Category: MIL-OSI

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Housing Authority today said it will start inviting applications for the Sale of Home Ownership Scheme (HOS) Flats 2025, the Sale of Green Form Subsidised Home Ownership Scheme (GSH) Flats 2025 and the White Form Secondary Market Scheme (WSM) 2025 together in the second quarter of 2026.

The HOS 2025 and the GSH 2025 offer a total of over 9,700 new flats, while the WSM 2025 offers 7,000 quotas.

Flats for sale under the HOS 2025 include a total of over 8,300 flats in five new HOS developments in Kai Tak, Kam Tin, Tseung Kwan O, Ping Shan, and Tung Chung, with saleable areas ranging from about 26.1 sq m to about 52 sq m. Larger flats, with saleable areas ranging from about 41.2 sq m to about 52 sq m, will account for about a quarter of the total number of flats.

Flats for sale under the GSH 2025 include over 1,400 new flats from a new GSH development in Kowloon Bay, with saleable areas ranging from about 26 sq m to about 43.6 sq m. Larger flats, with saleable areas ranging from about 41.5 sq m to about 43.6 sq m, will account for about a quarter of the total number of flats.

Moreover, a new batch of recovered Tenants Purchase Scheme flats will also be offered for sale under the GSH 2025.

The selling prices of flats in the five new HOS developments range from about $1.5 million to about $4.8 million, a 30% discount from the assessed market values.

The selling prices of flats in the new GSH development range from about $1.68 million to about $3.54 million, a 40% discount from the assessed market values.

The authority has also reviewed the White Form income and asset limits with reference to the existing mechanism.

For White Form family applicants of the HOS 2025 and the WSM 2025, the income limit will be maintained at the same level of $60,000 per month as the HOS 2024 and the WSM 2024.

While the asset limit for White Form applicants should be slightly adjusted downwards to $1,220,000 according to the existing mechanism, the authority considers that it would be appropriate to provide applicants with a buffer and maintain the asset limits for WF family applicants and one-person applicants at the same level of $1,230,000 and $615,000 respectively as the HOS 2024 and the WSM 2024.

Regarding long‑term accommodation support for those affected by the fire at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po, the authority noted that the Government will conduct a comprehensive collection of residents’ views, carry out an analysis and formulate long‑term plans to help the affected families rebuild their homes.

The authority said it will exercise the utmost flexibility and will fully and proactively support the Government in taking forward the relevant initiatives.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

(To watch the full media session with sign language interpretation, click here.)

The Government will give landlords of units at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po an annual rental subsidy of $150,000 for two years, with the cash being paid in instalments of $75,000 every six months.

Deputy Chief Secretary Cheuk Wing-hing made the announcement at a media session this afternoon, stating that the measure is a sensible, practicable and effective solution.

“Many residents, actually, they wanted to have another option of a rental subsidy to be given to them, so that they can, from the private market, rent suitable accommodation which can fit into their daily routines, such as going to work, going to school, going to the doctor’s.

“Because many residents, they have lived in Tai Po for a long time, and they have their social network there, so if they stay in the transitional housings elsewhere in Hong Kong, they have this problem of social dislocation.

“And also we have surveyed the stock of our accommodation, public housing accommodation in Tai Po, and actually we do not have any more such units left. So, we think a sensible and practicable and effective solution is really to offer them this rental subsidy, which we think it is not an excessive demand. It is reasonable.”

The rental subsidy will also extend to landlords of units at Wang Chi House, the only block of Wang Fuk Court untouched by the fire. Mr Cheuk explained that this is because they are also affected due to residents not being allowed to return to the building yet. 

In addition, a one-off relocation subidy of $50,000 will be issued to both landlords and tenants to help them move to private accommodation. 

The subsidies will be disbursed from Monday in phases.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Government today released the first Chinese Medicine Development Blueprint for Hong Kong, outlining the vision for Chinese medicine (CM) development in the city.

The blueprint envisions a future that inherits the wisdom of CM while leveraging the Mainland’s extensive experience and resources. By integrating CM into a comprehensive healthcare system, Hong Kong will serve as a bridgehead for the international expansion of CM.

The vision will be realised by short, medium and long-term goals and action plans across key areas, covering five key domains with numerous goals and actions proposed.

These domains embrace the CM profession, its services, and cultural inheritance, as well as the development of Chinese medicines, and the “Go Global” promotion of CM by leveraging Hong Kong’s service model.

Unveiling the blueprint at a press conference today, Secretary for Health Prof Lo Chung-mau emphasised the Government’s commitment to the development of CM and noted that the blueprint aligns with the nation’s CM development strategies.

Commissioner for Chinese Medicine Development Vincent Chung said at the press conference that as far as clinical practice guidelines are concerned, the priority is to define the best practices in terms of CM diagnosis and treatment.

“We are going to create Chinese medicine practice guidelines and also pathways, and that will of course, number one, define what the best practices are in terms of Chinese medicine diagnosis and treatment,” he said.

As for the clinical pathway, an issue of concern is defining the different professionals to deliver the best services for patients, using overseas healthcare systems as references.

“In Malaysia, in Australia, in Singapore they have Chinese medicine practitioners being regulated and they are regulated healthcare professionals. They can actually make references to our model in terms of service development, so they can actually make use of their Chinese medicine resources and professionals better in their health systems, if we call it that way, and actually export our services model,” Mr Chung said.

He added that the other key area is Chinese herbal medicine standards and the testing technology being developed at the Government Chinese Medicines Testing Institute.

“These can actually help different countries and regions to advance their regulatory best practices and also to know how to apply this new technology in clarifying the quality of all these Chinese herbal medicines,” he said.

Prof Lo said that the Government will work closely with the CM sector to implement the blueprint’s recommendations in an orderly manner to provide comprehensive, quality CM services to the public.

Source:

[PRESS RELEASE 18 December 2025 Apia, SAMOA] – The latest round of funding from the Small Grants Programme (SGP) – funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) – will now benefit 57 communities whose project proposals have been successful.

These new projects will be funded by the Government of Australia through the Samoa CARES programme, which is implemented in partnership with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MNRE), and technical support from the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries (MAF).

A grant award ceremony and inception workshop was held on November 17, 2025 to help build these communities’ capacities in implementing their approved workplans and financial reporting.

One of the successful recipients, the village of Faletagaloa Safune in Savai‘i, welcomed the approval of their project saying it will contribute to environmental sustainability through the use of renewable solar energy. The project will also address critical lighting needs in areas of the village that are not currently connected to the main electricity grid, thereby enhancing community safety and overall wellbeing.

“We extend our profound gratitude to the Government of Australia, GEF, UNDP, and the SGP National Steering Committee for their leadership, commitment, and careful consideration in reviewing and approving our proposal. We look forward to the successful implementation of this project in partnership with all stakeholders,” said Tologataua Sioeli Alofaifo, Faletagaloa village and project representative.

A total of 113 applications were received during the Call for Proposals, reflecting widespread interest once again in the SGP mechanism.

“What has always stood out to the Australian High Commission is the way that the SGP (Small Grants Programme) projects innovatively combine elements of environmental protection with resilience building, economic opportunities, and social inclusion efforts – leading to holistic sustainable development outcomes,” said Claire McGeechan, Deputy High Commissioner,

Australia.

.

The selection of successful projects came after an intensive screening and approval process that was based on the technical assessment and recommendations from the SGP Technical Advisory Group and signed off by the National Steering Committee (NSC).

“I offer my warmest congratulations to the Community-Based Organizations that have been successful with their project proposals. Your success reflects your commitment, leadership, and your strong understanding of the needs of your communities and environment. These projects show that meaningful solutions to climate change and environmental challenges are best led by communities themselves,” said Paolo Dalla Stella, UNDP Officer-In-Charge.

END.

December 18, 2025

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     Following is the speech by the Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, at the Launch Ceremony of Aircraft Engineering Training Centre today (December 18):

Honourable Consul General of France (Consul General of France in Hong Kong, Ms Christile Drulhe), Mr Daniel Derichebourg (Group Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Elior Group SA), Mrs Vivian Cheung (Chief Executive Officer of the Airport Authority Hong Kong and Chairman of the Hong Kong International Aviation Academy), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
 
     Good morning. It is a memorable moment for us to be here for the launch ceremony of the Aircraft Engineering Training Centre. The presence today and the speech by Mr Derichebourg speaks for Hong Kong’s internationalisation. Today marks a major step forward in Hong Kong’s determination to rise as Asia’s first aircraft recycling and parts-trading centre.
 
     We will do so, I’m delighted to say, in partnership with Elior Group SA. Elior is a leading European aeronautic services company with international expertise in aircraft engineering, dismantling, high-value parts management, and more. Together, we have what we need to build a flourishing regional service supply chain, one that captures the full aviation life cycle.      
     This role is supported by an internationally recognised legal system, a simple tax regime, and a favourable business environment, making Hong Kong an ideal two-way investment centre – for Chinese Mainland companies expanding globally and for international firms accessing the fast-growing markets of our country and the larger Asian region.
      
     Our vital aviation industry embodies these compelling advantages. As a global aviation hub with a world-class airport and an extensive air-services network, Hong Kong has achieved remarkable success, particularly in air cargo – Hong Kong International Airport has been ranked the world’s number one air cargo volume airport 14 times since 2010. We are strengthening our position through airport infrastructure developments, like the Three-runway System, and by enhancing professional services such as aircraft leasing.      
     In achieving that goal, we will drive the development of related industries as well, including trade, insurance, finance, leasing and more, creating new job opportunities and long-term economic benefits for Hong Kong.
     And in securing the supply stability of aircraft parts for maintenance, we will ensure the long-term growth of the aviation industry in Hong Kong, our country and beyond.
      
     Realising these ambitions demands a steady supply of skilled aircraft maintenance mechanics and engineers. We entrust that to the Hong Kong International Aviation Academy, in collaboration with Elior.
      
     A world-leading civil aviation training institution, the Academy has trained nearly 400,000 trainees from Hong Kong, the Chinese Mainland and overseas since its establishment in 2016.
      
     As for Elior, it now has a team of expert professionals here in Hong Kong, involved in setting up the Aircraft Engineering Training Centre, which will offer programmes in aircraft engineering, maintenance and airworthiness management.
      
     The first course will be launched in the first quarter of next year, with more courses planned for later in the year. These specialised programmes will meet international benchmarks and industry needs.
      
     With Elior’s expertise and the Academy’s commitment to expanding aviation talent, I am confident that the Training Centre we inaugurate today will inspire a world-class talent pool, propelling Hong Kong’s emergence as Asia’s aircraft recycling and parts-trading centre.      
     I am grateful to Elior for its commitment to creating a mutually rewarding future with us here in Hong Kong, and throughout Asia. My thanks also go to the Academy and all the industry partners involved, for your contributions in turning this far-reaching vision into boundless reality.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source:

KEYNOTE ADDRESS by Honorable Prime Minister, Acting Minister for MNRE, Honourable Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Polataivao Fosi Schmidt

Reverend Denny Epati

Hon. Cabinet Ministers

Members of the Diplomatic Corp.

Excellencies

Distinguished Members of our local Communities, NGOs, Private Sector and Government Agencies

Talofa lava,

We gather today to launch Samoa’s Third Nationally Determined Contribution, or NDC 3.0 — a manifestation of Samoa’s continued commitment to global climate action under the Paris Agreement, despite our negligible emissions by global standards.

Climate change for us is a lived reality. And this NDC is a reflection of Samoa’s unwavering commitment to action and leadership.

NDC 3.0 is the result of an extensive national consultation process. It builds on the progress and lessons of our past NDCs — NDC 1.0 in 2015 and NDC 2.0 in 2021 — as well as the Pathway for the Development of Samoa 2022–2026 and our National Climate Change Policy 2020–2030.

It sets forth ambitious and measurable commitments: to reduce our national greenhouse gas emissions by one hundred and four point one one gigagrams of carbon dioxide equivalent (104.11 Gg CO₂e) by 2035; to expand our forests and mangroves; to strengthen food security; to address loss and damage; and to integrate gender equality across all sectors. These are not abstract targets. They represent our conviction that climate action and sustainable development are inseparable — that the path to resilience is the path to prosperity for Samoa.

Our adaptation goals are equally ambitious and deeply rooted in our identity as a people connected to both land and ocean. By 2035, Samoa aims to expand its mangrove forests by 5%, increase forest cover and the protection of our rainforests, develop climate-resilient crops, and extend community-based fisheries management to 80 percent of our coastal villages.

These actions are not only about conserving ecosystems — they are about protecting people, livelihoods, and the well-being of future generations.

We also acknowledge that there are losses that cannot be prevented. Samoa’s NDC 3.0 introduces a strengthened focus on loss and damage — improving data collection, building institutional capacity, and developing policies that enable our communities to recover and rebuild from climate impacts.

Our commitment to inclusivity is equally strong. Samoa knows that women, youth, and vulnerable communities are not merely beneficiaries of climate action — they are its drivers. This is fa’a Samoa in practice: shared responsibility, cooperation, and care for one another.

Samoa has done its part and will continue to do more — but our ambition relies on access to international support, climate finance, technology transfer, and capacity-building.

To our development partners here today, we say: let us turn commitments into action. For small island nations, predictable and sustained climate finance is not merely a development issue — it is a matter of survival.

I extend Samoa’s sincere appreciation to the United Nations Development Programme and the Climate Promise Initiative, the Global Green Growth Institute, and the NDC Partnership for their support in financing the development of our NDC 3.0. I also acknowledge our communities, non-governmental organisations, the private sector and government institutions for your collective efforts in shaping Samoa’s NDC 3.0. Fa’afetai tele lava.

Colleagues, I wish to reiterate that all these plans are naught without the blessing, guidance, and protection of our Lord. Samoa is founded on God, and in God we commit our efforts and plans. In Him we have confidence in our collective strength to lead by example.

I now declare Samoa’s NDC 3.0 officially launched. May God bless Samoa, and may our shared actions light the way toward a sustainable, resilient, and just future for all.

Soifua ma ia manuia.

SAUNIGA ALOAIA O LE TAIALA O LE SAO TUUFAATASIA A SAMOA 3.0 MO LE TUUITIITIA O AAFIAGA MAI SUIGA OLE TAU [11 Tesema 2025]

SAUNOAGA AUTU a le Afioga Palemia, Sui Minisita Matagaluega o Punaoa Faalenatura ma le Siosiomaga Honourable Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Polataivao Fosi Schmidt

• Susu lau Susuga ile Taitai ole Sauniga, Rev. Denny Epati, EFKS, Saanapu.

• Afifio Minisita ole Kapeneta ma Minisita Lagolago

• Malo Faaloalogia ma Paaga Faava-o-Malo

• Paaga galulue, sui o nuu ma afioaga, faalapotopotoga tumaoti, pisinisi ma Ofisa ole Malo. Susuga i tofi o nuu faapea sui tamaitai aemaise tupulaga talavou.

• Le mamalu ma le ma’ave eseese ua potopoto mai i lenei afiafi.

Malo le Soifua ma le Lagi e mama! Viia le Atua i lona alofa ma le agalelei ua mafai ona tatou feiloai ma le manuia i lenei afiafi.

E momoli atu le faafetai ile Taitai ole Sauniga, mo le upu faamalosiau, o lea ua tatou faanōnōmanū, sei tō manu mai lagi i le aso ma le faamoemoe. Alofagia e le Alii lau susuga ao feagai ai ma le tau’asuina o le vai ole ola I le nuu oloo aumai ai.

Ae o le auga ma le fa’amoemoe o le asō, ua tatou ofaga potopoto mai, se’i o tatou molimauina se tasi o sao taua a le tatou malo ma le atunuu i le tali atu i suiga o le tau ua iai nei; ua faaulutalaina o le Taiala o Sao Tuufaatasia a Samoa 3.0.

O le sini autu o lenei faamoemoe ina ia mafai ona galulue faatasi atunuu uma o le lalolagi e aofia ai ma atu motu laiti. O Samoa faatasi ma isi atu motu ole Pasefika o loo taulamua i taumafaiga e faaitiitia suiga ma’ale’ale o le tau e pei ona iai le si’isi’i o le sua tai, matagi malolosi, ma le aafiaga o faatoaga I le fesuisuia’i o vaitau o timuga. O nei taumafaiga o loo taulai lea ile faatapula‘aina ile 1.5 tikeri le mafanafana ole lalolagi mo se soifua manuia ma le maloloina o tatou tagata ma le siosiomaga.

O fesuisuiaiga o le tau ua iai nei ua tele tausaga o tatou molimauina. Peitai ane, tatou te le o nofoa’i ai ae ua tatou tapenapena i auala e tali atu ai ma faaitiitia ai aafiaga mai suiga ole tau. O lenei sao tuufaatasia a Samoa 3.0, o se taiala ua tuufaatasia ai polokalame a le atunuu faapea taunuuga e moomia ona ausia mo le isi 5 tausaga o lumanai. O le sao foi lea o Samoa i taumafaiga a atunuu ole lalolagi e tuuitiitia suiga ogaoga ole tau.

Ua iai nei lo tatou fa‘amoemoe ina ia fa‘aitiitia kasa oona e 104.11 kikakalama ile tausaga 2035, fa‘alautele vaomatua ma togatogo, siitia le tulaga ole fofoga taumafa ole atunuu, faalautele puipuiga o vaomatua faasao faapea le uunaia o avanoa tutusa mo itupa o alii ma tamaitai faapea i latou o loo iai manaoga faapitoa.

O loo ave foi le fa‘amamafa ile puipuiga o tagata lautele ma latou aseta e ala ile toe faaleleia o nofoaga ua faaleagaina poo le siitia foi i nofoaga saogalemu (Loss and Damage) ona o tulaga maaleale ole tau ua le mafai lava ona tali atu ai atu motu laiti pei o Samoa.

E ui ina laititi le sao o Samoa i kasa oona i le lalolagi ae o loo taulamua ile uunaia ole lalolagi e fai saofaga uma mo se lumanai manuia o tagata uma. O le talosaga ia tatou pa‘aga galulue faava-o-malo, ia savavali i a latou tautinoga e ala ile faatupeina o nei fuafuaga uma.

E fai ai a’u ma sui o le Malo o Samoa, e fa‘ailo le agaga o le fa‘afetai i tatou pa’aga galulue UNDP, Poloketi ole Climate Promise, Global Green Growth Institute ma le NDC Partnership. E momoli atu le faamalo i faalapotopotoga tumaoti, sui o nuu ma afioaga, pisinisi faapea matagaluega a le Malo na saofaga i lenei taumafaiga tāua.

E ia te au le ava tele, e faamaonia aloaia ai lenei Taiala mo lona faatinoga.

Tatou faafetaia ma viia pea le Alii ua taunuu ma le manuia lenei faamoemoe. Tuu ile Atua le faatinoga o lenei Taiala, aua o tatou lava na ole fuafua a o le Alii na te faataunuuina. O lo tatou faavae lena, e manuia ai mea uma tatou te faia aemaise Samoa ma ona tagata.

Soifua ma Ia Manuia.

December 18, 2025

Source:

1. PASSENGER INTERCEPTED AT FALEOLO REGIONAL AIRPORT – Friday 12 December 2025

Ministry of Customs border officers through a targeted operation identified the suspect upon arrival on the last flight from American Samoa on Friday 12 December 2025 and initiated a body search pursuant to the legal provisions under the Customs Act. Police assisted in the search due to suspect’s reluctance to cooperate.

During the search of the suspect, officers discovered a small bag concealed inside the suspect’s underwear, containing five packages, all of which subsequently tested positive for methamphetamine weighing 141grams. The successful interception of the five concealed packages demonstrates the determination of criminals to smuggle illicit drugs into Samoa through any concealment method including hiding it in their private areas.

A 32-year-old male of Vaitele and Nuu has been charged with Possession of Narcotics (Methamphetamine) and Importation of Prohibited Goods. A conviction for possession of Class A narcotics (Methamphetamine) carries a penalty of Life Imprisonment.

2.6 KILOGRAMS OF METHAMPHETAMINE CONCEALED INSIDE A BOX OF CHICKEN – Saturday13 December 2025.

This morning Ministry of Customs and Revenue intercepted and discovered 6.032 kilograms of methamphetamine concealed inside a box of frozen chicken at the Matautu Wharf. The shipment originated from American Samoa and was targeted for inspection based on intelligence. Officers discovered two vacuum packed packages of methamphetamine concealed inside the frozen box of chicken. The concealment method demonstrates the continued attempts by criminals to smuggle illicit drugs into Samoa through ordinary goods.

A 59-year-old male of To’omatagi has been charged with Possession of Narcotics (Methamphetamine) and Importation of Prohibited Goods. A conviction for possession of Class A narcotics (Methamphetamine) carries a penalty of Life Imprisonment.

These two cases mark the seventh methamphetamine interception at Samoa’s borders this year since the historic 9.4kilograms of meth intercepted in January.

JOINT STATEMENT:

The Chief Executive Officer of Customs and the Commissioner of Police jointly expressed deep concern over the continued attempts to bring methamphetamine into Samoa.

They emphasized the devastating impact of the drug on families, particularly young people, noting that addiction is escalating and can lead to severe harm and even fatalities. Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to protecting Samoa’s borders and ensuring the safety and well being of our people.

“Customs and Police remain committed in our determination to identify and dismantle drug networks. We will continue to work tirelessly to ensure all those responsible face justice and to ensure a safe, secure and prosperous Samoa”.

MCR and MPPCS cautioned individuals involved in these illegal activities to refrain from bringing drugs into Samoa.

Any individual or groups of people who persist, will face severe penalties including lengthy prison terms. These operations reflect the importance of close interagency collaboration in the fight against transnational crime as emphasized in its joint campaign, ‘‘Say NO to Illegal Drugs / Tetee atu i fualaau fa’asaina”.

Both leaders commended the professionalism and vigilance demonstrated by all officers involved, noting that the successful operations reflect the continued effectiveness of joint border security efforts.

The interceptions represent success in the ongoing fight against illicit drugs and highlight the importance of strong interagency cooperation in safeguarding Samoa.

December 18, 2025

Source:

The Ministry of Health wishes to formally respond to the Samoa Observer breaking news article dated Friday, 12 th December 2025, titled “Hospital generators kick in late.”

The article reported that the generator at the National Hospital, Motoʻotua, took almost 30 minutes to activate following a power outage, allegedly affecting patient care and medical services.

The Ministry confirms that this information is incorrect and provides the following verified technical report to ensure accuracy and transparency.

Verified Technical Findings – Power Outage at Motoʻotua (12 December 2025) On Friday, 12 th December 2025, at approximately 6:00pm, the hospital feeder experienced a power outage. Following a full assessment by the Ministry’s Maintenance Division, the findings are as follows:

1. Generator Activation Time

* The Tupua Tamasese Meaole (TTM) Hospital generator activated after a 47-second delay, in accordance with the system’s programmed settings.

* This timing aligns with the safety protocols established by the

manufacturer for essential health facilities.

2. Impact of EPC Power Fluctuations

* The EPC power supply was fluctuating significantly at the time of the outage.

* Due to these fluctuations, the generator required additional time to stabilize its voltage output before it could safely supply power to the hospital building.

* This is a built-in protective feature designed to prevent equipment damage, electrical hazards, and potential harm to staff and patients.

3. Load Transfer Safety Design

* The generator is not permitted to transfer load to the hospital while EPC voltage remains unstable.

* The system is designed to wait until all three electrical phases fully disconnect before taking over the building load. This prevents dangerous back-feeding or equipment failure.

4. Manufacturer’s Cool-Down Protocol

* During periods of fluctuation, the generator is required to undergo a cool-down period before shutting down.

* This is part of the standard safety configuration to preserve generator lifespan and ensure operational reliability during subsequent outages.

Assurance to the Public

At no point during the incident were critical patient services left unsupported for an extended period, as suggested in the article. The automated generator system functioned exactly as designed, prioritizing the safety of patients, staff, and hospital infrastructure.

The Ministry encourages media partners to verify information related to essential health services with the Ministry prior to publication to avoid unnecessary public concern.

The Ministry of Health remains committed to maintaining reliable, safe, and resilient health service operations for Samoa.

END.

Ministry of Health Samoa

December 18, 2025