Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
LD reminds employers and employees to take heat stroke preventive measures in times of Heat Stress at Work Warning
Employees who work outdoors or in non-air-conditioned indoor environments face high levels of heat stress and are at a relatively higher risk of heat stroke. Employers should assess the risk factors of heat stress for employees at work and, based on the identified risk factors, take necessary preventive and control measures, including rescheduling work periods, setting up shading covers, providing ventilation and heat dissipation equipment, and reminding employees to replenish water and rest in a timely manner.
The Heat Stress at Work Warning is formulated by the LD based on the Hong Kong Heat Index. There are three levels of the warning: Amber, Red and Black, which help employers and employees better understand the level of heat stress while working outdoors or indoors without air-conditioning systems.
A spokesman for the LD said that when the department issues the Heat Stress at Work Warning, employers must refer to the criteria and recommendations provided in the “Guidance Notes on Prevention of Heat Stroke at Work
Employees must also follow instructions to rest on time. Whenever there are any symptoms of heat-related illnesses, such as headache, dizziness, thirst, and nausea, they should rest in a cool and shady place, drink water, and inform employers/supervisors to take appropriate action immediately.
The LD issued the “Guidance Notes on Prevention of Heat Stroke at Work”, detailing the various risk factors that should be considered when conducting heat stress risk assessments and recommending corresponding control measures for identified risk factors for employers’ and employees’ reference. For the Heat Stress at Work Warning and related guidelines, please refer to the department’s thematic webpage: www.labour.gov.hk/eng/news/prevention_of_heat_stroke_at_work.htmIssued at HKT 13:34
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USP SAMOA CAMPUS AND MNRE FORESTRY DIVISION JOIN FORCES FOR THE 3 MILLION TREE PLANTING CAMPAIGN AT USP POP-UP MARKET
Source:
[PRESS RELEASE 25 April 2025] – The University of the South Pacific (USP) Samoa Campus, in collaboration with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MNRE) Forestry Division, is thrilled to announce a special event promoting environmental sustainability. On Saturday, April 26th, 2025, from 8 AM to 1 PM, the USP Samoa Campus will host a Pop-up Market dedicated to bringing the community together and supporting the MNRE’s 3 Million Tree Campaign.
This family-friendly event invites community members to bring the family to the campus and will have the opportunity to receive free tree seedlings as part of the campaign efforts to encourage tree planting across Samoa.
The USP Pop-up Market promises a vibrant atmosphere with an array of attractions including fresh vegetables, root plants, fresh flowers, kombucha drinks, BBQ food stalls, and handmade crafts by local artisans. Additionally, there will be fun activities for children like a bouncy castle and more.
Visitors can also look forward to a variety of delicious food from Vanuatu and Fiji, locally made and freshly baked goodies, fresh local produce, and an array of pre-loved clothing and household goods.
Event Details:
Date: Saturday, April 26th, 2025
Time: 8 AM – 1 PM
Location: USP Samoa Campus Front Lawn
Join us at this special event where you can enjoy a delightful family day while contributing positively towards our environment by planting trees!
For further inquiries: Contact: Ronna Lee Email: ronna.lee@usp.ac.fj
END.
SOURCE – The University of the South Pacific – Samoa Campus, Apia and Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment Samoa
ANZAC DAY COMMEMORATION IN SAMOA 2025
Source:
KEYNOTE ADDRESS by the Deputy Prime Minister Hon Tuala Tevaga Ponifasio [25th April 2025]
Rev Mariota Siaea
Afioga ile Ao Mamalu ole Malo ma lau Masiofo
Your Excellencies High Commissioners of Australia and New
Zealand
Members of the Diplomatic Corps
Distinguished Guests
Ladies and Gentlemen
Every year at the break of dawn of 25 April, we come to
remember the sacrifices made by the hundreds of thousands of
New Zealanders, Australians and nationals of Pacific Island
countries including Samoa who fought in WW1, WW2 and other
subsequent conflicts.
Today we are all united in remembrance of their fight for our
freedom, independence and for our future as peaceful
communities. Let us not forget those who answered bravely the
call of their country and then fall in its name. We wear on our
hearts the poppy of remembrance.
In many ways, the ANZAC ideals go far deeper than war; it is
what makes one a patriot of one’s country. Despite the
devastation of war, we have learnt lessons from it. Our
knowledge of war defines who we are and where we draw our
boundaries. Even though many of us have not experienced war
first hand, we all understand the horror it results in.
Our hopes and prayers are that we will not experience watching
our children go to destinies unknown in this restless world we
no longer understand.
But for today and forever, let us never forget those who had
made the greatest contribution to ensure our security.
We will remember.
End
Photo by the Government of Samoa (Leota Marc Membrere)
LE MITI AITO INTERNATIONAL 2025 – OPENING CEREMONY & MITI VAA SCHOLARSHIP FUND
Source:
KEYNOTE ADDRESS by the Minister of Sports and Recreation Hon. Laumatiamanu Ringo Purcell (Saturday 19 April 2025)
Lau susuga Taitai o le Sauniga
Your Excellencies and Esteemed Guests
Your Excellency Fei Mingxing, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Samoa
Your Excellency Will Robinson, Australian High Commissioner
Your Excellency Si’alei Van Toor, New Zealand High Commissioner
Esteemed village leaders of Siumu, Maninoa, and A’aga Ulugia Jay Schuster and the Alo Paopao Committee Distinguished paddlers, supporters, families, and guests
Talofa lava and warm greetings to you all.
Ua motu i le vasa le su’igaula nai le papa. O loo ua musa foi i Foga’a le Sanalaala. O Talaleomalie le alo o le Tuiatua, ae ta’alo i le vai le ataata o le tama o Samoanagalo.
E matagofie, ē latou te aumaia le Talalelei ma le finagalo o le Atua, e le tau faailo ina foi le lupe ua mua, auā ua mua mea i Matautu Sa, ua motu i le lagi ona vi’i, auā ua lele malie le siufofoga o le Auauna a le Atua i lenei taeao fou. Viia le Atua soifua.
Talitonu ua fa’afofoga le lagi i talosaga molia ma ua nofo fale foi ia Satuiama’a le feau mo tatou i lenei aso. Malō le folau i lagimā. Ae manatu ona o lo o filogia la tatou mafutaga, o le a faaaoga ai le gagana faafaigofie mo a tatou Malō.
It is with great honor that we convene today to formally inaugurate the Le Miti Aito International 2025. More significantly, we embark on a new journey of community, culture, and opportunity for our youth through the establishmentof the Miti Va’a Scholarship Fund.
This event, which originated in 2016 as Le Aito Samoa in collaboration with Tahiti’s Te Aito Race, returns today with profound significance, reborn as Le Miti Aito International in tribute to the late Miti Cheung Fuk.
Miti was not merely a business leader; she was a mother who transformed adversity into hope. When her son faced challenges in his youth, she recognized the ocean as his sanctuary and source of strength.
Her decision to uplift him and others in similar circumstances led to her support of paddling programs for over two decades. Her benevolence extended beyond her own child, reaching every young individual in need of guidance and belonging.
Her compassion for children, her vision for community, and her unwavering support of paddling are the reasons we honour her name today. This race perpetuates her spirit.
In furtherance of her legacy, we are proud to introduce the Miti Va’a Scholarship Fund, commencing here in the District of Siumu. Forty young paddlers from the villages of Siumu, Maninoa, and A’aga will receive comprehensive scholarships covering: School fees, Uniforms, Equipment and; Training
This marks only the beginning, with plans to expand to Apia and Vaiala, and eventually across Samoa. This initiative transcends paddling; it is about cultivating confident leaders, reconnecting with our heritage, and fortifying our villages through teamwork, resilience, and identity.
The Ministry of Sports and Recreation is dedicated to elevating sports and recreational activities of all types, recognizing their pivotal role in the development of our people and our nation. This program and the scholarships offered align with the Ministry’s goals and objectives by fostering personal growth, community engagement, and national pride through sports.
I am therefore especially delighted to witness this important milestone in your journey. We have already witnessed the potential of this program, as it has nurtured paddlers who achieved bronze and silver medals at the 2023 World Distance Championships held here in Samoa.
Today, we are privileged to welcome World Champion Anne Cairns and Carl Barnes, both exemplary role models for our youth.
To our partners, we extend our deepest gratitude to the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China for supporting the growth of this program. To Ulugia Jay Ah Fook Schuster, we thank you for your leadership in paddling since 1987.
To all our paddlers today, race with heart, race with courage, and race with pride in your culture.
With that, I hereby officially declare Le Miti Aito International 2025 open and launch the Village and Va’a Scholarship Program.
Fa’afetai tele lava.
Soifua ma ia manuia.
FOR YOUTH, FOR SAMOA AND CHINA-SAMOA RELATIONS
Source:
REMARKS by H.E. Fei Mingxing at Alo Paopao Academy (April 19 2025)
Reverend Tuia Peseta,
Hon Minister of Sports and Recreation Laumatiamanu Ringo Purcell,
Hon Tuuu Anasii Leota,
President Schuster of Alo Paopao Academy,
Parents, boys and girls and friends,
My colleagues and I are very pleased to join you on the beautiful beach on such a lovely day. First of all, my arm congratulations on the opening of Le Miti Aito International 2025. We are proud to be associated with the return of the international solo paddling competition and the official launch of the Village and Va’a Scholarship Program.
Seeing so many young faces today, I cannot help quoting Chairman Mao Zedong, the founding father of the People’s Republic of China: “The world is yours, as well as ours, but in the last analysis, it is yours. You young people, full of vigor and vitality, are in the bloom of life, like the sun at eight or nine in the morning. Our hope is placed on you.” This has inspired generations and generations of young Chinese. I hope it could
be inspirational to our young Samoans too.
Actually, young people have been the backbone for China-Samoa relations. The first Chinese arrived in Samoa was a young sailor in 1876. Early 1900s, thousands young Chinese laborers were employed by owners of coconut plantations in Samoa.
Some of them stayed and married with local girls. That is why 20% Samoan population could trace their roots to China and our relations runs deep and sound.
In 1975, Samoa and China established diplomatic ties. Since then, our young people of both countries have been builders of our close relations. In 2024 for example, more than 20 young Samoans went to China for study under the Chinese government scholarship scheme; most of 110 plus officials and professionals who traveled to China for training are young men and women.
In Samoa, all Chinese medical specialists working in the national hospital are young ones. So are teachers of the Confucius Institute in NUS and most of SCATAP experts.
This year, while celebrating the 50th anniversary of establishment of our diplomatic ties, we count on our young Samoan and Chinese people, to bring our two countries closer and more benefits to our two peoples. President Xi Jinping said, “I care about young people wherever I go.”
This is why since my arrival in Samoa early last year, I have been trying my best to work with the Samoan government and institutions, to help young people in Samoa whenever possible. The sports is strength of individuals and the nation. The youth is the wealth of the community and the country.
When young people are more capable, our countries have better hope, and China-Samoa relations are more promising. I wish Alo Paopao Academy and the Siumu community as well as wider regions of Samoa good luck.
I wish you all a nice day.
Thank you.
Fa’afetai!谢谢！
SWEARING IN OF NEW CITIZENS
Source:
KEYNOTE ADDRESS by the Prime Minister Hon. Fiame Naomi Mataafa – (Thursday 24th April 2025)
Deputy Prime Minister and Cabinet
The cohort of new Samoan citizens who have taken oaths this morning
Families and friends.
Talofa lava,
Today marks a significant milestone of your journey by virtue of taking your oaths as citizens of our country. It reflects your commitment, loyalty, and devotion to serve Samoa and her people.
On behalf of the government and the people of Samoa, I extend to you our congratulations, and am very pleased to welcome you as fellow citizens of Samoa.
The wake of the COVID 19 pandemic in 2020 caused delays in the processing of citizenship applications in accordance with requirements of the Citizenship Act 2004.
We have not had a swearing in ceremony for new Samoan citizens since 2020.
I am aware that some of you have qualified for Samoan citizenship by virtue of years of your marriage to Samoan citizens, and some by virtue of your permanent residency status. To many of you, it has been a long wait, but as you will appreciate, these things take time.
The Samoan citizenship is dear to us for it is our identity and freedom to live harmoniously and peacefully in our lands. But it comes with responsibility. Responsibility to care and to love, to be law abiding, to respect others, and to use God given talents, wisdom and knowledge to work together for the common good of Samoa. Today, you have been entrusted with that responsibility as citizens of Samoa to serve your country.
I thank you for years of your contribution to Samoa in various sectors you are working in. Do continue to excel in what you do to serve our people. We have our own challenges as a small island state, but our resilience as people of the Blue Pacific begins with us.
At the heart of our progress is the recognition of our shared responsibilities as citizens. Our strength lies in our unity, for it is the cornerstone of our identity, people to people linkages, and our culture and traditions.
We are duty bound to build a country where Samoans want to live in the future, and to nurture responsible future custodians of our scarce resources.
Today, I urge you to serve Samoa with humility, integrity, and dedication. Let us never lose sight of our duties as Samoan citizens, nor take for granted the trust of our fellow countrymen.
As a nation founded on the Christian faith, we proclaim our dependence on God. He has been faithful to Samoa, and we trust that He will continue to guide us through His grace and abundance.
God bless you and your families, God bless Samoa.
Soifua ma ia manuia.
Photos by : Leota Marc Membrere
SAMOA TRAINS 30 ECO-GUARDIANS TO LEAD ENVIRONMENTAL CAMPAIGN
Source:
[PRESS RELEASE 25 April 2025] – Conservation International (CI) and the Ministry of Education and Culture (MEC) co-hosted a comprehensive Training of Teachers (TOT) workshop at the Elisa Hotel Conference Room in Sogi from the 22 – 25 April. The event equipped 35 educators from Sagaga and Anoamaa districts and partners, for the next implementation sites for the Guardians Environmental Education Campaign, with innovative tools and strategies to promote environmental stewardship among students and communities.
The workshop focused on familiarizing participants with the Guardians Manual, experiential teaching techniques, and practical methods to deliver engaging environmental education programs. Key sessions included interactive modules on multiple learning styles, effective teaching practices, and trial runs of campaign themes such as Trash Star, Coral Champion, Wise Fisher, Tree Guardian, and Samoa Voyager. Participants collaborated to design activity plans, resource materials, and delivery methods tailored to their communities.
A dedicated session on social and environmental safeguards emphasized child protection, prevention of exploitation, and logistical best practices to ensure safety during campaign activities. The workshop concluded with certificate presentations, recognizing participants’ commitment to advancing environmental education.
“This workshop was very valuable and important and I appreciate the generous resources invested in us as educators to be able to support the Guardians Environmental Education modules” said Maria Fonofili from Sauano Primary School. “I am very grateful to the organizers for the past four days for all the informative sessions and knowledge shared which have greatly expanded our understanding for the benefit of teaching our children .”
The training and campaign ahead is made possible through foundational funding from the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) Manaaki Programme, with additional support from the Blackmore Foundation, Waitt Foundation and the Blue Nature Alliance. The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MNRE) and the Samoa Voyaging Society (SVS) were also able to support the facilitation of the programme modules and strengthening its impact. Conservation International and the Ministry of Education and Culture, extend their deepest gratitude to these partners for their commitment to environmental education and sustainable development in Samoa.
“We’re deeply grateful to our partners and donors for their continued support of the Guardians Programme,” says Le’ausalilo Leilani Duffy-Iosefa, Director of Conservation International. “Our goal is to ensure the programme leaves a lasting impact on Samoa’s children by helping protect their environmental and cultural heritage for generations to come”
The Guardians Campaign, now in its fifth year, continues to engage schools and communities in hands-on conservation efforts, building a generation of environmental Guardians, enhancing Samoa’s Ocean Strategy.
For more information about the Guardians programme, please contact Samantha Kwan on 21593.
END.
SOURCE – Conservation International Pacific Islands
SCED promotes Hong Kong’s advantages at Seventh Western China International Fair for Investment and Trade (with photos)
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Algernon Yau, attended the Seventh Western China International Fair for Investment and Trade (WCIFIT) in Chongqing today (May 22) to promote Hong Kong’s advantages to Mainland enterprises to further enhance co-operation between Hong Kong and Chongqing.
Organised by the Chongqing Municipal People’s Government, the WCIFIT is an important platform for trade co-operation and investment promotion in the western region of the Mainland. This year, Hong Kong is the guest city of honour of the WCIFIT at which a Hong Kong Pavilion is set up to promote Hong Kong’s strengths and showcase its role as an effective and premium trade and business platform for Mainland enterprises to go global. The Special Event on Chongqing-Hong Kong Co-operation in Modern Service Industry themed “Channelling Global Business through Hong Kong” was also held to foster co-operation and exchanges between the two places in different areas of the modern service industry.
Addressing the opening ceremony this morning, Mr Yau said that Hong Kong and Chongqing have long maintained close ties, with both places playing their unique roles in the nation’s development. Chongqing serves as an important link between the Belt and Road and the Yangtze River Economic Belt, and is a highly opened-up inland area, while Hong Kong possesses the unique advantages of having strong support of the country while maintaining unparalleled connectivity with the world, and is the country’s southern gateway and a key platform connecting the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area with international markets. Since the establishment of the Hong Kong/Chongqing Co-operation Conference mechanism in 2023, Hong Kong and Chongqing have been actively promoting co-operation on different fronts to leverage the complementarity of the two places and achieve mutual benefits, jointly contributing to the high-quality development of the country and creating unlimited opportunities for enterprises in both places.
Mr Yau said that Hong Kong is the connecting platform under the national dual circulation strategy, actively serving as a “super connector” and “super value-adder” and as a two-way springboard for Mainland enterprises to go global and for attracting overseas enterprises. He looked forward to more Chongqing enterprises coming to Hong Kong for further development.
The Secretary of the Chongqing Municipal Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC), Mr Yuan Jiajun, and Deputy Secretary of the Chongqing Municipal Committee of the CPC and the Mayor of Chongqing, Mr Hu Henghua, also attended the opening ceremony.
Mr Yau then toured the Hong Kong Pavilion, which covers 600 square metres and showcases Hong Kong’s strengths in areas such as finance, shipping and innovation and technology, as well as the development and achievements of co-operation between Hong Kong and Chongqing.
Speaking at the Special Event jointly organised by the Commerce and Economic Development Bureau and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) this afternoon, Mr Yau said that Hong Kong has a mature modern service industry system, while Chongqing is a major economic centre in the western region of the country with a strong manufacturing base and actively promoting the development of the producer services sector, demonstrating strong complementarity with Hong Kong. He added that Hong Kong and Chongqing present enormous potential for co-operation in the services sector. Hong Kong can provide solid support for Chongqing’s development of modern services, while Chongqing’s sizeable market and industrial base offer extensive room for development of Hong Kong enterprises.
The Special Event brought together government officials, enterprises and experts in the services sector of the two places, as well as a representative from the HKTDC to introduce Hong Kong’s advantages and opportunities, the development of Chongqing’s modern producer services sector, and the unlimited business opportunities under Hong Kong-Chongqing co-operation.
Winnie Ho promotes housing tech
Source: Hong Kong Information Services
Secretary for Housing Winnie Ho introduced the potential and opportunities of Hong Kong’s housing technology development during her visit to Paris, France yesterday.
Ms Ho first visited the Innovation Hub of Schneider Electric to learn how the company applies the Internet of Things, artificial intelligence and robotics to promote building energy efficiency retrofits and achieve smart energy management and net-zero power generation.
With a Housing Department delegation, Ms Ho introduced to them the experience of applying innovative technologies in public housing development in Hong Kong and shared how the Housing Authority promotes and advances the development of innovative technologies at the planning and design, construction and inspection stages of works, and fosters optimisation and upgrading of the construction sector.
In the afternoon, Ms Ho went to the headquarters of Saint-Gobain Group, visiting its iconic Saint-Gobain Tower and its research centre in Paris to learn more about their research, development and production process of green building materials for lowering costs, saving energy and reducing carbon emissions while enhancing indoor comfort.
The housing chief also attended a dinner with representatives of the Business Environment Council and the largest employers’ association in France, Mouvement des Entreprises de France.
They exchanged views on the application of construction technology by frontline staff and the development of smart cities, as well as shared experiences on promoting occupational safety and sustainable development in the two places.
Consumer Price Indices for April 2025
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The Census and Statistics Department (C&SD) released today (May 22) the Consumer Price Index (CPI) figures for April 2025. According to the Composite CPI, overall consumer prices rose by 2.0% in April 2025 over the same month a year earlier, larger than the corresponding increase (1.4%) in March 2025. The larger increase was mainly attributable to the lower ceiling of rates concession in April 2025 when compared with the same month last year. Netting out the effects of all Government’s one-off relief measures, the year-on-year rate of increase in the Composite CPI (i.e. the underlying inflation rate) in April 2025 was 1.3%, also larger than that in March 2025 (1.0%). The larger increase was mainly due to the increases in the charges for package tours as well as inbound and outbound transport fares.
On a seasonally adjusted basis, the average monthly rate of change in the Composite CPI for the 3-month period ending April 2025 was -0.1%, and that for the 3-month period ending March 2025 was 0.0%. Netting out the effects of all Government’s one-off relief measures, the corresponding rates of change were both 0.0%.