Auction of traditional vehicle registration marks to be held on April 25

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Auction of traditional vehicle registration marks to be held on April 25(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 made payable to “The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region” or “The Government of the HKSAR”. (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 can also pay through the Easy Pay System (EPS). Payment by post-dated cheques, cash or other methods will not be accepted. 
(4) The display of a vehicle registration mark on a motor vehicle should be in compliance with the requirements stipulated in Schedule 4 to the Road Traffic (Registration and Licensing of Vehicles) Regulations.Issued at HKT 17:30

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Immigration head’s service extended

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Director of Immigration Benson Kwok will reach retirement age on April 9, 2026. He has been granted an extension of service to June 30, 2027.

The Government today said that the purpose of granting Mr Kwok an extension of service is to facilitate a smooth transition of the senior management of the Immigration Department.

The TECH WORLD Pavilion from Expo 2025 Osaka Returns to Chiayi to Showcase Its International Achievements at the Taiwan Lantern Festival

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

The TECH WORLD Pavilion, which drew significant international attention and widespread acclaim during its participation at Expo 2025 Osaka, was recreated at the 2026 Taiwan Lantern Festival in Chiayi with the support of the Executive Yuan. The pavilion was open to the public from March 2 to 15, between 10:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. daily, for visitors to experience firsthand the exhibition that previously shined on the global stage.

According to the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA), the TECH WORLD Pavilion marks Taiwan’s first fully self-developed international exhibition project to encompass planning, design, engineering, and operations. Over its 184-day exhibition in Osaka, it attracted more than one million visitors, received international awards, and gained strong popularity among international patrons,thereby demonstrating Taiwan’s integrated strengths in technology, design, and culture.

During its exhibition in Osaka, many people in Taiwan expressed their hope to experience the TECH WORLD Pavilion domestically. The MOEA noted that this public enthusiasm was a key force in driving the pavilion back to Taiwan.

Despite limited time and resources, the MOEA actively coordinated relevant agencies and teams to recreate this pavilion. After evaluating nearly 30 potential venues nationwide, the Taiwan Lantern Festival was selected due to its festive atmosphere, which aligned with the spirit of the Osaka Expo.

The recreated pavilion retained its original highlights and immersive experience, presenting Taiwan’s innovative technology, cultural diversity, and industrial capabilities.

2027 MOFA Taiwan Fellowship

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

Applications for the 2027 MOFA Taiwan Fellowship will be open from May 1 to June 30, 2026.
For further details, please visit the official Taiwan Fellowship website: https://taiwanfellowship.ncl.edu.tw/eng/index.aspx
MOFA Taiwan Fellowship is established by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) to award foreign experts and scholars interested in researches related to Taiwan, cross-strait relations, Asia-Pacific region and Sinology, as well as research topics related to key policies such as comprehensive diplomacy, energy security, transnational repression, undersea cables, and global supply chain resilience to conduct advanced research at universities or academic institutions in Taiwan. MOFA Taiwan Fellowship is open for application in May and June every year and recipients will conduct their research in Taiwan as early as January the next year.
1. Financial assistance
(1) Monthly grants are paid at the beginning of every month.
a. Professors, associate professors, research fellows, or associate research fellows: NT$60,000.
b. Assistant professors, assistant research fellows, post-doctoral researchers, doctoral candidates, doctoral program students, and other candidates recommended by ROC (Taiwan) missions: NT$50,000.
(2) One round-trip, economy-class ticket for the most direct route to Taiwan (The subsidy will be decided by MOFA in accordance with the relevant regulations).
(3) The terms of fellowship are 3 to 12 months.
(4) Accident insurance (plus a medical insurance for accidental injuries) coverage of NT$1 million.
2. Eligibility
Recipients shall be foreign professors, associate professors, assistant professors, post-doctoral researchers, doctoral candidates, or doctoral program students at related departments of overseas universities, or are research fellows at an equivalent level in academic institutions abroad.
3. Miscellaneous 
(1) Fellowship administrator: Center for Chinese Studies at National Central Library:  https://ccs.ncl.edu.tw/
(2) The year of 2027 online application period is from May 1 to June 30, 2026.
 

HYAB launches 18-District Health Community Project with Care Teams and Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine of University of Hong Kong

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

​The Home and Youth Affairs Bureau (HYAB), the District Services & Community Care Teams (Care Teams), and the Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine of the University of Hong Kong (HKUMed) held the kick-off ceremony of the “Shape Your Healthy Life: 18 District Health Community Project” and the first district outreach health promotion event at the Sai Ying Pun Community Complex Community Hall today (April 7). The project aims to strengthen community level primary health support, as well as enable citizens to gain practical health knowledge.
 
The kick-off ceremony was officiated by the Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, Miss Alice Mak; the Permanent Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, Mr Patrick Li; the Director of Home Affairs, Ms Priscilla To; the Executive Vice-President (Administration and Finance) of the University of Hong Kong, Mrs Cherry Tse; and the Dean of the HKUMed, Professor Lau Chak-sing.
 
The HYAB and Care Teams partnered with the HKUMed for the first time to launch a territory-wide health project in 18 districts, providing community services to citizens. In her speech, Miss Mak stated that the HYAB has always been committed to promoting community participation and believing that for health awareness to be transformed into action, it is necessary to deliver information and services to the citizens and express care to those in need. This collaboration with the HKUMed precisely combines the community network of the Care Teams with professional medical knowledge, taking community health services a step further and jointly promoting the health awareness in the community.
 
Miss Mak expressed her gratitude to the doctors from the HKUMed, members of the Care Teams, as well as the students of the HKUMed and the volunteers of the “Youth Link” for contributing to support community health. She hoped that this project will not only raise citizens’ awareness of physical and mental health, but also gather community power to shape a healthy life together. The project will mobilise Care Teams of the 18 districts and members of the “Youth Link” to participate, fully embodying the “We Care We Serve” spirit of serving the community and expressing care for those in need.
 
The year-long “18-District Health Community Project”, spanning all districts of Hong Kong, provides free health screenings, public seminars, community sports programmes, and health consultations for the elderly and families, aiming to promote preventive health and enhance community well-being. In the coming months, various activities tailored to the needs of different communities will be gradually launched, aiming to further raising citizens’ health awareness.
 
After the kick-off ceremony, the first district health promotion event began, with over 250 citizens participating in health talks and free health screening services held in the community hall.

DH observes World Health Day by strengthening its roles as WHO collaborating centres and promoting health through science

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

DH observes World Health Day by strengthening its roles as WHO collaborating centres and promoting health through science 
WHO Collaborating Centre for Smoking Cessation and Treatment of Tobacco Dependence
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     The DH was designated by the WHO to establish the Collaborating Centre for Smoking Cessation and Treatment of Tobacco Dependence in Hong Kong, China with the aim of supporting other member states/regions within the Western Pacific Region in developing smoking cessation strategies and conducting training programmes. It regularly provides specialised tobacco control and training programmes in smoking cessation treatment for healthcare professionals as well as for tobacco control and smoking cessation practitioners in the HKSAR, on the Chinese Mainland and throughout the entire Western Pacific Region. The Collaborating Centre also organises training courses on Chinese medicine acupuncture for frontline Chinese medicine practitioners to help them further enhance their knowledge and skills in smoking cessation, and promotes Chinese medicine-based smoking cessation in overseas regions. 
WHO Collaborating Centre for Traditional Medicine
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     The DH was designated by the WHO to establish the Collaborating Centre for Traditional Medicine in Hong Kong, China, to support the WHO in developing International Herbal Pharmacopoeia, traditional medicine strategy and regulatory standards etc. Upon the request of the WHO, the Collaborating Centre has consistently provided technical support for the formulation of safety and quality standards for Chinese medicines. It also actively participates in the WHO’s global network activities promoting traditional medicine and supports the cultivation of traditional medicine professionals worldwide to enhance professional knowledge and development.      
WHO Collaborating Centre on quality and capacity building for GISRS
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     The Microbiology Division of the PHLSB under the CHP provides laboratory diagnostic services for disease surveillance and control, health promotion and disease prevention. Designated by the WHO as National Influenza Centre in 1963 and as Global Influenza A (H5) Reference Laboratory in 2004, the Microbiology Division has collaborated closely with the WHO over the years.Issued at HKT 11:12

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President Lai meets delegation led by Lions Clubs International President A.P. Singh  

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

President Lai meets delegation led by Lions Clubs International President A.P. Singh  
On the afternoon of April 3, President Lai Ching-te met with a delegation led by Lions Clubs International (LCI) President A.P. Singh. In remarks, President Lai stated that LCI members have always embodied the “We Serve” spirit in spreading compassion and warmth to every corner of the world, and that Taiwan’s LCI members have long been dedicated to serving the public and caring for those in need. He expressed hope for further exchanges and cooperation between the government and LCI members in order to together spread kindness, justice, and even more positive energy to every corner of society.
A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows:
It is a pleasure to meet with members of LCI and its Taiwan chapter today. I also extend a warm welcome to President Singh, who is visiting Taiwan once again. LCI is the world’s largest service club organization, and the members of the Taiwan chapter are a formidable force for public good in our nation. Since taking office, I have met and exchanged ideas with LCI members many times here at the Presidential Office. I very much admire your enthusiasm and contributions.
LCI members have always embodied the “We Serve” spirit in spreading compassion and warmth to every corner of the world. This spirit not only aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, but also drives the noble cause of advancing overall human development and protecting human rights.
I would like to thank LCI for its years of service in our society. When Taiwan needed help after the 2024 Hualien earthquake and the 2025 Fata’an Creek barrier lake disaster, you provided timely care and support through the LCI Foundation (LCIF). On behalf of the people of Taiwan, I once again sincerely thank LCI and all the LCI members in Taiwan for their efforts.
Over the years, Taiwan’s members have played an increasingly prominent and influential role in LCI. Several years ago, for instance, the Taiwan chapter donated over US$40 million to the Campaign 100: LCIF Empowering Service fundraising effort – the highest amount from anywhere in the world. Taiwan also currently contributes more than any other country in terms of per capita member donation. Additionally, the Taiwan chapter has expanded from one to five multiple districts with the approval of the international board of directors. This demonstrates the importance that LCI attaches to its Taiwan members and its high expectations for the future development of the chapter.
President Singh has said that Lions serve because they care and lead because their communities need them. Taiwan’s LCI members have long been dedicated to serving the public and caring for those in need. Moving ahead, I look forward to further exchanges and cooperation between our government and LCI members. Let us together spread kindness, justice, and even more positive energy to every corner of society.
In closing, I once again thank LCI and its members. Please be sure to show President Singh the beauty of Taiwan. I wish you a smooth and successful visit.
 

2026 Taiwan International Geothermal Conference: Linking Next-Generation Technology, Moving Towards Scalable Development

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

Hosted by the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA), the 4th “2026 Taiwan International Geothermal Conference” (2026 TIGC) opened on March 26. In his opening remarks, Vice Minister of Economic Affairs Chien-hsin Lai emphasized that the MOEA will be committed to developing geothermal energy with the advantages of being a local resource and providing a “stable supply.” He also invited international experts to focus their discussions and propose solutions for the specific challenges faced by Taiwan’s geothermal generation, aiming to develop Taiwan’s geothermal energy and strengthen national energy resilience.

Vice Minister Lai stated that conflicts in the Middle East have affected the stability of energy supplies, and CPC Corporation has long implemented a diversified supply strategy for oil and natural gas. Amidst ongoing global changes, the government remains on top of the situation and is handling it with appropriate measures. Every year, the Energy Administration of the MOEA forecasts electricity demand over the next decade, and the power development progress planned by Taipower shows that supply exceeds future demand. The Administration also continues to strengthen power stability and resilience, moving toward the national vision of carbon reduction. Since coming into office, President Lai has declared the “Second Energy Transition,” actively promoting various renewable energy policies to provide sustainable green energy and achieve Taiwan’s 2050 net-zero emissions goal. Especially as Taiwan is a vital link in the global AI supply chain, geothermal energy plays a key role in green energy supply.

The MOEA stated that Taiwan possesses massive potential and advantages for geothermal development. To accelerate promotion, the MOEA has launched numerous measures ranging from early-stage exploration to subsequent development to achieve de-risking while balancing environmental protection. These include providing demonstration incentive grants and conducting the central government geothermal investment selection process later this year.

The Energy Administration explained that this “2026 Taiwan International Geothermal Conference” hosted by the MOEA has invited over 700 domestic and international experts and industry leaders from more than 10 countries, including the United States, New Zealand, Japan, Canada, Iceland, Denmark, and Italy, making it the largest-scale event in recent years. By providing an international exchange platform to share geothermal technology and practical experience, it is hoped that experts from around the world will take this opportunity to exchange ideas and provide valuable suggestions to promote Taiwan’s geothermal development.

The core of this conference focuses on “Next-Generation Geothermal Technologies”, including international experience sharing on Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS), Advanced Geothermal Systems (AGS) and Supercritical Geothermal Systems (SGS). Experts from various countries, the state-owned CPC Corporation, and the Geological Survey and Mining Management Agency (GSMMA) have been invited to engage in in-depth dialogues on geothermal exploration and drilling decisions under Taiwan’s specific geological environment. The conference also highlights Taiwan’s introduction of more efficient exploration techniques and high-temperature resistant sensing technologies to reduce development risks and shorten development timelines.

The Energy Administration mentioned that a “Geothermal Technology and Solutions Exhibition” is being held concurrently at the venue, which has invited leading geothermal developers, engineering firms, and precision drilling equipment manufacturers from home and abroad, and offers a technical matchmaking platform for domestic and international vendors.

The Energy Administration also emphasized that the success of geothermal development depends not only on technological breakthroughs but also often on mutual prosperity with local communities. Therefore, this conference has specially invited the Council of Indigenous Peoples to give a keynote presentation on “The Role of Indigenous Peoples and Collaborative Visions in Advancing Geothermal Development within the Energy Transition”, emphasizing the importance of establishing a sound benefit-sharing mechanism and giving concrete suggestions.

On the second day of the conference (the 27th), professional workshops will be held on three major themes: “Elements of Drilling Team”, “Geothermal Power Plant Engineering Planning” and “Geothermal Power Plant Operations.” The workshops welcome participants from all sectors and hopes to inspire developers for breakthroughs in geothermal generation. The Energy Administration also hopes that this conference will serve as an exchange platform-through deep cooperation with experienced international partners, Taiwan looks forward to jointly creating a geothermal power generation model that prospers with the local community, enhances industrial competitiveness, and moves toward the sustainable goal of net-zero emissions.

Spokesperson:
Mr. Chung-Hsien Chen, Deputy Director General , Energy Administration, Ministry of Economic Affairs
Tel: +886-2-2775-7700 / +886-919-998-339
Email: ctchen2@moeaea.gov.tw

Contact Person:
Ms. Hsiu-fen Tsai, Director, Energy Administration, Ministry of Economic Affairs
Tel: +886-2-2775-7730
Email: hftsai@moeaea.gov.tw

Community health project launched

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Home & Youth Affairs Bureau, the District Services & Community Care Teams and the University of Hong Kong’s Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine (HKUMed) today held a launch ceremony for the “Shape Your Healthy Life: 18 District Health Community Project” and the first health promotion event under it.

The project aims to strengthen community-level primary health support and help citizens to gain practical health knowledge.

Officiating at the ceremony, Secretary for Home & Youth Affairs Alice Mak said the collaboration combines the care teams’ community networks with HKUMed’s professional medical knowledge. She expressed hope that the project raise citizens’ awareness of physical and mental health and harness the power of communities in shaping healthy lives.

The year-long, citywide project will provide free health screenings, public seminars, community sports programmes and health consultations to elderly people and families. In the coming months, various activities tailored to the needs of different communities will be launched.

After today’s ceremony, a district health promotion event was held, with over 250 citizens participating in health talks and receiving free health screening services.

Joint Press Statement by President Lee Jae Myung on the occasion of the Korea–France Summit

Source: Government of the Republic of Korea

Along with fellow Koreans, I would like to sincerely welcome President Emmanuel Macron and his French delegation to Korea.

France has stood firmly by Korea’s side as a steadfast companion for the past 140 years, since our establishment of diplomatic relations in 1886.

During the Korean War, our two countries fought side by side as partners in arms. France since has been a key partner in the development of our nuclear energy, high-speed rail and biotechnology industries.

Today, as we share in the enjoyment of K-pop and Korean cultural content, we are fostering a deeper bond of friendship and trust.

Building on this long-standing friendship and solidarity, President Macron and I agreed to elevate our bilateral relationship to a Global Strategic Partnership.

We also adopted a joint statement that reflects our firm commitment to advancing bilateral ties in a future-oriented manner. In addition, we revised three agreements and adopted eleven Memoranda of Understanding.

Allow me now to outline the concrete outcomes of today’s summit.

First, we agreed to strengthen our bilateral economic cooperation and further expand trade and investment between our two countries.

Although our bilateral trade reached a record high of US$15 billion last year, we cannot rest on our laurels. We will work together to achieve the milestone of US$20 billion in trade by 2030.

I greatly appreciate an investment of approximately US$3.5 billion in Korea last year by France’s Air Liquide.

Building upon this momentum, we will continue working together to help promote mutual investment in emerging industries and expand employment opportunities created through business investments.

We expect that the number of jobs created by businesses investing in one another’s country, which currently stands at around 40,000, could reach 80,000 over the next decade.

Second, we agreed to actively foster an environment conducive to joint growth in advanced science and future industries, enabling our two countries to rise together as leading innovators.

The “Letter of Intent on Cooperation in Artificial Intelligence, Semiconductors and Quantum Technologies” signed today, together with the Korea-France Ministerial Joint Committee on Science and Technology convened today, will function as an important platform for generating new growth drivers in future industries.

The MOUs being signed today between Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power and the French companies Orano and Framatome will not only ensure a stable supply of nuclear fuel but also lay the foundation for our joint entry into the global nuclear energy market.

The MOU between Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power and Électricité de France is expected to make a significant contribution to the growth of our offshore wind power industry.

In addition, through the “Letter of Intent on Cooperation in the field of Critical Minerals and Metals,” we have established a foundation for the stable development of our critical minerals industry.

We will also further expand mutually complementary cooperation in future security domain, including aerospace and defense.

Third, we agreed to strengthen cultural cooperation – the cornerstone of our bilateral friendship – and to work toward ushering in an era of one million people-to-people exchanges.

Above all, through the “Protocol Amending the Korea–France Agreement on Cultural and Technological Cooperation,” we expect to further expand bilateral collaboration into new areas such as esports.

Meanwhile, we are amending the “Agreement on a Working Holiday Programme” and have nearly concluded the negotiations on amendments to the “Air Services Agreement,” both of which will facilitate freer and more vibrant exchanges among tourists, businesspeople, young people and students of our two nations.

We agreed to boost the number of French and Korean learners in one another’s country to 100,000 by 2035, with the aim of fostering greater mutual understanding between future generations of our peoples.

We expect that the “Letter of Intent on Cooperation in the Language Assistant Teacher Exchange Programme,” concluded on this occasion, will make a significant contribution to achieving this goal.

The “MOU on Cooperation in the field of Cultural Heritage,” concluded between the heritage authorities of our two countries, will serve as a valuable opportunity to further promote global awareness of our time-honored cultural heritage, including Korea’s Jongmyo Shrine and France’s St. Denis Basilica.

To mark President Macron’s visit to Korea, the Centre Pompidou Hanwha Seoul will officially open in Yeouido, Seoul.

The museum is expected to become one of Seoul’s prominent landmarks, enhancing access to French art and enriching our people’s everyday lives.

On the basis of these diverse collaborative achievements, our two countries will jointly usher in an era of one million people-to-people exchanges, where people and cultures move freely.

Lastly, as global strategic partners, our two countries agreed to further strengthen joint efforts toward resolving global challenges.

President Macron has graciously extended an invitation for me to attend the G7 Summit, to be held this June in Évian, France.

As this year’s G7 president, France is expected to demonstrate strong leadership in addressing economic imbalances in the international community and reforming global partnerships. The Republic of Korea will strive to contribute insightful advice.

President Macron has proposed that our two countries jointly host the Moving Image Summit this September. I sincerely appreciate his high regard for and interest in Korea’s film and audiovisual industries, as well as his invitation to me. During my visit to France, we will work together to seek the revitalization of the cultural industries.

Moreover, we two leaders shared a profound understanding that peace on the Korean Peninsula has far-reaching implications not just in Northeast Asia and Europe but also the rest of the world.

As a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, France has consistently supported the Republic of Korea government’s policy on the Peninsula.

I made clear our government’s efforts to resume inter-Korean dialogue and cooperation, as well as its firm commitment to ushering in a future of peaceful coexistence and shared prosperity.

In turn, President Macron assured us of France’s steadfast support for peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula.

Moreover, President Macron and I agreed to share policy-related experiences and strategies in order to jointly address the economic and energy crises triggered by the Middle East war. We also concurred on working together to reduce uncertainty in the global economy.

In addition, we confirmed our commitment to bolstering energy security by expanding our cooperation in the nuclear and offshore wind power sectors, while collaborating to secure safe maritime transport routes through the Strait of Hormuz.

At today’s summit, we reaffirmed, once again, the deep friendship that our countries have solidly built up over the past 140 years, and we renewed our firm commitment to create even more opportunities during the next 140 years.

Deepening the connections between our nations and widening the scope of our cooperation will enrich our peoples’ lives and bring about more opportunities for future generations. It will also greatly contribute to the resolution of shared global challenges.

Going forward, I look forward to communicating closely with President Macron and shaping a new future together over the next 140 years.

Once again, I sincerely welcome you to Korea, President Macron.

Thank you very much – merci beaucoup.