SFST explores collaboration in financial and gold markets with Malaysian government officials and business sectors

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     The Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr Christopher Hui, arrived in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, yesterday (July 21) to continue his visit. He met with the Deputy Minister of Finance of Malaysia, the Deputy Governor of the Bank Negara Malaysia (Central Bank of Malaysia), as well as representatives from the Malaysian finance, banking and gold industries, and family offices to promote the advantages of Hong Kong’s financial and gold market sectors and relevant new initiatives.

     Upon his arrival in Kuala Lumpur yesterday afternoon, Mr Hui met with the Deputy Minister of Finance of Malaysia, Mr Liew Chin Tong. They exchanged views on room for further financial co-operation on various fronts ranging from capital formation, Islamic finance to Renminbi (RMB) business and the gold market. Mr Hui highlighted in particular the new measures Hong Kong recently launched to boost the offshore RMB business, such as further enhancing and expanding the Southbound Bond Connect, increasing the size of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority’s RMB Business Facility and promoting the development of a bilateral currency transaction framework between the Indonesian Rupiah and offshore RMB. Also attending were representatives of the Securities Commission Malaysia and Bursa Malaysia Berhad.

President Lai meets delegation of Polish members of European Parliament’s European Conservatives and Reformists Group  

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

President Lai meets delegation of Polish members of European Parliament’s European Conservatives and Reformists Group  
On the morning of July 21, President Lai Ching-te met with a delegation of Polish members of the European Parliament’s European Conservatives and Reformists Group. In remarks, President Lai thanked the European Parliament for passing resolutions and publishing reports in support of Taiwan, including those supporting enhanced Taiwan-EU cooperation in drone technology and Taiwan’s international participation, and for reiterating the importance of maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. The president stated that Taiwan is willing to share its experience and deepen cooperation with Poland and other democratic partners in order to jointly address authoritarian expansion and emerging challenges. He expressed hope that Taiwan and Poland can continue deepening R&D cooperation in key fields such as AI, semiconductors, drones, and green energy and expand markets, while working together to build democratic supply chains that are more secure and resilient.
A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows:
This delegation is the third from the European Parliament to visit Taiwan this year and also the first in the past two parliamentary terms to consist of members of the same political group and the same country, which is particularly significant. It also demonstrates the deep friendship that exists between Taiwan and the European Parliament and represents another step forward in Taiwan-Poland relations. I want to express my sincerest welcome on behalf of the people of Taiwan, and thank the delegation members, the European Parliament, and all our European friends for always standing with Taiwan.
Since the beginning of this year, with the strong advocacy of today’s delegation members, the European Parliament has passed resolutions and published reports in support of Taiwan, including those supporting enhanced Taiwan-EU cooperation in drone technology, supporting Taiwan’s international participation, and calling for continuing to enhance cooperation between the European Union and its democratic partners, including Taiwan. It has also reiterated the importance of maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. In the face of expanding authoritarianism, the European Parliament adopted a resolution this April condemning China’s Ethnic Unity and Progress Promotion Law for restricting cultural, religious, and linguistic freedoms, and urging China to repeal the law. Last month, the European Parliament adopted a resolution to counter China’s transnational repression. 
These concrete actions demonstrate Europe’s firm commitment to the universal values of democracy and respect for human rights and also continue to provide Taiwan with important support. Taiwan firmly believes that only by working together to enhance democratic resilience can like-minded partners safeguard a free and democratic way of life and maintain regional and global peace and stability.
Taiwan is willing to share its experience and deepen cooperation with Poland and other democratic partners in order to jointly address authoritarian expansion and emerging challenges. In particular, Taiwan and Poland both have vibrant innovation clusters and robust high-tech capabilities. The two economies are highly complementary in key fields such as AI, semiconductors, drones, and green energy. I look forward to our continuing to strengthen R&D cooperation and expand markets as we work together to build democratic supply chains that are more secure and resilient.
Last month, the Taiwan Expo in Europe was held in Poland for the first time. A Memorandum of Understanding on Taiwan-Poland Industrial Innovation and R&D Cooperation was signed by Taiwan’s Ministry of Economic Affairs and Poland’s National Centre for Research and Development. And the Taiwan Electrical and Electronic Manufacturers’ Association announced that it would establish a technology park in Poland to assist more Taiwanese companies in cooperating with Polish industries. With your support, I am confident that Taiwan and Poland will create more opportunities for cooperation across a wide range of fields and establish an even closer partnership. I wish you all a smooth and productive visit and trust you will return home with wonderful, lasting memories of Taiwan.
Former Polish Prime Minister Beata Szydło, a current member of the European Parliament’s Special Committee on the European Democracy Shield, then delivered remarks. She began by mentioning a special connection she has with President Lai: both come from mining families. A person from such a background, she said, is humble before the power of nature, respects hard work, is willing to bear responsibility under tough circumstances, and knows how to maintain solidarity. She elaborated, saying that it is precisely these values which show us that no matter how far apart we are geographically, we share the same principles, including diligence, iron will, and a strong emphasis on security and solidarity. These values have been, are, and will continue to be equally important to the people of Taiwan and Poland, because the Poles have been fighting for freedom and sovereignty for decades.
Former Prime Minister Szydło noted that economic development, digital transformation, and international conditions are closely interconnected in today’s world. She pointed out that the past few years have clearly demonstrated that for a country to enhance its resilience, it must build partnerships based on trust and mutual respect. For Poland and Europe, Taiwan is just such a partner, and she expressed hope that Taiwan would also regard Poland and the EU as important partners. She said that Taiwan is a highly developed democratic country governed by the rule of law, as well as a global leader in innovative technologies. Pointing to its remarkable success in emerging technologies, AI, and the semiconductor industry, she said that Taiwan is driving the global economy and shaping the future of the world.
Former Prime Minister Szydło mentioned that she was pleased to see the booming economic and trade ties between Taiwan and Poland, and expressed hope that cooperation plans can continue to be promoted, as they would boost Poland’s economic development and foster closer relations between the two sides.
Former Prime Minister Szydło expressed her belief that peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait have a strategic significance that transcends the region, affecting not only Taiwan and the Taiwan Strait, but also peace and stability in Europe. Therefore, she stressed, all disputes should be resolved peacefully, in accordance with international law, and without resort to force. She also pointed out that the EU should continue to strengthen cooperation with trusted democratic partners, and Taiwan is a key partner in this regard. She added that Taiwan-EU relations should continue to develop in a pragmatic, open, and long-term manner, and expressed hope that Taiwan and Poland can jointly safeguard peace and stability.
The delegation also included Mariusz Kamiński, member of the European Parliament’s Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs (LIBE) and former Polish minister of the Interior and Administration; Małgorzata Gosiewska, chair of the European Parliament’s Delegation for Relations with Belarus (D-BY) and former deputy speaker of the Polish Sejm (lower house of Parliament); Kosma Złotowski, quaestor of the European Parliament; Waldemar Buda, member of the European Parliament’s Committee on Public Health (SANT) and former Polish minister of Economic Development and Technology; Monika Wang, accredited assistant for former Prime Minister Beata Szydło; Katarzyna Czesak, accredited assistant for former Prime Minister Beata Szydło; and Sławomir Moćkun, accredited assistant for MEP Mariusz Kamiński.

SJ bound for Beijing

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Secretary for Justice Paul Lam will lead a delegation of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government officials departing for Beijing tomorrow to attend the ninth Joint Conference on Advancing Hong Kong’s Full Participation in and Contribution to the Belt & Road Initiative on Friday morning.

Heading the delegation, Mr Lam serves as the chair of the sub-group on Belt & Road development under the Steering Group on Integration into National Development.

The delegation includes Secretary for Commerce & Economic Development Algernon Yau and Under Secretary for Financial Services & the Treasury Joseph Chan.

Mr Lam will return to Hong Kong on Friday afternoon.

During Mr Lam’s absence, Deputy Secretary for Justice Cheung Kwok-kwan will be Acting Secretary for Justice.

Meanwhile, Under Secretary for Commerce & Economic Development Bernard Chan will serve as Acting Secretary for Commerce & Economic Development in Mr Yau’s absence.

Linyuan Industrial Park Introduces Six Smart Technologies, Saving NT$20 Million in Annual Maintenance Costs and 210,000 Labor Hours

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

The Kaohsiung-Pingtung Branch of the Bureau of Industrial Parks (BIP), the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA), hosted the “Smart Parks, Sustainable Prosperity – 2026 Kaohsiung-Pingtung Branch Smart Park Governance Achievement Presentation.” On July 25. During the event, six mature smart technologies implemented at Linyuan Industrial Park were showcased, demonstrating the results of the park’s smart governance initiatives. Beginning in 2027, the technologies are expected to reduce annual equipment maintenance costs by approximately NT$20 million, save around 210,000 labor hours annually in response to workforce shortages, and minimize disaster-related losses by an estimated NT$7 million through faster emergency response, highlighting the tangible benefits of smart technologies in occupational safety, operational efficiency, and cost management.

Yu Shu-Hui, Chief Secretary of the BIP, noted that Linyuan Industrial Park is one of Taiwan’s most important petrochemical industry clusters, encompassing a complete industrial supply chain from refining and petrochemical feedstocks to downstream processing. As a key production base supporting domestic industrial materials and essential consumer goods, the park plays a vital role in Taiwan’s economy. The Kaohsiung-Pingtung Branch added that the petrochemical industry is characterized by continuous production processes, intensive energy consumption, and stringent safety management requirements. Amid challenges related to workforce management, equipment maintenance, and regulatory compliance, leveraging smart technologies to strengthen park governance has become a critical driver of industrial transformation.

Linyuan Industrial Park was selected as the demonstration site for this initiative, with six major smart technology applications successfully deployed across 22 petrochemical manufacturers in the park. These include Gas Detection and Analysis Management, AI-Based Human, Vehicle, and Environmental Image Recognition, Personnel Abnormality Detection and Positioning, Equipment and Pipeline Monitoring Systems, Smart Inspection Systems, and a Factory Operations Management Platform. Together, these technologies establish a more responsive and precise governance model covering safety monitoring, workforce deployment, equipment maintenance, and operational management.

According to the Kaohsiung-Pingtung Branch, companies in the park are facing a range of challenges, including an aging workforce, increasingly complex personnel management, labor shortages, rising operating costs, and the loss of institutional knowledge. On the operational side, aging facilities, demands for digital transformation, and high maintenance costs also pose significant hurdles. Meanwhile, the pursuit of net-zero emissions, increasingly stringent environmental regulations, and compliance requirements continue to drive industrial upgrading. Rather than improving isolated pieces of equipment, implementing smart technologies enables enterprises to integrate risk management, inspection operations, and operational data into a comprehensive governance system capable of real-time monitoring, early warning, and informed decision-making.

The achievement presentation not only highlighted the phased progress of smart governance at Linyuan Industrial Park, but also laid a solid foundation for transforming Taiwan’s traditional petrochemical industry toward higher value-added production, smart manufacturing, and low-carbon development. The Kaohsiung-Pingtung Branch stated that it will continue to strengthen collaboration among government, industry, academia, and research institutions while integrating public-sector support with private-sector innovation. Through these efforts, the Branch aims to enhance operational resilience and occupational safety management across industrial park enterprises, making smart technologies, safety, and sustainability the key pillars supporting the next stage of industrial park transformation and upgrading.

Spokesman: Mr. Liu (Deputy Director General, BIP)
Contact Number: 886-7-3613349

Contact Person: Director Huang (Linyuan Industrial ParK Service Center, BIP)
Contact Number: 886-7-6412944

MOEA Hosts Seminar on the Latest Developments in U.S. Tariff Policy

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

On June 26, 2026, the International Trade Administration (TITA) under the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) held an online seminar titled the “Latest Developments in U.S. Tariff Policy” to assist Taiwanese enterprises in responding to the dynamic developments of such policies. Lawyers from the White & Case international law firm were invited to brief nearly 1,000 participating corporate representatives on recent U.S. tariff updates.

The U.S. lawyers elaborated on crucial topics, including the expiration of Section 122 import surcharges, Section 301 investigations, proposed measures concerning forced labor and overcapacity, and updates on Section 232 national security tariffs. The seminar also provided strategic advice to help domestic enterprises safeguard their interests and better understand the implications of these policies.

Alongside government officials and think tank scholars, the participants represented various key industrial supply chain sectors, including semiconductors, ICT, machinery, metals, consumer manufacturing, medical devices, and imports and exports. This reflected the keen concern over the effects of U.S. tariff policies on supply chain operations and global deployments of Taiwanese enterprises.

Looking ahead, TITA will continue to closely monitor U.S. tariff policies and accordingly invite experts to conduct online seminars, thereby ensuring that Taiwanese enterprises stay ahead of international trade trends, and thus bolster their competitiveness in the global market.

MOEA Thanks U.S. Executive Departments Call for States and Businesses to Expand Trade and Investment Ties with Taiwan

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

The Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) welcomed joint letters issued by the U.S. Department of State, Department of Agriculture, and Department of Commerce encouraging governors and business leaders across the United States to expand trade, investment, and broader cooperation with Taiwan. The letters were released by the American Institute in Taiwan on June 24, 2026.

The MOEA noted that economic and trade ties between Taiwan and the U.S. have continued to deepen in recent years. In May, Taiwan once again sent the largest delegation to the SelectUSA Investment Summit, reflecting strong interest among Taiwanese companies to strengthen supply-chain partnerships with the United States.

To support companies seeking to invest in the United States and vie for opportunities created by the rapid growth of artificial intelligence, the MOEA is planning to promote the development of Taiwanese industrial clusters in the United States. It has also signed a memorandum of understanding with the Taiwan Electrical and Electronic Manufacturers’Association (TEEMA) to jointly advance overseas industrial clusters and help Taiwanese companies expand in the U.S. market in a more coordinated and efficient manner.

Moreover, the MOEA has established Taiwan Trade and Investment Centers in Dallas, Texas and Phoenix, Arizona. Both centers are now in operation and assisting companies with their U.S. investment plans.

The MOEA will also hold the 2026 Taiwan Expo in Dallas in late September. It is expected to enhance supply-chain cooperation in smart technology, manufacturing, energy, and healthcare, while highlighting Taiwan’s capabilities and strategic importance as a key partner in U.S. supply-chains.

Looking ahead, the MOEA will continue to strengthen economic and trade cooperation with the U.S. federal government and individual states, support industrial collaboration between Taiwanese and American companies, expand bilateral trade and investment, and build more resilient and trusted supply chains.

Taiwan and Japan Forge Next-Generation Competitiveness at the 2026 Taiwan Expo in Tokyo

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

July 15, 2026-The grand opening of the premier promotional event “2026 Taiwan Expo in Japan” was held in Tokyo. Organized by the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA), it centered around the theme of “Innovate for Tomorrow,” showcasing Taiwan’s top innovations across five key sectors: smart manufacturing, energy & the circular economy, smart technology, smart healthcare, and cultural life.

MOEA Minister Kung Ming-Hsin, who led the high-level delegation, highlighted the event as a monumental milestone celebrating the profound and long-standing friendship between Taiwan and Japan. Minister Kung stated, “As global supply chains undergo major realignments amid rapid advancements in AI and net-zero carbon transformation, our relationship is transitioning from a natural trading partnership to a deeper, next-generation co-innovation alliance.” This year’s Expo set a record with 154 Taiwanese enterprises-representing a remarkable 15% increase compared to the previous event in 2023.

The Expo highlighted complementary industrial strengths, particularly in semiconductors and AI computing. To support this growth, TSMC is increasing its input in the Kumamoto Fab 2 to accelerate the deployment of Taiwan’s supply chains in Japan, while both nations jointly advance the Innovative Optical and Wireless Network (IOWN) initiative.

Bilateral ties also continue to reach historic peaks. In 2025, trade value between the two economies amounted to a staggering US$84.85 billion, and Taiwanese tourism to Japan reached an unprecedented 6.73 million visits last year, illustrating that bilateral economic and cultural exchanges continue to deepen.

To foster long-term commercial integration, the MOEA’s newly inaugurated Taiwan Trade and Investment Center in Fukuoka (established in April 2025) is actively delivering seamless, one-stop advisory, matchmaking, and logistical assistance. Alongside the exhibition, the Taiwan-Japan AI Technology Forum drew leaders from government, industry, and academia to discuss supply chain resilience, talent exchange, and next-generation AI innovation.

Police conduct anti-illegal gambling operation during 2026 FIFA World Cup

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

Police conducted a territory-wide anti-illegal gambling operation codenamed “CROWBEAK” cum “WINDSHIELD” during the 2026 FIFA World Cup in June and July. During the operation, Police arrested 991 people and seized over $365 million in betting records, as well as over $7.4 million in cash and assets.

During the operation, Police raided 249 premises suspected of being linked to illegal gambling activities and arrested 991 people (645 males and 346 females,  aged between 16 and 93) for offences including “engaging in bookmaking”, “promoting or facilitating bookmaking”, “betting with a bookmaker”, “operating illegal gambling establishments”, “dealing with property known or reasonably believed to represent proceeds of an indictable offence” (commonly known as “money laundering”), etc.

Police seized suspected crime proceeds comprising about $3 million in cash and $4.4 million worth of valuables. Additionally, 43 computers and 443 mobile phones suspected of facilitating bookmaking activities were seized. The aggregate value of betting records uncovered in the operation was $365 million.

Moreover, on the education front, Police conducted a series of preventive education campaigns under the theme “Stay Away from Illegal Gambling”, including:
•    promoting anti-illegal gambling messages via media and online channels, including producing a promotional video (www.youtube.com/watch?v=oyDaXOZv6TA);
•    broadcasting promotional videos, distributing leaflets and displaying posters at entertainment venues and strategic locations in various districts; and 
•    collaborating closely with the communities, schools, government departments and other organisations to enhance the promotion of anti-illegal gambling messages through various channels.
     
Police appeal to the public that in accordance with the Gambling Ordinance (Cap. 148), anyone who bets with a bookmaker commits an offence and is liable to a maximum fine of $50,000 and nine months’ imprisonment on conviction. Anyone who engages in bookmaking, or promotes or facilitates bookmaking, commits an offence and is liable to a maximum fine of $5 million and seven years’ imprisonment on conviction. A person would still be liable to the offences even if the gambling website is hosted overseas yet he/she engaged in its operation in Hong Kong.

CHP investigates cluster of Carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae carrier cases

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

CHP investigates cluster of Carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae carrier cases      
     The CHP received notifications from the Hospital Authority (HA) that nine residents (six males and three females, aged between 76 and 102) living on the same floor of an RCHE in Mong Kok District had been admitted to a public hospital for treatment due to their underlying illnesses in the past two months. Their admission screening samples tested positive for CPE upon laboratory testing. It cannot be ruled out that they were infected at the RCHE before their admission. All patients are carriers, with none of them having exhibited symptoms associated with CPE infection. They are in stable condition.
 
     Following the HA’s notifications, the CHP immediately conducted epidemiological investigations and inspected the RCHE concerned. The CHP found that carriers have been detected on the same floor of the RCHE since May this year. The RCHE management had not duly implemented the related infectious disease prevention and control measures, which led to transmission within the RCHE through the staff, contaminated environment or the sharing of items within the facility.
 
     The CHP reminded the RCHE management to strictly adhere to the Guidelines, thoroughly clean and disinfect the environment, and ensure good hand hygiene among staff and residents. The CHP also recommended that the RCHE cohort the carriers in the same area and provide adequate hand-washing facilities.
 
     The CHP will continue to investigate the cluster of cases and conduct screening at the RCHE concerned to determine whether there are any other CPE-carriers. The CHP will also continue to put the RCHE under medical surveillance.
 
     Enterobacteriaceae (such as Escherichia coli and Klebsiella) are common pathogens that can cause infections in various parts of the body, including urinary tract infections, intra-abdominal infections or blood infection. CPE are enterobacteriaceae that produce carbapenemase, an enzyme that can deactivate carbapenems and other beta-lactam antibiotics such as penicillins. These bacteria are commonly resistant to multiple antibiotics, limiting therapeutic options, and may render severe clinical infections difficult to treat. The range of diseases associated with CPE varies from asymptomatic carriage to potentially life-threatening or fatal infections. The level of risk depends on which part of the body is affected by the infection and the patient’s general health.
      
     The proper use of antibiotics and maintaining good personal and environmental hygiene, especially hand hygiene, are important for preventing the emergence and cross-transmission of multi-drug resistant organisms (MDROs), such as CPE. In addition, susceptible individuals such as the elderly, infants, young children, people with weakened immunity and pregnant women can reduce their risk of contracting MDROs by avoiding raw or undercooked foods.
Issued at HKT 19:36

NNNN

CHP follows up on cluster of Candida auris carrier cases involving a RCHE

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

CHP follows up on cluster of Candida auris carrier cases involving a RCHE 
     The CHP recently received a notification from the Hospital Authority (HA) that two male residents aged 89 and 90 living in the same room of the aforementioned RCHE had recently been admitted to a public hospital for treatment due to their underlying illnesses. Their admission screening samples tested positive for Candida auris upon laboratory testing. Both patients, being carriers without infection symptoms, are in stable condition.
 
     The CHP’s epidemiological investigation revealed an epidemiological linkage between the current cases and a previous cluster of Candida auris cases in Kwong Wah Hospital (KWH) announced by the HA. One of the affected persons in the KWH cluster, an 85-year-old male patient, lived in the same room with the two residents of the RCHE upon discharge from the hospital. The CHP believed that they were infected by the 85-year-old male patient at the RCHE.
 
     The CHP has conducted a site inspection at the RCHE and provided infection control advice and training to the RCHE staff. The RCHE is advised to strengthen infection control measures in accordance with the established guidelines, including appropriate placement of carrier residents, strict implementation of contact precautions, enhancement of environmental cleansing and disinfection, use of dedicated medical equipment, toilet and bathing facilities to prevent the spread of Candida auris.

     The CHP will continue to investigate the cluster and conduct screenings among contacts, while maintaining close liaison with the RCHE concerned to monitor the situation of the residents and ensure strict implementation of various infection control measures by the RCHE.
 
     A spokesman for the CHP explained that Candida is a fungus commonly found in the natural environment, particularly in moist and warm environments. In humans, it is commonly found in body sites such as the oral cavity, the digestive tract, the skin and the vagina. It is a common fungus living on or in the human body but can occasionally cause infections, especially in individuals with impaired immunity.
 
     Among different candida species, Candida auris is more drug-resistant. Infections vary from being mild to potentially life-threatening or fatal, depending on which part of the body is affected and the general health condition of the patient. The spokesman stressed that proper use of antimicrobials and maintaining personal hygiene, especially hand hygiene, are crucial to the prevention of the emergence and cross-transmission of Candida auris.
Issued at HKT 20:11

NNNN