Category: MIL-OSI

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

On the afternoon of September 1, President Lai Ching-te attended the opening of the 2026 European Union Investment Forum. In remarks, President Lai said that Taiwan and Europe are becoming economically closer and that Taiwanese companies are investing in Europe at a larger scale. The president expressed hope that in the face of global industrial competition and the restructuring of supply chains, Taiwan and Europe can combine their advantages in semiconductors and deepen their strategic partnership, and that they can work toward agreements on double taxation and investment so that together, they can build a global supply chain that is more secure, diverse, and resilient.
A transcript of President Lai’s remarks follows:
It’s a pleasure to join you all at [the] EU Investment Forum. I would like to thank the organizers and all [the] participants from Europe and Taiwan.
Taiwan and Europe have become economically closer over the years. Last year, bilateral trade with [the] EU reached almost US$75 billion, making the EU Taiwan’s fifth largest trading partner. Over the last decade, Taiwanese investment in the EU surged by 650 percent, compared with the decade before.
We are very happy to hear the recent announcement from TEEMA [Taiwan Electrical and Electronic Manufacturers’ Association] about establishing a technology park in Poland. In the future, it will be easier for Taiwanese [companies] to invest in [the] EU and cooperate with local industries.
All this showcases our robust economic ties. It also indicates that Taiwanese companies are not just focused on individual investment projects. More and more, they’re taking an integrated approach to investment in Europe, with a longer time frame and larger scale. 
We also look forward to more opportunities for Taiwan-Europe cooperation in global technology. On that note, SEMICON Taiwan 2026 kicks off tomorrow. It will bring together leading semiconductor and tech companies, to explore opportunities in AI chips and advanced packaging.
Across the globe, countries are boosting their industrial capabilities. In June, the European Commission announced [the draft] Chips Act 2.0, which aims to speed up commercialization, and bring chips to the market faster. It shows that Europe is determined to build a more competitive chip industry and make its supply chains more resilient.
Taiwan and Europe each have unique advantages in semiconductors. Taiwan already has a highly integrated industrial ecosystem. And Europe offers world-class capabilities in R&D, equipment, materials, and high value-added manufacturing. By combining our advantages, and building a strategic partnership, we can create even greater shared value. Together, we can shape a global semiconductor ecosystem that is more secure, diverse, and resilient.
We hope the European nations will promote agreements on double taxation and investment with Taiwan. This will help unlock our immense potential for investment and industrial cooperation. Looking ahead, Taiwan will keep working closely with Europe to build stronger supply chains, and more resilient economies. Together, we will contribute even more to global prosperity and sustainable development.
To close, I wish this event great success. I’m confident your discussions today will open up more opportunities for cooperation between Taiwan and Europe. I also hope your innovative ideas lead to concrete investments, bringing fruitful outcomes for all of us. Thank you.
Also in attendance at the event was Head of the European Economic and Trade Office Lutz Güllner.

Source: Government of Singapore

1 September 2026 – Dry conditions are expected to continue into the first fortnight of September 2026. Southwest Monsoon conditions are prevailing over Singapore and the surrounding region and are forecast to persist in the coming fortnight, with winds blowing mainly from the southeast or southwest.

2            Fair and occasionally windy conditions are expected on most days, particularly during the first week of September 2026. Localised short-duration thundery showers may occur over parts of the island in the late morning and afternoon on a few days. The total rainfall for the first fortnight of September 2026 is forecast to be below average over most parts of the island.

3            Daily maximum temperatures are likely to range between 33 degrees Celsius and 35 degrees Celsius on most days, and could slightly exceed 35 degrees Celsius on a few days. The nights may also be warm and humid, with minimum temperatures remaining above 27 degrees Celsius on most nights.

4            With the prevailing dry conditions, there has been an escalation in the hotspot and smoke haze situation in the surrounding region. Dense smoke haze was observed over southern and central Sumatra and various parts of Kalimantan on most days since around 21 August 2026. While there may be sporadic showers in the second week of the fortnight, the dry conditions are expected to persist over most of the surrounding region during the fortnight. Under the prevailing southeasterly or southwesterly winds, Singapore may experience hazy conditions should the fires intensify. The National Environment Agency (NEA) will continue to closely monitor the situation and provide updates if the situation changes. Should the 24-hour PSI enter the Unhealthy range, NEA will provide daily haze advisories.

5            For updates of the daily weather forecast, please visit the MSS website (www.weather.gov.sg), NEA website (www.nea.gov.sg), or download the myENV app.

 REVIEW OF THE PAST TWO WEEKS (17 – 31 August 2026)

6            Southwest Monsoon conditions prevailed over Singapore and the surrounding region in the second fortnight of August 2026, with winds blowing mostly from the southeast or southwest.

7            Singapore experienced dry conditions in the second fortnight of August 2026, with fair weather on most days. Localised short-duration thundery showers fell over parts of the island on some days. On 30 August 2026, regional wind convergence brought moderate to heavy thundery showers over the eastern, southern, and central parts of Singapore in the early morning. The highest daily total rainfall for the second fortnight of August 2026 was recorded around Telok Blangah on that day, at 53.8mm.

8         The second fortnight of August 2026 was warm, with daily maximum temperatures exceeding 34 degrees Celsius on most days. The highest daily maximum temperature of 35.5 degrees Celsius was recorded at Seletar on 25 August 2026. There were also several nights when minimum temperatures remained above 27 degrees Celsius.

9         Singapore recorded well below average rainfall in the second fortnight of August 2026. The area around Admiralty registered rainfall of about 99 per cent below average. 

CLIMATE STATION STATISTICS

Long-term Statistics for September   (Climatological reference period: 1991-2020)
Average daily maximum temperature:	31.6	°C
Average daily minimum temperature:	25.2	°C
Average monthly temperature:	28.0	°C
Average rainfall:	124.9	mm
Average number of rain days:	13
Historical Extremes for September   (Rainfall since 1869 and temperature since 1929)
Highest monthly mean daily maximum temperature:	33.0	°C (2019)
Lowest monthly mean daily minimum temperature:	22.4	°C (1930)
Highest monthly rainfall ever recorded:	440.4	mm (1988)
Lowest monthly rainfall ever recorded:	22.8	mm (2019)

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

MOFA response to Etihad Airways in-flight announcement downgrading Taiwan’s sovereign status

August 21, 2026  
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) strongly protests the Mandarin-language in-flight announcement by Etihad Airways that downgraded Taiwan’s status. 

MOFA solemnly reiterates that the ROC (Taiwan) is a sovereign, independent country and that neither the ROC (Taiwan) nor the People’s Republic of China is subordinate to the other. These are objective facts and the internationally recognized status quo. Any improper practice that diminishes Taiwan’s sovereign status is wholly unacceptable to its government and people.

MOFA has instructed the Commercial Office of Taipei, Dubai, UAE to lodge a solemn protest with Etihad Airways headquarters and has coordinated with the Civil Aviation Administration to contact Etihad Airways representatives in Taiwan. Taiwan has demanded that the airline rectify the improper terminology, issue an apology, and implement corrective measures. MOFA will continue to closely monitor developments to staunchly defend Taiwan’s dignity and sovereignty.

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

MOFA response to remarks by China’s Taiwan Affairs Office on Uganda’s recent obstruction of entry by Taiwanese citizens, belittling Taiwan’s sovereignty

August 20, 2026  The Ministry of Foreign Affairs immediately responded to Uganda’s recent obstruction of entry by Taiwanese citizens by instructing the Taiwanese Representative Office in Somaliland, which also oversees Uganda, to handle the situation. MOFA also had it coordinate with the Taiwanese Chamber of Commerce in Uganda to actively engage in communication with the Ugandan government. Ugandan airport immigration authorities returned all four confiscated Taiwanese passports on August 19.

MOFA solemnly reiterates that the ROC (Taiwan) is a sovereign and independent country; that neither the ROC (Taiwan) nor the People’s Republic of China (PRC) is subordinate to the other; and that the PRC has never governed Taiwan. This objective fact is recognized by the international community. 

China’s false narratives are politically motivated and aim to belittle Taiwan’s sovereignty. They are entirely futile and cannot change the objective reality. Instead, they further highlight the authoritarian nature of China’s external pressure tactics.

MOFA calls on all governments to uphold the principles of professionalism and pragmatism, eliminate unnecessary political interference, and respect Taiwan’s legitimate passports and travel documents. This will help preserve the rights and interests of both countries while pursuing regular economic and trade relations and people-to-people exchanges.

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

On August 28, the Department of Industrial Technology (DoIT), Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA), unveiled 31 innovative technologies at the “2026 Meet Greater South” event, under the theme “Meet Your BEST Solution: Connecting Local Businesses with Tech Solutions.” The showcase was presented in collaboration with startups and research institutions including the Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI), the Metal Industries Research & Development Centre (MIRDC), the Institute for Information Industry (III), and the Food Industry Research and Development Institute (FIRDI).

This year’s pavilion highlights two key areas. The first echoes the theme of “AI Across Industries,” extending AI beyond high-tech manufacturing into fields such as architecture and construction, water quality monitoring, and food production. The second area, “Industrial Upgrading,” focuses on advancing industries in central and southern Taiwan through cutting-edge manufacturing processes and innovative technologies that boost both production efficiency and product quality. A number of these innovations have already been licensed to industry partners, helping companies including Ability opto-Electronics Technology, Li Xiang Machinery, HIWIN Technologies, and TBI Motion Technology secure orders from major international clients. These results demonstrate the tangible benefits of linking technology R&D with industry needs and helping companies expand into global markets.

AI-Optimized Metalens Imaging Breaks Into Global Supply Chains
In line with the government’s “AI Across Industries” policy, DoIT’s pavilion features a range of AI applications, demonstrating how artificial intelligence is being put to work across different sectors. One example is AI-optimized laptop camera lens imaging technology that enables a thinner lens while maintaining sharp image quality. ITRI’s Ultra-thin Structure NanoOptics Chip Technology for Visual Sensing Applications uses a monolithic metalens to overcome the bulkiness of traditional multi-element lenses. Combining semiconductor manufacturing processes with AI to enhance image clarity, the technology reduces lens thickness from the conventional 2.3-3mm down to just 1.3mm. It has already been adopted by Ability opto-Electronics Technology, a leading laptop lens manufacturer, which has integrated the technology into facial-recognition login modules for ultra-thin laptops. The solution has also been adopted by a major U.S. laptop brand. Looking ahead, the technology is expected to expand into visible-light and thermal-infrared imaging applications.

AI Reads Clam Shell Movements to Safeguard Water Quality for Over 2 Million People
AI is also being applied to water quality monitoring, turning clams into biological sentinels for water systems serving more than 2 million people. The Digital Twin Technology for Bio-Water Quality Sensing, developed by III, addresses the high cost traditionally associated with deploying multiple types of water quality sensors. The technology uses freshwater clams as biological sensors, taking advantage of their relatively stable behavioral responses. Cameras non-invasively monitor the clams’ shell movements, while AI analyzes subtle behavioral cues, opening-and-closing patterns, and abnormal group behavior to detect water quality changes in real time. The technology is already deployed at the Bansin Water Treatment Plant, the Sanxia River Pumping Station, and the Shoufeng Water Treatment Plant, which together serve more than 2 million people. It has also been licensed to KETECH Scientific Instrument, extending its use to water quality monitoring for critical processes in high-tech industries such as semiconductors, printed circuit boards, and precision machining.

Through the exhibition, DoIT aims to accelerate the adoption of more innovative technologies and bring new momentum into industrial upgrading across central and southern Taiwan.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Department of Health (DH) is following up on false claims made by medical centres claiming to offer a vaccine that prevents multiple cancers in Hong Kong, urging members of the public not to use unregistered pharmaceutical products.

The department today issued a statement in response to media reports that some medical centres were offering a vaccine called “Wilms’ tumor 1” (WT1), which allegedly prevents multiple types of cancer.

The DH stressed that the WT1 vaccine is not a registered pharmaceutical product in Hong Kong and that it is taking the matter seriously.

The department has launched enforcement actions and notified both Mainland authorities and relevant law enforcement departments in Hong Kong.

In July, the DH received reports alleging that “HK Pacific Asia Medical Centre” and its affiliated organisations were advertising the WT1 vaccine on social media, which was suspected of violating the Pharmacy & Poisons Ordinance.

The DH has carried out multiple unannounced inspections of the premises in question. Today, the department conducted further joint operations across seven premises in Hong Kong and Kowloon, including “HK Pacific Asia Medical Centre”.

The department has reminded operators of relevant premises that providing any unregistered pharmaceutical product illegally constitutes an offence under the Pharmacy & Poisons Ordinance, punishable by imprisonment.

The DH will continue to closely monitor the premises in question and gather relevant intelligence, taking decisive enforcement action against any illegal activities.

The department also reiterated to the public that the WT1 vaccine is not a registered pharmaceutical product in Hong Kong. Currently, no relevant registration records have been found with drug regulatory authorities in the Chinese Mainland or overseas.

It highlighted that advertisements claiming to offer this vaccine for cancer prevention are misleading and suspected of fraud.

Furthermore, any healthcare professional who misleads patients into believing that the unregistered WT1 vaccine prevents or treats cancer is in serious breach of professional conduct.

The DH has notified the Customs & Excise Department to follow up on cases where unregistered pharmaceutical products may have been illegally imported into Hong Kong.

As the case may involve the professional conduct of registered medical practitioners, the DH has also referred it to the Medical Council of Hong Kong for further action.

Separately, the DH found that the content of advertisements placed by the companies in question was suspected of breaching the Undesirable Medical Advertisements Ordinance.

The DH has already issued warning letters to the relevant companies, requesting them to remove the offending material.

The DH has also notified relevant Mainland law enforcement authorities to take follow-up action, given the serious health risks associated with publishing these advertisements on Mainland social media platforms.

The department advised members of the public to consult a registered doctor regarding any queries about disease prevention and treatment, and not to blindly trust unproven medical claims.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

A spokesman for the Housing Bureau said today (August 31) that the deadline for owners of Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po to accept the Government’s acquisition offer expired at 5pm today. A total of 1 967 owners from the eight buildings (Blocks A to H) of Wang Fuk Court have signed and returned the “Letter of Acceptance” to confirm their intention to sell their titles to the Government, accounting for 99.1 per cent of the total number of units in the eight blocks.

Some “Letters of Acceptance” may be delivered later by post. Provided that the envelopes are postmarked on or before August 31, the Housing Bureau will regard the owners concerned as having accepted the Government’s acquisition offer.

The spokesman said that, after receiving and verifying the returned “Letters of Acceptance” from owners, the Government will arrange to sign the Agreement for Sale and Purchase with the owners concerned. As of this afternoon, the Government has signed the Agreement for Sale and Purchase with 1 559 households, representing about 78.6 per cent of the total number of units in the eight buildings from Blocks A to H. Assignments are also progressing in an orderly manner.

The Government will continue to follow up on the procedures for acquiring the remaining titles at full speed to take forward the title acquisition exercise.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

In response to media reports today (August 31) that some medical centres were offering customers a vaccine called “Wilms’ tumor 1” (WT1) which is claimed to prevent multiple types of cancer, the Department of Health (DH) is following up the matter seriously. This includes launching enforcement actions and notifying the Mainland authorities and relevant law enforcement department in Hong Kong.
 
The DH emphasised that the WT1 vaccine is not a registered pharmaceutical product in Hong Kong. Any advertisement claiming to provide this vaccine for cancer prevention constitutes a misleading claim. No person may illegally sell or possess unregistered pharmaceutical products. The DH takes this matter very seriously and will not tolerate such behaviour.
 
The DH received reports in July alleging that “HK Pacific Asia Medical Centre” and its affiliated organisations were claiming on social media to provide the WT1 vaccine. This was suspected of violating the Pharmacy and Poisons Ordinance (Chapter 138) (the Ordinance). The DH has carried out multiple unannounced inspections of the premises in question and today conducted further unannounced inspections of a total of seven premises across Hong Kong and Kowloon, including the “HK Pacific Asia Medical Centre”. The DH has solemnly reminded the persons in charge of the premises concerned that providing any unregistered pharmaceutical products illegally constitutes an offence under the Ordinance, which is a criminal offence punishable by imprisonment. The DH will continue to closely monitor the premises in question and gather relevant intelligence, taking decisive enforcement action against any illegal or activities.
 
The DH reminded the public that the WT1 vaccine is not a registered pharmaceutical product in Hong Kong. Currently, no relevant registration records have been found with drug regulatory authorities in the Chinese Mainland or overseas. Advertisements claiming to provide this vaccine for cancer prevention are misleading and suspected of fraud. Furthermore, any healthcare professional who misleads patients into believing that the unregistered WT1 vaccine has cancer-preventing or anti-cancer effects is in serious breach of professional conduct, as this may cause patients to delay seeking medical treatment. Members of the public should not trust advertisements or rumours lightly. They should also refrain from receiving injections of unknown substances to avoid endangering their health or delaying medical treatment, which could worsen their condition. The DH has also notified the Hong Kong Customs and Excise Department to follow up on cases where unregistered pharmaceutical products may have been illegally imported into Hong Kong.
 
Furthermore, as the case may involve the professional conduct of registered medical practitioners, the DH has referred it to the Medical Council of Hong Kong for follow-up.
 
On the other hand, the DH has reviewed the content of the advertisement placed by the companies in question and found that it was suspected of breaching the Undesirable Medical Advertisements Ordinance (UMAO) (Cap. 231). Hence, the DH has already issued warning letters to the relevant companies in accordance with established procedures and mechanisms, and has requested that the content of the relevant advertisements be removed or deleted. The DH has also notified the relevant law enforcement authorities in the Chinese Mainland to follow up on the matter, given the serious health risks to the public that may arise from the publication of these advertisements on social media platforms in the Chinese Mainland.
 
Under the Ordinance, any product that meets the definition of a “pharmaceutical product” must meet the criteria of safety, efficacy and quality and be registered with the Pharmacy and Poisons Board of Hong Kong before they can be sold in the market. Advanced therapy product, which include gene therapy products, somatic cell therapy products and tissue engineered products, are regulated as pharmaceutical products under the Ordinance. Any person who illegally sells or possesses unregistered pharmaceutical products commits an offence and shall be liable, upon conviction, to a maximum penalty of a fine of $100,000 and two-years’ imprisonment.
 
Furthermore, import and export of pharmaceutical products are controlled under the Import and Export Ordinance (Cap. 60). Any person who imports or exports pharmaceutical product without relevant licence commits an offence, and shall be liable, upon conviction, to a maximum penalty of a fine of $500,000 and two-years’ imprisonment.
 
From 2021 to June 2026, the DH’s Drug Office handled 138 cases involving convictions for the sale and/or possession of unregistered pharmaceutical products. The maximum penalty was 10 months’ imprisonment (total for all counts of offences) or a fine of up to HK$242,000 (the total fine for all counts of offences).
 
Under the Undesirable Medical Advertisements Ordinance (UMAO), no person may publish, or cause to be published, advertisements likely to lead to the use of any medicine, surgical appliance or treatment for treating or preventing the diseases or conditions specified in Schedules 1 and 2. Schedule 4 of the UMAO also prohibition/restriction on six groups of claims for orally consumed products, in order to prevent members of the public from seeking inappropriate methods to treat certain serious conditions or diseases, which could result in delayed treatment.
 
The DH reminded members of the public that, regarding any queries about the prevention and treatment of diseases (including cancers), they should first consult a registered doctor, who will provide professional advice based on individual health condition and the latest medical evidence. The public should not blindly trust unproven medical claims because protecting one’s own health is of the utmost importance.
 
The DH has stepped up public education and awareness campaigns, issuing warning alerts to the public via social media platforms that the WT1 vaccine is not a registered pharmaceutical product in Hong Kong and should not be used indiscriminately. The DH will continue to closely monitor pharmaceutical products on the market, via both online and offline channels, in accordance with established mechanisms. The DH will also take appropriate follow-up action upon receiving intelligence or complaints. Members of the public are encouraged to provide relevant information to the DH by phone at 2961 8989 or by email (enquiries@dh.gov.hk). The DH will conduct joint operations with other law enforcement department as necessary, or refer the cases to the relevant department for follow-up.
 
Hong Kong’s healthcare standards are internationally renowned. The DH will continue to follow up on this incident seriously. Anyone endangering public health under the pretext of cancer prevention will not be tolerated.
 

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region