Category: MIL-OSI

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

The Taiwanese community in Sydney gathered on Double Tenth Day at the International Convention Centre (ICC) Sydney to celebrate the 114th National Day of the Republic of China (Taiwan).
Director-General David Cheng -Wei Wu and Mrs. Wu, together with all colleagues from the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) in Sydney, joined 500 guests for a night filled with pride, joy, and celebration of Taiwan’s birthday.
Michael Wu, Chairperson of the Double Tenth Celebration Committee, expressed heartfelt gratitude to his dedicated team for months of preparation and to the Taiwanese community for their strong support in making this grand celebration possible. He also announced a donation of AUD 10,000 to Ronald McDonald House Charities, sharing the warmth and compassion of the Taiwanese diaspora with children and families in need in Sydney.
DG Wu thanked Chairperson Wu and the organizing team for their tireless efforts, noting that this year’s theme, “Reflections of Culture in an Age of Technology,” highlights Taiwan’s cultural soft power. He also highlighted President Lai’s National Day address, which emphasized “The Power to Move Forward: Six Key Strengths.” Taiwan’s economic growth ranks first among the Four Asian Tigers, and that its foreign exchange reserves have surpassed USD 600 billion for the first time in history—a remarkable milestone. Without Taiwan’s participation, the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) would be incomplete.
Distinguished guests, including Matt Cross, Shadow Assistant Minister for Education, and shadow assistant Minister for government accountability of New South Wales; Trenton Brown, Mayor of Ryde city; Angelo Rozos, Deputy Mayor of Willoughby city, Michelle Chuang, Councillor of Willoughby City; and Barbara Ward, Councillor of Ku-ring-gai City, also joined the celebration. In their speeches, they congratulated Taiwan on its National Day and praised Taiwan’s vibrant democracy as a model for the world.
This year’s celebration was the most spectacular and high-tech National Day banquet ever held by the Sydney Taiwanese community—a four-hour non-stop party of music, dance, and joy! Highlights included the first-ever AI host, Paiwan Indigenous music, a virtual performance of Teresa Teng’s classic “Sweet as Honey”, the Australian Girls Choir, a high-energy “Friday Night” dance, an erhu performance of “Faraway”, stand-up comedy by Peter Huang, and a stunning performance by the HOYI Dance Crew from Taiwan, who led the audience in the lively “Tai-Ke Dance” blending Taiwanese street dance with temple parade traditions, making the night reach a euphoric high. In addition to the amazing performances, the highlight of the event was the grand raffle prize — a China Airlines round-trip Premium Economy ticket between Taiwan and Australia. Everyone was eagerly hoping to be the lucky winner!

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

​Following is a question by Dr the Hon Chan Han-pan and a written reply by the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Miss Rosanna Law, in the Legislative Council today (October 15):

Question:

As announced by the Government, with effective from February 26 this year, a new application fee of $600 has been introduced for various admission schemes for talents and capital investors (specified admission schemes), and the visa/entry permit issuance fees have been raised to $600 (with a limit of stay of 180 days or below) and $1,300 (with a limit of stay of 181 days or more) respectively. There are views relaying that the aforesaid visa fees have put heavy financial pressure on performing groups coming from other places to Hong Kong and relying on donations to maintain their operation (e.g. Shengong opera troupes performing at the Yu Lan Festival), thus affecting the transmission and exchange of traditional cultures. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:

(1) of the number of Chinese Mainland traditional folklore performing groups (including Shengong opera troupes) admitted to Hong Kong under the specified admission schemes in each of the past three years, as well as their members involved (set out in a table);

(2) as it is learnt that quite a number of district organisations will invite Chinese Mainland performing groups to perform in Hong Kong during celebration events to promote cultural exchanges, whether the Government will consider waiving visa application and issuance fees or introducing a tiered fee system for members of those performing groups which do not charge the public for their performances, so as to encourage cultural exchanges in the community and promote the transmission of cultural heritage;

(3) of the number of Chinese Mainland performing groups permitted under the Immigration Facilitation Scheme for Visitors Participating in Short-term Activities in Designated Sectors (the STV Scheme) to participate in specified short-term activities in the arts and cultural sector during their stay as visitors since the regularisation of the scheme in 2024; and

(4) as there are views pointing out that although there is strong demand from district organisations for performances by traditional folklore performing groups, the visits of performing groups to Hong Kong via the STV Scheme are subject to the endorsement of the authorised host organisations (e.g. the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau) by way of invitation letters, which involves some difficulties in the process, whether the Government will consider further streamlining the relevant application procedures to enable more performing groups to come to Hong Kong for exchanges without having to apply for employment visas?

Reply:

President,

In consultation with the Security Bureau, the Labour and Welfare Bureau and the Immigration Department (ImmD), the reply to the question raised by Dr the Hon Chan Han-pan is as follows:

(1) Eligible Mainland residents who possess special skills, knowledge or experience of value to and not readily available in Hong Kong may apply to come to work in Hong Kong under the Admission Scheme for Mainland Talents and Professionals (ASMTP) (the “specified admission scheme” as referred to in the question), including short-term or one-off project-based employment, if the conditions are met. In 2022, 2023, and 2024, the numbers of approved applications under the ASMTP related to the Mainland talents of the arts/culture sector were 285, 2 496 and 4 618 respectively. The ImmD does not maintain a breakdown of the statistics on applications involving traditional folk performing groups from the Mainland (including Shengong opera troupes).

(2) to (4) In devising the fee levels for the ASMTP, the Government has balanced various considerations. Among others, noting that some applications relate to short-term/one-off project-based employment, the Government has introduced two tiers of visa/entry permit issuance fee: $600 for visa/entry permit granted with a limit of stay of not more than 180 days, and $1,300 for those with a limit of stay of 181 days or more. The fee levels are modest and affordable. The Government will closely monitor the relevant situation and review the fee structure as appropriate in accordance with the established mechanism.

Besides, to encourage more talents to come to Hong Kong for exchanges, the Government launched a two-year Pilot Scheme on Immigration Facilitation for Visitors Participating in Short-term Activities in Designated Sectors (Pilot Scheme) in June 2022, which was regularised as the Immigration Facilitation Scheme for Visitors Participating in Short-term Activities in Designated Sectors (STV Scheme) in June 2024. Under the STV Scheme, organisations authorised by the relevant government bureaux/departments (B/Ds) can issue invitation letters to relevant non-local talents in their sectors. Invited persons may come to Hong Kong to participate in specified short-term activities as visitors without the need to apply for employment visas/entry permits from the ImmD. They may participate in specified short-term activities for up to 14 consecutive calendar days during each trip to Hong Kong, and receive remuneration for the specified activities concerned.

As of end-June 2025, the Pilot Scheme and the STV Scheme have approved for a total of more than 36 950 non-local talents to enter Hong Kong as visitors to participate in a total of over 6 200 short-term activities and major events. Among others, since the regularisation of the scheme in June 2024, a total of more than 1 520 non-local talents have been approved to participate in the specified short-term activities under the “Arts and Cultural” sector. The ImmD does not maintain statistics of Mainland performing groups entering Hong Kong under the STV Scheme as mentioned in the question.

To ensure that the STV Scheme keeps pace with the times, the Government reviews its coverage and operation mechanism from time to time, with a view to ensuring that it can continue to effectively promote the development of relevant sectors and raise Hong Kong’s international profile while ensuring that the risks are manageable. Since the launch of the Pilot Scheme, the Government has expanded the scheme in February 2023 and June 2024, by adding two sectors, namely “Finance” and “Development and Construction”, to the original 10 designated sectors. The number of authorised organisations has also increased by 18 per cent from around 350 when the scheme was first launched, to more than 400 at present. These authorised organisations include government B/Ds, public/statutory organisations, professional bodies and industry associations. Through an established mechanism, all participating B/Ds are required to assist in ensuring that the implementation of the scheme consistently meets policy objectives. Relevant information of the STV Scheme, including the authorised organisations and specified short-term activities that are currently covered by the scheme, is available on the ImmD’s website: www.immd.gov.hk/eng/services/visas/stv.html.

The Government will continue to closely monitor the implementation of the STV Scheme as well as the views of the relevant departments and the sectors concerned, and timely review the scheme’s coverage to strike an appropriate balance between immigration control and facilitation. In considering whether to further relax the STV Scheme, the Government shall take into account two major principles, i.e. eligible individuals visiting Hong Kong for specified short-term activities under the scheme will not displace the local workforce, and there will not be a risk of abuse (including illegal employment).

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     Following is a question by the Hon Chan Yung and a written reply by the Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs, Mr Erick Tsang Kwok-wai, in the Legislative Council today (October 15):
 
Question:
 
     Regarding the 2025 Legislative Council General Election (LCGE), will the Government inform this Council:
 
(1) of the preparations for the 2025 LCGE, including the key stages of work, current progress and subsequent material junctures;
 
(2) of the specific new measures the Government has put in place to promote the 2025 LCGE, and of the progress of preparation and expected outcomes of the relevant publicity work;
 
(3) of the measures the Government has put in place to provide further convenience to electors, so as to enhance their voting desire and improve their voting experience;
 
(4) in respect of the application of technologies, whether the Government has plans to introduce more technology initiatives in public elections to further improve electoral processes and efficiency; if so, of the current progress of the study on this front; and
 
(5) given that during the 2023 District Council Ordinary Election, the Government had encouraged civil servants to duly fulfil their civic responsibilities and vote on polling day through various activities, how the Government will further encourage civil servants to actively participate in voting during the 2025 LCGE so as to set a good example in society?
 
Reply:
 
President,
 
     The 2025 Legislative Council General Election (LCGE) will be held on December 7 to return 90 members of the eighth term Legislative Council (LegCo). The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government attaches great importance to the LegCo election as it is directly related to the steadfast and successful implementation of “one country, two systems” and to the good governance and long-term stability of the HKSAR. 
 
     Having consulted the Civil Service Bureau, a consolidated reply in response to the various questions raised by the Hon Chan Yung is as follows:
 
     The preparations for the LCGE are currently in full swing. The Registration and Electoral Office (REO) is actively undertaking a wide range of tasks, including the deployment of electoral staff, provision of training and drills for electoral staff, conduct of multiple rounds of testing for election information technology systems, set up polling stations, formulation of security and contingency plans, to ensure that the election will be smoothly conducted in a fair, just, honest, safe and orderly, efficient and user-friendly manner.
 
     The nomination period will run from October 24 to November 6. The REO had made appropriate arrangements and is ready to receive and process nomination forms. Upon the Candidate Eligibility Review Committee’s confirmation of the eligibility of candidates, the REO will hold a briefing session for candidates to explain the polling and counting arrangements. The REO will send poll cards, Introduction to Candidates and related materials to electors and authorised representatives before the end of November, with a view to notifying them of their assigned polling station for casting their votes and enabling electors to gain a better understanding of the candidates concerned.
 
     To facilitate electors in casting their votes and enhance their voting experience, the REO will continue adopting the combined voting arrangement to allow electors to cast all their votes at the same polling station. In general, the REO will assign electors to vote at the polling station within their constituency and close to their registered residential address. Other facilitation measures for voting include:
 
(i) the REO will set up Near Boundary Polling Stations to facilitate electors who need to travel to and from the Mainland on the polling day. Prior registration will be made for electors who choose to vote at these polling stations;

(ii) besides the poll card, electors may access the Online Voter Information Enquiry System (OVIES) to view their registration details, assigned polling station and location map, and Introduction to Candidates, etc.; 
     The HKSAR Government has been striving to enhance the various electoral procedures and arrangements. We will, in light of the actual circumstances and needs, take holistic consideration of such factors as the application of technology, enhancement of efficiency, safety and security, privacy protection and public perception, etc, in introducing the wider use of information and smart technologies. The REO will: 
     The Government is promoting the election through diverse activities and channels to enhance the public’s understanding of the election and encourage them to vote actively. Specific promotional activities include organising community interactive activities (such as roving exhibitions and game booths, etc), placing outdoor and transport advertisements (such as large outdoor advertisements on external walls of buildings and streets, as well as MTR and bus lightbox advertising, etc), launching promotion through traditional and social media platforms (such as radio, television, Facebook and Instagram, etc), and conducting other large-scale events such as a seminar and variety show, etc. In addition, the Government is reaching out to the community with a novel and down-to-earth approach. For example, the installation of the election mascots Ballot Box Family at various locations across the territory is combined with augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) technologies to invite the public to interact, take photos and upload them to the social media. At the same time, the Government will co-ordinate the promotional efforts for the election and the National Games to create synergetic publicity effect.
 
     As a key component of the HKSAR Government’s governance system, civil servants shoulder the responsibility of fully implementing “one country, two systems” and supporting the governance of the HKSAR Government. Civil servants should take the lead in society and set an example by fulfilling their civic responsibility to vote. A large number of civil servants have been engaged in election-related work, from preparation, polling to counting, who have made concerted efforts to ensure the smooth completion of every task. During the 2023 District Council Ordinary Election, the HKSAR Government appealed to all civil servants as well as electors in Hong Kong to actively cast their votes through various publicity channels, such as writing to civil servants, distributing promotional leaflets to departmental offices, publishing posts/videos on social media platforms, holding events to reach out to the community, etc. The related arrangements were very successful and received overwhelming response from civil servants and the public. For the upcoming LCGE, the HKSAR Government will continue to employ diverse and comprehensive means to proactively optimise various publicity and promotional initiatives, with a view to encouraging civil servants to participate in the election. As for staff who are required to work on the polling day, departmental managers must release those who need to vote to cast their votes at their designated polling stations. Timetables should be prepared accordingly to facilitate staff to leave the office for voting in an orderly manner. Also, such timetables must be submitted to the Heads of Departments concerned. Colleagues may apply for reimbursement of transport (including taxi) fares for travelling between their offices and designated polling stations.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Following is a question by the Hon Judy Chan and a written reply by the Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Mr Chris Sun, in the Legislative Council today (October 15):

Question:
(1) The number of persons convicted of an offence under section 27 of the Offences against the Person Ordinance (Cap. 212), i.e. ill-treatment or neglect by those in charge of child or young person, from 2020 to the first half of 2025 is set out in the Annex. The Government does not compile statistics on the number of these cases involving leaving children unattended at home.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

The Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, arrived in New York, the United States (US), on October 14 (New York time) and began his visit. Upon arrival, he attended the annual Gala Dinner of the National Committee on United States-China Relations (NCUSCR) and met with the NCUSCR Chair and former US Trade Representative, Ambassador Charlene Barshefsky. During their meeting, they exchanged views on current China-US economic and trade relations, as well as issues relating to trade, investment and financial markets between Hong Kong and the US. Mr Chan also briefed Ambassador Barshefsky on the latest developments in Hong Kong.

During the meeting, Mr Chan expressed his pleasure at having the opportunity to visit the US again and engage in face-to-face exchanges with leaders from the American political, business and academic communities, with a view to briefing them on the latest developments of Hong Kong. He noted the strong and close economic and trade ties between Hong Kong and the US. Despite the significant uncertainties currently facing the global economy, under the “one country, two systems” framework, Hong Kong will continue to maintain its status as a free port, uphold the common law system and rule of law, sustain a simple and low tax regime, and implement open, stable and predictable economic and trade policies. Hong Kong continues to welcome US businesses to invest and expand their presence in the city. Mr Chan recognised the important and active role the NCUSCR has long played in promoting Hong Kong-US economic and trade relations and expressed hope for continued close co-operation with the Committee to create more opportunities for the business communities of both places.

The Gala Dinner is a major annual event organised by the NCUSCR, bringing together prominent political, business and academic leaders from both China and the US, with a view to facilitating exchanges and co-operation between the two countries. This year’s event was attended by around 300 leaders and guests, including China’s Ambassador to the US, Mr Xie Feng, who gave a speech at the dinner.

Mr Chan will continue his visit to New York today (October 15, New York time), meeting with local political and business leaders to share the latest developments and opportunities in Hong Kong.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, met with the President of the Supreme People’s Court, Mr Zhang Jun, at Government House today (October 14) to exchange views on issues of mutual concern.
 
Mr Lee welcomed Mr Zhang and his delegation to Hong Kong to attend an exchange event among the judicial and legal sectors. He expressed his gratitude to the Supreme People’s Court (SPC) for its support of the Department of Justice, including establishing extensive mutual legal assistance in civil and commercial matters, setting up a standing interface platform on judicial and legal co-operation in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA), and supporting Hong Kong to develop itself as a centre for international legal and dispute resolution services.
 
Mr Lee noted that the current measures of allowing Hong Kong-invested enterprises to adopt Hong Kong law and allowing Hong Kong-invested enterprises to choose Hong Kong as the seat of arbitration have been incorporated into the Mainland and Hong Kong Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement, reflecting the Central Government’s emphasis and support for Hong Kong’s legal system. Hong Kong will continue to leverage its unique advantages in its internationalised common law system and dispute resolution services to fully play its role as a two-way platform for enterprises to go global and attract external investment, serving the GBA in building a more internationalised business environment.
 
Mr Lee highlighted that Hong Kong boasts world-class legal and dispute resolution professionals, and is also the most preferred seat of arbitration in the Asia-Pacific region. With the establishment of the International Organization for Mediation’s (IOMed) headquarters in Hong Kong, the city will continue to actively deepen international exchanges and co-operation, and support the IOMed’s provision of friendly, flexible, economical and efficient mediation services to consolidate its status as a centre for international legal and dispute resolution services, and reinforce its positions as an international legal hub and the capital of mediation.
 
The Executive Vice-president of the SPC, Mr Deng Xiuming; Vice-president of the SPC Mr Mao Zhonghua; and the Secretary for Justice, Mr Paul Lam, SC, also attended the meeting.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department announced today (October 14) that in view of notifications from the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) about outbreaks of highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza in the District of Dingolfing-Landau of the State of Bayern in Germany and Mountjoy Townland Area of Northern Ireland in the United Kingdom (UK) and an outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza in Pas-de-Calais Department in France respectively, the CFS has instructed the trade to suspend the import of poultry meat and products (including poultry eggs) from the above-mentioned areas with immediate effect to protect public health in Hong Kong.

     A CFS spokesman said that according to the Census and Statistics Department, Hong Kong imported about 30 tonnes of frozen poultry meat from Germany; about 390 tonnes of chilled and frozen poultry meat, and about 830 000 poultry eggs from the UK; and about 400 tonnes of chilled and frozen poultry meat, and about 20 000 poultry eggs from France in the first six months of this year. 

     “The CFS has contacted the German, British and French authorities over the issues and will closely monitor information issued by the WOAH and the relevant authorities on the avian influenza outbreaks. Appropriate action will be taken in response to the development of the situation,” the spokesman said.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

Hong Kong Customs detected a drug trafficking case involving three incoming passengers at Hong Kong International Airport on October 12 and seized about 14 kilograms of suspected cannabis buds with an estimated market value of about $3 million.

A 26-year-old male passenger and a 22-year-old female passenger arrived in Hong Kong from Bangkok, Thailand, on that day. During customs clearance, Customs officers found the batch of suspected cannabis buds disguised as food in their respective carry-on luggage. They were subsequently arrested. 

After a follow-up investigation, Customs officers further arrested a 32-year-old female passenger, who was also arriving from Bangkok, Thailand, and suspected to be connected with the case, at the airport on the same day.

After an investigation, the three persons involved in the case have been jointly charged with one count of trafficking in a dangerous drug. The case will be brought up at the West Kowloon Magistrates’ Courts tomorrow (October 15).

Customs will continue to step up enforcement against drug trafficking activities through intelligence analysis. The department also reminds members of the public to stay alert and not to participate in drug trafficking activities for monetary return. They must not accept hiring or delegation from another party to carry controlled items into and out of Hong Kong. They are also reminded not to carry unknown items for other people.

Customs will continue to apply a risk assessment approach and focus on selecting passengers from high-risk regions for clearance to combat transnational drug trafficking activities.

Under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, trafficking in a dangerous drug is a serious offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $5 million and life imprisonment.

Members of the public may report any suspected drug trafficking activities to Customs’ 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002).