Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department today (December 4) announced the test results of a recently completed seasonal food surveillance project on the microbiological quality of poon choi. All samples passed the tests.

A CFS spokesperson said, “As poon choi is popular for gatherings during winter, and there have been previous cases of bacterial food poisoning associated with poon choi, the CFS has continued to conduct a seasonal food surveillance project this year to assess the microbiological quality of poon choi. A total of 30 poon choi samples were collected from different retailers (including online retailers) to test for common food poisoning organisms including Bacillus cereus, Clostridium perfringens, Salmonella, coagulase-positive staphylococci organisms and Vibrio parahaemolyticus.”

Despite the satisfactory results of the samples tested, the spokesman reminded members of the public to be careful when purchasing and enjoying this seasonal delicacy. He advised consumers to order poon choi from licensed and reliable shops, reheat poon choi thoroughly before consumption, consume the food as soon as possible or keep the food at temperatures above 60 degrees Celsius, avoid prolonged storage of poon choi at room temperature to reduce the risk of bacteria growth, and stop consuming the food if it tastes or smells abnormal.

“The public should also maintain a balanced diet and avoid eating too much food with high levels of energy, sugar, salt or fat,” the spokesman said.

He also appealed to the food trade to plan thoroughly in advance to secure adequate manpower, space and equipment for making poon choi and not to entertain orders beyond handling capacity. A well-organised work procedure can help prevent cross-contamination. As such, before preparation of poon choi, temporary food handlers should be trained to make sure that they are familiar with the working environment and adhere to safe food preparation practices. Traders are also reminded to check the quality of food ingredients and ensure that the temperatures of chilled and frozen foods are appropriate when they are delivered to them. In addition, to reduce the risk of food poisoning, they should avoid preparing food too far in advance and take note of the temperature in storing, transporting and preparing food.

“All food ingredients should be stored at safe temperatures while perishable items should be stored at 4 degrees C or below. The cooling time of cooked food should be reduced as far as possible. When transporting hot poon choi, it should be kept at above 60 degrees C, and for chilled poon choi, it should be kept at 4 degrees C or below. Poon choi should be reheated thoroughly until the core temperature reaches 75 degrees C or above, or brought to boil before consumption. Poon choi of a larger portion requires more time to reheat before the food can be fully heated,” the spokesman said.

“There have been food poisoning cases related to improper handling of poon choi in Hong Kong. Traders should provide clear advice on the proper methods of storing and reheating of poon choi to consumers, such as putting a reminder on the food label to further reduce the risk of food poisoning due to improper handling,” he added.

The CFS will continue its surveillance of poon choi available in the market to ensure food safety and protect the health of the public.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     Following the earlier announcement that the District Health Centres/District Health Centre Expresses (collectively referred to as DHCs) will serve as hubs for arranging free primary healthcare services for residents affected by the fire incident in Tai Po, the Primary Healthcare Commission (PHC Commission) announced today (December 4) the establishment of a free family doctor service scheme to support the affected residents. Serving as hubs, the DHCs across all 18 districts in Hong Kong have arranged case managers to follow up on the primary healthcare needs of the affected residents comprehensively. Based on the situations of individual cases and the preferences of affected residents, case managers will pair them with private sector family doctors participating in the scheme or the Hospital Authority (HA)’s Family Medicine Out-patient Services.

     Under the co-ordination of the PHC Commission, more than 140 family doctors in the private sector have participated in the scheme currently, covering 170 service points including four private hospitals. Affected residents can receive up to three free consultations, through the DHCs’ arrangements, from today until February 28 next year. The services cover drug prescriptions, including necessary medication refills based on one’s medical history; follow-ups on post-incident conditions, including respiratory illness; and management of symptoms related to stress and anxiety. Affected residents with healthcare needs can call the hotlines or visit any DHC in person to seek assistance, regardless of their current place of residence. If affected residents are registered DHC members, they can also contact their respective DHC directly. The hotlines have been posted on the websites of the PHC Commission and the DHCs. Case managers of the DHCs will pair affected residents with private family doctors participating in the scheme.

     The HA earlier announced that full medical fee waivers would be provided for affected residents, covering Family Medicine Out-patient Services. Based on the situations of individual cases and the preferences of affected residents, case managers of the DHCs will also assist them in accessing the HA’s Family Medicine Out-patient Services. So far, more than 300 consultations have been provided by the Family Medicine Out-patient Services for affected residents.

     In addition to the pairing of consultation services, the DHCs, serving as hubs, have been providing affected residents with personalised case management services. These include co-ordinating arrangements for follow-up appointments and medication refills, making referrals for specialised healthcare, nursing and medication services, as well as psychological support. Affected residents can register via the hotlines without having to visit the DHCs in person. Operators of emergency transitional housing and social workers from the Social Welfare Department can also assist in referring residents in need to receive services at the DHCs.

     The medical stations currently set up at temporary shelters, co-ordinated by the PHC Commission, will remain in operation until closure of the shelters. The medical stations have provided medical and psychological support services for over 2 000 consultations so far.

     The PHC Commission expressed gratitude to the private healthcare sector for its enthusiastic support in providing assistance to affected residents. Family doctors who wish to participate in the free services scheme can contact the PHC Commission (email address: phcc@healthbureau.gov.hk ), demonstrating the spirit of compassion and social responsibility. The PHC Commission is also co-ordinating free Chinese medicine services through the Chinese Medicine Unit of the Health Bureau. Further details will be announced later.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Social Welfare Department (SWD) today (December 4) alerted members of the public to not open or respond to any emails or SMS messages associated with a fraudulent website, which purports to be the website of the SWD (https://swdgovv[.]me/). Members of the public are also advised not to provide any personal information to the website.

The fraudulent website claims that old social security cards will be deactivated soon and attempts to lure members of the public to click on the unknown hyperlink embedded. The SWD emphasises that the website has no connection with the department and has referred the case to the Police for follow-up.

Anyone who has provided his or her personal information to the website concerned should contact the Police. For enquiries, please call the SWD’s hotline at 2343 2255.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     Auctions of the Hong Kong Flower Show (HKFS) 2026 commercial stalls will be held on December 17 (Wednesday) at Cheung Sha Wan Sports Centre at the junction of Cheung Sha Wan Road and Hing Wah Street, Sham Shui Po, Kowloon.

     Bidders must be 18 years old or above and ordinarily resident in Hong Kong under section 2 of the Immigration Ordinance (Cap. 115). Any company incorporated in Hong Kong can also take part in the auctions. Each bidder can bid for one or more stalls.

     Organised by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD), the 10-day flower show will be held from March 20 to 29, 2026, at Victoria Park.

     There will be 54 commercial stalls in the showground. The stall types and quantities are as follows:

(1) Photographic equipment stall (5 metres x 5m): 1
(2) Book stall (5m x 10m): 1
(3) Beverage stall (5m x 5m): 2
(4) Fast food stall (5m x 10m): 6
(5) Handicraft stall (5m x 5m): 2
(6) Flower and gardening stall (5m x 5m): 42

     Details of the auctions are as follows:

Auction time: 10am to noon
Stall types and upset prices:
(1) Photographic equipment stall: $23,270
(2) Book stall: $15,860
(3) Beverage stall: $31,010
(4) Fast food stall: $31,010

Auction time: 2pm until completion of the auction
Stall types and upset prices:
(1) Handicraft stall: $23,270
(2) Flower and gardening stall: $23,270

     In addition, the licensee is required to pay a deposit ($6,012 for each stall) as security for the due and proper performance of the licensee in compliance with the agreement. The security deposit will be refunded to the licensee after the show, provided all stipulations and provisions as set out in the licence agreement have been complied with.

     The LCSD reminds licensees that the stalls are solely for the purpose of selling and promoting the sale of the permitted commodities, and no other activities are allowed in the licensed area. If the LCSD considers that any activity conducted by the licensee to publicise, promote, display, show or sell any commodities in the venue is unlawful, immoral or incompatible with the object of the HKFS, the LCSD is entitled to direct the licensee to stop conducting such an activity, and the licensee must immediately comply with such direction.

     Successful bidders must comply with all the stipulations and provisions as set out in the licence agreement. Otherwise, the department is entitled to prohibit the licensee from future bidding, issue a default notice to deduct the security deposit and terminate the agreement, and the licensee shall immediately vacate the stall.

     Location and layout plans showing the commercial stalls to be auctioned are on display at the following venues:

(1) All District Leisure Services Offices of the LCSD;
(2) The Lift Lobby at 11/F, Leisure and Cultural Services Headquarters, 1-3 Pai Tau Street, Sha Tin; and
(3) All Home Affairs Enquiry Centres of the Home Affairs Department.

     For enquiries, please call 2601 8260 or visit www.hkflowershow.hk/en/hkfs/2026/commercial.html.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     The Transport Department (TD) today (December 4) said that special traffic and transport arrangements will be implemented to facilitate the holding of concerts at Kai Tak Stadium on the evenings of December 6 and 7. As the traffic in the vicinity of the Kai Tak Sports Park (KTSP) is expected to be heavy, concertgoers should opt for public transport and avoid driving or taking private cars (including cross-boundary private cars).

     The TD has co-ordinated with local and cross-boundary public transport operators to strengthen their services during dispersal. The MTR will enhance the interval between trains of the Tuen Ma Line. The last MTR train to Lo Wu Station via interchanging at Tai Wai Station on the East Rail Line will depart from Sung Wong Toi Station at 10.59pm and Kai Tak Station at 11.01pm. Franchised bus companies will provide 11 special bus routes at the Sung Wong Toi Road Pick-up/Drop-off Area (PUDOA) to Lok Ma Chau (San Tin) Public Transport Interchange (route No. SP12), the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge Hong Kong Port and Airport (route No. A25S), and major districts across the territory.

     Concertgoers who plan to return to the Mainland on the same day may also take the KTSP’s cross-boundary coach services during dispersal. Passengers should purchase tickets from the operators’ online platforms in advance. On-site ticket sales will not be available during dispersal.

     The Kai Tak Stadium Taxi PUDOA will be open. The Sung Wong Toi Road PUDOA will be open for taxi drop-off only during admission (3.30pm to 6pm) and suspended for taxi pick-up/drop-off during dispersal. The expected waiting time will be longer amid the outflux of spectators and passengers’ patience is appreciated.

     Spectators are advised to heed real-time information via the on-site broadcast and the “Easy Leave” platform (easyleave.police.gov.hk) as well as the latest traffic news through the TD’s website (www.td.gov.hk), the “HKeMobility” mobile application and radio and television broadcasts.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department announced today (December 4) that in view of a notification from the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) about an outbreak of highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza in the Udham Singh Nagar District of Uttarakhand State in India, the CFS has instructed the trade to suspend the import of poultry eggs from the area with immediate effect to protect public health in Hong Kong.

A CFS spokesman said that Hong Kong has currently established a protocol with India for the import of poultry eggs but not for poultry meat. According to the Census and Statistics Department, no eggs were imported into Hong Kong from India in the first nine months of this year.

“The CFS has contacted the Indian authority over the issue and will closely monitor information issued by the WOAH and the relevant authorities on the avian influenza outbreak. Appropriate action will be taken in response to the development of the situation,” the spokesman said.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     The Secretary for Health, Professor Lo Chung-mau, and the Secretary for Education, Dr Choi Yuk-lin, co-chaired a meeting today (December 4) to receive a briefing from the President of the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST), Professor Nancy Ip, and her team on the next steps for implementing the establishment of the new medical school. Government representatives attending the meeting were from the Health Bureau, the Education Bureau, the Innovation, Technology and Industry Bureau, the Development Bureau, the Department of Health, the Hospital Authority, the University Grants Committee Secretariat, and the Primary Health Commission.

     The Government earlier announced that the Chief Executive in Council (CE-in-Council) had approved in principle that the new medical school to be established by the HKUST, marking a new phase in the preparatory work for the new medical school. The Task Group on New Medical School will support and closely monitor the work in the implementation stage to ensure that the HKUST achieves the set milestones in a progressive manner. Working groups will be set up under the Task Group to provide advice and support in areas such as curriculum development, financial and financing arrangements, staffing, campus development, and teaching hospital arrangements, and experts with relevant experience in the respective fields will be invited to participate in the work of the working groups. The Government will require the HKUST to regularly report progress to and seek views from the working groups and report to the Task Group as necessary. 

     Professor Lo said, “At today’s meeting, we exchanged views on the overall work direction for the implementation stage of establishing the medical school. We support the HKUST to push forward various preparatory tasks, and the Task Group will regularly meet with the university representatives starting from the first quarter of next year to understand the progress. The Government expects to officially sign a Memorandum of Understanding with the HKUST early next year, the content of which will cover funding arrangements, curriculum accreditation, teaching hospital resources, as well as recruitment of teaching staff, and more. We expect the HKUST to fully co-operate with the Task Group and its working groups on the preparatory work.”

     Dr Choi said, “The establishment of the new medical school is expected to play a leading role in shaping innovative approaches to medical education by embracing interdisciplinary learning, advancing scientific research development, and attracting both local and international talent, to dovetail with the national blueprint of the 2024-2035 master plan on building China into a leading country in education and the vision of building Hong Kong into an international post-secondary education hub. We are confident that the new medical school will actively foster collaboration within the Greater Bay Area through its strategic location in the Northern Metropolis and serve as an academic and research powerhouse in the region, contributing to the development of a robust and forward-thinking healthcare workforce.”

     The Chief Executive announced in the 2024 Policy Address that the Government supports the establishment of the third medical school by a local university, with a view to nurturing more outstanding medical practitioners to support the local healthcare system in providing quality services, while at the same time promoting the development of Hong Kong into an international medical training, research and innovation hub. The Task Group was established in October 2024, comprising seasoned local, Mainland and overseas academics in medical education and university management, professionals, representatives from the Medical Council of Hong Kong (MCHK) and the Hong Kong Academy of Medicine, as well as representatives from the relevant government bureaux and departments. It is responsible for inviting universities to submit proposals and conducting assessments, making recommendations to the CE-in-Council, and maintaining communication with the university selected to establish the new medical school on the implementation plan. In November this year, the CE-in-Council approved the establishment of the third medical school and gave approval-in-principle for the new medical school to be established by the HKUST, which shall aim to admit the first cohort of 50 students in the 2028/29 academic year. The HKUST must obtain in-principle approval from the MCHK for the accreditation of its medical curriculum before the commencement of student admission.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Primary Healthcare Commission (PHC Commission) today announced the establishment of a free family doctor service scheme to support residents affected by the fire incident in Tai Po.

Based on the situation of individual cases and the residents’ preferences, case managers of the District Health Centres/District Health Centre Expresses (DHCs) will pair them with private-sector family doctors or the Hospital Authority’s Family Medicine Out-patient Services.

More than 140 family doctors in the private sector have participated in the scheme, covering 170 service points including four private hospitals. The affected residents can receive up to three free consultations via the DHCs until February 28, 2026.

The services cover drug prescriptions including necessary medication refills based on one’s medical history, follow-ups on post-incident conditions including respiratory illness, and management of symptoms related to stress and anxiety.

Affected residents with healthcare needs can call the hotlines or visit any DHC to seek assistance, regardless of their current place of residence. The affected residents who are registered DHC members can also contact their respective DHC directly.

The authority earlier announced full medical fee waivers for the affected residents, covering the aforesaid Family Medicine Out-patient Services. Based on the situation of individual cases and the residents’ preferences, the DHCs’ case managers will also assist them in accessing these services.

Additionally, the DHCs are providing affected residents with personalised case management services, including co-ordinating arrangements for follow-up appointments and medication refills, making referrals for specialised healthcare, nursing and medication services, as well as psychological support.

Affected residents can register via the hotlines without the need to visit the DHCs. Operators of emergency transitional housing and Social Welfare Department social workers can assist in referring the residents in need for the services at the DHCs.

The PHC Commission expressed gratitude to the private healthcare sector for its support in providing assistance to the affected residents. Family doctors who wish to join the free services scheme can contact the PHC Commission by email.

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

MOFA welcomes signing of Taiwan Assurance Implementation Act by US President Trump

Date：2025-12-03
Data Source：Department of North American Affairs

December 3, 2025  
No. 511  

US President Donald Trump formally signed the Taiwan Assurance Implementation Act on December 2 following its passage through the US House of Representatives and its unanimous approval by the US Senate on May 5 and November 18, respectively. This is the first item of pro-Taiwan legislation enacted under President Trump’s second administration.
 
To ensure the continued and steady development of Taiwan-US relations, the legislation further bolsters the implementation of the Taiwan Assurance Act of 2020 by requiring that the US Department of State conduct a regular review of guidance governing relations with Taiwan and submit an updated report to the US Congress not less than every five years.
 
The smooth progression of this stand-alone legislation during the condensed timeframe of the current session of the US Congress demonstrates strong bipartisan support from the US Congress and executive branch for the deepening of Taiwan-US relations. Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung sincerely welcomes this development and thanks the United States for its support.
 
Building on the excellent foundation of Taiwan-US relations and adhering to the principles of mutual trust, mutual benefit, and mutual interest, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will continue to maintain close contact with the US Congress and executive branch and steadily advance the cooperative global partnership between the two sides in a range of fields. (E)