Category: MIL-OSI

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[Editor’s Note- The following is a Press Statement from Prime Minister Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Polataivao Fosi Schmidt justifying why the Samoa Observer newspaper is temporarily suspended from attending his weekly Press Conferences.

The temporary suspension also applies for Ministers of Cabinet.]

PRESS STATEMENT FROM THE PRIME MINISTER

[17th November 2025] – It has been nine weeks since the FAST Government assumed office. During this period, I have been abroad in New Zealand receiving medical treatment for the past eight weeks. I wish to address recent media coverage relating to my absence and other matters.

Over this time, I have observed several reports, particularly from the Samoa Observer, that have raised concerns regarding accuracy and fairness.

While I strongly support the principles of the public’s right to information and freedom of the media, it is important that reporting adheres to ethical standards and responsible journalism practices, given the significant role and influence media plays in informing our community.

I would like to highlight some specific instances for clarity:

a) In a week after my being in New Zealand, an editorial suggested a perceived division between myself and the Deputy Prime Ministers, which appeared to be aimed at creating discord during my absence.

b) An article regarding the chair I used during a meeting with the New Zealand Foreign Minister, which was flagged as fake. I sought clarification from the publication, but no supporting evidence was provided to the public.

c) An article quoting the Ministry of Foreign Affairs suggesting I was advised not to meet foreign leaders while under medical leave. This information seems to have been leaked, and its portrayal was aimed at undermining my authority as Prime Minister.

d) An incorrect follow up article reporting a meeting between the Deputy Prime Minister and the CEO of Foreign Affairs and the CEO of the Prime Minister, allegedly to discuss the advice for me not to engage in meetings while on medical leave.

The incorrect article was officially corrected by the MPMC Chief Executive labelling it as a “phantom meeting” because it never took place.

Secondly the newspaper reporter never sought comments from the government officials implicated to verify if the report was factual and correct.

A correction was requested but to date the Samoa Observer has failed to publish a correction or retraction.

e] Most recently, on Saturday, 16 November, after returning home, I experienced an invasion of my privacy when three newspaper reporters and photographers trespassed and accessed my private residence without invitation, despite being stopped by police at the gate. Their approach was rude, arrogant, and invasive and lacked respect for personal privacy.

While I recognise the competitive nature of the media, it is vital however that this does not come at the expense of accuracy, fair, factual and responsible journalism, especially given the influence media has on public perception and trust.

There have been cases where stories have been published without sufficient factual verification or a chance for those involved to respond, which I believe is fundamental to fair reporting.

Given that the media operates within a self-regulatory framework and has a Media council, I hope the Council can examine these concerns and consider how these issues can be addressed to promote responsible journalism and uphold the standards we expect from our media.

In the light of these experiences, I have decided to temporarily suspend this newspaper from my press engagements starting today.

I remain committed however to a free and vibrant press. But it is essential that media outlets uphold standards or ethical journalism, respect, and fairness. Our cultural value of fa’aaloalo- respect-is central to our society, and I encourage the media to reflect this in their approach.

I am hopeful that these concerns will be acknowledged, and I remain open to reconsidering this decision should the media demonstrate a renewed commitment to responsible and factual reporting.

Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Polataivao Fosi Schmidt

PRIME MINISTER

November 18, 2025

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REMARKS by the Hon. Acting Prime Minister, Toelupe Maoiautele Poumulinuku Onesemo

Lau Afioga, Tuimaleali’ifano Va’aleto’a Sualauvi II ma lau Masiofo,

Lau Susuga Reverend Raymond Betham,

Members of the Council of Deputies ma outou Faletua

Ministers of Cabinet,

The Chief Justice and Members of the Judiciary,

Honourable Speaker,

Leader of the Opposition,

Members of Parliament,

British High Commissioner,

Your Excellency, Mr. Gareth Hoar and your good lady,

Members of the Diplomatic Corps,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

It is an honor for me to join you all at this evening’s reception to celebrate the 77th birthday of His Majesty King Charles III.

On behalf of the Government and the People of Samoa, I extend through you, High Commissioner, Your Excellency, Gareth Hoar, our sincere congratulations and best wishes to His Majesty for continued good health, happiness and prosperity.

His Majesty’s official birthday was celebrated in June with the Trooping the colours ceremonial event, a remarkable tradition to mark the official celebration of the birthday of the reigning monarch of the United Kingdom for over 260 years. This evening’s celebration is of great significance, it is a day when the people of the United Kingdom unite in expressing their loyalty, admiration and gratitude to a Sovereign whose leadership, wisdom and compassion have guided the nation with strength and dignity. The official birthday of His Majesty is not merely a celebration of a personal milestone, but a national occasion that reflects the United Kingdom’s rich history and legacy, achievements and aspirations for the future.

Some of our generations can recall having a large part of their educational life under the tutelage of teaching professionals from the United Kingdom, who besides leaving a legacy of a sound educational foundation for the children of Samoa but also introduced extra-curricular activities as Brownies, Girl Guides and Boy Scouts at the Anglican compound as well as the introduction of soccer and the nine -a -side netball at secondary level. Many people sang the “God Save the Queen’ anthem until 1962. This occasion provides an opportunity for us to reflect on how far we have come in our relations and partnerships with the United Kingdom towards the achievement of our common goals, of peace and prosperity for our respective countries and people.

Samoa and the United Kingdom have enjoyed cordial relations since the establishment of diplomatic relations in the last 55 years. Our relations are built on mutual respect, through our common history, our shared values and support for global goals of peace, security and prosperity.

We recall fondly Their Majesties State visit to Samoa in October 2024, during the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), which Samoa proudly hosted. It was His Majesty’s first visit to the Pacific region since his coronation as King in May 2023 and his first CHOGM as Head of the Commonwealth. The visit has further strengthened our collaboration in cultural exchanges, environmental protection and education. The highlight was the bestowal of the honorary titles of “Tui Taumeasina” from the village of Moata’a and “To’aiga oTumua” from Siumu, reflecting the high respect the people of Samoa hold for the UK monarchy.

Today we continue collaboration in the education sector, through the Chevening and Commonwealth Scholarship programmes. The recipients of these programmes have pursued higher education in the United Kingdom returning with valuable skills and experiences contributing to and scaling up the cadre of skilled professionals essential for building our labour force.

The United Kingdom has also extended its support to enhance our governance and anti-corruption efforts through multilaterally-led project initiatives and programs, providing specialized training aimed at strengthening institutional capacity.

Our cooperation also includes trade and economic development through the UK-Pacific Interim Economic Partnership Agreement (IEPA) that ensures trade continuity and support opportunities for Samoa exports.

The Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) 2024 stood as a significant testament to the enduring partnership between Samoa and the United Kingdom. The gathering highlighted our shared commitment to advancing common agendas and addressing multilateral challenges. During this historic meeting, Commonwealth nations adopted the Apia Commonwealth Ocean Declaration for One Resilient Common Future, a landmark agreement reaffirming our joint dedication to sustainable and resilient ocean stewardship. We acknowledge the United Kingdom’s assistance during the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, with the deployment of the Royal Navy HMS Tamar to provide support in partnership with Australia, New Zealand, and our Police force to ensure security and safety of our CHOGM guests in particular, Their Majesties.

As we commemorate the birthday of His Majesty King Charles III this evening, let us also celebrate the friendship between Samoa and the United Kingdom.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Please raise your glasses and join me in proposing a toast,

“To the good health and long life of His Majesty King Charles III, and to the warm friendship between Samoa and the United Kingdom. Ia Manuia!”

November 18, 2025

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     Following is the speech by the Secretary for Transport and Logistics, Ms Mable Chan, at the Hong Kong Maritime and Port Development Board Flagship Session – Hong Kong: A Global Maritime Capital today (November 18):

Dr Moses Cheng (Chairman of the Hong Kong Maritime and Port Development Board), distinguished industry leaders, partners, friends,       
     Ladies and gentlemen, the course is charted, the consensus is clear, and the capital is ready. In Hong Kong, if not other places. In Hong Kong, you can find more than just a port or a financial centre; you can find your strategic gateway for your green maritime finance capital, with our financial firepower to fund your ambitions, physical bunkering and trading hubs to power your vessels, and the regulatory certainty and global partnerships and a marketplace to de-risk your investments. The tides of change are not a threat to be weathered, but a powerful current we can harness together. We have the strategy, the ecosystem, and the unwavering commitment to succeed. So let me conclude with a clear invitation: Do not just navigate this transition – lead it from Hong Kong. Anchor your sustainable future here, and let us work in partnership to steer the global maritime industry towards a more prosperous and resilient zero-carbon future. Thank you very much.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The tender for a non-industrial site in Tsuen Wan has been awarded on a 50-year land grant at a premium of $2.475 billion, the Lands Department announced today.

Town Lot No. 441, at the junction of Wing Shun Street and Texaco Road, was awarded to Fast Mighty, a subsidiary of Chinachem Group Holdings.

It has a site area of about 6,515 sq m and is designated for non-industrial purposes excluding use as a godown, hotel and petrol filling station.

The site’s minimum and maximum gross floor areas are 24,757 sq m and 40,393 sq m.

Both exclude the gross floor area for government accommodation, namely a centre for home care services for frail seniors, a residential special childcare centre and a lay-by, to be constructed by the purchaser under the conditions of sale.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The presentation ceremony of Hong Kong’s NextGen Logistician Awards 2025 was held today (November 18) during the Asian Logistics, Maritime and Aviation Conference 2025, recognising young talent in the logistics industry who have made significant achievements and shown remarkable potential in innovative, high-end, smart and green logistics.
 
     The Awards is an annual event for the logistics industry advocated by the Transport and Logistics Bureau in the Action Plan on Modern Logistics Development, and is co-organised by various sectors of Hong Kong’s logistics trade with the support of the Hong Kong Logistics Development Council (LOGSCOUNCIL). It aims to commend outstanding young logisticians and, through the success stories of the award winners, introduce new development directions of modern logistics to the public with a view to attracting more young people to join the industry to propel its continual growth. Following the success of its inauguration in 2024, the Awards returned in its second edition this year.
 
     Speaking at the ceremony, the Under Secretary for Transport and Logistics, Mr Liu Chun-san, said that he was glad to see the awardees this year representing a wide range of sectors, including e-commerce fulfilment, engineering, technological innovation, container terminal operation and cargo handling. That reflects the multidisciplinary and cross-sector nature of Hong Kong’s logistics-hub status. He emphasised that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government will continue nurturing logistics talent through various talent development initiatives, including sponsoring promotion activities, providing job-shadowing and internship placements, and organising school talks and visits to logistics companies for primary and secondary school students, with a view to arousing the younger generation’s interest in modern logistics and encouraging them to consider joining the sector in future.
 
     Mr Liu also said that the active participation of industry stakeholders and legislative councilors is indispensable to the development of Hong Kong’s logistics industry. Therefore, he encouraged all voters to cast votes on the polling day of the Legislative Council General Election on December 7 to elect representatives who are capable of and dedicated to contributing to a better future for Hong Kong.
 
     This year’s Awards featured two categories. A judging panel comprising representatives from the Government, LOGSCOUNCIL and logistics leaders selected the following five winners (in no particular order) through a two-stage adjudication process according to five major criteria, namely professional accomplishments, individual contributions and commitment to the logistics industry, continuous learning and self-development, leadership and pioneering endeavours/being an industry first-mover:
 
Young Professional Award:

• Mr Cheung Horace Esmond (Aerovision Technology Limited)
• Mr Sin Ka-yin, Sky (Hongkong International Terminals)
• Mr Leung Pak-hong, Jeffrey (Hong Kong Air Cargo Terminals Limited)

Young Executive Award:

• Mr Chan Chi-yuen, Adrian (Hong Kong YunExpress Logistics Limited)
• Ms Lai Tsz-man, Karen (Ove Arup & Partners HK Limited)

     Ahead of the ceremony, a student sharing session was held to connect the awardees with student participants, offering insights into awardees’ career journeys and experiences in overcoming challenges, thereby inspiring the next generation to explore opportunities in logistics.
 
     For more information about the Hong Kong’s NextGen Logistician Awards 2025, please visit www.nextgenawards.org.hk/en/

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Air Accident Investigation Authority (AAIA) today (November 18) released the Preliminary Report and Public Notice PLR-2025-04 on an accident involving a Boeing 747-481 BDSF freighter aircraft (registration mark TC-ACF) operated by ACT Airlines (on behalf of Emirates SkyCargo), which veered off the runway at Hong Kong International Airport on October 20, 2025.

A spokesperson for the AAIA said that the Preliminary Report has been published to provide factual information established in the investigation’s early-evidence collection phase to both the aviation industry and general public in a timely manner, and should be regarded as tentative. The full report is available for download from the AAIA webpage (www.tlb.gov.hk/aaia/eng/investigation_reports/index.html).

“The investigation team is conducting a detailed analysis of the data and information collected in order to determine the circumstances and causes of this accident, with a view to preventing a recurrence in conjunction with identifying areas for further investigation or lines of inquiry to follow up,” the spokesperson said.

The AAIA, an independent investigation authority formed under the Transport and Logistics Bureau, is responsible for the investigation of civil aircraft accidents and incidents in accordance with the Hong Kong Civil Aviation (Investigation of Accidents) Regulations (Cap. 448B) and with reference to the International Civil Aviation Organization’s standards.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

Following is the speech by the Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, at the International Forum on China’s Economy and Policy 2025 today (November 18):

Honarable Doctor Zhao Zhimin (Secretary-General of Chinese Academy of Social Sciences), Nobel laureate Professor Joseph Stiglitz, (University Professor of Columbia University; Nobel Memorial Prize Laureate in Economic Sciences), distinguished speakers, ladies and gentlemen,

Good morning. Welcome to Hong Kong, and to the International Forum on China’s Economy and Policy 2025.

My thanks, first of all, to the organisers affiliated with the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences: the National Academy of Economic Strategy and the Chinese Institute of Hong Kong; to the co-organisers from three universities in Hong Kong; and to all the heavyweight speakers here today.

This forum is convened by the Chief Executive’s Policy Unit, which is my think tank responsible for research and engagement on long-term, strategic issues.

It works closely with academia and other think tanks, contributing rigorous analyses and innovative ideas that enhance Hong Kong’s economic resilience and ongoing vibrancy. It is precisely this mission that makes this forum so valuable to us.

I understand that nearly 500 of you are here with us to discuss this year’s theme: “Economic Transformations in a Multipolar World”. Given today’s complex global economy, it’s a particularly timely topic.

The forum, and its expert speakers, will examine the challenges facing today’s global economy. It will assess China’s economic strategy and the sustainable development model for regional economic co-operation. To contribute to that discussion, I would like to share three main points with you today.

First, China, our country, is solidly on a path of high-quality development, creating a stable platform for global growth.

In the face of the global economy’s distressing instability – the rise of protectionism and unilateralism – our country continues its focus on high-quality development, achieving groundbreaking progress.

The world’s second-largest economy, our country contributes more than one-third of global economic growth. China’s expanding trade and capital flows help buoy the economy of the region and the world at large. Its fundamentals remain sound, thanks to a vast domestic market and the robust policies in place to withstand external challenges.

This year marks the conclusion of our country’s 14th Five-Year Plan, and preparation for the 15th Five-Year Plan is well underway.

The fourth Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China concluded last month, in Beijing, setting a key objective for the next five years, among other goals, to achieve significant advancements in high-quality development, with fresh policy pledges poised to reaffirm the country as a crucial anchor of stability and a source of opportunities for the global economy.

Second, as a part of this national endeavour, the Hong Kong SAR (Special Administrative Region) is proud to contribute with its own unique advantages.

Under the “one country, two systems” principle, Hong Kong enjoys the dual advantage of having both national and global opportunities. Despite the chaos in the global economy, Hong Kong’s third-quarter performance was robust, thanks to a continuing surge in exports and sustained expansion in domestic demand.

Looking ahead, the Hong Kong economy should see further solid growth, supported by sustained moderate global economic growth, vibrant financial market activity, interest rate cuts in the US (United States), a continued increase in visitor arrivals, and so on.

In fact, Hong Kong has long shone as a resilient and resourceful economy, one of the world’s most competitive in the many sectors we commit to. Confidence is getting stronger and stronger. And the world has recognised our achievements.

This year’s World Competitiveness Yearbook ranked Hong Kong third in the world, up two places from last year. The Fraser Institute once again ranked Hong Kong as the world’s freest economy, number one, and we placed third in the latest Global Financial Centres Index, just two points back of New York, one behind London – and tops in Asia.

These, and other international kudos, highlight our economic strengths, long supported by the rule of law and a common law system that dovetails with most global financial hubs. That provides the critical assurances investors demand and take confidence in.

Our determination to build on these strengths is reflected in the theme of my Policy Address this year: “Deepening Reforms for Our People, Leveraging Our Strengths for a Brighter Future”. It serves as a roadmap for our economic progress, our pursuit of diversified development, and our determination to improve the livelihood of the people of Hong Kong. In doing so, I am confident we will accelerate our advancement from stability to prosperity.

This brings me to my third point. Hong Kong’s unparalleled advantages are not just for our own benefit – they equip us to play a critical role in global economic transformations.

In these times of economic uncertainty, Hong Kong remains a financial harbour wide open to the world, to free and unfettered trade, thanks to our role as a “super connector” and “super value-adder”, building bridges for a world of mutual opportunity.

We hold fast to the belief that free trade is the answer to boosting global output – the critical element in creating a more interconnected, productive and peaceful world economy.

This belief is put into practice through our role as the paramount destination both for Chinese companies looking to access offshore capital and for the world seeking the Chinese Mainland’s deep capital market.

As of last year, more than 2 600 Chinese Mainland enterprises had established operations in Hong Kong. Our Task Force on Supporting Mainland Enterprises in Going Global, launched last month, will co-ordinate efforts to help mainland enterprises connect, more efficiently, with global markets and buyers, taking advantage of our world-class financial and professional services.

As an international financial, shipping and trade centre, Hong Kong has the infrastructure and services to support international trade at the highest levels. Our ports, airports and logistics systems boost trade flow efficiency, supporting cross-boundary e-commerce and supply chains designed for the flourishing future we are surely building.

Hong Kong, after all, is China’s most internationalised city. We offer the world a market-friendly business environment, replete with business and investment advantages unmatched by any other city anywhere in the world. We are working now, proactively, to align ourselves with the 15th Five-Year Plan, fulfil Hong Kong’s responsibilities and seize the plentiful opportunities there for us – for all of us.

Ladies and gentlemen, Hong Kong is ready to contribute to the “economic transformations” you will discuss. I wish you all a rewarding forum, the best of business in the coming year, and an enjoyable stay in our Asia’s world city – Hong Kong. Thank you.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) today (November 18) released the third batch of gravidtrap indexes and density indexes for Aedes albopictus in November, covering 13 survey areas, as follows:

District	Survey Area	November 2025
		First Phase Gravidtrap Index	First Phase Density Index
Central and Western	Sheung Wan and Sai Ying Pun	0.0%	N/A
Southern	Pokfulam	0.0%	N/A
Sham Shui Po	Sham Shui Po East	0.0%	N/A
Kowloon City	Ho Man Tin	1.9%	1.0
Wong Tai Sin	Ngau Chi Wan	0.0%	N/A
Tai Po	Tai Po West	0.0%	N/A
Yuen Long	Yuen Long Town	5.3%	1.0

District	Survey Area	November 2025
		Area Gravidtrap Index	Area Density Index
Islands	Tung Chung	0.0%	N/A
Sham Shui Po	Cheung Sha Wan	0.0%	N/A
	Lai Chi Kok	0.0%	N/A
Sai Kung	Tseung Kwan O West	0.0%	N/A
Tsuen Wan	Sheung Kwai Chung	0.9%	1.0
Kwai Tsing	Lai King	0.0%	N/A

Among the third batch of First Phase Gravidtrap Indexes covering seven survey areas and Area Gravidtrap Indexes covering six survey areas in November, all were below 10 per cent.

The FEHD has so far released three batches of gravidtrap indexes for Aedes albopictus in November 2025, covering 31 survey areas. Among these 31 survey areas, 22 recorded a decrease or remained unchanged in the individual gravidtrap index as compared to the Area Gravidtrap Index last month, i.e. October 2025, representing that the areas’ mosquito infestation improved or maintained a low level. Nine other areas recorded a slight increase, but the indexes were lower than 10 per cent.

Public participation is crucial to the effective control of mosquito problems. The FEHD appeals to members of the public to continue to work together in strengthening personal mosquito control measures, including:

• tidy up their premises and check for any accumulation of water inside the premises;
• remove all unnecessary water collections and eliminate the sources;
• check household items (those placed in outdoor and open areas in particular), such as refuse containers, vases, air conditioner drip trays, and laundry racks to prevent stagnant water;
• change the water in flower vases and saucers of potted plants at least once every seven days;
• properly cover all containers that hold water to prevent mosquitoes from accessing the water; and
• properly dispose of articles that can contain water, such as empty lunch boxes and cans.

Starting in August this year, following the completion of the surveillance of individual survey areas, and once the latest gravidtrap index and the density index are available, the FEHD is disseminating the relevant information through press releases, its website, and social media. It aims to allow members of the public to quickly grasp the mosquito infestation situation and strengthen mosquito control efforts, thereby reducing the risk of chikungunya fever (CF) transmission.

​Following the recommendations from the World Health Organization and taking into account the local situation in Hong Kong, the FEHD sets up gravidtraps in districts where mosquito-borne diseases have been recorded in the past, as well as in densely populated places such as housing estates, hospitals and schools to monitor the breeding and distribution of Aedes albopictus mosquitoes, which can transmit CF and dengue fever. At present, the FEHD has set up gravidtraps in 64 survey areas of the community. During the two weeks of surveillance, the FEHD will collect the gravidtraps once a week. After the first week of surveillance, the FEHD will immediately examine the glue boards inside the retrieved gravidtraps for the presence of adult Aedine mosquitoes to compile the Gravidtrap Index (First Phase) and Density Index (First Phase). At the end of the second week of surveillance, the FEHD will instantly check the glue boards for the presence of adult Aedine mosquitoes. Data from the two weeks of surveillance will be combined to obtain the Area Gravidtrap Index and the Area Density Index. The gravidtrap and density indexes for Aedes albopictus in different survey areas as well as information on mosquito prevention and control measures are available on the department’s webpage (www.fehd.gov.hk/english/pestcontrol/dengue_fever/Dengue_Fever_Gravidtrap_Index_Update.html#).