MIL Asia Pacific Publishing Engine

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     The Labour Department (LD) today (June 8) reminded employers to make prior work arrangements for employees during and after rainstorm warnings and extreme conditions as early as possible. These arrangements not only can ensure the safety of employees and smooth operation of organisations, but also are conducive to maintaining good labour relations.

Formulate work arrangements* arrangements in respect of early release from work; 
* arrangements in respect of work resumption (e.g. the number of hours within which employees should resume duty after the relevant warning signal is cancelled or when extreme conditions come to an end, and when safety and traffic conditions allow);
* arrangements in respect of remote work (if applicable);
*arrangements regarding wages and allowances (e.g. calculation of wages and allowances in respect of reporting for duty); and
* arrangements for staff required to report for duty in times of adverse weather or extreme conditions.    
     Employers have an obligation to provide and maintain a safe working environment for their employees under the Occupational Safety and Health Ordinance and the Factories and Industrial Undertakings Ordinance. If employees are required to work in times of tropical cyclone warnings, rainstorm warnings or extreme conditions, employers should ensure that the risks at work are reduced as far as reasonably practicable. Moreover, under the Employees’ Compensation Ordinance, employers are liable to pay compensation for injuries or deaths incurred when employees are travelling by a direct route from their residence to their workplace, or from their workplace back to their residence after work, four hours before or after working hours on a day when Tropical Cyclone Warning Signal No. 8 or higher, a Red or Black Rainstorm Warning Signal or extreme conditions are in force.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government today announced arrangements for the expansion of the “Southbound Travel for Guangdong Vehicles” scheme to cover all nine Mainland cities in the Greater Bay Area.

The scheme has been operating smoothly since being launched late last year. Initially it covered four Mainland cities, namely Guangzhou, Zhuhai, Zhongshan and Jiangmen.

As at the end of last month, around 8,400 applications had been approved for entry into Hong Kong, with around 6,700 travel bookings being made. During the Mainland’s Labour Day Golden Week, in early May, bookings were oversubscribed by two to three times.

As for the “Park & Fly” service, which allows travellers to park at the Hong Kong Port part of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge (HZMB), over 8,600 user registration applications had been received, with more than 4,000 bookings being made.

In view of factors such as port operations, overall road traffic conditions, user feedback and public adaptation, the Guangdong and Hong Kong governments have agreed to gradually expand the Southbound Travel Scheme to all of Guangdong Province.

As a first step, the scheme will be expanded to all nine Mainland cities in the bay area in the middle of this year. This involves adding Shenzhen, Foshan, Dongguan, Huizhou and Zhaoqing to the scheme.

Guangdong and Hong Kong will allow Guangdong vehicles from the five new cities to use the “Park & Fly” service at the port carpark from June 15.

From July 25, Guangdong vehicles from the five cities will also be allowed to enter Hong Kong via the HZMB.

On the same day, the travel booking quota for vehicles entering Hong Kong will be increased from 100 to 200 per day. The “Park & Visit” service will also be launched at the Hong Kong Port carpark for Guangdong vehicles from all nine cities. Each vehicle will be able to remain in Hong Kong for up to three days.

Guangdong and Hong Kong will continue to monitor arrangements and aim to expand the scheme to all 21 cities in Guangdong by the first quarter of next year.

Secretary for Transport & Logistics Mable Chan thanked the central government and the Guangdong Provincial Government for their staunch support in taking the scheme forward.

“The Southbound Travel Scheme has been implemented in a prudent and orderly manner, and has achieved readiness for further gradual expansion.”

She added that the Hong Kong SAR Government will continue to take the scheme forward to help drive economic growth for Hong Kong and to promote the integrated development of Guangdong and Hong Kong.

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

Vice President Hsiao calls on President Surangel S. Whipps, Jr., visits Palau National Congress, and attends drone donation ceremony  
On the morning of June 8 local time (morning of the same day Taipei time), Vice President Bi-khim Hsiao traveled to the capital of the Republic of Palau to call on President Surangel S. Whipps, Jr. and hold a bilateral meeting. The two leaders exchanged views extensively on mutual cooperation in areas including public infrastructure, medicine and public health, agriculture and fisheries, technology applications, security, and clean energy. Following the meeting, Vice President Hsiao proceeded to Palau’s National Congress. There, she thanked Palau for standing firmly with Taiwan and consistently supporting Taiwan’s participation in the international community. She also expressed hope that the two nations will continue working together to ensure that future generations inherit a Pacific region that is peaceful, prosperous, democratic, and free. 
A transcript of Vice President Hsiao’s remarks at the National Congress follows: 
First of all, I’d like to express my sincere gratitude to the Palau National Congress for this gracious invitation. Along with Vice Minister Lin [Ching-yi] (林靜儀) of Taiwan’s Ministry of Health and [Welfare]  and Vice Minister Ger [Baushuan] (葛葆萱) of Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, our delegation is honored and privileged to join you here today. 
This is my third day in Palau. And yesterday, I had the pleasure of joining President Whipps in visiting some of Palau’s most treasured landmarks, including the German Channel, Shark City, and Peleliu. Having witnessed Palau’s extraordinary natural beauty and experienced the warmth and hospitality of its people, I understand why so many Taiwanese visitors feel such a strong connection to this remarkable nation. And I feel just like home here. 
Now Taiwan and Palau are both proud ocean nations. The sea doesn’t separate us; it connects us. For generations, our people have navigated the Pacific, drawing sustenance, culture, and identity from the ocean. And today we continue to share a responsibility to protect our marine environment, strengthen maritime security, and preserve the natural heritage that will sustain future generations. 
Our relationship is rooted not only in geography, but also in history and shared values. We share Austronesian cultural connections. We are both vibrant democracies. And we are both nations that have demonstrated resilience, determination, and faith in the ability of our citizens to shape their future. 
Taiwan and Palau have demonstrated that nations of different sizes can make meaningful contributions to the world. We cherish freedom, uphold the rule of law, respect human dignity, and believe firmly that every nation, regardless of size, deserves respect, recognition, and the right to determine its own future. 
These shared values have brought Taiwan and Palau together for more than a quarter century. Today, I’d like to express my heartfelt appreciation to the National Congress, the government, and the people of Palau for standing firmly with Taiwan, and for consistently supporting Taiwan’s meaningful participation in the international community. 
Palau has been one of Taiwan’s strongest and most steadfast voices in important international forums, including the United Nations General Assembly, the World Health Assembly, and the United Nations climate process. Your support has enabled Taiwan to contribute more actively to the global community in areas such as public health, climate action, aviation safety, and the fight against transnational crime. 
Taiwan deeply values this friendship. We are committed, not only to standing together in international forums, but also to working together to improve the lives of our peoples through practical cooperation in healthcare, education, agriculture, renewable energy, tourism, digital development, and human resource development, including talent cultivation. 
Taiwan and Palau are bound not only by friendship, but by a shared vision for the future. We both seek sustainable economic growth, greater opportunities for our young people, protected marine resources, secure communities, and resilient societies. Together, we can help ensure that future generations inherit a Pacific region that is peaceful, prosperous, democratic, and free.
As our societies become increasingly interconnected, new security challenges also emerge. In addition to the broader geopolitical security challenges, fraud, cybercrimes, drug trafficking, and other forms of transnational crime threaten communities across the Pacific. Taiwan is committed to being a trusted partner in strengthening law enforcement cooperation and safeguarding the security and well-being of our peoples. 
To further deepen this cooperation, I am honored to announce that Taiwan’s Ministry of Justice Investigation Bureau is prepared to assign designated personnel to Palau to work closely with the local relevant authorities and jointly address the growing challenges posed by cross-national crime. 
As island nations on the frontlines of climate change, Taiwan and Palau also share a responsibility to build resilience. Together, we can strengthen disaster preparedness, promote ocean stewardship, protect marine ecosystems, advance sustainable fisheries, and develop resilient and sustainable energy solutions. By sharing experience and working hand in hand, we can help ensure a safer and more sustainable future for our peoples.
In December a couple years ago in 2024, Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te stood before this Congress and reaffirmed Taiwan’s enduring partnership with Palau. Today, I’m honored to join you and reaffirm that commitment once again. 
Taiwan will continue to stand side by side with Palau as you have done with us. Together, our two island democracies can continue making meaningful contributions to peace, prosperity, sustainability, and freedom throughout the Pacific. 
And on that note, I’m happy to share with you a souvenir that we’ve put on your seats. It’s a very small token, but a meaningful one. It’s a souvenir of chocolate with wrapping that I personally designed myself, with the help of a combination of ChatGPT and Gemini, not only highlighting the main attractions of our two countries – for Taiwan, our food and bubble tea; for Palau, your beautiful oceans and natural ecosystem – but also adding the theme on the back of the chocolates that Taiwan and Palau are both islands of resilience, and we are stronger together. 
Now may the profound friendship between Taiwan and Palau continue to flourish, and indeed, we are stronger together. 
Mesulang (thank you)!
Following this, the vice president, along with distinguished guests, proceeded to the National Capitol courtyard to receive a briefing on the drones donated by Taiwan. She and President Whipps then witnessed Vice Minister Ger formally present the drones on Taiwan’s behalf, which were accepted by Minister of Human Resources, Culture, Tourism and Development Ngiraibelas Tmetuchl on behalf of Palau. After the ceremony, attendees watched a drone demonstration, showcasing the concrete achievements of Taiwan-Palau cooperation in technology applications.
Also in attendance at the event were Palauan Speaker of the House of Delegates Gibson Kanai, Vice President of the Senate Stevenson Kuartei, several members of the National Congress, and Ambassador-designate to Taiwan Gaafar J. Uherbelau.

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

On the morning of June 7 local time (morning of the same day Taipei time), during her visit to the Republic of Palau, Vice President Bi-khim Hsiao toured several natural and historical sites, including Peleliu Island and the Rock Islands Southern Lagoon, a UNESCO World Heritage site. She was personally accompanied by Palauan President Surangel S. Whipps, Jr., who also piloted the boat.
Vice President Hsiao boarded the boat from the dock of the Palau Royal Resort. President Whipps personally piloted the watercraft, allowing her to experience the charm of Palau’s ocean tourism. The vice president also briefly took the helm to enjoy navigating the waters.
The delegation first headed to view Lover’s Bridge, a natural archway formed by years of seawater and wind erosion on the coral rocks. Next, they proceeded to a famous dive site, the Big Drop-off, for a snorkeling experience. There, they viewed coral reefs and diverse marine life up close, experiencing firsthand why Palau is known as “God’s aquarium.” President Whipps and Vice President Hsiao also paddled a kayak together, enjoying the fun of being out on the water.
Following this, the vice president traveled to Peleliu State, where she responded to questions from the media regarding her tourism experience on this visit. Vice President Hsiao stated that seeing Palau’s beauty with her own eyes allowed her to more deeply understand the Palauan people’s desire to share this magnificent scenery with more of Taiwan’s people. She noted that people from island nations are commonly open-minded and very friendly, and that the peoples of Taiwan and Palau share many similarities. She expressed her gratitude to President Whipps for the special arrangements, adding that sailing on the vast open sea was an incredibly relaxing experience.
Commenting on the snorkeling experience, Vice President Hsiao said that Palau’s underwater scenery is spectacular. She noted that the richly colored coral reefs and the wide variety of fish left a deep impression on her, and expressed hope that more of Taiwan’s citizens will visit Palau to enjoy such an excursion. She also mentioned that President Whipps is highly familiar with the marine environment; whether it was sea turtles hiding in the rocks or sharks resting on the seabed, he was able to quickly spot them and introduce them to everyone. She stated that she felt extremely fortunate to receive such a professional guided tour.
The vice president stated that she had previously snorkeled in Kenting and had visited Palau with her family 18 years ago; engaging with the ocean again after many years, she recognized Palau’s long-term commitment to marine conservation. She noted that it is only by continuously seeking a balance between tourism development and ecological protection that Palau can ensure visiting tourists truly experience its beauty.
Discussing the afternoon itinerary, Vice President Hsiao pointed out that Peleliu was a crucial and fiercely contested battlefield between the United States and Japan during World War II, saying that the conflicts of war from over 80 years ago offer many historical lessons. Today, she said, the US and Japan have become important allies in the Indo-Pacific region, and their cooperative efforts are aimed at promoting regional stability, ensuring that people of all nations can live and work in a peaceful environment.
After a luncheon, guided by President Whipps and Peleliu State Governor Emais Roberts, Vice President Hsiao visited the gravesite of former Palauan President Kuniwo Nakamura to lay flowers and pay her respects. She then toured the Peleliu World War II Memorial Museum.
Also in attendance at the event were Palauan Minister of Human Resources, Culture, Tourism and Development Ngiraibelas Tmetuchl, Ambassador-designate to Taiwan Gaafar J. Uherbelau, and Japanese Ambassador to Palau Kasahara Kenichi. 

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

Vice President Hsiao attends welcome banquet hosted by President Surangel S. Whipps Jr. of Palau
On the evening of June 7 local time (afternoon of the same day Taipei time), Vice President Bi-khim Hsiao attended a welcome banquet hosted by President Surangel S. Whipps, Jr. of the Republic of Palau. In remarks, Vice President Hsiao thanked the government and people of Palau for always standing with Taiwan. The vice president mentioned that President Lai tasked her with three assignments for this trip: deepening the friendship between the two peoples, encouraging more Taiwanese tourists to consider Palau as their next destination, and visiting the important projects demonstrating the solid cooperation between Taiwan and Palau. She noted that Taiwan and Palau have shared values in the commitment to preserving the natural environment and in the democracy and freedom that define our ways of life. She then expressed hope that the friendship will continue to develop and stand the test of time, and that Taiwan-Palau bonds will continue to build stronger together.
A transcript of Vice President Hsiao’s remarks follows:
I bring warm greetings from President Lai, the government, and the people of Taiwan. And it is a true honor to have been assigned the task of coming to Palau to deepen the ties between our peoples. Actually, President Lai gave me three assignments for this trip.
The first is deepening the friendship between our two peoples. And this is my second day here, and I truly appreciate that President Whipps showed me a spectacular visit here. And what can be more bonding than swimming together among sharks? And of course, the world-class scenery.
The second assignment is to encourage more Taiwanese tourists to consider Palau as their next destination. Among all of our important diplomatic friends and partners, Palau is the only one that is accessible directly by a comfortable and short commercial flight. We believe the spectacular beauty that Palau offers will continue to attract more Taiwanese visitors. We also believe that sustainable tourism, which Palau is working hard to promote, is a very important attraction that will continue to be that platform introducing the beauty, the culture, but also the people of Palau to the world, including to the many Taiwanese people.
The third assignment is to visit the important projects demonstrating the solid cooperation between Taiwan and Palau. I look forward to the next few days in visiting some of the infrastructure projects, the projects representing expert cooperation in agriculture, fisheries, and of course, public health. But today, I was also honored to have been escorted by President Whipps to visit the island of Peleliu, which also has a very rich history – a history that reminds us how important peace is to the world.
And of course, in the coming days, the visit today to the islands and to the ocean reminds us why five days is still too short. But I have a very packed program in the next few days, visiting these projects demonstrating the very close ties between our people. But I think it is important to share with all of you that the oceans between us, the Pacific Ocean, does not separate us. Instead, it connects us. It connects our culture, it connects our people, it also connects our ideas. We have shared values in the commitment to preserving our natural environment; we have shared values in the democracy and freedom that define our ways of life. And I think all of these are elements that will continue to bind us together.
And finally, while I have the microphone, I want to highlight our thanks and gratitude to President Whipps and the government and people of Palau for always standing with Taiwan and supporting Taiwan with an international voice. Things have not been easy for us, but our history of hardship has made us even more resilient. And like the Palauan people, we are also island people. And as we look to the Pacific, we look at the Pacific with an open heart, an open mind, and with a warmth and hospitality that continue to bring us together and demonstrate that we are both countries that are forces for good in the world. So, may our friendship continue to develop and stand the test of time, and may our bonds continue to build stronger together.
President Whipps then delivered remarks, first welcoming Vice President Hsiao and saying that it is an honor to host the delegation on her first official visit to Palau. He stated that the presence at the banquet of the whole of government of Palau reaffirms the closeness and importance of the bilateral partnership and relationship. He pointed out that Taiwan and Palau share deep-rooted ties based on mutual respect, democratic values, and strong people-to-people connections. Noting that both countries share in Austronesian culture, he stated that both sides not only share many habits and cultural traditions but also continue to build on that relationship. Bringing up the example of a Palauan sailing canoe having just returned from visiting Taiwan, he emphasized that keeping traditional knowledge alive is important for celebrating our shared identity as ocean people.
President Whipps mentioned that during his visit to Japan last week, he was asked by many media outlets about Palau’s relationship with Taiwan. He reassured them that the relationship is strong and getting stronger because of our mutual interests, a rules-based world order, and our shared belief in a free and open Indo-Pacific. He stressed that both countries must stand up for freedom, democracy, and the rule of law. Highlighting that Taiwan is a prosperous and growing nation that has shown the world its leadership in healthcare, technology, aviation, and all fields, the president stated that Taiwan needs to be a part of international discussions and should be a part of the United Nations, World Health Organization, and International Civil Aviation Organization. He added that all voices need to be heard, which is the very purpose of the UN.
President Whipps expressed his gratitude to Taiwan for being a true and exceptional partner, always providing support in the most difficult of times. He recalled that during the COVID pandemic, Taiwan provided medical flights, supplied needed equipment to help Palau stay COVID-free, and allowed Palauan students to continue going to school in Taiwan. He noted that caring about people and putting people first is what Palau truly treasures in our relationship. Furthermore, he noted, important cooperation projects such as direct flights, aquaculture, infrastructure, and encouraging Taiwanese investment are all vital to building a platform for economic activity and economic resilience. In closing, the president expressed his hope that Taiwan and Palau will continue to work together, as they believe in winning together and being stronger together. He then encouraged Vice President Hsiao to make more frequent visits to Palau.
Also in attendance at the banquet were Vice President of the Senate of the Republic of Palau Stevenson Kuartei, House of Delegates Floor Leader Warren Umetaro, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, the Environment Steven Victor, Minister of Human Resources, Culture, Tourism and Development Ngiraibelas Tmetuchl, High Chief Ngirturong John Sugiyama, Queen Bilung Gloria Salii, Ambassador of Japan to Palau Kasahara Kenichi, Ambassador of Australia to Palau Toby Sharpe, and Chargé d’Affaires Shankar Rao of the US Embassy in the Republic of Palau. 

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Microbiology Division of the Public Health Laboratory Services Branch (PHLSB), which is under the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH), has been designated by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a Collaborating Centre on Quality and Capacity Building for the Global Influenza Surveillance and Response System (GISRS). This is the second WHO Collaborating Centre in China to combat influenza. The WHO representative formally presented the designation letter to the DH in Hong Kong today (June 8), and proceeded with two working group meetings attended by international experts for surveillance, preparedness, prevention and control of influenza, to be held over five days from today (June 8) until this Friday (June 12). The DH is hosting both meetings, with the Head of the PHLSB chairing the first meeting on molecular technologies on detecting existing and emerging influenza and other respiratory viruses of public health significance, testifying to the international role of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) in the area of global respiratory threat management.
 
WHO GISRS Collaborating Centre
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The GISRS is a global platform established by the WHO for the surveillance, prevention and control of influenza. It co-ordinates the public health responses against influenza and other infections caused by respiratory pathogens. As a WHO GISRS Collaborating Centre, the Microbiology Division of the PHLSB is tasked with supporting global influenza laboratories in enhancing their quality and capacity.

 The Microbiology Division of the PHLSB provides laboratory diagnostic services for disease surveillance and control, health promotion and disease prevention. It has maintained close collaboration with the WHO for many years and was designated by the WHO as a National Influenza Centre and an Influenza A H5 Reference Laboratory in 1963 and 2004 respectively. Since 2007, the Microbiology Division has also supported the WHO in organising an External Quality Assessment Programme for GISRS to ascertain the standards of laboratories worldwide and to ensure adequate testing capacity to support global effort in influenza prevention and control.
 
The Head of Global Respiratory Threats of the WHO, Dr Zhang Wenqing, was present at the Public Health Laboratory Centre today to officiate at the ceremony to present the letter of designation to the DH.

Dr Zhang said that the DH has been an important partner of the GISRS for decades, in particular on supporting influenza laboratories worldwide to enhance their quality and capacity for nearly 20 years, playing a crucial role in the WHO’s mission on influenza surveillance, preparedness, prevention and control efforts. The DH’s professional expertise, rigorous quality management system and broad experience contribute to the global influenza surveillance system, consolidating international efforts to combat influenza more effectively.

The Director of Health, Dr Ronald Lam, expressed gratitude for the WHO’s confidence and trust. He emphasised that the DH will continue to uphold its professionalism, safeguarding public health in Hong Kong and globally by maintaining high-quality standards.

Dr Lam said, “Staff of the PHLSB under the CHP have consistently fulfilled their role with dedication, demonstrating professionalism, high efficiency, and a strong sense of responsibility. They have steadfastly safeguarded the health of all Hong Kong citizens, particularly during major public health events, when they provided testing services selflessly and against all odds. Their efforts have provided necessary scientific information, underpinning epidemiological investigations and outbreak control, thereby preventing the community spread of infections. In addition to safeguarding the health of Hong Kong citizens, the PHLSB has also been actively participating in the WHO’s laboratory networks for other communicable diseases. The designation by the WHO as Collaborating Centre on Quality and Capacity Building for the GISRS fully demonstrates that Hong Kong’s public health laboratory is on par with international standards. Going forward, the DH will continue to collaborate with the WHO and its member states to actively participate in national health governance, and to leverage Hong Kong’s role as a ‘super connector’ under the ‘one country, two systems’ principle, in order to serve the broader interests of national health and medical development and to act as a vital link between the Chinese Mainland and international health partners.”
 
WHO influenza expert working group meetings
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Starting from today, the WHO is convening two successive international expert working group meetings on influenza in Hong Kong, China, bringing together influenza experts from around the world to discuss laboratory testing, and prevention and control of influenza. The meetings are conducted in hybrid format with in-person and virtual participation. The two working group meetings are the 16th Meeting of the WHO Working Group for the Molecular Detection and Subtyping of Influenza Viruses and the use of Next Generation Sequencing in the GISRS, which focuses on the application and optimisation of molecular techniques for detection and sequencing of influenza viruses; and the 15th Meeting of the WHO Working Group on Surveillance of Antiviral Susceptibility of Influenza Viruses for the GISRS, which will address core issues such as antiviral treatment for influenza and surveillance of antiviral susceptibility.