Category: MIL-OSI

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

President Lai confers decoration on former Czech Parliament Chamber of Deputies Speaker Markéta Pekarová Adamová
On the afternoon of January 20, President Lai Ching-te conferred the Order of Brilliant Star with Special Grand Cordon upon Markéta Pekarová Adamová, former speaker of the Chamber of Deputies of the Parliament of the Czech Republic, in recognition of her long-term, outstanding contributions to deepening the friendship between Taiwan and the Czech Republic. In remarks, President Lai indicated that in recent years, cooperation between Taiwan and the Czech Republic in trade, investment, technology, and aviation has continued to deepen, demonstrating that the Taiwan-Czech partnership is not only built on shared values, but also has substantial and long-term economic potential. The president expressed hope that both sides will create more opportunities for cooperation and write new chapters in the deep friendship between Taiwan and the Czech Republic as it continues to grow.
A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows:
Firstly, on behalf of the people of Taiwan, I would like to extend a warm welcome to our dear friend former Speaker Adamová on her return to Taiwan. It was also a great honor for me just now to confer the Order of Brilliant Star with Special Grand Cordon upon her on behalf of our government to thank her for her outstanding contributions to deepening the friendship between Taiwan and the Czech Republic over the years.
I remember the determination then-Speaker Adamová showed three years ago when she led a delegation of more than 160 people to Taiwan, despite facing great external pressure. The visit marked a new milestone in bilateral relations. Speaking during the trip, she emphasized that Taiwan and the Czech Republic were in the same boat. Today, her words still resonate throughout Taiwanese society.
In 2023, then-Speaker Adamová and I visited the Net Zero City Expo together. On that occasion, I cited her remarks, saying that Taiwan and the Czech Republic stand together now and will continue to stand together in any circumstance. Our meeting today at the Presidential Office serves as further proof that the friendship between Taiwan and the Czech Republic has endured over time and distance, growing ever stronger and deeper.
Former Speaker Adamová has long spoken up courageously on the international stage for peace in the Taiwan Strait and for Indo-Pacific security. Within the Czech parliament, she actively championed resolutions in support of Taiwan and our participation in international organizations. She also personally facilitated an exhibition by the National Palace Museum in the Czech Republic. These actions were all concrete demonstrations of solidarity with Taiwan, which our people will always cherish.
In recent years, cooperation between Taiwan and the Czech Republic in trade, investment, and technology has continued to deepen. We have signed numerous MOUs that are steadily yielding positive results. An increasing number of Taiwanese enterprises are expanding their investments in the Czech Republic, and collaboration in aviation and industry continues to strengthen. These achievements demonstrate that the Taiwan-Czech partnership is not only built on shared values, but also has substantial and long-term economic potential. Looking ahead, Taiwan will continue to work with the Czech Republic to create more opportunities for cooperation and write new chapters in our deep friendship as it continues to grow.
I would also like to touch upon former Speaker Adamová’s book, Nejsem z cukru ani ze železa (Made of Neither Sugar nor Iron), published last October. In it, she notes that exchanges between democracies and Taiwan are not designed to provoke China, but rather to fulfill a commitment to democracy and freedom. I am deeply touched by her conviction that democratic countries will not let Taiwan stand alone.
Although she is taking a step back from politics for now, I am confident that former Speaker Adamová will continue to be a key driving force behind Taiwan-Czech cooperation. I want to emphasize once again that Taiwan stands with the Czech Republic and all our democratic partners both now and in the future, and will continue to do so in any circumstance. In closing, I again welcome former Speaker Adamová to Taiwan and wish her a pleasant and productive stay.
Former Speaker Adamová then delivered remarks, saying that it is a great honor for her to receive the Order of Brilliant Star with Special Grand Cordon from President Lai, and that she accepts it with deep gratitude and great respect for Taiwan and its people.
Former Speaker Adamová stated that she comes from Czechia, a nation that knows from its own history how precious freedom is, and how important it is to defend democracy, human rights, and the right of every country to choose its own future. She said that this is why Taiwan holds a very special place in the hearts of the Czech people, who recognize in Taiwan a partner who shares their values, courage, and belief in an open and peaceful world.
The former speaker went on to say that Taiwan is an extraordinary country that is strong, innovative, and resilient, but also open, kind, and deeply human. She said that everywhere she goes in Taiwan, she feels the warmth, dignity, and determination of the Taiwanese people. Taiwan’s society, she said, proves that democracy can flourish even in challenging times, and that freedom is strongest when it is supported by responsibility and mutual respect. She then expressed her sincere support for Taiwan and its peaceful future, and stated that Taiwan deserves to live in security, dignity, and prosperity, free to shape its own destiny and contribute fully to the global community.
Former Speaker Adamová stated that the decoration she received is not only a great personal honor for her, but also a symbol of friendship between Taiwan and Czechia, and a commitment to continue building bridges between our countries, our cultures, and our people. To close, she thanked President Lai once again for the extraordinary honor, and expressed hope that Taiwan will continue to thrive in peace, freedom, and confidence.
Also in attendance at the ceremony were Representative of the Czech Economic and Cultural Office David Steinke and Head of the Taiwan Office of the European Values Center for Security Policy Marcin Mateusz Jerzewski.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Financial Secretary Paul Chan fulfilled various engagements on day two of the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland yesterday, as he promoted Hong Kong’s advantages and opportunities.

In the morning, Mr Chan attended a Special Address delivered by State Council Vice Premier He Lifeng.

Mr Chan also attended a breakfast meeting hosted by digital asset company Animoca Brands, where he engaged in discussions with leaders from the financial and innovation sectors on how blockchain applications, including tokenised assets and genomic data analytics, are driving transformation and development in capital markets.

The finance chief said that, as an international financial centre, Hong Kong has adopted a proactive yet prudent approach to the development of digital assets and follows the principle of “same activity, same risk, same regulation” to promote responsible and sustainable market development.

Explaining that a licensing regime for stablecoins is expected to be launched later this year, he highlighted the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government’s leadership role in promoting tokenisation, including the issuance of three batches of tokenised green bonds amounting to around US$2.1 billion. In addition, he said, regulatory sandboxes have been introduced to encourage the development of innovative applications.

Later in the day, Mr Chan met a number of officials from different economies and regional organisations to exchange views on the global political and economic landscape, ways of strengthening collaboration on trade, finance, industrial development and digital transformation, and other issues of mutual concern.

These officials included Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Ekniti Nitithanprapas, Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, Egypt’s Minister of Investment & Foreign Trade Hassan El Khatib; and Switzerland’s State Secretary for International Finance at the Federal Department of Finance Daniela Stoffel.

In addition, Mr Chan met World Trade Organization Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala to exchange views on the current and future international trade landscape.

His engagements for the day also included a meeting with Founder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of technology investment firm Vista Equity Partners Robert Smith.

At the meeting, Mr Chan learnt about developments in the firm’s software and data businesses, and encouraged Mr Smith to consider expanding the company’s presence in Hong Kong.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) today (January 20) reminded all female Hong Kong residents born between 2004 and 2008 who have not completed their human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination to promptly receive free HPV vaccination at designated venues. Besides, women aged 25 to 64 who have had sexual experience should undergo regular cervical screenings. Through “early prevention, early detection and early treatment”, they can reduce their risk of developing cervical cancer, which is one of the 10 most common cancers and a leading cause of cancer deaths among women in Hong Kong.
 
HPV vaccination
———————-

     “HPV vaccination is among the most effective measures for cervical cancer prevention, especially for females who have never been exposed to HPV infection, i.e. before their first sexual encounter. Since the 2019/20 school year, the DH has been providing free HPV vaccinations to eligible Primary schoolgirls under the Hong Kong Childhood Immunisation Programme, and a high vaccination rate of over 90 per cent has been maintained in recent years. This significantly lowers the risk of cervical cancer in Hong Kong females,” the Controller of the CHP, Dr Edwin Tsui said.
      
     The DH launched a one-off HPV Vaccination Catch-up Programme (Catch-up Programme) in December 2024, offering free catch-up vaccinations to female Hong Kong residents born between 2004 and 2008 who have not completed their HPV vaccination. Under the Catch-up Programme, each eligible person can receive two doses of free vaccination, while immunocompromised persons have to receive three doses of vaccination (all three doses are free of charge).
      
     “The Catch-up Programme is implemented in three phases. With the support of secondary schools and post-secondary institutions, the estimated first-dose HPV vaccine coverage rates of eligible secondary schoolgirls and post-secondary institutions female students in the first two phases were 85 per cent and 68 per cent respectively (Note: These figures combine doses administered under the Catch-up Programme and self-arranged vaccinations). The final phrase of the Catch-up Programme has commenced in June last year, targeting female Hong Kong residents born between 2004 and 2008 who have completed their studies in Hong Kong. The estimated coverage is about 55 per cent within half a year. Overall, approximately 50 000 doses of vaccine have been administrated so far under the Catch-up Programme. Although the estimated overall coverage across all three phases has exceeded 60 per cent at present, I do not want ‘anyone to be left behind’. The CHP has issued a letter to post-secondary institutions again to urge them to assist in encouraging eligible students to get vaccinated as soon as possible. Through the Primary Healthcare Commission (PHCC), the CHP has also urged family doctors to assist in encouraging eligible working female to receive HPV vaccination,” Dr Tsui said.
      
     Female Hong Kong residents born between 2004 and 2008 who have not completed their HPV vaccination only need to register with eHealth, and can schedule an appointment through the website or by calling 2855 1333 to receive a free HPV vaccination at Women Wellness Satellites (WWSs) or designated District Health Centres (DHCs)/DHC Expresses (DHCEs) under the PHCC of the Health Bureau. Females enrolled in local secondary schools or post-secondary institutions can contact their student affairs offices for details.
      
     “The one-off Catch-up Programme lasting approximately for two years offers free HPV vaccination. Details can be found on the DH’s website. Eligible female Hong Kong residents who do not participate in the Catch-up Programme will need to pay for vaccinations out-of-pocket in future. The cost of vaccination may exceed $1,200 per dose,” Dr Tsui remarked.
 
Cervical screening
———————–
 
     “Beyond vaccination, regular screening serves as another line of defence. Most cervical cancers are caused by persistent infection with high-risk HPV and infection with HPV or early stages of cervical cancer may not have any noticeable symptoms. In 2023, 576 new cases of cervical cancer were diagnosed, accounting for 3.0 per cent of all new cancer cases in females. Cervical cancer was the seventh most common cancer among females in Hong Kong. In 2024, a total of 160 women died from cervical cancer, accounting for 2.5 per cent of female cancer deaths. Over the past decade, the age-standardised mortality rate for cervical cancer has remained largely stable after adjusting for population age structure, reflecting the achievements of screening and treatment advancements. However, the age-standardised incidence rate of cervical cancer has shown a slight upward trend in recent years, indicating that the threat of cervical cancer to women’s health should not be underestimated. Therefore, I urge women aged 25 to 64 who have had sexual experience to undergo regular cervical screening in order to promptly detect and treat early cervical pre-cancerous changes, thereby preventing cervical cancer and improving cure rates,” Dr Tsui said.
      
     The DH has implemented the Cervical Screening Programme since 2004. Cervical screening services are available at Maternal and Child Health Centres (MCHCs) of the DH, WWSs, as well as through non-governmental organisations and private healthcare providers. Common screening methods include HPV testing and/or a cytology examination (also called a cervical smear or pap smear) performed by healthcare professionals. The World Health Organization (WHO) has also recommended vaginal self-sampling for HPV testing as another reliable method for cervical screening. The latest Health Behaviour Survey of the DH revealed that about 50 per cent of eligible women had ever had cervical screening. The DH has been working closely with healthcare professionals to enhance the promotion of cervical screening through general education and clinical consultation, and to understand the barriers of the public to accept the screening. To echo WHO’s advice, starting in 2024, the DH initiated HPV testing of self-collected samples at 11 MCHCs to study the feasibility and acceptability of vaginal HPV self-sampling locally. Moreover, HPV testing of self-collected samples is planned to be rolled out in WWSs in the first quarter of 2026. Details will be announced later on the WWS’s website.
      
     It is important to note that there is currently insufficient scientific evidence in Hong Kong or internationally to support the use of self-collected menstrual blood or urine samples for cervical screenings. The DH will continue to review the latest scientific evidence.
      
     Women who wish to receive a cervical screening at MCHCs can schedule an appointment through the 24-hour hotline at 3166 6631, or contact WWSs via its website or 18 DHCs/DHCEs (website) for personalised primary healthcare services for women including cervical cancer screening. For further information on cervical cancer and screenings, please visit the DH’s website.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     ​The Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, arrived in Davos, Switzerland yesterday (January 19, Davos time) and immediately commenced his programme at the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting.

     In the afternoon, Mr Chan met with the Minister of Economy of the Sultanate of Oman (Oman), H.E. Dr Said Mohammed Al-Saqri. During the meeting, the two sides discussed ways to deepen mutually beneficial cooperation in areas such as finance, trade, green transformation and industrial development.

     Mr Chan noted that Oman is transitioning from an oil-driven growth model towards a more diversified economic structure, with active efforts to promote green transformation and renewable energy, while further strengthening its economic and investment ties with China. As a “super connector”, Hong Kong is well positioned to support this process — on the one hand, by facilitating Mainland and Hong Kong enterprises to invest in Oman to support its infrastructure and industrial development; and on the other hand, by leveraging its status as an international financial centre in Asia to provide Omani enterprises with an ideal platform for fundraising and financing, as well as offshore Renminbi investment and risk management products. Mr Chan also pointed out that financial market connectivity between the two places could foster mutual development, and expressed support for the stock exchanges and regulatory authorities of both sides to explore reciprocal cooperation, including opportunities for dual or secondary listings.

     In the evening, Mr Chan attended the welcome reception of the WEF Annual Meeting, where he engaged with participants from around the world. He will continue his visit in Davos today (January 20, Davos time).

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     ​The Labour Department (LD) will participate and set up a booth at the Education & Careers Expo 2026 organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) from January 22 to 25 (Thursday to Sunday) at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre in Wan Chai.
      
     The LD booth will be located at A01 in Hall 1D, providing information on its employment services, the Greater Bay Area Youth Employment Scheme, the Working Holiday Scheme, and the Youth Employment and Training Programme to assist job seekers, in particular young people, to learn more about career opportunities in Hong Kong, the Mainland cities of the Greater Bay Area, and overseas.
      
     The LD will hold a seminar from 1pm to 1.30pm on January 24 (Saturday) at the venue to introduce the Working Holiday Scheme.
      
     Job seekers can find more employment information on the LD Interactive Employment Service website (www.jobs.gov.hk). For details of the expo, please visit the HKTDC website (www.hktdc.com/hkeducationexpo).

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     The Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) reminds SmartPLAY users that the new measures to combat unauthorised transfer of bookings of LCSD recreation and sports facilities/venues (commonly referred to as touting activities) will take effect tomorrow (January 21).
 
     SmartPLAY has introduced new conditions prohibiting the use of computer programmes or other automated tools to book facilities or interfere with the normal operation of the system. Any breach will result in the suspension of the account concerned for 360 days without prior notice.
 
     The LCSD only accepts bookings made through the official SmartPLAY website, the My SmartPLAY mobile app or smart self-service stations at various leisure venues (including the 18 District Leisure Services Offices) by normal manual procedures. Any attempt to bypass the normal booking procedures or interfere with the normal operation of the system will constitute a breach of the conditions. The LCSD will adopt phased strategies to combat touting activities, and stresses again that users should not provide their user account details to, and pay scalpers to book facilities on their behalf. Users having purchased such booking services or have provided their account details to others should change their passwords as soon as possible to prevent unauthorised use of their accounts.
 
     In addition, to ensure that hirers are genuine users, a hirer is required to provide the information of two other users when booking an indoor basketball or volleyball court starting from tomorrow. The hirer and one of the two users named in the booking are required to check in together and be present during use of the booked session.
 
     Details of the new measures to combat touting activities are available at the LCSD’s thematic webpage “Improvement measures to booking and use of recreation and sports facilities” (www.lcsd.gov.hk/en/facilities/facilitiesbooking/procedure/ls_fac_improve.html). For enquiries, please call the SmartPLAY hotline at 3954 5150. 

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department today (January 20) announced the results of a risk assessment study on the microbiological quality of ready-to-eat sauces and like products. All samples were compliant with the microbiological food safety criteria for pathogenic bacteria (i.e. Salmonella spp., Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus and Clostridium perfringens). The overall result was satisfactory.

     A spokesman for the CFS said, “Ready-to-eat sauces and like products, such as gravies, dressings and dips, are often served to enhance the flavour of food or complement dishes. These products are often made in large batches. If these ready-to-eat products are contaminated by foodborne pathogens and held for extended periods without proper temperature control, the pathogenic bacteria may proliferate in the contaminated sauces to levels capable of causing foodborne illnesses. Additionally, the preparation of ready-to-eat sauces may involve a variety of ingredients, some of which may be fresh and not subjected to further cooking, making them potential sources of contamination.”

     Given the above-mentioned risks, the CFS therefore conducted a study and collected from various food businesses 50 samples of dressings/dips and 50 samples of gravies. The microbiological quality of the samples was assessed against the criteria stipulated in Microbiological Guidelines for Food.

     The study results showed that all samples complied with the microbiological food safety criteria for pathogenic bacteria. Test results of individual samples, including the total bacterial count (aerobic colony count) in a curry sauce sample and the Escherichia coli count in an avocado-based sauce sample indicated that there may be room for improvement in terms of food handling processes as well as personal and environmental hygiene, respectively, but there was no food safety concern. The CFS provided advice on Good Hygiene Practices to the staff concerned. Follow-up samples were taken and the testing results were satisfactory.

     To ensure food safety, the spokesman reminded the food trade to ensure proper time and temperature control when preparing ready-to-eat sauces, especially during storage and cooling. Raw food should be stored and handled separately from cooked and ready-to-eat food to avoid cross-contamination. Food handlers should strictly implement and maintain personal and environmental hygiene, including handwashing with soap regularly.

     The spokesman also advised members of the public to consume ready-to-eat sauces or like products with raw or undercooked ingredients as soon as possible after purchase. High-risk groups, including pregnant women, young children, the elderly, people with weakened immunity, and people taking antibiotics or antacids, are advised not to consume ready-to-eat sauces or like products with raw or undercooked ingredients.

     The study is available on the CFS’s website at www.cfs.gov.hk.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     The overall Comprehensive Social Security Assistance (CSSA) caseload in December 2025 showed a drop of 112 cases, representing a decrease of 0.1 per cent compared with that of November, according to the latest CSSA caseload statistics released by the Social Welfare Department today (January 20).
               
     The total CSSA caseload at the end of December stood at 193 850 (see attached table), with a total of 256 518 recipients.
           
     Analysed by case nature, both single parent cases and unemployment cases registered a month-to-month decrease of 0.7 per cent to 17 988 cases and 15 238 cases respectively. Permanent disability cases decreased by 0.2 per cent to 16 375 cases. 
           
     Low-earnings cases registered an increase of 0.5 per cent to 1 288 cases. Both ill-health cases and old age cases increase by 0.1 per cent to 28 028 cases and 111 009 cases respectively.