Category: MIL-OSI

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The smoking ban on all construction sites took effect today, with Labour Department officers immediately issuing a $3,000 fixed penalty notice, without prior warning, to anyone caught smoking on-site.

The ban covers all types of construction sites, including those for building repair, maintenance or renovation. Domestic premises or private quarters currently occupied by residents for residential purposes are exempted. 

 

Contractors and subcontractors must take all reasonable steps to ensure that no person uses a naked light for lighting, smokes or carries a lighted smoking product on a construction site. Violators face a maximum fine of $400,000.

 

The department highlighted that it has launched a series of publicity and education initiatives over the past few months to familiarise the construction industry and the public with the new requirements.

It will continue to raise awareness among contractors, subcontractors, workers and the public through diverse promotional channels.

 

The department will also maintain ongoing communication with the construction industry to exchange views on reasonable steps to enforce the ban, adding that it has been collaborating with the relevant law enforcement departments to ensure smooth operations.

It will continue to work alongside the Department of Health, the Primary Healthcare Commission and other relevant organisations to promote a smoke-free culture through seminars and exhibitions, while offering support to individuals looking to quit smoking.

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

To celebrate its 80th anniversary, TSC today (July 11) hosted a grand anniversary celebration, themed “A Sweet Celebration,” at Jianshanpi Resort in Liuying, Tainan. Employees from across Taiwan gathered for the occasion, joining together to form the giant characters for “TSC 80” in a symbolic display of unity. The Chairman Wu Ming-Chang also joined distinguished guests in planting sugarcane, a symbol of the Company’s resilience, to reaffirm TSC’s commitment to advancing sustainable development and embarking on its next chapter of growth.

At 10 a.m., accompanied by the thunderous drum performance of students from Tainan Nankwang Senior High School, the impressive formation of “TSC 80” gradually took shape. Chairman Wu reflected on the Company’s remarkable journey, noting that TSC was founded during Taiwan’s post-war reconstruction and played a pivotal role in revitalizing the nation’s economy through sugar exports. Thanks to the dedication and perseverance of generations of TSC employees, the firm has successfully expanded beyond sugar production into petroleum retailing, livestock farming, biotechnology, agriculture, tourism, and consumer products. This enduring legacy has enabled TSC to remain a key contributor through every stage of Taiwan’s economic transformation while continuously setting new benchmarks for sustainable development.

Chairman Wu emphasized that, in recent years, TSC has embedded the principles of the circular economy, smart agriculture, and net-zero emissions into its core business strategy. From modernizing pig farms and developing circular housing to investing in renewable energy projects, it continues to make steady progress toward its vision of becoming a leading health and green industry enterprise in the Asia-Pacific region. Looking ahead, TSC will continue to support national policies while balancing economic development, public well-being, and environmental sustainability to help build a more resilient and sustainable Taiwan.

The celebration concluded with a ceremonial sugarcane planting led by Chairman Wu and the attending guests. More than a tribute to TSC’s 80 years of resilience and the sweet memories it has created for generations, the ceremony symbolized the company’s hope that the spirit of TSC will continue to take root and be passed on to future generations. With sustainability as its guiding course, it is poised to keep moving forward, connecting people and communities while creating an even brighter future.

TSC News Contact Person:
Chang Mu-Jung
Public Relations, Department of Secretariat, TSC
Contact Number: 886-6-337-8819 / 886-920-636-951
Email: a63449@taisugar.com.tw

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

TSC’s achievements in circular economy development have gained international recognition, as Taisugar Circular Village was featured at Milan Design Week in Italy, showcasing Taiwan’s innovation in sustainable architecture to global audience. TSC said today (April 23) that the event took place from April 21 to 26, 2026 (April 22 to 27 Taiwan time). Invited by the Italian Chamber of Commerce in Taiwan, TSC participated in the exhibition “CASA TAIWAN | Home Taiwan,” presenting its circular housing initiative and drawing strong international attention to Taiwan’s circular economy capabilities.

TSC noted that Taisugar Circular Village is one of Taiwan’s most representative circular building projects. Guided by a full life-cycle approach, the project integrates resource reduction and reuse across design, construction, and operation. It adopts a “lease instead of sale” model, emphasizing long-term service over one-time ownership. The buildings feature modular design and dry-joint connections, combined with steel structures and precast components to improve construction efficiency. Components are designed to be detachable, repairable, and reusable, significantly extending building lifespan while reducing demolition waste.

The project also integrates systems for materials, energy, water, and food cycles, supported by energy generation and smart management technologies. The Village achieves a 29.46% reduction in carbon emissions and has received the Ministry of the Interior’s highest “Level 1+” Low Embodied Carbon Building Label, recognizing TSC’s commitment to lifecycle-based, low-carbon sustainable development.

To help international visitors better understand the project, a demo house and full-site model of the village were showcased at the exhibition. The display also featured cultural and creative products inspired by steel rail fences, alongside multimedia presentations illustrating the project from design and construction to utility systems and smart operations. In addition, the company also presented oyster shell powder developed by TSC Biotechnology Business Division. The powder is derived from waste oyster shells, which can be reused in plastics, filtration media, 3D printing materials, and ceramic design products, demonstrating high-value waste recycling.

The delegation participating in “CASA TAIWAN | Home Taiwan” at Milan Design Week brought together leading Taiwanese sustainable architecture professionals, including Feng-Yu United Engineering Co., Bio-Architecture Formosana, and Lotos. Covering engineering, architectural design, and low-carbon building materials, the collaboration showcased Taiwan’s strong innovation in circular economy and sustainable living to the world.

TSC News Contact Person:
Chen Kuan-Han
Deputy Director (Spokesperson)
Land Development Department, TSC
Contact Number: 886-6-337-8864 / 886-939-890-120
Email: a04969@taisugar.com.tw

Chang Mu-Jung
Public Relations, Department of Secretariat, TSC
Contact Number: 886-6-337-8819 / 886-920-636-951
Email: a63449@taisugar.com.tw

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Government announced today that scrutiny of the four items of subsidiary legislation relating to the regulation of ride-hailing services has been completed.

The Road Traffic (Amendment) (Ride-hailing Service) Ordinance 2025 was passed by the Legislative Council in October.

To support the regulatory regime, the Government submitted four items of subsidiary legislation to LegCo on May 27.

Most of the legal provisions relating to the regulatory regime will come into effect on August 3. The remaining provisions will take effect on August 22 next year.

The four items of subsidiary legislation outline the details of the regulatory regime, introduce a combined driving test for taxis and ride-hailing vehicles, specify limits on the number of ride-hailing vehicle permits, and prescribe the start dates of the various provisions in the amendment ordinance.

The Government expects to start issuing, in phases, ride-hailing service licences as early as the end of November, so that licensed platforms can start preparatory work right away.

Details of application arrangements for the various licences and permits – including the permit and driving permit required for a ride-hailing vehicle – will be announced at a later date.

Meanwhile, the Transport Department will launch a dedicated webpage providing more information on ride-hailing services tomorrow. 

To make it easier for those who wish to join the personalised point-to-point transport service industry, the department will launch the combined driving test for taxis and ride-hailing vehicles on August 3, with applications for the test opening on the same day.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Thirty secondary school students are set to embark a journey to Beijing, Jiuquan and Xi’an for the Young Astronaut Training Camp 2026, where they will learn about the development of China’s aerospace programmes and achievements.

Speaking at today’s send-off ceremony at the Hong Kong Science Museum, Chief Secretary Chan Kwok-ki encouraged the students to seize this hard-won opportunity and strive to equip themselves well during the journey.

He also expressed hope that they would, in various ways, represent the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region in participating in future national space endeavours, applying what they have learnt to contribute to society.

Running from July 23 to 31, the camp will take participants to various aerospace and astronomical facilities, including the China Astronaut Research & Training Center and the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center.

In addition to experiencing astronaut training and aerospace medicine projects, the participants, for the first time, will visit the Academy of Aerospace Propulsion Technology to observe the research and development of rocket engines. They will also tour the Xinglong Observatory of the National Astronomical Observatories to view large-scale optical telescopes.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Leisure & Cultural Services Department (LCSD) today announced the fourth Asia+ Festival, running from September to November with over 100 performances and activities showcasing artistry from Asia and Belt & Road regions.

Presented by the Culture, Sports & Tourism Bureau and organised by the LCSD, the festival features artists from more than 30 countries, including first-time participants Armenia, Brazil, Czechia, Moldova, Palestine and Uruguay.

The programme will blend traditional and contemporary elements to offer fresh perspectives on the performing arts.

The event opens with the “TRI-ART!ON” Concert, featuring musicians from Hong Kong, Mongolia, Korea and Thailand. This will be followed by a variety of dance, music and acrobatics performances, and the ever-popular Asian Ethnic Cultural Performances+ outdoor carnival.

Tickets go on sale at URBTIX on July 23 with early bird discounts available until August 12. For enquiries, call 2370 1044.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

Miss Lam I-ching will assume the post of District Officer (Kowloon City) tomorrow (July 17), succeeding Mr Ivanhoe Chang.

Since joining the Administrative Service in 2015, Miss Lam has served in various bureaux and departments, including the Constitutional and Mainland Affairs Bureau, the Housing Department, the Environmental Protection Department and the Environment and Ecology Bureau.

She was the Assistant District Officer (Sai Kung) before taking up the new post of District Officer (Kowloon City).

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The following is issued on behalf of the Standing Committee on Language Education and Research:

The Standing Committee on Language Education and Research (SCOLAR) has set up a booth themed “30th Anniversary of SCOLAR” at the 36th Hong Kong Book Fair held from July 15 to 21. The Secretary for Education, Dr Choi Yuk-lin, visited the booth today (July 16) and interacted with the Student Language Ambassadors to learn about their language-learning journeys, experiences in developing biliterate and trilingual abilities, and achievements in applying their language skills and promoting language learning in the community.

The booth is located at Stall D16 in Hall 1B of the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre in Wan Chai. A dedicated exhibition zone has been set up to showcase SCOLAR’s major milestones and achievements over the past three decades. The exhibition also displays the reading materials and learning and teaching resources developed by SCOLAR over the years, enabling the public to gain a deeper understanding of its work and contributions in driving the development of language education in Hong Kong.

The booth also features interactive touchscreen displays for the public to test their language knowledge and learn more about the work of SCOLAR. On-site themed photo-taking spots include a 3D installation featuring SCOLAR’s partner, Ming, for visitors to take photos. Those who complete the interactive games and designated tasks can redeem limited-edition Ming souvenirs, while stocks last.

During the Book Fair, the Student Language Ambassadors will be at the booth daily from 10.30am to 12noon, and from 3.30pm to 5pm (except for the afternoon session on July 21) to interact with visitors and to share their experiences in acquiring biliteracy and trilingualism.

Jointly organised by the Education Bureau and SCOLAR, the Student Language Ambassador Programme aims to build a platform for language practice for students across Hong Kong, encouraging them to explore and share the joy of learning Chinese and English. By fostering peer motivation and interaction, the programme promotes the practical use of both languages in the community. It has received an enthusiastic response, with 166 schools and over 2 700 students participating in the current school year.

For more information about SCOLAR and its activities, please visit the SCOLAR website (scolarhk.edb.hkedcity.net/en/) or follow its social media pages.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region