Category: MIL-OSI

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[JOINT PRESS RELEASE, 21 November 2025] – To mark the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Independent State of Samoa and the People’s Republic of China a commemorative ceremony was held in Apia, marking a milestone of five decades of partnership, mutual respect, and shared development aspirations built on trust and dialogue.

The joint celebratory reception was held at the Apia Primary School Hall, as part of the Handover ceremony for the three China-Aid Primary Schools project (Apia Primary School, St Therese Primary School and Lepea Primary School). The handover of the Primary Schools to the Government of Samoa was conducted by H.E Mr Fei Mingxing, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China.

Close to 200 guests were present including high level representation of the Triage of Government, and dignitaries, the Diplomatic corps and members of the Chinese and business community as well as the representation of the school communities involved in the handover of new school facilities.

In his address, Ambassador Fei highlighted the development of bilateral relations over the past 50 years, acknowledged Samoa for its long-term resolute adherence to the one-China principle, and stressed that China is willing to deepen the alignment between the Belt and Road Initiative and “the Pathway for the Development of Samoa”, work together to build an even closer comprehensive strategic partnership, and jointly contributing to building a community with a shared future for humanity.

The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Hon Mulipola Anarosa Ale Molioo in her key note address referred to the Samoa and China relationship which is premised on mutual respect, equality, the recognition of each other’s sovereignty and common goals to advance mutual interests. She referred to Samoa’s consistent adherence to the One China Principle which remains the foundation of the Samoa-China diplomatic relations. Hon. Mulipola further acknowledged the many decades where Samoa and China have collaborated on initiatives that support and strengthen national development priorities and mutual engagement in areas such as infrastructural development, agriculture and fisheries, education, sports development, health, tourism, disaster preparedness, people to people links and capacity building for Samoa’s nationals.

Invited Guests also witnessed the joint unveiling of commemorative stamps for the 50th anniversary of China-Samoa diplomatic ties.

The finale of the evening included a Gala at the Arts and Culture Centre, where performing artists from Huizhou, China and cultural performers from Samoa took to the stage in front of an audience of close to 300 people in a demonstration of cultural exchange.

-END –

November 24, 2025

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KEYNOTE ADDRESS Minister of Commerce Industry & Labour Hon. Fata Ryan Schuster

Lau Susuga i le Taitai o le Sauniga – Lau Susuga Luapene Nepo

Afioga i Sui Palemia

Afioga i Minisita o le Kapeneta ma Minisita Lagolago

Faauluuluga o Matagaluega, Faalapotopotoga ma Pisinisi Tumaoti

Sui o Malo mai Fafo

Faapea le mamalu ma le aofia ua potopoto mai

E muamua ona ou paepae ulufanua ma seu mālū lupe o le fōaga aua o lele ua fa’aifoifo le tuamafa i le fogatia. E leai la se fiaui e toe sopovale i le fogatia aua ua malumāūnu lenei ituaso ma le tatou fesilafaiga. O paia ma mamalu ua afifio i lenei malu, e le toe autalatalaina i se matou upu aua ua taoto a’o se āla o’o; pe o’o pe le o’o iai sa matou tala, e tumau lava e le toe suia.

O lenei la afiafi, ua tafesilafa’i le laau a le tamaitai, tatou tausōa pati lāia le viiga ma le agalelei o le Atua, aua ua tatou lauluafesilafa’i i manū ae le’o mala i le alofa o le Atua. Matou te faapea atu ai, malo le soifua manuia i le lagi e mamā. Malo foi le soifua maua i le lagi mātafi i lenei afiafi.

Ae iai le manatu maualuga o le a faaauau atu se faamatalaga i le Gagana Peretania ona o loo filogia le tatou mafutaga i lenei afiafi

Reverend Luapene Nepo,

Deputy Prime Ministers,

Ministers of Cabinet and Associate Ministers,

Heads of Government Ministries and Private Organizations.

Distinguished Guests,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

It is my profound honor and privilege to stand before you today as the Minister for Commerce, Industry and Labour to officially launch Samoa’s first National Quality Policy (NQP) 2025-2030. This momentous occasion represents the dedicated efforts undertaken to establish a stronger, more competitive Samoa—one in which quality serves as the foundation for economic growth, the protection of our people, and the preservation of our environment.

I extend a cordial welcome to all in attendance: esteemed government officials, visionary business leaders, and valued international partners. I am particularly pleased to acknowledge the distinguished presence of the British and Australian High Commissioners; whose participation affirms the collective commitment essential to the success of this transformative policy.

In today’s interconnected global economy, the quality of goods and services is paramount to competitiveness, productivity, safety, and environmental responsibility. The Government of Samoa, through the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Labour, remains committed to diversifying our economy and expanding our business community to achieve sustainable economic growth.

As detailed in the Pathway for the Development of Samoa 2021-2026, we are focused on fostering business innovation and growth by creating a supportive environment for the private sector. This involves implementing measures to enhance the quality and quantity of our exported goods and services, boosting the trade competitiveness of our local businesses in both national and international markets.

The NQP 2025-2030 creates an enabling policy environment to guide the enhancement and reform of our National Quality Infrastructure (NQI). The NQI encompasses the complete institutional framework for standardization, metrology, accreditation, and conformity assessment services.

These elements provide the evidence needed to confirm that our products and services satisfy regulatory and market requirements. Developed with care and precision, the NQP is pragmatic and aligned with Samoa’s context, market needs, international best practices, and our trade agreements. It clearly defines the roles and responsibilities of all involved parties, including the Government, regulatory bodies, and the private sector.

A policy’s robustness depends on its execution, and ours is designed for real impact. It serves as a dynamic five-year road-map, accompanied by a detailed implementation plan that specifies responsibilities, oversight mechanisms, and budgets. This plan prioritizes initiatives and ensures accountability. As a cross-cutting initiative, the NQP engages multiple ministries and agencies in collaborative efforts across government and the private sector.

The Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Labour will lead an Oversight and Coordination Committee, comprising of public and private stakeholders, to monitor progress and adapt to evolving needs.

In summation, I express sincere gratitude to the International Consultant, Mr. George Bamopoulos and the British Standards Institute team for their technical expertise and assistance, to the UK Government and PACER Plus Implementing Unit for their financial support, and to all the stakeholders that participated in the Policy’s formulation.

I implore you to adopt this NQP as a shared responsibility. Quality is everyone’s business, let us cooperate and collaborate across agencies, sectors, ministries, and institutions to enhance our productivity, competitiveness, trade, and protection of consumers and the environment.

Ladies and gentlemen, the launch of Samoa’s NQP marks a new era of excellence. Together, we will build a Samoa where quality is not just a policy, but a way of life that drives inclusive and sustainable prosperity. This shows our Government’s commitment to growth that includes everyone, where our products and service reflect the best of Samoa.

Let’s embrace this path with energy. Together, we’ll make quality a way of life in Samoa.

Thank you, and may God bless Samoa.

Fa’afetai tele lava ma Faamanuia le Atua

November 24, 2025

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The opening ceremony of the AI in Education (AIED) Forum Series, jointly organised by the Education Bureau (EDB), the Hong Kong Education City (EdCity) and the Hong Kong Cyberport Management Company Limited was held today (November 22). The event aims to provide teachers with a practical training platform to foster pedagogical innovations and enhance teaching effectiveness through cross-sector collaboration.

Speaking at the ceremony, the Under Secretary for Education, Dr Sze Chun-fai, said that in line with the national strategy on digital education, the EDB has been vigorously promoting digital education in primary and secondary schools to enhance students’ digital literacy and skills. The Chief Executive proposed in the 2025 Policy Address a series of new policy initiatives to strengthen the promotion of digital education in primary and secondary schools, including setting aside $2 billion in the Quality Education Fund to support digital education in primary and secondary schools, formulating the Blueprint for Digital Education in Primary and Secondary Schools, enhancing AI training for teachers, and introducing corporate resources.

He said that, to further enhance students’ digital literacy, particularly in the application of AI to support learning, the EDB is going to set out an “AI literacy” learning framework for teachers’ reference. This aims to cultivate  ethical use of innovative technologies in students. Additionally, the EDB has been rolling out a series of new training programmes on AI in education for teachers, covering online training, offline exchanges and practical workshops, to support teachers in effectively integrating AI technology into their instruction.

Subsequently, as witnessed by Dr Sze, representatives from the EdCity signed Memoranda of Understanding with several organisations, covering collaborative initiatives such as co-organisation of events to further advance the development of digital education in Hong Kong. The EDB hopes that through cross-sector collaboration, resource sharing and exemplary teaching practices, teachers will be inspired to integrate innovative technologies in the classroom. This will enhance the effectiveness of learning and teaching, cultivating a new digitally literate generation and leading Hong Kong’s education towards a new era of intelligence.

The AIED Forum Series is being held from November 20 to 22, featuring keynote speeches, panel discussions, edtech solution exhibition booths and hands-on workshops for teachers. This programme aims to comprehensively enhance teachers’ knowledge and skills in application of AI to improve learning and teaching effectiveness. On the first day of the event, an innovation technology expert conducted a cybersecurity workshop to enhance capabilities of school technical staff in cybersecurity management and crisis response. The second day featured an AI forum hosted by an expert from Peking University, showcasing case studies on AI-powered teaching applications in various subjects to teachers. The last day comprises thematic presentations and panel discussions by experts and academics, alongside edtech solution exhibition booths and 14 hands-on workshops of diverse themes, which enabled participants to experience first-hand the practical application of cutting-edge educational technologies in the classroom, engage in exchanges with development teams, and explore AI tools and teaching strategies within interactive learning environments.

For details about the AIED Forum Series, please visit the event webpage (web.edcity.hk/en/aied/home).

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Hong Kong Public Libraries (HKPL) of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department held a certificate presentation ceremony at the Hong Kong Central Library today (November 22) to commend members who had participated in the 2024-25 Reading Programme for Children and Youth.
 
     The programme continues to receive an overwhelming response from students of different ages and has recruited over 7 000 children and youth members this year. Twenty-four members received Star of the Month awards for their reading reports, with the nine best being recognised as Reading Supernova. Seventeen members of the programme participating in the most sessions of the Monthly Meeting of Joyful Reading were awarded Elite of Joyful Reading medals.
 
     The HKPL endeavours to promote good reading habits among children and youth with schools. The Most Active School in Promoting Participation awards were presented to schools that successfully nominated the largest number of new members in the year. This year’s awards went to W F Joseph Lee Primary School, PLK Riverain Primary School, Good Health Anglo-Chinese Kindergarten (Ma On Shan), Methodist School, and Pok Oi Hospital Tang Pui King Memorial College.

     Five schools with the highest total number of books read by their nominated members received the Most Active School in Promoting Reading awards. The winning schools are W F Joseph Lee Primary School, Hong Kong Baptist Convention Primary School, Tseung Kwan O Methodist Primary School, S.K.H. Yan Laap Primary School, and S.K.H. Tin Wan Chi Nam Primary School.
 
     Targeting children and youth from kindergarten to Secondary Six, the Reading Programme aims to arouse their reading interest, cultivate their reading habits, and encourage them to share their reading tips and the joy of reading with other people. To promote paired reading, children from kindergarten to Primary Three can join the family category with their parents. People interested in participating in the Reading Programme may contact any public library or visit www.hkpl.gov.hk/rp.
 
     This year’s Reading Supernova winning works are now on display at the foyer of the South Entrance of the Hong Kong Central Library until November 26. A roving exhibition will also be held at various public libraries later.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

Hong Kong Customs yesterday (November 21) detected a suspected case of illegal importing of animals at the Lo Wu Control Point. Two suspected illegally imported kittens with an estimated market value of about $20,000 were seized.

Customs officers yesterday intercepted an incoming 61-year-old male passenger at the Arrival Hall of the said Control Point. Upon examination, two kittens were seized from his carrier bag, and he wassubsequently arrested.

The case has been handed over to the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department for follow-up investigation.

Customs reminds the public that importing animals into Hong Kong without a valid permit is an offence.

Under the Rabies Regulation, any person found guilty of illegally importing animals, carcasses or animal products is liable to a maximum fine of $50,000 and imprisonment for one year.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     A man who went missing in Aberdeen has been located.

     Chan Ho-yin, aged 38, went missing after he left his residence in Ap Lei Chau Estate on November 15 noon. His family made a report to Police on November 17.

     The man was located on Heung Yip Road in the small hours today (November 22). He sustained no injuries and no suspicious circumstances were detected.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region