Category: MIL-OSI

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

The highly anticipated 2025 TFDA Final Selection Show and Award Ceremony took place on October 15th at Songshan Cultural and Creative Park, attracting over 650 distinguished guests from the fashion industry, textiles and fabrics industry, relevant governmental agencies, academic & design sectors, and foundations.

As one of the most significant events of Taipei Fashion Week, the competition drew exceptional emerging talents from the world’s leading fashion schools, showcasing the next generation of design innovators. The First Prize was awarded to Hsu Yi-Shiuan for her outstanding collection “Human Reproduction Project,” which stood out among a total of 627 entries submitted from 25 countries and regions, earning her a cash prize of US$10,000. Second Prizes were honored to Hung Kai-Lun for “DuST. PYTHoN. DaTA.” and Kakeru Nishiwaki (Japan) for “TRAUMARCHIVES,” each winner receiving US$5,000. Additionally, Third Prizes for Best Use of Fabrics, Best Pattern Making, and Best Market Potential were presented to Huang Tzu-Han, Weng Yu-Hsuan, and Naphat Tansuwan (Thailand), with each winner receiving US$3,000.

The jury, composed of renowned designers and media professionals from Japan, the USA, and Taiwan, highly praised the finalists for their exceptional creativity, innovative sustainability concepts, functional design, and technical excellence. The 12 shortlisted designers also presented their collections on stage in sequential order, with inspirations ranging from philosophical reflection and cultural context to personal emotion and artisan technological expression. Under the illustrative stage lighting, the flooring fabric textures, magical luster, and structural details of the garments moved fluidly with the models, expressing the passage of time, natural imagery, and psychological layers. This impressive presentation reflects the Industrial Development Administration’s (IDA) long-term dedication to promoting innovative apparel design and enhancing the value of haute cultures.

Many of the entries incorporated sustainable functional fabrics developed by domestic textile manufacturers, including recycled polyester, regenerated nylon, and plant-based fibers, demonstrating Taiwan’s leadership in eco-friendly production and innovative material development. Techniques such as zero-waste cutting, modular garment structures, and versatile multifunctional accessories not only enhanced the garments’ practicality and wearability but also aligned perfectly with the IDA’s initiatives promoting sustainable fashion and smart manufacturing practices.

Through the IDA’s long-term design mentorship and industry-academia collaboration programs, young designers have skillfully integrated Taiwan’s textile innovations with local cultural elements and international fashion trends, demonstrating a harmonious artisan perfection of emerging talent and industrial innovation. Over the past 39 years, the IDA has coordinated resources from government, industry, and academia, fostering Taiwan’s fashion competitiveness while providing emerging designers with practical opportunities for sustainable growth and international exposure.

The 2025 TFDA was generously sponsored by Lealea Enterprise Co., Ltd., Li Peng Enterprise Co., Ltd., Coddy Global Ltd., New Wide Enterprise Co., Ltd., and New Wide Garment Co., Ltd., Fortune Industrial and Commercial Development Foundation, Eclat Education Foundation, and Makalot Foundation, providing substantial support for emerging designers to shine on the international stage. Additional high-quality gifts were also provided by the Taiwan Sericulture Development Foundation to the distinguished VIP guests on spots.

The 2025 TFDA brought together emerging designers from around the world, showcasing boundless creativity and exceptional talent while injecting fresh international perspectives into Taiwan’s fashion scene. The TFDA continues to serve as a crucial platform connecting industry education and artisan activities, nurturing the next generation of fashion innovators, and enabling Taiwan’s design excellence to be recognized globally. This remarkable event not only provides young designers with a platform to realize their dreams but also strengthens the link between industry and pragmatic education, inspiring future generations to glorify creatively on the world stage.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Constitutional & Mainland Affairs Bureau debuted the “Election into Community” Roving Interactive Exhibition series this weekend to promote the 2025 Legislative Council General Election.

The first stop of the series was held in The Westwood for two consecutive days, yesterday and today.

Chief Secretary Chan Kwok-ki together with Secretary for Constitutional & Mainland Affairs Erick Tsang, and Secretary for Home & Youth Affairs Alice Mak attended today’s event.

Speaking at the event, Mr Chan called on all voters to fulfil their civic responsibility by casting their votes on polling day for Hong Kong.

Interactive games, an exhibition panel area and a self-service photo booth have been set up at the event to deepen public understanding of electoral information. Life-sized mascots of the Ballot Box Family are also on site to interact with the public.

“Election into Community” will be held at other shopping malls in various districts with opening hours from 11am to 7pm. Admission is free.

The bureau earlier rolled out on its election-themed Facebook page the “Let’s find the Ballot Box Family AR mailboxes” activity. Members of the public may redeem a souvenir at the event venues of the “Election into Community” series by posting a photo of mailboxes installed across the city as a comment on the post.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Department of Health’s Centre for Health Protection today recorded Hong Kong’s first locally acquired chikungunya fever case, involving an 82-year-old female living in Fung Tak Estate in Wong Tai Sin.

The patient had developed a swollen and painful left ankle since October 18, then a fever and limbs joint pain on October 22. She sought medical attention from a private doctor that day and attended Kwong Wah Hospital’s accident and emergency department the following day. She was admitted for treatment in a mosquito-free environment. The patient is now in stable condition.

A preliminary investigation revealed that she visited Qingyuan in Guangdong in late August, but had no travel history during the incubation period, which is two to 12 days prior to onset. The case is classified as a local case.

The patient has four household contacts who are currently asymptomatic and under medical surveillance.

Given that the patient’s activity areas are primarily within the estate, the centre cannot rule out the possibility that unidentified infected patients in the area may have transmitted the virus to mosquitoes in the estate, leading to her infection.

The centre today conducted an inter-departmental meeting with various departments and relevant organisations, including the Food & Environmental Hygiene Department, Wong Tai Sin District Office and Housing Authority, to ensure that all units implement various preventive and control measures in a speedy and orderly manner.

The centre’s officers and District Services & Community Care Teams will contact about 8,000 households and carry out questionnaire surveys to understand and follow up on their health conditions.

Residents have been urged to seek medical advice or contact the centre immediately if they have presented with a fever, rash or joint pain since October 1.

The centre has also set up a health consultation booth at 2/F, Fung Tak Shopping Centre, where assessments will be provided to residents with relevant symptoms from today, as well as enquiry hotline 2125 2373.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Department of Health today reminded the public that there is currently insufficient scientific evidence to confirm the reliability of using menstrual blood for cervical screening.

It made the statement in response to claims by businesses that menstrual blood can be collected using sanitary pads, then self-sampled and mailed to a laboratory for Human Papillomavirus (HPV) testing.

Regarding self-collected menstrual blood or urine samples, the department said there is currently insufficient scientific evidence in Hong Kong or internationally to demonstrate the feasibility and reliability of such a cervical screening method, adding that it will continue to review the latest scientific evidence in this field.

However, the department noted that in addition to healthcare professionals collecting cervical samples for cytology or HPV testing, the World Health Organization recommended that vaginal self-sampling for HPV testing as another reliable method for cervical screening.

Therefore, from June 2024, the department launched a Pilot Scheme on HPV Testing of Self-collected Samples at 11 Maternal & Child Health Centres (MCHCs) that provide family planning services in order to explore the feasibility and acceptability of vaginal HPV self-sampling.

The department said women aged 25 to 64 who have had sexual experience should consult healthcare professionals to select and undergo appropriate cervical screening methods regularly.

Women planning to receive cervical screening at any of the MCHCs may make an appointment via the 24-hour hotline at 3166 6631. 

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

​In response to claims by businesses that menstrual blood can be collected using sanitary pads, then self-sampled and mailed to laboratory for Human Papillomavirus (HPV) testing, the Department of Health (DH) today (October 26) reminded members of the public that there is currently insufficient scientific evidence, both locally and internationally, to confirm the reliability of using menstrual blood for cervical screening.
 
In Hong Kong, cervical cancer was the ninth most common female cancer in 2022, with 522 new cases and 167 deaths. To reduce the incidence of cervical cancer, the Government has all along implemented a multi-pronged strategy. This includes providing free HPV vaccinations to eligible Primary Five schoolgirls under the Hong Kong Childhood Immunisation Programme since the 2019/20 school year by the DH; launching the Cervical Screening Programme in 2004; and promoting and enhancing health education through various channels to further increase screening coverage and public awareness of cervical cancer prevention.
 
In response to the recommendation of the Cancer Expert Working Group on Cancer Prevention and Screening (CEWG), the DH adopted HPV testing using cervical cells as the primary approach of cervical screening for women aged 30 to 64 since April 2023. For women aged 25 to 29, in view of their higher prevalence of transient HPV infection, HPV testing may lead to unnecessary follow-up test and medical procedures. The CEWG recommended that women in this age group continue to undergo cervical screening by cervical cytology (also known as cervical smear or Pap smear).
 
In addition to healthcare professionals collecting cervical samples for cytology or HPV testing, the World Health Organization recommended that vaginal self-sampling for HPV testing as another reliable method for cervical screening. Hence, from June 2024, the DH launched a Pilot Scheme on HPV Testing of Self-collected Samples at 11 Maternal and Child Health Centres (MCHCs) that provide family planning services in order to explore the feasibility and acceptability of vaginal HPV self-sampling.
 
Regarding self-collected menstrual blood or urine samples, the DH noted that there is currently insufficient scientific evidence in Hong Kong or internationally to demonstrate the feasibility and reliability of such cervical screening method. The DH will continue to review the latest scientific evidence in this field.  
 
The DH stressed that all screening methods have their limitations, including the potential for false negative or false positive results. Therefore, screening results should only be used as a reference and cannot substitute professional diagnosis by medical practitioners. Members of the public who have concerns about their screening results should consult healthcare professionals to develop appropriate health assessment plan based on their personal health conditions and needs, and to undergo examination at suitable medical institutions. Under the Medical Registration Ordinance (Cap. 161), any medical diagnosis must be made by a registered medical practitioner. If, during the process, the medical practitioner deem it necessary for the patient to undergo laboratory tests or examinations, the medical practitioner may either conduct such tests or examinations himself/herself or refer the tests or examinations to a registered medical laboratory technologist to perform. Under the Allied Health Professions Ordinance (Cap. 359) and its subsidiary legislation, a registered medical laboratory technologist shall not perform any laboratory tests or examinations for the purpose of medical diagnosis or treatment unless referred by a registered medical practitioner.  
 
Women aged 25 to 64 who have had sexual experience should consult healthcare professionals to select and undergo appropriate cervical screening methods regularly. Women planning to receive cervical screening at any of the MCHCs under the DH may make an appointment via the 24-hour hotline at 3166 6631. For more information about cervical cancer and screening, please visit https://www.cervicalscreening.gov.hk/en/index.html.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Mrs Lee, 74, and her 84-year-old husband are a doubleton elderly household relying on Comprehensive Social Security Assistance. Earlier this year, Mrs Lee underwent knee replacement surgery and received respite services at a care home. Dependent on a wheelchair, she requires regular hospital visits for follow-up care and physiotherapy, posing logistical and financial challenges.

“At first, I could not find anyone to help me and I was struggling financially,” Mrs Lee explained.

“My relatives and friends were busy working, while my husband, being elderly, was unable to help either. For the care home to accompany me to medical consultations, it would cost $600 per day for just five hours, plus $100 for each additional hour. I was at a complete loss as to what to do.”

Timely support

Mrs Lee’s physiotherapy is essential to prevent her from losing her mobility.

Fortunately, a relative recommended the Designated Hotline for Carer Support, 182 183, offering a glimmer of hope to the couple.

“I felt anxious and did not know where to turn,” Mr Lee recounted. “I shared my situation with my sister, and she mentioned that a friend had told her about a service that could help. She gave me the phone number and encouraged me to call for assistance.”

A social worker from the hotline arranged an outreach visit, assessed the couple’s situation and approved subsidies to cover respite care and related expenses. They also organised for Mrs Lee to be escorted to appointments, and facilitated a referral for Integrated Home Care Services to ensure ongoing assistance.

Courageous step

Launched by the Social Welfare Department in 2023, the Carer Hotline operates around the clock and is staffed by social workers, who provide consultation, counselling and assistance in matching respite services. By the end of September this year, the hotline had received over 119,000 calls and referred more than 2,200 cases to relevant social welfare service units for follow-up.

Designated Hotline for Carer Support Supervisor Venus Ho said callers often begin by asking about specific services, such as meal delivery or care homes.

“We do not just provide information, we dig deeper to understand why they need these services,” she explained. “Many worry about being a burden to others, feel embarrassed about their family circumstances or believe they should be able to manage on their own.

“Many carers are reluctant to take a step back because they fear their families might misunderstand and think they have abandoned their caregiving duties. We hope they realise that the hotline acts like a relay baton, so when they are exhausted and feel they cannot go on, they can pass the baton to us. We will walk alongside them, giving them space to rest and recharge so they can return to their caregiving responsibilities with renewed energy.”

Ms Ho emphasised that asking for help is not a sign of weakness, but a positive and courageous step.

Enhanced care

Social Welfare Department Chief Social Work Officer (Rehabilitation & Medical Social Services) Kelvin Tam outlined that the department promotes respite services through the Carer Hotline and District Services & Community Care Teams (Care Teams), encouraging carers to call the hotline for matching of respite services. Transportation subsidies are also available to make it easier for elderly residents and persons with disabilities to utilise respite services.

To build confidence and familiarity, the Social Welfare Department encourages local service units to organise visits and experiential programmes so that care recipients can adapt to respite environments in advance.

“Many service users who participated in these programmes have expressed that respite services truly provide carers with a break, and they now understand that these services are not only for emergencies.”

The department has also launched the first phase of the Carer Support Data Platform, initially connecting its data with that of the Hospital Authority and the Housing Authority. In July, two pilot programmes commenced involving those bodies.

By the end of September, the department had received hospital admission notifications for 885 high-risk carer cases from the Hospital Authority, two of which were confirmed as needing emergency support.

As part of the pilot programme, jointly conducted by the Social Welfare Department and the Housing Authority, Care Teams have visited over 10,000 high-risk elderly and carer households, and have referred more than 640 cases to social welfare service units.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government today strongly disapproved of and opposed recent remarks by individual members of the US Senate Committee on Foreign Relations regarding the case endangering national security involving Lai Chee-ying and the treatment provided to him during his custody, including absurd and fact-twisting comments intended to pervert the course of justice.

It said their malicious intentions to smear and attack the Hong Kong SAR Government and challenge the bottom line of the “one country, two systems” principle are blatantly obvious and must be sternly denounced to set the record straight.

The Hong Kong SAR Government has emphasised time and again that as the legal proceedings involving Lai Chee-ying are still ongoing, it is inappropriate for any person to comment on the case in an attempt to interfere with the court to exercise judicial power independently, which might otherwise constitute perverting the course of justice.

In addition, the suggestion that any persons or organisations with certain backgrounds should be immune from legal sanctions for their illegal acts and activities is tantamount to granting such persons privileges to break the law and is totally contrary to the spirit of the rule of law.

It pointed out that external forces continue to distort the truth, blatantly discredit the judicial system and trials of the Hong Kong SAR, in an attempt to glorify criminal behaviour and exert pressure on the courts of the Hong Kong SAR. The Hong Kong SAR Government strongly urged relevant US politicians to respect the basic principles of the rule of law and judicial independence and immediately stop the above despicable political manipulation.

It added that regardless of the identities, ages and nationalities of persons-in-custody (PICs), the Correctional Services Department (CSD) is committed to ensuring that the custodial environment is secure, safe, humane, appropriate and healthy, and that an environment with good ventilation, as well as appropriate and timely medical support will be provided.

If inmates require further examination and treatment, they will be referred to specialist medical staff or to public hospitals for further follow-up. The CSD has also put in place an established mechanism to ensure the rights of PICs are protected.

The Hong Kong SAR Government stressed that the CSD adopts the above arrangements when handling matters related to Lai Chee-ying, which are no different from those applicable to other PICs.

It also highlighted that during an earlier open court hearing, senior counsel representing Lai Chee-ying clearly presented to the court that the correctional institutions arrange daily medical checkups for Lai Chee-ying and that there had been no complaints at all regarding the medical care he receives there. The Court commended the CSD while the Department of Justice stated that the prosecution is equally concerned about Lai Chee-ying’s health and well-being.

Therefore, the CSD has arranged for a professional medical team to be on standby on the spot, ready to respond to any emergency immediately if needed.

While external forces and anti-China media chose to turn a blind eye to these facts, and continued to repeat lies and engage in despicable operations, the Hong Kong SAR Government said it must sternly denounce their wrongdoings.

It also reiterated that the arrangement for Lai Chee-ying’s removal from association from other PICs has all along been made at his own request and approved by the CSD after considering all relevant factors in accordance with the law.

“The remarks by these external forces regarding Lai Chee-ying’s solitary confinement are completely fact-twisting, reflecting a malicious intention to smear and attack the Hong Kong SAR Government.”

The Hong Kong SAR Government emphasised it will continue to resolutely discharge the responsibility of safeguarding national security, effectively prevent, suppress and impose punishment for acts and activities that endanger national security in accordance with the law, and safeguard the rights and freedoms enjoyed by Hong Kong people in accordance with the law at the same time.

It strongly urged all external forces to immediately stop interfering in the Hong Kong SAR’s internal affairs and the independent exercise of judicial power by the courts of the Hong Kong SAR.