Category: MIL-OSI

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

Taiwan and the UK have enjoyed a longstanding and close partnership in the areas of energy and climate. The 7th Taiwan–UK Energy Dialogue and the 20th Taiwan–UK Renewable Energy Roundtable convened in London on November 26, further deepening bilateral cooperation and fostering new opportunities for industry.

The Energy Dialogue serves as an important platform for the exchange of knowledge and experience between Taiwan and the UK. This year’s discussions included offshore wind power policy, offshore wind project financing, and marine spatial planning. Meanwhile, the 20th Taiwan–UK Renewable Energy Roundtable focused on offshore wind port planning, subsea infrastructure, emerging marine energy technologies, smart grid integration, grid resilience, and energy storage technologies.

Vincent Chin-hsiang Yao, Head of the Taipei Representative Office in the U.K., and Lord Faulkner of Worcester, the UK’s Trade Envoy to Taiwan, opened both meetings and jointly witnessed the signing of a memorandum of understanding between Metal Industries Research and Development Centre and the UK’s Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult.

Representative Yao remarked that Taiwan and the UK share highly consistent policy directions on energy transition. He noted that the bilateral dialogues and the Enhanced Trade Partnership (ETP) agreement have laid a solid foundation for Taiwan–UK cooperation, and expressed hope for further deepening exchanges in the future.

Lord Faulkner congratulated Taiwan and the UK on the 20th anniversary of their cooperation in renewable energy, noting that the UK’s Industrial Strategy aligns with Taiwan’s 2050 Net-Zero Pathway vision. He expressed his confidence that both sides will surely continue to achieve new milestones together in the future on clean energy and in realizing net-zero targets.

Lee Chun-li, Director General of the Energy Administration, MOEA, stated that since the signing of the ETP in November 2023, Taiwan and the UK have continued to deepen their collaboration. As the bilateral cooperation entered the 20th anniversary this past June, Taiwan and the UK further signed the “Energy and net zero pillar of the Taiwan-UK ETP” under the ETP framework. He emphasized that Taiwan and the UK will continue to work hand in hand to advance the energy transition and move toward net-zero sustainability.

Simon Payne, Head of International Bilateral & Capability of the UK Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, stated that the UK passed the world’s first Climate Change Act in 2008 and continues to advocate for climate action internationally. He added, “We support Taiwan’s net-zero efforts and will continue to cooperate with Taiwan.”

The first session of the Energy Dialogue focused on offshore wind policy. Aidan Campbell, Head of Floating Offshore Wind of the UK Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, shared the policy reforms for the UK’s seventh offshore wind auction and the policy toolkits used to support the expansion of the UK’s floating offshore wind industry. Cheng Ju-ming, Deputy Director of the Energy Administration, MOEA, provided updates on Taiwan’s offshore wind deployment and the outlook for both fixed-bottom and floating offshore wind.

The second session addressed financing challenges for offshore wind projects. Shen Tien-chun, a project officer of National Credit Guarantee Administration at the Export-Import Bank of ROC, shared information on Taiwan’s credit guarantee mechanisms and the challenges faced by the market. Shyam Desai, Economic Director at the British Office Taipei, shared preliminary findings from a project in which the Carbon Trust worked with Taiwanese market stakeholders to identify opportunities for enhancing the financing environment. Additionally, Jack Hebb, Senior Business Origination Officer at UK Export Finance, shared the agency’s experience and case studies in financing Taiwan’s offshore wind projects.

The final session discussed Marine Spatial Planning and its importance for the deployment of clean energy and the conservation of biodiversity. Chloe Meacher, Head of the Marine Strategy and Spatial Prioritisation at the UK Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, shared the UK’s strategy on marine spatial planning. Chen Wei-te, Director of the Metal Industries Research and Development Centre, presented on Taiwan’s strategic priorities and future outlook for marine spatial planning.

At the “Taiwan–UK Renewable Energy Roundtable,” keynote speeches on renewable energy development and the net-zero transition were delivered by Sandra Li, Head of Offshore and Onshore Wind at the UK Department for Business and Trade, and Liu Tzu-yar, Chief Strategy Officer of the Green Energy and Environment Research Laboratories at the Industrial Technology Research Institute. For Topic One, “Offshore Wind Port Planning and Subsea Infrastructure,” presentations were given by Chung Cheng-hsien, Director of the Ship and Ocean Industries R&D Center, and Sam Strivens from Carbon Trust.

For Topic Two, “Offshore Wind and Emerging Marine Energy Technologies,” insights were shared by the UK’s Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult (ORE Catapult), the Marine Energy Council, and Chen Wei-te, Director of the Metal Industries Research & Development Centre.

For Topic Three, “Smart Grid Integration, Grid Resilience, and Energy Storage Technology,” joint presentations were delivered by Ho Ping-heng, Senior Grid Technical Engineer at Taiwan Power Company, and Peter Weston from Energy Systems Catapult.

This year represents a major milestone as the Taiwan-UK renewable energy partnership celebrates its 20 years of collaboration and exchange in renewable energy. We extend our sincere gratitude to our UK partners for their steadfast support and long-standing cooperation over the past two decades.

The experiences and expertise accumulated by both sides over this 20-year partnership have further strengthened bilateral ties and reflect our shared commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.

Looking ahead, Taiwan will continue to work closely with the UK to advance the development of green energy and jointly build a sustainable, secure, and net-zero energy future.

Spokesperson for Energy Administration, Ministry of Economic Affairs: Deputy Director General, Chih-Wei Wu
Contact Phone Number: 02-2775-7750, 0922-339-410
Email Address: cwwu@moeaea.gov.tw

Business Contact: Deputy Director, Ju-Ming Cheng
Contact Phone Number: 02-2775-7778, 0952-279-720
Email Address: jmcheng@moeaea.gov.tw

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     The Government announced today (December 24) the reappointments of Professor Chung Chi-yung, Ms Miranda Kwan Ching-yi, Mr Ma Tak-yan, Professor Jack Poon Sik-ching, Ms Siu Suk-yu and Mr Andy Wong Man-kit as members of the Consumer Council, as well as the appointments of Miss Kwok Chiu-ting and Dr Frankie Ngan Man-yu as new members of the Council, for a term of two years with effect from January 1, 2026.
 
     The Government also expressed gratitude to the outgoing member, Ms Veronica Fung Kit-ming, who is about to complete her tenure, for her contributions to various aspects of the Council’s work.
 
     The composition of the Council with effect from January 1, 2026, is as follows:
 
Chairman
———–
Mr Clement Chan Kam-wing
 
Vice-Chairman
—————-
Mr Tony Pang Chor-fu
 
Members
———-
Dr Kingsley Chan Hau-ngai
Ms Chan Hoi-yan
Mr Kenneth Chan Kin-nin
Ms Ivy Cheung Wing-han
Professor Chung Chi-yung
Professor Marshall Jen Hong
Ms Miranda Kwan Ching-yi
Miss Kwok Chiu-ting
Professor Lam Hon-ming
Mr Leung Shing-yum
Ms Leung Siu-ling
Dr Lin Wai-chi
Mr Ma Tak-yan
Dr Frankie Ngan Man-yu
Professor Jack Poon Sik-ching
Ms Siu Suk-yu
Mr Augustine Wong Ho-ming
Mr Wong Kin-wai
Mr Andy Wong Man-kit
Mr Selwyn Yu Sing-cheung, SC

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     The Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD) today (December 24) announced an adjustment to the auto-LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) ceiling prices for dedicated LPG filling stations from January 1 to January 31, 2026, in accordance with the terms and conditions of the contracts for dedicated LPG filling stations.

     A department spokesman said that the adjustment on January 1, 2026 would reflect the movement of the LPG international price in December 2025. The adjusted auto-LPG ceiling prices for dedicated LPG filling stations would range from $3.15 to $4.07 per litre, amounting to an increase of $0.10 to $0.11 per litre. 

     The spokesman said that the auto-LPG ceiling prices were adjusted according to a pricing formula specified in the contracts. The formula comprises two elements – the LPG international price and the LPG operating price. The LPG international price refers to the LPG international price of the preceding month. The LPG operating price is adjusted on February 1 and June 1 annually according to the average movement of the Composite Consumer Price Index and the Nominal Wage Index. 

     The auto-LPG ceiling prices for respective dedicated LPG filling stations in January 2026 are as follows:
 

Location of Dedicated LPG Filling Station	Auto-LPG Ceiling Price in January 2026 (HK$/litre)	Auto-LPG Ceiling Price in December 2025 (HK$/litre)
Kwai On Road, Kwai Chung	3.15	3.05
Sham Mong Road, Mei Foo	3.21	3.11
Wai Lok Street, Kwun Tong	3.27	3.17
Cheung Yip Street, Kowloon Bay	3.31	3.21
Ngo Cheung Road, West Kowloon	3.32	3.22
Yuen Chau Tsai, Tai Po	3.38	3.28
Tak Yip Street, Yuen Long	3.49	3.38
Hang Yiu Street, Ma On Shan	3.51	3.41
Marsh Road, Wan Chai	3.52	3.42
Fung Mat Road, Sheung Wan	3.54	3.44
Yip Wong Road, Tuen Mun	3.64	3.54
Fung Yip Street, Chai Wan	4.07	3.96

     
     The spokesman said that the details of the LPG international price and the auto-LPG ceiling price for each dedicated LPG filling station had been uploaded to the EMSD website (www.emsd.gov.hk) and posted at dedicated LPG filling stations to enable the trades to monitor the price adjustment.

     Details of the pricing adjustment mechanism for dedicated LPG filling stations can also be viewed under the “What’s New” section of the department website at www.emsd.gov.hk/en/what_s_new/current/index.html.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     The interdepartmental working group on festival arrangements, led by the Chief Secretary for Administration, released the following information today (December 24) on the traffic and public transport arrangements for the upcoming Christmas long weekend (December 24 to 28).

     During the Christmas long weekend, in anticipation of a large number of members of the public, visitors and cross-boundary vehicles visiting various land-based boundary control points (BCPs) during the Christmas long weekend, the Transport Department (TD) urged cross-boundary travellers to use public transport services travelling between Hong Kong and the Mainland or Macao and to plan their trips early and allow sufficient travelling time.

     The TD has co-ordinated with local and cross-boundary public transport operators (PTOs) to strengthen their services during the long weekend to accommodate diverse travelling needs of passengers, including:
 

• Increasing the frequency of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge (HZMB) shuttle bus (Gold Bus) to an average of about one minute during peak hours, if needed;
• Increasing the frequency of the Lok Ma Chau-Huanggang cross-boundary shuttle bus (Yellow Bus) to an average of about two minutes during peak hours, if needed;
• Increasing the quota of cross-boundary coaches to strengthen services;
• The frequency of local franchised bus B routes connecting various land-based BCPs will also be increased to a level higher than that of normal weekends, and the operators concerned will reserve sufficient vehicles and manpower to meet passenger demand; and
• The MTR Corporation Limited will enhance the train services of the East Rail Line between Admiralty and Lo Wu/Lok Ma Chau at different times during the above period to provide convenience for the travelling public and visitors.

     It is anticipated that the waiting time for public transport services including the Gold Bus and the franchised bus B routes may be longer. Passengers should make their journeys during non-peak hours, observe order while queuing and heed advice from on-site Police and staff of PTOs concerned. Passengers planning to take cross-boundary coaches are also advised to reserve their coach tickets in advance.

     Of note, motorists of cross-boundary private cars crossing the border are advised that, subject to actual traffic conditions, special traffic arrangements may be implemented at the Lok Ma Chau Control Point and the Shenzhen Bay Port during the above period to secure smooth access for public transport vehicles to the above control points. Cross-boundary private cars may need to queue up for a longer waiting time for crossing the BCPs during peak periods. Motorists should pay extra attention to variable message signs and traffic signs along the roads. In case of traffic congestion, they should remain patient and follow the instructions of on-site Police.

     For the HZMB, to plan their journeys ahead, members of the public can make use of the TD’s HKeMobility mobile app or website (hkemobility.gov.hk/en/traffic-information/live/cctv) to access snapshots of traffic conditions at inbound and outbound vehicle plazas of the HZMB Hong Kong Port. They can also check real-time situations of the vehicle clearance plaza of the Zhuhai Port through the WeChat official accounts “hzmbzhport” or “zhuhaifabu” (traffic-info.gzazhka.com:5015/#/) (Chinese only). Moreover, motorists are reminded to always comply with the traffic control measures implemented by the Zhuhai authority when driving on the HZMB Main Bridge. Vehicles shall not occupy the emergency lane unless instructed by the Zhuhai authority.

     The public and visitors may visit the one-stop information platform on immigration clearance “Easy Boundary” (www.sb.gov.hk/eng/bwt/status.html?type=outbound) launched by the Security Bureau or the TD’s HKeMobility mobile app for the latest information on various land-based BCPs more conveniently. The TD will provide information on the services and waiting times of the Gold Bus, the Yellow Bus and the MTR on the platform. Members of the public are advised to check the latest traffic news through radio and television broadcasts, the TD’s website and HKeMobility during the long weekend.

     The interdepartmental working group on festival arrangements is tasked with holistically co-ordinating and steering the preparatory work of various government departments for welcoming visitors to Hong Kong during the Christmas and New Year festive periods, as well as strengthening information dissemination to enable the public and visitors to plan their itineraries according to the latest situation.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     The Government today (December 24) launched an open tender for the tenancy for operating and managing the Kai Tak Cruise Terminal (KTCT) (Tender Reference: TC 1/2025). Tenderers with relevant experience and expertise are welcome to participate.

     The KTCT is an infrastructure specifically built for the berthing of mega-size cruise ships and is able to berth simultaneously two mega-size cruise ships with a gross tonnage of up to 220 000 tonnes each. The tenancy agreement with the current terminal operator will expire on May 31, 2028. Considering that international cruises plan their itineraries two years in advance, the Government is now launching the tender for the next tenancy to allow the terminal operator under the new contract to commence arrangements for cruise ship berthing as early as possible.

     The selected operator under this tender exercise will operate and manage the KTCT for a term of 10 years. The Government may consider extending the term for a further five years, subject to the operator’s satisfactory performance. To ensure that the selected operator possesses relevant operational experience and professional knowledge, tenderers must meet the essential requirements, i.e., at least three consecutive years of experience in operating and managing a cruise terminal facility within the past 10 years counting from the tender closing date, and experience in handling the berthing of cruises with gross tonnage of 160 000 tonnes or above.

     A spokesperson for the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau (CSTB) said, “The Action Plan on Development of Cruise Tourism under the Development Blueprint for Hong Kong’s Tourism Industry 2.0 states that the Government’s vision is to establish Hong Kong as Asia’s hub for international cruises. The smooth operation of the KTCT is vital to attracting more cruise ships to berth in Hong Kong and promoting the development of Hong Kong’s cruise industry. The Government is also committed to elevating the function of the KTCT as a cruise terminal for all and making good use of the terminal facilities.”

     Having reviewed the terms and conditions of the tenancy agreement with the terminal operator and consulted relevant stakeholders, the Government will make two main adjustments in the next tenancy agreement to boost the appeal and competitiveness of the KTCT:

(1) Consolidating the management of the KTCT

     To improve the management of the KTCT and enhance operational efficiency, the operator under the next tenancy agreement will, in addition to handling cruise-related matters, be responsible for managing the public space of the KTCT, including the podium gardens on the second floor and the KTCT Park at the rooftop. The Government earlier received 14 expression of interest submissions from commercial organisations, cultural and creative industries, sports organisations and young entrepreneurs on how to better utilise the space of the KTCT. Most expressed interest in leasing the ancillary commercial area and public space in one go. Private organisations or non-profit-making organisations can rent the public space of the KTCT for organising commercial and other activities, thereby promoting the KTCT for hosting more non-cruise and commercial events during the cruise low season and on days when fewer cruises berth there to better utilise the space at the KTCT.

(2) Introducing Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for the work of the terminal operator

     To strengthen the monitoring of the terminal operator’s performance, the Government will introduce the following four KPIs in the next tenancy agreement:

(i) the number of ship calls per year;
(ii) the number of non-cruise related events per year;
(iii) the number of visitors brought by non-cruise related events per year; and
(iv) the occupancy rate of ancillary commercial areas. 

     Taking into account that the terminal operator requires time to adjust and adapt to the terminal operation, the provisions regarding compensation to the Government arising from the operator’s failure to meet the targets will take effect from the third year of the tenancy agreement.

     A “two-envelope approach” will be adopted in the tender assessment. A weighting of 70 per cent will be allocated to the assessment of the non-price proposal and 30 per cent to the price proposal. The non-price proposal includes the aforementioned KPIs as well as the execution plan for the operation and management of the KTCT. The tender must comply with the requirements specified in the tender documents. The detailed assessment criteria are set out in the tender documents.

     Interested tenderers may download the tender documents from the CSTB’s website (www.tourism.gov.hk/en/tender_notice.php) or obtain the tender documents from the Tourism Commission (Address: 11/F, Hong Kong Li-Ning Building, 218 Electric Road, Fortress Hill, Hong Kong) during office hours. Tenderers must deposit the tenders by noon on May 22, 2026 (Friday), in the Government Secretariat Tender Box situated at the Lobby of the Public Entrance on the Ground Floor, East Wing, Central Government Offices, 2 Tim Mei Avenue, Tamar. Late tenders will not be accepted.

     For enquiries, please contact the Tourism Commission by email at ktcttenderenquiry@cstb.gov.hk.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     The Government announced today (December 24) the appointments to the new term of the Liquor Licensing Board. The two-year term will be from January 1, 2026, to December 31, 2027.
      
     Mrs Tennessy Lee Hui Mei-sheung and Mr Wong Tsz-sang have been appointed as the Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson respectively. In addition, seven other serving members, namely Dr Ho Chin-choi, Ms Ho Hang-yin, Mr Alexander Li Shing-kuen, Miss Lo Yuen-ting, Miss Sharon Tam Suet-yan, Mr Alex Tou Yat-lung and Mr Wong Kin-san, have been reappointed; Miss Li Ka-ying and Dr Theresa Kwong Fuk-ning have been appointed as new members of the Liquor Licensing Board.  
      
     The Secretary for Environment and Ecology, Mr Tse Chin-wan, said, “The Government is thankful for the contribution and support from the outgoing Vice-Chairperson Mr Chris Ip Ngo-tung, as well as member Mr Leung Chun, and looks forward to the members of the new term continuing to provide valuable advice to the Board with their extensive knowledge and experience.”
      
     The membership list of the new term of the Liquor Licensing Board is as follows:
 
Chairperson
Mrs Tennessy Lee Hui Mei-sheung
 
Vice-Chairperson
Mr Wong Tsz-sang
 
Members
Dr Ho Chin-choi
Ms Ho Hang-yin
Dr Theresa Kwong Fuk-ning
Miss Li Ka-ying
Mr Alexander Li Shing-kuen
Miss Lo Yuen-ting
Miss Sharon Tam Suet-yan
Mr Alex Tou Yat-lung
Mr Wong Kin-san
 
     The Liquor Licensing Board is a statutory body established under section 2A of the Dutiable Commodities (Liquor) Regulations (Cap. 109B). The main responsibility of the Board is to decide whether to grant applications to issue, renew, transfer or amend liquor licences. 

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     The Secretariat of the Green Tech Fund (GTF) announced today (December 24) that a total of six projects has been approved in the fifth round of applications, involving a grant of around $24 million. Together with the first four rounds of applications, the GTF has so far approved 39 projects, involving a total grant of around $171 million.
 
      129 applications were received in the fifth round of applications from December 2024 to March 2025. The six research and development (R&D) projects approved in this round of applications cover promoting hydrogen energy technology, turning waste into resources and developing coating technology for non-plastic products. They are:
 

• Hydrogen energy technology: Development of low-cost proton exchange membrane water electrolysers for producing green hydrogen; development of highly efficient and durable anion exchange membrane water electrolysers to reduce the production cost of green hydrogen; utilisation of active-flow membraneless electrolyser for direct seawater electrolysis for producing green hydrogen;

 

• Turning waste into resources: Development of an innovative sludge treatment system and utilising the waste generated in the treatment process, for the purpose of enhancing sludge treatment efficiency in sewage treatment works; utilisation of acoustic metamaterials made from recycled plastics in soundproofing and noise mitigation systems for data centres; and

 

• Non-plastic products: Development of innovative waterborne coating to enhance the barrier properties of the existing plant-based non-plastic tableware to water, heat and oil.

 
      The six approved R&D projects are listed in the Annex. Relevant details are published on the GTF webpage (www.gtf.gov.hk/en/project_information/approved_projects.html). These projects will help promote R&D as well as the application of green technologies in different areas, thereby expediting low-carbon transformation and helping Hong Kong strive towards carbon neutrality.
           
      The GTF Secretariat announced on December 1 that the GTF would be open for the sixth round of applications from December 1, 2025, to February 13, 2026. R&D projects that fall into four areas, namely net-zero electricity generation, energy saving and green buildings, green transport, and waste reduction, will be accorded priority. The GTF welcomes applications from local public research institutions and R&D centres, as well as local private companies to develop low-carbon and green technologies that cater for the needs of Hong Kong’s environment and market. The GTF Secretariat will hold a webinar on January 15, 2026, to introduce the application procedures and priority themes of the GTF. Details about applying for the GTF are available on the GTF website (www.gtf.gov.hk).

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     With Christmas and New Year holidays approaching, the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) today (December 24) reminded members of the public to pay attention to their health. Individuals should avoid excessive alcohol, salt, sugar and fat intake, and ensure adequate rest and sleep to prevent compromising the normal functioning of the immune system, which could make one more susceptible to illness. Regardless of whether they are staying in Hong Kong or travelling abroad for the holidays, the public should practise strict personal, food and environmental hygiene at all times, and get seasonal influenza vaccination (SIV) early. These measures can help prevent various infectious diseases that are more prevalent in winter or associated with travel.

     “During gatherings with family, relatives and friends, people often unknowingly consume excessive amounts of alcohol or sugary drinks, cakes, desserts, and crispy snacks such as potato chips and fried food. Additionally, the Hong Kong Observatory forecasts a drop in temperatures over the next two days, which may lead more people to enjoy hotpot. During hot pot meals, people tend to add substantial amounts of high-fat and high-salt condiments. Amid the festive atmosphere, I would like to remind the public that it is crucial to control the amount of food intake, opt for high-fibre and low-fat food (consuming more fruit and vegetable and choosing steaming or boiling over frying), reduce the consumption of high-sugar and high-salt beverages and pastries, and maintain food hygiene. Get adequate exercise and rest so you can enjoy the holidays while staying healthy,” the Controller of the CHP, Dr Edwin Tsui, said.
 
Stay away from alcohol
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