Source: Government of the Republic of Korea
Foreign Affairs
President Lee Jae Myung will visit Japan from Aug. 23-24 and the U.S. on Aug. 25. He will attend a bilateral summit on Aug. 23 with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba in Tokyo.25일에는 President Lee on Aug. 25 will hold talks on bilateral cooperation with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House, their first one-on-one meeting.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The Transport Department (TD) today (August 20) said that the next online auction of vehicle registration marks (VRMs) will be held from noon on September 4 (Thursday) to noon on September 8 (Monday) through the auction platform E-Auction (e-auction.td.gov.hk). Interested bidders can participate in the online auction only after they have successfully registered as E-Auction users.
A spokesman for the TD said, “A total of 200 Ordinary VRMs will be available at this online public auction. The list of VRMs (see Annex) has been uploaded to the E-Auction website. Applicants who have paid a $1,000 deposit to reserve the Ordinary VRM for auction should also register as an E-Auction user in advance in order to participate in the online bidding, including placing the first bid at the opening price of $1,000. Otherwise, the VRMs reserved by them may be bid on by other interested bidders at or above the opening price. Auctions for VRMs with ‘HK’ or ‘XX’ as a prefix, special VRMs and personalised VRMs will continue to be carried out through physical auctions by bidding paddles, and their announcement arrangements remain unchanged.”
Members of the public participating in the online bidding should take note of the following important points:
(1) Bidders should register in advance as an E-Auction user by “iAM Smart+” equipped with the digital signing function; or by using a valid digital certificate and an email address upon completion of identity verification. Registered “iAM Smart” users should provide their Hong Kong identity card number, while non-Hong Kong residents who are not “iAM Smart” users should provide the number of their passport or other identification documents when registering as E-Auction users.
(2) Bidders are required to provide a digital signature to confirm the submission and amount of the bid by using “iAM Smart+” or a valid digital certificate at the time of the first bid of each online bidding session (including setting automatic bids before the auction begins) to comply with the requirements of the Electronic Transactions Ordinance.
(3) If a bid is made in respect of a VRM within the last 10 minutes before the end of the auction, the auction end time for that particular VRM will be automatically extended by another 10 minutes, up to a maximum of 24 hours.
(4) Successful bidders must follow the instructions in the notification email issued by the TD to log in to the E-Auction within 48 hours from the issuance of the email and complete the follow-up procedures, including:
(5) A VRM can only be assigned to a motor vehicle registered in the name of the purchaser. Relevant information on the Certificate of Incorporation must be provided by the successful bidder in the Purchaser Information of the Memorandum of Sale if the VRM purchased is to be registered under the name of a body corporate.
(6) Successful bidders will receive a notification email around seven working days after payment has been confirmed and can download the Memorandum of Sale from the E-Auction. The purchaser must apply for the VRM to be assigned to a motor vehicle registered in the name of the purchaser within 12 months from the date of issue of the Memorandum of Sale. If the purchaser fails to do so within the 12-month period, in accordance with the statutory provision, the allocation of the VRM will be cancelled and a new allocation will be arranged by the TD without prior notice to the purchaser.
The TD has informed all applicants who have reserved the Ordinary VRMs for this round of auction of the E-Auction arrangements in detail by post. Members of the public may refer to the E-Auction website or watch the tutorial videos for more information. Please call the E-Auction hotline (3583 3980) or email (e-auction-enquiry@td.gov.hk) for enquiries.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
CMAB launches the website for the 80th Anniversary of Victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist WarIssued at HKT 14:00
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Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Red flag hoisted at Silver Mine Bay Beach
Here is an item of interest to swimmers.
The Leisure and Cultural Services Department announced today (August 20) that according to the Beach Water Quality Forecast System of the Environmental Protection Department (www.epd.gov.hk/epd/english/environmentinhk/water/beach_quality/forecast_system.htmlIssued at HKT 10:09
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Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Red flags hoisted at Big Wave Bay Beach and Pui O BeachIssued at HKT 10:09
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Source: Republic of China Taiwan
Taiwan and Canada sign MOU on dark vessel detection system
Date：2025-08-11
Data Source：Department of North American Affairs
August 11, 2025
No.285
Taiwan and Canada jointly announced the signing of a memorandum of understanding on a dark vessel detection system, laying a solid foundation for bilateral cooperation in combating illegal, unreported, and unregulated maritime activities. The MOU was signed by Ambassador Tseng Ho-jen, Representative of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Canada, and Mr. Jim Nickel, Executive Director of the Canadian Trade Office in Taipei (CTOT). Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Chen Ming-chi witnessed the signing.
In recent years, Taiwan and Canada have expanded cooperation in such domains as public health, technology, customs matters, trade, economics, and indigenous affairs. Deeper bilateral exchanges and interactions in the Indo-Pacific have clearly provided greater opportunities and prospects for both sides. By signing the MOU, Taiwan and Canada have pledged to work together to protect the marine environment and economy; combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing and other maritime activities conducted by dark vessels; and safeguard prosperity and stability in the region. (E)
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
An incoming female passenger was sentenced to seven weeks’ imprisonment and fined $4,000 at the Fanling Magistrates’ Courts today (August 19) for being involved in two cases of possessing duty-not-paid cigarettes and cigars and failing to declare them to Customs officers, in contravention of the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance (DCO).
Customs officers intercepted an incoming female passenger, aged 51, at the Lo Wu Control Point on May 27. A total of 5 601 sticks of duty-not-paid cigarettes were seized from her personal baggage, with an estimated market value of about $22,000 and a duty potential of about $18,000. She was subsequently arrested.
On July 27, Customs officers intercepted the same incoming female passenger at the Lok Ma Chau Spur Line Control Point. A total of 7 420 sticks of duty-not-paid cigarettes and 75 grams of duty-not-paid cigars , with an estimated market value of about $30,850 and a duty potential of about $24,800, were seized from her personal baggage. The woman was again arrested.
Customs welcomes the sentence. The custodial sentence has imposed a considerable deterrent effect and reflects the seriousness of the offences. Customs reminds members of the public that under the DCO, tobacco products are dutiable goods to which the DCO applies. Any person who deals with, possesses, sells or buys illicit cigarettes commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $1 million and imprisonment for two years.
Members of the public may report any suspected illicit cigarette 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).
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
Hong Kong Customs yesterday (August 18) detected two drug trafficking cases involving baggage concealment at Hong Kong International Airport and seized a total of about 22 kilograms of suspected cannabis buds with a total estimated market value of about $4.4 million, a piece of suspected alternative smoking product and 79 sticks of illicit cigarettes.
The first case involved a male passenger, aged 21, who arrived in Hong Kong from Bangkok, Thailand, yesterday. During customs clearance, Customs officers found about 12kg suspected cannabis buds concealed inside tinfoil bags in his check-in suitcase and a piece of suspected alternative smoking product from his carry-on baggage. He was subsequently arrested.
The second case involved another male passenger who arrived in Hong Kong from Bangkok, Thailand, yesterday. During customs clearance, Customs officers found about 10kg suspected cannabis buds concealed inside vacuum bags in his check-in suitcase and 79 sticks of illicit cigarettes from his carry-on baggage. The man, aged 50, was subsequently arrested.
Investigations of the two cases are ongoing.
Customs will continue to step up enforcement against drug trafficking activities through intelligence analysis. The department also reminds members of the public to stay alert and not participate in drug trafficking activities for monetary return. They must not accept hiring or delegation from another party to carry controlled items into and out of Hong Kong. They are also reminded not to carry unknown items for other people.
Customs will continue to apply a risk assessment approach and focus on selecting passengers from high-risk regions for clearance to combat transnational drug trafficking activities.
Under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, trafficking in a dangerous drug is a serious offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $5 million and life imprisonment.
Under the Import and Export Ordinance, importing an alternative smoking product is liable to a maximum fine of $2 million and imprisonment for seven years upon conviction.
Under the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance, any person who imports, possesses, sells or buys dutiable commodities without a valid licence commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $1 million and imprisonment for two years.
Members of the public may report any suspected drug trafficking 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).
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) and the Property Management Services Authority (PMSA) hosted a large-scale seminar for the property management sector today (August 19). The event aimed to provide the latest information on chikungunya fever (CF) and mosquito prevention and control measures, further strengthening the community’s mosquito and disease prevention network.
The seminar was targeted at holders of the Property Management Practitioner Licence and property management professionals. The Chairman of the PMSA, Dr Wong Kong-tin, delivered a welcome speech, and the Permanent Secretary for Environment and Ecology (Food), Ms Irene Young, also addressed the seminar. Medical and Health Officer of the Communicable Diseases Branch of the Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health, Dr Lui Siu-yee; and Head of the Disease Response and Education Unit of the FEHD, Ms Tsang Wing-sze, shared updates on CF, as well as the strategies and measures for mosquito prevention and control.
In her speech, Ms Young said, “The EEB is highly concerned about the recent imported cases of CF. Effective mosquito control requires the collaboration not only among government departments but also among stakeholders and every member of the public. The property management industry, whose work is closely intertwined with people’s daily lives, plays a crucial role in maintaining environmental hygiene. The Government will continue to work closely with the industry on various fronts to improve living environment and hygiene standards of the properties across Hong Kong.”
The PMSA said that the industry will actively support the government’s mosquito control efforts and apply the knowledge learned to daily operations, including strengthening inspections in properties, clearing stagnant water and delivering mosquito prevention information to residents.
The FEHD calls on property management sector to collaborate with the Government to step up mosquito prevention and control measures within their properties. These include:
Around 230 property management professionals attended the seminar in person while over 2 900 people watched the live broadcast online.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
The Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Professor Sun Dong, today (August 19), called on the central ministries in Beijing and visited innovation and technology (I&T) related enterprises there.
Professor Sun called on the Executive Deputy Director of the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office (HKMAO) of the State Council, Mr Xu Qifang, and briefed him on the latest development of Hong Kong’s I&T and new industrialisation, as well as the progress of key areas of work and future work plans under the Innovation, Technology and Industry Bureau (ITIB) which include accelerating the development of the Hetao Hong Kong Park, enhancing Hong Kong’s I&T ecosystem, promoting new industrialisation, fostering development of technology industries. He expressed his sincere gratitude to the HKMAO of the State Council for its care and support to Hong Kong’s I&T development.
Professor Sun also visited the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission of the State Council (SASAC) and met with the Chairman of the SASAC, Mr Zhang Yuzhuo, and Vice Chairman of the SASAC, Mr Li Zhen, as well as the key officials of its various departments. Professor Sun introduced Hong Kong’s I&T overall development plan and the latest progress of the setting up of the Innovation and Technology Industry-Oriented Fund (ITIF) by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government. Both sides had an in-depth discussion on matters including stepping up efforts in the participation of state-owned enterprises in developing Hong Kong into an international I&T centre, leveraging Hong Kong’s international advantages and attracting talents to support the building of an international hub for high-calibre talents.
Professor Sun also held a meeting with the key officials of the Department of Foreign Capital and Overseas Investment of the National Development and Reform Commission to exchange views on how Mainland institutions can participate in the ITIF.
Professor Sun, then visited the Tsinghua Unigroup. He toured the group’s exhibition centre and received a briefing on its achievements in relevant semiconductor chip technology and industry development. He also held discussions with the group’s management to understand the full industry chain layout of this smart technology industry group in semiconductor chips, information and communication technologies, finance, education, cloud services and digital solutions. Professor Sun also met with the management of an enterprise focusing on technologies including electron-beam inspection to understand the latest technological developments in semiconductor testing equipment and its future industry plan.
Yesterday (August 18), Professor Sun, visited the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) and held a working meeting with Vice Minister of Industry and Information Technology Mr Xiong Jijun and relevant key officials of the Technology Department, International Department and Electronics Department. They discussed the latest progress in implementing various initiatives since the signing of the Co-operation Agreement on the Development of New Quality Productive Forces and the Promotion of New Industrialisation between the HKSAR Government and the MIIT in September last year, as well as the development of the manufacturing innovation centre. Professor Sun expressed gratitude to the MIIT for its strong support to the HKSAR Government in promoting new quality productive forces and the development of new industrialisation.
In addition, Professor Sun also visited the State Development and Investment Group Co., Ltd and met with the Group’s Party Secretary and Chairman, Mr Fu Gangfeng. Professor Sun learnt about the Group’s achievements in promoting technology innovation, leading the upgrade of the industry, and serving national strategies as a state-owned capital investment company, as well as the Group’s experience in managing various funds, including national-level government investment funds.
The Commissioner for Industry (Innovation and Technology), Dr Ge Ming, also joined the visit.
Professor Sun will visit China Chengtong Holdings Group Limited, and then meet with representatives from several Zhongguancun technology enterprises in Zhongguancun tomorrow (Aug 20).
Professor Sun will conclude his visit tomorrow afternoon and return to Hong Kong.