Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Government of Singapore

The National Energy Efficiency Conference (NEEC) and the Energy Efficiency National Partnership (EENP) Awards enable the industrial sector to adopt more sustainable business practices 

JOINT NEWS RELEASE BETWEEN NEA AND SIT

Singapore, 1 October 2025 – Nineteen companies and individuals were recognised for their energy efficiency and greenhouse gas management with the Energy Efficiency National Partnership (EENP) Awards 2025, presented today by Dr Janil Puthucheary, Senior Minister of State for Sustainability and the Environment. The 13th edition of the awards ceremony took place at the biennial National Energy Efficiency Conference (NEEC) 2025 held at the Singapore Expo from 1 to 2 October 2025.

National Energy Efficiency Conference (NEEC) 2025

2               This year, the National Environment Agency (NEA) partnered the Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT)’s Energy Efficiency Technology Centre (EETC) to co-organise the conference. Leveraging SIT/EETC’s extensive network of industry and academic experts, close to 50 regional and local speakers including representatives from Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) will share comprehensive solutions, best practices and frameworks for advancing energy efficiency and net zero goals.

3               Decarbonisation in the industrial sector is critical in realising Singapore’s 2050 net zero target, as the sector accounts for about 65 per cent of total greenhouse gas emissions. Under the theme ‘Advancing Energy Efficiency for Net Zero: Connecting Regional and Global Action’, NEEC 2025 highlights how strategic partnerships are essential for creating effective solutions and enables businesses to lower their carbon footprint.

4               Dr Janil Puthucheary delivered the opening address. In it, he highlighted the importance of collaboration and exchange across borders on best practices and innovations in industrial energy efficiency and greenhouse gas mitigation, to foster a stronger ecosystem for decarbonisation. President of SIT, Prof Chua Kee Chaing gave a keynote presentation, reinforcing SIT’s leadership in energy efficiency and carbon mitigation through applied research and industry collaboration. Strategies such as green manufacturing practices and financing schemes, to be discussed at the conference, will be key enablers for this transition journey, especially for SMEs.

Energy Efficiency National Partnership (EENP) Awards 2025: 19 recognised for energy efficiency and greenhouse gas management [1]

5               In this regard, this year’s awards recipients exemplify the transformation towards net zero through a growing integration of carbon abatement and greenhouse gas management initiatives alongside traditional energy efficiency efforts. 

6               Micron Technology, one of the three Excellence in Energy, Greenhouse Gas Management award winners, pioneered the first catalytic centralised abatement system in Singapore. The system removed more than 90 per cent of fluorinated greenhouse gases, with approximately 35 per cent cost savings and 90 per cent reduction in fuel consumption compared to conventional abatement technology used in its older facilities. Recognised as a Sustainability Lighthouse by the World Economic Forum, Micron Technology also actively shares best practices and innovative solutions through energy efficiency workshops across their regional and global sites, embodying this year’s theme of connecting regional and global action towards achieving net zero goals.

7               Progress Galvanizing, an award winner for the Outstanding SME category, highlights the effectiveness of a comprehensive support framework to drive industrial energy efficiency transformation. The company benefited from the government grants to upgrade compressors used in their hot-dip galvanising and sandblasting operations and, with their consultant’s support, installed an economiser to recover waste furnace heat. These initiatives collectively achieved annual energy savings of more than 700 megawatt-hours, equivalent to the electricity consumption of over 1,600 households. Progress Galvanizing has also engaged EETC to identify further energy efficiency opportunities for implementation.

SMEs can tap on support systems for their energy efficiency transition

8               Recognising that SMEs are vital stakeholders in Singapore’s net zero journey, NEA partnered the SIT to set up EETC in 2020. As part of capability building, the EETC supports SMEs in identifying energy efficiency opportunities at an affordable cost. As of end Mar 2025, EETC has helped over 40 SMEs to assess over 200 energy systems, identifying opportunities that could collectively yield more than 17,000 megawatt-hours in energy savings and more than 7,500 tCO₂e carbon abatement. EETC has also trained energy efficiency practitioners, upskilling nearly 500 professionals and more than 100 students gaining hands-on experience through attachments.  Building on this foundation of practical training, EETC is setting up an energy efficiency training facility to provide enhanced hands-on learning opportunities for industry professionals and students.

9               SMEs can further tap on the Energy Efficiency Grant (EEG) to implement energy efficiency opportunities and defray upfront costs of energy-efficient equipment in the manufacturing sector. The EEG for SMEs covers up to 70 per cent of the cost for energy-efficient equipment and significantly reduces the payback period of the investment.

10             More broadly, NEA is working with the Singapore Green Building Council (SGBC) on the nationwide Go 25 campaign, which encourages businesses and individuals to set air-conditioning temperatures at 25°C as a comfortable and sustainable norm. The campaign has rolled out awareness programmes and practical guides, underpinned by studies with Ngee Ann Polytechnic showing clear energy and cost savings from going 25.

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Annex A

Energy Efficiency National Partnership Awards 2025

Background

1            The National Environment Agency (NEA), the Economic Development Board (EDB) and the Energy Market Authority (EMA) launched the Energy Efficiency National Partnership (EENP) programme on 29 April 2010. The programme is an initiative aimed at supporting companies in their energy efficiency and decarbonisation efforts through providing networking opportunities, resources and sharing of best practices, thereby enhancing their long-term business competitiveness and reducing their carbon footprint.

2            Under the programme, the EENP Awards provide recognition to companies that have adopted a proactive approach towards better energy and greenhouse gas (GHG) management and highlights their accomplishments as a resource guide for the industry to benefit from.

EENP Awards 2025

3            This year, 19 companies, organisations and individuals received the EENP Awards 2025 across four categories. The categories and their recipients are:

 a) Excellence in Energy, Greenhouse Gas Management

This award recognises companies that have demonstrated a high level of commitment to excellence in energy and GHG management. The award recipients under this category are:

• Micron Technology
• MSD International GmbH (Singapore Branch) 
• Novartis Singapore Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Pte Ltd 

Under this category, the following companies also received the “Excellence in Energy, Greenhouse Gas Management (Honourable Mention)” Award:

• GE Aerospace Component Repair Singapore
• RF360 Singapore Pte Ltd (A Qualcomm Company)
• Soitec Microelectronics Singapore Pte Ltd 
• STMicroelectronics Pte Ltd 
• TotalEnergies 

b) Outstanding Small and Medium Enterprise (SME)

This award recognises SMEs (in manufacturing or industrial business activities) that have demonstrated a high level of commitment to energy and GHG management. The award recipients under this category are:

• Chemical Industries (Far East) Limited
• Progress Galvanizing Pte Ltd  

c) Outstanding Energy, Greenhouse Gas Manager

This award recognises outstanding energy and GHG managers who have demonstrated leadership in driving energy efficiency improvement and decarbonisation in their organisations. The award recipients under this category are:

• Mr Leonard Teo, from Evonik Methionine SEA Pte Ltd 
• Mr Immanuel Edward John Alwin, from GlobalFoundries Singapore Pte Ltd 

Under this category, the following individuals received the “Outstanding Energy, Greenhouse Gas Manager (Honourable Mention)” Award:

• Mr Charlie Wang, from RF360 Singapore Pte Ltd (A Qualcomm Company)

d) Best Practices

This award recognises corporate teams who have implemented exemplary practices to improve the energy efficiency and reduction of carbon emissions in facilities. The award recipient under this category is:

• GlobalFoundries Singapore Pte Ltd

Under this category, the following companies also received the “Best Practices (Honourable Mention)” Award:

• Abbott
• Evonik Methionine SEA Pte Ltd 
• MSD International GmbH (Singapore Branch) 
• Nestlé Singapore Pte Ltd 
• Schneider Electric  

4            For details on the Award recipients’ energy efficiency and decarbonisation accomplishments, refer to go.gov.sg/EENPAwards2025booklet.

 

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

To implement President Lai Ching-te’s policy blueprint of a “Balanced Taiwan,” the Bureau of Industrial Parks (BIP) under the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) held the “2025 Industrial Park Development Policy Summit Forum” on August 29. The forum was chaired by MOEA Deputy Minister Ho Chin-tsang and brought together deputy mayors of Taiwan’s six special municipalities, Hsu Cheng-yun, Chairman of the MUGA, along with leading scholars, experts, and representatives from industry, government, and academia. Together, they discussed how industrial parks can serve as the key driving engines for the six major regional industries and living circles, while mapping out a forward-looking blueprint for regional development. Future policies will focus on three priorities: strengthening national economic infrastructure, supporting traditional industries and SMEs, and promoting the global expansion of high-tech industries, contributing to the President’s vision of building an “everlasting economy.”
The forum, themed “Industrial Park Development and Management for a Balanced Taiwan,” took a holistic view of Taiwan’s national development by reviewing local characteristics and resources across regions. By fostering industrial growth, the government aims to create job opportunities for young people, increase income levels, enhance living standards, and narrow the urban-rural development gap.
The park is not only a space for economic activities, but will also become an important driving platform for regional balance, promoting youth return home, and practicing sustainable transformation. The MOEA Deputy Minister Ho emphasized that industrial parks are strategic nodes supporting Taiwan’s industrial policies: “By optimizing land supply and governance mechanisms, industrial parks will link industries, talent, and daily life, becoming hubs for local economic advancement.” He stressed that MOEA will continue strengthening interagency coordination and assist local governments in integrating resources to build an innovative and resilient industrial ecosystem.

Prof. Cheng An-Ting of National Chengchi University gave a speech titled “Industrial Land Policy and Industrial Park Development Program,” analyzing the challenges and future directions of the industrial land policies. He pointed out that local governments should transform from passive executors to active collaborators and work with the central government to meet the challenges of industrial upgrading and resource reallocation. Prof. Hu Tai-Shan of National Cheng Kung University and Prof. Hung Chi-Tung of Ming Chuan University further contributed insights on smart governance, disaster resilience, and sustainable design.
The summit opened with remarks from NDC Deputy Minister Peng Li-Pei, who explained the overall development direction of the six regional industry and living circles, highlighting 152 major national construction projects promoted jointly by the central and local governments. BIP Director-General Yang Chih-Ching underscored that the Bureau continues to advance land revitalization, vertical renewal, and new park development, with “Smart, Safe, and Sustainable” as its core principles.
Deputy mayors from the six municipalities shared their local industrial blueprints. Deputy Mayor Chang Wen-Te of Taipei City proposed the “Golden Corridor” linking Taipei, New Taipei, Keelung, and Yulan to develop AI, biotech, and low-carbon governance; Deputy Mayor Liu Ho-Jan of New Taipei City introduced the “AI+ Smart Park” featuring digital governance and sustainability applications; Deputy Mayor Wang Ming-Chu of Taoyuan City highlighted Phase III of Longtan Science Park and city-run parks focused on renewable energy and circular economy; Deputy Mayor Huang Kuo-Jung of Taichung City stressed investments by major semiconductor firms in Central Taiwan Science Park, driving trillion-dollar projects and new parks; Deputy Mayor Chao Ching-Hui of Tainan City outlined park transformation and infrastructure expansion in response to Southern Taiwan Science Park growth; Deputy Mayor Lin Chin-Jung of Kaohsiung City presented the vision of “Transforming Kaohsiung” into a smart, resilient city under the 2050 net-zero target.
Experts agreed that future industrial parks must advance toward smart, sustainable, and cross-domain integration on a foundation of security. Beyond being growth spaces for enterprises, they must also build low-carbon infrastructure, establish carbon governance and data systems, and foster industry-academia collaboration to attract young entrepreneurs and global R&D resources.
This forum successfully built a high-level communication platform between central and local governments, consolidating consensus for the six regional industries and living circles. MOEA emphasized that industrial parks will continue serving as strategic nodes in driving an inclusive and forward-looking development path, ensuring all regions of Taiwan share in the benefits of industrial upgrading and job creation. Above all, central and local governments will join forces with industry, always standing together to grow Taiwan’s economy.

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

Contact Person: Chang, Hsiu-Chen (Director of Industrial Parks Development Div, BIP)
Contact Number: 886-7-361-1212 ext. 101
Email: susan@bip.gov.tw

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

Details
2025-09-26
President Lai meets delegation of Latin American and Caribbean intelligence and security chiefs
On the morning of September 26, President Lai Ching-te met with a delegation of Latin American and Caribbean intelligence and security chiefs in Taiwan for a joint meeting. In remarks, President Lai noted that previous joint meetings have been a great success, helping us defend against common threats. He stated that Taiwan will continue to enhance its self-defense capabilities and build whole-of-society defense and resilience, and going forward, hopes to strengthen joint defense and intelligence-sharing mechanisms with our allies and promote various exchanges to further enhance our collaborative capabilities. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: First, on behalf of the government and all the people of the Republic of China (Taiwan), I would like to offer a sincere welcome to the delegation. This visit by intelligence and security chiefs from our allies is not only a testament to the deep diplomatic friendships between Taiwan and your countries, but also represents our determination to resolutely defend shared values such as freedom and democracy. Previous joint meetings among intelligence chiefs from Taiwan, Latin America, and the Caribbean have been a great success. This multilateral cooperative mechanism promotes normalized intelligence resource sharing and exchanges, and helps us defend against common threats.  The international security environment is becoming increasingly complex, and multiple challenges including foreign infiltration, digital manipulation, disinformation, and cyberattacks are posing a massive threat to democratic systems. These challenges from authoritarian countries transcend borders, and only by strengthening cooperation among democratic allies can we prevent authoritarian expansion and build social and democratic resilience. In particular, over the past few years China has continued to increase military coercion against Taiwan, and has also engaged in infiltration, cognitive warfare, and manipulation around the world, using hybrid warfare tactics in an attempt to influence political decision-making in various countries and undermine the operations of democratic politics. Taiwan is on the forefront of threats from China. We continue to enhance our self-defense capabilities and build whole-of-society defense and resilience. Going forward, we hope to strengthen joint defense and intelligence-sharing mechanisms with our allies to enhance vigilance against China’s infiltration. I will also direct the National Security Bureau to continue to promote various exchange, assistance, and training mechanisms with our allies to further enhance our collaborative capabilities. I would like to take this opportunity to thank our allies for their long-term support for Taiwan, and for continuing to speak up for Taiwan at international venues. Taiwan is willing and able to contribute even more to the international community. We look forward to the continued support of our allies for Taiwan’s international participation, providing mutual assistance in the international arena to jointly promote mutual prosperity and development, maintain regional peace and stability, and safeguard global democracy and freedom. In closing, let me once again welcome you all to Taiwan. Please convey my most sincere greetings and best wishes to your heads of state, and let us continue to deepen the diplomatic alliances between our countries. Minister Marco Alcaraz of Paraguay’s National Secretariat of Intelligence then delivered remarks, stating that we are currently in an era of rapid global change, with technology developing at breakneck speed, influencing daily life, social systems, and public policy at virtually every level. While these circumstances compel every nation to formulate flexible and forward-looking response strategies, he said, these measures are insufficient to address increasingly complex and sophisticated technological attacks by geopolitical rivals. Minister Alcaraz indicated that in this context, hacktivism is rapidly rising, coinciding with China’s large-scale energy investments and economic policies in Latin America. This not only demonstrates China’s economic strength, he said, but has also allowed it to obtain critical information through secret tactics that it then uses to conduct negotiations and assess the risk levels of various projects. The minister stated that this brings substantial benefits to China, especially when promoting the Belt and Road Initiative, attempting to access information such as the organization of global supply chains, which has a direct impact on the stability and sovereignty of various countries. Minister Alcaraz further pointed out that all countries are facing attacks by various hacker organizations targeting strategic areas such as telecommunications, government agencies, the military, and non-governmental organizations. China’s goal is not only to steal sensitive data from the infrastructure of various countries, he said, but also to weaken their democratic systems, digital sovereignty, and diplomatic relations. Minister Alcaraz also stated that the more united allies are, the more opponents will try to divide us, so countries must make greater efforts to strengthen mutual cooperation and exchanges. Latin American countries are increasingly subject to China’s divisive tactics, he said, but in circumstances fraught with challenges and threats, Paraguay is never alone, with staunch allies always providing support, among which Taiwan is especially important. Minister Alcaraz expressed confidence that Taiwan and Paraguay will further deepen bilateral cooperation, and continue to consolidate our partnership through long-term strategic planning. Minister Alcaraz mentioned that President Lai’s staunch support and commitment to diplomatic relations have given Taiwan a pivotal role in strengthening alliances that promote regional cooperation and defend shared values. He then thanked Taiwan for playing a critical role in bringing Latin America and the Caribbean together as steadfast allies.

Details
2025-09-25
President Lai meets delegation from Institute for Indo-Pacific Security
On the morning of September 25, President Lai Ching-te met with a delegation from the Institute for Indo-Pacific Security (IIPS), a think tank based in the United States. In remarks, President Lai emphasized that the people of Taiwan possess an unwavering determination to protect national sovereignty and that Taiwan is actively bolstering its self-defense capabilities and enhancing whole-of-society defense resilience. The president stated that Taiwan will continue to elevate Taiwan-US defense cooperation and advance exchanges with the US and other like-minded countries in such areas as national security, cybersecurity, and countering disinformation, while further strengthening the strategic economic and trade partnership with the US. He expressed his hope that the IIPS will continue to assist Taiwan in connecting with the US and deepening cooperation with other friends and allies. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: I am delighted to welcome back Chairman Randall G. Schriver, a good friend of Taiwan. It has been over a year since our last meeting. I look forward to exchanging views with you today. On behalf of Taiwan, I would like to once again express heartfelt condolences for the passing earlier this year of former US Deputy Secretary of State Richard Armitage, a mentor and dear friend of Chairman Schriver, and pay him tribute. I would also like to thank all of you for supporting Taiwan and for continuing to help strengthen Taiwan-US relations. The distinguished guests here today are members of the IIPS – the successor to the Project 2049 Institute – and experts who have served important roles in the US government. Your visit demonstrates the stable ties and close exchanges that Taiwan and the US enjoy on matters of national defense and security. Taiwan is situated at a crucial location on the first island chain in the Indo-Pacific and faces China’s political and military intimidation and gray-zone aggression. Thus, we profoundly appreciate the importance of national security and peace across the Taiwan Strait. I want to emphasize that the people of Taiwan possess an unwavering determination to protect national sovereignty, safeguard their free and democratic way of life, uphold the rules-based international order, and ensure regional peace and stability in line with global development interests. In the spirit of peace through strength, and strength through resilience, Taiwan is actively bolstering its self-defense capabilities and enhancing whole-of-society defense resilience. Just last Saturday, the largest-ever iteration of the Taipei Aerospace and Defense Technology Exhibition drew to a close. And that same day, the Office of the President held the first-ever Resilient Taiwan for Sustainable Democracy International Forum. During Chairman Schriver’s visit last year, we exchanged opinions on defense budgets as a percentage of GDP. Moving forward, Taiwan will continue to invest in national defense and security. Defense spending, as it is defined by NATO, will reach 3.32 percent of GDP next year, and is expected to reach 5 percent of GDP by 2030. Pursuing indigenous defense capabilities and adhering to our asymmetric strategy, Taiwan will continue to elevate Taiwan-US defense cooperation through military procurement from the US and joint research, development, and manufacturing. We will also advance exchanges with the US and other like-minded countries in such areas as national security, cybersecurity, and countering disinformation, as we work together to safeguard regional peace and stability. Moreover, Taiwan seeks to further strengthen its strategic economic and trade partnership with the US so as to jointly ensure global supply chain security and advance prosperity and development around the world. I look forward to the IIPS continuing to assist Taiwan in connecting with the US and deepening cooperation with other friends and allies. In closing, I once again welcome the delegation to Taiwan, and I wish you a pleasant and successful visit. Chairman Schriver then delivered remarks, first thanking President Lai for taking the time to meet with the delegation. He then offered their condolences and sympathies for the victims and all affected by the typhoon in Hualien and wished success to those engaged in relief and rescue work. He added that the IIPS team will be making contributions to the relief effort and expressed confidence that they will be joined by many Americans in that regard. Chairman Schriver, mentioning the meeting of the United Nations in New York, underlined the fact that Taiwan is not there, and pointed out that this is a reminder of China’s increasing pressure to isolate Taiwan and to prevent its meaningful participation in the UN, UN affiliated agencies, and other international organizations. However, he noted, it is also a reminder of Taiwan’s innovative approach to meaningful participation in regional and global affairs. Taiwan, he continued, is a generous country in its own relief efforts for neighboring countries and for countries out of the region, such as in its assistance during the Ebola outbreak in West Africa and, more recently, assistance to Ukrainian refugees in Poland. Despite the isolation, he said, Taiwan continues to be a tremendous regional and global citizen, which he believes will continue under President Lai’s leadership. Chairman Schriver stated that they are here to learn about Taiwan’s current situation and priorities as well as how they, as friends and strong advocates of Taiwan, can help when they return to Washington to promote international support as well as speak out for Taiwan. Chairman Schriver said that the overall Taiwan-US relationship is healthy, but noted that there is work to do. He expressed his hope that Taiwan and the US can keep deepening cooperation in such areas as trade and security, including the timely delivery of military equipment procured from the US. In closing, the chairman once again thanked President Lai for receiving the delegation.

Details
2025-09-24
President Lai meets Professor Tarumi Hideo of Japan’s Ritsumeikan University  
On the afternoon of September 24, President Lai Ching-te met with a delegation led by Professor Tarumi Hideo of Japan’s Ritsumeikan University. In remarks, President Lai stated that Taiwan is working on building its whole-of-society defense and resilience, strengthening efforts in four key areas – national defense, economic livelihoods, democracy, and disaster prevention – to enhance overall capabilities. He expressed hope that Taiwan and Japan can deepen cooperation on security issues and jointly promote development in key fields such as AI, new energy, and drones, working together to build democratic non-red supply chains that are reliable and resilient. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: I want to welcome Ambassador Tarumi back to Taiwan as he heads another delegation. This marks his third visit to Taiwan since last year’s establishment of the Ritsumeikan University Research Group on Taiwan Affairs and US-China Relations. I hope to take this opportunity to engage in an in-depth exchange of views with our guests on important topics including current global affairs and Taiwan-Japan relations. Last May, I met Ambassador Tarumi at the Presidential Office and congratulated him on receiving the Order of Brilliant Star with Grand Cordon from former President Tsai Ing-wen in recognition of his contributions to Taiwan-Japan relations. Once again, I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to him on behalf of the people of Taiwan. The latest polls show that over 70 percent of people in both Taiwan and Japan believe that our bilateral relations are currently favorable. This achievement has much to do with Ambassador Tarumi’s efforts to promote Taiwan-Japan relations during his tenure in Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. I am grateful that even after his retirement, Ambassador Tarumi has continued to observe cross-strait developments and lend his support to further strengthen the foundation of friendly exchanges between Taiwan and Japan. In the face of China’s continued military activities in the Taiwan Strait and surrounding waters, Taiwan and Japan must work together to safeguard regional peace and stability. Taiwan is working on building its whole-of-society defense and resilience, strengthening efforts in four key areas – national defense, economic livelihoods, democracy, and disaster prevention – to enhance our overall capabilities. Defense spending, as it is defined by NATO, will reach 3.32 percent of GDP next year, and is expected to reach 5 percent of GDP by 2030, further strengthening our self-defense capabilities. I look forward to continuing exchanges with Japan and deepening our collaboration on security issues. Both Taiwan and Japan hold key positions in the global technology supply chain. Going forward, I hope our joint efforts can help us build an even closer partnership and promote development in key fields such as AI, new energy, and drones, creating democratic non-red supply chains that are reliable and resilient. I also look forward to advancing negotiations on a free trade agreement or economic partnership agreement between Taiwan and Japan, which would enable more comprehensive collaboration and yield even greater results. Ambassador Tarumi then delivered remarks, first thanking President Lai for taking the time to meet with him and commending the president’s outstanding leadership in steadily strengthening Taiwan-Japan relations. He also noted that Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru has announced his resignation, and the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) is currently holding a presidential election. Ambassador Tarumi expressed confidence that regardless of who becomes the new LDP president and prime minister, Japan’s policies toward Taiwan and China will remain unchanged, and efforts to promote Taiwan-Japan relations will continue. Ambassador Tarumi stated that this year marks the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, and that Japan must reflect on the past. Postwar, Japan has embraced a path of peace, he said, and now enjoys the support and respect of the international community, including Taiwan. He expressed regret that the Chinese Communist Party has instead used this anniversary to hold a series of large-scale events celebrating victory in the War of Resistance Against Japan, aimed at bolstering the party’s legitimacy. Ambassador Tarumi also noted that President Lai’s Facebook post on August 15 regarding the Sancha Mountain Incident deeply moved the Japanese people. He emphasized that learning from history is not meant to incite hate, but to guide us toward the future. He added that he learned a great deal from the post and once again expressed his gratitude for the president’s hospitality.  

Details
2025-09-23
President Lai addresses 2025 Concordia Annual Summit
President Lai Ching-te addressed the 2025 Concordia Annual Summit via video at the invitation of the New York-based non-profit organization Concordia, delivering a speech titled “Better Together for a Safer World – Taiwan’s Role in the Age of Uncertainty.” In his remarks, President Lai said that over the 80 years since the end of World War II, humanity united to build an international order on the pillars of peace, development, and human rights. However, he noted, we face several challenges in today’s volatile international landscape, such as rising geopolitical tensions and the convergence and expansion of authoritarian regimes. The only way to resolve these crises, he emphasized, is through unity, and deepening democratic partnerships is the sole path to maintaining lasting peace. President Lai said that Taiwan is promoting values-based diplomacy and is working closely with like-minded countries. We are building economic security and supply chain resilience, he said, and collaborating with global partners to complement their capabilities. Moreover, he said, we are enhancing our national defense capabilities and whole-of-society defense and resilience. He underlined that all of this is to make Taiwan even more resilient and secure so that the global defense of democracy is even stronger. The president emphasized that there is strength in unity, and that we can achieve a bright future only by working together. Taiwan, he stated, will continue to uphold this belief, and work hand in hand with our global partners in democracy to shape a world that is more secure, more stable, and more prosperous. A transcript of President Lai’s speech follows: I am honored to once again be invited to speak at the Concordia Annual Summit. Especially in this historic year, as August 15 was the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II.   The global conflict left us with the most valuable lesson: “Aggression fails, unity prevails.” This year’s UN General Assembly convened under the theme “Better Together.” This reminds us how humanity united to emerge from the shadow of war over these 80 years, and build an international order on the pillars of peace, development, and human rights. However, in today’s volatile international landscape, as geopolitical tensions rise and authoritarian regimes converge and expand, that international order is being undermined. Democratic societies are now more heavily targeted by disinformation and other forms of external interference, posing a serious challenge to global peace. These challenges are complex and diverse, and no single country can face them alone. It is clearer than ever that the only way to resolve these crises is through unity. Equally clear is that deepening democratic partnerships is the sole path to maintaining lasting peace and building a stable and prosperous world. Taiwan stands on the frontline of the first island chain in the Indo-Pacific and directly faces the threat of authoritarianism. In this uncertain era, Taiwan will continue to be a pilot for world peace and a force for global prosperity. With active strategies and firm conviction, Taiwan will work with the world, knowing that we are “Better Together.” First, we are promoting values-based diplomacy. With the values of freedom and democracy, respect for human rights, and rule of law at the base, we are working closely with like-minded countries on global challenges. While Taiwan is not included in the UN system, we have consistently proven through our actions that Taiwan is a reliable partner in the international community, and that “Taiwan Can Help.” We are willing to do our utmost for the well-being of the world. Second, we are building economic security and supply chain resilience. Taiwan plays a key role in the global semiconductor supply chain. We will collaborate with global partners to complement their capabilities with our advantages in chip manufacturing and end-to-end industrial clusters. This can do more than make the global industrial ecosystem more robust and secure – it can also ensure that our countries’ industrial chains develop more sustainably. Third, we are enhancing our national defense capabilities and whole-of-society defense and resilience. Taiwan has long faced military intimidation, information warfare, and other compound threats from China. But we are developing a solid democratic defense and continuing to invest in our self-defense. Our defense budget, aligning with NATO standards, will exceed three percent of GDP next year. By 2030, we aim for this figure to reach five percent. We are also advancing cybersecurity, combating disinformation, and enhancing our citizens’ media literacy. This way, we can find common ground among diverse opinions through democratic discourse. Our position is clear – to make Taiwan even more resilient and secure so that the global defense of democracy is even stronger. We firmly believe that there is strength in unity, and that we can achieve a bright future only by working together. Taiwan will continue to uphold this belief, and work hand in hand with our global partners in democracy to shape a world that is more secure, more stable, and more prosperous. I thank Concordia once again for the invitation, and wish everyone a successful summit. Thank you. Concordia organizes its annual summit outside the UN headquarters during each year’s General Debate of the UNGA, inviting world leaders and top private sector representatives to seek solutions to global and regional challenges that are highly valued by the UN community. Among those who addressed this year’s summit were President Luis Abinader of the Dominican Republic, President Nikos Christodoulides of the Republic of Cyprus, President Vahagn Khachaturyan of Armenia, President Alar Karis of the Republic of Estonia, and former President Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović of the Republic of Croatia.

Details
2025-09-16
President Lai meets Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association Chairman Sumi Shuzo  
On the afternoon of September 16, President Lai Ching-te met with Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association Chairman Sumi Shuzo. In remarks, President Lai expressed confidence that Taiwan-Japan relations will flourish even more under the leadership of Chairman Sumi, with his extensive experience and foresight. The president also expressed hoped that Taiwan and Japan will continue to deepen exchanges and cooperation and contribute even more to peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: I want to congratulate Chairman Sumi on assuming his position at the Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association this June. I also welcome him on his first visit to Taiwan since taking office and wish him a fruitful and successful trip. I commend Chairman Sumi for taking to heart one of the teachings of Laozi (老子) from the Tao Te Ching (道德經), that “the highest good is like water.” I believe he will bring this spirit to his leadership of the Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association and help deepen the friendship between our two countries in many areas. If leaders around the world could also embrace this principle in managing relations with neighboring countries, I am confident that world peace would naturally follow. The peoples of Taiwan and Japan act with goodwill and support each other like family. The Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association and the Taiwan-Japan Relations Association have long played key roles in bilateral exchanges, overcoming various difficulties and limitations together. The friendship between Taiwan and Japan thus stands as a model of bilateral relations for the world. Chairman Sumi has been active in Japan’s business community for many years, holding numerous important positions and possessing extensive experience and foresight. Taiwan-Japan relations will surely flourish even more under his outstanding leadership. I hope we can continue deepening exchanges and cooperation, ushering in a new era. Whether in economic security, technological innovation, culture and tourism, youth exchanges, or advancing an economic partnership agreement between Taiwan and Japan, I hope to work closely with Chairman Sumi to contribute even more to peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region. Once again, I want to thank the Japanese government for consistently reiterating the importance of peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait to the international community and opposing any unilateral attempt to change the status quo by use of force. I am also thankful for Japan’s longstanding support for Taiwan’s meaningful participation in international organizations such as the International Civil Aviation Organization and World Health Organization. These positions and actions not only demonstrate Japan’s firm commitment to regional peace, but are also deeply inspiring to Taiwan. Lastly, I hope the friendship between our two countries will continue to grow stronger and closer, reaching even greater heights. Chairman Sumi then delivered remarks, mentioning that before he began his term as chairman of the Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association, he had already engaged in many business exchanges with Taiwan. He said he hopes to further promote development between Japan and Taiwan across a wide range of sectors. Chairman Sumi stated that Taiwan and Japan both face highly unstable international circumstances, including countries attempting to unilaterally change the status quo by use of force or intimidation, and significant impacts on the development of international trade. Pointing out that the fundamental and universal values of freedom, democracy, and the rule of law have also been impacted, the chairman said that global affairs are not simply black and white and that we should work towards building a more diverse and inclusive international society. He said that Japan and Taiwan, grounded in these shared universal values, have collaborated closely to this day, and that both emphasize a spirit of harmony and coordination. He expressed hope that this conviction can extend to other regions of the world. Chairman Sumi also pointed out that Taiwan and Japan deal with many similar difficulties and issues, such as complex international trade interactions, declining birthrates, aging populations, labor shortages, pension and welfare systems, social development, and the establishment of comprehensive healthcare systems. Both countries, he added, also frequently face natural disasters like typhoons and earthquakes, highlighting the need for more robust disaster prevention systems, effective responses to global warming, and a stable energy supply. Chairman Sumi expressed hope of strengthening cooperation on these issues, sharing expertise, and working together to find solutions. Referencing the association’s latest survey on Taiwanese public perception of Japan, Chairman Sumi said that 76 percent of Taiwanese named Japan as their favorite country. He added that the number of Taiwanese tourist visits to Japan has exceeded six million, reflecting our deep and solidly-based friendship. Chairman Sumi expressed his belief that bilateral relations will continue to deepen and pledged during his chairmanship to fully support further development of Taiwan-Japan relations. The delegation was accompanied to the Presidential Office by Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association Taipei Office Chief Representative Katayama Kazuyuki.  

Details
2025-08-01
President Lai delivers remarks on US reciprocal tariff policy response
On the morning of August 1, President Lai Ching-te delivered remarks at the Presidential Office on the response to the reciprocal tariff policy of the United States. President Lai explained that technical consultations with the US are finished, but as the final concluding meeting has not yet taken place, 20 percent has been set for Taiwan as an interim tariff rate. The president said that Taiwan will work towards a more favorable and reasonable rate in the subsequent negotiations, and that the US has expressed its willingness to continue talks. He added that a support plan for Taiwan’s export supply chain in response to US tariffs has been proposed to assist small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in responding to the US tariff policy. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: Earlier today, the US government informed our lead negotiator, Vice Premier Cheng Li-chiun (鄭麗君), that an interim tariff rate for Taiwan has been set at 20 percent. Since April 2, when the US introduced its new tariff policy targeting countries worldwide, Taiwan has actively engaged in four in-person rounds of negotiation and multiple discussions over videoconference with the US government. Throughout the process, both sides have negotiated in good faith based on the shared goal of addressing the trade deficit between Taiwan and the US and creating complementary and mutually beneficial outcomes. Although we have achieved an interim reduction in the tariff rate from 32 percent to 20 percent at this point in the negotiations, 20 percent was never our goal. We hope to work towards a more favorable and reasonable rate for Taiwan in the subsequent negotiations, and the US has expressed its willingness to continue talks. We have finished technical consultations, but as the final concluding meeting has not yet taken place, a final tariff rate has not yet been reached. This is the reason for the setting of an interim tariff rate. I extend my sincere gratitude to Vice Premier Cheng and Minister without Portfolio of the Executive Yuan Yang Jen-ni (楊珍妮) for working tirelessly over the past few months leading the negotiation team, remaining on call whether in Taiwan or the US. From here in Taiwan I, along with Vice President Bi-khim Hsiao, National Security Council Secretary-General Joseph Wu (吳釗燮), Premier Cho Jung-tai (卓榮泰), and Secretary-General Pan Men-an (潘孟安), have also provided full support to our negotiating team in the US. Regardless of the final tariff rate, Taiwan’s industries will inevitably be impacted. I am deeply grateful to Premier Cho for proposing on April 4 a support plan for Taiwan’s export supply chain in response to US tariffs, and for holding over 20 industry consultation sessions. The special budget has also been increased from NT$88 billion to NT$93 billion. This special act has already been submitted to the Legislative Yuan and passed review. I hope that the Executive Yuan will promptly submit the budget request for legislative review so that the special budget can be implemented as soon as possible to assist SMEs in responding to this new US tariff policy.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Chief Executive announced in the 2025 Policy Address that he will lead the newly established Committee on Development of the Northern Metropolis. Three working groups were set up under the Committee, including the Working Group on Planning and Construction of the University Town (WG) led by the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki. Following the first working meeting of the Committee on Development of the Northern Metropolis chaired by the Chief Executive yesterday (September 29), Mr Chan convened the WG’s first meeting today (September 30).

The meeting focused on discussing the overall development strategy and specific implementation plan for the Northern Metropolis University Town (NMUT). Members of the WG thoroughly discussed the preliminary planning directions of the NMUT’s Hung Shui Kiu site, which endeavours to integrate with nearby, high-end professional services as well as vocational and professional education and training facilities for joint development. The WG will set up a research taskforce later to conduct field trips on the successful models of university towns elsewhere, seeking views from experts and academics of local, Mainland, and internationally renowned universities, to ensure the planning is both forward-looking and practical.

Mr Chan emphasised at the meeting that the development of the NMUT will break away from traditional models, achieving synergistic and deeply integrated development between education and industry, holding immense strategic significance for Hong Kong’s future growth. He pointed out that the University Town will not only provide development room for the post-secondary education sector to expand capacity and enhance quality, but will also serve as a key engine to advance the deeply integrated development of Hong Kong’s academic excellence and industry. It will also realise the promotion of industrial development through education.

Mr Chan said the WG will adopt innovative thinking to formulate specific suggestions for the Northern Metropolis University Town Development Conceptual Framework, the development model of the University Town, and concrete facilities. The WG will also proactively study the strategies for attracting leading universities and research institutes on the Mainland and overseas to establish a base in Hong Kong, to attract world-class scholars and outstanding students to Hong Kong, facilitating Hong Kong’s development into an international education hub.

The Government has earmarked a total of around 90 hectares of land for the NMUT in the Hung Shui Kiu/Ha Tsuen New Development Area (HSK), Ngau Tam Mei New Development Area (NTM) and the New Territories North New Town (NTN NT) of the Northern Metropolis. The three batches of sites for the NMUT are at different planning and development phases, and will be available for use in 2026 (HSK), 2028 (NTM) and 2030 (NTN NT) respectively at the earliest.

The WG will later report the work plan and the plan for matters that can be advanced in the short term to the Committee on Development of the Northern Metropolis to ensure the effective advancement of the NMUT project.

The membership list of the WG is set out in the Annex.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     Following yesterday’s (September 29) announcement of a case of severe paediatric influenza A infection, the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) today (September 30) recorded another similar severe case. The CHP reiterates its appeal to schools and parents to arrange for schoolchildren to receive free seasonal influenza vaccination (SIV), as it is one of the most effective ways to prevent seasonal influenza and its complications. Vaccination also reduces the risk of serious illness or death from infection.

The latest case involves a six-year-old girl with good past health. She developed a fever, a cough and running nose since September 20. She attended the Accident and Emergency Department of Princess Margaret Hospital on September 26. Her nasopharyngeal swab specimen tested positive for the influenza A virus upon laboratory testing. The clinical diagnosis was influenza A infection complicated with severe pneumonia. She remains hospitalised in the paediatric intensive care unit of the hospital and is in serious condition.

The CHP’s investigations revealed that one of the girl’s household contacts developed mild respiratory symptoms on September 21, who did not require hospitalisation after seeking medical attention. The girl had received the 2024/25 SIV. Four of her classmates recently developed mild influenza-like symptoms between September 28 and 29. None of them required hospitalisation. No outbreaks have been reported in other classes at her school so far. The CHP advised the school on the necessary infection control measures to be implemented and will continue to put the school under medical surveillance.

     “Hong Kong is currently in the summer influenza season and there has been a significant increase in influenza-like illness outbreaks in schools since September. As of September 29, 232 outbreaks have been reported in schools since the start of the school year in September, including 22 cases in kindergartens/child care centres, 123 cases in primary schools and 87 cases in secondary schools. Nine severe paediatric influenza cases involving children aged 3 to 17 have been recorded since the start of the school year. Seven of them had good past health,” the Controller of the CHP, Dr Edwin Tsui, said.

The 2025/26 SIV Programmes have commenced, offering free or subsidised SIV to eligible high-risk groups through various vaccination programmes. This year, all schools may choose to use the live attenuated influenza vaccine (LAIV nasal vaccines) and “hybrid mode”, i.e. schools are allowed to choose both injectable inactivated influenza vaccines and LAIV for the same or different outreach vaccination activities.

     “Currently around 2 300 schools (99 per cent) are going to arrange the SIV school outreach activities, with about 1 300 schools (58 per cent) scheduled to conduct outreach activities by the end of October. Some schools have already completed their outreach activities. For schools that will not arrange SIV outreach activities, the school list will be uploaded onto the CHP’s website to enable parents of the students in those schools to arrange SIV for their children. I urge all schools to arrange outreach activities as soon as possible. Parents should not hesitate. As the saying goes, ‘get vaccinated once a year and sooner is better than later’. Parents should arrange for their children to receive SIV as soon as possible to effectively prevent influenza and reduce the risk of serious illness or death from infection,” Dr Tsui said.
 
The Government has opened all 29 of the DH’s Maternal and Child Health Centres (MCHCs) for all children aged 6 months to under 2 years. Moreover, the 25 District Health Centres and District Health Centre Expresses and their service outlets under the Primary Healthcare Commission, and 74 general outpatient clinics and 38 public hospitals of the Hospital Authority to provide more choices for the public. For a list of vaccination venues, please refer to the CHP’s Vaccination Schemes page. Parents of eligible children may book an appointment for their children to receive vaccinations at designated MCHCs via the online booking system.

Dr Tsui reminded high-risk individuals to wear surgical masks when staying in crowded places. People with respiratory symptoms, even if mild, should wear a surgical mask and seek medical advice promptly. They should also consider whether to attend work or school.
 
For the latest information on seasonal influenza, members of the public can visit the CHP’s seasonal influenza and COVID-19 & Flu Express webpages. 

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Immigration Department (ImmD) mounted a series of territory-wide anti-illegal worker operations, including an operation codenamed “Fastrack” on September 29. A total of four suspected illegal workers were arrested.
 
     During the anti-illegal worker operations, ImmD investigators conducted cyber patrols on Mainland social media platforms and identified several suspicious posts of cross-boundary purchases and delivery services. ImmD investigators disguised themselves as customers to enquire about and book cross-boundary services from these suspects. One suspect was subsequently arrested while providing cross-boundary services in Hong Kong. The arrested suspected illegal worker who was suspected to have been breaching her condition of stay, is aged 36.
 
     During operation “Fastrack”, ImmD investigators employed strategies including decoy operations at 11 targeted massage parlours. A total of three suspected illegal workers were arrested. The arrested suspected illegal workers comprised one man and two women, aged 32 to 49.
 
     An investigation into the suspected employers is ongoing, and the possibility of further arrests is not ruled out.
 
     An ImmD spokesman said, “Any person who contravenes a condition of stay in force in respect of him or her shall be guilty of an offence. Also, visitors are not allowed to take employment in Hong Kong, whether paid or unpaid, without the permission of the Director of Immigration. Offenders are liable to prosecution and upon conviction face a maximum fine of $50,000 and up to two years’ imprisonment. Aiders and abettors are also liable to prosecution and penalties.”
 
     The spokesman warned, “As stipulated in section 38AA of the Immigration Ordinance, an illegal immigrant, a person who is the subject of a removal order or a deportation order, an overstayer or a person who was refused permission to land is prohibited from taking any employment, whether paid or unpaid, or establishing or joining any business. Offenders are liable upon conviction to a maximum fine of $50,000 and up to three years’ imprisonment. As stipulated in section 20(1)(a) of the Immigration Ordinance, the Chief Executive may make a deportation order against an immigrant, prohibiting the immigrant from being in Hong Kong at any time thereafter if the immigrant has been found guilty in Hong Kong of an offence punishable by imprisonment for not less than two years. 
 
     The spokesman stressed that it is a serious offence to employ people who are not lawfully employable. Under the Immigration Ordinance, the maximum penalty for an employer employing a person who is not lawfully employable, i.e. an illegal immigrant, a person who is the subject of a removal order or a deportation order, an overstayer or a person who was refused permission to land, has been significantly increased from a fine of $350,000 and three years’ imprisonment to a fine of $500,000 and 10 years’ imprisonment to reflect the gravity of such offences. The director, manager, secretary, partner, etc, of the company concerned may also bear criminal liability. The High Court has laid down sentencing guidelines that the employer of an illegal worker should be given an immediate custodial sentence.
 
     According to the court sentencing, employers must take all practicable steps to determine whether a person is lawfully employable prior to employment. Apart from inspecting a prospective employee’s identity card, the employer has the explicit duty to make enquiries regarding the person and ensure that the answers would not cast any reasonable doubt concerning the lawful employability of the person. The court will not accept failure to do so as a defence in proceedings. It is also an offence if an employer fails to inspect the job seeker’s valid travel document if the job seeker does not have a Hong Kong permanent identity card. Offenders are liable upon conviction to a maximum fine of $150,000 and to imprisonment for one year. In that connection, the spokesman would like to remind all employers not to defy the law by employing illegal workers. The ImmD will continue to take resolute enforcement action to combat such offences.
 
     Under the existing mechanism, the ImmD will, as a standard procedure, conduct an initial screening of vulnerable persons, including illegal workers, illegal immigrants, sex workers and foreign domestic helpers, who are arrested during any operation with a view to ascertaining whether they are trafficking in persons (TIP) victims. When any TIP indicator is revealed in the initial screening, the ImmD officers will conduct a full debriefing and identification by using a standardised checklist to ascertain the presence of TIP elements, such as threats and coercion in the recruitment phase and the nature of exploitation. Identified TIP victims will be provided with various forms of support and assistance, including urgent intervention, medical services, counselling, shelter or temporary accommodation and other supporting services. The ImmD calls on TIP victims to report crimes to the relevant departments immediately.
 
     For reporting illegal employment activities, please call the dedicated hotline 3861 5000, 24-hour Immigration Offences Hotline 2824 1551, by fax at 2824 1166, email to anti_crime@immd.gov.hk, or submit “Online Reporting of Immigration Offences” form at www.immd.gov.hk.