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Source: Assainir, relancer et développer ensemble : les orientations du 18e gouvernement

The Innovation & Technology Commission is inviting proposals for admission to the third InnoHK research cluster, SEAM@InnoHK, focusing on sustainable development, energy, advanced manufacturing and materials.

The commission said following the setting up of the first two research clusters – Health@InnoHK, focusing on healthcare technology, and AIR@InnoHK, focusing on artificial intelligence and robotics technologies – the Government is now taking forward the establishment of the third InnoHK research cluster, SEAM@InnoHK, enabling Hong Kong to move full steam ahead towards becoming a global research collaboration hub.

It said that SEAM@InnoHK will not only facilitate top-notch universities, research institutes and the industries to collaborate in research and development (R&D) but also promote the translation of R&D outcomes into impactful, real-world applications and the development of relevant industries in Hong Kong.

The selected research centres or laboratories should conduct collaborative research that is innovative, world-class, of global relevance, and addressing real-world problems in collaboration with world-renowned non-local universities and research institutions.

The final R&D deliverables are expected to achieve significant societal impact by bringing demonstrable contributions, beneficial effects, valuable changes or advantages both locally and globally.

The amount of subsidies to be recommended for each research centre or laboratory will depend on the merits of individual application proposals, which can be used to support operational costs, including remuneration for scholars and research teams during the subsidy period, purchase of equipment, R&D costs and setup costs, including fitting-out.

The application deadline is 5pm on August 29.

For enquiries, call 3855 7671 or send an email to innohk@itc.gov.hk.

Source: Assainir, relancer et développer ensemble : les orientations du 18e gouvernement

The Investment Promotion & Protection Agreement (IPPA) signed between Hong Kong and Bahrain will enter into force on March 21.

Secretary for Commerce & Economic Development Algernon Yau said the agreement enables investors of Hong Kong and Bahrain to enjoy corresponding protection of their investments in the host economies, thereby enhancing the confidence of investors, expanding investment flows and further strengthening the economic and trade ties between the two places.

Under the agreement, the two governments undertake to provide investors of the other side with fair, equitable and non-discriminatory treatment of their investments, compensation in the event of expropriation of investments, and the right to free transfers abroad of investments and returns.

The agreement also provides for settlement of investment disputes under internationally accepted rules, including arbitration.

Mr Yau also pointed out that the Government has been actively seeking to expand Hong Kong’s global economic and trade networks with a view to assisting enterprises and investors in opening up markets.

“We are exploring the signing of IPPAs with Saudi Arabia, Bangladesh, Egypt and Peru, as well as exploring IPPAs or free trade agreements with emerging markets including potential partners in the Middle East and other regions along the Belt & Road.”

The IPPA with Bahrain is the second of its kind signed by the current-term Government. It is also the 24th investment agreement that Hong Kong has signed with a foreign economy.

Source: Assainir, relancer et développer ensemble : les orientations du 18e gouvernement

The 2025-26 Valuation List & Government Rent Roll will be available for inspection from March 17 to May 31, the Rating & Valuation Department announced today.

The documents can be viewed at the Rating & Valuation Department located at 15/F, Cheung Sha Wan Government Offices, 303 Cheung Sha Wan Road, Kowloon. They are also available on the departmental website or Property Information Online.

Rates and government rent demands, to be issued in early April, will show the rateable values for 2025-26, the government rent payable and the net rates amount payable after deducting the rates concession. The department noted that objections to the new rateable values have to be lodged from March 17 to May 31 by means of Form R20A or the electronic Form e-R20A.

In the 2025-26 Budget, the Financial Secretary proposed a rates concession for the first quarter of 2025-26, ie April to June 2025, subject to a ceiling of $500 for each rateable tenement.

Call 2152 0111 for enquiries.

Source: Assainir, relancer et développer ensemble : les orientations du 18e gouvernement

Source: Assainir, relancer et développer ensemble : les orientations du 18e gouvernement

Expanding the scope of application of designated garbage bags will enable the municipal solid waste charging regime to achieve the polluter-pays principle to a greater extent.

Secretary for the Environment KS Wong made the statement at a seminar today saying 80% of municipal solid waste will be subject to the charging mode of the pre-paid garbage bags under the new arrangements that extend the use of these bags as a charging tool for residential, commercial and industrial buildings.

Municipal solid waste from these buildings will be collected by private firms using refuse collection vehicles with rear compactors.

Charging currently only covers waste producers using the Food & Environmental Hygiene Department’s waste collection service.

“Expanding the scope of application of designated garbage bags would enable the charging regime to achieve the polluter-pays principle to a greater extent,” Mr Wong said.

“I am pleased to note the commercial and industrial sectors and the community as a whole have responded positively to the modified arrangements.

“We hope the Legislative Council can pass the relevant bill next year. To be followed by one year of preparatory period, we expect municipal solid waste charging could be implemented towards the end of 2019 at the earliest.”

Three-hundred members of the commercial and retail sectors and stakeholders attended the seminar held by the Environmental Protection Department and the Green Building Council.

Source: Assainir, relancer et développer ensemble : les orientations du 18e gouvernement

The weather in Hong Kong was gloomier and more humid than usual in November.

The Hong Kong Observatory said the duration of bright sunshine in the month was 114.3 hours, about 37% below normal and the third lowest for November on record.

The mean temperature for the month was 22.2 degrees Celsius, 0.4 degrees higher than normal.

Despite the cloudy and humid conditions for most of the month, the monthly rainfall of 31.2mm was about 17% below the normal figure.

The accumulated rainfall up to November was about 8% above normal.

Source: Assainir, relancer et développer ensemble : les orientations du 18e gouvernement

Chief Secretary Matthew Cheung will call on Macau Chief Executive Fernando Chui tomorrow.

Mr Cheung will learn about the city’s latest developments and sign the Arrangement for Mutual Service of Judicial Documents between the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region & the Macao Special Administrative Region.

He will sign the pact with Macau Secretary for Administration & Justice Sonia Chan.

Source: Cleaner Neighbourhoods With Stepped-Up Efforts In The Year Of Public Hygiene

Singapore, 28 February 2025 – The prevailing Northeast Monsoon conditions are expected to continue in the first fortnight of March 2025, with winds blowing mainly from the northwest or northeast.

2          Thundery showers are expected over parts of the island on most afternoons. The showers are expected to be mostly of short duration, but may on occasion, extend into the evening. The total rainfall for the first fortnight of March 2025 is forecast to be above average over most parts of the island.

3          The daily maximum temperatures are likely to range between 33 degrees Celsius and 34 degrees Celsius on most days and slightly exceed 34 degrees Celsius on a few 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 (17 – 27 FEBRUARY 2025)

5          Northeast Monsoon conditions prevailed over Singapore and the surrounding region in the second fortnight of February 2025. During the period, the low-level winds blew mainly from the north or northeast.

6          Thundery showers fell over parts of the island on some afternoons, extending into the evening on a few days. On 17 February 2025, strong solar heating coupled with convergence of winds brought heavy thundery showers over many areas of Singapore in the afternoon. The daily total rainfall of 77.9mm recorded at Ang Mo Kio that day was the highest rainfall recorded for the second fortnight of February 2025.

7          The daily maximum temperatures in the second fortnight of February 2025 were below 34 degrees Celsius on most days. The highest daily maximum temperatures of 34.2 degree Celsius were recorded at Clementi on 17 February 2025 and at Jurong West on 22 February 2025.

8          Most parts of Singapore recorded above average rainfall in the second fortnight of February 2025. Mandai registered rainfall of 82 per cent above average, and Clementi registered rainfall of 59 per cent below average.

 CLIMATE STATION STATISTICS

Long-term Statistics for March  (Climatological reference period: 1991-2020)
Average daily maximum temperature:	32.2 °C
Average daily minimum temperature:	24.9 °C
Average monthly temperature:	27.8 °C
Average rainfall:	151.7 mm
Average number of rain days:	12
Historical Extremes for March (Rainfall since 1869 and temperature since 1929)
Highest monthly mean daily maximum temperature:	34.1  °C (1998)
Lowest monthly mean daily minimum temperature:	22.1 °C (1934)
Highest monthly rainfall ever recorded:	528.3 mm (1913)
Lowest monthly rainfall ever recorded:	6.2 mm (2016)

 

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

Source: Cleaner Neighbourhoods With Stepped-Up Efforts In The Year Of Public Hygiene

Singapore, 25 February 2025 – Visitors heading to Choa Chu Kang Cemetery, Choa Chu Kang Columbarium, Mandai Columbarium and Yishun Columbarium should expect large crowds on 13 peak days – Hari Raya Puasa (31 March 2025), Qing Ming (4 April 2025), Good Friday (18 April 2025), and 10 Saturdays and Sundays between 22 March 2025 and 20 April 2025 [1].

2          Members of public are encouraged to consider visiting these facilities outside of the peak days. Additionally, to better manage the crowd, all the 3 columbaria will be opened 24 hours during the peak period from 22 March 2025 to 20 April 2025.

3          Garden of Peace will be closed to visitors on the 13 peak days. Only next-of-kin with valid inland ash scattering application approval will be allowed in the Garden of Peace on Hari Raya Puasa, Qing Ming, Good Friday, and the 10 Saturdays and Sundays between 22 March 2025 and 20 April 2025. This is to accord privacy to those who have applied for the scattering of ashes in Garden of Peace on those days. Members of public may visit the garden on weekdays between 22 March 2025 and 20 April 2025.

Free Shuttle Bus Services for Choa Chu Kang and Mandai Columbaria on Peak Days

4          Visitors are encouraged to use the free shuttle bus services, which will be made available on the 13 peak days, or use public transport services for both Choa Chu Kang and Mandai columbaria. The pickup point for shuttle bus services to Choa Chu Kang columbarium has been changed to Yew Tee MRT Station. For Mandai columbarium, the pickup point remains at Khatib MRT Station.

E-appointment for Car Park in Choa Chu Kang and Mandai Columbaria Opens on 10 March 2025

5          Visitors who plan to drive and park in Choa Chu Kang and Mandai columbaria are required to book an e-appointment on the stipulated dates and times.

6          E-appointment slots, in 2-hour intervals, will be available for booking from 10am on Mon 10 March 2025 at go.gov.sg/qm2025vehicleappt. Visitors are required to show proof of their successful e-appointment bookings before they can park in Choa Chu Kang and Mandai columbaria during the stipulated dates and times. As appointment slots are limited, visitors should make their bookings in advance.

7          An e-appointment is not required for vehicles entering Choa Chu Kang and Mandai columbaria outside the dates and timings indicated above in Para 5, nor for visitors taking public transport. Similarly, people who are dropping off passengers will not need to book a slot.

Real-time Information on Traffic Conditions during Peak Period

8          Real-time information on traffic conditions at Choa Chu Kang and Mandai columbaria will be available at www.nea.gov.sg/qingming2025 from 22 March 2025 to 20 April 2025. Drivers are encouraged to check the latest traffic conditions before visiting.

Update on Choa Chu Kang Columbarium

9          Members of the public can continue to access all occupied niches in the Choa Chu Kang Columbarium. As there are ongoing works at the columbarium, visitors are reminded to keep out of the hoarded areas. The latest update on the hoarded areas at Choa Chu Kang Columbarium is available via www.nea.gov.sg/qingming2025.

Key Points to Note

10        To minimise fly ash and to keep the premises safe and clean, all visitors are reminded on the following:

• Use burners and containers for burning of joss paper at the cemetery and columbaria.
• Burn joss paper in small quantities.
• Do not leave lit candles and joss sticks unattended.
• Clear all food offerings and/or litter, to prevent mosquito breeding or rat infestation. All offerings left unattended will be disposed, to minimise inconvenience to other visitors and keep the premises clean.
• Avoid consuming food and drinks in the columbaria.
• Do not bring pets into the columbaria.

11        Visitors to the cemetery and columbaria should refrain from offering any forms of gratification, including ‘red packets’, to all staff working at these premises.

12        Due to high traffic and footfall expected at these premises, visitors should always exercise caution and look after their personal safety and that of other road users when crossing roads. Drivers are also advised to stay alert and pay attention to their surroundings when driving.

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

ANNEX A

Visiting Mandai Columbarium between 22 March 2025 and 20 April 2025

From Sat 22 Mar 2025 to Sun 20 Apr 2025, the Mandai Columbarium will be opened 24 hours daily. Please exercise care and caution, especially if you are planning to visit at night.

Getting there

By car	If you intend to drive and park in the columbarium, please book an e-appointment (in 2-hours intervals) at go.gov.sg/qm2025vehicleappt when visiting between 6.00am and 6.00pm from Sat 22 Mar to Sun 20 Apr 2025.   •        If you are driving to Mandai Columbarium outside the above-mentioned dates and timings, there is no need for any booking. •        You are required to show proof of your successful e-appointment booking to traffic wardens before you can park your vehicle. This can be in the form of a confirmation email or SMS.
By taxis and private hire cars	The drop-off and pick-up point are located near the pedestrian gate along Mandai Avenue. Bookings and e-appointments are not required.
By bus	Bus Service Nearest bus interchange 138 Ang Mo Kio Bus Interchange 171 Yishun Bus Interchange   For bus operation hours and updates on bus services, please visit www.sbstransit.com.sg.
By shuttle bus service	Pick-up and drop-off points Operation dates Bus operation hours   Khatib MRT Station (Exit A)   Bus stop B48149 along Mandai Avenue ·       Qing Ming Fri 4 Apr ·       Good Friday Fri 18 Apr ·       Hari Raya Puasa Mon 31 Mar ·       Weekends between Sat 22 Mar and Sun 20 Apr 1st bus at 7.00am from Khatib MRT Station and bus stop B48149 along Mandai Avenue Last bus at 5.00pm from Khatib MRT Station and bus stop B48149 along Mandai Avenue Shuttle bus operates at 15-min intervals

Location Map of Mandai Columbarium

For enquiries

Facility	Contact number	Operating hours
NEA Contact Centre	6225 5632	24 hours
Mandai Columbarium	6554 5655	8.30am to 4.30pm (Mondays to Sundays) Closed for lunch from 1.00pm to 2.00pm

 

ANNEX B

 Visiting Choa Chu Kang Columbarium and Choa Chu Kang Cemetery between 22 Mar 2025 and 20 Apr 2025

From Sat 22 Mar 2025 to Sun 20 Apr 2025, Choa Chu Kang Cemetery and Columbarium will be opened 24 hours daily. Please exercise care and caution, especially if you are planning to visit at night.

Choa Chu Kang Columbarium (CCKC)

We wish to share that there are repainting and other ongoing works at the columbarium. Members of the public can continue to access all occupied niches in the columbarium. Visitors are reminded to exercise care and caution especially if you are planning to visit at night and keep away from hoarded areas. Safety at our facilities is of utmost importance to NEA. We apologise for any inconvenience caused and thank you for your kind understanding.

Getting there

By car	If you intend to drive and park in Choa Chu Kang Columbarium, please book an e-appointment (in 2-hours intervals) at go.gov.sg/qm2025vehicleappt when visiting between 6.00am and 4.00pm on: ·       Hari Raya Puasa – Mon 31 Mar 2025 ·       Qing Ming – Fri 4 Apr 2025 ·       Good Friday – Fri 18 Apr 2025 ·       Weekends between Sat 22 Mar 2025 and Sun 20 Apr 2025 – 22, 23, 29, 30 Mar; and 5, 6, 12, 13, 19, 20 Apr) If you are visiting outside of the above-mentioned dates and timings, there is no need for any bookings. You are required to show proof of your successful e-appointment booking to traffic wardens before you can park your vehicle. This can be in the form of a confirmation email or SMS. Vehicles exceeding 2,500kg unladen weight will not be allowed entry.
By taxis and private hire cars	Drop-off point: Carpark E outside Choa Chu Kang Columbarium. Pick-up point: Tent outside main entrance of Choa Chu Kang Columbarium.   No e-appointment is required.
By bus	Bus service Nearest bus interchange 172, 405 (Bus service 405 is available only during peak period) Boon Lay Bus Interchange 975 Choa Chu Kang MRT station/ Bus stop at Choa Chu Kang Ave 4 opposite Lot 1 Shopping Mall  For bus operation hours and updates on bus services, please visit www.sbstransit.com.sg.
By shuttle bus service	Shuttle buses are available from Yew Tee MRT station 30 mins interval to Choa Chu Kang Columbarium, with a mid-point pick up/drop off at Old Choa Chu Kang Road near Jalan Bahar junction. Please refer to details below.   Pick-up and drop-off points Operation dates Bus operation hours Yew Tee MRT station Exit C Bus Stop No.45321   Old Choa Chu Kang Road near Jalan Bahar junction at: ·     Bus Stop No.31141 towards Columbarium ·     Bus Stop No.31149 towards Yew Tee MRT   Choa Chu Kang Columbarium (51 Chinese Cemetery Path 4) ·      Qing Ming Fri 4 Apr ·      Good Friday Fri 18 Apr ·      Hari Raya Puasa Mon 31 Mar ·      Weekends between Sat 22 Mar and Sun 20 Apr Between Yew Tee MRT Station and Choa Chu Kang Columbarium ·       1st bus at 7am at both locations ·       Last bus at 5pm at both locations ·       Shuttle bus operates at 30-min intervals   There will be a mid-point pick up/ drop off point at: ·       Old Choa Chu Kang Road near Jalan Bahar junction at Bus Stop No.31141 towards Columbarium ·       Bus Stop No.31149 towards Yew Tee MRT

Choa Chu Kang Cemetery

Third-party grave maintenance services

• NEA provides regular grass-cutting maintenance for common areas of Choa Chu Kang Cemetery without additional charge. This service does not cover individual graves and their monuments.
• Visitors may be approached by individuals at Choa Chu Kang Cemetery for payment of grave maintenance service fees. These services are not regulated or endorsed by NEA. If you did not make prior private arrangements for such services, please do not pay anyone who claims to have maintained the graves of your loved ones.
• NEA has reminded third-party grave maintenance service providers not to engage in any illegal activities, such as touting, extortion, harassment, and cheating. You may lodge a police report or contact us at 6225 5632 should you encounter any such incident.

Exercising care around the cemetery

• Visitors are reminded to exercise care and caution, by donning suitable and protective footwear and watching out for potholes, cracks, uneven or rough surfaces on pathways or terrain, when navigating or walking within the Choa Chu Kang Cemetery compound.
• Visitors are advised to check the weather forecast before visiting. In the event of thunderstorms with potential lightning risk during your visit, please seek shelter at the nearby pavilions or amenity blocks immediately.  

Phase 9 Exhumation Programme

• The affected graves are located at Block 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, 3E, 14E, 14F, 14G, 17, 18 and 19 within the Chinese Cemetery.
• For more information, please refer to the following link – Choa Chu Kang Cemetery Exhumation (Phase 9)

 

Location Map of Choa Chu Kang Cemetery and Columbarium

 The other shuttle bus boarding/alighting point at Yew Tee MRT station bus stop (Exit C)

 For enquiries

Facility	Contact number	Operating hours
NEA Contact Centre	6225 5632	24 hours
Choa Chu Kang Cemetery Office	6795 9731	8.30am to 4.30pm (Mondays to Fridays) Closed for lunch from 1pm to 2pm
Phase 9 exhumation programme related enquiries	Email: nea_cckexhumation@nea.gov.sg Tel No.: 6795 5511	Mondays to Fridays:  8:30am to 4:30pm (Excluding Saturdays, Sundays & Public Holidays)

 

 

ANNEX C

Visiting Yishun Columbarium between 22 March 2025 and 20 April 2025

From Sat 22 Mar 2025 to Sun 20 Apr 2025, Yishun Columbarium will be opened 24 hours daily. Please exercise care and caution, especially if you are planning to visit at night.

 

Getting there

By car	Drivers are advised to park at nearby carparks such as: ·       Multi-storey carpark at Blk 296A Yishun Street 20 ·       Carpark in front of Blk 224 Yishun Street 21 ·       Carpark in front of Blk 123 Yishun Street 11 ·       Carpark in front of Blk 165 Yishun Ring Road   Crowds are expected during peak period on: ·       Hari Raya Puasa – Mon 31 Mar 2025 ·       Qing Ming – Fri 4 Apr 2025 ·       Good Friday – Fri 18 Apr 2025 ·       Weekends between Sat 22 Mar 2025 and Sun 20 Apr 2025
By taxis and private hire cars	Drop-off and pick-up point: In front of main gate
By bus	Bus service Nearest bus interchange 800, 812 Yishun Bus Interchange  For bus operation hours and updates on bus services, please visit www.sbstransit.com.sg.

Location Map of Yishun Columbarium

For enquiries

Facility	Contact number	Operating hours
NEA Contact Centre	6225 5632	24 hours
Yishun Columbarium	6554 5655	8.30am to 4.30pm (Mondays to Sundays) Closed for lunch from 1.00pm to 2.00pm

Source:

MOFA response to Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson’s false claims regarding Taiwan

Date：2025-03-18
Data Source：Department of Policy Planning

March 18, 2025 

A spokesperson for China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs made false and outrageous statements at a regular press conference on March 17, such as claiming that “Taiwan is never a country, not in the past, and never in the future.” Such tired rhetoric, which deviates from the truth, distorts the facts, and contravenes the will of Taiwan’s 23.5 million people, is not worthy of further discussion.
 
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs solemnly reiterates that the Republic of China (Taiwan) is undeniably a sovereign and independent country. China has no right to interfere with a sovereign nation exercising its legitimate rights.