Category: MIL-OSI

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     A spokesman for the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) said today (December 15) that the department has been adopting a multipronged approach to tackle dripping air conditioner issues. The FEHD stepped up inspections and enforcement across districts in Hong Kong this summer. By combining publicity and education, the application of innovative technology and adjustments to operational strategies, the measures have achieved notable results.

     The spokesman said, “As of November 30, the FEHD had handled accumulatively about 8 500 dripping air conditioners this year, a number that had risen by approximately three times compared to 2023, and recorded an increase of more than 30 per cent compared with the same period last year. The problem of dripping air conditioners has shown considerable improvement at locations identified as black spots.

     “Given the vast number of air conditioners across Hong Kong, dripping air conditioners remain common and pose considerable challenges to the department’s enforcement efforts. The FEHD will build on this year’s experience to formulate more effective strategies and measures. These include the additional use of AI image recognition technology to automatically detect dripping sources, as well as strengthening collaboration with the property management sector to tackle the problem of dripping air conditioners and improve the living environment for the public,” the spokesman added.

     The FEHD adopted a new operational strategy this year. In addition to sustaining the effort in handling public complaints, FEHD officers proactively conducted door-to-door inspections and took enforcement action at about 300 key follow-up locations with dripping air conditioners across districts. Thirty dripping blackspots causing significant nuisance to the public, including bus stops, minibus stops and pedestrian passages, were also targeted, with enforcement actions conducted at least once a week. To address the prevalence of dripping issues during night-time and early morning hours, the department reallocated manpower for investigations, shifting from the previous 70 per cent daytime and 30 per cent night-time distribution to 30 per cent daytime and 70 per cent night-time.

     By leveraging innovative technology, the FEHD also collaborated with the Logistics and Supply Chain MultiTech R&D Centre under the Innovation and Technology Commission to develop the Dripping Air Conditioner Investigation System, which has achieved remarkable results while being used in all districts. Equipped with infrared night-vision recording, the system can quickly identify the source of dripping at night or in low-light conditions. With a detection range of up to 120 meters, it can cover buildings of around 40 stories high, significantly reducing the time required for investigation and evidence collection. Building on the existing Dripping Air Conditioner Investigation System, the FEHD plans to develop AI recognition technology to automatically detect dripping locations and accurately pinpoint sources, thereby significantly improving investigation accuracy and enhancing the work efficiency. The department aims to begin implementing the new technology in the summer next year.

     The FEHD also strengthened publicity and education in collaboration with District Council members, members of the local community and property management companies. Leaflets and posters were distributed, promotional materials were displayed at bus stops, and feature videos were released through social media, radio and television, reminding the public to check their air conditioners regularly and promptly address any dripping issues to avoid creating a nuisance.

     In addition, the FEHD recently collaborated with the Property Management Services Authority to develop the Best Practice Guide on Handling Dripping Air Conditioners, providing guidance for licensed property management companies and property management personnel. In parallel, the FEHD continues to promote the Scheme of Participation by Property Management Agents in Tackling Dripping Air-conditioners, inviting property management agents of private housing estates to assist in handling related complaints. Currently, about 290 private housing estates participate in the Scheme, handling an average of over 4 000 cases annually.

     The FEHD calls on all sectors to work together. Property management companies should repair and maintain building drainage systems regularly and remind residents to check and repair their air conditioners. Members of the public should check and maintain their air conditioners regularly and take immediate action if water dripping happens in order to prevent causing a nuisance. For more information, please refer to the leaflet on the FEHD website (www.fehd.gov.hk/english/pleasant_environment/library/aircon/Pamphlet_water_dripping_from_air_conditioner.pdf).

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government yesterday (December 15) expressed strong dissatisfaction with and opposition to the United States (US) and western countries, anti-China media, organisations and politicians for their malicious attacks, false statements, and smears against the HKSAR which totally disregarded the rule of law, following the court’s conviction judgment in Lai Chee-ying’s case, which was made strictly in accordance with the law and evidence.

     A HKSAR Government spokesperson said, “these biased statements and malicious smears from external forces precisely reflect that the national security risks we face are real. External forces showed no respect in the HKSAR court’s independent judgment of the case, which had been made on the basis of facts and evidence. They also refused to acknowledge the evidence set out in the reasons for verdict, and refused to understand the court’s considerations and rationale for the verdict. Instead, they wantonly launched attacks, slandered and attacked the HKSAR Government, which was clearly a case of politics trumping the law. With the external forces distorting facts and confounding right and wrong, their malicious intentions are clearly revealed. We must sternly denounce their wrongdoings to set the record straight.”

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Court of First Instance of the High Court today (December 15) delivered the verdict in the case of Lai Chee-ying and three companies relating to Apple Daily involving three charges of offences endangering national security. The charges included “conspiracy to collude with a foreign country or with external elements to endanger national security” (contrary to Article 29 of the Hong Kong National Security Law (HKNSL) and sections 159A and 159C of the Crimes Ordinance), and “conspiracy to print, publish, sell, offer for sale, distribute, display and/or reproduce seditious publications” (contrary to sections 10, 159A and 159C of the Crimes Ordinance). The court convicted Lai Chee-ying and the three defendant companies of all charges. The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government welcomes the court’s conviction.

The court adjourned the case of Lai Chee-ying and the three defendant companies, as well as the related cases of eight people who previously pleaded guilty, to January 12, 2026, for mitigation, and the date for sentencing will be announced afterwards.

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, stated, “The court found Lai Chee-ying and the three companies relating to Apple Daily guilty, confirming that Lai Chee-ying has indeed used Apple Daily to collude with foreign or external forces to endanger national security.

“Lai Chee-ying has long been using his media outlet, Apple Daily, to wantonly create social conflicts, incite social antagonism, incite hatred, glorify violence and openly beg for foreign sanctions against China and the HKSAR, attracting external interference. He has harmed the fundamental interests of the country and the well-being of the people of Hong Kong; his actions are shameful and his intentions malicious. His wanton crimes were committed in full view of the public, and the evidence is compelling. The court’s conviction demonstrates that righteousness is upheld by the law and the core values of Hong Kong are safeguarded. The law never allows anyone, regardless of profession or background, to harm their country and compatriots under the guise of human rights, democracy, and freedom. The HKSAR has a responsibility to safeguard national security and will resolutely combat acts and activities endangering national security. Hong Kong is underpinned by the rule of law, and the HKSAR Government is committed to ensuring that laws are observed and strictly enforced to bring offenders to account. We will do our utmost to prevent, suppress and impose punishment for acts and activities endangering national security to fulfil this perfectly justified responsibility.”

Mr Lee emphasised, “The HKSAR Government’s stance is unequivocal. The Judiciary acts confidently, undaunted by any threats. We will resolutely fulfil the responsibility of safeguarding national security.”

Fair and impartial adjudication by the court

A spokesman for the HKSAR Government said, “The court’s reasons for verdict in this case are 855 pages long, fully open for public inspection, and meticulously explain the court’s analysis of the relevant legal principles and evidence, as well as the reasons for convicting Lai Chee-ying and the three defendant companies. The court clearly pointed out in the reasons for verdict that Lai Chee-ying was not on trial for his political views or beliefs. The court’s verdict of guilty is reasoned and well founded, and fully demonstrates that the court arrived at the verdict in strict accordance with the laws and evidence, free from any interference, and entirely devoid of political considerations.”

The court clearly pointed out in its reasons for verdict that Lai Chee-ying had harboured his resentment and hatred of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) for many years. Long before the enactment of the HKNSL, Lai Chee-ying had already been applying his mind to what leverage the United States (US) could use against the PRC. When the protests in 2019 metamorphosed into a resistance movement, Lai Chee-ying and Apple Daily were among those in the forefront. Ample documentary evidence in the case supported the prosecution witnesses’ testimony as credible and reliable, including Lai Chee-ying’s messages on an instant messaging application, which proved that Mark Simon worked hard for him to arrange meetings with senior US government officials, congress members and politicians, where Lai Chee-ying expressed requests to impose sanctions or blockade or to engage in other hostile activities against the PRC and the HKSAR. Lai Chee-ying also instructed the senior management of Apple Daily to initiate a one-person-one-letter campaign to solicit the US to impose sanctions on the PRC.

The court pointed out that after the enactment of the HKNSL, although Lai Chee-ying’s conduct in requesting sanctions was carried out in a less explicit way, his only intent, whether pre- or post-HKNSL, was to seek the downfall of the Communist Party of China, even though the ultimate cost was the sacrifice of the interests of the people of the PRC and the HKSAR. The court found that Lai Chee-ying’s evidence when testifying was at times contradictory, inconsistent, evasive and unreliable. The court rejected his evidence. Lai Chee-ying was the mastermind of the conspiracies charged in all three counts, and his actions show his deliberate intent to pursue these conspiracies, which constituted a threat and harm to the national security in the PRC and the HKSAR.

Slanders and attacks by external forces are doomed to failure

The spokesman said, “The HKSAR Government noted that throughout the enforcement, prosecution and trial stages of Lai Chee-ying’s case, there were smears and attacks as well as interference and pressures from all sides, especially external forces led by the US and some Western countries. They continuously smeared the law enforcement actions and judicial procedures of the HKSAR. They also, through despicable political manipulations and lies, attempted to glorify the criminal acts of Lai Chee-ying and his syndicate, and sought to impose so-called ‘sanctions’ to intimidate judges, prosecutors, law enforcement officers and other officials of the HKSAR Government, in an attempt to interfere with the court to exercise judicial power in accordance with the law and engage in acts of perverting the course of justice and undermining the rule of law. Any reasonable person who can distinguish between right and wrong, upon carefully examining the reasons for verdict handed down by the court today, would agree that the court adjudicated the case fairly and impartially, and the despicable attempt of external forces is futile and doomed to failure.”

The spokesman emphasised, “The HKSAR Government must refute strongly against malicious attacks by external forces. First, the court’s trial is open, fair and just. The court conducted a total of 156 days of public hearings, having considered up to 2 220 exhibits, over 80 000 pages of documents, and evidence from 14 prosecution witnesses. Lai Chee-ying himself even testified in court for 52 days. These are the testaments to the fact that Lai Chee-ying and other defendants were found guilty only after a fair trial.

“Some individuals with ulterior motives have conflated the criminal acts in this case with freedom of the press, while external forces have even played up different cases to vilify the HKSAR. In spite of that, the fact remains that Hong Kong citizens enjoy freedom of the press and freedom of speech as protected under the Basic Law and the Hong Kong Bill of Rights. In fact, the HKNSL and the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance (SNSO) clearly stipulate that human rights shall be respected and protected in safeguarding national security. The rights and freedoms, including the freedoms of the press, of speech and of publication, enjoyed by Hong Kong people under the Basic Law and the provisions of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights as applied to the HKSAR, are protected in accordance with the law. However, like all other places in the world, journalists, like everyone else, have an obligation to abide by all the laws. According to the principles established by Article 19 of the ICCPR, the European Convention on Human Rights and relevant jurisprudence, when the media and journalists publish opinions, information and articles, they must observe and discharge ‘special duties and responsibilities’, including the protection of national security and public order; journalists must, in accordance with the tenets of ‘responsible journalism’, act in good faith on an accurate factual basis and provide reliable and precise information, so as to be entitled to the protection of freedom of speech and press freedom.

“Besides, the open hearing of the case revealed that Lai Chee-ying repeatedly colluded with foreign forces to beg for sanctions or blockade, or engage in hostile activities against the Central Authorities and the HKSAR Government. Lai Chee-ying’s case has absolutely nothing to do with press freedom. The defendants have merely used news reporting as a pretext for years to commit acts that harmed the country and Hong Kong.”

Lai Chee-ying receives appropriate treatment and medical care during detention

     “External forces have also consistently disregarded objective facts and wantonly smeared the Correctional Services Department (CSD), including repeatedly alleging that Lai Chee-ying did not receive appropriate medical care or religious services in prison and has consistently been subjected to so-called ‘solitary confinement’, attempting to use these fabricated accusations to influence the court. The HKSAR Government has refuted multiple times that the CSD is committed to ensuring that the custodial environment is secure, safe, humane, appropriate and healthy for the persons in custody (PICs), regardless of their identities. The CSD has also adopted the above-mentioned arrangements when handling matters related to Lai Chee-ying, which are no different from those applicable to other PICs.

“Regarding medical services, what Lai Chee-ying received in custody is adequate and comprehensive. The CSD provides PICs with medical services delivered by the Department of Health (DH) and the Hospital Authority (HA). In general, examination and treatment are conducted by medical staff stationed in the CSD facilities. Based on the needs of individual PICs, cases will be referred to specialist departments under the HA for further follow-up. Professional medical staff provide the most suitable healthcare services to patients, and all PICs are treated equally. Senior counsel representing Lai Chee-ying also clearly informed the court that the correctional institution arranged daily medical check-ups for Lai Chee-ying and that Lai Chee-ying had made no complaints about the medical services received while in custody. The court commended the CSD for its work.

     “Regarding religious services, the CSD arranges dedicated chaplains to provide religious services, including the receipt of Holy Communion, to Lai Chee-ying in accordance with his wishes. Regarding the so-called solitary confinement, the Commissioner of Correctional Services is empowered to make arrangements under the Prison Rules that the prisoner should not associate with other prisoners. One of the purposes of such arrangements is to ensure the personal safety and well-being of the PICs. The arrangements for Lai Chee-ying have all along been made at his own request and approved by the CSD after considering all relevant factors in accordance with the law.

     “The CSD has also put in place established mechanisms, including regular visits from Justices of the Peace who inspect the prisons, to ensure the rights of PICs are protected. PICs who feel aggrieved by any treatment they receive could lodge a complaint through various channels within and outside the CSD, including the Ombudsman.”

Staying on guard against national security risks

“During the trial of Lai Chee-ying’s case, external hostile forces had been using this case to smear and attack the HKSAR Government’s performance of the important duty of safeguarding national security in accordance with the law, even going so far as to impose so-called ‘sanctions’ on officials of the Central Authorities and the HKSAR Government. Meanwhile, anti-China and destabilising elements who have absconded overseas, including specified absconders and wanted persons, continued to engage in acts and activities endangering national security and make clamour everywhere with the backing of external forces. Moreover, external forces and their agents continued to incite the public’s hatred towards the Central Authorities and the HKSAR Government through their acts of ‘soft resistance’. These reflect the HKSAR is still facing national security risks, and we must not let our guard down against such risks.

“Safeguarding national security is an ongoing and endless commitment. Today, geopolitical risks continue to escalate; external forces, as well as anti-China and destabilising forces, keep posing national security risks to the HKSAR. The HKSAR Government will steadfastly safeguard national sovereignty, security and development interests, and improve the relevant legal system and enforcement mechanisms under the robust protection of the HKNSL and the SNSO, so as to address the evolving national security risks and challenges more effectively, ensuring high-quality development with high-level security, and the steadfast and successful implementation of ‘one country, two systems’.”

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Leisure and Cultural Services Department announced today (December 15) that Kowloon Bay Sports Ground in Kwun Tong District will be temporarily closed from January 2 to September 29 next year for renovation works.

     During the closure period, members of the public may use similar facilities at Hammer Hill Road Sports Ground in Wong Tai Sin District and Kowloon Tsai Sports Ground in Kowloon City District. 

     For enquiries, please contact the venue staff at 2750 8512.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

With the 12th National Games for Persons with Disabilities (NGD) and the 9th National Special Olympic Games (NSOG) concluding today, Chief Executive John Lee commended Hong Kong, China athletes for their outstanding performance in the games.

The Hong Kong, China Delegation participating in the 12th NGD and 9th NSOG was the largest ever. Mr Lee noted that the athletes fully demonstrated personal perseverance and team spirit, achieving historic and encouraging results with a total of 140 medals, including 51 gold, 49 silver, and 40 bronze medals.

“They strove hard, overcame obstacles, and surpassed their personal bests, showcasing Hong Kong’s indefatigable and indomitable spirit.”

Noting that this year’s games were jointly hosted by Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macau for the first time with Hong Kong hosting four competition events and one mass participation event, Mr Lee thanked the central government for its trust, and the China Disabled Persons’ Federation and the General Administration of Sport of China (GASC) for their support.

The Chief Executive also thanked all sectors of society for their support for the games, saying that their efforts and contributions have assisted Hong Kong athletes in showcasing their talent and enabled the smooth running of events in the Hong Kong competition region, promoting harmony between disabled and non-disabled individuals and enhancing society’s support for disability sports.

Mr Lee stressed that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government is fully committed to promoting the development of disability sports, noting that the Government’s actual expenditure on sports development for people with disabilities exceeded $140 million in the year of 2024-25, with over 80% of the expenditure supporting athletes with disabilities.

In addition, the Government has designated over $1 billion for the Hong Kong Sports Institute (HKSI) in the year 2025-26 to support its training for elite athletes, including those for elite disability sports.

The Government will encourage more people with disabilities to pursue careers as athletes and showcase their talent through continuously increasing resources and enhancing the athlete training ladder, with a view to raising the public’s awareness of and support for disability sports.

With the successful conclusion of the 15th National Games, the 12th NGD and the 9th NSOG, Mr Lee said it demonstrated the capabilities of Hong Kong and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) in organising large-scale sports events.

The Hong Kong SAR Government, the GASC, the People’s Government of Guangdong Province, and the Macau SAR Government have signed an agreement on strengthening of sports co-operation and promotion of integrated development to carry forward the spirit of unity under the strategic framework, with a view to deepening co-operation within the GBA and actively implementing integrated sports development in the area, he added.

Secretary for Culture, Sports & Tourism Rosanna Law also congratulated the athletes for their remarkable achievements across various events.

“Our athletes demonstrated exceptional professionalism, achieved breakthroughs, and set multiple national records. I am deeply proud of their outstanding performances in different events which have brought glory to Hong Kong. I believe the extraordinary determination and perseverance of our athletes with disabilities in achieving such remarkable results will bring more positive energy to our society.”

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government welcomed the Court of First Instance’s verdict today in the case of Lai Chee-ying and three companies relating to Apple Daily involving three charges of offences endangering national security.

The charges included “conspiracy to collude with a foreign country or with external elements to endanger national security” and “conspiracy to print, publish, sell, offer for sale, distribute, display and/or reproduce seditious publications”.

The court convicted Lai Chee-ying and the three defendant companies on all charges.

It adjourned the case of Lai Chee-ying and the three defendant companies, as well as the related cases of eight people who previously pleaded guilty, to January 12, 2026, for mitigation, and the date for sentencing will be announced afterwards.

Chief Executive John Lee stated that the court found Lai Chee-ying and the three companies relating to Apple Daily guilty, confirming that Lai Chee-ying had indeed used Apple Daily to collude with foreign or external forces to endanger national security.

Mr Lee said: “Lai Chee-ying has long been using his media outlet, Apple Daily, to wantonly create social conflicts, incite social antagonism, incite hatred, glorify violence and openly beg for foreign sanctions against China and the Hong Kong SAR, attracting external interference.

“He has harmed the fundamental interests of the country and the well-being of the people of Hong Kong; his actions are shameful and his intentions malicious. His wanton crimes were committed in full view of the public, and the evidence is compelling.

“The court’s conviction demonstrates that righteousness is upheld by the law and the core values of Hong Kong are safeguarded. The law never allows anyone, regardless of profession or background, to harm their country and compatriots under the guise of human rights, democracy, and freedom.

“The Hong Kong SAR has a responsibility to safeguard national security and will resolutely combat acts and activities endangering national security. Hong Kong is underpinned by the rule of law, and the Hong Kong SAR Government is committed to ensuring that laws are observed and strictly enforced to bring offenders to account. We will do our utmost to prevent, suppress and impose punishment for acts and activities endangering national security to fulfil this perfectly justified responsibility.”

The Chief Executive emphasised that the Hong Kong SAR Government’s stance is unequivocal, and that the Judiciary acts confidently, undaunted by any threats.

“We will resolutely fulfil the responsibility of safeguarding national security,” he added.

The Hong Kong SAR Government stated that the court’s reasons for verdict in this case are 855 pages long, clearly pointing out that Lai Chee-ying was not on trial for his political views or beliefs.

The court’s verdict of guilty is reasoned and well founded, and fully demonstrates that the court arrived at the verdict in strict accordance with the laws and evidence, free from any interference, and entirely devoid of political considerations.

The court clearly pointed out in its reasons for verdict that Lai Chee-ying had harboured his resentment and hatred of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) for many years. His only intent, whether pre- or post-Hong Kong National Security Law, was to seek the downfall of the Communist Party of China, even though the ultimate cost was the sacrifice of the interests of the people of the PRC and the Hong Kong SAR.

The Hong Kong SAR Government noted that throughout the enforcement, prosecution and trial stages of Lai Chee-ying’s case, there were smears and attacks as well as interference and pressure from all sides.

However, any reasonable person who can distinguish between right and wrong, upon carefully examining the reasons for verdict handed down by the court today, would agree that the court adjudicated the case fairly and impartially, and the despicable attempt of external forces is futile and doomed to failure.

Besides, the Hong Kong SAR Government said the open hearing of the case revealed that Lai Chee-ying repeatedly colluded with foreign forces to beg for sanctions or blockade, or engage in hostile activities against the central authorities and the Hong Kong SAR Government.

It added that Lai Chee-ying’s case has absolutely nothing to do with press freedom. The defendants have merely used news reporting as a pretext for years to commit acts that harmed the country and Hong Kong.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The court verdict on the case under the National Security Law involving Lai Chee-ying illustrated Hong Kong’s ability to interdict all the attempts to affect national security.

Secretary for Security Tang Ping-keung made the remarks today while meeting the media following Lai Chee-ying’s conviction on three national security-related charges.

Welcoming the verdict, Mr Tang said: “For whatever criminal cases, including those relating to national security, if we have evidence, we will arrest. If we have sufficient evidence, we will prosecute. No one is above the law.

“Regarding international concerns about this case, I think a lot of foreign consular staff, they have been attending the trial throughout. And they are witness to how this trial is being openly and fairly (tried).

“I think this illustrates these kind of activities, if it happened in any country, if someone (was) using the media to try to overturn a regime, I think this is not bearable by every government.

“I think this case illustrates how safe Hong Kong is, and how we are able to interdict all the national security concerns, all the attempts to affect our national security.

“I think this is a good showcase to show that we are safe, and we are safe to do investment in Hong Kong.”

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

On the morning of December 14, President Lai Ching-te attended the 2025 Presidential Hackathon awards ceremony. In remarks, President Lai praised the winning teams for applying data, technology, and innovative thinking to address various public issues, their work a testament to the event’s impact. He also expressed hope that the achievements of today can become the actions of tomorrow, strengthening innovation and bringing it to every corner of society, and that by driving transformation through digital means and achieving net zero through collaborative efforts, all sectors can work together to build a smarter, more sustainable, and brighter future.
A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows:
I want to welcome everyone to the Presidential Office as we witness and share the achievements and honors of the 2025 Presidential Hackathon. It is truly admirable to see teams from different backgrounds and diverse sectors applying data, technology, and innovative thinking to address various public issues, while upholding the spirit of open collaboration and interdisciplinary innovation. Now in its eighth year, the Presidential Hackathon has named 41 domestic and 14 international teams of excellence to date. Proposals have spanned a range of topics including healthcare optimization, public safety enhancement, environmental protection, and transportation improvements. Many outstanding proposals have already been translated into concrete policies and integrated into our everyday lives, contributing to Taiwan’s continued progress.
As we face the challenges of climate change and digital transformation, the domestic track of this year’s hackathon specifically adopted the theme “Dual Transformation for Green Growth,” inviting talented innovators from across the country to seek solutions for Taiwan’s sustainable future. This demonstrates Taiwan’s determination to advance digital transformation and net-zero initiatives. It also reflects our hope that, through these bold and groundbreaking innovations, Taiwan can move steadily forward on the path to green growth. I want to congratulate the five teams of excellence from the domestic track. ReSchool enhances planning efficiency and helps diversify how school campuses are used to support local development. AI-Powered Green Chemistry Diagnostic Advisor helps enterprises build a one-stop platform for chemical risk assessment and safer alternative solutions. Decarbon Strivers proposes a system to track and manage carbon footprints of construction projects at all stages, from design and operation to demolition. Zha Nan works to establish a sustainable management platform to recycle and reuse more than 120,000 metric tons of used coffee grounds per year. The Strivers integrate resources from blood donation centers and hospitals to create an emergency blood supply system, improving trauma survival rates in rural areas and strengthening healthcare resilience. Additionally, CivicWorks Guardian, who won the award for AI application, leverages AI to build an integrated management chain for construction site safety, progress, and quality. This is a significant step forward for more transparent and accountable governance in Taiwan.
The teams in this year’s international track, which followed the theme of “Digital Innovation for Resilience and Sustainability,” were equally impressive. I am pleased to see international teams using digital technologies to exchange ideas with global partners and work together to advance sustainable development. I would like to congratulate the two teams of excellence. CropNow from India helps farmers increase yields by monitoring crop health in real time. Beyond Hearing, a Taiwan-France collaboration, uses real-time sound analysis and positioning to provide greater spatial awareness to the hearing impaired.
Once again, I would like to thank all the teams for participating in the Presidential Hackathon and for their passion and creativity in using digital technologies to find innovative and sustainable solutions. Whether focused on digital governance, low-carbon cities, or green industries, the proposals are all full of creativity and give strong momentum to Taiwan’s digital and net-zero twin transition. Their work is a testament to the Hackathon’s impact. I hope the achievements of today can become the actions of tomorrow, strengthening innovation and bringing it to every corner of society. The award-winning teams have worked hard to develop their plans, and I promise that the government will give them careful consideration in formulating national policy. Together, let us drive transformation through digital means, achieve net zero through collaborative efforts, and work together to build a smarter, more sustainable, and brighter future.
President Lai then presented trophies and certificates to the winning teams in both the domestic and international tracks.
Also in attendance at the event were French Office in Taipei Director Franck Paris and India-Taipei Association Acting Director General Vishwanjali Murlidhar Gaikwad.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Census and Statistics Department (C&SD) released today (December 15) the preliminary statistics on Hong Kong’s Gross National Income (GNI) and related figures for the third quarter of 2025.
 
     Hong Kong’s GNI, which denotes the total income earned by Hong Kong residents from engaging in various economic activities, increased by 1.5% in the third quarter of 2025 over a year earlier to $908.2 billion at current market prices. The Gross Domestic Product (GDP), estimated at $853.7 billion at current market prices in the same quarter, recorded a 4.8% increase over a year earlier. The value of GNI was larger than GDP by $54.5 billion in the third quarter of 2025, which was equivalent to 6.4% of GDP in that quarter, mainly attributable to a net inflow of investment income.
 
     After netting out the effect of price changes over the same period, Hong Kong’s GNI increased by 0.2% in real terms in the third quarter of 2025 over a year earlier. The corresponding GDP in the same quarter increased by 3.8% in real terms.
 
     Hong Kong’s total inflow of primary income, which mainly comprises investment income, estimated at $576.1 billion in the third quarter of 2025 and equivalent to 67.5% of GDP in that quarter, recorded a decrease of 7.4% from a year earlier. Meanwhile, total primary income outflow, estimated at $521.5 billion in the third quarter of 2025 and equivalent to 61.1% of GDP in that quarter, also decreased by 3.8% from a year earlier.
 
     As for the major components of investment income inflow, direct investment income (DII) decreased by 4.9% from a year earlier, mainly due to the decrease in earnings of some prominent local enterprises from their direct investment abroad. Portfolio investment income (PII) recorded a significant decrease of 10.6% from a year earlier, mainly attributable to the decrease in dividend income received by resident investors from their holdings of non-resident equity securities.
 
     Regarding the major components of investment income outflow, DII decreased by 4.1% from a year earlier, mainly due to the decrease in earnings of some prominent multinational enterprises from their direct investment in Hong Kong. PII increased by 7.6%, mainly attributable to the increase in interest payout to non-resident investors from their holdings of resident debt securities and the increase in dividend payout to non-resident investors from their holdings of resident equity securities.
 
     Analysed by country/territory, the Chinese Mainland continued to be the largest source of Hong Kong’s total primary income inflow in the third quarter of 2025, accounting for 40.7%. This was followed by the British Virgin Islands (BVI), with a share of 16.0%. Regarding total primary income outflow, the Chinese Mainland and the BVI remained the most important destinations in the third quarter of 2025, accounting for 36.0% and 18.4% respectively.
 
Further Information
 
     GDP and GNI are closely related indicators for measuring economic performance. GDP is a measure of the total value of production of all resident producing units of an economy. GNI denotes the total income earned by residents of an economy from engaging in various economic activities, irrespective of whether the economic activities are carried out within the economic territory of the economy or outside.
 
     Figures of GNI and primary income flows analysed by income component from the fourth quarter of 2023 to the third quarter of 2025 are presented in Table A, while selected major country/territory breakdowns of primary income inflow and outflow for the same quarters are presented in Tables B(1) and B(2) respectively.
 
     Statistics on GDP and GNI from 2023 onwards and primary income flows for 2025 are subject to revision when more data are incorporated. In the light of the latest information available, annual and quarterly figures of GNI and external primary income flows for 2024 have been revised, such that the corresponding figures presented in Tables A and B are revised figures.
 
     More detailed statistics are given in the report “Gross National Income and External Primary Income Flows, Third Quarter 2025”. Users can browse and download this publication at the website of the C&SD (www.censtatd.gov.hk/en/EIndexbySubject.html?pcode=B1040005&scode=250).
 
     For enquiries about GNI and related statistics, please contact the Balance of Payments Branch (2) of the C&SD (Tel: 3903 7054 or email: gni@censtatd.gov.hk).