Category: MIL-OSI

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The Bureau of Industrial Parks demonstrates strong investment momentum. NT$174.5 billion in investment was injected to accelerate parks upgrades.

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

Amid the rapid restructuring of global supply chains, Taiwan’s industrial parks are increasingly becoming key hubs for advanced manufacturing and innovative R&D. The Bureau of Industrial Park (BIP) of the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) held the 2025 Investment Promotion Results Presentation on November 19, announcing that BIP had successfully facilitated 166 investment projects this year, with a total investment value reaching NT$174.5 billion. These achievements underscore Taiwan’s rising competitiveness in AI, semiconductors, and smart manufacturing, and highlight BIP’s proactive efforts to cultivate an attractive investment environment.
During the event, Deputy Director General Liu Chi-Chuan stated, “Industrial parks are not merely providers of land; they are partners in business growth. We will continue to enhance investment services and advance strategies centered on smart development, low-carbon transformation, and internationalization, making industrial parks the most trusted foundation for industry.”
Held under the theme “Shared Prosperity in Parks, Co-Creating Investment Value,” the event featured a ceremonial flag-planting to welcome the year’s leading investors. Participants included ASE Group, the global leader in semiconductor packaging and testing with annual investments exceeding NT$35 billion; Dynamic Computing Technology, a Foxconn Technology Group affiliate collaborating with NVIDIA to build a cutting-edge AI Factory supercomputing center; and Yung-Shine Electric, which invested NT$2.66 billion to expand its new plant and group headquarters-symbolizing continued investment expansion and successful entry into industrial parks.
The event also featured a testimonial from Ms. Li Shu-Xia, Senior Vice President of ASE Kaohsiung, who shared insights from the company’s investment experience. She noted that BIP’s one-stop service model and commitment to fostering a high-quality investment environment enable enterprises to operate with confidence. Looking ahead, ASE will continue to seize opportunities driven by rapid AI growth by further expanding advanced packaging and testing operations in the Nanzih Industrial Park. BIP, in turn, will remain a strong pillar of support for park enterprises, jointly ushering in a new chapter of industrial upgrading.
BIP emphasized that these accomplishments are the result of sustained cross-ministerial coordination and concerted efforts to remove investment barriers. By proactively integrating essential resources, such as land, power supply, and technical support, BIP has established a comprehensive support framework that enables enterprises to expand steadily within industrial parks while minimizing entry obstacles. Furthermore, BIP has systematically organized the core technologies and development directions of individual projects, allowing attendees to stay abreast of the latest industrial chain dynamics and clearly perceive the dual benefits of policy support and market momentum.
Looking forward, BIP will continue to focus on creating a more competitive investment environment and plans to release several new industrial park sites with strong development potential. These include Changpin, Chiayi Zhongpu, Tainan Sinshih, North Kaohsiung, Kaohsiung Software Park Phase II, and the expanded area of the Pingtung Technology Industrial Park. These new locations will provide diversified options for enterprises, meeting needs for industrial upgrading and factory expansion, and injecting fresh momentum into Taiwan’s industrial transformation.
Taiwan’s next phase of industrial development is being paved by these industrial parks. Investment promotion is not merely an accumulation of capital-it is a relay race of industrial value creation and national competitiveness. As more key enterprises establish operations in Taiwan, BIP continues to release favorable policies and land resources, sending a strong signal to domestic and international investors alike: Taiwan is ready to welcome the next wave of investment. Enterprises with land requirements are encouraged to contact the investment service hotline at 0800-020-018. BIP also sincerely invites industry leaders to continue expanding their investments in Taiwan.

Spokesman: Mr. Liu Chi-Chuan (Deputy Director General, BIP)
Contact Number: 886-7-3613349, 0911363680
Email: lcc12@bip.gov.tw

Contact Person: Wu, Shu-Fang (Acting Director of Investment Services Div., BIP)
Contact Number: 886-7-361-1212 ext. 302
Email: wusf@bip.gov.tw

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Annual update of aggregate list of eligible universities under TTPS

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Annual update of aggregate list of eligible universities under TTPS 
     The TTPS aims to attract talent in the following three categories:
 
Category A: persons with annual income reaching HK$2.5 million or above in the year immediately preceding the date of application;
Category B: full-time bachelor’s degree graduates of the universities/institutions prescribed in the aggregate list (eligible universities/institutions) with at least three years of work experience over the past five years immediately preceding the date of application; or
Category C: full-time bachelor’s degree graduates of eligible universities/institutions in the past five years immediately preceding the date of application with less than three years of work experience.
 
     At present, the aggregate list comprises the top 100 universities/institutions in four world university rankings (namely the Times Higher Education World University Rankings, the Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University Rankings, the U.S. News and World Report’s Best Global Universities Rankings and the Shanghai Jiao Tong University Academic Ranking of World Universities) in the past five years; the top five universities/institutions providing specialised hotel programmes on the QS World University Rankings in the discipline of “hospitality and leisure management” in the past five years; the top five specialised institutions on the QS World University Rankings in the discipline of “Art and Design” in the past five years; and the top 20 ranked Mainland universities under the Shanghai Jiao Tong University Best Chinese Universities Ranking in the past five years.
 
     The number of eligible universities/institutions in the updated aggregate list (see Annex) will increase from 199 to 200, reflecting the changes to the relevant university rankings.
 
     The updated list will be uploaded onto the online platform of Hong Kong Talent Engage (www.hkengage.gov.hkIssued at HKT 12:00

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Final Kilometre of East Coast Boardwalk to open tomorrow connecting 13 km long harboufront on Hong Kong Island (with photos)

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Final Kilometre of East Coast Boardwalk to open tomorrow connecting 13 km long harboufront on Hong Kong Island  
     Spanning some 2.2 kilometres underneath the Island Eastern Corridor, the East Coast Boardwalk is divided into the eastern and western sections, each with a length of 1.1 kilometres. The Western Section, connecting the East Coast Park and the North Point Promenade, was opened earlier this year, and has been well received by the public. The Eastern Section, opening tomorrow, will further connect the North Point Promenade to Hoi Yu Street in Quarry Bay, realising the vision of “Seamless Boardwalk Linking Island West and East”.
 
     Similar to the Western Section, the Eastern Section will open be 24 hours a day (except for the experiential glass observatory deck), and will offer a number of special features, including: 
      Similar to the Western Section, the Eastern Section adopts the management approach of a Harbourfront Shared Space and a pet-friendly venue. It features a shared path for visitors to engage in activities, such as strolling, jogging and cycling, while also providing a dedicated walkway for pedestrians as an additional option. Pet owners and their leashed pets can enjoy the facilities together. A movable bascule bridge has also been installed near Man Hong Street to facilitate marine operations.
 
     The five access points to the Eastern Section (see Annex) are listed below from west to east:
      An additional access point with a lift and staircase next to Tin Chiu Street Playground will be available in the first quarter of next year.
Issued at HKT 12:00

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Hong Kong Customs seizes suspected cannabis buds and duty-not-paid cigarettes at airport (with photo)

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     Hong Kong Customs detected a drug trafficking case involving an incoming passenger at Hong Kong International Airport today (December 28) and seized about 12 kilograms of suspected cannabis buds with an estimated market value of about $2.5 million. 100 sticks of duty-not-paid cigarettes were also seized from the carry-on baggage of the passenger.

     A male passenger, aged 31, arrived in Hong Kong from Bangkok, Thailand, today. During Customs clearance, Customs officers found a total of about 12kg of suspected cannabis buds in 20 vacuum-sealed plastic bags in his check-in suitcase and 100 sticks of duty-not-paid cigarette inside his carry-on baggage. The man was subsequently arrested.

     The arrested man has been charged with one count of trafficking in a dangerous drug, one count of possessing duty-not-paid cigarettes and one count of failing to declare them to Customs officers. The case will be brought up at the West Kowloon Magistrates’ Courts tomorrow (December 29).

     Customs will continue to step up enforcement against drug trafficking activities through intelligence analysis. The department also reminds members of the public to stay alert and not to participate in drug trafficking activities for monetary return. They must not accept hiring or delegation from another party to carry controlled items into and out of Hong Kong. They are also reminded not to carry unknown items for other people.

     Customs will continue to apply a risk assessment approach and focus on selecting passengers from high-risk regions for clearance to combat transnational drug trafficking activities.

     Under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, trafficking in a dangerous drug is a serious offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $5 million and life imprisonment.

     Under the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance, cigarettes are dutiable goods to which the DCO applies. Any person who imports, deals with, possesses, sells or buys illicit cigarettes commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $2 million and imprisonment for seven years.

     Members of the public may report any suspected drug trafficking activities to Customs’ 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002).

  

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69th round of computer ballot registration for submitting applications for Northbound Travel for Hong Kong Vehicles to be open December 29, 2025 to January 1, 2026

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

　　The Transport Department today (December 28) reminded members of the public that the 69th round of computer ballot registration for submitting applications for Northbound Travel for Hong Kong Vehicles (the scheme) will be open from 10am tomorrow (December 29) to 11.59pm on January 1, 2026, and the ballot result will be announced on January 2.
 
　　Eligible applicants for the scheme can register for computer balloting through the designated website (www.hzmbqfs.gov.hk). Successful balloting applicants are required to submit applications for the scheme within the designated application period.

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16 local arts groups and partnered arts organisations become new round of LCSD venue partners

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

16 local arts groups and partnered arts organisations become new round of LCSD venue partners 

Venue1. 2. 4.      Launched in 2009, the Venue Partnership Scheme supports arts development by promoting partnerships between LCSD performance venues and arts groups/organisations. The enhanced sixth-round Scheme seeks to nurture the artistic levels and competitiveness of venue partners, strengthen venue identities, incentivise the good use of existing facilities to present more venue-suiting programmes, and encourage the development of performing arts at the community level, thereby fostering the diversified and professional development of arts and culture.
Issued at HKT 15:13

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Appointments to Advisory Committee on Cruise Industry announced

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Appointments to Advisory Committee on Cruise Industry announced​
     The membership of the ACCI with effect from January 1, 2026, is as follows:————-
Commissioner for Tourism————
Mr Anthony Lau Chun-hon (Executive Director of the Hong Kong Tourism Board, ex-officio member)
Mr Tommy Tam Kwong-shun (Chairman of the Travel Industry Council of Hong Kong, ex-officio member)
Mr Benjamin Bouldin*
Ms Gee Chan
Mr Roger Chen Ranfeng*
Mr Dickson Chin Lap-kong
Ms Eunice Lee Sau-yan
Ms Leong Mei-cheng
Mr Jerry Leong Wai-loon *
Mr Ricky Li Wai-keung *
Mr Jason Shum Jiu-sang
Mr Tim Sypko*
Dr Frederick Yip Yeung-faiIssued at HKT 12:00

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Incoming passenger convicted and jailed for possessing duty-not-paid cigarettes (with photos)

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Incoming passenger convicted and jailed for possessing duty-not-paid cigarettes       
     Customs officers intercepted an 83-year-old incoming male passenger at the Lok Ma Chau Spur Line Control Point on December 23, and seized 400 sticks of duty-not-paid cigarettes with an estimated market value of about $1,600 and a duty potential of about $1,300 from the inner pockets of a vest worn by him. He was subsequently arrested.
      
     Customs welcomes the sentence. The custodial sentence has imposed a considerable deterrent effect and reflects the seriousness of the offences.
      
     Customs reminds members of the public that under the DCO, cigarettes are dutiable goods to which the DCO applies. Any person who imports, deals with, possesses, sells or buys illicit cigarettes commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $2 million and imprisonment for seven years.
      
     Members of the public may report any suspected illicit cigarette activities to Customs’ 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hkIssued at HKT 15:45

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HKMA announces total quota allocated for RMB Business Facility and list of participating banks from Phase 2 onwards

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

HKMA announces total quota allocated for RMB Business Facility and list of participating banks from Phase 2 onwards 
     The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) announced today (December 29) the expanded list of 40 participating banks (see Annex) starting from Phase 2 of the RMB Business Facility (RBF), with the total quota allocated to participating banks increased to RMB100 billion, from RMB50 billion in the previous phase.  
      
     As announced by the HKMA on September 26 (please refer to the Circular      
     Starting from Phase 2, which commenced on December 1, the 40 participating banks can apply for RMB funds from the HKMA within their assigned quota under the RBF, to provide RMB financing to local and overseas corporates in support of the real economy.
      
     The specific quota assigned to each of the 40 participating banks is based on the bank’s existing scale of relevant business, expected pipeline, as well as the geographical reach of its overseas intragroup banking entities, all of which reflect its potential in enhancing Hong Kong’s capacity in channelling offshore RMB funds to the global market. When determining the quota allocation, facility usage of the 24 banks that participated in the previous RMB Trade Financing Liquidity Facility and Phase 1 of the RBF has also been taken into account. 
      
     The Chief Executive of the HKMA, Mr Eddie Yue, said, “With the support from the People’s Bank of China, the HKMA will continue to closely monitor the progress of the RBF, and will consider adding more participating banks as appropriate, subject to actual facility usage and market demand, with a view to further promoting the use of RMB in the real economy and fostering the growth of offshore RMB business in Hong Kong.”
      
     Terms and operation details of the RBF can be found in the aforementioned Circular.
Issued at HKT 12:00

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Adjusted fixed penalties for traffic contraventions to take effect on January 1, 2026

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     The Government today (December 29) reminds members of the public that the fixed penalties for illegal parking and 19 traffic contraventions related to road safety and traffic congestion have been adjusted and will take effect on January 1, 2026.

     The resolution to increase such fixed penalties (including the effective date) was passed by the Legislative Council on July 30. The relevant traffic contraventions and the adjusted penalty charges are as follows:
 

  1. The fixed penalty for illegal parking offences under the Fixed Penalty (Traffic Contraventions) Ordinance (Cap. 237) will be increased from $320 to $400; and
  2. Fixed penalties for 19 traffic contraventions related to road safety and traffic congestion under the Fixed Penalty (Criminal Proceedings) Ordinance (Cap. 240) will be increased from the current range of $320 to $1,000 to a revised range of $480 to $1,500 (see details in the Annex).

     The spokesperson for the Transport and Logistics Bureau said, “The fixed penalties for illegal parking and many traffic contraventions have remained unchanged for 31 years. Compared with other jurisdictions, Hong Kong’s current penalty levels are significantly lower, and their deterrent effect has gradually diminished due to inflation. To address the persistent – and in some cases rising – trend of traffic contraventions, measured adjustments to the relevant penalty charges will help enhance road safety and traffic flows. At the same time, the Government will strive to increase the supply of parking spaces to meet public demand and will strengthen publicity and education efforts on road safety.”