Category: MIL-OSI

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Transport Department said today that it will implement the Southbound Travel for Guangdong Vehicles (STGV) in an orderly manner and various measures are ready to receive Guangdong vehicles entering Hong Kong’s urban areas from December 23.

Starting from 0.00am on December 23, approved Guangdong vehicles with confirmed travel bookings may enter Hong Kong’s urban areas via the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge (HZMB) for up to three days per visit.

The department noted that the application response is positive. It will issue electronic permits and approval letters to the successful applicants accordingly.

It has arranged vehicle inspection centres to install the HKeToll vehicle tags for vehicles during inspection, and applicants are required to set up auto-payment means or top up their HKeToll accounts for toll payments.

Regarding vehicle and road safety, all Guangdong vehicles entering Hong Kong’s urban areas are required to undergo and pass a vehicle examination in accordance with Hong Kong requirements at the department’s designated vehicle inspection centres on the Mainland. The department has provided training to inspection personnel to ensure consistency in inspection standards.

The department has also released videos on driving in Hong Kong at inspection centres and on social media to introduce Hong Kong’s traffic rules, traffic signs and road markings, and points to note while driving.

In addition, HKeMobility launched the STGV dedicated page with new functions today to display, via a map-based interface, carparks with enhanced facilities supporting charging for Mainland electric vehicles and Mainland payment means.

To help ensure road safety and effective diversion, the department has liaised with operators of common navigation apps used by Mainland drivers and noted that they will update their Hong Kong maps with reference to HKeMobility and the transport and traffic data from the Government’s Open Data Portal to provide the latest information on parking and charging facilities.

The department will release information on carparks to provide convenience for Guangdong drivers in locating public and private carparks with enhanced supporting facilities across districts.

Furthermore, the department has commissioned an operator to set up the Lantau Charging Station and STGV Information Centre, providing convenient charging services for Guangdong electric vehicles entering the urban areas via the HZMB Hong Kong Port or before returning to Guangdong, along with the latest information on the STGV.

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] – Samoa has validated its Multi-Hazard Early Warning for All (MHEW4All) Roadmap on Wednesday 11th December, 2025; developed through collaboration among government agencies and partners. The roadmap supports the Early Warning for All (EW4All) special initiative of the UN Secretary General, which aims to spearhead action to ensure every person on Earth is protected by early warning systems by 2027.

The validation process brought together representatives from the government including the Disaster Advisory Committee members, sector ministries and NGOS. The validation ensured that the roadmap reflects national priorities; confirms that it gives Samoa a clear plan to strengthen an early warning system that focuses on protecting people.

The collaboration and verification also reconfirm that the roadmap outlines what actions to take and how to use resources effectively to make the system stronger.

Samoa’s Multi-Hazard Early Warning for All Roadmap (2026–2036) is a plan that guides the country in improving its early warning systems for disasters and emergencies.

It helps the government and communities, from national to village level, know what actions to take and where to invest money so warnings are faster, clearer, and more effective. MHEW4All Roadmap helps Samoa make disaster preparedness an essential part of long-term development.

It means building resilience not just through technology and systems, but in everyday life, so that all people are safer, better protected, and more able to recover when disasters happen.

The Roadmap aligns well with national strategies and global frameworks such as the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction and Samoa’s own Pathway for Development.

ENDS

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment Samoa

December 18, 2025

Source:

PRESS RELEASE December 17, 2025] – The United States Embassy in Samoa hosted a ceremony today to formally mark the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the United States and the Government of Samoa for the construction of a new Saina-Toamua School. The event was attended by U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Daniel J. Tarapacki and Samoa’s Chief Executive Officer of the Ministry of Education and Culture, Aeau Christopher Hazelman, who both delivered remarks highlighting the urgent need for this initiative.

With more than 600 students currently enrolled, Saina-Toamua Primary School faces significant challenges due to deteriorating facilities. Since May 2024, the U.S. Embassy has worked closely with the Ministry of Education and Culture and the school’s leadership to address these concerns and ensure the safety and well-being of students.

Through funding provided by the U.S. Overseas Humanitarian, Disaster, and Civic Aid program, the United States will support the construction of a new school complex featuring 16 classrooms, a library, a computer lab, a science lab, a principal’s office, a staff room, and separate toilet facilities for students and staff. The project also includes the safe demolition of the existing school, ensuring the new facility meets the highest standards and will serve the community for years to come. The total project cost is estimated at approximately 1.9 million USD.

“This investment reflects our shared belief in the power of education to transform lives and communities,” said Chargé d’Affaires Daniel J. Tarapacki. “By working together, the United States and Samoa are demonstrating our mutual commitment to the future of education and to the well-being of the people of Samoa.”

This project stands as a testament to the enduring friendship between the United States and Samoa, underscoring the values and strong ties that unite both nations. By supporting the Saina-Toamua community, the two countries are not only building a new school; but also strengthening their partnership for the future.

The United States extends its sincere gratitude to the Government of Samoa, the Ministry of Education and Culture, the school principal, and the entire community for their collaboration and trust. The new Saina-Toamua Primary School is expected to become a place of hope, learning, and opportunity for all.

End Release.

US Embassy Apia, Samoa

December 18, 2025

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