Category: MIL-OSI

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JOINT PRESS RELEASE- METHAMPHATAMINE INTERCEPTED AT THE BORDER. 13th December 2025.

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1. PASSENGER INTERCEPTED AT FALEOLO REGIONAL AIRPORT – Friday 12 December 2025

Ministry of Customs border officers through a targeted operation identified the suspect upon arrival on the last flight from American Samoa on Friday 12 December 2025 and initiated a body search pursuant to the legal provisions under the Customs Act. Police assisted in the search due to suspect’s reluctance to cooperate.

During the search of the suspect, officers discovered a small bag concealed inside the suspect’s underwear, containing five packages, all of which subsequently tested positive for methamphetamine weighing 141grams. The successful interception of the five concealed packages demonstrates the determination of criminals to smuggle illicit drugs into Samoa through any concealment method including hiding it in their private areas.

A 32-year-old male of Vaitele and Nuu has been charged with Possession of Narcotics (Methamphetamine) and Importation of Prohibited Goods. A conviction for possession of Class A narcotics (Methamphetamine) carries a penalty of Life Imprisonment.

2.6 KILOGRAMS OF METHAMPHETAMINE CONCEALED INSIDE A BOX OF CHICKEN – Saturday13 December 2025.

This morning Ministry of Customs and Revenue intercepted and discovered 6.032 kilograms of methamphetamine concealed inside a box of frozen chicken at the Matautu Wharf. The shipment originated from American Samoa and was targeted for inspection based on intelligence. Officers discovered two vacuum packed packages of methamphetamine concealed inside the frozen box of chicken. The concealment method demonstrates the continued attempts by criminals to smuggle illicit drugs into Samoa through ordinary goods.

A 59-year-old male of To’omatagi has been charged with Possession of Narcotics (Methamphetamine) and Importation of Prohibited Goods. A conviction for possession of Class A narcotics (Methamphetamine) carries a penalty of Life Imprisonment.

These two cases mark the seventh methamphetamine interception at Samoa’s borders this year since the historic 9.4kilograms of meth intercepted in January.

JOINT STATEMENT:

The Chief Executive Officer of Customs and the Commissioner of Police jointly expressed deep concern over the continued attempts to bring methamphetamine into Samoa.

They emphasized the devastating impact of the drug on families, particularly young people, noting that addiction is escalating and can lead to severe harm and even fatalities. Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to protecting Samoa’s borders and ensuring the safety and well being of our people.

“Customs and Police remain committed in our determination to identify and dismantle drug networks. We will continue to work tirelessly to ensure all those responsible face justice and to ensure a safe, secure and prosperous Samoa”.

MCR and MPPCS cautioned individuals involved in these illegal activities to refrain from bringing drugs into Samoa.

Any individual or groups of people who persist, will face severe penalties including lengthy prison terms. These operations reflect the importance of close interagency collaboration in the fight against transnational crime as emphasized in its joint campaign, ‘‘Say NO to Illegal Drugs / Tetee atu i fualaau fa’asaina”.

Both leaders commended the professionalism and vigilance demonstrated by all officers involved, noting that the successful operations reflect the continued effectiveness of joint border security efforts.

The interceptions represent success in the ongoing fight against illicit drugs and highlight the importance of strong interagency cooperation in safeguarding Samoa.

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OFFICIAL STATEMENT – CLARIFICATION OF SAMOA OBSERVER BREAKING NEWS “Hospital generator kick in late” [Friday 12th December 2025]

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The Ministry of Health wishes to formally respond to the Samoa Observer breaking news article dated Friday, 12 th December 2025, titled “Hospital generators kick in late.”

The article reported that the generator at the National Hospital, Motoʻotua, took almost 30 minutes to activate following a power outage, allegedly affecting patient care and medical services.

The Ministry confirms that this information is incorrect and provides the following verified technical report to ensure accuracy and transparency.

Verified Technical Findings – Power Outage at Motoʻotua (12 December 2025) On Friday, 12 th December 2025, at approximately 6:00pm, the hospital feeder experienced a power outage. Following a full assessment by the Ministry’s Maintenance Division, the findings are as follows:

1. Generator Activation Time

* The Tupua Tamasese Meaole (TTM) Hospital generator activated after a 47-second delay, in accordance with the system’s programmed settings.

* This timing aligns with the safety protocols established by the

manufacturer for essential health facilities.

2. Impact of EPC Power Fluctuations

* The EPC power supply was fluctuating significantly at the time of the outage.

* Due to these fluctuations, the generator required additional time to stabilize its voltage output before it could safely supply power to the hospital building.

* This is a built-in protective feature designed to prevent equipment damage, electrical hazards, and potential harm to staff and patients.

3. Load Transfer Safety Design

* The generator is not permitted to transfer load to the hospital while EPC voltage remains unstable.

* The system is designed to wait until all three electrical phases fully disconnect before taking over the building load. This prevents dangerous back-feeding or equipment failure.

4. Manufacturer’s Cool-Down Protocol

* During periods of fluctuation, the generator is required to undergo a cool-down period before shutting down.

* This is part of the standard safety configuration to preserve generator lifespan and ensure operational reliability during subsequent outages.

Assurance to the Public

At no point during the incident were critical patient services left unsupported for an extended period, as suggested in the article. The automated generator system functioned exactly as designed, prioritizing the safety of patients, staff, and hospital infrastructure.

The Ministry encourages media partners to verify information related to essential health services with the Ministry prior to publication to avoid unnecessary public concern.

The Ministry of Health remains committed to maintaining reliable, safe, and resilient health service operations for Samoa.

END.

Ministry of Health Samoa

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OFFICIAL LAUNCH OF FIVE (5) ELECTRIC BOATS (E-ALIAS) [12th December 2025]

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SPEECH by Hon. Toelupe Maoiautele Poumulinuku Onesemo Deputy Prime Minister / Minister of Works, Transport & Infrastructure

Lau Susuga Reverend Ieremia Saufo’i,

Hon. Speaker of the House – Lau Afioga Auu’apa’au Mulipola Aloitafua Mulipola,

Your Excellency Mr Ryotaro Suzuki – Ambassador of Japan,

Ms. Aliona Niculita – UNDP Resident Representative in Samoa,

Distinguished Members of the Diplomatic Corps,

Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen.

Talofa lava and warm greetings to you all.

It is my great honor to welcome you to this historic occasion – the official launch of five electric boats, or e-alias, under the Climate Action Pathways for Island Transport (CAP-IT) Project.

First and foremost, I wish to acknowledge the Government of Japan for their generous funding and unwavering support for this initiative. Your commitment to climate resilience and sustainable development in Samoa is deeply appreciated.

I also extend special recognition to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), which has played a pivotal role as the Project Manager in implementing this project. Your leadership and technical expertise have ensured that this project moves from vision to reality.

To the Ministry of Works, Transport & Infrastructure (MWTI), thank you for enforcing safety compliance and conducting rigorous inspections and sea trials to guarantee the safe operation of these vessels.

To the Ministry of Women, Community and Social Development (MWCSD), we appreciate your engagement with the five villages of Faleῡ, Apai, Lepuia’i, Salua, and Namu’a in ensuring community ownership and smooth integration of these vessels.

Finally, I greet and thank all village representatives, stakeholders, and partners present today for your collaboration and support.

The CAP-IT Project is a cornerstone of Samoa’s efforts to build climate resilience and sustainable transport systems.

The introduction of electric alias marks a significant step toward:

• Reducing carbon emissions,

• Protecting our marine environment, and

• Promoting clean energy solutions.

This initiative aligns with Samoa’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and our commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It is a clear demonstration of how innovation can drive climate action in Small Island Developing States (SIDS).

This achievement reflects the strength of partnerships – between the Samoa Government, development partners, and our communities. It shows that international cooperation can deliver practical solutions for the unique challenges faced by island nations like ours.

These e-alias will:

• Support local livelihoods,

• Improve safe transportation, and

• Enhance resilience in coastal communities.

This initiative serves as a model for future green transport projects in Samoa and across the Pacific region. It strengthens our resolve to reduce dependency on fossil fuels and protect marine ecosystems for generations to come.

In closing, I express my deepest gratitude to all partners and stakeholders for your collaboration and dedication. Let us continue working together to advance sustainable maritime transport and climate adaptation initiatives.

It is now my honor to officially declare the launch of the five electric boats – our e-alias – under the CAP IT Project.

Faafetai tele lava. Soifua ma ia manuia.

TATALAINA O VAA ELETISE E LIMA MO MANONO [12 Tesema 2025]

SAUNOAGA AUTU afioga ia Toelupe Maoiautele Poumulinuku Onesemo, Sui Palemia ma le Minisita o le Matagaluega o Galeuga, Felauaiga ma Atinae Tetele.

Lau Susuga i le Faafeagaiga Ieremia Saufo’i,

Lau Afioga i le Fofoga Fetalai – Auu’apa’au Mulipola Aloitafua Mulipola,

Lau Afioga i le Ambassador o Iapani – Mr. Ryotaro Suzuki,

Ms. Aliona Niculita – Sui o le UNDP i Samoa,

Sui mamalu o le Vaega o Sui Fa’alemalo,

Mamalu i Malo Faaaloalogia, ma i latou uma o loo auai i lenei aso,

Talofa lava ma faafeiloa’i atu i le agaga fa’aaloalo.

O se fiafiaga sili ia te a’u le fa’afeiloa’i atu i lo outou paia ma le mamalu ua aofia i lenei aso tāua – le faalauiloaina aloa’ia o va’a eletise e lima, poo e-alias, i lalo o le poloketi Climate Action Pathways for Island Transport (CAP-IT).

Muamua lava, ou te fia faailoa le agaga faafetai i le Malo o Iapani mo le fesoasoani tau seleni ma le lagolago tumau i lenei poloketi. O lo outou naunau e fesoasoani i le tete’e atu i suiga o le tau ma le atina’e gafataulimaina i Samoa e matuā tāua tele.

Ou te fia faailoa fo’i le faafetai tele i le United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), i la outou pitolaau o le Puleaina o le Poloketi aemaise ole faatinoina o lenei galuega. O la outou ta’ita’iga ma le tomai fa’apitoa ua mautinoa ai le faataunu’uina o lenei va’aiga mamao.

I le Matagaluega o Galuega, Felauaiga & Atina’e Tetele (MWTI), fa’afetai mo le faamautῡina o le tausisia o Tulafono mo le saogalemu o vaa, faapea le faia o su’esu’ega ma faata’ita’iga ile sami ina ia mautinoa le saogalemu o nei va’a eletise.

I le Matagaluega o Tina ma Tamaitai, Atina’e o Nuu ma Afio’aga ma Agafesootai (MWCSD), faafetai i lo outou sao aua le logologopuialii o Afioaga o Faleū, Apai, Lepuia’i, Salua, ma Namu’a – ina ia mautinoa le umia e afioaga taitasi ma le faaogaina lelei o nei aseta.

Ou te faafeiloa’i atu foi male agaga faafetai i Sui o Afioaga uma o Manono ma Namu’a, Pa’aga tau Atina’e, ma i latou uma o loo lagolagoina lenei galuega tāua.

O le Poloketi CAP-IT o se vaega autū i taumafaiga a Samoa e fausia le gafataulimaina ma le malosi e tete’e atu i suiga o le tau i auala o fela’ua’iga.

O le faauluina mai o vaa eletise e faailoa ai se laasaga tāua i le:

• Fa’aitiitia o kasa oona e faaaogaina e vaa,

• Puipuia o le si’osi’omaga o le sami, ma

• Fa’alauiloa le fa’aaogaina o le malosiaga mama.

O lenei poloketi e ogatasi ma sini autu o Sao Fuafuaina a Samoa (NDCs) aemaise o le Sini Tau-atina’e Gafataulimaina (SDGs). O se faamaoniga manino lea o le mafai ona fa’aaogaina ma una’ia taumafaiga e tetee atu i suiga o le tau i Atunu’u Laiti Tau-atia’e (SIDS).

O le ausia o lenei sini taua e fa’aalia ai le malosi o le galulue fa’atasi – i le va o le Malo o Samoa, Pa’aga Tau-atina’e, ma le mamalu lautele o le atunuu. E faaalia ai fo’i le tāua o le galulue fa’ava-o-Malo e fo’ia ai lu’itau e feagai ma atunu’u laiti e pei o Samoa.

O nei va’a eletise o le a:

• Fesoasoani mo auala o fela’ua’iga i afioaga taitasi,

• Fa’aleleia le saogalemu o fela’uaiga, ma

• Fa’amalosia le gafatia ona tetee atu i suiga ole tau

O lenei poloketi, o le a avea foi ma fa’ata’ita’iga mo isi galuega gafataulimaina o fela’uaiga i Samoa ma le Pasefika. E fa’amalosia ai lo tatou naunau e fa’aitiitia le faalagolago i suau’u ma puipuia le si’osi’omaga o le sami mo tupulaga o le lumana’i.

Upu Faaiu – ou te fa’ailoa le agaga fa’afetai i pa’aga uma ma i latou sa galulue ma lagolagosua i lenei galuega tāua. Tau ina ia o tatou fa’aauau pea le galulue fa’atasi e una’ia fela’ua’iga gafataulimaina ma poloketi e tete’e atu i suiga o le tau.

Ua ou fa’ailoa nei le faalauiloaina aloa’ia o va’a eletise e lima – poo tatou e-alias – i lalo o le Poloketi CAP-IT.

Fa’afetai tele lava. Soifua ma ia manuia.

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SAMOA VALIDATES ITS MULTI-HAZARD EARLY WARNING FOR ALL ROADMAP

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[PRESS RELEASE] – Samoa has validated its Multi-Hazard Early Warning for All (MHEW4All) Roadmap on Wednesday 11th December, 2025; developed through collaboration among government agencies and partners. The roadmap supports the Early Warning for All (EW4All) special initiative of the UN Secretary General, which aims to spearhead action to ensure every person on Earth is protected by early warning systems by 2027.

The validation process brought together representatives from the government including the Disaster Advisory Committee members, sector ministries and NGOS. The validation ensured that the roadmap reflects national priorities; confirms that it gives Samoa a clear plan to strengthen an early warning system that focuses on protecting people.

The collaboration and verification also reconfirm that the roadmap outlines what actions to take and how to use resources effectively to make the system stronger.

Samoa’s Multi-Hazard Early Warning for All Roadmap (2026–2036) is a plan that guides the country in improving its early warning systems for disasters and emergencies.

It helps the government and communities, from national to village level, know what actions to take and where to invest money so warnings are faster, clearer, and more effective. MHEW4All Roadmap helps Samoa make disaster preparedness an essential part of long-term development.

It means building resilience not just through technology and systems, but in everyday life, so that all people are safer, better protected, and more able to recover when disasters happen.

The Roadmap aligns well with national strategies and global frameworks such as the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction and Samoa’s own Pathway for Development.

ENDS

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment Samoa

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Chain volume measures of Gross Domestic Product by economic activity for the third quarter of 2025

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Chain volume measures of Gross Domestic Product by economic activity for the third quarter of 2025 
     GDP figures by economic activity show the value of production in respect of individual economic activities. The value of production is measured by value added or net output, which is calculated by deducting intermediate input consumed in the process of production from the gross value of output. Volume measures of GDP by economic activity, expressed in terms of chain volume measures net of the effect of price changes, enable analysis of the output growth profiles of individual economic sectors in real terms.
 
     According to the preliminary figures, overall GDP increased by 3.8% in real terms in the third quarter of 2025 over a year earlier, compared with the increase of 3.1% in the second quarter.
 
     Analysed by constituent services sector and on a year-on-year comparison, value added in respect of all the services activities taken together increased by 3.1% in real terms in the third quarter of 2025 over a year earlier, compared with the growth of 3.4% in the second quarter.
 
     Value added in the import and export, wholesale and retail trades sector increased by 5.1% in real terms in the third quarter of 2025 over a year earlier, compared with the increase of 6.1% in the second quarter.
 
     Value added in the accommodation and food services sector decreased by 1.3% in real terms in the third quarter of 2025 from a year earlier, compared with the decrease of 0.6% in the second quarter.
 
     Value added in the transportation, storage, postal and courier services sector increased by 2.3% in real terms in the third quarter of 2025 over a year earlier, compared with the increase of 5.5% in the second quarter.
 
     Value added in the information and communications sector remained virtually unchanged in real terms in the third quarter of 2025 over a year earlier, compared with the increase of 0.4% in the second quarter.
 
     Value added in the financing and insurance sector increased by 5.4% in real terms in the third quarter of 2025 over a year earlier, virtually the same as that in the second quarter.
 
     Value added in the real estate, professional and business services sector registered an increase of 0.4% in real terms in the third quarter of 2025 over a year earlier, as against the decrease of 0.7% in the second quarter.
 
     Value added in the public administration, social and personal services sector rose by 1.9% in real terms in the third quarter of 2025 over a year earlier, compared with the increase of 2.3% the second quarter.
 
     As for sectors other than the services sectors, value added in the local manufacturing sector increased by 5.4% in real terms in the third quarter of 2025 over a year earlier, compared with the increase of 0.9% in the second quarter.
 
     Value added in the electricity, gas and water supply, and waste management sector decreased by 0.9% in real terms in the third quarter of 2025 from a year earlier, as against the increase of 0.4% in the second quarter.
 
     Value added in the construction sector decreased by 7.0% in real terms in the third quarter of 2025 from a year earlier, after the decrease of 10.4% in the second quarter.
 
Further information
 
     The year-on-year percentage changes of GDP by economic activity in real terms from the third quarter of 2024 to the third quarter of 2025 are shown in Table 1. More detailed statistics are given in the report “Gross Domestic Product by Economic Activity”. Users can browse and download this publication at the website of the C&SD (www.censtatd.gov.hk/en/EIndexbySubject.html?pcode=B1030004&scode=250 
     Figures of chain volume measures of GDP by economic activity for the third quarter of 2025 are only preliminary at this stage. When more data become available, the preliminary figures will be revised accordingly and can be found at the C&SD website (www.censtatd.gov.hk/en/scode250.htmlIssued at HKT 16:30

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Hong Kong representatives triumph at Maker in China SME Innovation and Entrepreneurship Global Contest Final (with photos)

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Hong Kong representatives triumph at Maker in China SME Innovation and Entrepreneurship Global Contest Final  
     The Commissioner for Digital Policy, Mr Tony Wong, congratulated the award-winning Hong Kong teams. He said, “I am immensely proud of Hong Kong representative teams for winning awards at the MiC Global Contest. The achievement is not only a recognition of Hong Kong’s achievements in scientific research, but also highlights Hong Kong’s strong innovation and technology (I&T) capabilities and showcases our rich pool of talent. I encourage all participating teams to continue to forge ahead in the area of I&T and drive more breakthroughs in I&T. By leveraging the powerful ‘Maker in China’ platform, they can explore business opportunities in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA), thereby making contributions together to build the GBA into an international I&T hub.”
 
     The MiC Global Contest Final 2025 featured winning teams from local contests in Hong Kong, Macao, Singapore, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, Japan, Korea, and Central and Western Asia. The awards received by Hong Kong representative teams are as follows:
 

Representative team (Project name)     Participating teams also visited the I&T park in Nansha and promoted their innovative projects to industry representatives on the Chinese Mainland.
 
     The MiC Global Contest is co-organised by the SME Development Promotion Center of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology of the People’s Republic of China and the China International Cooperation Association of SMEs. It is one of China’s innovation and entrepreneurship contests at the state level with a significant global influence. Organised by the Digital Policy Office, the Maker in China SME Innovation and Entrepreneurship Global Contest – Hong Kong Chapter (MiCHK) is an important platform for Hong Kong start-ups and SMEs (small and medium-sized enterprises) to better integrate into the overall development of the country and expand their business opportunities in the GBA. Apart from representing the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region to join the MiC Global Contest Finals on the Chinese Mainland, winning teams can also gain business matching opportunities with a number of Mainland investors and enterprises, facilitating the establishment of their businesses in various cities in the GBA. For more details about the Contest, please visit makerinchina.hk/Issued at HKT 16:55

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“Cherish Water Campus” Award Ceremony concludes (with photos)

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

“Cherish Water Campus” Award Ceremony concludes  
     Speaking at the ceremony, Mr Wong said that extreme weather events have increasingly become frequent in recent years, and changes in rainfall patterns have led to an unstable amount of gathered water, affecting the reliability of water supply. Faced with global climate change, the threat of water scarcity is imminent. Therefore, he encouraged students to develop water-saving habits from childhood and cherish every drop.
 
     In addition to public education, the WSD has been promoting water conservation through various programmes. The “Water-smart Taskforce” Programme, launched earlier this year, installs smart devices on the water meters of selected high-water-consuming customers to identify the causes of high water usage and provide suggestions, thereby assisting them in saving water. The WSD previously held a parent-child four-panel comic strip creation competition themed “Water-smart Taskforce”, and the awards were also presented at today’s ceremony.
 
     The WSD will continue to promote water conservation to the public through various channels, with a focus on the younger generation. The “Cherish Water Campus” Integrated Education Programme uses a series of interactive teaching resources to enable students to understand the preciousness of water resources, inspire their thinking on water conservation and cherishing, and develop good water-using habits.
 
     The award list of Cherish Water CampusIssued at HKT 17:22

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Hong Kong Customs special operation combats mobile hawker selling counterfeit goods (with photos)

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Hong Kong Customs special operation combats mobile hawker selling counterfeit goods       
     Customs earlier found that a mobile hawker was selling suspected counterfeit goods in Kai Tak. After a full investigation, Customs officers took enforcement action on December 16 and raided a mobile hawker stall in Kai Tak as well as its storage place in Kwai Chung. The batch of suspected counterfeit apparel was seized.
      
     During the operation, one man, aged 37 and suspected to be connected with the case, was arrested. The arrested man has been released on bail pending further investigation. The investigation is ongoing.
      
     With Christmas and New Year holidays approaching, Customs will continue to step up inspection and enforcement actions to vigorously combat different kinds of counterfeit goods activities in order to safeguard consumers’ rights.
      
     Customs appeals to consumers to purchase goods at reputable shops and to check with the trademark owners or their authorised agents if the authenticity of a product is in doubt. Customs also reminds traders not to sell counterfeit goods and to be cautious and prudent with their merchandising since selling counterfeit goods is a serious crime and offenders are liable to criminal sanctions.
      
     Under the Trade Descriptions Ordinance, any person who sells or possesses for sale any goods with a forged trademark commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $500,000 and imprisonment for five years.
      
     Members of the public may report any suspected counterfeiting activities to Customs’ 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hkIssued at HKT 17:51

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HA approves implementation arrangements for Sale of Home Ownership Scheme Flats 2025, Sale of Green Form Subsidised Home Ownership Scheme Flats 2025 and White Form Secondary Market Scheme 2025

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Housing Authority:
 
     The Hong Kong Housing Authority (HA) Subsidised Housing Committee (SHC) approved the average selling prices and sales arrangements for the Sale of Home Ownership Scheme (HOS) Flats 2025 (HOS 2025) and the Sale of Green Form Subsidised Home Ownership Scheme (GSH) Flats 2025 (GSH 2025), the arrangements for the White Form Secondary Market Scheme (WSM) 2025 (WSM 2025), as well as the White Form (WF) income and asset limits for HOS 2025 and WSM 2025.
 
     “The HA has long been striving to enhance the housing ladder through the provision of various types of subsidised sales flat (SSF) schemes and continuous enhancement of relevant arrangements in order to assist Public Rental Housing (PRH) tenants with better financial capabilities and other eligible applicants to achieve upward mobility by purchasing SSFs. The HA is going to launch the HOS 2025, the GSH 2025 and the WSM 2025 together and start inviting applications in the second quarter of 2026. The HOS 2025 and the GSH 2025 offer a total of over 9 700 new flats while the WSM 2025 offers 7 000 quotas allowing successful applicants to purchase a flat with premium unpaid in the secondary market,” a spokesman for the HA said.
 
HOS 2025 and GSH 2025
 
Flats for sale
 
     Flats for sale under the HOS 2025 include a total of over 8 300 flats in five new HOS developments at a wide variety of locations (including Kai Tak, Kam Tin, Tseung Kwan O, Ping Shan, and Tung Chung), with saleable areas ranging from about 26.1 square metres to about 52.0 sq m (about 281 square feet to about 560 sq ft). Larger flats, with saleable areas ranging from about 41.2 sq m to about 52.0 sq m (about 443 sq ft to about 560 sq ft), will account for about a quarter of the total number of flats (see Annex 1 and Annex 2).
 
     Flats for sale under the GSH 2025 include over 1 400 new flats from a new GSH development in Kowloon Bay, with saleable areas ranging from about 26.0 sq m to about 43.6 sq m (about 280 sq ft to about 469 sq ft). Larger flats, with saleable areas ranging from about 41.5 sq m to about 43.6 sq m (about 447 sq ft to about 469 sq ft), will account for about a quarter of the total number of flats (see Annex 3 and Annex 4). Moreover, a new batch of recovered Tenants Purchase Scheme flats will also be offered for sale under the GSH 2025.
 
Pricing
 
     The HA continues to price HOS and GSH flats at an affordable level, which was based on the affordability of the applicants, i.e. at least 75 per cent of the flats for sale can allow non-owner occupier households earning the median monthly household income to spend no more than 40 per cent of their monthly income on mortgage payments. Based on this principle of setting selling prices at an affordable level, the discount for the HOS 2025 was set at 30 per cent from the assessed market values (for sale at 70 per cent of the assessed market values).
 
     The selling prices of flats in the five new HOS developments range from about $1.5 million to about $4.8 million, with an average selling price of about $2.78 million. The mortgage payment is about $11,200 per month, assuming that the buyer takes out a mortgage at 90 per cent of the flat price for a mortgage repayment period of 30 years at a prevailing mortgage interest rate of about 3.5 per cent.
 
     GSH flats will be sold at a discount of 10 per cent more than that of the preceding HOS sale exercise. Since the discount rate for the HOS 2025 was set at 30 per cent, the average selling prices of all GSH flats under the GSH 2025 would be set at 40 per cent discount from the assessed market values (i.e. for sale at 60 per cent of the assessed market values). The selling prices of flats in the new GSH development range from about $1.68 million to about $3.54 million with an average selling price of about $2.68 million. The mortgage payment is about $11,400 per month, assuming that the buyer takes out a mortgage at 95 per cent of the flat price for a mortgage repayment period of 30 years at a prevailing mortgage interest rate of about 3.5 per cent.
 
Implementation of new measures under Policy Address
 
     To facilitate upward mobility of young people, starting from the HOS 2025, an extra ballot number will be allocated to young family applicants and young one-person applicants aged below 40 with WF status who opted to join the Youth Scheme (HOS). Moreover, the HOS 2025 and the GSH 2025 will continue to implement the enhanced arrangement of allocating an extra ballot number to applicants who have failed to purchase an SSF in the last two consecutive sale exercises of the same type of SSF. The HOS and the GSH will be conducted separately.
 
     The HA will increase the quota allocation ratio between the GF and the WF from 40:60 to 50:50 starting from the HOS 2025, and at the same time increase the ratio of larger flats in HOS and GSH projects to encourage more PRH tenants to purchase SSFs. In fact, the ratio of larger flats has been increased from about 20 per cent in the past to about 25 per cent under the HOS 2025. Moreover, when design conditions of existing developments permit, the HA will progressively optimise the space utilisation of the flats. Therefore, in this new batch of HOS flats offered for sale, more than half have adopted the new design, providing residents with an improved experience upon returning home and enabling more flexible use of the space outside the kitchen, such as for placing a shoe cabinet, storage cabinet, etc. Future designs will continue to develop along this new approach.
 
     Given the supply of HOS flats in the next five years is expected to increase steadily, even the quota allocation ratio between GF and WF applicants has been adjusted to 50:50, and opportunities for WF applicants to purchase HOS flats will still increase by about 25 per cent. As in the past, the flexibility to reallocate any unused quota from the GF queue to WF queue and vice versa will be maintained.
 
     To encourage upward mobility through the housing ladder, starting from the HOS 2025 and the GSH 2025, the HA will shorten the alienation restriction period of new SSFs put up for sale in the open market, from 15 years to 10 years from the date of the first assignment.
 
WSM 2025
 
     In response to the keen demand of WSM quotas from WF applicants, the HA is further increasing the quota by 1 000 to 7 000 starting from WSM 2025, which includes 2 000 quotas for young applicants aged below 40 while the remaining 5 000 are ordinary quotas. The allocation ratio for family and one-person applicants is kept at 9:1 and any unused family quotas will be reallocated to one-person applicants and vice versa.
 
White Form Income and Asset Limits
 
     At the same time, the HA has also reviewed the WF income and asset limits with reference to the existing mechanism. For WF family applicants of the HOS 2025 and the WSM 2025, the income limit will be maintained at the same level of $60,000 per month as the HOS 2024 and the WSM 2024. According to the existing arrangement, the income limits for WF one-person applicants will be set at half the limits for family applicants at $30,000 per month. Although the income limits remain unchanged, given the number of non-owner occupied household in private sector increases, compared with HOS 2024 and WSM 2024, the eligible household number is anticipated to increase by 17 500 to 357 000.
 
     While the asset limit for WF applicants should be slightly adjusted downwards to $1,220,000 according to the existing mechanism, the HA considers that it would be appropriate to provide applicants with a buffer and maintain the asset limits for WF family applicants and one-person applicants at the same level of $1,230,000 and $615,000 respectively as the HOS 2024 and the WSM 2024.
 
     At the meeting, some SHC members raised concerns about long‑term accommodation support for those affected by the fire at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po. The HA noted that the Government will conduct a comprehensive collection of residents’ views, carry out an analysis and formulate long‑term plans to help the affected families rebuild their homes. Going forward, the HA will exercise the utmost flexibility and will fully and proactively support the Government in taking forward the relevant initiatives.

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Hong Kong-Guangdong Joint Working Group on Cleaner Production meeting explores ways to strengthen co-operation (with photos)

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     The Environment and Ecology Bureau (EEB) of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) and the Department of Industry and Information Technology of Guangdong Province (GDDIIT) today (December 18) convened the 12th meeting of the Hong Kong-Guangdong Joint Working Group on Cleaner Production (JWGCP) in Guangzhou. An award presentation ceremony for the Hong Kong-Guangdong Cleaner Production Partners Recognition Scheme was also held to commend 165 enterprises supporting cleaner production.
      
     The 12th meeting of the JWGCP was cochaired by the Under Secretary for Environment and Ecology of the HKSAR Government, Miss Diane Wong, and the Deputy Director-General of the GDDIIT, Mr Chen Lei, to review the work progress in 2025 and approve the work plan for 2026. Governments of both Hong Kong and Guangdong will continue to promote the adoption of cleaner production technologies and practices in energy-intensive, polluting and water-intensive industries, through the promotion of the adoption and upgrading of relevant technologies; undertaking cleaner production audits; and encouraging enterprises to try out new cleaner production technologies. This is to achieve energy saving, emission reduction, and consumption and carbon emission reduction, thereby improving the regional environment and accelerating the green transformation of enterprises. Both sides will also continue to implement publicity activities to promote the effectiveness of cleaner production to the industry.
      
     The meeting was attended by representatives of the EEB, the Environmental Protection Department (EPD), the Trade and Industry Department, the Innovation and Technology Commission and the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Guangdong. On the Guangdong side, representatives from the GDDIIT, the Guangdong Provincial Development and Reform Commission, the Department of Ecology and Environment of Guangdong Province and the Department of Science and Technology of Guangdong Province attended the meeting.
      
     After the JWGCP meeting, the 2025 award presentation ceremony for the Hong Kong-Guangdong Cleaner Production Partners Recognition Scheme was held to commend 165 enterprises that have actively pursued cleaner production. Of these, 34 Hong Kong-owned manufacturing enterprises were commended as “Excellent Partners” while 112 were commended as “Partners”. Other commended enterprises included three sourcing enterprises and 16 environmental technology service providers.
      
     The EPD of the HKSAR Government, in collaboration with the GDDIIT, launched the Cleaner Production Partnership Programme in 2008 to promote the adoption of cleaner production technologies and practices by Hong Kong-owned factories in Hong Kong and Guangdong Province with a view to achieving emission reductions and enhancing energy saving. To date, the Programme has provided funding support for more than 4 300 projects. A new round of the Programme was launched in May this year to continue to encourage Hong Kong-owned factories to adopt new cleaner production technologies, transform and upgrade traditional industries with the adoption of green technologies, and dovetail with the country’s efforts in promoting high-quality development. To commend the dedicated efforts and achievements of Hong Kong-owned factories in pursing cleaner production, Guangdong and Hong Kong jointly launched the Recognition Scheme in 2009 to award enterprises adopting cleaner production as Hong Kong-Guangdong Cleaner Production Partners.
      
     For details of the Programme and the Recognition Scheme, please visit www.cleanerproduction.hk.