SWD commends over 200 foster families for lighting up children’s hearts with love

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

SWD commends over 200 foster families for lighting up children’s hearts with love   
     Mr To further remarked that every foster family itself is a touching storybook – some parents who initially intended to provide short-term emergency care have been serving for over 30 years, rendering protection and shelter to needy children; and there are also parents who strived to provide foster children with a happy childhood despite their own busy schedules, protecting children’s well-being with love. He expressed his heartfelt gratitude to all foster parents for their selfless love that transcends blood ties. Such years-long dedication not only injects warmth and positive energy into children’s lives, it also lights up their hearts, empowering them to soar with love.
 
     Mr To also extended sincere thanks to the 11 NGOs operating foster care service for their unwavering support in sustaining the service toward its fruitful 45th anniversary.
 
     With a view to strengthening support for foster care service and encouraging more dedicated individuals to become foster parents, the SWD has implemented a series of enhancement measures in recent years, including the substantial increase of the incentive payment for foster parents starting from April 2024; allocating additional resources to enhance training for foster parents and to provide extra support for foster children with special needs since 2025. Currently, there are about 1 120 foster families in Hong Kong. Members of the public who are interested in joining foster care service are welcome to contact the SWD’s Central Foster Care Unit at 2573 2282.
Issued at HKT 12:25

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Director General David Cheng-Wei Wu Meets with President and Delegation of the Distinguished Citizens Society International of NSW

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

President Charles Lin of the Distinguished Citizens Society International of NSW, Australia, together with his team, paid a courtesy call on Director General David Cheng-Wei Wu. Director May Chiang, Thomas Lee, and Fu-Ku Hsiao also attended the meeting.
President Lin and his team briefed the delegation on the planning and progress of four major events this year, including a premium singles social event, the 30th Anniversary Celebration & 3rd Biennial Convention of the Distinguished Citizens Society International of Australia, City2Surf TW Runners, and the 8th Double Tenth National Day Basketball Championship.
DG Wu expressed appreciation for the association’s active engagement in the community and wished all upcoming events great success with strong participation and support.

President Lai addresses Taiwan Global Health Forum Series via video as World Health Assembly convenes

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

President Lai addresses Taiwan Global Health Forum Series via video as World Health Assembly convenes
On the afternoon of May 18, President Lai Ching-te addressed the Taiwan Global Health Forum Series via video. The event was organized by the Ministry of Health and Welfare’s World Health Assembly (WHA) action team and held concurrently with the 79th WHA. In his remarks, President Lai explained that the goal of the event is to share the country’s vision for the Healthy Taiwan initiative and open dialogue on three key issues: digital health and AI governance, cancer policy and innovation, and the global effort to eliminate hepatitis C. The president also indicated that Taiwan has been an active part of global health for many years and is committed to sharing its experiences as a responsible and reliable partner. President Lai emphasized that by joining the World Health Organization (WHO), Taiwan could do even more to support the world.
A transcript of President Lai’s remarks follows:
Welcome to this forum series hosted by Taiwan during the World Health Assembly. On behalf of the people of Taiwan, thank you for attending. With your expertise, I’m confident we can work together to make even greater contributions to health.
Our world is seeing many profound changes. Technology is developing fast, populations are aging, and new infectious diseases continue to emerge. Therefore, we bear greater responsibilities than ever before.
As Taiwan’s first president with a medical background, I’m eager to join forces to build a Healthy Taiwan. 
At this event, we will share our vision and engage in dialogue on three key issues: digital health and AI governance, cancer policy and innovation, and the global effort to eliminate hepatitis C.
To start, digital health and AI are reshaping the future of healthcare. Taiwan is building a solid framework to promote responsible AI governance. This will help ensure that medical AI is safe, effective, and trustworthy.
At the same time, Taiwan’s booming digital health industry will keep driving innovation. With tools like medical AI and robotics, and even the medical metaverse, we can enhance precision health and quality of care in every way.
Another critical area is cancer – one of the most serious health challenges of our time. To better prevent and treat cancer, Taiwan is promoting early screening, precision medicine, and better access to innovative treatments. We also launched a fund for new cancer drugs, and are updating our National Health Insurance. Our goal is to make sure that every patient receives timely, affordable, high-quality care.
Taiwan is also a leader in the global effort to eliminate hepatitis C. While the WHO set a target for 2030, Taiwan eliminated hepatitis C five years early. This success was no accident. It was built on sound governance and our National Health Insurance. Because of this, we were able to combine screening, treatment, and prevention into one plan.
However, this milestone is not the finish line. To maintain our progress, and close the remaining gaps, global cooperation is vital. We want to share what Taiwan has learned, and learn from our partners around the world. Together, we can work toward a future where hepatitis C is gone for good.
Successful health policy depends on collaboration. With the health challenges we face today, no country can act alone. We need to build stronger ties among the government, academia, industry, and the public. Only then can we boost innovation, promote equity, and build more resilient health systems.
For many years, Taiwan has been an active part of global health. As a responsible and reliable partner, we are committed to sharing our experiences and working closely with the international community. By joining the WHO, Taiwan could better ensure the right to health for all our people, and do even more to support the rest of the world.
To close, I want to thank the organizers, speakers, and participants for your hard work. Let’s continue building a healthier, more sustainable, and more resilient world together. Thank you. 

Cheung Chau set for bun finale

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Bun Scrambling Final, the finale to the 2026 Bun Carnival, will be held on Sunday night at the Pak Tai Temple Playground football pitch on Cheung Chau.

Following an opening ceremony at 11.30pm, the competition will start at midnight, in accordance with tradition. A total of 12 finalists will compete for awards across the men’s and women’s divisions.

Trophies will be awarded to the winner, first runner-up and second runner-up in the men’s division and the winner in the women’s division. The “Full Pockets of Lucky Buns” award will be presented to the participant who gathers the most buns.

Four spectator zones will bet up at the pitch to accommodate around 1,650 people. Admission is expected to start from 10.30pm.

Free tickets will be distributed from 10pm on the night of the event. These can be obtained at Pak She First Lane, next to Cheung Chau Fire Station, and along Ping Chong Road. Members of the public will be given one ticket per person on a first come, first served basis while tickets last.

Special transport arrangements will be made to cater to spectators leaving Cheung Chau after the event.

In the event of inclement weather, the event may be cancelled and will not be rescheduled. In this eventuality, the prizes would be determined based on the selection contest results. 

President Lai attends opening ceremony of APSC-TSOC 2026

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

On the afternoon of May 16, President Lai Ching-te attended the opening ceremony of the 2026 Asian Pacific Society of Cardiology (APSC) Congress in conjunction with the 56th Annual Convention & Scientific Session of the Taiwan Society of Cardiology (TSOC). In remarks, President Lai stated that last year Taiwan launched the Healthy Taiwan Cultivation Plan, an important part of which is introducing smart medicine and enhancing health data governance for better disease risk management. The president said that to address hypertension, hyperglycemia, and hyperlipidemia – the so-called three highs, Taiwan launched the 888 Program for the Prevention and Treatment of the Three Highs. Through public-private collaboration, he added, we will work toward even earlier detection and intervention for chronic diseases, helping us make system-wide improvements in cardiovascular disease prevention and care, and bringing us closer to our vision of a Healthy Taiwan.
A transcript of President Lai’s remarks follows:
A warm welcome to the cardiology experts joining us from across the Asia-Pacific. We are delighted to have you here in Taiwan to share your research and clinical experiences.
I want to thank everyone working in cardiovascular medicine – in research, clinical care, public health, and international cooperation. Your work on the frontlines is helping improve health and well-being for all.
Cardiovascular disease is a challenge. And aging populations and changing lifestyles are only making it harder to address. But advancements in AI and treatment technologies are giving us better tools in the fight against CVD.
Last year, we launched the Healthy Taiwan Cultivation Plan. An important part of our strategy is smart medicine: We are expanding telemedicine and making it a standard part of care. We are deploying AI-assisted diagnostics and clinical decision support tools. And we are enhancing health data governance for better disease risk management.
To make progress against CVD, we need to address root causes: hypertension, hyperglycemia, and hyperlipidemia – the so-called three highs.
That is why we launched the Triple-eighty [888] Program for the Prevention and Treatment of the Three Highs. By 2030, the program aims to have 80 percent of patients in the shared care network, 80 percent of those patients receive lifestyle counseling, and 80 percent of cases under control.
We will keep working closely with our partners in civil society, such as the TSOC, which has earned a strong reputation in cardiac medicine globally. Through public-private collaboration, we will work toward even earlier detection and intervention for chronic diseases. This will help us make system-wide improvements in CVD prevention and care, bringing us closer to our vision of a Healthy Taiwan.
Today’s conference is an important part of our vision. So let me thank the organizing committee for bringing it together. And to all of you here – I am confident your exchanges will open new doors for CVD prevention and care, making even greater contributions to global cardiovascular [health].
I wish this conference every success. And to our guests from abroad, I hope you take the time to experience what makes Taiwan special: the food, the scenery, and – most of all – the warmth of our people. Thank you. 

Ebola Alert Response Level activated

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Government today announced the activation of the Alert Response Level under the Preparedness & Response Plan for Ebola Virus Disease. The decision follows the World Health Organization’s (WHO) declaration of an outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda.

The Alert Response Level is the lowest of the three tiers under the Government’s response plan.

While Hong Kong has recorded no confirmed Ebola cases to date and the immediate health risk to the local population remains low, the Department of Health’s Centre for Health Protection is implementing strict prevention and control measures to guard against imported cases.

According to the WHO, the current epidemic is caused by the Bundibugyo virus disease, a strain of the Ebola virus genus. The WHO has warned that the actual outbreak is potentially much larger than currently detected and reported, with a significant risk of regional spread, noting that there are no specific therapeutics or vaccines for this particular strain.

The Centre for Health Protection urged the public to avoid visiting the affected regions unless absolutely necessary, and reminded citizens to maintain strict personal and environmental hygiene while travelling abroad.

FS to promote HK in Europe

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Financial Secretary Paul Chan will depart for Europe tomorrow to visit Paris, Brussels and Zurich, where he will promote Hong Kong’s latest developments and advantages as an international financial centre to attract investment and promote exchanges.

While in Paris on May 18 and 19, Mr Chan will attend the “No Money for Terror” Ministerial Conference on Counter-Terrorism Financing. Organised by France, the event brings together delegations from over 80 countries and regions to enhance global co-operation against terrorist financing. He will also meet local political, business and financial leaders, as well as think tank representatives.

Mr Chan will then travel to Brussels on May 20 to meet European Union officials, political figures and corporate representatives.

On May 21 and 22, he will visit Zurich to host roundtable discussions with senior executives from local financial institutions, family offices, venture capital firms and private equity funds.

Mr Chan will return to Hong Kong on the morning of May 23. During his absence, Deputy Financial Secretary Michael Wong will be Acting Financial Secretary.

Officials to tour European Universities

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The research task force set up by the Committee on Development of the Northern Metropolis’ Working Group on Planning & Construction of the University Town (WG) will visit Europe to advance the development of the Northern Metropolis University Town.

Chief Secretary Chan Kwok-ki will depart for Germany tonight, while Secretary for Education Choi Yuk-lin will begin her visit to Switzerland on May 20.

Mr Chan will lead a delegation to Aachen, Stuttgart and Heilbronn to tour higher education campuses and university towns. The group will meet with officials, institutional representatives, experts and scholars to discuss campus operations, the development of universities of applied sciences and industry-education collaboration.

They will also visit an artificial intelligence (AI) innovation park to study AI development and talent cultivation. Representatives from the Alliance of Universities of Applied Sciences will join parts of the itinerary.

Separately, Ms Choi will travel to Bern, Basel and Zurich alongside representatives from the WG and the Alliance of Universities of Applied Sciences. They will tour local universities and meet with education officials to discuss strengthening collaboration.

Mr Chan will return to Hong Kong on the morning of May 22. During his absence, Deputy Chief Secretary Cheuk Wing-hing will be the Acting Chief Secretary.

Ms Choi will return on the morning of May 24. Under Secretary for Education Sze Chun-fai will be Acting Secretary during her absence.

Fish enJoy Scheme catches on

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

From succulent local lobster, to shimmering sea fish, the seafood bounty visitors see here is raised right on the waves at this Sam Mun Tsai mariculture raft in Tai Po. It is not just a fish farm, it is a seaside escape, where visitors can cast a line to catch their own dinner, such as groupers and snappers, straight from the water.

Secure joy

The experience is as seamless as it is relaxing. The farm handles all the cooking, and as it is certified under the Fish enJoy Scheme managed by the Agriculture, Fisheries & Conservation Department (AFCD), high quality and local authenticity are guaranteed. 

The Fish enJoy Scheme was launched by the department in September 2025, following the success of the Agri enJoy Scheme initiative.

This new scheme allows mariculture rafts and inland fish farms to host leisure fisheries and educational tours. Participants can sell their own farmed fish and, with the appropriate licences from the Food & Environmental Hygiene Department, even prepare fish dishes on-site.

Visitors at the Sam Mun Tsai mariculture raft praised the stunning views and enjoyed tasting fresh seafood in the beautiful surroundings.

AFCD Fisheries Officer (Mariculture Enforcement) Adrian Lam said the department aims to boost fish farmers’ incomes through the leisure fisheries by promoting diversification and the industry’s sustainable development.

Educational tours

Under the scheme, fish farms can also host educational tours. Sam Mun Tsai mariculturist Danny To said visiting student groups learn about the industry’s farming practices and its recreational fishing model.

“It is great for the younger generation to understand the fish farming industry. This is truly a positive initiative,” he said.

Sundays tend to be busier, he added, with sometimes about 200 visitors. “Many of the locals come to enjoy family time, bringing their children to fish.”

Similar to the Fish enJoy Scheme, the AFCD’s Agri enJoy Scheme promotes the development of local recreational agriculture.

A farm located in Kwu Tung offers seasonal activities, allowing visitors to pick grapes, blackcurrants and even dragon fruits. 

“We offer a variety of workshops. Almost everyone has a fantastic time. They can pick their own fruits and experience the joy of farming,” explained farmer Yan Fu-qin.

She added that participation in the scheme helps them with promotion by informing the public that they can come and pick fresh organic fruit, while also boosting the incomes of farmers.

Restrictions relaxed

AFCD Agricultural Officer (Branding & Marketing) Karina Poon explained that to facilitate the organisation of these ancillary businesses, the Government relaxed the restrictions to allow more room for the development of the industry and to help the Agri enJoy farms apply for food business licences to provide light meals mainly with self-grown crops.

DoJ stages educational drama

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Department of Justice is presenting the interactive drama “Rule of Law Academy – 
Adventure to the Stars” starring Secretary for Justice Paul Lam and Deputy Secretary for Justice Cheung Kwok-kwan at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre Grand Theatre from today to tomorrow. 

This large-scale show, returning by popular demand, aims to promote rule of law education to senior primary students and parents. The two performances are expected to attract an audience of over 2,000.

Through an engaging adventure story, the play integrates the concept of the rule of law into the plot in a lively and interactive manner. Mr Lam and Mr Cheung sing and dance as the Principal and Vice-principal of the Rule of Law Academy to convey the message of upholding the rule of law.

By participating in the interactive sessions, the audience helps the protagonists overcome challenges to attain the “Rule of Law Star” distinction, experiencing how values such as fairness and equality, honesty and integrity, solidarity and mutual support, as well as a law-abiding spirit, can be practised in everyday life.

Under the “Rule of Law through Drama” project, the Department of Justice has been promoting law-abiding awareness and the spirit of the rule of law through stage performances. The project has presented over 350 shows to local primary schools since its launch in 2021.