Category: MIL-OSI

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

As 5G technologies continue evolving dynamically, Open Radio Access Network (Open RAN) has moved from early-stage development into a more mature phase, fostering a more innovative and diversified telecommunications ecosystem and laying an essential foundation for the future development of next-generation communications such as 6G. To strengthen collaboration between Taiwan and international communications communities, the Industrial Development Administration (IDA), Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) held the “2025 5G Summit” on October 20 in Taipei, marking the third consecutive year of this flagship forum of international communications communities.
The event invited 16 stakeholders, including international telecom operators, system integrators, software vendors, and testing labs from eight countries, such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, Japan, Singapore, Vietnam, Mongolia, and Indonesia. Key participants included Verizon, the second-largest U.S. telecom operator, Rakuten Mobile of Japan, the OREX SAI led by NTT DOCOMO, Viettel High Tech of Vietnam and Mobicom of Mongolia. Together with 37 Taiwanese network and communications companies, participants exchanged insights on AI-enabled network automation, Open RAN deployment, and global cooperation in next-generation communications.
In his opening remarks, Director-General Chiou Chyou-Huey of IDA highlighted that Taiwan’s strengths in semiconductors and ICT have made it a trusted and resilient partner in the global supply chain. The Taiwanese government has collaborated with the Telecom Infra Project (TIP) to establish a TIP-certified Open Network Laboratory in Taiwan. The lab provides an interoperable testing environment aligned with international standards and helps domestic vendors develop globally compatible Open RAN solutions. It also works closely with government-backed laboratories in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Germany to strengthen joint testing and certification efforts. To date, nine Taiwanese companies have earned TIP certifications for Open RAN solutions that meet international interoperability requirements. In recent years, the government and industry have jointly advanced 137 projects across multiple sectors, focusing on developing and validating value-added applications for commercial deployment. Approximately half of these projects involve AI-enabled smart manufacturing, showcasing Taiwan’s ability to integrate 5G and AI innovations.
Taiwan’s ICT industry continues to deepen its role in international telecom infrastructure cooperation. UfiSpace’s 400G Open Transport Router has become a key component for major telecom operators in the United States and Europe. The company is also collaborating with NTT DATA to develop AI-driven open optical transmission technologies that support future 6G networks. Meanwhile, MTI received funding through the Wireless Innovation Fund (NOFO 2), administered by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) of the U.S. Department of Commerce, to develop and commercialize O-RU integration technology in collaboration with global partners. These achievements underscore international recognition of Taiwan’s technological innovation and its steady growing contributions to next-generation communications.
During the forum, international delegates visited the Asia New Bay Area 5G AIoT Demonstration Site in Kaohsiung, organized by the Industrial Development Administration (IDA), MOEA. Delegates will witness 5G applications in smart port operations and offshore fisheries, including a vessel-based 5G private network integrated with drones and AI vision systems that assist in oceanic resource mapping. The delegation also visited several Taiwanese companies, such as LITE-ON and Ataya, which specialize in Open RAN and AI-based network automation solutions, gaining deeper insights into Taiwan’s technological strengths and innovative applications.
The Open RAN approach, characterized by open interfaces and diversified supply chains, has become a key driver of innovation in global telecommunications. The 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) and the O-RAN Alliance have initiated discussions on the division of responsibilities in 6G standardization, with Open RAN expected to remain a central focus in future 6G development. Looking ahead, the MOEA will continue to work closely with Taiwan and international communications stakeholders to advance next-generation communications technologies, while deepening and broadening collaboration with the global ecosystem to promote a diverse, reliable, and secure global supply chain.

Director-General Chiou Chyou-Huey of IDA, MOEA (front row, center), attended the 2025 5G Summit, joining representatives from 16 telecom and technology organizations across eight countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, Japan, Singapore, Vietnam, Mongolia, and Indonesia.

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

As 5G technologies continue evolving dynamically, Open Radio Access Network (Open RAN) has moved from early-stage development into a more mature phase, fostering a more innovative and diversified telecommunications ecosystem and laying an essential foundation for the future development of next-generation communications such as 6G. To strengthen collaboration between Taiwan and international communications communities, the Industrial Development Administration (IDA), Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) held the “2025 5G Summit” on October 20 in Taipei, marking the third consecutive year of this flagship forum of international communications communities.
The event invited 16 stakeholders, including international telecom operators, system integrators, software vendors, and testing labs from eight countries, such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, Japan, Singapore, Vietnam, Mongolia, and Indonesia. Key participants included Verizon, the second-largest U.S. telecom operator, Rakuten Mobile of Japan, the OREX SAI led by NTT DOCOMO, Viettel High Tech of Vietnam and Mobicom of Mongolia. Together with 37 Taiwanese network and communications companies, participants exchanged insights on AI-enabled network automation, Open RAN deployment, and global cooperation in next-generation communications.
In his opening remarks, Director-General Chiou Chyou-Huey of IDA highlighted that Taiwan’s strengths in semiconductors and ICT have made it a trusted and resilient partner in the global supply chain. The Taiwanese government has collaborated with the Telecom Infra Project (TIP) to establish a TIP-certified Open Network Laboratory in Taiwan. The lab provides an interoperable testing environment aligned with international standards and helps domestic vendors develop globally compatible Open RAN solutions. It also works closely with government-backed laboratories in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Germany to strengthen joint testing and certification efforts. To date, nine Taiwanese companies have earned TIP certifications for Open RAN solutions that meet international interoperability requirements. In recent years, the government and industry have jointly advanced 137 projects across multiple sectors, focusing on developing and validating value-added applications for commercial deployment. Approximately half of these projects involve AI-enabled smart manufacturing, showcasing Taiwan’s ability to integrate 5G and AI innovations.
Taiwan’s ICT industry continues to deepen its role in international telecom infrastructure cooperation. UfiSpace’s 400G Open Transport Router has become a key component for major telecom operators in the United States and Europe. The company is also collaborating with NTT DATA to develop AI-driven open optical transmission technologies that support future 6G networks. Meanwhile, MTI received funding through the Wireless Innovation Fund (NOFO 2), administered by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) of the U.S. Department of Commerce, to develop and commercialize O-RU integration technology in collaboration with global partners. These achievements underscore international recognition of Taiwan’s technological innovation and its steady growing contributions to next-generation communications.
During the forum, international delegates visited the Asia New Bay Area 5G AIoT Demonstration Site in Kaohsiung, organized by the Industrial Development Administration (IDA), MOEA. Delegates will witness 5G applications in smart port operations and offshore fisheries, including a vessel-based 5G private network integrated with drones and AI vision systems that assist in oceanic resource mapping. The delegation also visited several Taiwanese companies, such as LITE-ON and Ataya, which specialize in Open RAN and AI-based network automation solutions, gaining deeper insights into Taiwan’s technological strengths and innovative applications.
The Open RAN approach, characterized by open interfaces and diversified supply chains, has become a key driver of innovation in global telecommunications. The 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) and the O-RAN Alliance have initiated discussions on the division of responsibilities in 6G standardization, with Open RAN expected to remain a central focus in future 6G development. Looking ahead, the MOEA will continue to work closely with Taiwan and international communications stakeholders to advance next-generation communications technologies, while deepening and broadening collaboration with the global ecosystem to promote a diverse, reliable, and secure global supply chain.

Director-General Chiou Chyou-Huey of IDA, MOEA (front row, center), attended the 2025 5G Summit, joining representatives from 16 telecom and technology organizations across eight countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, Japan, Singapore, Vietnam, Mongolia, and Indonesia.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     The Police announced today (November 13) that special traffic arrangements will be implemented in So Kon Po and Causeway Bay to facilitate the International Football Friendly Match – Hong Kong, China vs Cambodia, which will be held tonight at the Hong Kong Stadium. The Police urge members of the public travelling to areas subject to road traffic control to make use of public transport as far as possible.

A.    Traffic arrangements before the start of the event             —————— Part of the traffic lane of Caroline Hill Road between Eastern Hospital Road and Cotton Path;
– Westbound Hysan Avenue between Yun Ping Road and Hoi Ping Road;
– Stadium Path; and
– Lee Garden Road between Lan Fong Road and Hysan Avenue, except for green minibuses (GMBs).
 
Traffic diversions
———————- Eastern Hospital Road between Stadium Path and Tung Lo Wan Road will be re-routed one way northbound;
– Two traffic lanes on Caroline Hill Road between its western junction with Leighton Road and Link Road will be designated for traffic entering Caroline Hill Road from Hoi Ping Road;
– Hysan Avenue between Leighton Road and Hoi Ping Road will be re-routed one way eastbound;
– Two traffic lanes on eastbound Hysan Avenue will be designated for traffic turning right to Hoi Ping Road;
– Vehicles leaving the private driveway of Lee Garden One must turn left to eastbound Hysan Avenue;
– Traffic along Yun Ping Road cannot turn left to westbound Hysan Avenue, and vehicles will be diverted to Lan Fong Road and Pak Sha Road;
– Traffic along northbound Link Road downhill to northbound Caroline Hill Road may need to turn left to westbound Leighton Road; and
– Vehicles travelling along Lan Fong Road may not be allowed to turn left to southbound Lee Garden Road, and will be diverted to northbound Lee Garden Road, Foo Ming Street and southbound Percival Street, except for GMBs.——————————— Northern kerbside of Cotton Path; and
– Southern kerbside (taxi drop-off zone) and northern kerbside (private car drop-off zone) of Eastern Hospital Road near the main entrance of Hong Kong Stadium.—————– Eastern Hospital Road between Caroline Hill Road and Cotton Path;
– Northbound Link Road (downhill), except for vehicles heading for No. 1, 3, 5 and 7 on Link Road;
– Hoi Ping Road;
– Sunning Road, except for vehicles leaving Lee Garden Three Car Park;
– Cotton Path and Leighton Road (when necessary).———————- Before the end of the event, vehicles leaving buildings on Eastern Hospital Road may be permitted to turn right to northbound Eastern Hospital Road;
– Traffic along westbound Leighton Road cannot enter Caroline Hill Road for Link Road, and vehicles will be diverted via Wong Nai Chung Road and Broadwood Road; and
– When Leighton Road is closed, traffic along westbound Causeway Road will be diverted via Irving Street; traffic along eastbound Morrison Hill Road will be diverted via Canal Road West; traffic along southbound Percival Street must turn right to westbound Leighton Road; and traffic along southbound Canal Road East cannot turn left to Leighton Road.————————————- 
– Westbound Leighton Road;
– Percival Street south of Hennessy Road;
– Caroline Hill Road;
– Link Road;
– Stadium Path;
– Cotton Path; and
– Eastern Hospital Road.————————————-
 
     All on-street parking spaces on the following roads will be suspended from 5pm to 11pm:- Northbound Caroline Hill Road between Stadium Path and Cotton Path;
– Hoi Ping Road;
– Sunning Road; and
– Eastern Hospital Road.———————————————————

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) today (November 12) recorded a severe paediatric influenza infection case. The CHP once again urged schools and parents to promptly arrange for schoolchildren to receive free seasonal influenza vaccination (SIV). Regarding the recent antigenic drifted influenza A (H3N2) virus strain in Hong Kong and overseas due to genetic mutation, the CHP emphasised that the currently used SIV remains effective against this antigenically drifted strain. The SIV is still one of the most effective methods to prevent influenza and its complications, and can reduce the risk of serious complications or death from infection.
 
Latest severe paediatric influenza infection case
———————————————————-
 
The case involves an 11-year-old boy with good past health. He has developed a fever and cough with sputum since November 7, and his symptoms persisted. On November 10, he developed dizziness and attended a private hospital. He was admitted for treatment and is currently in serious condition. His nasopharyngeal swab specimen tested positive for influenza A virus upon laboratory testing. The clinical diagnosis was influenza A infection complicated with shock.

He has not received the 2025/26 SIV and had no travel history recently. His household contacts have no influenza-like illness (ILI) symptoms so far.
 
Preliminary investigations revealed that the boy joined a overnight camp organised by his school between November 3 and 7. Nine schoolmates from the same grade developed ILI symptoms between November 6 and 11. Seven of them tested positive for influenza A using rapid antigen tests. All of them had mild symptoms and did not require hospitalisation. The CHP staff inspected the school and advised the school to implement the necessary infection control measures. It will be put under medical surveillance.
 
Including the above case, 18 severe influenza cases involving children have been recorded so far this summer influenza season, including one fatal case. Among the nine cases recorded since the launch of this year’s SIV Programmes, only one had received this year’s SIV within four days prior to onset of illness. As it generally takes two weeks for the body to develop sufficient protection after vaccination, that case was not protected by the vaccine.
 
SIV also provides protection against the influenza A (H3N2) antigenic drift virus
—————————————————————————————–

“This year, the influenza season has arrived earlier than usual in many regions worldwide, including Japan, Republic of Korea and the United Kingdom. Hong Kong’s summer influenza season started later than usual this year and is still ongoing. Furthermore, a genetically mutated influenza A (H3N2) virus strain has recently emerged in Hong Kong and many other regions. However, there is currently no evidence that this strain causes more severe illness,” the Controller of the CHP, Dr Edwin Tsui, said.
 
“Seasonal influenza viruses undergo genetic changes from time to time, giving rise to new subclades. If key genes mutate, it may lead to antigenic drift, which is expected and occurs periodically. Therefore, the World Health Organization (WHO) and National Influenza Centres in different regions (including the Public Health Laboratory Services Branch of the CHP, Hong Kong SAR, China) continuously monitor the prevalence and evolution of seasonal influenza viruses. Each year, the WHO recommends the virus strains to be included in the next season’s SIV based on viral analysis data. It is worth noting that influenza vaccines provide a certain degree of cross-protection against different but related virus strains,” he explained.
 
“According to the announcement made by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) yesterday (November 11), the latest local data showed that over 80 per cent of laboratory confirmed influenza patients were infected with the influenza A (H3N2) subtype. Local authorities’ research also found that despite antigenic drift in the currently circulating influenza A (H3N2) virus, this season’s SIV remains effective in preventing hospitalisation among children aged two to 17 years old, with an effectiveness of 75 per cent, and among adults, the effectiveness stands at 40 per cent. These results demonstrate that the SIV continues to provide adequate protection for the general public, particularly children, significantly reducing the risk of hospitalisation. Therefore, I urge all persons aged six months or above who have not yet received the SIV to do so promptly, except those with known contraindications. High-risk groups such as the elderly, children, and adults with underlying illnesses and immunosuppression should receive the SIV immediately. Apart from participating in the various SIV Programmes launched by the Government, members of the public may also contact their family doctors to arrange vaccinations,” Dr Tsui added.
 
According to the latest surveillance data, influenza activity began to decline in the last week of October, but remains at a relatively high level. However, as the weather turns cooler, influenza activity may still fluctuate. Based on past experience, Hong Kong’s winter influenza season typically occurs between January and March. Therefore, it is not ruled out that a winter influenza season may occur early next year.
 
“With declining influenza activity and many schools having held SIV school outreach activities, reported school influenza outbreaks have significantly decreased recently. The number of school outbreaks fell from the peak of 169 cases in mid-October to 61 cases last week. Since the start of the school year, about 1 700 schools have conducted school outreach activities, which is higher than the about 1 400 schools compared to the same period in the last season. In addition, 2 220 schools (96 per cent) have scheduled to carry out the outreach activities by the end of this month. I hope all sectors of the society could join hands in appealing parents to arrange SIV for their children, while also educating parents on the importance of vaccination. This will promote a greater vaccine uptake among young children, increased vaccination coverage rate and strengthen protection for children,” Dr Tsui said.
 
Dr Tsui also reminded high-risk individuals to wear surgical masks when staying in crowded places. People with respiratory symptoms, even if mild, should wear a surgical mask and seek medical advice promptly. They should also consider whether to attend work or school. Members of the public, especially children, the elderly and those with underlying illnesses, should seek medical advice promptly if presented with fever and respiratory symptoms, for early treatment. As children with influenza can deteriorate rapidly, parents must pay close attention to their children’s condition. They should go to an Accident and Emergency Department immediately if the child’s condition deteriorates, for example if they develop symptoms such as shortness of breath, wheezing, blue lips, chest pain, confusion, a persistent fever or convulsions.
   
Members of the public can visit the CHP’s seasonal influenza and COVID-19 & Flu Express webpages for more information.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Brussels (Brussels ETO) supported a special performance by the Hong Kong String Orchestra (HKSO) on November 11 (Rome time) in Rome, Italy. Led by the HKSO’s Artistic Director, Professor Yao Jue, the performance highlighted Hong Kong’s unique fusion of Eastern and Western musical traditions and the city’s important role as a regional art and cultural hub.

The programme drew a poetic connection between Puccini’s “Madama Butterfly” and the Chinese legend “The Butterfly Lovers”, creating a beautiful blend of East and West through the shared symbol of the butterfly. The repertoire also featured beloved Hong Kong film and television music medley alongside timeless Italian pieces.
 
Speaking at the concert, the Acting Special Representative for Hong Kong Economic and Trade Affairs to the European Union, Miss Fiona Li gave high regards to the exceptional talent of Hong Kong’s musicians and artists, citing Professor Yao as an example. She highlighted the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government’s commitment to nurturing the young generation and developing the city into a top-notch vibrant cultural centre where East meets West.
 
Miss Li also noted that the performance serves as a prelude to “Think Business, Think Hong Kong”, an upcoming mega promotion organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council on November 27 in Milan, which aims to forge collaborations. She encouraged participants to join and explore business opportunities with the strong Hong Kong delegation visiting Italy.

Following Rome, the HKSO will continue its Italy tour with performances in Florence and Gubbio, acting as Hong Kong’s “music ambassador” to showcase the city’s creative spirit and promote an East-West cultural dialogue.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Hong Kong Police Force (HKPF) held its inaugural Ethics Governance Roundtable in Hong Kong today (November 12), with participation from INTERPOL, the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) and representatives from various countries.  The Roundtable featured in-depth discussions on ethics governance including personal financial risk management strategies, achieving fruitful outcomes.
 
During the Roundtable, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Management) Mr CHAN Joon-sun led the HKPF representatives in a series of discussions with the INTERPOL’s delegation led by Mr Eugênio RICAS, the Director of the Officer of Internal Oversight, representatives from the ICAC led by Mr YAU Shu-chun, consuls and liaison officers based in Hong Kong representing Australia, Indonesia, Japan, Mongolia, Netherlands, Philippines, Thailand and United States.
 
Participants shared the frameworks and measures to enhance ethical awareness and fostering a mindset of financial prudence among officers within their organisation and also exchanged best practices.  In face of emerging challenge in pursuing ethics governance, the participants reached a consensus to shape the future of ethical policing through strengthened cross-boundary coordination, collaboration, and a collective commitment among international agencies.
 
Mr Chan remarked that police mandates are not only granted by law, but built by the trust of the people being served.  In a world of increasing complexity, trust cannot be assumed, it must be earned every single day through actions, transparency and accountability.
 
Mr Eugênio RICAS, Director of the Office of Internal Oversight of INTERPOL expressed his appreciation to the HKPF for providing an international platform that facilitates cross-border dialogue and cooperation.  He noted that the Roundtable demonstrated HK’s proactive role as a key hub for international policing collaboration.  Consuls and liaison officers from various countries, including Ms Yuliana Ratih DAMAYANTI, Consul of the Consulate General of Indonesia in Hong Kong, Mr Adnane MAKRANI, liaison officer of the Netherlands and co-ordinator of the Foreign Law Enforcement Community, and Mr Jarupatra RATTANASERI, Consul of Royal Thai Consulate-General, Hong Kong — also remarked that the discussions offered new insights into the interrelationship between ethics governance and financial prudence.
 
The HKPF will continue to leverage Hong Kong’s role as a “super connector” through various international policing platforms, including INTERPOL, to further strengthen collaboration with law enforcement agencies across different countries and regions, working together to safeguard global and regional security.  Meanwhile, the HKPF remains steadfast in upholding integrity as the cornerstone of law enforcement and in preserving public trust as the foundation of organisational excellence.  The HKPF is committed to continuous improvement and professionalism, ensuring the city’s long-term stability and prosperity.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The 15th National Games (NG) of the People’s Republic of China “The China Telecom Trophy” Athletics (Marathon) Competition will be held on November 15. The Head of the National Games Coordination Office (Hong Kong) (NGCO), Mr Yeung Tak-keung, representatives from the Hong Kong Police Force and the Transport Department (TD) held a press conference today (November 12) to brief media on relevant arrangements, including competition details, temporary traffic control measures and clearance arrangements at boundary control points (BCPs).
 
     The event will be the first cross-boundary marathon in the history of the NG, spanning across Hong Kong and Shenzhen by making use of the Shenzhen Bay Bridge as the track. The entire track is 42.195 kilometres long, of which the section in Hong Kong is 21.85 kilometres. Setting off from the Shenzhen Bay Sports Center, the races will enter Hong Kong via the Shenzhen Bay Port, run along the Shenzhen Bay Bridge and Kong Sham Western Highway Viaduct, then turn back to the Shenzhen Bay Port through the same route, and finally end at the Shenzhen Bay Sports Center. The event is comprised of men’s and women’s races, with the participation of 71 athletes consisting 38 male athletes and 33 female athletes. Among them, 2 male athletes and 3 female athletes are from Hong Kong. The men’s group will depart at 7am and the women’s group at 7.30am. The athletes will enter the Hong Kong section upon completion of approximately 2 kilometres of race route. Both groups are expected to spend around two hours in the Hong Kong section.
 
     Given that part of the track is within the Frontier Closed Area, no public viewing zone will be set up in Hong Kong in order to keep the event unaffected and well-managed. Members of the public can watch the broadcast on televisions.
 
     To facilitate the smooth running of the race, clearance services of the Shenzhen Bay Port (including all passenger and cargo clearance services) will be suspended during part of the morning on the event day, while temporarily control measures will be implemented on the Shenzhen Bay Bridge and other related roads that day. Relevant arrangements are set out as below:
　　
(1) Clearance service arrangement
 
     Arrival and departure clearance services at the Shenzhen Bay Port will be suspended and passengers and vehicles will be prohibited from entering the port from 2am to 11am on the event day. Travellers should choose other control points to Shenzhen.
 
     Cross-boundary vehicles (including good vehicles, passenger vehicles and private cars) with valid closed road permits for the Shenzhen Bay Port may arrive and depart via the Lok Ma Chau (Huanggang) Control Point, Heung Yuen Wai Control Point or Man Kam To Control Point according to the operating hours of the relevant control points on the event day during the suspension of arrival and departure clearance services at the Shenzhen Bay Port. Subject to the actual completion time and time requiring for safe re-opening of roads to vehicular traffic, the Shenzhen Bay Port is expected to be re-opened at around 11am. The above special arrangement will cease upon the re-opening of the Shenzhen Bay Port.
 
(2) Road control measures
 
     Temporary control measures for the Shenzhen Bay Bridge, the Kong Sham Western Highway and other related roads
 
     On the event day, temporary control measures will be implemented on Shenzhen Bay Bridge, Kong Sham Western Highway and Ha Tsuen Interchange from 2am to 11am. During the temporary control period, the Shenzhen Bay Bridge, the Kong Sham Western Highway and Ha Tsuen Interchange will be closed to all vehicular traffic from eastbound and westbound of Yuen Long Highway and Ha Tsuen Road.
 
     During the suspension of the Shenzhen Bay Port arrival and departure services, the TD expects the roads leading to the Lok Ma Chau/Huanggang, Man Kam To and Heung Yuen Wai BCPs, including San Tin Interchange, San Sham Road and Lok Ma Chau Road, etc, will be busy with traffic. Therefore, the TD appeals to cross-boundary private cars and other drivers to avoid driving to the above districts during the relevant hours. Depending on the prevailing traffic conditions in the area, the Police will deploy appropriate manpower and implement corresponding crowd management measures or special traffic arrangements at the affected control points and relevant road sections. In case of traffic congestion, please exercise tolerance and patience and drive carefully, and follow the instructions of Police on site.
 
　　The full clearance services at the Shenzhen Bay Port are expected to resume gradually at around 11am. It is anticipated that traffic will be relatively busy. Travellers and drivers who plan to use the port on that day are advised to plan their trips in advance.
 
(3) Public transport arrangements
 
     Cross-boundary coach services running between Hong Kong and the Mainland via Shenzhen Bay Port as well as local public transport services serving Shenzhen Bay Port, including franchised buses, green minibuses (GMB), and Urban and NT Taxis will be suspended during the implementation of the temporary control at the Shenzhen Bay Port, the Shenzhen Bay Bridge and the Kong Sham Western Highway on the day of event. The bus companies and GMB operators will display notices at termini and en-route stops of the affected routes to inform affected passengers.
 
     The TD has notified the affected operators of cross-boundary and local public transport services to strengthen services to expedite the dispersal of passengers around the resumption of operation of Shenzhen Bay Port. Bus companies will also deploy additional staff at major bus termini and bus stops to assist passenger in need. The Marine Department will liaise with cross-boundary ferry operators, with a view to working out manpower and sailing schedule arrangements for ferry services to and from Shenzhen in advance.
 
     During the temporary control period, travellers should consider using other BCPs for their journeys between Hong Kong and Shenzhen. The TD has coordinated with public transport operators including MTR, franchised bus, green minibuses, Lok Ma Chau-Huanggang cross-boundary shuttle bus (Yellow Bus), and cross-boundary coaches to strengthen services at other BCPs including Lok Ma Chau Spur Line, Lo Wu, Lok Ma Chau (Huanggang) and Heung Yuen Wai, with a view to catering for upsurge of passenger demand.

(4) Restricted flying zone
 
     To accommodate the event and ensure public safety, a 2-kilometer extension of the Hong Kong section will be set up by the Police as a temporary restricted flight zone (RFZ) from 6am to 11.30am on the event day. No small unmanned aircraft, except those authorised, will be permitted to enter the zone. Details of the temporary RFZ will be shown on the electronic portal for small unmanned aircraft “eSUA”.
 
     The 15th NG triathlon event will be held on November 15 and 16 at the Central Harbourfront and Victoria Harbour.
 
     The event comprises the men’s individual, women’s individual, and mixed relay events. A total of around 90 athletes from the Mainland, Hong Kong, and Macao will compete in the events. The women’s individual and men’s individual races are scheduled for 8am and 10.45am respectively on November 15. The mixed relay race to be participated by 15 teams will take place at 2pm on November 16. The starting point of the races will be located at the waterfront of the Wan Chai Temporary Promenade. Athletes will first complete the swimming segment, followed by the cycling segment, and finally the running segment. 

     The athletes will run through a number of Hong Kong landmarks during the races. The cycling route will pass through the business district in Central, such as the Central Government Offices, the Legislative Council Complex, and the Hong Kong Observation Wheel; the running route will mainly loop around the Central Harbourfront Promenade, with the finish line located at the Central Harbourfront Event Space.

     Individual athletes will complete a 1.5km swim, a 37.8km bike ride and a 10km run. For mixed relay race, a team is composed of four athletes (two men and two women), and each athlete needs to complete a 0.3km swim, an 6.6km bike ride and a 1.8km run.
 
     To prepare for and facilitate the events, from November 12 to 16, special traffic and transport arrangements will be implemented in phases on the following road sections in Central and Wan Chai districts. 

 1. Road closures
 
(i) From 10am on November 12 to 6pm on November 16, the section of Expo Drive between Legislative Council Road and Expo Drive Central will be temporarily closed;
 
(ii) From 4am to 7am on November 14, intermittent road closures will be implemented by the Police in the vicinities of Central Harbourfront and Wan Chai North (including Lung Wo Road, Yiu Sing Street, Lung Hop Street, and Lung Tat Path); and
 
(iii) From midnight to 2pm on November 15 and from 6am to 6pm on November 16, road closure measures will be implemented in the road sections mentioned in (ii) above. Affected motorists should divert via Fleming Road, Connaught Road Central, Harcourt Road or Gloucester Road as appropriate.
 
 2. Public transport arrangements
 
Since temporary road closures and traffic control measures will be implemented at the Central Harbourfront and in the vicinity of Wanchai North, three franchised bus routes (Citybus route Nos. H1S, H2 and H3) passing through Lung Wo Road will be diverted from start of service on November 15 and 16. The bus stop located at the opposite side of Two International Finance Centre on Man Yiu Street will also be temporarily suspended due to the road closures. The relevant affected bus routes and bus stops will resume normal operation after roads re-open. The bus companies will display notices to advise affected passengers of the suspended bus stops and temporary diversion arrangements.
 
In view of the restricted zones set up at waters off Wanchai during the competition, services of the ferry route traveling between Wan Chai and Tsim Sha Tsui is expected to be temporarily adjusted from around 7.50am to 8.20am and from around 10.35am to 11.05am on November 15, and from around 1.50pm to 2.10pm on November 16, subject to the actual circumstances. The route of Water Taxi departing at 1.55pm on November 16 from Tsim Sha Tsui East to Central will not stop at Wanchai.

     Members of the public are advised to make use of public transport services as far as possible to avoid traffic congestion and unnecessary delays. During the event, the TD and the Police will closely monitor the traffic situation. The Police may adjust the traffic arrangements subject to the prevailing crowd and traffic conditions in the areas. Members of the public should pay attention to the latest traffic news through radio, television or the “HKeMobility” mobile application.
 
     For details of the special traffic and transport arrangements for the Athletics (Marathon) Competition and triathlon event, members of the public may refer to the TD’s relevant notices (Athletics (Marathon) Competition: www.td.gov.hk/en/traffic_notices/index_id_83680.html; triathlon event: https://www.td.gov.hk/en/traffic_notices/index_id_83698.html), its mobile application “HKeMobility”, and passenger notices issued by the relevant public transport operators.
 
     A spokesperson for the NGCO said as the NG is the country’s highest-level event, this marathon event and triathlon event has to meet stringent requirements in terms of the selection of the race course and the organisational arrangements to ensure the safety of athletes. Relevant departments will work together to facilitate the special traffic and transportation arrangements to minimise the impact on the public and travellers. The spokesperson thanked members of the public and travellers for their understanding, as well as the contributions of various organisations and departments in implementing the relevant arrangements.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The 15th National Games (NG) Athletics (Marathon) Competition will be held on November 15. National Games Coordination Office (Hong Kong) Head Yeung Tak-keung, representatives from Police and the Transport Department held a press conference today to brief the media on the relevant arrangements.

The event will be the first cross-boundary marathon in the history of the NG, spanning across Hong Kong and Shenzhen by making use of the Shenzhen Bay Bridge as the track.

Setting off from the Shenzhen Bay Sports Center, the races will enter Hong Kong via the Shenzhen Bay Port, run along the Shenzhen Bay Bridge and Kong Sham Western Highway Viaduct, then turn back to the Shenzhen Bay Port through the same route, and finally end at the Shenzhen Bay Sports Center.

The men’s group will depart at 7am and the women’s group at 7.30am. The athletes will enter the Hong Kong section upon completion of approximately 2km of race route. Both groups are expected to spend around two hours in the Hong Kong section.

On the event day, the arrangements, including temporary traffic control measures and clearance arrangements at boundary control points, will be implemented.

Arrival and departure clearance services at the Shenzhen Bay Port will be suspended and passengers and vehicles will be prohibited from entering the port from 2am to 11am. Travellers should choose other control points to Shenzhen.

Temporary control measures will be implemented on Shenzhen Bay Bridge, Kong Sham Western Highway and Ha Tsuen Interchange from 2am to 11am. During the temporary control period, the Shenzhen Bay Bridge, the Kong Sham Western Highway and Ha Tsuen Interchange will be closed to all vehicular traffic from eastbound and westbound of Yuen Long Highway and Ha Tsuen Road.

Regarding public transport arrangements, cross-boundary coach services running between Hong Kong and the Mainland via Shenzhen Bay Port as well as local public transport services serving Shenzhen Bay Port will be suspended during the implementation of the temporary control at the Shenzhen Bay Port, the Shenzhen Bay Bridge and the Kong Sham Western Highway on the event day.

Moreover, the 15th NG triathlon event will be held on November 15 and 16 at the Central Harbourfront and Victoria Harbour.

The event comprises the men’s individual, women’s individual and mixed relay events. A total of around 90 athletes from the Mainland, Hong Kong and Macau will compete in the events.

The starting point of the races will be located at the waterfront of the Wan Chai Temporary Promenade. Athletes will first complete the swimming segment, followed by the cycling segment, and finally the running segment.

The athletes will run through a number of Hong Kong landmarks during the races. The cycling route will pass through the business district in Central, such as the Central Government Offices, the Legislative Council Complex, and the Hong Kong Observation Wheel. The running route will mainly loop around the Central Harbourfront Promenade, with the finish line located at the Central Harbourfront Event Space.

From November 12 to 16, special traffic and transport arrangements will be implemented in phases on the road sections in Central and Wan Chai districts. The restricted zones will be set up at waters off Wanchai during the competition.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

The golf competition and track cycling of the 15th National Games (NG) will commence respectively at the Fanling Golf Course of the Hong Kong Golf Club and the Hong Kong Velodrome tomorrow (November 13).

Hong Kong will stage all golf competition including men’s and women’s individual and team events, and four gold medals will be awarded. The golf competition will comprise over 80 athletes joining from 17 teams from the Mainland, Hong Kong and Macao competing for honours, and Hong Kong will field four men and four women athletes to compete. Competitions will be held from 8am to 3pm during November 13 to 16.

For track cycling competition, Hong Kong will stage all events including men’s and women’s individual and team events, and 14 gold medals will be awarded. The competitions will comprise over 270 athletes from 22 teams from the Mainland, Hong Kong and Macao competing for honours, in which Hong Kong will field nine men and nine women athletes. The competition schedule is as follows:
 

Date	Competition details
November 13	Men’s Team Sprint
	Women’s Team Sprint
November 13 to 14	Men’s Team Pursuit
	Women’s Team Pursuit
November 14	Women’s Time Trial (250 Metres)
November 14 to 15	Women’s Time Trial (750 Metres)
	Men’s Sprint
November 15 to 16	Women’s Sprint
November 15	Men’s Omnium
November 16	Men’s Madison
	Women’s Madison
November 17	Women’s Omnium
	Men’s Keirin
	Women’s Keirin

Members of the public can purchase tickets through various channels, including the 15th NG official ticketing website (ticket.baygames.cn) or by searching for the “15th NG official ticketing” official mini programme on WeChat, after completing a real-name account registration. Members of the public can also visit 11 designated sales outlets (ww2.ctshk.com/articleDetail?id=4&channelId=-1) of the China Travel Service (Hong Kong) Limited to buy paper tickets for events in the Hong Kong competition region. Furthermore, services are also available for physical ticket purchases for the events held at the relevant venues at the ticket office of the competition area.

The ticket offices at the Hong Kong Golf Club and the Hong Kong Velodrome have come into operation. The ticket offices will run from 10am to 4pm on non-competition days and will operate one hour before the event starts on event days until ticket verification ceases for that day’s event (i.e. 30 minutes before the scheduled finish time). Tickets are sold at Hong Kong dollar prices and accept various electronic payment methods. Real-name registration for ticket sales is adopted and please prepare identity document for ticket purchase and before entering the venue. Spectators who purchased tickets for their family members or friends using their own accounts via the 15th NG official ticketing platform should transfer the tickets to their family members or friends 24 hours prior to the start of the relevant session. Each person should carry their own e-tickets to facilitate verification and multiple entries/exits. 

     Official franchised merchandise stores will be set up on-site, selling a variety of franchised products with Hong Kong characteristics incorporated and related to the competition events. Members of the public are welcome to visit and make purchases.
 
     There will also be competition villages with various game booths, including digital interactive games, booth games and art workshops. The competition village for golf event will be open tomorrow from 9am to 3.30pm, while the competition village for track cycling event will be open tomorrow from 11am to 9pm. Members of the public are welcome to try the games and purchase tickets to watch the competitions and cheer for athletes in person.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region