communities in addressing non-economic losses. By enabling Pacific countries integrate loss and damage considerations in their national planning, the project has the potential to safeguard important economic and non-economic values.

The BOLD project is being implemented in the Fiji, Republic of Marshall Islands, Samoa, Tuvalu and Vanuatu.

For more information on the BOLD Project, please contact SPREP Climate Change Adaptation Adviser, Ms Filomena Nelson filomenan@sprep.org or Climate Analytics – Patrick Pringle patrick.pringle@climateanalytics.org

END.

Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme – SPREP

October 9, 2025

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD), together with secondary school teachers and students, representatives from the Hong Kong Fishermen Consortium and the Ocean Park Conservation Foundation Hong Kong conducted a restocking activity in Yan Chau Tong Marine Park (YCTMP) today (October 9), with an aim to restore and enhance aquatic resources as well as raise students’ awareness of the conservation of aquatic resources and the need to improve aquatic habitats, and to increase their knowledge of the local fisheries industry.

During the activity, participants travelled by boat to the waters of the YCTMP. They released over 11 000 juvenile fish of native species, including Hong Kong grouper (Epinephelus akaara), star snapper (Lutjanus stellatus), black seabream (Acanthopagrus schlegelii), and yellow seabream (Acanthopagrus latus). The AFCD will conduct underwater surveys regularly, coupled with the use of underwater video and eDNA techniques, to monitor the condition of the released fish.

Restocking is a science-based approach that involves releasing appropriate species into their natural environment, allowing them to grow and reproduce. The YCTMP, with its diverse habitats including artificial reefs, coral communities and natural rocky reefs, is a suitable location for restocking. There is also a ban on commercial fishing.

The Blueprint for the Sustainable Development of Agriculture and Fisheries, released by the Government in collaboration with the agriculture and fisheries sectors in December 2023, proposed the implementation of restocking to restore and enhance fisheries resources. Through these activities, the initiative aims to strengthen public education, raise public awareness of the conservation of marine resources and environment, and promote understanding of the significance of restocking.

The AFCD reminds the public to exercise careful consideration before participating in animal release activities to avoid affecting the ecological environment, and will provide technical advice to groups interested in conducting restocking in local waters.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The flame-lighting ceremony of the 15th National Games (NG), the 12th National Games for Persons with Disabilities (NGD) and the 9th National Special Olympic Games (NSOG) was held in Nansha, Guangzhou, today (October 9). The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, lit the flame of the 15th NG, the 12th NGD and the 9th NSOG on behalf of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), while the Vice President and Secretary-General of the Organising Committee of the 15th NG, the 12th NGD and the 9th NSOG and Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki, represented the HKSAR to receive the flame of the Games.
 
     Staged at a port in Nansha, Guangzhou, the flame-lighting ceremony was officiated by the Secretary of the CPC Guangdong Provincial Committee, Mr Huang Kunming; the President of the Organising Committee of the 15th NG and Director of the General Administration of Sport of China, Mr Gao Zhidan; the Executive President of the Organising Committee of the 12th NGD and the 9th NSOG and Director of the Executive Council of the China Disabled Persons’ Federation, Mr Zhou Changkui; the Executive President of the Organising Committees of the 15th NG, the 12th NGD and the 9th NSOG and Chief Executive of the Hong Kong HKSAR Government, Mr Lee; the Executive President of the Organising Committees of the 15th NG, the 12th NGD and the 9th NSOG and Chief Executive of the Macao SAR, Mr Sam Hou-fai; and the Executive President of the Organising Committees of the 15th NG, the 12th NGD and the 9th NSOG and Deputy Secretary of the CPC Guangdong Provincial Committee, Mr Meng Fanli. All officiating guests received the torches and lit the flame of the 15th NG, the 12th NGD and the 9th NSOG together. Subsequently, representatives of the Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao received the flames.

     Also attending the ceremony were the Permanent Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Ms Vivian Sum, and the Head of the National Games Coordination Office (Hong Kong), Mr Yeung Tak-keung.

     The “source flame” of the 15th NG, the 12th NGD and the 9th NSOG was extracted and ignited from combustible ice and associated gas collected earlier by the Haima, a remotely operated underwater vehicle, from the northern South China Sea, via electricity generated from solar power to achieve deep-sea ignition. Upon completion of the ceremony, torch relays for the 15th NG will be held in Hong Kong, Macao, Guangzhou and Shenzhen next month.
 
     The flame lantern of the 15th NG, the 12th NGD and the 9th NSOG, which is called “Starfire Building Dreams”, has three pillars inside representing Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao. Named “Blossom”, the torch embodies the core design philosophy of “fusion” and “glory”. On the one hand, the torch symbolises “exchange and integration”, demonstrating the special Lingnan culture of “three places, one family” and “same roots, same blood connections”, on the other hand, it signifies “shared prosperity” and manifests the development path of unity and collaboration of Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao under the advantages of the principle of “one country, two systems”. For the flame cauldron, its name is “Ding Sheng Tong Xin”.

     For more information on the 15th NG, the 12th NGD and the 9th NSOG in Hong Kong, please visit the thematic website (www.2025nationalgames.gov.hk/en/index.html), as well the Facebook page (www.facebook.com/2025nationalgames.hk) and Instagram page (www.instagram.com/2025nationalgames.hk).

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The International Low-Altitude Economy Summit, organised by the Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and co-organised by the Working Group on Developing Low-altitude Economy of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government and the Greater Bay Area Low Altitude Economy Alliance, was held today (October 9). The Summit brought together over 1 000 government representatives, industry leaders, academic experts and members of international organisations from places including Hong Kong, the Chinese Mainland, Europe and Singapore to explore the development prospects, policy frameworks and technological innovations of the low-altitude economy (LAE), fostering regional and international collaboration. A number of staff and students from PolyU also joined the Summit.

The Summit featured a kick-off ceremony, keynote speeches, fireside chats, an innovation showcase and multiple parallel sessions, with an aim to establish a cross-disciplinary and cross-regional exchange platform to promote collaboration among government, industry, academia and research sectors, injecting new impetus into the LAE development in Hong Kong, the region and the world.

Officiating at the kick-off ceremony, the Deputy Financial Secretary, Mr Michael Wong, said that the Government is rapidly advancing the development of the LAE. Of the first batch of 38 Regulatory Sandbox pilot projects, 17 have already commenced and another 11 are expected to be launched by the end of this month. On the legislative front, the first phase of amendments has been completed, covering drones weighing 25 to 150 kilograms and allowing unconventional aircraft to conduct trials under specific conditions. Mr Wong mentioned that the Government will soon roll out advanced “Regulatory Sandbox X” pilot projects, which will encompass more complex application scenarios such as cross-boundary routes and passenger-carrying low-altitude aircraft. He expressed his sincere gratitude to PolyU for hosting the Summit, establishing the Research Centre for the LAE and launching a related master degree programme to nurture talent.

Subsequently, the Permanent Secretary for Transport and Logistics, Mr Kevin Choi, moderated a fireside chat on Policy Dialogue on the LAE. He engaged in in-depth discussions from an international perspective with top experts from the Guangzhou Municipal Development and Reform Commission, the Thales Group, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency and the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore on four key areas, namely top-level planning, technological empowerment, regulatory safeguards and regional co-ordination. Mr Choi shared his experiences from years ago in promoting the new Air Traffic Management System and planning the operation of the Three-Runway System at Hong Kong International Airport in an orderly manner. He led the experts to focus on discussing how Hong Kong can currently, and in the future, participate in and advance the national LAE development blueprint, transforming enormous LAE potential into tangible economic value, advancing global standard harmonisation and strengthening regional and international co-operation, with an aim to providing a stable and forward-looking policy environment for industry growth.

In the afternoon, Co-Head of the Project Facilitation Task Force under the Working Group and Deputy Director of Civil Aviation Mr Dominic Chow hosted a roundtable discussion at a parallel session on Policy and Regulation. He discussed the collaboration and standard-setting for the LAE in the Greater Bay Area with political and business leaders from Zhuhai, Hangzhou, Guangzhou Nansha and Hong Kong. The discussion also explored Hong Kong’s connectivity to promote the prospects for Hong Kong and Mainland enterprises to expand into the Asia-Pacific region and international markets.

The Summit was held in support of the directives on promoting the LAE outlined in “The Chief Executive’s 2025 Policy Address”, fostering research and development and its applications, as well as reviewing talent development strategies. The Government will continue to support the industry and universities in organising more training and flagship events to showcase business opportunities and innovation achievements of the LAE, and jointly building an innovative, efficient and safe LAE ecosystem, propelling Hong Kong as an Asia-Pacific hub for innovative low-altitude applications.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority:
 
     The Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) and the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) announced today (October 9) that the second edition of the DFSA-HKMA Joint Climate Finance Conference will take place on November 26 in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

     As the flagship initiative of the DFSA-HKMA partnership to support and enable climate finance in the Middle East and Asia, this year’s conference will focus on “Transforming Tomorrow: Harnessing Green Finance for Sustainability” and will reflect the shared commitment of Dubai and Hong Kong – two of the world’s most dynamic financial hubs – to shape the future of global finance through innovation, resilience and cross-border collaboration.

     The Chief Executive of the DFSA, Mr Mark Steward, said, “As we look to the future, our partnership with the HKMA reflects a shared commitment to shaping a more connected, resilient, and forward-looking global financial landscape. ‘Transforming Tomorrow’ is more than a theme – it is a call to action aligned with the ambition of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 to advance sustainable finance and innovation on a global scale.”

     The Chief Executive of the HKMA, Mr Eddie Yue, said, “The Joint Climate Finance Conference is another step forward in strengthening the Asia-Middle East Corridor to facilitate capital and knowledge flows, to support the sustainable development of our regions and beyond, leveraging the roles of Hong Kong and Dubai as finance and innovation centres. We look forward to continuing to deepen our collaboration with the DFSA, in climate finance and other areas.”

     The conference will feature a fireside chat between Mr Steward and Deputy Chief Executive of the HKMA Mr Darryl Chan, focusing on how technological innovation, policy frameworks, and cross-sector collaboration can unlock the full potential of climate finance – catalysing capital flows toward sustainable projects and accelerating the global transition to net zero. High-profile speakers will engage in panel discussions on topics such as opportunities for greening the Asia-Middle East Corridor and how tokenisation can drive global transition. The conference will also provide a deep dive into the findings of the DFSA-HKMA joint research on the role of sustainable debt in scaling up climate finance in emerging markets.

     Strategic partners of the conference include the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) Authority and Nasdaq Dubai. The DIFC Authority continues to embed sustainable practices into its core operations and built environment, promoting environmental responsibility. Nasdaq Dubai is the leading global hub for green Sukuk (Islamic bonds) and sustainable Islamic finance, attracting global investors committed to environmentally responsible growth.

     By convening policymakers, industry leaders, and global investors, the conference will serve as a platform to explore how regulatory foresight, fintech advancement and sustainable finance can converge to create more inclusive and agile financial ecosystems.

     Details of the DFSA-HKMA Joint Climate Finance Conference can be found here.

About DFSA
 
     The DFSA is the independent regulator of financial services conducted in and from the DIFC, a purpose-built financial free zone in Dubai, UAE. The DFSA regulates and supervises financial services firms and markets in the DIFC. These include asset managers, banks, custody and trust services, commodities futures traders, fund managers, insurers and reinsurers, traders of securities and fintech firms. The DFSA supervises exchanges and trading platforms for both conduct and prudential purposes, overseeing an international securities exchange (Nasdaq Dubai) and an international commodities derivatives exchange (Gulf Mercantile Exchange). The DFSA is also responsible for supervising and enforcing anti-money laundering and countering the financing of terrorism requirements applicable in the DIFC. Please refer to the DFSA’s website for more information.
 
About HKMA
 
     The HKMA is Hong Kong’s central banking institution. The HKMA’s main functions are: (i) maintaining currency stability within the framework of the Linked Exchange Rate System; (ii) promoting the stability and integrity of the financial system, including the banking system; (iii) helping to maintain Hong Kong’s status as an international financial centre, including the maintenance and development of Hong Kong’s financial infrastructure; and (iv) managing the Exchange Fund.
 
About Nasdaq Dubai
 
     Nasdaq Dubai is the international financial exchange serving the region between Western Europe and East Asia. It welcomes regional as well as global issuers that seek regional and international investment. The exchange currently lists shares, derivatives, Sukuk, conventional bonds and Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITS). The majority shareholder of Nasdaq Dubai is Dubai Financial Market with a two-thirds stake. Borse Dubai owns one-third of the shares. The regulator of Nasdaq Dubai is the DFSA.
 
About DIFC
 
     The DIFC is one of the world’s most advanced financial centres, and the leading financial hub for the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia (MEASA), which comprises 77 countries with an approximate population of 3.7 billion and an estimated GDP of USD 10.5 trillion. With a 20-year track record of facilitating trade and investment flows across the MEASA region, the centre connects these fast-growing markets with the economies of Asia, Europe, and the Americas through Dubai. 
 
     The DIFC is home to an internationally recognised, independent regulator and a proven judicial system with an English common law framework, as well as the region’s largest financial ecosystem of 46 078 professionals working across over 6 920 active registered companies, making up the largest and most diverse pool of industry talent in the region. 
 
     The centre’s vision is to drive the future of finance through cutting-edge technology, innovation, and partnerships. Today, it is the global future of finance and innovation hub offering one of the region’s most comprehensive AI, fintech and venture capital environments, including cost-effective licensing solutions, fit-for-purpose regulation, innovative accelerator programmes, and funding for growth-stage start-ups. Comprising a variety of world-renowned retail and dining venues, a dynamic art and culture scene, residential apartments, hotels, and public spaces, the DIFC continues to be one of Dubai’s most sought-after business and lifestyle destinations. 

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     Following is the speech by the Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, at the OASES Enterprises Signing Ceremony today (October 9):

Peter (Director-General of the Office for Attracting Strategic Enterprises, Mr Peter Yan), government colleagues, representatives of our valued strategic enterprises, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

     Good morning.

     It is my great pleasure to welcome you all to the Signing Ceremony today, where the fifth batch of 18 strategic enterprises affirm their plans to establish or expand in Hong Kong.

     The enterprises joining us today represent a wide spectrum of cutting-edge industries – from leading global pharmaceutical firms to trailblazers in generative AI, autonomous driving, and microelectronics. They also include leading pioneers in new media and Web3 technologies.

     This is a significant milestone. With today’s addition, the number of strategic enterprises attracted to Hong Kong will surpass 100. Collectively, they are bringing in over HK$60 billion in investment and creating about 22 000 quality jobs. Beyond numbers, they also bring transformative ideas, world-class expertise, global perspectives, and a spirit of innovation that will further enrich our fast-evolving innovation and technology ecosystem.

     Today is special also because, for the first time, we are welcoming cultural and creative enterprises that integrate technology with artistry and entertainment. This is an initiative announced in this year’s Budget, and I’m delighted to see it becoming a reality . The global digital entertainment market is growing rapidly, powered by IPs, AI and Web3. Hong Kong – with our unique connectivity to both the Chinese Mainland and the world, openness and diversity as an international city, and a vibrant ecosystem in innovation and technology – is an ideal launchpad for these enterprises to grow and scale across Asia and beyond.  

     To all the strategic enterprises joining us today: a very warm welcome to Hong Kong. I am delighted that you have chosen our city as your base for growth and further innovative breakthroughs. Here, you will find the capital, talent, partners, ecosystem and network that will help you succeed.

     The deepening collaboration between Hong Kong and the sister cities in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) also offers tremendous growth opportunities, particularly for those in sectors such as AI, biotech and new energy. The GBA is an innovation powerhouse that merges innovative strengths and advanced manufacturing capabilities. This year, the Shenzhen-Hong Kong-Guangzhou science and technology cluster is ranked the world’s top innovation cluster by the World Intellectual Property Organization.

     A highlight of this collaboration is the Co-operation Zone between Hong Kong and Shenzhen along the Shenzhen River, known as Hetao or the Loop. This Co-operation Zone will serve as a testing ground for innovative policies, including the unimpeded flow of critical factors of production, including people, capital, goods and data.
 
     In this connection, Hong Kong’s appeal is clear. Take pharmaceutical companies for example. We are working to establish a primary evaluation mechanism for drug and medical device approvals. This will allow Hong Kong to independently review and approve drugs, medical products and devices developed in this zone, accelerating their time to the market. In Hetao, Hong Kong and Shenzhen have established cross-boundary clinical trial institutions, enabling studies that meet the regulatory standards of both jurisdictions. Together with other favourable government policies like talent, shared advanced laboratories and supercomputing power, Hong Kong is on the way to becoming a regional drug development hub. 

     I’m pleased to note that some of you are already engaged in long-term collaborations with our medical schools and clinical trial institutions in the GBA, and I encourage you to explore more.

     Ladies and gentlemen, looking ahead, our efforts to attract strategic enterprises will grow in depth and breadth.
 
     Our goal is simple and clear: to bring more strategic enterprises to Hong Kong, so that we can have an even more vibrant ecosystem and a growing industry base to help our businesses and start-ups thrive, and to provide our people with more and better career opportunities. 

     On that note, to our strategic enterprises here today, I thank you once again for choosing Hong Kong as your partner for growth. I wish you every success in your journey ahead.

     Thank you.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

Hong Kong Customs detected two suspected smuggling cases involving ocean-going vessels on September 18 and 26. Large batches of suspected smuggled goods with a total estimated market value of about $170 million were seized.

Through intelligence analysis and risk assessment, Customs discovered that criminals intended to use ocean-going vessels to smuggle goods. Strategies were thus formulated, and four suspicious containers scheduled to depart from Hong Kong to Southeast Asia via ocean-going vessels were selected for inspection.

Customs inspected two containers that were scheduled to be shipped to Indonesia and declared as carrying computer accessories and watch parts, and tally counters and computer accessories on September 18, and two containers scheduled to be shipped to Malaysia and declared as carrying refined lead on September 26. Upon examination, Customs officers found large batches of suspected smuggled goods, including laptop computers, watches, silver slabs, cameras, auto parts, batteries, integrated circuits and toys, in the four containers.

An investigation is ongoing. The likelihood of arrests is not ruled out.

Being a government department primarily responsible for tackling smuggling activities, Customs has long been combating various smuggling activities at the forefront. Customs will keep up its enforcement action and continue to resolutely combat sea smuggling activities through proactive risk management and intelligence-based enforcement strategies, and carry out targeted anti-smuggling operations at suitable times to crack down on relevant crimes.

Smuggling is a serious offence. Under the Import and Export Ordinance, any person found guilty of importing or exporting unmanifested cargo is liable to a maximum fine of $2 million and imprisonment for seven years upon conviction.

Members of the public may report any suspected smuggling activities to Customs’ 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002).