Category: MIL-OSI

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Innovation and Technology Commission (ITC) announced today (April 20) the third batch of 24 projects recommended by the Steering Committee of the Research, Academic, and Industry Sectors One-plus (RAISe+) Scheme for funding support (see Annex). The total Government funding commitment amounts to over $1 billion.
 
The Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Professor Sun Dong, expressed his gratitude to the Steering Committee for vetting the new round of applications and the recommendations made. He said, “The third batch of projects recommended for funding support covers a wide range of innovation and technology (I&T) areas, including health and medical sciences, new materials and new energy, AI and robotics, computer science/information technology, electrical and electronic engineering, and advanced manufacturing, etc. It is a clear testament to Hong Kong’s research and development (R&D) capabilities and vibrant I&T ecosystem. The Government will continue to proactively promote the commercialisation of local R&D outcomes through the RAISe+ Scheme, with the aim to fostering effective collaboration among the Government, industry, academia and research sectors, injecting new momentum into local I&T development, and expediting the development of Hong Kong into an international I&T centre, thereby contributing to high-level technological self-reliance of our country.”

The ITC is following up with the universities concerned on the projects recommended for funding support for their smooth implementation, in order to nurture more I&T projects and start-ups with potential through the Scheme, thereby further driving Hong Kong’s high-quality development.
 
With a funding allocation of $10 billion, the RAISe+ Scheme was launched in 2023 to fund, on a matching basis, research teams from the University Grants Committee-funded universities with good potential to become successful start-ups. Each approved project may receive funding support that ranges from $10 million to $100 million. Assessment criteria of the Scheme include the I&T component of the project, the commercial viability of project outcomes, the technical and management capability of the team, relevance of the project with Government policies or in the overall interest of the community, as well as the financial considerations of the project. In the first two rounds of applications, 49 projects were supported by the Scheme with the total Government funding commitment amounting to over $2 billion.
 
Details of the Scheme are available on its dedicated website (www.itf.gov.hk/en/raiseplus). For enquiries, please contact the Secretariat of the Scheme (Tel: 3543 5904; email: raiseplus@itc.gov.hk).

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Assistant Commissioner of Customs and Excise (Intelligence and Investigation), Mr Wong Ho-yin, witnessed by the Commissioner of Customs and Excise, Mr Chan Tsz-tat, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with JD.com today (April 20) at the Customs Headquarters Building to establish a closer co-operative relationship. 

At the signing ceremony, Mr Chan said that JD.com has close ties with Hong Kong Customs. One of the Group’s subsidiaries in logistics has been accredited as a Hong Kong Authorized Economic Operator, making it a trusted partner of Hong Kong Customs. This also shows JD.com’s commitment to safeguarding supply chain security. Through the signing of the MOU, both sides will establish a closer communication and collaboration mechanism, strengthen compliance promotion, and work together to prevent prohibited or controlled items from entering Hong Kong through online shopping channels, thereby providing more comprehensive protection for consumers.

     The Vice President and Chief Economist of JD.com, Dr Shen Jianguang, also remarked that JD.com adheres to its core philosophy of “achieving success the right way”. The Group firmly believes that only by operating legally, compliantly, and with integrity can it achieve sustainable and healthy development while creating value for society. Looking ahead, JD.com will strengthen its co-operation with Hong Kong Customs, actively co-ordinate with Customs’ regulatory efforts, and work together to maintain a sound import and export order.

Hong Kong Customs will continue to adopt innovative thinking in its development, strengthen co-operation with the industry, and steadfastly uphold the mission of safeguarding the gate of Hong Kong and facilitating legitimate trade.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     Eight incoming male passengers aged 25 to 56 were sentenced from eight to twelve months’ imprisonment and fined $2,000 by the West Kowloon Magistrates’ Courts today (April 18) for importing and dealing with duty-not-paid cigarettes and failing to declare them to Customs officers, in contravention of the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance (DCO). 

     Customs officers intercepted eight incoming passengers at Hong Kong International Airport on April 17 and seized duty-not-paid cigarettes from their personal baggage during customs clearance. 

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     To support National Security Education Day, the Immigration Service Institute of Training and Development (ISITD) held an open day today (April 18), drawing the participation of over 2 500 citizens. Through activities such as exhibitions, guided tours of training facilities, interactive experiences and booth games, the open day aimed to showcase the Immigration Department (ImmD)’s unwavering commitment to fending off national security risks and firmly guarding the country’s southern gateway, raise public awareness of national security, and strengthen public sense of national identity.
 
     The open day featured a rich programme, with many thematic exhibitions and interactive booths set up to introduce the public to the technologies used by the ImmD in areas such as the detection of forged documents, counter-terrorism operations, management of detention centres and tactical equipment. The ISITD also opened training facilities, including the mock immigration clearance hall and the mock courtroom, so that members of the public could gain a deeper understanding of the ImmD’s work in safeguarding national security.
 
     In addition, the Immigration Department Youth Leaders Corps (IDYL) set up a game booth with the theme “food security”, one of the 20 major fields of national security. Apart from sharing the crops harvested during their earlier farming experiences in local farm and the Chaoshan region, IDYL members also illustrated in a fun and engaging manner to the public the important concept that “food is closely related to the fate of the country and the livelihood of the people”, thereby enhancing public awareness of food security.
 
     The Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki, attended the open day. Accompanied by directorate officers of the ImmD, he toured the exhibition booths and interacted with the public. He also encouraged members of the Immigration Service to continue to uphold their mission and remain steadfast in safeguarding national security.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority: 
 
     The Hospital Authority (HA) announced today (April 20) that, following the digitalisation of medical certificates (commonly known as sick leave certificates) and attendance certificates, maternity/sick leave certificates and maternity leave certificates issued by the HA will also adopt a digital signature with an electronic version starting from April 24 this year. These digital certificates will replace the traditional, manually signed paper certificates.
 
     Same as the manually signed traditional certificate, the digital signature on the electronic maternity/sick leave certificate issued by a doctor, and the maternity leave certificate issued by a midwife, holds the same legal effect. The digitally signed certificates will include name of patient, proof of pregnancy, the expected date of confinement and recommended sick leave, etc.
 
     All electronic certificates, including medical certificates, maternity/sick leave certificates, maternity leave certificates, and attendance certificates, display an encrypted QR code that allows verification of the electronic certificate (see Annex 1). They are automatically stored in the “Records” feature of the HA’s mobile application HA Go (see Annex 2 and Annex 3). The electronic certificates could be used for sick leave application or proof of consultation. Patients can print out the certificates where necessary. For the patient issued with an attendance certificate, the electronic version will also be stored in HA Go.
 
     The spokesperson for the HA said that the digitalisation of medical certificates issued by the HA for sick leave, maternity leave, and attendance marks an important milestone in the development of smart hospitals. In addition to streamlining the process of telehealth services and enhancing patient satisfaction, the digitalisation of certificates also reduces the risk of losing paper certificates, facilitates patient access, and improves the overall patient experience. While printed copies of electronic certificates will still be available for patients at this stage, the HA encourages patients to opt for electronic certificates in the future.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The following is issued on behalf of the Legislative Council Secretariat:

     The Legislative Council (LegCo) will hold a meeting on Wednesday (April 22) at 11am and Thursday (April 23) at 9am in the Chamber of the LegCo Complex. During the meeting, the Second Reading debate on the Appropriation Bill 2026 will resume and Members will speak on the Bill.

     Members will also ask the Government 22 questions on various policy areas, all of which require written replies.

     The agenda of the above meeting is available on the LegCo Website (www.legco.gov.hk). Members of the public can watch or listen to the meeting via the “Webcast” system on the LegCo Website. To observe the proceedings of the meeting at the LegCo Complex, members of the public may call 3919 3399 during office hours to reserve seats.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Hospital Authority (HA) announced today that electronic maternity/sick leave certificates and electronic maternity leave certificates will be adopted starting April 24, replacing traditional, manually signed paper versions.

Following the earlier digitalisation of medical and attendance certificates, the new electronic maternity/sick leave certificates, issued by doctors, and electronic maternity certificates issued by midwives, will carry digital signatures with the same legal status as traditional paper copies.

The digital versions will detail the patient’s names, proof of pregnancy, expected date of confinement and any recommended sick leave.

Under the new arrangement, all electronic certificates, including the attendance certificate, will be automatically stored in the “Records” feature on the authority’s HA Go mobile application. Patients can access these records to apply for sick leave or provide proof of consultation, with the option to print hard copies if required. 

The HA noted that the move aims to streamline record management and reduce the risk of patients losing physical documents.

While printed copies of electronic certificates remain available during this initial stage, the authority encourages the public to transition fully to the electronic format.

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

President Lai attends opening of 17th Asia-Pacific Forum of Medical Laboratory Science
On the afternoon of April 18, President Lai Ching-te traveled to Taichung to attend the opening ceremony of the 17th Asia-Pacific Forum of Medical Laboratory Science. In remarks, President Lai stated that medical technologists are like the eyes of the medical system, and more than just a part of the diagnostic process; they are also a major pillar of precision medicine, public health, infection control, and the overall resilience of the healthcare system. He indicated that as Taiwan faces major challenges, including its transition into a super-aged society, the rising prevalence of chronic diseases, and the impacts of extreme weather, the government is expanding investment and adopting smart technologies in healthcare to advance the goals of the Healthy Taiwan initiative. The president expressed hope to further enhance the quality of Taiwan’s healthcare services and drive non-stop innovation and development in the biomedical industry, and collaborate to benefit people’s health.
A transcript of President Lai’s remarks follows:
This year marks the 17th Asia-Pacific Forum of Medical Laboratory Science. To begin, let me thank the Taiwan Association of Medical Technologists for its continued promotion of professional exchanges and international collaboration. I would also like to thank all the distinguished guests gathered here. Your strong support over the years has helped make this meaningful forum an important platform for medical laboratory science in the Asia-Pacific region.
I want to extend a warm welcome to the experts in the field who have made the long journey to join us here. Your gathering here in Taiwan boosts scholarly exchanges and demonstrates the Asia-Pacific region’s commitment to collaborating for people’s health. 
Medical technologists are like the eyes of the medical system. Many areas, from early disease discovery and clinical diagnostics, to risk assessment and post-treatment monitoring, depend heavily on your professional analysis and interpretation. You all stand on the frontline of medical care and are a key force in the development of smart medicine.
This year’s forum takes “Smart, Sustainable, and Resilient” as its central theme, guiding this profession into a new era; it is also an important path of development for medicine around the world.
New technologies are changing the face of medical services, whether it’s AI-assisted diagnosis, smart laboratories, or automated testing; they are also allowing us to discover problems earlier and provide care with higher precision.
This is very important, as Taiwan faces major challenges, including our transition into a super-aged society, the rising prevalence of chronic diseases, and the impacts of extreme weather. We must harness digital technologies and AI to build a smart health system that covers all age groups and all settings, a system with proactive early warning and real-time response capabilities. This will drive the transformation of our healthcare model from treatment-centered care to one that prioritizes prevention and health promotion. 
This is also a core objective of our government’s Healthy Taiwan initiative. We aim to leverage Taiwan’s high-tech advantages and biomedical expertise by expanding investment and adopting smart technologies in healthcare. This will help us further enhance the quality of our healthcare services, and drive non-stop innovation and development in the biomedical industry.
As we promote this initiative, the role of medical laboratory sciences will only grow more vital. Medical technologists are more than just a part of the diagnostic process. They are also a major pillar of precision medicine, public health, infection control, and the overall resilience of our healthcare system.
I encourage you all to continue to deepen professional collaboration, [and] strengthen your help. We should work together – then our care system will go forever, and people’s health will be protected and developed. Thank you very much.

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

February 3, 2026-To facilitate the smooth progress of a major national energy construction project, this morning Taipower held a ceremony publicly committing to create a procurement integrity platform for the Hsieh-ho Plant Upgrade Renovation Plan-Sea Wall, Land Reclamation, and LNG Unloading Dock Maritime Construction Procurement Project. Authorities from the Ministry of Economic Affairs, the Ministry of Justice, the Prosecutor’s Office, the Agency Against Corruption (AAC), and the Ministry of Justice Investigation Bureau (MJIB) joined hands with Taipower at the Hsieh-ho Construction Office, jointly committing to the spirit of cross-sector collaboration, public-private partnership, transparent administration, and public supervision. The coalition aims to reject undue external influence and ensure fairness and impartiality during construction, as well as legal compliance, adherence to quality standards, and on-schedule completion, thereby achieving the goals of a stable power supply and reduced air pollution in the northern region.

A Taipower representative expressed that the Hsieh-ho Plant Upgrade Renovation Plan aims to simultaneously ensure a stable power supply and improve air quality. This plan will replace the plant’s four outdated oil-fired units with two new gas-powered units. After construction is completed, the plant will provide customers on the northeastern power grid with stable electricity while reducing air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions by 96% and 52%, respectively. The maritime construction portion of the project involves highly difficult breakwater engineering, land reclamation through embankment, and installation of an LNG unloading dock.

Hsieh-ho’s maritime construction is highly specialized, requiring an enormous procurement amount, and the plant is one of Taiwan’s key energy facilities; thus, the project has attracted public interest. To alleviate public concerns and practice information transparency, Taipower has joined hands with the AAC, the Prosecutor’s Office, and the MJIB to establish a procurement integrity platform. The Company aims, through public and transparent methods, to invite external examination and supervision to facilitate the smooth completion of this major procurement project.
To demonstrate their proactive attitude, after the commitment ceremony, Taipower, relevant units, and elected committee members immediately convened their first coordination meeting, where they exchanged views on how to safeguard independence and guard against legal risks during the bidding phase of the Hsieh-ho construction project. Moving forward, Taipower will utilize this coordination mechanism to periodically exchange views with judicial and executive authorities regarding hidden risks and controversies, enabling it to establish early warning and handling systems. This will not only prevent fraud but also facilitate project success by enabling suppliers to focus on fulfilling their obligations.

Information regarding the Hsieh-ho Plant Upgrade Renovation Plan-Sea Wall, Land Reclamation, and LNG Unloading Dock Maritime Construction Procurement Project, such as the construction progress and related meeting minutes, will be gradually disclosed on the Procurement Integrity Platform page of Taipower’s website. Members of the public are invited to collectively monitor the project, and it is hoped that through transparent administration, the Company can eliminate undue external influences and ensure the progress and quality of this major procurement project.

The commitment ceremony was presided over by Taipower Chairman Tseng Wen-Sheng. Ministry of Economic Affairs Vice Minister Chien-Hsin Lai; Agency Against Corruption, Ministry of Justice Director-General Ping Cheng; Taiwan Keelung District Prosecutors Office Chief Prosecutor Ke I-Fen; Keelung Ministry of Justice Investigation Bureau Director Huang Shu-Hua; Department of Civil Service Ethics, Ministry of Economic Affairs Director Chi Chia-Chen; Department of Civil Service Ethics, Keelung City Government Director Lee Kuo-Cheng; and other esteemed guests were on site as witnesses, demonstrating a commitment to the four key principles: cross-sector collaboration, public-private partnership, transparent administration, and public supervision.

Spokesperson: Chief Administrator Huang Mei-Lin
Phone: (02) 2366-6271; 0922-696-383
E-mail: u030573@taipower.com.tw
Contact Person: Hsieh-ho Construction Office Director Wu Yung-Kang
Phone: (02) 2427-7222
E-mail: u779595@taipower.com.tw