Category: MIL-OSI

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

Following is the speech by the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Miss Rosanna Law, at the opening ceremony of the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions Expo Asia 2026 today (June 10):

President and CEO (Chief Executive Officer) of the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions, IAAPA, Mr Jakob Wahl, Chair of the IAAPA Global Board of Directors, Ms Luciana Periales, Mr Jack Chan (Executive Director and Vice President of IAAPA Asia Pacific), distinguished guests, tourism industry friends, ladies and gentlemen,

Good morning. It gives me great pleasure to welcome you to Hong Kong for the opening of the IAAPA Expo Asia 2026. I still need a script unlike Jack just now. I shouldn’t be because I am among friends here. This is not the first IAAPA Expo I have attended. But still, I think I should stick to the speech because I have so much to share with you.

First of all, I am deeply honoured for Hong Kong to host this premier industry gathering once again. Your return is a powerful endorsement of Hong Kong as Asia-Pacific’s leading tourism and exhibition hub. 

Hong Kong’s tourism momentum speaks for itself. In 2025, we welcomed 49.9 million visitors – I’d like to call it 50 million – a 12 per cent increase year on year. In the first five months of 2026 alone, we received about 23 million arrivals, a remarkable 14 per cent rise over the same period last year. We are now on track to receive 53.8 million visitors in 2026, representing an 8 per cent annual growth. These numbers represent Hong Kong’s enduring appeal and the strength of our recovery as a world-class destination. 

This year’s theme, “Pursue the Wonder”, resonates deeply with Hong Kong’s spirit. Here in Hong Kong, wonder is not an abstract idea – it is woven into the very fabric of our urban life. With over 300 exhibitors from around the globe, this Expo stands as the definitive platform for exploring the future of immersive and sustainable attractions.

As your host, Hong Kong itself is a destination built on wonder. At Hong Kong Disneyland, beloved stories come to life through spectacular shows and immersive lands, bringing joy to families from around the world. Having just celebrated its 20th anniversary, the park is now moving ahead with a unique Pixar-themed experience debuting next year – using cutting-edge technologies to take visitors on a fun and magical journey. A Marvel-themed area is also in the pipeline, set to further position the park as a must-visit destination for fans of heroic adventures.  

At Ocean Park, adventure meets conservation. It is currently home to six magnificent and giant pandas and many other exotic animals that capture the hearts of visitors. A brand-new adventure zone, set for completion in 2028, will feature thrilling experiences such as bungee jumping and ziplining, adding a new dimension to the park’s offerings. By pairing heart-pumping rides with unforgettable animal encounters, a visit to Ocean Park will turn a day of pure fun into a passion for conservation.  

Beyond our renowned theme parks, iconic landmarks – including Ngong Ping 360, the West Kowloon Cultural District, the Peak Tram and our legendary Victoria Harbour, honoured as one of the world’s must-visit places – offer timeless and captivating experiences.

On top of all these attractions, Hong Kong also offers a dynamic calendar of mega events that deliver wonder at every turn. The Kai Tak Sports Park is a shining example: Since opening last March, it has hosted over 120 international and local events and attracted over 7 million visitors. I know that some of you should have been there, for Coldplay, concerts, or for the international Rugby Sevens tournament. This vibrant events landscape – featuring a continuous lineup of international sports, cultural festivals, and entertainment spectacles – constantly renews the reasons to visit Hong Kong.

Ladies and gentlemen, today’s Expo is an invaluable platform for collaboration. Here, we can imagine, innovate, merge with each other and build the future of wonder together. Let us seize the opportunity to share inspiration and create more joyful experiences for millions around the world.

I wish the Expo a resounding success, and all of you a wonderful stay in our vibrant city, Hong Kong. Thank you.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     Following is a question by the Dr Hon Hoey Simon Lee and a written reply by the Secretary for Environment and Ecology, Mr Tse Chin-wan, in the Legislative Council today (June 10):
 
Question:

     Since 2022, the SAR Government has set up the Inter-departmental Working Group on Using Hydrogen as Fuel (the Working Group) to co-ordinate preparation works of bureaux/departments for using hydrogen as fuel locally. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     Following is a question by Professor the Hon William Wong and a written reply by the Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Professor Sun Dong, in the Legislative Council today (June 10):
 
Question:
 
     The 2026-2027 Budget has proposed to promote artificial intelligence (AI) training for all to popularise the understanding and use of AI by all levels of society. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
 
(1) as the Budget has announced an allocation of $50 million to invite public organisations to organise, in collaboration with technology enterprises and tertiary institutions, AI application courses, seminars and competitions targeting students, young people and members of the public for enhancing their AI awareness and application skills, of the current progress of such an initiative, including the expected timing for issuing the invitations and announcing the details;
 
(2) in the course of promoting AI training for all in Hong Kong, (i) whether it will draw on the experience of various countries, such as the United Kingdom’s “TechFirst Programme”, to establish diverse training and funding programmes tailored to the needs of different audience groups (e.g. secondary school and university students, scientific researchers, women and small and medium enterprises); and (ii) whether it will provide AI-related job matching for those who have completed the training, so as to facilitate matching between enterprises and job seekers, thereby accelerating the digital intelligence transformation of society;
 
(3) whether it will study the establishment of an “AI competency standard framework” (e.g. covering various perspectives such as awareness, application, innovation and ethics) and link it with the Qualifications Framework, as well as provide an “AI-specific” funding under the Continuing Education Fund to encourage continuous learning for all;
 
(4) whether it will encourage local universities and various vocational and professional education and training providers to collaborate with various trade associations to develop “AI+Industry” micro-credential courses tailored to industry needs, so as to assist practitioners in their professional transformation and upgrading; and
 
(5) as there are views that with the development of agentic AI technology, the threshold for starting businesses using AI will be further lowered, whether the authorities will, when planning future university and vocational training programmes, strengthen the design of entrepreneurship courses centred on AI tools and provide guidance to help students and members of the public to master ways of using AI technology to engage in sidelines or start businesses, thereby expanding diverse employment models?
 
Reply:
 
President,

     The 2026-27 Budget (the Budget) proposes the “AI for All” strategy, covering students, young people and members of the public, as well as digital education in primary and secondary schools, post-secondary education programmes and vocational skills training. In consultation with the Education Bureau and the Labour and Welfare Bureau, our reply to the five parts of the question is as follows.

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

On the afternoon of June 9 local time (noon of the same day Taipei time), Vice President Bi-khim Hsiao visited Belau National Hospital and Belau National Museum in the Republic of Palau. In remarks, Vice President Hsiao stated that public health is a very important job and life-and-death matter, and it is also an important area and a priority for President Lai Ching-te. She affirmed the achievements of the long-term medical cooperation between Taiwan and Palau, and thanked Taiwan’s medical teams for their continuous dedication to medical services in Palau. The vice president noted that the two sides have engaged in close exchanges and cooperation in areas such as public health, culture, education, and infrastructure, demonstrating a mutual commitment to advancing people’s well-being and deepening the Taiwan-Palau partnership.
The vice president first arrived at Belau National Hospital, where she received a briefing from Shin Kong Hospital on its medical programs. In her subsequent remarks , she thanked Palauan Vice President Raynold Oilouch for his hospitality. Noting that Vice President Oilouch also serves as health minister, she acknowledged his added responsibility of taking care of the public health of the people of Palau, describing it as a very important job and life-and-death matter. She expressed that Taiwan is honored to have the opportunity to partner with and contribute to the health and well-being of the people of Palau.
Vice President Hsiao expressed that the government is especially thankful to the professionals from Taiwanese hospitals and the private doctors who come to Palau every few months to contribute their medical expertise. She noted that Shin Kong Hospital, a very good private hospital in Taiwan, has taken the lead in partnering with Palau, adding that there are also other hospitals and medical professionals from Taiwan working with Palau in various ways.
Vice President Hsiao pointed out that during this trip, she has witnessed many areas of cooperation, including infrastructure, agriculture, aquaculture, culture, and education.  She said that she is thankful for the opportunity to see firsthand our cooperation in public health. She highlighted that Deputy Minister of Health and Welfare Lin Ching-yi (林靜儀),  who was present, is a doctor by profession and serves not only as Taiwan’s Palau expert, but also as a health expert for Taiwan. The vice president also noted that Deputy Minister Lin was her colleague in Taiwan’s legislature many years ago, and said that she has been very helpful in Taiwan-Palau exchanges and cooperation on finding the best pathway to support the broader bilateral relationship. Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs is also always providing support, she said, offering assistance with all Palau-related affairs beyond just public health.
Vice President Hsiao emphasized that public health is indeed an important area and a priority for President Lai’s administration. As the first medical doctor-turned-president in Taiwan’s history, President Lai has placed great emphasis on public health since taking office. This is part of his professional expertise, she said, noting that he also chairs the Healthy Taiwan Promotion Committee.
Recalling the time when President Lai served as vice president, Vice President Hsiao mentioned that during his visits to countries such as Paraguay and Honduras, he always focused on public health projects, demonstrating that this is an administrative priority for him. In closing, Vice President Hsiao thanked Palau for this partnership, which gives Taiwan an opportunity to contribute as a force for good in the world and demonstrate our eagerness to contribute to public health and global health.
Following the hospital visit, the vice president and her delegation proceeded to Belau National Museum. Guided by Museum Director Olympia E. Morei-Remengesau, they toured a bai (men’s meeting house), an exhibition on the monumental earthworks of Babeldaob, a special exhibition on Taiwan’s indigenous peoples, and history galleries featuring artifacts from the Spanish, German, and Japanese colonial periods, as well as the United States trust territory era.
Vice President Hsiao also signed the guestbook at the special exhibition on Taiwan’s indigenous peoples, writing“Proud to share Austronesian cultures between Taiwan & Palau”in English, and in Chinese, expressing hope for everlasting friendship and mutual prosperity and development between the two nations.
Also in attendance at the activities were Palauan Minister of Human Resources, Culture, Tourism and Development Ngiraibelas Tmetuchl and Ambassador-designate to Taiwan Gaafar J. Uherbelau. 

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

On the afternoon of June 8 local time (afternoon of the same day Taipei time), Vice President Bi-khim Hsiao visited a farm operated by the Taiwan Technical Mission in the Republic of Palau. In remarks, Vice President Hsiao stated that the technical mission has long been dedicated to collaboration in agriculture, aquaculture, education, and information technology, helping to promote the development of Palau’s industries and deepen the two countries’ friendship. She said that by continuing to leverage professional technical cooperation, both sides can help to address development needs in Palau and work together to promote sustainable development.
Upon her arrival, the vice president first listened to a briefing on operations by Benjamin Tsai (蔡明哲), leader of the technical mission. In her remarks afterward, she noted that this visit was specifically arranged in order to learn more about the concrete achievements of the technical mission’s cooperative projects, while further deepening the cooperative relations and friendship between Taiwan and Palau across various fields. She also took the opportunity to extend her appreciation and encouragement to all team members working hard on the frontlines to contribute to Taiwan’s diplomacy. The vice president pointed out that Palau is geographically closest to Taiwan among the latter’s diplomatic allies and has always been highly supportive of Taiwan. In recent years, cooperation between the two sides has continued to expand, with further collaboration not only in agriculture, aquaculture, and education, but also in the field of information technology.
The vice president mentioned that earlier during her itinerary, Palauan President Surangel S. Whipps, Jr. shared several future policy goals with Taiwan, including plans to expand the milkfish aquaculture industry. Suitable locations have already been identified, and the Embassy of the Republic of China (Taiwan) in the Republic of Palau and the Taiwan Technical Mission will subsequently conduct professional assessments to support Palau with the project’s development.
The vice president noted that throughout various stops on her trip, she observed that Palau places great focus on the utilization of marine resources, as well as how to balance conservation with the economic needs of Palauan residents. She expressed her belief that the technologies introduced by the technical mission will bring immense benefits to the related issues being discussed in Palauan society and to the process of further development in the future.
The vice president said that she was highly impressed by the beautiful produce on display at the technical mission. Palau relies heavily on imports for many of its dietary and daily necessities, and imported products are not only more expensive, but also increase carbon emissions. She emphasized that the technical mission’s professional assistance is of great significance in promoting the further development of local industries across various fields. In closing, Vice President Hsiao once again thanked the members of the technical mission for their dedication and hard work.
Following her remarks, the vice president viewed some of the technical mission’s cultivated crops, including dragon fruit, guava, pineapple, and taro, learning about the relevant breeding and promotion efforts. She also commended the team members for their long-term dedication to technical cooperation in agriculture and their efforts assisting our diplomatic ally in its development.
Also in attendance at the event was Palauan Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, and the Environment Steven Victor.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region