Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

Hong Kong Customs today (August 4) detected two drug trafficking cases involving passengers at Hong Kong International Airport and seized a total of about 20 kilograms of suspected cannabis buds with a total estimated market value of about $4 million. Two men were arrested.
 
The two cases involved two male passengers, aged 49 and 37, who both arrived in Hong Kong from Bangkok, Thailand, today. During customs clearance, Customs officers found about 10kg of suspected cannabis buds in each of their check-in suitcases. The two batches of suspected cannabis buds were concealed by vacuum-sealed bags. The two men were subsequently arrested. 
 
The arrested person in the first case has been charged with one count of trafficking in a dangerous drug and he will appear at the West Kowloon Magistrates’ Courts tomorrow (August 5). The investigation of the second case is 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 to 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.

​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

In response to the recent spike in chikungunya fever (CF) cases in multiple regions worldwide, the Scientific Committee on Vector-borne Diseases (SCVBD) under the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health convened a meeting today (August 4) to review the recent epidemiological data and corresponding prevention and control strategies for CF in Hong Kong. The SCVBD noted that the Government has already implemented a series of preventive measures against CF.
 
The consensus statement by the SCVBD provided a risk assessment for Hong Kong and recommended ongoing measures for the Government to mitigate the risk of CF imported cases and potential local transmission.
 
Risk assessment

CF is caused by the chikungunya virus and is mainly transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), CF cases have been recorded in more than 110 countries/regions. As of early June this year, over 220 000 cases had been reported in 14 countries/regions worldwide. Of these cases, about 80 were fatal. CF is endemic in parts of Asia, with concurrent circulation alongside dengue and Zika viruses. Since the end of June this year, there were over 7 000 cases recorded in Foshan City, Guangdong Province, with majority of cases occurring in Shunde District. All cases were mild, with no severe or fatal cases.
 
A total of one CF case has been recorded in Hong Kong this year, which is an imported case. No local cases have been recorded. Due to the increase in temperature and rainfall in summer, mosquito infestation might be aggravated in Hong Kong. In addition, members of the public travel more frequently during summer holidays to regions where mosquito-borne diseases are endemic. As a result, Hong Kong has a high risk of occurrence of importation of CF cases again, leading to the potential risk of local transmission.
 
Recommended measures

The SCVBD endorsed the following ongoing and corresponding preventive and control measures implemented by the Government:
 

• Enhanced Surveillance: maintain close monitoring of global and neighbouring regions’ CF situations, including keeping abreast of the latest situation of CF through the communicable disease notification mechanism between Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao. Continue to update doctors and hospitals on the latest epidemiological information and remind healthcare professionals to remain vigilant.
• Laboratory testing: enhance local testing capabilities to ensure rapid diagnosis of suspected cases.
• Vector surveillance and control: departments to collaborate with relevant sectors to strengthen vector surveillance and mosquito control during the summer. Pay attention to high risk spots and follow-up. The Government should also explore the latest development of mosquito control methods.
• Case investigation and control measures: conduct prompt epidemiological investigations and vector surveys upon case detection; arrange patients to be admitted to hospital to receive treatment in mosquito-free environments.
• Port health measures and travel advice: maintain inspections at boundary control points for vector control and environmental hygiene; maintain close liaison with industry stakeholders and provide health advice to them; strengthen health education for outgoing and returning travellers to affected areas.
• Risk communication and publicity: disseminate information on CF and preventive measures through different channels, and provide schools and institutions with guidance on anti-mosquito measures.
• Vaccine effectiveness monitoring: there is so far insufficient scientific evidence on efficacy and safety of existing CF vaccines. The Government should monitor the latest recommendations from the WHO and overseas health authorities.

 
The SCVBD affirmed that Hong Kong’s multi-pronged approach on emergency preparedness has effectively prevented local CF transmission to date. Sustained implementation of these measures is crucial to address the importation risk.
 
The consensus statement of the SCVBD has been uploaded to the CHP website.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The nomination period for the 2025 Election Committee (EC) Subsector By-elections, which began on July 22, ended at 5pm today (August 4). Along with the one nomination form received today, the Returning Officers for various subsectors received a total of 109 nomination forms by the close of nominations, of which 101 were related to vacancies of elected members to be filled, and eight were related to vacancies to be filled through supplementary nominations by designated bodies.

     The By-elections will fill a total of 93 vacancies in the membership of the EC to be returned by election involving 28 subsectors. The breakdown of nomination forms received for the relevant subsectors is set out below:
 

First Sector
Subsector	No. of nomination forms for candidates received today	Cumulative total
Catering	0	1
Commercial (first)	0	2
Commercial (second)	0	1
Commercial (third)	0	2
Employers’ Federation of Hong Kong	0	1
Hotel	0	1
Import and export	0	2
Industrial (first)	0	2
Industrial (second)	0	1
Real estate and construction	0	2
Small and medium enterprises	0	1
Tourism	0	1
Transport	0	1
Second Sector
Subsector	No. of nomination forms for candidates received today	Cumulative total
Architectural, surveying, planning and landscape	0	2
Chinese medicine	0	1
Education	0	2
Legal	0	1
Medical and health services	0	3
Sports, performing arts, culture and publication	0	1
Technology and innovation	0	6
Third Sector
Subsector	No. of nomination forms for candidates received today	Cumulative total
Agriculture and fisheries	0	1
Associations of Chinese fellow townsmen	0	7
Grassroots associations	0	8
Labour	0	3
Fourth Sector
Subsector	No. of nomination forms for candidates received today	Cumulative total
Heung Yee Kuk	1	6
Representatives of members of Area Committees, District Fight Crime Committees, and District Fire Safety Committees of Hong Kong and Kowloon	0	7
Representatives of members of Area Committees, District Fight Crime Committees, and District Fire Safety Committees of the New Territories	0	8
Fifth Sector
Subsector	No. of nomination forms for candidates received today	Cumulative total
Representatives of Hong Kong members of relevant national organisations	0	27
Total:	1	101

Besides, 10 vacancies involving five subsectors to be returned by nomination will be filled through supplementary nominations by designated bodies. The breakdown of nomination forms received for the relevant subsectors is set out below:
 

Accountancy
Designated body	No. of nomination forms received from designated bodies today	Cumulative total
Association of Hong Kong Accounting Advisors Limited	0	1 (3 nominees in total)
Sports, performing arts, culture and publication
Designated body	No. of nomination forms received from designated bodies today	Cumulative total
Sports Federation & Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China	0	1 (1 nominee in total)
Hong Kong Publishing Federation Limited	0	1 (1 nominee in total)
Technology and innovation
Designated body	No. of nomination forms received from designated bodies today	Cumulative total
The Greater Bay Area Association of Academicians	0	1 (1 nominee in total)
Religious
Designated body	No. of nomination forms received from designated bodies today	Cumulative total
Catholic Diocese of Hong Kong	0	1 (1 nominee in total)
Chinese Muslim Cultural and Fraternal Association	0	1 (1 nominee in total)
The Hong Kong Taoist Association	0	1 (2 nominees in total)
Representatives of associations of Hong Kong residents in the Mainland
Designated body	No. of nomination forms received from designated bodies today	Cumulative total
Hong Kong Chamber of Commerce in China—Guangdong	0	1 (1 nominee in total)
Total:	0	8 (11 nominees in total)

Particulars of the persons being nominated today will be uploaded to the election website (www.elections.gov.hk).

     The Returning Officers will determine the order of names of candidates for their respective subsectors to be appeared on ballot papers and the allocation of the designated spots for the display of election advertisements by drawing of lots at the Kowloon Park Sports Centre on August 12 (Tuesday). The Candidate Eligibility Review Committee will, within 14 days after the close of nominations, publish in the Gazette a notice of validly nominated candidates. If there is a contested election for a subsector, a poll for that subsector will be held on September 7, and the candidate numbers for the candidates concerned to be printed on ballot papers will also be published in the Gazette notice.

     The Electoral Affairs Commission (EAC) will hold a briefing session for candidates at the Queen Elizabeth Stadium on August 18 (Monday). The Chairman of the EAC, Mr Justice David Lok, will chair the briefing session and brief candidates on the guidelines on election-related activities and important points to note in running their election campaigns. A representative from the Independent Commission Against Corruption will explain the Elections (Corrupt and Illegal Conduct) Ordinance. A representative from Hongkong Post will explain the arrangements and requirements of the free postage service for election mail. Representatives from the Registration and Electoral Office and the Department of Justice will also be present.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Professor Sun Dong, attended the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Digital and AI Ministerial Meeting (DMM) in Incheon, Korea, today (August 4). Under this year’s theme “Digital and AI Transformation toward Prosperity and Sustainable Growth for All”, Professor Sun called for international collaboration to advocate for the safe and responsible adoption of digital and AI technologies, and foster innovation across the region. 
 
     In his speech at the thematic session “Facilitating Digital and AI Innovation to Address Challenges”, Professor Sun said that AI stands out as the defining force of the time. The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government has placed AI at the forefront of its strategic agenda and has made meticulous preparations to build the infrastructure and ecosystems needed to thrive in this AI-driven era, including the establishment of the AI Supercomputing Centre by Cyberport, two research clusters under the InnoHK platform, with one of which focusing on AI and robotics technologies and housing the Hong Kong Generative AI Research and Development Center, as well as the Hong Kong AI Research and Development Institute.
 
     Professor Sun also highlighted that Hong Kong is committed to enhancing public service excellence and promoting economic upgrading and transformation through digital strategies. Advanced digital infrastructures, such as “iAM Smart” and the “Digital Corporate Identity” platform, will accelerate the development of the digital economy in Hong Kong, delivering greater benefits to people and businesses.
 
     Speaking at another thematic session, “Creating a Safe and Trustworthy Digital and AI Ecosystem”, Professor Sun pointed out that the powerful capability of AI is a double-edged sword, and that a strategic, vigilant and responsible deployment of AI is imperative for all governments and organisations. Hong Kong has been closely working with professional international cybersecurity organisations to respond quickly and proactively to the latest cyber threats and attacks.
 
     He added that good governance is the cornerstone of a safe, responsible and trustworthy AI ecosystem. Hong Kong has developed in line with global best practices Hong Kong’s own Ethical Artificial Intelligence Framework and Generative Artificial Intelligence Technical and Application Guideline, to promote responsible and healthy development of AI technology, balancing its cutting-edge progress with accountability, accuracy and security. 
 
     Professor Sun called upon APEC member economies to combat cyber threats and harness AI’s full potential through mutual understanding and collaboration.
 
     In the joint ministerial statement adopted by the APEC DMM, the ministers recognised the need to address emerging opportunities and challenges in the rapidly evolving digital landscape, and reaffirmed their strong commitment to explore collaborative approaches to ensure the use of information and communications technology and digital innovations for the benefit of people and the entire Asia-Pacific region.
 
     During the ministerial meeting, Professor Sun had an in-depth exchange with the Meeting Chair and the Minister of Science and ICT, Republic of Korea, Mr Bae Kyunghoon, on how to promote co-operation between Hong Kong and Korea in technological innovation and information technology. He also had brief exchanges with the Deputy Prime Minister and the Minister of Digital Economy and Society of Thailand, Mr Prasert Jantararuangtong, and the Secretariat General of the Ministry of Communications and Digital Affairs of Indonesia, Mr Ismail Achmad.
 
     Before attending the DMM today, Professor Sun participated in a ministerial breakfast meeting on promoting AI adoption and empowerment. He also attended the ministers’ welcome reception of the APEC DMM in the evening.
 
     In addition, Professor Sun met with Vice Minister of Industry and Information Technology Mr Xiong Jijun at the venue. At the meeting, Professor Sun briefed Mr Xiong on the HKSAR Government’s plan and latest work on leading the development of the city’s innovation and technology industry and new industrialisation. They also discussed the latest progress in the implementation of 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 Ministry of Industry and Information Technology and the HKSAR Government in September last year.
 
     Professor Sun will continue his visit to Korea tomorrow (Aug 5).

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) today (August 4) said that no new confirmed chikungunya fever (CF) infection cases had been recorded as at 5pm today. The CHP will continue to strengthen its surveillance work in view of the recent CF case. Members of the public are advised to maintain strict environmental hygiene, mosquito control and personal protective measures both locally and when travelling outside Hong Kong. Avoiding mosquito bites and eliminating mosquito breeding sites are effective ways to prevent CF.

A total of one CF case has been recorded in Hong Kong this year, which is an imported case. From 2016 to 2019, between one and 11 CF cases were recorded in Hong Kong each year, all of which were imported cases.

The CHP’s Port Health Division has stepped up publicity and education efforts regarding CF at boundary control points, conducting more frequent inspections to ensure good environmental hygiene and effective implementation of anti-mosquito measures. Staff members today conducted inspection at MTR Lok Ma Chau Station and its vicinity with staff members of the MTR Corporation Limited and recommended anti-mosquito measures. In addition, staff members also conduct temperature screening for inbound travellers. Any travellers with fever or related symptoms will be assessed for their health condition and referred to hospitals for follow-up when necessary. The CHP also maintains close liaison with relevant stakeholders, such as airlines and the travel industry, to provide the latest disease information and health advice in a timely manner.

The Head of the Communicable Disease Branch of the CHP, Dr Albert Au, reminded members of the public that if they return from areas affected by mosquito-borne diseases, they should apply insect repellent for 14 days upon arrival in Hong Kong. Members of the public should closely observe their personal health condition, in particular symptoms such as fever, joint pain and rash. If they feel unwell, they should seek medical advice promptly and provide their travel details to the doctor for clinical diagnosis and arrange appropriate testing based on an individual patient’s condition. Members of the public are urged not to self-medicate, particularly with aspirin or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (such as ibuprofen), as these drugs may cause serious side effects, for example increasing the risk of haemorrhage.

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

The latest gravidtrap indices for Aedes albopictus in different survey areas are available on the department website at: www.fehd.gov.hk/english/pestcontrol/dengue_fever/Dengue_Fever_Ovitrap_Index_Update.html#.

The CHP will collaborate with the FEHD to hold an online live seminar on its Facebook page tomorrow (August 5) from 8pm to 8.30pm, to provide information and health advice on preventing mosquito bites and controlling mosquito breeding, as well as addressing related public enquiries. Members of the public are welcome to attend.

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

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

      Hongkong Post announced today (August 5) that due to the issuing of the Black Rainstorm Warning Signal, all post offices will be closed and delivery services will be suspended.

After withdrawal of the Black Rainstorm Warning Signal, the postal services will resume normal in two hours, if weather and conditions permit.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

In response to the recent spike in chikungunya fever (CF) cases in multiple regions worldwide, the Centre for Health Protection’s Scientific Committee on Vector-borne Diseases met today to review the recent epidemiological data and corresponding prevention and control strategies for CF in Hong Kong.

 

Hong Kong recently logged its first imported CF case this year, involving a 12-year-old boy who had travelled to Foshan, Guangdong.

 

The scientific committee said Hong Kong has a high risk of further imported CF cases, leading to the potential risk of local transmission.

 

Due to the high summer temperatures and rainfall, mosquito infestation are likely to be aggravated in Hong Kong, the committee explained, adding that citizens travel more frequently in the summer holiday period to regions where mosquito-borne diseases are endemic.

 

The committee stressed that the Government has rolled out preventive and control measures against CF, and it endorsed these in a consensus statement.

 

The measures include surveillance of global and neighbouring regions’ CF situations, enhancing local testing capabilities, and strengthening vector surveillance and mosquito control.

 

The committee also agreed that prompt epidemiological investigations and vector surveys are useful.

 

In relation to port health, the committee said it shared the Government’s view that inspections at boundary control points should be maintained, and that health education for outgoing and returning travellers should be strengthened.

 

It also agreed that information on CF should be provided through various channels, and the effectiveness of CF vaccines should be monitored.

 

The committee affirmed that Hong Kong’s multi-pronged approach on emergency preparedness has effectively prevented local CF transmission to date. It added that sustained implementation of these measures is crucial to address importation risks.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Attention TV/ radio announcers:
 
Please broadcast the following as soon as possible:
 
As the Black Rainstorm Warning Signal is in force, the Leisure and Cultural Services Department announced today (August 4) that all gazetted beaches under its management are temporarily closed. In accordance with the Bathing Beaches Regulation under the Public Health and Municipal Services Ordinance (Cap. 132, sub. leg. E), any failure to comply with the temporary closure arrangements is an offence and the offender will be liable to a maximum fine of $2,000 and imprisonment up to 14 days upon conviction.

Members of the public should stay away from the shoreline during inclement weather, and should not conduct any water sports activities on beaches to avoid causing danger to themselves and rescue personnel.

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

TECO Sydney was in full force today to welcome 12 incredibly outstanding participants of the OCAC’s “Taiwan Overseas Youth Engagement Program”! Each of them brought a wealth of international experience and internship backgrounds, along with a clear vision for their future. In addition to briefing them on the deliverables of work and challenges faced by our mission, we also shared concrete examples of what makes Taiwan a role model worthy of respect and emulation by other countries. We encouraged every participant to become a proud overseas ambassador for Taiwan.
The Q&A session that followed was lively and engaging, leaving us filled with confidence and inspiration from these shining hopes for Taiwan’s brighter future.