Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Public reminded to get vaccinated to protect against periodic upsurge of influenza and COVID-19 even though activity levels remain low at present Seasonal influenza ———————-
“The CHP’s latest surveillance data shows that the percentage of respiratory specimens that tested positive for seasonal influenza viruses last week (March 29 to April 4) was 2.17 per cent, slightly higher than the 2.08 per cent recorded in the previous week (March 22 to 28). During the same period, the influenza admission rate in public hospitals was 0.12 cases per 10 000 population, which was also slightly higher than the 0.11 cases per 10 000 population recorded in the previous week. The proportion of influenza B among positive respiratory specimens has gradually increased from approximately 6 per cent in late January to almost 50 per cent last week, overtaking influenza A (H3) as the predominant circulating strain. In recent months, influenza B has also become the predominant circulating influenza virus strain in many parts of the Northern Hemisphere. Besides, influenza activity in Guangdong province and Macao dropped to low levels in late February, but has recently shown a fluctuating upward trend,” the Controller of the CHP, Dr Edwin Tsui, said.
“Although the weather is gradually warming up, the recent long holiday has seen frequent population movements and a large number of people returning from overseas travel. Hence, fluctuations in influenza activity cannot be ruled out. The CHP will closely monitor the situation. Scientific studies show that this season’s SIV provides protection against both influenza A and B viruses. I would like to appeal again to everyone aged six months or above, except those with known contraindications, to get SIV as soon as possible if they have not yet done so, particularly high-risk groups such as the elderly, children, and adults with underlying illnesses or immunosuppression. In addition, those who were infected with influenza during the summer influenza season late last year but have not yet been vaccinated should also get vaccinated promptly to prevent other circulating virus strains,” Dr Tsui added.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Lands Department issues three pre-sale consents in first quarter of 2026
Expected year of completion The LandsD also issued six consents to assign in the first quarter, involving a total of 2 535 residential units in two developments in Tseung Kwan O and Wong Chuk Hang (each involving two phases), as well as two commercial units in two phased developments in Wong Chuk Hang and Tai Po respectively.
As at March 31, 2026, 29 applications for pre-sale consent for residential developments involving 9 954 residential units were being processed. Details are as follows:
Expected year of completion In addition, three applications for consent to assign involving 912 residential units and two non-residential units respectively as well as two applications for pre-sale consent for non-residential developments were being processed.
Members of the public can obtain up-to-date information on consents issued for the past quarter and cases pending approval by visiting the LandsD’s website (www.landsd.gov.hkIssued at HKT 17:17
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Interest rate of third interest payment for Silver Bond Series due 2027 According to the Issue Circular dated September 30, 2024 for the Bonds, the third interest payment of the Bonds is scheduled to be made on April 23, 2026, and the relevant interest rate is scheduled to be determined and announced on April 9, 2026 as the higher of the prevailing Floating Rate and Fixed Rate.
On April 9, 2026, the Floating Rate and Fixed Rate are as follows:
Floating Rate: +1.28 per cent (Annex) Fixed Rate: +4.00 per cent
Based on the Floating Rate and Fixed Rate set out above, the relevant interest rate for the third interest payment is determined and announced as 4.00 per cent per annum. Issued at HKT 17:15
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Hong Kong Customs seizes suspected counterfeit goods worth about $64 million in “Dawnbreaker” operation Through intelligence analysis and in-depth investigation, Customs detected a number of related cases at various local logistics companies. Customs officers identified about 20 logistics companies in the New Territories and carried out strike-and-search operations, seizing the suspected counterfeit goods, including watches, mobile phone accessories, bags, clothing and footwear.
After follow-up investigations, Customs believes that some of the suspected counterfeit goods would have been sold locally while the rest would have been re-exported to overseas destinations. Customs officers also organised two controlled delivery operations in respect of two batches of seized items. First, Customs officers on March 19 arrested a 56-year-old male consignee at a warehouse in Kwun Tong suspected of operating an online shopping group. Upon investigation, about 140 items of suspected counterfeit goods, including bags, belts and footwear, with an estimated value of about $36,000, were seized inside the warehouse. A 25-year-old female in charge of the shopping group was also arrested the following day.
Later, Customs officers on March 26 seized about 1 600 items of suspected counterfeit goods, including perfume and cosmetics, with an estimated market value of about $230,000, in a unit of an industrial building in Kwai Chung. A 36-year-old male director was arrested.
Investigations of the above-mentioned cases are ongoing. All arrested persons have been released on bail pending further investigation.
Customs appeals to consumers to purchase goods at reputable shops or websites to avoid buying counterfeit goods. Practitioners in the logistics industry should also comply with the requirements of the Trade Descriptions Ordinance (TDO) and should check with the trademark owners or authorised agents if the authenticity of a product is in doubt. Traders should also be cautious and prudent in merchandising since selling counterfeit goods is a serious crime, and offenders are liable to criminal sanctions.
Customs will continue to step up inspections and conduct intelligence-led enforcement to vigorously combat different types of counterfeit and infringing goods activities.
Under the TDO, any person who imports or exports or sells or possesses for sale any goods to which a forged trademark is applied commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $500,000 and imprisonment for five years.
Members of the public may report any suspected counterfeiting activities to Customs’ 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hkIssued at HKT 17:11
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
FEHD releases seventh batch of gravidtrap indexes for Aedes albopictus in March
District Among the seventh batch of Area Gravidtrap Indexes covering 15 survey areas in March, all were below 10 per cent.
The FEHD has so far released seven batches of gravidtrap indexes for Aedes albopictus in March 2026, covering 62 survey areas. Among these 62 survey areas, 37 recorded a decrease or remained unchanged as compared to the Area Gravidtrap Index last month (i.e. February 2026), representing that the areas’ mosquito infestation improved or maintained a low level. Twenty-five other areas recorded a slight increase, but the indexes were lower than 10 per cent. Starting in August 2025, following the completion of the surveillance of individual survey areas, and once the latest gravidtrap index and the density index are available, the FEHD has been disseminating relevant information through press releases, its website and social media. It aims to allow members of the public to quickly grasp the mosquito infestation situation and strengthen mosquito control efforts, thereby reducing the risk of chikungunya fever (CF) transmission.
Following recommendations from the World Health Organization and taking into account the local situation in Hong Kong, the FEHD sets up gravidtraps in districts where mosquito-borne diseases have been recorded in the past, as well as in densely populated places such as housing estates, hospitals and schools to monitor the breeding and distribution of Aedes albopictus mosquitoes, which can transmit CF and dengue fever. At present, the FEHD has set up gravidtraps in 62 survey areas of the community, with a surveillance period of two weeks. During the surveillance period, the FEHD will collect the gravidtraps once a week. After the first week of surveillance, the FEHD will immediately examine the glue boards inside the retrieved gravidtraps for the presence of adult Aedine mosquitoes to compile the Gravidtrap Index (First Phase) and Density Index (First Phase). At the end of the second week of surveillance, the FEHD will instantly check the glue boards for the presence of adult Aedine mosquitoes. Data from the two weeks of surveillance will be combined to obtain the Area Gravidtrap Index and the Area Density Index. The gravidtrap and density indexes for Aedes albopictus in different survey areas, as well as information on mosquito prevention and control measures, are available on the department’s webpage (www.fehd.gov.hk/english/pestcontrol/dengue_fever/Dengue_Fever_Gravidtrap_Index_Update.html# Issued at HKT 17:00
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The third Chinese Culture Festival (CCF) 2026 will be held from June to September. This year, under the theme “Legends”, it will showcase a diverse array of programmes centred on Chinese legends and folklore, with a particular focus on the culture of the Sui-Tang dynasties, and the charm of the ancient capital Luoyang. The programmes will reinterpret the essence of Chinese culture through a contemporary lens and language, while presenting the innovative vitality of Chinese culture.
Featuring distinguished artists and top-tier performing troupes from the Chinese Mainland and Hong Kong, the Festival will present more than 280 distinctive stage programmes and related extension activities, film screenings, thematic exhibitions, talks, workshops, as well as community and school activities. ——————————————————————– The opening programme of this year’s CCF is the dance drama “Lady White Snake”, produced by the Shanghai Grand Theatre. With internationally renowned ballet artist Tan YuanYuan serving as artistic director, the production brings together top-tier artists from various disciplines, forming a “dream team” with popular Chinese Mainland dancers and overseas Chinese dance stars. Through a creative vocabulary that seamlessly blends ballet and Chinese dance, the production reinterprets a journey of self-exploration and discovery. The work retains classic scenes from “The Legend of the White Snake” such as “Borrowing the Umbrella on the West Lake” and “Flooding of Jinshan Temple”, while employing Chinese cultural symbols like the great bell and the square and circle to construct an oriental stage aesthetic, forging resonance between the millennia-old legend and contemporary sensibilities.——————————— The Chinese Opera Festival (COF), a core component of the CCF, adopts the theme “Righteousness and Loyalty in Chinese Opera” this year, presenting a selection of classic plays of legendary tales from various opera genres that honour the enduring spirit of loyalty and righteousness. ——————————————- The Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) and the Bauhinia Culture Group will co-present two outstanding “Chinese Performing Arts Hong Kong Season” Series stage productions. The drama “The Code of The Dynasty”, a Chinese-style suspense drama produced by the Shanghai Dramatic Arts Centre, meticulously recreates Song dynasty costumes, architecture and various ICH performance forms, inviting audiences to uncover a treacherous murder mystery in the Song capital of Bianjing. The Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps Acrobatic Troupe’s acrobatic drama “Acrobatic Spectacle of Ancient Tang” revives the splendour of the Tang golden age through classic acrobatic feats such as flag spinning, plate spinning and bowls kicking on unicycles.———————————— The Hong Kong Film Archive presents several thematic film series, including “Journeys to the West: Cinematic Dialogues Across Time”, with the premieres of the newly 4K digitally restored versions of “A Chinese Odyssey Part One – Pandora’s Box” (1995) and “A Chinese Odyssey Part Two – Cinderella” (1995); “Realising Art in Social Realism: The Miracle of Union Film” and “Gems of Chinese Opera Film”. “Legacy and Vision: Conversations with Chinese Cultural Masters” lecture series organised by the HKL&A invites leading experts from various cultural and artistic fields to promote traditional culture through diverse topics.————————————- The “Hong Kong Jockey Club Series: Prosperity and Magnificence – Civilisation of the Sui and Tang Dynasties in Shaanxi Province” exhibition, jointly presented by the LCSD and the Shaanxi Provincial Cultural Heritage Administration, will feature a selection of over 165 pieces/sets of artefacts from Shaanxi and Hong Kong. The exhibition offers visitors a glimpse into the splendour of the Sui and Tang dynasties, while also unveiling the commercial and military ties with Hong Kong during the era. The HKL&A will organise two exhibitions: “Heluo Culture Bonds Hong Kong” Exhibition and “Echoes of the Sui & Tang: Ancient Attire and Modern Design” Exhibition. Featuring cultural relics, dynamic ICH demonstrations, reconstructed Sui-Tang attire and cross-disciplinary contemporary design, the exhibitions showcase the enduring vitality of Heluo culture and Sui-Tang aesthetics.
On the afternoon of April 8, President Lai Ching-te met with a delegation led by United States Senator Jim Banks. In remarks, President Lai thanked Senator Banks and the 36 other bipartisan members of the US Congress who jointly signed a letter regarding Taiwan’s special defense budget and expressed support for the strengthening of Taiwan’s national defense. President Lai stated that while Taiwan is a peace-loving nation, only through strength can peace be ensured. He added that Taiwan is open to exchanges, but no exchanges should be conducted at the expense of its democracy, freedom, or national interests. Noting that April 10 marks the 47th anniversary of the Taiwan Relations Act, the president said that Taiwan will continue to move forward side by side with the US and like-minded partners to make democracy more resilient and peace more secure, creating a safer and more prosperous future for the next generation.
A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows:
First, on behalf of the people of Taiwan, I sincerely welcome Senator Banks on this visit. I would also like to thank him for his longstanding, firm support for Taiwan. His presence here, especially at this critical moment, demonstrates powerful, concrete support for our nation. Over many years, Senator Banks has paid close heed to the security situation in the Indo-Pacific. During his time in the House of Representatives, he introduced numerous pieces of legislation, including the Taiwan Peace through Strength Act and the Taiwan Weapons Exports Act. Through these actions, he has demonstrated strong support for Taiwan-US security cooperation and the enhancement of Taiwan’s self-defense capabilities. For this, I also extend heartfelt gratitude.
Taiwan’s 2026 annual defense budget, as defined by NATO, has surpassed 3 percent of GDP. This figure is expected to increase to 5 percent of GDP by 2030. Our government has also proposed an eight-year, US$40 billion special defense budget. I would like to thank Senator Banks and the 36 other bipartisan members of Congress who jointly signed a letter regarding this special defense budget in February. The letter underlined China’s threats toward Taiwan and expressed clear support for Taiwan’s efforts to strengthen its national defense capabilities.
This letter conveyed a very important message – Taiwan is not alone in facing authoritarian expansion and regional security challenges, and we are backed by like-minded partners. Even more importantly, we must also demonstrate the resolve to defend ourselves, maintain stability across the Taiwan Strait, and ensure peace throughout the Indo-Pacific. I hope that members of the Legislative Yuan, regardless of party affiliation, will support the government’s comprehensive special defense budget and be our military’s strongest backers. Together, we can show the international community that Taiwan is determined to continue strengthening its self-defense capabilities and fulfill the responsibility of maintaining regional security.
I want to emphasize that Taiwan is a peace-loving nation. But only through strength can peace be ensured. Taiwan is open to exchanges, but no exchanges should be conducted at the expense of our democracy, freedom, or national interests. This year marks 30 years of direct presidential elections in Taiwan. Three decades ago, we faced the threat of missiles from China. Yet the people of Taiwan did not back down; instead, they resolutely cast their votes. Thirty years on, we are determined to continue upholding the values of freedom and democracy and safeguard Taiwan’s hard-won achievements as a democratic and prosperous nation.
We will not forget how the US took concrete action to safeguard regional peace and stability during the 1996 Taiwan Strait Crisis. And this Friday, April 10, marks the 47th anniversary of the Taiwan Relations Act. Through our joint efforts, Taiwan and the US have become crucial partners in defense and security, trade and economic exchanges, technological development, and upholding regional peace and stability. We look forward to even more exchanges and cooperation in the future.
I once again thank Senator Banks for visiting Taiwan at this meaningful time, as well as for supporting legislation in Congress regarding Taiwan-US double taxation. A resolution to this issue will greatly enhance our economic and trade partnership. Taiwan will continue moving forward side by side with the US and all like-minded partners as we work to make democracy more resilient and peace more secure, creating a safer and more prosperous future for the next generation .
Senator Banks then delivered remarks, stating that it is an honor to meet with President Lai and to visit Taiwan for the first time. He said that Taiwan is a great country that is proud of its democracy and freedom, and that the most important purpose of his visit is to reiterate that the US always has and always will stand with Taiwan. Senator Banks then expressed his appreciation for President Lai’s leadership, saying that both President Lai and US President Donald Trump are great leaders who are clear-eyed about the threats we face, not just from communist China, but from around the world.
Senator Banks stated that no matter how hard the Chinese Communist Party tries, the world will always know the truth. He continued on to say that Taiwan is important because of its democratic legacy, that Taiwan is essential to the modern global economy and our shared prosperity, and that Taiwan is an indispensable partner for a free and open Indo-Pacific.
The senator indicated that President Trump and President Lai have worked hard to make US-Taiwan relationships and partnerships advance to new heights. He then cited several examples, noting that December 2025 saw the largest US arms sale to Taiwan in history, and that the two sides signed an MOU on investment in January 2026 promoting US$250 billion of Taiwanese investment in the US, including another US$250 billion in credit guarantees. He added that in February 2026, the US-Taiwan Agreement on Reciprocal Trade opened market access and cut tariffs, noting that this was directly due to President Lai’s leadership.
Senator Banks went on to say that his home state of Indiana has benefited greatly from the Taiwan-US trade relationship, and that Taiwan and Indiana have reached US$1.4 billion in trade. He also noted that Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company is making critical investments in the workforce of the future at Purdue University. As Taiwan invests more in America, he said, there is no better place to invest in than Indiana.
On the topic of security, Senator Banks pointed out that President Trump is advocating for a US$1.5 trillion defense budget, marking a substantial increase in defense spending in the US, and that President Lai is also providing leadership to grow defense spending to keep Taiwan’s people safe. However, he added, the Legislative Yuan must do its part and pass the special defense budget, which will be a signal to China and to the rest of the world that Taiwan is serious about peace through strength.
Senator Banks said that he has enjoyed his first trip to Taiwan, and has enjoyed Taiwan’s food, has made great new friends, and looks forward to coming back. He added that the American-Taiwanese friendship will last forever, and that he looks forward to playing a big role in that friendship.
The senator indicated that Indianapolis, the capital city of Indiana, is a sister city to Taipei. He then expressed hope that he will be able to host President Lai in Indianapolis on his next visit to the US. Senator Banks closed his remarks by stating that he looks forward to further discussion with President Lai, as well as sharing what he learned during his visit with his colleagues in Washington, DC.
The delegation was accompanied to the Presidential Office by American Institute in Taiwan Taipei Office Director Raymond Greene.
Claude Gambey, membre du gouvernement chargé de la santé, a participé au One Health Summit organisé du 5 au 7 avril 2026 à Lyon. Ce rendez-vous international d’ampleur a réuni les dirigeants et scientifiques du monde entier pour explorer les liens indissociables entre santé humaine, animale et environnementale.
One Health : une approche basée sur les interconnections et les interdépendances
L’approche One Health repose sur un constat : les santés des humains, des animaux et des écosystèmes sont interdépendantes. Elle vise à mieux coordonner les politiques publiques pour répondre aux enjeux sanitaires, alimentaires et environnementaux.
Les crises récentes, notamment la pandémie de Covid-19, ont mis en évidence la nécessité de réponses collectives, fondées sur la science, la prévention et la coopération internationale. Dans ce contexte, One Health s’impose comme un cadre d’action pour anticiper et limiter les risques sanitaires.
Un sommet pour accélérer la mise en place de cette approche
Ce sommet interdisciplinaire a rassemblé entre autres, les acteurs clés des secteurs public et privé, le milieu universitaire, les organisations internationales, les bailleurs internationaux, les collectivités territoriales, la société civile et la jeunesse autour d’un objectif commun : accélérer la mise en œuvre de l’approche One Health.
Il s’est basé sur une série d’objectifs, à savoir :
favoriser le dialogue entre États, scientifiques et acteurs de terrain pour renforcer la coordination internationale ;
repenser le cadre institutionnel mondial en santé pour favoriser l’approche One Health ;
mobiliser les acteurs publics et privés autour d’actions concrètes ;
renforcer les systèmes de surveillance et de prévention.
Les travaux ont porté sur quatre thématiques couvrant les principaux facteurs de maladies :
les résistances antimicrobiennes ;
les systèmes alimentaires durables ;
les expositions aux pollutions ;
les réservoirs zoonotiques et vecteurs.
Après trois jours de travaux, le sommet a permis d’arrêter un agenda politique international autour de plusieurs thématiques situées aux points de convergence des différentes santés :
la menace que représentent les maladies vectorielles comme la dengue ou le chikungunya ;
la lutte contre la résistance aux antimicrobiens (RAM) ;
les systèmes alimentaires durables ;
la pollution environnementale, notamment plastique.
La Nouvelle-Calédonie déjà ancrée dans l’approche One Health
L’approche One Health s’accorde totalement avec la ligne adoptée par la Nouvelle-Calédonie et notamment par le plan de santé publique « Do Kamo, être épanoui », mais également avec le concept de « Healthy Island » porté par les ministres de la santé du Pacifique. Plusieurs initiatives déjà lancées sur le territoire répondent aux thématiques arrêtées à l’issue du sommet de Lyon.
La mise en œuvre du programme Wolbachia (avec le soutien du World Mosquito Program) dans le Grand Nouméa en est un exemple. Il a permis de réduire considérablement la transmission de la dengue dans les communes concernées. En cinq ans, ce programme a permis à la Nouvelle-Calédonie d’économiser environ 8 milliards de francs en dépenses de santé.
Les travaux menés par le centre hospitalier territorial (CHT) et l’Institut pasteur sur la résistance antibiotique témoignent également de l’avance prise par la Nouvelle-Calédonie sur ces sujets.
Enfin, le développement du programme « Réussir, être bien, être ensemble » (REBEE) en est un autre exemple. Initié en partenariat avec le docteur Didier Jourdan, porteur de la Chaire UNESCO « EducationS et Santé », il vise à l’apprentissage chez l’enfant :
des connaissances sur le corps et la santé ; de la capacité à prendre soin d’eux-mêmes et des autres ;
des compétences personnelles, sociales et civiques comme le respect de soi et des autres, la capacité à construire son opinion personnelle et à s’affirmer de manière constructive ;
des connaissances sur l’environnement physique et numérique à l’échelle du territoire, de l’espace océanien et du monde.
« Cette nouvelle façon de penser la santé permet de sortir du tout médical et nous rassure sur le fait que la trajectoire prise avec le plan Do Kamo est la bonne, a indiqué le membre du gouvernement. J’ai trouvé néanmoins que la question de la santé mentale n’a pas été assez abordée lors de ce sommet. Les derniers résultats du Baromètre santé jeune montrent que le problème n’est pas à prendre à la légère en Nouvelle-Calédonie et qu’il doit faire partie de nos priorités ».
La Nouvelle-Calédonie candidate pour accueillir la réunion des ministres de santé du Pacifique
La participation de la Nouvelle-Calédonie au One Health Summit a également été l’occasion de confirmer auprès de l’Organisation mondiale de la santé (OMS) sa volonté d’accueillir la prochaine réunion des ministres de la santé du Pacifique.
Les événements de ce type participent au rayonnement de la Nouvelle-Calédonie dans la région en la positionnant comme acteur incontournable du développement de la santé à l’échelle du Pacifique. Ils représentent également des opportunités à saisir pour le rayonnement et l’attractivité de la Nouvelle-Calédonie.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department today (April 8) instructed the trade to suspend the import of raw oysters from French brand Josephine produced and packed between March 5 and 25, 2026. The trade should also immediately stop using or selling the batches of the product concerned produced and packed during this period should they possess any of them.
A spokesman for the CFS said, “The CFS received a notification from the Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed of the European Commission on suspected gastroenteritis cases in the Netherlands that may be related to consumption of raw oysters from French brand Josephine produced and packed between March 5 and 25, 2026. For the sake of prudence, the CFS has immediately instructed the trade to temporarily suspend the import into and sale within Hong Kong of the raw oysters concerned. As a precautionary measure, the brand concerned has voluntarily removed from shelves the raw oysters concerned. So far, the CFS has not received any referral cases of food poisoning or food complaint related to ingestion of the raw oysters concerned.”
The spokesman said the trade should also stop selling the raw oysters from French brand Josephine produced and packed during the above-mentioned period if they possess them. The CFS has also stepped up the collection of raw oyster samples for testing.
The spokesman pointed out that as oysters feed by filtering a large volume of seawater, pathogens can accumulate in them if they are grown in or harvested from contaminated water. Raw or partially cooked oysters are high-risk foods. Susceptible groups, such as pregnant women, young children, the elderly and people with weakened immune systems or liver diseases, should avoid eating raw oysters.
The CFS has informed the French authorities and also notified the local trade. It will continue to follow up on the incident and take appropriate action to safeguard food safety and public health. An investigation is ongoing.
The ongoing Middle East conflict has impacted global fuel supply chains, underscoring the importance of energy resilience for Singapore. In his video message on the situation in the Middle East on 2 April 2026, Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Lawrence Wong called for businesses and households to do their part to conserve energy and contribute towards Singapore’s energy resilience. The Government is taking the lead in this national energy conservation effort and will continue to provide support to help save energy.
Public Sector Takes the Lead
2 All Ministries, Departments, Organs of State and Statutory Boards have been directed to adopt energy conservation measures to reduce electricity consumption across government facilities where practicable, while balancing operational needs.
3 These include immediate measures, if not already practised, such as implementing Go 25 measures[1] for air-conditioning, active management of operating times for air-conditioning, lighting and lifts, and unplugging or turning off non-essential equipment and appliances when not in use. Agencies will also accelerate the installation of energy-efficient systems such as LED lighting and smart sensors and replace electrical equipment with more energy-efficient alternatives, such as those with the highest tick ratings.
4 All public officers are also advised to practise energy conservation habits such as switching off lights, air-conditioning, monitors and other electrical equipment when not in use.
5 These measures complement existing requirements under GreenGov.SG and demonstrate the Government’s commitment to lead by example in national energy conservation efforts.
Five simple steps everyone can take to conserve energy
6 The Government is calling on businesses, households and individuals to take five simple steps to save energy and resources:
Stay cool with fans. Use a fan to stay comfortable.
Go 25. Set air-conditioning temperature to 25°C or higher. Each degree raised reduces energy needs by around 10%. Or switch to a fan after using air conditioning for a short while.
Switch off appliances at the power socket when not in use. Devices like TVs, routers and computers on “standby” still consume power when plugged in. Switching off at the power socket avoids unnecessary energy use.
Choose energy-efficient appliances. Choose appliances with higher tick ratings as they use less electricity, saving its users money over time.
Choose greener commutes. Walk, Cycle and Ride public transport to reduce fuel and energy consumption.
Government Support to Help Save Energy
7 Households and businesses can tap on support measures from the Government to make the switch to more energy efficient appliances and equipment:
Eligible households can claim up to $400 in Climate Vouchersunder the enhanced Climate Friendly Households Programme (CFHP) to purchase more energy-efficient household appliances.
Businesses can tap on schemes, like the Energy Efficiency Grant (EEG) and Resource Efficiency Grant for Emissions (REG(E)) to help them invest in energy-efficient equipment and reduce operational costs.
A Whole-of-Nation Effort
8 Everyone has a part to play in strengthening our nation’s energy resilience. Through collective action, we can help ensure Singapore remains well-positioned to navigate global energy challenges while building a more sustainable future for all.
[1] Go25 measures refer to adjusting the air-conditioning temperature settings to maintain ambient indoor air temperature at 25°C or higher. See Singapore Green Buildings Council’s website for more details: Go 25 | Green Buildings SG