Category: MIL-OSI

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

MOFA expresses deepest condolences on passing of Marshall Islands Iroijlaplap Michael Kabua

Date：2026-08-12
Data Source：Department of East Asian and Pacific Affairs

August 12, 2026  
No. 381  

On behalf of the people and government of the ROC (Taiwan), Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung conveys his deepest condolences to the people and government of the Republic of the Marshall Islands, a Pacific ally of Taiwan, on the loss of Iroijlaplap Michael Kabua, who passed away on August 11 at the age of 81. Minister Lin also expresses sympathies to the Kabua family.

Iroijlaplap Kabua worked his entire life to maintain and strengthen ties between Taiwan and the Marshall Islands. He visited Taiwan on numerous occasions and established cordial relations with all sectors of Taiwan’s society. He was a strong proponent of traditional Marshallese culture, values, and national identity. He was respected and loved by the Marshallese people, and his contributions to Marshallese society and traditional culture were widely recognized.

Iroijlaplap Kabua’s passing is not only a great loss for the Marshall Islands. Taiwan is bereft of a great and good friend. MOFA expresses great sadness, and it will always remember Iroijlaplap Kabua’s support of and contributions to the bilateral relationship. His staunch support of traditional Marshallese culture and of Taiwan-Marshall Islands ties will long be cherished by the people of both countries. (E)

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

MOFA welcomes joint statement by Australian and Philippine defense ministers reaffirming importance of Taiwan Strait peace

Date：2026-08-07
Data Source：Department of East Asian and Pacific Affairs

August 7, 2026  
No. 372  

Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung affirms and welcomes the joint statement issued following the 3rd Australia-Philippines Defense Ministers’ Meeting on August 7. The statement reaffirmed the importance of cross-strait peace and stability, opposed any unilateral action to change the status quo, and encouraged dialogue rather than coercion or the use of force.

The meeting was held in Darwin, Australia, and was attended by Australian Minister for Defence Richard Marles and Philippine Secretary of National Defense Gilberto Teodoro Jr.

The joint statement once again demonstrates that maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, the South China Sea, and the Indo-Pacific region has become an international consensus.

Taiwan, Australia, and the Philippines are like-minded partners that share the common values of democracy, freedom, and the rule of law. Taiwan will continue to work with like-minded countries to safeguard the rules-based international order and jointly promote democracy, peace, and prosperity in the region. (E) 

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Agriculture, Fisheries & Conservation Department (AFCD) today arrested the keeper of the dog involved in the case where a dog attacked other dogs in Yuen Long on Monday.

The AFCD also collected the keeper’s statement about this case. The dog concerned is currently put under observation at the AFCD’s animal management centre.

The department revealed that the canine was previously detained by the department on July 10 this year in connection with another dog attack case. It was subsequently reclaimed by its keeper.

At that time, the AFCD warned the keeper that the dog must be securely held on a leash not exceeding two metres in length in public places, and must be kept under proper control.

The department is currently investigating the two afore-mentioned cases, and will instigate prosecution if there is sufficient evidence.

It once again reminds all dog keepers to keep their dogs under proper control at all times. In particular, they should securely hold large dogs on a leash to prevent them from causing nuisance or injury to other people or animals.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Tobacco & Alcohol Control Office (TACO) today said it has issued notices to two online platforms requiring them to cease any activities that may contravene the statutory prohibition on tobacco advertising, in following up a complaint.

The notices were issued following the TACO’s investigation into a a public complaint claiming that an animation containing tobacco advertisements was posted on the two online platforms concerned.

The TACO, operating under the Department of Health, stressed that the animation in question does far more than depicting a character smoking. It repeatedly, continuously and prominently displays cigarette packs and tobacco products from multiple angles.

Such depictions are suspected to involve product placement and dissemination of tobacco advertisements, in breach of the Smoking (Public Health) Ordinance, the office added.

From 2022 to 2025, the TACO received approximately 1,100 to 4,600 complaints or referrals each year concerning smoking product advertisements. It issued a total of 180 summonses and 45 warning letters for suspected violations during the same period.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

A new survey by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council revealed that Hong Kong has been the top favourite springboard for Mainland enterprises in exploring overseas opportunities, with 83% of surveyed enterprises regarded the city as their preferred service platform.

The trend of strong global expansion plans among Mainland firms underscored earlier in June when Chief Executive John Lee led a high-level Hong Kong and Mainland delegation Central Asia.

The study of more than 2,000 internationalised enterprises found 82% plan to expand existing overseas operations, while 63% intend to launch new ventures abroad.

Belt & Road markets emerged as the top choice, favoured by 94% of respondents, while 91% expressed interest in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, or ASEAN nations, particularly Singapore, Vietnam and Thailand.

The council’s Research Director Bruce Pang said the surveyed Mainland enterprises expressed a growing interest on going abroad.

“Actually we see a quite balanced interest in these destinations or what they are going to expand their international business, including emerging markets as well as the developed markets as well,” Mr Pang said.

However, going global presents hurdles. Surveyed firms cited market uncertainty, intensifying competition overseas and funding shortages to adjust operations or supply chains as key challenges.

To navigate these obstacles, 83% of the surveyed enterprises identified Hong Kong as their preferred service platform, followed by the Mainland and Singapore.

Mr Pang pointed out that they chose Hong Kong as a top destination that can provide a wide range of professional services and financial services.

“Hong Kong is a super-connector, super value-adder, actually providing a full range, full-scale of services, including financial services, legal, accounting, as well as risk management, ESG, et cetera.”

The 11th Belt & Road Summit will be held on September 9 and 10 at the Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre.

Under the theme “Advancing High-Quality Development · Embarking on a New Journey”, this year’s summit will feature a dedicated “Go Global Chapter” and a new “GoGlobal Connect” zone. The organisers will also arrange a GoGlobal business mission to Nansha, Guangzhou.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The National Financial Regulatory Administration (NFRA) today announced that it will actively support Mainland insurance funds to participate in mutual access schemes between the Mainland and Hong Kong financial markets. The move will allow Mainland insurance institutions to invest in exchange-traded funds (ETFs) in Hong Kong through Stock Connect.

Secretary for Financial Services & the Treasury Christopher Hui, alongside the Executive Director of Investment Products of the Securities & Futures Commission Elisa Ng and the Chief Executive Officer of Hong Kong Exchanges & Clearing Limited Bonnie Chan, visited the NFRA today and met with its Vice Minister Xiao Yuanqi to discuss measures to further promote the co-ordinated development of the Mainland and Hong Kong capital markets.

Under the newly announced measures, Mainland insurance funds will be allowed to invest in ETFs included under the Southbound trading of Stock Connect. The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government warmly welcomed the measure.

Chief Executive John Lee expressed his sincere gratitude to the Central People’s Government and the NFRA for their support.

“The National 15th Five-Year Plan clearly supports Hong Kong in consolidating and enhancing its status as an international financial centre, strengthening its role as a global offshore renminbi business hub, an international asset and wealth management centre, and an international risk management centre,” Mr Lee said.

“Building on the mature experience of Mainland insurance funds investing in Hong Kong’s stock market through Stock Connect, the policy measures announced further facilitate Mainland insurance companies in diversifying their asset allocation via Hong Kong, while promoting the development of the local ETF market and strengthening its ecosystem. The measures represent the strong support of our country for the development of Hong Kong’s capital market and asset management industry, and are of profound significance.”

Mr Lee emphasised that the Hong Kong SAR Government will continue to leverage Hong Kong’s unique advantage of being closely connected with the Mainland and the world under the “one country, two systems” principle, further enhancing the mutual access mechanism and working closely with Mainland regulators to deepen market co-operation.

“The Government is pressing ahead at full speed with the formulation of Hong Kong’s First Five-Year Plan, and will spare no effort in taking forward the preparatory work to seize the opportunities presented by our country’s development, serve our country’s high-level financial opening up, and better integrate into and contribute to the overall national development,” he added.

Financial Secretary Paul Chan said that enabling Mainland insurance funds to invest in ETFs in Hong Kong through Stock Connect is a win-win initiative with benefits on multiple fronts.

“It not only provides Mainland insurance companies with broader and more diversified investment channels, but also drives the development of the market of exchange-traded products in Hong Kong, further deepening the connectivity and concerted development of the two capital markets.” Mr Chan said.

“We will continue to join hands with the financial regulators and market stakeholders to expand and enhance the competitiveness of this market, opening up more new channels for asset allocation and new investment opportunities for investors from both the Mainland and overseas,” he added.

Source: Government of Singapore

Record nominations signal growing public passion for sustainability

18 August 2026 – Today, 14 individuals were presented with the EcoFriend Awards by the Minister for Sustainability and the Environment, Ms Grace Fu, for their exceptional contributions towards a more sustainable and resilient Singapore. In her address at the 17^th edition of the biennial awards ceremony organised by the National Environment Agency (NEA), Minister Fu highlighted that every Singaporean has a stake in the nation’s environmental future, emphasising climate adaptation as a key priority for Singapore’s long-term sustainable development.

2.           The EcoFriend Awards honours individuals from various sectors [1] and backgrounds for their selfless dedication and outstanding efforts in shaping Singapore into a sustainable home. This year’s awards saw nominations exceeding 500 for the first time in more than a decade. The strong response of 510 nominations reflected heightened public consciousness and commitment to sustainable living, a testament to how the EcoFriend Awards has grown since its inception in 2007 into a trusted platform for recognising environmental excellence and stewardship.

3.           With 186 Eco-Heroes commended to date, NEA continues to support recipients post-award, including connecting them with like-minded partners and facilitating potential collaborations through NEA’s people, public, and private (3P) network. Recipients are also invited to apply for funding under NEA’s Partnership Fund, with grants of up to $30,000 or 80 per cent of supportable costs to scale their projects and amplify environmental change. More information about this grant can be found at https://go.gov.sg/neapf.

Leveraging deep-tech, ground-up efforts, and artificial intelligence to champion sustainability

4.           For the complete list of 17^th EcoFriend Awards recipients, please refer to Annex A. Some recipients for this year include:

• Carlo Charles is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Flint, a Singapore deep-tech startup developing cellulose-based batteries as a sustainable alternative to conventional lithium batteries. Operating from its office and lab in Singapore, Flint produces around five million batteries annually and has earned international recognition for its innovative battery technology, which has the potential to reduce carbon emissions by up to 90%. Designed for use in everyday devices such as keyboards, computer mice and wearables, Flint’s batteries demonstrate how Singapore-grown innovation can advance cleaner and more sustainable energy solutions.
• Iswandie Wanhar founded the Tampines West Green Action for Communities (GAC) in 2023. As its Founding Chairman, GAC has grown into a thriving resident-led movement that has engaged over 1,000 residents through litter-picking drives, composting workshops, beach cleanups and nature walks, supported by partnerships with NEA, the Public Hygiene Council and other national agencies. Beyond engaging residents, Iswandie has built a strong network of trained environmental champions who are empowered to lead future sustainability initiatives.
• Ong Xuan Wan is the Head of Department of Science and Head of Greenovators Applied Learning Programme (ALP) at Dazhong Primary School. She designed the school-wide programme to empower students to identify environmental issues, develop green solutions and advocate for sustainable practices through maker-based projects and overseas immersion trips. Xuan Wan also conceptualised hands-on outdoor learning journeys incorporating artificial intelligence and virtual reality to connect sustainability concepts to real world challenges, nurturing a strong pipeline of young eco-stewards.

“We First” spirit: past recipients pay it forward

5.           Past recipients of the EcoFriend Awards continue to give back through mentorship of the next generation of eco-champions, exemplifying the “We First” spirit of looking beyond self-interest towards a shared, greener future. Mr Veerappan Swaminathan, Ms Pek Hai Lin, Ms Samantha Thian and Mr Loo Deliang, who received the Awards in 2016, 2019, 2022 and 2022 respectively, are currently YOUth for Environmental Sustainability (YES) Advisors under NEA’s YES Leaders Programme. Joining them as new Advisors are Mr Preston Wong, Mr Ernest Goh, Mr Tan Shi Zhou and Mr Carlo Charles who received the EcoFriend Awards in 2022, 2024, 2024 and 2026 respectively.

6.           Beyond mentorship, past recipients also continue to contribute through community engagement and public outreach. Ms Nuryanee Anisah, a 2024 EcoFriend Awards recipient and Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Commenhers LLP, continues to support NEA’s public outreach efforts. She actively participates in initiatives such as the Say YES to Waste Less campaign. She is also a booth partner at NEA’s events where she engages the public on sustainable fashion and the importance of reducing and recycling.

7.           The sustained efforts of past recipients demonstrate that lasting environmental change is built not on individual efforts alone, but on the shared commitment for a cleaner and greener future. NEA would also like to recognise all past nominees and the many individuals whose efforts, big or small, move Singapore towards the Singapore Green Plan 2030 goals. It is this collective spirit that will carry our sustainability journey forward.

8.           Members of the public who wish to nominate individuals for the next EcoFriend Awards may visit https://go.gov.sg/efa for more information when nominations open in 2027.

[1] The different sectors include the private, public, non-government and grassroots volunteers, educational institutions, and students and youth. 

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     The Transport Department (TD) today (August 18) announced that the auction of vehicle registration marks will be held on September 5 (Saturday) at Meeting Room S421, L4, Old Wing, Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, Wan Chai.

     “A total of 100 personalised vehicle registration marks (PVRMs) will be put up for public auction in the morning session, and 220 traditional vehicle registration marks (TVRMs) will be put up for auction in the afternoon session. The lists of marks have been uploaded to the department’s website, www.td.gov.hk/en/public_services/vehicle_registration_mark/index.html(i) the identity document of the successful bidder;
(ii) the identity document of the purchaser if it is different from the successful bidder;
(iii) a copy of the Certificate of Incorporation if the purchaser is a body corporate; and
(iv) a crossed cheque payable to “The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region” or “The Government of the HKSAR”. Any bidder who wishes to bid for both TVRMs and PVRMs on the same day, should bring along at least two crossed cheques for payment of auction prices (for an auctioned mark paid for by cheque, the first three working days after the date of auction will be required for cheque clearance confirmation before processing of the application for mark assignment can be completed). Successful bidders may also pay through the Easy Pay System (EPS), but are reminded to note the maximum transfer amount in the same day of the payment card. Payment by post-dated cheque, cash, credit card or other methods will not be accepted.     ​
     For other auction details, please refer to the Guidance Notes – Auction of TVRMs (www.td.gov.hk/en/public_services/vehicle_registration_mark/tvrm_auction/index.html

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Hong Kong’s population was 7,518,300 in the middle of the year, up 0.3% from a year earlier, the Census & Statistics Department announced today.

A net inflow of 39,800 Hong Kong residents was recorded during the period from mid-2025 to mid-2026.

There were 29,700 births and 50,100 deaths, resulting in a natural decrease of 20,400.

The Government said that various talent attraction and labour importation measures continued to bring people from places around the world to Hong Kong.

The net inflow of residents offset the impact of natural population decrease, leading to an increase in population in mid-2026 as compared with mid-2025, it added.