Category: MIL-OSI

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     According to the latest labour force statistics (i.e. provisional figures for September – November 2025) released today (December 16) by the Census and Statistics Department (C&SD), the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate stood at 3.8% in September – November 2025, same as that in August – October 2025. The underemployment rate also remained unchanged at 1.6% in the two periods.
      
     Comparing September – November 2025 with August – October 2025, movements in the unemployment rate (not seasonally adjusted) and underemployment rate in different industry sectors varied, but the magnitudes were generally not large.
      
     Total employment decreased by around 2 800 from 3 672 700 in August – October 2025 to 3 669 900 in September – November 2025. Over the same period, the labour force also decreased by around 8 000 from 3 822 300 to 3 814 300.
      
     The number of unemployed persons (not seasonally adjusted) decreased by around 5 200 from 149 600 in August – October 2025 to 144 400 in September – November 2025. The number of underemployed persons in September – November 2025 was 60 900, about the same as that in August – October 2025 (60 800).
               
Commentary
      
     Commenting on the latest unemployment figures, the Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Mr Chris Sun, said, “The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate stayed at 3.8% in September – November 2025, same as that in the preceding three-month period. The underemployment rate also remained unchanged at 1.6%. Over the same period, the labour force and total employment decreased slightly, and the number of unemployed persons also decreased further.”
      
     Looking ahead, Mr Chris Sun said, “The solid expansion of the Hong Kong economy and the improving consumer confidence should continue to render support to the overall labour market. Yet, the employment situations in some sectors may remain under pressure as their businesses face challenges.”
      
Further information
      
     The unemployment and underemployment statistics were compiled from the findings of the continuous General Household Survey.
      
     In the survey, the definitions used in measuring unemployment and underemployment follow closely those recommended by the International Labour Organization. The employed population covers all employers, self-employed persons, employees (including full-time, part-time, casual workers, etc.) and unpaid family workers. Unemployed persons by industry (or occupation) are classified according to their previous industry (or occupation).
      
     The survey for September – November 2025 covered a sample of some 26 000 households or 69 000 persons, selected in accordance with a scientifically designed sampling scheme to represent the population of Hong Kong. Labour force statistics compiled from this sample represented the situation in the moving three-month period of September to November 2025.
      
     Data on labour force characteristics were obtained from the survey by interviewing each member aged 15 or over in the sampled households.
      
     Statistical tables on the latest labour force statistics can be downloaded at the website of the C&SD (www.censtatd.gov.hk/en/scode200.html). More detailed analysis of the labour force characteristics is given in the “Quarterly Report on General Household Survey” which is published four times a year. The latest issue of the report contains statistics for the quarter July – September 2025 while the next issue covering the quarter October – December 2025 will be available by end February 2026. Users can also browse and download this publication at the website of the C&SD (www.censtatd.gov.hk/en/EIndexbySubject.html?pcode=B1050001&scode=200).
      
     For enquiries about labour force statistics, please contact the General Household Survey Section (3) of the C&SD (Tel: 2887 5508 or email: ghs@censtatd.gov.hk).

Source: Government of Singapore

Singapore, 16 December 2025 – The prevailing Northeast Monsoon conditions are expected to continue in the second fortnight of December 2025, with winds blowing mainly from the northwest or northeast.

2          The current wet weather is likely to continue for the rest of December 2025. Thundery showers are expected in the afternoon on most days, extending into the evening on some days. The showers could be widespread and heavy on a few of these days. The total rainfall for the second fortnight of December 2025 is forecast to be near average over most parts of the island.

3          The daily maximum temperatures are likely to range between 32 degrees Celsius and 34 degrees Celsius on most days.

4          For updates of the daily weather forecast, please visit the MSS website (www.weather.gov.sg), NEA website (www.nea.gov.sg), or download the myENV app.

REVIEW OF THE PAST TWO WEEKS (1 – 15 DECEMBER 2025)

5          Northeast Monsoon conditions prevailed over Singapore and the surrounding region in the first fortnight of December 2025. During this time, the low-level winds blew mainly from the northwest or northeast.

6          Moderate to heavy thundery showers fell over parts of Singapore on most afternoons. The showers extended into the evening on a few days. On 4 December 2025, heavy thundery showers affected many areas of the island in the afternoon, with the most intense rainfall over the western part of Singapore. The daily total rainfall of 134.2 mm recorded at Jurong West that day was the highest rainfall recorded for the first fortnight of December 2025.

7          The daily maximum temperatures in the first fortnight of December 2025 were between 32 degrees Celsius and 34 degrees Celsius on most days. The highest daily maximum temperature of 34.5 degree Celsius was recorded at Newton on 5 December 2025.

8          Most parts of Singapore recorded above average rainfall in the first fortnight of December 2025. The area around Jurong Pier registered rainfall of 175 per cent above average, and the area around MacRitchie Reservoir registered rainfall of 7 per cent below average.

 

CLIMATE STATION STATISTICS

Long-term Statistics for December   (Climatological reference period: 1991-2020)
Average daily maximum temperature:	30.5	°C
Average daily minimum temperature:	24.3	°C
Average monthly temperature:	26.8	°C
Average rainfall:	331.9	mm
Average number of rain days:	19
Historical Extremes for December   (Rainfall since 1869 and temperature since 1929)
Highest monthly mean daily maximum temperature:	31.6	°C (2016, 2018)
Lowest monthly mean daily minimum temperature:	21.9	°C (1933)
Highest monthly rainfall ever recorded:	765.9	mm (2006)
Lowest monthly rainfall ever recorded:	62.5	mm (1932)

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METEOROLOGICAL SERVICE SINGAPORE

16 Dec 2025

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For more information, please submit your enquiries electronically via the Online Feedback Form or myENV mobile application.

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

In response to the rapidly increasing electricity consumption of the AI and information and communications technology (ICT) industries and to ensure that related energy facilities adopt high-efficiency equipment, the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA), pursuant to the authorization of Article 16 of the Energy Administration Act, has amended three subordinate regulations, namely the Regulations Governing the Assessment of Energy Development and Utilization, the Scope of Applied Energy Users, and the Forms of Energy Utilization Manual and Essential Particulars. Under the amendments, enterprises engaged in Information Service Activities, including hyperscale and colocation data centers, with an contracted electricity capacity no less than 5 MW, are required, at the planning stage of new construction or expansion projects, to prepare and submit Energy Utilization Manuals (EUMs) and adopt Best Available Techniques (BATs), thereby optimizing energy-saving design and improving overall energy efficiency.

As explained by the Energy Administration, under these amendments, hyperscale and colocation data centers with contracted electricity capacity no less than 5 MW must submit EUMs before plant construction and obtain approval from the competent authority. Drawing on the European Union’s data center energy efficiency guidelines and based on input collected through expert consultations and stakeholder meetings, seven key items have been specifically added into EUM’s check list for data center’s energy efficiency, covering: selection of information equipment, configuration of information software services, data management, cooling system, power system, energy monitoring and management, and overall energy performance. At the same time, Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE) has been adopted as the efficiency indicator upon taking into account the practices of countries such as Japan, Singapore, and Germany, as well as Taiwan’s industry experience, with differentiated standards for different operation types: a PUE not exceeding 1.3 for hyperscale data centers and not exceeding 1.4 for colocation data centers.

The Administration also noted that, prior to the amendments, it held multiple consultation meetings with subject-matter scholars and experts, and communicated with major data center operators, while exchanging opinions on issues most concerned by the industry, including the BATs, whether the efficiency standards are mandatory, and how on-site audits are conducted. The Energy Administration stressed that data centers are a key foundation for Taiwan’s digital transformation. These amendments are expected to guide operators to select appropriate sites and incorporate energy-saving design at the planning stage, while helping reduce the burden on the power grid, improve energy efficiency, support industrial decarbonization, and enhance overall competitiveness.

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: Director, Fang-Ling Liao
Contact Phone Number: 02-2775-7710, 0912-089-923
Email Address: flliao@moeaea.gov.tw

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

The 2025 Golden Pin Design Award Ceremony – one of the most prominent events in the Asian design community – was held on December 5 at the Taipei Performing Arts Center. This year’s Golden Pin Design Award and Golden Pin Concept Design Award brought together entries from 28 countries and regions. After rigorous evaluation, the jury selected 22 winners of the Golden Pin Design Award – Best Design of the Year, 3 winners of the Golden Pin Design Award – Special Annual Award, and 3 winners of the Golden Pin Concept Design Award – Best Concept of the Year. The Honorary Award was presented to Apex Lin, Pang-Soong – Chair Professor at Asia University and Emeritus Professor at National Taiwan Normal University – in recognition of his long-standing contributions to design practice, education, and international exchange in Taiwan.

Since its international expansion in 2014, the Golden Pin Design Award has continued to attract strong global participation, with overseas submissions now accounting for more than half of all entries. The award also upholds its credibility through a diverse international jury lineup. This year, 81 experts from 19 regions across five continents took part in the evaluation, including renowned Taiwanese graphic designer Liu Kai, Uwe Cremering, CEO of iF International Forum Design (Germany), and Japanese design master Akira Minagawa. Representing fields ranging from product and visual communication to architecture, social innovation, and market trends, the jury brought a broad and in-depth international perspective to the selection process.

This year, the Golden Pin Design Award recognized 429 Design Mark winners. From these, 90 works advanced to the final round for Best Design of the Year, and 22 were ultimately selected for the honor – representing Taiwan, Japan, Germany, the United States, Poland, and more. Many of the shortlisted works stood out not only for their aesthetics and innovation but also for their relevance to real-world needs. The jury placed particular emphasis on user-centered thinking, clarity and consistency in execution, and the ability to create meaningful impact – defining qualities shared by this year’s winning works.

Among this year’s Taiwanese winners, many demonstrated strong human-centered creativity. The “Merrylock MK6070 Household Air-threading Combo Sewing Machine” (Tsang Yu Industrial Co., Ltd., Taiwan) enhances the experience of non-professional users through ergonomic design tailored to everyday needs. Aquacendo’s “LightUp Filtered Bottle” (Yee Gee International Co., Ltd., Taiwan) combines lighting and water filtration to support children in underserved regions without access to clean water or electricity. “ExAvantGarde and NewOldSchool Album Series Packaging Design” (Aaron Nieh Workshop, Taiwan) captures listeners’ emotional responses through refined visual expression, creating a cohesive style that resonates with the orchestra’s musical character.

International award-winning works highlighted sustainability and social impact. “Sonnenglas SOMO Solar Lighting System” (Sonnenglas GmbH, Germany) uses modular solar technology to provide safe, sustainable lighting for resource-limited communities. “CLEAN CITY GDANSK” (TOFU Studio, Poland) applies clean, intuitive circular graphics to redefine the brand identity of Gdansk’s municipal waste management services. Cross-cultural interpretations also stood out. “Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind – Taiwan Exclusive Poster Design (C) 1984 Hayao Miyazaki/Studio Ghibli” (JOEFANGSTUDIO, Taiwan) offers a renewed visual reading of the beloved classic, using emotionally resonant imagery to evoke the timeless world of the original film.

This year, three works received Special Annual Awards, recognizing excellence in circular sustainability and social impact. “IRON40” (eTreego Co., Ltd., Taiwan) adopts a modular packaging system that streamlines processes and reduces material waste. “MA-TSUO Reading Nook” (Feng Chia University, Taiwan) strengthens rural community engagement through co-created spatial design that integrates education and local participation. Singapore-based DP Green was honored for “Punggol Green: Reimagining an Underutilised Space into Community and Social Spine”, which revitalizes the space through landscape interventions that connect community activity with ecological needs.

The Golden Pin Concept Design Award supports forward-looking ideas and has long served as a launchpad for emerging designers and startups. This year, 27 projects received the Concept Design Mark, with six advancing to the finals for the Best Concept of the Year. Three proposals ultimately received the top honor: “Reefs Stacks”, which repurposes materials from abandoned aquaculture ponds into coral-restoration substrates accompanied by a publication that deepens public engagement; “Kyola Distraction Retractor”, a streamlined, pen-shaped tool designed to improve safety and user experience in clinical wisdom-tooth traction; and “Tainan Station Renovation”, a proposal that balances heritage preservation with future urban needs, outlining a compelling direction for city transformation.

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

President Lai delivers recorded address following national policy discussion with government branch leaders  
On December 15, President Lai Ching-te held a discussion on national policy with government branch leaders, following which he delivered a recorded address. In his address, the president explained the current constitutional and national policy risks to the public, indicating that the amendments to the Act Governing the Allocation of Government Revenues and Expenditures and pension counter-reform bills forced through the Legislative Yuan could lead to fiscal imbalance, earlier bankruptcy of the pension system, and the stagnation of major national policies, endangering Taiwan’s constitutional democracy and national security.
President Lai stated that he supports the decision of Premier Cho Jung-tai (卓榮泰), who in accordance with the authority granted to him by Article 37 of the Constitution, decided the same day to not countersign the amended Act Governing the Allocation of Government Revenues and Expenditures, resolutely preventing an unconstitutional and politically chaotic bill from coming into force, demonstrating his loyalty to the Constitution and his determination to safeguard the well-being of the country and all its people. The president appealed to the Legislative Yuan to immediately withdraw the controversial bills that harm the nation and violate the spirit of the Constitution.
In this new constitutional situation, President Lai reiterated that he is willing to deliver a state of the nation address to the Legislative Yuan in accordance with the provisions of Article 4, Paragraph 3 of the Additional Articles of the Constitution and the constitutional method stipulated by the Constitutional Court. He stated that to defend the constitutional order is to defend democratic Taiwan, and to maintain fiscal discipline is to maintain the lifeline of the nation. The president then invited all citizens to join him in holding this line of defense, working together for national development so that Taiwan can continue to move forward proudly on the world stage.
A translation of President Lai’s address follows:
My fellow citizens: Good evening. In recent days, there has been widespread public focus on the progress of the central government’s deliberations for next year’s general budget, as well as amendments to the Act Governing the Allocation of Government Revenues and Expenditures and pension counter-reform bills. Therefore, I specifically invited the presidents of the Executive Yuan, Legislative Yuan, and Examination Yuan to the Presidential Office this morning for a discussion.
I deeply hope that, by meeting to discuss these issues, the government branches can collectively identify a solution that adheres to the constitutional separation of powers, exercises fiscal discipline, safeguards generational justice, and ensures the nation’s sustainable development. It is rather regrettable that Legislative Yuan President Han Kuo-yu (韓國瑜) did not attend today.
As president, my duty is not just to advance national policies but, more importantly, to act in accordance with the Constitution to protect this nation’s democratic system and the present and future livelihood and prosperity of every citizen.
Therefore, in the face of the current constitutional and political situation, I must clearly explain to the nation what risks we currently confront, and how I will lead the government to safeguard our democracy and protect the rights and interests of all our people from harm.
First is the crisis of fiscal imbalance and stagnation of major national policies. Providing local governments with more resources to promote development and care for our people has always been our shared goal.
However, based on the version of the Act Governing the Allocation of Government Revenues and Expenditures rammed through by the opposition parties, once implemented, the central government would be forced to borrow up to NT$563.8 billion next year, and every year thereafter. This not only directly violates the ceiling stipulated in the Public Debt Act, but would also push the government’s finances to the brink of collapse.
This is not a simple numbers game. It means that significant national initiatives from the past few years – in long-term care, childcare, youth education, economic development, and national defense and security – would all face difficulties in advancement or even come to a halt. Furthermore, the hundreds of billions in national resources thus hollowed out each year would become unsupervised blank checks lacking specific policy objectives, distributed through chaotic allocation.
Second, pension reforms must not be reversed. The goal of the pension reform we previously pursued was singular: to ensure the sustainability of the pension system so that every generation can receive benefits. However, last Friday, pension counter-reform bills were also rammed through the legislature.
I believe we all remember when former President Ma Ying-jeou warned in 2013 that without reform, the pension system would be like a train barreling toward a cliff. Under the leadership of former President Tsai Ing-wen, we collectively managed to put that train back on track in 2018. Yet, that train has now been rerouted and is once again charging toward the precipice.
My fellow citizens, were these pension counter-reform bills to be implemented, our pension system would go bankrupt earlier than projected. The nation would have to pay around an additional NT$700 billion to fill the shortfall in the pension fund. That means each citizen on average would pay an additional NT$30,000. And yet by doing so, they would sacrifice their own Labor Insurance, Farmers’ Health Insurance, and National Pension annuities, as well as many major welfare policies.
Third, legislative abuses pose unprecedented threats to the nation and citizens. In addition to the Act Governing the Allocation of Government Revenues and Expenditures and pension counter-reform bills, even more worrying is that the legislature is currently forcing a series of amendments that constitute legislative abuses, posing a major threat to the nation and citizens.
This series of amendments lacks sufficient discussion among the ruling and opposition parties and even violates constitutional principles.
In a little more than two weeks, it will be 2026. And yet, as we see, deliberation on the central government’s proposed general budget for the next fiscal year has not even begun. 
Tensions in the Indo-Pacific have risen recently as a result of the further escalation of unilateral threats from China. Despite this, the special defense budget – crucial for upgrading our combat capabilities – has been deliberately shelved. Major government policies and the strengthening of national security are facing stagnation.
At this moment, when global supply chains are being restructured to eliminate “red risk,” the opposition parties are forcing through amendments to the Offshore Islands Development Act. By doing that, they intend to allow Chinese capital and products to be “origin laundered” through our offshore islands. Furthermore, they have proposed amendments to the Nationality Act that would exempt new immigrants from China who hold public office from the obligation of swearing sole allegiance to our nation.
The public rejects corruption and expects clean government. Yet the opposition parties are pushing for amendments that would exempt corruption cases involving NT$50,000 or less from criminal liability and decriminalize the embezzlement of assistant fees. Furthermore, they are even introducing legislation to divert budgets for public-funded assistants directly into the pockets of legislators themselves, which would make it impossible to safeguard the rights and interests of those assistants. 
Furthermore, electoral fairness is vital for a functioning democracy. Yet, the opposition parties are forcefully advancing legislation, including amendments to the Presidential and Vice Presidential Election and Recall Act, in an attempt to legalize vote-buying behavior in primaries. Also, amendments to the Public Officials Election and Recall Act would allow criminals under suspended sentences to run for office. All this intends to manipulate the direction of national governance.
My fellow citizens, this series of legislative abuses currently being fast-tracked sends a dangerous message. If these pieces of legislation are passed and become law, Taiwan’s security, democracy, and economy, the rights and interests of our citizens, and social justice will all be plunged into immediate crisis. This is not the expression of democracy, but its erosion. But more than that, it is steering Taiwan toward the brink of legislative abuse and opposition dictatorship.
Over the past nine years, the government has always maintained fiscal discipline, making sure that every dollar is well spent. Due to our commitment to reform and our efforts to maintain fiscal stability, we have experienced significant economic development. Since 2017, we have had a budgetary surplus for eight consecutive years, and in 2019, we made the NT$22,000 minimum monthly wage a thing of the past. We have increased the number of long-term care service sites from more than 700 to over 15,000. We have also promoted transportation infrastructure, implementation of national childcare for ages 0–6, and the provision of full tuition waivers for senior high school and vocational high school students, along with subsidies for tuition and fees for students at private universities and colleges, as well as rent subsidies.
These achievements are based on sound finances and precise calculations meant to help lay a solid foundation for the next generation – not squander the future for political interests. But all of these accomplishments face significant risks.
My fellow citizens, Taiwan has become a key hub for the global democratic community, and our stability affects the whole world. We cannot allow laws riddled with errors to weaken Taiwan’s competitiveness, and we cannot allow the international community to lose confidence in Taiwan.
As president, and in this constitutional moment, I must uphold the constitutional system, safeguard the nation, and protect our people.
The Act Governing the Allocation of Government Revenues and Expenditures forced through the Legislative Yuan seriously and immediately undermines the constitutional separation of powers, national finances, and the rights and interests of our people. Today, Premier Cho, in accordance with the authority granted to him by Article 37 of the Constitution, decided to not countersign that bill, resolutely preventing an unconstitutional and politically chaotic bill from coming into force, demonstrating his loyalty to the Constitution and his determination to safeguard the well-being of the country and all our people. I support this decision.
Here, I would also like to make a most sincere yet stern appeal to the Legislative Yuan: Please immediately withdraw these controversial bills that harm the nation and violate the spirit of the Constitution.
In this new constitutional situation, I want to reiterate that I am willing to deliver a state of the nation address to the Legislative Yuan in accordance with the provisions of Article 4, Paragraph 3 of the Additional Articles of the Constitution and the constitutional method stipulated by the Constitutional Court.
My fellow citizens, we cannot allow our hard-won constitutional democracy to be destroyed, our hard-earned reforms to be reversed, or our fiscal discipline to be ruined. This is not for the benefit of any political party, but for the very survival of Taiwan, and for the future of our children and grandchildren.
To defend the constitutional order is to defend democratic Taiwan; to maintain fiscal discipline is to maintain the lifeline of the nation.
I want to invite all citizens to join me in holding this line of defense. Let us all work together for national development, so that Taiwan can continue to move forward proudly on the world stage.
 

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Correctional Services Department today announced the full implementation of the Video Visit e-Booking Service, which offers an additional way of paying visits to persons in custody (PICs).

The department introduced a trial run of the video visit service at different correctional institutions in phases from November 11, and received a positive response.

Starting from today, declared PIC visitors can make bookings for video visits through the department’s General Visit e-Services Platform. This service is open only to declared PIC visitors who have a registered account on the platform.

Visitors can make bookings for the next seven days at any of the five Multi-purpose Family & Rehabilitation Service Centres in Mong Kok, Shau Kei Wan, Sheung Shui, Tuen Mun and Sha Tin, or at the Lai Chi Kok Video Visit Centre.

They can also use an e-ordering service to buy approved “hand-in” articles for prisoners, meaning they do not have to physically visit shops or carry items into correctional institutions themselves.

The CSD added that the video visit service aims to bring convenience to the public, and that visitors can still visit correctional institutions in person according to their needs.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Education Bureau issued a circular today to all public sector schools and Direct Subsidy Scheme schools to announce the launch of the “AI for Empowering Learning & Teaching Funding Programme”.

The programme will support primary and secondary schools in utilising artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance learning and teaching.

In his 2025 Policy Address, the Chief Executive proposed to step up efforts to promote digital education in primary and secondary schools, and announced that the Education Bureau had set aside $2 billion from the Quality Education Fund to advance support measures put forward by the Steering Committee on Strategic Development of Digital Education.

Chairperson of the Steering Committee on Strategic Development of Digital Education and Under Secretary for Education Sze Chun-fai said: “Within the $2 billion earmarked under the Quality Education Fund, the Education Bureau allocates approximately $500 million to launch the three-year programme starting from this school year. Schools can flexibly utilise the funding to initiate and promote school-based programmes that use AI to empower education, catering for their specific circumstances and developmental needs.”

Successful school applicants will receive one-off funding of $500,000. These schools can then use the funding to purchase, subscribe to, or lease AI-powered devices and services that facilitate AI-assisted teaching, and to subsidise students’ participation in activities that enhance their AI literacy and skills.

Applications will be accepted from today. Generally, schools will receive block funding of $500,000 on or before June 30 next year. They can use the funding from the 2025-26 school year to the 2027-28 school year, until August 31, 2028.