Category: MIL-OSI

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Transport Department today (December 14) reminded members of the public that the 68th round of computer ballot registration for submitting applications for Northbound Travel for Hong Kong Vehicles (the scheme) will be open from 10am tomorrow (December 15) to 11.59pm on December 18, and the ballot result will be announced on December 19.
 
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.
 

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, today (December 13) expressed sorrow over the passing of Mr Gregory So, former Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development.

     Mr So joined the Government in 2008 as Under Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development. He then served as Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development from 2011 to 2017. Mr So had also participated in different advisory and statutory bodies, serving in such areas as public healthcare services, education, district governance and so on. 

     “Mr So had dedicated years of service to the Hong Kong community through his work in the Government and different public offices, contributing to the city’s development in the economy, trade, tourism, information technology, telecommunications and creative industries. Mr So had made significant contributions to Hong Kong with his professional knowledge and dedication. He was awarded the Gold Bauhinia Star in 2012.

     “I am saddened by the passing of Mr So. I extend my deepest condolences to his family,” Mr Lee said.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Transport Department (TD) today (December 14) reminded registered vehicle owners that the new vehicle registration and licensing regime will take effect from December 22 (Monday), with a view to strengthening the regulation of prolonged unlicensed vehicles and addressing the improper abandoning of vehicles at source. Under the new regime, unlicensed vehicles will remain registered under the name of their owners, who will continue to be held responsible for their vehicles.
 
     A spokesman for the TD said, “Starting from December 22, we will issue a notice to registered owners of vehicles unlicensed for two years or more. Vehicle owners must, within three months of the date of notice, renew the licence, or submit the relevant supporting documents to the TD and cancel the registration of such vehicles after scrapping them or permanently shipping them out of Hong Kong. They should handle their vehicles properly and in a timely manner to avoid contravening the law.”

     Failing to take the appropriate action upon expiry of the three-month notice period will constitute an offence. The maximum penalty for the first conviction will be a fine of $10,000 and imprisonment for three months. For each subsequent conviction, the maximum penalty will be a $25,000 fine and six months’ imprisonment. Unless the fine is paid, the TD may, subject to the court’s order, (1) refuse to issue or renew the driving licence of a convicted vehicle owner; (2) cease processing any application for transfer of ownership of the subject vehicle and any other vehicles under the convicted owner’s name; and (3) refuse to issue a vehicle licence to the subject vehicle and any other vehicles under the convicted owner’s name.

     Individual vehicle owners who have a genuine difficulty in taking the required actions within the three-month notice period or have reasonable grounds for not licensing their vehicles may apply for an exemption from the TD. In general, exemptions may be granted for: (1) vehicles pending spare parts for maintenance and examination before licence renewal; (2) vehicles manufactured for 30 years or more, properly stored as a private collection and not used on roads; or (3) vehicles properly stored by a car dealer and consigned for sale. Details of the eligibility criteria, guidelines, application form and documents required are available on the TD’s website. The TD will consider granting an exemption based on individual cases.

     The spokesman reminded vehicle owners that, even when a vehicle remains unlicensed or is granted an exemption, it will remain registered under their name and they have to continue to bear all legal liabilities associated with it. They may make use of the e-Licensing Portal to check the vehicle licence expiry date, handle licensing matters and take proper action on their unlicensed vehicles.

     The TD will continue to step up publicity and public education via the website, posters, pamphlets, the Agent T Facebook page (www.facebook.com/AgentT.hk) to remind transport trades and vehicle owners to take note of the new legal requirements. Members of the public may refer to the thematic posts for key points on handling vehicles in a timely manner and steps to cancel vehicle registration (Chinese only) to handle vehicles properly, visit the TD’s website or call the hotline at 2804 2600 for details.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Health Bureau (HHB) announced today (December 14) that free Chinese medicine (CM) consultation services will be provided to residents affected by the fire at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po starting tomorrow (December 15). In addition, various CM services will also be deployed to fully address their medical needs.

Free Chinese medicine consultation services

     To ensure the affected residents receive more comprehensive medical support, free CM consultation services will be launched starting tomorrow. Under the co-ordination of the Primary Healthcare Commission (PHC Commission) and the Chinese Medicine Unit of the HHB, 150 CM practitioners have participated in the free CM consultation services, covering more than 170 service points. Starting from tomorrow until February 28, 2026, all residents of the eight blocks at Wang Fuk Court (including foreign domestic helpers) can receive up to three free CM consultation services, including the provision of medication and related treatments based on their clinical needs, through the arrangement of the District Health Centres/ District Health Centre Expresses (collectively referred to as DHCs) across all 18 districts in Hong Kong. The scope of free CM consultation services covers health conditions that may arise after the fire, such as emotional changes, insomnia, palpitations; coughing, wheezing, dry throat, and itchy throat; physical weakness, fatigue, loss of appetite, dyspepsia; as well as pain and musculoskeletal injuries.

     Affected residents with medical needs can call the hotlines or visit any DHC in person to seek assistance, regardless of their current place of residence. Those who are registered DHC members may also contact their respective DHC directly. The hotlines have been posted on the websites of the PHC Commission and the DHCs. Case managers of the DHCs will pair them with CM practitioners participating in the free CM consultation scheme based on their individual situation and preferences.

The Chinese Medicine Hospital of Hong Kong

      All residents of the eight blocks at Wang Fuk Court (including foreign domestic helpers), and all individuals injured in the fire and admitted to public hospitals under the Hospital Authority (HA) can receive full fee waivers at the Chinese Medicine Hospital of Hong Kong (CMHHK) until December 31, 2026. The waivers cover all government-subsidised services of CMHHK, including General Clinic, Specialised Clinic, Allied Health Services, day-patient services, as well as special Western medicine diagnostic procedures and medications (discharge medication collection). Relevant individuals can identify themselves to CMHHK and provide basic personal information (including name, identity card number and residential address) during consultations to facilitate the arrangement.

Chinese Medicine Clinics cum Training and Research Centres located in 18 districts

      Following the fire, the Chinese Medicine Clinics cum Training and Research Centres (CMCTRs) under the HA promptly provide support in Sha Tin District, Tai Po District, and North District through enhancing CM services, arranging rescheduling of appointments, and re-dispensing of Chinese medicines.

     Starting from December 2, the 18 CMCTRs have been fully supporting all residents of the eight blocks at Wang Fuk Court (including foreign domestic helpers). They are eligible for full medical fee waivers until December 31 2026, covering government-subsidised CM outpatient services, including general consultation, acupuncture and bone-setting/tui-na. Relevant individuals can call the CMCTRs during their service hours or make an appointment via the “18 CM Clinics” mobile application. They shall identify themselves to the CMCTRs and provide basic personal information (including name, identity card number and residential address) upon registration to proceed with the arrangement. The CMCTRs will provide priority booking for the affected residents. In addition, the Integrated Chinese-Western Medicine Services under the HA’s public hospitals/ambulatory care centres/out-patient clinics (currently available for six selected disease areas) will also waive service fees for relevant individuals.

     Information about the 18 CMCTRs can be found on the HACMK website.

     The HHB expresses gratitude to the CM sector and non-governmental organisations for their dedication to providing various CM support to the affected residents. The Government will continue to co-ordinate various medical services to support the physical and mental health needs of the residents.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

Director General David Cheng-Wei Wu and Mrs. Wu, together with colleagues, were invited to visit Taronga Zoo, one of Australia’s most renowned zoos, known for its wide range of animal species. The zoo provided a detailed briefing on the overall operation of the facility, including the proportion of Australian government funding within its annual budget, as well as other funding and revenue-raising mechanisms.
DG Wu expressed his appreciation for the warm hospitality and for the guided tour of the Australian native animal precincts, the scientific education centre, and related facilities. He highly commended Taronga Zoo’s outstanding contributions to ecological conservation, community education, and the preservation of biodiversity. On behalf of the government of the Republic of China (Taiwan), DG Wu also made a small financial contribution to demonstrate Taiwan’s support for the protection of Australia’s natural environment, with the hope of encouraging broader public engagement and support for wildlife conservation in Australia.

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

Director General David Cheng-Wei Wu and Mrs. Wu were pleased to attend the 2025 Graduation and Awards Ceremony of Ambassadors Multicultural Chinese School. The ceremony brought together around 600 parents and students to celebrate the graduates’ outstanding achievements in Chinese language studies, with certificates presented to students from both the Cantonese and Mandarin programs.
In his remarks, DG Wu expressed sincere condolences regarding the tragic fire in Tai Po, Hong Kong, and wished peace for the deceased and safety for those affected. He also commended the perseverance and dedication of students and parents in learning Chinese, noting that studying traditional Chinese characters presents additional challenges but is essential for truly appreciating the essence of Chinese culture. He further emphasized that the Taiwan government will continue to provide teaching materials and resources to support Ambassadors Multicultural Chinese School in its Mandarin language education.
The school, established in 1989, now operates three campuses with a total of 50 classes—29 Cantonese and 21 Mandarin—with approximately 570 students, a 15% increase from 2024, supported by a teaching team of 63 staff members.

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

Director General David Cheng-Wei Wu and colleagues were pleased to meet with the Hon. Natalie Ward, MLC, to congratulate her on being re-elected as Deputy Leader of the NSW Liberal Party in the late-November reshuffle and to express appreciation for the Party’s long-term support for our shared values in democracy and human rights.
DG Wu and Mrs. Ward had a wide-ranging conversation covering democratic and political systems, opportunities for economic and technological cooperation, the challenges posed by regional authoritarian expansion, and efforts to tackle misinformation and disinformation. We look forward to staying in close contact with Mrs. Ward and her team to further deepen cooperation between Taiwan and NSW.

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

Director General David Cheng-Wei Wu and Mrs. Wu were pleased to attend a Christmas gathering hosted by President Charles Lin and Mrs. Lin of the Distinguished Citizens Society International (DCS) of New South Wales, where board members and their families came together to enjoy a Korean BBQ dinner in a warm and festive atmosphere.
During the event, Director General Wu commended the DCS for being a well-organised and disciplined organisation, noting its important role as a unifying “salt” within the Taiwanese community by harmonising efforts and supporting numerous community activities. He also thanked President Lin for the thoughtful preparation of gifts, which added to the joyful spirit of the celebration.