Category: MIL-OSI

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

Following is the speech by the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki, at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) 35th Anniversary Launch Ceremony today (March 16):

尊敬的羅永綱副主任 (Deputy Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Mr Luo Yonggang), Dr Chan (the Pro-Chancellor of the HKUST, Dr John Chan), Professor Shum (the Council Chairman of the HKUST, Professor Harry Shum), Dr Liao (the Chairman of the HKUST Court, Dr Andrew Liao), Professor Ip (the President of the HKUST, Professor Nancy Ip), Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, 

     Good afternoon. It is a great pleasure and honour to join you today at the launch ceremony of the 35th anniversary of the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology. The theme for this year-long celebration, “Where Miracles Happen”, is truly fitting.

     In just 35 years, the HKUST has transformed from a bold, brand-new institution, to become one of the world’s most respected universities.  

     But this was not simply a miracle. It came from visionary leadership, dedicated faculty and a continuing flow of talented students, all driven by an unwavering commitment to innovative education, research excellence and impactful knowledge transfer.

     The HKUST ranked sixth in the 2026 QS Asia University Rankings, and 19th globally in the 2025 Times Higher Education Impact Rankings. These numbers clearly show the HKUST’s proud place on the global stage.   

     Beyond rankings, the HKUST’s entrepreneurial spirit is just as impressive. Its members have started more than 1 900 active start-ups, including 10 unicorns. These achievements show how the HKUST’s research and discoveries make a real difference in the world.  

     The Government is committed to strengthening Hong Kong’s status as an international education hub. We are determined to attract talent from every corner of the world, while nurturing our own home-grown talent. And I am proud to say that the HKUST is a shining example of this vision in action.   

     In the 2025 Policy Address, the Government introduced concrete measures to advance this goal. That includes raising the enrolment ceiling for self-financing, non-local students at publicly funded universities, from 40 per cent to 50 per cent of local student places, and increasing the over-enrolment ceiling for self-financing research postgraduate programmes to 120 per cent. Both take effect in the coming academic year.   

     We also established a dedicated Task Force on “Study in Hong Kong” to deepen our role as an international hub for post-secondary education.  

     The HKUST has responded so well to these initiatives. In the current academic year, the University has attracted more than 20 000 undergraduate applications worldwide. It now has a highly diverse non-local student community, with students from over 80 countries and regions. This is exactly how we enrich our talent pool and strengthen global connections.

     Looking ahead, the University’s contributions fit very well with the country’s strategic priorities under the 15th Five-Year Plan: high-quality development, greater self-reliance and strength in science and technology, industrial modernisation, as well as advances in original innovation and breakthroughs in core technologies.   

     The HKUST is a great example of how our universities can support national priorities. It’s already making good progress in areas like AI, data science, life and health sciences, advanced materials and sustainable energy.  

     And the future looks equally promising. The HKUST School of Medicine will admit its first cohort in the 2028/29 academic year.  

     This will be Hong Kong’s third medical school, combining medical education with the HKUST’s renowned strengths in research and technology.  

     The medical school’s future campus will be strategically located – right next to the new integrated hospital in the Northern Metropolis’ Ngau Tam Mei Development Area. That will ensure its close collaboration with the San Tin Technopole and the Northern Metropolis University Town, and strong connectivity with the Greater Bay Area. This will put Hong Kong, and the HKUST, at the forefront of medical innovation.

     I know the University is organising many major events this anniversary year, including the Asia Universities Summit in April, as well as the World Top University Presidents Forum in November. In short, there is much to look forward to.

     Once again, congratulations to the HKUST on its milestone 35th anniversary. And my sincere thanks to everyone who has played a part in the University’s remarkable rise and shine.  

     Thank you very much.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

According to the statistics, from January to February 2026, 347 foreign direct investment (FDI) projects with a total approved amount of US$ 1,070,700,000 were recorded. This represents a 19.66% increase in the number of cases, but a 36.60% decrease in the FDI amount compared with the same period in 2025.

Regarding inward investment from Mainland China, 2 cases with a total approved amount of US$98,000 were recorded from January to February 2026. This reflects a 60% decrease in the number of cases and a 99.90% decrease in the investment amount compared with the same period in 2025.

In terms of Taiwan’s outbound investment (excluding Mainland China), 87 projects were registered in February 2026, with a total amount of US$ 1,899,264,000. This represents a 1.14% decrease in the number of cases, and a 63.08% increase in the investment amount, compared with the same period in 2025.

As for Taiwan’s outward investment to Mainland China, 24 applications were approved in February 2026, marking a 31.43% decrease compared with the same period in 2025. The approved investment amount totaled US$ 187,662,000, representing a 16.20% decline compared with the same period in 2025.

Source: Government of Singapore

16 Mar 2026 – The prevailing Northeast Monsoon conditions are expected to continue for the rest of March 2026, with winds blowing mainly from the northwest or northeast.

2.          In the second half of March 2026, short-duration thundery showers are expected over parts of the island in the afternoon on some days. Towards the final week of the month, there may be several dry and warm days. The second half of March 2026 is likely to be less wet than the first, and the total rainfall is forecast to be below average over most parts of the island.

3.          The second half of March 2026 compared to the first. The daily maximum temperatures are likely to range between 34 degrees Celsius and 35 degrees Celsius on most days. On a few days, the daily maximum temperatures may exceed 35 degrees Celsius when there is less cloud coverage. 

4.          For updates of the daily weather forecast, please visit the MSS website (www.weather.gov.sg), NEA website (www.nea.gov.sg), or download the myENV app.

REVIEW OF THE PAST TWO WEEKS (1 – 15 March 2026)

CLIMATE STATION STATISTICS

Long-term Statistics for March   (Climatological reference period: 1991-2020)
Average daily maximum temperature:	32.2	°C
Average daily minimum temperature:	24.9	°C
Average monthly temperature:	27.8	°C
Average rainfall:	151.7	mm
Average number of rain days:	12
Historical Extremes for March   (Rainfall since 1869 and temperature since 1929)
Highest monthly mean daily maximum temperature:	34.1	°C (1998)
Lowest monthly mean daily minimum temperature:	22.1	°C (1934)
Highest monthly rainfall ever recorded:	528.3	mm (1913)
Lowest monthly rainfall ever recorded:	6.2	mm (2016)

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METEOROLOGICAL SERVICE SINGAPORE

16 Mar 2026

~~ End ~~

For more information, please submit your enquiries electronically via the Online Feedback Form or myENV mobile application.

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

On the morning of March 16, President Lai Ching-te attended the opening of the 2026 Yushan Forum, the theme of which was “Indo-Pacific Partnership Prospects: Taiwan’s Values, Technology, and Resilience.” In remarks, the president noted that Taiwan is home to world-leading advanced semiconductor manufacturing and solid IC design capabilities, and is determined to maintain regional peace and stability. He expressed hope that by leveraging the combined advantages of their democracies, economies, and technologies, Taiwan and its democratic partners can work together to build more resilient supply chains and economies, as well as collectively support the democratic umbrella and promote global democracy, peace, and prosperity.
A transcript of President Lai’s remarks follows:
I would like to begin with a warm welcome to all our good friends who have traveled from the Indo-Pacific, Europe, and other parts of the world to be here. This marks the ninth Yushan Forum, and this is an important milestone, because in our culture, the number nine symbolizes longevity and sustainability.
In these times of global uncertainty, it’s especially meaningful, for both Taiwan and the world, that we have gathered here to exchange ideas and discuss plans of action.
I want to thank Minister [of Foreign Affairs] Lin [Chia-lung] (林佳龍), [Taiwan-Asia Exchange Foundation] Chairman Hsiao [Hsin-huang] (蕭新煌), and all our partners for their hard work organizing this year’s gathering. It is through your vast knowledge, keen initiative, and passion for dynamic diplomacy that the Yushan Forum continues to reach new heights year after year.
Our theme this year is “Indo-Pacific Partnership Prospects: Taiwan’s Values, Technology, and Resilience.” Taiwan remains determined to build on the foundations of our New Southbound Policy through concrete action. We will continue to expand and deepen our partnerships with New Southbound and other Indo-Pacific nations, as well as democracies around the world. Through these partnerships, we hope to foster a more prosperous future together.
Taiwan strongly believes that there is no freedom without solidarity. Nobel Peace Prize laureate and former President of Poland Lech Walesa, who has lived by these words, is joining us here today. In 1980, he founded the trade union Solidarity, paving the way for democracy and reform in Poland – a true testament to the power of solidarity.
Since I took office nearly two years ago, Taiwan has been committed to uniting partners in democracy to collectively support a democratic umbrella. Our goal is to shield like-minded nations from the threats posed by authoritarian expansion, while working in solidarity to promote global democracy, peace, and prosperity.
We can all see that today’s Taiwan has moved away from a reliance on the Chinese market. In 2010, up to 83.8 percent of Taiwan’s outbound investment went to China. But last year, that figure fell to a historic low of just 3.75 percent. We are continuing to expand our presence in global markets. Over the past decade, investment by Taiwanese enterprises in EU countries has jumped by 650 percent.
Last year, the US became Taiwan’s largest export market, with exports to the US growing by 78 percent. In the same year, exports to New Southbound countries increased by 30.5 percent. These figures reflect the results of Taiwan’s efforts to diversify our markets and deepen economic and trade relations with countries around the world.
We strongly hope that by leveraging the combined advantages of our democracies, economies, and technologies, Taiwan and our democratic partners can work together to build more resilient supply chains and economies.
Taiwan is home to world-leading advanced semiconductor manufacturing and solid IC design capabilities. And as we meet the AI era head on, we are also actively pursuing R&D in the key fields of silicon photonics, quantum technology, and robotics. Whether it’s in helping to build global non-red supply chains for semiconductors, or leading the way in tech development around the world, Taiwan will always play a major role.
Peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait are essential components for global security and prosperity. That is why, as we face rapid changes in global geopolitics, non-conventional threats, and intensifying gray-zone aggression, Taiwan is determined to maintain regional peace and stability. We stand ready to work alongside fellow democracies to demonstrate the strength of deterrence and achieve peace through strength.
To that end, we have proposed a special defense budget and are expanding investment in defense. Defense spending, as defined by NATO, will be 3.32 percent of GDP this year, and we expect it to reach 5 percent of GDP by 2030. We are also accelerating the building of asymmetric capabilities and greatly enhancing whole-of-society defense and resilience, so that we can respond to any threat or challenge.
Taiwan is willing to share our experiences with other countries, and we are capable of contributing even more to the world. So let me thank everyone for attending. With you joining the discussion on issues of mutual concern, we can pool our knowledge and channel it into an even greater force. 
As we move forward, Taiwan will form national teams in specific fields to keep making our nation stronger. But we will go beyond that, by building international teams to keep leveraging the power of solidarity with other nations. This will make the world more stable, prosperous, and sustainable. Each of you is an important friend of Taiwan. I invite everyone to advance together with Taiwan to realize the vision of democracy, peace, and prosperity.
To close, I wish this gathering great success. May our partnerships continue to endure and thrive. Thank you.
Also in attendance at the event were former Prime Minister of the Republic of Fiji Mahendra Chaudhry, Japan-ROC Diet Members’ Consultative Council Chairman Furuya Keiji, and members of the foreign diplomatic corps stationed in Taiwan.

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

Taiwan’s medical prowess in smart healthcare has once again captured international attention at HIMSS 2026, one of the world’s premier health information and technology conferences. The Department of Industrial Technology (DoIT) under the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA), in collaboration with the National Science and Technology Council (NSTC), led a delegation of 25 leading companies and research institutes to form the “Taiwan Smart Healthcare National Team.” Breaking away from the traditional single-device sales model, Taiwan presented–for the first time–a comprehensive “Total Care Solution” approach. The delegation showcased 29 cutting-edge technologies, successfully initiating clinical validation partnerships with five leading North American academic medical centres and eldercare institutions, including UCLA, USC, and Cedars-Sinai. This achievement signifies Taiwan’s transition from the development of isolated technologies to integrated systems that are “deployable and commercially viable.” Moreover, the integration also accelerated the introduction of new solutions into the North American market, further strengthening Taiwan’s key position in the global smart healthcare supply chain.

During this exhibition, the MOEA’s focus on “industrial deployment” and the NSTC’s commitment to “academic and research innovations” worked in synergy, enabling Taiwan to build a unique translational model “integrating semiconductor chips, ICT platforms, and hospital-based clinical validation.” By linking R&D, validation, and real-world application, Taiwan has enabled AI diagnostics and telemedicine solutions to move beyond laboratory data. These technologies are now being deployed in North America’s elderly communities and scenes of medical emergency, transforming them into practical, real-world healthcare tools.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Development Bureau and its departments have achieved a new record at the 51st International Exhibition of Inventions of Geneva, winning 36 awards for the 36 projects presented by the teams.

Secretary for Development Bernadette Linn today extended her congratulations to the teams from the bureau’s Works Branch and its various departments for their outstanding performance.

She noted that the bureau and the works departments have been actively engaged in research and development to apply innovative technologies. Ms Linn said that many of the award-winning projects at the exhibition introduced novel solutions in artificial intelligence, robotics and drones, earning them international recognition. 

She highlighted that these projects not only enhance the quality, efficiency and cost-effectiveness of public services but also serve as a model for the industry. She added that such initiatives drive wider technology adoption across the sector, supporting Hong Kong’s development into an international infrastructure centre.

The “T300” Crawler-type all-terrain survey robot,  jointly developed by the Drainage Services Department and a professional team from the Chinese Mainland, won the Saudi Innovation Excellence Prize from the Ministry of Education of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This is the first time a Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government department has received this prestigious award.

Equipped with a zoomable high-resolution camera, LiDAR and an adaptive lighting system, this robot captures comprehensive visual and spatial data. Its transformable tracked structure enables it to navigate complex and challenging terrain.

The robot can simultaneously collect photogrammetric information and point cloud data to automatically construct detailed three-dimensional models of drainage facilities. Its modular design also accommodates other sensors, such as gas detectors for monitoring air quality in confined spaces.

Inspection data is automatically uploaded to an artificial intelligence-powered online platform for real-time analysis and rapid generation of inspection reports.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Secretary for Financial Services & the Treasury Christopher Hui said today the Government’s proposed regulatory measures in the money lenders regime are highly targeted to address issues that need to be dealt with.

Speaking to reporters this morning, Mr Hui said the move aims to protect citizens, particularly households often used as referees in loan activities involving domestic helpers.

Under the proposal, money lenders will be prohibited from requesting borrowers to provide a loan referee from August 1.

Another measure is to introduce debt servicing ratio caps for low-income earners to prevent excessive borrowing.

Mr Hui stated that the new measure will limit the proportion of monthly income used for debt repayment. The requirement applies to all individuals with a monthly income below $12,000, including foreign domestic helpers.

“The overall approach that we take to deal with this money lending regime is that we are applying a rather equivalent requirement, not just to domestic helpers but everybody with a monthly income below $12,000,” he said.

He added that to prevent borrowers from circumventing the rules by using multiple lenders, all licensed lenders will be required to share borrower information.

Regarding the situation in the Middle East, Mr Hui affirmed that Hong Kong’s financial system remains robust, stable and sophisticated on both domestic and international fronts. 

“That’s why against this backdrop, we are proposing some measures to strengthen our role as an asset and wealth management centre in the current regime where many investors would like to diversify their investments,” he added.