MIL Asia Pacific Publishing Engine

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

According to the statistics, from January to March 2026, 556 foreign direct investment (FDI) projects with a total approved amount of US$ 6,090,292,000 were recorded. This represents a 17.55% increase in the number of cases, and a 169.99% increase in the FDI amount compared with the same period in 2025.

Regarding inward investment from Mainland China, 3 cases with a total approved amount of US$99,000 were recorded from January to March 2026. This reflects a 50% decrease in the number of cases and a 99.90% decrease in the investment amount compared with the same period in 2025.

In terms of Taiwan’s outbound investment (excluding Mainland China), 154 projects were registered in March 2026, with a total amount of US$ 32,545,837,000. This represents a 16.30% decrease in the number of cases, but a 166.05% increase in the investment amount, compared with the same period in 2025.

As for Taiwan’s outward investment to Mainland China, 49 applications were approved in March 2026, marking a 6.52% increase compared with the same period in 2025. The approved investment amount totaled US$ 244,004,000, representing a 28.77% decline compared with the same period in 2025.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Education Bureau announced today that the Basic Law & National Security Law Test (BLNST) (non-degree level) for the 2025-26 school year will be held on June 7.

Online applications will be open from 9am on April 17 to 5pm on April 30.

The test is intended for those who do not hold a bachelor’s degree and plan to apply for non-graduate teaching positions in secondary schools, primary schools or kindergartens.

A pass result in the non-degree level BLNST is applicable only for non-graduate teaching posts. Candidates who have already passed a BLNST organised by the Education Bureau, the Civil Service Bureau or recruiting departments/grades are not eligible to retake the test.

People holding a bachelor’s degree, or those expected to obtain one in the current or next academic year, are eligible to apply for the Digitalised BLNST (Degree/Professional Grades).

Beginning with the 2023-24 school year, all newly appointed teachers in public sector schools, Direct Subsidy Scheme schools, and kindergartens under the Kindergarten Education Scheme must pass the BLNST to be considered for appointment.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Chief Secretary Chan Kwok-ki, Financial Secretary Paul Chan and Secretary for Constitutional & Mainland Affairs Janice Tse will depart for Beijing this afternoon to discuss Hong Kong’s alignment with the National 15th Five-Year Plan.

The delegation will call on the State Council’s Hong Kong & Macao Affairs Office, and is scheduled to return to Hong Kong tomorrow afternoon.

During their absence, Deputy Chief Secretary Cheuk Wing-hing will be the Acting Chief Secretary, while Deputy Financial Secretary Michael Wong will serve as Acting Financial Secretary. Under Secretary for Constitutional & Mainland Affairs Clement Woo will be the Acting Secretary. 

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

In response to foreign media reports alleging that Taiwan is highly dependent on energy imports, maintains low LNG inventories, and that maritime disruptions could impact power supply and disrupt civil and economic operations, the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) issued a stern clarification today (14th). In the 46 days since the outbreak of the Middle East conflict on February 28, the government has managed dispatches effectively, and there have been no instances of domestic power or natural gas shortages. The MOEA obtained and assessed the relevant information immediately and activated the Energy Emergency Task Force on March 2. The Task Force conducts daily inventories of domestic oil, gas, and coal reserves, all of which currently remain above legally mandated safety levels. Not only is the domestic energy supply fully secure, but Taiwan’s LNG inventory regulations, supply dispatching, and crisis response capabilities are also superior to those of other nations. The “severe shortage crisis” described by the media is entirely unfounded, and the MOEA urges the public and the industrial sector to remain assured.

The MOEA specifically noted that Taiwan currently mandates a minimum of 11 days of natural gas safety stock, a requirement that will be elevated to at least 14 days starting in 2027. Compared to neighboring Asian countries-where Japan currently has no natural gas safety stock regulations and South Korea requires only 9 days-Taiwan’s regulatory standards are significantly superior, reflecting more rigorous and solid preparedness. Furthermore, to mitigate risks associated with potential blockages in the Strait of Hormuz, CPC Corporation, CPC, Taiwan has long initiated a three-phase contingency framework: “Preemptive Delivery,” “Asian Cargo Swaps,” and “Spot Market Procurement.” Currently, all gas supplies for April and May have been fully secured and dispatched; June’s supply is nearing completion, and sourcing arrangements for July and beyond have already commenced, ensuring uninterrupted domestic gas supply.

The MOEA further pointed out that, according to the International Energy Agency’s review of countries’ energy response policies to the Middle East conflict, many countries globally have implemented mandatory gas restrictions and energy reduction strategies. In contrast, owing to preemptive measures and proper current dispatch management, Taiwan has ensured the normal operation of civilian life and the economy, demonstrating that our nation’s energy resilience is relatively superior to that of other countries.

Regarding the overall power supply, the MOEA emphasized that CPC, Taiwan and Taipower maintain a tight early-warning mechanism, and the blackout risks suggested in the media will not occur. All of Taipower’s generating units are currently operating according to scheduled protocols, and concrete contingency plans have been prepared to ensure stable electricity supply for both national civilian operations and industries under various extreme scenarios.

Spokesperson:
Mr. Chung-Hsien Chen, Deputy Director General , Energy Administration, Ministry of Economic Affairs
Tel: +886-2-2775-7700 / +886-919-998-339
Email: ctchen2@moeaea.gov.tw

Contact Person:
Ms. Hsiu-Fen Tsai, Director, Energy Administration, Ministry of Economic Affairs
Tel: +886-2-2775-7730/ +886-905-506-658
Email: hftsai@moeaea.gov.tw

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Brussels (Brussels ETO) has once again supported the Hong Kong Pavilion at the 63rd Bologna Children’s Book Fair (BCBF) held in Bologna, Italy from April 13 to 16 (Bologna time).
  
Sponsored by the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency under the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government, the Hong Kong Pavilion was co-organised by the Hong Kong Publishing Federation and the Hong Kong Printers Association, with the theme “Hong Kong: Our Narrative” and sub-theme “STEAM: Words Spark Worlds”. It offers a creative, technology-driven STEAM experience for the global publishing and printing community, showcasing tech-enabled publications and creative paper art that highlight Hong Kong’s innovation and vibrant cultural landscape.

Speaking at the launch cocktail reception of the Hong Kong Pavilion at the BCBF on April 13 (Bologna time) in Bologna, the Deputy Representative of Brussels ETO, Miss Fiona Li, said, “Hong Kong’s creative industries are thriving, driven by a vibrant mix of imagination, talent and international exchange. From design and illustration to digital media and publishing, our city continues to be a dynamic cultural hub where ideas flourish.”
 
Miss Li highlighted the important role of publishing, noting that it was “a field that not only shapes our cultural identity, but also carries it forward to future generations and connects people across borders.” She encouraged guests to connect and collaborate with Hong Kong’s creative communities through Brussels ETO’s cultural promotion activities, and reaffirmed Brussels ETO’s commitment to bringing the richness and diversity of Hong Kong’s culture to Europe.

The BCBF is one of the world’s most established professional fairs for children’s books. Brussels ETO has been supporting the Hong Kong Pavilion at BCBF since 2014.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

​The Government announced today (April 14) that the Chief Executive in Council has approved, in accordance with Section 8 of the Exchange Fund Ordinance (EFO), that $150 billion will be transferred from the Exchange Fund to the Capital Works Reserve Fund (CWRF) of the Government. This transfer will be made through a designated account under The Financial Secretary Incorporated, with $75 billion per annum credited to the account of the CWRF in 2026-27 and 2027-28 respectively. The Government will implement the relevant arrangement after the passage of the Appropriation Bill 2026 by the Legislative Council.
 
A Government spokesman said that Section 8 of the EFO sets out the mechanism that empowers the Financial Secretary (FS) to transfer from the Exchange Fund, with the principal condition that the FS is satisfied that such a transfer would not adversely affect the Exchange Fund’s main function to maintain the stability of the exchange value of the Hong Kong dollar, as well as the stability and integrity of the local monetary and financial systems.
 
The Exchange Fund achieved a record‑breaking performance last year, delivering an investment income of $330 billion. As at the end of last year, the total value of assets under the Exchange Fund exceeded $4.1 trillion, which would suffice to maintain monetary and financial stability in Hong Kong. As such, in the 2026-27 Budget, on the premise that the Exchange Fund’s function to maintain the stability and integrity of the local monetary and financial systems will not be compromised, the FS proposed transferring $150 billion from the Exchange Fund to the CWRF of the Government over two years in support of the Northern Metropolis and other infrastructure projects. 
 
The Government spokesman emphasised that the transfer is an exceptional arrangement and not a recurring measure, and all funds will be used for infrastructure projects for long-term investment with a view to accelerating and increasing development capacity rather than for the Government’s operating expenditure. The Government has consulted the Exchange Fund Advisory Committee earlier on the proposed transfer and secured its support. 

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, met with the Director General of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), Dr Gerd Müller, at the Central Government Offices today (April 14), to exchange views on strengthening co-operation of both sides in industrial development, and to witness the signing of a joint statement on collaboration to advance industrial development, innovation and digital transformation by the Innovation, Technology and Industry Bureau and UNIDO. The Deputy Commissioner of the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), Mr Li Yongsheng, also attended.

     The Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Professor Sun Dong, and the Deputy to the Director General of UNIDO and the Managing Director of the Directorate of Technical Co-operation and Sustainable Industrial Development, Mr Zou Ciyong, signed the joint statement. Hong Kong has competitive advantages in digital transformation and AI innovation in industry and manufacturing. Both the HKSAR Government and UNIDO actively promote inclusive and sustainable industrial development. The signing of the joint statement by the two parties aims to establish a co-operative framework to strengthen collaboration, information sharing and exchange of best practices to advance industrial innovation, technology transfers and capacity development, including exploring the joint development of a centre of excellence on global advanced manufacturing and AI in Hong Kong.  

     Mr Lee welcomed Dr Müller’s delegation to visit Hong Kong. He said that the National 15th Five-Year Plan clearly supports Hong Kong to develop into an international innovation and technology (I&T) centre. Hong Kong enjoys the advantage of connecting the Mainland and the world under the “one country, two systems” principle and is accelerating its development into an international I&T centre. With the signing of the joint statement between the HKSAR Government and UNIDO, both sides will strengthen collaboration to jointly promote development including industrial innovation and technology transfers, and seize opportunities in the new round of the technological revolution to accelerate high-quality industrial development and transformation, and further leverage the city’s role as a “super connector” and a “super value-adder” to attract enterprises from the Chinese Mainland and overseas to expand businesses in Hong Kong, promote new industrialisation, and cultivate and strengthen new quality productive forces.

     Professor Sun said that Hong Kong enjoys world-acclaimed academic and research excellence, a strong talent pool, free flow of information and capital, rule of law, and an international environment. Hong Kong looks forward to closer collaboration with UNIDO under the joint statement to share best practices on advanced manufacturing, AI applications and digital transformation; encourage multi-stakeholder dialogue on technology trends and experiences; as well as explore avenues of co-operation in innovation, knowledge transfer and skills development.

     While in Hong Kong, Dr Müller’s delegation also attended the opening ceremony of the InnoEX, Hong Kong’s signature I&T exhibition held during the Business of I&T Week. The delegation also visited the Hong Kong Productivity Council.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Innovation, Technology and Industry Bureau and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) are organising the fourth edition of the InnoEX at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre for four consecutive days starting yesterday (April 13). To demonstrate fruitful achievements in advancing the development of innovation and technology (I&T) and smart city successes in Hong Kong brought about by the concerted efforts of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government and industry, the Digital Policy Office (DPO) has again set up a large-scale Smart Hong Kong Pavilion at the exhibition to showcase over 100 technology solutions that benefit both the public and businesses. Through interactive experiences and on-site demonstrations, the Pavilion fully illustrates the solid progress in advancing Hong Kong’s I&T and smart city development.

     During the first two days of the Pavilion’s opening, officials including the Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, and the Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Professor Sun Dong, visited the Pavilion. They were briefed by the Acting Commissioner for Digital Policy, Mr Daniel Cheung, on how the DPO has been taking the lead in steering a wider adoption of AI across government departments to deliver more convenient and efficient public services for citizens and businesses. The DPO has been working closely with the local I&T sector to actively promote the development of innovative solutions, with a view to shaping Hong Kong into a major global AI hub.

     Themed “AI+ Hong Kong”, this year’s Smart Hong Kong Pavilion highlights how AI is being applied across different domains in Hong Kong. It showcases I&T solutions contributed by over 20 government departments and public organisations, as well as outstanding award-winning projects by the local I&T sector and students from the Hong Kong ICT Awards, the Maker in China SME Innovation and Entrepreneurship Global Contest – Hong Kong Chapter and the Open Data Hackathon, to recognise local I&T excellence, encourage various sectors to develop innovative solutions, and promote Hong Kong’s I&T achievements to visitors and experts from Hong Kong, the Chinese Mainland and overseas.

Following are highlights of the eight zones of the Smart Hong Kong Pavilion:

“AI+ Public Services”: The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department’s AI Surveillance System for Monitoring of Illegal Feeding that detects illegal feeding to enhance enforcement efficiency, and the Drainage Services Department (DSD)’s biosensing platform, Remedix, that rapidly detects antibiotic pollution in wastewater.

“AI+ Medical Innovations”: The Department of Health’s AI dental diagnosis project that automatically generates dental charts to enhance diagnosis efficiency, and CHIMP, a wearable electrocardiogram chest patch that monitors patient data in real time to ensure safety.

“AI+ Everyday Experience”: The upgraded “iAM Smart” platform that provides one-stop personalised digital services, and the Transport Department (TD)’s AI smart glasses that assist visually impaired persons in identifying obstacles.

“AI+ Robotics Innovation”: The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department’s Autonomous Cleaning Robot that reduces the physical exertion of cleaning workers; the Housing Authority (HA)’s Construction Robot that uses AI to plan construction paths, enhancing construction safety; and the Water Supplies Department’s Smart Inspection Robot Dog that automatically patrols and monitors waterworks facilities.

“AI+ Mobility Revolution”: The TD’s smart bridge inspection system that comprehensively scans bridge structures to enhance road safety, and the Airport Authority’s Hong Kong Air Import SmartCollect that digitalises the cargo collection journey to enhance efficiency.

“AI+ Safety and Security”: The Civil Engineering and Development Department’s AI-empowered Landslip Warning System that predicts landslide risks in real time and optimises the issuance of warnings, and the Hong Kong Fire Services Department (HKFSD)’s Internet of Things Fire Detection System Pilot Scheme that immediately transmits fire alarm signals to expedite rescue operations.

“AI+ Infrastructure Development”: The Development Bureau’s SmartEye Co-supervision Platform that offers round-the-clock and remote monitoring of construction sites; the DSD’s Flood MoXAIC that delivers real-time flood forecasts to support flood prevention and management; and the HA’s AI-enabled pile foundation design that generates accurate plans and accelerates decision-making.

“AI+ Low-altitude Economy”: The HKFSD’s Unmanned Aircraft System Auto-pilot for Early Detection of Vegetation/Vessel Fire & Immersion that analyses videos with AI to immediately issue alerts for vegetation fires and drowning incidents, and the Hong Kong Police Force’s Pilot Scheme for Operational Deployment of Drones that supports patrols to enhance community safety.

The annual I&T mega event, InnoEX, brings together leading I&T exhibitors from Hong Kong, the Chinese Mainland and around the world to jointly promote I&T advancements and applications, and explore global collaboration opportunities. Themed “Innovate • Automate • Elevate”, this year’s InnoEX showcases cutting-edge technology solutions in five key areas, namely AI+, robotics, the low-altitude economy, property technology and retail technology. Interested parties from the trade can register free of charge at the HKTDC’s website (www.hktdc.com/event/innoex/en).