Category: MIL-OSI

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Leisure & Cultural Services Department’s Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) Office has developed the mechanism and criteria to recognise the bearers of items on the Representative List.

Application forms can be downloaded from the ICH Office’s website from January 6 and can be submitted until March 2, 2026. The first batch of bearers is expected to be announced in 2026.

The office made reference to the national ICH representative bearer recognition and management system, as well as those of Guangdong Province and the Macao Special Administrative Region, while taking into consideration the needs of ICH inheritance in Hong Kong.

There are currently 24 items on the Representative List. Bearers are responsible for launching programmes to pass on these items, nurturing successors, preserving relevant physical objects and information, conducting research, and promotional or educational activities.

Applicants must be permanent residents of Hong Kong, and are required to submit information about their line of inheritance or mentorship background, as well as learning and practical experience. They must also provide information about their knowledge, core techniques, and achievements related to an item on the Representative List, as well as relevant supporting documents and evidence.

Applicants should also furnish information about their activities in inheritance and promotion, relevant physical objects and materials in their possession, as well as any other reference information relevant to the application assessment.

Assessment criteria include mastery of techniques, with a deep knowledge and thorough grasp of the core techniques of the item on the Representative List. Applicants should have more than 20 years of inheritance and practical experience in Hong Kong. As representatives of an item on the Representative List, they should also possess widespread recognition and influence within the region.

Additional criteria include playing a crucial role in passing on the item on the Representative List, actively engaging in inheritance activities, nurturing successors, and a readiness to promote the passing on of the item to the public. Applicants should be patriotic, dedicated and law-abiding, and demonstrate excellence in both moral integrity and practice of the item on the Representative List.

Applicants are required to submit the completed application forms together with the supporting documents in person to the Hong Kong ICH Centre located at Sam Tung Uk Museum, 2 Kwu Uk Lane, Tsuen Wan.

The ICH Office will provide a briefing session on the recognition mechanism and criteria for interested applicants at 3pm on January 12, 2026, at the Museum of History. Registration is required.

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

Presidential Office thanks Trump administration for announcing its second military sale to Taiwan
On December 17 (US EST), the United States government announced that it had notified Congress of the sale to Taiwan of an approximately US$11.1 billion military package that includes eight items: the Taiwan Tactical Network (TTN) and Team Awareness Kit (TAK) for the armed forces; AH-1W Helicopter Spare and Repair Parts and related equipment, M109A7 Self-Propelled Howitzers, additional procurement of High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) and related equipment, additional procurement of tube-launched, optically tracked, wire-guided (TOW) missiles, and anti-armor UAV missile systems for the army; Javelin Missile System and related equipment, and Harpoon Missile Repair Follow-on Support and related equipment for the navy. Presidential Office Spokesperson Karen Kuo (郭雅慧) stated on December 18 that the Presidential Office is sincerely grateful to the US government for once again demonstrating that it continues to fulfill its security commitments in accordance with the Taiwan Relations Act and the Six Assurances.
Spokesperson Kuo noted that this is the second arms sale to Taiwan announced during the Trump administration, once again highlighting the close Taiwan-US partnership and fully demonstrating the importance the US government attaches to Taiwan’s national defense needs. In the face of increasingly severe regional security challenges, she said, Taiwan will raise defense spending, as it is defined by NATO, to over three percent of GDP next year, and aims for this figure to reach five percent by 2030. She also noted that the government has previously proposed a special budget for enhancing defense, resilience, and asymmetric capabilities. The spokesperson stated that Taiwan will continue to reform national defense, strengthen whole-of-society defense resilience, demonstrate our determination for self-defense, and maintain peace through strength.
Spokesperson Kuo emphasized that peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and in the Indo-Pacific are indispensable to the security and prosperity of the international community. She stated that Taiwan will continue to deepen its partnerships with the US and other like-minded countries in order to safeguard the universal values of freedom and democracy and uphold regional peace, stability, and prosperity. 

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Chief Executive John Lee

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 am 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.

Hong Kong is a global city located at the heart of Asia. As a “super connector” and “super value-adder”, we add value to markets, capital, corporations and opportunities across borders and regions.

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.

Building on this robust aviation foundation, ladies and gentlemen, we are now focusing on making Hong Kong a leading aircraft recycling and parts-trading hub in the region. This will create jobs. They will be high-value jobs, better-paid and high-skill jobs.

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.

The training centre’s opening is only the beginning. We will work closely with Elior to identify other promising opportunities in the aviation industry. Together, we will soar.

Chief Executive John Lee gave these remarks at the Launch Ceremony of Aircraft Engineering Training Centre on December 18.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

As of noon today, donations received by the Support Fund for Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po had reached about $3.5 billion. Combined with the $300 million in startup capital from the Government, this takes the fund to a total of around $3.8 billion.

In terms of accommodation support, through the co-ordination of the Home & Youth Affairs Bureau a total of 632 residents had been housed in hotel rooms as of this morning, while 548 residents were staying in youth hostels/camps.

Another 3,439 residents are currently living in transitional housing units provided by the Housing Bureau or the Housing Society, or at Po Tin Interim Housing in Tuen Mun.

There is currently still an abundant supply of more than 1,000 units that can provide affected residents with longer term accommodation.

The transitional housing and Housing Society projects in various districts can altogether provide around 400 units at the moment.

In additional, Po Tin Interim Housing in Tuen Mun and Runway 1331 at Kai Tak can provide around 900 units.

The Government’s online platform for donated supplies has so far received over 1,900 registrations. More than 25,000 donated items, covering various categories, have been distributed to different places.

Source: Government of Western Samoa

ADDRESS by the Minister of Finance Hon. Mulipola Anarosa Ale Molioo

Susuga ile taitai o le sauniga, Reverend Ieti

Le mamalu o le Pulega o le Return to Paradise

Distinguished guests, Ladies and gentlemen

Talofa lava and warm greetings to you all.

Today is more than a celebration for Return to Paradise Resort—it is a celebration for Samoa, for our people, and for the spirit of unity that defines us.

This resort is a shining example of what happens when vision meets community. It stands proudly on customary land, supported by the Lefaga district and built through the courage and commitment of respected Samoan families. It began with one daughter of the village, Sua Lemalu Afamasaga Ramona Su’a Pale, who returned home after many years abroad—not for herself, but for her village, her district, and her country. That is the heart of Samoa: giving back so that others may rise.

Return to Paradise is more than a resort; it is a family. It is fully Samoan-owned and operated, and its success speaks volumes. From winning the Supreme Award of Excellence—the highest honor in our tourism industry—to the Robert Louis Stevenson Best Tours, Best String Band, Champion Cultural Group, National Champion Fire knife dancers, the Prime Minister’s Culinary Cup, and annual winner of the Trip Advisor Travelers Choice – placing Return to Paradise among the top ten percent of resorts worldwide. It is evidence of this resort’s commitment to embracing the Samoan hospitality. Guests don’t just visit—they become part of a family, embraced by daughters, sons, cousins, nephews, and nieces who share the warmth of our culture.

But the impact goes far beyond tourism. Every tala earned here stays in Samoa—supporting jobs, local businesses, farmers, taxi operators, and community initiatives. It funds scholarships for our youth, aids those with spinal injuries, and sponsors our beloved sports teams, including Samoa Rugby and Toa Samoa. It even leads in environmental stewardship, restoring coral reefs to protect our ocean for future generations. This is what people-centered development looks like—where success uplifts everyone.

Today, we welcome Radisson Individuals to our development journey. Your global reach will intensify what is already extraordinary, without changing the essence of who we are. You have committed to respecting Samoan ownership and operation, and for that, we thank you. Together, we will open new doors—training our people to gain internationally recognized qualifications, expanding opportunities, and sharing the beauty of Samoa with the world.

On behalf of the Prime Minister, and the people of Samoa, we say fa’afetai tele lava and welcome. This partnership is not just about business—it is about people, culture, and a shared vision for a brighter future.

May this be the beginning of a journey that honors our heritage while embracing the possibilities ahead.

Soifua ma ia manuia.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Department of Health (DH) today (December 17) reminded the public that, as announced on August 15, the Community Dental Support Programme (CDSP) will expand its scope of services starting from January 1 next year, adding new services, namely dental scaling, root canal treatment, removal of bridges and crowns, and fitting of removable dentures. The CDSP will also extend coverage to homeless individuals, further focusing on providing more subsidised preventive and curative dental services to the underprivileged in need. At the same time, the CDSP will also supplant the Community Care Fund Elderly Dental Assistance Programme (EDAP) that will cease to accept applications from January 1 next year.
 
With the expansion of the beneficiaries list of the CDSP to cover the homeless, social workers, through the service networks of non-governmental organisations (NGOs), will identify and assist eligible homeless individuals with the application documents and co-ordinate appointments with dental clinics. Eligible homeless individuals must be a holder of a Hong Kong identity card, be enrolled in the Electronic Health System (eHealth), and be a service user of any of the following services provided by the Social Welfare Department to street sleepers:
 

• Temporary Shelters;
• Urban Hostels for Single Persons;
• Integrated Services Teams for Street Sleepers; or
• Care and Support Networking Team (street sleepers only).

 
Additionally, each eligible service user may apply for subsidised dental services once every 180 days currently, the scope of which includes preventive and curative oral health and dental care services. Subject to the assessment by the attending registered dentist, each participant will be provided with specified subsidised dental services, including oral health assessment, medication for dental pain relief (when necessary), X-ray examinations, dental fillings or extractions. With the expansion of the scope of services effective from January 1 next year, each participant can receive dental scaling services and root canal treatment for one tooth every 365 days, and removal of one bridge or two crowns every 180 days. Regarding the fitting of removable dentures, each participant can receive the service up to two times, with an interval of at least five years in between. To ensure the proper use of limited resources to achieve greater cost-effectiveness and to allow the underprivileged to receive the most effective treatment services, removable dentures fitting service will only be available to eligible persons with fewer than 20 remaining teeth, who must first be assessed by a dentist as having difficulties in eating or chewing and whose eating ability could be effectively restored by the fitting of removable dentures.
 
The expanded CDSP will supplant the EDAP, which will cease to accept applications from January 1 next year. For details of the CDSP (including the administration fee and co-payment fee of services), please visit the designated website (www.communitydental.gov.hk). 
 
In March 2025, the DH launched the Primary Dental Co-care Pilot Scheme for Adolescents (PDCC), which serves as an interface with the School Dental Care Service by providing partial subsidies for dental check-up services for adolescents aged 13 to 17. It helps adolescents foster a long-term partnership with registered dentists in the private sector and enables them to build a lifelong habit of regular dental check-ups. Eligible adolescents can receive subsidised services once every calendar year. Currently, 572 private dentists are participating in the PDCC, with over 960 service locations. With school holidays approaching, the DH encourages adolescents to take advantage of the long holidays to participate in the PDCC and welcome the new year with good health and confidence. Members of the public may visit the PDCC webpage (www.communitydental.gov.hk/en/pdcc/introduction_of_pdcc.html) for more information.
 
The Government’s oral health policy aims to enable all Hong Kong citizens to enhance their oral hygiene and lifestyles. By adopting the strategies of developing community-wide preventive primary oral healthcare while providing essential dental care services targeting underprivileged groups in formulating the dental services, the Government aims to assist citizens in practicing prevention, early identification, and timely intervention for dental diseases. The CDSP and PDCC have collectively benefited over 10 000 eligible individuals.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     The Countryside Conservation Office (CCO) of the Environment and Ecology Bureau (EEB) today (December 17) announced the publication of guides to guesthouse and food business licence applications in countryside areas, which provides guidance for individuals interested in operating guesthouses or food business premises in countryside areas to apply for relevant licences.

     A spokesperson for the CCO said, “Many countryside villages in the New Territories offer both natural scenery and rich cultural heritage, and many members of the public pay visits to these areas during weekends and holidays. However, the number of guesthouses and food business premises currently operating in countryside areas is limited, as the process of licence applications can be challenging, given matters such as land and planning are involved. To assist individuals who are interested in operating guesthouses or food business premises in the countryside areas, the Government has set up an interdepartmental Task Force on Guesthouse and Food Business Licences in Countryside Areas. The Task Force has enhanced and rationalised the implementation details and steps of the relevant processes and formulated a series of streamlined measures covering planning, land, and licensing matters, taking into account the uniqueness of the rural settings. The CCO has compiled these measures into the guides, listing out key points-to-note in the process of licence applications, and providing contact information of the relevant departments.”
     
     The streamlined measures put forward by the Government include:
 

• Based on the requirements of the relevant statutory Outline Zoning Plans (OZPs), for New Territories Exempted Houses (NTEHs) constructed by virtue of the Buildings Ordinance (Application to the New Territories) Ordinance within the land use zone of “Village Type Development”, including those NTEHs built after 1961, operating a food business on their ground floor is always permitted, without the need to apply for planning permission. Villagers may commence business upon obtaining a valid licence;

 

• For existing Old Village Houses (OVHs) eligible for guesthouse/food business licence applications, Short Term Tenancy (STT) rental and Short Term Waiver (STW) fees arising from encroachment on government land or breach of lease conditions will only begin to accrue from the date when the business licence is issued, and the payment of a one-off administrative fee for applying STT and STW is waived;

 

• A series of templates and checklists for tackling town planning and land matters have been prepared to help villagers and operators better understand the licensing requirements and procedures, thereby saving costs and time;

 

• A “Third party certification” template and prescribed form for certifying OVHs’ structural stability have been prepared; and

 

• A new mechanism has been established to assess existing septic tanks systems of relevant premises through “third party certification”, obviating the need to construct new ones.

     Since the formulation of the above streamlined measures, there have been guesthouses, a takeaway shop and a restaurant located in Lai Chi Wo, Yim Tin Tsai and Kuk Po respectively, having been granted relevant business licences. The Government will continue to facilitate the trade by further simplifying the food business licensing regime and expediting the approval process for applications for outdoor seating areas of restaurants, with a view to implementing the measures stipulated in the Chief Executive’s 2025 Policy Address. 

     The guides have been uploaded to the CCO website (cco.gov.hk/en/licensing).

Guide to Guesthouse Licence Application in Countryside Areas
www.eeb.gov.hk/sites/default/files/conservation/files/Full_GH_licensing_guide_en.pdf.

Guide to Food Business Licence Application in Countryside Areas
www.eeb.gov.hk/sites/default/files/conservation/files/Full_FB_licensing_guide_en.pdf.