Category: MIL-OSI

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.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     The Secretary for Environment and Ecology of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), Mr Tse Chin-wan, and the Director-General of the Department of Ecology and Environment of Guangdong Province (GDDEE), Ms Xu Xiaoxia, today (December 17) co-chaired the seventh meeting of the Hong Kong-Guangdong Joint Working Group on Environmental Protection and Combating Climate Change via video conferencing. The meeting reviewed their work progress in 2025 and agreed on the collaboration work plan for 2026.

     Governments of both Hong Kong and Guangdong agreed that the two places have continued to maintain close co-operation on various fronts in the past year, including improvement of air quality in the Pearl River Delta (PRD) region, protection of the water environment, strengthening forestry and marine resources conservation, and combating climate change, as well as the development of a “Zero Waste Bay Area”. The two sides will continue to promote and deepen exchanges, co-operation and scientific research relating to climate change mitigation, adaptation and resilience.

     On improving air quality, Hong Kong and Guangdong implemented the PRD Regional Air Quality Management Plan and monitored the progress and effectiveness of various improvement measures. The annual average concentrations of various air pollutants in 2024 have declined between 18 per cent and 86 per cent from their peak levels. Representatives of the Hong Kong side highlighted that promoting green transportation helps improve air quality. The number of electric private cars in Hong Kong has been growing rapidly. Currently, more than seven out of every 10 newly registered private cars are electric, with a growth rate among the top globally. The HKSAR Government will continue to actively promote the use of electric vehicles and expand the charging network in the future. In the coming years, Hong Kong and Guangdong will continue to work together on the demonstration projects of cross-boundary goods vehicles transitioning into new energy vehicles and the construction of the Greater Bay Area Air Quality Health Index. 

     On marine environment management, Governments of both Hong Kong and Guangdong agreed that the Notification and Alert System on Marine Refuse has been functioning well since its commencement in 2017. To further enhance the effectiveness of the system, the Environmental Protection Department (EPD) has used the latest wind forecast and relevant data, together with a new generation of regional hydrodynamic model, to more accurately predict areas that may potentially be affected by marine refuse. As of mid-November this year, the system has issued 65 notifications in response to heavy rainfall or major marine environmental incidents, which effectively enabled relevant government departments to take timely clean-up actions. Both sides will continue to explore technologies and measures to monitor marine refuse and tackle marine environmental incidents, as well as further extending co-operation in the management of the marine environment with cities in the region. 

     As regards ecological conservation, Hong Kong and Guangdong will continue to foster in-depth exchanges and enhance collaboration on the establishment, management, conservation, staff training, publicity and education, etc, in relation to forestry, ecological corridors across the boundary and wetland reserve projects, as well as to take forward the sustainable development of marine resources and the conservation of marine environment, including projects for the conservation of rare marine animals, ecological and environmental monitoring, restoration and enhancement of fisheries resources, sustainable development of mariculture, and joint enforcement operations between Hong Kong and Guangdong. 

     Hong Kong and Guangdong will also take forward the development of a “Zero Waste Bay Area”, jointly promoting regional resources circulation in both places, exploring the feasibility of cross-regional co-operation in handling recyclable materials and co-ordinating collaborative initiatives of the two places.

     Representatives of the Hong Kong side attended the meeting today were from the Environment and Ecology Bureau, the Development Bureau, the Buildings Department, the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department, the Civil Engineering and Development Department, the Drainage Services Department, the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department, the Department of Health, the EPD, the Hong Kong Observatory, and the Water Supplies Department. Representatives of the Guangdong side were from the GDDEE, the Hong Kong and Macao Work Office of the CPC Guangdong Provincial Committee, the Department of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of Guangdong Province, the Forestry Administration of Guangdong Province, the Guangdong Provincial Development and Reform Commission, the Guangdong Meteorological Service, the Department of Industry and Information Technology of Guangdong Province, and the Shenzhen Municipal Ecological Environment Bureau.

Source:

[PRESS RELEASE] – The Central Bank of Samoa (CBS) has been made aware of media reports circulating regarding alleged counterfeit banknotes currently being used in Samoa. CBS takes these reports seriously and is looking into the matter and will work closely with our Financial Institutions and relevant Authorities to address the issue and protect the integrity of Samoa’s currency.

CBS wishes to reassure the public that Samoa’s banknotes include advanced security features to help the public distinguish genuine notes from counterfeits. Key features and tips for checking them:

Polymer Notes

• Teuila Window: Look for a transparent window with a clear Teuila flower design. Hold the note up to the light to confirm clarity.

• Tactile Dots: each denomination has a series of raised dots

Paper Notes

• Watermark: Hold the note up to the light to see the watermark image (profile of the late Head of State and ‘CBS’ letters) embedded in the paper.

• Metallic Thread (5,10 and 20): changes from green to red and vice versa when tilted against the light.

Additional Tips

• Check the Texture: Polymer notes feel smoother and more durable than paper notes.

• Compare with a Genuine Note: If in doubt, compare with a note you know is authentic.

These simple checks can help businesses and individuals quickly verify banknotes and reduce the risk of accepting counterfeit currency.

The public is also reminded that the following notes are legal tender in Samoa: 5 tala, 10 tala, 20 tala, 50 tala, 60 tala, and 100 tala.

Legal tender refers to the official banknotes and coins issued by the Central Bank that must be accepted as a valid form of payment for goods, services, and the settlement of debts within the country.

The Central Bank encourages all members of the public and businesses to remain vigilant and to check banknotes carefully when receiving cash, especially for higher denominations.

If you suspect that a banknote is counterfeit:

1. Do not return the note to the person who gave it to you.

2. Keep the note safely and report it immediately to the Samoa Police or bring it to the Central Bank for verification.

3. To record where and how you received the note, as this information is critical for supporting investigations.

CBS also reminds the public that under the Crimes Act 2013, it is an offence to knowingly possess, use, or attempt to use counterfeit or forged banknotes. Individuals found guilty of this offence are liable to a term of imprisonment of up to five (5) years.

The Central Bank will continue to support our legal enforcement agencies in all counterfeit-related investigations and will work closely with Financial Institutions to strengthen detection, reporting, and prevention measures. Maintaining the integrity of Samoa’s currency remains a key priority of the Central Bank.

Should you require further information you may contact our Banking and Currency Department on telephone 34100.

END.

Central Bank of Samoa

December 18, 2025

Source:

[PRESS RELEASE 11 December 2025] – The Government of Samoa has officially launched its Third Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC 3.0) under the Paris Agreement, marking a decisive step forward in the country’s climate action agenda. The event was officiated by the Prime Minister of Samoa, who emphasized the national significance of this milestone.

The NDC 3.0 serves as a central component of Samoa’s climate policy framework, reflecting extensive national consultation and alignment with key national strategies, including the first NDC in 2015, Second NDC (2021), the Pathway for the Development of Samoa (PDS), the National Climate Change Policy 2020–2030, and the Third National Communication.

In his opening remarks, the Prime Minister, Afioga La’aulialemalietoa Leautea Polata’ivao Fosi Schmidt who is also the Acting Minister for the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MNRE) highlighted the long-term vision of the commitment, stating: This is more than a climate commitment. It is our national pathway to protect our people, our environment, and our future. Over the past year, we have worked closely with our communities, our ministries, and partners to shape this NDC. Is is the voices, knowledge, and priorities of Samoa ‘.

The NDC outlines ambitious mitigation and adaptation targets. Samoa commits to reducing overall national greenhouse gas emissions by 104.11 gigagrams of carbon dioxide equivalent by 2035, supported by actions in reforestation, mangrove restoration, food security, gender equality, and climate-resilient systems.

The NDC 3.0 also introduces an enhanced focus on loss and damage, prioritizing improved data systems, institutional strengthening, and policy measures to support communities in recovery and resilience-building.

The Prime Minister reiterated Samoa’s commitment to inclusivity, noting the critical role of women, youth, and vulnerable groups as key drivers of climate action in line with fa’a Samoa. She further highlighted the continued need for predictable climate finance, technology transfer, and capacity-building to support the full implementation of Samoa’s commitments.

The Government of Samoa expressed its gratitude to the United Nations Development Programme and the Climate Promise Initiative for their leadership and support, as well as to the Global Green Growth Institute, the NDC Partnership, and all national stakeholders involved in the development of NDC 3.0.

ENDS

Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment Samoa

December 18, 2025

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source:

Samoa and France Reaffirms Strong Bilateral Partnership during an introductory courtesy call by the Ambassador of France, H.E Guillaume Lemoine

[PRESS RELEASE] – The Prime Minister of Samoa, Hon. La’aulialemalietoa Leuatea Polata’ivao Fosi Schimdt, received the Ambassador of France to Samoa, H.E. Guillaume Lemoine, for an introductory call at the Prime Minister’s Office yesterday afternoon.

The call provided an opportunity to reaffirm the longstanding friendship between the two countries, since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1974 and the set up of the French embassy in Apia early this year.

During the introductory call, the Prime Minister expressed his appreciation for France’s ongoing cooperation across key priority sectors, including maritime surveillance and efforts to counter transnational crime. He acknowledged France’s contributions, through its Pacific territories, in providing training and operational support to Samoa’s law-enforcement agencies.

The Ambassador reiterated France’s readiness to further collaborate in these areas, noting the shared responsibility to protect the region’s maritime domain and uphold regional security.

The Prime Minister and the French Ambassador affirmed their commitment to advancing Samoa–France cooperation and working closely to address emerging challenges facing the Pacific region to ensure stability and sustainable development.

ENDS.