Category: MIL-OSI

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     Following is the speech by the Secretary for Health, Professor Lo Chung-mau, at the International Genomic Medicine Symposium today (November 17):

Mr Philip Tsai (Chairperson of the Hong Kong Genome Institute (HKGI)), Dr SV Lo (Chief Executive Officer of the HKGI, Dr Lo Su-vui) , Dr Kirsten Johnson (Chair of the Council, Rare Diseases International (RDI)), Professor Roberto Giugliani (Co-Chair of the RDI-Lancet Commission on Rare Diseases (LCRD)), Professor Kym Boycott (Co-Chair of the RDI-LCRD), distinguished speakers and guests, ladies and gentlemen,

     Good morning. It is a pleasure for me to attend the International Genomic Medicine Symposium. On behalf of the Health Bureau of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to the Hong Kong Genome Institute, Rare Diseases International, and the Rare Disease International-Lancet Commission on Rare Diseases (RDI-LCRD), for their exemplary efforts in convening this world-class gathering. It gives me great pleasure to welcome so many distinguished clinicians, scientists, and healthcare professionals to the International Genomic Medicine Symposium.

     This Symposium brings together experts and leaders from more than 20 countries and regions, and is a remarkable platform for sharing ideas and building partnerships across disciplines, institutions, and borders. It stands as a testament to the power of global collaboration.  

     As a “super connector”, Hong Kong proudly connects people, expertise, and opportunities from around the world to drive the development of genomic medicine together. We are all united by one shared mission: to translate the promise of genomic medicine into real and lasting benefits for patients and families. 

     Genomic medicine represents one of the most exciting frontiers in modern healthcare. It is redefining how we understand, diagnose, and treat disease – driving progress from disease prevention early detection and precise diagnosis to personalised treatment, and groundbreaking advances in clinical trials and drug discovery.

     Recognising the profound potential of this field, the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region has made genomic medicine a key pillar of the city’s journey to promote healthcare and innovation.  

     We set up the Hong Kong Genome Institute in 2020. The Institute’s vision statement is ambitious yet simple – to avail genomic medicine to all for better health and well-being. Over the years, with strong government support, the Institute has become a driving force linking clinical practice with cutting-edge science.

     At the centre of the Institute’s work stands its flagship initiative – the Hong Kong Genome Project – the city’s first large-scale whole-genome sequencing programme. The Project has at least three main goals: to build a comprehensive genome database for the Hong Kong population, to nurture a professional workforce in genomic medicine, and to set standards for genetic and genomic testing across the healthcare system.  

     Through strong collaboration among the HKSAR Government, the Hospital Authority, and local universities, the Project has already recruited more than 53 000 participants. Indeed, this figure has already exceeded the original target of 50 000 participants, which was set from the Project’s inception in 2021. 

     The impact of this growing effort extends beyond Hong Kong. At present, human genome databases shared internationally are largely Caucasian-based, accounting for over 70 per cent of all the data involved. Through the Hong Kong Genome Project, Hong Kong is building a unique genome database rooted primarily in the Southern Chinese population. By expanding the representation of Asian genomic data, Hong Kong is not only closing a critical gap in global knowledge, but also opening up new possibilities for more knowledge generation. 

     The genomic data, and clinical information, collected through the Project are de-identified and stored in the Hong Kong Genome Institute’s bioinformatics analytical platform for access by authorised researchers. As the Project’s database continues to grow, it will allow for more targeted participant stratification, accelerating the discovery of new drugs and the development of precision therapies.

     Looking ahead, the HKSAR Government will continue to support the Hong Kong Genome Institute as the Institute embarks on the next phase of work, pressing ahead with its 2025-2030 Strategic Plan. The Plan sets four priorities: to integrate genomic medicine into clinical care; to advance research in genomic science; to nurture talent in genomic medicine; and to enhance public genomic literacy and foster industry partnership.  

     The Institute will expand the Hong Kong Genome Project, enrolling a further 60 000 to 70 000 participants over the next five years. This larger genome database will contribute to accelerating novel gene discoveries, driving medical innovations from new diagnostic tests to precision therapies, and strengthening collaboration with the pharmaceutical industry on new drug trials and pharmacogenomics.

     Turning scientific discoveries into practical applications will take centre stage in the Hong Kong Genome Institute’s next phase of work. The Institute will forge partnerships with research institutions and industry leaders not only in Hong Kong, but across the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and beyond, to advance – and bring to market – innovative genomics technologies and products.

     I am confident that many of you at today’s Symposium will join – or continue to join hands with – the Hong Kong Genome Institute in realising the immense transformative potential of genomic medicine. 
  
     And all these ongoing and future efforts of the Institute go hand in hand with the HKSAR Government’s new initiatives to facilitate the development and application of biomedical innovations in Hong Kong. To name a few, such initiatives include reform of medical product regulation, the setting up of the Hong Kong Centre for Medical Products Regulation, and the establishment of the Greater Bay Area International Clinical Trial Institute to provide a one-stop clinical trial support platform. 

     All in all, we are determined to strengthen Hong Kong’s role as an international health and medical innovation hub. With high-quality and efficient healthcare systems, state-of-the-art research facilities and capabilities, strong support from our motherland, and extensive international connectivity, Hong Kong is well placed to drive new breakthroughs that enhance community well-being and contribute meaningfully to global health.

     Today’s Symposium provides an excellent opportunity to reflect on these ambitions from the perspective of genomic medicine. It features five thematic panel discussions that will explore various key frontiers – from managing rare diseases and applying precision medicine, to addressing the legal and ethical dimensions of data sharing, driving innovations in health-record management, and harnessing the power of artificial intelligence.

     Following this Symposium, Hong Kong will have the honour of hosting the annual meeting of the RDI-LCRD over the next two days. This milestone underscores Hong Kong’s role as a hub for global scientific exchanges and collaboration. It also reflects the international community’s confidence in our city’s research environment and clinical excellence.

     Before closing, to our distinguished guests from the Chinese Mainland and overseas who have travelled from near and far, I hope you find your stay in Hong Kong both enriching and enjoyable. Beyond scientific exchanges, I invite you to experience the city’s vibrancy and its unique blend of East-meets-West culture. 

     And to our local participants, I encourage you to build on the connections made today – to keep the dialogue going and work together to improve patient care and public health. I would also like to make a brief appeal to you, as members of Hong Kong’s professional and scientific community. On December 7, Hong Kong will hold the 2025 Legislative Council General Election. I encourage each of you – and your family members – to vote in the election, because the choices you make will shape the policies that foster research, healthcare, and the well-being of present and future generations. 

     On that note, I wish the Symposium, as well as the RDI-LCRD’s annual meeting, every success. Thank you.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     Following is the speech by the Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, at the Hong Kong Global Maritime Trade Summit today (November 17):

Dr Emanuele Grimaldi (Chair of the International Chamber of Shipping), Your Excellencies, Ministers, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

     Good morning. It is a pleasure to welcome you all to the second Hong Kong Global Maritime Trade Summit, co-hosted by the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), the Hong Kong Shipowners Association, and the newly formed Hong Kong Maritime and Port Development Board.  

     This important event brings together more than 300 global maritime leaders from some 30 economies for vital dialogue and collaboration. Your presence speaks to the global significance of the discussions here.

     I would like to thank the ICS for once again choosing Hong Kong to host this pivotal summit, casting a strong vote of confidence in us as an international maritime centre. Representing over 80 per cent of the world’s merchant fleet, your leadership in shaping the global maritime agenda is unparalleled.

Building Resilience in an Age of Transformation

     The theme of this Summit – “Building Resilience, Driving Growth and Investment” – speaks directly to our moment. Global maritime trade is no doubt facing headwinds: geopolitical tensions, tariff escalations, and new trade barriers are reshaping shipping routes and disrupting established patterns. The UNCTAD (United Nations Conference on Trade and Development) Review of Maritime Transport 2025 forecasts seaborne trade growth of merely 0.5 per cent this year, down from 2.2 per cent in 2024 – the slowest pace in years. Vessel rerouting has pushed ton-miles to record levels, forcing ships to travel longer distances at higher cost.

     Yet this is not necessarily a story of decline, but of transformation. Allow me to offer three observations. 

Shifting maritime trade patterns 

     First, in my view, geopolitics will reshape rather than weaken maritime trade flows. Consider China. It has stood as the world’s largest manufacturing economy for 15 consecutive years, commanding close to 30 per cent of global manufacturing output. It has an industrial ecosystem spanning the entire classification of industrial categories recognised by the United Nations. Despite talk of supply chain diversification, no country possesses China’s completeness, scale, efficiency or integrated capacity. Indeed, supply chain reconfiguration arising from trade tensions is creating a complementary, not substitutional, relationship across the region. 

     While Southeast Asian nations are attracting more investments and manufacturing activities, in this process, they are reinforcing the two-way trade flow with China, in raw materials, components, semi-finished goods and finished products. As a matter of fact, China-ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) trade reached a record of some US$690 billion in the first eight months of 2025. Hong Kong, as a key re-export hub, has witnessed substantial growth in this business.
   
     As a manufacturer, China will continue to demand vast quantities of raw materials and components from Southeast Asia, Africa and the Pacific (like Australia). Meanwhile, as a consumer market of 1.4 billion people with a rapidly expanding middle income group, China will drive continued growth in the import of food, fashion, electronics, and more.

     At the same time, Southeast Asia, with approximately 700 million people with a median age of 32, is experiencing a significant demographic dividend. More importantly, their incomes are rising substantially. By 2030, ASEAN will contribute 140 million new consumers, representing 16 per cent of the world’s new consumer class. 

     Beyond Asia, the broader Global South, currently accounting for 18 per cent of global GDP, is projected to grow at 4.2 per cent annually through 2029. By 2033, South-South trade is expected to approach US$14 trillion.

     I believe this economic dynamism will be reshaping maritime trade. Intra-regional trade is emerging as a powerful engine of growth. Intra-Asia container volumes are projected to reach more than 42 million TEUs (Twenty Equipment Unit) by 2028, representing 3.8 per cent growth per year, outpacing the global average.

     The maritime sector itself is evolving, too. Intra-regional trade is driving demand for smaller, fuel-efficient vessels optimised for short-sea shipping. Scheduling patterns are also shifting to accommodate new supply chains and regional trade growth. Bulk commodities remain dominant in seaborne trade, and containerised cargo – including consumer electronics, automotive components, and renewable energy products – is experiencing robust growth, particularly in intra-Asia routes. 

Decarbonisation as both imperative and opportunity 

     My second observation is that decarbonisation of maritime operations is both an imperative and opportunity. The IMO (International Maritime Organization) has set a target of achieving net-zero carbon emissions from international shipping by 2050. This is not environmental aspiration alone. It is regulatory reality.

     To this end, the liner shipping industry is making substantial progress, with 79 per cent of the deadweight tonnage of container and vehicle carriers capable of operating on renewable fuels. Yet scaling green fuel production and creating financial mechanisms to support adoption remain challenging. It requires strong political commitment and cross-sectoral collaboration.

     The opportunity is substantial. Maritime decarbonisation represents a multi-trillion-dollar investment opportunity through 2050. The transition to zero-emission marine fuels could create up to 4 million jobs globally across the energy supply chain. Here in Hong Kong, we are embracing this. For example, we have published an Action Plan on Green Maritime Fuel Bunkering, positioning ourselves as a regional hub for sustainable fuel supply. Our goal is to provide bunkering services for green fuels to ocean-going vessels more than 60 times per year by 2030, involving over 200 000 tonnes of green maritime fuels. 

Harnessing digital transformation 

     My third observation is on technology’s transformative power. Ports and global container lines are commonly deploying artificial intelligence, blockchain and advanced data analytics to improve operational efficiency, optimise routes, and reduce downtime and carbon emissions. This is where Hong Kong also comes in, with our vibrant technology and startup community. Many of them are pioneering innovations in smart logistics. They can play a role not only in supporting our own transformation but also in serving the broader region.

     Technology is also reshaping what is shipped and how. As consumer preferences shift and companies adopt new production methods, the mode of maritime trade also evolves. Consumers are now preferring sustainable, traceable products, driving demand for supply chain solutions that can verify environmental and social credentials in real time. Besides, the speed of technology adoption in operation and management will determine competitive success in this decade. Those who are able to digitalise their operations will reduce costs, capture market share, and be better able to meet the expectations of increasingly sophisticated customers and regulators.

Concluding remarks

     Ladies and gentlemen, the maritime industry stands at a pivotal moment. Geopolitical fragmentation, shifting patterns of global commerce, climate imperatives and technological advancement are formidable forces. Yet they create opportunity precisely because they demand agility, innovation and vision.

     Yes, the currents are shifting, and the waters may be uncharted. But like the explorers in the Age of Discovery, there lies tremendous opportunity for those with the vision to navigate with strategy, courage and conviction. I am convinced that the voyage ahead is one of extraordinary growth for those who are willing and ready. 

     On this note, I wish you all a most rewarding Summit, and the best of health and business in the time ahead.

     And for those of you coming from afar, I would like to appeal to you: don’t just work, but enjoy the city. We have wonderful hiking trails, beaches, about 200 Michelin-recommended restaurants, great museums, and above all, we don’t impose duty on wine! And remember to shop till you drop! Thank you.

Source: Government of the Republic of Korea

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Two of the competition events being held in Hong Kong as part of the 15th National Games – namely golf and triathlon – concluded today. 

The golf action took place at the Hong Kong Golf Club’s Fanling Golf course. More than 80 players, comprising 17 teams from the Mainland, Hong Kong and Macau, took part across men’s and women’s individual and team events. Four male and four female players from Hong Kong participated. 

Meanwhile, men’s individual, women’s individual and mixed relay triathlon events were held at the Central Harbourfront and in Victoria Harbour. A total of 88 athletes from the Mainland, Hong Kong and Macao participated, including three men and three women from Hong Kong. 

Among them, Hong Kong athlete Oscar Louis Coggins captured the bronze medal in the men’s individual event, while the Hong Kong team – comprising Coggins, Robin Bent Edvin Thomas Elg, Cade Cameron Wright and Bailee Briana Brown – won the silver medal in the mixed relay event.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Hong Kong athletes claimed two gold medals at the 15th National Games (NG) today, with cyclists Lee Sze-wing and Leung Wing-yee triumphing in the Women’s Madison track cycling event and swimmer Ian Ho winning the Men’s 50m Freestyle.

 

Extending her congratulations, Secretary for Culture, Sports & Tourism Rosanna Law said all three had produced outstanding performances for Hong Kong.

 

“We are thrilled that they won two gold medals for Hong Kong. After winning the gold medal in the Women’s Road Cycling Individual event, Lee won the gold medal for Hong Kong again at the NG, setting a brilliant record and demonstrating extraordinary capability. Leung and Ho were the first time winning gold medals at the NG and I am so proud of their outstanding performance.”

 

Miss Law also congratulated Hong Kong athletes on winning two other medals today. Oscar Louis Coggins, Robin Bent Edvin Thomas Elg, Cade Cameron Wright and Bailee Briana Brown took silver in the triathlon Mixed Relay event, while Cheung Ka-long won bronze in the Men’s Foil Individual event.

 

The Hong Kong, China Delegation has so far won 14 medals – seven gold, two silver and five bronze – at the games, across sailing, cycling, tennis, swimming, rugby, triathlon and fencing.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     The Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Miss Rosanna Law, today (November 16) extended her congratulations to Hong Kong, China cyclists Lee Sze-wing and Leung Wing-yee and swimming athlete Ian Ho on winning a gold medal in Women’s Madison in the track cycling event and Men’s 50m Freestyle respectively at the 15th National Games of the People’s Republic of China (NG).
 
     Miss Law said, “Lee Sze-wing, Leung Wing-yee and Ian Ho gave full play to their skills in the competitions. We are thrilled that they won two gold medals for Hong Kong. After winning the gold medal in the Women’s Road Cycling Individual event, Lee won the gold medal for Hong Kong again at the NG, setting a brilliant record and demonstrating extraordinary capability. Leung and Ho were the first time winning gold medals at the NG and I am so proud of their outstanding performance.”
  
     Miss Law also congratulated Oscar Louis Coggins, Robin Bent Edvin Thomas Elg, Cade Cameron Wright and Bailee Briana Brown on winning a silver medal in the Mixed Relay in the triathlon event, and Cheung Ka-long on winning a bronze medal in the Men’s Foil Individual today, and wishing the Hong Kong team continued success. Miss Law especially encouraged the fencing team members, whose fighting spirit has received support from all Hong Kong citizens. We will continue to cheer them on, hoping that they can maintain their morale and confidence, and achieve even greater success in the remaining competitions, including the team event.
 
     The Hong Kong, China Delegation has so far won fourteen medals, namely seven golds, two silvers and five bronzes, in sailing, cycling, tennis, swimming, rugby, triathlon and fencing at the 15th NG.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Water Supplies Department said today that it is following up on the discovery of black particles in the drinking water of some Taikoo Shing households.

 

The department received a notification from the Taikoo Shing management office last night that residents, mainly in phases four and five of the development, had found small black particles in their drinking water. It immediately sent staff to look into the incident. They collected water samples from affected households and from the buildings’ sump and roof drinking water tanks for laboratory testing. Results are pending.

 

Based on past experience, the department believes the particles are from bitumen protective coating in the water pipes.

 

Additionally, the department said a temporary redirecting of the water supply was carried out near Taikoo Shing last night, in order to facilitate pipe maintenance works.

 

Changes in water pressure might have disturbed sediment inside the pipes, it added.

 

It further reported that investigations found damage to one of the filter facilities at the estate’s public water inlet, explaining that this might have allowed a small amount of sediment to enter the estate’s public water pipes, causing particles to appear in some households’ drinking water.

 

Those inlet filters undergo routine inspections, with the most recent regular check, on November 3, showing no abnormalities, the department added.

 

The damaged filter was repaired last night, and the department has strengthened pipe flushing in the affected system.

 

Stressing that it understands residents’ concerns, the department advised that if water has remained in pipes for some time, or when using taps for the first time each morning, residents should let the water run until it becomes clear before consumption.

 

Furthermore, water trucks have been stationed on-site to provide a temporary water supply, and a service counter has been set up to offer assistance.

 

Residents should notify the management office or call the Water Supplies Department at 2824 5000 if they notice abnormalities in tdrinking water.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     Regarding the appearance of black particles in the drinking water of some Taikoo Shing households, a spokesman for the Water Supplies Department (WSD) stated today (November 16) that the department is closely following up on the situation. Since receiving the notification from the Taikoo Shing management office last night (November 15) that residents (mainly from phases four and five) had found small black particles in drinking water, the WSD immediately dispatched staff to look into the incident. Water samples were collected from affected households and the sump and roof drinking water tanks of the buildings for laboratory testing. Results are pending. Based on past experience, the black particles are believed to be bitumen protective coating in the water pipes.

     To facilitate pipe maintenance works, the WSD carried out temporary redirecting of water supply near Taikoo Shing last night in which the changes in water pressure may have disturbed sediment inside the pipes. At the same time, investigations revealed damage to one of the filter facilities at the estate’s public water inlet, which may have allowed a small amount of sediment to enter the estate’s public water pipes, causing particles to appear in some households’ drinking water. The WSD routinely inspects these inlet filters, with the most recent regular check on November 3 showing no abnormalities. The damaged filter was repaired last night, and the WSD has strengthened pipe flushing in the affected system.

     The WSD understands residents’ concerns. To safeguard users, it is advised that if water has remained in pipes for some time, or when using taps for the first time each morning, residents should let the water run until it becomes clear before consumption. To reassure residents, water trucks have been stationed on-site to provide temporary water supply.

     Additionally, the WSD has set up a service counter at the site, working with the property management office to assist residents in flushing water meters and to answer enquiries immediately. If residents notice abnormalities in their drinking water, they should notify the management office at once or call the WSD Customer Service Hotline at 2824 5000. The WSD will arrange for staff to follow up as quickly as possible.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     The Transport Department today (November 16) reminded members of the public that the 66th round of computer ballot registration for submitting applications for Northbound Travel for Hong Kong Vehicles (the scheme) will be open from 10am tomorrow (November 17) to 11.59pm on November 20, and the ballot result will be announced on November 21.
 
     Eligible applicants for the scheme can register for computer balloting through the designated website (www.hzmbqfs.gov.hk). Successful balloting applicants are required to submit applications for the scheme within the designated application period.